Epaper – December 15 KHI 2021 by Pakistan Today

wednesday, 15 december, 2021 I 10 Jamadi-al-awwal, 1443 I rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 167 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition

100 bps hike brings policy rate to 9.75pc g

Hike to counter inflationar y pressures and ensure sustainable growth kARACHI

aRiba Shahid

HE State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced a 100 bps hike in the policy rate in conclusion to today’s Monetatry Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. The hike aims to “counter inflationary pressures’ ‘ and “ensure growth that remains sustainable”. While the term forward guidance has not been used in the statement, the MPC has said, “Following today’s rate increase and given the current outlook for the economy, and in particular for inflation and the current account, the MPC felt that the end goal of mildly positive real interest rates on a forward-looking basis was now close to being achieved. Looking ahead, the MPC expects monetary policy settings to remain broadly unchanged in the near-term.” Tahir Abbas, Head of Research at Arif Habib Limited says, “The most important elemant is the forward guidance by the SBP in which MPC felt that the end goal of mildly positive interest rates on forward looking basis has almost been

crease whereas, Dawood Equities estimated a 200 bps increase. Only 4 of the 47 surveyed estimated a hike of less than 100 bps which shows the market anticipated a somewhat aggressive hike. This is important considering the speculation and haphazard way in which money, debt, and capital markets have been operating over the uncertainty regarding the policy rate. The MPC has called the uncertainty and reaction of market players as “unwarranted”. The statement reads, “across all tenors, secondary market yields, benchmark rates and cut-off rates in the government’s auctions have risen significantly. The MPC noted that this increase appeared unwarranted.” Thus, the forward guidance provided remains important keeping market sentiments in mind. “In my view, the forward guidance will reduce uncertainty in the money market,” says Samiullah Tariq, Head of Research at Pak Kuwait Investment Company. It is interesting to note that the Finance Minister also had a dressing down for banks for their greed and went

achieved and the monetary policy is expected to broadly remain unchanged in the near term.” Earlier last month, in an exclusive interview with Profit, Governor SBP, Reza Baqir explained, “In terms of the stance of monetary policy has not been tightened, just the pace at which you want to reach that in our view is faster. The reason it should be faster is because the rotation of balance of risks from growth to inflation and the current account has been a bit faster than anticipated. Now that message has information that is positive and also contains information, which has prompted us to the fact that growth continues to be robust. Even with this policy action, we expect growth to 5% this fiscal year.” The frequency of MPC meetings has increased because “the two month period proved to be quite long when the world is changing rapidly,” said the governor. MarKEt EXPECtatIONs: As per the Bloomberg MPC survey, the median estimate was 9.75% in line with the SBP’s decision. Standard Chartered Bank and Ismail Iqbal Securities estimated a 50 bps in-

Govt urges ECP to expedite work on EVMs

elections only via EVM” The minister revealed that roughly Rs27 billion rupees would be required for holding the next general elections, saying 400,000 machines with 800,000 voting pads would be enough to hold the provincial and national assembly elections in 2023. Keeping roughly 400,000 polling booths in the country in view, he had said, the ECP says that 800,000 EVMs would be needed to hold the next general elections. In this regard, the cabinet welcomed the ECP’s decision to use EVMs in the local body elections in Islamabad, on Tuesday. Later, while replying to a question, the minister said that obtaining 4,000 machines was not a problem for ECP as it would get the machines as soon as it issues a tender. Gwadar PrOtEsts: On the issue of Gwadar protests, the minister stated that “the issue of Gwadar protest also came into discussion during the cabinet meeting. On the directives of the Prime Minister, the two ministers will visit Gwadar and will address the grievances of the people of the coastal city” He said that PM Khan had already taken notice of the matter and the demands of protesters were being considered with seriousness.

With the intensification of competition between established and emerging powers, that has made world peace fragile and the direction of diplomacy unpredictable, Pakistan has made a strategic pivot from geopolitics to geoeconomics, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Tuesday. “From now on, our foreign policy will emphasise geoeconomics,” he said while speaking at the Margalla Dialogue 2021 organised by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI). Decades of bartering Pakistan’s geostrategic value — including as a front-line state in the Cold War and the War on Terror after the deadly 9/11 attacks — has contributed to the loss of countless lives, stifled development, and turned the country into a heavily indebted security state. Geoeconomics, the officialdom argues, would flip that script. Recent speeches of top officials in both civil and military spheres offer a “geo-economic vision” that centres on regional integration and the collective pursuit of sustainable development in an environment of peace and stability. In his rather candid address, the foreign minister spoke at length on various issues including Islamabad’s foreign policy, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, ties with China, the United States, Russia and India as well as the importance of resolution of Kashmir dispute for lasting peace.

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LAST UPDATED AT 9:56 AM ON NOV 14, 2021

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

250

SINDH:

PUNJAB:

ISLAMABAD:

478,173

443,937

108,146

KP:

BALOCHISTAN:

AJK/GB:

33,536

34,615/10,426

DEATHS: 28,839 180,710

Qureshi says Pakistan’s relations with China are resilient and poised to grow further ISLAMABAD

1,289,543 pakistan

1,251,584

CONTINUED ON PAGE 04

Staff RepoRt

CONFIRMED CASES: coronavirus in RECOVERED:

would be strung along by banks. “The increase was expected and despite growing pressure on the SBP to go easy, the language of the MPC indicates that more hikes are around the coner,” says Uzair Younus, Director of the Pakistan Initiative at the Atlantic Council. Another comment on the langauage of the statement comes in from Ammar Habib Khan, Economist who sarcastically comments, “Mildly amused and amusement on a forward looking basis is expected to remain broadly unchanged in near term.”

Pakistan has pivoted from geopolitics to geoeconomics: Qureshi

NewS DeSk Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry urged the ECP to issue tender for the EVMs, on Tuesday. The minister stated that the government is ready to provide Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). While briefing the media on the federal cabinet meeting, chaired by PM Imran Khan, he stated that the ECP should issue a tender carrying all the requirements and conditions needed for holding the next general elections through EVMs. The minister then recalled that the talk about holding elections via EVM first started in 2012 under PPP’s government and, subsequently, the PML-N government directed ECP in 2017 to take practical steps for making it a reality. He said that PTI was taking the world already done by PPP and PML-N forward, adding all the political parties should play a positive role in this regard. Fawad Ch, while referring to the correspondence between the ECP and the ministry of science and technology, stated that the government has informed the electoral body that the demonstration of the developed prototype of EVM was given to the commission on April 17 and later to the secretary ECP on November 15. “To our understanding, ECP has approved the machines and the science ministry is ready to supply the machines,” he added. It is pertinent to note that the Cabinet was given a detailed briefing on the schedule regarding delivery and use of EVMs at all polling stations in the country and training of staff. The cabinet expressed its firm resolve to hold the next elections through EVMs after the implementation of laws regarding electronic voting machines and voting rights to overseas Pakistanis. In this regard, Chaudhry stated that “if the elections are not held through EVMs then the government would not be able to release funds to ECP because the law permits holding

live on television to say, “We’re speaking to the banks tomorrow. We’re going to explain to them that they shouldn’t do such antics.” If you’re interested to know what the antics are, give this a read. The 3 month treasury bill is 200 bps higher than the policy rate. As a result, on the Dec 1 T bill auction, the government raised Rs 500 bn at a much higher rate than their previous acution where the government accepted much lower bids. This showed that the market was expecting the policy rate to go higher much faster which put the SBP’s accomodative stance into question and whether it

MORE INSIDE

Pakistan set to welcome OIC FMs at crucial moot STORY ON BACK PAGE

Former US ambassador says ‘Pakistan is out of America’s do more pressure’ STORY ON PAGE 02

Cabinet sets 12-month deadline to replace currency notes

STORY ON PAGE 02

Wednesday, 15 December, 2021 | KARACHI

NEWS

CCoE to ConsiDEr ApprovAl of pAkistAn oil rEfininG poliCy 2021 ISLAMABAD

ahmad ahmadani

HE Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) is scheduled to meet on Thursday to consider granting its formal approval to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2021. The meeting will be held under the chair of Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and is reportedly going to take up four agenda points, including the Draft Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2021, Import of Oil and Port Constraints at Karachi, inquiry committee constituted by GHCL regarding the damage of gas turbine No.14 of a 747MW combined cycle power plant in Guddu, and the monthly report sheet of power plants operated out of merit, besides and any other item with the permission of the chair.

According to sources, the Petroleum Division has forwarded an updated summary to CCoE which includes changes such as a 30 per cent cap on the project cost instead of the previous 40pc, a 10pc tariff protection for the existing refineries on motor gasoline and diesel with the construction of upgradation projects before December 31, 2025, and abolishing the 10-year tax holiday for existing refineries etc. Sources have reported that the CCoE is expected to give a formal approval to Pakistan oil Refining Policy 2021 in the upcoming meeting. Earlier, the committee while approving the policy in principle had raised questions over proposed incentives for refineries. It had questioned the use of incremental revenue, utilisation of deemed duty by refineries and the collection of revenue and its utilisation if the government allowed a

Cabinet sets 12-month deadline to replace currency notes NewS DeSk

10pc tariff protection. The CCoE as informed that the five refineries had collected approximately Rs200 billion on account of deemed duty from 2002 to 2020 and utilised Rs199 billion on up-gradation of their plants, with BYCO emerging as the only refinery which spent Rs15 billion more than its collection under the head of deemed duty during this period. Details show that Pak Arab Refinery (PARCO) collected Rs76 billion and spent Rs66 billion, Attock Refinery Ltd. collected Rs47 billion and spent Rs26 billion, National Refinery Ltd. collected Rs40 billion and spent Rs37 billion, Pakistan Refinery Ltd. collected Rs36 billion and spent Rs17 billion while BYCO Petroleum Pakistan Ltd. collected Rs38 billion and spent Rs53 billion during the said audit period. In order to ensure supply of quality products to consumers, the government has

been constantly improving the desired specifications of refinery products to remain aligned with the global refinery market as well as international quality benchmarks. Improvement in product standards has led to the up-gradation of existing plants to remain commercially viable against the headwinds of import of oil products from the international market. As per sources, the five existing refineries have constantly been upgrading their installed configurations in compliance of new specification and to compete with international suppliers in line with the tariff protection formula given in the budget speech on Finance Bill 2002, whereby refineries were required to operate and compete in the market at their own, without the pre-condition to upgrade. “Local refineries have made improvements in the product specifications

Dogecoin jumps over 28pc as Tesla CEO announces merchandise plan ISLAMABAD

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry revealed that the federal Cabinet has only granted a 12-month extension for the replacement of currency notes of Rs10, Rs50, Rs100 and Rs1000. It is pertinent to mention here that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had sought a six-year extension for the replacement. “Those who want to get currency notes changed should get it done in a year,” he added. Chaudhry was addressing a post-Cabinet meeting press conference in the federal capital on Tuesday. Speaking further on the occasion, the minister warned of an impending gas crisis in the country, saying the resource was depleting by 9 per cent every year for the last two years. “Pakistan will run out of gas in the years to come,” he added. “Gas is available in big cities at subsidised rates to only 23pc people while its burden is borne by the other 78pc population who rely on LPG, coal and other means in lesser developed areas,” the minister said, urging city dwellers to change their habits.

Afghanistan central bank says it is acting to halt currency slide kABUL aGencies

Afghanistan’s central bank said on Tuesday it was working to ensure the stability of the afghani, a day after the currency lost almost 12% of its value against the dollar in a matter of hours amid a deepening economic crisis and soaring inflation. The abrupt withdrawal of foreign aid following the Taliban victory in August has left Afghanistan’s fragile economy on the brink of collapse, with prices for food, fuel and other basic staples rising rapidly out of reach for many. Starved of dollars that used to be physically shipped in to Afghanistan, and cut off from the world financial system by the fear of US sanctions, the banking system is only partially functional and some $9 billion in central bank reserves remain blocked outside the country. The central bank issued a statement saying that it had held a number of meetings with foreign exchange dealers, representatives of commercial banks and the business sector to halt the fall in the afghani. “Based on its strategic planning policies, Da Afghanistan Bank has always tried to avoid volatility that could be harmful to the purchasing power of the people,” it said. Efforts to bring in cash have been hampered by international reluctance to provide funds to the Taliban government, which is still not officially recognised by any other country. The crisis has accelerated sharply in recent days. On Monday, the afghani, which traded at around 77 to the dollar before the fall of Kabul and at 97 a week ago, dropped from 112 to the dollar in the morning at Kabul’s Sarai Shazada money market to 125 by the afternoon.

aGencies

The cryptocurrencies remained bearish for the second day on Tuesday, with market capitalisation dropping 3.2 percent to $2.28 trillion. However, Dogecoin saw a massive surge in price after Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed that Tesla will begin accepting payments in the meme-inspired cryptocurrency. “Tesla will make some merchandise buyable with Doge & see how it goes,” Musk tweeted. There is still no word on whether the electric car maker will once again begin accepting payments in Bitcoin, having introduced and then withdrawn the feature earlier this year. Dogecoin (DOGE), which had been declining for the last few days, took a giant jump of 28.62 percent in its price, as of 1210 hours GMT, to reach $0.212. With this increase in price, the market capitalisation of DOGE has reached $28.1 billion. The largest cryptocurrency Bitcoin price went down

by 2.22 percent to $47,809. With this decrease in price, the market capitalisation of the biggest crypto has reached 903 billion. Ether, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, edged down by 3.99 percent to reach $3,854. With this decrease in price, the market

capitalisation of ETH has reached $453 billion. Similarly, XRP price inched down by 1.41 percent to $0.816. The market capitalisation of XRP stands at $81.6 billion after this decrease. On the other hand, Cardano (ADA) price came down by 4.09 percent to $1.26. Its market capitalisation has reached $41.4 billion with this decrease. According to some analysts, as 2021 draws to a close, cryptocurrencies are now just a stone’s throw away from becoming a fully valid part of mainstream finance. In their projections for the sector in 2022, they opined that Bitcoin will gain the upper hand over stocks in 2022. The price of ether will rise at a much faster rate than its rival, due to the move to proof of stake, they added. They opined that crypto-economy market capitalisation will rise from a peak of $3 trillion in 2021 to over $7.5 trillion. They were of the view that at least 25 nations will be using a central bank digital currency by the end of 2022, either their own or one issued by another country, such as China’s digital yuan.

Tarin for enhancing cooperation with Iraq in oil, gas sectors ISLAMABAD aPP

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin on Tuesday expressed keen interest in deepening bilateral relations between Iraq and Pakistan, particularly enhancing cooperation in oil and gas sectors, besides boosting the quantum of trade between the two counties. The adviser was talking to Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Pakistan, Hamid Abbas Lafta, who had called on him here, according to press statement issued by the Finance Ministry. Special Representative to the PM on Religious Harmony Maulana Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi was also present during the meeting. While extending a warm welcome to the ambassador, Tarin stated that Pakistan and Iraq enjoy brotherly relations based on strong foundations of common history, religion and cultural values. On the occasion, the ambassador highlighted deep historical relations between both the countries and said that Iraq was among the first countries to recognise

Pakistan. He further expressed desire to strengthen economic and business cooperation between the two countries. Both the dignitaries discussed various aspects of fraternal relations between the two countries and expressed their satisfaction over the latest developments in the bilateral relationship. At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Rs100bn projects to be implemented every year: AJK PM MUZAFFARABAD staff RePoRt

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was informed on Tuesday that projects costing Rs100 billion would be implemented every year out of the Rs500 billion mega-development package. Speaking during the question-hour in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, AJK Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum

of petrol and high speed diesel (HSD),” sources said. They added that the refineries have made an investment of Rs200 billion against the collection of deemed duty. The collection of the deemed duty had been a controversial subject as many believed that the refineries received billions of rupees but did not invest in plant upgrades until the Petroleum Division, in September this year, settled the decade-old controversy by assuring that they invested Rs200 billion in projects. The deemed duty was introduced postabolition of the guaranteed return formula (10-40pc) in 2002 with the purpose of running the refineries on a self-financing basis, offsetting losses and expanding/upgrading. A 10pc tariff protection was introduced for diesel and 6 per cent for JP-4, kerosene and light diesel oil. However, in 2007-08, the tariff protection was limited to diesel and was slashed to 7.5pc, effectively reducing the tariff protection to around 2pc for the overall production slate. Documents available with Profit show that there will be a tariff protection in the form of 10pc import duty on motor gasoline and diesel of all grades as well as imports of any other white product used for fuel for any motor or engine, effective from the date of the commission for six years, provided that a refinery starts construction of a project before December 31, 2025.

Niazi said that initial work on the Rs500 billion mega-development package has been completed. He informed the house that fuel price adjustment on electricity generated by the state and not connected with the national grid would be taken up with the federal government.He thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for assuring Rs12 billion for the completion of remaining work of 2005 earthquake-damaged infrastructure.

He said that a historic mega developmental package of Rs500 billion would bring about a revolutionary development in tourism, infrastructure, hydel, health, education and other sectors and added that this historical package will make the state and its people prosperous. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan is on the one hand is effectively highlighting the Kashmir issue at the

international level and on the other his entire focus is on the development and the prosperity of the people of Azad Jammu Kashmir. He said that PM Khan wants to see tourism and industrial development in Azad Kashmir to bring the state on a road to progress and prosperity. He said Prime Minister Khan is committed to removing the deprivations of Azad Kashmir and is taking practical steps for the rapid development of the state.

Deregulating sugar sector: Govt proposes various amendments in rules ISLAMABAD Ghulam abbas

In a move to deregulate the sugar industry, considered as one of the most profitable businesses in the country, especially for politicians who own almost 50 per cent of the business, various amendments in rules and a number of steps have been proposed by the government. As per the Sugar Sector Reform Committee’s draft proposal, discussed in the federal cabinet’s meeting on Tuesday, the government would not have any role in fixing the price of sugar. Details show that for abolishing the government’s role of fixing indicative sugarcane prices and ex-factory sugar prices by crushing season 2023, the committee has proposed amendments in Sugar Factories Control Act 1950. However, 2-3 years’ time would be given to farmers to make adjustments. As pricing of sugarcane should be according to the sucrose content, provincial governments would provide latest lab equipment to cane commissioners for testing sucrose content and implementation of new pricing mechanism. As per the draft, there will be no ban on import of sugar. For exporting the commodity, stocks of sugar will be monitored for any decision of export. Exports will be considered only if there is an excess amount of 1.5MT over the domestic consumption requirement. Unlike the government’s previous decision to subsidise sugar exports, the committee proposes that the government will not provide any export subsidy. However, in case of imports, the government may provide incentives to set up sugar refineries at Bin Qasim to process imported raw sugar. Likewise in another important move, the government has tried to bind millers for crushing sugarcane within the timelines. In this regard, through amendments the in Factories Control Act 1950, the provincial government would fix a crushing date and millers would be penalised in case they fail to comply. The penalties of Rs5 million and 12 months imprisonment have been proposed for those violating the timeline.

Wednesday, 15 December, 2021 | KARACHI

QuReShI STReSSeS need To addReSS Challenge oF CoRRuPTIon FoR BeTTeR woRld ISLAMABAD

MonitoRing RepoRt

OReIGN Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged the international community to effectively address the challenge of corruption to ensure a better future for people across the globe. The foreign minister made the remarks during his virtual address to the ninth session of the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP9) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) late Monday. He underscored that corruption hampered countries’ efforts to eradicate poverty, improve living standards and provide quality healthcare and education

to their people, adding that the existence of “financial safe havens” in the world is thwarting the efforts to hold the corrupt accountable. Urging the CoSP9 to develop a comprehensive legal framework to halt and reverse illicit financial flows to stop grave economic injustice, Qureshi said the existing international anti-corruption framework remained inadequate to effectively ensure the recovery of stolen assets and their return to the developing countries. He emphasized the need for a strong political will for the removal of all barriers and obstacles to the return of stolen assets. This can be done through timely sharing of information, simplification of administrative and legal procedures, and avoidance of undue delays, Qureshi added.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday summoned the federal interior secretary in personal capacity over a petition of a Karachi-based non-governmental organisation (NGO). A counsel of Pakistan Institute of Labour education and Research (PILeR) informed the high court it has been registered as an NGO with the Securities and exchange Commission of Pakistan (SeCP) and has applied for renewal of its licence but the Ministry of Interior is reluctant to do the same. “Why the request has not been addressed when the petition has been pending since 2019,” the bench questioned. The ministry failed to submit its reply despite a court notice served on it. The bench summoned the interior secretary on January 20 and adjourned further hearing.

ReuteRs

ISLAMABAD A soldier was killed in a check post attack along the Iran border in Balochistan, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said on Tuesday. The incident happened when a group of terrorists targeted the check post where an undisclosed number of soldiers were deployed for security duty, the military’s media said. The soldier was killed during a heavy exchange of fire, and losses were also inflicted on the fleeing terrorists in a retaliatory attack by the check post staff. The ISPR said militants were attempting to sabotage hard-earned peace in Balochistan, adding that security forces “will foil heinous designs of the enemies of Pakistan”. Terrorist attacks on civilians have notably decreased over the few years due to extensive operations against terrorists in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the terrorists keep on launching sporadic attacks on security forces along with border towns of the two provinces. Last month, two soldiers were killed when terrorists targeted a security check post in Kech district located along the border with Iran.

JS Bank to exercise call options on TFC’s issued in 2016 KARACHI saad tanviR

A trust deed executed on December 14, 2016, between JS Bank Limited as the issuer and Pak Brunei Investment Company Limited as the trustee, has been redeemed for the outstanding amount as of December 14. The trust deed pertains to the issuance of privately placed, unsecured, subordinated and redeemable Term Finance Certificates (TFC) amounting to Rs3,000 million and was issued under section 120 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984 now Companies Act, 2017. The decision has been approved by the Board of Directors (BoD) of JS Bank Ltd. alongside as well as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

When the annual inflation rate hit 11.5 percent in November, the statistics office put a number on a phenomenon that was already painfully clear to the poor and the salaried middle-class voters who carried Prime Minister Imran Khan to power three years ago. Now the government is preparing to double down on the pain with a belt-tightening budget of tax hikes and spending cuts required to release a $1 billion tranche of International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout cash. “I never thought it would become so difficult to survive,” said Sibte Hasan, a 43-year-old construction supervisor from Lahore. As consumer price inflation has accelerated into double digits, with staples like flour, sugar, oil and rice doubling in price over recent months, the rupee has fallen around 14 percent since May to reach a historic low. Government officials are expected to release official figures this week when it presents a special supplementary budget to the cabinet. But already it is clear that a raft of sales tax exemptions will be scrapped and new levies will be raised on fuel as well as some imported goods. The IMF agreed last month to revive a stalled $6 billion funding programme launched in 2019 but demanded further fiscal measures as part of a broader

structural reforms package covering areas from the power sector debt to corporate governance, climate change and trade policy. Last month the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also tightened the screws, raising its key interest rate by 150 basis points to 8.75 percent to try to stem surging inflation, a slide in the rupee and a current account deficit that has widened to $5.2 billion (July-October), and the trade deficit to $20.59 billion (July-November). Government officials have put a brave face on the situation, saying that the impact on the poorest will be softened by welfare cushions and pointing to progress in addressing the chronic tax collection problem. “Prudent fiscal reforms have helped in improving the tax-to-GDP ratio and improving revenue generation,” Finance Adviser Shaukat Tarin told a conference last week. The government has also had some relief from the immediate pressure on public finances with a $3 billion loan from Saudi Arabia that arrived this month. FALLING PRODUCTION: However, whether the fiscal measures will be enough to stabilise public finances sufficiently to allow the government to address Pakistan’s underlying economic problems remains unclear. While consumers have faced higher household bills, the impact has also been felt in the business sector through high energy prices and raw materials costs as well as the recent sharp rise in interest rates.

SC adjourns Shaukat Siddiqui’s case till January NewS DeSK The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday told the former Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s counsel that he must prove whatever the former judge had said in his speech before the Rawalpindi bar in 2018 does not amount to “misconduct”, according to Dawn. A five-member larger bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, heard the case. On the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), Siddiqui was removed as a IHC judge for his July 21, 2018, speech at the District Bar Association, Rawalpindi. In his speech, Siddiqui had made remarks about the involvement of certain officers of the executive organ of the state, specifically the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in the affairs of the judiciary to allegedly manipulate the formation of benches of the high court. During the course of proceedings, petitioner Siddiqui, while expressing

ShC summons interior secy over petition of ngo inp

ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

KARACHI

Squeezed by inflation, nation faces more pain from tax hikes Soldier killed in Balochistan checkpost attack: ISPR

neWS

confidence in the SC, took a stand that he could not even think that any member of the bench was biased. He said that he would not blame the judiciary even if the petition is rejected. “I would be the last person to disrespect the judiciary,” he reiterated. Meanwhile, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, while addressing Siddiqui’s lawyer Hamid Khan, remarked that he had stated that the entire SJC was biased. He said that the chief justice and the senior judge were accused of biasness in the petition. Hamid Khan said that if a part of the council was biased then the blame fell on the whole body. Justice Bandial asked Hamid Khan to give factual arguments instead of making serious allegations. “You must prove that what Siddiqui said in his speech was not misconduct, then [your argument will have weight],” Justice Bandial told Khan. The SJC gave two chances to Siddiqui to prove the allegations, he added. He said that the court has also given the opportunity to prove the allegations made in the speech. Later, the court adjourned hearing of the case to an unspecified date in January.

Pakistan issues 112 visas to Indian pilgrims LAHORe Mian abRaR

Pakistan on Tuesday issued another 112 visas to Hindu pilgrims in India to visit prominent temples in Punjab’s Chakwal district. “Today, the High Commission for Pakistan in India issued 112 visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims for their visit to a prominent Hindu temple in Punjab, Pakistan,” read an official statement. The group would be visiting Shree Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas or complex of Katas Temples in Chakwal district of Punjab from December 17-23, it added. Katas Raj Temples surround a pond which is considered sacred by Hindus. The visit is covered under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, 1974. In addition to visas for Hindu religious places covered under the framework of the bilateral protocol, a large number of Indian Hindus are issued visas by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on a regular basis for visits to their families and friends in Pakistan, according to the communiqué. “The [Pakistan] High Commission wishes a spiritually rewarding pilgrimage to Hindu pilgrims visiting Pakistan. Pakistan remains committed to preserving sacred religious sites and extending all possible assistance to the visiting pilgrims of all faiths,” it added. earlier this month, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued 136 visas to Hindu devotees who are visiting the country to participate in the 313th birth anniversary celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib at Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi in Sindh from December 4 to 15, an official statement said.

Wednesday, 15 December, 2021 | KARACHI

04 NEWS

SC to deCide on Review PetitionS of SaCked emPloyeeS today iSLamaBad

Web DeSk

HE Supreme Court (SC) is all set to decide on the review petitions of the sacked employees who were reinstated through Sacked Employees (Reinstatement) Act 2010 ordinance on Wednesday (today). A five-member larger bench, headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin and Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the review petitions. In Tuesday’s hearing, Senator Raza Rabbani completed his arguments before the court. Rabbani in his arguments before the apex court said that the parliament can give relief to the sacked employees even against the decision of the SC. The SC should consider the situation in which the Ordinance to restore sacked employees was introduced, for-

mer president Asif Ali Zardari faced trial under article 6. To this, the bench remarked to stick to the legal aspect of the case rather than giving political statements before the court. Justice Bandial remarked that might be you [Rabbani] are right that employees have been politically victimized,

100 bps hike brings policy rate to 9.75pc Continued from page 01 inflation still a concern: “The momentum in inflation has continued since the last MPC meeting, as reflected in a significant increase in both headline and core inflation in November. Due to recent higher than expected outturns, SBP expects inflation to average 9 – 11 percent this fiscal year.” “Since the last meeting on 19th November 2021, indicators of activity have remained robust while inflation and the trade deficit have risen further due to both high global prices and domestic economic growth. Headline inflation clocked in at 11.5% year on year and core inflation increased to 7.6% and 8.2% for urban and rural areas signifying accelerated growth in domestic demand. The policy statement identified electricity charges, motor fuel, house rent, milk, and vegetable ghee as the largest contributors towards inflation. “Looking ahead, based on this momentum and the expected path of energy tariffs, inflation is likely to remain within the revised forecast range for the remainder of the fiscal year. Subsequently, as global commodity prices retrench, administered price increases dissipate, and the impact of demand-moderating policies materializes, inflation is expected to decline toward the medium-term target range of 5-7 percent during FY23.” Fahad Raud, Head of Research at Ismail Iqbal Securities explains,” It is evident that the SBP is mainly targeting inflation. If inflation remains above SBP expectations, it would pose upside risks to interes rates.” real sector: As per the MPC the real sector continues to grow. “High-frequency indicators of domestic demand released since the last meeting, including

electricity generation, cement dispatches, and sales of fast-moving consumer goods and petroleum products, and continued strength in imports and tax revenues suggest that economic growth remains robust. The outlook for agriculture continues to be strong, supported by better seed availability and an expected increase in the area under wheat cultivation. Meanwhile, robust growth in sales tax on services also suggests that the tertiary sector is recovering well.” While speaking to profit earlier, Baqir explained, “We are not doing this at a time when the economy is slowing down, there is a fundamental difference between this phase of monetary tightening, what I would say, reduction of accommodation and the one in 2019. At that point, the economy was slowing, but there was a much bigger problem of stabilization. This is a stage of moderating, the extent of growth. This is the stage of taking steps to prevent overheating. This is the stage to get out of the history of boom-bust cycles. We have had growth before, but where we have not been very successful in sustaining growth.” external sector: “On the external side, despite record exports, high global commodity prices contributed to a significant increase in the import bill. As a result, the November trade deficit rose to $5 billion based on PBS data,” said the report. Imports rose to $32.9 billion during the fiscal year compared to $19.5 billion for the same period last year. “Around 70 percent of this increase in imports stems from the sharp rise in global commodity prices, while the rest is attributable to stronger domestic demand,” says the statement. On Monday, remittances registered 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.

but two wrongs cannot make one right. We have to look at Article 25 to ensure that appointments were made in accordance with the law, he remarked. After the completion of Rabbani’s arguments, the SC directed AGP Khalid Javed to complete his arguments in the case on Wednesday. The bench head, Justice Umar Atta Bandial asked the AGP to submit the response that what steps Parliament can take into the matter and adjourned the hearing until Wednesday (today). Justice Bandial remarked that the SC will decide on the review petitions of the sacked employees on Wednesday. It is to be noted that a three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Mushir Alam on August 17 declared the Sacked Employees (Reinstatement) Act, 2010 as unconstitutional after it was enacted for reinstating the employees who were appointed from Nov 1, 1993, till Nov 30, 1996, and were sacked by then government from Nov 1, 1996, till Oct 12, 1999.

Policeman killed, two injured in Rawalpindi gun attack iSLamaBad Staff RepoRt

A policeman was killed and two others were injured in a firing incident in Rawalpindi, a police official said Tuesday. Unknown gunmen riding on motorcycles opened indiscriminate fire at a police party performing patrolling duty in the Pir Wadhai area of Rawalpindi district late Monday night, Rawalpindi Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Beenish Fatima told the media. The gunmen fled the scene after the attack, the official said, adding the two critically injured policemen have been rushed to a hospital in the district. A heavy contingent of police force reached the site to investigate the matter, and a search operation was launched to arrest the attackers. No group or individual has claimed the attack yet.

Pakistan has pivoted from geopolitics to geoeconomics: Qureshi Continued from page 01 “Indeed, we live in times of uncertainty. The world order seems in a state of severe stress and disarray. In these times foreign policy and Geo Politics is largely linked to geo-economics. I have consistently maintained, from here on, the economy is in many ways our strategic compass with a dominant presence as a priority of foreign policy,” Qureshi remarked. The foreign minister said that positioning Pakistan as a geo-economic centre with unparalleled regional connectivity has to come as a mindset top-down. “We have had to reset the existing geopolitical mindset and embrace the importance of geoeconomics,” he added. Qureshi observed that as Pakistan was the fifth most populous nation, with 220 million people, 64 percent of its population was below the age of 30, and according to estimates by Forbes and UNDP, approximately 80 million belonged to the middle class. “We need to tap into this growing human capital and our abundant natural resources,” he stressed. The foreign minister, highlighting the benefits of a focus on geo-economics, shared with the audience that as of November, Pakistan’s exports to the UK had grown 28 percent that too in a year marred by coronavirus pandemic. “Also, since our Engage Africa Conference in December 2019 in Islamabad, trade with Africa has gone up 7 percent,” he mentioned. The foreign minister said that according to Bloomberg, this year alone $300 million have been invested in start-ups in Pakistan by investors in the US, Singapore, and UAE. “This is a modest beginning with a huge surge expected in the tech industry in the near future,” he added.

Qureshi referred to the “FM Honours list” he launched in 2019 and said it was to recognise Pakistan nationals living abroad for their tremendous contributions through technology and the digital landscape etc. “Make no mistake, our diaspora plays a huge role in representing Pakistan’s policy interests across the globe,” he observed. The foreign minister said that connecting the economy with the future of foreign policy brought him to a critical tool of modern diplomacy: the digital sphere. “Big Tech, by amassing and monopolising data, is outgrowing capitalism as we know it […] by redesigning supply chains, virtual reality and the way we think and live.” “It is data control that is influencing mindsets, controlling narratives and ultimately, crafting the perception game. Staying connected, staying ahead and staying alert in the digital space is of paramount importance to achieving foreign policy goals,” he added. ‘DiGital alliances’: The foreign minister said there was no doubt that Covid had accelerated the digital diplomacy trajectory. “Diplomacy is no more singularly reliant on leadership to leadership telephone calls or state visits. Technology has never before played such a definitive role in relationships,” he remarked. Qureshi said that bilateral, political consultations, multilateral conferences were all happening online. “Today, perception wars are won, and lost, on Twitter. So what better place for diplomacy than online where you use fewer resources to achieve even greater outcomes in shorter amounts of time,” he added. The foreign minister said the Foreign Office had very clearly prioritised digital al-

liances, entering for instance as a founding member of Saudi-led Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) in record time. “In fact, four top professionals from Pakistan have joined the organization’s secretariat in Riyadh, in leadership positions. This is an important first step towards linking digital diplomacy with the digital economy for the future of foreign policy,” he added. The foreign minister said that in the same spirit, just two weeks ago, the government partnered with Telenor to launch an agri-tech application that connected over 10,000 farmers across Pakistan to optimise their production and in turn the exports. “Such is the nature of the digital economy. These revolutionary scientific changes are already impacting war and peace, climate change, our economies, our geopolitics, and our ways of life,” he remarked. ties With china, Us: Speaking about the future of foreign policy and the role geoeconomics was playing, Foreign Minister Qureshi mentioned Pakistan’s relations with China as resilient and poised to grow further. “The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project, will leverage economic geography and connectivity of the three contiguous continents — Asia, Europe and Africa — ushering in prosperity for all global citizens,” he added. The foreign minister said that Pakistan valued its longstanding relations with the United States. He, however, added that looking towards the future, Pakistan did not want a mere transactional relationship with the US. Rather “we want multifaceted ties that are not susceptible to the vagaries of regional and international policies”, he added.

Govt urges ECP to expedite work on EVMs Continued from page 01 He further revealed that “one of their demands is the availability of clean drinkable water. The federal government has approved multibillion rupees projects for the provision of drinkable water in Gwadar. We are spending more on water projects in Gwadar than we did in Islamabad,” adding that out of Rs700 billion approved for southern Balochistan, a whopping Rs560 billion will be provided by the federal government. “If the issues of Balochistan are not being resolved even after injecting so much money, then there is a need of a reassessment to identify the bottlenecks in the implementation of the projects,” Fawad stated. Gas crisis: Meanwhile, on the on-going gas crisis in the country, the information minister said that the gas resources were depleting fast and Pakistan will have no gas in coming years. Reiterating what he had said in a previous post-cabinet press briefing, Fawad said that gas was depleting by 9 per cent every year for the last two years. Gas was available to only 22 per cent people living in cities while the burden was being borne by 78 per cent people in other parts of the country who use LPG, coal and other means, he

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said. “People getting gas at cheaper rates in big cities should change their habits… this trend will not continue for long,” he maintained. Despite the gas shortage, he claimed, the issue of fertilizer was resolved in the best possible way and history’s biggest production of urea – 33 million metric ton – was record in PTI’s tenure. He added that the urea prices have fallen by 10 per cent, insisting that there was no shortage of urea in the country at present. The cabinet decided that to ensure supply of urea fertilizer for Rabi crop in the country, the Sui Northern Gas Company (SSGC) will supply gas to urea plants by January 2022; gas supply to Pak Arab and Fatima Fertilizer Plants will be ensured; and the process of importing additional 50,000 tons of urea should be completed expeditiously. The cabinet was also informed that price of urea per sack in Pakistan is about Rs1,864 while in other countries it was being sold at Rs10,000 per sack. afGhan visas: On the basis of humanitarian grounds, the cabinet decided that the process of obtaining Pakistani visas for Afghans has been further eased and after this decision, the security clearance required for obtaining a visa has been reduced from 30 days to 15 days.

The meeting also decided to further facilitate the registration process of international NGOs working for the welfare and assistance of the Afghan people. Facility for Afghans immigrating to other countries through Pakistan has been extended for another 60 days. Fawad said, adding the facility includes travel by land and air routes. Pakistan-central asia relations: The cabinet approved amendment in bilateral air route between Pakistan and Tajikistan, saying the decision will reduce both air distance and travel costs. The cabinet also allowed Kazakh Air Company (SCAT) to operate in Pakistan to start air travel between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, noting that decision will enable direct air travel between the two countries and help boost bilateral trade. To promote trade between Pakistan and Central Asian countries, the cabinet directed the Aviation Division to start work on finalising air travel agreements with all Central Asian countries. It also approved amendment to air travel agreement between Pakistan and Iraq. In addition, the cabinet approved extension of period for exchange of old Pakistani 10, 50, 100 and 1,000 currency notes till December 31, 2022.

Wednesday, 15 December, 2021 | KARACHI

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chairman nadra felicitates Sbp on launch of asaan Mobile accounts initiative IslAMABAD Press releAse

Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik has felicitated Governor State Bank for launching the game changer financial inclusion initiative Asaan Mobile Account (AMA), which is powered by NADRA, for ease in remote account opening under branchless banking. The Asaan Mobile Account is a digital wallet account backed by NADRA’s eKYC feature that will enable financial transactions securely using mobile phone even without internet connectivity. Asaan Mobile Account can be opened in Pakistani currency only by resident Pakistanis with a valid National ID card using any registered mobile phone. It is a faster and more convenient service, designed to allow individuals to send and receive money easily to any account within Pakistan without smart phones and internet connectivity. Prior to its launch, the technology has passed extensive user acceptance testing & Quality Assurance lifecycle. Over one million accounts with 11 million transactions worth PKR 6.2 billion turnover passed through this banking platform successfully with secure eKYC feature of NADRA.

Sindh govt inkS 6 MoUS for infraStrUctUral developMent at dUbai Moot

News Desk

hE PPP-led Sindh government inked six memoranda of understanding (MoU) for province’s infrastructural development at Sindh Investment Conference held in Dubai, on Tuesday. The conference had PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other PPP leaders, including Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in attendance, and the agreements were signed in the presence of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) minister for tolerance and coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. As per the PPP’s official Twitter handle, the projects include initiatives for energy, water, sports and electricity generation from waste. While speaking on the occasion, Bilawal stated, “We are particularly proud of the six MoUs signed before you today, which shows that this conference in the UAE has already been productive”.

“All of you must be aware that Karachi is facing huge water shortages and this is just the start in what we are hoping will be a lot more engagement with the private sector to work with us, to invest with us and to partner with the Sindh government to ensure that we can provide water to the people of the province, and the people in our [provincial] capital,” Bilawal added. This, he said, was a “big step” towards the initiative of ensuring the provision of water to Karachiites. Bilawal further stated that another MoU was signed for a waste-to-energy project, as garbage remained a big issue in Pakistan, especially in Karachi. The PPP chairperson said an agreement was also signed for funding small start-ups and small-and-medium enterprises. “We believe in supporting businesses, particularly small-and-medium enterprises, so this is also a positive development.”he further stated that the

PPP had promised to start water desalination in Sindh and the UAE had expertise in the area. “The MoU signed today for the waste-to-energy [project] will go a long way in our quest for a greener Sindh and greener Pakistan and will add to our diverse energy mix,” he said. Bilawal also announced that a football academy would be built in Karachi under one of the agreements inked on the day. “Those of you who frequently visit Karachi know that this (football) is one of the most popular sports among the young people in the province, particularly of those in Lyari … I am so pleased that we are bringing positive activities for the youth of Karachi,” he said. Bilawal went on to state that there had been complaints by the business community abroad and Pakistanis in the UAE, who were very keen to invest in Pakistan. “But they get stuck in all the red tape … and all the layers of the government through which they have to interact [for

JACOBABAD Agencies

Representatives of Minister for Privatisation and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of the National Assembly from NA-196 Mohammedmian Soomro has announced boycott of the vote recounting in his constituency, NA-196 constituency Jacobabad. Sukkur’s election tribunal had decided for recounting of votes after Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate Aijaz Jakhrani had challenged the victory of PTI’s

Press releAse

IslAMABAD Press releAse

Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah met with Canadian high Commissioner h.E Ms. Wendy Gilmon and Swiss Dy. high Commissioner Albonto Groff and discussed National Narcotics Control Policy in detail. Both sides mutually agreed to improve bilateral ties to fight the menace of drugs. This government is the first one to introduce anti Narcotics policy on national level. Prime Minister Imran Khan himself is overlooking the progress of the said policy and Anti Narcotics Council. We are trying our best to make the maximum use of available resources to achieve our targets, said the Federal Minister. The Canadian high Commissioner h.E Ms. Wendy Gilmour said that we are thankful to the Ministry of Narcotics Control for taking our suggestions under consideration. The Federal Minister Ijaz Ahmad Shah said that Anti Narcotics Force is now focusing on Intelligence based operations to ensure effective action against drug suppliers and dealers. The Canadian delegation endorsed the idea and said that Intelligence based approach is more fruitful. "We are trying to improve inter agency coordination to improve efficiency" said Ijaz Shah. The Swiss Dy. head Mr. Albonto Groff said that we hope Pakistan can work more on rehabilitation matters and help drug victims. While talking about the drug trafficking, the Minister said that border control is one of the top priorities. he further said that Afghanistan's social and economic stability is integral to overall regional stability and peace. "We want that they should be self sufficient, despite the limited resources, we have given them humanitarian aid to Afghanistan" he added. "Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking all necessary measures to ensure regional stability" the Minister said. The delegation said that drug abuse is a global problem and it should be collectively fought. Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah ensured all possible cooperation in this regard and the meeting ended with this promise that bilateral ties will be further strengthened in the days to come.

making an investment],” Bilawal said, adding that an agreement had also been signed to ensure one-window operations for the Pakistani community in the UAE, who wished to invest in their home country. “Going forward, they will not face complication and with this one-window access, they will invest and do business in the province with ease.” Adding to that, Bilawal said the final MoU was signed for e-governance, “furthering the government of Sindh’s commitment to paperless governance”, while adding that this step would “contribute to transparency and help tackle corruption”. “It is indeed a very positive development that modern technology is being included in the workings of the government.” Bilawal concluded his speech by stating that all these agreements were “just the start of what should be a long-lasting relationship between the business community and the government of Sindh.”

‘Rigging Fears’: PTI announces boycott of vote recount in NA-196 Mohammedmian Soomro in the 2018 general elections. The representatives of PTI candidate in recounting of votes have alleged that the vote bags and envelopes have been broken and other material has been missing. “The election tribunal’s order has been verbal and no written order has been issued yet,” claimed the PTI representatives. “Broken bags and unsealed envelopes indicate a plan of rigging in the favour of rival candidate,” the party’s agents alleged. “Meanwhile the Returning Officer is not prepared to listen any complaint,” they claimed. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) began

Iesco power shutdown notice pti government first to introduce anti-narcotics policy on national level: ijaz ahmad Shah

According to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)’s spokesman, System Maintenance/Development Work is in process. Therefore power supply of below mentioned feeders/areas will be temporary suspended as per given schedule: On 15th December, 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM, Zeeshan Colony, Rahara, Bahria Enclave, CM Pak Zong, PhA-1, Isolation hospital, Park Enclave, 6th Bakhtawar, Chawa Syedan Shah, Basharat, RCCI-1. , 2,3,4 & 5, Lehtar-2, Doberan, Fazal Ahmed Shaheed, New Chuah, Ghazni Khan, Service Road East, Scheme-2, Tamir, ADBP, Convention Center, Club-1, CDA, Saudi Embassy , Margalla Tower, G-10/1, Flour Mill-1 & 2, Carriage Factory, G-14/4, Shahullah Dutta, Sunny Bank, Cecil, Beirut, Blaura, Treat, Zafarul haq, Committee Chowk, Rajaabad, Ali Market, Syedpur Road, National Market, Khurram Colony, Gangal, Muslim Town, Tench Bhatta, Dhok Chowdhury, NRC, Captain Amir, Golra, MFM, I-16, Mall Road, Sir Syed Road, Mecca Chowk, Park View , Topi Pump, humayun, Gulshanabad, Dhamyal, Garja-1, Cantt, Chowk Pandori, Rawat, Lehtar-2, Dobiran, Fazal Ahmed Shaheed, New Chuah, Ghazan Khan, New Mandira, Jhatta hathial, Bahrakaliyal, Raman, Mahota. NFP-1, Ghazi Kohli, Margalla,

Nisar Shaheed, Burhan, Shafi Chauhan, hussainabad, Burma, Dharek, Pind Padiyan, Sangjani, Khanabad, Industrial Estate, Lalarukh, Darya Sharif, People's Colony, Shanka, Shamsabad , Court, hatian, Gharibwal, Mianwala, Jhang, Mort, Pind Sultani, Mahfooz Shaheed, Ahmad, Gagan, L. Aniwala, Ajmal Shaheed, F-7 Court, Abbaspur, Sanaullah Shaheed, CMh Jhelum, Bolani, Kadiala, Puran, F-6 Machine Mohalla, Industrial, Borian, F2 Chip Board, F-10 Black Base, Citi housing, hamlet , Mangla Cantt, Madukals, Sandal, City Sohawa, Kachehri Sohawa, Mill Awan, Galyana, Islampur, Bon, Millat Chowk, Islamia Chowk, Dawlatullah, Sarkal, Duffer, Toba, PD Khan, Abdullahpur, Kot Chaudhry, Madina Town , Dhok Pathan, Kot Sarang, Thai, Khohian Feeders, From 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM, PTV, Industrial 1,2 & 3, Katarian, Warid, Telecom, holy Family, New United Steel, M hussain Steel, Fazal Steel, Karachi Company, Ittehad Steel, Siddiqui Steel, Padial, Gagan, Mahouta, Captain Nisar, Col. Akram, Mangla Cantt, Rohtas, Dina City, Feeders, From 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, Rajaabad, Rata, Feeders, From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Ahmadal feeders and surrounding areas will remain off. IESCO management apologizes to its esteemed customers for the power outage. If the work is completed ahead of time, the power supply can be restored even before the scheduled time.

AIOU organizes Int’l conference on Nano Material Modelling and Simulation IslAMABAD Press releAse

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is commencing 6th international conference on ‘Nano Material Modelling and Simulation’ today (December 15). AIOU has organized this conference in collaboration with hEC. Prof Dr Zia Ul Qayyum, VC, AIOU will chair the inaugural session while Prof Dr Atta Ur Rehman, Chairman, Pakistan Science and Technology Task Force will grace the occasion as the chief guest. It is pertinent to mention here that ‘Nano Material Modelling and Simulation’ is an emerging field of critical enquiry and research. Distinguished national and international scientists, researchers, scholars and industrialists are participating in the conference. Department of Physics organizes this conference on annual basis. Approximately one hundred research papers will be presented in the conference. The primary objective

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of the conference is to disseminate knowledge constructed in the conference to boast social and economic growth of the country. It is pertinent to mention here that university is exclusively focusing on promoting and strengthening research culture in the country. University is offering cash prizes to the academia on publication of research papers in hEC recognized journals. Moreover, university provides them transportation and lodging facilities on presenting papers in conferences held in other parts of the country. According to Prof Dr Zafar Ilyas, Chairman, Physics, this conference is a further testimony of Prof Dr Zia Ul -Qayyum’s vision of promoting and strengthening research culture in the country. Students of MSc Physics enrolled in final semester will display their projects in the second part of this conference. These models and projects are based on prospective solutions of economic issues of the country.

the vote recounting in NA-196 constituency in the light of the orders of election tribunal. Earlier, on December 7, the ECP had deferred recounting of votes on the request of Mohammedmian Soomro till December 10. Soomro, who is a federal minister, had said that he could not attend the vote recount owing to a session of the federal cabinet. Mohammedmian Soomro had won the National Assembly seat by securing 92,274 votes in the NA-196 constituency in general elections. PPP’s Aijaz Jakhrani was runner-up with 86,876 votes.

9.6 million families, over 10,000 kiryana stores have registered in ehsaas rashan program so far IslAMABAD Press releAse

The Ehsaas Rashan program is being introduced on the on the direct instructions of the Prime Minister. Under this program, 20 million families with income below Rs.50,000 and those who fall below a certain poverty score will be entitled to receive a discount of a Rs. 1000 every month On the purchase of three grocery items: flour, pulses, cooking oil/ghee. The cabinet approved this program in the first week of November and shortly thereafter a communication campaign was launched to solicit applications for this program. The public response to this has been overwhelming. In a statement, Government sources have confirmed that so far over 9 million families have registered to seek support from this program and over 10,000 retail units have also expressed their interest and have registered. The Ehsaas Rashan website has had more than 500 million visits over the last month. The next phase in this program involves analysis which will be done later this month. Eligible families will receive confirmation of their eligibility status through an SMS from 8171, which is the Ehsaas SMS identity. This is an end-to-end digital program and involves processing of the subsidy through a mobile point of sale which will be downloadable by the Kiryana retailer. The government is encouraging more than more retailers to enroll in the program. Ehsaas Rashan Riayat is expected to start accruing benefits from the last week of December. Those families who are desirous of registering and want to seek benefit from the program should SMS their National Identity number to 8171 making sure that the That the mobile phone which is used for texting is registered in the name of the same national identity card number.

federal cabinet accepts resignation by tdap chairman IslAMABAD inP

Federal cabinet Tuesday accepted the resignation of head of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Arif Ahmed Khan. Arif Ahmed Khan, who also served as federal finance secretary, cited personal reasons for his resignation. The PTI government had appointed Mr Khan as TDAP’s head on August 8, 2019. Before joining TDAP as chief executive, Arif had served as Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs Division, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Climate Change.

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Wednesday, 15 December, 2021

06 COMMENT

Humanitarian transactions for Afghanistan

Voting through electronic machines Avoid indecent haste

HIlE the opposition is yet to find a way out of its labyrinths, Prime Minister Imran Khan is already in full election mode. He is holding meetings, addressing public rallies, launching projects and promising development schemes. He is determined to defeat the opposition in local government elections in various provinces in coming months and win the general elections through all means, fair or foul. Warning whosoever might be interested in talking to his “corrupt” competitors, Khan has declared that his government will never make peace with the looters. The PM’s schedule of public contacts began this month from his Peshawar visit. Disregarding the ECP’s advice not to visit Peshawar after the announcement of the lG election schedule, the urge to win the provincial lG elections led him to announce welfare projects worth billions of rupees besides scholarships and honoraria for students and clerics. Two days later he was in Karachi to inaugurate the Green line Bus Service. Here he promised to complete the Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme project in 14-15 months. On Saturday Khan was in Mianwali to inaugurate multiple development projects. As in Peshawar he told the gathering that Pakistan was still the cheapest country in the world and hoped that prices would come down further within three to four months. On Monday he was in lahore on a vote catching campaign where he launched health insurance for Punjab. The PM is within his rights to launch development projects as long as he does not break the rules laid down by the ECP. Meanwhile the PM is adamant about introducing EVMs and an electronic voting system for Pakistan-origin expatriates that he believes will overwhelmingly vote for the PTI. PM’s law Adviser Dr Babar Awan has asked the ECP to “show” seriousness by setting timelines for implementation of electoral reforms-related legislation. After bulldozing amendments to the Elections Act 2017, the government is now pressurizing the ECP. The ECP has already formed three separate committees to ascertain how it could use EVMs in the 2023 general elections by addressing its own concerns. There is a need to let these committees work independently instead of trying to coerce them.

The regime and the people must be distinguished Dr Qaisar rashiD

n 4 December 2021, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a press conference in Islamabad to announce that Pakistan would host a session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers on December 19 to sensitize the OIC to commit to offering economic assistance to Afghanistan for humanitarian purposes. The effort would be to ward off the looming humanitarian crisis and eventual collapse of the economy in Afghanistan. Though time is running out fast, Pakistan has been attempting to evolve an international consensus on helping Afghanistan monetarily for the sake of humanity. For this purpose, at the occasion, Qureshi said that Pakistan would also invite special representatives of P-5 countries such as China, Russia, France, the UK and the USA, besides the representatives of the European Union. Pakistan desires to enhance its diplomatic outreach on the question of peace and stability in Afghanistan. It is understandable that a country which had been running on foreign financial help for two decades (2001-2021) cannot switch swiftly to indigenous economic resources. The occupying force, the Taliban, has no economic producers and managers. With the parting of foreign assistance, which had created an artificial economic bubble, the economy has gone into a nosedive. In the absence of any external help, Afghanistan’s cratering economy may not withstand the vagaries of the harsh winter. Pakistan reckons that the situation is fast deteriorating and falling beyond the ambit of being manageable. With the increasing ferocity of the winter, the situation may slip out of everyone’s hand. As per an estimate, out of 39 million people of Afghanistan, 22.8 million people would face food shortage and 3.2 million children may face malnutrition. Recent history indicates that leaving Afghanistan to its own devices has proven a blunder, the cost of which has to be paid by both the Afghans and their neighbours. The immediate consequences are civil war, hunger and disease posing a pivotal impetus to the natives to relocate to neighbouring countries (Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) as refugees. Presently, Pakistan and Iran have been both hosting together five million Afghan refugees. Woefully, regional worries do not affect the Afghans, who prefer to launch internecine conflicts meant for shedding blood more than that spilled dur-

USA to be held responsible for starvation deaths Afghan Taliban too would bear responsibility

HE Afghan Taliban have finally concluded that it was easier to win the war than to run the country. While terrorist groups like IS-K continue to attack Taliban patrols and the Shi’ite minority, the government has no means to provide food to the people during the impending harsh winter. As the Director of the World Food Programme put it, food is running out in Afghanistan leading to starvation that could affect as many as 23 million people. He called on world leaders and billionaires to donate to the country to deal with the grave situation. With the new Taliban-led government in power, many international organizations and funding providers left the country. Amidst the crisis, the banking system has broken down, income opportunities have reduced and food prices increased. What Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has said indicates that the situation is having a sobering effect on the Taliban administration. Whether it is temporary or long term remains to be seen. As Muttaqi put it, his government seeks the world’s “mercy and compassion” to help millions of Afghans in desperate need. He urged Washington and other nations to release upward of $10 billion in funds that were frozen when the Taliban took over. He assured that the Taliban government wants good relations with all countries and has no issue with the USA. Muttaqi acknowledged the world’s outrage at the Talibanimposed limitations on girls’ education and on women as workers. He says Taliban are committed in principle to women participation. The Taliban themselves are responsible for projecting a fundamentalist image of themselves. They are belatedly and insufficiently distancing themselves from Mullah Omar’s extremist policies. That even now girls schools through Grade 12 are open only in a handful of provinces and women are allowed to work only in medical profession indicates differences persist on the issue within the Taliban that they should have resolved during the last two decades before laying claim to power. This said, the world must not turn its back on the Afghan people facing hunger and starvation. The USA would be particularly held responsible for any mass deaths in Afghanistan on account of shortage of food. This would further sully the US image in the world, particularly so in the region.

It needs attention in the pandemic and beyond Preeta hinDuja

DUCATIOn is one of the basic human rights intended to nurture holistic development of the pupils, enable them to take rational decisions to well-settle ever changing circumstances and uncertainties and actively contribute to the job market. The concept of human rights highlights that regardless of who we are, where we live and are born, weshould be allowed to enjoy the same fundamental rights. TheUn Human Rights Charter is an international agenda. Incorporating this in the national agenda, Pakistan has taken initiatives in response to international commitments to promote and protect human rights. The national Commission for Human Rights was established by Pakistan, as an independent body institutionalized with the support of Parliament. The commission is responsible to inquire into human rights issues, develop a national Action Plan, create awareness and provide recommendations to redress any violations of human rights. These rights are categorized into personal, social, economic, cultural and political rights. For instance, the right to: enjoy freedom and equality (as all are equal in dignity), rest and leisure, education, enjoy proper living standard, health and wellbeing, celebrate culture, enjoy freedom of opinion and expression. In Pakistan, the benefit of “Education as a Human Right” depends upon how much an individual has access to resources (including financial, education background). During the pandemic crisis, the government imposed a lockdown; the only way of continuation of education was online education that was only limited to private sector schools. And only high quality private schools stepped ahead to overcome the challenges associated with online platforms and reported sufficient engagement of students. These institutions usually offer admissions to those few pupils who have strong

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Above all, there is also a need for offering explicit dispensation to Afghanistan in the UNSC on humanitarian basis allowing the relief agencies deliver aid without the fear of violating the imposed sanctions.

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Education is a fundamental human right

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

ing any war with an external nemesis. The proclivity for picking up arms and settling scores is inherent in Afghanistan. Reputation precedes action. Even drone strikes fed on the Afghan feud system. The next is the penchant for wielding power at all costs without exuding any semblance of modern prevalent modes of governance, such as democracy. The history of Afghanistan is also rife with civil wars, especially after the end of the Cold War in 1991. The civil war creates a wave of instability hitting against the borders of neighbouring countries including those of Pakistan. Dolefully, Afghanistan has become another name for instability and oppression. Afghanistan is still failing to come to terms with the global realities of interdependence and intercommunication. Yet, leaving Afghanistan alone is not a solution. The answer lies in engaging with Afghanistan. Zbigniew Brzezinski, a Polish-American diplomat, who belonged to the realist school of international relations as a political scientist, advised the US President Jimmy Carter in 1978 not to isolate the People’s Republic of China during the Cold War. As national security advisor, Brzezinski opined instead to engage with China even at the cost of relations with Taiwan. In the post-Cold War phase, the same is true for Afghanistan, a regressive hotspot ever ready to suck unpityingly the region in. If memory serves the purpose, the Cold War saw its last inferno blazing nowhere but in Afghanistan. Peace is a unicorn, hardly available for sharing out. After the end of the Cold War, Afghanistan has been a regional and international challenge. This is where the concern of Pakistan seeks relevance. Beset with harrowing experiences, Pakistan cannot introduce peace into Afghanistan, nor can Pakistan hold off the instability wave evolving from Afghanistan. In the post-withdrawal phase of 2021, the crisis of political legitimacy of the Taliban regime has held the Afghan population hostage. Tottering under the pressure of getting their government recognized, the Taliban are refusing to submit and they show no desire to catch up with the global evolution. They want to keep Afghanistan siloed. Pakistan itself is hobbled

with an economic crunch. Though Pakistan has dispatched medicines, wheat and other relief items to assist Afghanistan, the aid is insufficient to meet the needs of the Afghan populace. It is known that the aid would help but the path is rife with two challenges. The first challenge is how to bypass the Taliban and reach out to the Afghan masses. Making distinction between the recalcitrant ruling Taliban regime and the Afghan common man is no more an arduous task. The path shown by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to circumvent sanctions on Afghanistan is tochannel funds directly to the health, education and municipal service sectors for humanitarian assistance by paying salaries to the employees and by meeting the running costs of the three sectors such as hospitals, educational institutions (schools, colleges and universities) and the staff. The second challenge is how to funnel funds into Afghanistan by bypassing sanctions, whether imposed by the USA or the United nations Security Council (UnSC). The latter maintains a Taliban sanctions regime underlining banned entities and persons, besides freezing funds and assets under Resolution 1988 passed on 17 June 2011. nevertheless, on 30 november 2021, the World Bank backed transferring of $280 million from a frozen trust fund (amounting to $1.5 billion) to two aid agencies, the World Food Program and the United nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UnICEF) to help Afghanistan withstand the brewing humanitarian crisis. nevertheless, the transfer has to be approved by 31 donors of the World Bank-administered Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). Being the biggest donor of the ARTF, the approval of the USA is also required, though the US treasury has issued comfort letters to facilitate banks to process humanitarian transactions. Above all, there is also a need for offering explicit dispensation to Afghanistan in the UnSC on humanitarian basis allowing the relief agencies deliver aid without the fear of violating the imposed sanctions.

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academic and financial background and those whose parents are educated and thus for whom the education of their children is the foremost priority and who have sufficient resources and time for tutoring or arranging well-qualified tutors. In addition they must have better English linguistic skills. Thus the beneficiaries are those who have dual characteristics, upper class position and educated status. Moreover as far as education is concerned, the ASER report and the UnESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS) reported that half the children (ages 5-16) are out of school, about 44 percent in Sindh, and 47 percent in Balochistan, and many fail to continue their tertiary-level education, very few, 12.2 percent of the population, are enrolled in tertiary education as per record of the World Bank. This highlights that education is limited to a very small number ofpeople. Most of the educational institutions of Pakistan have been criticized for offering a substandard academic quality. Better schools kick off motivation towards learning, help master skills (analytical reasoning, communication and linguistic skills) which help increase academic self-efficacy and lead to accomplishment of education and related career. In contrast with those nurtured in a poor atmosphere, the acquisition of knowledge and skills becomes

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challenging for them, this leads to decreased academic SE and may divert them from the educational path orto discontinuation of education or, insufficient and related contribution in job market are possible symptoms. Pakistan is considered a poor country, and poverty has further increased in the situation of pandemic due to the collapse of most of the economic activities,and increase in unemployment. Most of its inhabitants have a dearth of both financial and educational resources. But, enjoying the right of contemporary education is a human rights agenda that believes in equality for all. How can we say that by providing substandard education to the majority of Pakistani inhabitants, or shutting down teachinglearning processes for longer periods during the uncertainties (such as corona/upcoming corona variants) would be positive steps in achieving the purpose of education? Employability is one of the core missions of education. Recent technological advancement has opened and eases the learning platform for students, simultaneously increasing hiring demands of job markets. Today’s national and global job market requires skilled personnel who have sufficient technical skills, time management and resource management skills. Education without its essence would be a violation of human tights and needs much attention.

Employability is one of the core missions of education. Recent technological advancement has opened and eases the learning platform for students, simultaneously increasing hiring demands of job markets. Today’s national and global job market requires skilled personnel who have sufficient technical skills, time management and resource management skills.

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

The writer teaches at a government school.

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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Wednesday, 15 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

Mughal system of social welfare

Pakistan can play significant role in Rohingya refugee crisis solution Supporting Bangladesh would help mend fences Pathik hasan

OUR years ago, more than 730,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh for fear of the aftermath of the country’s military-led crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine state on 25 August 2017. Earlier, the Rohingya had been subjected to systematic discrimination, disenfranchisement, regular targeting of violence and persecution in Myanmar for decades. Bangladesh is providing shelter and emergency humanitarian assistance to a total of 1.1 million Rohingya now who have fled from persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. However, Bangladesh now sees these large numbers of refugees as a ‘burden’. This is a big burden for Bangladesh and a big disaster for the environment. The Rohingya, who fled in August 2017 in the face of persecution by Myanmar’s military, have reported horrific incidents of indiscriminate killings, rapes, arsons and arson, which the United nations has called “ethnic cleansing.” In the face of international pressure, the Myanmar government signed an agreement with Bangladesh in late 2017 to repatriate the Rohingya, but the repatriation has not yet begun. Bangladesh has been urging the international community to put pressure on Myanmar to start repatriation. Bangladesh has been urging the international community including UnO, ASEAn, OIC to resolve the problem. But no concrete action is seen yet. The Un cannot do anything if one of the objects. As a result 6f the Rohingya problem, the Palestinian problem is still hanging. Bangladesh opened the border of Bangladesh for the displaced Rohingyas in 2017 on humanitarian grounds. But it is deeply regrettable that Myanmar’s failure to create an environment conducive to the self-motivated, safe and sustainable return of the Rohingya has created long-term problems in Bangladesh. Pakistan can play a significant role in resolving the Rohingya refugee crisis. There are many Rohingya people in Pakistan also. They are living in various colonies in Karachi in Pakistan. Officially, 55,000 Rohingya live in Pakistan today, many in the Arkanabad neighborhood of Karachi. Many of these Rohingya families, who actually may number up to 300,000 people, first came to Karachi after a repressive military regime took power in Burma in 1962. However, as a Muslim country, Pakistan should consider this with close attention. The Rohingya crisis is not only a crisis for Bangladesh. It is a crisis for the whole region. It is a threat to human rights, regional stability. As a Muslim polity, Pakistan has some responsibilities to Muslim groups in the world. The Rohingya crisis is also a threat to the existence of Muslims in the world. Pakistan urged the international community to work together to mitigate tragedy on 23 March 2021. Earlier, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan had expressed “deep anguish” at the violence against Rohingya Muslims in Burma.

The foreign secretary had summoned the Myanmarese ambassador and registered an official protest. And Pakistan’s Parliament has urged the government to press the issue on the international stage. Pakistan could and should play more of a role in this connection. According to Martin luther King, 1R, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Myanmar’s attitude to Rohingya is an injustice. So, it can be a threat to Pakistan in the case of justice. As a vocal upholder of the rights of the oppressed Muslim community in the world, Pakistan should play important role in this connection. Pakistan is very vocal in favor of the rights of Palestinians and Kashmiris. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmed Qureshi visited many countries to raise the voice against Israeli oppression in Palestine. Pakistan always expresses its condemnation of Indian oppression in Kashmir. So, Pakistan should raise its voice strongly in this regard. The Rohingya is an oppressed Muslim ethnic group in Rakhine in Myanmar. So, Pakistan should raise its voice at various international for4ms in resolving the crisis. Pakistan should understand the reality of the bearing of the burden of refugees. Bangladesh has been bearing the burden alone. Pakistan has also some experiences in this connection, in the Afghan refugees. Pakistan should understand the burden of Bangladesh. Supporting Bangladesh and raising voices at every common internal forum could bring Bangladesh-Pakistan under an umbrella. Basically, this type of bilateral cooperation could melt the ice between the two who have strained ties. This little initiative could normalize the bilateral relations between two fraternal countries. Pakistan and Bangladesh obviously could work together in this regard. Pakistan has very good relations with China. It is called ‘China-Pakistan Eternal Strategic Ties’. Pakistan can use a Chinese card in this regard. It is China that could easily resolve the Rohingya crisis. China has very good relations with Myanmar. China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor are

two ongoing visionary projects under China’s ‘BRI’ projects. Thus, we can understand the nature of the relations between China-Myanmar and China-Pakistan. China should understand that working as a mediator between Myanmar and Bangladesh won’t hamper its business interest in Myanmar. Bangladesh is an active member of China’s BRI’ project. There are a lot of Chinese investments in Bangladesh’s ongoing ‘Mega Projects’. Mediating and resolving the Rohingya crisis between Myanmar and Bangladesh would serve the greater interest of the whole region. Pakistan can play a strong role in this connection. Pakistan can make China understand the necessity of resolving the Rohingya crisis Pakistan is a trustworthy ally of China. Pakistan can prevail upon China to pressurize the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military). On the other hand, Pakistan can motivate China to cast its vote at the UnGA and UnSC in favor of Bangladesh. It is pertinent to mention that China has been applying its veto power at the UnSC regarding any discussions on Rohingya repatriation at UnSC. China can support Bangladesh directly in this regard. It is a praiseworthy motion of China that it didn’t oppose the recent UnGA resolution in november 2021. On the Rohingya issue, Beijing and Islamabad should support Bangladesh more to resolve the regional crisis. On the other hand, Pakistan can involve itself directly in the process. Myanmar has very good military relations with Pakistan. If Pakistan plays an effective role to resolve the problem between Myanmar and Bangladesh, Bangladesh will take it very positively. Bangladesh can get a true well-wisher in her moment of crisis. Pakistan can use its ‘traditional military diplomacy’ in resolving the Rohingya crisis through a negotiation process with the Tatmadaw. Pakistan can raise its voice at every internal forum las for the Kashmir issue and the Palestinian issue. Cooperation from Pakistan in this regard can normalize the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Pakistan can really play a significant role in the Rohingya crisis solution.

On the other hand, Pakistan can involve itself directly in the process. Myanmar has very good military relations with Pakistan. If Pakistan plays an effective role to resolve the problem between Myanmar and Bangladesh, Bangladesh will take it very positively. Bangladesh can get a true well-wisher in her moment of crisis. Pakistan can use its ‘traditional military diplomacy’ in resolving the Rohingya crisis through a negotiation process with the Tatmadaw. Pakistan can raise its voice at every internal forum las for the Kashmir issue and the Palestinian issue.

The writer can be at pathikhasan1141@gmail.com

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THE Mughal dynasty was one of the world’s largest and strongest empire during the reign of greater Mughals. It lasted from 1526 to 1857 A.D. Most of the historians, especially the Hindu ones, consider Jalal-ud-Din Akbar as the greatest Mughal but in my opinion, this notion hinders the greatness of other Mughal emperors like Babar, Shahjehan and Aurangzeb Alamgir. The great strength of this dynasty, no doubt, was its military power but their reign was also exemplary in other fields like education, economy, social development and judiciary. The social welfare system adopted by them was very strong capable of fulfilling the needs of the time. The society was multi-religious society in which the Hindus were in majority. The sizeable population of other religions like Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism was also present there. The Muslim population was not more than ten percent at that time. In such a multi-religious society, it was tough to build a balanced social welfare system that would be acceptable for all. The Mughals were successful in this concern. This policy was mainly based on the principle of equality. The people were allowed to enjoy full religious freedom. no one was forced to convert his religion forcefully. Business opportunities were for all and at an equal level. Muslims were a privileged class but at the same time, Hindus were also encouraged to get social progress as high as possible. Hinduism is an old religion which had its origin and development within subcontinent. It became a regional entity and its followers did not try to spread it out. Since the last century, this religion was limited to this region only. The most prominent feature of this religion is its caste system which allows a small class of religious pundits to have full control over it. As a result, the social welfare system developed by this religion was very weak and did not provide social justice to the people. That is why the local people were attracted towards Islam and accepted it and hence Islam became a popular religion in this region. It confirms that the social welfare system of Mughals was successful. During British era, Hindu revival movements gained momentum which mainly focused to compete the Islamic values. These movements were reactionary in their nature and they started opposing policies of the Mughals and criticized them negatively. Different segments started accepting their propaganda. It created the social, political and religious among two religions. British exploited the both of the communities by using these differences. They used the policy of divide and rule. All these circumstances ultimately lead to the partition of the subcontinent. So it is wrong to blame the Mughals especially, Aurangzeb Alamgir, for the partition of subcontinent as some Hindu historians blame. TARIQ MAHMOOD KHAN FAISAlAbAD

Minorities orphaned PEOPlE are either brothers in faith or equals in humanity. This is the teaching of Islam. This was the vision of Jinnah- an egalitarian, tranquil and just society. nonetheless, Jinnah’s vision for a peaceful inclusive Pakistan was elbowed away right after his demise. According to his ADC Shareef Pirzada, some far-right radicals had put all effort into getting his 11th September speech broadcasted. They wished to nip it in the bud. Jinnah had proclaimed in his famous address to the first Constituent Assembly that the state would be impartial and free for people of all religions, races and genders. Jinnah could foresee a bleak future for minorities including women if the fanatics were given reigns of the country. He also advocated his idea of inclusiveness. Quaid-e-Azam asked Jagan nath a Hindu poet to compose the national anthem. Moreover, SP Singh, a Christian, was the first speaker of the Punjab Assembly who had voted for Pakistan but his name is not mentioned in textbooks and was omitted to disregard his efforts in the making of Pakistan. Furthermore, Jogindar nath Mandal - a lower caste Hindu - was President of the Constituent Assembly in which Quaid-e-Azam was a member. These founders of Pakistan suffered the worst consequences of their endeavours. Mandal resigned and migrated to India. Another noteworthy evidence is the demographic numbers which show how drastically the minorities have been fleeing the land of pure. To present stats, the minority population declined from 44% to 14% between 1947-1951 then to 12% in 1961 and subsequently, it became 3% in the 1972 census. In 1997, Shanti nagar was burnt in response to a plea for abolishing distinct CnICs based on religious identity which could augment discrimination against minorities and become barriers to their progress. It was turned down by nawaz Sharif. In a nutshell, after Quaid-e-Azam, minorities have suffered at the hands of right-wing leaders and clerics, and caste and sex-based discrimination has been aggrandized beyond the pales. MUHAMMAD SHARIF OTHO KHAIRpUR MIR

KP water pumping stations THE KP CM had recently announced to hire double staff for managing water pumping stations in KP. I do not think that this is a good idea and would only amount to hiring additional government employees and costing the government additional revenue in salaries and pensions without improving the service. The reason is that already each pumping station has two employees working there. But unfortunately, neither of them come to work. There is no attendance checking system for these workers. Similarly, the water meters are broken in most of these pumping stations and there is no maintenance schedule. The local villagers are told to manage their water flow, but they make mistakes that result in the wastage of precious water. The government organisation managing water pumps do not have proper checking, measuring or maintenance system, they still use paper registers for record management. Similarly, locals cannot approach the pumping station staff or their boss for any issues that they face or if they want to complain about water wastage, as there is no customer service or complaint registration process. Therefore I would think that the honourable CM should not hire more staff for pumping stations. But instead, he should order the improvement of managing water pumping stations and also check the work of the current staff and replace all those that don’t perform their duties as they should. SHAHRYAR KHAN bASEER pESHAwAR

08 WORLD VIEW 15th December 21_Layout 1 12/14/2021 10:56 PM Page 1

Wednesday, 15 December, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

WE HAD AN OLD JOKE THAT, WHEN YOU WENT INTO A MEETING, YOU SHOULD NEVER TOUCH THE CONFERENCE ROOM TABLE BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T KNOW WHO WAS HAVING SEX ON IT THE NIGHT BEFORE

Consortium news JohN KIrIAKoU

CIA sex CrIMes

UZZFEED reported on Dec. 1 that over the past 14 years, the C.I.a. has amassed credible evidence, including confessions, that 10 employees and a contractor committed sex crimes against children and that only one was ever charged with a crime. the evidence the C.I.a. released to Buzzfeed in response to a Freedom of Information act lawsuit shows that the 10 employees and one contractor committed crimes including child rape, the purchase of violent child pornography, and viewing as many as 1,400 photos of nude children on a C.I.a. computer while overseas on a work assignment. the contractor had arranged to have sex with an undercover F.B.I. agent who he thought was a child. the only C.I.a. officer prosecuted for child sex crimes had also mishandled classified information. Four of the other accused employees and the contractor were fired, four were “disciplined administratively,” and the status of one is unknown.

let’s be clear about these crimes. these were not “he said, she said” allegations. they were serious sex crimes against children. the Buzzfeed information, which includes both internal C.I.a. documents and a declassified Inspector General’s report, say that besides the contractor, C.I.a. officers admitted to, “using a government laptop to view photographs and videos of girls as young as 10 being abused by an older guy;” having sexual contact with two girls, ages two and six, and downloading illicit photos of other children; downloading 63 videos of sex between adults and children between the ages of 8 and 16; and distributing lewd photos and videos of children to other pedophiles. One C.I.a. officer told investigators that he “did not know it was a violation of agency policy to access child pornography.” He was not prosecuted. For its part, the Justice Department elected to do practically nothing, notwithstanding a statement to Buzzfeed that, “the occupation or employer of the suspect

What the Modi Twitter breach tells us about hackers

does not factor into that evaluation” (of whether or not to prosecute.) “While we cannot comment on the reasons why specific cases were declined, we do take very seriously any allegation that our prosecutors declined a potential case based on an improper assessment of the relevant factors.” that’s nonsense. the truth is that the Justice Department was afraid of graymail. that’s the threat of a C.I.a. officer on trial “accidentally” saying something classified or something that compromises sources and methods. It’s not worth the risk to the C.I.a. to prosecute most cases. and the bottom line is that the C.I.a. doesn’t care one whit about the children. I spent 15 years at the C.I.a. It is a highly-sexualized environment full of type a personalities, sociopaths, and psychopaths. We had an old joke that, when you went into a meeting, you should never touch the conference room table because you didn’t know who was having sex on it the night before. there was one incident in a war zone overseas while

BloomBerg TIM CULPAN

ast weekend some smart alecks managed to breach the defenses of one of the most ubiquitous media platforms, access the mouthpiece of the leader of one of the world’s most populous countries, and grab the opportunity to broadcast whatever they wanted to 73 million followers. and they used it to pump cryptocurrency. It’s almost laughable that yet another twitter Inc. hack — this time on the account of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi — should once again become the vehicle for spruiking Bitcoin. “India has officially adopted bitcoin as legal tender,” the tweet sent by hackers from his account read. “the government has officially bought 500 BtC and is distributing them to all residents of the country.” as implausible as that message sounds, the entire incident — from exploit to outcome — tells us a lot about hacking culture and the variety of actors out there trying to break into computer systems. What’s immediately obvious about this specific event is that the perpetrators were more mischievous than malicious. Pitching Bitcoin has become the Rick Roll of the hacking community — a funny prank rather than a nasty attack. It’s not the first time. In July 2020 more than 100 famous accounts were breached including those of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Kanye West and apple Inc. Once they got access, the attackers went on to promote a Bitcoin scam to millions of these victims’ followers. the details of that incident are dripping with delicious irony. First up, the hackers’ use of Bitcoin was in fact their undoing — U.s. law enforcement officers tracked down the cryptocurrency accounts and found that

John Kiriakou is a former C.I.A. counterterrorism officer and a former senior investigator with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. John became the sixth whistleblower indicted by the Obama administration under the Espionage Act—a law designed to punish spies. He served 23 months in prison as a result of his attempts to oppose the Bush administration’s torture program.

The richest countries are vaccine hoarders. Try them in international court MILLIONS HAVE DIED UNNECESSARILY OF COVID AND MILLIONS MORE WILL IN 2022 UNLESS SOMETHING CHANGES. JUSTICE MUST BE DONE

WE SHOULD BE THANKFUL THAT THE ATTACKERS CHOSE BITCOIN AS THE SUBJECT OF THEIR TWEETS, NOT ECONOMIC OR MILITARY DESTRUCTION they’d used their driver’s licenses for authentication. and, the breach was conducted through old-fashioned social engineering — tricking twitter staff into giving login credentials, which allowed access to the target accounts. Finally, true to hacker form, two of them were teenagers, one of whom was underage. Youngsters pulling off epic hacks is a timehonored tradition. Kevin Mitnick, the most infamous of them all, was just 16 when he broke into Digital Equipment Corp.’s systems in 1979 and stole software. Jonathan James, purportedly the first juvenile imprisoned for cybercrime, was 15 when he got going and added the Department of Defense to his list of victims. Yet since Mitnick and James rose to fame decades ago, the goal of network penetration has gone from scamming cheap long-distance calls to shutting pipelines and destroying centrifuges used in weapons production. and it’s likely that more hacks go unnoticed or unreported than those we hear about. so even though this was a prank — a somewhat well-trodden one at that — there is a serious side to it. It should be of grave concern that one of the most powerful outlets in the world was once again breached, allowing unauthorized access to the media equivalent of the nuclear codes. Musk, the chief executive officer of tesla Inc., has made cryptocurrency and equity markets swing by billions of dollars with a few choice words. One can only image what might have happened if the twitter account of the democratically elected leader of an increasingly authoritarian government decided to declare a second demonetization or an escalation of its conflicts with China or Pakistan. We should be thankful that the attackers chose Bitcoin as the subject of their tweets, not economic or military destruction. the world might not be so lucky next time. a few hacks of twitter have proven to the rest of the community that this is a target with vulnerabilities, and others — possibly with state backing or terrorist links — will think of better ways to abuse that weakness than promoting crypto scams. and clearly twitter itself continues to drop the ball on the fundamental task of keeping its system robust as it balances usability with security. May we laugh and appreciate the prankster nature of the best hackers around. But let’s keep in mind that breaching social media is all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

I was there where C.I.a. officers were passing around to each other a sexually-transmitted disease unique to the C.I.a. a C.I.a. doctor had to fly to the country to tell them to stop and to remind them to practice safe sex. Further afield, it was a common occurrence for C.I.a. case officers developing foreign officials for recruitment to offer them trips to southeast asia, where both could partake of prostitutes and indulge in whatever sexual fantasies they had. I note in my first book, the Reluctant spy: My secret life in the C.I.a.’s War on terror, that one of my senior bosses, with whom I had had a dispute, tried to lighten the mood by telling me to take some money out of petty cash to pay for oral sex. I declined, angrily. It’s accurate to say that I was “shocked but not surprised” when I read the Buzzfeed allegations. all americans should be sickened by them. I know that I sound like a broken record when I ask, “Where is the Congressional oversight?” Why aren’t there hearings or investigations about child sex crimes at the C.I.a.? Why aren’t the House and senate Judiciary Committees investigating, why do U.s. attorneys refuse to take up the cases? Why are children not being protected? It’s easy enough to say that we get the government we deserve. But somebody has to stand up for children. the C.I.a. won’t do it. the Justice Department apparently won’t. Now that the cat is out of the bag, where do we go next?

guardian ANThoNy CosTeLLo

IllIONs more people will die from Covid-19 in the coming year, and most will be unvaccinated. the vaccines that could save millions of lives are not reaching the poor majority of the world’s population. the contrast is stark: the current share of people fully vaccinated in high, upper-middle income, lower-middle income and low income countries is 69%, 68%, 30% and 3.5% respectively. the UK, Canada, Germany and other EU states have supported a deliberate policy to withhold vaccines from the poorest countries in the world, and defended an immoral and unethical economic system which places big pharma patents ahead of millions of lives. In this context, is the only option left to ask whether the states facilitating this might be prosecuted in the international criminal court, on the grounds of a crime against humanity? First let’s consider the impact so far. the official statistics of global Covid deaths (5.2 million) greatly underestimate the real figures, which may already be more than 20 million deaths. In India, for example, analyses suggest that the real death rates are 10 times higher than the official figure of 400,000. Meanwhile, another study has found that more than 1.5 million children have been orphaned by the pandemic. the situation is dire, and yet one year after the discovery of multiple effective vaccines, we still face a vaccine apartheid. Patent-protected vaccines are sold at great profit to wealthy countries by a few pharmaceutical companies. the global vaccine price ranges from $2 (for astraZeneca) to $37 per dose, with mRNa vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna the most expensive. Between January 2020 and December 2021 the market capitalisations of Moderna rose from $6.9bn to $134bn; Pfizer from $206bn to $314bn; and BioNtech from $6.6bn to $84bn. It is clear that the existing efforts to distribute vaccines to poorer countries are not working. the Covax advanced Market

Commitment was set up in september 2020 by the Global alliance Vaccine Initiative, in alliance with the World Health Organization, to accelerate the development and manufacture of Covid-19 vaccines, as well as diagnostics and treatments, and to guarantee rapid, fair and equitable access to them for people in all countries. Donor countries would thereby fund guaranteed volumes of vaccines from manufacturers to supply low- and middleincome countries. the Covax scheme’s target was to deliver 2bn doses by the end of this month. and yet, by 5 December, well over a year since its launch, the Covax scheme had shipped only 669m doses to 144 countries, with just 250m donated to the poorest 95 countries at time of writing. Not only is it way off track, millions of vaccine doses donated to african countries have passed their expiry dates and have either been sent back or destroyed. In april 2021 the WHO established a Covid-19 mRNa vaccine technology transfer hub to try to speed up global manufacturing. all three mRNa vaccine manufacturers have refused to take part. If we want the world vaccinated with three doses, it will require the distribution of at least 20bn doses. Pfizer/BioNtech, whose vaccine requires ultra-cold storage that makes it difficult to distribute in low-income settings, predicts it will expand production to 4bn doses at best by the end of 2022. What can the world do when massive financial interests are placed before the survival of millions of men, women and children? there are several options. One is a patent waiver. a year ago India, south africa, Kenya and Eswatini among others called for one, so that emerging economy companies were not under threat of future litigation. the Usa and France eventually supported them. But Germany, Canada, Japan, south Korea and the UK blocked this move to protect big pharma. Bill Gates, a major donor to Covax, also defended patent rights. after months of wrangling, the WtO has failed to broker an agreement. another option, put forward by Dr Peter singer, senior adviser to the WHO director general, is to appeal to the moral and ethical values of the big pharma board members and investors. Many of these

people have led institutions committed to global public goods and equity. One would think they might also have religious or moral principles that would make them think again. But there is little historical precedent, when stocks are booming, for such a display of altruism. a more effective line may be to take action against states such as Germany, Canada, the UK et al, over what is arguably an infringement of human rights. there is little doubt that their policies break the UN convention on the rights of the child, which requires states to “combat disease and malnutrition … [through] the application of readily available technology”, with particular attention paid to the “needs of developing countries”. likewise, the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, unanimously endorsed by the UN human rights council, calls for “business enterprises … to comply with all applicable laws and to respect internationally recognised human rights”, and describes the state duty to protect against human rights abuses by businesses through policies, regulation and adjudication. sadly, neither of these conventions have much teeth, and they are regularly broken with impunity. this leaves the nuclear option: prosecution in the international criminal court for crimes against humanity. In article 7 (1) of the Rome statute, these are described as “a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population” and “inhumane acts … intentionally causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or to mental or physical health”. International lawyers should consider this option and act quickly. We cannot let this carnage drag on. We could see another 12 million deaths in the next year. People across the world want justice. they should have a right to vaccine access, especially when many of the vaccines in question were researched and developed largely by government scientists trained and employed at taxpayers’ expense. anyone standing in the way of saving lives in the name of private profits should be held responsible. Anthony Costello is professor of global health at UCL, and a former director at the World Health Organization.

Wednesday, 15 December, 2021 | KARACHI

NEWS

Chery to launCh latest Generation tiGGo suVs in Pakistan KARACHI

Press release

HERY Automobile Co. Ltd., the number one automobile export company of China has partnered with Ghandhara, a leading name in manufacturing and distribution of vehicles for local production of the latest generation Tiggo Series SUVs. This move is part of Chery’s strategy to engage with emerging automotive markets around the world, tailoring brands and products to meet the rising consumer demand. Sales of the first locally built vehicles are expected to begin in Pakistan within the fiscal year 2021-22. Ghandhara’s investment of $10million over the first four years will provide the industry with a much-needed financial boost,

as well as help expand a retail network and create job opportunities. Chery will launch with an initial dealership network of 8 dealers across Pakistan and a production capacity of 16,000 units. In their second phase of production, this will be increased up to 32,000 units as their state-of-the-art plant is being built in Karachi’s Port Qasim. Chery and Ghandhara will work together to introduce world class facilities in Karachi’s Port Qasim. The partners are working closely to have a long-standing relationship, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and experience with the latest engineering technologies. Currently, Pakistan’s automotive industry accounts for almost nearly 4% of the GDP. Chery’s entry will provide Pakistani customers with a fresh and desirable lineup designed and built with modern engineer-

snGPl vows not to violate confidentiality commitment enshrined in relevant rules PReSS ReLeASe There are various misleading reports circulating regarding two arbitration awards involving SNGPL and National Power Parks Management Company (Pvt) Limited (NPPMCL). NPPMCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Federal Government. It must be noted that arbitration and awards are private and confidential. A selective and misleading disclosure has been made of part of the awards. SNGPL will not violate the confidentiality commitment enshrined in the relevant rules; however, it has been constrained to respond given the ongoing speculation. SNGPL intends to fully explore and avail all legal remedies which are available to it and is consulting with its counsels in this regard. Under the terms of the license granted to SNGPL by OGRA read with the decision of ECC of the cabinet dated May 11, 2018 and in line with the tariff regime in vogue, the Company after exhausting all the legal remedies available under the law, will take up the matter with OGRA for determining the impact of the awards on revenue requirement of the Company. Since the relevant awards relate to Take or Pay revenues and since these revenues billed to NPPMCL were earlier offered to OGRA as an operating revenue, therefore, reversal of the same, if any, may not have any material adverse impact on the profitability of the company.

infinix offers smashing discounts for Daraz 12:12 year-end mega sale! Karachi: Infinix, the leading smartphone selling brand of Pakistan has successfully joined hands with Daraz as an official Diamond Sponsor for Daraz 12.12 mega year end sale. Up to 30% discount is to be offered on Infinix newly launched smartphone series, laptops and other smartphone accessories starting from 12th December till 22nd December. Infinix will also be exclusively launching their new addition of Game on HOT 11 series i.e., HOT 11S which will be available to preorder on Daraz 12.12 sale at a price of Rs 22,999. Exclusive discounts are to be offered on Infinix’s latest smartphones including the Game on HOT 11 series, ZERO X series, NOTE 10 Series and also on Infinix INBook X1 Pro laptop series. As an official diamond sponsor, Daraz will be celebrating December 13th, 2021 as exclusive Infinix Day, during which additional discounts and giveaways can be availed as well. Additionally, gaming enthusiasts can now pre-order the new addition of Game on Infinix HOT 11S series which is accompanied by 4GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage and is available exclusively through Daraz 12:12 mega year end sale.

naMl invites MD ntC for inaugural ceremony for non-finance manager course ISLAMABAD: NAML University invited MD NTC Miraj Gul to its auspicious inaugural ceremony of ‘Finance for Non-Finance Manager Course’ at NAML Executive Development Center (NEDC). Rector NAML and his team warmly welcomed MD NTC and showered overwhelming hospitality to the NTC team including GM (A&HR), GM (North) & Director NTC RWP. MD NTC appreciated the efforts of management and faculty towards academic excellence, rural uplift and youth development as NAMAL.

ing & technology. The Tiggo Series is a global model line-up that integrates the latest design, power and intelligent technologies with the processes. What stands out the most is its dynamic appearance, luxurious and comfortable interior, and smart configurations. Charlie Zhang, Chery’s executive vice president said that our entrance in Pakistan’s automotive market represents a significant step for China-Pakistan economic growth. Chery will now be locally assembling the Tiggo series with dynamic local partners who have been in this field for the past five decades. He further added “We are confident that, with the close collaboration and support of the Pakistani government, this will deliver sustainable benefits for the national economy, customers, partners and Chery.” The Tiggo 4 Pro is a 5-seater SUV

with the latest generation 1.5TCl Engine. Its shape embodies a traditional design concept for the family, with a unique combination of Diamond Grille, LED headlights and daytime running lights for its fashionable attitude. Other high-tech features to take you on a journey of technology once you are seated include: 7-inch LCD instrument display, 10.25-inch floating central console panel and an 8-inch airconditioning touch screen. In addition to all this, Tiggo4 Pro adopts a yacht-styled cockpit and embracing line extension to provide its drivers with the most comfortable on-road experience. The Tiggo 8 Pro is a magnificent SUV that comes with a 1.6TGDl Engine and has been meticulously crafted by critically acclaimed stylist, Kevin Rice. It is capable of producing 195 horsepower and 290 Nm of

torque with Dual Clutch Technology. Sporting Tiggo’s signature Diamond Grille, automatic LED Headlamps and LED Taillights, the Tiggo 8 Pro has 18inch wheels and 360° Around View Mirrors to easily help navigate wherever you go. Other outstanding safety features include 6 curtain airbags and the latest Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to give passengers an unparalleled First-Class experience. “As for exports, in October 2021, Chery exported more than 20,000 vehicles for the sixth time this year with total sales of 25,049 vehicles, an increase of 92.7% year-overyear. From January to October, the cumulative sales volume was 212,959 vehicles, up 145.7% year-over-year. While setting a new historical record, Chery firmly maintained its leading position in export among all Chinese passenger vehicles.

Uber encouraging its partner drivers to get free trips to vaccination centers PReSS ReLeASe Karachi: Uber, the global ride-hailing platform that seamlessly connects riders with drivers, is offering its riders and drivers once again the chance to avail free rides to and from public Covid-19 vaccination centers in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. During a previous similar vaccination drive, Uber had successfully given out approximately 24,000 free trips to riders to facilitate them with their vaccinations and play its part in supporting the local authorities in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. During the second

phase of this thoughtful initiative, Uber is now encouraging its partner drivers to get themselves and their families, as well as the riders, vaccinated by availing the chance to book rides to vaccination centers for free. Riders and drivers will receive vouchers via SMS or email, through which they will be able to book up to four rides with a maximum cap of PKR 375 per trip, to and from the vaccination centers listed on the NCOC (National Command Operation Center) website in three cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The voucher can be redeemed from the Uber app and will be valid till De-

cember 31st, 2021. “At Uber, safety of our riders and partner drivers is considered a priority and we have consistently been looking at how we can help safely mobilize our communities and assist the local authorities during this pandemic-affected time. Mass vaccinations have played a significant role in Pakistan’s currently declining Covid-19 infection rates, and we would like to use our platform and technology to continue facilitating not just our riders, but our partner drivers and their loved ones, to get vaccinated and remain safe,” commented Shahid Khan, Country Head at Uber Pakistan.

This commitment to facilitate access to vaccines for the masses comes as part of Uber’s global initiative to help communities move what matters, supporting public authorities and cities as they work to fight further spread of the ongoing pandemic. Uber has worked on several initiatives during the last year and a half to curb the virus’ spread, including the launch of Uber Medics and Uber Connect, along with introducing advanced safety measures for both riders and drivers, financial assistance for drivers diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as in-app reminders for riders and drivers to follow advice from public health authorities.

PTCL Group takes onboard top 150 graduates under its Summit Programme 2021 ISLAMABAD Press release

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Ufone have welcomed 150 top young talent from across Pakistan as Management Trainees (MTs) in its 5th Batch of Summit Programme 2021. The young graduates were selected from the leading universities from all across Pakistan and were hosted at a special ceremony organized at PTCL HQ, Islamabad. The candidates went through a rigorous selection process that included digital assessment, psychometric & challenging online gaming tests and competencybased interviews. Successful candidates were taken for orientation to Telecom Staff College at Haripur, where they underwent a month-long knowledge-based and comprehensive classroom training & development intervention. The orientation will be followed by on-job training spanning over a period of 5 months which will provide the MTs with an opportunity to learn from seasoned telecom industry experts and will be an integral part of their grooming, coaching and mentoring process. They will experience a diversified culture and will have access to a vast business canvas that will ensure

their future grooming for the respective roles within both PTCL & Ufone. While addressing at the orientation program, Group CHRO, PTCL & Ufone, Syed Mazhar Hussain, said, “Pakistan has the largest pool of most talented youth and we strongly believe in providing ample opportunities to nurture and promote our talent. We are committed to invest in enhancing their skillset and pro-

vide a platform for growth that will enable these graduates to unlock their true potential and gain business acumen, learn effective communication skills and become future leaders.” PTCL Group, being one of the largest ICT service provider in Pakistan and a socially responsible organization, continues to play its part in building future leadership as part of its progressive culture.

Silkbank Partners with STARZPLAY by Cinepax to Oﬀer Credit Card Customers Easy Access to Entertainment KARACHI Press release

Silkbank Limited, with its substantial market share in the credit cards segment, has partnered with STARZPLAY by Cinepax, Pakistan’s fastest growing streaming service. This partnership will allow Silkbank Credit Card customers to pay Rs. 1,200/for a one-year subscription and avail 50% discount at STARZPLAY by Cinepax. In addition to that, Silkbank Credit Card customers will also be able to avail a 30% discount on movie tickets at Cinepax. The agreement was signed by Mr. Nouman Butt, Head Alliances, Loyalty &

New Initiatives at Silkbank and Mr. Faisal Khalid, General Manager Digital Services at STARZPLAY by Cinepax. On this occasion, Mr. Nouman Butt commented, “The exponential rise in the popularity of OTT platforms, and the need to access good quality content as an escape from everyday life, led us to this partnership. At Silkbank Credit Cards, we are always striving to offer convenience to our customers and serve them better.” Mr. Faisal Khalid, General Manager Digital Services at STARZPLAY by Cinepax, said: “This strategic partnership gives us a great chance to enhance our subscriber base and strengthen our vision of providing high quality entertainment for

From left to right: Hassan Javed, Adnan Khan, Nouman Butt, Kaleem Shaikh, Faisal Khalid

everyone.” STARZPLAY by Cinepax has also ventured into producing original series focusing more on the preferences and viewing habits of the local audience with recent titles such as the successful crime

series Karachi Division and comedy series Khel Tamasha. All-time favorites like Friends, The Vampire Diaries, the entire Harry Potter collection, and the complete Bond series are also available.

Wednesday, 15 December, 2021 | KARACHI

10 FOREIGN NEWS

PuTIn seeks ‘IMMedIaTe Talks’ wITh naTO On RussIa’s secuRITy MOSCOW

Agencies

USSIAN President Vladimir Putin told his Finnish and French counterparts on Tuesday that he wants “immediate” talks with the United States and NATO over security guarantees, the Kremlin said, as tensions mount over Ukraine. Putin “reiterated the need to immediately

launch negotiations with the United States and NATO in order to develop international legal guarantees for the security of our country,” the Kremlin said in a readout of the call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, with demands including stopping NATO from expanding further east and the deployment of weapons in neighboring states, including Ukraine. As of the phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, “the Russian president emphasized the impor-

Indian police probe Mother Teresa charity for ‘forced conversion’

tance of immediately launching international negotiations to develop legally fixed guarantees that would prevent any further NATO expansion to the east and the deployment of weapons to neighboring states, primarily in Ukraine, that threaten Russia,” the Kremlin said in a statement. Putin made a similar demand during virtual talks with U.S. President Joe Biden last week and in a phone call with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.

China urges US to stop driving wedge between Asia-Pacific countries

NEW DELHI AFP

WEB DESK

Indian police are probing a charity started by Mother Teresa, officials said Tuesday, in the latest example of growing pressure on Christians under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government. Authorities in the western state of Gujarat told AFP they were investigating whether the Missionaries of Charity forced girls in its shelter home there to wear a cross and read the Bible. Modi’s home state is one of several in Hindu-majority India where vaguely worded rules against “forceful conversion” have been put in place, or more strictly enforced, in recent years. District social officer Mayank Trivedi told AFP that his complaint to the police was based on a report by child welfare authorities and other district officials. According to the complaint, 13 Bibles were found in the library of the institute and girls staying there were forced to read the religious text. The Missionaries of Charity, founded in 1950 by the late Mother Teresa — a Roman Catholic nun who lived and worked in Kolkata for most of her life and won the Nobel Peace Prize — denied the allegations. Activists say that religious minorities in India have faced increased levels of discrimination and violence since Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014. In 2020, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom listed India as a “country of particular concern” for the first time since 2004. Modi’s government rejects having a radical “Hindutva” (Hindu hegemony) agenda and insists that people of all religions have equal rights. Activists say there have been more than 300 anti-Christian incidents this year alone. Last week, a Hindu mob of 200 to 300 people barged into a Christian school in Madhya Pradesh while students were taking their exams and pelted stones at the building, the school’s principal said. “We moved the children from the auditorium to another wing of the school. We kept them on the first floor and gave them extra time to finish the exam. But the students couldn’t write, they were crying and shivering,” Brother Anthony Tynumkal, principal of St Joseph School, told AFP.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Tuesday urged the United States to stop driving a wedge between Asia-Pacific countries. Wang’s remarks came hours after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced his concerns over China’s “aggressive actions” in the region during his visit to Indonesia. In a speech in Jakarta earlier in the day, Blinken also said the U.S. government does not want conflict in Asia, and would ensure competition with China does not veer into a “catastrophic” conflict. These claims, playing up the “China threat” on one hand and stressing no conflict with China on the other, were self-contradictory, Wang told a regular press briefing in Beijing.

7.3-magnitude quake strikes Indonesia, tsunami ‘possible’ JAKARTA AFP

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said, as monitors warned of the possibility of hazardous tsunami waves. The USGS said the quake struck around 100 kilometres north of the town of Maumere at a depth of 18.5 kilometres (11 miles) in the Flores Sea at 0320 GMT. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said: “Hazardous waves are possible for coasts located within 1,000 km (600 miles) of the quake epicentre.” The USGS said the chance of casualties was low, while noting that “recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis and landslides that might have contributed to losses”. Indonesia experiences frequent quakes and volcanic eruptions due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an arc of intense seismic activity where tectonic plates collide that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. Among Indonesia’s string of deadly quakes was a devastating 2004 9.1-magnitude tremor that struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including about 170,000 in Indonesia. The Boxing Day disaster was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. In 2018, a powerful quake shook the island of Lombok and several more tremors followed over the next couple of weeks, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa. Later that year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

They were not in line with the spirit of November’s virtual meeting between the two heads of state, nor would they be accepted by regional countries, he said. Claiming that it would play a constructive role in the peace and development of the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. side should stop drawing ideological lines, piecing together small circles and maneuvering for group confrontation, Wang said. He called for the U.S. to respect the efforts China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations members have made in promoting peace and stability in the South China Sea, and stop its saber-rattling by sending warships and planes to the region. “It should be a promoter of dialogue and cooperation in the region, instead of a troublemaker who drives a wedge between regional countries and undermines regional unity and cooperation,” Wang said.

Afghan father of US drone strike victim says ‘God will take revenge’ KABUL AFP

An Afghan whose daughter was among 10 relatives killed by a wrongly directed US drone strike expressed anger on Tuesday at Washington’s announcement that nobody would be punished for the deadly mishit. “God will take revenge,” said Aimal Ahmadi, 32, who lost his three-year-old daughter Malika and nine other relatives in the August 29 strike, which came as the US military scrambled to complete its withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Pentagon said on Monday that no US service member would face disciplinary action for what it called an “honest mistake” in wrongly identifying the family’s white Toyota car as an Islamic State target. “There was not a strong enough case to be made for personal accountability,” said spokesperson John Kirby. The drone hit came three days after an IS, also known as Dae’sh, suicide bomb attack at Kabul airport killed more than 150 people — including 13 US troops — significantly raising tensions in the evacuating force.

Asked by AFP if he felt angry, Ahmadi said: “Definitely… What if the US had lost a child? What would the reaction have been?” The Pentagon has promised to pay compensation and help relocate surviving family members but Ahmadi said the family had heard nothing directly from the US government or military. “We have only heard through the media… that they were sorry,” he said. Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Tuesday urged the United States to reverse the decision not to punish anyone. “If there is any justice and regard for human rights and respect for human dignity, then it’s their responsibility to punish the culprits and compensate the victims,” said Taliban spokesperson Bilal Karimi. Ahmadi’s brother Zemari, who also died in the drone strike, had been an employee of US aid group Nutrition and Education International (NEI) at the time. Last month, NEI founder and President Steve Kwon called the Pentagon’s investigation into the incident “deeply disappointing and inadequate”. Relatives of the family have previously said they want a face-to-face apology from US officials.

no us troops to be punished over deadly kabul drone strike WASHINGTON AFP

The Pentagon said Monday that no US troops or officials would face disciplinary action for a drone strike in Kabul in August that killed 10 Afghan civilians, including seven children. Spokesman John Kirby said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had received a highlevel review of the strike which made no recommendation of accountability. “He approved their recommendations,” Kirby said. “The secretary is not… calling for additional accountability measures.” The August 29 drone strike took place in the final days of the US-led evacuation of Kabul after the Taliban seized control of the country. US officials said they had intelligence of a possible Islamic State attack on the evacuation operations at Kabul airport, and launched a missile from a drone at a target that, in reality, was a family that included an Afghan man who worked for a US aid group. In early November an initial report carried out by the US Air Force inspector general, Lieutenant General Sami Said, called the strike tragic but “an honest mistake.” The review by Central Command head General Kenneth McKenzie Jr. and Special Operations Command chief General Richard Clarke made use of Said’s report and detailed recommendations on procedures for future drone strikes. But it made no call for anyone to be punished for the mistake. “What we saw here was a breakdown in process, in execution and procedural events, not the result of negligence, not the result of misconduct, not the result of poor leadership,” said Kirby. If Austin “believed . . . that accountability was warranted, he would certainly support those kinds of efforts,” Kirby added.

Wednesday, 15 December, 2021 | KARACHI

sPoRts 11

ClInICAl PAkIsTAn bEAT WEsT InDIEs In 2nD T20 kARACHI StAFF CorreSPondent

Pakistan on Tuesday defeated West Indies by nine runs in the second T20 International at the National Stadium in Karachi, winning the three-match series 2-0. Having won the first T20, the Men in Green thus won the three-match T20I series against the Windies with the final due on Thursday, December 16, in Karachi. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan handed West Indies a 173-run target

after a loss of eight wickets. During the first innings, West Indies bowlers were able to pick up quick wickets after they dismissed skipper Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman in the first few overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan scored 38 runs with the help of five boundaries, while Iftikhar Ahmed and Haider Ali managed to score over 30 runs reach. Pakistan scored 172-8 in their 20 overs after winning the toss, with Mohammad Rizwan (38), Iftikhar Ahmed (32) and

Haider Ali (31) amongst the runs. West Indies rode on a career best 67 by Brenden King while Romario Shepherd hit a 19-ball 35 not out but the tourists were stopped short of the winning target by Shaheen Shah Afridi who finished with 3-26. Pakistan won the first match by 63 runs. The third and final match is on Thursday, also in Karachi. Moreover, both sides will also play three One-Day Internationals on Dec 18, 20 and 22. For today’s match, Pakistan retained the same playing XI.

Muhammad Ali’s book on Pakistan sports history launched LAHORe BlAwAl Mir

Wasim disappointed with lack of crowd in first T20I against WI News Desk Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has raised his concern over the lack of crowd during the first T20I between Pakistan and West Indies at National Stadium, Karachi on Monday. Wasim showed his frustration and wrote: “Incredibly sad to see an empty stadium in Karachi for the #PAKvWIt20 [Pakistan-West Indies T20I] especially after the performance of Pakistan team in the last month. I’m pretty sure I know why but I want to hear from you! Tell me, where is the crowd and why?” According to a news outlet, the limited number of fans that were present at the venue complained about the huge delays they had to bear before the game started. Talking to media, one fan said that he had to wait more than three hours before he was provided with an update that the match will begin soon. Responding to this, Wasim emphasised that this is a concerning matter since these teams are playing international series and not some backyard cricket. Pakistan had defeated West Indies by 63 runs.

Emma Raducanu pulls out of Abu Dhabi event ABU DHABI AFP

US Open champion Emma Raducanu pulled out of this week’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi after testing positive for Covid-19, organisers announced on Monday. The 19-year-old Briton was due to face Olympic champion Belinda Bencic on Thursday in the exhibition tournament. Instead, Raducanu, who had already travelled to the United Arab Emirates, will now have to complete a period of isolation. Providing she does not experience any lingering illness, however, the world number 19 should still be able to travel to Australia ahead of the first Grand Slam tournament of 2022. “I was very much looking forward to playing in front of the fans here in Abu Dhabi, but unfortunately, after testing positive for Covid-19, I will have to postpone until the next opportunity,” Raducanu said in a statement released by the organisers. “I’m isolating as per rules and hopefully will be able to get back soon.” Raducanu, who became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam when she beat Leylah Fernandez in the US Open final at Flushing Meadows, has been working with new coach Torben Beltz ahead of what will be her first full season on the WTA Tour. The teenager will also be in isolation for Sunday’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year show, where she is up against Tom Daley, Tyson Fury, Adam Peaty, Raheem Sterling and Sarah Storey in the public vote for Britain’s top sportsperson of 2021.

Veteran journalist Muhammad Ali on Tuesday launched his book titled “Pakistan Sports and Heroes” at the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club in Lahore. Former Pakistan captain and legendary batsman Zaheer Abbas, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Lt Gen (r) Syed Arif Hasan, former hockey captain Akhtar Rasool Ch, tennis star Aisam-ulHaq Qureshi, hockey legend Dr Tariq Aziz, former cricketers Salman Butt and Muhammad Yousuf, and number of sportspersons, sports administrators, and journalists were present on the occasion. The book consists of approximately 400 pages and carries history of Pakistan sports with records and rare photos. It also contains individual profiles of all Pakistani sports legends from 1947 onward.

Addressing the participants at the ceremony, Zaheer Abbas praised the author for compiling the book and said: “I congratulate Muhammad Ali on writing the book that covers all sports and contains profiles of all Pakistani sports legends. The book will surely help players in learning from past sports events. ” In his speech, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi thanked the author for mention-

ing his achievements in the book. He said: “The book covers all sports, including tennis. And I am happy that Muhammad Ali has mentioned my achievements for the country in his book. It is a proud moment for me to sit with Olympians here at the ceremony as I have not represented Pakistan in Olympics yet. I congratulate the author on writing such a master piece.”

England captain Root backs Ashes flops Leach and Burns ADeLAIDe AFP

England captain Joe Root on Tuesday backed Jack Leach and Rory Burns to bounce back from dismal Ashes performances, as star all-rounder Ben Stokes declared himself fit to carry the fight to Australia. Root refused to rule out selecting spinner Leach in Thursday’s pink-ball Test in Adelaide, even though he conceded 102-1 from 13 overs as England stumbled to a nine-wicket loss in Brisbane. England controversially rested veteran quicks Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad for the first Test but Root said the pair were “fit and ready to go” in Adelaide. Leach’s meagre returns in Brisbane would normally see him dropped to make room in the attack, but England will want a specialised slow bowler for Adelaide’s traditionally spin-friendly wicket. “We’ve obviously got some big decisions to make,” Root told reporters in Adelaide. He said conditions did not suit Leach at the Gabba but Australia could pay the price if they continued to target him elsewhere. “I’m sure he’ll want to respond and he’ll want to get

back into the series and have an impact,” the England skipper said. “Some of the grounds that we will be going to from this point onwards should offer a lot more for him and bring spin into it as well.” Root also offered support to opening batsman Burns, who fell to the first ball of the series in Brisbane and then dropped a crucial chance from David Warner. “Rory is a very strong character, you can’t doubt that side of his game,” said Root, himself strongly criticised back in England after winning the toss in Brisbane and opting to bat first. “He’ll come back in and want a response and want to put some big scores on the board.” Stokes, who failed to fire in Brisbane — his first competitive match in six months after a break to deal with a finger injury and mental health issues — dismissed concerns a knee injury could keep him out of the second Test. “People will have seen me rubbing my knee from time to time when I was in the field, but rest assured I’m fine,” Stokes wrote in a column for Britain’s Daily Mirror. “It is an old injury that flares up every now and again, but I know how to manage it.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tariq Aziz said: “Muhammad Ali’s efforts are commendable as in his book, he has covered all achievements of Pakistani sports legends from 1947 to till date. The book will motivate young sports players by providing them a timeline of past sports achievements and profiles of sports legends. It will also serve as a reference book on Pakistan sports.” Journalist Rashed Rahman said: “I have read the book. It is a comprehensive book on history of Pakistan sports and legends. It is first of its kind as a single book on all sports was never written before.” The author thanked the speakers for their valuable comments on the book and all the guests for gracing the ceremony with their presence. He said it took him five years to compile the book, adding that he will continue his services to Pakistan sports.

Curry keys Warriors win, comes up short of record LOs ANGeLes AFP

The Golden State Warriors rallied late to edge the Indiana Pacers 102-100 on Monday as two-time league MVP Stephen Curry now sits just two three-pointers back of breaking Ray Allen’s NBA all-time record. Curry came into the game needing seven threes to break the milestone. He scored 26 points and drained five threes, and now needs just one to tie and two to break Allen’s mark of 2,973. Curry finished with six rebounds and six assists, but he also had seven turnovers. In 35 minutes of playing time, he shot five of 15 from beyond the arc in front of a crowd of 17,018 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse arena in Indianapolis. Curry and the Warriors got off to a slow start Monday, and Golden State trailed for most of the game. The Pacers led 55-47 at the half. Curry didn’t hit his first three until the second quarter and committed four turnovers in the first half as his teammates were trying to force the ball to him through the Pacers stifling defense. The three-time NBA champion Curry admitted after Monday’s game that the record has become a distraction for the team. “Let’s be honest,” Curry said. “There was a lot of hype around this record. It gets everybody rushing. We had to remind ourselves (how to play the right way).” Curry doesn’t have to wait long to get his next shot at the record, as the Warriors play the New York Knicks on Tuesday. “It will happen when it happens. I have respect for all great shooters that have come through the league,” Curry said after the game. “I just want to enjoy the moment because it has been a long time coming in terms of something I have been keying on for a while.” ‘Grind-it-out’: The Warriors are now 22-5 on the season and among the favorites, along with the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, to win the NBA title. Curry had just two threes in the first half as the Pacers blanketed him with their top defensive players. His first three of the game came off a 27-footer to cut the Pacers lead to 36-32 with 8:30 left in the second quarter. Curry made some clutch baskets down the stretch, scoring five of the Warriors’ final seven points, including his fifth and final three-pointer. He hit a 24-foot three with 84 seconds left on the clock to pull the Warriors to within two points, 102-100. He then sank two free throws to tie it 100-100 before Kevon Looney got the winning basket with 13 seconds to go. “It was a grindit-out kind of win,” said Curry, who missed a potential record-tying three-pointer in the final seconds. “We had a competitive spirit down the stretch and we got enough stops.” Andrew Wiggins scored 15 points for the Warriors, while Draymond Green gathered a team-high nine rebounds to go with 15 points.

wednesday, 15 December, 2021

prayer tImIngS

news

Pakistan set to welcome oic Fms at crucial moot ISLAMABAD

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AKISTAN is looking forward to welcoming the foreign ministers to Islamabad for the 17th Extraordinary Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers on Afghanistan on December 19, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Tuesday. The foreign minister, in a tweet, extended a welcome to the foreign ministers of OIC states who will be arriving in Pakistan for the upcoming meeting. Pakistan is in high gear to host the foreign ministers of the OIC countries, with

preparations underway in the capital ahead of the main event of December 19. As Pakistan continues with its efforts to uphold Muslim solidarity, the 17th Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) will focus on the urgent need to avert a humanitarian crisis and the economic collapse of Afghanistan. For the OIC CFM meeting, the Parliament House has been selected as the venue, where the plenary sessions will be held. On December 19, Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the event, to be attended by the OIC Secretary-General, foreign ministers of the Islamic countries and other international delegates.

The representatives from the United Nations system, international financial institutions, foreign and regional organizations and the non-OIC members have also been invited to attend the event. On December 18, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will host dinner for the visiting OIC foreign ministers. The print and electronic media, both local and foreign, have also paced up their momentum to highlight the importance of the upcoming OIC CFM’s Extraordinary Session, being held in the wake of a serious humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. For the facilitation of local and foreign journalists, the government has established two media centres, i.e., at the main venue

and at the hotel of stay of foreign media persons. According to UN estimates, 60 percent of Afghanistan’s 38 million people face “crisis levels of hunger” and that situation is getting worse every day. The World Food Programme has warned that 3.2 million children are at risk of acute malnutrition. According to UNHCR, 665,000 people have been newly displaced within Afghanistan between January and September 2021 – in addition to the 2.9 million people already internally displaced in that country. The experts believe that the advent of winter is further exacerbating the situation, which if left unattended, could aggravate a

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major humanitarian crisis. After Saudi Arabia convened the 17th Extraordinary Session on November 29 on the Afghan situation, the decision of Pakistan to host the event was bound by fraternal bonds of amity and brotherhood with the people of Afghanistan. In recent years, Pakistan has facilitated Afghanistan by opening new border crossing-points and operationalizing Torkham border on 24/7 basis, and waiving visa processing fee for Afghan applicants till December 31, 2021. After the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan has facilitated the evacuation of 80,000 individuals of 42 nationalities including diplomats, representatives of international NGOs, and media. At the OIC CFM meeting, the OIC and member states will galvanize other international actors to come forward and extend a helping hand to the Afghan people. The upcoming Extraordinary Session in Islamabad is expected to provide an opportunity to consider practical arrangements and concrete steps to help address the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people.

every action, work of government based on dishonesty, abbasi declares

Govt devises Pakistan’s first policy to grow hemp fibre

ISLAMABAD

SHEHRYAR AFRIDI HAD LAUNCHED HEMP POLICY FOR PRODUCTION OF HEMP FIBRE, CBD OIL ON INDUSTRIAL BASIS ISLAMABAD

A source in the ministry told Pakistan Today that the work on the formulation of hemp policy was started by outgoing Minister for Narcotics Control Shehryar Khan Afridi back in year 2020. The source said that Shehryar Afridi had also commenced work on growing CBD oil made of hemp. Both CBD oil and hemp fibre industry has capacity of around US$ 4 billion in Pakistan which is the best place for industrial production of hemp.

mIan abrar

Ministry of Science and Technology has formulated Pakistan’s first hemp policy for the cultivation of hemp fibre for medicinal and industrial use. Under the National Hemp Policy that has been forwarded to the federal cabinet for approval, a regulatory authority will be set up with one-window operation to facilitate the investors.

The source said that the idea of Shehryar Afridi was later materialised by the then minister for science and technology Fawad Chaudhry. Science and Technology Minister Shibli Faraz in a statement said that the government has been receiving uncountable applications for the cultivation of hemp leaves. In the first phase, he added 100 firms were given licences for the purpose. He said the hemp policy has been for-

Pakistan nationals in Omicron-hit nations allowed to return ISLAMABAD Staff report

Pakistan nationals residing in countries included in Category C of Omicron-hit nations are allowed to return before December 31, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) announced Tuesday, easing tough restrictions it had reimposed after the surfacing of the latest coronavirus variant. The federal body overseeing the response to coronavirus said travellers in possession of a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Pakistan Origin Card (POC) may choose to return by adopting adequate health protocols. The Omicron variant has been detected in several more countries, prompting nervous governments to impose tough travel restrictions to try to

keep it at bay while scientists race to establish how dangerous it might be. Last week, Pakistan extended the travel ban on nine more countries, adding them to the list of Category C countries in order to try to contain the spread of the variant. The new entrants to the list included Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, Ukraine, Ireland, Slovenia, Vietnam, Poland and Zimbabwe. Previous nations on the list were South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and Hong Kong. The health protocols require all passengers to be completely vaccinated with a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) report received a maximum of 48 hours prior to the departure. The passengers coming from countries hit by Omicron must undergo quarantine as a precautionary measure. For countries in Category B — Ger-

many, Trinidad and Tobago, Azerbaijan, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Russia, the USA, the UK, Thailand, France, Austria, Afghanistan and Turkey — all inbound passengers are required to be fully vaccinated. The NCOC last week said health authorities will also conduct random RAT testing of passengers coming from Category B countries. “RAT negative cases will be allowed to proceed. RAT positive cases will be quarantined for 10 days.” Visitors from countries in the Category A list are required to be fully vaccinated with the same PCR requirements as their counterparts in the B and C categories. In addition, transit flights arriving from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar will be subjected to screening to stop the potential transmission of the Omicron variant.

mulated in consultation with all the stakeholders, including the education, commerce and anti-narcotics ministries. The minister said boundary walls would be erected around hemp fields and CCTV cameras installed for their monitoring. He pointed out the policy has been devised for the cultivation of medicinal and industrial hemp. Shibli Faraza expressed the hope that the hemp policy will help cut down on the import of medicines and textile items. In Sept last year, the federal cabinet had green-lighted the issuance of a first licence for medical and industrial use of hemp leaves.

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Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday claimed every work of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is based on dishonesty. Talking to the media, the former prime minister said those who don’t care about the suffering of people should not be in the power. He further challenged the ministers and advisors of the government to name any work they have done for the relief of the people. PTI government is standing on crutches, he declared. Abbasi said that scandals are surfacing one by one but the chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has refused to break his silence on them. Abbasi said inflation, unemployment and poverty have increased due to which people are facing problems, adding that we are seeing these difficult days due to interference within the system.

Ranatunga urges PM Imran Khan to teach ‘misguided’ individuals to respect everyone ISLAMABAD Staff CorreSpondent

Sri Lankan cricketing great Arjuna Ranatunga has has expressed hope that Prime Minister Imran Khan “will be able to teach the few misguided individuals within the Pakistani community to treat everyone with the same respect and dignity that all human beings deserve”. In an emotional letter to “colleague and friend” Prime Minister Imran Khan in the wake of horrific lynching of Priyantha Diyawadanage in Sialkot, Ranatunga, who has played cricket alongside PM Khan, and has in the past expressed great regard for him, commended the prime minister for “the diligent efforts to bring justice to the barbaric, violent crime committed against Priyantha Diyawadanage”. “As you have reiterated in the media over the past few days, such violent, vigilante behavior should be condemned vigorously,” Ranatunga wrote. He followed by saying that it is important for everyone to understand that the violent behaviour was demonstrated by “a small por-

tion of the population” and that “a whole nation should not be judged on the actions of a few, especially considering the longstanding relationship between our two nations”. The 1996 World Cup winning Sri Lankan captain said that the bond between the two countries has “always been one of strength and solidarity”. “When Sri Lanka was once in despair, it was Pakistan that supported our soldiers, and in 1996, when other nations refused to come to Sri Lanka to partake in the Cricket World Cup due to the ongoing Civil War, Pakistan along with other Asian nations such as India stood by us and showed your support by coming to Sri Lanka with a collaborative Asian team,” he recalled. He reminded the premier that as a token of its gratitude for Pakistan’s continued support, “Sri Lankan cricketers have continued to participate in tournaments when other nations have refused to do so due to safety concerns”. Ranatunga, in continued appreciation of the prime minister, said: “You have always been unwavering in facing challenges whether it be on the cricket field or the political arena.”

Former US ambassador says ‘Pakistan is out of America’s do more pressure’ NewS DeSk Former US ambassador to Pakistan, Cameron Munter stated on Tuesday that Pakistan was out of America’s “do more” pressure. The former ambassador went on to add that it can serve as a key moment for the country. Munter, who is retired diplomat, now working as a global consultant, spoke at the Margalla Dialogue 2021 where he touched upon US-Pakistan relations. “It is crucial for Pakistan to focus on economic issues,” stated Munter. Munter stated that the US was directing its entire energy on tackling climate change, coronavirus, trade and digital governance issues. “The US is not looking at this region with the same perspective as Pakistan,” he said, adding that like Islamabad, Washington is also facing a host of problems. He further said that the US saw the prob-

lems of South Asia associated with terrorism and Afghanistan for the last two decades, adding that Washington’s present understanding of Pakistan is based on dated ideas. He also delved into international politics, saying that it was not possible to limit warfare to generals or diplomatic missions to ambassadors alone. “The foreign minister and diplomats are not just Pakistan’s representatives; its students, cricketers and teachers also represent the face of the country,” he added. While speaking about the US, he said it would be a mistake to consider the US too weak or present it as an all-powerful country. He further stated that “America’s defeat” in Afghanistan had changed the regional situation, adding that Pakistan was no longer under pressure from the US to “do more”. “It is a crucial opportunity for Pakistan, considering that it is no longer under America’s “do more” pressure,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan 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 antiAmerica 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 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.

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