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Friday, 15 July, 2022 I 15 Zil hajj, 1443 I rs 15.00 I Vol XII no 374 I 12 pages I Karachi edition

PM Shehbaz SlaSheS Petrol Price by rS18.50 Per litre for July ISLAMABAD

staff report

rime minister shehbaz sharif thursday slashed the price of petrol by rs18.50 per litre in order to provide maximum relief to the consumers. addressing the nation, the premier said that the government had increased the price of petrol after coming into power to meet the conditions laid forth by the international monetary Fund (imF), which were agreed by the previous pti-led government. However, as the prices are declining in the international market now, the government has decided to pass on the relief to people and, therefore, has decided to reduce the price of petrol and diesel by rs18.50 and rs40.54 per litre, respectively. the new price of petrol will be rs230.24 per litre while diesel will be

available at rs236 per litre. at the outset of his speech, pm shehbaz reiterated that the coalition government had inherited a “troubled economy ” from the previous government. “the previous government trampled on the agreement it had with the imF and laid landmines for us,” he said. the premier further added that the previous pti government, during its final few weeks, had slashed fuel prices even though the government’s coffers were empty. “this was done so our [coalition] government would fall into difficulties.” acknowledging that the decision to increase the price of petroleum products’ had burdened the underprivileged segment of society, he said: “we had no other way. we had to take tough measures.” “However, today with god’s blessing, oil prices are declining in international

markets and it is by his mercy that today we have got the chance to reduce the

prices,” he added. commenting on the staff-level agreement with the imF, pm

shehbaz appreciated Finance minister miftah ismail and his team for his part in reviving the loan facility with the global lender but hoped that the current deal would be the last one. “after this, we will try to stand on our own feet.” the prime minister said that the path ahead could be “thorny and difficult” but in the end, he said, “i reassure you that good times will come soon.” Following the announcement by the premier, the finance minister said: “pm has just announced a reduction in the prices of petrol of rs 18.5 per litre [and] in diesel of rs 40.54 per litre.” “the new price of petrol is rs 230.24 [and] diesel is rs 236 per litre from [July 15]. kerosene is reduced by rs 33.81 to rs 196.45 [and] ldo is reduced by rs 37.71 to rs 191.44, alhamdulillah,” he wrote on twitter, sharing a graph of brent crude oil prices in the international market.

‘Default’ risk recedes as IMF announces staff level agreement with pakistan g

Fund warns oF lurking dangers as turbulence grips global Financial markets KARACHI khurram husaiN

a much-awaited staff level agreement was announced by the imF on July 13, however, the statement carried dour warnings of significant challenges ahead. most importantly, pakistan’s projected external financing needs for FY 2022-23 were $35 billion as per the imF staff report issued in February of this year. according to data from finance ministry sources, FY 2022-23 will see loan repayments of $21 billion and a projected current account deficit of $12 billion. coupled with building reserves of up to $5 billion, the external financing needs could be around $38 billion. in his pre-budget press conference, Finance minister miftah ismail said, “we need $41 billion over the next 12 months” to cover the current account deficit and amortisation payments as well as to build reserve cover to three months of imports by end FY 2022-23. but this figure could include payments in the month of June 2022 as well, and may not reflect external

financing needs for FY 2022-23. the statement just released says only that pakistan faces “higher financing needs in FY23,” implying that this figure is likely to be revised upward by the time the memorandum on economic and Financial policies (meFp) is released following board approval. news of the agreement had begun trickling out of government circles as early as the night of July

12. the first reports hit social media and news websites (including in profit) during the day on July 13, and that same night ismail took to the airwaves on the shahzeb khanzada show to announce that an agreement has been reached on all outstanding issues with the Fund and a formal announcement is expected any minute. by the time the Fund issued its press release all

Suri’s unilateral ruling did not enjoy parliamentary immunity: SC ISLAMABAD News Desk

the supreme court has issued a detailed judgement explaining the reasons behind its decision to set aside a controversial ruling by the national assembly speaker on april 3 that dismissed the no-confidence motion against then prime minister imran khan. in the verdict authored by chief Justice umar ata bandial, the top judge stated that by dismissing the noconfidence motion against imran khan, mr suri prima facie breached his constitutional duty. Justice bandial said the april 3 ruling failed to qualify for protection of the internal proceedings of parliament under article 69(1) as it was “not the outcome of a vote in the national assembly instead, it was a unilateral decision”.

Justice bandial observed that the controversial action by the deputy speaker triggered a chain of events, the most concerning aspect of which was that it allowed the then pm to claim the constitutionally repugnant outcome of avoiding the no-trust motion without a vote by the assembly. the court’s foremost priority was the maintenance of constitutional order which could only be achieved if the assembly was restored, Justice bandial added. Cypher not Shown to Court: Justice bandial, while referring to the cypher used by mr suri to dismiss the motion against imran khan, explained that the text of the cypher was not shown to the apex court, though its contents were partially disclosed in the detailed reasons issued in support of the deputy speaker’s ruling.

the detailed reasons in addition to cabinet decision of april 2 acknowledged the need for an inquiry to establish the alleged collusion between the opposition and a foreign state. “such an inquiry into facts can, in the first place, be carried out either by a commission constituted by the federal government under the 2017 act or by a specialised commission constituted under an act of parliament or an ordinance,” Justice bandial observed. the pti’s plea that the apex court should take suo motu over the defence of national security and allegation of breach of sovereignty was without precedent, the ruling explained. moreover, the opposition members who filed the notice were granted leave to move the motion against the then pm on march 28, crystallised the constitutional right and

newspapers had already gone to print and were unable to carry the news in their print editions. the announcement released early morning on July 14 points to significant risks ahead. this was the first working day after the eid holidays and financial markets saw significant turmoil. risk premiums on pakistani bonds skyrocketed, the exchange rate dipped and yields demanded by banks in the first t-bill auction since last week’s 125 basis point hike in the policy rate also climbed relentlessly. london-based bond traders and analysts tell profit the spike in risk premium on bonds is not pakistan-specific but is happening across emerging markets, especially high yield ones, on the back of interest rate hikes by the Federal reserve as the latest data showed inflation crossing 9% in the united states. markets expected further rate hikes by the Fed, fueled by a 100 basis point hike by the bank of canada on July 13. rate hikes in advanced industrial economies suck capital out of riskier emerging markets as investor fly into the relatively safer higher yields on offer in those jurisdictions.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05 obligation for there to be a vote under article 95(2) on the motion. this right/obligation cannot be defeated or curtailed except by a vote on the floor of the assembly, the ruling said, adding: “since the deputy speaker’s ruling unilaterally refused the right of vote granted by the constitution, no immunity under article 69(1) attaches to it and the same can be reviewed by the court.” meanwhile, Justice mazahar alam khan miankhel, who retired on July 13, in his additional note observed that the exercise of authority was a sacred trust which was violated by the president, then pm, the then speaker, the then deputy speaker and the then law minister. “whether these acts attract article 6 of the constitution (high treason) is also left open to be determined by the parliamentarians to ponder should they leave open the doors for such unconstitutional acts or take suitable measures to stop such like mess in future,” Justice miankhel suggested.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

terrorists martyr lt-col laiq Mirza after abduction: iSPr RAWALPINDI staff report Lieutenant-Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza, a highranking official of the Pakistan Army, embraced martyrdom after terrorists shot him, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed in a statement Thursday. According to the military’s media wing, on the night of July 12/13 a group of 10-12 terrorists abducted Lt Col Laiq Shaheed, who was serving in DHA Quetta, along with his cousin Umer Javed near Warchoom, Ziarat, as they were returning to Quetta after visiting Quaid-e-Azam’s residency. On receipt of information, Army Quick Reaction Forces were immediately dispatched to chase the fleeing terrorists. They were traced moving to their hideouts in the general area of Mangi Dam. Following that, a deliberate search operation was launched by security forces using Special Service Group (SSG) troops and helicopters. Resultantly, on night 13 July, a group of 6-8 terrorists was spotted while moving towards a nullah in nearby mountains by one of the teams of security forces. On sensing their possible encirclement, terrorists shot Lt Col Laiq Shaheed and attempted to flee the site. In the ensuing exchange of fire, two terrorists were gunned down by the security forces, while a huge cache of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), explosives and ammunition have also been recovered from their hideout. However, in the process, the remaining terrorists along with the other abductee, Omer, were able to flee for time being. Determined to recover the innocent civilian hostage and apprehend perpetrators, a sanitisation operation in the area by security forces continues unabated for the last 36 hours despite bad weather conditions. Security Forces remain resolute to thwart such cowardly attempts at sabotaging the peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, the ISPR said.

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Friday, 15 July, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

ZEEShAn ShAh rEPlACES AlI JEhAngIr AS AMbASSADor-At-lArgE on InvEStMEnt

NEWS DESK

RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed British Pakistani entrepreneur Zeeshan Shah as ambassador-at-large on investment to promote foreign investment into Pakistan. Zeeshan Shah will be replacing Ali Jehangir Siddiqui for this role who was appointed by the previous

government. The announcement was made through a notification issued by the Prime Minister Office on Wednesday. The notification reads: “The Prime Minister has been pleased to appoint Zeeshan Shah as Ambassador-at-Large on Investment, with immediate effect. The appointment of Zeeshan Shah will be in an honorary capacity.” Shah is a multi-award-winning

entrepreneur based out of London. His group has overseen investment transactions in excess of $1.3 billion. He made his name first when he appeared on BBC’s popular show “Apprentice”. The entrepreneur boasts a global network of contacts within the investment space including leading institutional and family offices across the Far East, Middle East, United Kingdom and the United States of

America. Speaking to Private news channel Shah said that in his first task, he will immediately be travelling to the USA to meet with investors in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. He said that he was thankful to PM Shehbaz for showing confidence in him and will do his utmost to represent Pakistan.

Qasim Suri survives fatal car crash

Imran’s allegations: ECP seeks record from Pemra

LAHORE staff rePort

ISLAMABAD staff rePort

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday took notice of allegations being levelled by PTI Chairman Imran Khan against the commission and sought record of his speeches from Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra). In a letter written to the Pemra chairman, the ECP sought record of Imran Khan’s speeches at Layyah, Bhakkar, and Khushab where he leveled serious allegations of collaboration between the commission and the PML-N leaders. The ECP will review the record of speeches obtained from the Pemra and later a meeting headed by the chief election commissioner will seek evidence of allegations from Imran Khan. “The commission will also seek an explanation from Imran Khan with regard to his speeches,” the sources said. It is pertinent to mention here that recently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) condemned ‘baseless allegations’ being levelled by former prime minister and PTI chairman against the commission and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja.

10 killed in rain-related incidents across KP: PDMA PESHAWAR staff rePort

The KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday said that as many as 10 persons were killed and two injured in different rain-related incidents occurred in various parts of the province during the past 24 hours. In a report released on Thursday, the PDMA informed that 10 houses were completely and 20 partially damaged in different incidents, adding that as per the directives of KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, the authority directed all district administrations to start rescue and relief operations in affected areas. It said that relief goods were distributed in Swabi, Tank and Bajaur while field staff has been deployed in district Karak for drainage of floodwater. Meanwhile, the PDMA Director General said that teams of the health department, Rescue 1122, district administrations and paramedics have been mobilized in flood affected areas to control the outbreak of diseases. He said that fumigation was being carried out in affected areas while heavy machinery had been deployed for drainage of floodwater. The DG said that PDMA took action timely due to which the losses remained very low in the affected areas, adding that the PDMA control room was working round the clock for timely response to any emergency.

LAHORE: Traffic wade through rainwater accumulated on Ravi Road during downpour. Photo by zubair Mehfooz

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Deputy Speaker National Assembly (NA) Qasim Suri has survived a fatal car crash in Bhakkar district of Punjab. According to details, the former NA deputy speaker’s vehicle met an accident at Darya Khan Road. Qasim Suri’s driver said the vehicle overturned after its tyre burst and collided with the car coming from the opposite side. Meanwhile, the police said Qasim Suri has received minor injuries in the road crash. The driver further said that the accident occurred after skidding of the vehicle due to the slippery road after recent heavy rainfall. Upon receiving the information, rescue and police teams reached the spot and shifted Qasim Suri and the driver to a nearby hospital. Qasim Suri was coming from Lahore to Darya Khan for a public gathering, in connection with Punjab byelections, scheduled to take place on July 17.

Imran says ‘hurt’ by SC ruling in Qasim Suri case DERA GHAZI KHAN agencies

Former prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday said he was “hurt” by the Supreme Court’s judgment in the suomotu case of former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri’s ruling, related to the no-confidence motion against the ex-prime minister. “I was hurt by the Supreme Court’s judgment,” Khan told a jalsa here in Dera Ghazi Khan in connection with the by-election in Punjab on July 17, where he criticised the incumbent government for supporting a US-backed conspiracy against his regime. In a detailed judgment on the noconfidence ruling, the court noted that no inquiry was ordered into the matter to ascertain the nature or extent of involvement of any person in Pakistan to seek or receive the support of a foreign state to move the no-confidence motion. “The reservation on the part of the NSC to recommend stronger measures against the [alleged] foreign conspiracy probably reflects the inadequacy of the material to take more assertive action. This perhaps also explains the lackluster response by the PCS and the members of the treasury in their respective meeting and sitting of 31.03.2022,” he said. But an adamant Khan claimed that there was evidence as he said that he presented the “cipher” before the then-

federal cabinet, adding that he also has the minutes of the meeting. Khan asked the courts that when a US undersecretary “threatens” a sitting prime minister of a nation of 220 million people, then isn’t it an embarrassment for the entire country. The former premier was referring to Donald Lu, the assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, who he claims was behind the alleged conspiracy that led to his government’s ousted in April. Although the court has maintained that there was insufficient evidence to back Khan’s claim of the foreign conspiracy, the ex-prime minister’s party has termed the SC’s ruling on the no-

confidence as “full of errors”. In a hard-hitting press conference in Lahore today, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said his party would get the verdict quashed by the next “representative and elected assembly”. Moreover, the federal government has hinted at filing references against the PTI’s top brass after a Supreme Court judgment. Khan however vowed to claim “two wickets with one ball” on July 17, the day scheduled for by-elections in 20 constituencies of the Punjab Assembly. Imran told his supporters to go door to door to prepare for the by-elections and not be “scared off by any tactics” by those in power.

Khan also levelled serious allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), saying: “Why do you spend three days in a week in Lahore with Hamza and Maryam?” “You represent the entire Pakistan but visit them to mentor them on how they can win the July 17 polls,” he added. Recalling how the recent elections in Sindh were conducted, Imran said: “The nation won’t forgive you.” On the other hand, he added, “Mr X is in Lahore to support them so is Mr Y in Multan. Who is Mr X? Well, you’ll find out soon.” The PTI chairman once again asked the Chief Justice of Pakistan to conduct a thorough probe of the Lettergate scandal. He asserted that the investigation is necessary to save future prime ministers of the country from bowing down to a foreign conspirer. Mocking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he asked if he was capable enough to withstand such pressures. The ousted premier also took the incumbent government to task for the skyrocketing fuel prices and advised PM Shehbaz to stand firm to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He went on to add that the country achieved progress in the last two years of his tenure that it didn’t in the past 17 years.

President terms insurance dues nonpayment by SLICP oppressive ISLAMABAD staff rePort

President Dr Arif Alvi described as arbitrary and oppressive the non-payment of a life insurance claim worth Rs1.7 million by the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLICP) to the claimant on frivolous ground. The president, while rejecting the SLICP’s representation against the decision of the Wafaqi Mohtasib, directed the corporation to settle the matter and

provide relief to the complainant in accordance with its policy, procedure, rules and regulations within 30 days of the orders. He observed that the SLICP’s point of view that the policyholder did not declare that he was a patient of hypertension before availing the policy as untenable because the patient did not die because of hypertension but from cardiopulmonary arrest. Moreover, he said, hypertension was a common disease and its patients had the

probability to live for decades or longer than the people not having such diseases, therefore, concealment of such diseases could not be termed as done fraudulently. While endorsing the claimant’s point of view, the president observed that according to the death certificate of Dow Medical College Civil Hospital Karachi, the deceased had died of cardiopulmonary arrest and not of hypertension at the age of 63. He further observed that the SLICP had all the means available to it to discover the alleged pre-insurance ailment of the

deceased through its authorized medical officer but it failed to undertake that simple exercise which was contrary to the relevant provision of the Contract Act. “The act says that a contract is not voidable if the party whose consent was so caused had the means of discovering the truth with ordinary diligence,” he added. As per details, the deceased Oscar Malik obtained a life insurance policy from the SLICP on 23.01.2020 for the sum assured of Rs 1,700,000. He died on 30.04.2020 and his complainant brother

Terrence Malik applied for the death insurance claim. The SLICP refused to pay the claim on the ground that the deceased policyholder had a pre-insurance ailment and was a patient of hypertension as per the medical record of his employer. Feeling aggrieved, the complainant approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib who passed the order in favour of the complainant. The SLICP, then, filed a representation with the president, which was rejected.

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Friday, 15 July, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

lhC ISSuES notICE to IMrAn rIAZ on PlEA AgAInSt hIS DISChArgE In CASE LAHORE

staff rePort

HE Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday issued notice to anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan for July 19 on a petition filed by the Punjab government against his discharge in a case registered at Civil Lines police station. Justice Ali Baqar Najafi heard the petition filed by the Punjab Prosecution Department. Additional Prosecutor General Punjab Khurram Khan argued before the court that

Civil Lines police registered a case against the anchorperson over criticism of state institutions. He submitted that the anchorperson was produced before the duty magistrate for obtaining physical remand to carry out investigations but the magistrate discharged him in the case. He submitted that the impugned discharge order was based on the contents of a USB, prepared from the YouTube channel program of Imran Riaz, whereas its authenticity was yet to be determined by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency. Therefore, the magistrate concerned

could not give its opinion on the contents, he added. He further submitted that under Section 167 (2) of Criminal Procedure Code, the duty magistrate had no jurisdiction to discharge the anchorperson. The magistrate could only send the respondent to judicial remand or could send the case to the competent court, he added. He submitted that the laptop and other material was yet to be recovered from the possession of the anchorperson to retrieve the relevant date as investigation of the case was still underway. Advocate Azhar Siddique opposed the

petition and stated that he represented Imran Riaz before the magistrate concerned in the matter. However, the court asked Advocate Azhar Siddique to submit a power of attorney in the current matter. Subsequently, the court issued notices to the anchorperson for July 19 and adjourned further hearing. The court also ordered to fix the petition along with another petition filed by the anchorperson for quashing 18 FIRs registered against him in different cities across Punjab. It is pertinent to mention here that the anchorperson was released before Eid after

SHC puts oﬀ MQM pleas against delimitation till 19th KARACHI news Desk

The Sindh High Court on Thursday adjourned hearing on MQM petitions challenging the local government delimitation till July 19. The SHC bench heard arguments from the counsels of the Election Commission, the Sindh government and the petitioners. The counsel for the Sindh government while opposing the petition said that the high court has already given its decision over similar petitions. The election commission’s lawyer said that the court has said that any voter can challenge delimitation of constituencies. “The MQM has challenged delimitation of all constituencies,” the counsel said. “The election commission had announced schedule, in which time

navy promotes two officers to ranks of rear Admiral

was given to submit objections over delimitation,” lawyer said. “The commission heard objections filed by the people”. “Our petitions are different from the previous petition, which were seeking postponement of elections,” MQM counsel Shahab Imam said. “The government has added rural areas in Karachi’s urban areas,” MQM lawyer said. “If the government has added Thatta in Karachi,” Justice Salahuddin Panhwar questioned. “No Thatta has not been included, but 36 union councils of Keamari and Malir districts have been added in urban areas,” MQM lawyer said. “Is Keamari not a part of Karachi,” the bench asked. “Keamari is a part of Karachi,” counsel replied. The bench while demanding arguments from lawyers adjourned further hearing of the case until July 19.

Rain, flood aﬀectees to get Rs1m compensation: PM ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD news Desk

Pakistan Navy on Thursday promoted two of its officers to the rank of Rear Admiral. Rear Admiral Amir Mahmood got commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1992. The Flag Officer is a graduate of National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore and has done joint Warfare Course from Australia, said a Pakistan Navy media release. The Admiral has an illustrious naval career covering vast experience of various Command and Staff appointments. His Command appointments include Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commandant Jinnah Naval Base and Commanding Officer of PNS ZULFIQUAR & PNS JURRAT. His Staff appointments include Senior Pakistan Naval Officer Saudi Arabia, Director Human Resources at Naval Headquarters, Naval Liaison Officer at HQ US NAVCENT Bahrain and Senior Staff Officer (Ops) to Commander West & Commander Coast. The Admiral is a recipient of Sitara-i-lmtiaz (Military). Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali got commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1993. The Flag Officer is graduate of National Defence University, Islamabad and Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore. The Admiral has a vast experience of command and staff appointments. His major Command appointments include Commander 25th Destroyer Squadron and Commanding Officer PNS ALAMGIR & PNS MUJAHID. His staff appointments include Chief Naval Overseer 1st OPV Mission Romania, Director Pakistan Navy Tactical School, Naval Liaison Officer US NAVCENT Bahrain and Assistant Principal Staff Officer to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee JSHQ. The Admiral is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and has been conferred with Tamgha-i-Basalat twice.

the LHC granted bail to him in a case registered by Saddar Chakwal police while hearing his plea against 18 FIRs.

Parliament attack case: govt moves IhC against Imran’s acquittal ISLAMABAD staff rePort

The federal government on Thursday filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court challenging the acquittal of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and other party leaders in the Parliament attack case. Besides Imran Khan, the government also challenged the exoneration of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pervaiz Khattak and Asad Umar in the same case. The government requested the court to declare the PTI chairman’s acquittal decision null and void, asserting that the Anti-Terrorism Court’s verdict was against the law. The government contended that the trial court had decided the case in haste. The petition stated that there were enough documentary and video evidence available to prove that PTI Chief Imran Khan had committed a crime by launching an attack on the Parliament. It further said that the trial court had condoned the evidence of eyewitnesses in this case and acquitted Imran. It alleged that the public prosecutors had favoured Imran’s exoneration against the law. The trial court had given the judgment in favour of Imran Khan even without hearing the affectees of the case, the petition added. An Anti-Terrorism Court had exonerated former prime minister Imran Khan and others in the Parliament attack case on Oct 29, 2020.

ECP cancels transfers in EPD

staff rePort

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that the government would provide compensation to the tune of Rs1 million each to the families of those who lost their lives during torrential rains and subsequent floods across the country. The prime minister, chairing a high-level meeting to discuss the flood situation in both the provinces, said the compensation would be given after a joint survey of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the provincial disaster management authorities. The prime minister directed the acting NDMA chairman to immediately reach Quetta and work with the Balochistan government for relief and rehabilitation of the floodaffected people. Calling for coordinated efforts between the federal and provincial governments, PM Shehbaz said there was no room for complacency. The prime minister asked the

FAISALABAD saleeM JaDoon

NDMA to increase its presence in the flood-affected areas of Balochistan and KP. He said due to Allah Almighty’s blessings, the country’s all dams were safe and secure, however, the situation was being monitored round the clock. He told the meeting that he would soon visit Balochistan to assess the extent of damage and express solidarity with the floodaffected population. The prime minister instructed all the federal and provincial government departments to be on

high alert in view of the more monsoon rains in the coming days. He said the whole nation was deeply grieved over the loss of precious lives as a result of the torrential rains and floods. “We are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” he assured. The prime minister observed that Balochistan and KP governments had done well so far, but more needed to be done. However, he assured them that the federal government would provide all possible support.

Taking notice of transfers and postings in the wake of by-elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday cancelled transfers of seven inspectors of the Environment Protection Department (EPD) with immediate effect. According to the spokesperson for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the ECP has imposed a ban on all types of transfers and postings due to by-elections in PP-97 Jhumra, Faisalabad-I on July 17 but it was brought to the notice of District Monitoring Officer PP-97 Zarvia Anwar that Deputy Director Environment Faisalabad Farhat Abbas had violated the orders of ECP by transferring seven Inspectors. Taking notice, the ECP cancelled the transfers of Inspectors: Khalid Mahmood, Rana Riaz Ahmed, Mazhar Fareed, Mazhar Abbas, Moaz Maroof, Muhammad Imtiaz and Rana Siddique. The ECP directed the heads of all provincial departments to comply with the orders in letter and spirit, otherwise strict disciplinary action would be initiated against them.

SCBA condemns insult, manhandling of physical impaired advocate by AD&SJ ISLAMABAD news Desk

Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBA) on Thursday condemned the incident involving the insult and manhandling of Amir Sohail Sheikh, Advocate Supreme Court (physically impaired person), by a Additional District & Session Judge, Patoki.

Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon, President and Waseem Mumtaz Malik Secretary SCBAP observed that the relentless conduct of Additional District & Session Judge was severely against the norms and ethics of the profession as well as against judicial decorum. They stated that the SCBAP being the apex bar of the country had always

advanced its highest regards for establishment of Rule of Law, hence could not turn a blind eye towards such malicious acts, which undermined the dignity, decorum and prestige of our judiciary. As such, this Association while endorsing the demands of Patoki Bar Association in particular and other concerned Bar Associations / Bar

Councils in general, called for the urgent disciplinary action to be initiated against the Additional District & Session Judge, Patoki, so as to protect and safeguard the modesty, reverence and honor of learned Judges and Courtrooms and further to ensure that such incidents, which were likely to damage the repute of legal profession, be avoided in future, they added.

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Friday, 15 July, 2022 | KARACHI

04 NEWS

KAsHMiri youtH lANguisHiNg iN sAuDi jAil for 2 yeArs over fACebooK MessAge to frieND

NewS DeSk

Kashmiri youth, who went to Saudi Arabia to earn livelihood, is languishing in a jail in the country for the last two years without trial. According to Kashmir Media Service, the crime of the innocent 37-year-old Javaid Ahmad Mir of Chattergam is that he shared his mobile number with a Kashmiri Facebook friend based in Iran. Javaid Ahmad Mir was arrested by Saudi police from his workplace on March 18, 2020 after he exchanged messages with his Facebook friend based in Mashhad city in Iran, his family told media in Srinagar. Javaid Ahmad Mir is a father of

a two-year-old daughter, is in judicial custody in Dammam Intelligence Jail, without any trial. “My brother’s only crime is that he had shared his WhatsApp number with a Facebook friend who was studying in Iran” Javaid’s brother Sajjad Hussain told media in Srinagar. “He didn’t know that Imtiyaz is based in Iran, he would have never entertained his texts,” Sajjad said. Javaid, he said, has completed his graduation in 2009 and thereafter took up the job of a teacher at a private school ‘Tawheed Education Institute. He resigned from his job after receiving an offer letter from Noodle International Trading Services at Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Javaid shifted to Saudi and started working in the Chinese origin

NDMA alerts authorities amid strong weather activity over Hub Dam catchment areas NewS DeSk The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued alert to the federal and provincial authorities concerned for remaining vigilant and prepared amid strong weather activity predicted over catchment areas of Hub Dam. The Authority in a news release said that vigorous monsoon activity was forecast over Sindh and Balochistan. As per representative of Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) strong weather activity was expected during next 24-72 hours over Hub Dam catchment areas, Karachi and Arabian Sea, it said. Owing to the predicted and anticipated rain during said period, the NDMA has issued instructions to concerned federal ministries, departments, respective provincial governments, their line departments including press information departments (PIDs), provincial disaster management authorities (PDMAs), district disaster management authorities (DDMAs) Sindh and Balochistan to remain watchful and prepared. The NDMA asked the concerned departments and management of Hub Dam were advised to ensure safe discharge of water as per the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to accommodate additional inflow of water from catchment areas. It also directed the authorities concerned to ensure timely evacuation of at-risk population downstream in case of any emergency, as per evacuation plans and inform the fishermen of Sindh and Balochistan not to venture out in open sea.

company as supervisor. According to Sajjad, the family came to know about Javaid’s detention through one of his colleagues. Sajjad said his mother—Sara Begum — is suffering from cardiac problems and used to get regular medical treatment and financial support from her son. His father is a farmer, while Sajjad is handling a family business -which is not fetching them “too much” He said that Javaid’s wife and daughter are helpless and want him back home as soon as possible. Javaid’s family had no contact with him for over one month of his arrest until he was allowed to call in April 2020, neither did the Saudi police allow his colleagues to meet him in the jail citing Covid-19 protocols.

Rain-related accidents leave 165 killed, 171 injured in Pakistan

NewS DeSk A total of 165 people were killed and 171 others injured in separate rain-related accidents during the

pre-monsoon season in Pakistan since June 14, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Wednesday. The country’s southwest

Balochistan province remained the worst-hit region where 65 people died and 49 others sustained injuries due to torrential rains that triggered flash floods. Local media also reported several incidents of dam bursts, which swept away scores of houses and infrastructures. The Balochistan government on Tuesday imposed section 144 in the province amid more forecasts of rains for a month, a statement by the chief minister’s office of the province said. According to section 144, the public will be restricted from going for picnics at rivers, dams, and other water reservoirs. Swimming in rivers and water streams will also be banned. Thirty-eight people were killed in separate accidents in Sindh province including the provincial capital of Karachi which has suffered heavy downpours for over a week.

Pakistan keen to sign MoU with Iran for boosting religious tourism: Shakoor NewS DeSk Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor on Thursday said the country was keen to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran to boost religious tourism. The minister informed an Iranian delegation, which met him in Makkah, that the MoU in that regard was being finalized, said a news release. The delegation, which was led by Representative of the Supreme Leader in Hajj and Pilgrimage Affairs and Head of Iranian Pilgrims Syed Abdul Fattah

Nawab. It also included Dr Hussani, Dr Ali Khayat and others. The minister, in the meeting, said the MoU would also ensure optimum facilities for the pilgrims during their pilgrimage and stay. Shakoor said Iran was the brotherly neighbouring country and its progress and prosperity was very dear to Pakistan. Hajj was a source of unity for the Muslim Ummah and both countries would work together to promote mutual cooperation, he said, adding the pilgrimage of sacred religious places of Iran, Iraq, Syria was a source of inspiration for Muslims.

He underlined the need for devising a common strategy to find solution of the problems being confronted by the Ummah. The minister recalled that Pakistan, Iraq and Iran had jointly responded to the desecration of the Quran about two years ago in an effective manner. The Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan was very sensitive regarding desecration of sacred religious places, Shakoor noted. The minister was also invited to visit Iran for early completion of the pilgrimage agreement, exchange of delegations of scholars and Qura.

Committee on missing persons to submit recommendations to Cabinet in five weeks NewS DeSk Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday said that the committee on missing persons in its third meeting reiterated its commitment to submit its recommendations to the Cabinet in four to five weeks. The minister expressed these views while chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Missing Persons. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister Human Rights Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Sabzwari, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Agha Hassan Baloch and senior officials of the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Interior. Chairperson Rights Group Defense of Human Rights Pakistan Amna Masood Janjua attended the meeting on special invitation and put forward her suggestions to the committee to resolve the issue of missing persons. Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada also expressed his views and suggestions. The Additional Secretary Home Balochistan also attended the meeting and presented his suggestions before the committee. The meeting, while considering the seriousness of the issue, reiterated its commitment to submit its recommendations to the Cabinet in a short span of time. Azam Nzaeer Tarar said that other stakeholders would also be invited to attend the forthcoming meetings of the committee and present their suggestions. Representatives of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Bar Associations would also be invited to attend the next meeting, he added. Senator Kamran Murtaza and President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Ahsan Bhoon would also be invited to attend the next meeting on July 19.

Busan World Expo 2030 to help transform growing economies of world; says South Korean Ambassador ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

South Korean Ambassador Suh Sangpyo on Thursday said that the South Korean bid for World Expo 2030 in South Korean city of Busan can help transform growing economies as Korea is ready to share fruits of economic development with the developing world. Officially known as International Registered Exhibitions, World Expos are a global gathering of nations dedicated to finding solutions to pressing challenges by offering a journey inside a universal theme through engaging and immersive activities. Korea became one of five candidates to host the World Expo after submitting its bid for 2030 world expo in June 2021. The other candidates are Moscow, Odessa, Rome, and Riyadh. The host country will be decided by the 170 Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Member States in 2023, with each country casting one vote. Busan’s bid is based on the theme “Transforming Our

World, Navigating Toward a Better Future”. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan Today, Ambassador Suh Sangpyo said that South Korea wants to share with the world

its experiences of development. “We want to help the Asian and other growing economies with our experience in high-end technological and industrial growth by collaborating with the developing economies like Pakistan. Busan Expo will provide this opportunity,” he said, adding that Busan has now acting as a global hub of both commerce and culture. “Busan is a transportation and logistics hub for Northeast Asia and its vibrant atmosphere is an incubator for artists such as musicians and filmmakers. In the future, Busan seeks to become an eco-friendly, smart city that harnesses Korea’s advanced digital technologies. Busan’s openness, diversity, and inclusivity make it the ideal host for the 2030 World Expo. If the bid succeedes, the Expo will take place in the city of Busan between May and October 2030,” he said. Highlighting the scope of cooperation between South Korea and Pakistan, Ambassador Suh Sangpyo said that Korea can collaborate with Pakistan in all spheres from pandemic to economy.

“We can share our experience for humanity for shared development goal. Once Busan wins the world expo in November next year, we will share the details of collaboration in all fields to help achieve sustainable growth,” he added. Advocating for the Korean bid, the envoy said that world community knows that South Korea can become a new center of economic collaboration being a promising economy and Busan Expo can really contribute to world cooperation in the challenging economic environment. “Busan Expo would provide an opportunity to the growing and developed economies to showcase their achievements,” he maintained. Ambassador Suh Sangpyo said that Pakistan right now is a booming economy and Korea can share its experiences and achievements with Pakistani business community. “Next year, Korea and Pakistan are celebrating the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. I hope highest level contacts would be made and one can’t rule

out a high level exchange. We are in contact with Pakistani embassy in Seoul for a highlevel exchange,” he added. Talking about the ongoing talks for signing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Korea, Ambassador Suh Sangpyo said that the two economies are not complementary and the two countries have to sign FTA to complement each other. “Talks are on and but both the sides are working on the proposal. Pakistan has some concerns and we hope for a breakthrough soon,” he added. Speaking about Korean investments in Pakistan, Ambassador Suh Sangpyo said that the Korean companies are hesitant to invest into Pakistan due to security concerns. “But recently Korean Telecom Company has recently engaged into business projects with IESCO and another Islamabad IT Park. More Korean companies would follow these projects. Likewise, Samsung has opened its assembling line in Pakistan. I hope that young entrepreneurs can boost trade gap between the two countries,” he concluded.

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Friday, 15 July, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

Committee Set up to review ongoing inquirieS, inveStigation under new naB law iSLamaBad

News Desk

HE National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday constituted a committee which would decide about the fate of ongoing inquires and investigations in light of the new amended law. The decision to this effect was taken in the Executive Board Meeting of National Accountability Bureau (NAB-EBM) which was presided over by its acting Chairman Zahir Shah, said a news release. The body, headed by the director general headquarters, would see whether an ongoing inquiry or investigation was required to continue or close under the NAB Act, 2022. The director operation division, legal consultants of prosecution division, and relevant desk officers of the operation division of NAB headquarters were also made part of the committee. The body would submit a preliminary report on the ongoing inquiries and investi-

gations to the relevant departments as well as to the NAB-EBM for further consultation and consideration – where the law would take its own course. Meanwhile, the NAB-EMB also decided not to share the details of inquiries and investigations authorized in its meeting in compliance with the NAB amended act. It authorized filing a reference against Meraj A Syed, former chief hydrographer, Gwadar Port Authority and others in alleged abuse of power and misappropriation of state funds which caused financial loss of Rs 794 million to the national exchequer. The EBM authorized closing of various inquiries and investigations due to absence of evidence, including inquiries against the administration of Benazir Income Support Programme, officers/officials and others of Karakoram International University, Gilgit-Baltistan, Barrister Sheikh Abid Waheed, former managing director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) and others, Major (retd) Syed

Khalid Amin Shah, chief security officer of Peshawar Development Authority and others, Saleem Hassan Wattoo, former di-

rector general of Peshawar Development Authority and others, Ameen Vance, former capital city police office Lahore and

Heavy rains expected in various parts of country newS deSk Widespread heavy rain was expected in Sindh, Balochistan, South Punjab and lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while more scattered rain-wind is likely in Islamabad, upper Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. In the past 24 hours, rainwind/thundershower (with isolated heavy falls) occurred in Punjab, Islamabad, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-

Baltistan, Zhob and Lasbella. While hot and humid weather prevailed elsewhere in the country. The rainfall recorded during the past 24 hours, was Punjab; Gujranwala 135, Mangla 128, Hafizabad 114, Islamabad (Airport 91, Zero Point 36, Golra 22, Saidpur 20), Attock 76, Bahawalnagar 75, Kasur 65, Chakwal 60, Lahore (Tajpura 115, Paniwala Talab 108, Lakshmi Chowk 106, Gulshan Ravi 93, Chowk Nakhuda 92, Nishter Town 88, Mughalpura 83, Upper Mall 82, Johar

Town 79, Samanabad 65, Head Office Wasa 61, Airport 59, Iqbal Town 45, City 41), Sialkot (Airport 45, City 33), Jhelum 42, Gujarat 42, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha 36, Rawalpindi (Shamsabad 31, Chaklala 20), Bahawalpur (Airport 28, City 19), Murree 20, Narowal 18, Joharabad 12, Khanewal, Okara 04, Toba Tek Singh, Dera Ghazi Khan 02, Sahiwal 01, Sindh: Chhor 85, Shaheed Benazirabad 13, Badin 10, Khairpur 05, Mirpur Khas 04, Jacobabad, Rohri 02, Sukkur 01, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

Kakul 36, Cherat 24, Parachinar 19, Saidu Sharif 18, Dir (Upper 15, Lower 05), Malam Jabba 13, Balakot 10, Kalam 09, Bannu 04, Peshawar 02, Drosh 02, Takht Bai, Mirkhani 01, Kashmir: Rawalakot 16, Muzaffarabad (City 13, Airport 09), Kotli 09, Garhi Dupatta 05, Gilgit Baltistan: Bagrote 11, Gilgit 04, Balochistan: Zhob 10 and Lasbella 02. The highest maximum temperatures recorded during the period were Sibbi 46 C, Jacobabad, Dalbandin, Nokkundi, Khairpur 42 C and Larkana 41 C.

‘Default’ risk recedes as IMF announces staﬀ level agreement with Pakistan Continued from page 01 On Thursday last week, these premiums were inching down as confidence slowly seeped back following the Fund’s announcement. Bloomberg reported the Sukkuk maturing in December 2022 rose by to 90.4 to a dollar after dipping to 89.5 a day earlier, while the April 2031 maturity also strengthened by 0.2 cents. Wednesday, July 13, also saw the exchange rate drop to PKR 211 to a dollar in both the interbank and open markets, dipping by PKR 2.20 and PKR 2.50 in each, respectively. On Thursday both opened at PKR 210.3 and PKR 209.5, respectively. Yields demanded by banks also spiked on Wednesday in the first treasury bill auction to be held since the policy rate hike of last week. Profit carried that story earlier. As the Fund programme moves towards resumption, the schedule of disbursements has been revised to reflect the possible extension till June 2023 as well as a possible enhancement of disbursements by $1 billion. The Fund statement points towards both domestic as well as global pressures for why Pakistan

is in need of a bailout. “A difficult external environment combined with procyclical domestic policies fueled domestic demand to unsustainable levels,” it says. The prolonged period of negative real interest rates, that had to be unwound in a rush via a 775 basis point hike in the policy rate since November 2021, provided a strong impetus to growth but also gave rise to pressures on the external account that depleted the foreign exchange reserves and placed great pressure on the exchange rate. “The resultant economic overheating led to large fiscal and external deficits in FY 2021-22, contributed to rising inflation, and eroded reserve buffers,” says the statement. Going forward the government is expected to return a primary surplus of 0.4% of GDP in its fiscal balance by the end of FY 2022-23, which will require strong revenue performance as well as tight expenditure control. Stemming the continued growth in the circular debt, expected to see a flow of PKR 850 billion in FY 2021-22 according to the Fund statement, is another priority singled out for mention. It also

calls for “proactive monetary policy” which responds strictly to inflation and “greater exchange rate flexibility”. The staff report from February 2022 pointed specifically to interventions in the foreign exchange market. “The volume and frequency of FX intervention and other administrative measures have been increased to manage the FX market as current expansionary macroeconomic policies led to heightened depreciation pressure on PKR in 2021,” that report said. Once the programme resumes in earnest following board approval, the practice of import restrictions via bans and cash margin requirements as well as administrative processing delays will need to end. The State Bank will need to acknowledge the higher yields demanded by banks in T-bill auctions as a market reality rather than an avaricious practice to be stamped out. Power and gas tariffs will need to rise sharply to curtail the continuing flow of circular debt. In short, more interest rate rises, further currency devaluation and higher utility bills await the business community as programme implementation gets underway in earnest.

Suri’s unilateral ruling did not enjoy parliamentary immunity: SC Continued from page 01 The elected representatives of the people were prevented from voting on the resolution and for such blatant transgression of the Constitution there must be consequences and the law must take its course, Justice Miankhel added. ‘Doctrine of necessity’: Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, in his additional note, observed that the action of the deputy speaker was biased, on the basis whereof, if permitted to hold fresh elections, would amount to giving licence to an authority to misuse the extraordinary power of the doctrine of necessity. This country has already experienced misuse of the doctrine of necessity by the hands of unconstitutional forces time and again, which were legitimised by the apex court, but it did not achieve the desired results, he added. Rather, the democracy suffered a lot because of misuse of the doctrine of necessity, Justice Mandokhel observed. He added the courts must discourage every action, which was contrary to the constitution and democratic norms.

PIA inducts another A-320 aircraft into fleet iSLamaBad News Desk

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has inducted another Airbus-320, a narrow-body aircraft acquired on a six-year dry lease, into its fleet that would help improve the national flag carrier’s flight operations on domestic and international routes. “Induction of new aircraft in PIA’s air fleet continues as the second Airbus-320 of the current year has arrived in Pakistan from Sharjah. This aircraft will be operated within the country, on regional and Gulf routes,” PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan informed media here on Thursday. He said the aircraft had been on a lease of six years, adding that the PIA could get its ownership after the lease expired with mutual understanding of the parties concerned. The first A-320 [of the current year] arrived in April and now is busy rendering operational services. The spokesman explained that the PIA had floated a tender last year for procurement of the aircraft, out of which two reached Pakistan and two more would arrive in the coming few days.

North Waziristan reports 12th polio case iSLamaBad News Desk

Southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa declared at highest risk of wild polio virus transmission. A 21-month-old boy has been paralysed by wild polio in the 12th case of the variant of the viral disease in Pakistan this year. All the children affected by wild polio this year belong to North Waziristan. The child in the latest case had onset of paralysis on June 18 and belongs to Mir Ali (UC-2), the Pakistan National Polio Laboratory at the National Institute of Health, Islamabad has confirmed. According to preliminary investigations, the child has been paralysed in the right leg. The southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North and South Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan,

Bannu, Tank and Lakki Marwat, are at highest risk of wild polio virus transmission. Bannu also reported two positive environmental samples between April and May this year, confirming that ongoing wild polio virus transmission is not limited to North Waziristan. Federal Minister for Health Abdul Qadir Patel said the Pakistan Polio Programme has repeatedly launched immunisation campaigns in southern KP since the first child was found with polio-induced paralysis. He said that the programme continues to strive to ensure that the virus does not spread. “Even though these cases are happening in the same part of the country, parents and caregivers around Pakistan must remain extremely vigilant and give their children repeated doses of the polio

vaccine,” said Federal Health Secretary Dr Fakhre Alam Irfan. This year, 13 cases have been reported from Pakistan and Afghanistan, the only two polio endemic countries left in the world. Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by polio virus mainly affecting children under the age of five years. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this disease. Each time a child under the age of five is vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased. Repeated immunisations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio-free, besides the two endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

CmYk

others, Zulfikar Ghuman, Director General of Sports Board Punjab and others, Muhammad Ramzan Awan, former secretary Local Government Department, Sindh, and others, Professor (retd) Dr Azam Hussain Yousfani, Vice Chancellor of People University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Shaheed Benazirabad and others, and Akbar Durrani, former Balochistan home secretary owing to absence of evidence. The EBM authorised closing inquiries against officers/officials of Peshawar Development Authority, Peshawar and others, officers/officials and contractors of Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority, Shahid Hussain Asad, former Additional Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Revenue and others due to absence of evidence. The meeting was also attended by Syed Asghar Haider, Prosecutor General Accountability, Farmanullah Khan, Director General, NAB, Rawalpindi and other senior officers of the bureau.

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Friday, 15 July, 2022

06 COMMENT

A tale of two PMs Or three?

Agreement with IMF Common man needs maximum relief

AKIstAn and the IMF have finally reached stafflevel agreement for release of a $1.17 billion loan tranche. While IMF’s executive Board has yet to approve the deal there is a perception that after Pakistan’s commitment to take any additional measures suggested by the Fund, the Board’s approval is just a formality. the agreement will put an end to doomsday scenarios that were being painted by PtI chief Imran Khan and those around him. the agreement ensures that the country is neither going to default nor turn into another sri Lanka if the governmentt sincerely implements the accord. the agreement has generated positive signals with the rupee gaining rs1.60 in the interbank market and the Kse-100 going up 1.16 percent as the market cheered revival of the IMF programme. Pakistan does not possess sufficient foreign exchange to buy coal or gas to generate power, purchase wheat and edible oil for its population and chemicals, machinery and spare parts for its industry and agricultural sector. the agreement provides Pakistan a certificate of financial credibility. Besides the release of the IMF tranche, Pakistan will now be able to secure loans from international financial orgnisations and friendly countries. the accord will hopefully lead to the improvement of the country’s ratings that will encourage investors and bring better returns for government bonds. With the IMF package available the government is expected to concentrate on providing relief to the poor and the lower middle class which are currently suffering most from inflation and high unemployment. Internal shortages, disturbance in global supply chain and war in Ukraine have all contributed to a rise in prices and reduction in purchasing power. the rise in inflation, that touched a 14-year high of 21.3 percent in June, is an economic issue that can have grievous political implications for the parties in power. While Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal does not consider corruption a major hindrance in economic development, IMF thinks otherwise. It supports a comprehensive review of the anti-corruption institutions, including the national Accountability Bureau, to enhance their effectiveness in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.

Learning from Johnson and Abe At Penpoint

He resignation of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister of the UK, and the assassination of shinzo Abe, the ex-Prime Minister of Japan, occurred at opposite ends of the eurasian landmass, but both illustrated how one of the main dilemmas of modern democracy has been to arrange for accountability, which is after all supposed to be at the heart of the democratic system. It could be said that accountability is an essential component of any rules-based system, but it is particularly important in democratic systems. However, while Johnson’s resignation represents an acceptable method of accountability, Abe’s example is of how accountability need not be accurate. Johnson’s example showed how accountability was supposed to flow from the principal tenet of democracy, that the people are sovereign. one of the principal means of accountability is election defeat. In a representative democracy, the loss of the support of the elected representatives of the people is supposed to mean the fall of the government. In a parliamentary system, the chief executive holds office because he has the support of the majority of those representatives. even in a presidential system, the chief executive may well be directly elected, but his is removable by the elected representatives of the people. Johnson had escaped ouster by the parliamentary party, but there was so much feeling expressed against him, that his departure was only a matter of time. that time came when there was a mass of resignations because of another example of the kind of problems that Johnson had. Johnson appeared to have been removed because he was a compulsive liar, a shifty character and generally a bad person, but these qualities had been apparent for years, and had not prevented him becoming leader of the Conservatives and thus PM. What seems to have made people sit up and take notice now, seems to have been the defeat in recent by-elections, which indicated that if Johnson was to lead the Conservatives into the next election, the result would be a disaster. Also, the discoveries of his bad behaviour were becoming more prominent, even public. the long investigation into his violation of covid-19 restrictions also revealed the non-criminal but sybaritic culture that pervaded 10 Downing street, notably the excessive drinking. He ended up paying a fine for that, thus becoming the first PM to be convicted

Child labour Recent killing shows the flaws in the system

He recent incident, in which a minor was killed, showed the cracks in the system through which the poor can fall. the problem lies in the practice of handing over children to others in exchange for an advance on salary, which amounts to a sort of sale of the children, who will have to spend a long time paying off their money their parents have spent. the parents can be faulted for seeing their children as an asset that can generate money, rather than as a person in their care, who deserves a childhood and an education. the incident in Lahore is not the first; it might be remembered that a civil judge and his wife in Islamabad did the same thing, making a splash not too long. the Lahore case may be more sensational, because not only one child has been killed, but his brother injured severely. theft, of course, cannot be justified, but it is perhaps too much to expect little children, who have themselves had their childhood sold, not to be attracted by material objects. the real problem is that the children are being asked to do jobs beyond their capacity, are being burdened with responsibilities beyond their age. Child labour is growing as the population is, because there is a market. there are no strong truancy laws, and the government does not really have enough capacity to put all these children in schools. there is no way that child labour can be sanitized, which makes it interesting that civil society organizations have not made more of fuss over the present incident. though the situation does not admit of palliative measures, such as educating such child domestic measures, the government, as well as those who are better off, must act to make sure that such situations do not arise. Governments must ensure that the poor do not sell their children like this; the better off must refuse to use domestic labour, especially of underage children. It should be noted that it is underage children to whom such abuses occur. one hears housewives complaining aplenty about the help, but never about them beating offending adults.

Chief ministers are taking over

Dr rAjkuMAr SINgh

ontroversy in Bengal recently broke out after the state legislature passed an act to give all powers of state’s governor as chancellor to the office of chief minister. the state university law amendment bill 2022, was earlier approved by the state cabinet and it gave all powers of governor as chancellor to the present chief minister Mamta Banerjee and having been cleared from the legislature, the ball is in the governor’s court to find his consent. earlier to this development, in July 2021, Bihar chief minister nitish Kumar also initiated to open three universities in the state to regulate the academic and administrative activities in the spheres of medical, engineering and sports and as and when these universities will take concrete shape, all medical and engineering colleges and sports academies of the state will come under the purview of newly created universities, delinking them from traditional institutions of higher education. In contrast to the earlier tradition of making the governor chancellor, the chief minister of the state will act as chancellor. By making these laws, the state governments don’t seem to improve the deteri-

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

In Pakistan, whatever the party in power, the way Johnson was ousted was not going to happen. Any minister having the temerity to resign would find himself the subject of a name-calling campaign, and no party would tolerate such a person. It is not as if the fate of such rebels has been particularly good in the UK. If either sunak or Javid make it to the leadership now, or even in the future, it would be an exceptional development. At the same time, internal rebellions are the main cause of changes in party leaders in party systems, along with electoral defeats. However, this does not apply to south Asia, with the 1969 Congress split instructive. After Congress suffered electoral defeats at the state level, there was a move to replace Indira Gandhi as Congress chief, and thus as PM. Instead, she split the party, forming the Congress-I, and then won the 1971 general election handily. the use of violence has been given a lease of life, again by the PtI, with the labelling of opponents as corrupt, merely because of an accusation. every conviction starts as an accusation, but it has to go through testing by the courts. Despite three years of effort, there was no conviction of shehbaz sharif. to call him names would thus be a sort of contempt of court. It should be remembered that Pakistan, in the person of Imran Khan, is an example paralleling both Johnson and Abe. of course, when he was about to be removed from office, he did not resign. By that token, Johnson has proved a poltroon, who should have toughed it out, and then refused to give up even when he had lost his Commons majority. Johnson shows that fresh elections is not necessarily the best solution, for unlike Imran he won an absolute majority, and depended on no allies for survival. He also owed nothing to the establishment, and has not blamed the UsA for any conspiracy. As for Abe’s fate, Imran is a former PM who says he has received death threats. However, he should note that Abe was actually killed. While the whole of Japan has mourned him, he has had no opportunity of using this for his political benefit. In a strange way, Pakistan seems joined with both the UK and Japan in their prime ministerial crises, while in the middle of its own. the big difference is that Pakistan is the only one of the three with an establishment that has a role in determining who rules.

In a strange way, Pakistan seems joined with both the UK and Japan in their prime ministerial crises, while in the middle of itsr own.

The writer is a member of staff

Governors as Chancellors: The unseen compromises

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

M A NIAZI

while in office. the last straw was his appointment of Chris Pincher as Deputy Chief Whip. Pincher had previously been a junior minister at the Foreign office, where he had been investigated for attempts on young men. Pincher, who seems to have been a Johnson favourite, finally resigned on June 30 June, for having drunk too much the night before and having groped two men. Much has changed, but not being able to hold one’s drink still remains a cardinal sin. Pincher is not the first British politician to be guilty of homosexual behaviour, and in the post-sexual revolution age it might be spun as a positive, but drunken pawing is still not on. this was used by two Cabinet members, Chancellor of the exchequer rishi sunak and Health secretary sajid Javid, both children of south Asian immigrants, to resign. About 100 junior ministers also resigned, and with his ministry collapsing about him, Johnson really had no choice but to resign. Abe’s killer, on the other hand, did not really assassinate him because of any character flaws. tetsuya yamagami, who fired the fatal two shots from a homemade firearm, was a former sailor in the Japanese navy, but his grievance did not have anything to do with Abe’s attitude towards the Japanese self-Defence Force, but to his alleged help to the reunification Church of south Korean pastor rev sun Myung Moon, to get into Japan. Both his father, a onetime Foreign Minister, and maternal grandfather, a former PM, are alleged to have helped the rev Moon in their time. this is accountability carried out on the basis of a suspicion. It might be a strong suspicion, and even accurate. But a court has to determine the guilt. there is also the issue of the sentence. even where a jury determines guilt or innocence, it is the court which determines the appropriate punishment. It seems that there has been a confusion about accountability. this is based on envy in Pakistan, not the desire to prevent abuse of power. the PtI has spread the doctrine of other parties being thieves that it is almost as if it is reviving the old pre-Marxian dictum (what engels called ‘utopian socialism’):”property is theft.” that is the spirit behind former Chief Justice Asif saeed Khosa’s beginning of his judgement disqualifying nawaz sharif, when he quoted The Godfather, where author Mario Puzo had himself quoted Balzac: “Behind every great fortune is a crime.”

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

orating academic as well as administrative environment of the universities, but it’s a side effect of extending political power or putting the whole system under one’s control. It is totally done on the basis of party lines, a clear tussle between governor and chief minister or a struggle of political influence between treasury and opposition benches which has evaporated the pious objectives of establishing the institutions of higher education a centre, with all qualities and potentials, to guide and regulate the life of individuals and society as well. thus, it is the high time and golden opportunity to have a look at the entire process which provides the state’s higher education a real as well as ceremonial head in the form of vice-chancellor and Chancellor. It’s a work not to be done by the dominance of a politician, but supervised by them to preserve and protect the sanctity of higher education in the state, and thus the country. In most cases Governors in Indian states play a dual role vis-à-vis state Government and being constitutional heads of the state, are bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers. they function as a link between the Union and state Governments. While his functions as chancellor are laid down in different statutes that govern the universities in a particular state, the governor’s role in appointing the vice-chancellors has often triggered disputes and so many rumours cropped up in public through the print as well as electronic media from time to time. the seen and unseen irregularities have weakened the entire higher education system from within with no end in sight in the near future. especially, in this era of globalization when everything including education has come on the universal radar, the system of higher education needs an overhaul from top to bottom in a way to make it effective, purposeful, and a model for others to imitate and move forward in a right and proper direction. Although outwardly, it makes no difference for students, teachers and staff of universities who dominate the arena, it produces a rotten lot for the present day society who are the future guide and inspiration for the coming generation. At a time when there is a dire need of converting our knowledge into learning by adopting skill development programmes attached with scientific progress and innovations, universities are working in a status-quo

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manner with poor vision and outdated work culture, far away from modern technology and updating of skills. they have least relation with qualitative/genuine research, purposeful curriculum, publication of quality national and international journals. on many counts, especially the universities of north India have failed miserably in making honest, efficient, academic and administrative appointments, which resulted in continued deterioration of the sanctity and integrity of higher education in the state and the region as well. there is no doubt in the fact that vice-chancellors are the real executive and academic as well as administrative heads of the university, are appointed on the recommendation of the search-cum-selection committee, normally comprising three members, two nominated by the chancellor (chairman and an educationist) along with one representative from the state government, expectations from this newly search committee constituted as per guidelines of University Grants Commission (UGC), is in the pipeline, while downward slide of the higher education is in progress not for want of pious intentions but lack of determination at the highest political level to translate the vision into reality. By law and tradition, chancellor is the titular head of the state universities in a state and appoints a vicechancellor on his behalf, with fruitful consultation with the state government, to handle the day today affairs in a transparent way as a leader of academic, administrative and financial arena to achieve the cherished goal of the organisationHowever, several charges are levelled and question marks raised against the process and the competent authorities as well, of a number of irregularities that have been passed on without taking any notice, leading the higher education to be treated as an institution of certificate imparting agency rather than an excellent institution of quality research, a centre of skill development with programmes of employable courses, as well as a symbol of morality, integrity, transparency in work culture and a source of inspiration for the people who live in the surroundings. The writer is head of the political science department of the B.N.Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India and can be reached at rajkumarsinghpg@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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COMMENT 07 Editor’s mail Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan today exclusively

Do girls have freedom in Pakistan? eMBArKInG on an educational journey is no mean feat for a girl in Pakistan. one of the biggest obstacles to girls’ education is the thinking that women are best suited for household chores and therefore should remain within the confines of four walls. even if parents do allow their daughters to acquire education, the decision is usually influenced by the intention that men prefer educated girls for marriage. Moreover, given the demarcated lines of morality and ethics, many girls are engaged before they are allowed to pursue higher education. However, as many girls would agree, being engaged while studying at a university is an uphill task. With higher education getting increasingly challenging, unnecessary restrictions from the future in-laws become a major hindrance to achieving satisfactory grades. this practically makes the engagement a stifling cage curved out of social, moral and ethical bars, leading to mental disturbance. It sometimes feels like the girls are kind of prisoners across our lives. Parents and society need to play their due role to let the girls out of this negative mindset and, instead of clipping their wings, they should let the girls fly high and be in control of their own individual destinies. TASAWUR FATIMA NAUSHAHRO FEROZE

Is this the right way out? Politically, matters are getting worse

Dr. SAIrA ASAD

AKIstAn was created in the name of Islam with Islamic teachings where Muslims were to be live their lives in freedom by having fundamental rights. We are blessed to have an independent country, but in the current political crisis, is it right to say that uni-knot practices are being practiced on the political ground, where the multi-purpose fishing knot is being used for attaching the fishing line to catch the desired target. Is it the right way out? Going back to the vote of no-Confidence Motion against the former PtI government, immense political turmoil is still going on in the political field and is getting worse day by day. on March 8, opposition parties filed a notrust move in the national Assembly against the PtI government. the opposition required 172 votes to oust then Prime Minister Imran Khan, which was followed by talk of horsetrading. twenty-four PtI lawmakers were identified in it, and later were given showcause notices by PtI. on March 25, then speaker Asad Qaiser summoned a no-trust session. After delays, on March 30, President Arif Alvi dissolved the national Assembly on the advice of the PM, with the Deputy speaker ruling out the motion by blaming the joint opposition for conspiring with the UsA against the PtI. on April 9, the crucial nA session was called to vote on the no-confidence motion afer the supreme Court had struck down the Deputy speaker’s ruling. speaker Asad Qaiser resigned, by declaring it unlawful to do any action which was affected by conspiracy, and asked Ayaz sadiq to take up the chair to initiate the process at the midnight. For the first time in the history of Pakistan, the supreme Court opened at night to intervene in the political crisis which seemed to be turning into the worst episode. the timely intervention by the Court protected the political field for an amicable solution in accordance with the Constitution. However, on April 11, Mr shahbaz sharif was elected Prime Minister by securing 174 votes, under the joint coalition decision. Due to horse-trading, later on, the votes for Punjab CM were declared void based on the cancellation of membership of PtI members through which other parties were able to secure the desired seats to win. till now, PtI is standing firm on its stance and organizing rallies all over Pakistan where huge crowds are being observed attending. Imran Khan is seen maintaining the momen-

tum of his party through his firm stance as said “I will not accept an imported government– absolutely not, and ready for struggle”. In reality, the political field is the name of continuous struggle, but when there is an elected government there should be given a chance to complete the tenure of 5 years instead of pulling and pushing friction in between. these sorts of differences were required to be sorted out face to face. the PML(n) representatives were heard saying that Imran Khan’s government seemed to continue for nearly 15 more years, so there was a requirement to find a solution to oust the government. the PtI’s firm stance on corruption, mishandling of official funding, and court cases were affecting and making hindrance in the ways of other political parties. so far, if we put a glance into the past, not even a single Prime Minister was able to complete the tenure i.e. Benazir Bhutto (198899, 1993-96); nawaz sharif (1990-93, 199798); raja Ashraf (201213); yousuf raza Gillani (2008-12); shoukat Aziz (20042007); Chaudhry shujaat Husain (Jun-Aug 2004); Zafarullah Jamali (2002-04); nawaz sharif (2013-2017); shahid Khaqan Abbasi (2017-2018), and Imran Khan (20182022). History has been made when the very first time a Pakistani Prime Minister was ousted by a vote of no confidence by the claims of external interference. In 2018, PtI took over the government with a collapsing economy, and the current government can be heard blaming the PtI government for the current situation. on the other side, there were always economic issues hovering over the head, an at a moment the dollar has reached the highest rate of rs 209, petrol is at r. 249 per litre, and it is being said it will reach rs 300 per litre in coming days to come up to the expectations of IMF. the situation is still getting out of hand and a common citizen is struggling for survival. Apart from this, the raised voices on various issues are being tried to suppress by force. As seen in the recent arrest of journalist Imran riaz Khan, who is being shifted to the courts of various cities. the case is shifted from court to court due to not coming into a jurisdiction, or being wrongly charged under the sedition case. In reality, it seems to be a fight between raising questions. At this moment, various FIrs have been lodged against many journalists who are keen to obtain answers and are being dragged into cases. the present scenario is giving the picture of raising civil war with the provision of a civilmilitary imbalanced governance issue. the acts are undermining national security and safety due to the widening disconnect between the

people and military about them keeping their distance from politics. the general impression is being taken that political forces are taking military patronage for their electoral prospects. there is an urgent need to sit together for holding a dialogue and taking the directions from the Army on national security as it is being undermined. this is even though the Pak Army as an institution that never compromised on these issues and always stood firm on national security and the national interest. the current picture reminds us of 1971- the time of east and West Pakistan separation which was based on conspiracy and raised to develop differences between east and West Pakistanis. the criticism has been found in the history of depriving east Pakistan (now Bangladesh) by the West Pakistan/federal government of basic rights, discrimination on political grounds, economic disparity, the disparity in developmental planning, the disparity in civil services and armed forces, degeneration of the Awami League political party and the emergence of other Bengali parties, language issue along with the social and cultural differences led to the separation. As stated in the book Witness of Carnage 1971 by Brig (retd) Karrar Ali Agha the outbreak of civil war was witnessed by banning Awami League to suppress their voice for demanding fundamental rights. In that scenario, press censorship was imposed and political activities were banned in east Pakistan by West Pakistan’s Army. the civil war erupted and still was not affordable to India, where refugees fled for shelter. eventually, the different hands in the conspiracy were observed successfully in their aim of a separate homeland for Bengalis. the chapter of the above book, ‘Ides of March’ stated that a military solution was not an amicable solution in this scenario which means a civil war without achieving any aim with the invitation of disastrous consequences. However, the similarities of the same situation seem to be fanning the fire to create disturbance in the country. nothing will be achieved but surely other external forces would get their way in, which is not acceptable or imaginable in the security and best interest of Pakistan. there is an urgent requirement and suggestion for an aggressive plan to move forward by shunning the differences among ourselves and moving towards a democratic way of elections for peace and prosperity.

Nothing will be achieved but surely other external forces would get their way in, which is not acceptable or imaginable in the security and best interest of Pakistan. There is an urgent requirement and suggestion for an aggressive plan to move forward by shunning the differences among ourselves and moving towards a democratic way of elections for peace and prosperity.

The writer is an adjunct assistant professor at Riphah International University, Islamabad, and can be reached at saira.asad2011@gmail.com.

Pakistan and obsession with orthodox practices PAKIstAn is progressing towards digital transformation, but at a snail’s pace. Many departments and organisations are still stuck in their obsolete practices. take, for instance, the example of the virtual University (vU) which asks exam superintendent applicants to print copies of an online form, get them attested and send them over. similarly, the national Information technology Board (nItB) has conveniently left out the Ministry of Information technology and telecom (MoItt) from the list of Level 1 for raising a complaint at the Citizen’s Portal. Besides, the smart Pakistan app is launched with a dysfunctional interface for user registration. Likewise, lodging a complaint with the office of the Banking ombudsman requires a lot of physical effort and paper work that can be avoided through electronic channels. Pakistan needs pragmatic, agile and customer-focussed approach. Moreover, it needs an overhaul of organisational culture and processes to accelerate the pace of digital transformation and e-governance. JAWWAD ZAKI ISLAMABAD

Let us honour the voiceless contributors tHere should be a ‘tomb of the Unknown Worker’ to honour the countless silent contributors to society. they are so removed from the established social order that they exist off the grid unmindful of the happenings in the national mainstream. they give more than they take and yet they are nowhere. the narrative below may well sound allegorical at times, and if it seems inclined in a certain direction, so be it. every day, 11-year-old Ameena runs on to the street to clean cars in front of a five star hotel in Karachi. Most drivers disdainfully brush her away, but she is determined. By the afternoon, she is able to hand a few rupees to her mother holding her two younger siblings so they may finally have their first meal of the day. Abdul, a railway porter, handles baggage at a railway station in Karachi. As he left his house in the morning, his wife pleaded with him to be extra vigilant as on the previous day he had stacked too many bags on his aging back and was almost knocked over onto the train tracks. Abdul works on the basis of daily wages and was advised three years earlier to get some tests done for cancer, but has no disposable income to afford that luxury. near the super Highway, a man helps haul away part of the 12,000 tonnes of Karachi’s daily solid waste on the back of his donkey whom he has named ‘saathi’, and together they work 365 days a year. With toxic waste on his back, saathi has badly infected eyes and skin and is lame. every day he gazes in despair at the nearby edhi Animal Hostel, but cannot get there. the gentle people at countless social welfare entities work tirelessly to reverse the imbalances in society. Many of them evacuate survivors from domestic battle zones, stand up to armed gangs, retrieve bodies of the dead, and deal with dangerous contaminations. that their heroism approaches ‘Birkenhead’ proportions as they feverishly mount daily campaigns to salvage a sinking enterprise is not lost on the observer. History, of course, recalls the Birkenhead as the vessel that was shipwrecked near Africa in the 1850s. After the shipwreck, the three remaining lifeboats could only carry the women and children with the rest facing certain death. And yet, after assessing the situation, the commander’s order of the day was, ‘women and children first’. A purpose-driven life extends civic responsibility to all of us. We must support organisations that sustain healthcare, food services and education so people may fend for themselves. We must support every effort made in this regard. offshore businesses and professionals should connect with their domestic counterparts. our collective efforts may fail, but history will record our endeavours and, perhaps, like the inspiring story of the Birkenhead, the annals will energise future generations to rise and defeat failure. Let’s pick up the Ameena-Abdul-saathi thread again after a few years. the collective efforts of the people have ushered in a new dawn. Ameena has enrolled in a welfare school in Kharadar on a financial scholarship. Abdul is now an employee of Pakistan railways and is eagerly looking forward to his turn at the welfare cancer hospital in Karachi. And, finally after a lifetime of back-breaking labour, saathi has found a place in a charitable animal hostel. A decade later, little Ameena is now a school teacher herself and is leading a school trip to the Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi. Her entourage discovers a newly built edifice near the mausoleum which is covered with leaves. As Ameena steps forward and begins to remove the leaves, the first line appears to dedicate the structure as the ‘tomb of the Unknown Worker’. M MAJID ALI NEW JERSEY, USA

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08 WORLD VIEW

The US needS a new plan for Iran BIDEN’S MIDDLE EAST TRIP PRESENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LAUNCH A NEW IRAN STRATEGY AND SECURE THE SUPPORT OF AMERICA’S REGIONAL ALLIES

national interest ariEL E LEvitE

ReSIDeNT Joe Biden will arrive in the Middle east shortly, having to confront an especially grim reality. The latest round of the onand-off-again process to reinstate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, has ended as a dismal failure. This week, International Atomic energy Agency (IAeA) Director General Rafael Grossi issued his gravest statement yet on the Iran nuclear situation. Grossi not only warned about developments in the program itself but also sounded the alarm over its spillover effects, saying that the continued lack of progress in the negotiations “may affect other countries’ decisions … where Iran’s neighbors could start to fear the worst and plan accordingly.” Grossi reminded the world that political leaders have on occasion “openly stated they would actively seek nuclear weapons if Iran were to pose a nuclear threat.” A moment of reckoning on Iran policy is now upon us. This warrants a reexamination of where we are and how we got here, setting the stage for a consideration of what can realistically be done about it. The Trump administration left office with its Iran policy in tatters. It had unilaterally pulled out of the JCPOA, de facto unshackling Iran from its own commitments under the deal and driving a wedge between the United States and the other negotiating parties to the deal. Instead, it opted for an operationally impactful yet strategically ineffective “maximum pressure campaign.” The Trump administration set twelve harsh con-

ditions for a new deal that made sure the Iranian regime would never bite. At the same time, Trump actively reached out to Iran to negotiate, even promising to quickly obtain a far better deal shortly after he was reelected. Yet, the Trump administration consistently failed to provide any indication of how it would get there, let alone offer Iran incentives to concede. And, in the process, Trump undermined the credibility of the more moderate forces in Iran, who staked out their political fortunes on a deal with the United States. The Biden administration thus came into office facing an emboldened and distrustful Iran, with Tehran greatly advancing its nuclear enrichment program and systematically defying IAeA requests for access and explanations of past misdeeds. Worse still, Biden also inherited an Iran that is increasingly confident in its capacity to withstand sanctions while advancing its long-range missile force and evermore malign regional behavior. Preoccupied elsewhere, dreading the prospect of a military confrontation causing a regional conflagration, and lacking significant diplomatic leverage over Iran, the administration opted for a dual-track approach. This approach aims to bring the United States and Iran quickly back into compliance with the JCPOA first while also seeking a “stronger and longer” follow-up deal to tackle the missile and regional issues not addressed by the original agreement. The Biden administration has opted for a most conciliatory approach to lure Iran back into the JCPOA. It has endlessly reiterated its eagerness to go back into the deal and demonstrated a remarkable capacity to look the other way on Iran’s gross sanctions evasion (with Chinese entities’ collusion) and regional mischief, letting Iran gradually erode the U.S. sanctions regime. The Biden team went along with Iran’s consistent refusal to talk directly to U.S. officials, procrastination in the negotiations, and

additional nuclear transgressions, which it repeatedly dissuaded other IAeA members from taking up until May 2022. Moreover, it has failed to insist that Iran should cap its nuclear progress during the negotiations. The administration has even created a misplaced expectation in Iran that it would consider removing the Iranian Revolutionary Guards— the apex of Tehran’s regional strategy—from unrelated nuclear sanctions, an impression that it elected not to correct until very recently. Perhaps most amazingly, the Biden administration has heretofore failed to heed its own admonitions, made repeatedly over the past year, that time is running out on the effort to return to the JCPOA, presumably implying that the United States would walk away from the negotiations if these proved elusive. Unsurprisingly for anyone familiar with “bazaar-style” negotiations with seasoned Iranian diplomats, almost eighteen months of fruitless negotiations have yielded no deal, allowing a bad situation to deteriorate further. What remains of the JCPOA—and its fading obligations—is, at best, on life support. Iran is much further along in its nuclear program, essentially just a few weeks away from having enough enriched uranium to produce one nuclear bomb—and many more in short order thereafter. Iran remains defiant on all other nuclear issues and has severely curtailed IAeA monitoring activities in the country. Tehran’s elaborate missile and drone efforts continue to make serious headway, and its assertive and destabilizing behavior continues unabated in the region and beyond. A longer and stronger deal to tackle all these issues remains elusive. A serious consideration of the options in front of us has to start with acknowledging a few rather sobering realities. First, Iran has already come dangerously close to the nuclear threshold, which might also tempt it to travel the extra mile. Second, getting all or even most of the JCPOA’s original benefits in checking the

erdogan, putin set to meet in Tehran al Monitor Ezgi akin

URkeY’S President Recep Tayyip erdogan and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Tehran next week, with Ukrainian grain exports and a potential Turkish operation in Syria likely to top the agenda. kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin would visit Iran on July 19 to attend a three-way summit between the Turkish, Iranian and Russian leaders and he would also hold bilateral meetings with both leaders on the sidelines. Ankara’s efforts to facilitate a UN-led initiative for a Black Sea naval corridor to export grain from Ukraine is expected to be a top agenda item in the bilateral talks between Putin and erdogan. The meeting will follow four-way talks in Istanbul set for Wednesday. Turkish, Ukrainian and Russian military delegations as well as UN officials would discuss safe export of Ukrainian grain, Turkey’s Defense Minister hulusi Akar said. The UN has cautioned against high expectations as the international community warns of a looming global food crisis if the efforts fail. Russia insists Ukraine needs to de-mine its ports for exports to start. Ukraine, in turn, presses for security guarantees, demanding that third-party countries and the UN prevent Russia from launching amphibious assaults on its shores once the waters are de-mined. “Russia’s leverage for either exacerbating or alleviating the looming food crisis is big,” Maxim Suchkov, non-resident scholar at the Middle east Institute, told Al-Monitor. According to Suchkov, Moscow wants to prove it was not responsible for the grain crisis, and Turkey seeks “to establish itself as the go-to” in the talks. “here again Putin and erdogan’s intentions found a common position while pursuing somewhat different interests,” he said, adding that Turkish-Russia cooperation for a safe naval corridor is also “in the interests of both parties.” The grain crisis has already led to a strain between Ankara and kyiv last week, after Turkish authorities freed a Russian ship that kyiv charged was laden with grain from Russian-occupied territories, despite “criminal evidence presented to Turkish authorities,”

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko lamented. The four-way talks in Istanbul will come after erdogan discussed the efforts with Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy in separate phone conversations on July 11. erdogan told Putin “that the time has come to take action on the UN plan to set up safe corridors for grain exports in the Black Sea,” according to an official readout by Turkey. The two leaders also “discussed the situation in Syria,” the readout added as Turkish threats for a fresh military offensive against the kurdish groups in northern Syria are still lingering. erdogan will likely press Putin and Iranian President ebrahim Raisi to support the operation. Ankara recently dialed down its threatening rhetoric over a potential operation against the kurdish groups — major allies of the US-led international coalition forces in combating Islamic State — amid absence of Russian and American greenlights. erdogan said last week that his country was “in no rush.” Yet the kurdish-led self-rule in northern Syria has declared a state of emergency, citing the expected incursion. On July 10, Akar reiterated Ankara’s threats, saying that the Turkish troops have been subjected to “serious harassments” from Tel Rifaat and Manbij, the northern Syrian towns that erdogan pledged “clear of terrorists” last month. Tel Rifaat seems a less likely option given its proximity to the Shiite-majority towns of Nubl and al-Zahra where pro-Iranian forces are located. Akar said that it was “out of question” for Turkey to heed calls from foreign capitals to not to carry out this operation, adding that “talks with the relevant parties and people” are ongoing. “I’d expect some horsetrading in the coming talks,” Suchkov said, pointing to the Russian and Iranian statements leading Turkey to the negotiation table. Turkey failed to obtain green lights from its Astana partners for an all-out operation during the latest round of talks in kazakhstan last month. Yet is a limited operation in Manbij possible? According to Suchkov, the answer depends on three major factors: Whether such an operation would complicate Russia’s own presence and political influence in Syria; whether it would mean a confrontation between the Turkish troops and Syrian government forces; and the position of Tehran.

Iranian nuclear program is no longer possible. Iran’s enrichment has already marched too far ahead to be effectively rolled back, while one of the sunset provisions on Iran’s obligations under the time-bound JCPOA has already lapsed, and other important provisions will follow suit before long. Third, all diplomatic and coercive measures put in place by the United States, Israel, and others have exacted a heavy price on Iran yet have thus far failed to convince the leadership to abandon its nuclear pursuits. Iran’s core insecurities and profound distrust in Western intentions, which drive its nuclear pursuits, cannot be put to rest by external security assurances, especially in light of its bitter historical anxieties and the sobering lessons of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Fourth, notwithstanding all of Iran’s progress in amassing advanced enrichment technology and fissile material stocks, its supreme leader has thus far resisted pressures to approve the acquisition of nuclear weapons, leaving Iran many months away from accomplishing this feat. Fifth, the level of external intelligence penetration of Iran’s nuclear activities, coupled with the remaining monitoring capabilities of the IAeA, has thus far proven its efficacy in deterring Iran’s leadership from both “sneak out” and “breakout” scenarios of nuclear weapons acquisition. This has also promised a timely early warning if Iran does decide to press ahead. Finally, although everyone’s preference is to avoid a risky military showdown, Iran cannot entirely discount the possibility that the firm determination of Israel, the United States, and, to a lesser extent, the “eU3,” to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons would not ultimately result in a military strike if it pressed ahead. Such an attack would not just leave Iran badly scarred but might also further weaken the already frail foundations of its highly unpopular Islamic regime. Under these circumstances, making

headway requires a new U.S. strategy toward Iran. Washington should employ an innovative mix of diplomacy and subsidiary measures, combining carrots, coercion, and deterrence. On the diplomatic front, it envisages abandoning the drive to roll back Iran’s nuclear gains through the JCPOA and walking away from the current negotiations, while still pledging to reciprocate to any unilateral (but verifiable) Iranian concessions on its more disconcerting nuclear activities by correspondingly easing U.S. nuclear sanctions. These moves would have to be accompanied by a deterrence posture, putting Iran on notice that—deal or no deal—any further escalation in its enrichment program or weaponization efforts would not only trigger a move at the UN Security Council to “snap back” all pre-2015 sanctions but would also open the way for the application of more coercive measures. While all non-nuclear sanctions would remain in place and could even tighten if circumstances warranted it, the United States should offer relief if Iran engages constructively in discussions on a comprehensive security regime that effectively contains its regional meddling and force projection development. It is uncertain whether this new approach would yield success. But the odds of this plan gaining some traction among all the key participants look somewhat brighter, principally because it requires less painful domestic political concessions. The United States ought to try this approach in the hope of averting an otherwise guaranteed escalation, as well as to assure its leaders that everything else has been tried should it later prove necessary to step up to the plate with other measures. A breakthrough would also unlock increased Iranian oil exports, easing current concerns over energy security and its impact on spiraling inflation. Biden’s upcoming Middle east trip presents an opportunity to launch a much-needed new strategy and secure the support of America’s regional allies.

Ariel (Eli) Levite is a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Technology and International Affairs Program.

Sri lanka’s old political order has collapsed. what happens next? Guardian Charu Lata hogg

he images coming from Sri Lanka are extraordinary: protesters are wrestling on the president’s bed, cooking on his sprawling lawns and swimming in his pool. This public outrage is all aimed squarely at President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose administration has left Sri Lanka begging for a cash bailout from the International Monetary Fund after defaulting on foreign debt for the first time since it became independent from British colonial rule in 1948. Rajapaksa fled the country on Tuesday, and the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has declared a state of emergency. Thousands of protesters remain in the streets and occupy several government offices, demanding that both leaders step down. Speculation is rife as to whether Rajapaksa is planning a military coup or an aggressive crackdown on the peaceful protesters. he faces war crimes allegations in addition to charges of presiding over gross economic and political mismanagement, which ultimately bankrupted the country of 22 million people. There is a big question mark over what happens next in Sri Lanka. Discussions on who would succeed the president are afoot, with the Speaker of parliament being considered the likely candidate. There is no doubt that a democratically elected political leadership is needed to restore some stability, but before that happens, the opposition needs to secure an agreement between parliamentary parties for a transitional plan. The first step in such a plan would be the appointment of a president for a limited time frame, which could in turn herald a process to abolish the executive presidency, which would then be followed by dissolution of parliament. At every step the opposition needs to ensure accountability to law and to the Sri Lankan people. At the time of writing, the main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB, or United People’s Power), which has 50 seats in the 225-member house, was making desperate attempts to bring other parties into a consensus agreement.

There will be no easy solutions to mend the broken economy and heal a country that has for more than four decades lived the multiple traumas of conflict, natural disasters and economic collapse. With poverty deepening, whoever takes over control of the government will need to put in effect immediate solutions, such as cash transfers for poor people, to address the burning issues the country is facing. Neighbours such as India have already signalled that their help will be limited, and an IMF bailout will come with strings attached. Ultimately Sri Lanka will need to put in place a system of good fiscal governance and anti-corruption measures to win back international credibility and trust. The Sri Lanka experience will go down in history as one where leaders made poor decisions with a complete lack of accountability, and found themselves in a crisis accelerated by the conflict in europe and global supply issues. This led the country into an irreversible downward spiral. President Rajapaksa and his coterie made bad decisions and suppressed any democratic questioning of these policies, which compounded the country’s dire economic situation and triggered food, energy and humanitarian crises. On the positive side, Sri Lanka offers the spectacular narrative of a nation that has come together in mass protest and peacefully achieved what an electoral process could not. If Rajapaksa resigns in exile, then this spells the end of a powerful and abusive political dynasty that ruled Sri Lanka for almost two decades. This stripping of power has been virtually a bloodless revolution. It could be a lesson for other countries where people power could spur such positive change. Sri Lanka is quite unique in its location, history and the experiences of its people. There are many existing fault lines in the way ethnicity and religion intersect and a majoritarian Sinhala Buddhist nationalism has taken root. Yet these fault lines have blurred and people have organised over social media to protest in a manner not seen before. Where Sri Lanka goes next is not clear yet, but right now this is something that needs to be applauded. Charu Lata Hogg is an associate fellow with the Asia Pacific Programme at Chatham House

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Friday, 15 July, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

CORPORATE CORNER

Tax ombudsman direcTs Fbr To seTTle eighT-year-old reFund Islamabad

President alvi stresses barter mechanism with iran kaRaCHI Press release

Pakistan's President Arif Alvi has stressed speeding up the operation of the barter mechanism with Iran in line with boosting bilateral trade cooperation. Alvi made the remarks in the meeting with Iran’s Consul General in Karachi Hasan Nourian on Tuesday, calling for taking constructive actions to enhance mutual economic cooperation in the joint border crossings. He congratulated the people and government of Iran on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. Iran’s consul general, for his part, stated that his country calls for further increasing exchange at border points. Referring to the latest phone conversation between Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nourian pointed out that Tehran is determined to expand all-out ties with Islamabad.

staff rePort

AX Ombudsman while disposing of a complaint relating to non-issuance of refund has directed FBR to settle the long pending refund claim and grant compensation for delayed refund as per law and incorporate computation of tax in appeal effect order. Briefly, the complainant was a private limited company, earning income from providing marketing and fulfillment house services. They filed the income tax returns for the years 2014 & 2015 along with refund claims on account of tax deduction in excess of admitted liability. FTO observed that the complainant had been running from pillar to post to get the refund duly created as a result of appeal order and verified withholding tax, the credit of tax which had also been allowed in audit vide orders under section 122

(5A).The deliberate withholding of refund of duly verified tax tantamount to maladministration in terms of section 2(3) (i) (a)(b) &(ii)of the FTO ordinance . As per details, the FTO sought Secretary Revenue Division for comments, the Chief Commissioner–IR, CTO, Karachi informed that refund was to be processed by enforcement

division on the basis of appeal effect order by Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue (ADCIR) audit in IRIS and ADCIR Audit had only uploaded the text of appeal effect order and no computation had been made in the order. The Tax Ombudsman further found out that maladministration has been caused through inefficiency and

Accused behind food delivery rider's murder killed in encounter Islamabad Press release

nusT, us embassy open new lincoln corner Islamabad Press release

Lincoln Corner was inaugurated at the main campus of National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) on Thursday. At the occasion, Engr Javed Mahmood Bukhari, Rector NUST, and US Ambassador to Pakistan Mr Donald Blome signed a Memorandum of Understanding and inaugurated the Corner established in NUST Central Library. This partnership signals the US Mission’s commitment to advance education in Pakistan by providing American resources, expertise, and collaboration for students and faculty. In his remarks, Ambassador Blome said, “This year marks the 75th anniversary of US-Pakistan bilateral relations. The people-topeople ties between our two countries are our greatest strength. The inauguration of this new Lincoln Corner will continue to advance these ties.” He maintained that over 600 Lincoln Corners across the world connect people through technology, academic programs and publications vis-à-vis American culture, history and international relations. In his remarks, Rector NUST appreciated the joint efforts of NUST team and Public Affairs Section of US Embassy, for timely realisation of the initiative. He said Lincoln Corner is not only a multimedia resource centre with comfortable space for learning and open dialogue but also a manifestation of close linkages between NUST and the US Embassy. He further said that this facility will be used by not only students and faculty of NUST but also Pakistani civil society at large. Representatives from the US Embassy joined NUST leadership, faculty and students at the inauguration.

Plan to install security cameras to monitor metro corridor Islamabad Press release

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad presided over a meeting to discuss plans for using security cameras and utilisation of modern technology to monitor Metro corridor. The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Islamabad Police and officers of other concerned formations. The meeting discussed the plan for installation of security cameras and utilisation of technology for monitoring metro corridor. During the meeting it was also decided that smart traffic management system at Islamabad highway will be handed over to ICT police while CDA will assist ict police in installation of more cameras. It was further decided that Margalla highway smart traffic system will be implemented through Islamabad police. Furthermore it was decided that Islamabad would be transformed into a secure and safe capital with mutual cooperation of ICT administration Islamabad Police and CDA through usage of modern technology.

An accused involved in the murder of food delivery rider's murder was killed during a police encounter, Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan told journalist on Thursday. Addressing a press conference here, he said on June 05 the accused Mohsin Ali Khan along with his accomplices shot dead Qasim Awan, a 25 years LUMS graduate and an employee of Food Panda during a mugging attempt near F9 Park, Islamabad. Raids and search operations were being conducted to arrest the other fugitives to bring culprits to justice, he added. He said after reporting the incident a case was registered in Margalla police, adding that it was a test case for the police. Divulging details of the case, he said the accused during interroga-

tion told the police about the location of murder weapon which his accomplice Imtiazullah Khan hid inside a green belt near a storm drain, a place adjacent to Khudadad Heights in sector E-11. As soon as the police rushed to the spot to discover the tool, suddenly four people got out of a white Corolla vehicle and opened an unprovoked fire on the police party. During exchange of fire the accused managed to escape from police custody and later a case

was registered against him in Golra police station. The SHO Bharakahu and his team were on a routine check in his area when they signaled to stop a vehicle on a suspicion. The accused in the vehicle opened fire on police which retaliated by taking safety measures, while the accused took advantage of the darkness and fled away. When police checked, one of the accused was found dead with a Kalashnikov identified as Mohsin Ali Khan.

Law ministry, PBM mull plan to provide free of cost legal aid to poor Islamabad Press release

In a meeting held between Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar and Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) Amir Fida Paracha, the possible steps for providing free of cost legal aid to the poor and deprived

people of the country were discussed. Highlighting the ongoing pro-poor services of the organization, Amir Fida Paracha expressed his passion to provide socio-economic rights to all the backward classes including poor women and children across the country. He said Foreign Minister and Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto

Zardari was concerned for the welfare of the poor and following his instructions, practical steps were being taken for the betterment of poor people. Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar, while endorsing the efficacy of PBM's poor friendly policies, assured all possible cooperation for the expansion and improvement of its scope.

red-tapism in the department. Additional Commissioner Audit was a senior officer of Grade 19, with more than 10-15 years of service, his lack of knowledge regarding processing of orders in IRIS was extremely shocking. Tax Ombudsman, Dr Asif Jah observed that, “passing of orders under section 122 (5A) and ensuring rectification and appeal effect orders was his core job ,anyone who is not conversant with the process of his core job responsibility is not fit enough to hold that position, Alternatively if the order is not deliberately left incomplete with the intention of non-creation of due refund on the basis of credit already allowed after due verification in order under section 122 (5-A) ,the maladministration is evident”. The Federal Tax Ombudsman has further directed FBR to look into the conduct of Additional Commissioner Audit, from the perspective of his suitability for field posting.

chinese company ‘yutong buses’ agrees to set up plant in sindh News desk Yutong Buses China, a Chinese company has agreed to set up public transport plant in Sindh that would be established in Karachi or Hyderabad to improve public transport facilities. This important development took place in a meeting between Provincial Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon and Country Manager of Yutong Buses China Paul Zhang, said a statement. He was accompanied by Service Head Yutong Wayner Wang. The meeting agreed to prepare a proposal in this regard by next week. The plant will be set up on 15 to 18 acres of land. On the occasion, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the transport department is making every effort to set up a public transport plant in Sindh. This will improve the public transport sector and will also bring foreign investment and create new jobs, he said. Secretary Transport Abdul Haleem Sheikh, MD Sindh Mass Transit Authority Captain (Retd) Altaf Hussain Sario and NRTC Project Director Sohaib Shafiq were also present on the occasion.

ici Pakistan gets $56.6m offer for nutrico morinaga ICI Pakistan Limited has received a conditional offer from Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd, Japan (Morinaga Milk) to acquire an aggregate of approximately 33.3% of the issued and paid-up share capital of NutriCo Morinaga (Private) Limited (NMPL), a subsidiary of ICI Pakistan, from NMPL’s existing shareholders at an aggregate price of $56.6 million, translating to around $2.07 per share, as per the letter filed by ICI on PSX today (July 14, 2022). staff rePort

Murree Brewery announces sponsorship of book to be written about vintage and antique cars in Pakistan Islamabad Press release

Murree Brewery Company has announced the sponsorship of the book "Vintage and Antique Cars of Pakistan" to be written by Mohsin Ikram, President of Vintage and Classic Car Club Pakistan. This was announced by the Murree Brewery’s Chief Executive Officer, Isphanyar Bhandara at a press conference here on Thursday. He was accompanied by Mohsin Ikram who will be the author of the book and president of Vintage and Classic Car Club Pakistan. On this occasion, the media was informed that a book will be written about the vanishing cars in Pakistan under the title "Vintage and Antique Cars of Pakistan" by Mohsin Ikram and Naeem Baloch of Letopical Printers will be the publisher of this book.

The media was told that the book would consist of 300 pages with details of 100 antique cars. Isphanyar Bhandara, Chief Executive Officer of Murree Brewery, described the book as a great option for car lovers in Pakistan and said “we want to preserve the historical and an-

cient inheritance and are hopeful to showcase this heritage to the world. Previously through Murree Brewery, three books including Kalasha, Rawalpindi, Gems and Jewels have been published and this is the fourth book we are sponsoring.” The author of the book, Mohsin

Ikram, thanked Murree Brewery for their support and said, "This is my hobby. Vintage means old-fashioned cars, cars that are obsolete. We want to tell the world about the vehicles driven here in the past that will help create a softer image of the country. Vintage cars are an asset, just as buildings are a national asset. Old cars were not made on computers, they were designed with ideas in mind. This book will be a good addition from a historical point of view. It will be read not only in Pakistan but also in other countries around the world.” In reply to a question, he said “it could take around six months to prepare this book. There are about ten vintage cars in Islamabad which are considered as an ancient asset. Along with the book, a video CD of the cars will also be included. This book will not be expensive but will be affordable to the common man.”

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10 FOREIGN NEWS

Sri Lanka PreSident SubmitS reSignation from SingaPore: offiCiaL cOLOmBO

Agencies

RI Lanka’s president submitted his resignation Thursday shortly after reaching Singapore, the parliamentary speaker’s office said, days after the head of state fled protests triggered by his country’s worstever economic crisis. Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned by email, the speaker’s spokesman said hours after he landed in the city-state, after protesters overran his palace on the weekend. Rajapaksa fled to the Maldives on Wednesday, and left there for Singapore a day later. “The authenticity and the legality of the e-mail will have to be checked out” before being formally accepted, Indunil Yapa told AFP, adding a formal announcement was expected on Friday. Rajapaksa would be the first president to resign since Sri Lanka adopted a presidential system of government in 1978. As president, Rajapaksa enjoyed immunity from arrest, and he is believed to have wanted to go abroad before stepping down to avoid the possibility of being detained. Under Sri Lanka’s constitution, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe — whose resignation is also being demanded by protesters — would automatically become acting president until parliament can appoint a

successor. Rajapaksa, his wife Ioma and their two bodyguards arrived in Singapore from Male on board a Saudia airline flight. Singapore’s foreign ministry confirmed Rajapaksa had been allowed to enter the city-state for a “private visit”, adding: “He has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum.” A handful of Sri Lankans were waiting in one of the airport’s arrival areas to voice their anger at Rajapaksa and the economic crisis engulfing their homeland. “I want to scold him with all the words that I know,” said a Sri Lankan design engineer working in Singapore, who identified himself only as Max. “He’s responsible for everything that happened in our country,” he told AFP. Singaporean authorities were quick to warn against protests — it is illegal for even one person to stage a demonstration without prior official permission in the tightly-controlled territory. Rajapaksa is expected to look to stay in the city-state for some time, according to Sri Lankan security sources, before potentially moving to the United Arab Emirates. In Colombo, demonstrators left several of the emblematic state buildings they had overrun in recent days, after Wickremesinghe instructed security forces to restore order and declared a state of emergency.

“We are peacefully withdrawing from the Presidential Palace, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office with immediate effect, but will continue our struggle,” a spokeswoman for the protesters said. Witnesses saw dozens of activists leave Wickremesinghe’s office as armed police and security forces moved in. Armoured personnel carriers patrolled parts of the capital, which had been put under a curfew. Hundreds of thousands of people have visited the PM’s compound since it was opened to the public, after he

fled and his security guards backed down. By Thursday afternoon, the gates were closed with armed guards posted both inside and outside. Earlier in the day, business owner Gihan Martyn, 49, accused the president of “playing for time”. “He’s a coward,” he said outside the president’s palace. “He ruined our country… So we don’t trust him at all. We need a new government.” Police said a soldier and a constable were injured in overnight clashes with pro-

testers outside the national parliament as security forces beat back an attempt to storm the legislature. Protesters also left the studios of the main state television station after breaking in on Wednesday. The main hospital in Colombo said about 85 people were admitted with injuries on Wednesday, with one man suffocating to death after being tear-gassed at the premier’s office. The military and the police were issued with fresh orders Thursday to firmly put down any violence, and warned troublemakers they were “legitimately empowered to exercise their force”. But student Chirath Chathuranga Jayalath, 26, said: “You cannot stop this protest by killing people. They’ll shoot our heads but we do this from our hearts.” Rajapaksa is accused of mismanaging the economy to a point where the country has run out of foreign exchange to finance even the most essential imports, leading to severe hardships for its 22 million people, with four out of five Sri Lankans skipping meals. Sri Lanka defaulted on its $51-billion foreign debt in April and is in talks with the IMF for a possible bailout. The island has nearly exhausted its already scarce supplies of petrol with the government ordering the closure of non-essential offices and schools to reduce commuting and save fuel.

‘Litany of falsehood’: Former Indian VP Hamid Ansari trashes BJP charges NEW DELHI Agencies

Pak-China joint maritime drill concludes BEIJING Agencies

The Navies of China and Pakistan concluded a four-day joint maritime exercise codenamed Sea Guardians-2 held in Shanghai. Operation planning, professional expertise exchanges, and cultural and sports competitions took place during the maneuvers, China.org.com reported. The two navies also held drills including attacking at maritime targets, anti-submarine operations, and anti-aircraft and anti-missile operations. The joint exercise aims to enhance defense cooperation, exchange expertise and experience, deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries and militaries, and promote the development of the China-Pakistan allweather strategic cooperative partnership.

China ready to help Sri Lanka overcome current challenges AGENcIEs China is ready to extend cooperation to the international institutions to help Sri Lanka achieve sustainable development and overcome the current difficulties, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Thursday. “As a friendly neighbor and cooperation partner China sincerely hopes all sectors in Sri Lanka can bear in mind fundamental interest of the country and people and overcome difficulties to restore stability, revitalize economy and improve livelihood at an early date,” he said during his regular briefing in response to a question with regards to current situation in Sri Lanka. According to media reports, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has arrived in Singapore from Maldives. He fled to Maldives from Sri Lanka on Wednesday with his wife and two bodyguards on an air force plane. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s parliament will not convene on Friday as announced earlier, the speaker’s office said on Thursday. The next date for the country’s parliament to meet will be announced within the next three days if President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation letter is received by the speaker today, the speaker’s office said in a statement.

Indian politician and diplomat, Hamid Ansari has hit back at the BJP for accusing him of inviting a Pakistani journalist having links with ISI to India when he was the Vice President, saying that a ‘litany of falsehood’ has been unleashed on him. Ansari in a statement on Wednesday denied meeting or inviting Pakistani journalist Nusrat Mirza. He also rejected BJP’s charges that he had, as India’s ambassador to Iran, “compromised national interest.” Denying the allegations, Ansari said, “..a litany of falsehood has been unleashed on me personally in sections of the media and by the official spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party”. He stated, “It is a known fact that invitations to foreign dignitaries by the Vice President of India are on

the advice of the Government, generally through the Ministry of External Affairs” He said, “The Government of India has all the information and is the only authority to tell the truth. It is a matter of record that after my stint in Tehran [as India’s Ambassador to Iran] I was appointed India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. My work there has been acknowledged at home and abroad.” Ansari said his work as “Ambassador to Iran was at all times within the knowledge of the Government of the day.” BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia earlier on Wednesday in a press conference asked Ansari and the Congress to respond to the supposed claims of Mirza made in a recent interaction with journalist and YouTuber Shakil Chaudhary that he visited India five times during the United Progressive Alliance rule and passed on sensitive information collected in India to Pakistan’s ISI.

New UK Tory favourite accused of lethargy and ‘lies’ LONDON Agencies

British Conservative leadership contender Penny Mordaunt came under blistering attack Thursday after she surged in the race to succeed Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as another candidate faced elimination. The little-known Mordaunt, a committed Brexiteer who was briefly Britain’s first woman defence secretary before she was demoted to less senior roles, has emerged as the darling of Tory grassroots

members. In the first round of voting by Conservative MPs on Wednesday, she came a strong second behind former finance minister Rishi Sunak and ahead of Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, and was installed as the new favourite by bookmakers. Polls point to the Royal Navy reservist beating Sunak, Truss and the other three remaining candidates comfortably, once the members decide between the final two. But Mordaunt was savaged by her former boss in the Brexit ministry, David Frost, who called her unfit for office. And she is

barely known nationally. A poll of more than 2,200 adults by Savanta ComRes said only 11 percent could identify Mordaunt from her photograph, and only 16 percent of Conservative voters. Two respondents thought she was the singer Adele. Two of the Tory candidates were knocked out Wednesday, and the bottom ranking contender was to be eliminated in a second vote by MPs that began Thursday morning.Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, one of those eliminated, threw his support behind Sunak, whose resignation from the cabinet last week helped

spark a ministerial revolt against Johnson after months of scandal. Drawing a pointed contrast to Johnson, Hunt said the former chancellor of the exchequer was “one of the most decent, straight people with the highest standards of integrity” in politics. But the wealthy Sunak faces questions about his family’s tax affairs and his prior decision to retain US residency. And he is opposed to immediate tax cuts to confront a post-pandemic cost-of-living crisis, stressing the need instead for fiscal responsibility.

Russian strikes kill 12 in Ukraine ahead of EU talks ukrAIN Agencies

Russian missiles struck the city of Vinnytsia in central Ukraine on Thursday, killing at least 12 people in what President Volodymyr Zelensky called “an open act of terrorism”. Ukraine’s emergency services said there were “12 dead, including one baby, and 25 wounded” and dozens of rescue workers were fighting to put out a large blaze sparked by the strikes. The news came as EU foreign and justice ministers prepared to meet in The Hague for a conference on alleged Russian war crimes. Zelensky said he would be addressing the meeting via video call and Ukrainian Foreign Minis-

ter Dmytro Kuleba is set to attend. “Every day, Russia kills civilians, kills Ukrainian children, carries out missile attacks on the civilian facilities where there is no military target. What is this, if not an open act of terrorism?” the Ukraine leader said in a statement on social media. Zelensky has vowed to hold Moscow to account and has called for a special war crimes tribunal to be set up in the Netherlands. The International Criminal Court in The Hague opened an investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine just days after Moscow’s forces invaded and it dispatched dozens of investigators to the country to gather evidence. Its prosecutor Karim Khan also later visited Bucha, a town outside Kyiv where AFP journal-

ists discovered 20 bodies in civilian clothing lying in a street, and where officials later said hundreds of other people had been killed. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 and the conflict has raged since then, killing thousands of people, destroying cities and forcing millions to flee their homes. In recent weeks, Russian strikes in central Ukraine away from frontlines in the east and the south have become relatively rare. But the war has raged around cities like Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine near the Black Sea which the presidency said was hit by a “massive missile strike” earlier on Thursday. “Two schools, transport infrastructure and a hotel were damaged,” the presidency said in its morning military update.

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SeASon-II of KPL To be more ThrILLIng, enTerTAInIng: AbduL rAzzAq ISLaMaBaD

MiAn AbrAr

ormer cricket great Abdul Razzaq Thursday expressed the optimism that Kashmir Premier League (KPL) would soon touch new heights of popularity and this season-II would be even more thrilling and entertaining. The second edition of the league will

roll into action in the second week of August at Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium wherein seven outfits would be trying their luck to lift the title. The teams include Jammu Janbaz, Rawalkot Hawks, Muzaffarabad Tigers, Bagh Stallions, Mirpur Royals, Kotli Lions and Overseas Warriors. But Abdul Razzaq, who has joined Mirpur Royals as head coach feels his side will emerge victorious in the event.

Virat Kohli dropped as India announce squad for West Indies T20s

“As a cricketer, you can share your experience with young players. We will try to make Mirpur Royals the champions of Kashmir Premier League,” he said while speaking at a ceremony here at a local hotel. At the ceremony a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the new management of Mirpur Royals and KPL management. Mirpur Royals’ Chairman Dr Abdul Wajid and KPL Presi-

dent Arif Malik signed the MoU. Abdul Razzaq said the first edition of KPL was a great success. “But I am sure the second edition is going to be more exciting and it will increase the popularity of the league manifold,” he said. Chairman Mirpur Royals Dr Abdul Wajid said: “Kashmir is our lifeblood and we want to see the youth of Kashmir far ahead in the field of sports. I belong to the health sector and serve the country with

World Games 2022: Pak cueist Ahsan Ramzan moves to quarterfinals

NEW DELHI

NEWS DESk Pakistan’s promising cueist and International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Champion Ahsan Ramzan continued exhibiting his brilliance at the international level as he got off to a flying start in the World Games 2022, outwitting USA’s Ahmed Aly Elsayed 3-1 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA on Thursday. The 11th edition of the multisport that rolled into action on July

7 will conclude on July 17. In his opening fixture, Ahsan thrashed his rival by losing just one frame. The 16-year-old Ahsan won the first frame 73-31 but lost the second frame 58-49. He bounced back strongly to take the third frame 100-34. He continued his dominance to win the fourth frame of best of five frames with a score of 74-53. The victory saw Ahsan advancing to the quarterfinal stage where he will take on the winner of Ka Wai

Cheung vs Wayne Brown’s encounter on Friday. The 11th edition of the Games, originally planned for 2021, was postponed to 2022 because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Games celebrated their première in 1981 in Santa Clara, California, and now, a little more than 40 years later, they returned to the USA. Around 3,600 athletes from 34 sport disciplines and over 100 countries are competing for 223 medals in the World Games.

Shaheen is on similar level as Bumrah, says former Pakistan captain India’s Jasprit Bumrah claimed the top spot in the latest ICC ODI Rankings for bowlers and also has been in the red-hot form across formats. The 28-year-old is regarded as the best all-format player in the world currently by experts and commentators. However, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt believes that Pakistan’s ace bowler Shaheen Afridi is not far off from Bumrah. “Shaheen hasn’t played as much cricket but he is among the very best. He is no less than him (Bumrah). In fact, Shaheen with experience will only get better and then he has more pace and offers a different angle,” Butt said on his YouTube channel. “Both are world cricket’s finest and

SL announces squad for test series against Pakistan APP

India have named an 18-member squad for the five-match T20I series against West Indies. KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav have been named in the side, albeit their participation is subject to their fitness, but Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal are among those missing. R Ashwin, who last played a T20I in November 2021, has also been added to the squad alongside other spin options like Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, who have been rested for the ODI leg of the tour, find a place in the T20I list. IPL sensation Umran Malik, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are missing from the list as well. All three were a part of India’s squad for the first T20I against England. Instead left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been rewarded after his impressive debut against England in the opening T20I, where he returned 2/18. India and West Indies will play five T20Is, with the final two matches being played in Lauderhill in Florida, United States. Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh.

LaHoRE

utmost dedication. I am determined to play my role to make KPL a big brand.” He underlined the need to build playgrounds for a healthy society. “That is why we decided to adopt the Kashmir Premier League team Mirpur Royals. We will coach Kashmiri youngsters to enable them exhibit their talent at the international level. “Mirpur Royals is a team of residents of Mirpur. I am thankful to the Kashmir Premier League administration and cricket loving friends for their support and cooperation,” he added. Addressing the function, President KPL Arif Malik welcomed the new management of Mirpur Royals in KPL. “After the success of the first season, we promise our fans that second season of the league will be even more unique and successful,” he said.

ISLaMaBaD

Agencies

SPORTS 11

watching them bowl is an exciting experience. It’s great fun to watch both Bumrah and Shaheen perform, and the way they bowl with the new ball it feels as if a wicket can go down anytime. You don’t get this feeling watching any other bowler,” he added. Shaheen has been the leader of Pakistan’s pace attack since the 2019 World Cup. He has proved to be a match-winner with his opening spells. He gave his country a head start against India in the 2021 T20I World Cup where he cleaned up openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. “Nonetheless, for a 21-year-old bowler to perform in the manner that he has is not easy. Both are outstanding. Obviously, Bumrah has played a lot more and is a brilliant performer so, at the moment, there shouldn’t be any comparison. One has played a lot, the other not so much,” he stated.

Ramzan awaits end to Covid-19 restrictions to coach Chinese cricketers Staff REpoRt Former Pakistan Test cricketer, Mohammad Ramzan was appointed as China men’s cricket team Head Coach but still hasn’t had the opportunity to guide the players. All cricketing activities in China have been halted ever since Covid-19 pandemic took over. Ramzan was appointed back in 2019 but still hasn’t been given the opportunity to coach yet. Speaking about the situation, Ramzan said that he hasn’t received any response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or

China cricket. According to details, Mohammad Ramzan, who represented Pakistan in a Test, also served as the Afghan team’s deputy coach and fielding coach a few years ago. He has been busy as a selector in Peshawar Zalmi’s overseas trials in the UK recently. In an interview with the Cricket Pakistan from Glascow, he said that all activities in China had been suspended due to the coup. “Cricket is one of them, although conditions around the world have improved, but

China is extremely cautious,” said Ramzan. “I tried several times to get information from the PCB and the China Cricket Association but got no response. If I had the opportunity to work in China, I would try my best to find talent there and hone it,” he added. Ramzan added that he is currently looking at coaching opportunities in KPL and PSL. “However, the situation is not clear yet, so I am now looking at coaching options in KPL and PSL. I will try my best wherever I can,” he further added.

The Sri Lanka Cricket has named an 18-member squad to feature in the upcoming test series against Pakistan. According to details, the squad was announced by the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee. The series includes two Test matches, to be played under the ICC World Test Championship Cycle of 2021 – 2023. The first test would commence from July 16 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The Sri Lanka squad includes Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella (Wk), Dinesh Chandimal (Wk), Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay.

Afghan refugee son registered in Pakistan domestic circuit LaHoRE news Desk

It is not every day that we see drastic exemptions being made on the grassroots level. However, the son of an Afghan refugee – Ayub Khan – has been given a ‘special discount’ by the selectors to be registered in Pakistan’s domestic circuit. Despite not having the documents required for the selection during the trials, Ayub Khan was given an opportunity to represent Central Punjab Blues. According to sources, Ayub’s NADRA B-form will become available next year. However, the selector Javed Hayat Khan did not deem it crucial enough to lose on a talented cricketer based solely on this reason. The youngster picked up 14 wickets in only six matches whereas he returned his best bowling figures of 6 for 23 while representing Central Punjab Blues. Central Punjab Blues also played in the final of the National Under19 Cup against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, concerns have been raised regarding his selection for key matches. Critics claim that if he is not going to be able to represent his respective team in tournaments then why did his selection come at the expense of another young cricketer. Ayub Khan is the son of Adam Khan, who is registered in Pakistan as an Afghan refugee. Speaking to Express, a PCB spokesperson said that the 19-year-old has all civil rights which include participation in education, health, and sports. “There is no impediment for him [Ayub] to participate in domestic competitions as a local cricketer, according to the board’s procedure,” added the PCB spokesperson.

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PML-N ReMOved ALL LANdMINeS LAId by ‘FItNA’ KhAN: MARyAM raWalpinDi

ageNcies

ML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Thursday said the party has removed all landmines laid by the former prime minister “fitna” [Imran] Khan by making tough decisions with a heavy heart. Addressing a public gathering in Rawalpindi ahead of the by-polls in the 20 constituencies of Punjab, Maryam said that the people of Pakistan are their [PML-N’s] responsibility. She announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will reduce the price of petroleum products in his address to the nation tonight. “He [Khan], who used to say that he hasn’t come into power to know the price of aloo and

tamatar [potatoes and tomatoes], is now announcing prices of coriander and mint during all his public gatherings. “All your candidates are in the field, then why are you afraid ‘fitna’ Khan,” she questioned, urging the PTI chairman to come and contest the elections. Terming the Supreme Court’s judgment in the suo motu case of former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri’s ruling, related to the no-confidence motion against the ex-prime minister as “historic”, the PML-N vice president said: “Imran Khan is the first Pakistani politician to violate the Constitution”. She urged the coalition government to register a case of treason against the violator. “The apex court, while rejecting his [Khan’s] claims regarding the involvement of a ‘foreign conspiracy in his ouster, labelled

him a liar and fraud,” she maintained, adding that the supreme court mentioned that no proof of the alleged conspiracy has been found. “Khan is the first Pakistani politician who has been declared a liar by the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” Maryam said. Maryam, quoting Khan’s address, said that he saw a picture of Nawaz Sharif on a motorway. “How would you not see that picture [of Nawaz Sharif]. He resides in people’s hearts. You will see his pictures in every home.” Criticising the former premier, she said that Nawaz had built the motorways Khan was using to arrive for his public gatherings, adding that the former premier is an “enemy” of the people of Punjab and Pakistan. “You must throw him outside the borders of Punjab [via by-polls],” she urged the PML-N supporters present at the jalsa.

PTI terms SC judgment in Qasim Suri ruling case ‘full of errors’ lahore ageNcies

PTI called the Supreme Court’s judgment, rejecting the party’s foreign conspiracy theory, “full of errors” in a suo motu case over former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri’s ruling on the no-confidence motion against ex-prime minister Imran Khan. “The history of Supreme Court decisions in Pakistan has not been that bright,” PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said in a press conference on Thursday after the apex court, in a detailed judgment, noted that the SC was not satisfied as insufficient evidence had been presented to support PTI’s claim of foreign interference. Chaudhry claimed that the PTI had urged the apex court to investigate the matter and submitted documents related to the “cipher” to the court, but the SC turned down the request and asked the party to not “speak on the ci-

pher in detail”. The PTI leader said the SC judgment states that there wasn’t enough material to back the foreign conspiracy theory as “the court did not even bother to look at the evidence”. In the detailed judgment, the court noted that no inquiry was ordered into the matter to ascertain the nature or extent of involvement of any person in Pakistan to seek or receive the support of a foreign state to move the no-confidence motion. “The reservation on the part of the NSC to recommend stronger measures against the alleged foreign conspiracy probably reflects the inadequacy of the material to take more assertive action. This perhaps also explains the lacklustre response by the PCS and the members of the treasury in their respective meeting and sitting of 31.03.2022.” Moreover, the PTI leader claimed that people are aware of why the SC

Motorcycle manufacturers seek govt support for shift to plastic parts Daniyal ahmaD Muhammad Sabir Shaikh, Chairman of the Association of Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers (APMA), has urged the government to provide tax and infrastructure incentives to small and medium-sized enterprises producing plasticframes for motorcycles, and assist them in jointventures with their Chinese counterparts. Shaikh said that the motorcycles were the vehicle of choice for the majority of people and had become unaffordable over the past year. He believed that replacing steel-frames with plastic ones would reverse this price trend. Motorcycles have seen a steady rise in prices in 2022 with leading foreign manufacturers, Yamaha and Honda introducing 4 and 5 price revisions respectively. The price increases in motorcycles is indeed concerning given that motorcycle production has the highest levels of deletion across all automotive assembly in Pakistan, whilst price increases are necessary due to higher prices of imported inputs. In September 2013, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers estimated that companies could expect to achieve an overall cost savings of 25%-50% by converting to plastic parts. With an average monthly production of 147,951 motorcycles per month from January-May 2022, according to the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), Shaikh’s suggestion might facilitate a downward pressure on steel-frames by switching to plastics thereby possibly reducing prices. The efficacy of Shaikh’s measures, however, are questionable as Pakistan is a net importer of plastic. Pakistan imported Rs37 million more in plastic materials than it exported in May 2022. Switching en-masse to plastic may be encumbered by forex shocks that plague other imported inputs as well.

“did not want to investigate the cipher” as once the probe of the alleged conspiracy begins, then a conversation — that “they want to avoid” — will take place. The PTI and party chairman Imran Khan have repeatedly blamed a United States-backed conspiracy that led to their government’s ouster on April 11 — and eventually led to the formation of the coalition government. Chaudhry said that the justices should have “read the cipher” before penning the judgment and added that once the PTI comes back into power, it will quash the order through Parliament. “Right now, the assembly is occupied, but once the PTI forms government with ⅔ majority, we will quash this judgment through the National Assembly,” the PTI leader said. ‘Generals make decisions behind closed doors’ Commenting on Justice Mazahar Alam Khan Miankhel’s additional note,

Chaudhry said that “if we begin to pursue cases under article 6, we will find there are more people to hang than there are nooses”. In his additional note, the justice observed that President Arif Alvi, then PM Khan, then NA speaker Asad Qaiser, ex-deputy speaker, and former law minister Chaudhry had violated their authority. “Whether these acts attract Article 6 of the Constitution (high treason) is also left open to be determined by the parliamentarians to ponder whether they should leave open the doors to such unconstitutional acts or take suitable measures to stop such a mess in future,” he had suggested. The PTI leader went on to say that in Pakistan, “the establishment has developed a taste for making political decisions in the country”. “This can no longer occur, that judges and generals make decisions behind closed doors,” he said.

SC decision on NA Deputy Speaker ruling to be remembered as example: Tarar iSlamaBaD News Desk

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday said that the apex court’s decision on National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri’s ruling on no confidence vote would be remembered as example in the political history of Pakistan. Addressing a press conference along with Adviser to Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira regarding Supreme Court’s detailed judgment issued in suo motu notice case on ruling of NA deputy speaker on no-trust motion against Imran Khan, the law minister stated that the apex court’s decision on Deputy Speakers ruling was one of important case in the political history of Pakistan. The apex court rejected former Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Qasim Suri’s ruling on vote of no confidence against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, he added. He said that former Prime Minister Imran Khan who was legally not eligible to dissolve the National Assembly suggested the President to dissolve the National Assembly and the President without applying his mind dissolved the Assembly in minutes while the apex court took suo moto notice and a 12 judges of the Supreme Court had requested Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial to took suo moto notice as it was an important case for Pakistan’s Constitution and democratic history. The political leadership of the country praised the apex court over suo moto notice, he added. He said that the apex court in its short order on April 7 not only termed the Deputy Speaker’s ruling illegal and unconstitutional but also voided the dissolution of the National Assembly. He said that the apex court ordered to again take up the no confidence motion. The detailed judgment also rejected the Deputy Speaker’s ruling and termed the dissolution of National Assembly illegal, he added. The minister said that the Supreme Court has once again played its role in strengthening democracy and rule of law in the country through its latest

judgment in the suo motu case of National Assembly Deputy Speaker’s ruling. He said that said the apex court in its detailed judgment has declared the ruling of Deputy Speaker National Assembly as unconstitutional and malafide. He said the apex court also rejected the foreign conspiracy narrative of PTI Chairman Imran Khan thus laying it to rest forever. The Minister for Law said this is the unanimous verdict by five judges of the Apex court while two honorable judges added to the judgment saying that violation of article 5 of the Constitution regarding loyalty to state and Constitution has been proved. Azam Nazeer Tarar said the Supreme Court however left it to the discretion of the government and the parliament to pursue the case under Article 6. He said that the ruling clearly stated that the rejection of the no-confidence motion by Qasim Suri and subsequent efforts by Imran Khan to dissolve assemblies were carried out in bad faith. “It also highlighted that this move was an effort to stop the vote of no-confidence through unconstitutional methods,” he added. Tarar said that said that the verdict of the Supreme Court buries Imran Khan’s claim that a foreign conspiracy was hatched to remove the PTI-led government through vote of no confidence. The ruling stated that Khan remained silent about the cipher, which he said was proof that foreign hands were behind his ouster, for 20 days. It said he claimed to have recieved the letter on March 7, but didn’t bring it up until March 7. On March 30, this point was discussed in a National Security Committee that did not consider it a national security issue, he added. He said if it was an important problem, the government should have discussed it in parliament and investigated the cipher through in house camera proceedings. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the detailed judgement of the Supreme Court had exposed the pack of lies of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan who did propaganda about the no-confidence vote as the ‘regime change’.

Govt begins work to try Imran under Article 6: Sanaullah iSlamaBaD staff RepoRt

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Thursday praised the Supreme Court’s (SC) detailed judgment on the then deputy speaker National Assembly (NA) Qasim Suri’s ruling, saying that the government has started working on action under Article 6 of the Constitution. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the Interior Minister said that the Supreme Court had proved once again that it would always uphold the Constitution and protect the people’s mandate. The Constitution of Pakistan is the sacred trust of the people and all these things have been stated in the detailed judgment of the Supreme Court. Rana Sanaullah also demanded President Dr Arif Alvi to tender resignation following the apex court’s order, saying that former prime minister Imran Khan’s politics has come to an end. “Imran Khan put the national interest at stake and tried to undermine the Constitution in a bid to save his power,” he claimed. The minister further said that the apex court has left it to the discretion of the government and Parliament to pursue the case under Article 6 – which pertains to treason. He said the National Assembly speaker is bound to file a reference against the individuals named in the verdict with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), adding that the electoral watchdog should disqualify them in accordance with the law. Rana Sanaullah added that he was ready to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and an application for registration of a case against the former premier was pending with the federal cabinet. Meanwhile, the federal minister disclosed that he intended to arrest Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed during the PTI’s long march. “However, Rasheed was nowhere to be found,” he added. The Interior Minister told PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry that the SC’s decision cannot be abolished. He said that the federal government has started working on action under Article 6 of the Constitution, adding that the Parliament has to block the path of unconstitutional steps after the Supreme Court’s verdict.

Rupee makes slight gain on back of IMF deal monitoring report The rupee gained 30 paisa against the dollar in interbank trade on Thursday as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) confirmed of reaching a staff-level agreement for the revival of the loan programme with Pakistan. Data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed that the rupee closed at 209.80 against the dollar, up 0.14% from its previous close at 210.10 on Wednesday. Since the beginning of the last fiscal year (July 1, 2021), the rupee has dropped by a massive 33.17% or Rs52.26 compared to the previous fiscal year’s (FY21) close at Rs157.54.

POL prices will go down, Miftah promises iSlamaBaD staff RepoRt

Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Thursday vowed to provide the nation “relief” in petrol and diesel prices in light of declining global crude oil prices and the agreement with the IMF. “After this agreement and the recent decline in international oil prices, God willing, we will now be able to provide relief to our people,” he said in response to a tweet by journalist Hamid Mir. The journalist had asked the minister to also thank the public who had paid the price for the IMF’s demands.

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