Epaper – December 14 KHI 2021 by Pakistan Today

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021 I 9 Jamadi-al-Awwal, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 166 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition

Western media failed to give due credit to Pakistan during afghan War: Pm imran khan g

Says Pakistan had to bear the brunt for US forces' mistakes

LAHORE

Staff CorreSpondent

RIMe Minister Imran Khan on Monday blamed the western media for its failure to give due credit to Pakistan during the Afghan war. Speaking at the inaugural session of the annual Margalla Dialogue, Khan stated that Pakistan was held responsible for the shortcomings of the United States. He further stated that while it was the United States that made mistakes in Afghanistan but Pakistan had to bear the brunt of the situation.

The PM went on to say that throughout the war in Afghanistan, Pakistan had to witness the biggest collateral damage as it was the only US ally that suffered more than 80,000 casualties, displacement of millions of people, and a loss of over $100 billion. “The inability of the national leadership to handle the Afghan situation wisely landed the country into two main pro and anti-America divisions,” he said. The premier further criticised the Western media and said that instead of giving Pakistan its due credit for the sacrifices it made, the country was accused of playing “a double game” and its reputation

coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

1,289,293

LAST UPDATED AT 9:36 AM ON DECEMBER 13, 2021

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

244

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

1,251,409 28,836 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

478,017

443,886

KPK:

BALOCHISTAN:

180,696

33,532

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

34,608/10,426

108,128

was maligned internationally. The prime minister said Pakistan was blamed for wrong reasons by the international community, whereas it remained mum on the atrocities committed by New Delhi in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The PM further shed light on other matters too and said that uplifting the underprivileged segments of the society was critical to ensuring across-the-board national security. He stressed that rule of law and equality for all were the preconditions for democracy and regretted that Pakistan had suffered an inequality due to three simultaneous educational systems, namely english and Urdu medium schools, and the madrassas. The premier further stated that said lack of in-depth research led to reliance on second-hand information by the western think tanks on important issues such as Afghanistan. He said the role of local think-tanks in this situation was important to effectively highlight Pakistan’s perspective in the world rather than being under continuous criticism by the western lobbies. The premier also pointed out that differences in educational standards of the systems resulted in three different kinds of generations with discrimination in opportunities of jobs. “Corruption, particularly of the elite, was detrimental to the development of a country,” he said, adding that Pakistani scholars and academics need to invest in research and development as research leads to original thinking within a society. “You have to define yourself instead of letting others define you,” he said.

Pakistan denounces India’s ‘false bravado’ ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

Pakistan Monday said Indian Defence Minister’s chest-thumping and war-mongering is nothing but further evidence of India’s ‘irresponsible behavior and its relentless belligerence’ towards Pakistan. A statement issued here by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the unwarranted, gratuitous and provocative comments made by the Indian Defence Minister at an event in New Delhi on 12 December 2021, questioning established historical facts, levelling unfounded allegations in the context of terrorism, and hurling threats against Pakistan. “It is the BJP’s special forte to misrepresent history, resort to revisionism and delusional thinking, and indulge in false bravado. Such discourse is particularly evident whenever elections in key states in India are approaching,” said the statement. The statement added that the timing of the Indian Defence Minister’s provocative rhetoric is, therefore, not surprising, as the ‘BJP-RSS

COAS lauds synergised efforts of stakeholders in Karachi Transformation Plan KARACHI Staff report

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday appreciated synergised efforts of all stakeholders in the implementation of the Karachi Transformation Plan (KTP), the military said. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief expressed these sentiments during a visit to Karachi Corps headquarters. The military’s media wing said that the COAS was given a detailed briefing on operational matters of the formation and security situation in the province especially Karachi. It said that General Qamar was also briefed on the formation’s support to civil administration in the implementation of KTP including FWO, NLC and NDMA’s efforts for improvement in existing infrastructure to safeguard against urban flooding in Karachi and uplift of relevant civic facilities. The army chief expressed satisfaction over the opera-

combine’ is desperate to win elections in Uttar Pradesh and other states, typically inciting hyper nationalism and seeking to advance the extremist ‘Hindutva’ agenda. “As regards the issue of terrorism, the international community is well aware of how the Hindutva-inspired regime in India is carrying out Stateterrorism against the Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” the statement said. In November last year, Pakistan also presented a comprehensive dossier with irrefutable evidence of the Indian government’s planning, aiding, abetting, financing and executing terrorist activities in Pakistan, the statement added. “The world is aware that Pakistan is fully capable of thwarting India’s aggressive designs. We have demonstrated our resolve and capability in this regard, including in the recent past”. “The BJP leaders will be well-advised to desist from any ill-conceived misadventure and also stop dragging Pakistan in India’s domestic politics for electoral gains,” the statement concluded.

MORE INSIDE

Fawad Ch says govt will only negotiate with those who respect the Constitution of Pakistan STORY ON BACK PAGE

tional preparedness of the Corps and measures in place for ensuring “Internal Security”. The COAS lauded services and sacrifices of formation and Pakistan Rangers Sindh for maintaining law and order resulting in significant decline in terrorism and crime rate over the years and providing a secure environment for socioeconomic activities. The COAS also appreciated synergised efforts of all stakeholders in the implementation of KTP, ISPR added. Later, the army chief visited the headquarters of Sindh Po-

lice. On arrival, Gen Qamar laid floral wreath on the martyrs’ monument. He hailed the pivotal role of the provincial police in ensuring improvement in the security situation in the province. The army chief also interacted with families of the martyrs and thanked them for their sacrifices. He assured them of all-out support of the Pakistan Army. earlier, on arrival at Karachi Corps HQ, the COAS was received by Karachi Corps Commander Lieutenant General Muhammad Saeed, the statement further said.

Court bars public bodies from venturing into housing business STORY ON BACK PAGE

Pakistan thrash West Indies in first T20 STORY ON PAGE 03

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021 | KARACHI

NEWS

PM IMRan vows to PRovIde ‘naya PakIstan HealtH CaRds’ to all ResIdents of Punjab by MaRCH 2022

NEwS DESK

RIME Minister Imran Khan announced on Monday that all families in Punjab will be provided with the ‘Naya Pakistan Health Card’ by March 2022. The PM revealed that under the scheme, all families across the province, can avail free medical treatment of up to Rs1 million per year. While addressing the launching ceremony of the programme in Lahore today, Prime Minister Imran lauded Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid and Chief Minister Usman Buzdar for spearheading the project in the province. “This is a landmark, defining moment in the journey of Pakistan becoming a welfare state,” the prime minister said. It must be noted that after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab is set to become the second province to offer its residents

universal coverage. The premier said the initiative would encourage the private sector to invest in establishing hospitals in villages and remote areas, where there were only hospitals. “There is a lack of doctors in those areas, but now the private sector would invest in constructing hospitals in the poorest of areas as everyone will be able to [pay for medical] treatment through health cards,” he explained. The PM further announced that a total of Rs440 billion would be spent on health insurance over a course of three years under the programme. But, he added, “this is not just [about] health insurance. This is [about setting up] a health system.” Prime Minister Imran said the health card initiative was aimed at addressing the difficulties that people, especially the poor, had to face when someone in their family fell

Remittance growth slows down as travel restrictions ease KARACHI ariba Shahid

Remittance by overseas Pakistanis registered a meager 1 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth, clocking in at $2.4 billion in November FY22 compared with $2.3bn during November FY21. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, remittances declined by 7pc, whereas a growth of 10pc was registered for the current fiscal year clocking in $11.76bn. “Clear signs that opening of travel restrictions are affecting official remittance,” Topline Securities CEO Mohammad Sohail said. “While the statistics are not too bad, the trajectory is not encouraging. Bangladesh’s remittances have already dropped back to preCovid levels. Ours remained sticky but are now moving in the same direction,” Head of Research at Foundation Securities Fahad Raud said. The impact of the remittances on the Current Account Deficit (CAD), due to be released in the coming days, remains important especially considering the ramifications it may have on the monetary policy statement due today. It is pertinent to note that Balance of Payments (BoP) statistics may not be released today. “Roshan Digital Account (RDA) has also capitalised some of it. The CAD is scary for November. $3bn also remains a possibility,” Rauf added. A country wise breakdown shows that remittances from Saudi Arabia contracted by 13pc, and others by 2pc, while remittances from UK, EU, and USA rose by 7pc, 20pc, and 28pc, respectively, on a YoY basis. Earlier in November, the World Bank released a report titled “Migration and Development Brief” wherein it claimed that remittances are likely to remain flat at the presently high levels in 2022 as the one-off effects of government incentives to attract them fade although the Afghanistan factor will continue to sustain flows. Afghanistan’s fragile economic and political situation emerged as an unexpected prompt of remittance inflows into Pakistan in 2021, the report reads. The report further stated that Pakistan had another year of record remittances with growth at 26pc, and levels reaching $33bn in 2021.

ill and they were unable to get them treated. He said he experienced similar difficulties and the “feeling of helplessness” first hand when his mother developed cancer and there was no hospital for treating the

disease in Pakistan at the time. “I had thought of [setting up] a health insurance system back then,” he added. While explaining why he didn’t impose a complete lockdown following the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, he stated that he had taken the decision as he was mindful of the difficulties daily-wage earners and the poor would have faced in case of a complete lockdown. “But the elite here are least bothered about the poor,” he lamented, adding that today, Pakistan was acclaimed across the world for the manner it dealt with the coronavirus pandemic. “See how many people died in the neighbouring country, India. See how many died in Iran. And how their economy suffered. And then look at Pakistan,” he remarked. The premier also stated that Ehsaas Ration Card had been launched to tackle inflation.

“Those whose income is less than Rs50,000 [per month], they will be given the Ehsaas card, through which they will be able to get 30pc discount on wheat flour, ghee and lentils at kiryana stores until this spell of inflation ends,” he said.”The world is facing inflation and we are doing our best to facilitate our people.” Punjab Chief Minister Buzdar also addressed the ceremony, before the PM, saying that health was the top priority of his government. He announced that the issuance of Sehat cards in Punjab would start from January and each resident of Punjab would be given health insurance worth 10 million under this programme. “The cards have already been issued in two divisions — Dera Ghazi Khan and Sahiwal — of the province, and now they will be available to people in the rest of the seven divisions,” he said.

Pakistan-Indonesia FTA being review: Amb Tugio ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Adam Mulawarman Tugio Monday said that Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) already exists between Pakistan and Indonesia while the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is also being reviewed. Addressing a consultative seminar for the promotion of bilateral tourism, the Indonesian envoy said that Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy good trade relations. He said that this is the century of Asian region in which the next Southeast Asia, Pacific Asia, Central Asia and China will play an important role in the global economy and trade. He said that Pakistan-Indonesia economic cooperation can open new avenues for cooperation between South Asian and Association of East Asian Nations (ASEANs) countries. The ambassador said that emerging economies like Pakistan can, on the one hand, link global trade with Central Asian countries, and on the other hand, its geographical link with western China can be beneficial

to Indonesia and ASEAN countries. He said that Pakistan and Indonesia have historical religious, political, diplomatic and economic ties, which can be used to further strengthen economic and trade ties between the two countries. Indonesia emerged as the only economy of US$ 1 trillion in ASEAN and Islamic world and both of the countries have great potential for cooperation in all fields including tourism, trade, e-commerce and defence. He said that cooperation in the tourism sector on both sides could introduce new dimensions in the promotion of mutual tourism. He said the two countries could lay a new foundation for relations by promoting cooperation in the tourism and services sector. Tugio said that Pakistan and Indonesia are among the most beautiful countries in the world and with the promotion of tourism, mutual economic activities would reach their peak. He said that the huge market of ASEAN countries with a population of 650 million has huge economic opportunities for Pakistan. which are being discussed in both the countries. He said that Indonesia is a diverse society, where

all religions and cultures are respected. There are many Buddhist places of worship in Pakistan too. In addition, Pakistan, an emerging country in the field of information, local youth have a lot of expertise in this field. With online connections and a boost in Information Technology (IT), young people from both the countries benefit from each other’s experiences and skills to promote economic and cultural integration. Tugio said that global retail e-commerce sales in 2020 stood at US$ 4.28 trillion, which is expected to reach US$ 5.4 trillion by 2022. The ambassador said that Pakistan and Indonesia are countries with large youth populations that can make their mark in the global e-commerce trade and create vast employment opportunities in both the countries. He said Indonesia has set a US$50 billion e-commerce trade target by 2025 to connect with the biggest sector of global trade. He said that Pakistan and Indonesia can be linked with e-commerce trade to increase bilateral trade as well as connect both sides’ youth in connection of business and trade.

PSX sheds 519 points in low-volume session ahead of MPC meeting KARACHI TLTP

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained bearish for the third day on Monday amid a lowvolume session, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index shedding 519.41 points (-1.21 percent) to close at 42,876.37 points. The market remained in the green zone only for a few minutes at the start of the session, and later succumbed to selling pressure and remained in the negative zone till end of the session, as the investors opted to square their positions and remain cautious, anticipating an aggressive interest rate hike on Tuesday. The KSE-100 Index moved in a range of 671.93 points, showing an intraday high of 43,478.61 points and a low of 42,806.68 points. A total of 342 companies traded shares in the stock exchange, out of them shares of 68 closed up, shares of 257 closed down while shares of 17 companies remained unchanged. Out of 91 traded companies in the KSE-100 Index, 14 closed up, 76 closed down and one remained unchanged. The overall market volumes decreased by 28.78

million to 150.39 million shares. Total volumes traded for the KSE-100 Index decreased by 10.79 million shares to 71.27 million shares. The number of total trades decreased by 17,952 to 68,091, while the value traded decreased by Rs1.47 billion to Rs5.26 billion. Overall market capitalisation decreased by Rs87.21 billion. Among scrips, WTL topped the volumes with 18.33 million shares, followed by BYCO (7.3 million) and FATIMA (7 million). Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes include WTL, BYCO, FATIMA, TRG, and HASCOL, which formed around 31 percent of total volumes. The major sectors taking the index toward south were technology & communication with 147 points, oil & gas exploration companies with 88 points, commercial banks with 72 points, food & personal care products with 39 points and cement with 28 points. The most points taken off the index were by TRG which stripped the index of 75 points followed by SYS with 61 points, PPL with 38 points, UBL with 34 points, and OGDC with 34 points. The major sectors taking the index toward north were fertilizer with 9 points, tobacco with 9 points, and glass & ceramics with 2 points. The most points

added to the index were by BAHL which contributed 20 points followed by EFERT with 18 points, HMB with 14 points, PAKT with 9 points, and SCBPL with 9 points. Meanwhile, the The Pakistan Stock Exchange has replaced three companies in the Karachi Meezan-30 Index (KMI-30) as they do not fall in the list of top 30 Shariah compliant stocks, according to a notice issued by the bourse. The PSX informed that it has carried out a recomposition exercise of the KMI-30 index for the review period from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021, as a result of which, three companies namely; Pioneer Cement Limited, Byco Petroleum Pakistan Limited, and Azgard Nine Limited have been included in the index. On the other hand, Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited, Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited and Honda Atlas Cars (Pak) Limited have been ousted from the index. According to the notice, the re-composition has been carried out on the basis of the criteria of selection of companies as detailed in the brochure of KMI-30 Index, which can be seen on PSX’s website. The above changes in the KMI-30 index will be implemented from December 20, 2021.

Hamza seeks acquittal in sugar mills case LAHORE STaff rePorT

Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Hamza Shahbaz moved on Monday an application in an accountability court seeking his acquittal in Ramazan Sugar Mills reference. In the reference, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) alleged that Shehbaz Sharif, being the chief minister of Punjab, had issued a directive for the construction of a drain in Chiniot district, mainly for the use of Ramzan Sugar Mills, that is owned by his sons. The bureau alleges the family has “fraudulently and dishonestly” caused an Rs213 million loss to the national

exchequer. It claims to have obtained “sufficient incriminating” material and evidence during the investigation and prayed the court to try and punish the aforementioned accused. Both Shahbaz and Hamza have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Hamza through his lawyer filed the acquittal plea on the basis of the recent amendments made to the NAB law. He said the corruption watchdog filed the reference against him for allegedly getting a drain built with the public funds to facilitate the Ramzan Sugar Mills. The reference is ill-founded and based on mala fide intentions and political grounds, the PML-N leader alleged, adding the bureau instituted the reference at the instigation of the incumbent government.

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021 | KARACHI

BrenT sliPs Below $75 mark as cruDe oil Prices lower SINGAPORE

agenCieS

RUDE oil prices edged lower on Monday after rallying in the early trade. At 1400 hours GMT, Brent, the international benchmark for two-thirds of the world’s oil, shed $0.20 (-0.27 percent) to reach $74.95 a barrel. Similarly, the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price reached $71.52 a barrel, down by $0.15 (-0.21 percent). The price for Opec Basket was recorded at $75.09 a barrel with an increase of 5.15 percent, Arab Light was available at $77.20 with 2.65 percent decrease, and the price of Russian Sokol reached $77.85 with an increase of 2.83 percent. The US shale producers have been disappointed with the Biden administration’s policies regarding the oil and gas industry for nearly a year

now, and they voiced their disappointment at the World Petroleum Congress in Houston. While the US administration was calling repeatedly on OPEC+ to pump more oil to stop the rally in US gasoline prices, which hit a

Technical advisor likely to run Petroleum Division

seven-year high a few months ago, it failed to reach out to domestic producers first for more supply, shale executives and industry associations said. Instead of asking OPEC+ and countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and

Russia to pump more oil, the administration should have laid the foundations for a faster recovery of US oil production, which producers curtailed last year in response to the crash in demand and oil prices, the executives say. Not that everyone would have listened. The oil companies have now switched to a “shareholder returns mode” from “record production mode” to finally reward investors after years of splurging on record production and seeing little (or in many cases, negative) cash flows. Shale executives started to express their criticism of the Biden administration weeks ago, when officials openly pleaded with OPEC+ to increase supply to relieve prices at the pump in the United States. Now many of those executives gathered in Houston to reiterate their view that “you should have called us first.”

Pakistan thrash West Indies in first T20

ISLAMABAD ahmad ahmadani

After three years of its rule, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is mulling over appointing a technical advisor in MP-I scale to look after the affairs of the Petroleum Division. According to sources, the division has finalised the eligibility and qualification criteria for the post under which the appointment of a technical advisor will be initially made for a period of three years and will be further extendable for a maximum period of two years on a yearly basis, subject to performance. Under the supervision of the minister incharge of the division and the concerned secretary, the technical advisor will be responsible for carrying out, but will not be limited to, certain tasks including reviewing existing policies, framework, constitutional provision and rules of business related to petroleum, gas, and minerals. Similarly, the technical advisor will study the latest global and regional best practices in the field of petroleum for augmenting the capacity of the said sector. He will oversee development programmes of the sector and companies, organisations, and departments under the division’s administrative control. In addition, the official will review the existing framework for the promotion of research and innovation in the field of petroleum and suggest measures for upgrading the same in addition to reviewing existing Human Resource (HR) policies to assess their maturity, effectiveness and suitability and suggest measures for capacity building in this regard. Sources said that the selected candidate will be offered MP-I scale as well as other perks and privileges as per the government’s rules and regulations whereas the maximum age limit for a candidate to apply for the position is 62 years. The candidate must have Ph.D degree in energy management, policy, earth sciences, petroleum, chemical, mining, minerals or allied engineering discipline from a globally recognised university/HEC with at least 14 years of professional experience or a masters degree in relevant subjects with 18 years of experience in the relevant field. According to the petroleum division, the division is looking for an outstanding, dynamic and seasoned professional, having a sound grasp of technical and commercial issues of upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the sector. It is relevant to mention here that during the past three years, the government has given the reins of Ministry of Energy and its two wings i.e. power and petroleum to federal ministers Ghulam Sarwar Khan and Omar Ayub Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Nadeem Babar, SAPM Shahzad Qasim and SAPM Tabish Gauhar as well as and federal secretaries Irfan Ali, Asad Hayauddin and Dr Arshad Mahmood.

KARACHI Staff CorreSpondent

Pakistan cricket team Monday outclassed West Indies in all fields in the first fixture of the three-match T20I series here at the National Stadium in Karachi, defeating the visitors by 63 runs. Once Windies’ captain Nicholas Pooran won the toss and put the Green Shirts into bat, Pakistan were able to put up a massive 200-6 total on the board despite losing early and intermittent wickets. Later, Pakistani bowlers were able to pick up quick wickets, with Mohammad Wasim claiming four

wickets, Shadab Khan three while Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi took one wicket each. Shai Hope (31) scored the most for the Windies, followed by Rovman Powell, who was able to contribute 23 runs to the West Indies total of 137-10. Batting first, Mohammad Rizwan and Haider Ali managed to pull off a much-needed partnership as they helped their team put up a total of 200 for the loss of 6. Skipper Babar Azam was sent packing in the first over for a golden duck while Fakahar Zaman (10) was dismissed in the fifth over, as West

Indies piled pressure on the Green Shirts. However, Mohammad Rizwan helped Pakistan fight back as he built up a partnership with young Haider Ali (68). Both the batters made crucial half-tons — just when the team needed it. In the 15th over, Rizwan was dismissed for an impressive 78 with the help of 10 fours. Ali was sent back to the pavilion in the last over, but he did the work which was required of him. Mohammad Nawaz also performed well for his side as he scored 30 off just 10 balls, which included three fours and two sixes.

neWs

caa likely to recommence pilots’ licensing in February next KARACHI Staff report

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says it plans to resume licensing the pilots in February next year with the release of an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit following a scandal over fake licenses had erupted. The ICAO, the UN Aviation body, advised Pakistan in September 2020 to undertake immediate corrective action and suspend the issue of any new pilot licenses after false licenses came to light following the crash of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane in May that year, in which 97 people were killed. A ninemember ICAO team carried out an audit in Pakistan for 10 days that concluded on Friday. “We are hopeful we will resume issuance of licensing following the release of the ICAO audit report expected in February,” Khaqan Murtaza, director-general of the PCAA, told reporters on Monday. The pilot licence scandal has tainted Pakistan’s aviation industry and hurt flag carrier PIA, which was barred from flying to Europe and the United States. In June last year, Pakistan grounded 262 airline pilots suspected of dodging their exams following checks of their qualifications. The action was prompted by the preliminary report on an airliner crash in the city of Karachi last year, which found that the pilots had failed to follow standard procedures and disregarded alarms. “The situation is that they have cleared us but a final report is awaited. The report is expected any time after mid-February,” Murtaza said. The audit was carried out in six areas – airworthiness, flying standards, personal licensing and examination, air navigation services, aerodromes and aircraft accidents. The ICAO team visited Pakistan aeronautical complex, PIA offices and offices of other airlines.

Pml-n using delaying tactics in court hearings against maryam: shahzad ISLAMABAD Staff report

Advisor to Prime Minister on Accountability Barrister Shahzad Akbar on Monday said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is using delaying tactics for court hearings in cases against Maryam Nawaz. The PML-N was trying to get maximum time from the courts through audio and video tap dramas, he said while talking to a private television channel. Maryam is a convict and facing the court cases, he said. Targeting the courts by PML-N, on different occasions would damage the image of the country, he said. He appealed the judiciary to take notice of such tactics being used by the PML-N.

Japan donates US$ 4.35m grant to support Polio Programme in Pakistan ISLAMABAD Staff CorreSpondent

The Japanese government has announced a US$4.35 million grant to procure essential oral polio vaccines as part of its continued support to Pakistan for its polio eradication efforts. This latest grant will be utilized for the procurement of 24 million oral doses of vaccines. It will allow the programme to reach around 21 million children under five years old with focus on the high-risk districts with persistent poliovirus transmission. The vaccines will be used during vaccination drives planned in 2022. According the National Action Plan (NEAP) 20212023, the Polio Porgramme’s strategic goal is to permanently interrupt all poliovirus transmission in Pakistan by the end of 2023. The notes of the grant were signed and exchanged between the Government of Japan and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the grant agreement was signed and exchanged between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNICEF. “The Polio eradication efforts made substantive progress this year by limiting the virus circulation resulted significant decrease of Polio cases despite challenges posed by COVID-19. The programme is

confident to permanently interrupt all types of polioviruses by the end of 2023,” said Dr. Shahzad Baig, National Coordinator of the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme. Appreciating the support of the Government of Japan, Dr Shahzad said, “We are grateful to the people and the Government of Japan for their unwavering support for the children of Pakistan, the new funding will enable us to reach every child with the essential polio vaccine.” WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan, appreciated the significant progress made this year in controlling the spread of poliovirus, saying that “we are now only one step away from the goal, polio-free Pakistan.” He reiterated his support to the initiative for eradicating all types of poliovirus by the end of 2023 and noted that “Japan has provided assistance in maternal and child health, polio eradication, and routine immunization in Pakistan for decades and will continue its support that will directly benefit vulnerable people.” “We are glad to witness collaborative effort between Polio program and Expanded Program on Immunization, represented by recently conducted Measles Rubella and Polio campaign. We are also honored that numerous Polio program experiences are utilized to fight against COVID-19,

such as 1166 helpline, PCR test capacity at Polio Laboratory and vaccinators’ trainings by JICA Project. We have a strong desire to witness the all types of polio virus interruption by the end of 2023 as suggested by Government of Pakistan. We appreciate the unwavering leadership of Government of Pakistan, with the highest respect to the frontline health workers,” said Shigeki Furuta, Chief Representative, JICA. “Pakistan has achieved tremendous success against interrupting Polio virus this year. From 84 reported polio cases in year 2020, the incidence has come down to one case in the last eleven months,” said Aida Girma, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, highlighting the consistent efforts of the Government of Pakistan and partners. “The last mile towards eradication, however, will be tough and requires continues support from the partners like Government of Japan to achieve a polio-free status,” said Aida while acknowledging the support of the people and Government of Japan. The new funding is part of the continuous support of the Japan Government in the Polio Eradication programme since 1996. To date, the grant and loan contribution from the Government of Japan has amounted to approx. US$ 230.497 million dollars to support the Polio programme in Pakistan through UNICEF.

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021 | KARACHI

04 NEWS

CPEC to CrEAtE morE joBS for BALoChiStAn yoUth, SAyS Dr ALvi ISLAMABAD

opment of the province which had, unfortunately, been neglected in the past. Dr. Arif Alvi underscored that priority was being given to the development of the education sector as it played an instrumental role in the socio-economic uplift of the country. The President also appreciated the government of Balochistan over its initiative of establishing residential colleges in areas such as Khuzdar and Loralai, and expressed the hope that these institutions would play a major role in the educational development of the province. Later, while chairing a meeting of the senate of National Skills University (NSU), Islamabad, President Dr Arif Alvi underlined the need to focus on the skill-development of youth and produce manpower in line with the requirements of the market. He urged the universities to increase the

Mian abrar

RESIDENT Dr Arif Alvi on Monday said that the completion of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the development of Gwadar Port would help create more employment opportunities as well as bring prosperity to the province of Balochistan. Speaking during an interactive session with the students and faculty members of Balochistan Residential College, Khuzdar here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Dr Alvi said that students of Balochistan had great potential and capable to change the destiny of the country by equipping themselves with the latest knowledge and information technology skills.

He urged them to focus on their studies and play their role for the development of the country. He said that the government was focusing on the socio-economic devel-

number of skilled graduates in order to fulfill the rising demand of the market. Vice-Chancellor NSU, Professor Dr Muhammad Mukhtar, updated the meeting about the role of the university in providing skills in various fields. He also apprised the meeting about the implementation status of the decisions taken in the 2nd Senate meeting of NSU. The meeting was informed that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan had granted No Objection Certificate (NOC) to NSU to start classes in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Information Engineering Technology, Medical Lab Technology, and Mathematics. The meeting also approved the minutes of the 2nd meeting of Senate of NSU held on October 20, 2021.

RED: Large-scale vaccination campaign SAIMA SHARAfAt

Sindh LG bill will empower local bodies politically, financially: Bilawal NewS DeSK Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the Sindh Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2021 will empower the local bodies politically and financially. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Bilawal said that the PPP will empower the local bodies, adding that the bill is being called a black law by those who have imposed a unilateral local government ordinance in Punjab. “Property tax will directly be given to local bodies. When they start collecting the taxes themselves, they will have the finances to help the people,” he said. He also said that in the coming local body elections, people across the country, including Karachi, will prove that the PPP is the only party that has solution to their problems. He said that the local bodies will be strong politically too as the education, health and law departments of each town will be answerable to the elected bodies. They will have to provide a report every two weeks. He said that since he was born, Mustafa Kamal and Wasim Akhtar have been reigning Karachi, adding that he can sit with them if they have to offer constructive criticism. “PPP is the only party who speaks the truth and has good intentions,” he said. The PPP chairman further said that similar law will soon be introduced across Sindh, adding that the only reason other political parties are intervening is because they know they will lose in front of the ‘teer’. He said that all of PPP’s political opponents have accepted the success of the party and realised that PPP is stronger than ever. “Compare all the hospitals of the Sindh government to others. We believe in free healthcare and all our government hospitals for the people are following international standards. JPMC has the facilities you find across the world. So does NICVD,” he said. He said that the opposition parties can do politics, but no one has the right to be racist. “We can take criticism if it makes sense,” he said adding, “but now they are just playing the ethnic card.” “Sindh’s new local government law is better than the local government laws of Punjab, Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa because Sindh has given more powers to local bodies than other provinces,” he said. “Neither Musharraf nor Altaf Hussain gave anyone this power. We our empowering the elected representatives to generate their own revenue.” He said that MQM’s time was a time of great bloodshed but PPP brought peace to Karachi. He said that the health card Imran Khan is boasting off has a limit and it will not even be able to cover the cost of one-day treatment at a Covid ward. On the other hand, PPP provides heart transplants for free, he added. Talking about foreign affairs, the PPP chairman said that Pakistan should not have skipped the US-hosted virtual summit on democracy. The two-day virtual summit was held on December 910, in which more than 100 nations, including Pakistan, were invited. Pakistan had refused to participate in the summit, saying Islamabad would like to engage with Washington on the issue of democracy “at an opportune time in the future”. Bilawal said that Pakistan was not in a position to “deprive” itself of any forum. “Even if an ally raises objections, we can raise their views and our views [at the forum] but we should never cede space,” he said adding that in his opinion, this was a “mistake” at a foreign policy level.

Exercise, rest, peace of mind and timely treatment are extremely helpful in living a healthy life. Health is indeed a great gift from Allah Almighty and nature has established an immune system in the human body which helps us to fight against many diseases but in today’s busy times man has forgotten to take care of his health. Due to busyness, vaccine ambiguity and some other reasons, many people are unable to get themselves vaccinated. The vaccine is subjected to various trials before it is introduced. Only after full verification and assurance of its safety it is approved for public. The Department of Primary and Secondary Healthcare has taken significant steps to combat the Corona epidemic. Meanwhile, the largest campaign, such as RED, Reach Every Door, was launched to provide vaccine services to the common public. Under the campaign, door-to-door vaccination is being carried out in all 36 districts of the province to meet the target of 18 million vaccinations by the end of December. Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Imran Sikandar Baloch has played a pivotal role in making the RED campaign a success. 14,000 new vaccination centres have been set up across Punjab and more than 18,000 mobile teams have visited every neighbourhood and village in different districts. It has played its role in providing vaccination facility to the people. All CEOs, DDHOs and other district administration staff have contributed to the success of the RED campaign. Coronavirus has so far killed more than 15,946 people in Punjab. Similarly, the proportion of vaccinators is different in all the districts of Punjab. This was done to prevent the possible spread of the corona epidemic. The lockdown during Covid-19 has severely affected the education and economic sectors. But now vaccine is the most effective solution to prevent this damage from escalating further. All people over the age of 12 must be vaccinated. Under the RED campaign, medical authorities have been vaccinated in remote districts of the province where many residents are still suffering from the transmission of Covid 19 and are afraid to be vaccinated on

South Korea donates US$ 2.5 million to assist Afghan refugees ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

The Government of the Republic of Korea Monday cumulatively donated US$ 2.5 million to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The donation was made by the government of South Korea in its commitment to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan Refugees. A signing ceremony was held here at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea where Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr Suh Sangpyo and the Representatives of UNICEF, WHO, and WFP, Ms. Aida Girma-Melaku, Dr Palitha Mahipala, and Mr. Chris Kaye, respectively. The Country Representatives thanked the Ambassador and the Government of Korea for their continued support to the United Nations and to plight of the Afghan Refugees. They further added that this donation will be utilized to support the frontline healthcare centers and hospitals, provide lifesaving food assistance and ensure continued access to COVID-19 vaccines for the Afghan refugees located in Refugee villages, and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

Children face 14pc mortality risk after catching Covid-19: study KARACHI anadolu agency

the basis of ambiguity related to the vaccine. Mobile teams have so far vaccinated more than 14 million people during the first phase of the RED campaign. Hesitation and denial of the vaccine is a gap against which the Department of Health is continuing its activities at the district level to spread awareness and make the public aware of the benefits of vaccination. Regarding this, efforts of Communication Cell, Department of Primary and Secondary Healthcare are especially commendable. In addition to providing vaccine facilities, a oneday vaccination camp was organized at Jamia Naeemia and St. Anthony’s Church. In addition, vaccine camps were set up in Madaris, Hindu temples and Gurdwaras. It is the responsibility of the health department to keep the centres fully operational while providing door-todoor services, create harmony between the public and the teams, make the database system efficient and flawless to deal with the outbreak of fake NADRA vaccine certificates. Health department is providing standard and absolutely free vaccines to the people, so the citizens who have not yet been vaccinated can get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The first phase of the RED vaccination campaign ended on 12th of November and now 2nd phase is ongoing which started on 1st December and will last till the end of the month. The department is doing everything in its power to make the 2nd phase of the campaign as successful as the 1st phase.

Children across Pakistan face over 14 pecent mortality risk after contracting the coronavirus, a recent study has revealed. The study, titled Severe Covid-19 in Hospitalised Children in Pakistan: An Interim Analysis, was jointly conducted by four major health institutes in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). It revealed that the risk is higher compared to the US and Europe as some 159 children have lost their lives due to Covid-19 since the South Asian country reported its first case in March 2020. Compared to the only 1 pecent coronavirus-related mortality rate so far recorded in the Western countries, the ratio in Pakistan is over 14 pecent, which is “unusually high,” according to the study released last week. One in every seven children in Pakistan infected with “moderate to severe Covid-19” died, a death rate many times greater than in the West. One in five children with underlying health conditions such as malnutrition, cancer, or cardiovascular diseases lost their lives, the study found. Even children with sound health, it stated, were at risk as one in every eight young patients died after contracting the virus. Dr. Fyezah Jehan, one of the study’s authors, said most of the deaths were reported among children aged one to nine years old. She cited comorbidity and an overall fragile healthcare system as key reasons behind the comparatively higher number of deaths among children. “The health of over half of the children who died due to the coronavirus was already compromised. They were suffering from different kinds of diseases, like cancer, heart, and neurological disorder, etc,” Jehan, the head of the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at Agha Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi, told Anadolu Agency.

No polio case in Sindh since July 2020: Murad KARACHI Staff report

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah observed Sindh has not reported a single polio case since July 2020 as he along with Health Minister Azra Pechuho inaugurated a province-wide polio vaccination campaign on Monday. More than nine million children in 30 districts will be vaccinated. They will be administered Vitamin A drops as well. According to Shah, the polio campaign will continue until December 19. He encouraged parents to get their children administered and cooperate with the polio teams. “These people are the real heroes and I want to salute them for the jobs they do.”

CMYK

The minister added that Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world where the wild version of the poliovirus continues to spread. “Pakistan’s

policy to fight polio is the same. We need to eradicate it completely.” Apart from Sindh, a five-day polio drive has also begun in 34 districts of Balochistan. According to Hameedullah Nasar, the province’s coordinator of Emergency Operation Centre, around 2.3 million children would be administered polio and vitamin A drops during the campaign. More than 11,000 teams have been formed to vaccinate children under the age of five. “We have taken strict security measures to prevent any unforeseen situation as members of Balochistan Levies Force, police, and Frontier Corps will be deployed to protect polio workers,” Nasar added. Anti-polio campaigns are, on the other hand, already underway in several areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021 | KARACHI

05 IndIa faILed In SILencIng KaShmIrIS deSpIte aLLout attacK on medIa, rIghtS groupS: Shehryar afrIdI news

CORPORATE CORNER

ISLAMABAD

KARACHI: Allied Bank (ABL) has taken another step forward towards enhancing its footprint of Digital Banking by tapping the unbanked segments of the market to promote financial inclusion digitally. An agreement was signed between ABL, Karandaaz Pakistan and Techlogix Mobility in the Innovation lab located at ABL Head Office in Lahore. The agreement was signed by Sohail Aziz – ABL Chief, Digital Banking, Waqas ul Hasan – Karandaaz CEO and Salman Akhtar –Techlogix Mobility CO-CEO.

StAff CoRReSpondent

HAIRMAN of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Shehryar Khan Afridi Monday said that the Indian state has failed in silencing voices of Kashmiris despite launching an all out attack on the civil society groups, human rights groups and journalists Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Shehryar Khan Afridi expressed these views during a meeting with Datuk Hasanuddin bin Mohammad Yunus, the member of Parliament of Hulu Langat Community Service Centre of Malaysia who is visiting Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. Shehryar Khan Afridi said that Kashmiri youth are being butchered in streets with impunity because they’re not

ready surrender their will for freedom from Indian Illegal occupation. “The occupying authorities are resorting to random raids on the houses of journalists, activists and rights organisations and seizing their equipment, belongings and dairies,” said Mr Afridi. “The so-called lieutenant governor appointed by New Delhi in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir region has recently said in an interview that they will come after the journalists in the region and has shamelessly termed them ‘the ecosystem of terrorism’, ” said Mr Afridi. He said that the Hindutva regime is a new threat to the world peace as Modi’s hegemonic designs may jeopardise the regional and global peace. Shehryar Khan Afridi said that the Hindutva regime of India is implementing extrmist agenda to turn India into a

Hindua Rashtra by annexing all neighbouring states of the subcontinent by force. He said that the expansionist agenda of Modi is a threat to regional peace. He said that the Modi regime is forcing Indian minorities to convert to Hinduism or get killed or leave India. He said that the RSS running India is following the Nazi ideology and its agents are hell bent to disrupt regional and global peace. Detailing the suffering of the Kashmiri people living in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Shehryar Afridi said that the occupational regime in Jammu and Kashmir is involved in war crimes against the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said the UAPA is a draconian law and a violation of freedom of expression. He said that Malaysia is a peaceful nation and it stands up for

Gas supply for Punjab export sector likely to be curtailed ISLAMABAD

Starlink officials Visit pta ISLAMABAD pReSS ReleASe

The US-based global satellite broadband provider Starlink’s Director Middle East & Asia, Mr. Ryan Goodnight and Head of Global Site Acquisition Mr. Ben Macwilliam visited Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters, Islamabad on Monday. They met with Chairman PTA, Maj General Amir Azeem Bajwa (R) and Executive Director Frequency Allocation Board. During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters pertaining to provision of satellite broadband connectivity in Pakistan and Starlink’s future plans for connecting Pakistan to their global network. Chairman PTA apprised Starlink representatives about PM’s vision of Digital Pakistan and prospects in Pakistan’s evolving market for quality broadband internet. He assured Starlink’s representatives about PTA’s support in line with regulatory framework for Starlink’s operations in Pakistan.

fBr rebuts disinformation about poS Integration drive on Social media

AhmAd AhmAdAni

Although state-owned gas utilities have been implementing the winter gas load management plan, the government may re-adjust gas supply to export-oriented captive power plants (CPPs) as it scrambles to deal with the gas crisis in the country, Profit learnt on Monday. In this regard, sources in the textile sector said that the government will most likely cut off gas supply to export-oriented CPPs in Punjab as mentioned in the gas load management plan for December 2021 and January 2022, while those in Sindh will be spared during this winter. According to the plan, export-oriented industries including the top 50 exporters and zero rated industry will

be given uninterrupted Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) supply unless there are technical constraints in the system. However, supply to export-oriented CPPs will be monitored till December 15 and might be re-adjusted depending on the availability of gas. Details also show that the general industry (nonexport) will be provided gas on a weekly rotation basis with one day off for each sector or zone, while the cement industry will be treated at par with the general industry although supplies may affect operations later. Similarly, to boost agricultural productivity, uninterrupted gas supply will be ensured to the fertiliser sector, while Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on a dedicated arrangement of 3000 MW are to get uninterrupted supply, and LNG-

based power production units will get 5 per cent extra supply as compared to last year’s actual consumption. Meanwhile, the compressed natural gas (CNG) sector will remain closed until February 15, 2022. After meeting national requirements of gas supply for critical industries, maximum efforts will be made to accommodate domestic consumers as already decided by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, the management plan states. According to the projected gas demand and supply for this winter, SSGCL will face a shortfall of 246 Million Cubic Feet per Day (MMCFD) in December and 276 MMCFD in January as it will only receive 940 MMCFD of indigenous gas and 75 MMCFD of RLNG during these two months.

Motorway traﬃc hit as fog blankets parts of Punjab, KP LAHORE StAff RepoRt

Dense fog coupled with biting cold gripped parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) early Monday, disrupting the traffic on the highways and paralysing routine life. Due to low visibility, sections of the Islamabad-Peshawar motorway (M-1) — from Rashakai to Peshawar section from Swabi to Burhan — have been

closed to traffic. Lahore-Islamabad motorway (M-2) was also closed from Thokar Niaz Baig in Lahore to Pindi Bhattian city due to low visibility. National Highways and Motorway Police have advised the drivers to switch on fog lights while driving at a slow speed. The police have also requested the people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.a

human rights. Shehryar Khan Afridi said that whenever we go to Haram Sharif, we see young people from Malaysia and Indonesia which reflects tge strong bond with the religion of Islam. “We are indebted the way MPs in Malaysia raised Kashmir dispute,” he said. Datuk Hasanuddin bin Mohammad Yunus said that Pakistan lives in hearts of the people of Malaysia. He said though Malaysia had business ties with India, the Malaysian leaders believed in constantly raising Kashmir in our Parliament as human rights are more important than business interests. Kashmir Committee members Ms Naureen Ibrahim and Zeb Jaffer also attended the meeting and also briefed the Malaysian MP on the sufferings of Kashmiris.

18 more held in murder of Sri Lanka national: police LAHORE StAff RepoRt

The police have arrested 18 more suspects purportedly involved in the killing of a Sri Lankan manager of a sports equipment business in Sialkot. A mob of hundreds of enraged employees descended on the factory after Priyantha Kumara was accused of blasphemy. The mob grabbed him, killed him and burned the body. Factory workers accused the victim of desecrating posters bearing the name of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). A first information report (FIR) was registered against 900 staffers of the business on the application of Uggoki Station House Officer (SHO) Armaghan Maqt under sections 302, 297, 201, 427, 431, 157, 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and 7 and 11-WW of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). With the latest arrests, the total number of suspects in custody has risen to 52, Khurram Shehzad, a spokesperson of Sialkot police, said. The suspects were later produced before a special antiterrorism court in Gujranwala which remanded them in police custody for 15 days. The judge directed police to present the suspects again on December 28. “34 primary suspects are already in remand with police. More than 100 individuals are [now] under investigation,” Shehzad said. Last week, the government of Punjab decided to conduct the trial in the case on a daily basis. In a meeting of the cabinet committee on law and order, Law Minister Basharat Raja, who was presided over the sitting, directed the investigators to file the case challan in court within 14 days. The prosecution was also directed to set up a special cell to monitor the case trial. The meeting was attended by all the regional police officers (RPOs) and commissioners of the province via video link.

ISLAMABAD pReSS ReleASe

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has strongly rebutted disinformation being spread on the social media against the proposed Service Charge of Rs.1 to be collected on all invoices issued by Tier-1 Retailers integrated with FBR’s electronic system of real-time reporting of sales. It is being insinuated as if the rate of the Service Charge is 1 percent instead of Rupee 1 per invoice only. This baseless propaganda by some vested interests is thoroughly malicious in intent and definitely suspicious in content. The nominal Service Charge @ Re.1 per invoice of whatever denomination, would be collected under Section 76 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990. This petty amount will be utilized to ensure integration of all Tier1 Retailers, promote ongoing publicity campaign, and finance a prize scheme for all customers who duly verify their invoices to determine the validity and genuineness of the invoices issued by the integrated Tier-1 Retailers, FBR further clarified. It is pertinent to mention that FBR has already launched an aggressive awareness campaign on all the mainstream Social, Electronic & Print Media to educate general public on a prize scheme ballot worth Rs.53 Million to be held every month in FBR Headquarters, Islamabad. This first computer ballot on POS Prize Scheme will be held on January 15, 2022, announcing 1007 lucky winners. Hence, the above unfounded campaign appears to have been initiated by those vested interests who tend to oppose POS integration. They continue to collect Sales Tax from the general public but are always reluctant to deposit the same in the Government Treasury. FBR has reaffirmed its unflinching resolve to continue integrating Tier-1 Retailers across the country with full vigor and an indomitable spirit.

18th Frontiers of Information Technology inaugurated by Minister of Science & Technology ISLAMABAD pReSS ReleASe

Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Shibli Faraz inaugurated the COMSATS University Islamabad’s 18th International Conference on Frontiers of Information Technology on Monday. Speakers from France, Netherlands, China, Ireland, Portugal, UK, USA and Pakistan are participating in the two-day conference organized by COMSATS University Islamabad in COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad. Shibli Faraz, Federal Minister for Science & Technology, also the Chief Guest of the opening ceremony lauded the efforts of FIT organizers for providing an esteemed platform to researchers, scientists, and industry practitioners from across the world to present their cuttingedge research as well as sharing latest industry insights. Moreover, he said that no country has the capacity to single handedly tackle the challenges of the global commons like environmental issues, sustainable renewable energy, diseases and pandemics, explosive population growth and food scarcity etc. He said that it was the foremost priority of the present Government to facilitate acade-

mia and local R&D Organizations, so that they may jointly provide solutions for indigenous problems and contribute towards the socio-economic uplift of Pakistan. He said that creating a Digital Pakistan was inevitable for good governance and prosperity. Prof. Attaur Rehman FRS, Vice Chairman, Prime Minister’s National Task force on Technology driven Knowledge Economy delivered a keynote address for participating technical experts, students and dignitaries. In his recorded address titled “Open Distance Learning: Creating a Knowledge Economy”, Prof. Rahman highlighted the importance of knowledge economy in a highly competitive global skills market and presented

CMYK

several initiatives which have led to novel solutions in present day Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Muhammad T. Afzal, Rector, COMSATS University Islamabad, in his remarks appreciated the support extended by the government in promoting the research and development culture in the country. He said that in order to create opportunities for Pakistan in the arena of Information Technology, it is imperative to ensure greater participation of women in IT. While encouraging female students, Prof. Afzal said that IT offers highly lucrative job prospects for women where they can realize their true potential with respectful and dignified jobs. He assured the participants that COMSATS University Islamabad

will always play an active role in nurturing young entrepreneurs for creating technology driven solutions for Pakistan. Prof. Afzal called on researchers to engage in meaningful product-oriented research that can benefit the masses and the economy instead of churning out publications which were creating no real impact. The two days conference will comprise series of invited lectures as part of its technical program while a PhD symposium will provide an opportunity to PhD scholar to present their ongoing research to gather feedback from industry experts. The last day of the conference will feature a panel discussion on the theme “How to Make Digital Pakistan a Reality”. The conference is the 18th Annual event organized by COMSATS University consecutively in the last 2 decades and boasts of a very competitive acceptance rate among IT circles in Pakistan. The conference has been fostering new areas of IT since its inception and has this year captured attention of experts in Software Engineering, Pattern Recognition, Image & Natural Language Processing, Data Science, Water Informatics, Smart Grid, Energy & Electronics, Signal Processing and Cyber Security among others.

06-07 Comments - 14th December 2021_Layout 1 12/13/2021 10:17 PM Page 1

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

06 COMMENT

Negotiating peace

Now that the judgment is ready The PTI wants announcement to be delayed

Tribal areas witnessing Taliban spillover as government-TTP talk

nFORMatiOn Minister Fawad Ch has demanded simultaneous scrutiny of parties’ funding which is unjust and irrational. there is a perception that the plea at this juncture is aimed at stopping the ECP from announcing its verdict on Pti’s foreign funding case. the report of the scrutiny committee which was constituted to audit foreign funds of the ruling Pti is reportedly finalised and is under ECP’s consideration. a public hearing of the case is likely to begin soon. there is no reason to postpone the announcement of judgment in a case where the findings have already been reached by clubbing it with those cases which might take more time to conclude. Over the last seven years the Pti has tried its utmost to dodge the enquiry into its foreign accounts. the case was filed with concrete evidence by one of the party’s founding members. For three years the Pti delayed the proceedings by questioning the jurisdiction of the ECP to scrutinize its accounts. two years back it went to iHC to restrain the scrutiny committee formed by the ECP from probing the party’s foreign funding. this again showed how desperate the Pti was to get the proceedings delayed. On the other hand the PML-n and the PPP neither questioned the jurisdiction of the ECP nor refused to cooperate with it. a year before 2018 elections the Pti approached the Commission to seek detailed scrutiny of funding record of the PML-n and PPP meanwhile seeking the cancelation of the election symbols allocated to them. Both cooperated with the commission. the case continued to linger on till the ECP sent the matter to an investigative committee in June 2018. the cases against PML-n and PPP should be pursued in accordance with law. the accounts of every ECPregistered political party need to be scrutinized without any discrimination. this is required to ensure that there is no illegality involved in fund collection. But to tie up a case that has matured with others which might take time to conclude for no reason other than political balancing goes against the spirit of justice.

Khadija Mughal

akistan is now under attack from radical islamists and jihadists both within its mainland and around its outskirts. Having recently concluded a seven months long wrestle with the far-right political party tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (tLP) in the Punjab, the country is now looking to resolve the increase in violence along its northwestern ‘tribal belt’, across the border from the Durand Line, in the province of khyber Pakhtunkhwa. a Pakistan institute for Peace studies (PiPs) report from Orakzai District – one of the seven districts of Pakistan’s tribal area – says the tehrik-e-taliban Pakistan (ttP) carried out 95 attacks in the country in the past year, and 44 in the first six months of this year. “the increase in ttP’s attacks is directly proportional to the rise in the afghan taliban’s – their ‘ideological twin’ – control in afghanistan,” says abid Hussain a writer based in Orakzai District – one of the seven districts of Pakistan’s tribal area. Locals witnessing the rise of the ttP say that the local jihadists have gained strength from the fall of kabul. they are no longer fearful of american drone attacks, which have boosted their operational capacity. the Us’s initial pledge of withdrawal from afghanistan, in 2020, gave the first boost to the violent activity of the Pakistani wing of taliban. the banned outfit claimed responsibility of 149 assaults throughout the entire year. stats following the afghan taliban’s takeover in kabul are even grimmer: the ttP took responsibility of conducting 32 attacks in the month of august, 2021, 37 in september and 24 in October, bringing the total to 93 inside three months. included in the attacks claimed by ttP – and its proxy groups – are target killings, aimed specifically at police, FC, and Pakistan army personnel. apart from ttP, the northwestern tribal belt of the country is also under attack from islamic state khorasan – also known as is-k or isis-k – who are also estranged from the afghan taliban, accusing the latter of abandoning the path of Jihad and opting for more peaceful measures like table talks and negotia-

Another close call National carrier’s safety increasingly doubtful

Mere Political rhetoric is fatal for good governance dr uMair ashraf

inCE the inception of Pakistan, the country has seen its politics taking the most tumultuous path. it regularly jumped between democracy and dictatorships and the nation bore the brunt of political instability. the last fourteen years of democratic dispensation have been both lucrative (economy and revenue generation) and most turbulent in terms of politics, political development, the outcomes to that effects often violence: ethnic, religious and political, and the fight against terrorism taking its final shape. Pakistanis that often bear the brunt are ordinary citizens who are already overwhelmed by poor socioeconomic situations such as poverty, dearth of socio-economic development and rising political disparities. Despite the constant rhetoric of all successive governments about their policies for sustainable development, the outlook of the country has continued to show ineptitude, poor political will, corruption and mismanagement. the development in Pakistan becomes more gripping in establishing the democratic ideals of sustainable development. although democracy has continued to nourish despite looming challenges in last one decade, its outcomes are still charged with failures and questions. the cacophony of politicians and political parties about their services for the nation has continued to grow. However, the impact of these services has been questionable for the dearth of direction and progress. the democratic setup in Pakistan has just succeeded in establishing mere political rhetorics. and the ordinary citizens are still in awe in comprehending the policies made to turn their days around. it all looks like a mirage, with the nebula of political magniloquence growing daily. Every successive government belonging to three largest political parties in Pakistan has added to this bombast. Political rhetoric in modern democracy comes with inherent complexities: loud promises, unfathomable election manifestos, hundreds of speakers, sheer quantity of information and misinformation, variety of politicians and diversity of viewpoints. Understanding this extravagant political commentary before elections and during incumbent government tenures is a taxing exercise for ordinary people. the result is they get easily swayed by the political profligacy. thousands of claims and

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

It has been a fall of agreements for the Pakistani government, having first signed a largely defensive deal with Punjab’s Tehreek-iLabbaik in exchange for a ceasefire, then turning its attention to quelling the unrest within its northwestern Pashtun quarters.

The writer is a freelance columnist

Performance, not empty talk

akistan international airlines (Pia), the country’s national carrier remains a drain on the exchequer, severely dependent on hefty cash injections to remain operational as it consistently posts heavy losses each year. there are certain variables not under the control of any airline that adversely affect its bottom line such as increasing fuel costs or a global pandemic, but the quality of service and upkeep of its fleet are addressable ongoing problems that require constant attention. Pia’s losses are attributable to both sets of problems; those which it cannot do much about and the ones it can but is unable or simply unwilling to do anything about. Pia has a long history of air crashes, the most recent major incident taking place only last year with 97 killed, owing to a technical fault in the plane and an error on part of the pilot. Yesterday, passengers aboard a karachi-bound Pia flight were forced to disembark from a plane after the pilot unsuccessfully attempted two take-offs and was about to go for a third. although passengers did not doubt the competency and judgment of the pilot who had the presence of mind to make two emergency landings within time, their decision to exit the plane was rational given how the likelihood of the aircraft landing safely had become doubtful. Last month a Pia pilot taxied onto a runway at toronto airport without clearance where an arriving air Canada flight was just about to land. statistically, airline travel is still the safest way to travel, but there is always a risk of an unfortunate incident taking place despite all necessary precautions being taken pre-flight. However, when there are multiple close-calls after a major crash by the same airline in a span of one month, clearly there is a technical incompetency that needs to be immediately and thoroughly investigated and fixed. With a reputation of unlicensed pilots and a shoddy aircraft maintenance record, Pia is fast approaching the threshold of being labeled as an ‘at your own risk’ travel by air option. the only way to correct course is to improve the quality of its planes, pilots and overall service.

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

tions. they have imposed the label of “apostates” on the afghan taliban, thereby legalizing their killing under their – radical – interpretation of the sharia. Under fire – quite literally – from within and without, imran khan’s government suddenly finds itself constantly hustling for peace – distributing peace settlements left, right, and center – so that it can finally revert its attention to more important tasks. it has been a fall of agreements for the Pakistani government, having first signed a largely defensive deal with Punjab’s tehreeki-Labbaik in exchange for a ceasefire, then turning its attention to quelling the unrest within its northwestern Pashtun quarters. Even so, it appears that the afghan taliban seem to be pushing their ideological brothers to opt for peace this time, acting as mediators in the talks between the ttP and Pakistan. “islamic Emirates of afghanistan, in accordance with the wishes of Pakistan and ttP, is playing the role of the third party and mediator [in the talks between the two] and the result of this is also becoming evident. We hope that distances would be bridged between the two,” said the interim Foreign Minister of the afghan taliban, amir khan Muttaqi. When asked if they are ready to vouch for the ttP and act as their guarantor during the talks, in case the latter breaks the agreement at any point, the taliban representative replied, “so far an agreement has not been finalized between the two parties, however the start has been promising. and in the first phase of the negotiations, a one-month ceasefire has been agreed to. Both parties agree that talks would continue, which is a good step. Hopefully this

process would not experience any problems.” apart from the one-month ceasefire – which kicked off on november 9 – Pakistan has also agreed in the temporary agreement to release more than 100 ttP detainees from prison. senior security sources have confirmed that the government has released more than 100 prisoners of the ttP. among those released, a majority is of those who were going through the correction process at the government’s internment centers, and were released before the set six month-period. it is believed that the ttP demanded sharia law to be implemented in Pakistan, along with two other demands: to be granted permission to open a political office in a third country, and to reverse the merger of Fata and kPk. Only a couple of days into the ceasefire, the ttP rebranded its first demand, asking now for sharia to be imposed in the majority Pashtun province of khyber Pakhtunkhwa. the ttP called off the ceasefire last week and has resumed its violent terrorism activities against Pakistan’s security forces. Reportedly, the afghan taliban are no longer willing to play the role of honest broker while Pakistan simply cannot meet the outlandish demands by the ttP, owing to the ceasefire termination. negotiations however are still ongoing according to some sources. Pashtun nationalist leaders and human rights activists have condemned the state’s bid to woo the taliban, saying that Pakistan should instead punish them for the bloodshed in the tribal belt. Mohsin Dawar, Member of the national assembly, and founder of the national Democratic Movement maintains that the state has adopted a duplicitous policy when it comes to dealing with elected politicians from the tribal areas and the jihadist groups that are carrying out militant attacks in the region. “the state should penalise the ttP for the crimes that they have committed against the Pashtun people, instead of giving them amnesty,” said Dawar.

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

charges both by party in government and parties in opposition take hold of the electronic as well as print media. and presently, the social media has surpassed in creating hyperbole of political clamor. thus, the political parties seem to be more deeply concerned with establishing the political rhetoric than actual implementation of policies for sustainable development. the result of this democratic circus is the fatality of good governance and stability in Pakistan. the incumbent government of Pakistan tehreeke-insaaf (Pti) with its dashingly learned and dramatically eloquent PM seems to be wining the marathon of political rhetoric. However, this win is happening at the expense of sheer confusion in governance of the state. the famous saying that one man’s food is another man’s poison is seemingly standing correct at the present façade of politics in Pakistan. the fight to win the political narrative is destroying the governance. But, who is to care when all at the helm of affairs in the country are content consciously and physically. the critical implications of driving the country by mere political bombast are comfortably being overlooked by the Pti government and more importantly the PM. For last three and half years in office, imran khan has been seen taking advantage of every formal and social event to propagate his illusionary political euphuism. the ‘all-is- Well’ pomposity is not only frustrating the citizenry but also infuriating it. the use of eloquence dates back prior to the start of political career of imran khan. it even made him well-known at the political picturesque and win him the elections in 2018. However, the use of mere political rhetoric is fatal for the good governance and the progress of the country. the slogans of naya Pakistan, accountability and Riyast-e-Madina now serve as mere cacophony for the ears of both

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

supporters and neutrals. the country now stands at an unprecedentedly crucial point because of weakening economy, rising political partisanship, growing extremism and failing governance. the state looks to be in sheer disarray and the failures are arriving in a speedy manner. the accountability conundrum is still as obscure as before, since the corruption at both ground and upper levels is sustaining. the naya Pakistan is factually running behind the old Pakistan. the inflation is skyrocketing while the rupee is free-falling. and in the middle there seems to be the whole cabinet under captaincy of PM trying to catch the both by political rhetorics. the Riyasat-e-Medina which is mentioned in any and every addressal of Prime Minister is nowhere to be found. Every nook and cranny of the country seems to be in a sociopolitical chaos. the iMF is invading the country in a colonial manner. the reason for this current state of shambles is the use of political oratory to hide the failures. the governance is entirely a different department than the politics. it demands policies to be implemented according to capabilities and weaknesses of the state and not merely by agenda-driven politics. the governance models are designed according to the circumstances and not to the populism. the accountability is implemented across the board in the country and not only to undermine political opposition. the religion is not used as a political agenda but to propagate peace and tranquility. Riyast- e-Medina was constructed on true pillars of islam and not to be taken up on the existing edifice of western colonial system and 21st century capitalism. Even though, democracy is considered as a panacea against the challenges, however, only the democracy which delivers. and the current dispensation of democracy is failing to tranquillize the agitated citizenry of Pakistan.

The reason for this current state of shambles is the use of political oratory to hide the failures. The governance is entirely a different department than the politics. It demands policies to be implemented according to capabilities and weaknesses of the state and not merely by agenda-driven politics.

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

The writer is a freelance columnist

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

06-07 Comments - 14th December 2021_Layout 1 12/13/2021 10:17 PM Page 2

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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

United Nations’ responsibility

What do Indo-Russia ties mean for the US? Realignment after Afghanistan exit

Prof abdul shaKoor shah

nDia-RUssia defense and trade ties for the next decade are seemingly going to shift power in south asia in near future. it is notable that after the Us decampment from afghanistan, Russia has entered in asian power ring. the indian draconian thirst for absolute regional power is quite obvious from current strategic agreements. india-Russia has already set a target of $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025. indian-Us ventures to counter China are considered critical and Russian entry to make a triangle is really of great significance. Russia has expressed its concerns over block formation by the U.s, india, Japan and australia to intercede China in the indo-Pacific region. it seems, Russia is not there to build a triangle but it has some other goals. now india has plunged between the devil and the deep sea. though it tries its utmost to play on both sides, it seems irrational to invite the bull into a china shop. indian cold war weapon dependency on Russia compelled the reluctant india to shake hands with the Us. During the Donald trump era the U.s-india accomplished defense deals worth over $3 billion. Bilateral defense trade increased from near zero in 2008 to $15 billion in 2019. india’s acquisition of Russian s-400 missile systems, which it mulls over to be critical in offsetting China, could prove to be an annoyance in indo-U.s. ties. Moscow has put india at risk of U.s. sanctions. Moscow-Delhi hand shake it multi fold either the india-Us bond is

weakling or india has realized that she has put herself in cynical hands as the Us is notorious for its fair weather friendship. india seems to be realigning its defense strategy in the China-Russia-Usa triangle. india aspires to be Eurasian muscle vacillating between East and West in accordance with its preferences. india has become a rolling stone among military ties of Moscow, the economic importance of Beijing and strategic counterweight of the U.s. the contemporary global situation is the rise of China and the conversion of the sinoRussian relationship from antagonism to détente and now entente. sino-Russian enmity or amity carries global consequences. Both developments have a burnt on india, the earlier historically, and the latter in vista. Russia had enjoyed long and durable ties with india than the U.s in boosting up her military profile and precious political support to india on an array of regional matters. sinoRussian had been transferring military technologies in the past as well, now they are exchanging economic ties based on cross border trade and Chinese investment in Russia. the sino-Russia positive ties may melt the sinoindia hostility and the U.s will be pushed back to home like the afghanistan strategy. there is a possibility of a new triangle like RiC groups Russia, india and China. Russian bending to india is the gleam of hope to balance China and push the U.s out of the region. india had defied the United states and created a nonaligned bloc of nations to maintain a middle posture between the two rivals in the Cold War. But the Russian cold shouldering pushed reluctant india to join hands with the Us. the Us is left with no other option than india to counter China and the same is the case with india for materializing her dreams of asian supremacy. During sinoindia border tension in the late 1950s, india was equipped with supersonic Mig-21 jets, an-12 transports and Mi-4 helicopters by Russia. During the sinosoviet rift Russia further equipped india with submarines, corvettes, tanks and artillery and helped india to stave off Us-Chinese pressure in

Moscow has jumped to New Delhi with the intention of minimizing Beijing-Delhi tensions to avert Indian bending to the U.S as it is not favoring Russia. IndoRussia ties are also the expression of India’s disparate depression of the US decamping from Afghanistan. Now the Indian profile in Afghanistan has shattered to pieces.

1971.the soviet collapse at the end of 1991 hit new Delhi mainly hard. But the heft of their relationship is inadequate by the fact that by 201516, india only constituted 1.2 % of total Russian trade, while Russia was only 1 % of indian trade. the natO expansion in the west and the presence of the United states in afghanistan brought Moscow-Beijing closer than before. the Russian pouncing may serve to alleviate U.s and Chinese gravitational pull. the current ties are a result of the Russia-Europe and China-Us estrangement. But things can take over in turn as in the past 60 years. Russia and China have been friends at one time enemies at another, likewise, the Us/Europe and Russia. india is the only one that has remained largely with the same perspective that it had in the 1950s. it is in the best interests of the U.s to keep Russia and China apart and Russian aligning with the U.s is almost impossible particularly in asian rink. india must refrain from putting all its eggs into american baskets. Chinese relationship to Central asia is undermining the Russian influence in the region, the indo-Russia ties may improve it via indo-iran influence in central asia. indo-Russian ties are also the result of india’s reluctance to Us or Japanese notion of free and open indo pacific (FOiP). india must realize that joining the U.s camp will cause indian worth as it not only loses Chinese collaboration but it will also get a severe jolt from Russia. that kind of divergence between new Delhi and Moscow used to be virtually unthinkable. india has long had a warm relationship with Russia, and the soviet Union before it, rooted in a sense of enduring convergence of interests at both the global and regional levels. When the United states and Britain allied with india’s archrival Pakistan starting in the 1950s, new Delhi deeply appreciated Moscow’s support, including arms deliveries and its veto on kashmir-related issues in the security Council. Even after the collapse of the soviet Union, Russia remained india’s main international political partner. as that much celebrated convergence breaks down, new Delhi is now learning to live with growing divergence with Moscow on key regional and global issues. Moscow has jumped to new Delhi with the intention of minimizing Beijing-Delhi tensions to avert indian bending to the U.s as it is not favoring Russia. indo-Russia ties are also the expression of india’s disparate depression of the Us decamping from afghanistan. now the indian profile in afghanistan has shattered to pieces. Russia is growing its ties with taliban, Pakistan and China and it seems wise for india to realign itself with Russia and China rather than the U.s.

India is the only one that has remained largely with the same perspective that it had in the 1950s. It is in the best interests of the U.S to keep Russia and China apart and Russian aligning with the U.S is almost impossible particularly in Asian rink.

The Writer is Prof. in English and Freelance Columnist based in Lahore. He can be reached at Prof.abdulshakoorsyed@gmail.com

UnitED natiOns Organisations (UnO) came into being only for the purpose of preserving peace, averting wars and settling disputes on the other side of the picture, nothing as such is visible. since the world is once again bound up in the grip of humanitarian crises on a global scale. On one hand, the long-simmering outstanding dispute of kashmir, the oppression of Rohingya Muslims and Uhigur Chinese Muslims are treated inhumanely; on the other hand, Muslims in arab countries—syria, Yemen, Palestine– are killed, persecuted and displaced but there is no voice raised on these international crises. When organisations like the UnO are supposed to settle these issues, it is a pity seeing that UnO whose ambit is stretched over the world is not playing the expected role. in contrast, it is listening to those countries which are economic and technology giants, especially the Us. Might is right. this saying is a reflection of current times in which only powerful countries are heard while the rest of the world is required to toes their line. Every country has to live under the patronage of superpowers so as to safeguard its economic interests. When it comes to humanitarian crises like the recent israeli savagery, even condemnation of it is beyond question. One wonders why is the UnO created? Currently, Palestinians are facing beastly persecution, many lives have been killed and rendered homeless and the vicious cycle of displacement is grossly perpetrated but nothing on the part of the UnO is done to resolve the crisis. there are a number of provisions referring to fundamental human rights in the UnO Charter which are also being violated by israeli but no one can dare to dissuade the illegitimate state of israel from harming unarmed and innocent Palestinians. in recent times, the whole Muslim world, even now, was seen as the epicentre of terrorism due to various reasons but the major factor is ‘deviation from the true teaching of peace’. Hence, it is logical to say that UnO has a very important responsibility to undertake, keeping in view the current humanitarian crises so that it could make the world a better place to live in. QADEER SEELRO SinDh

Anti-women activities WE live in a misogynist and patriarchal society. the recent killing of noor Mukadam and aisha siddiqui is just an addition to the statics of antiwomen crimes. Women in Pakistan are not safe. after india and afghanistan, Pakistan is considered a hard country for women. Despite constitutional parity promised to them, women remain a marginalized group of society. article 25 and 34 grant equal status to all the citizens, and their life and dignity is to be safeguarded by the state. But unfortunately, this remains confined to black and white. Recently, a husband murdered his wife and mother of four children in Hyderabad. although the woman had kept complaining to her family about her husband’s callous behaviour, her cries were not heeded; the main reason being the family reputation. When her daughter was enquired, she told that her mother bore physical torture regularly. Moreover, she added that she would never wish to return to her father else she would be the next to be slain. the young girl seemed disappointed and devastated because her mother could not be saved. Had pertinent steps been taken on time, she would have been alive with her children. this is not the only case. Household torture is deep-rooted in every nook and corner of the country. Yet the constitutional framework and executive actions fall short to address it. Despite such an aggravated state, a bill against household abuse could not be passed due to the intervention of religious elements. Furthermore, marital rape is not considered rape in Pakistan. it’s high time to frame and enact statutes in order to guard women and to bring equal status to them. additionally, religion should be rightly interpreted as islam preaches respect and protection of women. as Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) emphasized the rights of women over men in his last sermon. in Risyasat e Madina, his words should be put into practice. MUhAMMAD ShARiF OThO KhAiRpUR MiR

Historic day WE may perhaps be the only constitutional state which considers voting through the internet safe and secure in a general election for a parliament, which has the powers to legislate laws, amend the constitution with a twothirds majority, deciding the fate and destiny of over 220 million citizens. a record was made on 19 november 2021, when over 33 bills were passed in under five hours, which were required to be approved after a clause by clause reading, debate and voting. the Usa gives its overseas citizens the right to vote because the right to vote is interlinked with the responsibility of every citizen to file his income tax returns with inland Revenue Department. all american citizens who are registered on the voters list, have to inform their embassy of their present address etc. and are allowed to cast their vote through secure registered postal ballots, issued to them by the competent authority. american troops and those employed overseas cast their votes in a similar manner. this postal balloting facility is also available to all citizens living within the Usa because the constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens. if the federal government in consultation with ECP after going through the process of debate, scrutiny etc. in parliament wants to give its overseas citizens the right to vote, it has to ensure secrecy and security of the ballot beyond any reasonable doubt. it is an internationally established fact that the internet is neither secure, nor safe from hacking, especially when the internet used is regulated and controlled by a foreign country, where the overseas Pakistanis are residing. Mere passing of a bill by the brute majority, enabling balloting through the internet is in violation of the constitution both in letter and spirit and can compromise state sovereignty. ALi MALiK TARiQ LAhORE

08 WORLD VIEW 14th December 21_Layout 1 12/13/2021 10:09 PM Page 1

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

The end Of free mOney EUROPE CAN NO LONGER RELY ON THE PRINTING PRESS TO FINANCE ITS LAVISH LIFESTYLE

ProJeCt sYNDiCate HAns-werner sinn

LTHOUGH the U.S. Federal Reserve is now thinking about tapering its monthly asset purchases in light of increasing inflation figures, european Central Bank President Christine Lagarde continues to insist that no sustained inflation risk exists. The currently measured inflation, she says, is a temporary problem that will disappear once supply bottlenecks are overcome, so the eCB will not be changing its policies. It is like a coachman who refuses to tighten the reins when his horses are bolting, because they will eventually tire themselves out. never mind that, according to the Treaty of Maastricht, the eCB is obliged to ensure price stability under all circumstances. There is no provision for the possibility of letting prices run hot for a while. And, unlike the Fed, the eCB cannot legally seek to balance the goal of price stability with other monetary-policy objectives.

The current supply bottlenecks owe much to the quarantine measures in ports — particularly, but not exclusively, in China. Arriving ships cannot unload their cargo and therefore also cannot be loaded with the intermediate products that europe’s economy must be able to supply to its customers. Freight rates for international maritime transport have increased eightfold since 2019. But the bottlenecks also reflect the domestically imposed lockdowns in european economies last winter and spring, which led to shortages even of local timber and other building materials produced in europe. Hence, in a fall 2021 Ifo Institute survey, 70% of German manufacturers reported difficulties sourcing upstream products. For comparison, the highest that figure ever reached in 30 previous years of surveys was 20%. Ifo reckons that supply bottlenecks will cost Germany around €40 billion ($45 billion) of value added — equivalent to 1.15% of its gross domestic product (GDP) — in 2021. The supply bottlenecks have obviously been unamenable to the huge stimulus and rescue packages that the european governments implemented during the COVID-19 crisis. The German federal government, for

example, enacted programs amounting to roughly 10% of German GDP if spread out over two years, and the european Union enacted additional programs amounting to 4.5% of eU GDP over two years. These programs were largely financed by new government debt, which in turn was immediately monetized by the eCB and thus was issued at ultralow interest rates. never before has europe experienced stimulus programs on such a massive scale. But given the supply bottlenecks, policymakers were effectively slamming on the gas with the hand brake still on. The result was a particular form of economic overheating that economists call stagflation. Inflation rates today are very high not only in the United States, where they stand at 6.2%, but also in europe. As of October 2021, prices in the eurozone overall had increased 4.1% year on year; in Germany, the continent’s largest economy, prices were up 4.5%. And as if this wasn’t bad enough, the German Federal Statistical Office has just announced that annual industrial producer prices were up 18.4% in October. That is the highest increase since 1951, shortly after the Federal Republic of Germany was founded, exceeding even the

peak monthly price increase during the 1970s oil crises (14.6% in June 1974). In contrast to the index for consumer goods, which measures only the prices of final products, industrial producer prices capture all intermediate stages of production. They therefore have a certain prognostic significance for consumer prices, even though the final products won’t show such extreme spikes. (Unlike the latter, they are not affected by changes in value-added taxes such as those occurring in Germany.) These new inflation figures are so extreme that the eCB’s position looks like willful denial. Germany is currently experiencing the strongest inflation in a lifetime. And the situation is not much better in other european countries. In September, France reported an 11.6% annual increase in industrial producer prices and that figure stood at 15.6% in Italy, 18.1% in Finland, 21.4% in the netherlands and 23.6% in Spain. Worse, these increases do not look like a temporary phenomenon. even though the supply bottlenecks will likely be overcome by next summer, trade unions will by then have increased their wage demands to account for this year’s inflation figures. That will trigger a spiral of rising prices and wages that may continue for several years. Purchases of consumer durables will be pulled forward, further accelerating inflation. Moreover, even when the first inflation wave starts to ebb, perhaps as early as next

autumn, new dangers will loom. If the eCB hesitates to follow the U.S. Federal Reserve’s foreseeable interest-rate hikes, the euro will depreciate, boosting import prices further. The baby-boom generation’s transition to retirement implies many additional consumers who no longer support production and therefore create an inflationary demand overhang. On the cost side, the phaseout of all fossil fuels — and of nuclear power plants in Germany — will be a major driver of price growth. It requires little imagination to see how europe could end up back in a 1970s-like environment of stubborn inflation, which could last for the remainder of the decade and beyond. Given these circumstances, european economies and the eCB must be given a clear signal to stop any further monetized debt binges. If policymakers want to siphon money from the economy for their aims, they should have to cut other expenditures by a comparable amount. If the rollback via interest rates no longer works because the eCB doesn’t play ball, it will be replaced by a direct crowdingout mechanism via the prices for goods. either way, today’s inflationary surge marks the end of the pipe dream of resources created from nothing. The good life financed by the euro system’s printing press is over once and for all. Hans-Werner Sinn, professor emeritus of economics at the University of Munich, is a former president of the Ifo Institute for Economic Research and serves on the German economy ministry’s advisory council. He is the author of “The Euro Trap: On Bursting Bubbles, Budgets, and Beliefs” (Oxford University Press 2014).

Can Qatar end Lebanon’s The global economy is economic crisis? increasingly out of sync LEBANESE LEADERS HAVE FOUND A WILLING PARTNER IN QATARI EMIR TAMIM BIN HAMAD AL THANI. AFTER SEEING SUPPORT FROM SAUDI ARABIA DRY UP, LEBANON WILL REQUIRE OTHER COUNTRIES TO HELP PULL IT OUT OF ITS ECONOMIC MIRE NatioNal iNterest AdnAn nAsser

n a recent trip to Qatar, Lebanese president Michel Aoun met with Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss ways to assist Lebanon’s unprecedented economic crisis. Tamim publicly expressed solidarity as a reason to support Lebanon. It was an encouraging sign, but there may be another unspoken geopolitical justification. Given that Doha and Riyadh have been at loggerheads over influence in the Arab world, their convergence on Lebanon may be an extension of Gulf rivalries, regardless of previous reconciliation efforts between the two leaders at al-Ula, in Saudi Arabia. The meeting between Aoun and Tamim was cordial. Aoun highlighted that Qatar offered assurances of support for Lebanon in many domains. The two leaders touched on areas such as infrastructure investments for electricity and reconstruction efforts regarding Beirut’s port following the August 2020 blast that killed two hundred people. For his part, Tamim told Aoun that his country has always supported the Lebanese people and will continue to stand by them. He mentioned the deep historical relationship between the two countries, explaining that he is willing to offer Lebanon a hand of friendship during its difficult financial period. He also praised Lebanese expatriates living and working in Qatar. About 60,000 Lebanese are believed to be in the country. While it is easy to assume that brotherly relations and solidarity are the drivers of the interaction between the two nations, geopolitical interests probably play a role as well. Saudi Arabia has historically been Lebanon’s financial backer in times of economic hardship. However, Riyadh and Beirut have reached an impasse in their diplomatic relations, with the former withdrawing its ambassador from Lebanon on October 29. The move followed a leaked video of Lebanon’s Information Minister George Kordahi’s statement about Riyadh’s war in Yemen against Iranian-backed Houthis rebels. The minister said the Houthis were “defending themselves” and argued the conflict was “futile.” Kordahi’s comments were made before he was appointed to his current post as information minister. This made little difference to the Saudis, however, who viewed his opinions as “insulting.” Riyadh interpreted his criticism as a sign that Hezbollah, a Shiite Lebanese political party that supports the Houthis, has taken over Lebanon. As a result, the Saudis no longer see a reason to cooperate with the Lebanese government. Kordahi resigned from his position as minister of informa-

tion on Friday, December 3, with the hope that Riyadh would reverse its decision. Still, this alienation has pushed the nearlybankrupt Mediterranean nation into Doha’s arms, which earlier this year promised to invest in Lebanon provided it forms a new government. A new government was formed in September 2021, but Lebanese still live in poverty. Lebanese citizens have taken to the streets yet again in nationwide protests, burning tires and blocking roads while demanding answers to their economic plight. Unfortunately, regardless of what the politicians decide to do, any strategy to reverse this recession will likely be a long process. Indeed, there are clearly no quick fixes to Lebanon’s economic depression, which the World Bank says is “deliberate.” Officially, Lebanon’s currency is valued at 1,515 lira to $1. But the real black market value is 25,000 lira. The international community has conditioned financial aid on Lebanese politicians stepping forward with a concrete plan to stop systemic corruption—the source of most, and arguably all, of Lebanon’s problems. The Qataris want the same commitments from Beirut—that Beirut will ensure tangible economic and political reforms prior to receiving life-saving investment. However, this will not stop Doha from sending aid to Lebanese families that are in dire need of support through a possible International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrangement with Lebanon. Lebanon is in the middle of negotiations with the IMF to unlock a $10 billion aid package to help revive its impoverished economy. The IMF has required Lebanese leaders to enact a series of political reforms to tackle corruption in the electricity and banking sectors before it can receive more aid. But the Lebanese people cannot wait for governments and international institutions to agree on a deal. They need assistance now. In a signal of his intentions, Qatar’s emir said he will dispatch Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani to Beirut at an unspecified date to discuss all developments to assist Lebanon. Qatar is showing the Lebanese that hope is not lost despite long odds against their country. This appears to be a moment for optimism. It could hardly come at a better time. Lebanon’s economy is in shambles, with some people digging through trash simply to find food to eat. This can be the start of Lebanon’s turnaround, but that can only happen when its leaders create permanent solutions through the practice of good governance and respect for the rule of law—not from robbing its people and then asking for a handout. Adnan Nasser is an independent Middle East analyst. He has a BA in International Relations from Florida International University.

CHINA’S RECOVERY STARTED SOONER THAN IN EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES, SO IT WRAPPED UP FASTER

CNN JuliA Horowitz

He economic recovery from the coronavirus has always been uneven, with different parts of the world bouncing back at different speeds. But this divergence could be about to get worse, creating headaches for the policymakers who have to manage what happens next. What’s happening: The biggest central banks in the world will all make highly-anticipated announcements on policy this week. But unlike at the beginning of the pandemic, when their action to avert a global depression was highly synchronized, the responses to inflation and the Omicron variant are expected to vary widely. economists now believe the Federal Reserve will announce a faster rollback of its pandemic bond-buying program to combat higher prices. Consumer prices in the United States increased in november at the fastest rate in nearly 40 years. The Fed doesn’t appear deterred by concerns about the spread of the Omicron variant, since the United States has so far avoided rolling out fresh restrictions. Consumer spending still looks strong, and unemployment claims recently fell to their lowest level in 52 years. “The activity story is still very good. The early evidence is Omicron isn’t really having a major impact on consumer behavior,” James Knightley, chief international economist at InG, told me. In europe, meanwhile, governments have quickly reimposed some restrictions. Germany has announced a nationwide lockdown for the unvaccinated, barring them from accessing all but the most essential businesses, while england is once again directing people to work from home if they can. even before the arrival of Omicron, the economic recovery in europe was losing momentum due to supply chain woes and a high number of coronavirus cases. The UK economy grew just 0.1% in October. That puts the Bank of england and the european Central Bank in a difficult spot as they also attempt to fight inflation. If they move too fast to withdraw support and try to control prices, they risk reversing hard-won gains in activity and jobs. Knightley expects the Bank of england to refrain from raising interest rates this month, as had been previously expected. The eCB, he added, could announce a transition bond-buying program to avert a cliff-edge in March, when pandemic-era purchases are due to end. eye on China: China, meanwhile, isn’t thinking about when to tighten policy at all, and is back in easing mode as its economy slows and real estate developers default on their debts. Last week, it announced it would cut the amount of money that banks have to keep in reserve for the second time this year, unleashing an extra $188 billion for business

and household loans. “The need is higher,” said Jeffrey Sacks, head of investment strategy for europe, the Middle east and Africa at Citi Private Bank. “The economic data over the early summer through to now has been weakening.” China’s recovery started sooner than in europe and the United States, so it wrapped up faster. The government’s crackdown on excessive borrowing in the country’s real estate sector has also contributed to the slowdown. But Beijing has to worry about high producer prices, too, Knightley noted. Why it matters: In March 2020, it was clear what central banks had to do to avoid catastrophe. But reversing course now won’t be easy. The task is made even harder by regional differences that can obscure the direction of travel. “It’s a very, very difficult path for central banks to tread right now,” Knightley said. “You’ve got risks operating on both sides.” GLIMMERS OF HOPE EMERGE IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN NIGHTMARE: epic port congestion is easing. Shipping prices are falling from sky-high levels. Deliveries are speeding up slightly. More and more, there are signs that the supply chain mess is finally starting to get cleaned up, my Cnn Business colleague Matt egan reports. That’s not to say the supply chain nightmare is over. It’s not. And the situation may not get anywhere near back to normal anytime soon. Businesses are still grappling with a troubling shortage of truck drivers. Critical components, including computer chips, remain scarce. And the Omicron variant threatens to put renewed pressure on supply chains. Still, there’s evidence that bottlenecks are beginning to unclog. That’s encouraging given that the unprecedented stress on supply chains has contributed significantly to historic levels of inflation in the United States. “I’m increasingly confident that the worst appears to be over,” said Matt Colyar, economist at Moody’s Analytics. “There is data suggesting that things are improving. But there’s still a ton of uncertainty.” Remember: Logistics networks came under enormous strain when the world economy shut down at the onset of Covid — and then rapidly reopened. Demand for goods skyrocketed and just-in-time supply chains buckled under the pressure. Coronavirus outbreaks and inconsistent health protocols around the world added to the mess. But reason for optimism can be found in recent economic reports. For instance, the backlog of orders index in the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing survey fell to 61.9 in november, down from a record high of 70.6 in May. Backlogs are still growing, but at a slower pace. And supplier delivery rates appear to be improving, albeit from very poor levels. The Dallas Federal Reserve Bank’s manufacturing index showed the level of unfilled orders ticked lower in november and the amount of time to deliver goods fell. “It is still going to take a long time for the supply chains across the country to be fully restored, but at least the first steps appear to be in place towards normalcy,” Thomas Simons, economist at Jefferies, wrote in a recent note to clients.

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021 | KARACHI

Khushhali Microfinance BanK supercharges Digital BanKing with teMenos anD nDctech ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

HUSHHALI Microfinance Bank Limited, Pakistan’s leading microfinance bank providing financial services to SMEs and low income households across Pakistan, has recently signed an agreement with NdcTech to implement Temenos Infinity, the digital banking platform. This implementation will enable Khushhali Microfinance Bank to accelerate growth through digital onboarding and origination as well as

provide customers access to crucial financial services elevating their digital experiences. With this digital transformation, Khushhali Microfinance Bank will have product agility to quickly market their offerings in this dynamic economy. Temenos Infinity with its open API architecture will support the delivery of hyper-personalized, omni channel customer experiences and allow Khushhali Microfinance Bank to provide faster, seamless customer service. NdcTech’s expertise in various digital banking journeys, including regulatory products and

processes, will help the bank to make these services available to customers in a timely fashion. On this occasion, Mr. Ghalib Nishtar, CEO & President of Khushhali Microfinance Bank said: “We are happy to sign up with NdcTech for the Temenos Digital Banking platform. This is an important step towards our digital transformation. We believe this commitment with our long-term partner NdcTech will provide the leap forward and put Khushhali Bank at the cutting edge of technology to deliver better services and products through multiple channels.”

Ms. Ammara Masood, CEO and President NdcTech, commented: “As banks rise to meet the increasing demand for online and mobile banking from their customers, they are also opening up new possibilities to work with innovative Fintechs and adopt new technologies. We are excited to embark on this digitalization journey with Khushhali bank, the largest Microfinance Banks in Pakistan, which is leading innovation and financial inclusion efforts in the country’s financial sector as it looks to implement a digital-first approach for its core strategy.”

JazzCash introduces digital-first shopping experience AlaCart powered by TCS KARACHI PRESS RELEASE

Pakistan’s leading fintech JazzCash has introduced a unique digital-first shopping experience AlaCart powered by TCS on its mobile app, allowing users to purchase products and pay using their JazzCash accounts. JazzCash consumers across Pakistan will have access to a vast array of products, and leveraging upon the full digital and physical infrastructure of the country’s largest logistics provider, TCS, these products will be delivered right at their doorstep. This will also enable m-commerce in semi-urban and far-flung areas – an underlying goal of the partnership. In a first, both companies have jointly developed

an escrow system to ensure stringent protection on all consumer transactions, and will transparently manage consumer and vendor interactions. Building on JazzCash’s existing retail businesses, partners, merchants, vendors, and Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the collaboration brings some of Pakistan’s most well-known and loved brands across several industries, including smartphones and tablets, electronics and appliances, furniture, fashion and lifestyle to deliver true value to the Pakistani shopper. “Through JazzCash AlaCart, we intend to promote local m-commerce by reaching a previously untapped segment with secure transactions. This partnership will improve the digital shopping experience with strategic merchant partnerships, innovative technology, real-time online transactions, and user con-

venience,” commented Murtaza Ali, interim CEO JazzCash. “As the leading player providing platform solutions to manage end-to-end supply chains for m-commerce, we are proud to enable JazzCash AlaCart to enhance our ecosystem. We strongly believe in our mission to drive seamless mobility, inclusion and convenience for our consumers across physical and digital services and collaborating with like-minded partners accelerates delivery,” commented Harris Jamali, CEO TCS. JazzCash and TCS aim to work together to empower communities, local brands, products and end consumers to reliably engage in commerce, no matter where they are in the country and reducing barriers to entry for businesses to serve consumers nationwide.

Syngenta Pakistan appoints Zeeshan Baig as General Manager university of wah hosts its 9th convocation WAH CANTT: University of Wah hosted its 9th Convocation on Monday at University auditorium to commemorate the exceptional achievements of its graduates amidst COVID’19 pandemic. Lt Gen Ali Amir Awan HI(M), Chairman, POF Board and Board of Governors, University of Wah participated in the ceremony as Chief Guest. Sixty-one high achievers were awarded Gold Medals, distinguished students’ Award in their respective faculties and student of the Year Award while a total of 2657 Undergraduate and Graduate students were conferred degrees in the disciplines of Basic Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering Sciences, Management Sciences and Social Sciences & Humanities. While addressing the ceremony, Lt Gen Ali Amir Awan HI(M) termed Convocation ceremonies as golden moments in a student’s life. Discussing the ongoing challenges brought on by COVID-19, he highlighted UOW’s unprecedented commitment to deliver quality education in harmony with online teaching. He further stressed on working together, supporting one another, and keeping each other safe to surmount the 5th wave of COVID’19. He also stressed on the youth to equip themselves with requisite competencies to face future challenges efficiently. Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Jameel-Un Nabi, Vice Chancellor, University of Wah expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest for his kind presence at the Ceremony.

KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Syngenta Pakistan has announced that Zeeshan Hasib Baig will be appointed as General Manager with effect from 10 January 2022. He replaces Kazim Hasnain, who has taken on a new role at Syngenta Indonesia. In his role, Zeeshan will drive the growth of Syngenta Pakistan to help farmers achieve food security while navigating the impact of climate change. He will also be responsible for leading the digital roadmap for the business which includes introducing digital and technology innovations, digital ecosystem engagements, as well as public-private partnerships. “Syngenta Pakistan is one of the largest agriculture inputs providers in Pakistan for Crop Protection and Seeds,” said Saad Haroon, Head of Asia Group, Syngenta. “Zeeshan brings strong leadership across industries to the agriculture market of Pakistan. He will be instrumental in delivering technologies, products and serv-

ices to farmers and thereby improve their livelihoods and contribute to food security.” Formerly Country General Manager for Careem Pakistan, Zeeshan oversaw its growth into a multi-million-dollar business that created over 800,000 jobs across Pakistan and simplified the lives of millions of customers. Zeeshan has also successfully steered Careem through major disruptions that came as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Syngenta is a trusted partner to millions of farmers in Pakistan. As someone born and raised in this country, I understand how crucial food security is for our people and farmers. I am excited to be part of our next chapter where we deepen our trusted relationships with farmers, customers and partners,” said Zeeshan. Zeeshan brings over 12 years of international leadership and management experience spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. He is a member of the Provincial E-Commerce Committee, and an advisor and angel investor for multiple successful start-ups.

newS

CORPORATE CORNER

KE wins at S&P Global Platts Energy Awards in New York for its Roshni Baji Women Ambassador Program under the Corporate Social Responsibility – Diversified Program Category. Often described as the “Oscars” of Energy, the 23rd Annual Awards program was held at the Cipriani Wall Street in downtown Manhattan, United States. Out of 190+ companies from 29 countries shortlisted as the finalists, only 20 companies from 11 countries were awarded under 22 different categories. KE made it as the finalist in 3 categories.

Danial Jameel is a Pakistani Canadian entrepreneur and Founder of Ready Education calls on President Dr Arif Alvi and discussed issues related to the promotion of technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, and education in Pakistan.

Babar azam visited Bank alfalah KARACHI PRESS RELEASE

The Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team, Babar Azam visited Bank Alfalah on Monday to meet the President and senior management of the institution. Bank Alfalah has recently signed Babar Azam as a brand ambassador to support the Bank in promoting various initiatives. Pakistan is a cricket loving nation. Bank Alfalah, with an objective to create a strong connection with young fans of the sport, has brought Babar Azam on board as its brand ambassador. Babar Azam is a Pakistani international cricketer who captains the national team in all formats. His passion and zeal personifies an ideal role model for the youth and he resonates with the values of Bank Alfalah. Bank Alfalah is evolving rapidly with growing global outreach, emerging digital platforms and expanding branch network. Consumers today prefer convenience and expect faster services and Bank Alfalah is taking initiatives to take innovative solutions to consumers. To celebrate this new partnership, a Meet & Greet Session was hosted for the captain of the national team, where he met Mr. Atif Bajwa- President and CEO Bank Alfalah, Mr. Saad ur Rehman, Group Head Corporate, Investment Banking and International Business as well as other senior members of the Bank.

indus Motor launches childhood Blindness prevention program On World Sight Day this year, Indus Motor Company (IMC) pledged to fight childhood blindness in Pakistan. Fast forward December 2021, IMC and Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital (AIEH), sealed the alliance by signing an MoU, at the company’s head office at Port Qasim. The company’s Chief Executive, Ali Asghar Jamali and AIEHs Director, Dr Abdul Fatah Memon, signed the document. The Childhood Blindness Prevention Program functioning under IMCs Neighbouring Community Uplifting Program, aims to mitigate the risk of blindness and visual impairment, pervasive amongst both school going and out-of-school children belonging to low socio-economic communities, residing in adjoining villages supported the company. The free vision screening camps, will be setup at The Citizens Foundation schools, where children from these villages study under IMCs Toyota Goth Education Program. For out of school children, camps will be setup at the villages. Post screening, children with refractive error will be provided free spectacles and medicines wherever needed, whilst patients requiring further treatment/surgery will be referred to AIEH. PR

ACCA hosts its third Africa Members’ Conference 2021 PRESS RELEASE KARACHI

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) will be hosting its third Africa Members Convention (AMC) from 14th to 16th December 2021, for the first time online. The theme this year is ‘Repositioning the profession in Africa to drive and support economic recovery, sustainability, and social governance’ which has a forward-looking agenda aimed at helping the profession across Africa and globally build and sustain

resilience in a still challenging environment due to Covid-19 and the climate crisis. In shaping the future of the profession, over 6,000 ACCA members in Africa have been invited, alongside key decision and policy makers across economies who will be engaged during the AMC, in order to drive actionable changes. Day 1 will focus on the role of African accountants at the heart of the continent’s route to recovery; day 2 will examine the role of digitalisation on the profession, and day 3 will focus on accountants and their role in policy development in Africa and on

the global stage too. Speaking of the event, Jamil Ampomah, director of ACCA Africa says: ‘We’ve chosen a broad theme that brings together the issues which confront finance professionals and business leaders every day of their lives. Our theme also builds on the work at our first two Africa Member Conventions. In Ethiopia in 2017 we addressed the impact of socio-economic trends on the future of finance and business in Africa, and in Rwanda in 2019 we explored the evolution of finance as Africa thrives amid disruption.’ ‘We believe that this event will help the

accountancy profession and its stakeholders deal with the challenges and opportunities ahead for 2022, supporting them to understand the new and emerging environment in which it works.’ Key speakers at the AMC included Ms. Orla Collins FCCA, ACCA president; Dr. Ndidi Edozien, Chair at Circular Economy Innovation Partnership; Mr. Shailen Ramgoolam, Partner EY, Mauritius; Mr. Rodney Ndamba (FCCA), CEO Institute, Sustainability Africa; Dr. Bhavish Jugurnath, President of the Africa Emerging Tech Hub; Mr Amin Miramago, CEO, Institute of Certified

Public Accountants Rwanda, (ICPAR); Ms. Alta Prinsloo, Chief Executive Officer, Pan African Federation of Accountants -PAFA, South Africa; Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, President of Human Capital África and Senior Economic Adviser at África Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI); and Mr. Edwin Makori, CEO, Institute of Certified Public Accountants Kenya (ICPAK). ACCA members can register for the AMC online here. ACCA has also opened up this event to non-ACCA members, who can also register at the same address.

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021 | KARACHI

10 FOREIGN NEWS

NO dEmOCraCy SySTEm aPPliCaBlE TO all COuNTriES: jOiNT STaTEmENT BeIJIng

Agencies

HERE does not exist any system of democracy or pattern of development that is applicable to all countries. And the key to evaluate is to observe whether people are the masters of the country, a joint statement stressed on Monday. The “Joint Statement of World Political Parties, Social Organisations and Think Tanks on Making Independent Efforts to Explore the Path Toward Democracy and Working Together to Promote Common Development” was endorsed by 355 political parties, social organizations and think tanks from 140 countries and regions.

read more: Full text of the joint statement The statement recognized the diversity of the world that it defined as “the fascinating feature of human civilizations, and the source of vitality and dynamism for the development of the world.” Due to the diversified history, culture, social system and development stage of different countries and regions, the ways and means of realizing democracy are varied, the statement pointed out. “There does not exist any system of democracy or pattern of development that is applicable to all countries,” it stressed. According to the statement, the best way to evaluate whether the political system of a country is democratic and efficient is to observe whether the people can enjoy the right

Taxi for Vladimir: Putin says he drove cab after Soviet fall

to vote, whether their right of extensive participation is guaranteed and whether political promises are fulfilled after elections. “While it is necessary to observe what political procedures and rules are stipulated in regulations and laws, it is even more important to observe whether these regulations and laws are rigorously enforced”. “While it is necessary to observe whether the exercise of power follows democratic rules and procedures, it is even more important to observe whether the exercise of power is truly subject to the supervision and restraint by the people,” it added. Stressing that democracy is the right of all peoples, rather than an exclusive privilege of the few, the statement said that it is the people that should make the judgement

AFP

PCB appoints finance guru as CEO ISLAMABAD The AssociATed Press

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday appointed former International Cricket Council (ICC) chief financial officer (CFO) Faisal Hasnain as its new chief executive. The 62-year-old Hasnain, who has 35 years of experience in high-profile finance and sports administration roles, will take over next month. Hasnain will replace Wasim Khan, who quit as PCB chief executive in September after New Zealand and England abandoned their limited-overs tours to Pakistan. “Faisal is a familiar figure in world cricket and is highly regarded, respected and trusted for his excellence in corporate governance, financial management and commercial acumen,” PCB chairman Ramiz Raja said in a statement. Hasnain has also served as managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket. He was involved in the sale of ICC’s commercial rights for the 2007-2015 and 2016-2023 commercial cycles. “Faisal can utilize his vast experience and knowledge to help us achieve our commercial and financial objectives of making Pakistan cricket bigger and stronger,” Raja said. Hasnain said he will be aiming to strengthen PCB’s relationship with existing partners, the ICC and other cricket boards. “These are highly exciting times in Pakistan cricket and I look forward to working very closely with my colleagues at the PCB so that we can collectively further enhance the image, reputation and profile of this great institution,” Hasnain said.

freedom, and called on countries with different social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures and levels of development to share interests, rights and responsibilities in international affairs and work together to build a better world.

Indian state oppression against free speech; 8 Indians booked for ‘oﬀensive’ remarks about dead Indian CDS

MOSCOW Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the collapse of the Soviet Union spelled the end of “historical Russia,” revealing he drove a taxi to make ends meet following the USSR’s fall. Putin, a former agent of the Soviet Union’s KGB security services, who has previously lamented the USSR’s fall, said the disintegration three decades ago remains a “tragedy” for “most citizens”. The comments, reported by state-run news agency RIA Novosti on Sunday, were excerpts from an upcoming film by broadcaster Channel One, dubbed “Russia. Recent History”. “After all, what is the collapse of the Soviet Union? This is the collapse of historical Russia under the name of the Soviet Union,” the Russian leader was cited as saying. A loyal servant of the Soviet Union, Putin was dismayed when it fell apart, once calling the collapse “the greatest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century”. Putin is sensitive to the perceived expansion of Western military ambitions into ex-Soviet countries and Russia this week demanded that NATO formally scrap a 2008 decision to open its door to Georgia and Ukraine. The end of the Union brought with it a period of intense economic instability that plunged many into poverty, as newly independent Russia transitioned from communism to capitalism. RIA-Novosti, reporting from excerpts of the documentary, said Putin had revealed that he worked occasionally as a taxi driver to boost his income. “Sometimes I had to earn extra money,” Putin said. “I mean, earn extra money by car, as a private driver. It’s unpleasant to talk about to be honest but, unfortunately, that was the case.” Russia was the centre of the Soviet Union that grew to include 15 republics from the Baltics in the West to Central Asia. In 1991, wracked by economic woes the Soviet Union disintegrated and Russia became an independent nation.

rather than any other countries. “We stand opposed to acts that interfere in the internal affairs of others in the name of democracy,” it stated. The statement called for peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and

Eight Indians have been arrested for making “offensive” social media posts about the death of the country’s military chief in a helicopter crash, according to officials speaking to AFP on Monday and local reports. General Bipin Rawat, who was killed along with his wife and 11 others in last week’s accident, was a hugely popular figure seen as close to Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But he also courted controversy, in one instance presenting an award to an officer who tied a civilian in occupied Kashmir to the front of his military vehicle in a show of force. One man was arrested within hours of the chopper crash for posting to Instagram that Rawat had “burnt alive even before entering Jahannum”, the Muslim word for hell. He was arrested along with two others in Rajasthan

state for “hurting public sentiment”, police confirmed to AFP. Five other arrests across India were reported by local media outlets on the weekend. A bank staffer in Jammu district was suspended from work after accusations she had reacted to a Facebook news post of Rawat’s death with an emoji of a laughing face. Two people were being investigated in the southern state of Karnataka, where chief minister Basavaraj Bommai ordered the arrest of “perverted minds” who had disrespected the military commander. Police have arrested hundreds of Indian internet users in recent years, with rights groups sounding the alarm over growing curbs on freedom of speech in the world’s largest democracy. More than a dozen people were arrested in October for celebrating Pakistan’s defeat of India in a cricket match, with several still in custody after being charged under sedition and anti-terror laws.

Afghan Taliban seek world’s ‘mercy and compassion’ to help millions of Afghans in desperate need AgenCIeS Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers are committed in principle to education and jobs for girls and women, a marked departure from their previous time in power, and seek the world’s “mercy and compassion” to help millions of Afghans in desperate need, a top Taliban leader said in a rare interview. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi also told The Associated Press that the Taliban government wants good relations with all countries and has no issue with the United States. He urged Washington and other nations to release upward of $10 billion in funds that were frozen when the Taliban took power Aug 15, following a rapid military sweep across Afghanistan and the sudden, secret flight of US-backed President Ashraf Ghani. “Sanctions against Afghanistan would … not have any benefit,” Muttaqi said on Sunday, speaking in his ative Pashto during the interview in the sprawling pale brick Foreign Ministry building in the heart of the Afghan capital of Kabul. “Making Afghanistan unstable or having a weak Afghan government is not in the interest of anyone,” said Muttaqi, whose aides include employees of the previous government as well as those recruited from the ranks of the Taliban. Muttaqi acknowledged the world’s outrage at the Taliban-imposed limitations on girls’ education and on women in the workforce. In many parts of Afghanistan, female high school students between the grades of seven and 12 have not been permitted to go to school since the Taliban took over, and many female civil servants have been told to stay home. Taliban officials have said they need time to create gender-segregated arrangements in schools and workplaces that meet their interpretation of Islam. ‘We Will gain more experience With time’: When they first ruled from 19962001, the Taliban shocked the world by barring girls and women from schools and jobs, banning most entertainment and sports and occasionally carrying out executions in front of large crowds in sports stadiums. But Muttaqi said the Taliban have changed since they last ruled. “We have made progress in administration and in politics … in interaction with the nation and the world. With each passing day we will gain more experience and make more progress,” he said. Muttaqi said that under the new Taliban government, girls are going to school through to Grade 12 in 10 of the country’s 34 provinces, private schools and universities are operating unhindered and 100 per cent of women who had previously worked in the health sector are back on the job. “This shows that we are

committed in principle to women participation,” he said. He claimed that the Taliban have not targeted their opponents, instead of having announced a general amnesty and providing some protection. Leaders of the previous government live without threat in Kabul, he said, though the majority have fled. Last month, the international group Human Rights Watch published a report saying the Taliban summarily killed or forcibly disappeared more than 100 former police and intelligence officials in four provinces. However, there have been no reports of large-scale retribution. Muttaqi charged the Afghan government that took power after the US-led coalition ousted the Taliban regime in 2001 carried out widespread revenge attacks against the Taliban. Hundreds disappeared or were killed, causing thousands to flee to the mountains, he said. The Taliban were ousted for harbouring al Qaida and Osama bin Laden who masterminded the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US. Muttaqi insisted poverty and the dream of a better life — not fear — drove thousands of Afghans to rush the Kabul airport in mid-August in hopes of getting to America. mutaqqi admits taliban made mistakes in first months in poWer: The crush of people had generated searing images of men clinging to a departing American C-17 aircraft, while others fell to the ground as the wheels retracted. He said the Taliban have made mistakes in their first months in power and that “we will work for more reforms which can benefit the nation.” He did not elaborate on the mistakes or possible reforms. Muttaqi pushed back against comments by US Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie who told the AP last week that the al-Qaida group has grown slightly inside Afghanistan since US forces left in late August. McKenzie is Washington’s top military commander in the Middle East. In a February 2020 deal that spelled out the terms of a US troop withdrawal, the Taliban had promised to fight terrorism and deny terrorist groups a safe haven.

israel Pm meets crown prince on historic uaE visit ABU DHABI AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Abu Dhabi’s crown prince on Monday after becoming the first leader of the Jewish state to visit the United Arab Emirates, a year after the establishment of ties. Bennett met Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan at his private palace, Israeli officials said, following the premier’s arrival in the Emirati capital late on Sunday. His visit comes just over a year after the wealthy Gulf state broke with decades of Arab consensus and forged diplomatic ties under a series of US-brokered deals known as the Abraham Accords. Israel is also making a diplomatic push against renewed international talks with Iran, its arch-foe, over the Islamic republic’s nuclear programme. Bennett, who was expected to focus on trade links, according to his spokesperson, said his visit reflected a “new reality” for the region. “In my opinion, this is […] the new reality this region is witnessing, and we are working together to ensure a better future for our children,” he told the UAE’s official WAM news agency. The volume of mutual trade had grown within a few months, “with limitless future opportunities to develop it,” he added. “Israel, like the UAE, is a regional hub for trade. Our cooperation provides unprecedented economic opportunities not only for us, but for more countries.” Bennett was also scheduled to meet the UAE’s technology and transport ministers during his visit, Israeli officials said. While he is the first Israeli prime minister to visit the UAE, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid made a landmark trip in June, opening an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate in Dubai. The UAE opened an embassy in Tel Aviv in July.

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021 | KARACHI

SPORTS 11

PCB aPPoInts fInanCe guRu as Ceo ISLAMABAD

The AssociATeD Press

HE Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday appointed former International Cricket Council (ICC) chief financial officer (CFO) Faisal Hasnain as its new chief executive. The 62-year-old Hasnain, who has 35 years of experience in high-profile finance and sports administration roles, will take over next month. Hasnain will replace Wasim Khan, who quit as PCB

chief executive in September after New Zealand and England abandoned their limited-overs tours to Pakistan. “Faisal is a familiar figure in world cricket and is highly regarded, respected and trusted for his excellence in corporate governance, financial management and commercial acumen,” PCB chairman Ramiz Raja said in a statement. Hasnain has also served as managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket. He was involved in the sale of ICC’s commercial rights for the 2007-2015 and 20162023 commercial cycles. “Faisal can utilize his vast experience and knowl-

edge to help us achieve our commercial and financial objectives of making Pakistan cricket bigger and stronger,” Raja said. Hasnain said he will be aiming to strengthen PCB’s relationship with existing partners, the ICC and other cricket boards. “These are highly exciting times in Pakistan cricket and I look forward to working very closely with my colleagues at the PCB so that we can collectively further enhance the image, reputation and profile of this great institution,” Hasnain said.

DFA Chitral crowned Super Champion of Ufone 4G Football Cup 2021 PESHAWAR Web Desk

Rohit hopes to end India’s world title drought NEW DELHI AFP

India’s new limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma said he hopes to win a world title for the cricket-crazy nation, an achievement that eluded his sacked predecessor Virat Kohli. During Kohli’s five-year tenure India rose in the one-day, T20 and Test rankings but missed out on securing a single international tournament. India, who last won a world crown — the Champions Trophy — in 2013, failed to make the semi-finals in this year’s T20 World Cup and got knocked out in the last four of the 2019 50-over showpiece event. The team also lost the inaugural World Test Championship final to New Zealand in June. “The last ICC trophy we won was in 2013, since then we haven’t won but I don’t think we did anything wrong after that,” Rohit, 34, said in a video on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s official website on Sunday. “We played as a team, we performed as a team, it’s just that we couldn’t get that extra inch that we look forward to,” he said. “There is a lot of World Cup coming up. India will definitely be eyeing to do well in all those World Cups.” Kohli was fired as captain of India’s ODI side last week, a month after he stepped down as the T20 leader following the T20 World Cup. But the 33-year-old remains Test captain and will lead India in three Tests in South Africa starting on December 26. Rohit praised Kohli for his leadership since he took over the limited-overs job from M.S. Dhoni in 2017. “He has put the team in a position where there is no looking back. Those five years that he has led the team, he led from the front every time we stepped onto the park,” Rohit said in the BCCI video. “There was clear grit, determination to win every game. That was the message to the entire squad and we had a great time playing under him.” Kohli’s removal copped criticism from pundits and fans, especially after the announcement came in one line at the bottom of a press release about the squad for the South Africa tour, which will also include three ODIs. But BCCI president Sourav Ganguly defended Kohli’s ouster, saying the management wanted one whiteball leader. “I personally requested him (Kohli) not to give up the T20I captaincy,” Ganguly told News 18. “Obviously, he felt the workload. Which is fine, he has been a great cricketer, he has been very intense with his cricket. He has captained for a long period of time and these things happen. “Also, they wanted only one white-ball captain. And that’s why this decision.” CommuniCation: Rohit has led his Indian Premier League (IPL) side Mumbai Indians to a record five titles and captained India to an Asia Cup triumph in the absence of Kohli. Rohit said he and new coach Rahul Dravid, who took over from Ravi Shastri last month, aimed to have good communication with the players in the three ODIs in South Africa starting January 19. “I have had very little opportunities to lead Team India, but whenever I have gotten an opportunity, I have tried to keep one thing in common, which is clear communication to the players,” said Rohit.

Two formidable footballing sides, DFA Chitral and Muslim Club Chaman, clashed for glory at a jam-packed Tehmas Khan Football Stadium Peshawar in the Super Final of Ufone 4G Football Cup 2021. DFA Chitral defeated Muslim Club Chaman to clinch the title. DFA Chitral and Muslim Club Chaman had earlier emerged as champions of their respective regions in Khyber Pakhtunkwa and Balochistan legs of the tournament. The super final match was played under floodlights, a day after the final of Khyber Pakhtunkwa leg of the tournament where an experienced Chitral team downed Mardan to clinch victory and to qualify for the grand finale against Muslim Club Chaman. The two sides enjoyed extensive national and international experience and were powered by extremely talented footballers. Owing to the gigantic support base in Peshawar, DFA Chitral enjoyed a near home-ground advantage, which coupled

with its effective strategy and cohesive game plan, gave it early dominance over Muslim Club Chaman. Chitral’s player Yousaf masterfully tackled a long range assist from fellow player Muhammad Rasul to send the ball into Muslim Club’s goalpost in the 11th minute. Muhammad Rasul returned to capitalize on Ziaul Islam’s assist to score another goal in the 24th minute to solidify his

team’s grip on the match. Muslim Club Chaman seemed to have found its rhythm towards the end of the first half where it launched a couple of well-coordinated attacks on their opponent but failed to get past Chitral’s unassailable defenses. The team then got a golden chance in form of a penalty in the 74th minute but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Eto’o elected Cameroon FA president YAOUNDE Web Desk

Samuel Eto’o said on Saturday his election as president of the Cameroon Football Federation, announced earlier in the day, was “one of the proudest moments” of his life. The four-time African player of the year gained 43 votes to beat acting president Seidou Mbombo Njoya, who collected 31. “I’m deeply grateful to be elected as the new president,” the former star striker said on Twitter. “Every vote represents the energy and ambition of our football family to take our beloved sport to a level we’ve never seen before,” Eto’o added. After the result was announced at Hotel Mont Febe in Yaounde, Eto’o’s supporters exulted. The vote was held because the Court of Arbitration for Sport in January annulled Njoya’s victory in a 2018 election. When filing his candidacy on November 17, Eto’o, a four-time African footballer of the year, said: “I

will be the next president of the federation despite all the cheating.” Eto’o had said Njoya, who he supported in 2018, had “failed miserably”. Eto’o received the support of three other candidates who withdrew in the days before the vote, as well as another Indomitable Lions legend Roger Milla and former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi. Eto’s campaign focused on promoting women’s football and eliminating corruption in the Cameroonian game. Eto’o, 40, made 118 appearances for Cameroon scoring 56 times. He won the African Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002 as well as Olympic gold in 2000, on each occasion in a penalty shootout. He scored in both the 2000 finals. He won the Champions League with Barcelona and Inter Milan and had spells at Real Madrid and Chelsea. He will quickly face his first challenge when Cameroon hosts the African Cup of Nations in January, a tournament delayed a year by the Covid-19 pandemic.

DFA Chitral dominated the match through maximum possession of the ball and continuous coordinated attacks, besides successfully preventing Muslim Club Chaman from orchestrating a comeback in the match. The strategy worked out for Chitral, which lifted up the gleaming Super Champions trophy in front of the overjoyed crowd present to cheer for the team. Head of Public Relations Ufone, Mr. Amir Pasha distributed cash prizes amongst the teams and handed over the Super Champions trophy to the winning team. DFA Chitral’s players and supporters celebrated their victory by dancing euphorically to traditional tunes. The Super Final marked the end of the Ufone 4G Football Cup tournament that featured 140 teams and more than 2 thousand players from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The tournament organized by Pakistani telecom company Ufone aimed to bring positive entertainment to people, nurture local footballing talent and provide an effective platform for youth development in the country

eu hesitates over possible olympic boycott in China BRUSSELS reuTers

France and the Netherlands are seeking to find a common European Union approach over a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Olympic Games in China but any decision is unlikely to be reached soon, diplomats and foreign ministers said on Monday. The bloc is torn over whether to join the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain in deciding not to send their government officials to the Beijing Winter Games in February due to concerns over China’s human rights record. “You know as well as I do that we will not find a solution regarding the Olympic Games today or this week,” Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said ahead of discussions among EU foreign ministers. EU leaders are also set to debate the issue at their last summit of the year on Thursday. Paris and The Hague formally put the debate on the agenda, diplomats said. EU diplomats say Hungary, China’s closest ally in the bloc, would never support a diplomatic boycott but there could be a consensus among the remaining 26 members. Lithuania, which says it is facing a Chinese trade blockade for developing closer ties with Taiwan, is among the strongest proponents of a common stand. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said last week Paris should take a common stand with other European Union capitals and his new German counterpart Annalena Baerbock has supported that view. Austria’s Alexander Schallenberg said he was “very much in favour of a joint EU position” but appeared to move away from any diplomatic boycott. “We have a clear position on the human rights situation in China but I don’t think it is useful to let the Olympic Games artificially become a political event,” he said. The hesitation reflects the EU’s bid to find a middle path between US-Chinese rivalry. The bloc is divided internally over China, with countries such as Hungary benefiting from its largesse. China is also the EU’s secondlargest trade partner and many large German businesses are loathe to see investments put at risk. However, the EU joined the United States and Britain in imposing human rights sanctions on Chinese officials in April, jeopardising a new EU-China investment pact after Beijing retaliated with sanctions of its own. Luxembourg’s Asselborn called for European politicians to speak out instead on human rights issues in China. “I think if we speak up there on the ground, this brings more benefit than if we politicians go into hiding,” he said.

Tuesday, 14 December, 2021

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Fawad says govt will only negotiate with those who respect the constitution oF pakistan

NewS DeSk

NFORMATION Minister Fawad Chaudhry, while referring to the banned outfit, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) stated on Monday that the government will only talk to those who respect the law and Constitution Pakistan. The minister went on to state that in case of violation of the law, “we have battled before and will do again”. It is pertinent to note that his remarks came three days after the TTP accused the

government of failing to honour the decisions reached earlier, while ending a monthlong ceasefire with the government. According to the agreement, the both sides had also agreed to observe a monthlong ceasefire from November 1 to November 30, 2021 and that the government would release 102 “imprisoned mujahideen” and hand them over to the TTP through the IEA. Additionally, the two sides had accepted that the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” (IEA) would play the role of a mediator and that both sides would form five-member

committees each which, under the supervision of the mediator, would discuss the next course of action and demands of each sides. The banned TTP, in their statement on December 9, said that the government had not only failed to implement the decisions reached between the two sides, security forces had conducted raids in Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Swat, Bajaur, Swabi and North Waziristan and killed and detained militants. “Under these circumstances, it is not possible to extend the ceasefire,” the TTP said.

The information minister, while addressing a gathering in Lahore today, stated that the [Afghan] Taliban government had once again pressed the TTP to abide by the [ceasefire] agreement. “And I think their advice is sane,” he added. Earlier, the minister identified “the attitude of judges” towards the criminal justice system as a big reason for its deterioration. Chaudhry said chief justices came for a little time and they couldn’t undertake judicial reforms alone. He said the coordination between senior police officers and the judi-

National security linked to economic growth: Imran ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said the national economy was inextricably linked to security matters, adding that a weak economy could adversely affect Pakistan’s safety. Addressing the opening session of the Margalla Dialogue 2021 with the theme “Breaking Past, Entering Future”, the prime minister said the safety of the country could not be ensured until the development and equitable growth of all strata of society was achieved. The dialogue was organised by Islamabad Policy Research Institute, a think-tank focusing on regional and international security scenarios. “Unequal distribution of resources leads to anarchy among the people who are left out of the mainstream development,” he said. He said the uplift of the underprivileged segment of the society was critical to ensure across the board national security. He stressed that rule of law and equality for all were the preconditions for democracy. He regretted that Pakistan had suffered an inequality due to three simultaneous educational systems, namely English and Urdu medium schools, and the madrassas. Khan pointed out that differences in educational standards of the systems resulted in three different kinds of generations with discrimination in opportunities of jobs. He also pointed out that corruption, particularly of the elite, was detrimental to the development of a country.

The prime minister emphasised the importance of research by the think tanks of the country to counter the negative propaganda in the world. “Research leads to original thinking within a society. You have to define yourself instead of letting others define you,” he said. He said lack of in-depth research led to reliance on second-hand information by the western think tanks on important issues such as Afghanistan. Pakistan, he said, was the country that suffered most in collateral damage in the wake of the Afghan conflict, however was made a scapegoat for the mistakes of the superpowers. The premier mentioned that inability of the national leadership to handle the Afghan situation wisely landed the country into two main pro and anti-America divisions. He said the role of local thinktanks in this situation was important to effectively highlight Pakistan’s perspective in the world rather than being under continuous criticism by the western lobbies. The prime minister said Pakistan was blamed for wrong reasons by the international community, whereas it remained mum on the atrocities committed by India in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Khan said Pakistan in fact had a beautiful and positive face being the home of generous and hospitable people. ‘UNITED, STRONG VOICE NEEDED TO RESOLVE KASHMIR DISPUTE’ Khan said the West conveniently ignored the atrocities India committed in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and called for

Court bars public bodies from venturing into housing business ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Monday ruled ministries and the government departments cannot indulge in real estate businesses as it would be considered a clash of interests. The court was hearing a case in Islamabad against the real estate business conducted by the ministries and the institutions working under them. It asked the attorney general to complete his arguments in this case till the next hearing so that the court could announce its judgement. The court wondered whether the government-controlled institutions could di-

rectly or indirectly conduct some business or not. Isn’t it the clash of interests, it asked? Deputy Attorney General Syed Tayyab Shah informed the court that complying with its order, he would send a summary regarding this matter to the cabinet this week. The IHC chief justice rebuked the DAG saying why the government did not do things on its own. Why the court always has to pass an order, he added. Justice Minallah said the court would decide the case according to law. He said while deciding on the criminal appeals, it emerged that the state itself gave protection to the criminals. He stated that the state itself was involved in crimes.

a strong voice from the united platform of Muslim bodies. “No western country is criticising India for the wrongs it is committing in Kashmir. Had it been some other country, it could raise a lot of hue and cry in the [western] world,” he said. Khan said it was unfortunate the Islamophobic government in New Delhi was continuing with its fascist policies and meting out ill-treatment to the people in Kashmir and other religious minorities across India. Unfortunately, he said, the Muslim world lacked the think tanks that could effectively highlight Indian atrocities before the world. He regretted that global think tanks concentrated on extremism in Pakistan and painted the entire nation with the same brush. Also, the nation’s “so-called intellectuals” misguided the foreign reporters about the presence of “hordes of extremists” on the soil, he said. He said contrary to the impression, Pakistan was the land of hospitable, generous and civilised people with strong family values. He pointed out that overseas Pakistanis faced a difficult situation when they came to know about negative propaganda being spread about their homeland. Khan said the press in the western nations portrayed Pakistan in a negative light. “Just pick up the newspapers of 10 to 12 years, it is full of content regarding blaming Pakistan [for the wrongs in Afghanistan] despite its enormous casualties in the war against terrorism,” he said. He recalled that Pakistan faced a “very

bleak period and humiliation” despite being an ally of the United States. “This was due to our inability to project our point of view in the world,” he added. The prime minister emphasised the importance of research by the think tanks of the country to counter the negative propaganda in the world. “Research leads to original thinking within a society. You have to define yourself instead of letting others define you,” he said. He said lack of in-depth research led to reliance on second-hand information by the western think tanks on important issues such as Afghanistan. Pakistan, he said, was the country that suffered most in collateral damage in the wake of the Afghan conflict, however was made a scapegoat for the mistakes of the superpowers. He mentioned that inability of the national leadership to handle the Afghan situation wisely landed the country into two main pro and anti-America divisions. He said the role of local thinktanks in this situation was important to effectively highlight Pakistan’s perspective in the world rather than being under continuous criticism by the western lobbies. The prime minister lauded National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf for compiling a book on Afghanistan that gave a correct Pakistani perspective on the situation. On Islamophobia, he said, a strong response by Muslim think tanks was important to nullify the impression of Islam’s linkage with terrorism.

Gene sequencing confirms Pakistan’s first Omicron case ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) on Monday confirmed through gene sequencing of a suspected sample Pakistan’s first case of the Omicron, days after it began investigating the person for the first possible case of the latest coronavirus variant. A spokesperson of the Sindh Department of Health Thursday announced the infection was found in an unvaccinated patient being treated at a private hospital in Karachi. The official said contact tracing was underway and the patient had travelled abroad,

but later authorities said they were uncertain of the person’s travel history. In a later statement, the National Institute of Health (NIH) said the case was not yet confirmed. But the AKUH today said the new variant has been detected in the patient through gene-sequencing. In a statement, the facility said the patient was at home and doing well. So far, no other patients at the hospital have been confirmed to have the variant, it added. First detected in November, the Omicron variant has now been reported in 57 countries and continues to spread rapidly in South Africa, the World Health Organisation

ciary was key to bringing in reforms the system needed. “The judiciary has not shown as much concern on the matter as it should have.” The minister said it was unfortunate that “we did not move towards police and judicial reforms”. “It is vital to have reforms in our police, prosecution system, judiciary and prisons to overhaul our criminal justice system,” he added. While referring to the recent Transparency International report, he stated that “it termed judiciary and police as corrupt institutions in the public eye”.

rupee loses more ground to us dollar, hits new low of 177.89 NewS DeSk The Pakistani rupee continues to take a beating as it set the seventh alltime low of 177.89 against the US dollar on Monday. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the dollar opened at Rs177.71 in the interbank market and closed at Rs177.89, shedding 10 paisas or -0.10 per cent. Within the open market, the rupee was traded at 179.50/180.30 per dollar. The rupee has maintained the downtrend for the past seven months. It has lost 16.82% (or Rs25.62) to date, compared to the 22-month high of Rs152.27 recorded on May 14. With a fresh decline of 0.10%, the rupee has depreciated by 12.91% (or Rs20.35) since the start of the current fiscal year on July 1, 2021, data released by the central bank revealed. According to analysts, the rupee will lose more ground against the US dollar during the next week if the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) does not intervene till the completion of the sixth review of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) $6bn loan programme. (WHO) said. But the latest epidemiological report from WHO said given the Delta variant remains dominant, particularly in Europe and the United States, it is still too early to draw any conclusions about the global impact of Omicron. Data is still too limited to know with certainty whether Omicron changes the severity of the illness. As of December 6, all 212 confirmed Omicron cases across 18 European Union nations were classed as asymptomatic or mild. But WHO said: “Even if the severity is equal or potentially even lower than for Delta variant, it is expected that hospitalisations will increase if more people become infected”. PFIZER BOOSTER PROTECTS AGAINST OMICRON: STUDY: Last Saturday, researchers in Israel said they found that a three-shot course of the PfizerBioNTech coronavirus vaccine provided significant protection against the new Omicron variant.

IHC defers indictment of former GB judge in contempt case ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday deferred the indictment of former Gilgit-Baltistan chief judge Rana Muhammad Shamim in a contempt case against him. In the last hearing on Tuesday, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah gave a last chance to the now-retired judge to submit the original affidavit he authored and signed in London by December 13 (today). On Monday again, the court found itself pressing the former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) office-bearer and a close aide to its supreme leader Nawaz Sharif to surrender the original copy of the affidavit.

In November, Shamim opened Pandora’s box claiming former chief justice Saqib Nisar did not want Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz to be released on bail ahead of the general elections in July 2018. The two were convicted in a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference related to their ownership of four multi-million-dollar London apartments weeks before the elections on July 25. When their counsels moved the high court for suspension of the conviction, the case was adjourned until the last week of July. Nisar had travelled to the mountainous region for vacations in 2018, an affidavit Shamim purportedly signed in London during a trip to the British capital last

month, said. On one occasion, the then top judge appeared “very disturbed” while speaking to the Supreme Court registrar on the phone, asking him to get in touch with a high court judge. Once able to get in touch with the judge, Mr Nisar ordered him that “Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz Sharif must remain in jail until the general elections are over. On assurances from the other side, he [Nisar] became calm and happily demanded another cup of tea.” The other judge was not named in the affidavit. Today, Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan said Shamim had deliberately leaked the contents of the affidavit, adding the proceedings regarding the indictment could be re-

sumed after submission of the original document. He also said the responses submitted by Ansar Abbasi, The News reporter who broke the story, and Shamim were contradictory, adding the suspects must be ordered to submit counter-affidavits. However, the court said it was giving another chance to the accused to satisfy the bench over the proceedings against them. Abbasi also contested the response of Shamim submitted to the court that termed the contents of the affidavit were “confidential”. He said when he contacted Shamim to seek his version, the former judge did not mention anything of the sort. At this, Justice Minallah said Abbasi could submit a new re-

sponse if he wanted to add anything to his defence. Subsequently,

the court adjourned the hearing until December 20.

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 021-35381208-9. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk