Issuu

Sunday, 13 February, 2022 I 11 Rajab, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 226 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

OppOsitiOn accelerates effOrts tO Oust pM Khan g

Fazl phones zardari, meets Chaudhrys & seek support against imran khan

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

ith the calls of ousting prime minister imran khan and speaker national assembly asad Qaisar through an inhouse change, the opposition parties have accelerated efforts to materialise their plans. in a telephonic conversation, former president and pakistan peoples party (ppp) chief asif ali zardari saturday assured pakistan democratic movement (pdm) chief maulana Fazlur rehman that his party would not only fully back the no-trust-move against prime minister imran khan but it would also support a similar motion against speaker national assembly asad Qaisar. the ppp co-chairperson gave the assurance to Fazl when the latter called the former to inquire about his health. according to sources in the ppp, the

two leaders discussed the current political situation of the country and measures being taken by the opposition to oust the pti government through an in-house change. the former president assured the pdm chief that he stands with the opposition while Fazl shared that he would contact the government allies soon. separately, Fazl also visited the leadership of the incumbent pti government’s ally, pml-Q, in lahore. he met pml-Q leaders Chaudhry shujaat hussain and pervaiz elahi. sources said that Fazl asked the pml-Q to support the opposition in its no-confidence motion against the government. they added that the pml-Q leaders assured Fazl that they would soon summon a party meeting. Chaudhrys also told Fazl that they also would soon eb holding a meeting with opposition leader in the national assembly shehbaz sharif in this regard. “the current pti government has

cOrOnavirus in

paKistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

1,480,592

LAST UPDATED AT 7:30 AM ON FEBRUARY 12, 2022

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

3,019

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

1,370,693 29,731 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

556,772

494,238

KPK:

BALOCHISTAN:

208,817

35,017

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

41,740/11,116

132,892

wreaked havoc with the lives of the people with inflation,” Fazl was quoted as saying, adding, “this is the only government with which no one is happy.” “even the government’s allies are not happy with them,” Fazl told the pml-Q leaders. on the other hand, the Chaudhry brothers told Fazl that their party has had a “long traditional association” with the ppp and the Jui-F. “Whatever is better for the country we will decide soon,” said the Chaudhry brothers, but did tell the pdm chief that they do have some “reservations” with some opposition parties. Fazl’s call with zardari and meeting with pml-Q comes a day after he announced that the opposition alliance, pdm, has unanimously decided to move a no-confidence motion against the incumbent pti prime minister khan. Fazl made the announcement at a press conference flanked by leader of the opposition in the national assembly shehbaz sharif, pml-n Vice president maryam nawaz and leader of the opposition in the punjab assembly hamza shehbaz. Fazl said the alliance would approach the government’s allied parties to have them on board so as to acquire a voting majority in the national assembly — a prerequisite to bringing about a no-confidence motion against the prime minister. the pdm chief went on to say that all opposition parties that were present during the meeting have decided that this “illegal government should be sent packing.” minutes after the announcement, ppp Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-zardari said that the move will serve as a “victory for democracy.” taking to twitter, Bilawal wrote: “it is a victory for democracy that most opposition parties now agree to bring a no-confidence motion against the government. the pm has lost the confidence of the people, it is about time he lost the confidence of parliament.”

Breaking terroristssupporters nexus imperative to defeat terrorism: COAS Chief of army staff (Coas) general Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that breaking a nexus between terrorists and their supporters was imperative to defeat the menace of terrorism, according to the military’s media wing. the inter-services public relations (ispr) in a statement said the army chief visited panjgur district in Balochistan on saturday and spent the whole day with troops who repulsed a terrorist attack on security forces camp in the same area earlier this month. on arrival, the Coas was given a detailed update by the local commander on security situation in the area and response mechanism to effectively check emerging threats. While speaking to the troops, gen Qamar appreciated professionalism and effective response by the ground troops against recent terrorist activities. he emphasised on maintaining high standard of operational readiness to fail hostile efforts to destabilise Balochistan and ensure safety and security

NEPRA notifies tariff hike of Rs3.10 per unit national electric power regulatory authority (nepra) has increased power tariff by rs3.10 per unit on account of Fuel Charges adjustment (FCa) for the month of december 2021 for all the power distribution companies (disCos) except k-electric. according to nepra notification, this increase in power tariff will be applicable to all the consumer categories except lifeline consumers, while this hike in power price will be charged from the consumers in the billing month of February, 2022. nepra in its decision also directed the disCos that this increase in power tariff should be shown separately in the consumers’ bills on the basis of units billed to the consumers in the month of december 2021. similarly, the disCos should strictly comply with the orders of the courts. the concerned disCo will be held responsible for violating the orders of court(s), said nepra decision. according to sources, rs3.10 per unit hike in power tariff will cause an additional burden of approximately rs26 billion and 40 crore on already inflation-hit masses. actual fuel charge compo-

of local population. the army chief also paid tribute to shahuada [martyrs] for supreme sacrifice in line of duty for defence of the motherland. While interacting with the notables and tribal elders of panjgur, gen Qamar appreciated them for their support to law enforcement agencies in fighting the menace of terrorism. “Breaking nexus between terrorists and their sympathisers / support base is imperative for defeating terrorism,” the ispr quoted gen Qamar as saying. the army chief also assured local elders of military’s all-out support for creating environment for prosperity and development of the area particularly ensuring timely completion of ongoing socio-economic projects. the Coas said terrorists won’t be allowed to reverse the hard-earned gains irrespective of the challenges. earlier on arrival, gen Qamar was received by lieutenant general sarfraz ali, Commander Quetta Corps. Staff RepoRt

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

more inside

PM directs reopening of 0.23mn complaints on Citizen’s Portal STORY ON PAGE 02

nent for december 2021 was registered at rs8.6315 per kWh while corresponding reference Fuel Charges component was fixed at rs5.5347 per unit and fuel price variation for the month of december 2021 stood at rs3.0968 per unit. in order to make adjustments in the approved tariff of the disCos due to variations in the fuel charges for the month of december 2021, necessary information as to the details of the actual fuel charges was obtained from the Central power purchasing agency (Cppa).

the authority conducted the hearing in the matter on February 01, 2022 at nepra headquarter and on the date fixed for hearing, representatives from Cppa, national power Control Center (npCC), media and general public were present. however, no representation was made from Wapda power privatization organization, sui southern gas Company limited (ssgCl), sui northern gas pipelines limited (sngpl) and ministry of Finance despite serving the hearing notice. ahmad ahmadani

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Qureshi questions ministries’ performance evaluation criteria STORY ON PAGE 03

Pakistan questions US move of giving half of $7b Afghan funds to 9/11 victims STORY ON BACK PAGE

Sunday, 13 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

PM dIrectS reoPenIng of 0.23Mn coMPlaIntS on cItIzen’S Portal ISLAMABAD

APP

RIME Minister Imran Khan ordered the reopening of 0.238 million complaints received on the Pakistan Citizen’s Portal (PCP) with the direction to hold a review of cases under supervision for disposal on merit. According to a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), a total of 1.5 million complaints were received on the forum in 2021. Of them, 238,098 were earmarked on the basis of public feedback for reopening to the respective authorities for review and effective resolution. The prime minister directed the federal secretaries,

Islamabad shootout leaves Police officer martyred ISLAMABAD StAFF rePort

A Sub-Inspector of Islamabad Police was martyred in an exchange of fire with unidentified suspects in a four-wheeler near the Bhara Kahu neighbourhood on Saturday. According to a police spokesperson, the incident began when assailants aboard a vehicle opened fire at labourers working at a society and injured three of them. “The police on being informed regarding the incident chased the vehicle and intercepted it,” the spokesperson said, adding: “After an exchange of fire between the two sides, subinspector Liaquat Ali sustained injuries and later died while he was being shifted to a medical facility.” Another policeman and one of the suspects also sustained bullet wounds. The suspect was later arrested. “However, the other accomplice was able to escape,” the spokesperson said. The injured and body were shifted to the hospital for treatment and medico-legal formalities. Islamabad Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Faisal Kamran who later detailed the entire episode said it was a result of an old enmity between the two parties. “One of the suspects is arrested in injured condition,” he said adding that driver of the vehicle who shot SI Ali is currently at large. “We have obtained CCTV footage of the entire episode,” he said.

Sindh govt lifts ban on student unions NEWS DESk The Sindh government on Friday approved a bill to lift the ban on student unions at educational institutes in the province. With the development, Sindh became the first province in the country to legalize student unions after a ban of 38 years. While many student organisations from across the province welcomed the development and touted it as a “historical move,” others expressed their reservations due to the implementational uncertainties about the bill. Former military ruler General Zia-ul-Haq had imposed a ban on student unions 38 years ago, barring young knowledge-seekers from exercising their right.

provincial chief secretaries and police chiefs to hold exclusive meetings with the heads of the concerned agencies and assign the respective caseload of complaints being reopened with specific instructions to review the same in their supervision for disposal on merit. It was further directed that purpose of the review should not be merely increasing positive feedback rather actual disposal of issues/complaints while strictly adhering to the merit/rules and regulations. “Responsibility, in the case of each organization/department/formation, shall be entrusted to a senior officer to supervise the review activity at all levels,” it was added. Two sets of complaints/issues which were directed to be reopened/reviewed including a total of 11,4918

complaints in which relief was granted, whereas 123,182 other issues in which grant of partial relief was indicated. In the first category, complaints selected for reopening included those which had been closed under the status of ‘relief granted’ wherein the citizens had denied the same by posting negative feedback. While the other set of complaints selected for reopening/review pertained to the category where partial relief was granted. These warranted either to update the citizens about further progress in their cases if required or forward the same if it involved the role of any other department organizations, the contents of the letter said. The PMO further said that out of these total complaints, 107,000 were related to the federal departments/organisations, 80,000 to Punjab, 27,000 to

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 15,000 to Sindh, 3,000 to Balochistan, 11,00 to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 400 to Gilgit-Baltistan which would be subjected to further review. The public had posted their concerns on PCP related to municipal services, power and gas, communication and education sector.

Clean water project gets clean chit from junior court LAHORE inP

An accountability court in Lahore declared the Saaf Pani project of former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) government in Punjab, once subject of a much-hyped National Accountability Bureau (NAB) probe on corruption and gross mismanagement charges, “clean and transparent”. In its detailed 23-page verdict released on Saturday, Judge Sajid Ali Awan ruled that no violation or illegal activity could be proved in the investigation.

A few days ago the court had acquitted 16 persons, including Punjab Saaf Pani Company’s (PSPC) former chairperson and PML-N leader Raja Qamarul Islam, in the corruption reference pertaining to irregularities in the public sector company. The judge declared that all relevant rules and laws were followed in executing the project right from the beginning to its completion. Whatever changes were made to the project were made after formal approval from the relevant committees, he added. All the changes were aimed at improvement in the performance and for

the benefit of the public, the judge said, adding the committees also had ensured to avoid any cost escalation. The verdict also set aside the prosecution’s argument that the Saaf Pani Company rented the third floor of a plaza belonging to former chief minister Shehbaz Sharif’s son-inlaw Ali Imran but never used it while paying the rent in advance. The court observed the company did use the property and its administration retained the agreement with some changes. Last month, the judge acquitted 16 persons, including the company’s former chairperson and PML-N leader Raja

Qamar ul-Islam, in the reference. Islam was the prime suspect in the reference, which the anti-graft agency filed in December 2018 against 20 persons. He was arrested by the NAB in June 2018 but was released on bail granted by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on January 30, 2019. The NAB claimed that Islam, being chairman of the company, was involved in awarding contracts of 84 water filtration plants at inflated prices. It said the suspect got the contracts of 102 plants approved by the company’s board of directors and committed forgery in the documents.

Pakistan’s first woman string theorist: ‘Sky is limit for girls in science’ LAHORE AnAdolu Agency

Pakistan’s first woman scientist to earn her PhD in the cutting-edge world of string theory is urging girls nationwide to pursue a career in science with “every field open to them”. Speaking exclusively to Anadolu Agency to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which falls on February 11, Tasneem Zehra Husain said it was not easy for her to pursue a scientific career “as I had no inspiration to look up to and in schools and even college, teachers especially made science subjects very dry.” An eminent theoretical physicist who is also a literary enthusiast, Husain studied mathematics and physics at Kinnaird College before completing her master’s degree in physics from the Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad. “I was a keen observer of puzzles. Growing up, I used to get bored of things very easily,” she explained. She recalled how, when she told her father in the seventh grade that the curriculum in school had gotten “very dry,” he advised her to study for the O-level exams. “That was an interesting thing for me,” she said. O-level exams are subject-based academic qualifications for students in several countries, including Pakistan. They correspond to grades nine and 10, the first two years of high school. Husain is a doctoral alumna of Sweden’s Stockholm University, where she studied theoretical

physics and won a scholarship to further study the field of high-energy physics. “When I was doing my post-doctorate, I helped the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) in establishing a School of Science and Engineering. But the biggest dilemma in our country is that all of our bright students have to go outside of the country to pursue a stable career,” Husain told Anadolu Agency. Even while diving deep into string theory, a scientific model seeking to explain all of the physics at a fundamental level in an ambitious “theory of everything,” Husain did not abandon her love of literature, and managed to write her first novel, Only the Longest Threads. That book was about the defining moments in which new scientific theories affect the understanding of the universe, and she is now working on a follow-up. More FLeXibiLity: According to a report in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association (JPMA), observations from 2019 found that 85,000 female doctors are not working in the field, despite government and health institutions’ public awareness campaigns. Husain stressed that there is no limit to what women can accomplish in the field of science, but stressed that the academic system needs be more flexible towards women according to their expertise. “You can see doctors. So many of them don’t work after marriage because a woman after the marriage has to carry a child physically, and that affects her health,” she explained.

India border guard seizes 11 Pakistan fishing boats NEW DELHI Monitoring rePort

Indian border patrol said it seized 11 fishing boats belonging to Pakistan fishermen near the western state of Gujarat. The Border Security Force (BSF) claimed in a statement the boats and fishermen had intruded into the Indian territory. A Hindustan Times report said three fishermen have also been apprehended. Fishermen of the two countries are often jailed for accidentally crossing into each other’s territorial waters as fishing boats usually lack the technologies to locate exact positions. Last month, Islamabad and New Delhi exchanged a list of fishermen languishing in each other’s jails.

Covid-19 booster eﬃcacy wanes significantly by fourth month: study WASHINGTON AFP

The efficacy of third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines wanes substantially by the fourth month after administration, a new study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. Though it’s now well documented that vaccine efficacy goes down after two doses, relatively little has been published on the duration of protection after a booster. The new study was based on more than 241,204 visits to the emergency department or an urgent care clinic, and 93,408 hospitalisations, which are more serious, among adults with Covid-19–like illness during August 26, 2021– January 22, 2022. Vaccine efficacy was estimated by comparing the odds of a positive Covid test between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients and using statistical methods to control for a calendar week, geographic area, while adjusting for age, the level of local transmission, and patient characteristics like comorbidities. During the Omicron-predominant period, vaccine efficacy against Covid-associated emergency department or urgent care visits was 87 percent during the two months after a third dose, but fell to 66 percent by the fourth month. Vaccine efficacy against hospitalisation was 91

percent in the first two months, but fell to 78 percent by the fourth month after a third dose. “The finding that protection conferred by mRNA vaccines waned in the months after receipt of a third vaccine dose reinforces the importance of further consideration of additional doses to sustain or improve protection,” the authors concluded. Speaking at a White House Covid briefing on Wednesday, President Joe Biden’s top medical advisor Anthony Fauci said it was likely that fourth doses would more likely be needed for subsets of people who mount weaker immune responses, such as the elderly and immunocompromised. New aNtibody authorised: In a separate development Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorised a new lab-grown antibody treatment by pharmaceutical company Lilly called bebtelovimab. The drug is administered as an intravenous injection over at least 30 seconds and has been green-lighted for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Covid among people 12 and over at high risk of severe disease. Data supporting the authorisation came from a clinical trial that showed the drug has strong promise against Omicron. Lilly’s previous antibody treatment was de-authorised by the FDA after it was found to be ineffective against this variant.

Sunday, 13 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

Qureshi questions ministries’ performance evaluation criteria

NEWS DESk

OREIGN Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Saturday questioned the performance evaluation criteria of federal ministries. The foreign minister wrote a letter to Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Shehzad Arbab, expressing grave concern over giving the foreign ministry 11th place in the performance evaluation. He said the foreign ministry had met 22 of the 26 targets and 18 of the 24 targets set out in the performance agreement, adding that his ministry had also carried out highlevel initiatives. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs raises concerns about the grading system. It should be made clear whatever system was used to grade ministries,” wrote Qureshi in a letter

adding that no issues were raised concerning the ministry’s work. Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shehzad Arbab Saturday took to Twitter to respond to the objections. “I am glad that the Performance Agreements have generated a debate and discussion on targets, completion of tasks and accountability for public sector institutions,” he wrote. “While politics, and the larger political economy contexts ultimately plays a part in how well received reforms and related successes are- especially what kind of narratives are built around it through various mediums,” he added. “The underlying theme is that for the first time ever in Pakistan, people are now talking about properly planned, monitored and executed public sector reforms. The

PaJccI demands alternative mechanism to eIf, e-form AzIz BuNERI The Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PAJCCI) on Saturday welcomed the temporary waiver of Electronic Import Form (EIF) and demanded an alternative mechanism. The PAJCCI recommended that EIF and E-form requirement suspension should remain in place till the government devises an alternative mechanism. The federal government has suspended the EIF and E-form requirement for trade with Afghanistan for 45 days in the wake of Dr Moeed Yusuf’s recent visit to Afghanistan. The PAJCCI said that it was a big relief for the business community of both countries PAJCCI said that it will continue to facilitate both governments for a sustainable relationship via profitable business activities and stresses the need of developing cohesive policy for trade with Afghanistan and not to lose this opportunity to revive the economy on both sides. “The strong economy will be beneficial for both sides, raising the wellbeing of people, becoming strong trade partners leaving little or no space for hostile economy and illegal activities,” the PAJCCI said in a statement. The PAJCCI strongly urges the government to set up one window facility for all matters relating to trade with Afghanistan. The statement said that one window facility is necessary to provide information and carrying out necessary tasks for investments, joint ventures, barter trade, resolution of issues, innovative approaches to increase trade volume, trading in local currency, abolishing unnecessary documentation, use of technology for tracking and scanning of goods vehicle and visa facilitation for Afghan investors while adhering to security protocols.

ISLAMABAD Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) posted 7% growth in its revenues, owing to growth in Broadband and Corporate & Wholesale business segments.. The company has announced its annual financial results for the year 2021 at its Board of Directors’ meeting on February 10, 2022. Once a completely state owned enterprise. PTCL was privatized by selling 26 per cent stakes to Etisalat with the management control back in 2005 at the price of $2.6 billion. PtCL GrouP: PTCL Group posted a revenue of Rs138 billion in the year 2021 which is 6.3% higher as compared to 2020. PTML (Ufone) also posted a revenue growth of 4.3% despite stiff competition in the market. While UBank continued its growth momentum and achieved 8.4% growth in revenue. Overall, PTCL Group posted a net

Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation Sania Nishtar, Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari, Minister for Industries and Production Khusro Bakhtiyar,

KP to borrow loans from ADB in euros instead of dollars AzIz BuNERI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to borrow foreign loans in euros instead of dollars from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), mainly due to the steady fall of rupee against US dollar. An agreement has also been reached with ADB and now the bank will provide loans to KP government in euros for the largest urban development project. According to KP Local Government Department sources, the government has finalized the arrangements for borrowing the biggest loan of the province, $655 million, from the ADB. A loan of $400 million was also requested for the second phase of KP Cities Improvement Project. The KP government has so far received a total of $1.5 billion but due to the falling rupee against dollars,

it was extremely difficult for the government to repay the loan in dollars. Thus, the government has requested ADB to provide loans for the project in euros instead of dollars, which the bank has approved. The Economic Affairs Division has sent the Ministry of Law’s revised legal opinion on the loan agreement to the ADB and requested the bank to start the process of paying the loan of 529.50 million euros. The PC-1 of the project has already been approved and it has also completed the identification of subdevelopment projects, after which the process of disbursement of loan will begin. The provincial government has approved PC-1 of Rs99 billion for the first phase of the urban development project, of which Rs94 billion will be paid by the ADB and Rs5 billion by the KP government.

Police identify body of individual killed by siblings in Peshawar NEWS DESk The police have identified a severely mutilated and burnt body, which was found at Scheme Chowk in Peshawar a few days ago, according to Express Tribune. The body has been identified as Peshawar High Court (PHC) lawyer Taif Khan. According to the police, the brother and sister of the lawyer conspired and later killed their sibling over a dispute of Rs1.4 million. The police said two other female suspects, accused of being involved in the murder, have also been arrested while a special team has been formed to investigate the matter. One of the accused women had called the PHC lawyer to the crime scene. The advocate was first drugged and then later killed. His car was also later set on fire.

Broadband and Corporate Services push PTCL’s revenue up by 7pc AhtASAM AhMAd

process will evolve, people will understand it better in time, institutions will adept to it better and champions will emerge, some of whom we saw. Reform is never easy and is never meant to be absorbed and welcomed by all but it is necessary,” he added. “Performance Agreements are also about how well public sector institutions adept to target oriented and performance based systems and the sustainability will ensure that the people of Pakistan benefit from an efficient public sector,” he concluded. Earlier on Thursday, the PM had awarded ten ministers with appreciation certificates for their outstanding performance. Those who received the certificates from the PM included Minister for Communications Murad Saeed, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar,

profit of Rs 2.6 billion. PtCL (PareNt CoMPaNy): PTCL continued on its growth trajectory in 2021. PTCL’s revenue of Rs 77 billion for the year 2021 were 7% higher compared to 2020, mainly driven by Broadband and Corporate & Wholesale business segments. PTCL registered the highest Fixed broadband Sales and Net Adds in 2021 since 2015, which allowed PTCL to grow in the broadband business segment. PTCL, the largest player in the Fiber-ToThe-Home (FTTH) market, had the highest Net adds within the FTTH market in 2021 making it fastest growing as well. The company has posted operating profit of Rs 4.2 billion, a growth of 21% compared to 2020. While the net profits were up by 14% to Rs 6.9 billion as compared to last year. The company is upgrading its existing infrastructure and network, besides expanding FTTH across the country in a bid

to monetize on the opportunity created by the digital shift of the economy. Furthermore, the company posted a strong performance in Corporate and Wholesale segments that reflects a policy move to focus on the growing of businesses for connectivity. PtCL CoNsuMer busiNess: During 2021, the company’s Fixed Broadband business grew by 11.7% YoY, whereas PTCL IPTV segment also grew by 13% YoY. Within the broadband business, PTCL Flash Fiber, the company’s FTTH service, showed a tremendous growth of 61.5%, whereas PTCL CharJi /Wireless Broadband Segment grew by 16.5%. Voice revenue stream continued to decline on account of lower voice traffic and the ongoin conversion of customers to OverThe-Top (OTT) services. busiNess serviCes: Business services segment continued its momentum sustaining market leadership in IP Bandwidth, Cloud, Data Center, and other ICT services segments. PTCL’s Enterprise business grew by 10% as compared to last year, while Carrier and Wholesale business continued its growth momentum and achieved 9% overall revenue growth. Similarly, international business growth was recorded at 4%.

NEWS

Advisor on National Security Division Dr Moeed Yusuf, Adviser on Commerce Razak Dawood, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, and Minister for National Food Security Fakhar Imam.

PM grants three month extension to nBP President arif Usmani SHAHzAD PARAcHA The Prime Minister has approved a three month extension for National Bank of Pakistan President Arif Usmani. According to sources, the PM has approved the summary sent by the Finance Division asking for a three month extension for the NBP president. His three year term was due to expire on February 12, 2022. The incumbent government had initially appointed him back in February 2019 for three years. According to sources the government is yet to initiate the hiring process for a new president.

remittances decline by 5pc in January 2022 MONITORING REPORT State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Saturday shared data showing remittances sent home by Overseas Pakistanis in January 2022 declined by 5 per cent compared to January 2021. According to data, workers’ remittances clocked in at $2.14 billion in Jan 2022, above the $2 billion mark for a 20th consecutive month. During the current fiscal year in the first seven months (July-Jan), remittances rose to record $18 billion, 9.1 per cent higher than the same period last year. The SBP said remittances declined by 5 per cent compared to Jan 2021, “partly reflecting an easing of travel restrictions”. Compared to the previous month, remittances fell by 14.9 per cent due to “seasonality”, it added. The data showed the inflows from Saudi Arabia were at $540 million, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) $374 million, the United Kingdom (UK) $320 million and the United States (US) $208 million.

Sunday, 13 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

04 NewS

iran developing despite sanctions: Hassan noorian KARACHI: Hassan Noorian, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan's economic hub, has said that in the 43rd year of the Islamic Revolution's victory, despite eight years of war, economic sanctions and political pressure, the Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved great success in various walks of life. According to a statement issued by the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi on the 43rd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Consul General Hassan Nourian said that February 11 is the day of victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. “Iran is celebrating the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution despite thousands of ups and downs in the path of the people,” he said. Iranian Consul General Hassan Nourian said that since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution movement, the Iranian nation has had a number of goals, including independence and Islamic rule. “These are goals and demands that are deeply rooted in the hearts of the Iranian people. Despite many conspiracies and obstacles, the Iranian nation has achieved its goals and is now on the path to progress. He added that in the 43rd year of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, despite eight years of war, economic sanctions and political pressure, the Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved great success in various walks of life”. pR

Sadequain remembered on 35th death anniversary LAHORE: To commemorate the memory of legendary artist and poet Sadequain on his 35th death anniversary, a panel discussion was organized by 101 Legends of Pakistan. The ceremony was held under the aegis of the banner sponsored by 101 incredible women of Power and The Sadequain Foundation USA. Under discussion came the specific style adopted by Sadequain Sahab in his works. Moreover, a documentary on him was also presented by the title Sadequainism to pay tribute to the legends, living or those who have passed away is the motto of this organization. This great event ended with a book launch on Sadequainism that got presented to distinguished guests. The panelists included Shahnawaz Zaidi, former Principal College of Arts & Design PU; Zulfiqar Ahmed Zulfi, executive Director, Lahore Arts Council; Israr Hussain Chishti, Chairman Department of Graphic Design, PU; Javed Sahab, Senior Artist & Curator of Coopera Art Gallary, The Mall and artist Mrs. Riffat Qazi. The guests included Kazim Khan, President CPNe; Tahir Sarwar Mir, Senior Journalist Art & Culture; Ahsan Asif, Artist; Muhammed Ramzan, Owner of ejaz Galleries; Naeem Saqib, Sr. Journalist & CeO ‘Suraj TV; Mohiuddin, Senior Artist and Jahanzeb Baig, entrepreneur. NewS DeSk

BuSineSS coMMunity neeDS to capitalize on inveStMent opportunitieS in aJK: SarDar QayyuM ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

RIMe Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sardar Abdul Qayyum has said that Azad Kashmir offers massive investment opportunities in tourism, mines & mineral, hydel power and other sectors and urged that investors of Islamabad should capitalize on these potential opportunities while his government would fully facilitate them. This was stated by him while addressing the business community during his visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) on Saturday. Chairman, AJK Board of Investment Sardar Amjad Jalil also accompanied him. Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi said that in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, promoting the economy of AJK was a key agenda of his government. He said that a new Special economic Zone was planned in AJK under CPeC in addition to Mirpur

and Bhimber economic Zones and investors of this region should take benefit of these facilities for investment. He said that the Tourism Authority was being formed in AJK to promote the tourism sector, which has already provided 8000 jobs and the business community of Islamabad should identify sites for investment and his gov-

ernment would provide them all possible facilitation as their investment would bring progress and prosperity to the region. He instructed the Chairman AJK Board of Investment to keep in liaison with ICCI to facilitate its members for JVs and investment in AJK. The AJK PM also briefed the business community about the 76 years old issues of Indian Held Kashmir and thanked Pakistani leadership, nation and diaspora for observing Kashmir Solidarity Day this year with unprecedented zeal and fervour to send a strong message to the world community. Chairman AJK Board of Investment, Sardar Amjad Jalil assured the business community and he would keep in touch with ICCI and would extend maximum facilitation to them for taking benefit of business and investment opportunities in AJK so that they could play role in the economic development and jobs creation in the region. Speaking at the occasion, President ICCI Muhammad Shakeel Munir said

that many members of ICCI were keen for JVs and investment in Azad Kashmir to contribute towards the economic development of the region and AJK government should offer them attractive incentives. He reiterated that the business community of Pakistan would continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir till the time they get the right to self-determination. Chairman Founder Group, Mian Akram Farid said that a Committee should be formed comprising representatives of ICCI, AJK Investment Board and Mirpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry that should work to promote investment from this region in AJK. He said that the hospitality sector has huge potential in AJK and the government should focus on its better development. Jamshaid Akhtar Sheikh Senior Vice President, Faheem Khan Vice President ICCI, Zubair A. Malik, ejaz Abbasi, Khalid Iqbal Malik and others also spoke at the occasion and expressed keen interest to invest in AJK.

SHO among five killed in Nawabshah firing over property dispute NAWABSHAH Staff RepoRt

Five including a police official were killed and seven others in firing of armed members of a community on rivals over property and agricultural yield dispute here on Saturday. According to details, Zardari, Bhand and other communities of Kaccha area of Nawabshah were in dispute over property and crop dispute. Armed men of Zardari community opened fire at members of Bhand tribe killing and injuring several of them. When police reached the scene, the culprits started firing at police also

killing Station House Office (SHO) Hameed Khuso. The police official among five people was killed and seven others were injured in firing of armed men of Zardari community. The bodies and injured were shifted Qazi Ahmed and Nawab Shah Peoples Hospitals where Amin Bhand was referred to Karachi while condition of two others was also stated to be critical. Heavy contingent of police reached the scene of firing and took over the control of area. Meanwhile, a case was also registered against armed men involved in firing and raids were being conducted for their arrests.

Channel gets PEMRA notice after chat show panel throws innuendo at minister ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PeMRA) served a showcause notice on a news channel after commentator guests and anchor at one of its chat show programmes hurled suggestive innuendos at the prime minister and a member of his cabinet. While handing performance awards to his top-performing ministers on Thursday, Prime Minister Imran Khan singled out for particular praise Murad Saeed whose Ministry of Communications sat atop the list of top 10 best performing government divisions. During a commentary session later that day, analysts at G for Gharidah, flagship programme of otherwise lesserknown News One channel, questioned the government’s decision to award Saeed the honour, making several disparaging and suggestive remarks about the minister and insinuating other factors behind the award than his ministry’s performance while anchor Gharida Farooqi apparently made no real effort to stop them from doing so. PeMRA observed that the “unprofessional/demeaning remarks” were aired without any editorial control or timedelay mechanism in place. Airing such remarks “raises serious concerns on the performance of [the]

Sindh places head money on suspect in Dua Mangi kidnapping KARACHI Staff RepoRt

channel’s editorial policy and gatekeeping tools being adopted/practiced”, it added. The regulator said the remarks were in “sheer violation” of Pakistan electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002, as (Amendment) Act, 2007, several clauses of the electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct, 2015, and the orders of the Supreme Court in a 2018 case. It further directed the management to respond within four days as to why legal action — including a fine, suspension and revocation of licence along with other measures — should not be initiated

CMYK

against the channel. The CeO or an authorised representative was directed to appear before the body at its headquarters in Islamabad on February 15 with a written response. “In case of non-compliance, ex-parte legal action shall be taken against the licensee in accordance with relevant provisions of PeMRA Laws,” the notice warned. Farooqi landed in hot water in 2017 when police recovered from her residence in Lahore a young girl purportedly employed as a housemaid, and who her father said was being held captive against her and her family’s will.

Sindh government decided to announce head money on Zohaib Ali Qureshi, prime suspect in the 2019 kidnapping of a young girl, who escaped from police custody in January. In December 2019, Mangi, then 20, was snatched by men in a car from a street in the Defence Housing Authority neighbourhood of Karachi. She returned home a week later but her kidnappers are still at large. Sindh police chief Mushtaq Mahar will write a letter to the provincial home department, recommending a reward of Rs5 million for anyone who assists police in the arrest of Qureshi. The police decided to announce head money to take help from the public after the suspect was able to flee from the police custody owing to the negligence of the court officials. The accused was in police’s custody and was presented before the court in the kidnapping cases before he fled from a shopping mall in the Tariq Road neighbourhood, a police spokesperson told the media.

Sunday, 13 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

WCLA COmPLEtES 40% REStORAtiON WORK ON ShivALA tEmPLE SiALKOt LaHore

Re-polling in 13 KP districts for LG polls today Re-polling at different polling stations in the 13 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for local government polls will be held on today. Earlier this month, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had announced a schedule of re-polling as it was suspended or could not start during the first phase of local body elections due to riots and vandalism. The voting will start at 8am and will continue till 5pm without any interruption. A total of 710,472 voters – 362,924 male and 347,548 female – will exercise their constitutional right. According to the ECP, in neighbourhood council three, a total of 12,913 voters will cast a ballot. There is a total of 9,322 voters registered in NC Qadirabad, out of which 4,864 are males while 4,458 are female voters. As per ECP, re-polling will also be held in the male polling booth of NC Afridi Garhi, where a total of 1,970 voters are registered. There are 1,621 female voters registered in NC Khyber Zanana who will cast the vote.

Breaking terroristssupporters nexus imperative to defeat terrorism: COAS continued from page 01 Earlier this month, security forces killed 20 terrorists in clearance operations after they attacked two security camps in in Naushki and Panjgur districts of the province, the ISPR had said. Nine security personnel were martyred while repulsing the attacks, it added.

NEPRA notifies tariff hike of Rs3.10 per unit continued from page 01 During the course of NEPRA hearing on FCA of December 2021, Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) submitted their written comments regarding higher monthly FCAs and termed the same as unreasonable and unjustified. GCCI accordingly requested a review of these high FCAs. GCCI also questioned subsidies and increase in taxes. However, the Authority observed that a major portion of the generation basket is based on imported fuel, which in turn is dependent on fuel prices in the international market and exchange rate parity. The primary reason for recent higher monthly FCAs is due to increase in prices of different fuels in the international market and devaluation of Pakistani rupee. Regarding concerns raised by GCCI on subsidies and taxes, the authority noted that the same does not fall under the purview of NPERA. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 31(7) of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act 1997, (NEPRA Act) read with the mechanism formula determined by the authority in the tariff determinations for DISCOs notified in the official gazette, the authority (NEPRA) has to make adjustments in the approved tariff on account of any variations in the fuel charges on a monthly basis.

shahab omer

HE Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has completed 40 percent of conservation and restoration work on the 1000 years old Shivala Temple in Sialkot. The Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Department Government of Punjab had assigned this task to WCLA, Pakistan Today has learnt. It was further learnt that the cost of the project was 24.73 Million rupees and the restoration work is to be completed in 2022 by WCLA, which is the executing agency. Constructed on the orders of Sardar Teja Singh, Shivala Teja Singh Temple is dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva, in Sialkot in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Pilgrims climb a steep staircase to reach the temple, which according to ‘History of Sialkot’ is about 1,000 years’ old. The temple was sealed in 1947. The Evacuee Trust Property Board, which looks after the holy places of minorities in Pakistan, had opened Shivala Teja Singh Temple after the partition on the demand of the local Hindu community. The temple was partially damaged during attacks on temples in

reaction to Babri Mosque in 1992. The official of WCLA informed Pakistan Today that initially the 3D laser scanning of the temple was done through professional equipment only available with the Walled City of Lahore Authority in the government sector. “Through 3D scanning, the actual mapping and documentation of the temple was done by WCLA’s team for the first time. The entire space and structure has been damaged and covered by wild vegetation which the WCLA team has removed to clear the

area and structure,” the official said. Director Conservation and Planning WCLA Najam Usaqib said that the wild growth and vegetation was an issue which has now been removed to help start the work on the site. “We used sand blasting technique to clean the structure of the temple and this was done for the first time on this structure. The surface treatment of the temple was done along with strengthening of the vaulted roof. There were beautiful fresco remains inside the temple which were restored and lime plaster work has also been

done,” he added. He added that the flooring of the temple was also conserved and repairs were done. “We will be illuminating the temple and carry out electrical work on site. Seepage was one of the major issues at this temple and we have treated that successfully. Consolidation of the entire structure has also been done by the WCLA team to keep the structure of the temple intact,” Najam added. Director General WCLA Kamran Lashari while talking to Pakistan Today said that the government of Punjab is working on the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to promote religious tourism in Pakistan. “This is a great effort by the Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Department to take up the conservation of Temples and Churches in Punjab. We are honored that WCLA has been selected as the executing agency for this work,” he added. Lashari said that WCLA is working on other minority sites too and these will be completed by 2022. “In my opinion, heritage has no boundaries and religion, therefore whatever is in Pakistan is ours, and to save it is our responsibility. This Shivala Temple is a beautiful piece of the past and I am hopeful that its conservation will bring it to life,” he concluded.

Strong Pakistan guarantor of occupied Kashmir’s independence: AJK president iSLamaBad app

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry Saturday said a Pakistan strong from every aspect was the guarantor of Kashmir’s independence from Indian occupation. “Pakistan would raise the issue of Kashmir in a full and effective manner at the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting to be held here next month,” he said in an interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan. He said: “Atrocities against innocent civilians in occupied Kashmir is a disgrace on the face of India. The Hindutva ideology of the ruling party in India has been exposed the world over.” “They have taken heinous measures aimed at suppressing the struggle for self-determination in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and changing the proportion of the Muslim population.” He observed India had imprisoned the entire leadership of the Hurriyat Conference and unfortunately great leaders of the freedom campaign including Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Ashraf Sehrai were “martyred in the custody of Indian forces”. Chaudhry said the government of Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly reacted to the Indian government’s August 5 move. Kashmir issue will be raised at every forum of the world, he vowed.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan raised the issue of Kashmir during his address to the UN General Assembly and during his visits to foreign countries. He said that India has increased oppression and barbarism in the occupied valley. The president said that after the decision of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and consultation with the Kashmiri leaders, a massive rally is being organised in Islamabad on February 24 to highlight the Kashmir issue at the international level. He said the rally will be taken out from National Press Club to D-Chowk in which a large number of Kashmiris including leaders of religious and political parties of Azad Jammu and Kashmir besides leaders of APHC will participate. The rally will end at D-Chowk where Kashmiri leaders will address the participants and highlight the issue, exposing India’s worst state terrorism in occupied Kashmir. The rally will be attended by people from different walks of life.” He said that after India’s illegal move on August 5, due to the efforts of the Foreign Office, the Kashmir issue was discussed three times in the UN Security Council and the Secretary General said the Security Council Resolutions were still in effect. On October 26, a briefing on Kashmir was held in the British Parliament in which 45 members of Parliament were present who assured that they would urge the UK prime minister and foreign secretary to use their influence to resolve the issue.

Chaudhry said the Indian government has been working to change the proportion of the Muslim population in Occupied Kashmir and has so far issued local domiciles to millions of Hindus. After the abrogation of Kashmir’s demographic status, Modi’s regime wanted to appoint a Hindu chief minister in the valley. He said that due to Kashmiri migrants, the Kashmir issue is being highlighted at the international level. The All Parties Conference has also decided to hold International Kashmir Conferences in Brussels or London besides Islamabad and Muzaffarabad. To a question, the president said that minorities including Muslims are not safe in India and now there is talk of independence in different provinces, minorities of India are fighting for their rights and Modi is trying to suppress them. He said that Pakistan had raised the issue of Kashmir in OIC meetings and other international forums in the past and it would take up the issue of Kashmir in full at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of Islamic countries in Islamabad in March this year. Since the Government of Pakistan has played its role at the international level, it was expected that it would continue to play its role. The president also appreciated the digital campaigns being launched across the globe who played a significant role in highlighting the issue of Kashmir and mobilizing youth.

UK Pakistan Business Council throws birthday bash for Sahibzada Jahangir London staff report

A birthday reception was hosted here for Sahibzada Jahangir, Advisor to PM Imran Khan on Trade & Investment in the UK & Europe, by UK Pakistan Business Council at Royal Nawab. Sahibzada Jahangir has turned 75. The Dinner was attended by over 500 guests who had travelled from all over the UK to attend. Glorifying tributes were paid to the Sahibzada at the gala dinner attended by former minister Syed Zulfi Bukhari, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Moazzam Khan, UK property tycoon Aneel Mussarat, among others. Ambassador Moazzam Khan, in his speech said that Sahibzada Jahangir is a hugely popular and respected leader who the Pakistani community in the UK trust and respect for his honesty, humbleness and services to the them. Aneel Mussarat, UK property tycoon, said, “The biggest gift Imran Khan has given to me was introduction to Sahibzada Sahab

whom we all call Chico bhai,”. Mussarat said that Sahibzada is a fatherly figure, best friend and a mentor. “Each day I have so much to learn from his wisdom and experience. He is an extremely humble loving man. I have travelled the world with him. Would not let a poor pass by without helping him. His loyalty to Imran khan is impeccable and unprecedented. He is just a loving soul. A true living legend,” he added. Zulfi Bokhari who is on a visit to UK said that Chico Uncle’s loyalty to Imran and services to the community are unmatched. “He is a valuable asset of PTI,” he added. Both sons of Sahibzada called their father an inspiration for all. Joking about his health, they said that he at this age was doing what they can’t at their age. His granddaughter Sirine Jahangir, 16, who was semi finalist in “Britain Got Talent” said that her grandfather is the most loving man on the planet. Sirine, who lost eyesight at the age of 8, said Sahibzada was responsible for injecting in her “never give up spirit”.

Present on the occasion was entire PTI UK leadership including Rana Sattar, President PTI UK National Body and Aslam Bhutta, Secretary General among others. Bhutta called Sahibzada not only the guardian of the party but of all the community of UK. Nasir Mir, Deputy Secretary of PTI OIC termed him as an University where there is so much to learn. Business community leaders, Lord Mayors, Parliamentarians, Pakistan High Commissioner were also present including Lord Zameer Choudhry, Chairman of Bestway PLC, Asif Rangoonwala, Chairman, Pakistan British Foundation, Judge Ahmad Nadeem, Iftikhar Majeed, Chairman of Pin Property Group and other dignitaries. Cake cutting ceremonies took place in the many cities of the UK and Europe and today Sahibzada Jahangir’s birthday was celebrated in Lahore at Punjab Overseas Commission head-office and cake was cut by Makhdoom Tahirul Hasan, Special Assistant to PM on Overseas and Dr Shahid Hussain, Vice Chairman of OPC.

cmYK

06-07 Comments 13 February 2022_Layout 1 2/12/2022 11:38 PM Page 1

Sunday, 13 February, 2022

06 COMMENT

Kashmir at the tipping point

Preparing for no-confidence move

Modi has only made mattersworse

Opposition has a tough task ahead

he PDM announced that it is going to table a notrust motion against the PM, which is one of the recognized ways to send the government home. As the opposition doesn’t have the required 172 votes it intends to seek the help of the government’s coalition partners and even appeal to the PTI’s MNAs to support the move. PML(N) President Shehbaz Sharif has already met the MQM leadership while PPP co-Chairmen Asif Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have called on the PML(Q)’s top leadership. While Nawaz Sharif was initially reluctant to support the move, he too has put his weight behind it. As the PDM is yet to form a committee to win over the PTI allies and dissenters. It is not known when the no- trust motion is going to be presented. Government leaders, including the Interior and Information Ministers for have ridiculed the move and predicted its failure. The no-confidence move is predicated on the supposition that the establishment is no more backing the PTI government after the row over the appointment of the new ISI chief. The results of the countrywide by elections and the Local Government polls in KP last year are cited to prove that the establishment has become neutral. Some of the statements issued by PTI allies are considered as more evidence of differences between the government and the establishment. There is however no clear evidence yet to show why the establishment would support a move to remove the PTI government before it completed its tenure. The opposition’s past performance does not inspire much confidence in its performance. Despite enjoying majority in Senate, it could not stop the pasage of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Amendment Bill, 2021. Opposition leaders have frequently claimed that several PTI legislators were willing to jump the ship without any proof to support their claims. PTI allies have no doubt voiced grievances and have even momentarily flirted with the opposition but have continued to be a part of the government. Some of the PTI legislators have at times criticised the performance of their government but continue to support it. While the opposition talks about a no-confidence move, PM Imran Khan, who has a lot at stake, would be taking measures to remain in power. It remains to be seen if the opposition can outmanoeuvre him this time.

MuhaMMad Ragheeb-ud-din

he conflict in Kashmir is one of the oldest running “frozen conflicts'' in the world that has now been ongoing since 1947. It has led to two major wars, played a major role in a third, and been involved in constant clashes and near conflicts between two nuclear armed countries of India and Pakistan. The tensions were at their highest in the 1950s,1960s and 1990s but have cooled down in the 21st century after the Musharraf regime’s overtures for peace and reconciliation with India. however, since the arrival of the Modi regime in India, tensions over the issue escalated again and reached a dangerous level after the Indian government abrogated the special status of Kashmir and made it a part of the union of India as a federally administered territory. The current BJP administration fosters a desire to turn India away from its secular republic roots into a hindu nationalist one, and Kashmir being the only Muslim majority state in the union, was always a target for the Modi government. The 2014 and 2019 election manifesto of his party included the abrogation of special status for Kashmir, and that promise was fulfilled on 5 August 2019. The move abolished Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, which granted Kashmir autonomy and special rights, and also split the region into two federally administered territories called Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. Unlike states which have their own assemblies union territories are federally governed meaning what little autonomy Kashmiris had was also taken away altogether. Pakistan has strongly protested against this blatant violation of UNSC resolutions. The Foreign Minister has written around 27 letters to the UN Secretary General, President UNGA, OhChR and high Representative of european Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy regarding the alarming human rights situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir which warrant investigation by a UN Commission of Inquiry as recommended by the OhChR in its reports of 2018 and 2019. Since 2019, the Indian government has proceeded to take several steps to strengthen its grip on the region. It has followed a strategy of land occupation in two steps in order to dilute the ethnic mix of the region. Firstly it has allowed the Indian army to declare any region as of strategic value and acquire it from the government in the Kashmir region for utilization against Kashmiri rebels. Secondly it has allowed nonresidents to purchase land in the region which they

Union ban lifted in Sindh

he Sindh Assembly voted on Saturday to lift the ban on student unions. Just how historic the measure is, can be gauged from the fact that it is being lifted after 38 years, having been slapped suddenly in 1984. That ban had been countrywide, but its lifting is just in Sindh. however, though there is clearly an element of politics in this, as the PPP is ruling Sindh and the PTI the Centre and the other provinces, this stp should pave the way for a countrywide restoration. Some would say the step was overdue. The role of student unions in developing leadership cannot be ignored, though they got out of hand,and student leaders began to flout duly constituted authority. even now, there are some senior politicians who first made their mark as student leaders.PML(N) leader Javed hashmi was President of the Punjab University Students Union, while party General Secretary Ahsan Iqbal was President of the UeT Students Union. They had both been affiliated to the Islami Jamiat Tulaba (IJT), but had gone into the PML(N). The Jamaat Islami had particularly benefited from its student wing. The present Amir and Secretary General are both former heads of the IJT. The IJT had gained a reputation for strong-arm tactics, but it was countered in Karachi by the All-Pakistan Muhajir Students Organization (APMSO). The latter actually gave birth to the Muhajir Qaumi Movement,thus providing the sole Pakistani example of a student organization producing an adult party. The previous manifestation of student unions showed that problems arose when teachers allied with student organisations for their own purposes. So long as this abuse is guarded against, as well as any others, student unions not only provide a healthy outlet for youthful energies, but provide a track by which those so inclined can get into politics. even for those young people who do not become parliamentarians, the early experience of politicking, whether it be campaigning, designing posters, putting them up, or acting as polling agents, is useful for adult life, when they might have to play those roles, but in parliamentary elections. The major parties still have their student organisations. They must not be allowed to fall into the temptation of exploring them.

The world needs to step in

attia MunaweR

ShOCKING example of how extremist hindus in India have made life difficult for Muslims came to light on Tuesday in the state of Karnataka, where Muslim students have been banned from wearing hijab in educational institutions. After the ban, when a student named Muskan Khan came wearing a hijab, a mob of hindu goons surrounded her on the college premises and proceeded to jeer at her while chanting slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ (hail Lord Ram) instead of being afraid of them, this courageous student shouted Takbir and kept on moving, constantly raising the cry of ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is great). It has always been the case that when oppression becomes unbearable, then a single voice emerges that changes the course of history. The faint voice that emerges in the beginning becomes so

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

It seems as if the BJP leadership has realized that the international community has given up on the Kashmir cause and that the Pakistani government is unable to do much, hence it can continue to act with complete impunity with no external or internal pressure. As another 5th of February has passed, marking the Kashmir solidarity day, it can only be hoped that a miracle happens and the situation reverts at the very least back to what it was before the abrogation of Article 370

The writer can ragheeb40@gmail.com

reached

Muskan a symbol of resistance

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

could not earlier as well, as issuing 4.2 million domiciles to non-Kashmiri residents in a bid to change the demography of the region. The justification given for these changes is to increase industrial productivity of the region by encouraging Indian companies to buy land and open factories in the region as well as benefit landowners by increasing property prices but the large- scale shifting of people shows that the real intentions are political rather than economic. The Modi administration has also deployed hundreds of thousands of troops and declared emergency in the region. The initial crackdown by the government led to 519 people killed at the hands of security forces, mostly in extra judicial operations and fake encounters as well as during detention and interrogation. More than 210 people were killed during “cordon and search” operations carried out by the military on the pretext of anti-terrorism operations. Over 1400 people were illegally detained, tortured and forced to confess as reported by international and local media. The use of pellet guns against protesters has been especially well documented. Journalists, especially those from Kashmir, were also targeted and suffered detentions and torture. The entire Kashmiri leadership as well was imprisoned and the death of Syed Ali Shah Gillani in prison highlights the brutal repression carried out by the Indian government to achieve its goals. The lockdown also had devastating effects on the region’s economy leading to losses of $9.5 billion due to restrictions on movement, businesses and the closure of the internet. With the freedom movement brutally suppressed and the Indian government now seemingly in control of the region, it seems as if the future of Kashmir and its people depends on internal politics of India rather than on any external factors. The reinstatement of

Kashmir’s special status requires the BJP to lose its government in India and for Congress to regain power in the 2024 elections since the latter has always been more accommodating of the Kashmiris’ right to autonomy and of Muslims in general in India, compared to the hindu extremists that dominate the BJP. The existing setup has no intention of stopping its drive to change the ethnic and political makeup of the region. By 2024 it may be too late to reverse the changes even if the government in the centre changes since those who have bought lands and received domiciles will remain in the region and ensure that any future assembly formed through elections in Kashmir is more representative of the BJP’s desires. The reopening of economy and tourism has allowed some sense of normalcy to return and for people to earn a livelihood. Massive increase in economic investment has also been witnessed after the end of the state of emergency. The people of Kashmir have shown great valour in continuing to resist despite the brutal repression of the state and have refused to give up their struggle be it unarmed or armed, but at the moment there appears little space in an increasingly aggressive Indian regime for any note of dissent from the region. It seems as if the BJP leadership has realized that the international community has given up on the Kashmir cause and that the Pakistani government is unable to do much, hence it can continue to act with complete impunity with no external or internal pressure. As another 5th of February has passed, marking the Kashmir solidarity day, it can only be hoped that a miracle happens and the situation reverts at the very least back to what it was before the abrogation of Article 370.

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

strong that the system of oppression and tyranny disappears. It is clear that Muslims have always been discriminated against in India, but since the advent of Modi, the hindutva mainstream has become more widespread than ever before and life has been made indigestible especially for the Muslims. every day Muslims are being persecuted on one pretext or another. hindutva thugs are brutally persecuting Muslims with the support of the state but no one is ready to stop them. In India, it has been made difficult for Muslims to live, and government policies and decisions are being made in such a way that no one but hindus can live in India. While the freedom and human rights of minorities are being snatched away during the BJP rule, the doors of education and educational institutions are being closed on Muslim students and women who want to get education while wearing veil and hijab, which is gross cruelty and abuse. This abuse should be stopped. Not all Muslim female students in India come to educational institutions with hijab and veil but those Muslim female students who want to enter schools, colleges and universities to study in the hijab, their paths are being blocked and restricted by extremist activities. This is one of the most difficult times for Indian minorities, especially Muslims, but in this difficult time, the face of secular India is being exposed to the world. however, hatred against minorities other than Muslims is also being raised at the state level in India. The courage of Muskan Khan against this extremist attitude should be commended as she has done something alone which millions of people may have not done, but what will be the effects of this incident? Will it be easier for Muslims to live according to their religion and culture on Indian soil? The oppression and violence perpetrated by the Indian government against the Muslims and the barbarism that the people of Indian-Occupied Kashmir are facing are being voiced by the world as well as within India itself. The world will not be able to remain a silent spectator for long, it will have to end its indifference. Muslim countries will also have to raise their voices together. If the rulers of the Muslim countries are not ashamed and their dormant consciences are not awakened

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

in spite of Muskan’s courageous stance against extremism, then one after another more such incidents will take place. The warnings are already being given that India is rapidly moving towards a situation where there is a danger of escalation of anarchy in India. It is somewhat encouraging that voices are being raised from different parts of the country against extremist incidents in India but due to the patronage of the government, no government body has been able to take any concrete action against hindu extremist groups. In this situation, India’s minorities are looking to the international community and international organizations to take notice, and action may be taken to stop the cycle of extremist atrocities, but the international community does not seem willing to take any such action against India because the economic interests of the world are connected with India. how long will the world remain silent at the atrocities perpetrated on Indian Muslims and Kashmiris? It is a crucial test for the world powers to take action against the mob harassing a sole Muslim female student and the government that is patronizing them. At present, the incidents of Indian extremism seem insignificant to the world, but on the day when these incidents will cause major problems, the entire international community will be making a noise. A hijab-wearing Muslim female student has become a symbol of protest against Indian extremism and has shaken the international conscience. The United Nations and other major international bodies should take immediate notice of this incident and demand from the Indian government to protect the rights of minorities, and not encourage and protect such extremist groups who are also trying to snatch the right to live from others. It has always been the case that when oppression becomes unbearable, then only one voice emerges which changes the course of history. The faint sound that emerges in the beginning becomes so strong that the system of oppression disappears. Muskan Khan’s voice seems to be taking a similar turn which has encouraged Muslims as well as a large number of hindus to raise their voices. The writer tweets at @AttiyaMunawer and can be reached at attiabutt121@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

06-07 Comments 13 February 2022_Layout 1 2/12/2022 11:38 PM Page 2

Sunday, 13 February, 2022

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

Lawmaker or lawbreakers?

Fifty Years of Japan-Bangladesh Relations: Development, Assistance And Economic Ties Both countries are important for each other Mehjabin bhanu

eBRUARy 10, marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Bangladesh-Japan diplomatic relations. Despite the huge differences in economic positions, the strong desire to strengthen the existing good relations and the close cooperation between the governments and peoples of the two Asian countries was reflected in the various arrangements for the celebration of the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Japan's friendly state relations with Bangladesh began with the recognition of Bangladesh on 10 February 1972, but it began almost a hundred years ago. Japan has had very good relations with the Bengalis since before the formation of independent Bangladesh. At one time many people from this part of India used to go to Japan for technical education and that trend continues to this day. even during the liberation war of Bangladesh, the friendly attitude of Japan has played a very helpful role. To help Bangladesh, the Japanese students stood by Bangladesh at that time, saving their tiffin money. And soon after independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman paid a fruitful visit to Japan to keep this relationship beautiful in 1973 which laid the rock-solid foundation of the bilateral relations between the two countries. Subsequently, during the tenure of different governments, the Government of Bangladesh maintained good relations with Japan. even after independence, every head of government who came to power in Bangladesh visited Japan. The Bangladesh Bank (Central Bank of Bangladesh) has already introduced a number of Tk50 commemorative silver coins marking a half-century of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Japan, and sell each coin for Tk5,000. The Japanese embassy in Dhaka has published a commemorative photo book on the historic visit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan on the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries. At present, the investment of Japanese companies in Bangladesh is increasing. Along with various types of investments, Bangladesh is also receiving a lot of direct assistance from the Japanese government. Just as various products are imported from Japan, the export of Bangladeshi products to Japan has also increased. An analysis of the economy and trade shows that this type of Bangladesh-Japan relationship has reached a new level in investment and trade. Although economic cooperation and bilateral trade interests predominate in the modern stage of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the foundations of the present relationship are deeply rooted. Among the OeCD member countries, industrialized Japan was the first to recognize Bangladesh. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh paid a

visit to Japan in 2019. Prime Minister Sheikh hasina reached Japan on May 28 in the first leg of her 12-day tour of Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland. The object of her Japan visit was to join the summit of Future Asia, but in a real sense, it was a bilateral tour. During this visit, Japan has agreed to invest heavily in the communication and power sectors of Bangladesh. Among these, Bangladesh has signed agreements with Japan for several other projects, including Matarbari and Seaport Development Project and Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Line-1. Work on several projects has already begun. Notable among them is the construction of a 1200 MW power project in Cox's Bazar area with the help of Japan. In addition to these, there are indications that a number of larger investments have been made by Japan. As a potential hub of the regional economy, Matarbari Port would connect South Asia and South-east Asia. In other words, it could reshape Bangladesh as a trading nation deeply incorporated in the inter-regional and global value chains. Whereas in 2008 and then 2010, about 70 and 83 Japanese companies respectively were operating in different types of business and trade in Bangladesh, this number has increased at a huge rate till last 2021. At present, about 321 Japanese companies are working in Bangladesh. The popular Japanese motorcycle brand honda has set up a factory in Bangladesh. At the same time, another Japanese brand yamaha’s factory is being built by the ACI group in collaboration with the yamaha Corporation. On the other hand, Japan Tobacco, a national tobacco producer, bought Akij Group, a very old tobacco business in Bangladesh. In this tobacco project, Japan Tobacco has invested about $147.6 million in Bangladesh. In addition, Nippon Ispat, a steel producer, is setting up a joint venture with McDonald's Steel Building Products, a local company. According to the data of Japan, by the end of 2018, various Japanese companies have invested about ¥ 1.75 billion in Bangladesh. Just as the Japanese have a strong role to play in the development of Thailand and Malaysia, it is hoped that the Japanese will continue to be interested in investing in Bangladesh. This investment and trade of Japan and Bangladesh is not only one-sided. According to the data, in 2018, Bangladesh exported goods worth about $117 million to Japan, which was about 23 percent more than the previous year. On the other hand, about $187 million worth of goods were imported to Bangladesh from Japan at the same time. Since its independence, Bangladesh has become the largest recipient of Japan's official development assistance (ODA). The construction of the Kanchpur, Meghna, and Gumti second bridges and the rehabilitation of the existing bridge project are excellent examples of the Japanese ODA. Those bridges have significantly reduced the travel time between Dhaka and Chattogram. Bangladesh earns a large amount of foreign exchange by exporting manpower. however, in this regard, Bangladesh's manpower export to

Japan is quite disappointing. The number of Bangladeshis in Japan is very low where many people from other countries are constantly going to Japan. however, one of the main reasons is the lack of skilled workers. Most people in Japan who go to work from different countries have a lot of skills in that particular job. Since then, the Bangladeshi manpower has not yet acquired such skills. Also learning Japanese is very difficult for Bengalis. According to the media report, in the Japanese Fy2020, the government of Japan provided ¥373.2 billion ($3.423 billion) to Bangladesh as project loans and financial assistance for covid19 countermeasures. This amount means that Bangladesh has become the largest recipient, overtaking India, on a single Japanese fiscal year basis for the first time in the history of the yen loan. The Japanese government has decided to provide $9 million to assist WFP and IOM for their operations in support of Bangladesh. Among the assistance, approximately $ 4.55 million will be provided to WFP to develop agricultural infrastructure, strengthen market linkage with rural farmers and improve the food value chain in Cox's Bazar, Ishwardi, and Patuakahali districts The government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have contributed to the development of Bangladesh through loans, grant aid, and dispatch of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in various fields, including education, health, water/sanitation, and agriculture. Japan is the largest export market for Bangladesh in Asia. Over the last 10 years, the export figures have doubled and reached $1.2 billion. The main export items are textiles, ready-made garments, and leather products. These sectors will continue to secure a significant position, and the key is to establish the brand image by increasing productivity and assuring better quality. Pharmaceuticals, agricultural and fishery products, and the food industry have high potential. Bangladesh’s marvellous mangoes are yet to enter the Japanese market. Once exported, Bangladesh's mangoes and lychees will undoubtedly be popular among Japan’s consumers. Japan and Bangladesh can work together in the sectors of Rohingya refugee crisis solution, expanding of blue economy, countering terrorism and other issues.The government of Japan has decided to extend an emergency aid grant of $2 million for the support of the displaced "Rohingya" in Bhasan Char. Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh hasina on February 8, sought Japan’s support for an early voluntary and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland Myanma,r as Dhaka and Tokyo share common views on resolving the crisis. One day, the bilateral cooperation would turn into bilateral strategic ties. Prime Minister Sheikh hasina said already that the solid foundation of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan is poised to be raised from 'comprehensive partnership' to 'strategic partnership' in the near future. The writer is a freelance columnist

The past is not retrievable but provides good feedback for the future if one is willing to learn from mistakes. however, our politicians tend to do exactly the opposite. They never seem to learn from their past mistakes but instead of looking forward always try to dig into the past to fix blame on others. Our leaders should act upon the advice of Confucius who said that leaders should fear abandoning their actions that yielded no results. On the contrary, our leaders keep doing the same while expecting different results. They are so hardened in their ways that they don’t realize the faults in their actions. Our economy has been on the decline for decades but every government that takes power blames its predecessors for ruining it. Ironically, while each government puts all the blame on past governments, they never change the course and keep committing the same mistake. I wonder how do they expect different results if they keep doing what their predecessors were doing? The selfish and myopic policies of our politicians have gradually brought us to a point where life for the middle and lower class has become impossible. high inflation, low employment, and non-existent health, education, and security by the government have made life impossible for the common man. Instead of realizing the gravity of the situation, our politicians have gone so far long in their animosity for each other that they have turned the sacred house into a battleground where physical violence and worst severing is being witnessed by the nation. One feels ashamed to see this behaviour of our politicians from all parties. If our political leadership does not realize the gravity of the situation and work together to bring the country on the path of economic strength, we will keep seeing the blame game while the country disappears into oblivion. RAJA SHAFAATULLAH ISLAmAbAd

Transgenders protection centers A few months ago, the first transgender protection centre was inaugurated in Islamabad. Thereafter, it was announced that similar protection centres would be established countrywide along with schools for the transgender community. Although these efforts are laudable, there is a chance that such efforts can further isolate the transgender community. In our society, people view transgender individuals in a negative light and regularly subject them to degradation and humiliation. Therefore, separate schools for trans individuals will further isolate them from the wider society paving the way for gender discrimination. Instead of creating separate spaces for the trans community, the individuals should be welcomed in the mainstream educational institutes, workplaces, etc. To change this discriminatory perspective, we need to start from our homes. We should teach our children to treat them with respect and good behaviour. The government should instruct the teachers to inform the students about the basic rights of transgenders according to Islamic teachings and our constitution. This will bring some change to people’s mindsets. In addition, the gender section in employment forms and other paperwork should include the option of transgender as well. The government should reserve a quota for jobs for trans individuals in different employment positions and departments. So, that they can become independent and support their families. Most of the time, parents abandon transgender children because of the shame and stigma prevalent in our society. Therefore, there is a pressing need to implement steps to de-stigmatise the transgender community and welcome them into society. GULSHAn mUSTAFA KARAcHI

Decline of reading culture IN the current era, with the rise of technological innovations and gadgets, the interest in buying books has come to an alarmingly low level. In the past, curiosity about buying books was very strong everywhere but this desire to read stuff in hard copy has borne a titanic hit. It has disappeared in the nick of time as soon as android mobiles and all-in-one tools have appeared. The current trends of mobile abuses have robbed people of many valuable things like unions of family, important traditional social gatherings wherein flow of wisdom lies, attention and care about parents and obedience and so on. From top to bottom, every single person is absorbed and trapped in the net of excessive mobile use. This sorry state of affairs saddened me to the core when I went to buy books from a shopkeeper in my city. I asked him, “Why don’t you bring in new books for sale ?” he replied,” People do not have time to read hard books, since it is the culprit mobile which is keeping them away from buying books from us.” Apart from other serious effects of android mobile phones, even it has dealt a death blow to businesses of those whose livelihood is dependent upon them. The shopkeeper feared that he might put an end to the business of selling books due to the minimum sale of books. Sadly, our society has become so dependent upon technology that it has lost the value of real gems that pave the way for great wisdom in every age of man. excessive use of mobile phones has shrunk modern minds. The obsession with frequent checking of updates causes effects on minds. Rude behaviour, lack of attention to household chores and aggressive attitude among them are common. On the other hand, book reading is such a pleasure which encourages cognitive development and prevents distractions, like mobiles do, from occuring. Nowadays, mobile has taken the place of very important things in life. A few years back, people used to take a deep interest in writing books and developing the creative approach to hard material, but at the present moment, people have everything at hand and they are not required to work hard and use their energy and make optimum of their mental and physical strength. In consequence, headaches, lethargy and health problems are commonplace things. hence, everything is plain. It is strongly advised to the young generation that they ought to direct their efforts towards useful things and make the most out of books in hard copy. By doing so, they will be in a position to avoid distractions, save book reading culture and value relationships. In this context, Albert had rightly said, “I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” AbdUL QAdEER SEELRO LARKAnA

Sunday, 13 February, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

NixoN iN ChiNa: are there lessoNs for today’s leaders? HIS BIOGRAPHER, RICHARD REEVES, RECALLED THAT NIXON BELIEVED THERE WOULD EVENTUALLY BE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE US AND CHINA, AND IN THAT SITUATION, THE OUTLOOK FOR THE US WAS GRIM FiNaNcial times

JaNE PERLEz

PICTUre of confidence, richard Nixon strode down the stairs of Air Force One after landing in Beijing on a brisk winter morning in February 1972 and stuck out his hand so fast it was impossible to miss the goodwill. There to greet him was premier Zhou enlai and an honour guard of Chinese soldiers. Nixon had arrived in what his right flank in the republican party considered enemy territory. There were no crowds, as there had been for the visit of ethiopian dictator haile Selassie, months earlier. And, beneath the cheery demeanour, Nixon was nervous, unsure. he had received no word about a meeting with Mao Zedong, the leader he had come to visit. A photo with Mao was essential for Nixon’s planned geopolitical tour de force — the US and China teaming up against the Soviet Union. When the two leaders eventually met, Mao was on his best behaviour. he regaled Nixon with aphorisms and jollied him with the remark that he liked “rightists”. The encounter set in train a rapprochement that shifted the global balance of power, with Washington and Beijing on one side of the ledger and Moscow, alone, on the other. Fifty years on, Nixon’s adventurous diplomacy is as relevant as ever. In what seems reminiscent of the old China-Soviet Union axis, presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are finding common cause as the Ukraine crisis heats up. They met for the 38th time last week. The world is again being carved into competing blocs. how they align or balance against each other will define the century. But it is China in the driving seat at the moment. A nod from America is no longer required, or desired. I beat richard Nixon to China by five years. A group of 50 Australian university students of mixed ideological backgrounds — and some, like myself, with none in particular — arrived in early 1967. The Cultural revolution, that we later learnt claimed millions of lives, was in full throttle. We saw Mao at his worst. Massive demonstrations denouncing “running dogs of capitalism” filled the

streets of the cities. Factories were idle, the countryside in upheaval. Mao’s foreign minister, Chen Yi, with apparently nothing better to do, met us in the Great hall of the People and tried to humour us with interpretations of Mao’s “thought”. Later, Mao cruelly demoted him. On our last day in China before crossing the border back into hong Kong, several of us snuck into a crowded stadium in Canton, now the powerhouse city Guangzhou. Two men and a woman in their sixties, who were described to us as bourgeois “revisionists”, stood on a podium, their heads bowed. Thousands of people yelled slogans and several excited red Guards harangued them. They were then escorted out a side door and taken off for what we knew must have been a terrible fate. That taste of China implanted in my head its size, importance and the power of the Communist party to mobilise people. I sensed there was no way China was going to stay in a Mao-induced impoverished, chaotic condition. From that experience, I also saw the origins of the propaganda machine Xi harnesses daily to stoke brittle nationalism and stir the anti-Americanism that taunts the US as a nation in decay. I returned to Beijing half a dozen times before secretary of state Colin Powell visited in the weeks before 9/11. It was his first time there in nearly two decades. During a news conference, he told reporters about his astonishment at the new buildings and crowded Beijing skyline. I can remember thinking as I listened: why is he so surprised? China has been like this for a while. After China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, the new confidence surged across Asia. You could feel the wellspring of China’s clout everywhere. Conferences of sleepy regional groups — the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, for example — suddenly became showcases for China’s most senior leaders. They turned up, sometimes the Americans didn’t. I arrived in Beijing in 2012 as a New York Times correspondent at the moment Xi assumed the leadership of China. I already had clues about how he would be received in Washington. I had attended a state department lunch in honour of Xi when he was in the last days of his vicepresidency. The formal dining room on the seventh floor was packed with America’s pre-eminent China hands. They were exuberant, almost giddy, about the eco-

nomic relationship. It would be a while before reality set in. Once I settled in Beijing, I looked for one of the interpreters who had accompanied us on our student trip in the 1960s. Back then, Mr Li — I will call him only by his last name to save any repercussions from the Chinese authorities — had been helpful in explaining the intricacies of the Cultural revolution. Always neatly dressed in a Maostyle suit of blue cotton, he was a gifted english speaker. Now in his early eighties, Mr Li came to my apartment with his wife one afternoon. They brought a beautiful gift, a miniature ceramic tea set. As they were leaving, Mr Li told me that when he served as our interpreter he had been a member of military intelligence. I saw him a couple of times after that but then he no longer answered my calls. I suspect that as Xi started his purge of the military, and as China’s supercharged surveillance system gathered steam, he could not afford the risk of a connection with a New York Times reporter. I had another relationship going back to that first trip. Chen Xiaolu — the son of Chen Yi, the foreign minister — became an occasional lunch companion. We ate at his favourite Italian restaurant in one of the big western hotels. I had written about Xi’s major programmes designed to compete with the US: the Belt and road Initiative, and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank. Washington had failed to deter some of its Asian allies from joining the bank, a mis-step that was duly noted in Beijing. Chen warned me: Xi is confident in China’s ambitions, Barack Obama should watch out. Xi believes America is a nation

in decline, he’s going to take advantage every way he can. Chen, who later died from a heart attack which friends said was brought on by a clash with Xi’s apparatchiks, was right. As I was leaving China in the autumn of 2019, a friendly government official invited me to lunch. I looked forward to a warm farewell. Instead, I received a lecture on the perfidies of the US. The protests were under way in hong Kong. My lunch partner told me Washington was to blame and, in particular, Allen Weinstein. Fortunately, I knew of Weinstein. “he’s dead,” I replied. he had died four years earlier. “It doesn’t matter. he was head of the National endowment for Democracy.” The inference was that the endowment was behind the demonstrations. I did a little research and found the endowment had spent just under $640,000 in hong Kong that year, a modest figure for an organisation its size. I knew after that lunch the relationship had changed irrevocably. Nixon, the architect of the opening to China, and henry Kissinger, the organiser, had worked hard for three years to bring about the meeting with Mao. In Islamabad in July 1971, Kissinger went along with the indignity of being squashed into a 1960s VW Beetle belonging to the son of Pakistan’s foreign secretary, Sultan Mohammad Khan, for the drive to the airport for the flight to Beijing. It was imperative his trip be kept secret so as not to inflame the rightwing doubters in his party. Nixon stayed in China for a seven-day televised spectacular brought live into American living rooms. America’s network news anchors trailed Nixon to the Great Wall, to banquets where he spoke glowingly of the new rapprochement, to a lake in hangzhou

where he fed goldfish. When he got home, his ratings in the polls had soared by seven points. ronald reagan, then governor of California, joked that Nixon’s trip should be a pilot for a television series. After his resignation in disgrace, Nixon kept a constant interest in China. he visited Mao before he died in 1976. But he had few illusions that China would become democratic: that goal was for sentimentalists. And he intuited that his achievement in prying China away from the Soviets could eventually end up to America’s disadvantage. he could see that China would catch up with the US militarily and economically. his biographer, richard reeves, recalled that Nixon believed there would eventually be conflict between the US and China, and in that situation, the outlook for the US was grim. “It might be a shooting war. It might be an economic war,” reeves told an audience at the John F Kennedy Library in Boston in 2006. “But their interests were fundamentally different over the long term. And, eventually, they would clash.” It was up to his successors, Nixon believed, and the job of the leaders of the west to prevent that from happening, or prevent that for as long as possible, reeves said. “The east would win that confrontation,” was Nixon’s assessment. Now the hardliners in Washington say Nixon was misguided. They argue the relationship with China helped its economy too much, and hurt America’s. The Communist party could not have survived into the 21st century, they insist, if the US had not backed China’s integration into the international system. They are dismissive of the joint intelligence relationship aimed against the Soviet Union that unfolded after Nixon left office. It’s the lack of diplomacy today we need to worry about. There’s no hint of talks between Washington and Beijing, or attempts to find a path on critical issues, including China’s increasing nuclear arsenal. “China is a full-service competitor,” says Charles Kupchan of Georgetown University. “Look at the indicators — AI, quantum computing. They have 1.4bn people and a market growing by leaps and bounds . . . I understand Biden saying: ‘We’re going to dig in, we’re going to compete.’ I would like to see the other side of the coin.” Xi and Biden have known each other for more than a decade. Will either be able to work up the nerve of Nixon? It was one minute to midnight with the Soviets when Nixon went to China. Will Xi or Biden rise to the new reality 50 years later? Jane Perlez’s documentary podcast ‘The Great Wager: How Nixon and Kissinger Made Friends with China and How It’s All Unraveling’ launches on NPR’s ‘Here and Now’ on February 18.

The man who could tame Myanmar's notoriously stubborn junta CAMBODIAN LEADER HUN SEN WILL RELY ON HIS DIPLOMATIC CHOPS TO HELP RESOLVE THE YEAR-LONG CRISIS. WILL HE SUCCEED?

NatioNal

SHOLTO BYRNES

he first anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar has not just focussed attention on the dire state of the country and its suffering under the regime's crackdowns. It has also exposed fissures in Asean, the nearly 700 million-strong Association of South-east Asian Nations to which Myanmar belongs. Arguably the most successful regional grouping in the world – none of the 10 members would dream of trying to leave, as the UK did the eU – Asean makes much of its centrality to the Asia-Pacific’s economic, political and security architecture. And the World economic Forum recently stated that as a whole, the association was on track to be the globe’s fourth-largest economy by 2030. Letting Myanmar join the group in 1997 was controversial, however, as it was virtually a pariah state and had been a military

dictatorship since 1962. The path towards democracy that the country took from 2010 onwards was often cited as a post-hoc justification for its admission. So the reversal of that process after the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown by the military, headed by Min Aung hlaing, last February, has left Asean looking impotent when it comes to one of its members taking actions that almost the whole world has condemned. Last year, when Brunei held the rotating chair, Asean did take what was for the concord-driven group pretty strong action. In April, it agreed a “Five-Point Consensus” that called for constructive dialogue and an immediate cessation of violence. After it became obvious that no progress had been made at all, Min Aung hlaing was excluded from a leaders’ summit in October and also from a China-Asean summit the following month. This year started with Asean’s new chair, Cambodia, appearing to take the opposite approach and a far more emollient line. Prime Minister hun Sen visited Myanmar in January and held talks with Min Aung hlaing, whose foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin was then invited to an Asean foreign ministers’ meeting to be held in the middle of the month. The gathering was

rescheduled after various participants pled Omicronrelated excuses for why they couldn’t attend, but the real reason was opposition to a representative of the junta being there at all. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore were known to be vehement on this point. Until recently, it looked as though the impasse was going to be repeated when the ministerial gathering finally convenes on February 16 and 17, as the invitation to Wunna Maung Lwin had not been rescinded. A repeat of 2012 – when Cambodia was last Asean’s chair and for the first time in its then 45-year history a foreign ministers’ meeting concluded without a joint communique being issued – was the “nightmare haunting” his country’s chairmanship, said Pou Sothirak, a former minister and ambassador, in a webinar hosted by The Diplomat magazine. “Asean’s credibility and unity are at stake,” warned Mr Sothirak, who has been executive director of the Cambodian Institute for Co-operation and Peace since 2013. After the atrocities committed under the junta, it seemed hard to see why any process of reconciliation should begin with Asean making the military the lead interlocutor. Was the association going to be irredeemably split by the issue of Myanmar during Cambodia’s chairmanship? Did hun

Sen, whose iron grip on power has rarely wavered since he first became his country’s prime minister in 1985, have an affinity for autocrats? It may, however, be much more complicated than that. Aaron Connelly, who leads research on South-east Asia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore, pointed out that hun Sen had played a very active role in Asean’s meeting on Myanmar last April, and was said to have been highly critical of Min Aung hlaing. hun Sen “didn’t appear to be on a good footing” with the junta, Mr Connelly said. Many have, instead, raised the Cambodian leader’s image of himself as a peacemaker, drawing on his experiences helping to bring an end to the country’s decades-long civil war in the 1990s. Mr Connelly also suggested that the invitation to Myanmar’s foreign minister may have been a misstep or misunderstanding, since it had not been explicitly spelt out that excluding the junta leader last year meant that no regime ministers should ever attend Asean gatherings. In any event, Cambodia has said that a non-political representative from Myanmar has been invited to the mid-February meeting, not the military-appointed foreign minister. A disaster for Asean – and it cannot be

overstated just how significant the non-issue of a joint communique was in 2012 – seems to have been averted. But that does not mean hun Sen’s conviction that he is in a unique position to bring all sides together in Myanmar has disappeared. After all, Mr Sothirak said, last year’s Five-Point Consensus had “no roadmap, no timeframe”. Perhaps there could be something to hun Sen’s approach, which he characterised as “no conditions, we just want to talk to you”. “If he doesn’t break the ice, what’s next?” asked Mr Sothirak. “Maybe we should give hun Sen the benefit of the doubt.” The third speaker at the webinar, elina Noor, director of political-security affairs at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington, appeared to concur, with reservations. Given the humanitarian catastrophe in Myanmar, she said, “there needs to be a timeframe to assess if this approach is working". No one could disagree. The world has looked on with horror as civilians have been massacred and villages have been burned to the ground. But Myanmar’s military has a long history of ignoring the repugnance of the international community and surviving whatever sanctions it is placed under. Perhaps hun Sen, who is rarely given credit for anything apart from his ability to remain in office, can succeed where no one else has so far. Asean, and the people of Myanmar, must fervently hope that his belief in his peace-making faculties translates into real progress on the FivePoint Consensus. An easing of the country’s misery cannot come soon enough.

Sunday, 13 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

POS verIfIed InvOIceS ShOt uP three tImeS aS camPaIGn On PrIze Scheme PIckS uP mOmentum

IG Police pays tributes to martyred Police officer FUNERAL OF MARTYRED POLICE OFFICER OFFERED AT POLICE LINES ISLAMABAD: A police officer was martyred when he tried to arrest the gunmen who were fleeing after launching armed attack on citizens in federal capital, informed a police spokesman on Saturday. The official gunman of the police officer also retaliated and shot and injured an attacker, he said. Martyred police officer has been identified as SI Liaquat Ali, whose funeral prayer was offered in Police Lines HQ. The incident took place within limits of Police Station Bhara Kahu where cases have also been registered against the accused, he added. According to him, Sher Khan along with armed accomplices launched armed attack on management of a private housing society in Bhara Kahu while injuring Shaista Khan. The maimed person along with his brother Adam Khan was heading towards police station for filing a complaint against the attackers when they (gunmen) against targeted them. In result of firing by Sher Khan and accomplices, he said, Adam Khan and another waiter of a hotel suffered bullet injuries and were rushed to hospital. Since the firing incident took place outside the police station, SI Liaquat Ali, an officer on duty, started chasing the fleeing gunmen. The gunmen also opened firing on police team, he said adding that resultantly SI Liaquat Ali sustained bullets in chest and abdomen and was moved to hospital where he embraced martyrdom. The official gunman of the SI managed to shot and injure the fleeing gunman Sher Khan and arrested him in injured condition. A heavy contingent of police rushed to the scene and began investigation besides launching massive search operation in the area to arrest the other gunman. Meanwhile, Inspector General Police (IGP) Islamabad, Muhammad Ahsan Younas has paid tributes to Sub-Inspector Liaqat Ali who embraced martyrdom in line of duty during firing of armed men in the federal capital. He was talking to media persons after attending the funeral prayers of the martyred police official offered at Police Line Headquarters. A large number of senior police officials also attended the funeral prayers. It should be mentioned here that sub-inspector Liaqat Ali was critically injured when culprits fleeing after injuring rivals started firing at police after being chased in Bhara Kahu area of Islamabad. The injured cop was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his wounds during treatment. One accused was also injured and held with arms, vehicle impounded but his cohort managed to escape. Guard of honour was paid to martyred police official SI Liaqat Ali and his body was sent to his native village Soonhan, near Angoori Road, district Rawalpindi for burial. Speaking on the occasion, IGP Muhammad Ahsan Younas said that the martyred police official set an example of bravery, commitment in line of duty and laid his own life while saving others. He said that late Liaqat Ali has left behind a son, three daughters and police department will extend all support to the family of the martyred police official. The IGP taking notice of the incident has also report from DIG Operations. Special police teams have also been constituted under the supervision of SSP Operations and SSP Investigation. Senior police officials also visited the scene, collected evidences, CCTV footages and accused involved in the crime have identified.

MONGST various innovative initiatives launched by FBR to maximize tax compliance through digitization of business transactions, automation of its operations and facilitation of taxpayers, Point of System is one key intervention which aims to monitor sales made by Tier-1 Retailers across Pakistan. Adding value to this critically important sector and plug revenue leakages, FBR has launched an aggressive awareness campaign on the mainstream national media to educate and engage consumers in order to ensure that tax collected from them at the point of sale is deposited into state exchequer and not pocketed by the retailers themselves. Furthermore, the campaign also encompasses a prize scheme worth Rs.53 Million to be disbursed among 1007 lucky winners through a transparent computerized ballot to be held on 15th of every month at FBR Headquarters, Islamabad. The first ballot has already been conducted in front of the TV Channels and the winners were contacted live during the ceremony and congratulated by Chairman FBR himself over the phone call. Around 800 winners have also been transferred prize money into their accounts after the due diligence and required verification. This is truly an unprecedented example of involving citizens in tax compliance and raise their awareness about

their national responsibility to not pay their due tax but also safeguard the same from being stolen on its way to national exchequer. The ongoing outreach campaign and the prize scheme have started paying the desired dividends as numbers speak for themselves. In January, FBR has witnessed that over 1,53,000 invoices were verified by customers who shopped from outlets integrated with FBR POS System as against 45000 in December when the campaign was launched. Likewise, around 37 Million invoices were issued by Tier-1 Retailers which are integrated with FBR POS System in January as compared to 33 Million in December, 2021, registering a steady growth of 4 million. The number of customers has jumped from 10,000 to 27,000 within one month who successfully verified their invoices. However, 29,000 invoices issued by Tier-1 Retailers couldn't be verified which are presumably fake. This is a phenomenal increase in public participation and is likely to further grow with every passing day. The second computerized ballot is to be held on 15th February (Tuesday evening) at FBR Headquarters, Islamabad. It is so why reassuring to see that people at large are excited to engage in this exercise. It is pertinent to mention that while addressing the participants present during the first computerized draw of POS Prize Scheme held at

FBR (HQs) in the presence of national mainstream media on 15th January, 2022, Chairman FBR Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed had appealed the Pakistani citizens to launch a national movement for the promotion of a culture of tax compliance in the country. He had suggested a three pronged strategy to ensure that Sales Tax collected from customers at the point of sale was actually being deposited in the state exchequer. He had proposed that people should shop only from those Tier-1 retail outlets which were integrated with FBR POS System, demand computerized invoice (Pakki Receipt), and finally verify the same through FBR Tax Asaan App. It is so very reassuring to witness that citizens have started responding to his call and are demanding Pakki Receipt from the retail outlets. FBR has already distributed prizes worth Rs. 53 million among the lucky 1007 winners in the first computerized ballot held on 15th January, 2022. It is also heartening to see that people are showing a lot of interest in becoming part of next computerized draw, which will be held on 15th February, 2022. It is further encouraging to witness that a huge number of customers are verifying their shopping receipts through FBR’s Tax Asaan Mobile App and SMS. People are also reaching out to the Field Formations as well as FBR (HQs) to seek necessary guidance about this inno-

vative Prize Scheme. Some of the responsible citizens have started sharing their invoices directly to senior management not only to discharge their national duty but also to register their support for this digital intervention made by FBR. This rare zeal and exemplary commitment shown by huge number of people at large is a testimony to their trust in FBR and its innovative prize scheme. This spirit has already triggered an increased sense of responsibility in the people at large to become the watchmen of their tax collected by the retailers in order to ensure that the same is safely deposited in the national exchequer. This initiative of engagement of customers is all set to pick momentum and thus accelerate the desired national drive to promote tax compliance and substantially increase revenues. It also aims to incentivize people to play their role as responsible citizens and compliant taxpayers. The POS Prize Scheme is providing an opportunity to people to win cash prizes after they shop from Tier-1 POS integrated retail outlets by verifying their receipts through Tax Asaan App or SMS. Therefore, FBR has once again appealed to all the citizens across Pakistan to always ask for computerized invoice with a bar code (Pakki receipt) whenever they go for shopping so that they could participate in the computerized draw to be held on 15th of every month, without fail. pr

Naval Chief arrives on oﬃcial visit to Tunisia ISLAMABAD pr

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi is on official visit to Tunisia. During the visit, the Naval Chief called on Tunisian Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Adel Jehane, Minister of National Defence Imed Memmich and other senior Naval officials, separately. Upon arrival at Tunisian Navy Headquarters, the Naval Chief was received by Tunisian Navy Chief of Staff and was presented Guard of Honour. During the meeting with Tunisian Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Adel Jehane regional maritime security and professional matters of mutual interest including bilateral naval collaboration were discussed. The Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy’s efforts for ensuring maritime

security in the region including Regional Maritime Security Patrols and participation in Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Chief of the Naval

Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi also visited La Goulette Naval Base and Naval Academy Menzel Bourguiba and a briefing was

given to the Naval Chief on Mission and Organization of Tunisian Navy. The Admiral also visited onboard Tunisian Patrol Boat type ISTIKLAL, indigenously built by Tunisian shipyard. Later during meeting with Tunisian National Defence Minister, matters of mutual interest including bilateral defence collaboration were discussed. The Naval Chief underscored the importance of enhancing interactions between the armed forces of both countries through exercises and training exchange programmes. Tunisian Defence Minister, while acknowledging the significance of bilateral military cooperation in diverse realms, stressed on enhancing collaborations in expanded military domains. It is expected that visit of the Naval Chief will further augment and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and navies in particular.

Government Measures to Prevent Child Abuse By FAtIMA BAtooL In January 2018, a terrible incident in Kasura city 50 miles away from the provincial capital of Punjab- shook the whole nation. Seven-year-old Zainab was brutally strangled to death after extensive rape and physical torture. The incident forced Pakistani people to think about the safety and vulnerability of minors in society. They were in oblivion about the absence of child security laws in the country. An endless series of public debate and multiple episodes of deadly riots on the rising rate of abduction and sexual exploitation of young children sparked in major cities of Pakistan. These incidents, off course, revealed all deficient performance of government institutions and law enforcement agencies. Zainab Ansari, seven-year-old daughter of Amin Ansari a resident of Kasur, disappeared while she was going to madrassa on January 4, 2018, and then five days later, on January 9, her body was found on a heap of garbage near Shahbaz Khan Road, Kasur. Autopsy report exposed that the minor girl suffered worst sexual abuse and physical violence before being murdered. This was not first occurrence of heinous

preying on child in the city, but there was a string of such paedophilia and child abduction scandals reported in police department. Zainab’s horrific murder triggered a countrywide protest over the absence of legislation and inaction of local police. Photo of Zainab’s dead body lying on rubbish dump incited a series of protests under the banner “Justice for Zainab”. A strong campaign launched on social and mainstream media that compelled the higher authorities for speedy arrest and conviction of the murderer. The incident, incredibly, turned out to be a tipping point when human rights activists and various non-governmental organizations stressed for national legislation and addition of severe punishments for those involved in child sexual abuse. The absence of in time mobilization of relevant government agencies on the report of disappearance of a child was found as major cause behind the happening of these crimes. Analysts discerned that such untoward occurrences had avoided if there would have been quick action with the help of a strong coordination system among law enforcement agencies. To prevent incidents of child disappearance, sexual exploitation in future and for recovery of missing kids a US model of

legislation called AMBER ALERT was adopted for Pakistan. Federal government through the Ministry of Human Rights drafted "The Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020" and managed its successful passage from both houses in parliament. The act supports and complements the existing mandate of federal and provincial law enforcement agencies as well as guides the efforts of all those authorities and departments that are accountable on child abduction cases. A sub-system with the name of “Zainab Alert Response and Recovery Agency (ZARRA)”, under the section 3 of this act, read with (2)7, has been established in the Ministry of Human Rights. At a same time, it connects all the stakeholders comprising federal and provincial law enforcement agencies, local police, child protection departments and Prime Minister's Performance Delivery unit under a modern automated system. The idea behind this connection is to run quickly a wide ranging alert for the recovery of a missing child on the receipt of its report without any delay. ZARRA (agency) has also introduced a simplest application for mobile phones called "ZAINAB ALERT". Any citizen of

Pakistan can easily download and instantly report the kidnapping of child. Thus, with thirty million real time users, all concerned institutions receive an alert for a missing child, followed by the wide-ranging mobilization. On this app, officers in higher hierarchy like District Police Officers and Regional Police Officers have the direct access to monitoring dashboard that reflects the details of alerts generated by users. Stats shows that during 2021, Twelve hundred and twenty (1220) cases were reported, out of which seven hundred and five (705) were about male children and five hundred and one (501) were related to female children, whereas it also includes report of 185 fake cases. It is worth mentioning that four hundred and ninety seven (497) children were recovered successfully in this period with the help of this app. In addition to these steps, an advisory board has been established by the Ministry Of Human Rights for consultation to improve the performance of ZARRA. Board includes Federal Minister for Human Rights and Secretary Ministry of Human Rights as ex-officio members, and various NGOs, journalistic bodies and Pakistan Bar Council that can help to improve its performance

through their valuable input. Apart from this, Ministry of Human Rights is developing an integrated computerized database for proper collection, management and reporting of human rights issues with the help of UNDP. The repository would ensure easy accessibility, analysis and availability of reports at all levels. Whereas, Agency is compiling data on missing and abducted children, reported on helpline 1099 or Zainab Alert app. This database will absolutely provide far-reaching support for evidence based planning, development and administrative interventions for promotion and protection of child rights. Lastly, a committee has also been constituted under section 4 of this act to devise rules. A major progress is expected in the way of coordination of all stakeholders with the help of these rules. The significant role of Dr. Shireen Mazari can never be denied who put her personal efforts and hard work at all stages from drafting to enactment of this piece of law. It’s now, indeed, the responsibility of all citizens to assist the state machinery for the implementation of this law that is meant for the safety of our children. The author is PRO, Ministry of Human Rights

Sunday, 13 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FOREIGN NEWS

AFghAns protEst Us ordEr to givE $3.5bn to 9/11 victims, cEntrAl bAnk dEmAnds rEvErsAl oF dEcision

ThE ASSocIATEd PRESS

EMoNSTRAToRS in Afghanistan’s capital on Saturday condemned US President Joe Biden’s order freeing up $3.5 billion in Afghan assets held in the US for families of America’s 9/11 victims — saying the money belongs to Afghans. Protesters who gathered outside Kabul’s grand Eid Gah mosque asked America for financial compensation for the tens of thousands of Afghans killed during the last 20 years of war in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s central bank, known as Da Afghanistan Bank or DAB, also opposed the move, calling it “an injustice to the people of Afghanistan” and demanding that the decision be withdrawn. “DAB considers the latest decision of [the] USA on blocking FX (foreign exchange) reserves and allocating them to irrelevant purposes [an] injustice to the people of Afghanistan and will never accept if the

FX reserves of Afghanistan [are] paid [in] the name of compensation or humanitarian assistance to others, and wants the reversal of the decision and release of all FX reserves of Afghanistan,” it said in a press release. The bank said the “real owners” of the said assets were the people of Afghanistan.

After karnataka, hijab ban expands to rajasthan JAIPUR, INdIA

“These reserves were not and [are] not the property of governments, parties and groups and [are] never used as per their demand and decisions,” it added. With regards to the management of the assets, the bank highlighted: “Considering the specified objectives, the FX reserves of

WAShINGToN news Desk

After Karnataka, Muslim students are being asked to attend their classes without hijab in Rajasthan. Some Muslim families in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, said a private college in the district is asking their wards to attend classes without their heads covered. Jitendra Singh, a police officer in the area, was quoted by a news report confirming that the college administration told Muslim girls to leave their hijab at home and attend classes in the college uniform. The girls reported the matter to their parents who, in turn, raised the issue with the college. The police, upon receiving a tip-off about the incident, reached the college to pacify the situation. Earlier, in Karnataka, a number of colleges clamped the ban on hijab at the instance of some Hindu students. Following the ban, Muslim girls in hijab mounted a defiant resistance holding demonstrations outside their respective colleges even as they moved the state high court. The issue drew widespread attention with political leaders and activists coming out in support of the aggrieved girls. The Hindu students, who raised objection to the hijab display inside the colleges, had held out an ultimatum to the college authorities that if Muslim girls were allowed to cover their heads in the college premises, they too should be allowed to parade saffron-coloured shawls inside the college.

President Joe Biden issued a warning Thursday to any Americans who remain in Ukraine as Russia continues to threaten an invasion. “American citizens should leave now,” Biden said in an interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt. “It’s not like we’re dealing with a terrorist organization. We’re dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. It’s a very different situation, and things could go crazy quickly,” he said. Holt asked Biden what scenario could prompt him to send troops to rescue Americans fleeing the country. Biden replied: “There’s not. That’s a world war when Americans and Russia start shooting at one another.” “We’re in a very different world than we’ve ever been,” he added. Separately on Thursday, the State Department issued an advisory warning that the U.S. “will not be able to evacuate U.S. citizens in the event of

carrie Johnson: conservative activist faces unwelcome limelight

Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order promulgating a set of regulations on the experiment and assessment of military equipment. The regulations stipulate the basic tasks, contents and management mechanisms of military equipment experiment and assessment under new circumstances, and serve as the fundamental rule of relevant work. The regulations, consisting of 56 articles in 11 chapters, took effect on February 10. Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping had signed a mobilization order for the training of the armed forces, the first order of the CMC in 2022, which declared the start of military training for the

aFP

Carrie Johnson, the wife of Britain’s prime minister, is an experienced political operative in her own right who has been thrust from the shadows as allegations of sleaze and scandal envelop Downing Street. The 33-year-old former head of communications for the Conservative party has kept a low public profile since Boris Johnson entered Number 10 in 2019. She has given no interviews, and only appeared by Johnson’s side at marquee events such as international summits and last october’s annual Tory conference. But she has increasingly been accused of holding too much sway over issues close to her heart — especially the environment and animal rights — and over staff appointments. Much of the offensive has come from the prime minister’s embittered former chief aide, Dominic Cummings, and has taken on new prominence in a new biography by Michael Ashcroft. “My book shows Carrie’s behaviour is preventing the prime minister from leading Britain as effectively as the voters deserve,” Ashcroft, a former deputy chairman of the Conservatives, wrote last weekend. Supporters say the charges smack of sexism, and political opponents of Johnson say he and not his wife must be held to account. After the first instalment of Ashcroft’s book was published in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, her spokeswoman dismissed the claims as part of a smear campaign against the couple by “bitter exofficials”. Carrie Johnson, she said, was a “private individual who plays no role in government”.

demonstrations across the capital to protest Biden’s order. “This money belongs to the people of Afghanistan, not to the United States. This is the right of Afghans,” he said. Torek Farhadi, a financial adviser to Afghanistan’s former US-backed government, questioned the UN managing Afghan Central Bank reserves. He said those funds are not meant for humanitarian aid but “to back up the country’s currency, help in monetary policy and manage the country’s balance of payment.” He also questioned the legality of Biden’s order. “These reserves belong to the people of Afghanistan, not the Taliban … Biden’s decision is one-sided and does not match with international law,” said Farhadi. “No other country on earth makes such confiscation decisions about another country’s reserves.” Afghanistan has about $9bn in assets overseas, including the $7bn in the United States. The rest is mostly in Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland.

Biden warns Americans in Ukraine to leave, says sending troops to evacuate would be ‘world war’

agencies

LoNdoN

Afghanistan is managed based on the international practices. [The] condition of these reserves are regularly and precisely monitored by DAB. A certain portion of these reserves [is] invested in the USA as per the accepted rules to be secure and be available to DAB for achieving the determined objectives.” ‘What about our Afghan people?’ Biden’s order, signed on Friday, allocates another $3.5bn in Afghan assets for humanitarian aid to a trust fund to be managed by the UN to provide aid to Afghans. The country’s economy is teetering on the brink of collapse after international money stopped coming into Afghanistan with the arrival in mid-August of the Taliban. At the protest in Kabul, misspelled placards in English accused the US of being cruel and of stealing the money of Afghans. “What about our Afghan people who gave many sacrifices and thousands of losses of lives?” asked the demonstration’s organiser, Abdul Rahman, a civil society activist. Rahman said he planned to organise more

Russian military action anywhere in Ukraine.” It warned that regular consulate service — including aiding citizens trying to leave the country — would be “severely impacted.” According to a U.S. military and intelligence assessment, the Russian military could launch a fullscale invasion, with tanks that potentially could reach

Xi signs order to promulgate regulations on military equipment experiment, assessment BEIJING Mian abrar

year. The entire rank and file of the armed forces are required to resolutely implement the plans and instructions of the Party leadership and the CMC, according to the order, adding that the changing landscape of national security and combat circumstances must be accurately understood. The armed forces must closely follow the evolution of technology, warfare and rivals, redouble their efforts to better combine training with combat operations, and strengthen systematic training and the use of technologies to develop an elite force that is capable of fighting and winning wars, the order read. All officers and soldiers should uphold the spirit of fearing neither death nor hardship, and conduct training in a vigorous, well-designed and safe manner to boost their commanding and fighting capability and foster excellent conduct, said the order.

Kyiv, the capital, within 48 hours. Biden argued that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is “foolish enough to go in, he’s smart enough not to, in fact, do anything that would negatively impact on American citizens.” “Have you ever told him that?” Holt asked. “Yes,” Biden responded. “You’ve told him that, that Americans will be a line that they can’t cross?” Holt asked. “I didn’t have to tell him that. I’ve spoken about that. He knows that,” Biden said. A senior administration official said Friday that Biden would host a virtual meeting on Ukraine with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, the European Union, NATo, Italy, Romania and Poland in the morning. The White House said the leaders would “discuss our shared concerns about Russia’s continued buildup of military forces around Ukraine and continued coordination on both diplomacy and deterrence.”

Explainer: What does a French president do? PARIS agencies

French voters go to the ballot box on April 10 and 24 to elect a new president or to re-elect the incumbent Emmanuel Macron, who is eligible to stand for a second and final consecutive five-year term. France’s head of state enjoys considerable powers compared to many other world leaders. FRANCE 24 takes a closer look at those powers and the checks and balances in place to rein them in. France has features of both presidential and parliamentary systems of government. But it is clear which player enjoys the broadest powers. “French presidents have more power than the leaders of most other advanced democracies including Germany, the United Kingdom and, arguably, the United States,” the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations explained in 2017. “They not only command the executive apparatus, including the armed forces, but tend to drive the national policymaking agenda with little parliamentary oversight,” it added. A French president is directly elected by the people and can only be relieved of his duties by the nation’s parliament in the extraordinary circumstance of a “dereliction of his duties manifestly incompatible with the exercise of his mandate”. In contrast, the president has the power to dissolve the parliament at any time. So what does a French president do? And when does the Élysée Palace’s chief tenant have to share his or (someday) her powers? COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF ARMED FORCES, HEAD OF DIPLOMACY: Although the French Constitution, the founding text of the Fifth Republic adopted in 1958, assigns defence and diplomacy to the prime minister and the president as shared responsibilities, both areas have in practice become the preserve of France’s head of state. The latter is the constitutional guarantor of the nation’s independence and its territorial integrity. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the president chairs the national defence councils and special committees that define France’s line on military programming, deterrence, the conduct of foreign operations and counterterrorism. The French president can alone take the decision to deploy a nuclear force. A French president cannot, however, declare war on his own. The Constitution stipulates that a “declaration of war is authorised by the parliament”, although that provision has yet to be applied since France’s guiding text was adopted in 1958.

Sunday, 13 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

SPORTS 11

BeijinG Olympics lauded fOR ‘mOsT GendeR-Balanced WinTeR Games eveR’

MIAN AbRAR

hE Beijing Olympics are the most gender-balanced Winter Games ever, with competitors saying the expansion of mixed team events “means a lot” and helps drive up standards in women’s sport. More than half of all events at the Beijing Games feature women, thanks to the addition of two more women’s events and four new mixed-team ones—in ski jumping, aerials, snowboard cross, and short track speed skating. Marion Thenault, who competed for Canada in the freestyle skiing mixed aerials event on Thursday, told media that it was “really great” to have athletes of different genders competing against each other. “It means that your team has to be strong on the men’s side and the women’s side, and it just pushes the sport for both genders,” she said after helping her team win the inaugural bronze medal. “I think that’s really good because it’s a male-dominated sport, but here tonight we showed we have strong teams with great females in them.” Competitor Ashley Caldwell, part of the winning US team, said there was “always

room to develop” when it comes to representation in sport but hoped the event could “showcase” female athletes. “I’ve always pushed myself to do harder tricks to show the world that women can do it,” she said. “To have more women in sport at a high level is great for the world—empowering people around the world to respect women and to be in sport.” The two new women’s events which have been added to the Beijing Olympics programme are monobob in bobsleigh and Big Air, which was won by California-born Chinese freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu. Women account for a record 45 percent of athletes at the Beijing Games, up from 41 percent in Pyeongchang four years ago.Three countries – Ecuador, Kosovo, and Malaysia—have a female athlete at the Winter Olympics for the first time. International Olympic Committee sports director Kit McConnell said greater female representation “is not just a statistic”. “We have record levels of female participation, record numbers of female athletes, and record numbers of both female and mixed events at these games,” he said. “Every female athlete that’s here has a ripple effect” in terms of investment, he

added. For the first time at a Winter Games, there is also an openly non-binary Olympian — pairs figure skater Timothy LeDuc.

Ashley (Cain-Gribble, their skating partner) and I represent an alternative in pairs skating, a different narrative, “LeDuc,” who uses the pronouns they/their but whose gen-

der is classed as male on their athlete page, said. The mixed team events do not always feature an equal number of men and women. The mixed team aerials event, in which the United States edged out China to win gold after a hard-fought contest at Genting Snow Park, featured six teams of three. The rules stipulated that each team must have at least one male and one female athlete competing — but in practice, all six competing teams selected two male and one female. Switzerland’s Alexandra Baer said it was “understandable because people want to push for the podium”. “That’s just a bit easier if you have two men doing three flips and five twists instead of another girl,” she said. “We’re at the moment where the women’s level is being pushed, and if that keeps going, I think we can also have teams with two women and one guy. I think that’s possible.” Caldwell also believes things are moving in the right direction. “The US is incredible because we have so much access to women’s sports, and that’s been a benefit to me,” she said. “To increase that around the world is incredible, and I hope this showcases that.”

HBL PSL: Shaheen Shah Afridi calls Mohammad Rizwan his role model StAff RepORt

Gao Tingyu breaks Olympic record en route to gold in men’s 500m AGeNcIeS Gao Tingyu of Team China set a new Winter Olympic record by finishing the speed skating men’s 500-meter final in 34.32 seconds at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing on Saturday. Cha Min-kyu (34.39) of South Korea and Wataru Morishige (34.49) of Japan pocketed the silver and bronze medals, respectively. It’s the first men’s speed skating Olympic gold for Team China in history. Gao, who served as a flag bearer for Team China at the opening ceremony of this year’s Games, also competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and won the bronze medal in the same event. Gao, who was 20 years old at the time, shouted “Believe in yourself!” in front of the camera. This year, he yelled “We are the champions!” after winning the gold medal at Beijing 2022. Previous: After competing in the speed skating men’s 500-meter final, February 12, 2022. Gao Tingyu of Team China competes in the speed skating men’s 500-meter final, February 12, 2022. /CFP Gao Tingyu (R) competes in the speed skating men’s 500meter final, February 12, 2022.

Rohit dismisses concerns about Kohli’s form NeW DeLHI ReuteRs

India top-order batsman Virat Kohli had a subdued One-Day series against West Indies but captain Rohit Sharma said the team were not worried about his form. While India completed a 3-0 series sweep in Ahmedabad on Friday, Kohli did not shine, managing scores of eight, 18 and zero. But Rohit laughed off suggestions that the person he replaced as India’s white-ball captain was low on confidence. “Virat Kohli needs confidence? What are you saying?” an amused Rohit told a reporter after Friday’s victory. “Not hitting hundreds is different but in South Africa, he just made two fifties in three matches. “I don’t see anything wrong with his game. The team management is not at all worried.” Rohit admitted India’s top order was lacklustre but felt it could have been a blessing in disguise as the team’s middleorder got a chance to do more batting. “In this series, we saw how our middle order read the situations and batted accordingly. It’s a big positive for us. We want to carry it forward.” In all three games, West Indies did not last the full quota of 50 overs or reach 200 runs. “It does need urgent attention because it has lost us the last two games,” head coach Phil Simmons said of their woeful batting.

Pakistani pacer and Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has termed Multan Sultans skipper Mohammad Rizwan a role model. The comment came a day after a video from the match of Qalandars vs Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore went viral. In the video, Shaheen and Rizwan could be seen exchanging gestures. During yesterday’s clash, the fans witnessed a heart-warming moment featuring Rizwan and Shaheen. Shaheen bowled a quick delivery, which Rizwan drove straight to Shaheen. Shaheen faked picking up the ball and throwing it straight to Rizwan, and on the other side of the pitch, Rizwan,

with a big smile on his face, pretended to hug Shaheen and opened his arms. Both players stared at each other and smiled. “I have my utmost respect and admiration for this man. It’s always a pleasure to share the field with him, be as teammates or as opposition,” Shaheen tweeted. “Always very competitive yet so humble and friendly, he’s set the benchmark for everyone. A proper role model,” he added. Lahore Qalandars on Friday finally broke the unbeaten streak of the Multan Sultans in the ongoing Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) seventh edition, as they bowled out their opponent at the Gaddafi Stadium. After being invited to bat, in-form Lahore Qalandars handed a 183-run tar-

get to unbeaten Multan Sultans, but the Mohammad Rizwan-led side could not

live up to the situation as they were defeated by 52 runs.

Heavy snow a welcome ‘problem’ for Beijing venues ZHANGJIAKOU ReuteRs

While athletes have been competing on artificial snow throughout the Beijing Olympics, organisers are now dealing with the logistical challenge of clearing away the real thing after heavy snowfalls in the mountains of Zhangjiakou on Saturday.

Brown scrub and brush on the hills around some of the mountain venues have made for underwhelming TV images during the Games but the snowfalls have blanketed the area white, while posing some issues for crews at local venues. “In heavy snow weather, one must not wait, it’s a process of clearing as it snows,” Shu Wen, deputy director of maintenance services at the Genting Snow

Park, told reporters. “It’s all about preventing the use of snow-melt agents. “Whether it is an environmentally friendly or nonenvironmentally friendly snow-melting agent, it all has a certain impact on roads and snow tracks. Our aim is to ensure that the entire stadium is clean and tidy.” Genting is the location for many of the freestyle skiing and snowboarding events at the Beijing Games, where a sound, predictable surface is a requirement for the breath-taking tricks and high-speed racing of the athletes. Shu said his team are prepared for the heavy snow and freezing temperatures forecast for the middle weekend of the Olympic competition. “According to the weather forecast, we’re expecting a blizzard today and tomorrow, and heavy snow,” Shu added. “This situation happens frequently in our snow venue operations. We have a professional, top-tier team to make sure all goes well.” Early on Saturday, teams of professionals and volunteers were out clearing snow from the venues ahead of the day’s events. The opening races at the nearby cross-country and biathlon centres took place in temperatures lower than -10 degrees Celsius (14F), and gusty winds made shooting on the biathlon range very difficult. Temperatures climbed during the week but are set to drop again. After occasional delays in some of the Alpine skiing and ski jump programs due to high winds earlier in the Games, Shu is confident that organisers can handle whatever the weather throws at them. “This year, we are all set in our mountain venue team with additional machinery and manpower to ensure that we can face any strong winds situations that we can encounter, that at any time we can ensure the normal progress of our events,” he said.

sunday, 13 February, 2022

prayer timings

news

PakiStan qUeStionS US move oF giving halF oF $7B aFghan FUndS to 9/11 viCtimS ISLAMABAD

staff report

AKISTAN has questioned the US decision of setting aside half of the Afghan assets held in America for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, saying utilisation of Afghan funds should be the ‘sovereign decision of Afghanistan’. The reaction from the foreign office on Saturday came after President Joe Biden in what is seen as a controversial move decided to split $7 billion foreign assets of Afghanistan between the victims of the 9/11 attacks and for the humanitarian assistance of Afghanistan. The decision was even being criti-

cised within the US with many people including victims’ families of the 9/11 attacks insisting that Afghan funds should not have been arbitrarily used by the US government. “Pakistan has seen the US decision to unfreeze the Afghan assets held by the US banks to release $3.5 billion for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and $3.5 billion for compensation to families of 9/11 victims,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said in a carefully worded statement. The official press release noted that over the past several months, Pakistan had been consistently emphasising the need for the international community to quickly act to address the unfolding hu-

manitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan and to help revive the Afghan economy, as the two are inextricably linked. “Finding ways to unfreeze the Afghan foreign reserves urgently would help address the humanitarian and economic needs of the Afghan people,” the statement read. It went on to state that Pakistan’s principled position on the frozen Afghan foreign bank reserves remains that ‘these are owned by the Afghan nation and these should be released’. “The utilisation of Afghan funds should be the sovereign decision of Afghanistan,” the spokesperson said. The statement also drew attention towards the Afghan people, who are fac-

ing grave economic and humanitarian challenges and the international community must continue to play its important and constructive role in alleviating their sufferings. “Time is of the essence,” the statement concluded. The Afghan Taliban were also quick to denounce the US decision. Mohammad Naeem, the spokesman for the Taliban’s political office in Doha, said in a tweet, “Stealing the Afghan people’s money that was frozen by the United States is the lowest a country could stoop to morally and humanly. Defeat and victory are part of human history but the greatest and scandalous defeat for a country or its people is when they suffer militarily and morally as well”.

India turned Muslims into a ‘persecuted minority’: Chomsky WASHINGTON app

Noam Chomsky, a leading American intellectual, said Islamophobia has taken a “most lethal form” in India, turning its 250 million-strong Muslim population into a “persecuted minority”. “The pathology of Islamophobia is growing

throughout the West — it is taking its most lethal form in India,” the activist, who is also Professor Emeritus at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), said in a video message to a webinar organised by the Indian American Muslim Council, a Washington-based advocacy organisation. Apart from Chomsky, several other academics and activists took part in the webinar on “Worsening Hate

Speech and Violence in India”. Chomsky also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s right-wing Hindu nationalist regime has sharply escalated the “crimes” in Indian-occupied Kashmir. “The crimes in Kashmir have a long history,” he said, adding the state was now a “brutally occupied territory and its military control in some ways is similar to occupied Palestine”.

Biden and Putin to speak as US warns Russia could attack Ukraine ‘any day’ United States President Joe Biden will speak to Vladimir Putin on Saturday after the United States warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could begin in days. Meanwhile, the US State Department has ordered non-emergency US embassy staff to leave Ukraine amid rising tensions with Russia. “Despite the reduction in diplomatic staff, the core embassy team, our dedicated Ukrainian colleagues, and State Department and US personnel around the world will continue relentless diplomatic and assistance efforts in support of Ukraine’s security, democracy, and prosperity,” the US embassy in Kyiv tweeted after the development. The US had dramatically raised the alarm over Ukraine on Friday, saying a Russian invasion starting with civilians caught under aerial bombing could begin in days and telling US citizens to leave within 48 hours. An attack by the more than 100,000 Russian troops currently massed next to Ukraine “could occur any day now”, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters in Washington. Dismissing speculation that the Kremlin would never trigger the crisis while the Beijing Olympics were still underway in close Russian ally China, Sullivan said such an attack “could occur” before the Games end on February 20. The scenario of an imminent attack is “a very, very distinct possibility”, Sullivan added. While stressing that it was not yet known whether Russian President Vladimir Putin had taken a decision, saying “we can’t predict the exact determination,” Sullivan made clear the United States was bracing for the worst, including a “rapid assault” on the capital Kyiv. “If a Russian attack on Ukraine proceeds, it is likely to begin with aerial bombing and missile attacks that could obviously kill civilians,” he said. “Any American in Ukraine should leave as soon as possible. , and in any event in the next 24 to 48 hours.” afp

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:30

12:17

3:19

6:52

5:42

7:04

Pakistan desires to establish semiconductors zone with Chinese help: Fawad ISLAMABAD app

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said that Pakistan has proposed a plan to build a semiconductors manufacturing zone in collaboration with China to make the country selfsufficient in modern gadgets and open new avenues of development. In an interview with China Economic Net, he said that during the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan, they discussed the shifting of the semiconductors industry to Pakistan as the role of this technology is very important not only for Pakistan but for China as well. “We want Chinese tech companies to come to Pakistan and make Pakistan a hub of semiconductors manufacturing”, he added. Fawad had served as a Federal Minister for Science and Technology and during his tenure, he had signed many MOUs and agreements on semiconductors technology and collaborated with China to train Pakistanis in semiconductors skills. “We would also like to start semiconductor designing in Pakistan. I’m very happy to tell you that Chinese investors are very keen to join hands with Pakistan and technology zone will be converted into semiconductors zone”, he mentioned. He said that there is a huge area in science and technology where both countries can cooperate, adding that mobile phones are now being assembled in Pakistan but they would like to take a step further and start full-fledged manufacturing of mobile phones in Pakistan. He said that bilateral cooperation has increased in the area of health-related equipment, which is also very important. “This is a landmark that we have achieved within a short period and now the health sector is open to collaboration. Pakistan has skilled and cheaper labour, and a huge market. We hope that Chinese tech companies would join hands with Pakistan to join our technology zone and we will be able to come up with bigger cooperation in these sectors”, he mentioned.

Fazl says awarding of performance certificates indicates govt’s ‘game is over’ Pakistan Democratic Alliance chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday criticised the government, saying that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s awarding of certificates to ministries over their performance is an indication that their “game is over”, according to Dawn. Earlier on Thursday, the PM had awarded ten ministers with appreciation certificates for their outstanding performance. Those who received the certificates from the PM included Minister for Communications Murad Saeed, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation Sania Nishtar, Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari, Minister for Industries and Production Khusro Bakhtiyar, Advisor on National Security Division Dr Moeed Yusuf, Adviser on Commerce Razak Dawood, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, and Minister for National Food Security Fakhar Imam. Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, Fazl said: “When do you give certificates? You give certificates after a game has ended. So it seems, they have indicated that their game is over.” “And this is why we gave the indication of our future at night,” he continued, making an apparent reference to the PDM’s announcement the previous night of tabling a noconfidence motion against the government. He said the government has been claiming that there has been signs of economic progress and that the world has acknowledged Pakistan’s economic progress. “Then why have you deprived the finance minister [of the certificate]?” he posed a rhetoric question. news desk

Opposition’s no-trust motion would fizzle out: Qureshi ISLAMABAD staff report

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Saturday said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and its coalition partners would defeat the noconfidence vote proposed against the prime minister by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) in the parliament. He said it was a right of the antigovernment movement to table such a motion in the House which would be countered by the ruling MPs in a constitutional manner. In a press statement, the foreign minister said it was the duty of the

ruling party’s lawmakers and its partners in the parliament to defeat such a move. The opposition began its negative activities after the 2018 general elections which exposed their intentions from day one. They even did not allow the prime minister to deliver his maiden speech in the House, he added. He further noted the opposition repeatedly failed in such efforts in the past and declared they would meet the same fate again. Qureshi said: “The PTI members of the parliament will strongly resist such move and defend their captain. The opposition parties

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

would have been in the government if they had the required votes.” He said the parliament was going through the fourth year of its tenure and the local government elections were underway and under such a situation, no politician or a parliamentarian, having proper political understanding, would divert attention from the polls and join the opposition’s ranks. Qureshi said the opposition parties lacked unity in their ranks, perhaps the purported motion of no confidence could be their requirement and desire and due to a pressure exerted by the pending legal cases.