Wednesday, 9 June, 2021 I 28 Shawwal, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 339 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition
PM, FM condeMn attack on MusliM FaMily in canada
ISLAMABAD aPP
P
rIMe Minister Imran Khan has called Sunday’s deadly truck attack on a Muslim family in Canada a “condemnable act of terrorism” and said Islamophobia “needs to be countered holistically by the international community.” In a tweet on Tuesday, the prime minister said this condemnable act of terrorism reveals the growing Islamophobia in Western countries. “Saddened to learn of the killing of a Muslim Pakistani-origin Canadian family in Ontario. This condemnable act of terrorism reveals the growing Islamophobia in Western countries. Islamophobia needs to be countered holistically by the international community,” he tweeted. With news spreading of the horrific ramming deaths of four Muslim family members in Canada, the chorus of condemnation has grown stronger. A similar sentiment was expressed by Minister for Human rights Dr Shireen Mazari. She called the suspected perpetrator of the attack a “Canadian terrorist” and said xenophobic hatred is “becoming en-
demic across the globe.” “Canadian terrorist murders Muslim family by ramming truck into them in London, Ontario. Condemnable. Sad how intolerance and hate for “the other” is becoming endemic across the globe,” she tweeted. The truck-ramming attack claimed the lives of four members of a Canadian Muslim family. The victims were identified as a 46-year-old man, his 74-year-old mother, 44-year-old wife, and their 15-year-old daughter. Their nine-year-old son survived the attack and is in the hospital with serious
LONDON: The man who killed four members of a Pakistan-national Canadian Muslim family after running them over in his pickup truck, targeted them in an attack motivated by Islamophobia, police said on Monday. Police in London city of Ontario, citing witnesses, said that 20-year-old Nathaniel Veltman, jumped the curb in his vehicle on Sunday, struck five members of the family, ranging in age from 9 to 74, and then drove off at high speed. Veltman, a resident of London who was arrested after the incident, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He is due back in court on Thursday after being remanded to custody on Monday. “There is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate,” Detective Superintendent Paul Waight of the London police department told reporters. agencies
Pakistan
CONFIRMED CASES:
935,013
LAST UPDATED AT 8:14 AM ON JUNE 8, 2021
DAY'S DEATH TOLL:
NEW CASES:
53
1,383 DEATHS:
867,447 21,376 SINDH:
PUNJAB:
324,535
342,805
KP:
BALOCHISTAN:
134,781 AJK/GB: 19,538/5,655
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Four members of family killed
coronavirus in
RECOVERED:
injuries. The victims had immigrated to Canada from Pakistan 14 years ago. A 20-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He didn’t have any obvious links to the targeted people and apparently attacked them because he hates Muslims, the police said. The assault was widely condemned by leaders of the Muslim community and other public figures in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was “horrified” by the news and expressed support to those “who were terrorized by [the] act of hatred.” FM CONCERNED BY RISING ISLAMOPHOBIA: Talking about the attack on the floor of the National Assembly, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed concern over the “rising trend of Islamophobic attacks in the Western world” and called on the global community to “pay attention and arrest the trend immediately”. Qureshi said he had contacted Pakistan’s consul-general in Ontario as well as the country’s high commissioner in Canada for information, adding that details of the attack made his “heart shake and eyes wet”. “We are seeing the trend (of Islamophobic attacks) for some time [and] they are on the rise in the Western world. For the last two years, we are bringing global attention to this — that this is a trend, not individual acts.”
25,893 ISLAMABAD:
81,806
CONTINUED ON PAGE 05
Death toll rises to 65 in train collision KARACHI sTaff rePorT
The death toll from Monday’s horrific collision of two trains in Ghotki rose to 65 on Tuesday after rescuers pulled 12 more bodies from crumpled cars a day after the crash, officials said. The collision took place on a dilapidated railway track in Ghotki when an express train barreled into another that had derailed minutes earlier before dawn. Most of the passengers — there were about 1,100 on both trains — were asleep when the Millat express, travelling from Karachi to Sargodha, derailed and many of its cars overturned. As passengers scrambled to get out, another passenger train, the Sir Syed express, crashed into the derailed coaches. rescue work continued throughout the day Monday, overnight and into Tuesday. Bodies of passengers killed in the crash were taken to their hometowns for burial. Sukkar Division Commissioner Shafiq Ahmed Mahisar said 12 more bodies were retrieved after the overnight efforts. More than 100 passengers were injured, he said. Another 23 injured passengers are still under treatment, Pakistan railways spokesperson Nazia Jabeen told reuters,
Pakistan refused to give military bases to US: Qureshi ISLAMABAD TLTP
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan has refused to give its military bases to the United States amid the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. Talking to a private television channel, Qureshi said Pakistan wants a stable Afghanistan, but there are some elements who do not want peace in the region. “We want to see the peace process going forward along with the withdrawal of troops. The world does not consider Pakistan part of the problem.” The foreign minister categorically stated that Pakistan has refused to give military bases to the US and added that he has told all the political parties in a briefing that they have no such intention. “Search for bases could be their wish. There’s no question of giving them bases as we have to see our interest.” Meanwhile, a US Defence Department spokesperson said on Monday the United States is pursuing basing options with Afghanistan’s neighbours after
adding the rest of them were sent to their destinations. rescue operations have been completed, said statements from the railway and military, which worked at the site along with police and other rescuers. Army engineers and soldiers dispatched from a nearby military base assisted in the rescue and heavy machinery arrived in Ghotki hours later, to cut open some train cars. One side of the two rail tracks have been cleared and work was in progress to clear the other one to help restore traffic. It was unclear exactly what caused the derailment. Aijaz Ahmed, the driver of Sir Syed express, said he braked when he saw the disabled train but did not have time to avoid the collision. The more critically injured were transported to hospitals with better facilities in Sindh and also Punjab, while those more stable were being treated in Ghota Hospital, said Ghotki Deputy Commissioner Usman Abdullah, who also confirmed the 63 fatalities. Ata Mohammad, a passenger, said he was asleep on the Millat express when it derailed. He woke up to a big jolt and saw other passengers trying to climb out from overturned and derailed coaches. Then the other train hit.
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more inside
Govt to support agriculture sector, industrialists to avoid cartelisation: PM STORY ON BACK PAGE
LHC stops FBr audit of Tareen’s sugar business STORY ON PAGE 02
US troops withdraw from that country but there is nothing to announce at present. US media reported on Sunday that Biden administration officials are in discussions with Pakistani officials to secure bases close to Afghanistan for future operations. The CIA had used a base in Pakistan to execute drone strikes against militants but was expelled from the facility in 2011 as bilateral relations soured. “While we have no basing agreements to announce, we
know that Afghanistan’s neighbours share our desire to counter the scourge of global terrorism,” the Defence Department spokesperson said on Monday. The United States will continue to pursue options with partners and allies in the region, the spokesperson said. The Defence Department is evaluating new basing options together with the State Department and the US intelligence community, the spokesperson added.
French President Macron slapped in the face during crowd walkabout STORY ON BACK PAGE
Sindh demands 25pc share in development works STORY ON PAGE 03
02
Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
ISLAMABAD
NEWS
LHC StopS FBR Audit oF tAReen’S SugAR BuSineSS LAHORe
t
Staff RepoRt
HE Lahore High Court on Tuesday stopped the Federal Board of Revenue from auditing the finances of JDW-Group, a conglomerate owned by estranged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Jahangir Tareen. The court took up a request filed by Tareen against the audit notice and issued a restraining order to the tax collector. It also sought a response from the body.
Nominating the bureau and others as respondents, Tareen informed the court the FBR had sent a notice to his business on May 21 seeking income tax-related documents and records from the tax year 2015. However, the FBR does not have the authority to conduct an audit after the passage of five years, the petition further contended. The 2015 tax year has passed. Therefore, the notice has become illegal and should be declared null and void, the petition requested. The court was requested to direct the FBR from
taking disciplinary action. In March, the Federal Investigation Agency registered two cases against Tareen and his son Ali Tareen on charges of corporate fraud and money laundering. The cases were registered under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating of public shareholders), and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code — with sections 3 and 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 — on March 22. One of the cases claims Tareen transferred Rs3.14 billion from the accounts of his JDW-Group to Faruki
NA introduces bill for 10-year imprisonment in enforced disappearance cases NewS DeSk The lower house on Tuesday has introduced a bill wherein enforced disappearance has been criminalised with a 10-year imprisonment for anyone found guilty of it. Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed proposed to amend the Pakistan Penal Code of 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1898 with new sections pertaining to enforced disappearance. On Monday, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari introduced the bill – the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021. The bill states that a new section 52-B (enforced disappearance) should be inserted into PPC after section 52-A. The proposed section states that the “term enforced disappearance relates to the arrest, detention, abduction or any
other form of deprivation of liberty by an agent of the state or by person or group of persons acting with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of the state, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which place such a person outside the protection of the law.” The bill also stipulates that there should be three requisite elements that define enforced disappearance. These elements include an unlawful or illegal deprivation of liberty or a deprivation of liberty that was legal but no longer is; an act allegedly carried out by agents of the state or by person or group of persons acting with the support, authorization or acquiescence of the state; and refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person.
Covid-19 transmission rate drops below 3pc for first time in 2021 ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Supported by strict measures and vaccination drive, the country on Monday reported a Covid-19 positivity rate below 3 percent for the first time in 2021, the National Command and Operation Center said on Tuesday. According to the data from the NCOC, the country conducted 46,882 tests on Monday across the country bringing out 1,383 new cases with a positivity rate of 2.95 percent. Earlier in March and April, the country witnessed a positivity ratio of over 11 percent several times, leading the government to impose strict measures, including the closure of educational institutes, markets, public parks, wedding halls, restaurants, public transport and all other large gatherings. With the start of May 2021, the positivity rate dropped to below 10 percent and it went down to below 5 percent on May 22 and finally fell to below 3 percent on Monday, according to the data from the NCOC. The total caseload rose to 935,013, including 867,447 recoveries since February last year when the country reported its first Covid-19 case. There is a total of 46,190 active cases across the country, including 3,196 those who are in critical condition. According to the NCOC, the pandemic killed 53 people during the last 24 hours, increasing the overall death toll to 21,376.
The bill also seeks to insert new sections 512 and 513 in the PPC Penal Code, after section 511. It states that “whoever commits, orders, solicits or induces the commission of attempts to commit, is an accomplice to or participation in the forcible or involuntary disappearances of a person or group of persons is said to cause forcible or involuntary disappearances of that person” and falls within 512 (forcible or involuntary disappearances). Section 513 – punishment for forcible or involuntary disappearances – states that “whoever causes forcible or involuntary disappearance of any person from Pakistan or within Pakistan shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to a fine.” “It is the rule of law, specifically adherence to Rule of Law that is the
hallmark of any democratic society.” It adds that the “practice of enforced disappearances is a particularly heinous crime not only because it removes human rights from the protection of the law but also due to the inherent cruelty inflicted upon families as a consequence of denial of information concerning the disappeared person.” It further states that enforced disappearance is unconstitutional and is against international commitments made by Pakistan through ratification of the ICCPR. Additionally, it continues, the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolutions 477/133 of 18th December, 1992, has emphasised that enforced disappearances undermine the “deepest values of any society committed to respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Court to indict Sindh chief minister in NAB case ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
An accountability court in Islamabad on Tuesday announced to indict Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in Nooriabad Power Plant reference on June 30. The project was launched in 2014 under a public-private partnership at a cost of Rs13 billion in which the Sindh government holds 49 percent shares and a private company owns the remaining 51 percent. Shah, who was an adviser to then-chief minister Qaim Ali Shah on finance and energy, has been accused of misuse of authority and award of contracts without feasibility of the projects causing Rs8 billion loss to the national exchequer. The decision was announced during a hearing into fake bank accounts, the Nooriabad project and money laundering cases. Accountability Judge Syed Asghar Ali presided over the proceedings. However, Shah failed to appear and instead filed for exemption on the pretext of official business. The court accepted his application. A prosecutor for the National Accountability Bureau told the court that another suspect
Muhammad Ali is a fugitive and is residing abroad. At this, the court declared him an absconder and issued his permanent warrants. The judge also ordered the authorities to put his name on the Exit Control List and block his identity card. Subsequently, the hearing was adjourned. The court also directed all the accused to appear at the next hearing. In the reference — filed by the dirty money watchdog — which is an offshoot of the fake accounts case, the chief minister is accused of using his influence and releasing funds for the project in violation of the rules. The bureau has charged Shah under sections 9(a) 1, 4, 6, 11 and 12 of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999. According to the reference, the project was conceived to whiten the black money of the Omni Group. It is also alleged that Shah concealed the material facts from the Sindh cabinet, and even misled it to benefit the business. Shah also managed to release a Rs3 billion loan to the companies, the case alleged. NAB has submitted a 66-volume record against Shah in the accountability court. The statements and evidence of witnesses against Shah are part of the record.
Govt committed to electoral reforms: Fawad ISLAMABAD tLtp
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhary has said that the demonstration process of electronic voting machine (EVM), under the government’s electoral reforms agenda, will be completed within a week. The minister said this while briefing the media persons on Tuesday about decisions taken in the federal cabinet that met with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair. The minister said, “Initially we have ordered 500 EVMs for trials in the elections of bar councils and press clubs.” He said all the 36 conditions of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have been fulfilled in
initial trials of the EVMs. The EVMs are being manufactured by three companies. Fawad said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has filed a petition in the court to deprive the overseas Pakistanis of their right to vote while it is among the government’s top priorities to give them basic right of voting as the government considers them an integral part of the country. He said, “We are waiting for the PPP’s response in this regard to finalise the legislative procedure.” He said that the cabinet prayed for the martyrs of the Ghotki train accident and victims of a Pakistan origin family in Canada. He said the incident of Canada vindicates Prime Minister Imran Khan’s reservations regarding rising trends of Islamophobia in the West.
Condemning the incident, the cabinet stressed on western countries to take immediate steps to root out the major cause of Islamophobia. He said that the prime minister has directed the Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi to finalise the reforms in transportation and logistics. The Law Minister Farogh Naseem briefed the cabinet about reforms in criminal law. The cabinet was informed that around 17 million people are getting benefits of Ehsas programme. The data of Ehsas programme is being digitalised to make it more transparent. The cabinet was briefed that Utility Stores Corporation is making sales of over Rs100 billion and first time it has come out of loss. The cabinet approved the Corona relief package for
Pulp Mills Limited, a company said to be owned by his son and a relative. The money was then transferred to the accounts of his family members. Likewise, the second complaint says “voluminous withdrawals amounting to at least Rs2.2 billion were fraudulently and dishonestly made through a trusted cash rider”. Tareen had returned to Pakistan in November after ending his seven-month-long self-imposed exile after falling out with Prime Minister Imran following an inquiry into the last year’s sugar scandal that accused several sugar producers — including him — of “underreported sales and fraud”. At the time, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar had declared sugar-producing units under Tareen’s JDW-Group were found guilty of “double billing” and “over-invoicing” as well as “corporate fraud”. Tareen had rejected the findings of the Sugar Inquiry Commission. “I am shocked at the kind of false allegations levelled against me. I have always run a clean business. All Pakistan knows I always pay full price to my growers,” he had said in a tweet. “I DO NOT maintain 2 sets of Books. I pay all my taxes diligently. I will answer every allegation and be vindicated IA.”
SC adjourns Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s appeal for indefinite period ISLAMABAD app
The Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing on former Islamabad High Court Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s appeal to date in office. A five-member larger bench of the apex court headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah heard the case seeking setting aside of report/opinion of Supreme Judicial Council and notification issued by the Ministry of Law dated 11.10.2018. During the course of proceedings, Advocate Hamid Khan, counsel for Shoukat Aziz Siddiqui while continuing his arguments, said according to the Constitution, the SJC conducted its own inquiry. Justice Mazhar Alam asked did the SJC itself recorded statements in the inquiry. Hamid Khan replied all records and evidence had to be reviewed by the SJC. He said his client was removed from office by issuing a show-cause notice. He said the SJC had the power to make inquiries against a judge but could not dismiss a judge. He said Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui had replied to the show-cause notice. Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui denied any links with any officer in the army, with his lawyer telling the SC that a top intelligence officer had allegedly himself visited the judge at the latter’s residence. During the hearing, senior counsel Hamid Khan, who is pleading Siddiqui’s case, argued that his client had been “deliberately targetted” by some forces. Khan said Siddiqui had been removed in 2018 with mala fide intent after SJC issued him a show-cause notice. “While the SJC has the authority to conduct an inquiry against a judge, it cannot dismiss him,” the lawyer argued. Khan recalled that Justice Siddiqui had submitted a reply, the same year, to the show-cause notice issued to him. Siddiqui, in reply to the notice, said that “General Faiz Hameed [current DG ISI] came to his residence”, the lawyer told the court, adding: “Gen Faiz asked [Siddiqui] to withdraw the order for the removal of encroachments from [outside] the ISI headquarters and green belts.” At this, Justice Bandial remarked that it was “surprising” that the ISI chief had made such a demand from Siddiqui. “You were dismayed at something else and you insulted your own institution and the chief justice,” the judge said while addressing Siddiqui, who was present in the court.“You are accepting yourself that you had meetings with the DG,” Justice Bandial told him. “You met him twice; you had relations with him. This prompted Justice Siddiqui to stand up in his seat and reply, “I have no relations with anyone in the army,” adding that he was residing in Islamabad along with his family “despite all kinds of threats”. Justice Bandial assured the former judge that members of the court knew that he was an “honest person”. Siddiqui then said he had delivered the speech that led to his ultimate sacking “to reduce the pressure” on judges. Tajikistan to help fight against the pandemic. The cabinet also accorded the approval to record the national anthem of Pakistan in modern vogue. To a question, the minister said, “We are ready to negotiate with the opposition but there would be no compromise on bargaining with corrupt elements.” The minister said Mubashir Hassan has been appointed as managing director of Associated Press of Pakistan (AAP). He further informed that Tariq Malik has been appointed as the new chairman of Nadra (National Database and Registration Authority) in view of his vast experience. There have been more than 60 appointments during the government’s tenure and all have been made transparently, the information minister added. Fawad said that the federal cabinet has rejected the request of Pakistan Television (PTV) to sign an agreement with Indian companies – Star and Sony – to broadcast the upcoming Pakistan-England cricket series.
Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
ISLAMABAD
NEWS
SIndh demandS 25pc Share In developmenT worKS KARACHI
S
STAff REPoRT
INDH Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday demanded a 25 percent share for Sindh in development works saying that there were only two schemes worth Rs 1.5 billion for Sindh while Punjab was given more funds than Sindh. Talking to media persons in Karachi, Sindh CM said that his government was trying to improve the road network as improving the road network improves the economy. He expressed happiness over developmental projects in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Sindh CM further stated that he had stopped writing letters to the federal government as it felt like he was talking with deaf people. “One could learn how to add salt to the injury from the federal government,” he added. “Don’t make an East India Company here. We will not tolerate it, we will resist. Don’t treat Sindh in this way and
don’t create two Pakistans,” he said on the occasion. “The federal government is spending money on the provinces. Fine, but at least consult with us and look at the priorities. We are the representatives.,” he said, adding that it was obvious other priorities were being looked at when making allocations for the Public Sector Development Programme. It is not a good thing that you are going to union councils to make roads and drains under the prime minister’s programme, he said. Shah also said that schemes were allocated in the PDSP without informing the province due to “pressure”. “During one of the meetings, a gentleman said that their hands were tied due to pressure from MNAs and MPAs. I stayed quiet, but this is contempt of court,” he said, stating that the Supreme Court had said funds could not be given to MNAs and MPAs. Union Council schemes for Gujrat and Bahawalpur were included in the prime ministers’ programme, he said, adding that this was being done as the
government was facing “problems” with the voter bank in these areas. “Many of the PDSP schemes are for south Punjab because they are facing issues there.” He stated that development funds should be given to the provinces so that they can address the needs of the people. “They say they will give funds to the people of Sindh, not the government. Why is this only applicable to Sindh? They used to say Pakistan is one not two. Is this one Pakistan?” The chief minister made it clear that his grievances were with the federal government and not with the other provinces. “I am elated when I hear about development in Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. this is only for comparison, to show the discrimination against us. Spend four times as much money [in other provinces]. but if you do that then give us more too.” He claimed that allocations for development projects were being done “directly from Islamabad” to address “drains in union councils”.
IHC disposes of Qaim’s bail plea ISLAMABAD TLTP
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday disposed of former chief minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah’s prearrest bail application in the corruption case. Top anti-graft body has registered corruption cases against octogenarian Qaim Ali Shah for allegedly abusing his powers while being chief minister of Sindh and allowing 43 acres of land in Brohi Goth, Nazimabad. The former chief minister is also facing charges of massive corruption in Roshan Sindh project initiated by the provincial government for the installation of solar street lights across the province
On Tuesday, Shah along with his counsel Advocate Shah Khawar appeared before the Islamabad High Court’s single-member bench of Chief Justice Athar Minallah to secure pre-arrest bail facility from the court. At the outset of the hearing, Chief Justice Athar Minallah inquired about the age of PPP stalwart. Responding to the query, Qaim Ali Shah submitted, “I’m 85 years old.” To this, the chief justice asked the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor whether the Bureau is serious about nabbing an old man. The NAB prosecutor submitted that an investigation against the former chief minister is underway, saying at the moment he will not oppose the pre-arrest bail application because the Bureau is
not going to apprehend Shah at this stage. Talking to TLTP soon after adjudication of the matter, Advocate Supreme Court Shah Khawar expressed that matter in hand has nothing to do with reality, saying his client (Qaim Ali Shah) being chief minister only constituted a higher level committee to look into the matter pertaining to allocation of land. He said that the former Chief Minister Shah didn’t approve any land allocation, adding no offence made out from the legal action he took in the capacity of chief minister. After a brief hearing of the matter, the Chief Justice Athar Minallah disposed of the pre-arrest bail application of former Chief Minister Sindh.
Marriage halls in Sindh to reopen from Friday: Nasir KARACHI TLTP
Sindh Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussian Shah on Tuesday announced that marriage halls will reopen from June 11 across the province. He announced the decision during a meeting with the delegation of the Sindh Traders Action Committee. Nasir Shah assured the delegation that the provincial government will allow the reopening of marriage halls for limited gatherings from June 11. During the meeting, the traders demanded to end the two-day closure of business in a week. The Sindh minister also extended the mandatory vaccination
India-bound air ambulance makes emergency landing at Karachi airport KARACHI: An India-bound plane on Tuesday made an emergency landing at Jinnah International Airport Karachi Tuesday for refuelling. According to details, an air ambulance carrying an Indian patient from Iraq made a landing at the Karachi airport for refuelling. After being refuelled, the air ambulance was allowed to leave for its final destination, Kolkata. This is not the first time that an Indian plane has landed in Pakistan, although both countries have imposed a ban on each other’s flights from using their airspace. On March 02, an Indian plane made an emergency landing at the Jinnah International Airport Karachi after a man passed away while flying from Sharjah to Lucknow. The pilot of an Indian airliner had to force the plane to make an emergency landing to deal with the situation at hand. TLTP
Sikhs hold rally to condemn Golden Temple attacks
time of traders from 15 days to one month. Shah assured Karachi-based traders that he will raise the issue of two weekly holidays in the meeting of the Sindh Task Force. The Sindh government has allowed restaurants to remain open for outdoor dining until midnight, Shah told traders and assured them that the government will withdraw all FIRs registered against traders in violation of Covid-19 SOPs. The Sindh Home Department on Monday notified that the businesses will remain open in the province till 08:00 in the evening. The businesses will remain closed in Karachi on Friday and Sunday, according to the government notification.
ISLAMABAD: Members of the Sikh community carried out an anti-India protest in Nankana Sahib to condemn Operation Blue Star. The week-long operation was a military raid against Sikh freedom fighters in the Golden Temple at Amritsar city of Indian Punjab in 1984 in which 1,000 people are estimated to have died. Later that year, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own Sikh bodyguards, triggering a further wave of retaliation in which nearly 3,000 Sikhs were killed. According to Kashmir Media Service, the demonstration was attended by a large number of Sikhs. Participants also held placards and banners with slogans condemning the Indian government. APP
Businessmen clarify stance regarding K-Electric KARACHI PRESS RELEASE
Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) President Saleemuz Zaman, Site Super Highway Association of Trade and Industry (SSHATI) President Engr Nisar Ahmed, Bin Qasim Association of Trade and Industry (BQATI) Founder President Muhammad Ahmed, Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI) President Muhammad Ali have jointly stated that a video has been released by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on their social media page, mentioning that all seven industrial associations have demanded end to the KE’s monopoly. It was clarified by all the presidents that a meeting was held at the KCCI to discuss the concern related to the KE’s prevailing issues with trade and industry and its potential takeover by the Shanghai Electric. However, they clarified that KATI, SSHATI, BQATI, FBATI and all other participants of the meeting did not reach any decision and it was decided that a committee comprising technical experts from each
association and the KCCI will study the authenticity of concerns raised regarding discrimination against Karachi’s consumers and will come up with recommendations in the best interest of the industrial and domestic consumers of Karachi after due deliberations. The participants resolved that the KE has significantly improved from the dark era of the KESC and without discussion any haphazard decisions in the matter might push back the KE to the KESC which will have disastrous implications for the residents and industries of Karachi. The industrial representatives generally agreed that the K-Electric’s response time on complaints and accessibility has significantly improved and appreciated the company for its commitment to the industries of Karachi and the economy of Pakistan. The prime minister and his team were appreciated for the decision of providing up to 2000MW supply from the NTDC to the residents and industries of Karachi which will enable zero load-shedding for the industries. In response to questions about the alleged unfair practice of charging Karachi’s customers higher electricity prices, it was
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verified from industries of other DISCOs in Pakistan and reached a conclusion that there is a uniform tariff policy of the government of Pakistan across the country, which exists only to prevent any discrimination between customers residing and doing business in any part of Pakistan. The condition of other state-owned DISCOs was also discussed whereby it was discussed that as per financial statements of companies like the FESCO and the MEPCO, they were receiving subsidy which exceeded Rs 100 billion and Rs 200 billion respectively in the past five years. What was more surprising was that despite receiving these subsidy amounts, both companies posted cumulative losses for the same period, which were contributing to circular debt which itself is the biggest challenge being faced by the government of Pakistan. KE affairs are also looked over by the NEPRA and the Ministry of Energy and the KE was posting a profit year on year, except 2020 due to COVID, while other DISCOs (except for GEPCO) were posting cumulative losses. Industry representatives also discussed
unbundling of the KE, which is being assumed as a solution to the troubles of Karachi. However, a clear example of unbundling is present in the case of WAPDA into separate generation, transmission and distribution companies which are currently affected by circular debt of 2.6 trillion rupees and creating a huge loss for the national economy. Furthermore, it was also discovered that these DISCOs themselves have obtained a stay order against the NEPRA’s decision to allow power wheeling. It was discussed that unbundling of the KE was due in 2023 as per an agreement with the federal govt and it is the duty of the federal government to protect the interest of Karachi’s consumers above all. It was verified from technical consultants that there would still be no impact on any consumer’s bills even if the utility is unbundled, because the Uniform Tariff Policy remains in place across Pakistan to prevent discrimination among the citizens of the country but with a big risk of contributing to circular debt if the policy is manipulated. It was stated that currently we have one company to blame in case of
load-shedding/faults once divided into pieces, there will be blame games and instead of one service provider, everyone will blame it to the back end thus making supply of industries unstable. It was said that subsidy is a domain of the federal govt and it is the responsibility of the federal government not to allow any discrimination with the consumers of Karachi which is the largest economic and industrial hub of Pakistan. The federal government must take all seven industrial associations into confidence before taking any decision on the KE. These seven industrial areas are not only the actual stakeholders but also the backbone of the economy of Pakistan and their representatives must be present and consulted before making any decision regarding the KE. It was observed that because of the policies of the current government, the economic growth expectations and targets have been surplus and crossed 3.92 per cent, which has raised the eyebrows of the entire world. It was up to the federal government to decide that disturbing the sale of the KE to the Shanghai Electric will ruin the image of the country and that will give a negative message to the international investors who are observing the remarkable policies of the current government and will drastically affect foreign direct investment.
Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
04 NEWS
ISLAMABAD
THree peOpLe in punjab LOse LiFe TO dengue virus T
NEws DEsK
HREE citizens of Punjab have perished to the dengue virus, said the Punjab health department. The dengue virus deaths were reported from Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Vehari, the Punjab health department added. One of the deceased, a 21-year-old woman from Gujranwala, is a resident of Europe. The number of dengue patients in Punjab has now risen to 49, the health department said, adding that the highest number of dengue patients in the province has
Overload founder Farhad Humayun passes away
been reported from Bahawalpur. There are 17 dengue patients in Bahawalpur, nine in Lahore and six in Kasur. Last week, the Punjab health department recorded 44 dengue cases, prompting the authorities to start taking emergency measures. In a bid to control the disease, the health department had directed authorities to make intensive-care units in hospitals operational and hire 10,929 health workers on a contractual basis. The Sunday weekly holiday of health workers working in the anti-dengue campaign had been cancelled.
In March, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the first case of dengue was reported from Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi. Officials from the government department said they had initiated measures to control dengue in a timely manner. During the month, more than 14,000 homes had been monitored for dengue virus, the health department officials said. Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, for which irregular rainfalls and tropical climates create ideal breeding ground.
HEC given three weeks to explain Bunuri's removal as chairperson
KARACHI stAff RepoRt
Overload singing band founder Farhad Humayun passed away on Tuesday. While the cause of his death couldn’t be immediately ascertained, the musician revealed in 2018 that he was suffering from a brain tumour that was being operated on by the “world’s greatest surgeon”. The news of his death was announced on the band’s Facebook page. “The magnificent Farhad Humayun left us for the stars this morning,” announced the post. “Stoic in the face of challenges, uncompromising in his values, generous to a fault, witty as hell! Fadi was far too ahead of his time, both in spirit and art.” “He would want us to celebrate his life, so we request his family, friends and fans to honour him and say a prayer for him today. We can almost hear him say these words by David Bowie: ‘I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring’. Godspeed our gentle giant and thank you for creating a Riot.” Humayun’s cousin and musician Taimur Rahman also took to Twitter to announce the news: “My cousin, Farhad Humayun, has passed away. He was an incredible musician and artist. An emptiness has taken the place of his larger than life personality.” -
8 killed, 5 injured in gas cylinder blast IsLAMABAD stAff RepoRt
At least eight people were killed and five others injured late on Monday in a gas cylinder blast in Washuk district of Balochistan, media and an official said. Mashkel Assistant Commissioner Hameed Hamza Bangulzai told the media that a gas cylinder exploded with a big bang in a welding workshop in Mashkel of Washuk district. Police and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and the injured to a hospital Hospital officials told the media that the injured got serious wounds as they were buried under debris. The blast also destroyed four other shops and spread fear among citizens. An eyewitness said the explosion occurred when workers were using a welding machine to repair a gas cylinder brought by some customer. The deceased included five Afghan nationals and three locals, the reports added.
LHC issues notice to govt over soaring car prices LAHORE inp
NEws DEsK Higher Education Commission has been issued a notice by the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday to file its reply on a petition challenging the removal of Tariq Bunuri as the commission’s chairperson within three weeks. The petition had been filed by various civil society organisations and members challenging the removal in wake of the presidential ordinance and was heard by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah. The government, represented by their counsel as well as HEC representatives, held the stance that the notice was recently received by them and they require time to file their responses.
Justice Minallah gave the respondents three weeks to file their replies, telling them to file their responses in advance in view of the urgency of the matter. The CJ also directed to provide copies of the replies to the counsel of the petitioners so the case could be proceeded with on the next date of hearing. The judge subsequently adjourned the hearing till June 29. Meanwhile, the injunctive order passed during the previous hearing, restraining the government from appointing a permanent HEC chairman, will continue. The ordinance has been shrouded in controversy with the perception that it allows the government to appoint an interim HEC chairperson.
Interestingly, there is an order operating on the same issue by the Sindh High Court passed in March 2021, which restrains the appointing of a chairperson in any manner, including an acting chairperson. If the government proceeds with appointing an acting chairperson, it would be a violation of the SHC order. There is also no provision provided in the HEC ordinance of 2002 that allows such an appointment. It is also pertinent to mention that any verbal discussion in the courtroom between a counsel and the bench does not operate as an order of the court unless incorporated in the order of court, so any comments, even though important, don’t have a legal standing.
The Lahore High Court on Tuesday served notices on the federal government and other nominees on a petition against skyrocketing prices of vehicles. Justice Muhammad Sajid Mehmood Sethi took up the petition and directed the respondents to file their response by the next hearing fixed for June 17. The petitioner said the government has not laid down any procedure to control the prices of the fourwheel vehicles. “There is no policy to control the mounting prices of cars,” it said, adding that car prices did not go down despite a steady decline in the dollar rate. Earlier, reports said the government was mulling over a proposal to introduce an amnesty scheme in the next budget for allowing the import of up to five-year-old used cars. Sources having knowledge of the matter said the age limit for the import of used vehicles will be increased from the current three years to five years under the proposed scheme.
Hospital patient dies after security guard performs surgery LAHORE Agencies
A woman died after an ex-security guard at a hospital posed as a doctor and performed surgery on her, police said early Tuesday. Shameema Begum, 80, died late on Sunday, two weeks after Muhammad Waheed Butt attempted to treat her back wound at a public hospital in Lahor. “We can’t keep up with what every doctor and what everyone is doing at all times. It’s a large hospital,” explained an administrative official from Mayo Hospital, who did not want to be named. He said it was unclear what type of surgery the imposter had performed in the operating theatre, where a qualified technician was also present. Public hospitals, where patients are required to pay some money towards treatment, can often be inefficient and chaotic. Begum’s family paid Butt for the op-
eration, and two further home visits to dress her wound. But when the bleeding and pain worsened, her family returned her to the hospital, where they discovered what had happened. Her body is being kept for an autopsy to ascertain whether her death was a result of complications from the botched surgery. “The guard has been charged and is in police custody,” Lahore police spokesman Ali Safdar told AFP. “Butt had posed as a doctor and made home visits to other patients in the past also.”Mayo Hospital staff said Butt was fired two years ago for trying to extort money from patients. Earlier in May, a man was arrested for posing as a doctor at Lahore General Hospital and extorting money from patients in the surgical ward. In 2016 it was revealed a woman posing to be a neurosurgeon conducted operations for eight months alongside qualified doctors at Services Hospital in Lahore.
Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
ISLAMABAD
NEWS
PM, FM condeMn attack on MusliM FaMily in canada contInueD froM pAge 01
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E said Western governments may want to “colour it as [the act of a] crazed man or an individual act but if we see the trajectory, this is a rising trend and it is concerning”. Qureshi said he was concerned the rising trend had “started to divide societies”. The foreign minister said around 65 million Muslims reside in Europe, two million in Canada and six million or more in the United States because of which the “Western world will have to pay attention to this.” “This rising trend of Islamophobia will have to be arrested immediately. If [Western countries] do not do this, the situation can worsen, society can be divided, hate speech, incitement, conflict can be created. Emotions arise and tragedies happen,” he warned. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan had also talked about Islamophobia in the past, stressing that the Muslim ummah should be “united and decide on a plan of action”. “If only Pakistan raises its voice, it will not be that effective. If we all raise our voices, that will be effective,” Qureshi emphasised, adding that he had submitted a resolution on the instructions
of PM Imran during the 47th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey, asking the body to “take up the problem with one voice”. The resolution was not only adopted unanimously but Muslim countries also directed their permanent representatives to the United Nations in New York to take up the matter and build the international community’s consensus on the issue, he shared. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Munir Akram was also playing his role, he added. Qureshi said that according to his conversation with Pakistan’s consul general in Ontario, there was a 12-hour gap between the incident and when the family was informed. “Our consul general was the first person to talk to the family and listen to them,” he disclosed. “I believe that this is not only a hate crime and there is no doubt that four counts of murder are applicable [to the suspect] but we cannot rule out terrorism,” he said. Giving details about the family, he said they hailed from Lahore and had moved to Canada 10 years ago. The father was a physiotherapist and the family had spent ordinary lives, living in peace and nobody had any complaints with them, he added. “Only faith-related hate can be seen
in the incident that happened to them. The [family’s] only sin was that they were from a society and a religion that repeats [the kalima].” Qureshi said the family was shocked and grieving and was hesitant to talk to the media right now, however, the deceased man’s brother who lived in Australia had been contacted and he was flying to Canada. He said that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had tweeted about the incident and “adopted a clear stance which is encouraging”. In his tweet, Trudeau had said he was “horrified” by the attack. “To the loved ones of those who were terrorised by yesterday’s act of hatred, we are here for you,” he said, singling out the nine-year-old boy in hospital. “To the Muslim community in London and to Muslims across the country, know that we stand with you. Islamophobia has no place in any of our communities. This hate is insidious and despicable — and it must stop,” he added. Talking about Trudeau’s tweet, Qureshi said it was the same stance that had been taken by Pakistan and the OIC. He said he had shared the “Pakistani nation’s emotions and concerns” with Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Wendy Gilmour. The foreign min-
death toll rises to 65 in train collision contInueD froM pAge 01
ister recalled New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s response to the 2019 shootings at two mosques in Christchurch and said the Canadian premier who was “very enlightened and progressive” should also “step up and rise to the occasion”. Qureshi suggested Trudeau should meet the family of those killed, saying it would reassure them. He also requested the Pakistani community in Canada to play their role and “express solidarity with the family and console them”. He shared that a call had been arranged between him and Canada’s foreign minister for 6pm Wednesday in which he would “present the emotions of this parliament and the nation” to him. He also shared that the federal government had offered help to the family to bring back the bodies to Pakistan but they said they “do not want it”. “We are in contact with the Canadian government and we are taking our policy on Islamophobia forward,” he added. Qureshi said international human rights organisations should discuss the attack because “this is a human rights incident”. He called upon the international media to “not ignore this incident either” so the global community could “adopt a plan of action based on a holistic view against this trend”.
“We believe the victims were targeted because of their Islamic faith,” Waight said. He added that police in London — 200 kilometres (120 miles) southwest of Toronto — were consulting with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and prosecutors about potentially filing terrorism charges. The suspect does not have a criminal record, and is not known to be a member of a hate group, police said. He was arrested in a mall parking lot without incident while wearing a body-armour-type vest, police said. There is no evidence he had any accomplices. It was not immediately known if the suspect had hired a lawyer. Police have not yet released the victims’ names, but the London Free Press said that among the dead were Syed Afzaal, 46, his wife, Madiha Salman, 44, and their 15-year-old daughter, Yumnah Afzaal. Syed Afzaal’s 74-year-old mother, whose name is not yet con-
firmed, also died. Their 9-year-old son, Faez Afzaal, is in the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The family immigrated from Pakistan about 14 years ago, according to media reports. In a tweet, Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the terrorist attack which he pointed out “reveals the growing Islamophobia” in the West. “Islamophobia needs to be countered holistically by the international community,” he asserted. Eyewitness Paige Martin told reporters a black truck blasted past her and ran a red light as she was walking, and then she came upon the scene and saw “chaos”: “It was just absolutely like something that you never want to see.” The attack was the worst against Canadian Muslims since a man gunned down six members of a Quebec City mosque in 2017. London Mayor Ed Holder said it was the worst mass murder his city had ever seen.
ISLAMABAD The prices of edible oil are expected to reduce in the country as prices have started easing in the international markets amid harvest of fresh oil palm crops in major oil producing countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. An importer while speaking to Pakistan Today claimed that the rates would settle at around $750 per tonne by end of June or early July, eventually easing the local markets too. However, sources in the oil retail market claim that things would be clear after the budget is announced on June 11 as the price of the commodity may be affected despite slashes in the international market in case new taxes are introduced. Wholesale markets in Karachi and Lahore are rife with rumours that the government is likely to introduce
kP flour millers announce protests against ban on wheat movement in Punjab AZIZ BUNERI
“We grieve for the family, three generations of whom are now deceased,” Holder told reporters. “This was an act of mass murder, perpetrated against Muslims, against Londoners, and rooted in unspeakable hatred.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter that he was “horrified” by the news, adding that “Islamophobia has no place in any of our communities. This hate is insidious and despicable — and it must stop.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford tweeted that “justice must be served for the horrific act of hatred that took place.” ‘TERRORIST ATTACK’: By late evening on Monday, a steady stream of mourners was seen arriving near the scene of the attack, dropping off flowers and saying prayers. One placard read: “When does it stop? Enough.” A GoFundMe campaign in support of members of the victims’ family had already raised almost C$120,000 ($99,000) in one hour.
A vigil has been organized at a local mosque on Tuesday night to remember the victims. “This is a terrorist attack on Canadian soil, and should be treated as such,” said Mustafa Farooq, head of the National Council of Canadian Muslims. London, which has about 400,000 residents, has a large Muslim community and Holder said Arabic is the second-mostspoken language to English in the city. The teenage girl who was killed “will be deeply missed by fellow students and staff at Oakridge Secondary School,” according to a school statement. One man who described himself as a neighbour in an interview with Global News, said he met with the family on holidays. “He was a family guy, very much involved in the community, a regular member of our mosque, a really, really great father,” the neighbor, who was not identified, said of Syed Afzaal. “He loved to walk with his family. Almost every evening, they walked.”
Uncertainty over edible oil rates as global prices ease, local hoarding continues GHULAM ABBAS
“I feel as if I am still hearing cries,” Mohammad wept, who lost family members in the crash. Sher Muhammad, a 45-year-old farmer was working on his land when he saw a train derail on the tracks some distance away. He rushed to the scene but before he could reach it, the second train crashed into the first. “I don’t know whether I will be able to forget that tragic scene,” Muhammad said, recounting how he saw women, children and men crying for help. Villagers who reached the scene first started helping the victims, pulling the injured and the dead from the wreckage until ambulances started coming. According to Minister for Railways Azam Swati, experts were still trying to determine the cause of the accident. Swati told The Associated Press that all aspects would be examined, including the possibility of sabotage. By noon Tuesday, the military said the rescue operation was completed and the railroad track in Ghotki was being repaired to resume train service. Successive governments have for years been trying to secure funds to upgrade the system, including a planned new rail track called ML-1 as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor of energy and infrastructure projects.
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Additional Customs Duty on the import of palm oil and palm olein. Currently, per kilogramme and per liter price of branded ghee and cooking oil range between Rs320 and Rs330, while unbranded oils cost between Rs270 and Rs320. However, prices are easing and the rate of cheapest unbranded ghee and oil has slipped by Rs10 per kg/litre in two weeks. On the other hand, investors are also hoarding stocks ahead of the upcoming budget. It is pertinent to mention here that apart from the reduction in price of oil in the international market, the supply chain of the item has also been improved after Ramzan, which could cause a reduction in the prices of the commodity in the domestic market. “The average palm oil rate has reached $1,125 per tonne against the $1,250 around two weeks back,” Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA)
Chairman Abdul Waheed said. “Local cotton seed, sunflower and mustard oil have arrived in the market; the high demand season of Ramzan is over and palm harvest is picking pace in South East Asia,” Waheed said. He added that the consumption of ghee and oils is less in summer and as supply is improving which raise hope for rates to come down in the coming months. PVMA statistics show that the average monthly consumption of ghee and oils in Pakistan was around 400,000 tonnes, while the production capacity of the organised sector was up to 350,000 tonnes, whereas the remaining is filled by locally grown oil seeds and unorganised sector. The rates of palm oil had almost crashed to less than $550 per tonne in August 2020, due to the Covid -19 pandemic, when the global demand was very low as lockdowns suspended transportation and trading activities.
Flour millers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have decreed to launch a ‘phase-wise’ protest against “unlawful” restrictions on wheat supply from Punjab from next week. According to details, the protest rally will be held from Peshawar Motorway Toll Plaza to Press Club whereas the next phase will be announced during the protest. A black-ribbon will be hoisted on all flour mills in KP during the initial phase of the protest campaign. While speaking with Profit, millers said that restrictions on interprovincial movement of wheat and other food items was against Article 151 of the Constitution, demanding that it be lifted immediately. “KP is a wheat-deficient province as it is mainly dependent on Punjab to fulfill requirements of the food commodity,” All Pakistan Flour Mills Association (APFMA) KP Chapter Chairman Muhammad Naeem Butt said while addressing a news conference after chairing an executive body meeting of the association here on Tuesday. He alleged the Punjab government imposed a ban on interprovincial movement of wheat to KP from April 1, since the start of wheat crop harvesting season, which has caused closure of a number of flour mills in the province. He informed that the Punjab government had issued a permit, allowing KP millers to procure wheat from the open market in the province. However, he alleged that the Punjab Food Department staff illegally charged from Rs15, 000 to Rs20, 000 in bribes for issuance of the permit. On the other hand, the millers said illegal taxes were being charged on various checkpoints erected by police and food department during transportation of wheat from Punjab. Butt said the Punjab government had decided to issue permit for transportation of only 2,000 metric tonnes against the requirements of 12,000 metric tonnes of KP whereas the provincial government had also stopped issuance of wheat from godown, which led to the shut down of 25 per cent flour mills in the province. The association’s chief said KP flour millers buy a wheat sack at Rs5,200 from open market against Punjab rate of Rs4, 500 and Rs4, 800, owing to which people of the KP province have compelled to purchase flour at higher rates. Flanked by the association’s former chairman, flour mill owners, executive members and office bearers from PFMA divisional headquarters, he announced that the protests would continue until their demands were met.
Rising population and limited resources M J HAyAt Ever since Pakistan’s independence seventythree years ago, pertinent challenges in the form of rapid population growth, provision of quality education and health services along with women empowerment have sustained. At present, the country is going through a critical phase in human development, and it is imperative to understand the root of these issues, in order to develop a concrete long-term solution. Attempts made in the past, yielded short-term benefits, however an effective long-term policy is yet to be formulated. All over the world, the process of
budget development incorporates the population growth rate, adjustments are made for the people and their needs, income and expenses are managed to maintain a balance. This method can keep the society and the country in balance, otherwise growing problems due to imbalances upset countries, societies and families. Pakistan experiences imbalance in the income and resources of its population and that is why today every child of this country is indebted to millions. At present, the nation’s systems including health, education and even water and sanitation are struggling to provide services to the rapidly increasing
population. The Human Development Index places Pakistan 154th out of 189 countries indicating the need for immediate reform. If we refer to the country's population, as per the Census 2017 results, Pakistan’s population stands at 207.7 million, with a growth rate of 2.4pc. Experts say that if population growth continues at the same rate, Pakistan's population will double in 31 years and that Pakistan will have to bring its population growth rate to 1.5 percent per annum. Achieving this goal is considered by experts to be a challenge in view of family planning initiatives. According to the 2017 Pakistan Demographic Survey, the fertility rate in Pakistan is
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3.6 per 15-49 year old women, the highest in the South Asian region after Afghanistan. These figures are far from surprising given the performance of Pakistan’s family planning indicators. Despite having one of the oldest family planning programs in the region we have struggled not only to bring stability in population but have also failed to provide women with the human right to plan and space their families as family planning was declared a basic human right at the International Conference on Human Rights in 1968. Recent surveys such as the PDHS 201718 have shown that a large number of married women in Pakistan do not want to have more
children, but due to lack of contraceptive commodities and knowledge, women struggle to maintain healthy timing and spacing of birth due to their unmet needs. According to the Population Council, there are about 2.4 million abortions every year, most of which are done in a covert fashion. This indicates a higher than the perceived unmet need of contraception. An average of one child per family is born without desire in Pakistan. If women want to follow family planning, then they need to have access to proper contraceptive methods and facilities. Experts say that the best way to prevent pregnancy is to use contraceptives
Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
06 COMMENT
Strategic depth for a peaceful Afghanistan
Bases for the USA Need to remove apprehensions
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HiLe the USA is hastily withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban have increased attacks to make further territorial gains. The Afghan government says the army can hold its own, but military experts warn of a tough fight ahead. According to UN estimates, nearly 1,800 civilians were killed or wounded in the first three months of 2021 during fighting between government forces and Taliban insurgents. meanwhile the peace process remains stalled while the Afghan politicians are divided. Last month Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told German weekly newsmagazine Der Spiegel that the USA now plays only a minor role in Afghanistan, and the question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands. Lacking competence to handle foreign relations issues, Prime minister imran Khan has handed over the subject to the Army. This explains why the US top officials make a beeline to GHQ, ignoring the Foreign minister and the Pm. During the last six months the COAS has had telephonic talks with the US Secretaries of Defense and State, while among those who called on him at GHQ included the Centcom chief, the Commander resolute Support mission Afghanistan, Special representative Zalmay Khalilzad and chargé d’affaires Angela Aggeler. All discussed issues connected with Afghanistan after the departure of the US and allied troops. The meetings did not draw attention. The meeting of CiA director William J. Burns with COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and iSi chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed has however has raised eyebrows. Unlike visits by other US officials, this was kept secret till The New York Times spilled the beans. Further, it came at a time when the USA is desperately looking for bases in the region. The CiA chief reportedly did not bring up the base issue during his trip to Pakistan. As the CiA has gained notoriety for dirty tricks, the visit was bound to give rise to apprehensions. Foreign minister Shah mehmood Qureshi has categorically denied any possibility of allowing a US base on Pakistani territory. But he lacks credibility. it is time the Parliament is briefed on Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy by General Bajwa himself. in may 2011 then COAS Gen Ashfaque Parvez Kayani briefed a joint session of Parliament on the Abbottabad raid by the USA and in December 2017 General Bajwa briefed the Senate Committee of the Whole House on national security. Another briefing by him on Afghan policy can bring speculations to an end.
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rime minister imran Khan has said that the ruling PTi had changed Pakistan’s decades-long policy of pushing for strategic depth in Afghanistan to ensure that there was a friendly government there. The government wants to build a domestic consensus on its policy on Afghanistan. However, this is easier said than done in the politically polarised environment, especially in the presence of indian influence and network. if the situation worsens after the withdrawal of US troops, Pakistan may face a volatile situation that will have a direct impact on all aspects of life, including politics. There is a belief that Pakistan’s support to Afghan Pashtuns is aimed at finding a counterweight to the nationalists who interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs and challenge the legality of the border. Afghanistan has been mired in chaos and misery over the past 20 years. The war has killed at least 100,000 civilians and left the country’s political and economic systems in dire straits. The withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan is expected to be completed much before the September 11 deadline. Over the past two decades, US troops and those of its allies were sent to Afghanistan to support Afghanistan’s public security and during this process, it tried to cultivate a pro-USA regime, but this was totally a failure. The withdrawal of troops at this time shows that the USA has realized its Afghan policy is a failure. Since last month, at least seven other districts have also fallen to the Taliban, two of them close to the capital city, Kabul, in the maidan Wardak province. The UN’s human rights agency and its assistance mission in the country said that there was a
Satisfying the IMF for next tranche Power tariff hikes imminent
The need for robotics in SNC
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AKiSTAN is currently engaged in the final phase of talks with the imF to release the next tranche of $1 billion under its $6 billion three-year extended Fund Facility and negotiations have stalled over the Fund’s demand that the Nepra Ordinance be passed before things can move forward towards any approvals. Another agenda item of these talks is to reach an agreement over next year’s budget to be tabled in the National Assembly in the coming days. The Nepra Ordinance is significant as it will give the regulator the power to automatically increase electricity prices without seeking approval from Cabinet and would additionally allow the government to levy surcharges on consumers. Going by the way the opposition parties were fighting amongst themselves in Parliament during the Budget discussion session, resulting in a walkout as well, the government should not have much trouble passing the imFspecific legislation. They were able to pass a few key ordinances, including an extension in the NAB Ordinance 1999. By satisfying the imF in this regard, the government would be securing much needed future funding to finance its external debt as the imF nod would encourage other lenders such as The World Bank and others to provide support as well. However, the rise in electricity tariffs of around rs 5.65 per unit in six phases to recover an additional rs 884 billion from consumers through June 2023 due to the Nepra Ordinance, comes with a political cost. Prime minister imran Khan and his newly appointed Finance minister Shaukat Tarin have perhaps overcommitted to the public after promising to get the imF to agree on no power rate hikes in the near future. One way to avoid these hikes would be to reduce the circular debt through improvements in efficiency that would reduce power generation costs. Going by this government’s track record of an inability to introduce and execute reforms in the energy sector, achieving higher efficiency does not seem possible. The same goes for the costs incurred through widespread and unchecked electricity theft. reduction in line losses is another way to go about this but that would require significant investment in infrastructure, money which would be hard to find. it seems the public should brace itself for another bout of high inflation as electricity prices start to rise once again.
An ideal opportunity to introduce new technology ayaan Waqar and zarar haroon KhoKar
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He Single National Curriculum (SNC) is a laudable effort of the government of Pakistan. it is especially a revolution in education in the government school sector, and if implemented, will produce a generation of children who can think logically and apply their learning to real-life situations. it will streamline education and bring the public school sector up to the level of any private school in Pakistan. The government’s vision is to end educational apartheid and bring all schools up to par through the implementation of this curriculum. The vision of the SNC is: “One system of education for all, in terms of curriculum, medium of instruction and a common platform of assessment so that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to receive high quality education. Single National Curriculum is a step in that direction.” The SNC 2020 is an enhancement of the SNC 2006 and a great improvement in terms of encouraging critical thinking and providing students with a holistic education. The most welcome inclusion in the curriculum is the STem and STeAm approaches which will equip the next generation with the basic knowledge of science as applied in technology, a major demand of this increasingly technical age. There is no doubt that SNC is a step towards the future for Pakistan, and society will benefit from it. Although the SNC aims to implement and execute a scientific approach that would enable students to apply scientific knowledge to real life situations, the one glaring defect is that it does not introduce the subject of robotics at the primary level. According to a 2014 study made by David Scaradozzi, “in primary schools, robot programming is fun and therefore represents an excellent tool for both introducing to iCT and helping the development of children’s logical and linguistic abilities. robotic teaching experiences have been carried out in italian schools since 2000-2001, when the first project was proposed. it was called “Building a robot” and its description can be found in merlo’s writing of 2010. moreover, learning robots programming also becomes an opportunity for primary school pupils for develop-
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disturbing spike in civilian deaths, with 3,035 fatalities and 5,785 injuries registered in 2020. The Taliban have carried out a string of attacks near vulnerable provincial capitals across Afghanistan since may 1, when the withdrawal process for the nearly 3,000 USled foreign troops began, which is a sign that the Taliban is assessing the government’s capacity to safeguard the country once the withdrawal process is completed. it is believed that 50 percent of the area of Afghanistan is currently under the control of the Taliban, 30 percent under government control and the remaining 20 percent is hotly contested between the two. The Taliban are now an internationally recognised entity. All countries in the region are therefore trying to establish some form of relations with them realising that they will be major players in any future Afghan set-up. moreover, the Taliban are believed to have around 100,000 trained fighters in their ranks. They have also formed a shadow government. Unfortunately, the peace talks have hit an impasse for a number of reasons. The Taliban say they do not want US surveillance aircraft to be flying over their territory but the USA maintains these flights will continue. Taliban insist all their 7000 prisoners should be released but the Afghan government says it will not order the release till the Taliban reduce the level of violence. The USA says Taliban should break all ties with Al-Qaeda and oher militants and agree to become part of a future Afghan government, but the Taliban have flatly refused to participate in any such set-up with President Ashraf Ghani. The USA wants a safe and respectable withdrawal without a perception of defeat, and a broad-based political settlement in Kabul leading to an inclusive government. The USA has about 20 bases in the middle east region and wants to retain some foothold in the region. At the same time, it also wants to move more resources to the Western Pacific region and focus on strategic competition with China. in comparison to irresponsible US deeds, China underlines that the Afghan issue can only be resolved by political means and the future of Afghanistan should be left in the hands of the Afghan people. The people of Afghanistan are going through a lot of fear about what may lie in the near future for them in the wake of mpending Taliban rule. The fear is that if a negotiated settlement is not reached between the Afghan government and the Taliban– and
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ing their linguistic and logical skills, always focusing on pedagogical rather than technological issues.” The trial study carried out in primary schools showed that children found robotics more engaging and thus early learning became more interesting and exciting. Studies have shown that in early years, young learners need more physical stimuli and learning is enabled more through physical learning than merely book learning. Thus, robotics should be implemented at the primary level so as to normalize the use of robotics, technology and computers. in elementary school, students are still learning with their eyes and hands– drawing, moulding, and manipulating objects. They are starting the tough transition to learning by reading, and robots make it possible for them to work through problems visually and experiment with concepts they are learning. robotics is the future, many developed countries have realized its importance and it has been a part of the curriculum for primary school students for some time now in countries such as Germany, Netherlands, Czech republic and Sweden. more developed countries have added robotics to their curriculum for primary schools in recent years and developing countries are following their footsteps with countries like South Africa, China and india having started teaching it in primary schools. in Turkey, STeAm education has been supplemented by robotics at the primary level and has proven to be a success. Yakaman and Lee described the importance of STeAm as of vital importance to global culture by providing many opportunities for the students not only to be more interested in science-technology-engineering-art-mathematics but also to improve their occupational skills and attitudes. Studies conducted worldwide suggest that robotics in STeAm education can provide a multi-sensory and experiential learning experience, which can significantly increase a learner’s capacity for learning. Using robots to teach STeAm can also help children understand how technology can be used to solve realworld problems. What better way to equip a child for the future than by starting in the primary years? robotics gives students the opportunity to develop their reasoning skills and creativity in a unique way. it also develops the base for features such as reasoning and critical thinking. especially in a country like Pakistan, exposing students in government
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the indications are not too promising so far– then there are chances that Afghanistan could slide into yet another civil war. This would have an adverse impact on the region and especially on Pakistan. A fresh influx of refugees into Pakistan is one likelihood. This will exacerbate the burden that Pakistan is already bearing due to the very large refugee presence in the country. A civil war in Afghanistan could have a spillover effect and regenerate violence and militancy in the border areas. This would mean immense economic pressure on Pakistan, which is already struggling to cope with a faltering economy left weaker by the covid-19 pandemic. in these circumstances, the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. Afghanistan should form inclusive political arrangements to make sure that all ethnic groups and parties can participate in political life in the future and enjoy equal political rights. The Afghan national governance structure in the future should conform to the country’s national conditions and development needs. The international community should make a due contribution to the final resolution of the Afghan issue, and should also play its due role for the long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan stands ready to continue working with regional countries and the international community to move the peace and reconciliation process forward, and help Afghanistan realize peace and stability at an early date. Pm imran Khan’s assertion that Pakistan wants to avoid intervention and will respect whichever government the Afghan people elect to power sounds a sensible strategy, but it may be prudent for the government, and for the establishment that continues to have the dominant role in policy on Afghanistan, to make an extra effort to bring all political stakeholders on board and forge a consensus– howsoever loose– on the core policy to deal with the swiftly evolving situation across the western border. This is a lesson worth learning from the history of the past four decades. Pakistan needs to re-evaluate and upgrade its policy of strategic depth for peaceful Afghanistan, as a peaceful Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan. The writer is an economist, anchor, analyst and the President of All Pakistan Private Schools Federation. President@pakistanprivateschools.com
schools to technology they will otherwise not have access to, will ensure that students across the board have the same kind of technological know-how. robotics at the primary school level will allow setting up a base for iT at a very young age which will facilitate an easier transition to iT at higher levels of education. The robotics environment can make primary school students use physical programming tools to make robot programming activities. The tool helps them learn quickly without the need to learn the complicated syntax and then can validate the results of programming that have been made. Other than the computational skills and problem-solving skills, skills like teamwork and communication are also developed since it requires the students work in teams. it is therefore proposed that the curriculum may be divided between 5 years of primary education with the main objectives for grade 1 be: n Learning the ‘roboethics’ concepts with the introduction of Asimov’s literature and the three robotics laws n Gaining knowledge of the single mechanical elements through simplified programs of ordering and planning: learning the differences among shapes, materials, colors and functionalities of the elements presented on the market n Planning a model using LeGO system through a simplified program n Understanding the model verification and validation concepts in the work environment For grades 2 and 3 they should be: n Acquiring the ability to attribute coherent purpose to a constructed robot n introduced to the concept of rOBOT as a machine that must complete a specific task n Studying sensors and actuators through the comparison with human apparatus n introduced the software programming for the LeGO WeDo system n realizing a simple robot able to interact with the environment For grades 4 and 5 the main objectives should be: n Acquiring the ability of attributing coherent purpose to a complex constructed robot. n Acquiring the ability of building a robot in accordance with specific and relative complex purposes n Planning a robot for a specific scope of research, that is able to live in a defined environment n introducing software for robot analysis. n realizing a technical manual for the final operator in order to explain how to design and realize a robot The writers are students of C1 at Aitchison College Lahore
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
Wednesday, 9 June, 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
We cannot afford environmental disaster
Indian stance on Kashmir repudiated The UNGA President showed up India
MaliK MuhaMMad ashraf
U
N General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir, addressing a joint press conference with Foreign minister Shah mahmood on the conclusion of his visit to Pakistan, said, “i think it is the duty, especially Pakistan’s, to bring the Kashmir issue to the United Nation platform more strongly”. He also reiterated that all parties should refrain from changing the status of Jammu and Kashmir, as the solution was to be found through peaceful means in accordance with the UN charter and UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions as agreed in the Simla Agreement between Pakistan and india. However, indian foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Baghchi said, “His remarks that Pakistan is ‘duty bound’ to raise this issue in the UN more strongly are unacceptable. Nor indeed is there any basis for comparison to other global situations.” Deputy Spokesperson of the UNGA President, Amy Quantrill, referring to the indian reaction said, “The President was saddened to see a press statement from the indian ministry of external Affairs, which portrays his remarks on Jammu and Kashmir from a selective perspective, while they are consistent with the longstanding UN position regarding this issue.” What the UNGA President said in the press conference and in regards to indian reaction was an unequivocal repudiation of the indian stance on Kashmir and reaffirmation of the fact that it was an international issue waiting to be resolved in consonance with UN resolutions. He also explicitly rejected the indian action to end the special status of Kashmir, its annexation to the indian Union and moves to change demographic features of the state through the promulgation of a new domicile law. indian actions are not only a blatant viola-
tion of the UNSC resolutions but also a breach of international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. The foreign minister was right on the money while saying, “Pay attention. These are international obligations. The UN must play that role of responsibility which is due. The Kashmir dispute is a reality and no one can deny it or remove it from the UNSC agenda.” The resolution of the Kashmir dispute, as pointed out by the foreign minister, is the responsibility of the UN. But it is regrettable that in spite of the acknowledgement of the dispute no credible action has been initiated for the implementation of the UN resolutions. The UNSC in its three informal meetings in the backdrop of annexation of the indian Occupied Jummu and Kashmir also reiterated that the Kashmir dispute must be resolved in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and the relevant resolutions. The UN Secretary General has also repeatedly emphasized this fact. While these statements are welcome, the fact is that mere statements are not going to dissuade india from what it is doing and also to nudge it towards the solution of this festering dispute. it needs UN intervention in regards to implementation of the UNSC resolutions. indian actions besides being illegal also constitute an affront to the world body and the international community. india has been hiding behind Simla Agreement to claim that the Kashmir issue was a bilateral issue between Pakistan and india and therefore Pakistan could not internationalize it, notwithstanding the fact that the Agreement reiterates that the relations between the two countries would be governed by the UN Charter. The bilateral mechanism surely did not obviate the possibility of Pakistan taking the issue to the UN. Article 103 of UN Charter says “in the event of a conflict between the obligations of the members of the UN under the present charter and their obligations under any other international agreement, their obligations under the present charter will prevail.” What it means is that the UN resolutions on Kashmir will take precedence over all other international agree-
ments on the same issue. So Pakistan is very much within its right to invoke the UN resolutions, after having been frustrated in finding a solution through the bilateral arrangement. Forty-eight years have gone by since the signing of the Simla Agreement, but india has never shown any seriousness in resolving the Kashmir issue and every time an opportunity for a dialogue was created, it wriggled out of it on one pretext or the other. indian evasiveness in resolving the issue forced the people of Kashmir to launch a freedom struggle in 1989 which continues even after 5 August 2019 with greater intensity. indian action has also jeopardized peace and security in the region about which Pakistan has repeatedly warned the UN and the world community. Kashmir is admittedly a nuclear flash point. it was about time for the UN and the world community to pay attention to it before it is too late. As suggested by President of UN General Assembly, Pakistan should re-raise the Kashmir issue at the UN forum more vigorously to invoke the UNSC resolutions. india should not be allowed to get away with its unilateral and illegal action in indian-Held Kashmir. The diplomatic offensive launched by Pakistan in the wake of the 5 August 2019 action by india and subsequent steps did achieve tremendous success as the international community did not buy the indian argument that it was her internal issue. The international media also played a significant role in reiterating that stance and highlighting the miserable situation of the Kashmiris and the abuse of human rights by the indian security forces. The situation is ripe for building pressure on india to rescind the actions taken in indian-Held Kashmir and pushing her towards finding a solution to the dispute. Nonetheless the greater responsibility lies with the UNSC, the UN Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly to move beyond statements.
The situation is ripe for building pressure on India to rescind the actions taken in Indian-Held Kashmir and pushing her towards finding a solution to the dispute. Nonetheless the greater responsibility lies with the UNSC, the UN Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly to move beyond statements.
Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic. He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail.com.
OUr environment is a very crucial part of our lives. it is the main source of living as we get food, water, air from the environment. in fact, environment is what sustains us and where we breathe and live every moment. Thus, the quality of our life depends majorly on our environment. in earlier days, people lived in harmony, adapting themselves to the environment; but in the modern era we are attempting to mould the environment according to our need and convenience thereby ultimately harming ourselves indirectly in the long run. Latest technological advancements in the field of science have made us more empowered, of which i think we are taking undue advantage, by utilizing the environment resources indiscriminately and giving it nothing in return, but harmful chemicals and pollution. These results into environmental problems across the globe, creating issues such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, air pollution, river pollution due to the inflow of poisonous chemicals, waste materials, garbage, plastics, etc., global warming and weakening of ozone layer, diminution of underground water, oil and gas reserves and natural resources such as minerals, growth of poisonous gases, pollution, smog, etc. in the air. it is quite evident that because of our unchecked actions we have disturbed the ecological balance of our environment and hence are facing these issues.The waste of vegetables and fruits can be converted into fertilizers and shouldn’t be dumped into ponds and other fresh water bodies etc. By taking care of our small actions like saving drinking water, usage of jute, cloth, paper bags, recycling the waste products, etc. We can still save our environment from deteriorating completely. environmental pollution is one of the key problems faced in our modern world. Though there have been massive technological advancement in these recent days, it has also invited negative effects to the environment. By doing a simple thing like planting a tree, we shall be making the world a better place and for sure we shall always live to be proud of our achievement. Saving the environment is not just an issue anymore. it is a survival truth. individuals, organisations and governments need to come together and join hands to protect what is left of our planet so that the future is not wiped out before it’s time for a curtain call. experts say that proper handling of waste materials, such as reusing or disposing of them properly, should constitute an important part of our efforts to preserve energy and protect the environment. Countries worldwide should use less coal and more reusable power like hydro or solar power. Back home, almighty has bestowed us with soothing natural sceneries, abundant forests, world famous tourist attractions for which it is often called as the paradise on earth, tremendous fresh water resources etc. What we need to do is protecting these natural gifts because undesirable change in environment is evident even in valley as well. effect of climate change are witnessed here too in the form of early winters, too much lengthier and chill in winter months, very hot summer etc. This is high time when we should take some strict actions in order to preserve our environment and make our place a better place to live in for our next generation. RAYEES AHMAD KUMAR LAHoRE
Myths about vaccines AS the world grapples with the life-threatening impacts of COViD-19, a slew of scientists have been working on vaccines since the outbreak of the pandemic. From the beginning, it was said that the world will get vaccines until the end of 2020, and now that we have at least reached the stage where some vaccinations might truly treat us, misunderstandings regarding vaccinations have grown. The launch of the ASTrAZeNeCA vaccination in Pakistan has raised many questions, since misleading information is circulating on social media, which is confusing the public in all over the world. Some individuals believe that these vaccinations may modify DNA or implant any kind of chip in the body, however this is a complete myth. To guarantee that people who are concerned about vaccine myths are satisfied, the government and medical professionals should address the rising misunderstandings regarding vaccinations by spreading awareness about the benefits of vaccines, among the people. SHAwwALA ASLAM KARAcHi
Covid and subcontinent WiTH over 3500 dead official in india yesterday, while the unofficial number is five times higher. For the people of Pakistan to see such devastation from Covid in next door neighbor india, while watching the Pakistanis busy in shopping in markets around Pakistan, is very alarming. expecting the worst it was very confusing to see minimum deaths from Covid in Pakistan or low rate of complications from the disease in the General population. This is very strange because india has the same environment, food and social living styles like Pakistan. The main difference is the use of alcohol, which is banned in Pakistan but heavily used in india. Since Covid acts on the body’s blood and spreads to different organs, and since alcohol ends in the blood, therefore it makes sense that alcohol in the blood can increase the chance of death from Covid. The Government of Pakistan can help the World by highlighting the deaths from Covid in india and Pakistan and the difference between the two countries population in using alcohol as the link. And Pakistan should advise india and other World Nations to ask their citizens not to consume alcohol during Covid pandemic. SHAHRYAR KHAn BASEER PESHAwAR,
Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
08 WORLD VIEW
Israel wIns bIg In washIngton $1.2 BILLION MORE IS ON THE WAY!
Unz review
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PHILIP GIRALDI
OW let me get this straight. a nation bullies and harasses a much smaller neighbor which eventually leads that neighbor to strike back with largely home-made weapons. The larger and more powerful country, armed with state of the art killing machines, attacks its basically unarmed opponent and kills hundreds of civilians, including a large number of children. It also destroys billions of dollars of infrastructure in the poorer and weaker neighbor. almost immediately after the fighting stops, senior legislators from a third nation that had nothing to do with the war apart from supplying the larger nation with weapons appeared on the scene and promoted the lie that the larger nation had actually been the victim of an unprovoked attack by the “terrorists” running the small nation. They did so publicly while meeting with and endorsing the actions of the government officials from the large nation, which, it would seem, is about to be investigated by an international body for war crimes. They were joined by an ex-officio former foreign minister of the third nation who likewise echoed the propaganda being put out by the large nation. several of them also promised to provide military assistance worth $1 billion so the large nation could rearm itself. Of course, I am writing about how Republican senators Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz and Bill hagerty traveled to Israel over the Memorial Day weekend and bowed and scraped before prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and company. During his meeting with Bibi, Graham even held up a sign reading “More for Israel.” They were joined in Jerusalem by former secretary of state Mike pompeo who was in town visiting with his old
friend Yossi Cohen, head of the Israeli Intelligence service Mossad, who is retiring soon. I sometimes wonder what the Founding Fathers would think about senior legislators ignoring their constituent duties so they could instead travel overseas to pander to the corrupt rulers of a foreign nation that exhibits none of the civic virtues that the Constitution of the united states once embraced in establishing a new republic? Cruz, for example, is a particularly ambitious slimeball who clearly sees his future in the tight embrace of the Israel Lobby. he was recently on the receiving end of some bad press when he abandoned his home in houston, at the time suffering from a prolonged electricity crisis due to storm damage, to take his family to Cancun. Cruz is a senator whose main job is promoting himself. Cruz used the opportunity provided by his presence besides the exalted Netanyahu to denounce president Joe Biden for his administration’s failure to help Israel while it was under attack by the terrorist hordes. Before he left for Israel he stated that he intended “to hear and see firsthand what our Israeli allies need to defend themselves, and to show the international community that we stand unequivocally with Israel. Far too many Democrats morally equivocated between Israel and the terrorists attacking them, and fringe progressive Democrats went even further with wild accusations and conspiracy theories.” after a day spent touring Israel’s Iron Dome rocket-defense system before viewing damage in ashkelon in Israel from the Gazan rockets, which he commemorated with a weepy self-video demonstrating his empathy for the Israeli dead, he said that Biden’s calls for Israel to seek a cease fire had “emboldened” the “hamas terrorists.” he elaborated that “The longer Joe Biden shows weakness to hamas or hezbollah or Iran, the more you’re going to see terrorist attacks escalating.” But it was Lindsey Graham who has to be awarded the prize for being completely oleaginous in the presence of Netanyahu,
‘THE EYES AND EARS OF AMERICA IS ISRAEL. NOBODY DOES MORE TO PROTECT AMERICA FROM RADICAL ISLAM THAN OUR FRIENDS IN ISRAEL’ holding up a sign reading “More for Israel” while practically swooning in the presence of the great leader. he said, with a grin, “The eyes and ears of america is Israel. Nobody does more to protect america from radical Islam than our friends in Israel.” Flattery will apparently get you everywhere you want to be as Graham is surely aware that Israel is a strategic liability for the united states and its brutality is in fact a recruiting tool for radical groups. holding up his sign, Graham then asked, “so what can you expect, my friends in Israel, in the next coming days and weeks from Washington? More.” For the home audience he then elaborated on a tweet what “More” would mean. “Great meeting this morning in Jerusalem with Israeli pM Netanyahu. ‘More for Israel’ to help protect and defend from hamas rocket attacks.” Graham later reported to Fox News that Israel would be sending Defense Minister Benny Gantz to Washington to negotiate the request for the $1 billion increase in military aid to restore its “deterrent” after the savage bottle rocket attack by hamas. he elaborated “It will be a good investment for the american people. I will make sure in the senate that they get the money.” since the senate Committee is packed full of Democratic party Zionists, Graham knows for sure that his support for giving Israel the money will be approved in committee to go to the house for a final vote where it will be also be approved. and the White house is actually signaling that the Treasury check will be somewhat bigger, to the tune of $1.2 billion. a smiling Netanyahu demonstrated that he knows how to say thanks for the freebee, telling Graham “No one has done more for Israel than you, senator Lindsey Graham, stalwart champion of our alliance and we have no better friend. You’ve been a tremendous friend and a tremendous ally.” The third Republican senator Bill hagerty of Tennessee, a former Trump ambassador to Japan, is a bit of a non-entity compared to his superstar traveling companions, though he, like Cruz, is unfortunately on the
senate Foreign Relations Committee and has taken the lead on authorizing immediate resupply of Israel’s weapons. and he too got into the game of kissing Israel’s posterior, posting a media release on his senate website saying “Cruz and hagerty Land in Israel to assess Damage from hamas War: americans watched in horror when hamas and other Iran-backed terrorists in Gaza recently launched thousands of rockets at innocent men, women, and children in Israel. I’m joining senator Cruz, my colleague on the senate Foreign Relations Committee, to visit Israel and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies after they endured the worst terrorist attacks in recent years because I want to see firsthand what more the u.s. can do to strengthen our vital alliance with Israel at a time when terrorists like hamas and hezbollah and terrorsponsoring regimes in Iran and syria are making the Middle East more dangerous…” pompeo also did his bit, enthusing over his attendance at the retirement party for Cohen. he tweeted how it was “Great to be with good friends in Tel aviv!” he clearly has acquired the presidential pretensions disease and knows which button has to be
pressed first. One notices immediately the complete lack of any expression of sympathy for the hundreds of palestinians who were killed by Israel in what was a war that was provoked by the home seizures, armed mobs of settlers in remaining arab neighborhoods and attacks by soldiers and police on the al-aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. after that, one notes that these clowns pretending to be senators are people who were elected and generously paid by american citizens, not by Israel, yet they seem to believe it is completely appropriate to be spend time in that country meddling in someone else’s war on behalf of a rogue state. If anyone is worthy of impeachment, it is they, but never mind, neither the Zionist dominated us national media nor the Establishment will make any such demand, quite the contrary. Be that as it may, their behavior is despicable and is symptomatic of type of corruption that is preceding the decline and fall of what was once a great nation. Philip M. Giraldi, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Council for the National Interest.
The terrible toll of India’s second COVID-19 wave AS OF JUNE 3, INDIA HAD REPORTED MORE THAN TWENTY-EIGHT MILLION COVID-19 CASES AND 338,013 DEATHS—NUMBERS THAT UNDERSTATE THE ENORMOUS LEVEL OF LOSS THAT HAS AFFECTED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AND ENTIRE COMMUNITIES THE DEVASTATION CAUSED BY COVID-19’S SECOND WAVE IN INDIA IS A CULMINATION OF POPULIST DECISIONS, SCIENTIFIC IGNORANCE, AND YEARS OF PRIVATIZING HEALTH CARE Progressive
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SANKET JAIN
ushpa Toraskar, whose mother-in-law was hospitalized with COVID-19 in april 2021, was told she had to pay a $2,070 hospital bill within twenty-four hours. a few hours later, she got another call from the hospital, informing her that her mother-in-law, parvati, had died from the virus. “We couldn’t claim the body till the dues were cleared,” Toraskar told me, teary-eyed. as a farmworker, it would have taken thirty months for Toraskar to pay the bill out of pocket. so, like many families in India that now face stiff medical expenses due to the pandemic, she borrowed money from a local lender at an exorbitant interest rate of 10 percent. “I knew we couldn’t afford a private hospital,” says Toraskar, who lives in a village named Nigave Dumala in the Indian state of Maharashtra. “We had to [try to] save her, no matter what.” Toraskar’s apprehension toward public hospitals stemmed from hundreds of stories of deaths. From her village alone, over ten people died in the district public hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19. But even the private hospital where parvati was being treated was running low on essential supplies, to the point where the hospital had asked Toraskar to help obtain antiviral drugs and other medicines. “We ran everywhere and dialed over 200 people,” she says, “but couldn’t find any leads.” One of the main reasons that Indian hospitals lacked supplies like vaccines is because, while India is a major hub for vaccine production, many of the millions of doses that were created earlier this year were slated specifically for export. so when a second wave of COVID-19 cases swept across the country in March,
India—unlike the united states or most European countries—was shipping out far more vaccines than it supplied to its own population. and although the central government, led by farright prime Minister Narendra Modi, curtailed vaccine exports in response to the uptick, its efforts have not been enough to meet rising demand. as of June 3, India had reported more than twenty-eight million COVID-19 cases and 338,013 deaths—numbers that understate the enormous level of loss that has affected millions of people and entire communities. Though the second wave began in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, it wasn’t long before the virus spread to the countryside, which is home to roughly 833 million people. With India reporting as many as 400,000 new cases over multiple days in early May, the country’s health care system couldn’t keep up, prompting tens of thousands of people to take to social media with dire requests for medicine, ventilators, oxygen, hospital beds, and other essentials. For Toraskar, who doesn’t own a smartphone, her neighborhood remained her primary support network. and on top of the trauma caused by parvati’s death, “my husband Krishnat, who is an electrical lineworker, hasn’t been able to earn a single rupee for the past two months because of the lockdown,” Toraskar says. For more than a year, thirteen-year-old Diksha Kamble has waited anxiously for her mother, shubhangi, to get off work at six p.m. as an accredited social health activist, or asha, worker, shubhangi has been tasked with containing the community transmission of COVID-19 in her village of 5,641 people in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district. Each day, shubhangi monitors the temperature and oxygen levels of community members, asks them about any medical conditions that they might have, and finds
suspected COVID-19 cases. she also helps community members access public health facilities, provides essential medicines, counsels families on childbirth preparedness, and much more. shubhangi, like the other nearly one million asha workers across India, clocks in ten to twelve hours every day in high-risk working conditions with inadequate safety gear. “Last year, [my village of] arjunwad reported thirty to thirty-five COVID-19 infections from april to July,” she says. “This year, in april [alone], the village has fifty cases.” asha workers, the backbone of India’s rural health care system, are paid “performance-based incentives” that range from $41 to $55 per month in Maharashtra. “The frontline healthcare workers have to double up as farmworkers to make ends meet because the pay we receive is far lower than the legal minimum wage,” Netradipa patil, an asha worker and activist from the Kolhapur district, tells me in an interview. “several asha workers surveying in containment zones aren’t even given masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers.” and yet, despite the lack of supplies, asha workers are often blamed by their higher-ups when an individual in their allocated area dies from COVID-19, according to patil. India’s health care system has long underserved the country’s rural population. For the last three decades, India has spent around 1 percent of its GDp each year on healthcare. as a result, for the 69 percent of its population that lives in villages, India has only 810 public district hospitals and an average of 0.55 hospital beds per 1,000 people. also, an astonishing 86 percent of rural Indians do not have medical insurance, making India a country with one of the highest rates of individuals paying out-ofpocket medical expenses in the world.
sangita Gurav, who works at a primary health care center in Kolhapur, is the only public doctor for fifteen villages with a total population of roughly 80,000 people. as India continues to grapple with a lack of vaccines, Gurav’s clinic isn’t receiving enough doses for her patients. “In the second wave, most of the cases we’ve handled here are the ones who consulted us after a week of testing positive,” she tells The progressive. “We immediately refer them to the nearest COVID-19 center, but the delay is leading to a higher fatality rate.” In May, the Ganges, India’s holiest river, was found swollen with dead bodies in the North Indian states of uttar pradesh and Bihar. In February, the far-right government of prime Minister Narendra Modi allowed the Kumbh Mela festival, the world’s largest religious gathering that happens once every twelve years, to occur as usual. More than three million pilgrims bathed in the river while not adhering to COVID-19 protocols. Later, at least several thousand devotees tested positive (the exact number remains unknown as the government suspended its effort to collect data from the festival). The devastation caused by COVID-19’s second wave in India is a culmination of populist decisions, scientific ignorance, and years of privatizing health care. Frontline health care workers and everyday people are now paying for the government’s ignorance. “If I test positive [for COVID-19], I will at least get a break,” shubhangi says with exasperation. Meanwhile, her phone rings yet again. This time it’s a call asking when vaccines will become available in the village. It’s a good question, one for which she has no sure answer. Sanket Jain is an independent journalist based in Kolhapur, India and a 2019 People’s Archive of Rural India fellow.
Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
BUSINESS 09
ISLAMABAD corporate corner p&G pakistan pledges to mentor 500 women under StEm Connector’s million Women mentors initiative KARAcHI: In its mission to promote the economic participation of women in the workforce in Pakistan,P&G Pakistan recently made a pledge to mentor 500 women under Million Women Mentors (MWM), an initiative of STEM Connector, to spark interest and confidence in women and girls to pursue STEM careers and leadership opportunities through the power of mentoring. The main objective of this collaboration is to foster mentoring relationships for women and girls and use mentoring as a tool to encourage women and girls to pursue career goals and leadership opportunities. The pilot program will run for a year which will be led by senior leaders (both men & women)of P&G Pakistan who will mentor women in professional circles to benefit from better projects, access to leadership, advocacy at higher levels, and mutual support. PRESS RElEaSE
aCCa calls for reduction in tax rates, issues budget proposals for fY22 KARAcHI: In the budget proposals released today by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the global body for professional accountants has urged the government to reduce tax rates to a single digit and ensure broadening of the tax net by adopting Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence leveraging rich data sources at government’s disposal such as NADRA. The proposals also talk about the importance of moving away from indirect taxes and calls for rationalisation, standardisation and automation of tax laws & administration to minimise harassment of tax payers. The suggested structural reforms include harmonisation of federal and provincial tax laws, issuance of a single tax return, reduction in the discretionary powers of tax authorities, predicating appraisals of FBR functionaries on growth of business sectors under jurisdiction to instil a mindset of using tax as a means for GDP growth, incentivising tax payers to promote a tax culture, and establishing an independent appellate forum at Commissioner Appeals level. The proposals also hope for the government to have a longterm strategy for import substitution, call for more incentives to local industry and favours heavy duties on non-essential imports and luxury items. Tax benefits to businesses pioneering UN’s SDGs have been recommended. ACCA has also confirmed that it will be holding a number of seminars to discuss its budget proposals engaging country’s top business leaders and policy makers. PRESS RElEaSE
ttpL partners with Careem to provide its captains with speedy mobility solutions LAHORE: Total PARCO Pakistan Limited (TPPL) and Careem have signed an agreement to provide its captains with TPPL’s mobility-related solutions at special discounts. Through this partnership, Careem Captains will receive a flat discount on purchase of TPPL’s fuels, lubricants and other services like car wash, oil change in selected service stations nationwide. The solution will be integrated into Careem’s application where its captains can access the offers. PRESS RElEaSE
advance telecom appointed as tECno’s new distribution partner in pakistan LAHORE: TECNO Mobile Pakistan has joined hands with Advance Telecom as their official distribution partner in Pakistan. Being the largest retail and after-sale service network, Advance Telecom and TECNO partnership look a promising collaboration for the new Camon 17 series. Advance Telecom is one of the leading mobile phone distribution houses in Pakistan. They have been adding value to customer’s lives by delivering quality services and products nationwide. CEO Advance Telecom, Rizwan Majid shared his views on this occasion. PRESS RElEaSE
ECC to approvE $1bn for Covid-19 vaCCinE import ISLAMABAD
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GHUlaM aBBaS
EDERaL Minister of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, asad Umar, has said that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Wednesday will approve $1 billion for the import of more vaccines during the next fiscal year. Talking to a group of media persons here on Tuesday, he said that the PTI led government is ready to spend more on vaccines to avoid strict lockdowns. Talking about the meeting of National Economic Council (NEC) which was held on Monday, the minister said that the forum has approved 36.4 per cent increases in national development outlay with the allocation of Rs2, 102 billion, including PSDP of Rs900 billion in fiscal year 2021-22 (FY22) as compared to Rs1, 527 billion of the outgoing financial year (FY21). Referring to the allocations for provinces, asad Umar claimed that the allocations for all provinces in the next budget were increased except Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where he believes the PTI led government has already made good investments. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan has other priorities as he wants allocations for the neglected parts of the country. Refuting Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad ali Shah’s claims, the planning minister said federally funded projects worth Rs90 billion, which did not include the projects under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were already in progress.
“Not only roads but the federal government is even funding sanitation projects in Sindh,” he said, adding that not a single inch of a motorway was constructed by the Sindh government. Talking about funding under CPEC, the minister said the foreign investment under the corridor programme was being diverted to the agriculture sector. “Since the investments are channelised to other priority sectors the CPEC funding was not visible,” the minister said while rejecting the impression that Chinese investment was halted. “CPEC is a national development program and we need to avoid doing
SBP to launch collateral-free loan scheme for cottage industry The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is ready to initiate a scheme for financing of up to Rs10 million for the cottage industry without any collateral. This was revealed by the central bank’s governor, Dr Reza Baqir, while speaking to high-ups of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Monday. Baqir said that the government would give a guarantee to banks against losses and would invite expressions of interest from the banks for inclusion in
the scheme. He informed that end-user rate for small businesses and cottage industry would be 9 per cent under the scheme, which otherwise got loans at 24pc. “To facilitate the growth of IT sector, particularly the startups, foreign exchange laws have been relaxed and made more business-friendly,” he said, adding that foreign funding in the IT sector would be facilitated by easing the laws while banks had been directed to handle payment issues faced
by IT companies. “IT companies can now get web and digital services from abroad for up to $200,000 without approval of the State Bank. Previously, this limit was $10,000,” he said. Moreover, speaking about the Temporary Economic Refinance Facility (TERF) scheme, Dr Reza Baqir said that Rs436 billion in financing had been approved and most of the funds had been disbursed and the remaining would be cleared soon. NEWS DESK
Biden administration sets up ‘strike force’ to go after China on trade WASHINGTON aGENCIES
The United States will target China with a new “strike force” to combat unfair trade practices, the Biden administration said on Tuesday, as it rolled out findings of a review of U.S. access to critical products, from semiconductors to electric-vehicle batteries. The “supply chain trade strike force,” led by the U.S. trade representative, will look for specific violations that have contributed to a “hollowing out” of supply chains that could be addressed with trade remedies, including toward China, senior administration officials told reporters.
Officials also said the Department of Commerce was considering initiating a Section 232 investigation into the national security impact of neodymium magnet imports used in motors and other industrial applications, which the United States largely sources from China. President Joe Biden ordered the review of critical supply chains in February, requiring executive agencies to report back within 100 days on risks to U.S. access to critical goods like those used in pharmaceuticals as well as rare earth minerals, for which the United States is dependent on overseas sources. Though not explicitly di-
rected at China, the review is part of a broader Biden administration strategy to shore up U.S. competitiveness in the face of economic challenges posed by the world’s second largest economy. The United States faced serious challenges getting medical equipment during the COVID19 epidemic and now faces severe bottlenecks in a number of areas, including computer chips, stalling production of goods such as cars. U.S. agencies are required to issue more complete reports a year after Biden’s order, identifying gaps in domestic manufacturing capabilities and policies to address them.
Systems, Salesflo join hands to disrupt $100bn retail industry ISLAMABAD: Solid Waste Association of Pakistan (SWAP) President Jamal Asgher Bhatti with coach and clinical psychologist Nasira Jamil use segregated waste bins placed at Trail 5 by Coca Cola as part of the company’s decade’s long work for the betterment of Pakistan’s environment. PR
KARAcHI: Salesflo (Retailistan Pvt. Ltd) started the retail digitization journey for Pakistan in 2015 with the launch of Pakistan’s first cloud enabled Sales and Distribution platform. To further accelerate the digital retail transformation, Pakistan’s premier B2B e-commerce platform (Jugnu) was launched to empower more than a million small businesses to directly procure from manufacturers and improve their financial inclusion. Jugnu operates as one of the most advanced B2B e-commerce technology platforms in the world with a complete eco-system having state-of-the-art fulfilment centers, optimised routing & vehicle load management to AI enabled CRM platform that delivers world-class customer experience. PRESS RElEaSE
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politics on the projects and programmes being finalised under CPEC umbrella,” he added. In reply to a query about the frequent holding of meetings of CDWP and approval of projects ahead of the annual budget, asad Umar said that the meetings of the forum were being held as per requirement of law. He also informed that NEC has also decided to meet once in every quarter of the fiscal year instead of the last weeks of the financial year. “Unlike the traditional way of reviewing only federal projects, the NEC would also review the provincial projects,” the minister said.
tabassum vally joins orientm mcCann as CEo KARAcHI: Tabassum Vally’s almost three decade career spans across various industries, viz communications, services and financial. Before moving to Dubai, Tabassum spent seventeen years in advertising in Pakistan while working with Industry leader JWT and Blazon Grey. Her final role at JWT was Chief Operating Officer for the three Offices. During her tenure, JWT made great progress with winning nonaligned account Pepsi, along with other major wins like Olpers', HBL etc. Tabassum moved to Dubai in 2008 to join Barclays Bank as Head of Marketing, launched several products, along with sponsoring “Dubai Duty Free Tennis Tournament” and Barclays Premier offering outside UK. Later moved as Head of Customer Services and established Barclay’s number one position in Customer Service in the Gulf region. Her last role at Barclays was Head of Retail Operations. “Looking forward to achieving greater heights under her leadership” – Masood Hashmi, added. PRESS RElEaSE
philip morris international reports progress toward accelerating the end of smoking KARAcHI: Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE: PM) has published its Integrated Report, a comprehensive overview of the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and its progress towards its purpose of delivering a smoke-free future. This includes its 2025 ambitions to have switched more than 40 million adult smokers to its smoke-free products, with half from nonOECD countries, and for smoke-free products to account for more than 50 percent of PMI’s total net revenues. On June 2, PMI hosted an ESG-focused webcast during which the company offered additional insight into how integrating sustainability across its business creates value for its shareholders and stakeholders. PMI will also publish in the coming week an ESG Highlights document, which will provide a more data-focused executive summary of the Integrated Report and will be made available on PMI.com/investor relations. PRESS RElEaSE
nestlé pakistan introduces paper straws across ready-todrink products LAHORE: Nestlé Pakistan has introduced paper straws across its entire ready-to-drink (RTD) product range, making it the first food and beverage company in Pakistan to do so. The initiative will eliminate over 400 million plastic straws, marking a breakthrough in its sustainable packaging transformation journey. This is in line with the company’s global pledge to make its packaging 100% recyclable and reusable by 2025. Nestlé Pakistan’s brands – NESVITA, MILO®, FRUITAVITALS, NESFRUTA and NESCAFÉ’s RTD products – are now in the market with paper straws that are made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper. PRESS RElEaSE
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FaStly outage brINgS dowN brItISh govt, INterNatIoNal medIa webSIteS LONDON
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ULTIPLE websites went offline briefly across the globe Tuesday after an apparent outage at the cloud service company Fastly, and there were reports of sporadic disruptions after the company patched the problem about an hour later. Dozens of sites including the New York Times, CNN, some Amazon sites, Twitch, Reddit, the Guardian, and the UK government’s home page, could not be reached. In Asia, cities like Hong Kong and Singapore were also affected, with users unable to access the CNN website. In China, where most foreign media websites are blocked, there was little discussion on the outage on social media platforms such as Weibo. San Francisco-based Fastly acknowledged a problem just before 6:00 am. It said in repeated updates on its website that it was “continuing to investigate the issue.” About an hour later, the company said: “The issue
has been identified and a fix has been applied. Customers may experience increased origin load as global services return.” A number of sites that were hit early appeared to be coming back online. Internet traffic measurement by Kentik shows that Fastly began to recover from the outage roughly an hour after it struck at mid-morning European time — and before most Americans were awake. “Looks like it is slowly coming back,” said Doug Madory, an internet infrastructure expert at Kentik. He said: “It is serious because Fastly is one of the world’s biggest CDNs and this was a global outage.” Fastly is a content delivery network. It provides vital but behind-the-scenes cloud computing “edge servers” to many of the web’s popular sites. These servers store, or “cache,” content such as images and video in places around the world so they are closer to users, allowing them to fetch it more quickly and smoothly instead of having to access the site’s original server. Fastly says its services mean that a European user going to an American website can get the content from 200 to 500 milliseconds faster.
China to offer Covid-19 vaccine to children as young as three
Israeli parliament to vote on anti-Netanyahu government on Sunday TEL AVIV AGENCIES
BEIJING AGENCIES
China has approved the emergency use of a Covid-19 vaccine for those as young as three, the drugmaker confirmed Tuesday, making it the first country to offer jabs to young children. Since the coronavirus first emerged in central
China, Beijing has mostly managed to bring the country's outbreak under control, and has administered over 777 million vaccine doses after a sluggish start. A spokesperson for Sinovac told AFP its vaccine had been approved for use on children. "In recent days, the Sinovac vaccine was approved for emergency use in three- to 17-year-olds," the spokesperson said.
But he did not confirm when the young children would be able to start receiving the shots, saying the schedule for the rollout will be decided by the National Health Commission "according to China's current epidemic prevention and control needs and vaccine supply". The company has completed early phase trials of the vaccine in children and adolescents, with results to be published shortly in the Lancet scientific journal, the spokesperson added. State broadcaster CCTV reported over the weekend that an unnamed official in the State Council's epidemic response task force had said vaccines had been approved for children, and "the safety and effectiveness" had been proven. A spokesperson for China's other major vaccine, Sinopharm, said that experts had demonstrated the effectiveness of its vaccine in children, but didn't confirm whether it had been approved for use. Chinese officials have said they are aiming to inoculate 70 percent of the population of 1.41 billion by the end of this year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved both the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines for emergency use in adults aged 18 and older, and both jabs are being administered in several countries around the world. While the WHO does not currently recommend vaccinating children against coronavirus, the United States, Britain, Singapore and the European Union have approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for those as young as 12. China reported 33 new Covid-19 cases Tuesday, including 19 in southern Guangdong province where authorities have been battling a local outbreak.
Israel's parliament speaker has scheduled a vote for Sunday on a new government that would end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year rule, the longest in the country's history. Parliament speaker Yariv Levin, a Netanyahu ally, announced the timing of the vote on Tuesday, a day after acknowledging that a coalition had been formed. The fragile coalition consists of eight parties spanning Israel's political spectrum, with only a narrow majority in the 120-member Knesset, or parliament. But it appears to have held together despite a furious campaign by Netanyahu's supporters that has included death threats and protests outside lawmakers' homes. Netanyahu has accused his erstwhile right-wing allies of betrayal for allying with leftists and a small Arab party that he had also courted. Naftali Bennett, an ultranationalist former Netanyahu ally, would serve as prime minister for two years, followed by the centrist Yair Lapid, the driving force behind the coalition, who thanked the speaker for scheduling the vote. “The unity government is on the way and ready to work on behalf of all the people of Israel,” Lapid said. Israel held four elections in less than two years, the most recent in March. Each time, voters were deeply polarized over whether Netanyahu should remain in office while facing allegations of corruption, for which he is now on trial. An emergency government formed last year to address the coronavirus pandemic was mired in political infighting and collapsed in December. Netanyahu tried and failed to form a government after the March elections before the mandate was given to Lapid. The political transition, which could yet be derailed, comes amid heightened tensions following weeks of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police in Jerusalem that ignited a wave of ethnic violence in Israeli cities and triggered an 11-day Gaza war.
Spy phones 'in gangsters' back pockets' betray hundreds to police CANBERRA AGENCIES
A global sting in which organised crime gangs were sold encrypted phones that law enforcement officials could monitor has led to more than 800 arrests and the confiscation of drugs, weapons, cash and luxury cars, officials said on Tuesday. The operation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Australian and European police ensnared suspects in Australia, Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East involved in the global narcotics trade, the officials said. Millions of dollars in cash were seized in raids around the world, along with 30 tonnes of drugs including more than eight tonnes of cocaine. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the operation had "struck a heavy blow against organised crime – not just in this country, but ... around the world". Operation Greenlight/Trojan Shield, conceived by Australian police and the FBI in
2018, was one of the biggest infiltrations and takeovers of a specialised encrypted network. It began when US officials paid a convicted drug trafficker to give them access to a smartphone that he had customised, on which he was installing ANOM, also styled An0m, a secure encrypted messaging app. The phones were then sold to organised crime networks through underworld distributors. The FBI helped to infiltrate 12,000 devices into 300 criminal groups in more than 100 countries, Calvin Shivers of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division told reporters in The Hague. COCAINE IN FRUIT: In a pattern repeated elsewhere, one Australian underworld figure began distributing phones containing the app to his associates, believing their communications were secure because the phones had been rebuilt to remove all capabilities, including voice and camera functions, apart from ANOM. As a result, there was no attempt to conceal or code the details of the messages -
which police were reading. "It was there to be seen, including 'we’ll have a speedboat meet you at this point', 'this is who will do this' and so on," Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said. "We have been in the back pockets of organised crime ... All they talk about is drugs, violence, hits on each other, innocent people who are going to be murdered." The phones were such a hit that Italian mafiosi, Asian triads, biker gangs and transnational drug syndicates all began using them, providing the FBI and its partner forces around the world with a trove of 27 million messages. Shivers said the FBI had been able to see photographs of "hundreds of tons of cocaine that were concealed in shipments of fruit". PRINTERS FOR GUN PARTS: Australian police said they had arrested 224 people, including members of outlawed motorcycle gangs, and disrupted 21 murder plots. On Monday alone, they seized 104 firearms, including a military-grade sniper
rifle, as well as almost A$45 million ($35 million) in cash, including A$7 million from a safe buried under a garden shed in a suburb of Sydney. In Europe, there were 49 arrests in the Netherlands, 75 in Sweden and over 60 in Germany, where authorities seized
hundreds of kilograms of drugs, more than 20 weapons and over 30 luxury cars and cash. Finnish police not only detained almost 100 suspects and seized 500 kg of narcotics but also found a warehouse with 3-D printers used to manufacture gun parts.
Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
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England series will not be broadcast in Pakistan: Fawad NEWS DESK Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said that Pakistan's upcoming tour to England would not be broadcast in the country due to a license issue with Indian broadcasters. Addressing a press conference after the federal cabinet's meeting in Islamabad, he said that the PTV's request for a contract with Indian broadcasters, Star and Asia, who have the rights to air the match, was rejected by the cabinet. “Indian companies hold the rights to broadcast [matches] in South Asia .... and we cannot conduct business with any Indian company," he said. The information minister said Pakistan would approach the England Cricket Board (ECB) to try and arrive at another solution, reiterating that the country would not do business with India till it takes back the August 5 2019 decision, when New Delhi revoked occupied Kashmir's special status. "Normalisation of ties with India is subject to it taking back the August 5 decision," he said. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and PTV will indeed face considerable losses as a result of this, the information minister added. The first match of the series, an ODI, will be played at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on July 8.
FA names corporate boss Debbie Hewitt as first woman chair
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EFORE the French Open, Tamara Zidansek had never advanced past the second round at any Grand Slam. The former snowboarder has now become the first woman from Slovenia to reach the semi-finals at a major tournament. Spurred on by the vocal support of her coaching team on Court Philippe Chatrier, the 85th-ranked Zidansek defeated Spanish rival Paula Badosa 7-5, 4-6, 8-6 Tuesday at the claycourt tournament. “It feels overwhelming,” she said. The French Open is the only remaining Grand Slam where tiebreakers are not played in the last set. Wimbledon recently installed tiebreakers at 12-12 in the final set. After splitting the first two sets, Badosa violently threw her racket in anger at the changeover after Zidansek held for a 6-5 lead in
the third. She regained her composure but Zidansek then saved three break points to take a 7-6 lead and converted her second match point with a big forehand in the next game. Zidansek, a three-time national junior snowboarding champion in Slovenia, will face either Elena Rybakina or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova for a spot in the final at Roland Garros. In perfect weather conditions, both players pulled off some spectacular winners but also hit a lot of unforced errors. Badosa, who was among the six women in the quarterfinals at a major for the first time, said she was too nervous. “I didn’t feel myself in the whole match," she said. “I’m a little bit sad about that, because I think I played maybe the worst match of the tournament and of the clay season, but sometimes it’s like that." Badosa applied pressure from the start with a flurry deep groundstrokes from the baseline. The strategy worked as Zidansek dropped her first service game and then trailed 3-0. But an
error-strewn game from Badosa gave her rival a break and a boost. Zidansek started to return better and went for her shots, linking attacks with bold moves at the net to even the score at 3-3. Badosa saved a set point in the 12th game with a forehand attack but could not fend off the second as her poor drop shot ended up in the net. Badosa trailed 4-2 in the second set after a series of unforced errors but Zidansek could not build on the momentum and struggled with her serve, too. The Spaniard rallied, made the decisive break in the ninth game at love and sealed the set with a big forehand. The 23-year-old Zidansek opened this year’s tournament by upsetting seventh-seeded Bianca Andreescu in the first round for her first career win over a top-10 player. In that match, she was two points from defeat in both the second and third sets. Zidansek reached a careerhigh ranking of No. 56 in June 2019.
LONDON: England's Football Association on Tuesday named corporate executive and former RAC chief Debbie Hewitt as its first woman chair. The move ends months of speculation over Greg Clarke's successor following his exit over inappropriate remarks. The FA, which was formed in 1863 and has been working to become more inclusive, launched its 'Pursuit of Progress' initiative in 2018 to increase the diversity of those playing, officiating, coaching, leading and governing English football. Clarke resigned in November after a row over his reference to "coloured footballers" during questions from members of parliament. "As the events in recent months have shown, this is a significant moment in time for English football, with a clear purpose for all stakeholders to secure the long-term health of the game at all levels," Hewitt said in a statement. English football was also thrown into turmoil in recent months after a failed attempt by 12 European clubs, including six from England, to set up a breakaway European Super League. Hewitt, currently chairwoman of Wagamama-owner Restaurant Group, was the unanimous choice of the FA's seven-member selection panel, and will succeed interim Chair Peter McCormick, the FA said on its website. "(Hewitt's) experience across many different areas of business and general approach will allow her to work collaboratively across the game, while providing her own insight, experience and judgement on the issues that matter most," McCormick said. Hewitt, currently also the non-executive chair of Visa Europe, BGL Group and White Stuff, will step down from her role in Restaurant Group when she joins the FA in January 2022. AGENCIES
Tokyo 2020 board talks about vaccines, but no word on further delay TOKYO AGENCIES
Japan’s 2020 Olympics committee may seek further vaccine donations to make the rescheduled Games as safe as possible, Tokyo 2020’s CEO said after a board meeting on Tuesday, stressing that there had been no talk of further delays. The Olympics have already been postponed by a year amid global concerns over how organisers can keep volunteers, athletes, officials and the Japanese public safe when they begin on July 23 after a fourth wave of infections. Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto flatly denied there had been any talk of cancellation or further postponement at the executive board meeting. “There was no talk on that whatsoever,” he told reporters. Instead, he spoke of possibly seeking further vaccine shots, adding that “there is an ongoing discussion on whether we should be vaccinating Olympic-related staff more widely”. Most people in Japan oppose holding the Games at all, several polls have shown, and a top Japanese virologist and government adviser was quoted on Tuesday as saying it was impossible to have a risk-free Games. Tohoku University professor Hitoshi Oshitani was an architect of Japan’s “Three Cs” approach to the pandemic, which advises avoiding closed spaces, crowds and close contact. “It’s 100 per cent impossible to have an Olympics with zero risk…of the spread of infection in Japan and also in other countries after the Olympics,” the London Times quoted Oshitani as saying.
“There are a number of countries that do not have many cases, and a number that don’t have any variants. We should not make the Olympics (an occasion) to spread the virus to these countries,” he added, noting most countries lack vaccines. However, a former Olympian turned public health expert said she believed the Games can be pulled off with an acceptable level of risk. “There will be cases, but having one case or a couple of cases doesn’t mean that it was a failure,” Tara Kirk Sell, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told Reuters on Tuesday. Playbooks from event organisers detailing testing regimes and movement restrictions for athletes and other visitors “outline a good strategy” for minimising contagion, Sell added. PRAYING FOR SAFE GAMES: Media arriving from abroad to cover the Games will be closely monitored to ensure they don’t leave pre-registered areas such as hotels and sports venues, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said. She also said Japan’s Olympics-related staff were expected to start getting vaccinated in mid-June. “… we are still in a very difficult situation, but we have seen a gradual decrease of infections in Tokyo, and I am praying that the pandemic is brought under control as swiftly as possible,” Hashimoto said at the start of the Tokyo 2020 board meeting. Japan has been spared the explosive outbreaks seen elsewhere but has recorded over 760,000 cases and more than 13,600 deaths. Tokyo and other regions are under a state of emergency as the nation battles a fourth
wave which is straining hospitals. The government’s top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, said last week medical experts planned a statement on the Games by June 20, when the state of emergency is set to be lifted. A labour union in the northern island of Hokkaido, where the Olympic marathon will be held, petitioned its governor on Monday calling for the Games to be cancelled, media said.
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Japanese Olympic Committee board member Kaori Yamaguchi, a judo bronze medallist at the 1988 Games, said on Friday Japan had been “cornered” into pressing ahead with the Games. Japan’s public remains divided about holding the Games, although opposition appears to be easing somewhat. A poll by broadcaster TBS this week showed 55 percent wanted the Games either postponed or
cancelled – down 10 points from last month. Sell, a silver medallist swimmer at the 2004 Games in Athens, said accelerating vaccinations and ebbing case numbers in Japan were positive signs the Olympics can go ahead. “These Games are very much a symbol of the whole world emerging from this terrible, global pandemic,” she said. “If we wanted to be as safe as possible, we’d never leave our house.”
Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
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EITERATED the incumbent government’s commitment to supporting the agriculture sector for economic uplift, Prime Minister Imran Khan asked industrialists to avoid profiteering and cartelisation that embroils public in inflation. Addressing a delegation of farmers who called on him at the Prime Minister House today to discuss their issues, PM Imran said he firmly believed that the country would rise through the agriculture sector, and stressed upon the industrialists to “make profits, but avoid profiteering”. He asked them to not make cartels that ultimately burden the public with inflation. “I assure you the government will not let farmers be exploited and my team and I will keep in contact with you,” he told the farmers. He said his government’s efforts had resulted in the timely payment for sugarcane crops to farmers during the crushing
seasons, which was not the case previously. He said he had asked his team to meet farmers and explore new innovations being employed by the world in the agri-
culture sector. “Until we modernise and upgrade our industries, we can’t move forward,” he remarked. He said he grew up watching Pak-
istan’s rapid rise and also saw its quick decline due to ‘injustices’ in the country. “It is the law of the Almighty Allah that any nation that does justice to its people will rise and progress.” The prime minister regretted that farmers were not getting their due share. “There was a mafia ruling in this sector and it was making the most of our corrupt system.” He said corruption by rulers at the helm ultimately ruins the country. “And same is the story of all third world countries.” He reiterated when corrupt leaders rule the roost, they make money and destroy the governance system, thus halting the country’s progress. PM Imran said his government had confronted the sugar mafia, which had also threatened the FIA of triggering a sugar shortage in the country if the investigation against them continued. He insisted that the country would move upwards from that point on, adding that China had always extended its support for upgrading Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
French President Macron slapped in the face during crowd walkabout PARIS agencies
French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face on Tuesday by a man in a crowd of onlookers while on a walkabout in southern France, video of the incident showed. Macron’s security entourage quickly intervened to pull the man to the ground and move Macron away from him. Two people were arrested in connection with the incident, broadcasters BFM TV and RMC radio reported. The incident took place while Macron was on a visit to the Drome region in southeastern France, where he met restaurateurs and students to talk about how life is returning to normal after the Covid-19 epidemic.
In a video circulating on social media, Macron, dressed in shirt sleeves, could be seen walking towards a crowd of wellwishers who were behind a metal barrier. The French president reached out his hand to greet one man, in a green T-Shirt, with glasses and a face mask. The man could be heard shouting out “Down with Macronia” (“A Bas La Macronie”) and then he delivered a slap to Macron’s face. Two of Macron’s security detail tackled the man in the green T-shirt, while another ushered Macron away. But Macron remained in the vicinity of the crowd for a few more seconds, and appeared to be talking to someone on the other side of the barriers. The presidential administration said there had been an attempt to strike Macron, but declined further comment.
US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain WASHINGTON agencies
The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer. As early as this week, the top US commander for the Middle East, Gen Frank McKenzie, will give Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin a range of military options for securing the US embassy in Afghanistan and providing counterterrorism support from outside the country once the withdrawal is complete, officials said. The number of American troops needed for the overall
security missions inside Afghanistan will depend on a variety of requirements, and could range from roughly a couple hundred to a bit less than 1,000, officials said. McKenzie’s deliberations are a reminder that much about US postwar support for Afghanistan remains uncertain, including how to protect Afghans who worked with the US government from reprisals and how to avoid an intelligence void that could hamper US early warning of extremist threats inside Afghanistan. At stake is not just a political verdict on President Joe Biden’s judgment about the risk posed by renewed instability in Afghanistan, but also the legacy of an American war that was launched 20 years ago in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and that imperceptibly morphed
into what Biden calls “this forever war.” McKenzie is expected to provide options on the amount of aerial surveillance and drones needed to keep an eye on any potential resurgence of al-Qaida, ISIS or other militant groups. Those options will involve US aircraft from ships at sea and air bases in the Gulf region, such as the Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. And they could range from persistent US overwatch to a more minimal presence. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss planning details, said there are no options yet for basing US troops or aircraft in nations neighbouring Afghanistan, because those possibilities require diplomatic negotiations.
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Trudeau promises action against far-right groups after attack on Muslim family LONdON agencies
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday promised to take more action to dismantle far-right groups after a hatemotivated attack that killed four members of a Muslim family in the city of London, Ontario. “This was a terrorist attack, motivated by hatred, in the heart of one of our communities,” Trudeau said in the House of Commons after observing a moment of silence. The family, killed on Sunday when a pickup truck jumped the curb and ran them over, were deliberately targeted because of their religion, Canadian police said. “We’ll continue to fight hate online and offline … (including) taking more action to dismantle far-right hate groups, like we did with the Proud Boys by adding them to Canada’s terror listing,” said Trudeau, who is due to attend a vigil outside the London Muslim Mosque for the victims later on Tuesday. Police in London arrested Nathaniel Veltman, 20, in a parking lot about three-tenths of a mile (500 meters) from the London Muslim Mosque. He was wearing a bodyarmor type of vest. Veltman, who is white, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Authorities are reviewing the possibility of terrorism charges. The attack was the worst against Canadian Muslims since a man gunned down six members of a Quebec City mosque in 2017. London Mayor Ed Holder said it was the worst mass murder in his city’s history. In September 2020, Mohammed Aslam Zafis, a Muslim man, was stabbed to death outside a Toronto mosque. Police charged a 34-year-old man with murder. In February, Canada designated the far-right Proud Boys group a terrorist entity, saying it posed an active security threat after the January assault on the US Capitol in Washington. Although the group has never mounted an attack in Canada, officials said domestic intelligence forces have become increasingly worried about it. “Muslims wonder, how many more lives will it take, how many families will be mowed — mowed — down in the streets, how many more families will be killed before we do something?” opposition New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, the first person from an ethnic minority to lead a major Canadian political party, said in the House of Commons after Trudeau spoke. An anti-Islam rally was held in London in 2017 that was organised, according to media reports, by a group called the Patriots of Canada Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA). Counter protesters greatly outnumbered the anti-Islam demonstrators at the event, according to media reports at the time. In a statement released late on Monday, the relatives of the victims said the accused attacker “was influenced by a group that he associated with,” but did not identify the group or explain how they knew this information. Veltman appears to have had little social media footprint. A spokesperson at the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, an organisation that tracks hate groups, said that is unusual for a 20-year-old man. “Someone poured poison into his ear,” said the spokesperson, who asked not to be named. “We hope that further information will be shared to help determine and identify his online and media consumption.”
Pakistan stresses global push to ensure access to clean, affordable electricity NEW YORK staff RepoRt
Pakistan has called for a global transition to clean energy, maintaining it is a lynchpin for the achievement of the sustainable development goals designed to combat poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. “Although we have made progress towards the achievement of SDG-7 in some areas, the overall effort still falls short of what is needed to meet the goals of the 2030 agenda and the Paris agreement on climate change,” Pakistan ambassador at UN Munir Akram said at the launch of Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report on Monday. The Sustainable Development Goal-7 is aimed at ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The Paris agreement calls for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to limit the global temperature increase in the 21st century to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The virtual event, hosted by the Group of Friends on Sustainable Energy, was co-chaired
by Pakistan, Denmark, Ethiopia and Norway. Welcoming the delegates, the ambassador said the coronavirus pandemic had triggered the worst health and economic crisis of a century but it has further reinforced the significance of SDG-7. “We need reliable and adequate energy to fight the pandemic for hospitals, schools, business, information and communication technologies and households,” he said. Elaborating, Ambassador Akram said that since two-thirds of all carbon emissions emanate from energy use, global transformation to sustainable and renewable energy was essential to realise the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement. As of 2019, he said, 759 million people worldwide still had no access to electricity, much less sustainable energy, and significant gaps remain between urban and rural access. About 2.6 billion people are still without access to clean cooking solutions, the ambassador said, adding that non-electricity end-use sectors, such as heating, cooling and transport, are lagging much further behind. “Improvement in annual efficiency is
projected to reach only 2 percent between 2018 and 2030, far short of the 3 percent needed to achieve the target,” he said. In Pakistan, Akram said, access to clean and renewable energy is a priority domain. “Our policy is driven by three objectives: universal access to energy; doubling the share of renewable energy, and doubling the rate of energy efficiency and conservation,” he said. By 2030, he said 60 percent of all energy produced in Pakistan will be clean energy through renewables and 30 percent of all country’s vehicles would run on electricity. In addition, Pakistan had cancelled two coal power projects, which were supposed to produce 2600 megawatt of energy, and replaced them with hydropower projects. Pakistan’s solar and wind power potential is 40,000 megawatt, making it among the most attractive locations for renewable energy investment in South Asia, Ambassador Akram added. In order to achieve the SDG-7 targets and the Paris goals, he called for accelerated action on three fronts: Identification and preparation of renewable and sustainable en-
ergy projects in both the advanced and developing countries; capacity building in the developing countries to identify, prepare, structure and secure financing for the execution of sustainable and renewable energy projects; mobilisation of the financing re-
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quired for the implementation of sustainable and renewable energy projects. “The UN system, together with the multilateral development banks, have a critical role in achieving these 3 objectives,” the ambassador said.