The Crescent - News from Packilvania (Open to Syndication)

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57

THE CRESCENT

News from Packilvania

22 January 2023

GOVERNORS LOSE THEIR JOBS AS FIXED TERMS AND RETIREMENT AGES

Pajeer Duhavid

The Provincial Governance Reform Act has been passed by Parliament and granted Imperial Assent By His Imperial Majesty, the Sultan, formally introducing a mandatory retirement age of 65 and terms of 5 years for Provincial and Imperial City Governors. The law states that the Sultan may reappoint a Governor who has reached the retirement age or who has exceeded the two term limit. However, what the law does is that the tenure of governors automatically end when they reach the retirement age or their terms expire, and a maximum caretaker period of one month is out in place whereby the incumbent governor remains in power as a caretaker until The Sultan appoints a new Governor or renews their time in office.

The Preamble of the Act states that it aims to ensure a predictable and progressive generational transition of the provincial leadership to bring young(er) people to the highest echelons of political power. Furthermore, the act aims to provide Governors with a predictable end to their tenure to ensure effective change management between governors. The bill does not apply to acting governors.

The act applies immediately on assertion and applies to all sitting and future Governors. By the definitions of this act, all Provincial Governors except for Prince Nakhim of Mekedesh, Prince Tubida of Shakar, Prince Rameed of Bingol, Prince Wasim of Kemer, Prince Umkhan of Subakil and Prince Darshan of Gezer. All other Princes have lost their jobs because they were all appointed over 20 years ago or in the case of 3 of them they also go over the age limit.

Prince Khenad replaces Prince Isham in Rigaryat, Prince Qalad replaces Prince Idesh in Ashura, Prince Mubeel replaces Prince Juber in Ukanar, Prince Thahed replaces Prince Uhayed in Kharyat and Prince Yamad replaces Prince Jibrael in Jumhurikesh. Prince Nakhim replaced Prince Elam in Mekedesh yesterday. All new Governors are between the ages of 40 and 60 and represent the 4th generation of Packilvanian leaders. Prince Harim of Iganar and Prince Ludan of Fidakar have been allowed to retain their posts as caretakers until the 21st of February after which the Sultan will decide their futures.

The draft Bill known as the Fixed Terms and Retirement of Senior Provincial Officials Bill, was closed for public comment at midnight 21 January 2023. The law was revised and the submitted to the Council of Ministers of Packilvania by Princess Yadika, the Acting Minister of Home Affairs, at 4 o’ clock in the morning for approval under the name of the Provincial Governance Reform Bill.

Prince Ashal, the Minister of Legislative Affairs, submitted the Bill to the Chairperson of the Legislative Affairs as well as an order from the Sultan to summon the Legislative Council with immediate effect at 8am. As many of the members of the Legislative Council were in Bingol as they would be attending the Coronation, the Chairperson summing them and tasked the Committee on Cooperative Governance to review the act and submit amendments at 12pm. The Committee unanimously adopted the law without revisions and submitted the document to the Chairperson at 4pm who presented it to the Legislative Council for approval.

The Legislative Council adopted the law at 6pm. The act was presented with comments to the Sultan at 8pm who adopted the law at 9pm. The law was published in an unusually late edition of the Government Gazette known as a special addition to the previous edition published in the previous week at midnight.

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58

THE CRESCENT

NEWS FROM PACKILVANIA

5 OCTOBER 2022

ONSHORING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY

Fukram Wasail

The Minister of Transport has announced that through the Export-Import Bank of Packilvania, the government is offering low-interest loans of up to 5 billion KRB to automobile manufacturing companies to build vehicle assembly plants in Packilvania for vehicles sold in the country.

Additionally the government will subsidise 10% of the costs of hiring and training Packilvanians to work in the plants. Furthermore, the government announced that the vehicle Assembly plants will be required to employ 80% Packilvanians in line worker positions and 45% Packilvanians in senior management positions.

Additionally the government has announced that vehicles manufactured outside Packilvania will face a 30% import tariff increase on 1 June 2023. This part of an effort by the state to recoup the billions of kiribs spent on importing vehicles from other nations and provide jobs to the citizens. Packilvania is arguably the largest automobile importing market in the world and is a highly attractive market that companies would be foolhardy at best to forego.

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THE CRESCENT

NEWS FROM PACKILVANIA

23 January 2023

FIVE OAN MEN SENTENCED TO HANGING FOR BLASPHEMY

Pajeer Duhavid

Five Oan males aged between 18 and 25 have been sentenced to execution by hanging by the Ilmed Religious Court in Bingol. The five males were apprehended at the Bingol International Airport after being found in possession of anti-Paxist propaganda following an anonymous tip-off. Authorities found egregious insults of the Most Benevolent, and the Saviour on their telephonic devices and a conspiracy to desecrate a religious site. Their sentence is planned to be carried out on Friday.

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60

THE CRESCENT

NEWS FROM PACKILVANIA

23 JANUARY 2023

OAN ISLES, PACKILVANIA SIGN EXTRADITION TREATY

Pajeer Duhavid

The Oan Isles and Packilvania have signed an extradition treaty to normalise and regulate the extradition of their citizens who commit crimes within their borders. This Treaty was signed by Sultan Thumim V and Rangitanga-a-te-Moana Oahoanu and is the culmination of years of negotiations between the two nations.

The Treaty will require Packilvania to deport any Oan citizens back to the Oan Isles who commits crimes such as but not limited to deviant sexual identities, sorcery, blasphemy, defamation against the monarchy and government. In return for which the Oan Isles must deport to Packilvania all Oan and Packilvanian citizens who commit crimes in Packilvania but flee to the Oan Isles namely espionage, treason, sedition, senticide, trafficking of bombs and dangerous weapons.

The nations also state that if their citizens commit crimes such as money laundering, fraud, intoxicating substances trafficking, and so on, they will deport their respective citizens to face trial.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing wedding and coronation of Sultan V and Saga of Tynam, Oan Prime Minister Maui Uye-Ahua stated, “This is a major step forward for the protection of our citizens’ fundamental sentient rights in Packilvania. This Treaty has the potential to finally have avenues for our citizens who get charged with repugnant and medieval allegations such as deviant sexual identities to return to our nation. I hope this opens up future discussions with Packilvania about sentient rights and I would encourage other nations to pursue similar steps”.

ATTEMPTED ASSASSIN JASPER RAY TO BE DEPORTED TO PACKILVANIA

Hakim Najdid

The Imperial Procuratorate has announced that Jasper Ray, the former Chief Whip of the Kohatu Liberation Movement, is to be charged with aiding, abetting and conspiring to assassinate Sultan Thumim V last year October during the visit of the United Malordia president.

The Imperial Procuratorate spokesperson revealed that the police and state security services had been investigating Jasper Ray for links to Prince Kujil and found that they were involved in the attempted plot to overthrow the Packilvanian government and assassinate the Sultan. Jasper Ray will be sent to Packilvania to face trial for their actions.

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61

The Crescent

News from Packilvania
22 April 2022

Post Bank files depositary insurance claim

The Post Bank of Packilvania (luMonaat luBarid aBakhilfaniya) has announced that it has filed a claim to the Depositary Insurance Corporation of Packilvania (luChubaal aluTamin aluKhiday aBakhilfaniya) for liquidity to help it honour its depositor's accounts. The bank had withdrawal requests that maxed out its cash on hand, and the bank was unable to convert its corporate bonds into liquidity quickly enough.

The unexpectedly high demand for cash by consumers was largely due to many people withdrawing savings to mitigate the effects of prolonged floods that are causing many small businesses and working-class families that use the bank’s services to experience financial strain. Many of these are inhabitants of small communities along the banks of the Meked River. The floods have largely flown under the national media radar because of their fairly limited scale. However, the bank was disproportionately exposed to the risk because many of its clients are located in the affected areas.

The Post Bank was founded in 1989 out of the Postal Office of Packilvania (luBuriy aluBarid aBakhilfaniya). It uses post offices as bank branches where banking services can be provided. It also used the postal service to receive and send instructions from clients. It is wholly owned by the Postal Office (luBuriy luBarid). It provides retail investment and commercial banking services to the public. It held assets under management of 78 billion KRB and over 18 million clients in largely small towns. Many of its clients are small and medium-sized businesses such as sole proprietors and family businesses, as well as the working class in their late careers or early retirement.

The Post Bank was vulnerable to the flood because the Post Office has been using low-cost ferries to transport packages and post. Thus, most of its branches are located in towns that are close to rivers and susceptible to flooding. Therefore, most of its client base comes from people who make use of these postal banks and thus live in riverine towns. The base of consumers for the bank has been declining as the young use modern payment, investment, and conventional banking solutions. Their older clients have a lower velocity of money. Thus, the bank invested in bonds that, while liquid, are less liquid than cash and thus the time horizon for converting them to cash is longer than the withdrawal time horizon. As such, a large withdrawal request was not factored into its stress tests.

The Packilvanian Central Bank has been criticized for failing to consider the weaknesses of business models in its stress tests for smaller banks. Dr. Uramid Nekhad, the central bank’s governor has suggested that the Post Bank would be saved and urged the public to remain calm as the Depositary Insurer can help to mitigate this recent withdrawal shock.

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62

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

23 April 2023

Post Bank defaults on creditor obligations amidst bond resale price collapse

Imran Duhavid

The Post Bank has defaulted on payment of its contingent convertible bonds which matured yesterday. Given that the bank has not met payment of this asset class, it is in technical default.

A contingent convertible bond (COCO Bond) is a type of financial instrument where the bond issuer is required to make fixed payments over a fixed schedule to the bondholder. The COCO bond can be converted into equity if a pre-specified trigger arises and the bond can be written down to a pre-specified amount. Post Bank bondholders were supposed to be paid yesterday, but because the bank did not have enough cash on hand to pay its depositors, and the Depositary Insurance Company only covered the depositors, the bank did not have the cash to pay its bondholders.

Part of the reason that the bank has been unable to convert the bonds it holds into sufficient liquidity to meet its bond and depositary obligations is the fact that bonds can take several hours to convert (in the context of the market it was using i.e., the Meker Bond Market) whereas depositors want their money instantly. Secondly, after the Post Bank announced its deposit crunch, banks and other holders of the 1-year Imperial Treasury Bond (which was the biggest bond in the bank’s capital holdings) sold a high-than-normal amount to get sufficient cash to meet their depositors’ demands in case they were spooked and came running to make withdrawals. As a result, the resale value of the bond fell due to the increased supply.

When the Post Bank tried to sell off the bond, the liquidity it raised was too low to cover the amount to be paid to its COCO bondholders. Thus, Post Bank tried to convert the COCO bond into equity. However, after paying employees’ salaries (which is the second-in-line to a bank’s assets in case of financial distress after depositors), it means the bank will need to write down all its COCO bonds to practically zero. The Post Bank has applied to the Packilvanian Central Bank for assistance.

Given that the bank is not regarded as systemically important, it is likely that the PCB will not assist it and instead liquidate its assets. We are still awaiting a formal announcement from the PCB on how it will choose to proceed.

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63

The Crescent

News from Packilvania 24 April 2023

Post Bank to be restructured

Erkhan Rubiyaad

The Packilvanian Central Bank has announced that they will be placing the Post Bank under curatorship. They have appointed Askanay Burkheed as the Curator. In this role, he will be responsible for overseeing the restructuring of the Post Bank.

The PCB is currently in negotiations with a group of undisclosed banks to take on the assets and liabilities of the Post Bank. In the interim, the PCB has extended a line of credit of 6.7 billion KRB to the bank to meet its contingent convertibility bond obligations. The PCB has discovered that although the bank was well capitalised, its capital and lending structures were woefully ill-equipped to deal with the combined effect of the mass withdrawals and the maturity of its biggest bond.

The PCB has started a review of all the banks in the country and raised the minimum reserve requirements to protect the banking system. The PCB continues to assure investors, the public and creditors that the Packilvanian banking system is in good shape.

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64

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

23 April 2023

Akuan Saving Banks in Packilvania

Ny’Høve Abel

The first Akuan saving bank (luMonaat luAkwanishme aluKhaznamiya) was reopened in 1987, in Sharkol, Shakar. Receiving support from the local Akuan community traveling back from the wild dunes of the providence back to civilization and the Akuan Development Bank, primarily from the Mustetine side of the religious banking sector.

For a brief synopsis of the Akuan savings bank, it is a banking service that caters to Akuanists, originally from the Norgsveltian colonial empire, where Akuanists were not able to take part in financial services. As such, the local communities came together to form their own separate institutions away from the discriminatory financial institutions. The concept exploded across Akuan communities world wide, including in Packilvania.

When the communists seized control of our country, they targeted the institutions for their religious nature. Looting the saving banks and driving the Akuanists to the desert. When Asgeir of Ny’Shakiszna and Sultan Amhoud I (may their spirits watch over us) cast down the atheists, the Akuan saving banks returned to the country, with assistance from the Akuan Development Bank.

Akuan Saving Banks are a common fixture of this religious community. They often feature a symbol of Pzæffin on top of the bank, the Akuan deity of commerce, merchants and currency, denoting the religious structure of the building. The religious banks differ from more commercial and secular banks. For example, they refuse to invest in government and (some) corporate debt, in accordance with Akuan financial customs and rules, wishing to avoid potentially investing into something that might violate the religious principles of Akuanists. This includes avoiding charging interest on loans, which is considered to be a sin and a form of non-direct violence by most scholars of the religion.

The modern history of Akuan saving banks has been one of relative stability and being out of the radar of Packilvanian financial institutions and instruments. Almost ignored outright and not taken seriously by Packilvanian financial experts, it was not until 2000, during a financial survey in Shakar, where it was discovered the amount of Akuanists taking part in traditional banking services was near 1%-2% range. The Akuan saving banks had a near complete monopoly over this religious minority despite the traditional banks offering interest rates far above what the saving banks could offer.

In 2002, an effort was made to include Akuanists into the traditional banking services by opening special savings accounts for Akuanists that would follow the Akuan customs. As a result of the higher interest on savings, Akuanists flocked to the traditional firms. Nearly driving the Akuan Saving Banks to extinction.

However in 2005, it was exposed that the savings accounts did not follow the religious customs and the accounts were treated the same as normal saving accounts but with lower interest rates on savings compared to the non-Akuan saving accounts. The event caused Akuanists to return to the Akuan Saving Banks, taking their money out of the traditional firms.

There have been several attempts by firms to attract the Akuan community back to the traditional firms after the event. Despite promising more transparency with their processes (according to a survey in 2009), Akuan Saving banks regained their complete monopoly on Akuanist financial services within Shakar.

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65

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

10 June 2023

Economic growth forecast bleak

Ali Bedawin

Economic growth for quarters 1 and 2 of 2023 stand at 2% and 4%, below the 3.5% and 5.8% forecasted by the Packilvanian Central Bank in September 2022. In the Mid-Year Economic Outlook Report, the government attributed the decline in economic growth to the more cautious lending practices adopted by banks following the near collapse of the Post Bank, and the decline in confidence in property development and municipal bonds.

The property development sector has been hit hard by the reticence of banks to lend to long-term projects for highly leveraged property developers. This is coupled with a decline in demand for new housing and a drop in construction rates. Property value growth has declined. Economists did see this coming, as both legal and labor changes have long been coming. With tighter regulations on construction for safety, environmental and social reasons as well as an increase in remote workers moving away from cities, the property sector needs to get creative.

Analysts predict that the situation will normalize as the festive season approaches and the nation experiences an influx of pilgrims and tourists during the month of pilgrimage. Additionally, the government has announced massive infrastructure projects namely in rail that are projected to commence implementation next year.

The country’s technology sector remains as strong as ever with stocks from tech giants such as Telesat, Buddy, Chatter, and Debby rallying on the Bingol Stock Exchange. The venture capital market remains healthy, indicating that astute and deep-pocketed investors remain confident in our technology sector and economy more broadly. The Packilvanian Central Bank remains optimistic in its year-end growth rate, projecting a 7.8% growth rate for the year.

Bingol Tigers win Packilvanian Super League

Husayn Alkhadoon

With a 3 - 2 victory over the Kemer Giants, the Bingol Tigers won the Packilvanian Super League (the most prestigious professional football tournament in the country). Proud captain, Mishal Exahed and coach Munhadim Erkhadel lifted the Tuton Trophy in the fully packed 80,000-seat Prince Khenad Stadium in Bingol.

Rashudin Besam scored the opening goal for the Tigers at the 15-minute mark, with the team making a strong attack on the Giants’ goal. Despite his steadfast resistanceFameed Hubad, let one slip through the top left corner. The Giants came back with a vengeance as they kept firm possession for a solid 20 minutes, nevertheless struggling to get through the Tiger’s defense. After a corner kick, Giants midfielder Tugaar Nashmeed got the second goal of the match. With 10 minutes till half time, valiant attempts led to naught.

After the half-time show by singer-songwriter Farhad, featuring pyrotechnics and colorful light displays over slick EDM tracks including his #1 hit single “luWajah aluSirun”, the teams returned as pumped as ever. Both teams seemed to switch to an aggressive gear. Darmik Gumbhal of the Tigers got the first yellow card for tripping Tubida Nashtah of the Giants. With the free kick, Ramad Fareek of the Giants managed to get a stellar goal in, with Usmid Bayodar, the goalkeeper still picking himself up from the ground.

Flutters of rain began gently pouring down. As spikes hit the grass, mud began to surface in its place. The rain began to pour, prompting, the referees and the coaches to debate the suspension of the match. The crowd roared like a sea, seemingly overpowering the sound of rain, prompting the officials to continue the match. Fenad Thurhadek slipped and got a cut on his right forehead. Despite attempts by paramedics to aid him, he vociferously refused and returned to the field.

Shabal Erhad of the Tigers equalized with a score in the 78th minute. Concerted efforts by the team to break the tie ran past the extra time allocated, prompting the penalties to kick in. Anxious nail-biting ensued as kick aft
er kick failed to get the ball Through. Sormook Kherneed managed to clinch a victory for the Tigers after 118 minutes of play landing his team the victory on one of the greatest football leagues in the world. The team went home with 895 million dinars of Prize money, a well-deserved victory after a tumultuous tournament.

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66

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

Government condemns Askaraban, announces sanctions

Following the proposal by the Ambassador to the International Forum Prince Faijil for the General Council to condemn the Theocratic Republic of Askaraban for its unlawful invasion of the Empire of Sayyed, Sultan has announced that Packilvania will be imposing sanctions against Askaraban and exploring the provision of military aid to Sayyed.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Alawadun published a detailed list of the sanctions which include banning Askaraban commercial aircraft from flying in Packilvanian air space, freezing the accounts of Askaraban citizens held in Packilvanian banks, banning the import of non-essential goods from and export ofgoods to Askaraban.

Many Packilvanian companies have voluntarily announced that they will suspend operations in Askaraban until Askaraban ceases the invasion.

The Minister of Defence announced that the government will exploring military aid to Sayyed such as sending weapons and military advisers. However, the Minister has alluded to the fact that it might be necessary to explore putting in place a no flyzone and even a navl blockade on Askaraban.

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67

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

1 July 2023

Syndicated from the Medayin Moon

Pilgrimage Begins: 10 Tips for Having a Great Trip

Yabrook Hadil

Today marks start of Waseem, the month of madatory pilgrimage to the three holiest sites of Paxism, known as Uj. The Magisterium kicked off the event with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Prince Khenad Stadium in Bingol. Here are ten things you need to know when travel to Packilvania for the biggest annual sentient migration in the world.

  1. Getting your visa

You can apply for your visa online via the Uj.caek website. You will need to upload a copy of your passport, medical travel insurance certificate, proof of income and proof of residence. Your application should take about 4 business days by email and you can download or print it. You will need to declare that your are a Paxist by signing the Shahada. Take note that there are quotas for your country and people who have never been on Uj or Amruh (non compulsory pilgrimage) will be prioritised. Depending on your country of origin you may also need to get vaccinated or show test results for certain diseases.

  1. Getting accommodation

You can find other believers in Packilvania who will accommodate you for free on Uj.caek. People here are vetted by the Magisterium. Alternatively, you can find hotels, B&Bs and hostels on trusted travel sites. Be wary of scammers.

  1. Getting to Packilvania

Air Packilvania is offering a 50% discount on return tickets to all Uj travellers. You can book your tickets via the airpax.caek website or Uj.caek. Travel between the member states of Pax-Draconica (Pax, Allegheny and Drakkengard) and Mustetiszna is practically open so you can enter via any of these countries.

  1. Getting around

Packilvania has extensive public transport so you should not need a car. However if you would like to rent a car, there are rental services you can book with your plane ticket with Air Packilvania. The railway services have set aside trains to move people from big train stations and airports to the holy sites.

  1. Getting to the sites

You will need to show your visa in order to be allowed entry to one of the three sacret Majhids, if you are not a citizen of Pax, Drakkengard, Mustetiszna or Allegheny. If you come from any of these countries, then you just need to show your ID card.

  1. Staying safe and keeping well

Packilvania is very hot during Waseem, so you need to keep hydrated, wear a cap, stay in the shade and put on sunblock. The areas of the Sacred Majhids tend to be safe but be wary of scams, leaving your goods unattended and pickpockets. Make sure to consult the Uj.caek website for updates or alternatively download the Uj app on your phone.

  1. Visiting other areas

You are encouraged to take advantage of this trip to visit the rest of Pax-Draconica. Sites such as the Bingol Royal Palace, the Sultana’s Palace and Gardens, the Ilmanite Kremlin and the Pyramids of Kanash are open to the public and would add to your trip. You can use the site visitpax.caek to get more information. The Majhid of the Preservation in Kuter Kebir and the Shrine of Besmali in Astlyon are hosting events as well but you need to apply for a visa with the Free Paxian government separately.

  1. Speaking with the locals

Normally most Paxists learn Liturgical Packilvanian so you should be just fine spesking to locals using that. Alternatively you can just use a translator application like Tamka.pax

  1. Using foreign applications

More likely than not, you will not be able to use a lot of apps or access a lot of websites. You will need to download the Packilvanian versions of applications like Goggle and Pigeon on arrival. Goggle does have a service for getting your emails while in Packilvania l, but please note that they will be subject to the Packilvanian online content supervision system. If you have Chatter, Debby and Buddy, they will automatically switch to local settings, so don’t be surprised if your applications look different.

  1. Communicating with home

I suggest using Chatter to keep in touch with home. Although there is public wifi at the three sacred Majhids, it is best to get a local SIM card. Telesat Mobile will have SIM cards that you can buy from the airport or any shop.

I hope you enjoy your trip and have a fabulous time! Assimilate!

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68

The Crescent
News from Packilvania

1 July 2023

Navy Flotilla Shows Flag and Delivers Aid in Serramal Visit

A Packilvanian Navy flotilla led by the Fawuz-class multi-role destroyer Everyet arrived in the Serramali capital of Marago today. The visit is the largest of its kind made to the small Gondwanan nation, which has increasingly looked to the Sultanate for support amidst unfolding regional instability.

The Packilvanian embassy in Marago has hailed the visit as a new milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries, and the Serramali Navy has expressed its willingness to jointly tackle maritime security threats and maintain stability in the region.

The Everyet was accompanied by the smaller Himya-class air-defense destroyer Makobar, the supply ship Kaliwad, and the hospital ship Pashtaq.

The visit comes six months after the signing of a defense logistics agreement between the Sultanate and Serramal, the latter of which sits upon the important maritime route between the Pacific and Concordian oceans. Packilvania today is the second-largest provider of arms to the Serramali military, and has previously funded the construction of barracks for the Serramali navy.

While the Everyet leads the flotilla, the most active role will be taken on by the hospital ship Pashtaq, whose visit to Marago is a part of the wider Harmonious Waters project initiated by the Packilvanian Navy in February. Under Harmonious Waters, the Pashtaq will conduct a series of scheduled visits to partnered developing countries throughout 2023.

The project’s mission states that it will utilize the unique capacities and capabilities of the Packilvanian Navy to provide sapientarian aid, assist local healthcare providers, and foster cooperation with partner nations.

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69

The Crescent
News from Packilvania

9 July 2023

Navy Completes Mission in Serramal, Sets Sail for Sayyed

Packilvanian navy hospital ship Pashtaq has announced the conclusion of its planned seven-day mission in Serramal.

According to the Ministry of Defense, Packilvanian personnel provided treatment and diagnosis to thousands in the Serramali capital of Marago, and performed nearly 40 surgeries.

Among the seven hundred people who visited the Pashtaq on its first day of operations was Rura Misra, who traveled by boat from the southern city of Kipaltura along with his sixty-year old mother.

“My mother has breathing troubles. We have not been able to get any diagnosis in Kipaltura, so we took the ferry here,” said Rura, “The medical team told me they will see her today. I am very grateful they came.”

The 178 meter-long vessel is home to over 100 Packilvanian medical personnel spread across 14 clinical and 3 auxiliary departments. The Pashtaq also boasts its own pharmacy and an emergency helicopter.

Although the vessel has previously been deployed in disaster relief efforts around the world, the Pashtaq’s visit to Marago is its first stop on the navy’s new Harmonious Waters mission.

After a departure ceremony, the Pashtaq also carried out a disaster response exercise with the Serramali landing ship Sarang.

The conclusion of the Navy’s visit has not marked the end of cooperation with its Serramali counterparts. According to Defense Ministry press releases, a small contingent of naval personnel will remain in Marago to train crews for three 77-ton Tsitsi-class gunboats purchased by the Serramali Navy from the Packilvanian Reserve Fleet.

The Pashtaq is expected to next visit the Serene Emirate of Sayyed, which is suffering from an ongoing invasion by neighboring Askaraban and Crimpateia. This deployment was not originally a part of the Harmonious Waters itinerary. The flotilla will instead be diverted from its planned route to uphold the Sultanate’s promises of assistance to the Sayqidi people.

The Sultanate has taken a lead on condemning the illegal military action, which began with the deployment of chemical weapons by Askarabani forces.

Defense Ministry spokespeople have stated that the Pashtaq will operate only in secure areas and in full compliance with the international laws and protections afforded to a duly marked hospital ship.

The flotilla will not partake in the ongoing combat operations, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Alawadun has publicly cautioned the belligerent nations against interfering with the passage of Packilvanian vessels.

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70

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

12 Waseem 2023

Groundbreaking Discovery at the Pyramids of Khanash

Yahmouda Shanoud

Earlier today, scientists from the University of Sharkol’s Department of Antiquity and Archeology have announced that they discovered a hidden chamber in one of the Pyramids of Khanash, the Grand Pyramid of King Tahil the Great using cosmic muon radiography (CMR).

CMR uses sub-atomic particles known as muons that are released by stellar objects like stars and supernovae and enter the Urth’s atmosphere. They can pass through many physical objects. Scientists placed detectors in and around the Pyramids of Khanash and used them to detect the locations where the particles were being absorbed and where they passed through to get a scan of the interior of the Pyramids.

Their studies revealed a hidden chamber in the Pyramids of Khanash that is believed to be the long lost tomb of King Tahil the Great of the Derkhad dynasty several thousand years ago. They published their discoveries in the International Journal of Spectrography. This technology holds promise for use in conducting non-invasive archeological analysis and can be used to discover the fossils of ancient animals and ruins covered by urth.

One of the lead scientists Prof Usamid Narkhadeem suggests that the technology could have use cases outside of archeology such as being used to conduct analysis of the interiors of structures such as ships, buildings and mining. Col Obhadeen Norbruk spoke on the sidelines of the announcement warning that this technology could have potential for reconnaissance and surveillance of strategic targets.

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71

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

24 Dinesh 2023

Springtime for Naylorbrookisza: Eyesore or Masterpiece

Prof Uzaliya Yajhmadid

I admit that I have my prejudices. When you live in Packilvania, it becomes easy to forget that other countries are not like yours and their taste is music and art is different.

Regardless of the mental gymnastics I did to try to pierce through the cultural differences and to appreciate the diversity in taste, I found myself both repulsed and fascinated by the garish, eccentric and bizarre play Springtime of Naylorbrookisza.

How did I even get to République C.D. to watch this play at the Shano Tuvria Memorial International Theatre? I was attending an academic conference in Øisteinsby, Musetszna, and my Mustetine colleagues introduced me to some of their friends from Nystatiszna. They got me a ticket and asked me to come.

I was apprehensive at first, visiting a foreign bitterly cold nation just to watch a play. But I thought, “DuHaIkht” (a Packilvanian slang term popularised on Chatter that is an abbreviation of “Duhayah Ikhtashan” meaning “You only live once”).

So, I arrived at my hotel and ordered a Buddy to the theatre. The posters were promising excitement and intrigue. If vexation and bewilderment count as excitememt and intrigue, I had both in spades.

The cross-dressed form of Viktor Dotseth wearing some form of traditional costume and a masculine woman playing the Nystatine dictator Naylorbrookisza seemed to participate in esoteric witchcraft and coyly venture into a romantic relationship, while the eponymous protagonist grapples with madness (largely by denying it despite the obvious signs of mental illness).

Color and spectacle abounded. It was definitely fun to watch but I sincerely doubt I have the constitution or temperament to foray into that kind of crass and profane revisionist pseudo-propaganda again.

Apparently, the reviews had the play at two to 3 stars. I’ll give it a 5 for shock value and 1 for everything else.

Original article here https://forum.theeastpacific.com/t/red-dove-media-news-from-the-rceu-open-to-rceu-syndication/16551/7?u=the_oan_isles
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72

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

14 Waseem 2023

Happy Birthday, Sultan Thumim V!

Staff at the Crescent

It is not often that a nation should be as lucky as we are to have a man like Sultan Thumim V sit on the throne. Many nations are ruled by evil tyrants, corrupt politicians, unscrupulous bureaucrats and immoral hippies. In stark contrast to the leaderless, rudderless confused and moral bankrupt morass that pervades outside of the borders of Pax-Draconica, we have a luminous light that shows us the path to a future, a path to assimilation.

Sultan Thumim V, you are our light and we love you. Members of the staff at the Crescent shared their memories of you and we collated them for the world to enjoy, especially those over whom you do not reign so that they might know what a good ruler is.

Imran Duhavid writes “When I was watching the parade during the visit of the United Malordian president, my heart stopped when I saw the smoke rise from the explosion of Behayeen Bridge. I was so frightened. My entire body froze and I could barely breath. It was a spectacular relief to hear that those ruffians had failed to take you from us. It was then that I realised just how deeply I appreciate you and how much our country needs you”.

Yashouda Shanoud writes, “One of my fondest memories of Sultan Thumim V was watching his wedding to the gorgeous Sultana Saga. I was amazed how much he loved her. You could see the genuine and unfiltered admiration and pride he felt for her. And I was so happy for him. He deserved to be happy and I am ever grateful that we have a dutiful, intelligent, elegant and Noi-fearing woman beside him”.

Yabrook Hadil writes, “I’ve always admired how much you cared about prayer. You have always shown a deep sense of faith but I was taken aback by just how much your faith meant to you when I read your book, the Pilgrimage. I am amazed by the fortitude of mind and the wisdom you showed. I admire just how much of yourself you are willing to share and do for your subjects. Most of all, I adore just how you can see your personal growth as being instrumental for the growth of the country too. From the greatest to the least of us, you remind us that there is nothing more important in this world that our faith in Noi”.

Marhad Shugeer shared, “Not many people have had the honor of meeting Sultan Thumim in person. I met him when he was visiting Fidakar. I was among the very few people to be in the same room as him when he was awarding the 2022 recipients of the Fidal Prize. Even though all the recipients were the most brilliant scientists in the world, he did not diminish in intellectual stature, being just as smart and wise as any of them. I love that we have a ruler who can keep even the brilliant inventors and researchers on their toes”.

From all us at the Crescent, we appreciate everything you have done for us. We continue to look forward to how much more you will lead us. May your reign be long. May your enemies be defeated. May you light fill the nations. May your example guide us and may your unfailing word be the law that rules over us.

We love you, sire! Happy Birthday!

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73

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

2 Hayaad 2023 | 2 August 2023

Fidakar publishes damning climate report against Iganar

Halaler - Earlier today, the Fidakar government published a report that a substantial portion of the air pollution experienced in Fidakar originates from Iganar. The Provincial Minister of Fidakar for Environmental Affairs, Water and Sanitation, Professor Turkheem Zabran announced the publication of the report at a press release in Halaler and in his address implied that Iganar is holding back Packilvania’s efforts to combat climate change and global warming.

The report, entitled luTaqarir aluNazrasabab aluHurifiya aleRihat leNarhafiyas luJanah leYubav Fidakar (Report Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions over Fidakar), is a metadata analysis based on several studies by the Imperial Atmospheric and Meteorological Agency, the University of Halaler Department of Environment and Geographical Sciences, and the Princess Jamraya Telescopy and Spectroscopy Laboratory and Array. The report is based on longitudinal studies that span a period of 10 years and has revealed that over 40% of the particulates in Fidakar’s airspace can be traced to other provinces especially Iganar which is disproportionately responsible for heavy particulates not ordinarily found in nature. These are typically released by fossil fuel-based power stations and factories. The report cites that air pollution in Fidakar is exacerbated by crop burning and it controlled for the annual Harmattan season which brings dust to Fidakar due to dust storms further north.

Prof Zabran also explained that Iganar’s dependence on heavy industry, chemical production and fossil fuels to drive economic growth is directly correlated to and may be the cause of the high level of air pollution affecting neighbouring provinces and the world at large. The report cites recommendations for moving to renewable power sources, regulating crop burning, and introducing a carbon tax. He alluded to the fact that Fidakar’s representatives in the Imperial Parliament would be instructed to introduce legislation to address the shortcomings in climate response across the nation and to distribute responsibility more proportionately among the provinces. A green paper by the Fidakarian Department of Environment, Water and Sanitation suggested that high-emitter provinces should be fined for failure to implement carbon-cutting measures.

The Iganarian Council Secretary has published a statement stating that the Iganarian government is dismayed that the report was released to the public without giving them an opportunity to study and respond to the allegations levied therein. Speaking on the sidelines of a business conference in Zukaril, the Iganarian Premier Luhad Wamdan stated, “Fidakar believes that it is exceptional and can dictate what other provinces can do. Well, we have a message for you: Fidakarian imperialism will not prevail over Iganar”. Lawyers of the Iganarian government have approached the Supreme Court for an urgent order to interdict the report and stay its publishing until it has had an opportunity to respond. They cite that the report is materially damaging the investments of Iganarian residents and impinging on the jurisdiction of the provinces. The Supreme Court is studying the interdict and will make summons in the following days for parties to appear and explain themselves.

Head of the think tank, Institute of Policy Reform and Improvement, Kudayn Najdamoon released an op-ed shortly after the publishing of the report in the scientific periodical, luKhamnafiya luSabab (the Astute Herald) that although Fidakar (and to a lesser extent Mekedesh and Jumhurikesh) has adopted progressive policies aimed at mitigating air and water pollution, encouraging reforestation and using green energy, it has exported most of its carbon intensity to provinces such as Ashura and Iganar which provide it with much of its energy and chemical needs, and Kharyat which supplies it with low-cost carbon-intensive and polluting consumer goods and electronics. The Fidakarian government has not responded to our request for comment.

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74

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

5 Hayaad (August) 2023

Supreme Court refuses interdict of climate report

Ashmad Najid

Bingol - The Supreme Court has announced that it has reject the Iganarian request to interdict the green house gas report published by the Fidakarian environment ministry. Duke Madvin Gurion of Adrien, Justice of the Supreme Court delivered the majority opinion of the Supreme Court regarding the request by the Government of Iganar to interdict a climate report that was published by the Government of Fidakar identifying Iganar as a significant contributor to the air pollution experienced in Fidakar and condemning its government for failing to implement adequate measures to control green house gas emissions.

The Supreme Court ruled that the argument by the Iganarian government that it deserved the right to respond to the report prior to its publication as well as the fact that the report itself had material impacts on the Iganarian economy and people were legally baseless. It also dismissed the arguments that if the report is read together with a recent policy discussion document published by the Fidakar government (arguing that provinces that contribute more to greenhouse gas emissions should be more responsible) implies overreach of provincial government powers. The Duke of Adrien stated that the allegations by the Iganarian government were baseless in law and it was unable to meaningfully prove any potential harm. Furthermore, it stated that an interdiction of the report would directly intrude on the jurisdiction of the Fidakar government.

The Iganarian government has stated that they will pursue other measures. Analysts suspect that they might approach the Sultan directly to ask him to instruct the Fidakarian government to stay the publication of the report or amend its terms. Sources close to the imperial court suggest that the Sultan is unlikely to entertain such a request especially given that the report is self explanatory and the evidence is supported by the scientific community such that dismissing the report on political grounds would be seen as frivolous. Analysts believe that despite the propensity for the Fidakarian government to resist the imperial government, they surprisingly align with the new administration on issues of climate change and so the Sultan might be reluctant to get involved. With Mekedesh and Jumhurikesh rumoured to instruct their members of Parliament to denounce any anti-climate change bills presented by Iganarian members of Parliament, it is unlikely that Iganar could pursue a legislative recourse.

Sources close to the Iganarian government suggest that they would most likely pursue retaliatory measures against Fidakar or say nothing so that the incident can blow over. Nevertheless, Iganar is beginning to face increasing criticism for its climate policy, together with Ashura and Shakar. As by far the richest province in the country, it bears the brunt of the criticism for its contribution to global climate change. With pressure elevating from grassroots to Provincial government level for Iganar to reform, environmental activists and pro-environment policymakers are hopeful that efforts to “greenify” the Packilvanian economy will bear fruit.

75

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

21 September 2023

Lawyer arrested for stealing billions from cerebral palsy victims

Ashmad Najid

Halaler - Yesterday, the Fidakar High Court gave former solicitor, Ubrayeed Khanawad, a sentence of 15 years in prison and the liquidation of his assets for fraud, abuse of power, and reckless endangerment of children for stealing over 19 billion dinars from children suffering from cerebral palsy.

Ubrayeed Khanawad is a former solicitor who would search for poor families in rural areas whose children had suffered from cerebral palsy induced by complications at birth. He would convince them to let him represent them in cases against the government for claims concerning cerebral palsy. He was exploiting a law which compels the government to give financial support to children who suffer from this potentially fatal developmental disease of the brain.

This disease can arise from genetic causes, but it can also arise from complications with the birth. Many of the women whom Ubrayeed Khanawad targeted are too poor and often lack education. They are dependent on government healthcare workers such as travelling midwives to help them give birth. The state awards money to these children regardless of the cause, but there is additional compensation for those whose illness is caused by the servants of the Crown.

Ubrayeed Khanawad was a notoriously ruthless solicitor who made the state’s exhausted or inexperienced legal representatives buckle under the pressure of the immense resources and determination he had. Able to attract seasoned lawyers and star-struck graduands, he led a crusade that saw him rack up billions in payments from the Fidakar Department of Health which were meant to be placed in a trust for the benefit of the children and their families.

Some complaints were brought to the Fidakar Law Society which investigated and sometimes gave scathing rebukes of Khanawad and his practices but failed to pursue disciplinary processes. Months ago, led by Pajeer Duhavid, the team at the Crescent uncovered the full extent of his actions. We reported on this. This caused protests at the Fidakar Department of Health and attracted the attention of lawyers and government officials who started a case against the Fidakar Law Society compelling it to begin disciplinary processes against Khanawad that saw him disbarred. The Fidakar Imperial Procuratorate raised a case of criminal wrongdoing against him.

Judge Ajhdamood Luhadiyam delivered the judgement stating, “I am utterly incensed by the incredible naivety and callousness of the Fidakar Law Society in bringing this unscrupulous malevolent man to justice. His actions are an affrontery to the principles of zakat [charity] and raheem [mercy] that ought to guide every Noi-fearing let alone decent being in our country”.

The Master of the High Court has already started attaching Mr Khanawad’s assets and Tubida Rahandeem (one of the lawyers who helped bring him to justice) stated that he hoped other lawyers would use their profession for the public good and not their selfish interests. Prahida Jumbur, mother of 2-year-old Fidamud, said that she was happy that he was being brought to justice, celebrating at the courthouse while wiping tears from her face with her hijab. judge Luhadiyam said, “The contempt shown by this man to the courts and his disdain for the most vulnerable of all, is a disease that plagues the legal profession that must be uprooted with the greatest swiftness and unyielding determination”

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76

The Crescent

News from Packilvania

22 September 2023

Feline Supremacism and Insecutity

Ashmad Najid

When the Packilvanian Communist Party was defeated by the Carriers of Mercy and a new constitution was passed in 1985, human beings were returned to their full and rightful status as people. In addition to dismantling the laws that supported human exclusion and extermination, the government and Magisterium undertook programs such as the construction of the Imperial War and Genocide Museum to reflect and educate on the experiences of humans and the culpability of Felines broadly in that trauma.

However, we still live in a society in which humans face challenges and struggles that meaningfully undermine their experiences. This is not only because many humans lost their land, dignity and access to opportunities and employment that have kept them behind their feline counterparts, but there are still systems and structures of Feline supremacy that shape Packilvanian society.

Magister Hudayn Jamal issued an opinion in which he suggested that full reintegration of species was not an acceptable practice because it violated precepts of “specistic uniqueness” that alleges the Bas Magdamar calls for. This is one of many examples, but it is emblematic of how Feline identity is still couched in being superior to the other species namely Humans but also Elves, Ursines and the like.

Some commentators such as Shamad Ubrahayan have suggested that old people are inflexible to new ideas and thus grace must be granted to them for their continued perpetuation of stereotypes that are harmful towards humans. But this narrative is intellectually disingenuous because if that were the case, Communism would have never ended nor would Sultan Amhoud I (peace and light be upon him) have disavowed the party he had spent his adulthood serving to bring us to the liberation that we enjoy today.

Others such as Yumayd Kholshur have suggested that Feline supremacism lies in ignorance about other species and the relative insularity that Packilvania enjoys which prevents them from accessing opportunities for cultural exchange. I find this argument laughable because there are concerted efforts by the government, Magisterium, civic society and the media to raise the visibility of human beings; I am an apt example of that. So, unfamiliarity is no excuse.

I do not allege that all Felines are supremacists. I do, however, believe that Feline supremacism is an ideology that continues to exist and it harms our society. The mentality of the physical and intellectual superiority of the Felines and their right to dominate and control the rest of society and occupy a privileged place in the world is fallible.

Not only is this ideology harmful to minorities, but it is also harmful to Felines themselves. We all know and the government has admitted as much that our nation’s past under Communism stymied our economic potential. While we are making speedy progress, and noticeable shifts have occurred over the past four decades due to the economically progressive and competent policies adopted by the Bedonite dynasty, there are still many of our brethren Feline and human alike, who live in conditions of depravation and lack.

This collective consciousness that while our society is strong and is advancing steadily, we are still among the less rich nations of the planet Urth. This leads to an insecurity among Feline supremacists whose reality is fragile and easily destroyed by raw and unmitigated facts. Thus, we need our Feline brothers and sisters, united by the Sultan who rules us and the goddess Noi we serve, to unlearn patterns of bigotry that lead to supremacism, specism, and insecurity.

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