Issuu

Saturday, 24 July, 2021 I 13 Zil-Hajj, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 23 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition

Editor Pakistan today arif nizami PassEs away LAHORE

staff report

enowned journalist, political analyst, and editor of Pakistan Today Arif nizami passed away on wednesday here in Lahore. He was 73. He is survived by his wife and three sons. nizami had been admitted to a private hospital for the past few weeks for treatment of an infection that affected some vital organs and eventually led to a cardiac arrest leading to his death. The funeral prayers of the veteran journalist were offered at defence before he was laid to rest next to his father at the Miani Sahib graveyard on July 21. A former caretaker minister for Information and Broadcasting during the 2013 interim government, Former President of All Pakistan newspaper Association and serving President of the Council of Pakistan newspaper editors, nizami had the distinction of being the founding editor of two different english lan-

guage national daily newspapers. AN ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER: nizami started his career as a reporter in his father Hameed nizami’s Urdu language daily, nawa-i-waqt. After his father’s death, nizami continued to work at nawa-i-waqt as executive editor up until 1985 when he founded the english daily The nation. during his time as editor of The nation, nizami trained and supported some of the major names in Pakistan’s journalism today. As an editor, he has been remembered as a staunch defender of his reporters and staff who would stand in support of his team no matter who was on the other side. In 2010, nizami ended his 25-year run as editor of The nation and founded a second english daily newspaper, Pakistan Today. Here he challenged widely held beliefs about how the newspaper business works in Pakistan, introducing a ‘Berliner’ size newspaper that was unlike anything seen by paper readers in the country before. nizami was also quick to adapt to

changing times, and in the latter part of his career found great success and acclaim as a political analyst and talking head on television. His opinions were widely sought out and his analysis was closely watched by many. CONDOLENCES POUR IN: His passing was followed by an outpouring of grief and condolences both from the journalistic community and politicians across the political divide. Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was “saddened” by the passing of nizami. Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa also expressed his grief over the demise of nizami. He expressed “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family” in a tweet sent out by the ISPR. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said he was from an old guard of journalists that were never afraid to speak truth to power. “His passing symbolises the end of an era, one of the finest journalists who struggled in Pakistan for all the things he believed in. Always had time for the powerless and the voiceless” she said.

PM rubbishes PML-N’s claims of rigging in AJK election

NEws DEsk Prime Minister Imran Khan approached the talk of “rigging” in the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election through a unique cricket metaphor on Friday, wherein he highlighted the playing tactics of Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz supremo nawaz Sharif. PM Imran said when he used to play cricket, it was standard practice for countries to have their own umpires, and teams that were fearful of losing against a powerful team, would preemptively raise a hue and cry about losing the match due to the other

country’s umpire officiating. “The noon League, which I truly believe has never done a single thing with honesty, have begun talk of rigging already,” he said. “The government is yours, the staff is yours, the election Commission is comprised of people of your own choosing, and it is we who will do elections?” he asked the party. Sharing an anecdote from when he used to play cricket at Lahore’s Gymkhana Club, he said that one day he and his friends noticed a “plump man, seemingly very enthused about playing cricket” visit the club. “That man was nawaz

Sharif,” the prime minister said. PM Imran Khan said “everything he will go on to say from that point is true”, adding that people who used to play at the club in those days, will back him. The premier said that nawaz’s cricket “was about as good as his politics”. “But then he became a finance minister. when he would come to play a match, he would bring his own umpires to the ground: one a deputy commissioner, one a commissioner. whenever he was out, they would declare it as a no-ball. Since then, the noon League has fallen into this bad habit. For them, good umpiring is only when it is their own man,” PM Imran Khan said. The premier said that in 200 years of Test Cricket history, it was Pakistan that brought neutral umpires and the man who was captain at the time “is standing right before you all”. PM Imran also said that the government for one year has been asking the opposition to work with the government on electoral reforms “but no one ever comes”.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Pakistan crosses grave mark of one million Covid-19 cases NEws DEsk The national Command and operation Centre announced that 1,425 new infections during the last 24 hours mean that Pakistan’s coronavirus tally on Friday crossed the grim milestone of 1 million cases. The national tally on Friday of total active Covid-19 cases was recorded 53,623 with 1,425 more people testing positive for the virus and 543 people recovering from the disease during the last 24 hours. eleven corona patients have died during the past 24 hours, all of whom were under treatment in the hospitals, according to the latest update issued by the nCoC. Most of the deaths occurred in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed by Azad Jammu and Kashmir. out of the total 11 deaths that occurred, three of them died were under treatment on ventilators. There were 2,525 Covid infected patients under treatment in critical condition in various Covid dedicated healthcare facilities. The national Covid positivity ratio during the past 24 hours was recorded 5.65 percent.

The Covid positivity ratio is the percentage of actual positive cases appearing in every 100 tests performed to identify infected individuals. The maximum ventilators were occupied in four major cities including Islamabad 22 percent, Lahore 19 pecent, Peshawar 17 percent and Multan 15 percent. The maximum oxygen beds was also occupied in four major cities of Gilgit 46 percent, Rawalpindi 24 percent, Karachi 47 percent and Muzaffarabad 28 percent. Around 254 ventilators were occupied elsewhere in the country while no Covid affected person was on a ventilator in Balochistan, and Gilgit Baltistan. Some 25,215 tests were conducted across the country on Thursday, including 9,875 in Sindh, 8,970 in Punjab, 3,464 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1,174 in Islamabad Capital Territory, 665 in Balochistan, 637 in GB, and 430 in AJK. Around 923,472 people have recovered from the disease so far across Pakistan making it a significant count with over 90 percent recovery ratio of the affected patients.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhary Fawad Hussain – who offered Fateha for the departed soul – said on Friday that the death of eminent journalist Arif nizami was a huge loss for the profession and his services in the field of journalism would always be remembered. Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, Leader of the opposition in the national Assembly Shehbaz Sharif, and education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, were among the many that visited nizami’s residence. Fawad said during his visit to the bereaved family that the beacon lit by Arif nizami in the field of journalism would keep shining and it would be a great source of inspiration for the journalists in times to come. He added that Prime Minister Imran Khan and President dr Arif Alvi had also offered their condolences over the demise of Arif nizami.

He said: “The Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf government believes in fulfilling its commitment made with the media and journalists.” “I had a long relationship with Arif nizami,” the information minister said, “His father Hameed nizami and my grandfather Chaudhry owais and uncle Chaudhry Altaf Hussain were his companions in Tehreek-e-Pakistan.” Similarly, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sadhu expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of senior journalist Arif nizami. In his condolence message, the air chief prayed for the reward of the deceased and the strength of his family to bear this grief with patience and courage, said a Pakistan Air Force spokesman.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Arif Nizami’s passing EDITORIAL ON PAGE 06

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

KARACHI

NEWS

Sindh to reimpoSe Covid-19 reStriCtionS from mondAy

News Desk

HE ban on both indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants as well as the restriction curbing market timings will be reimposed in Sindh from the coming Monday due to an uptick in Covid-19 cases. The decision was taken during a provincial coronavirus task force meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday, according to a report by Dawn. The resTricTions include The following: Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants will be banned Shopping malls and markets will be allowed to remain open from 6am to 6pm All educational institutions will remain closed, but exams will be held as per schedule Marriage functions at wedding halls and other events will not be allowed Shrines will remain closed Fridays and Saturdays will be observed as safe days Offices and in public and private sectors will be allowed to remain open with 50pc occupancy According to the new directives, shopping malls and markets will be allowed to remain open between 6 am and 6 pm. However, the restriction on timings will not apply to grocery stores, bakeries and

pharmacies. All educational institutions are to remain closed from Monday, but exams will be held as per schedule. There will be a complete ban on marriage functions at wedding halls and other events, as well as indoor and outdoor dining. Eateries, however, will be allowed to provide takeaway services. Shrines, too, will remain closed, while Fridays and Saturdays will be observed as safe days. Offices and in public and private sectors will be allowed to remain open with 50per cent occupancy. The Sindh chief minister also said that the provincial government would send a letter to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in order to block the SIMs of unvaccinated citizens. He said the PTA should send messages to citizens, urging them to get vaccinated and for those who still did not get vaccinated within a span of a week, their SIMs should be blocked. Shah directed the relevant officials to communicate the decision to the National Command and Operation Centre. He said the government would decide next month about not issuing salaries to unvaccinated government employees. In this regard, he directed the Sindh finance secretary to contact the Sindh advocate general. During today’s meeting, Sindh Health Secretary Dr Kazim Jatoi informed the

participants that the coronavirus positivity rate in Sindh had reached 10.3 percent, and provincial capital Karachi had recorded a positivity rate of 21.58 percent. After the briefing, Chief Minister Shah termed the situation “concerning”, and expressed fear that it may worsen after

Eidul Azha. The restrictions come as Pakistan surpassed the grim milestone of one million coronavirus cases on Friday. During the last 24 hours, the country reported 1,425 virus cases, taking the national tally to 1,000,034. Of these, 1,002

were reported from Sindh. According to the National Command and Operation Centre, 25,215 tests were conducted during this period and the positivity rate was recorded as 5.65 percent. Further, 11 deaths were also reported, taking the death toll to 22,939.

Bodies of Chinese engineers killed in Dasu incident flown to China IsLAMABAD TLTP

Key border with Afghanistan reopens after two days News Desk After the Tablian’s expansion of control across Afghanistan, Pakistan has reopened the pivotal Chaman border following two days of closure, reported Tribune on Friday. Authorities shut off the border when the Taliban captured Spin Boldak from Afghan government forces on July 14, leaving thousands of people stranded on both sides and trade at a standstill. With the capture of Wesh Mandi, an Afghan border town, and areas near the Bab-e-Dosti Gate just across the border with Chaman, the Afghan group said they had achieved one of the most important objectives so far during a rapid advance across the country as US forces pull out. After the Taliban advance, the border crossing was sealed off by Pakistan and a heavy contingent of security forces was deployed. Balochistan Levies officials told Tribune that the Chaman border has been temporarily opened for pedestrians traffic after two days for the return of Afghan nationals stranded in Pakistan. The border crossing is reportedly open from 8 to 10 am and from 4 to 6 pm. Levies officials also added that a Covid-19 test at the border is mandatory for those entering Pakistan, and only those with legal documents will be allowed to cross the border. Since the move by Pakistan, thousands of Afghans have so far taken advantage of the facility to return to their homeland, while dozens of Pakistanis from across the border have also returned. Strict security measures have been taken on this occasion.

The dead bodies of the nine Chinese engineers killed in the deadly Dasu incident were flown to China by flight number GHT CA-42 on Friday. On July 14 workers were travelling to the construction site when their bus suddenly plunged into a deep ravine after an explosion on board. The incident led to the death of at least 13 people, including nine Chinese engineers, two FC officers, and two labourers. More than two dozen individuals were wounded and subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital. Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry tweeted about the evidence of explosives coming to light and the possibility of terrorism or

sabotage. On July 15, China asked Pakistan

to “lose no time” in conducting a thorough investigation into the tragic

incident. “We have asked the Pakistani side to lose no time in conducting a thorough investigation, properly transfer and treat the wounded, strengthen security measures, eliminate security risks, and ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a media briefing. He added that China will send out a cross-departmental joint working group to Pakistan to help with the relevant work. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated that Pakistan would “thoroughly investigate the truth of the incident, [and] lose no time in sharing the progress of the investigation with China”.

Police to seek ECL placement for Noor Mukadam’s murderer News Desk Islamabad Inspector-General of Police Qazi Jamilur Rehman instructed the investigation team probing the brutal killing of Noor Mukadam to seek the placement of suspect Zahir Zakir Jaffer’s name on the Exit Control List, according to a statement issued by the police spokesperson on Friday. According to details, the Islamabad police have recommended placement of the suspect’s name on the ECL and had sent an application to the chief commissioner for the purpose. INP reported that the chief commissioner had received the application and forwarded it to the interior ministry for further progress on the matter. The interior ministry will place Zahir Jaffar on ECL after the approval of the cabinet committee in this regard. Noor Mukadam, 27, daughter of Shaukat Mukadam, was found murdered at a residence in the capital’s upscale Sector F-7/4 on Tuesday. Moreover, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the IGP “not to make any concessions” while probing the murder of Noor Mukadam. Gill said that the prime minister is “personally monitoring” the case and has asked the IGP for a report. “The prime minister has ordered that justice be provided to Noor Mukadam’s family,” the aide said. “We all have daughters. I would like to ask the Opposition to stand united with us on this front,” he

added. He requested the courts to “meet all the requirements of the law” and for the authorities to investigate the crime “on merit”. Gill also spoke of Noor’s mother, whom he quoted as saying that her daughter was a “soft-hearted girl” who had been “brutally tortured”. He said that had the police been timely alerted to the killer’s actions, “then perhaps her life could have been saved”. The premier’s aide said that as the investigation proceeds and things become clearer, “the facts of the case will be shared with the nation”. He said that “Noor can never be brought back, but what can be done is justice”. Gill said that besides the prime minister is personally invested in the outcome of the investigation, Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed and Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari are also in touch with the police and seeking updates off and on. “We will not be sharing any details until the police complete their investigation,” he said. “Please give some time to the police to complete their probe. Rest assured, justice will be done,” the aide said. Similarly, over 100 former ambassadors have demanded of the government to put the name of the killer on ECL. The Association of Former Ambassadors of Pakistan, in a statement issued by AFA SecretaryGeneral Ambassador Sanaullah, strongly condemned the gruesome killing of the daughter of former Ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukaddam and called for an

“exemplary punishment” for the murderer. The ambassadors apprehended that “using his dual nationality”, the murderer could be made to escape the country. “Therefore, the Association demands that his name should be placed on the ECL to ensure that he does not use his family influence and power to slip away from the country,” the statement read. The former ambassadors noted with “disgust and horror” the brutal and heinous crime and called upon the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take a notice of it to ensure that justice is done. They also urged the police and prosecutor to get hold of all previous medical and criminal records of the culprit. “Supervision of this case would help reduce alarmingly high crime against women in Islamabad,” they stressed. The association appreciated the personal message of support from the FM to the bereaved family and mentioned the Foreign Secretary, who lent his support by attending the funeral. A day earlier, the supervising police officer in the case said that Zahir Zakir Jaffer was completely “sound and in his senses” when arrested from the murder scene of the daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat in Islamabad, reported Dawn. A friend of the woman, identified in the FIR as Zahir Zakir, was arrested over his alleged involvement in the murder, with police saying he is the son of “a leading businessman of the country”.

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

KARACHI

NewS

SPeciAl SecUrity PlAn finAliSed for trAnSPArent electionS in AJK: SUlehriA

NewS DeSk

ZAD Jammu and Kashmir Chief Election Commissioner (r) Justice Abdul Rashid Sulehria on Friday assured everyone that returning officers would not go missing during July 25 polls for the region’s legislative assembly. The AJK CEC, in a conversation with Geo News, said that under the new law, the returning officers are required to declare the results at the polling stations and provide certified copies to the polling agents as well. He added that the ROs would have to send a copy of the results on WhatsApp as well. Sulehria also said that the army, rangers and FC personnel have been tasked to ensure that the ROs and the ballot boxes return safely. Separately, addressing a news conference, a member of the AJK Election Commission said that a security plan has

been finalized for transparent election and that the Pakistan Army would remain present at polling stations for the maintenance of law and order for the voters so they can cast their votes in a peaceful environment. He requested media to ensure strict vigilance of a voting process to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. He said that some 1.7 million male and 1.4 million female voters would use their right to vote in 12 constituencies of Kashmiri settlers. Some 829 polling stations were declared as sensitive and 1,200 polling stations as the most sensitive. The Election Commission of Pakistan is assisting in 12 constituencies of kashmiri refugees. In 2018, under the 13th amendment, the seats of the refugees were given constitutional protection according to which the refugees who were settled in different cities of Pakistan were allowed to cast their votes in the area of their residence. Moreover, the Election Commission of

AJK issued directives to Commissioners of all three divisions, including Muzaffarabad, Poonch and Mirpur, to make comprehensive arrangements for delivering the polling bags and other related materials at respective polling stations. The concerned presiding officers deployed on the polling stations were directed to adopt special security measures for the elections of the AJK Legislative Assembly which is being held on July 25, 2021 on Sunday. As per the notification, the divisional commissioners have been directed to make a strict monitoring system and carry on the PO and polling staff along with polling bags and concerned material and deliver at the polling station with strict security measures and do the same after the election process was over and after starting the compile of results. The notification continued and directed that to ensure the deployment of security staff at every polling station as mentioned in

Sino-Pak friendship emerging as strong strategic partnership: FM ISLAMABAD INP

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says the PakChina friendship, which has entered the seventh decade, is emerging as a strong strategic partnership. He expressed these views in a video statement before leaving for China on a two-day visit on Friday, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and senior officials also accompany him. The Foreign Minister said bilateral strategic agenda would be discussed in his meeting with the Chinese counterpart. He said the two sides would also exchange views on the situation in Afghanistan and the region. He said a detailed meeting would be held on the progress made so far on the projects related to ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor and its future strategy.

Journalist Asad Kharal remanded into police custody till Sunday NewS DeSk Journalist Asad Kharal has been remanded into police custody till Sunday, June 25, it emerged. Kharal had earlier been arrested on Tuesday for allegedly firing shots at police officials in Lahore’s Kahna area. According to a statement released by police on Friday, during the police’s investigation, three sub-machine guns, 128 bullets for SMGs, 41 “empties” (bullet casings) of SMGs, a few SMG magazines, and four wireless sets, along with three chargers for the sets were retrieved from Kharal’s possession, reported Geo. On Tuesday, Kharal allegedly beat two police officials — who were deployed for his security in line with a local court’s orders — and tore their uniforms, Geo News reported. Following the incident, when senior police officials reached the site, Kharal said he wanted to resolve the matter through dialogue. When the officers went into the journalist’s house, he allegedly locked them inside. After locking them, he allegedly fired shots at them, but they were able to escape and save their lives.

The FM expressed confidence that his visit to China would further strengthen bilateral fraternal relations between the two countries. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the visit is part of the high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China. The FO also noted that this year Pakistan and China were celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations. “More than 100 celebratory events have been planned of which over 60 events have already been held so far. These celebrations have immensely contributed to injecting fresh vigour and warmth in the traditional friendship,” the statement said. “Pakistan and China are the closest friends and staunch partners. The time-tested Pakistan-China relationship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding and commonality of interests. Both sides are fully committed to building closer ChinaPakistan community of shared future,” it said.

the chart and directed that security staff deployed at the office of the DROs. ROs would be responsible for their security and would remain red alert till the final official results would be announced and the concerned security staff can only change their position with the permission of the concerned RO after the announcement of the final official results. According to the notification, the presiding officer, polling staff and polling agents of the candidates only can be allowed to enter the polling station and the PO for his facility can only deploy security staff inside the polling station conditionally.

During the visit, both sides will inter alia discuss further deepening of bilateral relations, focus on cooperation in the high-quality development under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, defence and security cooperation, Covid-19 vaccines, counterterrorism and regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and expand strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues. Moreover, Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt Gen Faiz Hameed arrived in Beijing on Friday to hold strategic talks with Chinese officials, sources told Geo News. Sources said that the DG ISI will hold important talks with the Chinese officials. It is pertinent to mention that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is already in China for a two-day visit. The visit of high-ranking Pakistani officials holds significance after a tragic incident in Upper Kohistan. Nine Chinese nationals working on Dasu Hydro Power Project were killed when a bus transporting them to the construction site met an accident.Islamabad has blamed hostile forces behind the Dasu incident, which according to them, was carried out to create misunderstandings between the two countries.

Idiotic statements of Afghan oﬃcials embarrassing Afghanistan: NSA ISLAMABAD TLTP

National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf has said that Afghanistan is being embarrassed daily due to “idiotic” statements passed by its senior officials. “Vitriolic & delusional statements from some spoilers in Kabul who, unfortunately for our Afghan brothers and sisters, are imposed on them as their senior officials & are constantly attempting to vitiate bilateral relations on purpose to deflect attention from their own failures,” Moeed wrote on his official Twitter handle. He said that Afghanistan is being embarrassed daily due to these idiotic statements, adding that Afghans should

rest assured that everyone can see through the nefarious agenda of these spoilers. “We will not let a handful of venomous minds affect Pakistan’s support to all Afghans for peace and stability,” he added. The NSA said that Pakistan remained committed to facilitating an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan. “In this spirit, PM Imran Khan agreed to meet President Ghani recently to continue our engagement.” On July 16, Prime Minister Imran Khan told Afghan President Ghani that Pakistan would be the last country to try to destabilise his country and stressed the need for the Afghan stakeholders and the international community to gear up efforts for a “politically negotiated settlement” there.

Nawaz’s London flats fall under UK’s global anti-corruption sanctions: Farrukh ISLAMABAD APP

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib on Friday welcomed the sanctions imposed by Britain on the most corrupt individuals of the world under the UK’s global anti-corruption sanctions regime and called for similar action against Nawaz Sharif. In a tweet, he said the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz leader was sentenced to jail by Pakistani courts on corruption charges, but he, as a fugitive, took refuge in London to escape punishment. The minister said Nawaz Sharif’s act of building luxury flats in Avenfield after plundering Pakistan’s exchequer fell under the UK’s global anti-corruption sanctions regime. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan, at the United

Nations, had already drawn world leaders’ attention towards the money being laundered from poor countries to the developed countries and also demanded action against such practices. Meanwhile, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Communication, Shahbaz Gill on Friday has said that British government has decided to take action against former PM Nawaz Sharif-type elements. In a statement, the advisor said that such kind of corrupt people are responsible for poverty in the countries. These corrupt elements will soon meet their destiny, he hoped. Earlier, Gill said that abusive language was agenda of opposition parties. He said that the opposition was trying to gather Kashmiris to get National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). PM Imran Khan will not allow anyone to follow corrupt practices, he added.

Moreover, the concerned security personnel do not affect the secrecy of the voter. Besides this, the security staff outside the polling station would have the responsibility to check the National Identity Card of the voter before allowing him to cast his/her vote. The political parties have been directed to set up the polling camps away from the polling stations by following the SOPs besides. On the polling day, no political party worker can be allowed to induce the voter in his favour with the diameter of 400 meters of the polling station. with additional input from APP

Pakistan thanks US for 3m Moderna vaccine doses ISLAMABAD TLTP

Pakistan has deeply appreciated the announcement by the White House to ship three million doses of Moderna vaccine to Pakistan through COVAX. In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said these vaccines will give a boost to ongoing vaccination drive in Pakistan. He said this considerate gesture is part of the continued assistance that the US has provided to Pakistan to support Pakistan’s Covid-19 relief and prevention efforts. He said, “We look forward to our continued cooperation with the US in our fight against the pandemic.” Earlier on Tuesday last, two batches of 1.3 million doses of Sinopharm’s anti-Covid vaccine reached Pakistan. According to health ministry officials, two million doses of Sinopharm will arrive in Pakistan in three batches. Earlier, 2.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine, donated to Pakistan by the US government, arrived earlier in July. Statistics from the National Command and Operations Centre show that over 5 million people have been vaccinated all over Pakistan, with over 23 million doses of various vaccines administered.

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

04 NEWS

KARACHI

KArAKorAm HigHWAy oPeneD for All KinDs of trAffiC: isPr

News Desk

FTeR three days of effort, the Karakoram Highway has been opened for all kinds of traffic, announced the Inter-Services Public Relations in a statement. The military’s media wing said that the Frontier Works Organisation worked tirelessly day and night to open the highway. “Despite bad weather and difficult conditions, FWO teams worked day and night to open the road for traffic,” said the ISPR. The ISPR said that the highway got blocked on Tuesday due to the rains in Gilgit Baltistan and was closed at 20 points from Tatta Pani to Raikot. A large number of tourists and locals had been stranded due to the closure of the Karakoram Highway following landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan. Heavy machinery was installed on both sides of the Karakoram to clear the highway, but there were difficulties in rehabilitation work due to landslides. The GB Home Department had said work on opening the blocked portions of the Karakoram Highway started early Thursday morning. They said the Disaster Management Authority and the FWO worked day and night to restore the Gilgit-Astore Road and all kinds of traffic on the highway had been restored by Thursday afternoon. The GB home department had earlier said the road will be reopened soon if there is no more rain or landslides, with FWO, NHA and district officers overseeing rehabilitation work on the spot. Tourists were told to wait in Chilas till the roads reopened.

Explainer: Key things to know ahead of AJK elections MUZaFFaraBaD ANADOLU AGENCY

WAPDA chairman, Chinese ambassador discuss Dasu project lahore PR

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lt Gen (R) Muzammil Hussain on Friday called on Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong. The matters relating to construction of Dasu Hydropower Project in the context of July 14 incident were discussed in detail during the meeting. The Chinese ambassador and WAPDA chairman expressed their resolve to restart construction activities on the project soon. Meanwhile, WAPDA chairman also had a meeting with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) vice president and chief executive officer and discussed with them the matters pertaining to ensuring a safe and more secure environment in the project area. It is pertinent to mention that in the wake of Dasu incident, the civil administration, WAPDA and CGGC decided with mutual consultation to suspend construction on the project for a few days so that the matter could be re-organised and construction may be resumed in a more secure atmosphere.

Over 3.2 million voters are set to elect the 53-member assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) for a five-year term on Sunday. More than 700 candidates from 32 political and religious parties are contesting for the 45 general seats. Out of the rest eight reserved seats, five are for women and three seats, one each for religious scholars, technocrats, and overseas Kashmiris. The members for these seats are nominated after the elections. Out of 45 general seats, 12 seats are reserved for Kashmiri refugees who had migrated from the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in 1947 and 1965 and are settled in various parts of Pakistan. Therefore, in the 10 districts of AJK, elections will take place on 33 seats only. Out of 700 candidates, only 20 women candidates are contesting elections from general seats. PAKISTAN TEHREEK-E-INSAF: Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) of Prime Minister Imran Khan has fielded 45 candidates. The party is seen as a favourite to form the next government given the tradition that the party ruling Islamabad, wins elections in Muzaffarabad. In the 2016 elections, the party could win only two seats. A former AJK prime minister Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, who is leading the party in the region, is the strong candidate to head the next government. He is contesting from his stronghold, Mirpur, a wealthy district of the Jammu division. However, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, an overseas billionaire, and a close confidant of Imran Khan has overshadowed Chaudhry. Ilyas, who is currently serving as an Adviser to the Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar, is contesting from Bagh district. According to political analysts, the prime minister's aggressive stand on India’s scrapping of autonomy to the IIOJK in Aug 2019, can benefit the party in the elections. However, the party's average performance in terms of economy and failure to control the rising inflation is seen as a disadvantage for its candidates. PAKISTAN MUSLIM LEAGUE-NAWAZ: The centreright Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of the three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif is currently ruling the AJK. It won the 2016 polls, won 31 seats, and formed the government. Led by Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, PML-N is contesting polls on 44 seats. Haider, whose many family members live in the IIOJK, is an outspoken politician who has angered many because of his blunt remarks. The infrastructure development, mainly construction of road networks across the AJK over the past few years is seen playing in favour of the PML-N. But not being in power in Islamabad, is its biggest disadvantage. Haider is contesting from Muzaffarabad, the capital of

AJK. Another senior party leader, and Speaker of the AJK Assembly, Shah Ghulam Qadir is contesting from two seats from scenic Neelam Valley near the Line of Control (LoC), which divides the region between Pakistan and India. Noreen Arif, a PML-N candidate from Muzaffarabad, is the only woman politician who has been elected to the state assembly twice through direct elections in 2011 and 2016. PAKISTAN PEOPLE’S PARTY: The centre-left Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) of the slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto is also in the neck-and-neck race. Led by its chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party has fielded 44 candidates. The PPP had won the 2011 elections when it was ruling Islamabad. However, analysts predict a tough task for the party. Sardar Yaqoob Khan, a former AJK president, and Chaudhry Latif Akbar, a former minister are leading the campaign for the party in the region. Akbar appears to be in a strong position to win his seat from Muzaffarabad. However, Yaqoob, who is contesting two seats in the Rawlakot district, is facing a tough challenge from PTI and PML-N candidates. The PPP, whose leader and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had introduced the parliamentary form of government in the AJK in 1975, has ruled the region four times JAMMU AND KASHMIR MUSLIM CONFERENCE: Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference is the oldest political party of the undivided Jammu and Kashmir, which was formed in 1931 in Srinagar, capital of IIOJK It has also ruled the region four times. However, after PML(N) spread its wings in the AJK ahead of the 2011 elections, Muslim Conference lost a major chunk of voters. In the 2016 elections, it won only

CMYK

two seats. Led by former AJK prime minister Sardar Atiq Ahmad Khan, the party has fielded 42 candidates in the forthcoming elections. District Bagh, the hometown of Atiq, is considered the party's stronghold. JAMAT-E-ISLAMI: Jamat-e-Islami, one of the mainstream religious parties in Pakistan, has a sizable vote bank in the AJK, although the party has never been able to win more than a couple of seats. The party is contesting on 30 seats. Abdul Rasheed Turabi, a sitting lawmaker, was considered to be its strongest candidate. He has, however, withdrawn from the contest in favour of PTI's Tanveer Ilyas. Another candidate, Mushtaq Shah is posing a serious threat to PM Haider's campaign. TEHREEK-E-LABBAIK PAKISTAN: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a party which is banned in Pakistan, is a new entrant in the AJK's electoral politics. The far-right religious group was banned by the government in April this year for staging violent protests in major cities demanding the expulsion of the French ambassador. Analysts say the party, although, not in a position to win any seat, may dent the vote bank of the right-wing political parties. JAMMU AND KASHMIR DEMOCRATIC PARTY: Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Party (JKDP) is the only woman-led political party in the AJK. Headed by Nabila Irshad, a local politician, and lawyer by profession, the party had fielded 18 candidates to contest its first-ever election. But later withdrew the majority of candidates in favour of the PTI. The party has now settled to contest only from three seats. Irshad herself is contesting from Sundhnoti

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

KARACHI

NEWS

EditoR PakiStan today aRif nizami PaSSES away Gold price slips to Rs93,100 per 10gm

ISLAMABAD TLTP

Gold price dipped in the global market on Friday, eyeing the first weekly loss in five weeks, as the US dollar remains at the highest levels in three months. At 1355 GMT, gold in the international market was available at $1,802.70 per ounce after shedding $5.20 as compared to its closing value on Thursday last. Meanwhile, the price of 10 grams of yellow metal in Pakistan slipped to Rs93,100. The closing prices of the yellow metal in the country remained Rs93,900 on Monday, the last working day before the Eid holidays. According to experts, with a volatile week coming to an end, concerns over the global economic outlook amid Delta Covid variant spread kept the dollar bids underpinned. Meanwhile, upbeat corporate earnings reports and stimulus optimism refuelled reflated trades, lifting the Treasury yields at gold’s expense. From a near-term technical perspective, gold price remains exposed to downside risks, as a break of the support area near the $1799-$1795 region appears inevitable, they said. According to them, gold trades now look forward to the US Market Manufacturing and Services PMIs for fresh trading impetus and all eyes now remain on the next week’s meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), a committee within the Federal Reserve System.

ContInueD fRoM pAge 01

ML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said that an era of “old school journalism” had come to an end. “As a journalist, editor and anchor, [Nizami] was second to none,” he added. Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood said he was “shocked” to learn about Nizami’s demise. He remembered him as an “outstanding journalist, perceptive political commentator and a good friend”. Former Pakistani ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said Nizami’s passing away was a “loss for Pakistan”. “Really saddened to hear this tragic news. Arif was a dear friend, a distinguished journalist and a wonderful human being,” she tweeted. Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri also conveyed his condolences, saying Nizami’s contribution to Pakistani journalism will be remembered. Sindh Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah also expressed a feeling of deep sorrow over the demise of renowned journalist Arif Nizami. “We pay tribute to Arif Nizami for his services in the field of journalism,” Shah said, adding that Arif Nizami’s death marked “the end of an era of journalism”.

A large number of journalists, many of whom had worked with and been trained by Mr Nizami, also expressed their grief and passed on their condolences. Abbas Nasir, former editor of Dawn, said “He was a true gentleman and a solid journalist.” Former editor of Daily Times Raza Rumi also said that Mr Nizami was a “competent editor and a kind, amiable human being” expressing his grief over Mr Nizami’s demise. Senior journalist Suhail Warraich said he was a pillar of professional journalism and that he would be remembered for “his exclusive news and bold personality.” Moreover, the Council of the Pakistan Newspaper Editors expressed its deep grief and sorrow over the death of the council’s elected president and veteran journalist Arif Nizami. In a joint statement of condolence to the bereaved family of Nizami, CPNE’s Senior Vice President Ali Kazim, Acting Secretary-General Amir Mehmood, VPs Sardar Khan Niazi, Ikram Sehgal, Irshad Ahmed Arif, Anwar Sajidi, Dr Hafiz Sana Ullah Khan, and the members of the council expressed their heartfelt grief over the death of the renowned analyst, journalist, editor and president of the council prayed to Almighty Allah for eternal peace of the departed soul and to grant patience and forbearance to the bereaved family to bear the ir-

reparable loss. In their message of condolence, they said that Arif Nizami commanded respect for his candid, frank and blunt comments and analyses. He always stood for the freedom of the press and freedom of expression, said the CPNE in its statement. The CPNE further said the services of Arif Nizami in journalism could never be disregarded and in his death, the council today has lost a brave, fearless and great leader. Arif Nizami’s services will always be remembered in the journalistic history of Pakistan, the statement concluded. Furthermore, All Pakistan Newspapers Society President Sarmad Ali and SG Nazafreen Saigol Lakhanihave stated that the Pakistan Today chief editor and CPNE president was one of the seasoned and prominent editors and publishers of Pakistan who had always stood for the freedom of press and expression. The APNS office-bearers stated that the services of Arif Nizami will always be remembered in the annals of the national press and it will not be easy to fill the vacuum created by his demise. The APNS office-bearers further expressed their condolences to the grieved family and his colleagues in Pakistan Today and prayed that Allah may rest the departed soul in eternal peace.

SBP amends imports regulations KARACHI TLTP

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has notified revisions in foreign exchange regulations for imports of goods in order to keep pace with changing business environments. According to a statement, the primary objective of these revisions is to promote ease of doing business by simplifying the existing instructions, removing the redundancies, and delegating more powers to the authorised dealers for facilitation of the stakeholders. The key changes include amendments to the existing regulations to facilitate import transactions through the forthcoming Pakistan Single Window facilities, thereby eliminating the requirement of Electronic Import Form (EIF). Besides, the banks have been delegated more powers to approve the import transactions which earlier required regulation. The system will help reduce the time and cost of doing business by making trade-related business processes more efficient, transparent, and consistent, said the central bank. It may be recalled that SBP and Pakistan Customs had implemented the EIF Module in the WeBOC system from September 1, 2016. EIF is an electronic declaration by importers approved by their bank detailing payment information for the import of goods. It is required before filing of Good Declaration to Pakistan Customs for clearance of imported goods. However, once the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) becomes operational, the requirement for EIF will be eliminated. PSW system is a facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardised information and documents with a single-entry point to fulfil all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements.

LAHORE: Workers of Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party protest in favour of their demands outside Lahore Press Club. o nL in e

PM rubbishes PML-N’s claims of rigging in AJK election ContInueD fRoM pAge 01 “We recommended electronic voting machines. What happens is that right after the election ends, the result is out with the press of a button. “You don’t have to worry about going through boxes of votes, neither is there any fear of the boxes being stolen and nor of double-stamping. This is the marvel of technology. The result is instantaneous,” the premier said. He said the Opposition “refused to listen and is now crying rigging”. PM Imran Khan furthermore disregarded the talk of him “wishing to turn Azad Jammu and Kashmir” into a new province of Pakistan, saying that it was rubbish. “I do not know where all this talk has sprung from,” he said, dismissing any notion of such an idea, as he addressed an election campaign rally in Tarar Khal. “But what I want to make clear now, is that in 1948, there were two United Nations

Security Council resolutions which granted the people of Kashmir the right to decide their own future. According to the UN resolution, the people had to decide whether they want to join Hindustan or Pakistan. “I want to clarify to all of you today. InshaAllah, a day will come, when all the sacrifices made by the people of Kashmir, will not be wasted. God will grant you that right. There will be a referendum, InshaAllah. He expressed the confidence that the people on that day will choose to live with Pakistan. The premier went on to state that after the UN-mandated referendum, his government will hold another referendum, where the people of Kashmir will be given the choice to either live with Pakistan or become an independent state. PM Imran Khan said the freedom struggle of Kashmiris’ pre-dates partition and began more than 100 years ago when the people stood up time and again against the Dogra government.

The Dogra family was a dynasty of Hindu Rajputs who ruled Jammu & Kashmir from 1846 to 1947. Separately, Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz leader Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Friday that elections to be held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on July 25th would swing in the favour of his party, provided the election commission succeeded in stopping the federal government from intervening. Talking to the media outside an accountability court in Lahore, Saad said that the public gatherings addressed by Prime Minister Imran Khan in AJK were ‘flop’. “This ‘selective’ accountability will not continue for long. It was high time people woke up from their slumber now,” he stressed. He was of the view that the people of Kashmir knew fully well who deserved their votes since they were politically enlightened. Saad regretted that an accountability court in Islamabad had been built at the site of federal lodges. “What was the point in snatching that place from the MNAs where

CMYK

they would pay for their stay?” he queried. Clarifying that he had a lot of respect for the judiciary, the PML-N leader opined that it would have been better if an alternate piece of land had been found for the court. Over 3.02 million registered voters, both male and female, in all 33 constituencies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including 12 constituencies meant for Pakistan-based J&K refugees, would exercise their right of franchise to elect the 53-seat AJK Legislative Assembly on Sunday. Talking to APP, an official of AJK Election Commission Arshad Hussain Khawaja told that polling will start at 8:00 am in the morning and will continue till 5:00 pm without any pause. The registered voters shall have to produce an original computerized national identity card at the polling station at the time of exercising the right to vote. The Pak Army, civil armed forces with the coordination of the local law-enforcement agencies including AJK police, Punjab

constabulary, KP and Frontier Constabulary have started reaching at all 45 constituencies to assist civil administration for maintaining law and order and holding of the polls in an absolutely free, fair, peaceful and transparent manner. The polling staff is all set to move for the respective polling stations of their duties set up across AJK and in the constituencies of refugees dwelling in all four provinces of Pakistan, the official said. The AJK Election Commission has set up a control room to receive the results of the election from all the district returning officers soon after the polling. Police have released a fool-proof security plan, said SSP Raja Irfan Salim. He said that polling stations have been set up by the AJK Election Commission in all four constituencies of Mirpur district comprising Dadayal, Chakswari, Mirpur city and Khari Shareef to facilitate over 2.40 lakh registered voters in the district. with additional input from APP

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

06 COMMENT

Azeri media and its history

Arif Nizami’s passing A towering figure in journalism leaves behind a vacuum that will be tough to fill

The war with Armeniashowed how important the media can be Shazia anwer Cheema

he Azerbaijani nation last December gave a historic defeat to the Armenian army and reclaimed -its lands that were illegally occupied by aggressor forces. I had been following this second Karabakh war in the context of the role of Azerbaijani media because this dimension is under the scope of studies of philosophy of communication. A unique feature that I found during my research on the role of media as a state war tool, was that the Azeri media refrained from indulging in crude propaganda. The Azeri media provided information from the war zone in such a way that the world media, particularly european media outlets used this information from Azeri media outlets. The second option for the european media was the Armenian media, but the Armenian media was providing loaded information and crude propaganda material. Media is a big component of the war machine and if it has credibility, then it can play an exceptionally positive role to place the narrative of a nation at a global level. This was what the Azeri media achieved during the 44-days war. My close interaction with the Azeri media gives me a sense that, having a history of 144 years, it is very efficient and forthcoming in placing its version on global news. The Azerbaijani Media portrays a realistic picture and unbiased situation analysis, which of course adds credibility to any media. So far as the situation of Nagorno-Karabakh was concerned, I followed the entire event with comparative studies of news coming from a war zone and found the Azerbaijani media credible and clear in providing raw information. Azerbaijani news agencies took a lead and showed the world that manipulative information cannot work anymore. The world is not ready to accept fake news, the audience is now informed enough that they can figure out twisted and tilted viewpoints, that’s why people want to know the truth. Azerbaijani media not only presented its case earnestly but also with the help of other countries' media outlets it made its case even stronger. During the entire period of war, the Azeri media had been asking for authentic and researchbased write-ups from foreign researchers like me, and it seems their only concern was not defending their case but also they were eager to understand a nonAzerbaijani viewpoint. The professional maturity of the Azeri media comes from its 144-year history that started on 22 July 1875, when the foundation of the first Azeri Language Newspaper Akinchi, was laid by the great enlightener and publisher hasan Bey Zardabi. According to Azeri journalist and researcher Laman Ismayilova, hasan Bey Zardabi fought for the

he passing of Arif Nizami does not just mean the end of one of the most distinguished careers of post-Partition journalism, but that this newspaper has lost its founding editor. It is a measure of the man that this was not the only paper of which he was the founding editor, for he had previously been editor of The Nation from its founding in 1986 until 2009. he was also rare in having been a bilingual journalist, fluent in both english and urdu, for that period, for he had been executive editor of Nawa-i-Waqt, the urdu daily his father, hameed Nizami, had founded. he was a paragon of innovation, for after The Nation, which his father had conceived, he played a leading role in the founding of Waqt News, which he headed until he left the Group. however, this did not end his association with the electronic media, and he was an anchor with 92 News, until his death. even this newspaper is a departure from the more traditional broadsheet, being in the Berliner size. One of the practices of his entire career, recruiting young people fresh out of college, and then not just training them, but giving them independence and agency, may well be attributed to this spirit of innovation. The many who were trained by him will testify that he never tried to impose an organisational template on anyone, giving them the space to develop themselves. It is perhaps because of this that so many of those who worked for him have reached the commanding heights of journalism. he was not just a journalist, but had been destined to be one. Son of hameed Nizami, he did a masters in mass communications, and served the as President All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) several times, and was also President of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper editors (CPNe) at the time of his death. Both his professional training and organisational responsibilities made it inevitable that he would be such an outstanding fighter for press freedom. Over the years and until his untimely demise he confronted them all; military dictatorships, civilian governments and any force that challenged and undermined freedom of press. It was not that he was naturally confrontational. A true Lahori, firm friendship was also one of his qualities, and he would go out of his way to use his good offices if he could. his friendships were subordinated to his being a newsman. his appetite for scoops remained undiminished even after he left the hurlyburly of daily reporting, which is where he started in Nawa-i-Waqt. Indeed, there he received hands-on training in every branch of the production process. Arif Nizami never waved a flag, but was always a careful guardian of the national interest, or rather custodian, for he did not really try to define it, leaving facts to do so. his engagement with the national interest made him accept in 2013 the Ministry of Information in the caretaker government that conducted the election that year. This engagement also made him disinclined to accept any dictation as to what it constituted. One of the remarkable things about him was the fact that while he worked very hard at the task of editing whatever newspaper he was responsible for, he managed a balance with family life. he never let his family feel neglected, and he was able to take out time for the finer things in life, such as art and films. having been bred and brought up in Lahore, he was not so much a hearty trencherman, as a discriminating one. Perhaps it is to this sense of taste that he made one departure from the journalistic norm, which was of sloppy dressing: he was a careful dresser, even a natty one. his contribution to the field of journalism in Pakistan must be seen in two contexts, not just that of a key profession, but one of service to the country as a whole, and that of carrying on the tradition of his illustrious father. In both aspects, he did not lag and carried forward both the principles he had imbibed, and those that his own experience had taught him. he had to fill a gap, and did so successfully, only to leave one in his turn. he will be sorely missed.

The harsh lessons of the suicide of a CSS aspirant

muhammad ali alvi

STuDeNT preparing for the Central Superior Services exam took her life leaving behind a suicide note, unfulfilled dreams, and endless hopes. She felt herself a burden and a failure. her words are not only heartbreaking but also an eye-opener for the general public. But, the question is whether a girl with a million dreams in her eyes deserved such a sad ending? Did she not deserve a life full of happiness? A life of her choice? She could have been one with all the blessings in her life but it was not to be because of depression and external pressures. her sad demise puts into the spotlight the mental state of a student and the role of society. It would not be an exaggeration to say that her suicide is a collective failure of a system that could not prevent an aspiring student from taking her own life. here, it is important to mention that the act of suicide is wrong in itself and the purpose here is to identify the reasons which led to this destructive act. An Individual's personality is largely influenced by religion, education and society. These factors play an important role in the development of the per-

Arif Nizami Editor Managing Editor

Joint Editor

Umar Aziz Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

The Pakistani media and state can learn a lot from the Azeri model and mediato-media interaction between Pakistan and Azerbaijan can be very useful for both the countries. I believe that if the media does not enjoy credibility and is used for domestic purposes and for domestic consumption then it is useless media and cannot fight internationally whenever it is needed forth

The Failure of a System

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Yousaf Nizami Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

enlightenment of Muslims in the Caucasus and he faced several crises during the two years of publication of his newspaper but he did not bow down to circumstances. The newspaper published materials on achievements in the fields of science, education, culture, literature, and art and declared the need for changes in the education system. Popular science articles on agriculture and natural sciences were published on its pages. There were also stories about the social and cultural state of Muslims in the Caucasus, which harshly criticized superstition and backwardness. “The main principles of Akinchi were the enlightenment, modernization, promotion of national interests, unity of national and universal values,” writes Ismayilova. The Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) had an adverse impact on emerging journalism in Azerbaijan and censorship was imposed against journalism, performing arts, and literature. Theatre, drama, literature, and other forms of fine arts historically either influenced the socio-political sphere of their era or had been influenced by the political developments of the respective period and in societies, where freedom of expression was limited and censorship was a pronounced hurdle to portray and express about the situation, comedy played a pivotal role to deliver a message against oppressors therefore, we find several forms of comedies in writing, literature, drama, and theatre, although comedy is a humorous discourse and intend to amuse by creating laughter. Several forms of comedy were used to express messages without being victims of oppression and censorship in Azerbaijan. Several Azeri newspapers used the genre of Comedy for sending public messages for avoiding Czar’s censorship. Important newspapers such as Shergi-Rus (1903-1905), hayat (1905-1906), Molla Nasreddin (1906-1931), Fuyuzat (1906-1907), Shalale (19131914), Igbal (1912-1915), Dirilik (1914-1916) and Achiq Soz (1915-1918) used the best weapon of

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

sense of humour against injustice and snobbery. The perfect example of using comedy and satire under censorship was weekly Molla Nasruddin. The eight-pager was a satirical magazine and it borrowed the name "Molla Nasreddin" from the 13th-century character Nasraddin who is known for comic but multi-meaning conversations. The magazine criticized corruption, snobbery, ignorance and promoted equal rights for women as well as freedom of expression and preservation of national language and traditions. Molla Nasreddin also addressed uneducated people and used satirical verses, stories, and cartoons to convey its messages to society. The magazine was banned several times in 1912, 1914, and 1917. Despite all hardships, the publication managed to stay in print for over 25 years (1906-1931). however, Azeri thought and Azeri identity survived under the Soviet era because Azeri writers and journalists contributed with a clear goal of preserving national identity under subjugation. This history of the Azeri media gives us a message that media can only be useful as a state tool during conflict times or under war situations when it has credibility at the international horizon and this credibility can earn only through the independence of media by the state powers. The Pakistani media and state can learn a lot from the Azeri model and media-to-media interaction between Pakistan and Azerbaijan can be very useful for both the countries. I believe that if the media does not enjoy credibility and is used for domestic purposes and for domestic consumption then it is useless media and cannot fight internationally whenever it is needed for.

sonality of an individual. Religion plays a fundamental role in an individual's life. It develops the personality on a spiritual basis. It ensures the spiritual, moral and ethical uplift of an individual in a rather materialistic world. These values provide satisfaction and contentment to an individual. And, as a result, a person is a spiritual being despite living and making transactions in a world full of materialistic approaches. But, unfortunately, this has not been the case. No doubt religious scholars have played a beneficial role and given a lot of sacrifices in preaching the Islamic values of peace, tolerance and welfare but still, religion has remained in the hands of so-called religious representatives who worked for their interests. As they had their agenda, less emphasis was laid on the teaching of basic values. This created a vacuum in the spiritual uplift of an individual and resulted in the inclination of the individual towards materialistic gains. Secondly, education plays a vital role in the personality development of an individual. The purpose of education is the diffusion of values, norms, common goals, customs, traditions and knowledge from one generation to another. Pakistan is an Islamic state where sovereignty belongs to the Almighty. The Quran and the exemplary life of the holy Prophet (PBuh) holds a central role. The essence of the teachings of Islam are peace, love, tolerance and welfare of mankind. It transcends a human being from materialism to spiritualism. But unfortunately, these values could not be transferred from one generation to another completely. Therefore the purpose of education has changed entirely. Instead of being a source of ethical, moral and spiritual development, it has transformed into a tool for materialistic gains. This materialism has changed the scope and purpose of education. Therefore, the evolution of an individual and society is material rather than spiritual. According to the Islamic point of view, a human being's ultimate aim should not be to gain material benefits only despite living in a material world. But, unfortunately, our educational system is pushing the

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

The writer Shazia Cheema is an analyst writing for national and international media outlets. She heads the DND Thought Center. She did her MA in Cognitive Semiotics from Aarhus University Denmark and is currently registered as a Ph.D. Scholar of Semiotics and Philosophy of Communication at Charles University Prague

society towards absolute materialism instead of higher values. The CSS exam, with all its glory and charm, appears as a lucrative option for young individuals who aim to achieve highly in life. But, the induction method which comprises many phases, from written examination to the final allocation requires time, tenacious effort, hard work and above all patience. here, the role of society becomes very important. Not long ago, the family system and social structure were equally responsible for the inculcation of higher values in a new generation. It was an informal way of imparting higher values. every member of society was a source of transmission of spiritual, ethical and moral values. But, with the ever-increasing materialism, the social bond has weakened. And, instead of helping an individual, the system has become a source of restlessness. Now, the pressure of expectations from family, friends and society becomes a burden for the aspiring candidates. It is this pressure that turns into depression. The recent suicide of a CSS aspirant is an evident example. And this is not the only example. The suicide rate among students has been increasing. The gravity of the matter can be observed by the fact that even school going students have fallen prey to depression and external pressures. having said that, the lack of a proper counselling environment further aggravates the situation. educational institutions, despite charging hefty amounts, fail to provide a basic and necessary counselling environment. however, achieving a position or status should not be the outcome of education, but the final achievement should be a learned and moral human being who can contribute to the welfare and wellbeing of humankind. Life is a blessing of the Almighty, and society should create an atmosphere where no one would think about taking his or her life. This would only be possible with the collective efforts of the whole society. An optimistic attitude should be inculcated in the students that what matters most is spiritual, moral and ethical uplift rather than material wellbeing. Moreover, a proper counselling mechanism should be adopted in all educational institutions at all levels that would take care of students from the basic level and make sure they are free from the evil of depression. The writer is freelance columnist

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

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

Bags not tools ACCORDING to Wikipedia,“Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially or morally harmful.” Knowing the consequences of child labour, uNICeF declared 12 June as “World day against child labour” Still, in our country child labour is quite common. Children, who are the future of Pakistan, are holding tools instead of bags. According to a survey conducted by the Federal Bureau of Statistics and the National Child Labour, approximately 19 million children below 14 years of age are working as child labourers in Pakistan due to poverty. They are deprived of their due rights along with education. If our youth is going to be uneducated and engaged in work, how will the country progress? The government must make sure that every child must be a student rather than a labour. Afroz MJ TurbAT

WHO warning

Strategic Dilemmas and Beyond The trajectory of Pak-US relations has tilted towards military regimes

dr rajkumar Singh

he traditional faith and confidence that existed in uS-Pakistan relations for decades have evaporated recently mainly due to Islamabad’s closing of relations with the People’s Republic of China and to some extent with the Kremlin, as both are not on good terms with the uSA. In this context, it is also to be made clear that while Pakistan needed the uSA always from the day of its inception, the uSA’s requirement of Pakistan is with gaps-long and short, in the Cold War and post-Cold War phases. It however, has been necessitated in the last two decades due to the launch of war against the terror groups, the Al-Qaeda, in particular, where uS considerations mostly revolve around its regional and global politics. In this period Pakistan has been benefited much from the uS, but only in the name of eradicating or combating terrorism in the region and in Kabul where uS security forces along with the armies of NATO countries had been fighting in Afghanistan from October 2001. however, over the years, the need and requirements of Pakistan have multiplied on account of various factors and it wants from the uSA a relationship beyond traditional perceptions and practices, or more a relationship of equality like with India, with whom the uSA has developed and maintained a strategic partnership for the last two decades. In the recent past, Islamabad has focused its relationship with the uSA more on economic issues and as among other things, Beijing has provided them to Pakistan, and it has leaned towards Beijing, but also keeping in mind its stiff enmity with India, who is Pakistan’s enemy by birth. Anyway, the number one motto of Pakistan’s present foreign policy is to be aloof from the crossfire politics between the uSA and China, the two big powers of today’s global politics. On being disappointed from India’s refusal to join the uS camp in the era of Cold War which began in 1945 after the end of World War II, the uSA established diplomatic relations with Pakistan, the first Muslim country with immense geostrategic value in South and Central Asia as well as eastern europe. In the entire period of the Cold War Pakistan remained a faithful and

dependable ally of the uSA in world politics when the later was in deep rivalry and intense competition with the uSSR across the globe. Keeping in view Islamabad’s enmity from birth with New Delhi and the declared war between the two from the beginning, the uSA had provided billions of dollars annually in the form of aid, military equipment and grants which were used by Pakistan in purchasing uS goods, food, and other services. In this context, it is also to be mentioned here that the uSA, a country of most successful democracy co-existed with military dictators from the time of Ayub Khan to Pervez Musharraf very comfortably, as the dictators of the time had convinced the uS authorities that the military power of the nation was fully competent to rule over the country; As a result, over the long years of military regime the rulers had been able to strengthen their position in other administrative networks including the nexus with its intelligence agencies like the ISI, In coming days because it became very strong and influential even to control the democratic/elected governments as and when they assumed power through voting. Perhaps, the most fatal side effects of the military, rigid discriminatory rules of Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan resulted in the division of the country in December 1971. It is said that if Pakistan had been a democratic country like India since Partition, the chances of this event were low. The initial military rulers, Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan, enjoyed good relations and understandings with the uSA. This, however, gradually became difficult as the regional situation in South Asia began changing in early 1970s due to the formation of Bangladesh and the improvement of India’s image in comparison to which was also further enhanced with the explosion of a nuclear device in May 1974 followed by the annexation of Sikkim in 1975. By the same time the uSA, taking advantage of the close relations between Pakistan and China, sent henry Kissinger on a secret mission to Beijing that opened a new chapter in uSChina relations, as the visit paved the way for the coming visit of President Richrd Nixon in 1972. Moving further at the close of the 1970s the uSSR intervened in Afghanistan and installed a puppet government of its choice. As it

was the era of the Cold War, the then uS Administration instantly responded and with the help of Pakistan prepared a guerilla war group called Mujahideen to give a retreating fight to the armies of the Soviet union and the Afghan government as well. In the name of fighting against the Soviet Army Pakistan took millions of dollars while the Pak security forces and intelligence agencies remained active throughout the period till the withdrawal of the uSSR at the close of the 1980s. In the vpost-withdrawal phase once again, the uSA became least interested in affairs of Pakistan and the region as well, but the event of 9/11 proved a boon for Pakistan because again Pakistan’s importance became high in the uS calculation to fight its decisive war against terrorism which commenced in October 2001. From October 2001 the uSA launched a war against terror groups in Afghanistan in search of Osama bin Laden, the prime accused of the 9/11 terror attack. earlier the Taliban, the then rulers of Afghanistan, refused to hand over Osama bin Laden and demanded documentary proof of his involvement in the event. Two months after the launch of the war, Taliban rule in Afghanistan collapsed and a direct fight started across the country between Taliban groups and the security forces of the Afghan government and borrowed forces of uS-led NATO countries. The uSA made a huge expenditure from 2001 onwards and Barack Obama even increased the number of security forces in the country. It however, took a u-turn when Donald Trump took over as Presidentt and realised the real role of Pakistan and the status of terrorism in the country. he focused on peace negotiations and ultimately announced withdrawal of all uS-led forces from Afghanistan in a phased manner. The peace negotiations are underway among the parties concerned, including the uSA and Pakistan, which are trying at their level best to achieve a settlement.

It however, took a U-turn when Donald Trump took over as Presidentt and realised the real role of Pakistan and the status of terrorism in the country. He focused on peace negotiations and ultimately announced withdrawal of all US-led forces from Afghanistan in a phased manner. The peace negotiations are underway among the parties concerned, including the USA and Pakistan, which are trying at their level best to achieve a settlement

The writer is head of the political science department and dean of the Social Sciences faculty of the B.N.Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India. He can be reached at rajkumarsinghpg@gmail.com

IT’S an horrifying fact that the sheesha smokers are not well perceived about the damaging effects of “sheesha” to the health.It is proved that smoking of sheesha is worse than cigrattes. In a hour long session of smoking sheesha contain 200 puffs while cigrattes contain only 20. When one smokes it, it not only effect him but also the people around him gets terribly effected without even smoking it.The world health organisation (WhO) had published a report in 2005 mentioning that smoking of sheesha is hazardous for health. Sheesha cafes must have been banned but still there’s no action took regarding this. But now one must understand that a health is above all and sheesha is a silent killer. fizA NASir TurbAT

What a day in Karachi AFTeR meeting and touching situation of Karachi, A sudden accident or natural disaster wreaked havoc the whole joints of Karachi. There is a multitude of people who faced the music. especially those penury people who unable to survive their live in this hot and heavy issue. I may say, a natural disaster is a benediction from Almught Allah, but to sort out this dilemma is responsibility of All people, whether they are in the government sector or private sector.. The whole political leaders as well as ministers of Sindh have carte blanche to overcome this hit potato which has been hocked a person of Karachi. This terrifying gloom is not only faces of middle-class neighbourhood, but also elite class. Furthermore, This monstrous world already as been faced the music Due TO COVID-19, A DOZeN OF PeOPLe has LOST TheIR LIVeS AT The DROP OF hAT. It was a setback to this world. Most of the sudden, an incident can be occurred to you at any time. SAMe AS Natural disaster which is an inevitable. Recently, I have seen the whole enchidela of the of cities where Rainwater was stagnant on road of each city of Pakistan especially, Lahore and Karachi. Regarding this natural occurrence, everyone has arisen heap of cinders regarding CM Sahab. Some of them, defamed his reputation in writing words servely. We know that, CM is final and absolute authority to wipe out all daunting tasks from the city, but It is a not only dilemma of Karachi to spick and span the water from the roads but also the others cities are still remaining. This monstrous society is plenary of pompous ass people. We always see our interests and benefits. We take up-turned and some time, we depart from our right principles. So We’re being selfish and rapacious regarding our monetary interest and other one. . A hallmark mark quoted can be stated here. this maxim can be infallible at some angles, but not completely top-notch to sigh. So to mock at others, or musterjocular expression, or your facial expression toward personality personality which feels a vestige of degrading our authority concerned who fought with this pandemic situation and tried to prevent us from this baneful disease. Who took such miraculous and effective steps to desist this disease from occurring again and again, but this society still opposed against him in lieu of extolling. In the nutshell. There is a sophist who depicts that. Same situation happens above given sweeping statement; Try to Change, TRY TO use creativity to your life, Try to be mature, do not change your paths, where you feel under the weather, try to stand at one’s feet, Try to love choose loved ones leader and proponent him inwardly and outwardly. Because of Public. They are nothing, but you must take action or protest regarding any illicit act and you do not allow to defame charming personality at any cost. NirMAl oAd ShikArpur

Punishment and discipline DISCIPLINe is the practice of training to obey rules or using punishments to correct disobedience. It is the teaching of the boundaries. The teaching of what is right and what is wrong. Discipline can be both “positive and negative” For example the positive discipline is admiring children for doing something “Good”, or stopping them for doing wrong by counseling. Negatives can be like smacking and threatening them for doing something inappropriate. Some Parents and most of the Teachers in school believe that they do well by punishing them or “safe smacking”, Whereas the actual discipline is helping them to understand why certain behaviour is unacceptable. Sometimes after getting smacked children (students) get impinge and start to think that it is alright to beat others. Punishment is not the way to motivate them in order to behave more properly. Yes! Sometimes somewhere it is right to punish but many times the best way is to understand what was the reason behind the aggressive reaction, behaving in an inappropriate way or doing an offence . After this if they are wrong, the better way is admonishing them to make them stop from doing something unacceptable! Not using corporal punishments. ArifA SAEEd lArkANA

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

08 world view

DIPLOMATIC CHESS AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATION IN AFGHANISTAN ON JULY 20, THE VALDAI CLUB HELD AN ONLINE DISCUSSION TITLED “AFGHANISTAN AFTER THE US WITHDRAWAL: A SECURITY VACUUM FOREVER?” THE DISCUSSION WAS MODERATED BY FYODOR LUKYANOV, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF RUSSIA IN GLOBAL AFFAIRS, RESEARCH DIRECTOR OF THE VALDAI DISCUSSION CLUB russiA in gLobAL AffAirs

Summary

eSCrIBING the current situation in the country, hamid Karzai, former president of the Islamic republic of Afghanistan (2004-2014), noted that the conflict in Afghanistan is not a conflict among the Afghan people, but the consequence of a global game with a regional dimension. he acknowledged that the Taliban (an organisation banned in russia) are winning the hearts of Afghans and expanding territorial control, but this has not yet led to the conquest of the country or general stability. In his opinion, a military solution is now impossible for either side and only national reconciliation can achieve success. Karzai also vehemently opposed the existing, according to him, American plans to decentralise governance in Afghanistan and to create several governments in the country. he warned against the fragmentation of Afghanistan. Outlining the successes that have been achieved over the past two decades, the former president pointed out that a certain system of values had been created: constitutional rule, civil rights, rights of women, freedom of the press and some basic democratic institutions, and added that society has become much more educated. even some Taliban leaders have acknowledged the positive effect of these changes, Karzai said. Separately, he noted the great importance of the contribution that russia made to this process. Zamir Kabulov, Special representative to the President of the russian Federation for Afghanistan and Director of the Second Asia Department of the russian Foreign Ministry, stressed that russia, like a number of other countries participating in the settlement process, seeks to maintain contact with both of the Afghan parties to the conflict. “We play on all fields, but we aren’t gambling, we’re playing chess,” he

said. Speaking about the role of the United States, he pointed out that the US still has certain obligations to Afghanistan and the Afghan people, and that, according to an agreement between Washington and Kabul, the United States should continue to provide financial and economic assistance to Afghanistan. According to Kabulov, America’s allies who participated in its unsuccessful operation in Afghanistan also bear a similar responsibility. Answering the moderator’s question about whether the Taliban have changed from what they were twenty years ago, the diplomat noted that the first generations of the leaders of the movement are tired of the war, understand that political solutions must be sought and are ready to compromise — if it is worthy. however, there are also younger generations who have never lived in a free, calm, unoccupied Afghanistan. This more passionate part of the movement is still radically disposed — and the Taliban leadership cannot but reckon with them. Kabulov paid special attention to the issue of the threat to Central Asia. According to him, there is not a single incidence of the Taliban crossing the border or attempting to do so. The Taliban are taking control of Afghan territories and are not interested in neighbouring countries, he says. At the same time, Kabulov considers a number of small and medium-sized terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan to be dangerous, and notes that they could unite under the auspices of ISIS (an organisation banned in russia). however, the Taliban are their sworn enemies, so the strengthening of the Taliban can even be a positive factor from the point of view of the security of russia’s Central Asian partners and allies, the special envoy of the president stressed. FYODOr A. LUKYANOV is the editor-in-Chief of russia in Global Affairs, Chairman of the Presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, and research Director of the Valdai Discussion Club. research Professor, Faculty of World economy and International Affairs, National research University higher School of economics, Moscow.

Climate change is driving extreme floods, wildfires and heat WILL THE WORLD MEET THE MOMENT? Los AngeLes Times

Editorial Board

he summer isn’t even halfway through and it’s already proved to be a season of deadly extremes. In a little over a month, four major heat waves have broiled the Western United States, including record-shattering triple-digit temperatures in Oregon and Washington that caused hundreds of heatrelated deaths. Wildfires are again tearing through the West, burning hundreds of thousands of acres in California, Oregon and British Columbia in Canada. The fires are so massive that smoke has traveled all the way to the east Coast, prompting health warnings in Connecticut and Maryland and turning the skies above New York City hazy and red. And from Germany to China, extreme flooding has caused death and destruction. At least 180 people in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands were killed last week when two months’ worth of rain fell in two days, causing floods and mudslides. In the central Chinese province of henan, at least 33 people died after riders were trapped on a subway amid catastrophic flooding after torrential rains. These terrifying scenes from across the globe have long been predicted by scientists studying our warming planet. higher temperatures would lead to more heat waves and droughts in some areas that would fuel bigger, more frequent wildfires. In other areas the warmer climate would trap moisture in the atmosphere, leading to heavier rainfall during storms. Climate change is making normal weather events — heat waves, droughts, rainstorms and hurricanes — more extreme and more devastating to communities unprepared for the onslaught. What’s most frightening, however, is that extremes are

happening faster than many predicted or wished. It’s clear that the world is running out of time to slow the devastation. The impacts of climate change are undeniable. So why are the world’s developed countries still slow-walking efforts to wean their economies off fossil fuels and slash the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change? Last year, a United Nations report warned that the world needs to triple promised reductions in carbon emissions to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius to prevent dire consequences, including famine and widespread flooding. But, according to another U.N. report, instead of cutting fossil fuel production, countries were planning to increase production. Few corners of the U.S. have been spared the impacts of extreme weather, yet members of Congress are still squabbling over funding for clean energy projects and reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels. President Biden has proposed an expansion of funding and programs to curtail oil and gas production, promote zero-emission vehicles and invest in renewable energy. But Biden needs a cognizant, cooperative Congress to make these long-term shifts in policy stick. The european Union and China have also proposed sweeping plans to curtail emissions. The eU is considering legislation to phase out gasoline and diesel cars and impose tariffs on imports from polluting countries. China announced plans for a cap-and-trade-like system for high-polluting companies in the country; companies would ratchet down emissions over time. But there is no guarantee these proposals will come to fruition or quickly deliver emissions reductions. As the last few weeks have shown, there’s no time to waste. The summer has already given a terrible glimpse of the future if we don’t change course now.

Space travel for the masses? Don’t be ridiculous SPACE ‘TOURISM’ AS PERFORMED BY A PAIR OF BILLIONAIRES IS, FOR NOW, MERELY AN OVERPRICED JOYRIDE FOR THE ULTRA-RICH

AL JAzeerA

Johnny luk

ArLIer this month, the British billionaire entrepreneur, Sir richard Branson, successfully flew to outer space, trailblazing his brand, Virgin Galactic, to the edge of the outer hemisphere. This week, his fellow billionaire, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, took his own Blue Origin spacecraft for a spin to the outer limits, managing to get a whole 10 miles (16km) higher than Sir richard. The journeys were heralded as marking a new era of “space tourism”, in which untrained people could become astronauts, a title previously reserved for highly trained professional scientists and pilots, to see the earth’s curvature and enjoy a few minutes of weightlessness. Perfect for that viral Instagram photo for one’s millions of followers. But could the idea of space tourism really become anything more than just an overpriced joyride for the rich? The idea of travelling into space has fascinated human beings for millennia. humanity has looked to the stars as a tool for navigation and as a source of spiritual fulfilment. even now, research from the US think-tank, the Pew research Center, suggests 29 percent of Americans believe in horoscopes. In the 20th Century, as scientific discovery advanced, space travel became a symbol of political and ideological prestige, with the superpowers of that era, the US and the former Soviet Union, battling it out for space supremacy. Both sides poured billions of dollars into a series of space programmes that created new rockets, satellites and most famously, led to humans touching the surface of the moon. It also spun a range of inventions that were commercialised for wider use, such as scratch-resistant lenses for glasses, memory foam and LASIK eye surgery. These days, with the Cold War long over, political pressure to push forward state-funded space programmes has diminished, with governments even more reluctant

to spend after the global financial crisis crippled government budgets in 2007. Thus, a gap has emerged for the private sector to step into. For Branson, this month’s venture was the culmination of a long-held dream to embark on space tourism, having first promised to build a spaceship in 2004, with the hope of starting a commercial service by 2007. The programme faced years of delays due to, unsurprisingly, having to battle huge technical challenges, including a fatal crash during a development flight in 2014. The current pandemic has made it harder too, having forced Branson to sell $650m worth of Virgin Galactic shares over the past two years to shore up his wider Virgin business empire. Yet despite delays, Virgin Galactic succeeded in its quest and has pushed space science forwards as a consequence. It developed a unique flight path, with a “mothership” carrying the main vehicle, VSS Unity, up 15km (9 miles) in the air before Unity was released and then activated its rockets to fly an additional 70km (43 miles) above the surface of the earth, to reach the edge of space. Unity then re-entered earth’s atmosphere with rotating wings – a technology known as feathering – to smoothly glide back down to earth without the need for a parachute. This meant no parts needed to be discarded, making it fully reusable, with the plane landing at the same location at Spaceport America in New Mexico, US, making it hassle-free for space tourists to get on and off, just like on a commercial flight. Similarly, Bezos’s Blue Origin, which flew higher than its archrival Virgin Galactic, also utilises advanced science with a fully automated two-part rocket system, requiring no pilots at all. The launcher, which houses the rocket engine and propellant, separates after launch, flying back by itself to return to the launch pad, while the top part of the craft – the crew capsule – safely lands using parachutes. It is also equipped with a crew ejection system for added safety if any part of the launch goes wrong. Thankfully, there was no need for that on this occasion. Both companies, after years of research and development and sustaining losses, are now finally poised to make money, with a reported 8,000 individuals already reserving tickets for Virgin Galactic flights, costing at least $250,000 each. Tickets to fly on Blue Origin are speculated to be priced at similar levels. Some 7,600 people with a lot of spare cash had registered for the auction of tickets for this week’s flight, with the winner paying $28m, suggesting there will be strong demand too, at least from the ultra-rich. Indeed, analysts at the invest-

ment bank, Bank of America estimate the total value of the space industry will balloon from $350bn to as much as $2.7tn by 2040. however, before we get too excited, we must call this out for what it is. This is an entertainment business for the super-rich, backed by a formidable Pr operation. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are suborbital space vehicles. They do not yet fly high enough to orbit earth and are therefore in a wholly different category to – say, NASA or SpaceX – founded by another very successful billionaire entrepreneur, elon Musk – which has become NASA’s preferred launch vehicle, able to resupply the International Space Station or deploy new satellites. Virgin Galactic has confirmed as much, recently replacing its first CeO, the former NASA Chief of Staff George Whitesides, who led much of the research development phase of Virgin Galactic, with Michael Colglazier, who has no space background and was previously head of Disneyland parks. The new space tourist companies are marketing these joy rides as “bringing space to the masses”. It is true that, before this, if you wanted to fly as a space tourist, you had to broker with the russians to pay for a seat on the Soviet-era Soyuz class spacecraft for a cool $25m, as seven people did between 2001 and 2009. But ticket prices for Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin flights will still be sky-high, which makes the claim absurd. There is no doubt that seeing the earth’s curvature could be a life-changing experience but who are we really inspiring here? emerging scientists or the children of the billionaire set? Meanwhile, despite these new crafts being relatively energy-efficient compared with older space rockets, they still burn tonnes of fuel to go up and down through the atmosphere – hardly in the spirit of tackling climate change. Perhaps it does not matter. After all, compared with state-funded programmes, private companies have the political cover of not – overtly – spending taxpayers’ money. Virgin Galactic has funding from the Virgin Group, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, Aabar Investment group and Boeing, alongside being publicly traded in the New York stock market. Blue Origin was funded by the sale of Amazon stock. In contrast, the NASA Apollo programme, which launched humans to the moon in the late 60s and early 70s and the more recent Space Shuttle programme, which retired in 2011, cost US taxpayers an eye-watering $415bn in today’s money. Private space companies are following market forces,

competing against each other in a new market. The ego contest has also begun, with Bezos taunting Branson that his ship can fly higher. This is good. Competition drives creativity, efficiencies and the development of new safety procedures, given that a launch failure would cause fatal loss of confidence for prospective customers. having highly driven, charismatic entrepreneurs being the face of private space companies also gives it a sexiness that has galvanised the entire space sector. however, this masks the reality that these companies have still benefitted from a sector that has been financed with taxpayers’ support. For example, the New Mexico government has invested nearly $200m in the Spaceport America facility, with Virgin Galactic as the anchor tenant. Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest man who founded Amazon, runs a multinational technology firm that pays very little tax. For example, in europe, Amazon made record sales of 44 billion euros ($51.9bn) in 2020 but tax filings suggest it did not pay any corporation tax in Luxembourg, where it filed tax paperwork. And while Bezos generously thanked the workers of Amazon for helping to realise his dream of reaching space, warehouse workers on just $15 an hour might be wondering whether those profits – $8bn in net income this past quarter, a record – might be better reinvested elsewhere? While it is a bit cringe-worthy that rich people can now call themselves “astronauts”, no doubt raising eyebrows among professionally trained, actual astronauts, we should not underestimate the science behind flying people safely under such hostile environments. Normalising space travel could provide opportunities. With Virgin Galactic aspiring to near-daily flights in the future, these suborbital journeys will provide a new platform for science, for example by providing a relatively accessible way to carry out testing in micro-gravity environments. Blue Origin is also developing larger rockets, dubbed New Glen, which aspires to compete with SpaceX on longer distance space flights and Blue Moon, to create lunar landers in partnership with NASA. Cynics may despair at the waste of money, given there are so many other pressing issues to deal with down here on planet earth, such as human poverty. Yet perhaps space travel is a way of capturing the imagination and acting as a symbol of human advancement. Perhaps, as refinements continue and economies of scale further reduce costs, space flight might indeed become accessible to everyone, with space flights changing how people view our precious earth and provide a new way to advance science that leads to new inventions that benefit all of humanity. One can only wonder. Johnny Luk is a strategic advisor, a university governor and ran for parliament in the UK as a Conservative candidate in 2019.

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

BUSINESS 09

KARACHI

Govt AllocAtes Rs469bn to modeRnise infRAstRuctuRe Asia subdued by slow vaccinations, eye on factory surveys SYDNEY REUTERS

Asian share markets were in a muted mood on Friday after a volatile week in which sentiment over global growth waxed and waned with every new headline on the Delta variant. A slew of July factory surveys are expected to show only a slight softening of activity in Europe and the United States from very high levels, but Asia looks more vulnerable. "In the face of headwinds from the Delta variant of the Covid-19 virus, the global economic expansion is moving forward—albeit more tentatively than a month ago," said Sara Johnson, executive director of global economics at IHS Markit. "Outlooks in advanced countries with high vaccination rates remain bright, but near-term prospects in emerging and developing countries with low vaccination rates are murkier." That diverging outlook was reflected in MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS which slipped 0.6 percent, leaving it down 1.4 percent on the week so far. Japan's Nikkei .N225 was closed for a holiday, but off 1.7 percent for the week and a whisker away from a sevenmonth trough. Chinese blue chips .CSI300 lost 1.2 percent, though remained well within their tight trading range of the past three weeks. Wall Street was in a better mood after a run of strong earnings, with Nasdaq futures NQc1 up 0.3 percent and S&P 500 futures ESc1 0.2 percent. EUROSTOXX 50 futures STXEc1 also firmed 0.2 percent, while FTSE futures FFIc1 gained 0.3 percent. Investors are now looking ahead to the Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week where more discussion about tapering is expected, though Chair Jerome Powell has repeatedly said the labour market remains well short of target. He also still argues that the recent spike in inflation will prove fleeting, which may be one reason bond markets have been rallying so hard. Yields on US 10-year notes US10YT=TWEB were last at 1.28 percent, having hit a five-month low of 1.128 percent early in the week. German 10-year bonds DE10YT=RR performed even better, with yields dropping seven basis points so far this week to -0.42 percent, the lowest since mid-February. The rally was helped by a dovish tilt from the European Central Bank overnight when it pledged not to raise rates until inflation was sustainably at its 2 percent target. "Currently the ECB is forecasting inflation at 1.4 percent in 2023, and it anticipates a very gradual recovery towards target thereafter," noted analysts at ANZ. "The guidance implies the ECB will not get caught up in future global tightening cycles unless it is justified by euro area dynamics. The policy puts the ECB at the dovish end of the global central bank hawkometer." That outlook has contributed to a steady decline in the euro to $1.1771 EUR=, near the four-month trough of $1.1750 touched earlier in the week. This helped lift the dollar index to its highest since early March, and it was last at 92.818 =USD. The euro has also been struggling against the safe-haven Japanese yen and hit its lowest in four months this week before steadying at 129.68 yen EURJPY=. With all the action in the euro, the dollar has been relatively steadier on the yen at 110.24 JPY=. In commodity markets, gold dipped to $1,802 an ounce XAU= and was 0.4 percent easier on the week. Base metals have fared much better as strong demand meets restricted supply. Oil prices have also been buoyed by speculation demand will outpace supply in coming months even after OPEC+ agreed to expand production. Brent LCOc1 was last off 27 cents at $73.52 a barrel, after jumping overnight, while US crude CLc1 lost 25 cents to $71.66 per barrel.

ISLAMABAD TLTP

N amount of Rs469 billion, which is 52 percent of total Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), has been allocated for projects aiming at modernising infrastructure for accelerating growth. The PSDP focuses on improving transport and communication facilities with special emphasis on inter-provincial and regional connectivity, investment on building large dams and water conservation systems, augmenting and strengthening health sector infrastructure, improving access to higher education, social protection, increasing employment and livelihood opportunities. It also aims at reducing regional disparities, mitigating effects of climate change, building knowledge economy, enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security and supporting Public Private Partnership initiatives. An amount of over Rs228 billion has been earmarked for energy sector projects during the current fiscal year while Rs90.313 billion for water sector projects. By June next year, an additional 5981 megawatts of electricity is expected to be plugged into the system, including 1536 megawatts from renewable sources. To boost industrial development, electricity and gas supply schemes for Special Economic Zones under CPEC are expected to be completed by June next year. In order to attain one percent additional afforestation during the next fiscal year, the government has allocated 14,000 million funds to ensure efficient implementation of Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme-Phase 1. There is a plan to add another ten million acre feet in the water storage capacity during the next year.

To overcome water scarcity and enhance storage capacity, two major storage dams Diamer-Basha and Mohmand along with five hundred and eighteen medium and small dams having cumulative storage capacity of 8.33 million acre feet have been initiated throughout the country. An amount of Rs90.313 billion has been allocated for water sector projects, excluding hydel projects during the next fiscal year. Modern, efficient and connected transport infrastructure networks are positively associated with development and rapid growth. For the transport and logistics sector, Rs173.8 billion were allocated during

Tesla lobbies India for sharply lower import taxes on electric vehicles

NEW DELHI REUTERS

Tesla Inc has written to Indian ministries seeking a big reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs), a move it says will boost demand and generate revenue for the government, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. Its pitch, however, is likely to face resistance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration which has

championed high import taxes for many industries in a bid to boost local manufacturing. Other luxury automakers in India have also lobbied the government in the past to lower taxes on imported cars but have had little success due to opposition from rivals with domestic operations. Tesla, which aims to begin sales in India this year, said in a letter to ministries and the country's leading think-tank Niti Aayog that slashing

Global equity funds post outflows on virus worries Global equity funds recorded net outflows for the first time in six weeks in the week to July 21 as concerns over a resurgence of coronavirus cases worldwide prompted investors to move towards safer assets. According to Refinitiv Lipper data, global equity funds saw net outflows of $5.9 billion in the week, led by a $10.4 billion outflow from US equity funds. Asian and European equity funds, however, saw net inflows of $2.8 billion and $0.6 billion respectively. OCBC analysts said in a note that a resurgence of Covid-19 cases caused by the

last fiscal year, of which Rs127.6 billion have been utilised. An amount of Rs302 billion has been earmarked for the development programme of the transport and logistics in the current fiscal year. In order to promote balanced regional development, an amount of Rs160 billion, which is eighteen percent of the PSDP, has been kept aside for projects aiming at fostering harmony in the federation. The budget for fiscal year 2021-22 envisages allocation of Rs900 billion for the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), which is 38 percent higher than the previous year.

Delta variant of the coronavirus had likely soured market sentiment, along with renewed lockdown measures. “The softer risk sentiment likely caused investors to pivot away from equities to the less volatile bond market,” they said. Among equity sector funds, cyclical sectors such as financials and industrials witnessed net outflows worth $2.6 billion and $1.4 billion respectively. Tech sector funds drew a net inflow of $2.3 billion, the biggest in more than four months. Investors seeking lower-risk piled $3.8

billion into government bond funds, the most since the week ended February 3. Riskier high-yield bond funds, however, faced outflows worth $2 billion. Global money market funds recorded a net inflow of $5.5 billion in the week, after facing a combined outflow of $148.5 billion in the previous five weeks. Among commodity funds, energy sector funds saw marginal inflows, in contrast to precious metal funds. An analysis of 23,669 emerging market funds showed bond funds received a net $954 million, and equity funds $318 million. REUTERS

federal taxes on imports of fully assembled electric cars to 40 percent would be more appropriate, according to the sources. That compares with current rates of 60 percent for cars priced below $40,000 and 100 percent for those above $40,000. "The argument is that at 40 percent import duty, electric cars can become more affordable but the threshold is still high enough to compel companies to manufacture locally if demand picks

up," one of the sources said. The sources declined to be identified as the letter has not been made public. According to Tesla's US website, only one model - the Model 3 Standard Range Plus - is priced below $40,000. Tesla and Niti Aayog did not respond to an email seeking comment. Ministries that Tesla wrote to included the transport and heavy industries ministries, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

10 FOREIGN NEWS

KARACHI

LandsLidEs in wEstErn india kiLL 32, whiLE fLoods trap MorE

ThE ASSociATED PRESS

ANdSlIdES triggered by heavy monsoon rains hit parts of western India, killing at least 32 people and leading to the overnight rescue of more than 1,000 other people trapped by floodwaters, officials said on Friday. The dead were killed in three landslides in Raigad district in western Maharashtra state, said district Collector Nidhi Chaudhary. Many of those rescued were stranded on rooftops and even on top of buses on highways, she said. State government official Sagar Pathak said in addition to the 32 dead, more than 30 people were missing after the landslides. Chaudhary said the rains had slowed and water levels were coming down on Friday, making it easier for rescuers to reach the area. Elsewhere in the region, a house collapsed on Friday after heavy rains in the Shivaji Nagar area in eastern Mumbai,

killing two people and injuring eight others, news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) reported. In Ratnagiri district, 200 people were rescued from hilly areas on Thursday after

EU watchdog approves Moderna jab for children aged 12 and above AMSTERDAM AFP

The European medicines watchdog on Friday approved the use of Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine for children aged 12 to 17, making it the second jab for adolescents for use on the continent. “The use of the Spikevax vaccine in children from 12 to 17 years of age will be the same as in people aged 18 and above,” the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said, using Moderna’s brand name. The vaccine will be given in two injections, each four weeks apart. The decision by the Amsterdam-based agency follows the approval of the first vaccine for European youngsters, by Pfizer/BioNTech in May. The effects of Spikevax have been studied among 3,732 children aged 12 to 17 years, the EMA said. “The study showed that Spikevax produced a comparable antibody response in 12- to 17-year-olds to that seen in young adults aged 18 to 25 years,” it said. It uses genetic material to deliver instructions to human cells to create the spike protein of the coronavirus, thereby training an immune response without exposing the host to a real infection. The EU on Thursday said 200 million Europeans have been fully vaccinated, more than half of the adult population, but still short of a 70 percent target it had set for the summer.

heavy rains, according to PTI. In the coastal town of Chiplun, home to 70,000 people, more than half the area was flooded, the news agency reported.

BN Patil, district administrator of Ratnagiri, said he has sought the help of the army, coast guards and the National disaster Response Force for rescue operations. An Indian navy statement said it has deployed helicopters for evacuating stranded people and sent rescue teams with boats to the region. Authorities on Friday sounded an alert in the southern state of Telangana with heavy rains causing flooding in Hyderabad, the state capital, and other low-lying areas. Meteorologists said the 30 centimetres (11.8 inches) of rain that has fallen so far this month in Hyderabad, known as one of India’s information technology hubs, is the most for July in 10 years. The flood gates of one of the main reservoirs, Osman Sagar, were opened for the first time in a decade to discharge excess water. last weekend, more than 30 people were killed in landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in and around Mumbai, India’s financial and entertainment capital.

disasters caused by landslides and flooding are common in India during the June-September monsoon season, when heavy rains weaken the foundations of structures that are often poorly built. Monsoon is crucial for rain-fed crops planted during the season but the rains often cause extensive damage and kill scores of people each year. Experts said that heavy rainfall along India’s western coast is in line with how rainfall patterns have changed over the region in past years due to climate change. The frequency and intensity of heavy rains have increased, said Roxy Mathew Koll, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in the western city of Pune. He added that the warming Arabian Sea was driving more cyclones and more intense rainfall over short periods of time. Every year we need to be prepared on the west coast, he said.

Tajikistan tests combat readiness as Taliban advance in Afghanistan AFP Tajikistan on Thursday checked the combat readiness of its armed forces in the biggest such exercise in the country’s history as the Taliban make sweeping gains in neighbouring Afghanistan. The 230,000 members of the Central Asian country’s security forces were alerted for the test at 4am on the order of President Emomali Rakhmon. dushanbe also relocated 20,000 troops to strengthen its force on the border with Afghanistan. The military inspection was the first of its kind in the ex-Soviet country’s 30-year history. It involved testing of all weapons used by the Tajik army, including ground, aviation and artillery forces. The operation was broadcast on Tajik state television and ended with a military parade headed by Rakhmon in which he called on Tajiks to be “ready to defend peace and stability” in the region.

“The situation in our neighbouring country — the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, especially in its northern regions that border our country, remains extremely complex and uncertain,” Rakhmon said. “It is getting more complicated day by day and even hour by hour,” he said. He called on the armed forces and law enforcement agencies to “ensure the highest level of combat readiness to prevent potential threats” and to “ensure the protection of the state border”. Rakhmon, who has led Tajikistan since 1994, then spoke to his Russian ally, President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin said the pair discussed the situation in Afghanistan and that the phone call took place “on the initiative of the Tajik side”. The test comes after Russia said it would stage military drills with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan near the border with Afghanistan next month. The Taliban’s offensive has seen a stream of Afghans make their way across the Tajik border.

The Taliban in recent weeks have brought huge swathes of Afghanistan under their control as foreign troops draw down, including the main Shir Khan Bandar border crossing with Tajikistan. “Afghanistan’s borders with

Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, or about 90 per cent of the border, are under our control,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the Russian RIA Novosti news agency, a claim that could not be independently verified.

Rahul Gandhi demands inquiry into Pegasus claims NEW DELhi AFP

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s main political rival Rahul Gandhi on Friday demanded an inquiry into the Pegasus spyware scandal, accusing the government of “treason”. Gandhi is one of dozens of Indian politicians, journalists and government critics on an alleged global database of 50,000 possible Pegasus spying targets that was revealed by an international group of media outlets. At least one number once used by Prime Minister Imran Khan was also on the list. The Indian government has rejected spying claims although critics note it has not said whether it is a client of NSO Group, the Israeli maker of the Pegasus spyware which effectively captures a target’s cellphone. The claims have sparked uproar in the Indian parliament, with one opposition parliamentarian — since suspended — on Thursday snatching and ripping up the text of a statement on the subject being delivered by IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. “Pegasus is classified by the Israeli state as a weapon and that weapon is supposed to be used against terrorists,” Gandhi, 51, told reporters in New delhi. “The prime minister and the home minister have used this weapon against the Indian state and against our institutions. The only word for this is treason…. and this has to be investigated.”

The alleged database of phone numbers included more than 1,000 in India, with the owners of 300 of them identified in the media reports. It is not known how many of the

phones on the list were actually targeted for surveillance or how many attempts were successful. But according to the Indian news website The Wire — one of the media outlets

given access to the database by two rights groups — mounting forensic evidence suggests one or more official agencies have been using the spyware. Other possible targets revealed in the

reports on Thursday include aides to Tibetan spiritual leader dalai lama, who lives in exile in India, and businessman Anil Ambani. Modi’s government has said that any covert surveillance — which has a long history in India — is done in accordance with strict rules and oversight. Ministers have said the release of the reports by the global media consortium was deliberately coordinated to coincide with the eve of the current session of the Indian parliament. On Thursday, the chief minister of Assam state, an ally of Modi, called for Amnesty International — which along with French media nonprofit Forbidden Stories gave the group of newspapers access to the database — to be banned in India. “Amnesty International is a partner in this investigation. Now we all know the role of Amnesty. They are encouraging left-wing terrorism in India… working overnight to defame the country,” Himanta Biswa Sarma said. A clutch of organisations representing journalists called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the alleged snooping. “This is a moment that demands deep introspection and inquiry into the kind of society we are heading towards, and how far we may have veered away from the democratic values enshrined in our constitution,” the Editors Guild of India said.

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

SPORTS 11

KARACHI Algerian judoka quits Olympics to avoid Israeli opponent

WIth MUteD cereMOny AnD eMpty StADIUM, tOkyO OlyMpIcS BegIn

TOKYO

AFP

ThE ASSociATEd PRESS

Algerian judoka FethiNourine has withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics before competing after the draw set him on course for a possible match-up against an Israeli opponent. Nourine was set to face Sudanese judoka Mohamed Abdalrasool on Monday for his first bout, and would have taken on Israeli ToharButbul in the next round. Speaking to an Algerian television station late Thursday, Nourine said his political support for the Palestinian cause made it impossible for him to compete against an Israeli. "We worked a lot to reach the Olympics... but the Palestinian cause is bigger than all of this," he said, adding that his decision was "final". It is not the first time that Nourine has withdrawn from competition to avoid facing an Israeli opponent, after he pulled out of the 2019 world championships in Tokyo. Iranian judokas have also come under fire for refusing to compete against their Israeli counterparts.

ELATED and beleaguered, the virus-delayed Tokyo Summer Olympics finally opened on Friday night in Japan with a dazzling display of fireworks and soaring, made-for-TV choreography that unfolded in a near-empty stadium, a strangely subdued ceremony that set a striking tone to match a unique pandemic Games. As their opening unfolded, devoid of the usual crowd energy, the Olympics convened amid simmering anger and disbelief in much of the host country, but with hopes from organisers that the excitement of the sports to follow would offset the widespread opposition. Trepidations throughout Japan have threatened for months to drown out the usual carefully packaged glitz of the opening. Inside the stadium after dusk on Friday, however, a precisely calibrated ceremony sought to portray that the Games — and their spirit — are going on. Early on, an ethereal blue light bathed the empty seats as loud music muted the shouts of scattered protesters outside calling for the Games to be canceled — a widespread sentiment here. A single stage held an octagon shape meant to resemble the country’s fabled Mount Fuji. Organisers held a moment of silence for those who had died of Covid; as it ticked off and the music paused, the sounds of the protests echoed in the distance. Athletes marched into the stadium in their usual parade of nations, some socially distanced, others clustering together in ways utterly contrary to organisers’ hopes. They waved enthusiastically to thousands of empty seats, and to a world hungry to watch them compete but surely wondering what to make of it all. Their shouts raise a fundamental question about these Games as Japan, and large parts of the world, reel from the continuing gut punch of a pandemic that is stretching well into its second year, with cases in Tokyo approaching record highs this week: Will the deep, intrinsic human attachment to the spectacle of sporting competition at the highest possible level be enough to salvage these Games? Time and again, previous opening ceremonies have pulled off something that approaches magic. Scandals — bribery in Salt Lake City, censorship and pollution in Beijing, doping in Sochi — fade into the background when the sports begin. But with people still falling ill and dying each day from the coronavirus, there’s a particular urgency to the questions about whether the Olympic flame can burn away the fear or provide a

Manchester United signs Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund

LONDON AFP

Manchester United has signed England winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract, the Premier League club announced Friday. No fee was disclosed but British media reports said Sancho had moved from Germany in a deal worth £73 million (100 million dollars) – which would make him the second-most expensive English player of all time behind new United team-mate Harry Maguire. Sancho is set to stay at United until June 2026, with the option of a further year. “I’ll always be grateful to Dortmund for giving me the opportunity to play first team football, although I always knew that I would return to England one day,” Sancho told manutd.com. “The chance to join Manchester United is a dream come true and I just cannot wait to perform in the Premier League,” the 21-year-old added. “This is a young and exciting squad and I know, together, we can develop into something special to bring the success that the fans deserve.” His move to Old Trafford follows a year-long pursuit by United, who were reportedly put by Dortmund’s initial £100m valuation of Sancho, a former Manchester City youth team player. The deal was announced just weeks after Sancho, together with new United team-mate Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, received racist abuse following the trio’s penalty shoot-out misses in England’s Euro 2020 final loss to Italy at Wembley. ‘BEST TRADITIONS OF UNITED’: United finished second, 12 points behind local rivals Manchester City, in last season’s Premier League but Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects his side to benefit from Sancho’s “untapped talent”, even though the forward scored 50 goals and recorded 57 assists in 137 appearances for Bundesliga club Dortmund. “Jadon epitomises the type of player I want to bring to the club, he is a forward player in the best traditions of Manchester United,” said Solskjaer. “He will form an integral part of my squad for years to come and we look forward to seeing him blossom,” the United manager added. “His goals and assists records speak for themselves and he will also bring tremendous pace, flair and creativity to the team. “Old Trafford will give him the platform he needs to release his untapped talent and perform at the highest level. “For a player of his age, Jadon has already achieved a great deal and showed the courage to go and prove himself abroad.” Sancho is United’s second pre-season signing after reserve goalkeeper Tom Heaton joined on a two-year contract earlier this month.

measure of catharsis — and even awe — after a year of suffering and uncertainty in Japan and around the world. Outside the stadium, hundreds of curious Tokyo residents lined a barricade that separated them from those entering — but just barely. Some of those going in took selfies with the onlookers across the barricades, and there was an excited carnival feeling. Some pedestrians waved enthusiastically to approaching Olympic buses. The sports have already begun — softball and soccer, for example — and some of the focus is turning toward the competition to come. Can the US women’s soccer team, for instance, even after an early, shocking loss to Sweden, become the first to win an Olympics following a World Cup victory? Can Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama win gold in golf after becoming the first Japanese player to win the Masters? Will Italy’s Simona Quadarella challenge American standout Katie Ledecky in the 800- and 1,500-metre freestyle swimming races? For now, however, it’s hard to miss how unusual these Games promise to be. The lovely national stadium can seem like an isolated militarized zone, surrounded by huge barricades. Roads around it have been sealed and businesses closed. Inside, the feeling of sanitised, locked-down quarantine carries over. Fans, who would normally be screaming for their countries and mixing with peo-

ple from around the world, have been banned, leaving only a carefully screened contingent of journalists, officials, athletes and participants. Olympics often face opposition, but there’s also usually a pervasive feeling of national pride. Japan’s resentment centres on the belief that it was strong-armed into hosting — forced to pay billions and risk the health of a largely unvaccinated, deeply weary public — so the International Olympic Committee (IOC) can collect its billions in media revenue. “Sometimes people ask why the Olympics exist, and there are at least two answers. One is they are a peerless global showcase of the human spirit as it pertains to sport, and the other is they are a peerless global showcase of the human spirit as it pertains to aristocrats getting luxurious hotel rooms and generous per diems,” Bruce Arthur, a sports columnist for the Toronto Star, wrote recently. How did we get here? A quick review of the past year and a half seems operatic in its twists and turns. A once-in-a-century pandemic forces the postponement of the 2020 version of the Games. A fusillade of scandals (sexism and other discrimination and bribery claims, overspending, ineptitude, bullying) unfolds. People in Japan, meanwhile, watch bewildered as an Olympics considered a bad idea by many scientists actually takes shape. “We will continue to try to have this dialogue with the Japanese people knowing we will not succeed 100 per cent.

That would be putting the bar too high,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “But we’re also confident that once the Japanese people see the Japanese athletes performing in these Olympic Games — hopefully successfully — that then the attitude will become less emotional.” Japanese athletes, freed from onerous travel rules and able to train more normally, may indeed enjoy a nice boost over their rivals in some cases, even without fans. Judo, a sport that Japan is traditionally a powerhouse in, will begin on Saturday, giving the host nation a chance for early gold. Still, while it’s possible that “people may come out of the Olympics feeling good about themselves and about Japan having hosted the Games against all odds,” Koichi Nakano, a political science professor at Sophia University in Tokyo, believes that such a scenario “is way too optimistic.” The reality, for now, is that the Delta variant of the virus is still rising, straining the Japanese medical system in places, and raising fears of an avalanche of cases. Only a little over 20pc of the population is fully vaccinated. And there have been near daily reports of positive virus cases within the so-called Olympic bubble that’s meant to separate the Olympic participants from the worried, skeptical Japanese population. For a night, at least, the glamour and message of hope of the opening ceremonies may distract many global viewers from the surrounding anguish and anger.

Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 23 runs to tie T20 series HARARE REUTERS

contributing 73, to which Bangladesh replied with 143 in 19.5 overs. Madhevere provided the foundation with his knock, with

Wellington Masakadza took three wickets and three catches to steer Zimbabwe to a 23-run win over Bangladesh in their second Twenty20 international at the Harare Sports Club on Friday. It was Zimbabwe’s first success over the tourists after ZIMBABWE losing the one-off 166 FOR 6 Test, three (MADHEVERE 73, BURL 34 ODIs and the first of NOT OUT, SHORIFUL 3-33) the three BEAT BANGLADESH 143 match T20 29, MASAKADZA (SHAMIM series on Thursday 3-20, JONGWE 3-31) BY and sets up a 23 RUNS decider on Sunday. Zimbabwe, who won the toss and chose to bat, scored 166-6 with Wesley Madhevere

powerful hitter Ryan Burl adding 34 not out while Shoriful Islam took 3-33. Bangladesh, dominant with the bat across all formats of the

tour, this time failed to get the better of the home bowlers as first Blessing Muzarabani and then Masakadza got among the wickets.

Masakadza took 3-20 and Muzarabani 2-21 while Masakadza also took three catches in the deep to help his team’s cause. Madhevere, who was declared player of the match for his knock of 73, said, "All credit to the boys. Everyone in the change room gave me positive ideas. The wicket was on the slower side, but credit to the Bangladesh bowlers - they bowled well. I'm starting to fancy opening in T20s, and build on that as well... " Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullahsaid, "We didnot have a good partnership... We missed a few chances in the field, that is why they [Zimbabwe] put big partnerships and got to a big total. We need to look into those areas and come back stronger. Shoriful has been bowling really well. The bowlers have been trying really hard."

Saturday, 24 July, 2021

PRayeR TimingS

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

4:24

12:38

4:01

5:50

7:25

8:52

Pakistan Condemns india’s sPying oPerations against imran, urges un to investigate ISLAMABAD

STaff RePoRT

AkISTAN has strongly condemned India’s use of Israeli spyware Pegasus to conduct spying operations against notable personalities, including Prime Minister Imran khan. An investigation published by 17 media organisations last week revealed India was one of the countries using the spyware to attempt and successfully hack smartphones of government officials, journalists, and human rights activists around the world. “We have noted with serious concern recent international media reports exposing Indian government’s organised spying operations against its own citizens, foreigners as well as Prime Minister Imran khan, using an Israeli origin spyware,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday. “We condemn in strongest possible terms India’s state-sponsored, continuing and widespread surveillance and spying operations in clear breach of global norms of responsible state behaviour.” The FO said Pakistan is closely following the revelations and intends to bring the Indian abuses to the attention of appropriate global platforms. It called on the relevant UN bodies to thoroughly investigate the matter and hold the Indian perpetrators to account. Israel’s NSO Group and its Pegasus malware have been in the headlines since at least 2016, when researchers accused it of helping spy on a dissident in the United Arab Emirates. The recent revelations raise privacy and rights concerns and reveal the farreaching extent to which the private Israeli company’s software may be being misused by its clients internationally. On July 19, it emerged that the Israeli company’s spyware was used in attempted and successful hacks of 37 smartphones belonging to journalists, government officials and human rights activists around the world, according to an investigation by 17 media organisations published on Sunday, wherein it was revealed that at least one of the tracked numbers on the list belonged to Prime Minister Imran khan. Reacting to the revelations, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said he was “extremely concerned” by the reports. “Unethical policies of Modi government have dangerously polarised India and the

region,” he tweeted. Federal Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari also addressed the development and said: “part two” of the report on how the Indian government had spied on its own ministers was expected today. The extent of Pegasus use was reported by The Washington Post, the Guardian, Le Monde and other news outlets who collaborated on an investigation into a data leak. According to The Post, more than 1,000 phone numbers in India appeared on the surveillance list while hundreds were from Pakistan, including the one PM Imran once used. However, The Post did not specify whether the surveillance attempt on PM Imran’s number was successful. Indian investigative news website The Wire reported that 300 mobile phone numbers used in India — including those of government ministers, opposition politicians, journalists, scientists and rights activists — were on the list. The numbers included those of more than 40 Indian journalists from major publications such as the Hindustan Times, The Hindu and the Indian Express, as well as two founding editors of The Wire, it said. Reacting to the revelations, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said he was “extremely concerned” by the reports. “Unethical policies of Modi government have dangerously polarised India and the region,” he tweeted. Federal Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari also addressed the development and said “part two” of the report on how the Indian government had spied on its own ministers was expected today. The Indian government denied in 2019 that it had used the malware to spy on its citizens after WhatsApp filed a lawsuit in the United States against NSO, the Israeli company producing the spyware, accusing it of using the messaging platform to conduct cyber espionage. Israel’s NSO Group and its Pegasus malware have been in the headlines since at least 2016, when researchers accused it of helping spy on a dissident in the United Arab Emirates. The leak was of a list of more than 50,000 smartphone numbers believed to have been identified as people of interest by clients of NSO since 2016, the media outlets said. One of the organisations, The Washington Post, said the Pegasus spyware licensed by the NSO Group was also used

Coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

1,000,034

LAST UPDATED AT 8:10 AM ON JULY 23, 2021

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

1,425

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

923,472 22,939 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

362,182

351,707

KPK:

BALOCHISTAN:

141,359 AJK/GB: 22,592/7,607

29,357 ISLAMABAD:

85,230

to target phones belonging to two women close to Jamal khashoggi, a Post columnist murdered at a Saudi consulate in Turkey in 2018, before and after his death. The Post said the list was shared with the news organisations by Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based journalism nonprofit, and Amnesty International. The newspaper said the total number of phones on the list that were actually targeted or surveilled was unknown. The Post said 15,000 of the numbers on the list were in Mexico and included those of politicians, union representatives, journalists and government critics. The list reportedly included the number of a Mexican freelance journalist who was murdered at a carwash. His phone was never found, and it was not clear if it had been hacked. The Guardian, another of the media outlets, said the investigation suggested “widespread and continuing abuse” of NSO’s hacking software, described as malware that infects smartphones to enable the extraction of messages, photos and emails; record calls; and secretly activates microphones. Among the numbers on the list are those of journalists for Agence FrancePresse, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, The New York Times, Al Jazeera, France 24, Radio Free Europe, Mediapart, El Pais, the Associated Press (AP), Le Monde, Bloomberg, The Economist, Reuters and Voice of America, the Guardian said. “We are deeply troubled to learn that two AP journalists, along with journalists from many news organisations, are among those who may have been targeted by Pegasus spyware,” said Director of AP Media Relations Lauren Easton. “We have taken steps to ensure the security of our journalists’ devices and are investigating,” she added. Reuters’ spokesman Dave Moran said, “Journalists must be allowed to report the news in the public interest without fear of harassment or harm, wherever they are. We are aware of the report and are looking into the matter.” Meanwhile, Amnesty International decried what it termed “the wholesale lack of regulation” of surveillance software. “Until this company (NSO) and the industry as a whole can show it is capable of respecting human rights, there must be an immediate moratorium on the export, sale, transfer and use of surveil-

lance technology,” the rights group said in a statement. The use of the Pegasus software to hack the phones of Al Jazeera reporters and a Moroccan journalist has been reported previously by Citizen Lab, a research centre at the University of Toronto, and Amnesty International. The Post said the numbers on the list were unattributed, but the media outlets participating in the project were able to identify more than 1,000 people in more than 50 countries. They included several members of Arab royal families, at least 65 business executives, 85 human rights activists, 189 journalists and more than 600 politicians and government officials including heads of state, prime ministers and cabinet ministers. The reports said many numbers on the list were clustered in 10 countries: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Hungary, India, kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Moroccan security services used the spyware to target around 30 French journalists and media executives, according to the investigation. Pegasus is reportedly a highly invasive tool that can switch on a target’s phone camera and microphone, as well as access data on the device, effectively turning a phone into a pocket spy. In some cases, it can be installed without the need to trick a user into initiating a download. NSO issued a denial on Sunday that focused on the report by Forbidden Stories, calling it “full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories”, and threatened a defamation lawsuit. “We firmly deny the false allegations made in their report,” NSO said. “As NSO has previously stated, our technology was not associated in any way with the heinous murder of Jamal

khashoggi,” the company said. “We would like to emphasise that NSO sells its technologies solely to law enforcement and intelligence agencies of vetted governments for the sole purpose of saving lives through preventing crime and terror acts,” it said. Citizen Lab reported in December that about three dozen journalists at Qatar’s Al Jazeera network had their mobile devices targeted by Pegasus malware. PAKISTAN CONDEMNS MEA COMMENTS: The government has denounced the “gratuitous and unwarranted” remarks by the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs about the recent incident involving the daughter of Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Najibullah Alikhil and urged New Delhi to refrain from its smear propaganda campaign. On Thursday, India described the abduction as a “very shocking” incident and said Pakistan is “stooping to a new low” with its denial of the victim’s account, to which Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri replied on Friday: “India has no locus standi, whatsoever, on the matter”. He said that India’s malicious smear campaign against Pakistan is well-known and independent organisations including EU DisinfoLab had established India’s credentials as a purveyor of anti-Pakistan propaganda globally. Even in the wake of the reported incident involving the daughter of the Afghan ambassador, the FO spokesperson said that Indian propaganda machinery against Pakistan was active and fake pictures of the ambassador’s daughter were being circulated by Indian Twitter handles and websites. “It is unfortunate that India used such an incident to peddle false narrative against Pakistan,” he added. with additional input from INP

Taliban say want resolution of Afghan issue through dialogue KABUL TLTP

The Afghan Taliban have said that they prefer to resolve the Afghan problem through dialogue, saying neither they interfere in anyone's internal affairs nor do they want any interference from others. In a series of tweets on Friday, Taliban Spokesperson Dr Naeem sought the role of the international community in the war-stricken country's reconstruction. "Yesterday evening, Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Political Bureau of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and his accompanying delegation had an online meeting with representatives of European countries, the United States, UNAMA and Qatar," said Dr Naeem on Twitter. "The meeting was hosted by the Special Representative of Italy Gianfranco Petrozella and representatives from Germany," he added. Dr Naeem said that Britain, France, Norway, the European Union, UNAMA, Qatar and the NATO civilian representative were also present during the meeting. At the beginning, he added, the deputy head of the political bureau of the Islamic Emirate spoke in detail about the current situation in Afghanistan, the peace process and related issues. "Although the Islamic Emirate is

now in a strong military position, its policy on peace has not changed. The Islamic Emirate prefers to resolve the Afghan problem through dialogue. We have no foreign agenda. We do not interfere in anyone's internal affairs and we do not allow anyone else to interfere in our internal affairs," he quoted the deputy head as saying. The Islamic Emirate does not allow any group or individual to use the territory of Afghanistan against the security of other countries. He added that Afghanistan is the common home of all Afghans. The Islamic Emirate does not want a monopoly of power. All Afghans must participate in the construction, development, security and prosperity of their countries. "The international community must play an active role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The joining of about 200 districts with the Islamic Emirate in the past two months shows the widespread support of the people for the Islamic Emirate. The Islamic Emirate is committed to respecting human rights, women's rights, education and interaction with the world in light of Islamic law and national interests," Dr Naeem said. "Issues of prisoners, immigrants, blacklists and others were also discussed. At the end of the meeting, the questions of the participants were answered by the Board of the Islamic Emirate," he concluded.

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