CMYK
10 October, 2021 I 3 Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1443 I Rs 15.00 Vol XII No 106 I 12 Pages I Lahore Edition
Taliban, US diScUSS ‘opening a new page’ in firST TalkS Since pUlloUT
CAIRO The AssociATed Press
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aliban representatives asked the United States to lift a ban on afghan central bank reserves at a meeting with US counterparts in Doha, afghanistan’s acting foreign minister said on Saturday in remarks reported by Qatar-based al-Jazeera television. The minister, amir Khan Muttaqi, also said Washington would offer afghans coronavirus vaccines, al-Jazeera reported, after the first senior face-to-face meeting between the two sides since the hardline group took over the country in august following a US troop pullout. The minister added that the afghan delegation and US counterparts discussed “opening a new page” between the
two countries, adversaries during the United States’ two-decade long occupation of afghanistan. Washington and other Western countries are grappling with difficult choices as a severe humanitarian crisis looms large over afghanistan. They are trying to formulate how to engage with the Taliban without granting it the legitimacy it seeks while ensuring humanitarian aid flows into the country. The departure of US-led forces and many international donors robbed the country of grants that financed 75% of public spending, according to the World bank. Speaking to Reuters earlier in Washington, a US official said that while there was an improvement for humanitarian actors to get access to some areas that they haven’t been to in a decade, problems still persisted,
adding that the US delegation at the Doha talks would press the Taliban to improve. Mutaki also said that the afghan delegation focus at the meeting was humanitarian aid and implementing Doha agreement. He said the discussions would continue on Saturday and would resume on Sunday. Mutaki added the afghan delegation will meet European Union representatives to discuss latest developments, but he didn’t mention when the meeting will be held. ‘Talks to revisit the peace accord of 2020’: Earlier in the day, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen, who is based in Doha, told The associated Press on Saturday that the talks will also revisit the peace agreement the Taliban signed with Washington in 2020. The agreement had paved the way for the final US withdrawal. “Yes there is a meeting… about bilateral relations and implementation of the Doha agreement,” said Shaheen. “it covers various topics.” “Terrorism will also feature in the talks,” said a second official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. Since the Taliban took power, the militant group islamic State have ramped up attacks on the group, as well as ethnic and religious minorities. On Friday, an iS suicide bomber killed at least 55 worshippers at a Shia mosque and wounded dozens in the deadliest attack since the US departure.
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Sunday, 10 October, 2021 | LAHORE
NEWS
MinAr-e-PAkiSTAn incidenT: TikToker duo blAMe eAcHoTHer AS SPAT TAkeS A new Turn Flour mills to go on strike from Tuesday nEws DEsK The association of flour mills has announced that the flour mills in Punjab will go on strike from Tuesday, a news outlet reported on Saturday. As per the report, the mills’ owners have said that the government is not listening to their demands and they have no other choice but to go on strike. The association has been demanding the government to increase the charges for thrashing of 100kg to Rs600 and the price of a 20kg flour bag by at least Rs50. According to the report, the association said that the government has backtracked on an agreement, which they had reached in the last week of September, and flour price and thrashing charges have not been increased despite the agreement. It further said that the availability of cheap flour across Punjab, including Lahore, has been affected due to the shortage of wheat supply. If wheat supply is not improved, the crisis will continue to escalate.
Pakistan strongly condemns Houthi militia drone attack at Jazan Airport in Saudi Arabia nEws DEsK Pakistan strongly condemns the recent drone attack launched by Houthi militants on King Abdullah Airport in Jazan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, causing injuries to people and damage to property. We wish speedy recovery to those injured in the incident. Such attacks not only violate the international law but also threaten peace and security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region. Pakistan calls for immediate cessation of these attacks. Pakistan reaffirms its full support and solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any threats to its security and territorial integrity.
Govt launched projects for economic revival: Shaukat Tarin
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nEws DEsK
MIR Sohail alias Rambo, companion of Ayesha Akram — the TikToker who was assaulted by dozens of men in Lahore’s Greater Iqbal Park on August 14 — on Saturday said that it was him who saved Ayesha’a life during the incident. Earlier on Friday, Ayesha, in her complaint with the police, had blamed Rambo for the incident and accused him of blackmailing her. She had alleged that Rambo had made the plan to go to Greater Iqbal Park, adding that Rambo along with his companions had filmed a nude video of her and was blackmailing her for the past three years.
She had claimed that they had extorted Rs3 million from her. She had said that she is lodging a police complaint against Rambo as she is unable to give more money to him. However, Rambo, who is in police custody, on Saturday said that he was the one who saved Ayesha from the mob but now she is putting the entire blame on him. “Only I know how I took this girl (Ayesha) out of that situation alive and took her home but now Ayesha has nominated me in the case. This was neither my fault nor Ayesha’s,” he said. “She wanted to go [to Minar-ePakistan] with someone else but his brother died so I had to go with Ayesha,” he added.
Sindh makes Covid vaccination mandatory for students aged 12 and above KARACHI stAff rePort
The Sindh government on Saturday announced that it is mandatory for students aged 12 years and above, at both public and private schools, to get immunised against the novel coronavirus. The district health officers will be responsible to ensure the smooth implementation of the vaccination process. The vaccination drives will be conducted at schools and colleges across the province under the supervision of the directorate of schools. Earlier on Friday, SAPM Dr Faisal Sultan had announced that the government will run special weekly vaccination campaigns at madrassas and schools. “It is important for parents to get their children, who are above or of the age of 12 years, immunised,” he urged, stressing that children have massively suffered during
the coronavirus lockdowns and can’t afford the prolonged break from studies anymore. “Don’t pay attention to fake news. Vaccination will help prevent the spread of the pandemic.”
According to the health department, students will be administered the Pfizer vaccine free of cost. Unvaccinated students won’t be allowed to enter campuses after October 31. By November 30, students will have to be fully vaccinated. Students, 12 to 17 years, with impaired immune systems will be administered the Pfizer vaccine. The age group for vaccination has been lowered to 12 years. It is believed that children between 12 and 15 years of age could only be administered Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty and Moderna’s Spikevax vaccines. “Children aged between 12 and 15 who are at high risk may be offered this vaccine alongside other priority groups for vaccination. Vaccine trials for children are ongoing and WHO will update its recommendations when the evidence or epidemiological situation warrants a change in policy,” WHO notes in a document available online.
Rs 12,000 Ehsaas relief cash grant to be provided to each family of Harnai: Sania
LAHORE APP
Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Saturday that present government was working out short, medium and long-term projects to revive the dwindled economy of the country. He was addressing as chief guest at an alumni dinner organized by Punjab University’s Institute of Business Administration (PU-IBA). The dinner was also attended by PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Saleem Mazhar, IBA Director Dr. Muqaddas Rehman, Alumni Association President Athar Ehsan and other eminent personalities from the field of business administration. Shaukat Tarin added that all the stakeholders were taken on board for success of the projects and implementation of these projects would definitely strengthen the country's overall economy. Federal Finance Minister was of the view that durable investments in various fields were indispensable for speedy economic growth of a country, adding that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was in a way linked with enhanced exports volume. More exports of a country means more foreign direct investments in that country, he argued. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was an honest and upright man who always thinks of the betterment of the poor and on this count the PM had taken numerous initiatives to improve financial situation and living standard of poor segments of the society. Around four million families would benefit through Kamyab Pakistan programme. He said that Pakistan had since long been facing difficulties for revenue collection, however, the PTI government was putting in order comprehensive measures to streamline the revenue collection and other fiscal matters. He mentioned that Pakistan was the fourth largest economy in Asia in 1968, but later, the country’s economy started collapsing due to many reasons, asserting that institutions had nationalized when industries were to be set up and in 1973, an important institution like the Planning Commission was destroyed. Tarin added that Pakistan had still been suffering the consequences of joining the Afghan war in 1979 and ‘after 9/11 incident, we had also suffered irreparable losses in the war on terror.’ Shaukat Tarin said that he had studied at Punjab University IBA in 1973, adding, “Punjab University IBA is an institution with excellent educational traditions, and this institute is playing an eminent role in the development of the country's economy.” He assured that PU IBA would be provided all possible help and support.
Zartaj Gul terms rescue professionals asset of nation LAHORE APP
HARnAI, APP
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr. Sania Nishtar Saturday announced Rs 12,000 Ehsaas relief cash for all families of Harnai. The SAPM visited earthquake hit areas of Harnai today to assess the level of assistance needed from the federal government on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan. She announced the federal government relief package for all families of Harnai, after the Prime Minister’s approval. Expressing solidarity with the affectees, Dr. Sania said “Social protection is critical to earthquake induced recovery. The federal government will give Rs 12,000 cash subsistence to each family of Harnai as an immediate relief. The relief cash assistance will be mobilized under the Ehsaas programme. This relief assistance will be in addition to compensation being planned for affected households after detailed damage assessment.” In Harnai, Dr. Sania was joined by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, Balochistan Chief Secretary Mathar Niaz Rana, Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, Commissioner Sibbi Division, Deputy Commissioner Harnai and senior officers of Ehsaas and Pakistan Army. Dr. Sania expressed her grief over the human and
property losses that she witnessed across the district and went to village Killi Shor and other areas of Tehsil Harnai to inquire after the affected families. Sympathizing with the affectees, Dr. Sania said “the federal government is with people of Harnai during these hard times, and we will do whatever we can to provide them immediate relief. We are fully committed to supporting the earthquake affectees. Ehsaas’ shockresponsive registry will also open its desks by Monday in the affected areas.” She also reviewed arrangements being made to open Ehsaas Registration Desks at the Irrigation Department of Harnai. The Ehsaas National Socio-economic registry survey has been completed in Harnai. Registration desks will facilitate self-enrolment of missed households who need Ehsaas’ assistance. Earlier, Dr. Sania also visited District Hospital Harnai and met with those injured during the earthquake. Yesterday, she also went to Civil Hospital Quetta and CMH together with Governor Balochistan, Zahoor Agha to inquire the condition of affectees being treated. As per PM’s directives, two food trucks of ‘EhsaasKoyeBhooka Na Soye’ have also been operationalized today in district Harnai to provide cooked meals to people. On Oct 7, 2021 a devastating earthquake hit different parts of Balochistan. Harnai is the most affected district, which is located east of the provincial capital Quetta.
Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul on Saturday said that rescue professionals from different provinces were a valuable asset and pride of the nation. Addressing a award distributing ceremony of the National Rescue Challenge 2021, she said “When we are in danger, only immediate thought comes in mind of Rescue-1122 which gives us hope of life”. Zartaj Gul appreciated the government of Punjab, KPK, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan for establishing Emergency Rescue Service to rescue the helpless victims of emergencies but unfortunately the system was still missing in Sindh. She urged the government of Sindh to establish rescue services so that people of Sindh could also get emergency care when needed. She congratulated the Emergency Services of Punjab for rescuing over 9.9 million victims of emergencies, imparting training to over 20,000 emergency personnel from all provinces, holding 1st SAARC Rescue Challenge and Organizing 10th National Rescue Challenge and 4th National Volunteer Challenge. Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul congratulated Pakistan Rescue Team of Emergency Services Academy for becoming the first United Nations INSARAG certified team in South Asia. She congratulated the Gujranwala team for winning the 10th National Rescue Challenge and individual winners of different events. A total 19 teams from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Agha Khan, Gilgit Baltistan, universities and volunteers participated in the challenge. The 10th National Rescue Challenge 2021 included seven events and evaluation of skills were carried out as per international standards. Overall 10th National Rescue Challenge was won by Gujranwala Rescue Team from Gujranwala Division.
Sunday, 10 October, 2021 | LAHORE
NEWS
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PreSidenT, uAe PriMe MiniSTer reAFFirM reSolve To STrenGTHen PAk-uAe TieS IsLAMABAD
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MIAN AbrAr
RESIDENT Dr Arif Alvi and Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday reiterated the resolve to further solidify the multifaceted bilateral relationship. In a meeting held here at the Leaders Pavilion ar Dubai Expo 2020, the two leaders reaffirmed to strengthen the existing close fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE in diverse fields. President Alvi said Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates enjoyed close fraternal relations, rooted deep in common faith, shared history and cultural affinities. The two leaders reviewed prospects of growing bilateral relations on all fronts while discussing a number of regional and international issues of interest. The President congratulated the Vice
Minister and Prime Minister of the UAE on the successful inauguration of Dubai Expo 2020. He lauded the tremendous efforts of the UAE government and Expo Management Team for organizing the world’s most diverse and widely participated exposition, which will remain open for six months. The president underlined that the Expo 2020 was a landmark event not just for the UAE but also for the whole region. He added that Dubai Expo 2020 would offer a unique opportunity to the countries of the region and beyond to establish linkages and partnerships with multinational companies. The President also briefed the UAE prime minister on the theme of Pakistan Pavilion, which mainly focuses on showcasing the unexplored and undiscovered treasures of Pakistan. Felicitating Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the ongoing golden jubilee celebrations of the United Arab Emirates, the President acknowledged the role of the
UAE’s visionary leadership that helped transform the UAE into a hub for regional trade, transport, logistics, technology, and tourism. The President and Sheikh Maktoum exchanged views on issues of bilateral and regional interest, including the situation in Afghanistan. The President also apprised the UAE Prime Minister on the continued and blatant violations of fundamental human rights of the Kashmiri Muslims by the Occupying Indian Armed Forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Recalling the historical fraternal relations between the two countries, the President reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to forge closer and deeper cooperation with the United Arab Emirates in all fields. The President also expressed gratitude to the leadership and people of the UAE for hosting 1.6 million Pakistanis in the UAE. He underlined that Pakistani expatriates in the UAE continued to play an important role
to strengthen the bilateral bond and contributed significantly to the development of the two countries. The President is undertaking a two day
CM Buzdar directs effective campaign to control dengue spread
bilateral visit to the UAE. After meeting the Prime Minister of the UAE, he formally inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at Dubai EXPO 2020.
Humanitarian aid handed over to Afghan authorities IsLAMABAD stAff rePort
LAHORE INP
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has directed to launch an effective campaign against dengue and said that all concerned departments should play their due role to control the spread of this disease. In a statement on Saturday, he further directed to ensure the implementation of the plan devised for curbing the dengue besides paying full attention to indoor and outdoor surveillance. He directed the administrative officers to continue effective monitoring of anti-dengue
measures. Usman Buzdar said that dengue larva should be eradicated through effective surveillance of public and private buildings, tire shops and graveyards and warned that he will not tolerate any negligence in this regard. The chief minister also directed to provide all necessary facilities to the patients and their attendants in the dengue wards and on the counters setup in the hospitals. He also stressed upon citizens not to let water stagnant on the roofs or any other places in their houses and follow preventive measures.
OIC rebukes India over ‘systematic persecution’ of Muslims in Assam stAff REpORt The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned what it called the “systematic persecution and violence” ramping up against the Muslim community in India’s Assam state. Thousands staged protests in Assam state last month after two people were killed when hundreds clashed with police over the state government’s eviction of Muslim families from their homes. Assam’s government has faced widespread condemnation over the tactics used to eject the families, with critics pointing to them as the latest example of discrimination against Muslims under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“The OIC General Secretariat indicated that the media reports are disgraceful and call for a responsible stance by the government and officials in the Republic of India,” said the Muslim bloc
in a statement on its official Twitter handle. The OIC called on the Indian government to protect the Muslim minority community and respect all their religious and social fundamental
freedoms, “noting that dialogue is the best way to address any issues within national sovereignty”. The viral video from Assam showed police in riot gear beating a protestor who had fallen to the ground seconds after gunshots were heard. A photographer, hired by district officials to film the evictions, jumped on the man and was seen punching the body multiple times. Leaders of India’s 170 million Muslims say they have been unfairly targeted since Modi’s party came to power in 2014. They say a controversial nationality law that sparked riots in Delhi in 2020, and hate crimes including lynchings, have all increased fear in their community.
Punjab Cabinet gives approval of Transaction Plan of local governments LAHORE INP
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar chaired the 48th meeting of the Provincial Cabinet held at CM's secretariat on Saturday which gave principle approval of the Transaction Plan of local governments. It was decided to constitute a high-level cabinet committee comprising legal and constitutional experts including the Ministers of Law, Local government and Prosecution departments, Ministers of other concern departments, Advocate General
Punjab and other high ranked officers for devising the strategy for the implementation on Transaction Plan. The committee will review every aspect of the transaction plan and will submit its recommendations. Chief Minister Usman Buzdar directed the provincial ministers, advisors and special assistants to fully participate in the celebrations of Ashra Shane-Rehmatul-lil-Alameen which will continue till 12 of Rabi-ul-awal in Punjab. Special ceremonies will be held at tehsil, district, division and provincial level, he added.
He said that all human beings including angels send Drood on Holy Prophet (PBUH) and will continue to do so forever. It is a matter of great pride for every Muslim to express greatness of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The cabinet meeting also ratified the decisions of the 60th, 61st and 62nd meeting of Cabinet Standing Committee for Finance and Development, 68th and 69th meetings of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Legal Affairs. Provincial Ministers, Advisors, Special Assistants, Chief Secretaries and concernedofficials attended the meeting.
Pakistan on Saturday handed over another 345 tonnes of food items to Afghanistan as humanitarian aid for the war-torn country. The consignment of humanitarian aid carried through 13 trucks, containing flour, rice and pulses, was handed over by Deputy Commissioner Chaman Jummadad Mandokhel to Haji Kiramat, an Afghan government representative. On the occasion, other Afghan representatives Qari Muhammad Aslam, Qari Umer Khan and Hafiz Raaz Muhammad, and some local notables were also present. The Afghan representatives expressed their gratitude for the humanitarian assistance. Earlier this month, Pakistan had handed over a consignment of aid to Afghan authorities at the Torkham border. According to a statement, Pakistan had sent six trucks full of flour, rice, and pulses to Afghanistan. On September 29, four trucks carrying 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid were handed over to Afghanistan. The trucks were carrying flour, sugar, rice, oil and pulses.
Punjab cTd arrests seven suspected terrorists
nEws DEsK The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested seven suspected terrorists in an intelligence-based operations across the province, a news outlet reported on Saturday. According to the report, the department conducted an intelligence-based operations across the province, arrested seven terrorists from different places and moved them to an unknown location for interrogation. The department arrested at least three terrorists from Hafizabad and others from Rahim Yar Khan and Jhang. As per the report, explosives, sabotage materials, computers, mobile phones, identity cards and cash were seized from the terrorists’ possession during the operation. The arrested terrorists belong to the a banned group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, the department was quoted as saying in the report. Last month, the department had arrested eight suspected terrorists, including four from Lahore, who were allegedly planning attacks on law enforcement agencies.
Sunday, 10 October, 2021 | LAHORE
04 NEWS
Xi stresses ‘PeAceFul reuniFicAtion’ with tAiwAn
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T a gathering marking the 110th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the Taiwan question will be resolved along with national rejuvenation and warned that secessionists are a serious threat to that mission, and that those who betray the country will face the trial of history. Analysts from both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan told the Global Times that Xi’s remarks sent a clear and strong signal to the secessionist group within the island and foreign forces who are supporting or encouraging Taiwan secessionism – the national reunification of China will and must be realized and no one can stop the process, the Chinese mainland has both strength and unshakeable determination to realize this common hope for the whole Chinese nation. The Communist Party of China (CPC), who inherited the 1911 Revolution leader Sun Yat-sen’s idea and unfulfilled mission in national rejuvenation and reunification, wants to address Taiwan question by peaceful means, but whether the question to be solved peacefully or not, the secessionists who betray and try to separate the country, will eventually be punished, commentators noted. Highlights of Xi’s speech at a meeting marking the 110th anniversary of 1911 Revolution Graphic: Xu Zihe/GT The Revolution of 1911, which was initiated by revolutionists represented by Sun Yat-sen, ended the 2,000 years of imperial rule in China and paved the way for profound social changes and ideological emancipation. Sun is hailed as a great national hero, patriot and a great pioneer of China’s democratic revolution, according to Xi’s speech. The aspiration of national revitalization that was deeply held by Sun, longing for a bright future for the Chinese nation that was cherished by the pioneers of the Revolution, and the great dream that the Chinese people have aspired and striven toward in modern times have all become or are becoming a reality, Xi said. He noted that the 1911 Revolution commemoration will inspire national rejuvenation endeavor. Chinese communists were the most steadfast supporters, loyal partners and faithful successors of Sun, Xi said, noting that the complete reunification will be realized along with the country’s na-
tional rejuvenation. Huang Chih-hsien, an attendee from Taiwan who witnessed Xi’s speech at the Great Hall of the People and an expert on Taiwan affairs, told the Global Times on Saturday that “it was truly touching when I saw the mainland is sincerely commemorating Sun and the 1911 Revolution, while the Taiwan authorities are trying to forget or stay away from Sun and his political ideals, some of them even trying to cut off ties with the Chinese mainland and Chinese nation.” Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan attend a commemorative meeting marking the 110th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 9, 2021.Photo:Xinhua Sun is the founding father of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Republic of China (1912-1949), and after Sun’s death, his successor Chiang Kai-shek betrayed the revolution and Sun’s policy to work with the CPC, and launched massacres and a civil war against the Communist Party of China (CPC). Eventually the KMT was defeated by the CPC and escaped to Taiwan in 1949. National reunification by peaceful means best serves the interests of the Chinese nation as a whole, including compatriots in Taiwan, Xi remarked at the gathering. “Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should stand on the right side of history and join hands to achieve China’s complete reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” Xi said. Highlights of Xi’s speech at a meeting marking the 110th anniversary of 1911 Revolution Graphic: Xu Zihe/GT It has become a common practice for the Chinese mainland to solemnly commemorate the Revolution of 1911 at its decadal anniversaries such as the 100th and the 110th anniversaries, but this time, Xi delivered very strong and sharp remarks with a clear message to “Taiwan independence” secessionists, Yok Muming, former president of the pro-reunification New Party of Taiwan, told the Global Times on Saturday. “If those secessionists don’t stop, the mainland will take relevant measures,” Yok said. Yok even predicted that the Taiwan question “will be resolved within two years.” He also mentioned on his personal social media accounts earlier that the deadline for solving the Taiwan question will be 2024. “Hopefully, we’ll
embrace the reunification and the national rejuvenation together.” A commemorative meeting marking the 110th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911 is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 9, 2021. A Beijing-based expert on Taiwan affairs who asked for anonymity said the CPC and the Chinese mainland have repeatedly shown great patience and sincerity in solving the Taiwan question peacefully, and that Xi’s latest remark is also signaling to compatriots in Taiwan, as well as the international community, that the mainland’s sincerity and policy remains unchanged so far. But unfortunately, the current situation is like an old saying in China, “the trees prefer stillness but the wind will not cease,” he said. “There are some forces, especially the separatist ruling Democratic Progressive Party on the island and the US that are encouraging the DPP to seek secession, are trying to challenge the mainland’s sincerity and patience by increasing the degree of provocation, including strengthening military cooperation and diplomatic interactions,” said Li Fei, a professor with the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University. “All of these dangerous acts have challenged the bottom-line of the mainland and seriously offended the Chinese people, the US and the Taiwan secessionists are trying to hijack the people on the island to seek their own interests under the risk of war,” Li said. Highlights of Xi’s speech at a meeting marking the 110th anniversary of 1911 Revolution Graphic: Xu Zihe/GT Xi sent severe warning to the secessionists at his speech that, “Taiwan independence” secessionism is the biggest obstacle for the national reunification, and also a serious threat to national rejuvenation. “Anyone who intends to betray and separate the country will be distained by the people and judged by the history,” he said, receiving rapturous applause from the audience. Three long rounds of applause sounded through the Great Hall of the People when Xi mentioned Taiwan question and sent warning to the secessionists. The anonymous expert in Beijing said this is a strong signal and warning to agitators on the island and leaders of the DPP and other secessionists – whether the Taiwan question to be resolved by peaceful mean or non-peaceful mean, secessionists will be judged and punished eventually. “Maybe there is no need to wait
that long, some of them might get punished during the process of the national reunification. We, the mainland, have enough strength and determination to make them pay for their crime of secessionism,” he said. Huang who hails from Taiwan said the political parties on the island today should also be loyal to Sun’s idea, but unfortunately, they have failed to inherit the mission, and some of them even try to forget Sun, to betray his dream of national rejuvenation and reunification and to serve US hegemony to contain mainland and seek secessionism. The DPP and the authorities under its control even “try to stop and threaten the people from Taiwan from attending the gathering for commemorating the 1911 Revolution,” Huang said, stressing that “this is truly laughable,” urging people in Taiwan to “wake up” and see “who is walking on the path started by Sun and who has betrayed Sun’s ideals.” The ceremony was held amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Straits after US media reported that there were two dozen US troops secretly deployed on the island of Taiwan, helping to train local troops while the secessionist DPP has been colluding with external forces in escalating the confrontation by engaging in salami-slicing tactics. Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is a Chinese internal matter, which can’t be interfered by any external forces. Nobody should underestimate Chinese people’s determination, will and capability in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Taiwan question arose out of the weakness and chaos of the Chinese nation and will be resolved as national rejuvenation becomes a reality, Xi said, noting that the historical mission of achieving complete reunification will be realized and must be realized. Li said with the increasing of China’s national strength, the difficulties in realizing national reunification or resolving Taiwan question will be reduced day by day, whether for peaceful solution or the nonpeaceful ones. “Although the US is still being vague on its policy on the matter and trying to use Taiwan question as a card to contain China, one day, when the mainland decides to solve the question once and for all, Washington will abandon the Taiwan secessionists and run away, just like abandoning the former Afghan government and Hong Kong rioters and separatists,” said the anonymous Beijing-based expert.
Govt urged to allow entry of oil tankers in city areas during day hours PesHAWAR AzIz BunERI
Petrol pump owners have voiced concern over restriction on entry oil tankers during day-hours in city areas, incidents of robbery with managers/staffs and procedure of petrol measurement in filling stations and asked the provincial government and relevant institutions for
taking notice of these issues to resolve them amicably. The issues were taken up with President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hasnain Khurshid Ahmad during a meeting of a delegation of Sarhad Petroleum and Cartage Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa here at the chamber house on Saturday, which was led by the association pa-
tron in chief and former president Engineer Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz. SCCI Senior Vice President Imran Khan, the petroleum association chairman Abdul Majid Khan, executive secretary Khalid Khan, office secretary Abid Khan, executive members of the association Shoaib Khan, Abid Ali, Waseem Khan and others were present during the meeting. Members of the Association apprised the SCCI president Hasnain Khurshid issues of pump owners and dealers. They said that a ban has been imposed on entry of oil tankers during day-hours in city areas, but the policy was not implemented in other districts of KP, and other parts of the country, which they termed as a completely unjust and unfair step. The office bearers informed that the association during meetings with high-police officials has informed time and again of the issue of robbery with pumps staff while going to deposit cash in commercial banks but no notice was taken by the police department in this regard, which has created great unrest among pumps owners and dealers. They demanded special security arrangements for staff to deposit cash in banks without any fear.
CMYK
Patron in chief of the Association and chairman raised the issue of harassment with pumps managers and staff by officers of district administration on pretext of checking the quality of petrol. He expressed concern over measurement and procedure of petrol checking on filling stations. On the occasion, the SCCI chief assured the delegation that they would take up issues of petrol pump owners and dealers with authorities concerned in an effective manner. Hasnain Khurshid asked the government and relevant institutions to avoid violating the dignity of taxpayers during raids for implementation of rules and policies. He added the business community has played a pivotal role in the economic development of the country so it should be facilitated and create a favorable environment for businesses at every level. He said the chamber was never compromised on business community interests and defended them at every forum and vowed that all legitimate demands or issues should be resolved by making proactive efforts in this purpose. Earlier, members of the association formally congratulated the SCCI chief Hasnain Khurshid and presented bouquets to him.
Four policemen arrested on various charges APP LAHORE
On the orders of Inspector General of Police Punjab Rao Sardar Ali Khan, departmental actions are taken against officers and personnel involved in corruption, misuse of power and professional negligence. In this regard, four personnel including two ASIs from Gujranwala and Okara had been arrested after registration of cases. The police department spokesman told media here on Saturday that on October 8, 2021, ASI Mohammad Arshad accompanied by Constable Mohammad Nawaz belt No 1482 /C, Constable Mohammad Akram 437/C presented accused Kamran under case 688/21 section 325 Police Station Sadar Wazirabad before theácourt of a magistrate. When ASI áMohammad Arshad was getting áphotocopies , the áaccused escaped after ridding handcuffs. Upon this negligence, case No 691/21 had been registered against three personnel and were locked up in Wazirabad (Sadar ) police station. Similarly, legal action was taken against ASI Noor Samad of Depalpur Police Station for trespassing. á Accused Noor Samad had violated his authority by registering bogus arrival and departure at Ramna police station in Islamabad and conducting an illegal raid. Upon this , DPO Okara , after an inquiry registered a case and arrested him.
Passing out parade of cadets of different courses held at PMA Kakul RAWALPINDI PPI
Passing out parade of cadets of 144th Long Course, 63rd Integrated Course, 33rd Technical Graduate Course, 3rd Basic Military Training Course and 18th Lady Cadets Course held at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul on Saturday. According to ISPR information, cadets from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka were also among the passed out cadets. General Fayiadh bin Hamed bin Raged Al-Rowaily, Chief of General Staff (CGS) Royal Saudi Armed Forces, was chief guest on the occasion. The chief guest reviewed the parade and gave awards to distinguished cadets. Coveted Sword of Honour awarded to Battalion Senior Under Officer Usman Anwar, President's Gold medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Hamza Nazir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Overseas Gold Medal to Senior Under Officer Wanasingle Arachchige Shanuka Mihirange Pieris from Sri Lanka. Addressing the parade, General Fayiadh bin Hamed bin Raged Al-Rowaily congratulated the passing out cadets and their parents for successful completion of training and commissioning into service.
Sunday, 10 October, 2021 | LAHORE
nEwS
corporate corner daraz’s fully digitalised logistics arm, deX on celebrated third anniversary kARAcHI: South Asia’s e-commerce market leader, Daraz, celebrates this month the third anniversary of its digitalised logistics arm, Daraz Express (DEX). As the first digitalised logistics company designed for e-commerce operations across Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Nepal, DEX has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2018, delivering close to 65 million packages in this time. Today, it supports over twothirds of deliveries purchased on Daraz’s e-commerce platform and employs close to 6,500 delivery drivers, or ‘DEX Heroes’. Daraz’s Founder and CEO, Bjarke Mikkelsen, said DEX was launched to provide a more seamless and integrated service for both sellers and customers, and open up commerce across the region. Press releAse
infinix launches new Zero X series with super moon mode camera
kARAcHI: Infinix today announced the new ZERO X smartphone series featuring a remarkable camera and visual capabilities that allow users to create a masterpiece out of every moment captured. The ZERO X Series with the starting price of Rs. 32,999 includes two variants – the ZERO X Pro, and ZERO X NEO – which include breakthrough visual technologies such as a Dual-Chip flagship gaming processor, 60X periscope moonshot camera and Infinix’s Galileo Algorithm Engine, a top-notch software feature allowing a high resolution looking shot of the Moon. “Infinix is not only a brand that combines quality performance, cutting-edge technology and innovative design at accessible prices in comparison to other smartphone devices in today’s market, but also known for creating devices to cater to the needs of consumers in the emerging markets.” shared Charles Ding, Deputy Product Director of ZERO X Series at Infinix Mobility. “The ZERO X Series will feature the latest camera technology and image optimization to inspire young adults and emerging professionals to explore their creativity and place the power of professional photography firmly in their hands.” Press releAse
total Parco inaugurates Jasmine service station
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Gas shortaGe beGins ahead of winter iSLamaBad
s
AHMAD AHMADANI
UI Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) are faced with gas shortage and they have announced gas load management plan to deal with the gas crisis situation at the beginning of the winter season. According to sources, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and general industry have been facing the heavy brunt of gas shortage at the advent of winter season. And, at present, gas shortages on the systems of both state-owned sui gas companies (SNGPL & SSGCL) have been increasing. They said that the systems of both SNGPL & SSGCL have been faced with a shortage of 275 Million Cubic Feet per Day (MMCFD). They said the on-going gas shortage is because of a delay in the arrival of a ship carrying Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for the country. Due to expected less import of LNG to the country, it is estimated that CNG and general industries will face severe shortage of gas during the next month, said sources. They added that usually 12 LNG cargoes are imported on a monthly basis to meet the demands. However, this time total 10 LNG cargoes will be imported during
fatima fertilizer Company holds rabi fY22 farmer convention for wheat cultivation
LAHORE: Fatima Fertilizer Company recently organized a farmer convention in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Food Security, Punjab Agriculture Department, and Pir Meher Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi to mark the beginning of its Sarsabz Rabi campaign 2021-2022. The event was presided by Vice-Chancellor Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Professor Dr. Qamar uz Zaman, while Federal Minister for Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam and Punjab Agriculture Minister, Hussain Jahanian Gardezi were present as special guests. Secretary Punjab Agriculture Department, Asad Rehman Gillani, Vice-Chancellor University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Professor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Director General Punjab Agriculture Department, Dr. Anjum Ali, and progressive farmers from Rawalpindi and Abbottabad attended this convention. At the occasion, Head of Technical Services at Fatima Fertilizer Company, Mr. Naseerullah Khan, appreciated the government’s initiatives for taking measures to enhance wheat yield in the dry lands of the country. He also expressed his gratitude to the administration of Arid Agriculture University for their cooperation in organizing a successful event. Further, he informed growers about the benefits of using balanced quantities of Sarsabz NP and CAN fertilizers based on soil analysis, to attain more than 10 percent crop yield as compared to other fertilizers. Press releAse
the month of November 2021 as Pakistan State Oil (PSO) is expected to import six cargoes of LNG while Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) is likely to import only four LNG cargoes during the month of November 2021. “There will be no gas shortage for domestic gas consumers and they will be supplied the gas uninterruptedly,” sources said. It is relevant to note that the SSGCL and SNGPL on Friday had announced suspension of gas supplies to all the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, cement, general industries (non-export) along with captive power across their franchised areas including, Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The SSGCL suspended the gas supplies for the next 72 hours and SNGPL halted gas supply for next 48 hours. “We wish to inform that re-gasification rates from PGPC (Terminal-2) have been reduced due to delay in arrival of PLL’s October 8 cargo. Owing to decrease in re-gas rates, system pack is depleting rapidly,” said SNGPL in a letter dated October 7, 2021 with subject load management due to delay in arrival of LNG cargo at Terminal-2. An official of petroleum division on condition not to be named informed that at present SNGPL is faced with a shortage of 270MMCFD as its current total demand is 1050MMCFD while it has been receiving only
treat awarded at 44th fPCCi export awards
ISLAMABAD: Treet Corporation’s excellence was recognized by an established business forum. The ceremony of 44th Export Awards by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) was held at the President House Islamabad on 29th Sep, 2021. Achieving a significant mark in the exports of its quality products, Treet Corporation Limited bagged Best Export Performance Award. FPCCI awarded the company with the accolade for its exceptional export performance in the last year 20202021. Mr. Feroz Hassan Khan - Export Marketing Manager received the award from The President of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Arif Alvi at the ceremony held in Islamabad. Treet Corporation always strives to maintain the quality of its products and contribute in the economic wellbeing of the country increasing exports of its products. Press releAse
heC, UndP, australian high Commission and sehat Kahani inaugurate fifth wellness Centre MALAkAnD: Sehat Kahani, with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), HEC and the Australian High Commission in Pakistan (AHC), inaugurated its fifth Wellness Centre at University of Malakand under its Mental Health Initiative to extend holistic mental health. Pr
780MMCFD to meet the demands of its all categories of consumers. Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, a senior leader of CNG association, informed that CNG sector has been facing around 125MMCFD gas shortage as no gas is being supplied to the CNG stations from both entities. He said that due to less import of LNG to the country, CNG stations and general industry will face no gas supply during November, 2021. He said though the government had allowed the private sector to bring imported gas to the country, however, some of the government officials had created hurdles in this regard and as a result so far the private sector has remained unable to bring LNG to the country to meet their energy requirements. CNG association had developed a company named as UGC for bringing LNG to the country to meet the CNG sector’s needs, said Ghiyas Paracha. He added that UGC has the first right to obtain gas for the CNG sector and it will be illegal if any other sector is supplied the gas while ignoring the CNG industry. “The governmental institutions should immediately implement the government decision regarding import of LNG by the private sector so that gas shortage should be overcome and make possible reduction in the gas price,” said Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, a senior leader of CNG association.
PepsiCo signs MoU to conduct trials on recycled plastic bottles
FRIDAy: PepsiCo and Novatex Limited signed a MoU to conduct trials on recycled plastic bottles to assess them for future commercial production in the Pakistan market. Both entities signed this MoU at the Pakistan pavilion of Expo 2020 in Dubai in the presence of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change Mr. Malik Amin Aslam. The MoU signing is an extension of the existing collaboration between PepsiCo and Novatex Limited whereby over 5,000 tons of plastics was collected and recycled. Going forward the companies will work together on significantly scaling up the collection of used plastic bottles in Pakistan and commercializing the use of bottles made from recycled plastics. Earlier at the event, a dialogue was held to explore how the government and the private sector can partner to tackle the issues of climate change and collectively promote the ‘Clean Green Pakistan’ agenda. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Malik Amin Aslam, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change commented, “This is really a remarkable feat by PepsiCo and Novatex Limited for complementing recycling efforts in Pakistan”. Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs, PepsiCo Pakistan, Mr. Khurram Shah present at the signing ceremony remarked, “This is a meaningful step forward towards our vision of developing a circular economy for plastics. We are making every effort to develop scale solutions for recycling which can benefit the entire industry”. PepsiCo recently announced PepsiCo Positive (pep+), a strategic end-to-end transformation, with sustainability at the center of how we will create growth and value by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people. Press releAse
Taliban, US discuss ‘opening a new page’ in first talks since pullout continued from page 01
LAHORE: The inauguration was held by the CEO of TOTAL PARCO Mehmet Celepoglu, Managing Director PARCO Shahid Mehmood Khan and Muhammad Akhtar Malik Member Provisional Assembly – Punjab, along with OGRA representation by Jawad Jamil, Joint Executive Director and other dignitaries. This new servicestation which is wholly owned and operated by the Company - is present in one of the prime locations of Lahore to capitalize on both, retention of current loyal customers and attraction of a new customer base through the provision of unique products and services. Press releAse
The IS has carried out relentless assaults on the country’s Shias since emerging in eastern Afghanistan in 2014. IS is also seen as the greatest threat to the United States. The US-Taliban agreement of 2020, which was negotiated by the Trump administration, demanded the Taliban break ties with terrorist groups and guarantee Afghanistan would not again harbour terrorists who could attack the United States and its allies. It seems certain the two sides will discuss in the weekend talks how to tackle the growing threat. The Taliban have said they do not want US anti-terrorism assistance and have warned Washington against any so-
called “over-the -horizon” strikes on Afghan territory from outside the country’s borders. ‘US to press Taliban to fulfil commitments’: The United States, meanwhile, would seek to hold Taliban leaders to commitments that they would allow Americans and other foreign nationals to leave Afghanistan, along with Afghans who once worked for the US military or government and other Afghan allies, a US official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorised to speak by name about the meetings. The Biden administration has fielded questions and complaints about the slow pace of US-facilitated evacuations from Talibanruled Afghanistan since the US withdrawal.
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State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Thursday that 105 US citizens and 95 green card holders had left since then on flights facilitated by the US. That number had not changed for more than a week. US veterans and other individuals have helped others leave the country on charter flights, and some Americans and others have gotten out across land borders. Hundreds of other foreign nationals and Afghans have also left on recent flights. Dozens of American citizens are still seeking to get out, according to the State Department, along with thousands of green-card holders and Afghans and family members believed eligible for US visas.
US officials have cited the difficulty of verifying flight manifests without any American officials on the ground in Afghanistan to help, along with other hold-ups. Americans also intend to press the Taliban to observe the rights of women and girls, many of whom the Taliban are reportedly blocking from returning to jobs and classrooms, and of Afghans at large, and to form an inclusive government, the official said. US officials will also encourage Taliban officials to give humanitarian agencies free access to areas in need amid the economic upheaval following the US departure and Taliban takeover. The official said it was not clear whether the US will recognise the Taliban as legitimate governors of the country.
Sunday, 10 October, 2021
06 COMMENT
When the online experience replaces reality
Pak-US bilateral cooperation Not in economy, trade and business but counter-terrorism
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EsPItE PM Imran Khan’s unrealistic aspiration to have a relationship with the usA like the one Washington has with New Delhi, Pakus relations have come down to a single point: Counter-terrorism cooperation. this is what emerged after us Deputy secretary of state Wendy sherman held talks with Foreign Minister shah Mehmood Qureshi, National ssecurity Adviser Moeed Yusuf and COAs gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. summing up the twoday visit she told the media the two sides will be continuing their counterterrorism dialogue as required by the changing environment. Without mincing words she said, “Our conversations have been forthright, deep and direct.” No surprise, as this is what Ms sherman had said in Mumbai also, a day before coming to Pakistan: No building of a broad relationship with Pakistan and no interest in returning to the days of a hyphenated IndiaPakistan. sherman was even abrasive when talking about the possibility of talks between us President Joe Biden and Pakistani PM Imran Khan. “We totally understand that every country wants a call from the President,” but the us President is too busy to talk to everyone. so President Biden will phone Mr Khan whenever the former gets time. this is humiliating. It’s time the Pakistan government stops using informal channels to try arranging a telephone call between the two. Afghanistan was high on the agenda of the National security Committee moot on Friday. Mr Khan stressed the need for a 'coordinated policy' on Afghanistan and directed the setting up of a dedicated cell to synergize various streams of efforts on the neighbouring country, including international coordination for humanitarian assistance and effective border management. terrorist attacks are emerging as a serious threat in Afghanistan as shown by the Kunduz attack, for which the Is-K claimed responsibility, that killed scores of shia worshippers. Earlier about 170 people had died in the Kabul airport attack carried out by the same network. Instead of diverting all attention to Afghanistan, the PM needs to give priority to the internal security of his own country. there is a need to stop appeasing the local violent extremist groups. unless they are taken care of, there is a likelihood of the tehrik taliban Pakistan, Is-K or other terrorist organisations using groups like the tehrik Labbaik Pakistan as franchises. the government needs to urgently implement the National Action Plan, something it has put on the backburner over the last three years.
Rabia ahmed
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HEN something gains such a massive presence in people’s lives as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram have— as the entire being on-line experience has— it’s a good idea to be a bit wary and examine the phenomenon a bit more closely to see what effect it is having on us. Instagram is one of the fastest growing social platforms with a billion users at a time when WhatsApp had two billion users, and Facebook two and a half billion and rising. so, few people would not know that these media platforms had a bad week recently, that not only did they shut down across the world, but that when they did come back, it took a while for them to run smoothly again. It seems in fact that even some Facebook employees were shut out of their offices, since their security cards would not function. Even those who are not on one or all of these platforms would have heard about the outage from friends and family, and what they heard would have sounded as though they had been deprived of food and water, so important have these platforms become. If you’re addicted to Facebook for example, it is no relief to be forced to spend that time with anything else, not tumblr, not tik tok, not twitter. they’re no replacement. For many people social media means entertainment alone, but for as many it stands for the ability to connect with friends and family, and view them
Air India lessons
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There are lessons how PIA can be privatized
The Taliban takeover put a question mark over the IRGC’s Tajik recruits Talha ahmad
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August 2021 is when the Afghan taliban drove into Kabul after Afghan President Ashraf ghani fled the country despite the agreement between the two parties. this put an end to a 20-year-long war that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Afghans. this came weeks after Afghan National Army's surrender across Afghanistan followed by a total collapse in Kabul even before the us withdrawal. this was one of the few occasions where the world witnessed a whole country collapsing within just weeks, with insurgents driving into the capital as new heads of the town. this end game didn’t end up well for many as no one was expecting the taliban's complete takeover of the country. One of those countries was Iran, which initially welcomed the move by resuming trade with Afghanistan via Herat port, but this changed after the Panjshir offense. the division within the tehran power corridors on Afghan policy, especially regarding the deployment of the Fatimeyoun brigade, was quite visible in different Iranian media and political segments. the Fatimeyoun brigade, comprising Afghan Hazara, is an Iranian-backed paramilitary force that served as an Iranian Revolutionary guards Corps extension in Iraq and syria. During the us invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, Iran covertly facilitated us forces which helped Iran in expanding influence in both countries. Over the years Iran successfully used these paramilitary forces to maximize political and military influence in the region. After IsIs's defeat, many of these Fatimeyoun fighters came back to Afghanistan. In recent years Iran tried to replicate the syrian and Iraqi model in Afghanistan for which on many occasions Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif pitched a proposal to the Afghan government for using this brigade as a support arm of the Afghan National Defense Forces (ANDF) in a fight against taliban and Is-Khorasan. During the Raisina conference held in Delhi, India, Zarif said "the Islamic emirate in Afghanistan
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the fresh air. they jumped, and chased, and fell. they made stuff with their hands, and went camping and climbed trees. None of that is the case anymore. And
Rabia Ahmed is a freelance columnist. Read more by her at http://rabia-ahmed.blogspot.com
IRGC castle in Afghanistan
NDIA has shown the world it is possible. the buyback of Air India by the tata group shows that an airline can be privatized if the government has the requisite political will. the $2.4 billion sale has particular relevance to Pakistan because its flag carrier, PIA, has also been up for sale for some years. the problems faced by the two are not quite identical, but there is enough commonality for the Pakistan government to learn. Air India was not really profitable even before the covid-19 pandemic that more or less destroyed the aviation industry. PIA was also losing money, and various attempts to make it profitable, including importing new management, backfired. the losses suffered by both airlines led to them becoming heavily indebted, which then became another hurdle in the way of privatization. the Air India example is instructive, with the tata group agreeing to take on a quarter of Air India’s debt of INR 615 billion. Another hurdle PIA has is rampant trade unionism combined with a ‘jobs for the boys’ policy followed by all past governments. No investor wants to take on such a large number of employees who cannot pull their weight in a private company. the government has no real option with PIA except to privatise it. It has tried all sorts of bright ideas, with the net result that PIA is a burden on the public exchequer. PIA does not have an obvious buyer like the tata group, which was the owner from which Air India was nationalised half a century ago, but the Air sial experience indicates the path ahead. Air sial was founded by the same consortium of businessmen who started sialkot Airport as the country’s first private airport. It seems that what is needed is something that PIA has lacked, especially in recent years: professional management which regards aviation as an industry in which the primary responsibility of a business is to turn a profit.
Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad
the result is not good. there are non-physical problems too. Children who spend too much time in front of and their lives in far-away places, in an age where friends and family are spread out all over the world. the screen are less able to handle reality, less able to And now, during the pandemic, it means the ability handle social interaction, since their one aim when to shop online since isolation has become a way of any human interaction takes place is to get back in life for those who are able to keep themselves iso- front of that screen as soon as possible. they miss lated. For businesses it has become a lifeline, partic- out on the give and take and become increasingly ular now that fewer people are visiting shops and less able to pick up social cues. they are likely to become impatient, because they are used to instant malls and other places of business. solutions, and might be subject to depression when But what lies in the onforced to spend time with line experience for children, other humans. who we see glued to the the onus now is on the screen even more than parents to find a solution. adults? governments need to butt It’s not just Facebook we Children need attractive out of this matter. No are talking about, or Whatamount of ‘banning’ and sapp or Instagram, it’s the alternatives, activities and other controlling as our authorientire online experience. creative things to compete with ties try to do, will prevent Children these days go onthose who want to access being online. Unless this is line for the fun of being something from accessing there, for the ability to have provided, we are set to be a it. Our world is no longer a someone to ‘play’ with withtiny, isolated space that can out having to coax them to nation of zombies, glued to a be controlled. It is parents do so first. Entertainment is avail- shining rectangle, and in the case who need to place curbs on how much time their chilable online for the asking of a predominantly illiterate dren spend in front of the so long as someone can acnation a set of people with the screen, parents who must cess a screen. All those provide their children with games where you shoot ability to click but not to interests when they are not someone, run a race, almost in front of it. anything you like. It is the understand Children need attractive place to be, also because alternatives, activities and online is where the adults other creative things to comare, and children have been pete with being online. uncopycats ever since humans less this is provided, we are were born. Yet being glued to the screen for long periods for set to be a nation of zombies, glued to a shining recchildren is even worse than it is for adults, since it tangle, and in the case of a predominantly illiterate means that not only could they access all the wrong nation a set of people with the ability to click but not content, they are giving up active time to sit on a to understand. the recent downtime for FB et al and couch, necks bent, staring at something presented by the reaction to it should serve as a warning for what someone else. No physical exercise, no imagination the consequences can be. social media and being online for work and play required, no creativity. It leads to obesity, eye strain, is here to stay. there is no way it can be pushed back and problems with sleep. One hears it all the time, but it’s a valid concern: into the box. the most we can do is regulate the there was a time when children played, using their amount of time we give it at home, and this must be hands and feet and the rest of their bodies, outside, in done.
The recent Facebook breakdown should serve as a warning
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is an existential threat to Pakistan and a national security threat to Iran and India." this application of the Iranian Middle Eastern model would have helped tehran in translating military influence via proxy into political influence, particularly in the overall governing setup. But due to different dynamics and the rapid collapse of the Afghan state structure, it didn’t work out. In June Fatemiyoun brigade released a detailed nine-Page statement denying involvement in Afghanistan after reports of its fighters' participation in operations against the taliban surfaced. But after the taliban takeover of Kabul, Panjshir was the last hope for many in tehran who advocated for this time. Iranian media raised its rhetoric against Pakistan, with Iranian state media quoting a CENtCOM report about the alleged involvement of Pakistan in Panjshir while Zarif stated that tehran was investigating the foreign involvement in Panjshir and the rest of Afghanistan. On 7, september 2021, in a briefing to the Parliamentary National security Committee in closed-door session on Afghanistan, Quds Force chief Esmail ghaani said that “the usA wants to start a civil war in Afghanistan on sectarian grounds." He said even though the Fatemiyoun Brigade is an integral part of the Axis of resistance, Afghanistan needs to solve the issue politically. During the meeting, many MPs criticized Pakistan while some criticized Panjshir-based Northern Alliance leader Ahmad Massoud for asking the usA and France for help. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad also rode the bandwagon, criticizing Pakistan for allegedly supporting the taliban in Afghanistan without providing
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any evidence about the alleged involvement. But why the outrage reached the top level was because of multiple factors. Many from the far-right in Iranian power corridors for years viewed us withdrawal as a good opportunity for the IRgC to covertly conquer another country and expand the so-called “Axis of resistance”. But this is now no longer possible. Another aspect is the formation of a sunni theocracy in the backyard of Iran which would serve as a major obstacle in Iranian plans to reach out in the different regions by exploiting the sectarian fault lines. Moreover, Esmail ghaani current head of the IRgC, under the late IRgC head Qasem solemani, served as deputy commander and also served in the intelligence and Joint operations. ghanni was managing operations, including recruitment and training of fighters from Afghanistan and Pakistan under the umbrella of Fatemiyoun and Zainabiyoun brigade. this means the biggest concern for Iran would be the future of IRgC operations as the taliban takeover undermined Iranian influence not only in Afghanistan but also in the region. After Azerbaijan's victory in the Nagano Karabakh, tehran was already feeling sidelined but the collapse in Afghanistan has further rolled back Iranian ambitions in the region. the aggressive anti-Pakistan rhetoric is just the manifestation of that tension in tehran, as tehran believes that Islamabad will fill the vacuum after the us withdrawal. In these changing dynamics, Iran would be pushed either to go for a policy shift or opt for the role of spoiler in the region. But only time would determine the future of Iran’s Afghan policy and role in the region.
The aggressive anti-Pakistan rhetoric is just the manifestation of that tension in Tehran, as Tehran believes that Islamabad will fill the vacuum after the US withdrawal. In these changing dynamics, Iran would be pushed either to go for a policy shift or opt for the role of spoiler in the region. But only time would determine the future of Iran’s Afghan policy and role in the region
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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
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The writer can be reached at talhaahmed967@gmail.com and on Twitter @talhahamad967
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
Sunday, 10 October, 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
Incorporating Technology in Education
An uphill task Bilateral relations marred by lack of trust and conflicting strategic objectives
Candid Corner Raoof hasan “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” –Socrates
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s Deputy secretary of state Wendy sherman was in Islamabad on a twoday visit. It is understood that she came to discuss the bilateral relations and the evolving situation in Afghanistan. During her stay in town, she had talks with the NsA and the Foreign Minister. she also called on the Chief of Army staff. A meeting with the Prime Minister did not materialise. the Foreign Office spokesperson welcomed the visit by saying that “close and regular engagement between Pakistan and the united states has always been mutually beneficial and effective for the stability of south-Asia”. He went on to say that “there is a desire on the part of Pakistan, and I believe on the part of the usA as well, to make this relationship broad-based and forward-looking, moving away from viewing it mostly from the perspective of Afghanistan”. It is believed that there is a predominant perception in the usA that Pakistan is responsible for its hasty exit from Afghanistan. At a different level, it is also accused of having played a duplicitous role which precipitated the crisis for the usA, ultimately forcing it to bring its longest-ever foreign war to an end. this sentiment is broadly reflected in the legislation moved by some Republican senators calling for sanctioning Pakistan (I discussed this in elaborate detail in my last column published in this paper on sunday, October 3). While it is being hoped that the sentiments contained in the resolution do not reflect the official position of the us government, yet they are a matter of concern for Pakistan. these are also “inconsistent with the reality of the ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and the us on Afghanistan”, as was further stated by the Foreign office spokesperson. While Pakistan is nurturing hopes of improved relations with the usA, the statement made by Wendy sherman on way to Pakistan at the conclusion of her visit to India was rather disconcerting. As reported, she said that her trip to Pakistan is only for a “specific and narrow purpose” (read Afghanistan). she went on to state that “we don’t see ourselves building our broad relationship with Pakistan and we have no interest in returning to the days of a hyphenated India, Pakistan. that’s not where we are, that’s not where we are going to be”. While all these statements will carry some bearing, the relations between the two nonNAtO allies are far more complicated than can
be gauged from them. Yes, it is a reality that Pak- to stop grievous human rights violations in Inistan is eager to expand the bilateral engagement dian-Occupied Kashmir and engage construcfor multiple reasons, one being the prospect of tively with Pakistan to find a permanent a humanitarian crisis brewing in Afghanistan. resolution of the simmering crisis. the disputed But it must also be understood that the sentiment territory has remained virtually locked down has to be reciprocated before any tangible since the unilateral abrogation of Articles 370 and progress could be expected. It is here that a lack 35A that granted it special status under the Indian of mutual trust appears to be holding back any Constitution. that has since been annulled. Instead, the usA has moved on to establishreal forward momentum in this regard. From the us perspective, the possibility of ing a multifaceted strategic partnership with an improved bilateral equation appears to be India, which was also echoed by Wendy sherlinked with Pakistan’s relations with China, man during her most recent visit there. this conwhich is where the real problem is embanked. stitutes an integral component of its overarching While Pakistan’s relations with the usA have al- ‘contain China’ policy. It has often given an inways remained rather turbulent, its engagement dication that Pakistan should play a subservient with China is rooted in shared perspectives and role to the Indian domination of the region. this goals which have continued to be cemented fur- is an imponderable prospect for Pakistan’s polther during the past years, as they do even now. icy-makers. Considering India’s historical belthe two countries are also linked as partners in ligerent role as a neighbour, Pakistan has sought CPEC which is the economic lifeline of Pak- strategic parity to secure its interests and objecistan, facilitating its connectivity with other re- tives and, oftentimes, its existence as a sovereign gional countries and with the rest of the world. and independent country. given the fascist Hindutva policies that these relations have Prime Minister Modi’s never been derailed in a government have unway the us-Pakistan leashed over India, relations have often Since we have moved on from there is little likelihood been. It is understood of any change occurthat the usA has strong nurturing a transactional ring in its approach toreservations about the relationship of the kind that the wards Pakistan and the strategic nature of these region. As a matter of relations with China two countries had in the past, fact, it is likely to get and there is a desire that there is a need to re-evaluate their even more caustic and Pakistan should take inimical in the days to steps to contain them as respective expectations from each come. also the scope of the other. These relations, if at all, will there is also a conCPEC. cern regarding the susPakistan’s relations have to be based on credible and ceptibility of with the usA do not sustainable sharing of objectives, international organisacompare with its relations to the us pressure tions with China which and not just transitory needs in matters of economic are based on mutuality which may occur from time to support to Pakistan and of interests and objecother countries which tives. there is no coertime. In fact, the restoration of do not agree with its cion, no unnecessary relations may have gone past the larger worldview. that entanglement, and no is why a predominantly pressure to take things stage of re-evaluation. They may negative perception has one way or the other. have to be reinvented anew. This evolved here about the Decisions are taken which is further based on the shared is an uphill task. But, then, that is usA damaging the prospect needs by the two where the two countries are of improving mutual restrategic partners and lations. there is hardly a cause parked right now In the past, us-Pakfor any divergence of istan relations have been understanding. such usually transactional has never been the case based on the latter’s utilbetween the usA and Pakistan. By and large, these relations have al- ity concerning a specific matter, like the fight ways remained shaky on one account or the against the soviets or, later, the War on terror. the other so much so that, on many occasions, relations would show a level of improvement, but Pakistan had to suffer the terrible conse- this would be confined only to the duration of the quences of sanctions which were imposed with project that was at hand. As soon as Pakistan was the predominant intent of punishing it for nur- no longer needed as a partner, the relations would turing views which were not shared by the plunge, at times even resulting in imposition of usA. this, one believes, should never be a sanctions which would be extremely detrimental constituent of relations among friendly coun- to its cause. since we have moved on from nurtries. In order to move forward on the bilateral turing a transactional relationship of the kind that front, it is imperative that the us-Pakistan re- the two countries had in the past, there is a need lations are delinked from the us approach to- to re-evaluate their respective expectations from wards China and the undesirable pressure that each other. these relations, if at all, will have to is often exerted on Pakistan in this regard. un- be based on credible and sustainable sharing of less that happens, the bilateral equation is objectives, and not just transitory needs which may occur from time to time. In fact, the restoralikely to remain turbulent. Pakistan also feels that the usA has shown tion of relations may have gone past the stage of little sensitivity and understanding of the role that re-evaluation. they may have to be reinvented India has played, as indeed it continues to play, in anew. this is an uphill task. But, then, that is destabilising it, be it through direct efforts across where the two countries are parked right now. the international frontier and the Line of Control, The writer is a political and security strateor through its terrorist agents based in Afghanistan, particularly during the tenures of the gist, and heads the Regional Peace Institute – so-called democratic regimes stretching from an Islamabad-based think tank. Email: Twitter: 2002 to 2021. the sensitivity also extends to a raoofhasan@hotmail.com. lack of us interest in exerting pressure on India @RaoofHasan
As the saying goes, “ in the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunities.” As the covid-19 has taken its toll on education sector, it has also open new avenue of incorporating technology in our education system. Coronavirus has compelled authorities to digitalize education delivery system in order to provide distant learning during the closure of educational institutes. However, owing to capacity issues, digital divide and digital illiteracy, government is unable to provide dividends of technology to everyone, particularly in the remote areas of Pakistan. A recent decision by the universal service Fund (usF) to provide high-speed mobile broadband services to the remote areas of Pakistan is a welcome news in this regard. this will enable residents of these remote areas to access modern education on internet. this will not only revolutionize education delivery but also help in education management in far flung areas. the need of hour, therefore, is to digitalize educational system so that students in distant area can get education in this time of crisis. FaiSal hayaT Okara
Karachi’s strays I have finally become compelled with how to raise this issue to the government, because now the issue has now become critical. the issue is that the number of street dogs in the city of Karachi is on the upsurge. Because of this increase, they are becoming more dangerous for the people and especially the children. Day by day, the number of incidents involving dog biting is rising. unfortunately, our government doesn’t seem to take this vital issue seriously. People going to the mosque for Fajar and Isha prayers are the most vulnerable. Mothers are constantly in fear when they send their kids to school and or errands because of this issue which is completely neglected by the corrupt officials of the government. Whenever the suggestion/demand of poising these mad dogs is brought up to the respected officials they are more concerned about animal cruelty than the safety of our children. therefore, I appeal to the Army Chief and the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take note of this serious situation and convince our government to act accordingly. MuhaMMad azeeM karachi
Increasing sexual violence ANOtHER incident of sexual abuse within one month has set a wave of fear and unrest across the district. A minor girl Jamila of around 8 years, daughter of poor labor was subjected to sexual assault by an unknown miscreant in Banu a locality of taluka Mirpur Bathoro district sujawal. the girl found semi-unconscious was shifted to civil hospital sujawal for treatment, where her condition is stated to be stable. Parents of the miseryridden girl have demanded justice while no FIR of the incident has been lodged yet. this case is second of its kind in the district followed by the Ayshiya themore Rape case that had taken place a month back in a village near Jati. the Higher authorities of the districts have opted to remain silent on that ensuing imprecation. It seems that the people of the remote district are unaware of the ferociousness that has started to pullulate in an otherwise peaceful district. Chief Minister sindh, Chief Justice of sIndh High Court and Ig sindh are requested to take notice of this gruesome incident kaMraN khaMiSO khOWaJa SuJaWal
Gender problems PROBLEMs surrounding gender have always been present in our society. From Pakistan ranking the third last country on the Human Rights index, to the failure of exercising gender based laws. However as most of us think gender inequality is not just limited to men and women, but transgenders too; a large portion of our population which is largely stigmatised, and mostly ignored. this was further highlighted when a transgender woman Julie, who happens to be an activist, was imprisoned based on a false allegation, and unlawfully kept in men’s jail despite her identifying as a woman. Her suspicious arrest took the social media by storm, since Julie had earned her self quite a rapport with social media activists for her ardour to blatantly state the truths about our society. Which were otherwise shunned into silence; issues like sectarian unrest, sexual exploitation of transgenders, and the prevalent class culture. the rage of her supporters resulted in her release after 7 days. However in the past even when she was not a social media sensation Julie had faught for injustices against her gender, which are far too many to state. the question is how long will we, as a nation, continue to opress the voices of truth and justice into silence, rather than addressing the issue at hand. It is high time that the order of law should be implemented and hold accountable even the keepers of law (police), if they’re caught missusing. there needs to be further revision in law which cater to minorities whether gender based, race based or religion based. SakiNa rizvi karachi
Concerning situation HE challenge for India and Pakistan is how to make certain that they manage their relation in a way that annihilate all points of contention, the convergence between the two countries remain dominant and the pessimistic aspects are manageable. the gap between the two is also expanding. there is growing distrust on the terms between the two countries and the challenge for Pakistan is how it manages that distrust and begins to shrink that distrust. As far as the us is concerned, us is aspiring super power but its aspirational ambitions are built on great deal of insecurity, the way it perceives Pakistan’s relations with the China it is being hemmed in by close understanding cordiality between Pakistan and China so lets not discount the insecurity on the us side. ShaFi ahMed khOWaJa JaTi SuJaWal
Sunday, 10 October, 2021
08 WORLD VIEW
Why the Iraq electIons WIll not prevent the next polItIcal crIsIs IRAQ'S RULING ELITE NEEDS THE ELECTION TO MAINTAIN POLITICAL LEGITIMACY AND SECURE ACCESS TO OIL RENT THROUGH POWER-SHARING AGREEMENTS
Middle east eye
o
HaritH Hasan
N sunday, Iraq is going to hold its first early election since the introduction of electoral politics to the country after the Us-led war that toppled saddam Hussein in 2003. the election came as a response to the large wave of protests in Baghdad and the southern cities in 2019, which forced former prime minister adel abdul Mahdi to resign. shortly afterwards, the parliament voted to change the electoral law, and the dominant parties promised an early election as a way out of the crisis. as time passed, most demonstrators left the streets due to a combination of repression, co-option, Covid-19 restrictions and fatigue. Dominant parties felt no pressure to make additional concessions and sought to ensure that changes introduced to the electoral system will benefit rather than harm them.
the new electoral system is based on the non-transferable vote and direct choice of candidates in smaller districts in each governorate. Boundaries of electoral districts were designed through a transactional process between major parties in parliament. the law was introduced enthusiastically by the sadrist bloc which saw it beneficial to its political chances. It was also supported by some activists who thought it would be an effective tool to weaken the dominant parties and reduce the influence of traditional party leaders. However, as proven in other countries, the new system functions in favour of large, organised, and well-funded parties that can field a large number of candidates and help finance their campaigns. additionally, dominant political parties enjoy other advantages such as controlling armed wings that can be used to intimidate competitors, and enjoying access to state resources and immunity from judicial questioning. although a group of independent judges was selected to serve in the electoral commission, the Iraqi judiciary proved vulnerable to political pressure. thus, the actual mandate of
the new election commissioners was limited to technical and procedural aspects. Undeniably, there has been a considerable improvement in the technical preparations and procedures aimed at preventing fraud and irregularities. Yet, when it comes to the more substantial measures that could secure a fair competition, the election commission could not go beyond the red lines drawn by dominant parties. None of these parties was disqualified because of their obvious connection to armed groups (which is constitutionally forbidden but, if implemented, would practically mean banning all major parties). Nor was there any effort to enforce transparency in the dominant parties’ fundraising activities. additionally, a campaign of assassinations and intimidation targeting activists and would-be candidates, forcing many others to flee their hometown in search of safety, has been going on for months. armed groups linked to some of the dominant parties are said to be implicated in this campaign. Under such circumstances, several activist groups decided to boycott the election, citing the lack of proper conditions and fair
competition with established parties. But this decision also reflected a division among activists between maximalist groups that seek to drastically overhaul the system and hence don’t trust an electoral process designed by established parties, and gradualists who think there is room for a limited alteration in the balance of power that requires active participation in the election by voters from dissatisfied segments of society. One of those activists told me that if the election results contributed to strengthening moderate groups within the ruling elite, as opposed to those that have armed wings, he will consider this a step in the right direction. the election is supervised by a government whose prime minister stated his neutrality among contenders and with a bigger international involvement than the last election. thus, it would take place under better technical and procedural conditions than the previous vote, and this may be translated into a larger number of independents and small parties in parliament, especially if the turnout is higher than last time. However, such an outcome is unlikely to result in a large-scale transformation, especially given that independent candidates and small parties are not united by a single agenda. some of them are thought to be linked to political parties; others are representatives of tribal communities seeking access to power and state resources and willing to ally with whoever offers the highest bid. What is clear, however, is that more independent candidates and small parties in
parliament would mean a longer and more complicated bargaining process after the election. In this context, the election must be seen less as an effort to reform the system and more as an attempt to re-legitimise it after it was seriously damaged by the explosion of anger seen in the 2019 protests. Weak institutions and rule of law, institutionalised patronage, and extrajudicial violence continue to shape the status quo, rendering the election a tool of political manoeuvring rather than a path towards meaningful change. None of the dominant parties is inherently democratic or a firm believer in the constitution or rule of law. Yet, they need the election to maintain political legitimacy and secure access to oil rents through powersharing agreements.In this sense, the election result will be accepted only if it does not strongly threaten the fragile balance of power in a country where there are several powerful armed groups operating independently of the state, extracting resources from the state, and contesting the state’s monopoly of "legitimate coercion" when necessary. the status quo is not shaped by an authoritarian government but by multiple authoritarian actors who participate in elections because none of them can afford to stay out of the game or let others control it. the early election, based on a new electoral system, was initially a concession offered by the elite under the pressure of the protest movement. But when this movement lost momentum and stopped being a serious threat, the elite felt no urge to make further concessions. therefore, it's not going to change the status quo, but it may well lay the ground for the next crisis. Harith Hasan, a Senior Scholar at Carnegie Middle East Center and a SFM Fellow at the Central European University.
nobel commIttee gets peace InflatIon Is here to stay prIze Wrong yet agaIn
world BeyoNd war
t
DaviD swanson
He Nobel Committee has yet again awarded a peace prize that violates the will of alfred Nobel and the purpose for which the prize was created, selecting recipients who blatantly are not “the person who has done the most or best to advance fellowship among nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the establishment and promotion of peace congresses.” that there are numerous candidates who plausibly meet the criteria and could have been appropriately awarded a Nobel Peace Prize is established by the list of nominees published by Nobel Peace Prize Watch, and by the War abolisher awards which were given out two days ago to highly qualified persons and organizations selected from dozens of nominees. three awards were presented. the Lifetime Organizational War abolisher of 2021: Peace Boat. the David Hartsough Lifetime Individual War abolisher of 2021: Mel Duncan. the War abolisher of 2021: Civic Initiative save sinjajevina. the trouble with the Nobel Peace Prize has long been and remains that it often goes to warmongers, that it often goes to good causes that have little direct connection to abolishing war, and that it often favours the powerful rather than those in need of funding and prestige to support good work. this year it has been awarded to another good cause that has little direct connection to abolishing war. although virtually every topic can be tangentially connected to war and peace, the avoidance of actual peace activism intentionally misses the point of the prize’s creation by alfred Nobel and the influence of Bertha von suttner. this year it was awarded for journalism, last year for working against hunger. In past years it has been awarded for protecting children’s rights, teaching about climate change, and opposing poverty. these are all good causes and can all be connected to war and peace. But these causes should go find their own prizes. the Nobel Peace Prize is so devoted to awarding powerful officials and avoiding peace activism that it is often awarded to the wagers of wars, including abiy ahmed, Juan Manuel santos, the european Union, and Barack Obama, among others.at
times the prize has gone to opponents of some aspect of war, advancing the idea of reforming even while maintaining the institution of war. these awards have come closest to the purpose for which the prize was created, and include the 2017 and 2018 prizes. the prize has also been used to advance the propaganda of some of the world’s major war makers. awards like this year’s have been used to denounce violations of human rights in non-Western nations targeted in the weapons-funding propaganda of Western nations. this record allows Western media outlets each year to speculate before the prize announcement on whether it will go to favorite propaganda topics, such as alexei Navalny. the actual recipients this year are from Russia and the Philippines, Russia being the primary target of U.s. and NatO war preparations, including the primary excuse for the construction of new military bases in Norway. Journalism, even antiwar journalism, can be found around the world. Violations of the rights of antiwar journalism can be found around the world. the most extreme case of violating the rights of one of the most impactful antiwar journalists is the case of Julian assange. But there was never any question of the prize going to someone targeted by the U.s. and U.K. governments. at a moment when the world’s largest weapons dealer, most frequent launcher of wars, dominant deployer of troops to foreign bases, greatest enemy of the International Criminal Court and the rule of law in international affairs, and supporter of oppressive governments — the U.s. government — is trumpeting a division between so-called democracies and non-democracies, the Nobel Committee has chosen to throw gas on this fire, declaring:“since its start-up in 1993, Novaja Gazeta has published critical articles on subjects ranging from corruption, police violence, unlawful arrests, electoral fraud and ‘troll factories’ to the use of Russian military forces both within and outside Russia. Novaja Gazeta’s opponents have responded with harassment, threats, violence, and murder.” Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon, and U.s. President Joe Biden will be delighted with this selection — Biden far more in fact than with the awkwardness of being ridiculously given the prize himself (as some suggested and was done with Barack Obama). also given the prize this year was a journalist from the Philippines already funded by CNN and by the U.s. government, in fact by a U.s. government agency often involved in funding military coups. It is worth noting that the Nobel Peace Prize was established to help fund peace activists in need of funding. David Swanson is an author, activist, journalist and radio host. He is co-founder and executive director of WorldBeyondWar.org and campaign coordinator for RootsAction.org.
Newsweek
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ConnelFullenkamp
ast week, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell changed his tune about inflation, saying that inflation will run a bit higher and last a bit longer than he expected. Get used to hearing this, because he'll probably have to repeat it over and over during the next few years. It's not that the Fed doesn't understand what is causing inflation to rise. It sees the basic problem as a surge in demand that the supply side isn't equipped to handle, and that is correct. But the Fed has seriously underestimated the scope of this problem, which goes well beyond the snarled traffic in our ports and the shortage of computer chips. almost no part of the supply side of the american economy is equipped to respond to the unprecedented rebound in demand, and this will lead to much higher inflation for at least a few years. Part of the reason the supply side isn't ready for a strong recovery is that american companies have lacked enthusiasm for investing. after the financial crisis, households had to cut back in order to pay off debts they accumulated during the good times, and these lackluster years made many firms cautious about getting ahead of demand. the rise of online shopping also blew up many retail business models, leading to caution among the survivors. and shareholders have been aggressive about demanding higher cash payouts from companies, leaving less for investment. On the eve of the pandemic, companies were being rewarded for the "discipline" they showed in resisting the temptation to sink money into new projects with uncertain returns. the result is that many businesses now lack the extra capacity needed to meet an unexpectedly large increase in demand. It's not that companies can't or won't respond to these increases, but adding capacity takes time. and after decades of not being able to raise prices at all, most companies are in no hurry to return to those days. Chances are, they'll take their time and only invest where they are highly certain that demand will persist. the housing market—one of the main engines of economic growth—tells a similar story. Home construction never recovered from the financial crisis. again, households' weak financial position was a big reason why, but banks also shied away from mortgage lending. Home builders shifted from mass-market houses toward custom, high-end homes with fewer buyers but fatter profit margins. Longstanding housing shortages in mar-
kets like California have only become worse. Pre-pandemic migration to big cities grabbed the headlines while the gap between demand and supply in single-family homes quietly grew. Now that the pandemic has made people rediscover the joys of backyards and extra bedrooms, the move back to the 'burbs is in full swing—but home prices have skyrocketed. this means that millions of families will have to rent instead, and this market is cramped as well. Rents are now rising fast, and unlike home prices, rental rates feed right into the inflation data. We've barely begun to see the impact of rising rents in the inflation numbers— but they'll be making a big contribution going forward. and how about the commodity markets? During the past decade, companies in mining and energy production learned the hard way that overinvestment could drive prices down and cause big losses. Now they're acting much like other manufacturing and service industries. they drastically cut back their investments and have no plans to expand production. In the meantime, the changeover to renewables taking place worldwide has made electricity generation and distribution a lot less dependable, leading to sudden spikes in demand for american fossil fuels. Producers don't want to disappoint customers in the lucrative export market, so these sales take priority over satisfying american demand—at least until local consumers match the foreigners' offers. Finally, there's the weather—or the climate. One of the big questions the american economy faces is whether the severe drought affecting the West is just part of a normal weather cycle, or a taste of permanent changes to the climate that will disrupt food production for years to come. If the climate really is changing, american farmers will surely adapt—eventually. But in the meantime, food prices are also in for a wild ride. all of these factors were starting to nudge inflation higher in early 2020, as the american economy inched closer to full capacity. this should have prompted a gradual process of supply-side adjustment, as rising prices gave more companies confidence that investing in new products and new capacity would pay off. But the pandemic prevented this investment from getting started, plunging us into the sharpest recession on record instead. to pull us out of this tailspin, fiscal and monetary policy stomped hard on the accelerator, and rightly so. But the cost of averting a depression is that we've engineered a massive surge in demand the economy wouldn't have been able to handle even before the pandemic. the most fragile parts of the supply side—the highly choreographed and delicately interwoven supply chains we created during the past two decades—would still have been overwhelmed, and broken, without the bust-to-boom whiplash. and now it's the rest of the supply side's turn to be swamped. the federal stimulus was so large, and so much of it was saved (over $1.5 trillion), that demand could be elevated for years. and that doesn't include the trillions of dollars of infrastructure proposals under consideration. With this much extra demand and very limited capacity to expand supply quickly, there's really no place for prices to go but up. the longer it takes supply to catch up to demand—and for the Fed to catch up with reality— the more inflation we're in for. ConnelFullenkamp is professor of the practice of economics at Duke University.
Sunday, 10 October, 2021 | LAHORE
NEWS
PMC announces MDCAT2021 final result ISLAMABAD staff report
Pakistan Medical Commission’s (PMC) National Medical Authority (NMA) on Saturday announced the final result of the MDCAT 2021 after the conclusion of the post-exam analysis held on the completion of the test. Addressing a press conference, President, PMC, Dr. Arshad Taqi while sharing details of the final result said that a record number of 194,133 students took the MDCAT exam from August 30, 2021, to October 2, 2021. He added out of the 194,133 students, 68,680 students passed the exam resulting in a national pass percentage of 35.4%. In addition, 276 students sat the exam this morning for COVID-19 and dengue-affected students. He said that the post-exam analysis was carried out independently by Quaid-e-Azam University as per the request of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr. Faisal Sultan. He said that the regional pass percentage of the MDCAT was as in Punjab total 42,860 students passed the MDCAT resulting in a pass percentage of 42.84%, in Sindh total 7,797 students passed the MDCAT resulting in a pass percentage of 22.37%, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa total 12,205 students passed the MDCAT resulting in a pass percentage of 29.32%, in Balochistan total 1,537 students passed the MDCAT resulting in a pass percentage of 21.12%, in Islamabad Capital Territory total 2,139 students passed the MDCAT resulting in a pass percentage of 46.26%, in Gilgit Baltistan total 456 passed the MDCAT resulting in a pass percentage of 35.21% while in Azad Jammu Kashmir total 1,478 passed the MDCAT resulting in a pass percentage of 38.13%. He said that The MDCAT was the single largest computer-based examination held in Pakistan to ensure that every student entering the field of medical study has the necessary aptitude, knowledge concepts and analytical skills required for the rigorous medical and dental training programs. He said that the MDCAT being a computer-based examination was in accordance with global best practices and a comprehensive data set is now available that was not possible with a pen and paper exam. He said that the MDCAT was held for the first time not only in 25 centers in Pakistan but six international centers in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Sharing his thoughts on the student data now available and the post-exam analysis, VICE President, PMC, Ali Raza said, “The single computer-based national level MDCAT examination was a novel concept in Pakistan and critiqued by certain circles however, we hope that the results speak for themselves and will finally put to bed the doubts and fears created by the few detractors who seek to remain rooted in the status quo.” He said that the introduction of a computer-based examination is a landmark in Pakistan’s effort to improve our educational systems. He added it has ensured that the entrance exam for the most competitive higher education program in the country carries the seal of integrity and students of genuine merit are able to compete for entry into medical and dental programs. Ali Raza said that any student can apply for review to PMC where a student will be shown their wrongly answered questions test on a computer terminal. This facility is available for a review fee and will further authenticate the MDCAT 2021 result and satisfy the students, he added. He said that the MDCAT result is also available to the applicants to review on the website with the facility to download the result. He added students can now choose the medical and dental colleges of their choice in Pakistan on the PMC website and the regulatory body will forward the final result to the institution of their choice. According to the PMC conduct of examinations 2021, the MDCAT result is valid for two years and the equivalence formula for the MDCAT 2020 result is now also available on the PMC website, he added. He added any student who attempted the MDCAT in 2020 can now apply to medical and dental colleges of their choice provided they meet the pass percentage of 65% as per the equivalence formula. He said that the MDCAT is an integral part of the reforms introduced by Parliament and the federal government under the PMC Act 2020 to improve and standardize healthcare education in Pakistan in line with global best practices.
09
5G TeChnoLoGy To be LAunCheD by DeCeMber 2022; sAys AMinuL hAq KARACHI
F
staff report
EDERAL Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Telecom Syed Amin-Ul-Haq said that the establishment of the Animation Center of Excellence was essential as the animation sector was a big global market in which we have no significant share. He expressed such views while addressing the MoU Signing Ceremony between Ignite & University of Karachi held here at local hotel on Saturday. We want to start working on it immediately, federal minister told, mentioning that this Center of Excellence would not only benefit the students of Karachi University but also the students of other universities. Syed Amin Ul Haque informed that an amount of Rs.2 billion has been allocated for this project and one billion rupees will be provided immediately “The Center of Excellence on Animation will be completed within six to
eight months,” he claimed. As many as Rs.31 billion is being spent on the connectivity as we want to connect the whole country to internet service, he told. More than 100 million people are using broadband services. More than 180 million people in the country are using mobile phones and new mobile phones were also being manufactured in Pakistan, the IT
minister said, adding that Smartphones for everyone was our vision. We want everything to be digitized and Parliament was going to be digitized, he asserted, stating that now all the agenda would be on tablets. The minister said” 5G will be launched by December 2022 and IT exports have increased by 57% this year.” On Karachi issues, he said that
Schools, education institutions to reopen with 100 pc attendance from Monday ISLAMABAD staff report
The federal government has announced to reopen public and private educational institutions with 100 percent attendance from Monday (October 11). According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the decisions to this affect had been taken in the meeting at National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). As per the notification, all educational institutions working under the ambit of Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) shall continue with 100 percent attendance with effect from October
11,2021 till further orders and with conditions. According to the conditions, the vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for all student of 12 years and above, to protect against COVID-19 and provide safety as well as improved immunity. For the age group of 12-18 years only Pfizer vaccine is being administered through Mobile Vaccination Teams (MVTs) and all COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs), completely free of cost where dedicated counters for students should be established. There should be no change of date for students’ vaccination as announced earlier i.e. partial vaccination (first dose) by 31st October 2021 and full vaccination by 30th November, 2021. The compliance of COVID-19
SoPs including wearing of masks, hand washing, temperature checking and others should be observed without any compromise. All Heads of Institutions are responsible to submit certificate regarding 100 percent vaccination of the all teaching and non-teaching staff (if applicable) and all students (12 years and above) of their respective school. All institutions should operate according to already notified regular timings (Mon-Fri) while every Saturday should be observed as Vaccination day as per directions of NCOC. It is added that mobile vaccination teams (MVTs) should be visiting all institutions with students’ population of 12 years and above and where needed Saturdays would be fully utilized for the same.
PM Imran Khan directs to reopen 83,741 partially resolved PCP complaints ISLAMABAD staff report
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday directed the authorities concerned to reopen 83,741 partially resolved complaints filed by people on the Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP). According to Prime Minister’s Performance Delivery Unit (PMDU), all complaints would be reopened and assigned to the officers concerned for necessary action. It had been reported that about 43,351 complaints would be opened in 773 federal departments while 40,415 complaints related to provincial gov-
ernments will be re-assigned to 2,450 departments. Earlier, the PMDU received the first quarterly (Jan-March) report of public courts (Khuli Kachehris) conducted by 32 federal intuitions. According to the report, out of 6,911 complaints, 4,842 were resolved in public courts of federal intuitions and numerous complaints by the masses were sent to the officers concerned for resolution. A total of 10,060 public awareness questions regarding federal intuitions were answered, with the report adding further that public hearings were conducted through Facebook Live and live telephone calls by the heads of concerned institutions.
provincial government did nothing to resolve the issues being facing by residents. Federal government has initiated the various projects to provide the facilities to the citizens. WAPDA has taken K4 project to resolve the issue of shortage of water in the metropolis and the project would now be completed in two years, he articulated, adding that the transportation problem was also being solved for people living in the Karachi as The Green Line project would begin in November. “The 911 helpline will be launched soon to facilitate the citizens across the country,” he told. On the occasion, Federal Secretary of Ministry of IT and Telecom, Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Chief Executive Officer Ignite, Asim Shahryar Hussain and Vice On the occasion, Federal Secretary of Ministry of IT and Telecom, Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Chief Executive Officer Ignite, Asim Shahryar Hussain and Vice Chancellor University of Karachi, Professor Dr. Khalid M. Iraqi also spoke on the occasion.
Dengue emergency declared in Lahore as cases surge LAHORE: The Punjab government declared a medical emergency at public health facilities in Lahore on Saturday due to the rising number of dengue cases amid rainy weather. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid on Friday which looked into the challenge of preventing the rapid breeding of mosquitoes in the province and expressed concern over a possible deterioration of the dengue situation in the coming weeks. The provincial health department also instructed all doctors on leave to return to their respective medical facilities to deal with the growing number of dengue cases reported in Punjab. “Recent rain spells coupled with humidity and a lot of construction work in some of the top neighbourhoods of Lahore have provided a breeding ground for dengue that has engulfed much of the city and its adjoining areas,” Punjab Health Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch said. He maintained the climatic conditions that create a conducive environment for the spread of the disease are likely to continue until the end of the year. Rejecting the claim that official surveillance teams are not doing their job, Baloch said the Covid-19 pandemic has already placed immense pressure on the province’s health system. The same medical staff is also dealing with the dengue situation, he added. According to the latest figures, 299 dengue cases have been reported in the province in the last 24 hours. About 220 of these cases were only recorded in Lahore while the remaining ones were diagnosed in other parts of the province. Statistics reveal that dengue cases in Punjab have reached 3,475 since January 2021, with Lahore accounting for 2,708 of them. Officials say field surveillance revealed the breeding of larvae at 2,580 places across the province, adding that 1,530 of them were spotted in Lahore. tLtp
DC Lahore issues release orders for TLP chief Saad Rizvi LAHORE staff report
The Lahore deputy commissioner (DC) Saturday issued release order for Saad Hussain Rizvi, chief of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The DC’s order comes days after the Lahore High Court (LHC) declared Rizvi’s detention illegal, approving a petition filed by Rizvi’s uncle against his continued incarceration. Rizvi was detained by police on April 12 over charges that he had incited his followers to take the law into their own hands as, according to him, the government had reneged on its promise to expel the French ambassador. The DC referred to the LHC’s October 1 judgement in his order, saying that he was allowing Rizvi’s release with immediate effect. In addition, the DC’s order referred to
two earlier decisions taken by the federal review board of the Supreme Court (SC) with regards to Rizvi’s detention. It stated that a reference had been filed before the board for the extension of Rizvi’s detention on September 29, and the board had extended the TLP chief’s detention period for a month on Oct 2. “The matter was again taken up in the meeting of the Federal Review Board … on Oct 9, and [the] case was disposed off,” it added. In the Oct 9 meeting, the review board, headed by SC Justice Maqbool Baqir, heard the Punjab govt’s request to extend Rizvi’s detention and questioned on what grounds the extension had been sought when the LHC had already declared the TLP chief’s detention illegal. Following that, the Punjab government withdrew its request.
Rizvi’s detention was initially supposed to end on July 10, after a review board of the LHC had rejected the Punjab Home Department’s request to extend it. It had released its detailed order in the case on July 8, observing that Rizvi should be “released forthwith” if he was not required in any other case. However, the Lahore DC had issued a fresh notification under Section 11-EEE (Powers to arrest and detain suspected persons) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and detained Rizvi for 90 more days, according to media reports. Subsequently, Rizvi’s uncle had filed a petition in the LHC, claiming that the government had extended his detention with “mala fide intention”. The petitioner had said the government had implicated Rizvi in 14 criminal cases after detaining him. He had asked the court to declare the act of the government illegal and order his
nephew’s release. Rizvi was taken into custody after TLP had held protests, which had led to violence, in cities across Pakistan, in a bid to press the government for the expulsion of the French envoy to Pakistan ever since blasphemous caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were published in France and their publication was supported by the French president. In November 2020, an agreement was signed between the TLP and the government — after the party held protests in the capital led by its then chief Khadim Rizvi — to involve the parliament in order to decide the matter of the French ambassador’s expulsion in three months. As the February 16 deadline neared, the government had expressed its inability to implement the agreement and had sought more time. The TLP had then agreed to delay its
protest by two-and-a-half months to April 20. A week before the deadline, Rizvi, in a video message, had asked TLP workers to be ready to launch a long march if the government failed to meet the deadline. The move had prompted the government to arrest him on April 12. Police had swooped in on Rizvi at around 2pm on Wahdat Road in Lahore where he had gone to attend a funeral. Outraged, the TLP had issued a call for countrywide protests. The next day, police registered a first information report against the TLP chief under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Within the next few hours, protesters took to the streets in Lahore and blocked the Grand Trunk Road at a number of points. The government had subsequently banned the TLP following the violent protests and sit-ins it staged across the country.
Sunday, 10 October, 2021 | LAHORE
10 FOREIGN NEWS
AfghAnS flocK to IrAnIAn border, but few cAn croSS
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stAff RePoRt
HE number of Afghans attempting to cross the border to Iran has soared since the Taliban swept to power almost two months ago, but few make it across, an official said. Before the Taliban came to power on August 15, around 1,000 to 2,000 people crossed to Iran through the Zaranj border station in the southwestern province of Nimroz every month. But the border commander for Nimroz province, Mohammad Hashem Hanzaleh, told AFP this week that the number of people attempting to cross has since soared to between 3,000 and 4,000 every day.
The hike comes as devastating economic and humanitarian crises lash Afghanistan, with the UN warning that a third of the population faces the threat of famine. But Hanzaleh said that very few had the papers required to cross. Traders and people holding residence visas, as well as those with visas to seek medical treatment, “are not prevented by Iranian forces,” he said, adding that about 5-600 people were allowed across each day. For those without their papers attempting to cross, the experience can be harrowing. Hayatullah, wearing a towellike turban and a grey beard, showed off his injured hand, with dark blood seeping through the
Pakistan set to offer promising one-window opportunities for foreign investors: President Alvi DUBAI staff report
President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday said Pakistan was committed to offer promising business opportunities for foreign investors through one-window operations in sectors of innovation and technology. In a meeting with heads of leading investment and technology firms here, the president said the one-window facility under Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), on which a legislation has been made, was aimed at encouraging and facilitating the foreign investors to expand their information technology footprint in Pakistan. President Alvi said STZA had been set up by the federal government with a mandate to provide world-class digital and physical infrastructure across the country and putting Pakistan on the global technology radar. He emphasized that jumping onto the technological bandwagon and investing in human capital development would ensure the country’s economic stability. President Alvi invited the companies to invest in Pakistan’s diverse sectors particularly in e-business, adding that enhancing broadband penetration would help boost economic activities. He said as a fundamental enabler of inclusive economic growth, the STZA was charged with delivering on key strategic goals of inclusive socioeconomic development and economic opportunity, particularly for youth. Those who called on the president included Mark Mobius, founder of Mobius Capital Partners; Anthony Cheung, founder of Dragon Tech Ventures Management Limited; Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum from Galaxy Racer (E-sports) and Khalid Elgibali, Division President of Mastercard for Middle East & North Africa. Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood. The business heads expressed keen interest to make investments in Pakistan in their respective domains and also briefed them about their companies. Chairman STZA Amer Hashmi emphasized upon the importance of creating opportunities for the Pakistani youth in the high-potential E-sports industry. He said it was high time that the government recognized, supported and facilitated their interests to encourage futuristic entrepreneurship opportunities. The president later witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan’s Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) with Mastercard, Galaxy racer (E-sports) and Shorooq Partners VC Funds.
10 injured in 2 drone attacks at Saudi’s King Abdullah airport ReUteRs Ten people were injured in two explosives-laden drone attacks at King Abdullah airport in the southern Saudi city of Jizan late on Friday and early on Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition said. The military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015, backing forces of the ousted government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group. Six Saudis, three Bangladeshi nationals and one Sudanese were injured in the first attack, Saudi state media said, citing a coalition spokesman. Some of the airport’s facade windows were shattered in the attack, the spokesman said. A second explosives-laden drone was intercepted early on Saturday, the coalition said, without giving details on any injuries or damages. Air traffic in King Abdullah airport was normal, state TV said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility by the Houthis. The group regularly launches drone and missile attacks targeting the gulf kingdom.
bandage. “Iranian soldiers took our money. They hit our hands, they tore our hands,” he said. Mohammad Nasim said he had been thwarted three times after trying to scale over the border wall. Two nights earlier, he said Iranian border guards had opened fire and killed two people trying to get across, including one of his friends. That did not stop him from returning the next night, only to find himself “captured” and “beaten”, as the guards asked why he was trying to cross without documents. He said he had answered: “If you saw the poverty, hunger and misery of our nation, then you would go to the other side of the border too.” “We don’t have any other solution.”
Abolhassan Banisadr, Iran’s first president after 1979 revolution, dies the AssocIAteD PRess Abolhassan Banisadr, Iran’s first president after the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution who fled Tehran after being impeached for challenging the growing power of clerics as the nation became a theocracy, died on Saturday. He was 88. Among a sea of black-robed Shia clerics, Banisadr stood out for his Western-style suits and a background so French that it was in philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre that he confided his belief he’d be Iran’s first president some 15 years before it happened. Those differences only isolated him as the nationalist sought to implement a socialist-style economy in Iran underpinned by a deep Shia faith instilled in him by his cleric father. Banisadr would never consolidate his grip on the government he supposedly led as events far beyond his control including the United States Embassy hostage crisis and the invasion of Iran by Iraq only added to the tumult that followed the revolution. True power remained firmly wielded by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, whom Banisadr worked with in exile in France and followed back to Tehran amid the revolution. But Khomeini would cast Banisadr aside after only 16 months in office, sending him fleeing back to Paris, where he would remain for decades. “I was like a child watching my father slowly turn into an alcoholic,” Banisadr later said of Khomeini. “The drug this time was power.” Banisadr’s family said in a statement online on Saturday that he died in a hospital in Paris after a long illness. Iranian state television followed with their own bulletin on his death. Neither elaborated on the illness Banisadr faced. His relationsHip witH KHomeini: Earlier exiled to Iraq by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Khomeini ended up having to leave for France in 1978 under renewed pressure from the Iranian monarch. Arriving in Paris and speaking no French, it was Banisadr who initially gave the cleric a place to live after moving his own family out of their apartment to accommodate him. Khomeini would end up in Neauphle-Le-Chateau, a village outside the French capital. There, as Banisadr
once told The Associated Press, he and a group of friends fashioned or vetted the messages Khomeini delivered based on what they were told Iranians wanted to hear. Tape recordings of Khomeini’s statements were sold in Europe and delivered to Iran. Other messages went out by telephone, read to supporters in various Iranian towns. Those messages laid the groundwork for Khomeini’s return after the shah, fatally ill, fled Iran in early 1979, though the cleric remained unsure he had the support, Banisadr once said. “For me, it was absolutely sure, but not for Khomeini and not for lots of others inside Iran,” Banisadr told the AP in 2019. That return saw Khomeini and his Islamic Revolution sweep the country. Banisadr became a member of the cleric’s Revolutionary Council and became the head of the country’s Foreign Ministry just days after the Nov 4, 1979 seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran by hardline students. In an echo of what was to come, Banisadr served only 18 days in that role after seeking a negotiated end to the hostage crisis, pushed aside by Khomeini for a hardliner. “The hostage-takers were dictators who have created a government within a government,” Banisadr would later complain. But he remained in Khomeini’s council and would push through the nationalisation of major industries and former private business holdings of the shah. And in early 1980, after Khomeini earlier decreed that a cleric should not hold Iran’s newly cre-
ated presidency, it was Banisadr who won three-quarters of the vote and took the office. “Our revolution will not win unless it is exported,” he said in his inaugural address. “We are going to create a new order in which deprived people will not always be deprived.” impeacHment: Amid purges of Iran’s armed forces, Iraq would invade the country, starting what would be a bloody eight-year conflict between the two nations. Banisadr served as the country’s commanderin-chief under a decree from Khomeini. But battlefield failures and complaints from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard became a political liability for the president, who himself would survive two helicopter crashes near the front. A parliament controlled by hardline clerics under Khomeini’s sway impeached Banisadr in June 1981 for his opposition to having clerics in the country’s political system, part of a long-running feud between them. A month later, Banisadr boarded an Iranian Air Force Boeing 707 and escaped to France with Massoud Rajavi, the leader of the leftist militant group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq. He emerged from the flight with his trademark mustache shaven off. Iranian media alleged he escaped dressed as a woman. “Khomeini bears heavy responsibility for the appalling disaster that has befallen the country,” Banisadr said after his escape. “To a large extent, he has imposed this course upon our people.” cHildHood and youtH: Born March 22, 1933, in Hamadan, Iran, Banisadr grew up in a religious family. His father Nasrollah Banisadr was an ayatollah, a high-ranking Shia cleric, who opposed the policies of the shah’s father, Reza Shah. “Even in the womb, I was a revolutionary,“ Banisadr once boasted. As a youth, he protested the shah and was imprisoned twice. He supported Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, who nationalised Iran’s oil industry and later was ousted during a 1953 CIA-backed coup. During the unrest in 1963, Banisadr suffered a wound and fled to France. Banisadr studied economics and finance at Sorbonne University in Paris and later taught there.
Over 100 dead or missing after vessels capsizes in DR Congo KInshAsA staff report
Over 100 people are dead or missing after nine interlocked canoes sank this week in the Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said Saturday. It was the latest in a series of maritime accidents in the sprawling country where people often travel on overloaded and unsafe vessels on the Congo, one of Africa’s biggest rivers. Sixty-one bodies had been recovered from the sinking during the night of Monday to Tuesday, and another 60 are believed to be missing, Nestor Magbado, a spokesman for the governor of the northwestern province of Mongala, told AFP. He said there were 39 survivors. With no manifest of the passengers on board, the number missing is an estimate based on the capacity of the boat, he said. The vessel was actually nine traditional wooden canoes, known as
pirogues, all tied together, Magbado said. He added that the accident may have been caused by “overcrowding aggravated by bad weather” during the night. The victims included hawkers and students travelling to the provincial capital Bumba, Magbado said. “There were all kinds of people”. The scale of the accident was not clear until it was reported by media late on Friday, and confirmed on Saturday by provincial authorities. Magbado said the Mongala authorities had informed Kinshasa of the sinking just after it occurred, but had waited for more information about the number of casualties. Search and rescue operations are continuing, but hopes are fading of finding more survivors, he said, adding that rescue efforts were hamstrung by the limited resources available to the authorities. “We are struggling to make do with
what we have,” he said, adding that hopes of finding survivors were “fading with every passing day”. Provincial authorities have declared three days of mourning from Monday. The vast country in central Africa,
covering an area of 2.3 million square kilometres (900 million square miles), has very few passable roads and trips are often made on the Congo river and its tributaries as well as on the eastern lakes, Kivu and Tanganyika in particular.
Sunday, 10 October, 2021 | LAHORE
SPORTS 11
ShOaiB MaliK BacK in the Saddle aS SOhaiB MaqSOOd Out Of t20 WOrld cuP Squad
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MIan aBrar
OR a shock to many, all-rounder Shoaib Malik has replaced batter Sohaib Maqsood in the Pakistan squad for this month’s Men’s T20 World Cup. The word went public through an official statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday. The PCB said Maqsood had been ruled out of the squad due to a lower back injury. “Sohaib had undergone MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans for the lower back on Thursday after picking up the injury during [the] October 6 match against Northern and consequently missed the October (7) match against Central Punjab [in the National T20 Cup],” it added. Commenting on the development, chief selector Mohammad Wasim regretted that Maqsood had to be dropped from the squad. “Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he had worked hard for this event and was in sparkling form. We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the sport,” he said, according to the PCB statement. “I am sure after undergoing rehabilitation, he’ll fully recover to
be available for future assignments.” Wasim added that after discussions with the team management, it had been decided to include Malik in the side. “I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad.” Malik had captained Pakistan in the inaugural Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007 and was a member of the side that won the tournament in 2009. After missing the West Indies event in 2010, he had featured in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 tournaments.
Karim Benzema still dreaming of Balon d’Or staff report Real Madrid’s on-form striker Karim Benzema has been dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or since he was a little boy, he told Spanish daily AS in an interview published on Saturday. Benzema was selected on the long list of 30 for the 2021 Ballon d’Or on Friday a day after scoring as France beat Belgium 3-2 and make the Nations League final. “I’ve been dreaming of winning it since I was a kid, we all do, all professional players,” said Benzema. “So I’ve been doing everything possible and will continue to do so, because I hope to win it and fullfil my childhood dream.” With nine goals in eight games for Madrid this season, Benzema has flowered since Cristiano Ronaldo moved on two years ago. “What is important is that people enjoy my football and that I feel happy and proud. “There are strikers these days playing very well into their 30s and scoring many goals,” said Benzema, who will be 34 in December. “Modern football allows for that,” he said. “It’s always a pleasure to be named on this list of the top 30 players, and I’ll keep it in my a corner of my mind as an objective in the big matches.” France tackle Spain on Sunday in the Nations League final. “I’m sure it’ll be a huge final. Spain are a young team, but a very talented one. I just hope above all that it’s a great game,” he said.
SBP holds badminton trials LaHore APP
Sports Board Punjab (SBP) conducted the badminton trials at Nishtar Park Sports Complex (NPSC) Gymnasium Hall here on Saturday. Over 80 male and female athletes from all nine divisions of the province participated in the trials. Punjab’s U-17 Boys and U-16 Girls teams comprising 5 players and two officials each will participate in the Inter-Provincial Male Under-17 and Female Under16 Badminton Tournament slated to be staged in Quetta from Oct 15 to 17. Meanwhile Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh said that Punjab’s 5-member selection committee picked the best available talent from trials. He said SBP will provide best facilities to all camp probables during their training. He directed all the selected players to work hard and win badminton title in Quetta. He said after the trials, Punjab’s selected 14 badminton players (seven male and seven female) will take part in a training camp from Oct 10 to 13 under the supervision of expert coaches and trainers SBP who will polish their game skills so that they can put up good performance in the event. Punjab’s 5-member selection committee including Director Sports Haheez Bhatti, Assistant Director Raees ur Rehman, Sports Department coach Zareena Waqar, Punjab Badminton Association coach Sajid Hussain and DSO Lahore office coach Shabana Akhtar supervised the trials. U-16 girls selected for camp training: Tayyba Shafiq, Aysha Shafiq (Lhr), Aimen Fatima (Bwp), Kashmine Nadeem (Mul), Esha Javeed (Khanewal), Kinza (Rwp) and Aysha Noor (DG Khan). U-17 boys selected for camp training: Saud Amir (Lhr), Ibraheem Rasheed (Rwp), Zain Bajwa (Vehari), Sanwal Shafiq (Sahiwal), Abdullah Tahir (Multan), Usman Habib (RY Khan) and Ammar Janjua (Rwp).
Meanwhile, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi lauded the inclusion of Shoaib Malik in the T20 World Cup squad. “Good to see Shoaib Malik recalled for the T20 World Cup. As a senior and experienced player, he can contribute big time for Pakistan. All the best,” the former skipper said. Previous rePlacements: A day ago, the PCB had announced three changes in the Pakistan side for the tournament, with former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed replacing the young Azam Khan.
In the other two changes, Haider Ali had been replaced by Mohammad Hasnain, while Fakhar Zaman, who was originally named as a travel reserve, had swapped places with Khushdil Shah. The national selectors made the changes “after taking into consideration player performances and form”, the PCB had said in a statement. The T20 World Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 17 to November 14. Pakistan’s squad will depart for Dubai on October 15 and will play two warm-up matches against the West Indies and South Africa on October 18 and October 20, respectively, before taking on India in a Group-2 fixture on 24 October at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan’s 15-Player squad confirmed by the selectors on saturday is: n Babar Azam (captain, Central Punjab) n Shadab Khan (vice-captain, Northern) n Asif Ali (Northern) n Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) n Haider Ali (Northern) n Haris Rauf (Northern) n Hasan Ali (Central Punjab)
Imad Wasim (Northern) Mohammad Hafeez (Central Punjab) n Mohammad Nawaz (Northern) n Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) n Mohammad Wasim Jr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) n Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper, Sindh) n Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) n Shoaib Malik (Central Punjab) The travelling reserves in the squad are Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab). schedule of Pakistan’s matches in t20 World cuP oct 24: Pakistan v India, Group 2, Dubai International Cricket Stadium oct 26: Pakistan v New Zealand, Group 2, Sharjah Cricket Stadium oct 29: Pakistan v Afghanistan, Group 2, Dubai International Cricket Stadium nov 2: Pakistan v A2, Group 2, Sheikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi nov 7: Pakistan v B1, Group 2, Sharjah Cricket Stadium n n
Andy Flower takes job as Afghan team’s consultant for T20 World Cup staff report Former Zimbabwe captain and England coach Andy Flower has been named the Afghanistan team’s consultant for the Twenty20 World Cup, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said. Flower played 63 tests and 213 oneday international matches for Zimbabwe from 1992 to 2003, then coached England from 2009 to 2014, helping them win the T20 World Cup in 2010. He has also coached in T20 leagues across the world, including the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League. “Andy has worked with a number of our players in various franchise completions and his vast experience will be very beneficial and useful to help the team in the World Cup,” said Azizullah Fazli, the
ACB’s new chairman. The T20 World Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from Oct 17. Afghanistan are in Group 2 alongside India, Pakistan, New Zealand and two qualifiers. They will be led by Mohammad Nabi at the World Cup after star player Rashid Khan stepped down from captaincy. The Taliban, who took control of Afghanistan in August, have said they would not interfere with men’s cricket, but the fate of the women’s programme remains unclear. The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss Afghanistan and women’s cricket at its next board meeting during the World Cup. Last month, Cricket Australia threatened to scrap a test match against the men’s team if the Taliban did not allow women to play the sport.
Cancellation of England, NZ cricket teams’ tours still attract criticism IsLaMaBaD stAff rePort
England Cricket Board’s (ECB) decision of withdrawing both its men and women cricket teams from their scheduled tours of Pakistan, following abrupt abandoning of Black Caps’ series, continues drawing widespread criticism among the cricket legends, experts and sports buffs. Recently, the all-times legend from the West Indian Michael Holding slammed the ECB for showing “western arrogance” and terming its decision to cancel Pakistan’s tour as ‘rubbish’. One of the fiercest fast bowlers of his time, Holding in a statement carried by global news outlets, said Pakistan toured England during global pandemic in 2020, where they stayed and played the game. The ECB had an opportunity to repay to a small degree what Pakistan’s team had did, he said adding, “I’m absolutely sure they wouldn’t have done that to India”. Pakistan cricket suffered due to these hasty decisions and came as set back to the efforts to relaunch the game in this cricket crazy country. “The ECB statement doesn’t wash with me. No substance,” Al-Jazeera Tv quoted Holding, who played 60 Tests and 102 One Day Internationals in his career. “Nobody wants to come forward and face up to anything because they know what they did was wrong. So, they put out
a statement and hid behind a statement. It just reminds me of the rubbish they did with Black Lives Matter.” According to cricket experts, such colonial mindset and white supremacy was allowed to prevail in cricket. Moreover, as a commercial game, India enjoys significant influence over the International Cricket Council (ICC) as one of the biggest markets for cricket, possibly swaying its decisions and those of cricket teams, they opined.
One of these, George Dobell, a senior correspondent of ESPNcricinfo, in a feature titled “ECB’s hypocrisy and doublestandards could fast lose them friends” scathingly remarked that the ECB might well find itself short of friends the next time it called for help. “This was to have been a symbolically important tour. England have not visited Pakistan since 2005, after all, so this was an opportunity to thank the country for their assistance in 2020 and celebrate the
return of normality to a cricket-loving nation which has been starved of the sport. It should have improved relationships,” he wrote in ESPNcricino. Dobell said, “Instead, it has further demonstrated the divide between the cricket world’s haves and have-nots. Instead, it has provided a reminder that the richer cricket boards – and the richer cricket players – do not fully understand (or accept) their wider responsibilities to the game. And, most of all, it has shown the hypocrisy and double-standards which pervade in cricket’s most affluent nations.” After withdrawal, the ECB in a statement, had acknowledged that the news would not go down well with opponents who helped rescue England’s 2020 summer by travelling in restrictive bubble environments at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. In the latest developments, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also announced last week that chairman Ian Watmore was stepping down with immediate effect, following criticism of the decision to cancel a tour of Pakistan. Former England captain David Gower, in his statement, also criticized England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), for their decision to withdraw from Pakistan tour without any justifiable cause. In a statement, Gower said he did not see any logic in this to cancel the tour, days after the Kiwis decided to abandon series minutes before the first ODI was scheduled to take place. Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Rameez Raja, in one of his statements after the withdrawal of both teams, also expressed his disappointment on the cancellation of tours, saying that it did not augur well for the countries like Pakistan.
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BeleAgueRed BAlochIstAn cM RedouBles effoRts to sAfeguARd Rule QUETTA
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MINISTERS, ADVISORS, AND BALOCHISTAN ASSEMBLY MEMBERS JOIN ALYANI AT LUNCHEON
staff report
ALOCHISTAN Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani has redoubled efforts to safeguard his rule over the province amid a political crisis that has seen at least three anti-Alyani ministers resign so far. The CM has gone on a spree of meetings with provincial ministers, assembly members, senators and allies. He hosted a luncheon in honor of provincial ministers, deputy speaker Balochistan Assembly, senators, and members of the assembly. Alyani was joined at the luncheon by Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly Musa Khel, provincial ministers Nawabzada Tariq Magsi, Mir Saleem Ahmad Khosa, Mir Arif Jan Mohammad Hasani, Haji Mohammad Khan Toor Utmankhel, Mitha Khan Kakar, Mir Ziaullah Lango, Abdul Khaliq Hazara, and Mir Omar Jamali, provincial advisors Sardar Sarfaraz Khan Domki and Malik Naeem Khan Bazai, Senator Anwar-ulHaq Kakar, Senator Agha Umar Ah-
madzai, Senator Dinesh Kumar, Parliamentary Secretary Mubeen Khan Khilji, members of Balochistan Assembly
Khalil George, Asghar Khan Achakzai, Qadir Nayel, Sardar Masood Khan Loni, Shahina Kakar, and Mir Nematullah
Zehri. Current political situation was discussed at the luncheon, which was also attended by Member National Assembly Mir Ehsan Reki. The provincial ministers and Balochistan Assembly members assured the CM of their support. Interestingly, two other estranged provincial ministers, Sardar Yar Mohammad Rind, who is also the PTI parliamentary leader, and Umar Khan Jamali also met with Alyani at the CM House. The meeting revolved around the ongoing political situation in the province. On Friday, Balochistan Governor Syed Zahoor Ahmed Agha accepted resignations of three provincial ministers Mir Zahoor Buledi, Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, and Mir Asadullah Baloch. Jam Kamal has refused to step down as fellow Balochistan Awami Party members continue to protest against him over the issue of development projects. In the House of 65, the anti-CM group has devised a minus-one formula and claims of having support of 38 to 40 members of the Balochistan Assembly including the opposition parties.
PDM leaders say ‘early polls only way to take Pakistan forward’ LAHORE staff report
PM Imran Khan to inaugurate celebrations for Rabiul Awal today ISLAMABAD staff report
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will inaugurate celebrations for the month of Rabiul Awal today (Sunday), with a special message for the country’s youth. In a meeting with members of national and provincial assemblies and senators earlier today, the premier directed party members and workers to celebrate the first week of Rabiul Awal in their constituencies in a befitting manner. The prime minister also urged the legislators to hold events in their respective constituencies to familiarise the masses with the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). After PTI’s core committee meeting yesterday, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said while speaking to the media that the party would observe “Ashra-e-Rehmatal-lil-Alameen” across the country from the third to the 13th of Rabi ul Awal with religious zeal and fervour. The minister said PM Imran Khan had summoned a meeting to express his desire for active participation of the party in celebratory activities. Chaudhry said the prime minister will address the Seerat Conference in Islamabad on Sunday. The minister said district organisations of PTI across Pakistan will arrange ceremonies and the premier’s address will be telecast on big screens.
Top leaders of opposition alliance of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) said early elections were the only way to take the country forward amid rising inflation and skyrocketing prices. The demand was put forth by PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif as they addressed a press conference following a meeting at the latter’s residence. Briefing the media, Shahbaz said the country’s political developments were discussed in detail during the meeting. He added that matters related to PDM, skyrocketing inflation, increase in electricity, flour prices, and dengue — which is wreaking havoc in the country — also came under discussion. The Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly said all political parties and the masses demand free and fair elections in the country, which is the “only way to take Pakistan forward”. “This is not an easy path; we will have to commit all our energies to it, work, day and night, and only then can we take the country back to the state it was in during 2018 — after that, we can take the country towards progress,” he said. For this, we need to hold free and fair elections, he reiterated. Responding to a question, Shahbaz said if Fazl calls for a long march against the government, he and his party would back him. Shehbaz Sharif asks PM Khan to ‘restore prosperous Pakistan of the past’ President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and leader of the opposition in National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif Saturday called out the federal government for failing to resolve public issues and demanded that “transparent elections” be held in the country immediately to ‘restore the prosperous Pakistan of the past’. Speaking to media alongside JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Lahore, Shehbaz said holding elections was the quickest way to recommence Pakistan’s journey towards prosperity. “We will have to work day and night and utilise all resources to bring the country back to the pre-2018 state,” he told journalists. He reiterated his call for launching a movement against the government over “unprecedented inflation” which he said had caused hardships for the masses. The PML-N leader said the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of opposition parties,
was united in its cause and that raising a voice against inflation was the right of the people. Shehbaz called out Prime Minister Imran Khan for “improper handling of sensitive matters”, saying “history is a witness to sacrifices rendered by the institution responsible for Pakistan’s defence. Even Modi could not harm it the way Imran did”. Fazl announces new round of rallies: For his part, Fazl said the PDM alliance was steadfast and serious in achieving its goals of ousting the incumbent government — which was the original motive when the alliance was formed in September last year. Fazl said a “historic” public gathering would be held in Faisalabad on October 16 and a large gathering would take place in Dera Ghazi Khan on October 31. Prior to this, JUI-F has announced it will hold the Mufti Mehmood Conference on October 14. “The people want to get rid of the government which has been forced on them, and to resolve this issue, there is a need to hold elections at the earliest,” the PDM chief said, adding: “The institutions have been ruined.” The PDM chief said teachers, lawyers, doctors, landowners, labourers, farmers, were all drastically affected due to the government’s policies, and a poor person cannot afford to put food on the table due to the rising inflation. “This is a serious situation,” Fazl said. The PDM chief added that “even Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not have damaged Pakistan the way the country’s incumbent, prime minister, Imran Khan has”. The JUI-F chief castigated the government for “firing several people from different departments” and said the situation was “really serious”. He said opposition parties would have to think of ways to steer the country out of this crisis. Fazl said reports were circulating on media for the last couple of days about the army, which he said was an important institution for Pakistan. He hailed the “unity of command” and the public support the army enjoyed but went on to say that the premier had “harmed that institution”. “I am not talking about internal matters. We can differ on political fronts, but we want to see this institution disciplined and strengthened for the country’s defence,” he said. The JUI-F leader said PDM was intact and active, adding that it was scheduled to hold public gatherings in Faisalabad on Oct 16 and in DI Khan on Oct 31.
former AJK president and PM sardar sikandar hayat Khan passes away Former president, as well as prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan has passed away, his family said on Saturday. Hayat was reportedly hospitalised and under treatment for a heart ailment. He holds the distinction of being appointed AJK’s president and also serving as the prime minister twice. Responding to his death, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry expressed grief, noting that Khan had raised his voice against Indian oppression in occupied Kashmir. Hayat was a righteous and principled politician, the information minister added in a statement. staff report
PM Khan accepts resignation of aide tasked to reform Railways ISLAMABAD staff report
The dream of Prime Minister Imran Khan to diversify Pakistan Railways crashed as Khan accepted the resignation of Jamshed Inam Shaikh as the advisor on Railways after employee unions had started protesting against him for introducing reforms. The prime minister had appointed Shaikh in December to help identify ghost and additional employees in Pakistan Railways. However, according to sources in Pakistan Railways, the ambition to identifying the ghost employees did not play in favour of the advisor as the railway unions started protesting against him. In the first phase, Shaikh identified 422 ghost employees. He also found out that out of 65,000 employees, 3,000 did not come to the office and worked from home. According to informed sources, the Advisor wanted to introduce computerised attendance for railway employees to streamline matters. However, the sources said the move to introduce reforms in Pakistan Railways was met by stiff resistance from employee unions. The prime minister had appointed Jamshed Inam Shaikh to identify ghost and additional employees in Pakistan Railways. The last straw for employees was when he decided to introduce computerised attendance, which led to protests intensifying even further, and ultimately, to his resignation. The government has allocated Rs30,025.590 million in funds for Pakistan Railways for the execution of 38 ongoing and new projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP 2021-22) in the current year’s fiscal budget, as it seeks to revive the institution.
Money laundering case: Court extends interim bails of Shehbaz, Hamza till Oct 30 A banking court in Lahore on Saturday extended interim bails of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz in money laundering case till October 30. During the hearing, Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz appeared before the court. The PML-N workers also gathered at the court and chanted slogans in favor of their leaders. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) presented five boxes containing evidence against Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz during hearing of the case. The court asked FIA how much time it needs to complete the investigation.
Responding to that, the FIA director accused the PML-N leaders of not cooperating in the investigation and said that the accused are even saying that they don’t have any knowledge of funds that were transferred to their personal accounts. The director further informed the court that several bank accounts were opened on names of staff of Ramzan Sugar Mills. Responding to accusations of the agency, Shehbaz Sharif said that he was hurt by the statement of the FIA officer as his lawyers had responded to all questions of the investigation agency. The FIA representative also raised objec-
tions to the jurisdiction of the court, expressing that a banking court is not entitled to hear the case. At this, the court asked the lawyer to make his argument on the jurisdiction of the court in the next hearing. Meanwhile, PML-N Deputy Secretary General Ataullah Tarar lambasted the FIA for questioning the jurisdiction of the court. “Why didn’t the FIA raise similar objections when the case of Jahangir Tareen was taken up by a banking court?” he asked while talking to reporters after the case hearing. He said the nation’s money and the court’s time are being “wasted” in the case. News Desk
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