Issuu

Thursday, 23 June, 2022 I 23 Dhul-Qadah, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 354 I 12 Pages I Lahore Edition

Govt, IMF yet to develop understandInG on power subsIdIes, prIMary balance Parleys with TTP to be carried out within constitutional ambit, says Sanaullah islamabad staff report

islamabad

shahzad paracha

HE government and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have yet to develop a comprehensive understanding on power sector subsidies and primary balance. Sources said that the government has not reached an agreement with the Fund on power sector subsidies. The Fund has expressed concerns over provincial surplus as it would not be achievable given the budgets presented by the provinces. As a result, the government would not be able to achieve the primary surplus of around 0.2 to four percent in the next fiscal year from the existing negative by 1.6 percent even if the federal board of revenue tax collection is increased. Sources also said that the Fund is not ready to believe the budgetary numbers and stated that the budget was not based on real expenditures,

which means that the actual figure of the inflation was not taken into account. Thus the Fund believes that expenditures in the budget for the next fiscal year are understated on the various accounts. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics under the alleged influence of the incumbent government is preparing a consumer price index based on those products or items which Utility Store Corporation is selling at subsidised rates and IMF has shown concern over this methodology. Sources said that government wants to control the rising price of the dollar so that’s why the economic team in late-night fed the information to give a positive impression to the market. Another senior official of the finance ministry said that it will take another one week to reach an agreement with the IMF and the Finance minister will announce these measures in the windingup speech. It was reported that Pakistan and IMF reached an understanding on the

federal budget for 2022-23 after authorities committed to generate Rs436 billion more taxes and increase petroleum levy gradually up to Rs50 per litre. In addition, the IMF mission will finalise monetary targets with the State Bank over the next couple of days and, in the meantime, share the draft of a Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policy (MEFP). Sources said that IMF has asked Pakistan to take additional revenue measures in order to achieve the next year’s revised Rs7.4 trillion revenue target. It was also reported that the government agreed to impose one percent poverty tax on firms earning Rs150 million, two percent on those earning Rs200 million, three percent on over Rs250 million and 4 percent on Rs300 million above. Former finance minister Shaukat Tarin on Wednesday also said that a potential deal with the IMF for the revival of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) was still weeks away.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday said that dialogues with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will be carried forward following ownership of the parliament and within the Constitutional ambit. “Any final decision in this regard will be made within the contours of the Constitution and the approval of parliament,” Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb informed while addressing a press conference after in-camera meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC). Both the ministers said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will take the parliamentarians into confidence regarding the NSC meeting in an in-camera session of parliament to be held soon. Talking about the NSC meeting, they said that an in-camera meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) held a detailed discussion on the talks with the banned Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and the situation along the Pak-Afghan border. The participants met in Islamabad on Wednesday with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. National, parliamentary and politi-

Pakistan signs $2.3bn loan facility agreement with Chinese consortium of banks islamabad staff report

Pakistan has signed a $2.3 billion (RMB 15 billion) loan facility agreement with a Chinese consortium of banks. In a message posted on Twitter, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail said that the inflow is expected within a couple of days. It is pertinent to note that Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) dipped below $9 billion on June 10. The central bank reserves are currently at their lowest level since November 22, 2019. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed his gratitude to the Chinese leadership. "The people of Pakistan are grateful for the continued support of our all-weather friends," he said. Earlier this month, the finance minister had shared the "good news" that the terms and conditions for refinancing the deposit by Chi-

nese banks had been agreed. At the time, he said the loan would help "shore up our foreign exchange reserves". On June 2, while addressing a

press conference, Ismail had said that China had withdrawn the loan on March 25 and set tough conditions under which Pakistan could not utilise those funds.

However, he went on to say that after a visit by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and follow-up discussions by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with Prime Minister Li Keqiang, the Chinese side had not only agreed to roll over the amount but also done so at a cheaper interest rate of 1.5pc plus Shanghai Interbank Offered Rate (Shibor) instead of earlier 2.5pc plus Shibor. In today's announcement, Ismail did not elaborate further on the agreement with the consortium. The development comes after reports emerged of Pakistan reaching an understanding with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It will also prop up Pakistan's dwindling cash reserves which are at $8.99 billion, as per data from the central bank. Previously, the minister had said that a deal with the IMF would pave the way for receiving loans from other multilateral organisations. Even China had linked any loan with the revival of the IMF programme, he said in May.

cal leadership, members of parliament and the military leadership attended the NSC meeting. Those in attendance were briefed about the overall security situation including the internal and external security threats, and the steps being taken by security institutions to deal with them. The meeting was briefed about the background of talks with the TTP and the different phases of it. The talks, participants were informed, are facilitated by Afghan authorities and negotiations are being held within the framework of the Constitution. The political leaders expressed their satisfaction over the strategy and progress made in this regard so far. The meeting was also briefed on the administrative matters of the PakistanAfghanistan border. The leadership expressed the confidence that the Afghan soil won’t be allowed to be used against Pakistan. It noted that the country’s sacrifices in the war against terror had been acknowledged by the world. The participants also noted that there was no organised network of terrorists in the country. Rana Sanaullah and Marriyum Aurangzeb told the media that that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will soon take the parliamentarians into confidence regarding the NSC meeting.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

more inside

PTI to contest election with full might: Shah Mahmood Qureshi STORY ON PAGE 02

Moonis gets interim bail till July 4 in money laundering case STORY ON PAGE 03

Pakistan, Italy to enhance defence cooperation, multidomain ties STORY ON BACK PAGE

ECC approves Rs96.133bn as second installment to IPPs STORY ON BACK PAGE

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NEws

ptI to contest election with full might: Qureshi NewS DeSk Vice Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi on Wednesday said that PTI would contest by-polls in 20 constituencies with full might. He was holding press conference here. Shah Mahmood Qureshi observed that PTI was committed to contest in by-polls and would not leave field vacant for other political parties. PTI enjoyed support of its ideological workers. He added that PTI had signed an agreement with Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) on political matters. The two parties, PTI and MWM, constituted a political committee to make progress further. He hinted that MWM would support PTI in by-polls. He also thanked other religious parties for supporting PTI in by-polls. To a question, he stated that PTI Chairman Imran Khan was getting good response in public meetings. He criticized government for rising inflation in the country.

IranI CoMpany to ConstruCt polan-Gwadar transMIssIon lIne

AhMAD AhMADANI

N Irani company named as Sunir will construct an electricity transmission line for supply of power from Iran to Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar and an agreement has been signed in this regard. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy (Power Division), the agreement was signed on Wednesday under which an Irani company Sunir will construct an electricity transmission line for supply of power from Polan to Gwadar (Balochistan). However, Pakistan’s Power division has so far not shared more details particularly the total cost of the construction of the transmission line and

the duration for completion of this electricity transmission line project. On Tuesday, Pakistan and Iran signed an agreement for supply of additional 100 megawatt of electricity to fulfil the daily power needs of the port city of Gwadar. The agreement for the supply of additional 100MW of electricity to Gwadar was signed by Pakistan’s National Transmission and Despatch Company and Iran’s power generation and distribution company known as TAVANIR on Tuesday. Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan had reached Tehran on June 19, 2022 on a four day visit to ensure enhancement in the energy cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. Khurram Dastgir, in a statement, said that

this project will be completed within a shortest possible time to provide relief to the people of Balochistan. It is relevant to note that Iran has been supplying electricity to Gwadar, Kech and Panjgur districts in southwestern Balochistan since 1999. It supplied 35MW daily until 2013, after which the quota was increased to 100MW due to the growing needs of Gwadar. Iran, during the month of May 2022, had supplied 54.52 Gigawatt hour (GWh) which was 0.37 percent of the total power generated from different sources and the cost of one unit of Iranian electricity is Rs18.9673 per kilowatt hour (kWh). On 20th June, Federal minister for power Khurram Dastgir Khan held a one on one meeting with Iran’s Minister for

Energy Ali Akbari Mehrabian in Tehran. The meeting aimed at increasing avenues of cooperation in the energy field between both neighbours. Both sides discussed various aspects of electricity supply from Polan to Gawadar. Federal minister for power lauded the energy cooperation between Pakistan and Iran and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen the relations. He stressed on the need to expedite the electricity import project. Both long term and short-term energy plans were discussed. It is pertinent to mention that Gwadar is not connected to the national grid and relies on power from neighbouring Iran while the port city of Gwadar is the centre of the $65 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

NAB law amended to promote transparency, run aﬀairs smoothly: Ahsan Iqbal NewS DeSk Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal said here on Wednesday that the incumbent government believed in transparency that was why amendments were made in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law to run state affairs

smoothly. Addressing a press conference along with senior Pakistan Muslim League Leader, Shahid Khaqan Abbassi, the minister said that the amendments were the same as proclaimed by the former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be necessary to run businesses and administrative systems in the country. The minister said, the amendments

were made keeping in view the decisions of Supreme Court, High Court and Council of Islamic Ideology adding that these high forums had directed incorporation of amendments to remove NAB law’s contradiction with constitution and law. He said that Imran Khan was now trying to deceive people that the incumbent government was making the

amendments for its own benefits. However, the minister said, the amendments were based on those arguments which Imran Khan himself would argue for amending the law. He said that the former prime minister would argue that due to NAB law, the bureaucracy had left working and the investors were not investing as this black law was hurdle in the way.

NA-240 by-poll: ECP rues police inaction in ballot papers theft case ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

An Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) panel headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja on Wednesday heard ballot papers theft case during by-election in Karachi’s NA-240 constituency. The ECP had summoned presiding officer of one of the polling stations of NA-240 Karachi who was accused of stealing the ballot. During, hearing, the ECP’s Special Secretary told the panel that the presiding officer has been accused of ballot papers theft, which the latter denied. “There is also CCTV footage,” SSP Faisal Baseer informed and added a political worker had tried to steal but could not succeed. The election commission ordered the special secretary to file complaint of the case with the police. “A passerby was killed in exchange of fire between political workers,” SSP told the panel. “Two Kalashnikovs, which were used in firing, were recovered from political workers. The police have registered four FIRs,” the SSP informed.

“No ballot box or paper lost at any polling station while the police detained 25 political workers of parties,” he added. “It is a clear case but the SSP did nothing,” CEC remarked. He directed for formation of three-member committee to determine the role of the returning officer, DRO and the police,” CEC said. He also ordered writing a letter to the Sindh Chief Minister and the Sindh IG Police over the role of the police. “The Police have committed negligence and did nothing despite lapse of six days,” the CEC expressed his annoyance.

Budget passage to restore confidence of int’l financial institutions: MNAs ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) on Wednesday expressed strong conviction that Pakistan would regain confidence of international financial institutions after the incumbent government took corrective measures in the Federal Budget 2022-23 to improve the national economy. Participating in budget debate in the National Assembly, Chaudhry Faqir Ahmed of PML-N, said the national economy would progress in a sustainable way after the budget approval from the House. With the budget’s passage, he said financial institutions like International Monetary Fund (IMF) would be extending more cooperation to Pakistan, and the health of ailing national economy would improve. Terming the budget 2022-23 ‘good one’ in the prevailing economic situation, he stressed the need for all institutions’ full support to the government in execution of its fiscal plan to steer the country out of financial crisis. The lawmaker asked for providing

improved health and education facilities across the country, suggesting provision of free medicines and transport to patients in the public sector hospitals and make education compulsory for all children up to the Matric level. He said once agriculture sector was considered backbone of the national economy and the country was self-sufficient in almost all major crops, but now there were the challenges of food security and Pakistan was importing various products. He said there were a number of research institutes to improve the agriculture sector, but it was unfortunate that not even a single new seed had been introduced since long. Waheed Alam Khan of the PML-N said his leadership was taking tough decisions to revive the national economy that was badly ruined by the past regime of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Inaf (PTI). He criticized the previous regime of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for adopting wrong economic policies and signing unrealistic agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which were major reasons behind the prevailing situation of inflation in the country.

The CEC directed the SSP to record statements of all accused and report those who refuse to cooperate. The next hearing of the case will be held after 10 days, the CEC said. In his statement, the presiding officer said that his life was in danger. “We will direct the IG Police to provide security to you,” the CEC said. ” Please ensure security of my life,” PO pleaded. “I could not afford to travel Islamabad again and again,” he complained. “Commission will bear your expenses when will it summon you,” the CEC told the presiding officer.The ECP had also issued notice to Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Mustafa Kamal for insulting the presiding officers and snatching ballot papers during NA-240 by-elections. The electoral watchdog had summoned the PSP chairman to Islamabad on June 22 at 10am. The MQM-P successfully retained the National Assembly seat NA-240, following a nail-biting contest with TLP in the by-election marred by violence, low turnout and allegations of rigging. According to unofficial results, the MQMP candidate Muhammad Abu Bakr bagged 10,683 votes, followed by TLP’s Shahzada Shahbaz who secured 10,618 votes.

Imaan Mazari ‘unequivocally apologises’ over ‘intemperate’ language against army: IHC verdict ISLAMABAD Web DeSk

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has said that the remarks uttered by advocate Imaan Zainab Mazari against the Pakistan Army and its chief were the “outcome of misinformation and above all, made at a time when the petitioner was traumatised”. “The petitioner has unequivocally apologized for the intemperate and inappropriate language used by her, at a time, when she was under extreme stress,” said the IHC judgement in its written order issued on Wednesday. The ruling over a petition filed by Imaan Mazari, daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, seeking quashment of an FIR registered against her for allegedly maligning the army. “The unequivocal apology and regret by the petitioner under peculiar circumstances, has established that the crucial ingredient for constituting an offence is non-existent,” added the court verdict.

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MoonIs Gets InterIM baIl tIll July 4 In Money launderInG Case LAhOre

Staff RepoRt

banking crime court here on Wednesday granted interim bail to former minister and PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi till July 4 in a money laundering case. Moonis Elahi filed an application seeking interim bail in a banking crime court in Lahore through Advocate Amjad Pervez

Mou signed to uplift small-scale agribusinesses in balochsitan, sindh

and Amir Saeed Rawn. The petition stated that the Federal Investigation Agency has accused Moonis of laundering Rs24 billion. The National Accountability Bureau has already given him a clean chit, the petition says adding that no legal requirements were considered before the registration of case against the former minister. The petitioner requested the court to grant him interim bail so that he could

APP

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and International Trade Centre (ITC) to reduce poverty by strengthening small-scale agribusinesses in Pakistan here on Wednesday. The selective activities of the European Union funded project ‘growth of rural advancement and sustainable progress (GRASP)’ will be jointly implemented by SMEDA and ITC in Balochistan and Sindh provinces, said a press release issued here. The GRASP project is likely to complete in six years at the cost of 1.8 million dollars and ensure the provision of a congenial business environment to small farmers, besides providing grants and technical assistance to improve value chain, yield, quality, access to market information and improvement in standards. Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Syed Murtaza Mehmud expressed hope that with the implementation of GRASP project will help unlock the potential in livestock, dairy and horticulture sectors and urged to expand the programme to the other areas of south Punjab, KPK and Fata. He said the project is expected to facilitate access to credit for medium, small, and micro rural enterprises through relevant market actors in the ecosystem and contribute to the betterment of business environment surrounding SME’s. The project will help small and medium-sized enterprises in horticulture, livestock and dairy as Pakistan is the 5th largest milk producer country in the world, he added. Federal Secretary of Ministry of Industries and Production, Imadadullah Bosal, officials of SMEDA and ITC were also present in the meeting.

A high-level trade delegation of Saudi Arabia visited Pakistan led by Fahad Bin Mohammed Al-Bash, Chairman, Saudi-Pak Business Council and held B2B meetings with the members of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). The delegation discussed to explore business collaborations in areas of interest. They were representing various sectors including edible oil and fats, food processing, trading, building materials, tourism & hospitality, manufacturing, medical tools and equipment, fintech, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure services, said a press release. The delegation would also visit Lahore and Karachi. Speaking at the occasion, Fahad Bin Mohammed Al-Bash, Chairman, Saudi-Pak Business Council said that the Saudi

ISLAMABAD NeWS DeSk

The first China-Pakistan ‘Belt and Road’ Transportation and Logistics conference was held on Wednesday under the umbrella of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The forum was jointly initiated by the Shandong Jiaotong University, Kashgar University and National University of Sciences and Technology keeping in view the rapid development of world logistics, significant progress in the construction of China Pakistan Economic Corridor and the deepening of China-Pakistan friendship. Renowned researchers from the Research Institute of the Ministry of Transport of China, professors from other worldrenowned universities delivered keynote speeches. At the same time, several presidents and branch deans from Shandong Jiaotong University, Xinjiang Kashgar University and Pakistan National University of Sciences and Technology also attended the forum. From Pakistan, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Pro Rector Academics Dr. Usman, Principal of School of Social Sciences and Humanities Dr. Ashfaque Hassan Khan, Director NIPS Brig (R) Amir Yaqoob and Assistant Professor Farah Naaz participated.

Iqbal on the charges that the two men used to facilitate the PML-Q leader to embezzle money. The FIA also accused Moonis of using ‘hundi’ to transfer money out of Pakistan, saying it had “solid evidence” against the former minister. According to the FIA’s first information report, the case against Elahi was registered on Tuesday under Sections 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common

intention), 109 (punishment for abetment), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 471 (using a genuine forged document) of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 and Section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010. The state has been named as the complainant in the FIR.

saudi investors keen to leverage investment opportunities in Pakistan

APP

nust hosts ‘China pakistan belt and road transportation and logistics’ conference

become part of the investigation. Accepting his plea, the court granted Moonis interim bail till July 4. The FIA on June 14 registered a money laundering case against Moonis Elahi, son of Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi, and others in a case pertaining to junior Elahi’s alleged involvement in a scam to the tune of Rs720 million. The agency also arrested two of Elahi’s close associates: Nawaz Bhatti and Mazhar

investors were keen to leverage business and investment opportunities in Pakistan. He stressed that the high-level governmentto-government relations between the two countries should be matched with strong trade relations to achieve better results. He said that 20 percent workforce in Saudi Arabia was from Pakistan and his country wanted to import more trained workers from Pakistan. He said that many sectors of Saudi economy including chemical industry, real estate and tourism offered good opportunities to Pakistani investors. He said that they have seen lot of business opportunities in Pakistan and were working with the embassies of both countries to leverage them up to maximum level. He said that exhibitions of Saudi products in Pakistan and Pakistani products in Saudi Arabia would be organized to introduce the export potential of both countries. He

hoped that the visit of Saudi trade delegation to Pakistan would help in further promoting bilateral trade between the two countries. Addressing the delegation, Muhammad Shakeel Munir, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Pakistan offers great opportunities of JVs and investment in various sectors of its economy including mines & minerals, oil & gas, housing & construction, infrastructure development, renewable energy, information technology, food processing, edible oil, logistics, sports, tourism & hospitality. He stressed that Saudi investors should capitalize on them to earn lucrative returns. e said that Saudi delegation should also explore textile, agriculture, construction materials, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, fruits, vegetables, dry

Balochistan govt reduces budget deficit by Rs15b APP Finance Minister of Balochistan, Sardar Abdur-Rehman Khaitran on Wednesday said the far-reaching policies of the provincial government helped reduce the budget deficit of the fiscal year 2022-23. “FY budget 2021-22 was approved with Rs87 billion deficit while current year the deficit was Rs72 billion, 15 billion less than the previous year,” he said during the post budget briefing held here at Boys Scouts. Finance Secretary Balochistan Hafiz Abdul Basit, Secretary Planning and Development Abdullah Noorzai accompanied the minister. Highlighting the salient features of the FY2022-23 budget, the finance minister said that first time in the history, distribution of resources were made on merit and without any discrimination. “Members from treasury and opposition benches were equally awarded uplift projects for the betterment of their respective constituency’s people,” he said. We have discouraged the trend of awarding contracts to non- elected, dearer and nearer ones and blued eyed persons as used to be done in the previous governments. Giving details about

the provincial government’s sources of revenue, the minister said that “major sources of revenue of Balochistan are from the federal government in the form of divisible pool and taxes and others. “The Balochistan government expects to receive Rs355 billion from the divisible pool which is an increase of Rs60 billion or 20 percent as compared to last year (2021-22: 296 billion),” However, the government will face a reduction of Rs10 billion in revenue on account of exhaustion of the arrears on Gas Development Surcharge (GDS) being paid since the year 2010-11 in 12 equal annual installments and completing on year ending June 30, 2022. On the receipts side, he noted that estimates of receipts document gives us a broad picture of details of revenues of the government of Balochistan from all sources including tax both direct and indirect, non tax, miscellaneous, grants, dividends and capital receipts. “We are committed to increase our own sources of revenue both tax and non-tax, whereas it is highly hoped that during the ongoing 10th NFC award, the share of the province is expected to be upwardly revised on account of increase in population and high development gap and poverty backwardness.”

Govt urged to lift ban on imported items for next three months AzIz BuNerI Importers hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have urged the government’s to lift the ban on imported items for next three months to prevent importers from huge financial and other losses and in the best interest of the country’s economy. The demand was made by a delegation of importers led by Importers Association President Sultan Khan during a meeting with Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Hasnain Khurshid Ahmad here at the chamber’s house on Wednesday. Other members of the delegation comprised of Abdul Hakim Shinwari, Saleem Khan, Haji Qadir, Laiq Khan, Haji Tariq

Jamil, Khan Muhammad, Haji Aazazai, Zahid, Qais and Arif. Imran Khan Mohmand, senior vice president of the chamber, and former president SCCI Zahidullah Shinwari were also present in the meeting. The delegation apprised the SCCI chief about apprehensions of importers regarding ban on imported items, owing to which, they were facing difficulties and losing investment worth billions of rupees since imposition of the decision. The move would bring negative impacts on the national economy and bilateral trade, the participants warned. Trade and businesses are often attached with Afghanistan and Central Asian Republic countries, Hasnain Khurshid told the meeting.

fruits, consumer goods, agro-processing technologies, machinery & equipment and other sectors for business opportunities. He stressed that it was the right time for Saudi investors to focus on Pakistan for JVs and investment. Khalid Iqbal Malik, Chairman Founder Group briefed the Saudi delegation members about the investment opportunities in CPEC and stressed that they should exploit them for business development. He said that Saudi Arabia had agreed in principle to establish a multi-billion-dollar refinery complex in Gwadar that should be transformed into a reality. Muhammad Faheem Khan, Vice President ICCI thanked the Saudi trade delegation for visiting Pakistan and hoped that their visit would start a new era of growing trade and economic relations between the two countries.

PPP, PML-N stand together to defeat PTI in by-polls: Murtaza LAhOre Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan People’s Party has decided to back the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) candidates contesting for the 20 vacant seats of the Punjab Assembly in the upcoming by-elections. It was announced by Punjab Senior Minister and General Secretary PPP Syed Hassan Murtaza while addressing a joint press conference with PML-N’s Attaullah Tarar and Malik Ahmad Khan at PPP Central Punjab Secretariat, here on Wednesday. “In the country’s interest, the PPP has decided to support the PML-N’s candidates on all 20 vacant seats,” said

the minister. He, however, clarified that both the parties would remain political rivals during the next general elections. He said the PPP’s candidates would withdraw their nomination papers for the upcoming by-elections in favour of the PML-N candidates. PML-N lawmaker Malik Ahmad vowed that they would jointly defeat the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidates during the by-polls on all 20 seats. Attaullah Tarar said that there were coalition governments in Punjab and Centre, adding that consensus and unity would be maintained in future as well. He said that they were united not only on the front of elections but also on governance.

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04 NEWS

Pakistan strongly condemns extra judicial killing of four kashmiris in iiojk

Pakistan continues to maintain cooperation with turkmenistan under eco framework: kh asif News Desk Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Wednesday said Pakistan continued to maintain and further enhance cooperation with Turkmenistan within the framework of ECO and other Regional and International organisations. Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Atadjan Movlamov met with the Defence Minister here at the Ministry and the focus of the meeting was to look into ways to enhance and strengthen mutual cooperation in the field of defence between two countries, said a news release. Khawaja further reiterated that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Defence cooperation (2015) between the two countries should be implemented in its true letter and spirit “Pakistan and Turkmenistan share common goal of regional stability, security, peace and thus both countries can closely collaborate in implementation of counter-terrorism measures”, the Minister said. Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Atadjan Movlamov appreciated Pakistan’s Defence capabilities and opined that two countries have good potential for extensive collaboration in the field of defence and for economic cooperation Both sides showed satisfaction and intended to collaborate in various areas of common interest, including security, counter terrorism and ensuring regional economic connectivity.

Pirzada opens up gradation project of nsec for visually impaired kids IsLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada on Wednesday said that everyone is well aware of the significance of modern technology and without technology, no one would neither be able to make real progress, nor compete with other nations. “For people with visual impairments, assistive devices based on advanced technology have become a beneficial source of education.” Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada was speaking at the inauguration of up-gradation project of National Special Education Centre (NSEC) for visually handicapped children at National Library and Resource Center here. The event was attended by officers of the ministry, dignitaries and a large number of visually impaired people/students. The project is started under the administrative control of Directorate General of Special Education, Ministry of Human Rights. It will provide services for screening, diagnosis and training of visually impaired persons through the use of advanced technological facilities. Addressing the ceremony, the minister applauded the efforts and team work for providing sophisticated assistive devices and facilities of technical assistance in the center. He said that training on modern terms would be a stepping stone for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities in the society. While highlighting the main objectives of project, Director General Special Education, Sheikh Azhar Sajjad informed the audience that the latest digital assistive devices have been introduced in the center for visually challenged persons. Diagnostic or screening process would be carried out by an expert ophthalmologist and a qualified optometrist.

News Desk

AKISTAN strongly condemned the extra-judicial killing of four more Kashmiri youth as a result of continuing state terrorism by Indian occupation forces. Four more Kashmiris in fresh acts of state-sponsored terrorism by Indian occupation forces in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Since India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, more than 636 Kashmiris have embraced martyrdom in fake ‘encounters’ and so-called ‘cordonand-search operations’. This year alone, 113 extra-judicial killings of Kashmiris have been recorded. The intensified military crackdown and the rising numbers of extra-judicial killings in IIOJK are part of the extremist anti-Muslim designs of the “Hindutva” inspired BJP-RSS to combine in India.

Ironically, Kashmiri youth have been a specific target of the 900,000-strong Indian military occupation force stationed in the IIOJK. India must realize that the use of bru-

tal force against the Kashmiri people, extra-judicial killings, custodial torture & deaths, forced disappearances, incarceration of Kashmiri leadership & youth and other methods of subjugation have

failed in the past and will not succeed in the future. Through a Dossier unveiled last year, Pakistan has provided to the world, incontrovertible evidence of the gross and systemic oppression and human rights violations by the Indian occupation forces in the IIOJK. Pakistan reiterated its call for investigation of extra-judicial killings in IIOJK by establishing an Independent Commission of Inquiry as recommended by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its Kashmir reports of 2018 and 2019. Pakistan also urged the international community to hold India responsible for its brazen suppression of innocent Kashmiris and play its due role in ensuring a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Imposing sanctions on India inevitable to stop terror reign: Mushaal Mullick News Desk Mushaal Hussein Mullick, wife of jailed Kashmiri Hurriyat Leader Yasin Malik Wednesday urged the world to shun duplicity and impose sanctions on fascist Narendra Modi-led India for trampling laws and unleashing wave of terrorism and barbarism in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Speaking at a seminar organized by Islamabad High Court Bar Association to condemn India and to discuss the disputed judgment against JKLF chief Yasin Malik here on Wednesday, she thanked the Bar for holding the event to raise voice against unjust and inhuman treatment meted out to the lion of Kashmir, said a news release. She said that the world should build presser on Indian imposed severe sanctions or else it would be next to impossible to stop the reign of terror in the occupied valley. Mushaal, who is Chairperson of Peace and Culture Organistaion, said that it was the right time to highlight the issue of Yasin Malik’s illegal detention at every forum because he was battling for life. The chairperson expressed fear that

Yasin Malik was kept in death cell in isolation and they were worried about his life because notorious Indian police were known for tortured to death, as dozen of senior hurriyat leaders and young freedom fighters had already tortured to death in jails. She lauded the Bar for its efforts and appealed them to accelerate their efforts and help her to fight his case at International Court of Justice, UN, EU and OIC forums. Mushaal stated that Yasin believed in peaceful struggle; however, they implicated him in false, fabricated and concocted cases to keep him silence. She said that the fascist authorities used all brutal tactics, as he was neither provided the much-needed medicines despite fast deteriorating health condition nor his counsel was allowed to meet him. She asked the legal fraternity to play their role to ensure safe release of Yasin who has been battling for life in the death cell. The chairperson vowed that the brutal government can cross all limits of barbarity and inhuman acts but they could not silence the ‘voice of Kashmir’. Mushaal said that the fascist Naren-

dra Modi turned Kashmir into living hell for people but ironically the world observed a criminal silence in this regard. She appealed the UN bodies, socalled human right organisations and world known human right activists to

shun the double-standard and raised voice for Yasin Malik because he was kept in illegal detention in fake cases framed against him for his crime to raise voice for the birth right of right to selfdetermination of Kashmiri people.

Faisal Amin Gandapur assures Regi jirga of addressing area land dispute News Desk Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Local Government, Elections and Rural Development Sardar Faisal Amin Gandapur has said that the provincial government is pursuing a policy of resolving public issues through mutual dialogue and understanding that has always yielded fruitful results. The land disputes and concerns of the KokiKhel tribe in Regi Lalma Township (RMT) will also be addressed amicably, he added. He was talking to KokiKhel Jirga led by Bilawal Afridi, member of the

Provincial Assembly, at his office here at Civil Secretariat on Wednesday. The Jirga briefed him on some of its issues relating to land dispute in RMT and streamlining TMAs in the newly merged district of Khyber. The Minister assured tha sues of the delegation would be resolved on priority basis. He said a Cabinet subcommittee comprising of concerned ministers including Finance Minister, Members of Assembly and Koki Khel elite would be set up for issue related to RMT to resolve the land dispute once for all for which, he revealed, he had obtained the consent of the Chief Minister and with his approval,

the committee and its ToRs will be announced soon, he added. Sardar Faisal Amin regarding the performance of TMAs in Khyber District, said that local government system has been introduced and activated in all integrated districts while LG elections have also been held in peaceful and transparent manner. The provincial government is making the local government system fully functional in all merged districts and in addition to providing the required resources and facilities to the TMAs there, modern machinery and equipment are being provided as well so that all

the problems of the people could be solved at the local level according to the locals wishes”, he said. He further revealed that the provincial government would take concrete steps for the construction of high rise commercial buildings and markets in the merged districts and promotion of commercial activities in order to improve the economic condition of the local people there. He also assured that rest of the issues of the Jirga would also be resolved at the appropriate level. The Jirga besides landowners of Kokikhel tribe also included Tehsil Mayor Jamrud Nawab Khan.

State land retrieved on Punjab ombudsman’s order LAHORe Staff RepoRt

On the orders of Ombudsman Punjab retired Maj. Azam Suleman Khan, 90-kanal-andnine-marla state-owned land worth Rs31.32 million has been retrieved from illegal occupants in the Jhang district. In a statement issued on Wednesday, a spokesman for Khan said the involvement of

the ombudsman office in the renewal of rent contracts of 581 shops of municipal committee Mandi Bahauddin has resulted in the yearly collection of Rs44.46 million rent. In another development, the provincial ombudsman interacted to resolve the 28-year-old dispute of once US-based Jawad Nasrullah by transferring the ownership of his one kanal plot of Rs12m to legal heirs, the spokesman added. Alongside, the monthly rents of commer-

cial shops erected on hundreds of Kanal state land in 18 Hazari tehsil of Jhang district have been assessed on the orders of the ombudsman office which will give the government an annual benefit of Rs7.56 million in terms of monthly rent. The ombudsman office also moderated to give the possession of two-kanal-and-three-marla land worth about Rs9 million to the complainant Muhammad Ajmal of Rajanpur.

Thursday, 23 June, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

Parleys with TTP to be carried out within constitutional ambit, says Sanaullah continued from page 01

HInA KHAR To REPRESEnT PAKISTAn AT CHoGM In RWAndA iSLamaBad

Replying a question about former prime minister Imran Khan’s diatribe about NAB law amendments, Sanaullah said the law had been amended as per the spirit of the Criminal Procedure Code, bringing the remand period down from 90 to 14 days. He added that every citizen, including the ‘frontmen’ of former premier Imran Khan, will benefit from the amendments. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart said Imran is trying to mislead the nation regarding NAB reforms to strengthen his narrative.

Afghan Earthquake: Preparations finalized to shift affectees to hospitals, says Iqbal Wazir Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Muhammad Iqbal Wazir on Wednesday said that all measures have been taken at Ghulam Khan border to shift earthquake injured from Afghanistan into Pakistan for a medical treatment. A statement issued here said on the instructions of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, the minister had left for Ghulam Khan border in North Waziristan to supervise the relief and rescue activities, adding that injured people would be shifted through well equipped ambulances to different hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Ghulam Khan border. He said that KP government was taking all possible measures for the earthquake victims and teams of doctors and paramedic teams have been deployed to Ghulam Khan border. Earlier, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said that directives had been issued to the Minister for Health and Chief Secretary to send medical teams and relief supplies to the quake-hit province of Paktika in Afghanistan. He said KP government and people stood united their Afghan brethren in this time of natural calamity. The provincial government would provide all possible assistance despite limited resources, he added. Chairman PTI, Imran Khan had also asked the KP government to facilitate Afghan government in provision of all medical assistance to injured in Afghanistan. news desk

All-out assistance for disaster-hit Afghanistan: ISPR

staff report

INISTER of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar will pay an official visit to Kigali, Rwanda to lead Pakistan’s delegation to the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on June 24-25. The MoS will also attend the PreCHOGM Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) on June 23. The MoS will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the event. The leaders of the 54 member countries of the Commonwealth will hold discussions, among others, on issues related to the youth, technology and innovation

and various global challenges including climate change, post-covid recovery and

economic crises, particularly in the context of present conflict in Europe.

President reprimands HBL over delay in refunding money to bank fraud victim President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday reprimanded Habib Bank Limited (HBL) for unnecessarily delaying the matter of reimbursement of a trivial amount of Rs 39,000 to the victim of bank fraud. He directed the bank to reimburse the defrauded amount, along with the payment of transportation charges, within fifteen days to the victim and termed the action of the HBL an act of malpractice and maladministration. The president reprimanded the HBL for preferring representation before his Office against the order passed by the Banking Ombudsman in favour of the victim of the bank fraud involving a meagre amount. He observed that the transfer of money from one account to another through cheating was a common incident of fraudulent activity, but despite the knowledge of the account where the money landed and was then withdrawn, no action was taken against the beneficiary of the transaction. The president emphasized that the bank was liable to make good the loss of their customers and ad-

vised the bank management to look into the issue and take remedial measures to safeguard the interest of its customers, especially the small depositors and account holders. The president directed the State Bank of Pakistan, being a regulatory body, to take earnest action against both the banks and their branches by adopting regulatory and punitive action to redress the fraudulent activities which result from noncompliance with Rules and Regulations issued by the State Bank of Pakistan. According to the details, an unknown person tricked Nazeer Ahmad Bhutta to provide the last digits of his ATM card and later deprived him of his deposit. The victim preferred an appeal before the Banking Ombudsman who decided the case in favour of the victim. However, HBL, instead of implementing the decision, preferred representation to the president. The president upheld the decision of the Banking Ombudsman and directed the bank to reimburse the defrauded money to the complainant. news desk

Relief goods being dispatched for Afghan earthquake victims: Marriyum

RAWALPINDI: The Armed Forces of Pakistan on Wednesday extended all possible humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan facing severe life and property losses due to extreme natural disasters. The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the Services Chiefs expressed their deepest condolences over the tragic loss of precious lives and damage to infrastructure due to earthquake and torrential floods in various areas of Afghanistan, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release. “AFs of Pakistan are ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to people of Afghanistan”, it said. news desk

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday said relief goods were being dispatched to Afghanistan immediately for the victims of earthquake, which had claimed several lives. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed for urgent emergency supplies, including food, camps, blankets and other essential items, for Afghan earthquake victims, she said in a news statement. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), on the prime minister’s instructions, arranged relief goods in collaboration with other stakeholders. news desk

Overriding excitement of Pakistani students upon arrival in China The first batch of 90 Pakistani students who arrived in Xi’an, China by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) charter flight showed overriding excitement upon long awaiting their return to China, according to Gwadar Pro. Salman Ali Bettani, a Ph.D. student at SIRPA Fudan University Shanghai, told Gwadar Pro that all students of the first batch are very happy and he hopes to join the campus soon for academic activities after the quarantine in Xi’an for 14-days. “I hope all Pakistani students will resume their study here and other around 7000 Pakistani will join us soon. I thank all Pakistani and Chinese authorities who made this possible,” he expressed. Rabia Zeb Khan, a Ph.D. student at Xiamen University told Gwadar Pro that she is very excited to arrive in China and hopes to enter her school soon. “I’m thankful to the Chinese and Pakistani governments to provide us opportunities that we could resume our

study on campus. All the arrangements from the airport to the hotel are excellent and we don’t have any difficulty here. The Chinese staff is very cooperative,” she expressed Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque also expressed delight for the Pakistan students in China. “PIA Special Flight bringing the first

batch of Pakistani students has just landed in Xi’an. Students were seen off by Minister of Education Rana Tanveer Hussain at Islamabad airport. This is the first step yet an important one to safely bring back the remaining students to China,” the Pakistani ambassador tweeted. Muhammad Rehman, a student at the Southeast University of China, expressed

his satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Chinese and Pakistani authorities to return to China. “All the facilities in a hotel are admirable including food and COVID-19 testing. I wish other Pakistani students to join us soon and resume their studies,” he added. Afifa Shajia Awais, education attaché at Pakistan’s Embassy in China told CEN that all efforts made to bring back students to China are a step way that all Pakistani students here to excel in academics. “These students are the bright face of Pakistan and we made a lot of efforts to bring back these students. Both Chinese & Pakistani education systems are equally good, coming to China and having a collaborative effort with Chinese authorities, learning what’s going on in education & with the technologies is a unique experience and our students must get the advantage of these opportunities,” she added. news desk

Besides the CHOGM Communique titled ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’ various important documents such as Kigali Declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform, Commonwealth Living Lands Charter, and Declaration on Sustainable Urbanization are also expected to be adopted.The MoS will present Pakistan’s perspective at the plenary as well as other discussions during this important Commonwealth event which could not be held in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. The last CHOGM was held in London in 2018.It may be recalled that Pakistan is one of the eight founding members of the Commonwealth, and is expanding its engagement with the Organization and member countries in pursuance of the common goals of peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

Congo virus case reported in Quetta hospital QUETTA: A suspected patient was confirmed having been infected by the deadly disease Congo hemorrhagic fever here on Wednesday. According to health officials, four persons were brought to Fatima Jinnah Hospital, Quetta, on suspicion of Congo Fever where one of them was diagnosed as having carrying the deadly virus. The patient, identified as Noor Ali, is an Afghan national settled in Quetta. It is important to mention here that amid apprehensions of Congo Virus infection ahead of Eidul Azha, the federal health officials have prepared an advisory for protection from the disease. According to sources, experts of the National Institute of Health have prepared the special advisory with regard to the Congo hemorrhagic fever, to create awareness in medical professionals as well as general public. Possibility of Congo Virus infection increases in Eidul Azha days, owing to countrywide transportation of cattle and increasing human contact with animals, according to the federal advisory. The departments concerned should take timely precautionary measures in cattle markets and other places across the country for protection from the Congo virus. The health officials advised general public to ensure that their sacrificial animals have been free from the tick causes the virus infection. They also advised people to use germicides after consultation with the livestock department. The disease is caused when a tick attaches itself to the skin of cattle and when that infected tick or animal comes in contact with people, the highly contagious virus is transmitted into the human body and the person falls ill. news desk

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Thursday, 23 June, 2022

06 COMMENT

Need Political Commandos?

Pakistan, IMF agreement A necessary but unpopular task

HiLE official sources claim that a formal agreement has been reached with the iMF it would be safer to call it a broad agreement instead. there are still things to be done before a stafflevel pact is signed next month. the iMF mission is yet to finalize monetary targets with the state Bank and share the draft of a Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policy (MEFP). actions required in the Memorandum and which will have to be implemented before the iMF board takes up Pakistan’s case for approval and the subsequent disbursement of about $1 billion next month. However with the Us support available to the coalition government it would be easier for islamabad to negotiate minor hurdles on the way to securing the iMF deal. the iMF has already yielded some ground by stepping back from the demand that it impose a Rs30 per litre petroleum levy and 10.5% sales tax with effect from July 1st. However islamabad was required to generate Rs436 billion more through taxes, increase the petroleum levy gradually up to Rs50 per litre, revise upward the annual tax collection target by almost Rs 422 billion for the year 2022-23 by taking additional tax measures, impose poverty tax on firms earning above Rs 150 million, do away with provisions for additional salaries and pensions, cancel the pay and pension raise and bring down the income tax exemption to Rs 600,000 a year instead of the proposed Rs 1.2 million annual income. the measures are needed to put the economy on track but are going to be widely unwelcome. One expects the broad agreement to have a positive impact on markets. Even a hint from the Finance Minister that an agreement with the iMF was expected in a day or two led stocks to stage a massive recovery on tuesday. to start with, the agreement will put an end to the prevailing uncertainty. Pakistan needs about $36 billion to $37 billion in financing for the fiscal year starting July. With the country unable to secure funding from the global bond market and commercial banks, iMF becomes the sole resort. an iMF deal would help secure funds from international financial institutions and friendly nations. there are hopes that with sufficient foreign exchange in the state Bank the rupee would strengthen and the inflation would come down. But by the time the economy starts reviving, the PML(n) would have lost enough goodwill due to the tsunami of inflation the measures would bring.

PTI needs to get back to the basics

Dr FariD a Malik

inCE decades the political scene in Pakistan has been dreadful. Most civilian institutions are under the control of the ‘Mafias’. the positive forces of change seem helpless against the Monsters of the status quo. Outof-the-box solutions are needed to restore order. During my recent visit to scotland, i came to know that it was Winston Churchill’s idea to create a Commando force to stall the advances of the German forces during World War ii. specially trained soldiers were dropped behind the lines of the advancing German army to disrupt their supplies and halt their advance. in Pakistan they are classified as; the special services Group (ssG). their training centre is located at a place called Cherat, which is a small hillock near Pabbi on the main Gt Road short of nowshera. Only a selected few brave men are inducted into the ranks of he ssG. Churchill’s Commandos halted the German advances by fighting behind the enemy lines. While Hitler was fighting a traditional war, Churchill was not. Creativity and innovation prevailed over tradition. Hitler’s forces were trapped, cornered, defeated and finally made to surrender. in face to face headon combat the German’s were unstoppable, the Commandos saved the day.

Pakistan and Turkey are Shaping New Era of Cooperation

Talking to the TTP NSC to provide parliamentary oversight

HE talks between the ttP and the government have many problems, which can be traced to the fact that there seemed to be no parliamentary oversight. that is to end soon, as an in-camera session of Parliament’s national security Committee is to meet for an in-camera briefing on these talks, with briefings to be provided by the COas and the DG isi. this way, not only will parliamentary parties be briefed about the negotiations that are taking place, but those carrying out the negotiations will get access to input from the elected representatives in whose name the talks are taking place, and will probably get a better sense of what is acceptable and what is not. it is perhaps symptomatic that the talks have come to a cause on the question of the status of the tribal areas. the ttP wants that status to revert back to the previous one of Federally administered tribal areas where the Frontier Crime Regulations applied. it has been told that only Parliament can concede that, and that too by passing a constitutional amendment. it transpires that the real purpose of merging to trivial areas into khyber Pakhtunkhwa was to bring them to the national mainstream, but as tactics in the War on terror. the negotiations were primarily handled by the military and the isi, partly because the ttP had brought in the afghan taliban, considered for so long an isi asset, to the negotiating table. the PPP found itself multiply excluded, with its co-Chair Bilawal Bhutto Zardari not just the Foreign Minister who should have properly headed these talks, but also the son of someone assassinated by the ttP. that the nsC meeting was convened by the government because of PPP pressure was perhaps inevitable. it should bring home to ttP sympathizers that only personal pain should not be the only reason for bringing an essentially national matter to the attention of Parliament in the form of an nsC meeting. it might also be noted that this is an instance of the strengthening of the committee system, which is still embryonic in Pakistan, but which requires a strengthening if parliamentary government is to take root.

Dr. MuhaMMaD akraM Zaheer

akistan and turkey pledged to improve their strategic and economic relations and agreed to take steps to eliminate terrorism. Pakistani Prime Minister shehbaz sharif and turkish President Recep tayyip Erdogan made the commitments during a one-on-one meeting and talks on issues of mutual interests. today, Pakistan and turkey are moving in the right direction of a cordial relationship. Both the countries respect each other because of multiple commonalities and spirit of brotherhood. However, ideologically, the two countries were poles apart; Pakistan adhered to the islamic ideology as the centrepiece of its nationhood while turkey pursued secularism when it became a Republic. nonetheless these differences of ideology with their corresponding reflection, on their respective external outlook, never hampered the course of friendship. since the last few years the perception and interest of both the countries have converged on a number of important issues. the strategic locations of both the countries are very unique and important. Pakistan is geostrategically located at the crossroads of West asia, Central asia, south asia and right next to China that has emerged as a great economic power in the world and a great power of the region. similarly, turkey is located at the crossroads of the Persian Gulf, Middle East and Balkans which preserve abundant amounts of oil and gas resources and fatality of conflicts. Pakistan and turkey converged on business, trade, investment, defense production, tourism, education and cultural areas of cooperation. nonetheless, both the countries could not achieve advantage from the tremendous potential of mutual cooperation in all these areas. since the global war on terror in 2001, both the countries

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the Political battlefield in the islamic Republic of Pakistan needs Commando action to clear the landmines put in place by the successive Bounty Hunters. in the past the republic has experienced such events. after the failed kashmir adventure of ayub khan in 1965, his foreign minister Zulfiqar ali Bhutto (ZaB) decided on Commando action against the dictator. He launched his progressive movement called Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in november 1967. students, labour and the progressives responded to his call. in October 1968 when the usurper decided to celebrate his decade of progress ( October 1958 to 1968 ) ZaB launched his anti ayub campaign. Undeterred by the brutal crackdown of the state apparatus, the street protests brought the ayub Regime crashing down. in March 1969 he had to step down. instead of ayub handing over power to the speaker of the national assembly, General agha Muhammad Yahya khan, the army Chief, took control of the country with a promise of holding free and fair elections which were held in 1970. the democratic period that followed was shortlived. By the next elections in 1977 ZaB had surrounded himself with the political mercenaries against whom he had fought against during his days of struggle. When crunch time came, he not only lost his power but also his life. in his own words, “ the elephant never forgets till he has taken his revenge “. today Pakistan is threatened by the force of political mercenaries. the political commandos are in disarray. after the 1970s, Pakistan again stands at the crossroads of change and liberation or ‘azadi’. On 30 October 2011, the ‘commandos’ and the ‘comrades’ of change gathered at the Minar-e-Pakistan to listen to their winning kaptaan imran khan (ik) the proud son of the city. there was zeal and enthusiasm in the crowd which had come in droves on its own. Change was in the air. ik promised to build ‘naya Pakistan’. in the 1970s the attack of the ‘political commandos’ under ZaB was not taken seriously but not this time around. On 25 December 2011, ik roared at the Mazare-Quaid but by this time the ‘political mercenaries’ had surrounded him and the ‘commandos’ were relegated to the lower stage to cut them to size. after the rally, Comrade ahsan Rashid, the Chou-en-Lai of Pti, had arranged a dinner at the sheraton Hotel. it proved to be the proverbial ‘Last supper’ for the ide-

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

prioritized the issue of counterterrorism and long term defense cooperation. Pakistan and turkey were aware about terrorism as a domestic and global phenomenon which was becoming a very severe threat to the world and each country was dealing terrorism in its own way. Pakistan and turkey decided to work on intelligence sharing and joint military exercises in the war on terror. Both countries have agreed to cooperate in arms technology and its manufacturing. the turkish aersospace industry has designed a research and development unit in Pakistan’ national University of science and technology to focus on security, and drone and radar technology. in 2018, with the collaboration of turkey, Pakistan is on the track of warship yard construction in karachi. in the aftermath of 2020, both the countries organized a session of a high level dialogue group in which turkey sought assistance in developing a nuclear weapon programme. the two countries are much worried about the Muslim deterioration and always claimed to fight for the rights of Muslim world and their territorial disputes. For example, Pakistan is one of the only countries in the world that does not recognize armenia as a sovereign state but it recognizes the azerbaijani claim over the disputed area of nagorno-karabakh. turkey has also supported azerbaijan during the war between armenia and azerbaijan. in January 2021, the foreign ministers of azerbaijan, Pakistan and turkey arranged a talk and issued a statement for their diplomatic support to nagornokarabakh, north Cyprus and kashmir. Pakistani Prime Minister imran khan has also maintained the stance for turkish-backed kurds in syria and in the return turkey also spoke openly over kashmir and expressed its ire to india. in 2020, the leadership of both the countries declared kashmir as a burning issue of the world. For a long time, the Palestine issue has been discussed routinely in the Un and in other international forums without any favourable statement or political settlement. nowadays both the countries are openly voicing for the Palestinian people in the Un General assembly and other international forums. turkish diplomatic and defence cooperation have improved Pakistan’s security status in the region but it could not resolve the economic dilemma that has been exacerbated by te covid-19 pandemic. in January 2021, both the countries gave an outline of trade and invest-

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

ologues who had built the movement with their sweat and blood, in 56 days it was all over for the political commandos on whom ik was relying for change. When the crunch time came the ‘political mercenaries’ abandoned the Prime Minster ( PM ). it was a repeat of the ZaB scenario. By instinct ik is a fighter. He now leads an ‘azadi March’ to regain the lost pride and sovereignty of the nation. ZaB did not get a second chance while ik has skillfully managed to lead the charge again. He has finally decided to regroup his ‘commandos’. On June 10, Hamid khan, a party stalwart was called to Bani Gala to heal the wounds inflicted by the ‘bounty hunters’. in his own words, “it is better late than never “ but in his interview Hamid sahib did mention that more housecleaning is needed before complete restoration of the original party momentum, the Old Guard, is still not back. it was the same Hamid khan who valiantly fought against the entrenched saad Rafiq in the 2013 contest in Lahore and finally got him de-seated from the Election tribunal. in 2018 ik won this constituency which Humayun akhtar khan lost in the by-elections. While ik has survived the current debacle, his team has not. Punjab the largest province of the republic, has been the weakest link. it is not only Usman Buzdar who proved to be an ineffective Chief Minister, the influence of the sharifs on the administrative set-up was grossly underestimated and mismanaged. the bureaucracy in Punjab needs a major shake-up. the way the Chief secretary and the iG have blindly obeyed an illegal set-up should be an eyeopener. With this PML(n)-friendly set-up, free and fair elections in Punjab are not possible. a lot of ‘Commando’ action is needed for a level playing field. Pakistan needs ‘azadi’ for which a lot of homework and struggle is needed. Pti thinktanks did formulate policies which were overlooked by the new players, so perhaps it is time to revive and revisit that effort which is needed to move forward for meaningful and sustainable change to take place. The writer is ex-Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: fmaliks@hotmail.com.

ment of $1 billion by turkish companies in Pakistan. then in February 2021, President Erdogan visited Pakistan and the leadership of both sides signed a strategic Economic Framework agreement that may cover a broad spectrum of cooperation in defense, trade and investment, science and technology, education, health, tourism, and culture. Pakistani and turkish Free trade agreement (Fta) is still in the process. Pakistan, iran and turkey have agreed to resume cargo train service to facilitate the goods transportation between neighbours. they have also signed a citizenship agreement to facilitate businessmen and tourists of both sides; in addition Pakistan has launched an E-visa system to facilitate the people. today, Pakistan and turkey are taking measures to establish a balanced and prioritized equation of bilateral cooperation. turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has made a statement that Pak-turkish bilateral trade of $800 million is not sufficient and both the countries should be brought up to their true potential. Pakistan should include turkish companies in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) especially in energy sector and transportation infrastructure. Meanwhile both sides are willing to forge new connections between people, apart from student exchange programmes, and conferences focused on private and public partnership and workshops to encourage startups. naya Pakistan policy of the previous government was focusing on economic security as the covid-19 pandemic has shaken the economic structure of Pakistan. Despite this desolating circumstance, many multinational companies are still doing business in Pakistan and are earning reasonable profits due to the friendly investment environment. such a situation is also very favourable for turkish businessmen and enterprises. the Pakistani and turk leaderships signed six bilateral memorandum of understanding on public debt management, Collaboration between credit guarantee institutions for the financing of sME, housing, publicprivate partnership models, especially knowledge exchange in transportation and health, economic and social policy planning, and technical cooperation in road engineering. turkey seems the natural partner of Pakistan in the areas of economic and defense due to historical bonds and relationship of brotherhood. in short, this solid and deep foundation of relationship between both the countries may fortify and yield impressive benefits for their people as well as be an effective voice for the issues of Muslim World.

Turkey seems the natural partner of Pakistan in the areas of economic and defense due to historical bonds and relationship of brotherhood.

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

The writer has a PhD in political science and can be reached at akramzaheer86@yahoo.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

06-07 Comments - 23rd June 2022_Layout 1 6/22/2022 11:34 PM Page 2

Thursday, 23 June, 2022

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

Accidents in Balochistan BaLOCHistan is the impoverished province of Pakistan where accident is more common according to a report more than hundred people die in accident every year due to narrow highways and poor safety too in Balochistan. similarly, if we see more than 275 people lost their lives and more than 16,000 were injured in accidents on Balochistan’s major highways since october 2019. it is an unbearable pain for us where our brothers and sisters are being victims of accidents every day, but the government of Balochistan is still not taking any actions against road accidents in Balochistan. if the government does not work on road accidents then Balochistan’s residents will continue to suffer more and more with every passing day. to conclude, i humbly request the government of Balochistan to work on Balochistan’s highways to curb the rise in road accidents as soon as possible so that the precious lives of the residents be protected in future. AZAD BASHEER BALGATAR KEELKOR

The curse of child marriage

Decoding the Narrative ‘there will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh in the next 30 years’ Hindu numbers are rising in absolute terms SaMina akhter

anGLaDEsH has recently been depicted by some in the international media by saying ‘there will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh in the next 30 years if the current rate of exodus continues’ and Hindus keep fleeing to india’. However, this understanding is completely incorrect. Bangladesh is being depicted unfairly and without evidence as a country that discriminates against its minorities, particularly Hindus. there is no doubt that Bangladesh has seen a steady outflow of Hindus since Partition. Minorities accounted for 23.1 percent of the population in 1951, but only 9.6 percent in 2011. a recently published book has predicted that there will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh in the next 30 years if the current rate of exodus continues. according to the book, 11.3 million Hindus were either forced to leave the country or migrated between 1964 and 2013. the author of the book said the rate of exodus over the last 49 years paints a grim picture for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, where their population remains just 8.2 percent, according to the last census. the book, perhaps, is unable to make the reader understand the real situation in Bangladesh. For example, Priya saha a Hindu minority rights activist, participated in the second Ministerial Meeting to advance Religious Freedom held at the Us Department of state in Washington, DC from16 to 18 July 2019. in a video clip that went viral on social media, Priya saha was heard telling Us President Donald trump: “sir, i’m from Bangladesh ... 37 million Hindus, Buddhists and Christians have disappeared. Please help us - for the Bangladeshi minor people. We want to stay in our country. “ in a video message, Priya saha explained her position and tried to defendhe her remarks tagging abul Barkat’s research findings. then the author said in 2019 Priya saha has distorted his research findings by her comments during an interaction with Us President Donald trump that 37 million Hindus, Buddhists and Christians have disappeared in Bangladesh. However, the author’s works sparked a controversy in Bangladesh. On the other hand, during the eruption of communal violence in Bangladesh against Hindu minorities in 2021, countless arguments and numerous criticisms had been brought to light. some claimed that Bangladesh has become quite a case of ethnic cleansing- subtly but forcefully forcing Hindu minorities across the border. some even went further, claiming that Bangladesh had failed to form a state where different religious and ethnic groups could coexist based on the principle of secularism, one of the four fundamental pillars of the liberation war in 1971. as evidence to prove those criticisms, most of them point fingers at the continuous decline of Hindu minority population in Bangladesh, a case drawn to demonstrate Bangladesh was a prolific ground of persecution against Hindu. But an objective discernment of those allegations, especially through comprehensive statistical appraisal, relative systemic endeavours and

within the broader political landscape, makes them, in most part, lose their grounds. according to the Bangladesh Bureau of statistics data, the percentage of the Hindu community in the total population was 13.5 percent in 1974, in Bangladesh’s first population census, which, as of the latest census in 2011, stands at 8.5 percent, and again increased to 10.7 percent in 2015. Ostensibly, these statistical figures, continuous decline in percentage, seem to confer legitimacy to predominant arguments about the decline of Hindu population. But mere percentage estimation tells only half the truth about the broader demographic landscape of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. if we take the increase in total number, other than mere percentage, over the years along with other factors that have contributed to decline, into account, it will substantially clarify the whole picture and weaken the predominant narratives about the decrease of the number and persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. taking the total number into account, in 1974, the number of Hindu populations was 10.31 million which reached slightly above 12.7 million in 2011 and 17 million in 2015. it is seen that the total number has remained increasing whereas it has come down relative to the total Muslim population, due to a relatively higher growth in the size of the Muslim population from 65.24 million in 1974 to135.4million in 2011. it is true that growth in numbers is a little slow among Hindu population and could hit 22 million by 2011 only if it increased linearly in terms of percentage as reported in 1974 (13.5%). But that is not because of any systematic persecution against the minority rather, in most part, of international economic migration, relatively lower birth and high mortality rate among Hindu population, higher rate of contraceptive use and a particular political reality in the history of Bangladesh. according to the study paper prepared by researchers from iCDDR, B’s Health systems and Population studies Division and the University of north Carolina (Chapel Hill), studying the population data of 1989-2016 of Matlab Upazila in Chadpur to find out why Hindus have lower population growth than Muslims, the birth rate of Hindu populace in every thousand falls short by 3 points comparing to Muslims. While the probability of having a child among the Muslim women is 35, it is 32 among Hindu women. the study found that the tendency to late marriage and having not more than 2 children and relatively higher use of contraceptives also contribute to the low birth rate among the Hindu populace. Even higher numbers of deaths, 4

more than that of Muslims in every ten thousand, can also be subscribed to the decrease in percentage. Finally, researchers concluded that 71 percent of low growth rate may be attributed to the lower rate of fertility and 23 percent to the international emigration by Hindus. in the report, it was also observed that, since 2006, more Hindus have been opting for countries other than india for immigration. Only 36 percent of the migrating Hindus of Matlab went to india between 2005 and 2012, while a larger portion of them went to the states other than india for better living- a countervailing evidence against predominant propaganda that more Hindus have been leaving for india due to persecution. to be sure, the percentage of the Hindu minority compared with that of Muslim has declined over last 50 years. But this estimation has overlooked a subtle but solid point: the fundamental political upheaval and constitution of Bangladesh from 1975 to 1991. Just take the number into account, from 1974 to 1991 the percentage of the Hindu minority in the total population came down from 13.5 to 10.5 in 16 years. But, after the end of anti-secularism-fueled military rule in 1991 and installation of constitutional democracy, the percentage decline slowed down: 10.5 in 1991 to 8.5 in 2011 within 20 years. in 2011, after the 15th amendment to the Bangladesh constitution, secularism was restored which especially contributed to increase of the percentage of Hindu people in the total populace to 10.7 percent in 2015. Unlike, its two bordering states- Myanmar and india, the former denying Muslim Rohingya minority of citizenship since 1982 out of pathological hatred and the latter rendering Muslims stateless through anti-Muslim laws, Bangladesh has never, particularly since 1991, intended to promote any discriminatory policy, be it in practice or by laws. Praiseworthy and prompt action taken by the Government of Bangladesh against the menace of the recent Durga Puja incident, is a salient example of this. Minority is a phenomenon which every country must possess, be it ethnic or linguistic or religious. But a state-sanctioned discriminatory policy, inherent ethnic or religious tension or historical schism mobilized to settle political scores usually contributes to violence against minorities. However, in Bangladesh mostly politically cornered vested groups have played out on the minority card to stoke crises and manipulate the situation to their end. Besides long cherished pluralistic sentiment in Bangladesh is, rather in times, menaced by ‘spill-over effect’ of politics and policies in proximate neighbors, of course by political fringe groups.

Minority is a phenomenon which every country must possess, be it ethnic or linguistic or religious. But a state-sanctioned discriminatory policy, inherent ethnic or religious tension or historical schism mobilized to settle political scores usually contributes to violence against minorities.

The writer is a freelance columnist

a child is considered to be fit for marriage after he/she has been ascertained to be mature but the maturity identification is taken as at it worst in Pakistan. Maturity has just been taken subject to physical reproductive abilities. But in real, mental changes and cognitive capabilities are more of important key players upon the road to adulthood. secondly, deep-rooted customs and rituals are ignition to this issue. a girl is always perceived to be guest of her parents house and is prepared every second for her actual home. Fear of sexual adults and Pre-martial pregnancies are made reason for immediate marriage and safe transfer of wrongly perceived pride and honour. Financial burden of daughter being in home is also a major reason for the parents drive to get their daughter married as soon as possible ignoring the long term consequences. Early marriage has extremely adverse effects upon the health of young girls. Early pregnancies lead to higher chances of unhealthy and unfit babies along with severe life threatening issues for young mothers. a teen girl is snatched off her childhood and is handed with responsibilities of other lives at such a sensitive stage when she herself needs support of her parents. she loses her right of education and self-development due to excessive and illegitimate burden of chores and slavery of a male and his family members. all of this crushes her under the heaviest loads of her life all at single lapse of time. this also implies to young boys, when they themselves are not economically independent, additional weight of her new wife and babies make them fall in cage of problems. this also leads to domestic violence out of frustration by him and eventually disturbed home environment. the impacts of this issue are also broadened to societal level, youngsters and more in number in Pakistan and early marriages prevent them for adding their part towards the advancement of society thus making a huge portion of society to be only consumers but not producers of resources. TALHA JAVED LATKI KHANPUR

Cheating in examinations WiDEsPREaD cheating in secondary and higher secondary schools is one of the major barriers affecting the quality of education. On the one hand, it promotes a culture of academic dishonesty, while, on the other, prevents true merit from reaching the position it deserves. there are several reasons why cheating remains deeply entrenched and prevalent in our educational institutions. From the policymakers to teachers and students, it seems everyone is involved in this objectionable practice. One of the major factors behind this phenomenon is the flawed recruitment process through which teachers are appointed. in Pakistan, teachers’ recruitment is based on the results of an objective test that usually has questions on a few major subjects, such as science, Math and English. Previously, a candidate had to obtain a minimum of 60 per cent marks to pass the test, but it has been brought down recently to a mere 40pc. those who clear the test are sent straight to the classrooms to teach. a written test is not enough to gauge competence in subject matter. Besides, how can someone with no teaching experience or with no prior pedagogical training be expected to teach while ensuring the right learning outcome? Caught between an incompetent instructor and the risk of failing their own exams, students resort to unfair means. Meanwhile, another factor that aids, if not promotes, the cheating culture is its acceptance by society. Many invigilators are seen not just ignoring but encouraging the use of unfair means during examinations in exchange for favours. teachers with the right credentials and students confident of their abilities would never be part of such practices. Moreover, the methods used to put an end to cheating during exams are also half-hearted and insincere. teams assigned by education boards to pay surprise visits to examination centres make for good optics, but are practically useless in addressing the root causes of the problem. the culture of cheating is not, however, restricted to exams alone. the roots of this practice and its prevalence are in the culture of corruption in society, as is evident by the fact that a1 grade can be secured easily by paying the ‘right’ official the ‘right’ amount. this menace cannot be addressed without severe accountability of officials involved in selling merit for a price. there is also the need to reform the way classrooms are managed. teachers should be assessed on the subject matter they teach, and be asked to submit regular lesson plans, methodology of teaching, and ways of maintaining their daily portfolios of students. teachers should also ensure that each and every student in class, especially the weaker ones, gets equal attention with regular coordination with parents about their performances. For examinations, it should be ensured that invigilators are always someone not previously known to the students, while no other teacher or outsider should be allowed to enter the centre during the examinations. Cheating cannot be addressed by hotchpotch policies. truly addressing the problem would require everyone connected with the education system from parents to education officials and education activists to openly denounce the practice and campaign actively to make the whole thing socially unacceptable. ALI GUL LEGHARI JOHI

08 WORLD VIEW 23rd June 22_Layout 1 6/22/2022 9:14 PM Page 1

Thursday, 23 June, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

Why arE WE StILL rEWardIng MonEy LaundErErS? MONEY LAUNDERERS – READ FINANCIAL CRIMINALS – WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEGALISE THEIR LAUNDERED MONEY WITHOUT HAVING TO FACE ANY QUESTIONS, IF THEY PAY A MEAGRE 7-15 PERCENT TAX

Daily star TASnEEM TAYEB

inAnce Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has placed a controversial suggestion in his budgetary proposal: money launderers – read financial criminals – will be allowed to legalise their laundered money without having to face any questions, if they pay a meagre 715 percent tax. The move is apparently aimed at creating scope to roll back the laundered money into the mainstream economy. While the proposal has been criticised as unconstitutional and discriminatory towards honest taxpayers, at this point, we need to ask ourselves, why are we failing to stop capital flight to begin with? To understand the country’s money laun-

dering ecosystem and find answers to the above question, we need look no further than the much-publicised case of PK Halder. The Department of Financial institutions and Markets (DFiM) of Bangladesh Bank had flagged PK Halder’s fake companies as “risky borrowers” way back in 2016. Despite this, Haldar and co. were allowed to carry on with their crimes, till those could no longer be kept under the wraps. This particular case has raised questions about the competence and intentions of the financial institutions (Fis), intelligence agencies, and the regulators. Why was the DFiM flag not taken seriously in 2016? Why did the Fis keep lending Halder money, despite his companies being termed risky borrowers? Why did the law enforcers not catch him in the act? is there a problem with the existing laws, or does the problem lie with their application? in an attempt to unearth the answers to these questions, i caught up with Dr iftekharuzzaman, executive Director of Transparency international Bangladesh (TiB). The problem, he said, wasn’t with the

law, but with the lack of political will, as well as the technical capacity to implement them. “The 2012 Anti-money Laundering Act (AMLA)… is a very strong law. To complement, there are robust and well-designed international procedures including mutual legal assistance facility against money laundering. it is the lack of enforcement of such national and international legal provisions that is making the nation vulnerable to the ever-increasing menace of money laundering… Apart from illicitly transferring money abroad through creation of paper-based, shady companies, a significant chunk – more than 70 percent – of money is laundered through trade misinvoicing, every year. The culpability of sections of the concerned authorities is also a possibility that cannot be overlooked,” he explained. A similar opinion was shared by former World Bank lead economist Dr Zahid Hussain: “it all boils down to governance. Financial scams cannot take place without cooperation between the criminals and the enablers, and there is almost always an in-

side enabler. in the past, the nation has been shocked by the massive scale scam of Hallmark Group and Bismillah Group, and in both the cases it was highly experienced state-owned banks – Sonali and Janata – which had been the lenders. One might be pardoned for asking, how could such experienced banks fall for the lies and fraudulence of these unscrupulous and dishonest businesses? The micro-prudential regulations that are in place are sound, so are the policies. The regulator and the financial institutions need to ensure compliance not selectively, but even-handedly.” One also wonders if nonentities like P K Halder or Tanvir Mahmud or Khaza Soleiman Anwar chowdhury – who have aggressively looted financial institutions – operate only with the help of a few inside officials, or are there “influential” people behind them, holding the strings. each time such a case gets exposed, it is usually only the small fries who get caught, who may face punishment. At best, political opponents are implicated. But are small players really capable of pulling off such stunts without po-

litical patronage? Would Fi officials risk their jobs and reputations only for money, or under some form of external pressure? These missing pieces of the puzzle need to be put together to understand the full picture. Bangladesh’s struggle with capital flight is not new. Over the decades, this disease has spread across different layers of our financial sector, making it weak from within. And little has been done to cure it. Time and again, the authorities have not only been reluctant to bring financial criminals to justice, but have gone out of their way to protect them. The proposal of the finance minister to legalise laundered money without launderers even having to answer for them is only a continuation of that long tradition. We cannot afford to give these criminals such impunity. The finance minister should rethink this esoteric and controversial proposal, and retract it. After all, we do have a legacy of going back on our words. For once, let it be for a good reason. Tasneem Tayeb is a columnist for The Daily Star.

Exporting Israel’s gas to Europe

Lebanon, Israel close to fighting over Mediterranean gas

AN INITIAL BUT MOMENTOUS STEP

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE LEBANESE OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS RESERVES ARE WORTH ABOUT $250 BILLION, WHICH IS ABOUT EIGHT TIMES THE COUNTRY’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN 2020

Jerusalem Post GABRIEL MITCHELL

ince the discovery of offshore natural gas last decade, israeli officials have ambitiously pursued an export agreement that would deliver natural gas to europe. And last week, israel took its most meaningful step yet toward achieving this goal by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) together with egypt and the european Union. The MOU articulates that israel and egypt will increase natural gas sales to eU countries, who in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are trying to reduce their dependence on Russian fossil fuels. According to the agreement, israel will deliver natural gas via pipeline to egypt, where it will then be converted to liquefied natural gas (LnG) and sold on the european market. There is good reason for the fanfare around the agreement. The eU is moving heaven and earth to replace the 150 billion cubic meters (BcM) that Russia delivered in years past (40% of its total annual needs). By committing themselves to exporting natural gas to europe, israel and egypt reaffirmed their commitments to the West’s efforts in this conflict. And after years of discussions that failed to produce fruit, the signing of this MOU is a particularly important achievement for israel – albeit one that materialized as a byproduct of geopolitical developments beyond anyone’s control. Successful energy diplomacy is as much about confidence-building and momentum towards the future as it is about any singular project in the present moment. This new agreement accomplishes both, addressing immediate concerns while presenting Brussels and Jerusalem an opportunity to diversify their energy relationship in the coming years. nevertheless, it is also important to be modest. The MOU’s language was vague, using terms like “endeavor” and “exploring possibilities” to reflect a shared interest in cooperation, without legally binding the parties to any contractual obligations. This was done intentionally. The global energy market is in tremendous flux and everyone is hedging their bets in the event a more affordable deal comes along. The MOU doesn’t commit to investing in new infrastructure that would expand israel’s capacity to export natural gas or egypt’s ability to liquefy it. Presently, israel can deliver

somewhere between 7-10 BcM to egypt via existing export contracts, where it could then be converted into LnG and sold on the global market. Future pipeline projects will enable this quantity to increase, however egypt’s liquid natural gas (LnG) terminals can only convert around 17 BcM per year. in other words, the MOU loosely weaves eU energy interests into israel and egypt’s current energy partnership, as well as the broader trend of energy cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean. This isn’t a game changer that will alter european energy security, rather a piece of a complex puzzle that Brussels is trying to tackle with a combination of short, medium and long-term policies on the import of fossil fuels and the development of renewable projects. it also means that future exports to europe won’t dramatically weaken israel’s energy security, as some have claimed. The quantities aren’t significant enough and the timeframe that the parties are discussing isn’t long enough. To fully maximize the potential of this agreement, israel should pursue additional methods beyond natural gas exports to support europe’s efforts. investing in renewable infrastructure and technology would both enable israel to expand its storage capacity (which in turn would allow it to export more natural gas), as well as contribute to international efforts to transition from fossil fuels. israel has yet to green-light the euroAsia interconnector, a proposed electricity interconnector or highvoltage cable that would link the electricity systems of Greece, cyprus and israel. Unlike pipelines, interconnectors transfer electricity in both directions and are commonly viewed as one of the better vehicles to maximize the strengths of renewable energy. imagine a scenario where israel – alongside other Middle eastern and Mediterranean states – supplied renewable-based electricity to europe. And with the right dose of American mediation, israel might find the right language to reach a maritime boundary agreement with Lebanon, thus enabling international oil and gas companies to explore additional Mediterranean waters and discover more hydrocarbons. When world leaders gathered at cOP26 in Glasgow last november, the conversation focused almost exclusively on the transition to renewables and combating climate change. While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dramatically altered the short-term interests of europe and its allies, those long-term goals remain unchanged. eastern Mediterranean states, such as israel, that can adeptly navigate between these somewhat contradictory trends will not only play a constructive role in supporting europe during this current crisis but help lay the foundations for a more interconnected and renewable tomorrow. The writer is a policy fellow at Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, and director of undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame at Tantur.

arab News YOSSI MEKELBERG

T was only two or three years ago that leading energy experts cast doubt on the commercial viability of investing in the exploration and extraction of deep-water natural gas. Since then, and most recently thanks to Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine, gas prices have more than quadrupled and, as the eU weans itself off Russian energy supplies, alternative sources of natural gas are in great demand. One region that might benefit most from these developments is the eastern Mediterranean, although its political and security volatility are turning this modern-day gold rush into a source of dispute. Lately we have seen the threat of a military clash between israel and Lebanon emerge over the development of the Karish gas field. it took five weeks of traveling by sea for a gas-drilling rig to reach its destination in the eastern Mediterranean — a location that is claimed both by israel and Lebanon as being in their territorial waters. in light of threats made by the Lebanese government and the iran-backed Hezbollah, the gas platform was escorted by israeli naval vessels, including submarines, and upon its arrival a naval version of the iron Dome missile defense system also arrived in the area to protect the platform. This is only the latest chapter in a long-running maritime border dispute between the two countries — a dispute that has gathered momentum since the discovery of offshore natural gas deposits. The two countries are officially still at war with each other and have been since 1948, which is why negotiations over their respective claims to these 860 sq km of the Mediterranean Sea are being conducted through a US intermediary. Lebanon last week warned israel against what it called “aggressive action” in disputed waters, referring to the Karish gas field. President Michel Aoun declared that any activity in the disputed area

would amount to an act of aggression and a provocation, while Prime Minister najib Mikati flexed his muscles by instructing his military command to keep him informed of any new developments. One can hardly see the israelis taking too much notice of threats coming from a very fractured Lebanese government, but the more explicit warning by the head of Hezbollah, Hassan nasrallah, that his organization “has the capacity to prevent the enemy from beginning to extract from Karish, and all the enemy’s actions will not be able to protect this ship,” will have been responded to with all the necessary caution. As a rule of thumb, despite the dwindling power of Hezbollah in Lebanese politics, or maybe even because of it, israel is never complacent in the face of threats originating from that source. Regardless of how accurate israel’s intelligence may be about Hezbollah’s intentions, and even though the organization’s leader has been living in hiding since 2006, the historically fraught relations between the two and the fact that Hezbollah is, to a large extent, the spearhead of Tehran’s confrontation with Tel Aviv dictates extra caution when such threats are aired. There are aspects of this israeliLebanese border dispute that epitomize the nature of relations between the two countries and which hinder their ability to constructively communicate. First is the fragility of both political systems, although in this case it is Lebanon’s that is stalling a possible solution; and second is the asymmetrical power balance between the two countries. Furthermore, it is not only the maritime border dispute that has yet to be settled, but also the land border, which has not been agreed upon for more than 70 years. An investigation by the israeli newspaper Haaretz concluded that, despite Lebanon’s claim that israel violated its maritime sovereignty and “invaded its marine resources” by stationing the Karish gas platform in its current position, its location is not in the disputed area. if this is so, the dispute should amount to no more than a storm in a teacup. However, the history of relations between the two countries shows that well-established facts play only a secondary role in their perceptions of each other’s behavior. The discovery in recent years of huge natural gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean provides, on the one hand, a great opportunity to boost the economies of countries in this region. But on the other, considering the geopolitical tensions between some of them, including

Turkey, Greece, cyprus and Syria, in addition to israel, Hamas-controlled Gaza and Lebanon, this underwater bonanza is more likely to exacerbate existing strains between these countries, rather than encourage cooperation and enable them to put aside old rivalries. it is estimated that the Lebanese offshore oil and gas reserves are worth about $250 billion, which is about eight times the country’s gross domestic product in 2020. However, translating this potential into hard cash requires considerable investment — an injection that would be justified by current energy market conditions — but the Lebanese government does not have the necessary resources and foreign investors might consider it too risky to partner with a country whose domestic and international affairs are extremely volatile. israel’s decision to expand its drilling in the Mediterranean is equally a source of worry from a climate change perspective and represents the detrimental impact of the current energy crisis on the climate change agenda. Only a few months ago, its government decided to freeze moves to further expand its gas fields in order to meet the commitments of its green policies. nevertheless, the war in Ukraine is changing the calculus between the urgent need to replace Russian energy supplies and the drive to go greener and develop renewable energy resources. consequently, israel and egypt last week signed an agreement with the eU to boost gas exports to europe. The situation is particularly alarming in a region that is one of the worst-affected by global warming, the results of which are predicted to lead to conflict with consequences never seen before. in the meantime, Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser on energy security at the US State Department, who has been mediating between the two neighbors, rushed to Beirut in an attempt to ease the tensions between Lebanon and israel. For the sake of both countries, this maritime border dispute must be resolved without another round of violence. Lebanon can then take its first steps into the energy market. But the fragility of its society and political system, and the damaging role Hezbollah plays in it, means there is always the possibility that such a disagreement might still turn into a military conflict. Yossi Mekelberg is professor of international relations and an associate fellow of the MENA Program at Chatham House.

Thursday, 23 June, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS corporate corner Oil & Gas discovery made at Nim east–1, District Tando Allah yar, Sindh

ISLAMABAD: By the Grace of Almighty Allah, the Joint Venture of Nim Block Comprising Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) as Operator (95 %) & GHPL (5 % carried) has discovered Oil and Gas from an exploratory well namely Nim East–1 which is located in District Tando Allah Yar, Sindh Province. Nim East–1 was spudded in on 21 st March 2022 as an exploratory well by using OGDCL’s in-house expertise and in close collaboration with GHPL team. The well was drilled down to 2573 meters. Based on the results of wireline logs interpretation, Drill Stem Test-1 in the Basal Sand has tested 1400 Barrels of Oil per Day (BOPD) & 5.02 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD) Gas through choke size 32/64’’ at Well Head Flowing Pressure (WHFP) of 1820 Pounds per Square Inch (psi). pr

Gas Discovery At Kaleri Shum01 IN Kalchas Block, PUNJAB

ISLAMABAD: By the Grace of Almighty Allah, Oil and Gas Development Limited, being an operator of Kalchas Exploration Licence (operator, 50%) along with Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL, 50%) as Joint Venture Partner has made a Gas discovery from its exploratory efforts at Kaleri Shum-01 well which is located in Rajanpur (Tribal area), Punjab Province. Kaleri Shum-01 was spudded on 31st Dec, 2021 to test the hydrocarbon potential of Pab Formation, Fortmunro/ Mughalkot and Parh formations. The well was drilled down to depth of 1907m. pr

INTeGrITy ICON PAKISTAN: fIve GOvT OffICIALS wIN ‘MOST HONeST’ OffICerS’ AwArD

HE Integrity Icon Pakistan 2021 award ceremony today celebrated the five winning Icons held at an event at the Serena Hotel. Zil E Huma, Deputy Director at Press Information Department in Islamabad; Shahzadi Noshad, DSP Traffic Incharge In Haripur, Kahyber Pakhtunkhwa; Romana Murad Khoso, Section Officer from Quetta, Balochistan; Nasir Bashir, Assistant Professor at Government Diyal Singh in Lahore, Punjab; and Muhammad Naseer Musvi, Deputy Director (Admin) Directorate of Schools Education (Primary) in Sukkur, Sindh; were awarded in recognition of their work excellence, integrity and honesty in respective categories. Speaking to the Accountability Lab, Chairman Board of Accountability Lab Pakistan (ALP), Ali Imran said that “Accountability and transparency are inevitable for the democratic governance, leading to the wise use of resources and benefiting everyone fairly. We must recognize and appreciate all those who are contributing for the positive change in Pakistan. The Integrity Icon is an effort to name and fame such individuals in the public sector who are playing their role in service delivery, practicing core values of integrity and empathy. The ALP Board is thankful to government institutions and international partners for their support to this initiative. While addressing the ceremony, one of AL’s former integrity icons, a civil educator and human rights advocate Mr. Zafarullah Khan remarked about integrity as “Integrity is an integral part of

personality especially when you are interested to serve the people and I often say that duty is beauty and this initiative is to appreciate that beauty”. He further says that “What else could be the greatest satisfaction when you are responsible to serve the citizen and citizens feel satisfied that you are always there to bring some kind of hope, some kind of relief, some kind of justice some kind of equality into their lives”. The Icons have become well known for their efforts in their service towards citizens, pushing back against corruption and advocating for better governance in their provinces. Musvi, during his posting in Sukkur, devised rules to prevent the misuse of the school’s procurement committee from aprroval for personal purchasing. Integrity Icon is an annual event to benchmark the values of accountable

leadership, transparency and integrity in Pakistan’s civil service. The campaign recognizes and celebrates government officials from across the country for their integrity and honesty. Integrity Icon is currently in its sixth consecutive year in Pakistan and received more than 100 nominations which were screened and vetted by a jury comprising credible professionals from the civil services, academia and civil society of Pakistan. The Icons’ dedication to serving citizens and carrying out their duties honestly earned them the respect of their colleagues, superiors and most importantly, of Pakistani citizens. “During this year’s campaign, we saw incredible energy from Pakistani citizens who have truly shown that they support and want to celebrate honest leaders,” noted Fayyaz Yaseen, Di-

Chief of Defence General Staﬀ Italian Armed Forces calls on Air Chief

PTCL, Huawei successfully deploy AirPON Solution ISLAMABAD: Admiral Giuseppe CAVO DRAGONE, Chief of Defence General Staff Italian Armed Forces who is on official visit to Pakistan called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed ISLAMABAD: PTCL, the country’s premier Telecom and ICT services provider has successfully deployed AirPON Solution from Huawei Technologies, in its Fiber Access Network. AirPON is a unique and innovative Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) solution, that leverages existing cellular mobile network infrastructure to extend Fiber footprint, with improved Total Cost of Ownership and better Time to Market. AirPON employs a purpose built pre-connectorized Optical Distribution Network (ODN) components, which offers a unique, efficient and agile deployment, that minimizes fieldwork through plug-n-play approach, while also greatly improving the quality of installation. The infrastructure available at cellular mobile sites is exploited for field deployment of Optical Line Terminal (OLT) Equipment, to serve its housing, power and transport needs. This solution is yet another step forward on PTCL’s roadmap for meeting rapidly growing consumer data traffic demands, by expanding its Fiber Access Network in areas otherwise difficult to reach for deployment. Jafar Khalid, Group Chief Technology Officer, PTCL Group, said,. pr

Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office today. During the meeting, matters of regional security situation, mutual and professional interest with special emphasis on

defence and security collaboration between the two countries were discussed. The visiting dignitary acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and vowed to enhance cooperation in various fields. He further said that these mutually beneficial interactions have deepened the bilateral defence relationship, strengthened the cooperation and enhanced mutual understanding between the two sides. The Air Chief reaffirmed the strong and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Italy and Pakistan. Both the dignitaries also agreed to further revitalize defence ties including training and indigenous production. staff report

PTA Conducts QoS Survey in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan & AJ&K ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has carried out an independent Quality of Service (QoS) Survey in 15 Cities and 8 Motorways/Highways/Inter City Roads of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) in order to measure the perform-

ance and quality of Cellular Mobile Operators’ (CMOs) services being provided to their customers. During the survey, the licensed KPIs of voice, network coverage, SMS and mobile broadband/data were checked using state of the art automated QoS Monitoring & Benchmarking Tool. The drive test teams selected survey routes

in such a manner to cover main roads, service roads and majority of sectors/colonies in areas being survey. Based upon the compliance level of each KPI against threshold defined in the respective licenses and QoS Regulations, CMOs have been ranked between 1st to 5th position in Mobile Network Coverag. pr

rector of Programs for Accountability Lab Pakistan. “Let’s move away from ‘naming and shaming’ and towards ‘naming and faming’ those who uphold the Pakistani values of honesty, integrity and accountability.” Ms. Katherine Twomey, First Secretary, Development, Australian High Commissioner was the chief guest of the crowning ceremony of the Integrity Icon Pakistan 2021. While addressing the audience she said that strong institutions provided the bedrock for an effective democracy. She emphasized the need to build strong institutions by supporting processes and frameworks that promoted good public service practices. She further said that Australia recognized the need for effective frameworks to stamp out corruption. Australia regularly reaffirmed its commitment to anti-corruption measures to help promote higher rates of economic growth, enhance economic development and reduce poverty in Pakistan. She highlighted that to ensure accountability and improved governance it was necessary to pursue strong responses to corruption that supported democratic institutions, the rule of law, promoted stability and trust and fostered open and efficient markets for economies and societies to thrive. Find our more about the Integrity Icons, including short videos outlining their accomplishments, at www.integrityicon.org/pakistan. ABout IntegrIty Icon PAkIStAn: Integrity Icon is a citizen-run movement to identify and celebrate honest and exemplary government officials. staff report

Utility stores to work on providing subsidized products for public relief, says spokesperson ISLAMABAD: As per the special direction from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Utility Store Corporation will continue to provide subsidies on basic food items through all stores across the country. 30 branded companies that supply groceries to the utility store have increased the prices of 952 branded items. With this, there has also been an increase in the prices of pulses. USC has maintained these prices from Sep/Oct 2021 after successful negotiations with the vendors. Even after the price influx of these branded items in the open market during the month of March 2022, USC stayed consistent with the old prices (except for a few changes) due to Ramazan. However, with the recent increased prices of these branded items the utility store management is compelled to increase the prices, for the availability at USC outlets. The Utility Store Corporation does not have its own manufacturing and production units and make its purchases from the open market because of which when there is an increase in the open market, the management of the utility store must increase the prices accordingly to ensure these products/brands available. Besides this increase, utility store is working hard to provide branded and non branded items to the public at comparatively lower prices. The prices of these items in utility stores are still less than in the retail/open market. Compared to the normal market, it is evident that the subsidized ghee in utility stores is cheaper by Rs. 250 per kg, sugar by Rs. 25 to 35 per kg, and 20 kg bag of flour by Rs. 700. Similarly, compared to the open market there is a decrease in the USC pulses rate. The white gram is being sold cheaper by Rs. 20-40, dal channa by Rs.15-20, and lentils by Rs.30-40. Other than this there are more than 1500 items that are being sold at utility stores at lower prices compared to the open market. staff report

Back-to-back search, rescue operations by PMSA at high seas saving lives of Sri Lankan, Omani Seafarers kArAcHI: Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre(MRCC) Sri Lanka informed MRCC Pakistan (HQ PMSA) that a Sri Lankan Fishing vessel Amila Sea Food-Tuna-01 is in distress around 560 NM South of Karachi having suffered engine failure. PMSA responded immediately and despite longer distance sailed its ship promptly and tasked its patrol aircraft to locate them. Concurrently HQs PMSA started coordination with all Merchant vessels passing close to the position of Sri Lankan fishing vessel in distress. Efforts paid

dividend when a tanker, MT AL TAIR responded to HQs PMSA’s call. HQ PMSA MRCC directed the Merchant vessel towards the distressed Sri Lankan fishing vessel. Around 10 PM the tanker reached the position of the fishing vessel and recovered all 05 x personnel. HQ PMSA coordinated the whole operation keeping Sri Lankan authorities informed. The Sri Lankan Govt and owner of the boat Amila Sea Food-Tuna-01 Mr. Fernando highly appreciated the efforts of PMSA. Only two days earlier, on 19 Jun in

a similar SAR operation 02 x Omani Nationals stranded at sea for last 10 days were also rescued by PMSA units and safely brought to Karachi. The survivors were received at HQ PMSA by Consul General of Oman. The recovery of Omani nationals was highly appreciated by Omani authorities and public at large. The successful SAR operations are a testimony of PMSA’s commitment to save lives at sea thus bringing a good name to the country and assuring the seafarers of its commitment to ensure safety of sea farers at sea. staff report

Thursday, 23 June, 2022 | LAHORE

10 FOREIGN NEWS

ChiNa Calls foR solidaRity, oPeNNess as woRld faCes dRastiC ChaNGes

HINA on Wednesday underscored the importance of solidarity and openness at a time when the world is facing drastic changes “unseen in a century” and witnessing “major setbacks” in development. “Despite changes in an evolving global environment, the historical trend of openness and development will not reverse course, and our shared desire to meet challenges together through cooperation will remain as strong as ever,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said when delivering a keynote speech in virtual format at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum. The forum is part of the 14th summit of BRICS, an emerging-market group that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. China holds the rotating presidency of BRICS this year. XI: PEacE should BE dEfENdEd By all: The summit comes amid a lingering COVID-19 pandemic, sluggish world economic recovery and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has lasted nearly four months and exacerbated many existing problems. Xi urged the international community to “embrace solidarity and coordination and jointly maintain world peace and stability.” He stressed that hegemony, group politics and bloc confrontation only lead to wars and conflicts, citing lessons from the two world wars and the Cold War.

“The Ukraine crisis is another wake-up call for all in the world,” he said. “It reminds us that blind faith in the so-called ‘position of strength’ and attempts to expand military alliances and seek one’s own security at the expense of others will only land oneself in a security dilemma.” The international community should uphold the United Nations Charter and strive to maintain peace in a volatile world, he said. Reiterating the Global Security Initiative he proposed earlier this year, Xi called on all countries to stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity

Gansu to transfer modern dry land farming techs to Pakistan BEIJING: Gansu is to transfer modern Chinese agricultural science and technology particularly applicable to arid and semi-arid regions to Pakistan, revealed at the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS), China and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Pakistan held online on Wednesday. Sharing similarities in climate, crop types and environment, based on the MoU, the Chinese agricultural technologies of efficient use of water and fertilizer with drip irrigation under mulch, farmland water utilization and regulation with plastic-film mulching on dryland, green and high-yield planting of potatoes in semi-arid areas, breeding and quality control of virus-free seed potato, storage and cold chain logistics of fruit and vegetable, fruit germplasm resources in cold and arid regions, solar greenhouse and related vegetable culture, forage sorghum cultivation and feeding, high-yield cultivation of melon in semi-arid areas, breeding and release of crop new cultivars of wheat, potato, rape, flakes, minor, etc. in cold and arid regions, etc. will be transferred from GAAS to IUB in the near future, which are urgently needed by Pakistan at the current stage and are expected to give new impetus to Pakistan’s agricultural progress, China Economic Net (CEN) reported. Most notably, both parties agree to establish China-Pakistan Crop Research Center, focusing on high yield and high quality composite crops, to cooperate in research, demonstration, and promotion of variety selection, optimization of cultivation technology, plant protection, and agricultural mechanization. “GAAS scientific research achievements’ overseas development will support countries along the Belt and Road route like Pakistan to upgrade its agricultural sector. We’re looking forward to GAAS-IUB contribution to sustainable and high quality agricultural development of the two countries,” Dr Ma Zhongming, GAAS President remarked. “The collaboration between GAAS and IUB will benefit people of both countries. We believe the cooperation will further strengthen Pak-Sino friendship and exchanges between the two peoples, and promote sustainable development for our next generations,” Engr Prof Dr Athar Mahboob, Vice Chancellor, IUB said. app

of all countries, and stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously. XI strEssEs sustaINaBlE GloBal dEvEloPmENt: Countries across the world should work together to promote sustainable global development and pursue win-win cooperation, Xi said, warning against attempts to politicize the global economy. “Development holds the key to solving various difficult problems and delivering better lives to the people,” he stressed, noting that the global development process “has hit major roadblocks.” Almost 1.2 billion people in nearly 70 countries are confronted with COVID-19, food, energy and debt

crises, he said. Xi underscored the Global Development Initiative he put forward last year, reiterating the call for all counties to implement the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The international community should deepen cooperation to safeguard food and energy security, embrace innovation, and help developing countries advance green transformation and fight COVID-19, he said. He urged major developed countries to adopt responsible economic policies and “avoid negative policy spillovers that may take a heavy toll on developing countries.” “To politicize the global economy and turn it into one’s tool or weapon, and willfully impose sanctions by using one’s primary position in the international financial and monetary systems will only end up hurting one’s own interests as well as those of others, and inflict suffering on everyone,” he said. chINa’s commItmENt to oPENING-uP: Xi called for a commitment to inclusiveness, openness and integration, stressing that economic globalization is an “unstoppable historical trend.” “China will continue to pursue opening-up against higher standards, develop new systems for a higher-standard open economy, and continue to foster a market- and law-based and internationalized business environment,” he told the audience. agencies

At UN, Pakistan, Indian delegates spar with each other over Kashmir issue

Russian oil refinery says hit by Ukraine drone strike An oil refinery in southern Russia said Wednesday it was struck by a drone attack from Ukraine, starting a fire at the plant and forcing it to suspend operations. The Novoshakhtinsk refinery is located in Russia’s Rostov region, a few kilometres from the border with Ukraine’s separatist region of Lugansk. “As a result of terrorist actions from the western border of the Rostov region, two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attacked the technical facilities” of the plant, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery said in a statement. It added that as a result “an explosion occurred, starting a fire”. Rostov region governor Vasily Golubev said earlier that drone fragments were found at the site but did not specify where the drones may have originated. Golubev said the fire had been put out and all plant staff have been evacuated with no casualties. Work at the plant has been suspended pending an investigation, Golubev added. Videos shared on social media — which could not be independently verified — showed drones flying over the plant shortly before an explosion took place. Russia has several times accused Kyiv of launching attacks near the joint border since starting a military intervention in Ukraine in late February. The fire at the refinery comes days after Moscow accused Ukraine of firing at Black Sea drilling rigs off the coast of Russia-annexed Crimea. agencies

Moscow accuses Berlin of ‘Russophobic hysteria’ on anniversary of Nazi invasion

UNITED NATIONS app

Representatives of India and Pakistan Tuesday clashed at the United Nations after Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram called for humanitarian assistance for the people of the Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), saying they are “oppressed” daily by 900,000 Indian troops. Ambassador Akram made that statement in the Humanitarian Affairs Segment of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which is taking place in New York. An Indian representative reacted to the Pakistani envoy’s remarks, claiming that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India, and accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism.

Exercising her right of reply, Pakistan’s representative Saima Saleem said Jammu and Kashmir is not and has never been part of India’s territory, as multiple United Nations resolutions define it as a disputed territory. Ms. Saleem said the future of this disputed territory should be decided by a free and impartial plebiscite, a decision India accepted. “Since 5 August 2019,” she said, “India is on its way to transform occupied territory from a Muslim majority state to a Hindu majority territory in barefaced violation of 4th Geneva Convention and international law. “Due to ongoing conflict, there is a dire humanitarian crisis in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.” As regards the talk about terrorism, Ms. Saleem said it is an attempt on part India to camouflage its own state terrorism.

Russia on Wednesday accused Germany of anti-Russian sentiment in a statement on the anniversary of the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi troops in 1941 as tensions rage over Ukraine. “Russophobic hysteria is systematically fuelled by almost daily public attacks against our country by members of the German government,” Russia’s foreign ministry said. It said authorities in Berlin “have recently been undermining the process of historical reconciliation between Russians and Germans” after World War II. Berlin “jeopardises the results of the efforts made by Russia and Germany for decades to overcome post-war enmity, hostility and distrust between the peoples of our countries,” the ministry said. It said “the anti-Russian propaganda campaign” has provoked “unmotivated aggression bordering on mass psychosis” against Russians and Russian speakers in Germany. The ministry also accused NATO member Germany of building up its military presence near Russia’s western borders, “bringing to mind the most bitter periods of Russian-German relations for our people, including the events preceding May 1945”. Earlier on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider outside the Kremlin wall in Moscow to mark the day World War II started for Russia. Tensions between Moscow and Berlin have soared after Germany condemned Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, joining international sanctions on Moscow and supplying weapons to Kyiv. Last week Russia’s energy giant Gazprom slashed gas supplies to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline, citing delayed repairs, a move Berlin called an “economic attack”. afp

Incoming chief executive pledges to boost Hong Kong’s economy to new level BEIJING app

A brand new chapter of Hong Kong’s diversified development will be unfolded upon the inauguration of the new leadership of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) headed by John Lee on July 1,2022, said Prof Li Chen, Centre for China Studies, Co-director of the Greater Bay Area Research Project. In an article, he said “First and foremost, cultural diversity in Hong Kong will attract

more talented personnel to participate in the vibrant development of Hong Kong. In the past more than two years, many countries and regions were hit hard, due to the global outbreak of Covid-19 resulted in severe impact on people’s life and mobility, yet Hong Kong is still very proud to present the world its incredible resilience, successfully maintained cultural diversity, convenience in daily life and its strong cultural inclusiveness.” “As the global epidemic has been significantly contained for a promising situation,

Hong Kong with its appealing characteristics will undoubtedly bring in more professionals and talents in different fields that will inject fresh dynamism into Hong Kong’s sustainable development,” he added. Secondly, he opined “As a financial center, Hong Kong’s role will remain strong and firm. In recent years, Hong Kong as a financial center has faced tremendous challenges from Singapore and other countries, however the remarkable advantages in Hong Kong such as its superior geographical location,

sound legislation systems and governance, cultural diversity and inclusiveness have remained strong and unchanged that hold the key to Hong Kong ‘s thriving growth.” “We’re confident that better and stable epidemic situation in mainland China has played a positive role in further and deeper cooperation with Hong Kong in financial and other aspects in the near future. Hence Hong Kong will maintain its dominant momentum as world financial center,” he added. In conclusion, backed by the Pearl River

Delta region of mainland China, Hong Kong will become one of the most economically dynamic regions in China. Prof. Li Chen said, as the Greater Bay Area development framework serves as crucial driving forces for Hong Kong’s flourishing economic growth, Hong Kong with its traditional industrial strengths, such as legal arbitration, transportation and international trade, will under the incoming leadership embrace the new development opportunities and witness the economy to a fresh new level.

11 Sports 23 JUNE 2022_Layout 1 6/23/2022 12:11 AM Page 1

Thursday, 23 June, 2022 | LAHORE

Yasir shah, salman agha feature in Pakistani squad for sri lanka tests LAHORe

staff RepoRt

EG-spinner Yasir Shah marks his return to the national men’s side as chief selector Muhammad Wasim today announced an 18-member squad for next month’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Yasir was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka on their last tour of the island in 2015, snaring 24 wickets at 19.33. He comes back into the side after regaining full fitness. Yasir played his 46th and last Test, to date, against the West Indies in August 2021.

Salman Ali Agha, who has scored 4,224 runs and taken 88 wickets in first-class, is another addition to the squad. Mohammad Nawaz is the third player to be recalled. He was named in the squad for Australia Tests but was withdrawn due to injury. The squad named for the latest ICC World Test Championship fixtures include three openers, four middle-order batters, three all-rounders, two wicketkeepers, two spinners and four fast bowlers. Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Tests: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq,

Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood and Yasir Shah. Chief selector Muhammad Wasim said they have selected this squad considering the conditions in Sri Lanka and have equipped the team with the best possible resources. “Our spin department is boosted with the return of Yasir Shah, who proved himself as a match-winner in Sri Lanka on our last tour and Sajid Khan has made the way for him. The spin department also includes two spin all-rounders in Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha and left-arm orthodox Nauman Ali..

“Salman Ali Agha has shown consistent performances with the bat in the past three seasons and he is a handy off-spin option. “Our team has recently put strong performances in Bangladesh and although results against Australia were not ideal we displayed solid cricket and for that reason we have retained the core to instil consistency and continuity and have trimmed the squad size following the relaxation in Covid-19-induced travel restrictions. “These two matches are extremely crucial for our side as we have World Test Championship points at stake. I wish our boys all the best and I am sure they will make us proud.”

SPORTS 11

Babar Azam’s side will converge in Islamabad on 25 June to finalise their preparations for the Test series at the Pindi Cricket Stadium with a seven-day camp that stretches from 26 June to 2 July before departing for Sri Lanka on 6 July. Pakistan will play a three-day warm-up match between 11-13 July. The first Test will be played at Galle from 16 July, while the second Test will be staged at Colombo from 24 July.

PCB to award separate contracts to Tests, ODI players isLAMABAD News Desk

In a move to spice up the game, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would be introducing separate central contracts for both red and white ball cricket, respectively, for the first time in history. Previously the board used to award collective (Test, ODI, Twenty20) central contracts to players but this time they have decided to provide separate contracts to Tests and ODI cricketers. “The central contracts will be awarded to players from July 2022 to June 2023. This will be decided in

inzaghi extends inter contract until 2024 MiLAn web Desk

Simone Inzaghi has signed an extension to his contract with Inter Milan which will keep him at the San Siro until 2024, the Serie A club has announced. In a video released by Inter on social media, chairman Steven Zhang said that Inzaghi would stay for “two more years” after extending his current deal with the club by a year. Italian media report that the 46-year-old has also received a one million euro salary increase to five million euros. Inter are showing faith in Inzaghi despite the former Lazio and Italy forward failing to retain their Serie A crown, won by local rivals AC Milan after a thrilling title race which went down to the final day of the season.He joined Inter last summer from Lazio when Antonio Conte jumped ship shortly after winning the Milan giants’ first league title since 2010.

shahid afridi backs Babar azam-led Pakistan squad for 2022 World Cup isLAMABAD web Desk

Former Pakistan captain and T20 World Cup winner, Shahid Afridi remains confident regarding Pakistan’s performances ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The 42-year-old claimed that Pakistan’s squad possesses all the necessary abilities to perform well in Australian conditions. “The team which will go for the 2022 World Cup in Australia has all the required skills, such as bowling strength, all-rounders along with players who can play attacking cricket. The pitches are also good in Australia so I’m hoping that this team will produce a good result,” Afridi said while talking to a local media channel. Afridi emphasized the importance of the team management’s role during the course of international tournaments such as the World Cups. “The important thing is man-management; coaching comes after that. The players have already played international cricket so it is all about managing them,” Afridi said. Explaining Pakistan’s success in the 2009 T20 World Cup, Afridi highlighted the importance of senior players and the role of a captain. “Seniors and captain played a very important role in ensuring that the team remains motivated despite a tough start. We all supported Younis Khan, who was leading the side,” he added.

the Board of Governors (BoG) meeting to be held on Thursday,” an official told APP on Wednesday. He said this move would result in adding more players to the list of central contracts. “Many other issues will also be discussed in the meeting including the increase in salaries of PCB employees.” The official said the board has also advertised the post of a Pakistan Super League (PSL) Director asking the applicants to be a Pakistani nationality must in the required education and experience. “Foreigners can’t apply for the post. The advertisement can also be seen on the board’s website,” he said.

Taekwondo team leaves for South Korea to play three contests isLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Pakistan Taekwondo team has left for South Korea to feature in three back-toback upcoming championships scheduled to be held from June 23 to July 2. According to details, the championships include 7th Asian Poomsae, 25th Asian Kyorugi and Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships 2022. Pakistan team would begin their tour by taking part in training sessions on June 22. The Asian Poomsae Event would begin at Chuncheon City, Gangwon Province on June 23 while the 25th Asian Taekwondo Kyorugi Championship will be held from June 24 to 27 at Chuncheon City, Gangwon Province, Korea. The 2022 Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championship is scheduled to be played from June 27. The kukkiwon coach Master Seongoh Choi of Korea said Pakistani players were

highly talented and keen learners. They have worked hard and undergone rigorous training for the Asian events and are also mentally and physically fit and will give their hundred per cent performance to

make it to the victory podium, he said. South Asian Games gold medalist Haroon Khan said it was a matter of pride to represent Pakistan at international events. All players are upbeat and aspire to give

their best to produce remarkable results for the country and win laurels, he said. Chief of Army Staff G-One Championship Gold medal winner Hamza Saeed said players were aiming for victory in the said events. Female athletes Fatimah Tuz Zahraa Khawar and Zoya Sabir said participation in these events would help players gain experience and international exposure. Players will also get an opportunity to interact with the best world class athletes and coaches by playing alongside them which will add to their experience, they said. Pakistan Taekwondo Federation President Lt Col (R) Waseem Janjua said our players’ participation in the 10-day training and coaching camp in Iran earlier this month, would be instrumental in team’s performance. World’s best outfits are featuring in these events. Our team is also well-prepared and I hope that they will produce good results and clinch medals for the country, he said.

FIFA extends option for foreign players to leave Russia, Ukraine Agencies FIFA has extended a window allowing foreign coaches and players to suspend deals with their clubs in Russia and Ukraine through June 30, 2023. In a statement, the worldwide governing body of football said on Tuesday that the decision followed regulations introduced in March with the aim of “effectively assisting players, clubs and coaches impacted by the war in Ukraine.” The provisions give foreign players and coaches the right to “suspend their employment contracts with their clubs until 30 June 2023,” should their Ukrainian or Russian sides not reach a “mutual agreement” with them by June 30, 2022, said the statement. “These provisions give players and coaches the opportunity to train, play and receive a salary, while protecting Ukrainian clubs and facilitating the departure of foreign players and coaches from Russia,” it explained. Since the war began, Russian competitors and teams have been barred from competing

in a variety of sports, leagues, and competitions, with Russia also banned from hosting such play. In April, the Ukrainian Premier League was terminated without naming a season champion due to the war that began on Feb. 24. Shakhtar Donetsk were the leaders with 47 points from 18 matches, while their nearest opponents, Dynamo Kyiv, were two points behind. Shakhtar got a direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage and Dynamo Kyiv will face Fenerbahce in a second qualifying round in the Champions League. Also, the UEFA Champions League Final, originally scheduled in Saint Petersburg, was canceled and reorganized at the Stade de France in Paris. Nearly 4,600 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since the beginning of the war with Russia. Over 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including more than 7.7 million that have fled to other countries, according to UN figures.

Thursday, 23 June, 2022

prayer timinGs

NEWS

PAKISTAn, ITAly To EnhAnCE dEFEnCE CooPErATIon, MulTI-doMAIn TIES RaWalPINdI

staff report

HIEF of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Wednesday said that Pakistan values its relations with Italy and both countries earnestly look forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations and forging strong defence cooperation based on common interests. The remarks were made as Chief of Defence, Italian Armed Forces, Admiral

Pakistan rushes assistance to quakehit Afghans

ECC approves Rs96.133b as second installment to IPPs

Islamabad

staff report

Pakistan late Wednesday night rushed a convoy of trucks carrying relief assistance to the quake-affected population of Khost, Afghanistan, under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The relief consignment, including tents, covers, blankets and medicines, would be handed over to the Afghan authorities, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. The prime minister directed for dispatch of the relief goods on humanitarian grounds after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake rattled eastern parts of Afghanistan, leaving a trail of destruction and human casualties. According to details, a convoy of eight trucks was being loaded with relief items from NDMA-provided stores which included 200 tents, 200 tarpaulin and 500 blankets, besides three trucks carrying life-saving drugs. The convoy of trucks carrying relief aid would reach Khost, Afghanistan via Ghulam Khan Kalay Zang where it would be handed over the Afghan authorities.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has given the go-head to pay Rs96.133 billion (60%) second installment to the Independent power producers (IPPs). Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail presided over the meeting of the ECC of the Cabinet at the Finance Division. On the summary of the Ministry of Energy, Power Division, ECC approved Rs96.133 billion to Power Division for payment to the IPPs as second installment (60% payment). The government last year paid Rs90 billion, against total Rs403 billion payable, as first installment

Condolences pour in as Asif Zardari’s mother passes away KARACHI: Condolences started to pour in as PPP Co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari’s mother, Zareen Ara Bukhari, passed away in Karachi. Family sources said that the deceased was admitted to a private hospital for the past few days. After remaining at the medical facility, she passed away today. Following the news of his mother’s demise, the ex-president left Islamabad for Karachi. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani expressed grief over the demise of the former president’s mother. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) & Services Chiefs also expressed heartfelt condolences on the sad demise and prayed that may Allah bless the departed soul & give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Bakhtawar Bhutto, Aseefa Bhutto, Sindh Health Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho, PPP leader Faryal Talpur, and others will arrive in Karachi as well. They will leave for Nawabshah via a special flight. staff report

Giuseppe Cavo Dragone called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa here at GHQ. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and enhanced military cooperation in the fields of training and counter terrorism domains were discussed. The visiting dignitary acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability and pledged to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

to 35 IPPs. In another summary Ministry of Energy, Power Division submitted on tariff rationalization for the power sector. As per National Electricity Policy 2021, the Government may maintain a uniform consumerend tariff for K-Electric and state owned distribution companies. Accordingly, KE applicable uniform variable charge is required to be modified to maintain the uniform tariff across the country. The ECC approved tariff rationalization for KElectric by way of adjustments of Rs0.571 per unit with a recovery period of three months. Further, NEPRA is to issue revised schedule of tariff determined for the quarter October to December, 2021, or incorporate in the latest schedule of tariff for the quarter Jan- March 2022 after incorporating tariff rationalization.

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Possible IMF deal still weeks away: Tarin Islamabad inp

Former finance minister Shaukat Tarin said on Wednesday that a potential deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the revival of the extended fund facility (EFF) was still weeks away as he lashed out at the current coalition government for its economic policies. Speaking to the media here, Tarin said: “We pray [an agreement is reached]. Because the country is ours and we are nothing without the country. We pray that they (government) agree on a deal [with the IMF] which does not burden the people.” However, the former banker maintained that this was currently a work in progress. “Their (IMF’s) statement says that this is a work in progress and there has been some headway […] they are saying they will give the memorandum of economic and financial policy (MEFP) on Friday. When that has not been received, how can it be said that an agreement has been reached?” Tarin said that the MEFP would be an extensive and detailed document, which would be deliberated upon and discussed “line by line”. Then a technical agreement is signed which goes to the IMF’s board in Washington, he said, predicting that the deal would materialize by July-end. “But as I stated before, we want an indication that an agreement has been reached on broad matters as financial markets are nervous.” He pointed to how the stock market plunged after initially making gains on Wednesday. He went on to say that over the span of 10-12 weeks, the government had made several misstatements and changed its narrative which had affected its credibility with the financial market.

Era of judicial activism over, every decision to be taken in accordance with law: CJP Islamabad aGencies

Govt to amend PEMRA law after stakeholders’ consultation: Marriyum Islamabad staff report

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday said the government was planning amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory (PEMRA) laws after consultation with all the stakeholders. “We are bringing amendments in the PEMRA rules and talks are being held with the Joint Action Committee on proposed amendments,” she said during a meeting of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting chaired by Senator Faisal Javed Khan. The minister said during the previous regime, the payment of journalists’ salaries were not linked with the issuance of advertisements to media houses. Even the payment of dues in that regard to those media outlets, which delayed the payment of salaries to their staff, were not stopped. She assured that now a law was being enacted regarding media workers’ salaries and contracts. Marriyum said former information minister Chaudhry Fawad had changed the category of channels during his tenure as minister. In 2019, she added,

KP, GB border dispute reignited as Shandur festival draws nearer Islamabad Ghulam abbas

As the annual internationally famed event “Shandur Polo Festival” has been scheduled to be held next month, the dispute over ownership of the world’s highest polo ground has resurfaced between Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Interestingly both chief ministers of GB and KP have sent invitations to each other as host of the event in an apparent attempt to show the true ownership of the playground which is situated in an area equally claimed by locals of Ghizer valley (in GB) and Chitral (in KP). The Shandur Festival is scheduled to be held from July 1 to 03, 2022, in which polo teams from Chitral and GB are planned to participate. The invitation letter sent by Chief Minister GB Muhammad Khalid Khurshid to his counterpart in KP Mehmood Khan has triggered a debate in KP especially in Chitral about the hosting the event. Through the invitation letter Khalid Khurshid said the Shandur Festival which has been celebrated regularly since 1980, has gained international fame and attracts hundreds of thousands of domestic and international tourists annually. But, due to COVID-19, the said festival was discontinued for a few years. This year, with the consent and mutual coordination of both the Provincial governments the festival is being held from 01 to 03 July. Gilgit-Battistan being the origin of traditional free style polo promotes this game of kings and king of games through different interventions and initiatives. This version of the game played at Shandur has attained legendary status and is of great interest to the public of Gilgit and Chitral.

after the Supreme Court’s decision, the process to rate channels was started. Prior to this classification, she said, the Press Information Department had a transparent system for advertisements, under which the channels were rated according to their programmes and time. The channels were given advertisements in A, B and C categories, she added. Marriyum said transparency in advertisements’ distribution had been ensured by the present regime and no discrimination was being done against any channel. She said during the last Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz tenure, advertisements were also issued regarding the 70 birth anniversary of Pakistan. The minister said the government fully believed in freedom of the media and it was taking steps to safeguard it. “In the past, journalists were abducted and tortured but no such incident has taken place in our tenure.” What happened to the journalists, media workers and media houses in the last four years were a dark chapter in the history of journalism, she maintained. In the past, restrictions were imposed on the freedom of expression, with kidnapping and torturing of the journalists were order of the day, she added.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday remarked that the era of judicial activism was over and every decision would be taken in accordance with the law. The Chief Justice made these remarks while hearing a case along with Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Ayesha A Malik over illegal appointment and massive corruption in Employees Oldage Benefit Institute (EOBI) and contempt proceedings against Chairman EOBI & Secy. M/o Labour and Manpower for noncompliance of order dated 21.01.2011 in HRC No. 48012-P/2010. During the course of proceedings, the Chief Justice said that the Supreme Court had in January 2011 ordered to stop recruitment in EOBI, after which following the order of the Supreme Court, illegal recruitments were made in EOBI between September 2011 and May 2012. The names of those who tried to influence the recruitment were included in the NAB report, he added. He said that Pakistan People Party (PPP) leader Syed Khurshid Shah’s name was also included in the NAB report. Advocate Aitzaz Ahsan said that Khurshid Shah was not a minister at the time of these appointments. He asked how could there be contempt of court in NAB case? Khurshid Shah had nothing to do with it, he added. The Chief Justice said that if there was contempt of court then responsibility would have to be fixed as the appointments had been made contrary to the court order. It remained to be determined who violated the court order, he added.

Imran Khan says never planned to appoint army chief of ‘own choice’ Islamabad staff report

Putting an end to widespread speculations, former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday clarified that he never planned on appointing an army chief of his choice in November, 2022. “Allah is my witness, I say that I never thought about who will be the army chief in November. Imran Khan did not need to appoint his own army chief,” Khan said while addressing a seminar. The ousted premier alleged that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif has looted the nation’s wealth and he wants to control the state institutions, including the army, to protect his corruption. Khan said that he had said long ago when he came into power that both Nawaz

Sharif and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari would join hands “because they have the same interests”. PML-N leader Khurram Dastgir has stated that I wanted to bring an army chief my choice, but I did not even think who would be the next army chief of the country. “We had decided to appoint the next army chief on merit when the time comes… but yes, I ask the neutrals if there is a burglary in the house, can the watchman remain neutral?” The PTI chief said that they [PML-N and PPP leaders] were afraid that if I decided to bring in Lt General Faiz Hameed as the next Chief of Army Staff, then their [political] future would be ruined. “Just imagine what will happen when Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah would run the affairs of National Accountability Bureau

(NAB),” said the former premier, adding that “they have dug the grave of institutions responsible for providing justice – just to protect their theft while the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has lost its credibility”. The PTI chairman further said that both the PPP and PML-N leaders are afraid of the army as their ‘theft’ is reported to ISI and other sensitive agencies. “Since Nawaz Sharif and Zardari have stolen money, they want to control institutions,” he added. Khan said that the United States had threatened one of our rulers to push our country back to the Stone Age, adding that America changes governments for its own benefit and not for the benefit our people. “The US wants India to be strong and compete with China… it is their agenda to recognise Israel, and forget about Kashmir.”

Published by Arif Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk