Thursday, 8 July, 2021 I 27 Dhul-Qadah, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 9 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition
IndIa Involved In hybrId warfare agaInst PakIstan: alvI
IsLAMABAD
P
INP
ReSIDeNT Dr Arif Alvi has said that India by using the soil of Afghanistan and supporting militancy and terrorism in the country, was involved in hybrid warfare against Pakistan. He was addressing the participants of the 7th National Workshop on Baluchistan, who called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.
President Alvi while referring to the terrorist attacks on Pakistan’s Stock exchange Karachi, Johar Town bomb blast, arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav and many other terrorist activities, said that these attacks had been carried out with Indian support to destabilize Pakistan. He stated that India was hatching conspiracies against Pakistan to destabilize it by funding militant organizations to carry out terrorist activities. Dr Arif Alvi India would not succeed in her evil designs as Pakistan’s armed
forces were fully capable to overcome the security challenges, particularly the 5th generation war. The government was seriously focusing on the socio-economic uplift of Baluchistan to bring it at par with other provinces of the country, he remarked. The president highlighted that Gwadar Port and various projects, under the China Pakistan economic Corridor would change the lot of the people of Baluchistan. He said that CPeC would bring enormous opportunities to Baluchistan as the regional countries, particularly Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, would use the corridor for their exports and trade through Gwadar port. Dr Arif Alvi stated that the minerals and fishery sectors of Baluchistan had immense potential and the federal government was taking serious steps to utilize the potential of these sectors for the benefit of the people of Baluchistan. He highly appreciated the fact that the political and military leadership of the country was taking a keen interest in the development of Baluchistan. In response to a question, the president underlined the need for reforming the judicial system to provide speedy justice to the people. He remarked that Pakistan was emerging and the economic policies of the government had started paying dividends as evident from the economic indicators which were on upward trajectory. To a question of a participant about the emerging situation in Afghanistan, President Alvi said that Pakistan had been making sincere efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and he urged the need for a peaceful political settlement of the problems in Afghanistan.
Zahoor Agha appointed new Balochistan governor News Desk More than two months after Prime Minister Imran Khan asked him to step down, Balochistan Governor Justice (r) Amanullah Khan Yasinzai has resigned from his position. Yasinzai had sent his resignation to President Arif Alvi, who appointed PTI’s Syed Zahoor Ahmed Agha as the new Balochistan governor, according to a statement issued by the presidency. “I, Amanullah Khan, do hereby tender my resignation as governor Balochistan today,” the resignation letter dated July 7, 2021, a copy of which was seen by Dawn, stated. Meanwhile, the prime minister on Wednesday appointed Jamhoori Watan Party chief and MNA Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti as his Special Assistant on Reconciliation and Harmony in Balochistan, Radio Pakistan reported. A notification to this effect was issued by the Cabinet Division. In April, Prime Minister Imran had requested Yasinzai to resign, saying he intended to appoint a new governor in view of the “transformed political challenges” facing Pakistan. In a letter to the governor, the premier had said that given the existing political situation, “dexterity and deftness is needed […] for a delicate balancing act to simultaneously ensure political inclusion and fulfilment of our commitment towards the people of Pakistan.” “This, of course, does not in any way reflect adversely on your competence or performance,” he
had added. According to sources, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Balochistan wanted to bring its own governor in the province, and the party’s local leaders had been demanding Yasinzai’s replacement for some time. The party has nominated Nawabzada Humayun Khan Jogizai, Muneer Ahmad Baloch and Nawaz Ghous Bux Barozai for the new governor. A source in the Prime Minister’s Office earlier said PTI leader Syed Zahoor Agha was one of the top candidates for the slot. Amanullah Yasinzai was appointed as the governor of Balochistan by President Alvi on the recommendation of Prime Minister Imran in October 2018. He served as the chief justice of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) from 2005 to 2009. Yasinzai, along with four other judges of the BHC, resigned from their posts apparently to avoid facing references in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). The former BHC chief justice had taken oath as a Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) judge when former military dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf declared an emergency on November 3, 2007. In 2009, references against Yasinzai were sent to the SJC in accordance with the July 31, 2009, judgement of the Supreme Court regarding PCO judges. Yasinzai was born in the year 1954 in Quetta and completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s from the Forman Christian College, Lahore. He started his law practice in 1981 and was appointed as judge of the BHC in 1997.
02
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
KARACHI
NEWS
ImrAn prAIses depArtments After pAKIstAn rAnKed Among top CountrIes for hAndlIng CovId-19 IsLAMABAD
p
Staff RepoRt
RIME Minister Imran Khan congratulated the National Command and Operation Centre, which oversees the response to the Covid-19 crisis, on Wednesday after Pakistan ranked third on a list of countries ordered by how much they have returned to normal during the pandemic. The Economist has developed a “normalcy index” which ranks nations by their progress. It tracked eight variables — sports attendance, time at home, traffic congestion, retail footfall, office occupancy, flights, film box office and public transport — for 50 countries representing about 75 percent of the global population and 90 percent of global GDP. At the top of the chart is Hong Kong at 96.3, followed by New Zealand (87.8) and Pakistan (84.4). Whereas India, which has been struggling in face of the pandemic after
a disastrous outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant, is ranked 48 with a score of 46.5. “Congratulations to NCOC members, Ehsaas team & State Bank of Pakistan for effective response to Covid-19 pandemic; and above all thanks to the mercy of Almighty Allah,” the prime minister tweeted, sharing a screenshot of the index. While the South Asian region was seen as a high risk for the pandemic, thanks in part to its very low standards of healthcare, Pakistan has surprisingly done well to contain the contagious disease. At its peak, Pakistan hit nearly 7,000 new cases a day by mid-June last year but that crashed to 330 by September. Apart from that, health experts believe Pakistan might also be helped by its demographics. With a median age of 22, it’s among the youngest countries. Part of the difference for this mortality could come from demographics, given that Covid-19 mortality goes up sharply for the elderly. “Pakistan’s median age being lower will
certainly have an impact,” explained Jacob John, former professor from Vellore city of India. The global normalcy index fell to just 35 in April 2020, before improving gradually over the following months. It currently stands at 66, suggesting that the world has travelled roughly half of the way back to pre-pandemic life, according to The Economist. “Activity is not back to normal in any of the countries we track. The reading for China briefly returned to pre-pandemic levels during its celebrations for the lunar new year in February — owing in part to recordbreaking box-office receipts — but the country now has a middling rank. “Hong Kong and New Zealand — two places that have implemented effective measures against the coronavirus and suffered relatively few deaths — are currently at the top of our table. “Malaysia, which is suffering from a deadly wave of infections caused by the more transmissible Delta variant, sits at the bottom,” the report stated.
‘We will not become part of political alliance to eat halwa or nihari in future’: Bilawal News Desk Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday slammed PML-N and said they will not become part of an alliance “to eat halwa or nihari”. He added that the people who earlier believed in the politics of “do or die” have now shifted to the politics of “begging”. Addressing an election rally in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch area, the PPP chairman claimed his political opponents say that if they have to “beg” to become the prime minister, they will do it. The PPP chairman said if the opposition decides to move a noconfidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan or Chief Minister Punjab Usman Bazdar, his party would support them. “But we will not become a part of a political alliance to eat halwa or nihari in the future,” he said. Criticizing the leadership of the Pakistan Democratic Movement, Bilawal said that PPP brought former president Asif Ali Zardari from hospital and Khurshid Shah from jail to National Assembly to give tough time to the government during budget session but unfortunately leaders of other opposition parties were not present.
JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman should issue show cause notice to those members who were absent from the budget session, he demanded. Bilawal Bhutto further said that people who were talking of kill or cure are now involved in politics of ‘holding feet’ but PPP which has laid down lives and will never do such politics. We will oust the selected prime minister as well
Highest ever demand and supply of power achieved: Hammad IsLAMABAD tLtp
Federal Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar announced that Pakistan achieved its “highest demand and supply of power” in history on Wednesday. In a couple of tweets, the minister said, “Highest demand and supply of power in the history of Pakistan achieved today at 24,284 megawatts (MW).” He added that the increase is not only a reflection of higher demand and generation but also the increase in transmission capacity. In contrast, the highest generation and transmission achieved before the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was in July 2018 at 20,811 MW, said Hammad. He also shared that the “record” was achieved despite the country’s biggest dam Tarbela “producing just 25 percent of its output this year during peak season”. Last month it was reported that Pakistan’s power crisis has gotten worse, with loadshedding extending up to several hours at a stretch in different cities. The country was facing an electricity shortfall of somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000 megawatts during that period.
as Usman Buzdar, he vowed. PPP Chairman further said that Imran Khan cannot make a decision about giving airbases to the United States as the PPP government had already closed US bases in Pakistan. Bilawal said jiyalas would head towards Bani Gala — PM Imran Khan’s residence — after achieving success in the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir
elections. “The real face of tabdeeli is historic inflation, poverty, and unemployment,” the PPP chairman added. Bilawal’s statement comes a day after PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz expressed anger and rejected speculations of her striking a deal with the government. “ّWhy do you people always ask about deals in everything? Why would we strike a deal with those whom we are against? Are we crazy that we would strike a deal with those people?” Maryam had questioned. Speaking of the July 25 elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, she said that “the party has given [her] the responsibility to run the election campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir”. “PML-N is in a strong position in Azad Kashmir, and if transparent elections are held, then there is no doubt that the PML-N will win there,” Maryam said. The PML-N vice president further said that the entire PTI “is at loggerheads with each other”. “If the elections are held, their situation will be plain for all to see. This government will not come again when it leaves,” she said. Maryam said that the choice must always remain with the people when it comes to electing the country’s leadership. “In the case of Imran Khan, the nation has seen the result of such a choice,” she added.
Cabinet approves deployment of troops to ensure transparent elections in AJK News Desk The federal cabinet has approved the request of the Azad Kashmir government and issued a directive for the deployment of military and paramilitary troops alongside 11,000 police officials to ensure transparent elections on July 25. In a letter to the interior ministry, the AJK government had sought the deployment of troops in the region to perform security duties on election day. The request was forwarded to the cabinet which subsequently approved it through a circular issued late Tuesday night, according to a report by Tribune. In a bid to ensure a fair election, the federal government has decided to deploy at least 40,000 police and security officials on polling day. Out of these 40,000 troops, 19,000 belong to the Pakistan Army, 4,000 belong to the Frontier Constabulary, while 2,000 personnel belong to the Pakistan Rangers.At least 6,000 officials of the Punjab Police, 4,000 officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, and 1,000 officials of the Islamabad Police will also perform duties during the AJK elections. The government has also decided that at least 1,600 troops of the Pakistan Rangers will be deployed at the most sensitive polling stations while the Pakistan Army soldiers will remain on stand-by assist if required. All security forces will report to the AJK Election Commission while police and the Punjab Constabulary will report to the AJK government on the election day.
Zardari secures pre-arrest bail in New York apartment case IsLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday granted pre-arrest bail to former president Asif Ali Zardari in a National Accountability Bureau case involving an apartment in an upscale New York neighbourhood purportedly owned by him. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aamer Farooq announced the decision in a hearing wherein the Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson appeared to pursue his application. The court also directed him to submit surety bonds of Rs0.5 million, keeping the dirty money watchdog from arresting him until July 28. The Pakistan Peoples Party cochairperson submitted the request in response to a notice served on him by the dirty money watchdog inquiring about details of the unit. The watchdog had issued a notice, along with a questionnaire, to the former president on June 15, seeking
details of the apartment in Belaire Condominiums — a high-rise condominium apartment building in Manhattan — located at 524 East 72nd Street. In the petition, Zardari insisted that the notice is “baseless and the allegations made therein are based on malafide intentions so as to malign” him. “It is respectfully submitted that the petitioner is not in the ownership of any property in New York including [the] apartment as of the date mentioned in the notice,” the petition read. The petition further said the agency had issued several call-up notices to the PPP co-chief in different matters “to politically damage his reputation”, and added that all those notices were assailed at different forums including at the high court. Zardari, it mentioned, was suffering from several ailments and his earlier confinement had made his medical condition worse and said that he was currently under the special care of doctors who were monitoring his health. The petition nominated NAB
chief retired Justice Javed Iqbal, director general and three others as respondents. In December 2018, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf filed an application before the Election Commission of Pakistan in Karachi seeking Zardari’s disqualification for “concealing” the apartment. In a complaint, a PTI MP from Karachi, Khurram Sher Zaman, alleged Zardari owned the apartment but had not declared it in his nomination for the 2018 general elections in which he returned to the National Assembly. “Because of this act of his, Mr Asif Ali Zardari under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Rules of the Election Commission of Pakistan, [… ] as per the past precedent, should be disqualified from holding public office under Article 62 (1)(f), as in my opinion, he ceases to be truthful and sagacious,” the application stated. “This serious violation of the law needs to be examined by you since Mr Zardari is a former president of Pakistan and co-chairs one of the
major political parties of this country.” Another document that surfaced at the time showed one Mehreen Shah was granted the power of attorney for the condo unit by the former president. Speaking outside the Islamabad High Court, in a thinly veiled assertion that he is being treated unfairly due to his ethnicity, former president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday remarked that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s domicile was “better” than his. To this, he simply said, “Mian Sahab’s domicile is better than mine”. He was referring to underlying resentment among Pakistan’s smaller ethnolinguistic groups against the dominant Punjabi ethnic group. Zardari had been told to show up in person for the hearing even though his counsel had pleaded that he not be required to do so due to his ill health. When asked whether he would advise Nawaz to return to Pakistan, the PPP stalwart said he would not give anyone any advice, but if someone wants to, they can.
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
KARACHI
NEWS
03
ImrAn KhAn tAsKs ‘polItICAlly novICe’ shAhZAIn BugtI to leAd BAloCh reConCIlIAtIon proCess IsLAMABAD
p
Mian abRaR
RIME Minister Imran Khan Wednesday formally initiated a process to open dialogue with the estranged Baloch insurgents by appointing Jamhoori Watan Party chief and MNA Nawabzada Shah Zain Bugti as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Reconciliation and Harmony in Balochistan. According to a notification issued, Bugti would enjoy the status of a federal minister. Interestingly, as the notification came to the fore, a statement by Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal went viral as he opposed the decision to open a dialogue with the estranged Baloch leaders. In a statement published in mainstream newspapers of Quetta, Jam Kamal said that the Baloch elements working on foreign agenda would never be happy and they would keep destabilizing the situation in the Balochistan province. He said that Imran
Khan’s focus were those people living either inside Balochistan or abroad who were unhappy as Balochistan did not serve their purpose. “The Prime Minister […] has been pleased to appoint Nawabzada Shah¬zain Bugti MNA, as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Reconciliation and Harmony in Balochistan, with immediate effect. He shall hold the status of Federal Minister,” a notification from the Cabinet Division said. The appointment comes on the heels of the government working on holding talks with “disgruntled Baloch leaders who are not associated with India. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, a day earlier, had said Balochistan would soon be a “cradle of peace” in the country, adding that those involved in Lahore’s Johar Town blast — who the government earlier said have links with India — have been arrested by authorities. PM Imran Khan, two days back, had
said he was mulling over speaking to the insurgents in Balochistan, as the situation in the province had changed, and Pakistan was moving towards a better future. SHAH ZAIN LACKS REQUIRED POLITICAL CLOUT, PURPOSE FOR RECONCILIATION: Sana Baloch, a seasoned Baloch nationalist leader and the parliamentary leader of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) in Balochistan Assembly, told Pakistan Today that Shah Zain Bugti was neither part of the solution nor a part of the problem. He said that Shah Zain Bugti simply lacked the political clout and purpose required for a huge task of the reconciliation process in Balochistan. “To be honest, it is a good omen that Prime Minister Imran Khan has adjusted Shah Zain but frankly he can’t play a huge role in the reconciliation process in Balochistan,” he added. When asked to elaborate, Sana Baloch said that if Prime Minister really means business, he should have engaged people
who carry a neutral image and who have legitimacy and are politically influential. Asked who was he referring to, Sana Baloch said that political heavyweights like Akhtar Jan Mengal should be engaged. “Then the PM must also give powers to them. One must know the agenda and Terms of Reference for a meaningful engagement. Then reconciliation could succeed,” he asserted. Shah Zain is a part of the problem, not part of the solution. Fida Hussain Dashti, Finance Secretary of National Party said that the appointment of Shah Zain Bugti was another controversy and this reflects that people in Islamabad have little or no understanding of the complex issue of Balochistan. Else, he said, if Prime Minister Imran Khan is serious in resolving the tiff, he is not being given sincere advice. “One must not forget the fact that Dr Malik Baloch had reached out to the estranged Baloch leaders and there had been a breakthrough. Even Brahamdagh Bugti
Asif didn’t cause ‘single penny loss’ to national exchequer, declares LHC LAHore Staff RepoRt
In a written verdict issued on the bail application of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MP Khawaja Asif, the Lahore High Court on Wednesday declared that him not causing a “single penny” loss to the national exchequer was an “established fact”. However, in the 18-page verdict, Justice Aalia Neelum and Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi further observed that the accusation of Asif being in possession of assets beyond his declared income did merit a formal inquiry. The verdict read that despite the fact that the National Accountability Bureau had told the court that reference against the former minister would be sent to its chairman, retired Justice Javed Iqbal, for approval, a formal reference had not been filed against the suspect until the approval of the bail request.
police arrest man for beating, stripping couple naked IsLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Islamabad police have arrested a man after a video of him thrashing and stripping naked a young couple went viral on social media, the police said Wednesday. “The video of violence against a woman and a man went viral on social media. Islamabad police immediately utilised all resources to arrest the accused in a few hours, registered an FIR and initiated legal action,” the police said in a tweet. The police also arrested one Farhan, reported to be an accomplice of Usman Mirza. “His [other] accomplices are also being arrested,” Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat tweeted. “It is once again requested to please delete the videos which show ID of victims.” According to the first information report, the incident took place within the limits of Golra police station at an apartment building in sector E-11/2. “The video clip of the incident went viral on social media. In the video, five to six men can be seen keeping the victims in custody under gunpoint. The accused also stripped the man and the woman naked while threatening them,” the FIR said, adding that the suspects were also performing “vulgar acts”. The case was registered under Section 354-A (assaulting and stripping a woman of her clothes), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), Section 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and Section 509 (sexual harassment) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Furthermore, it said that a representative of a Dubai-based firm wanted to join the proceedings, but the investigation officer in the case did not include him in the probe. It further said that the PML-N leader has declared his income from foreign sources in his annual tax returns and announced that the agency did not get confirmation of Asif’s wealth stashed in foreign bank banks. The high court has also made part of its decision an application of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar which he had submitted to the NAB. NAB arrested Asif from outside the Islamabad residence of another PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal in December last year on charges of being in possession of assets beyond his declared sources of income. According to a detailed charge sheet, NAB was carrying out investigations against Asif under Clause 4
of the NAB Ordinance, 1999 and Section 3 of the AntiMoney Laundering Act, 2010. “Before assuming the public office in 1991, the total worth of Khawaja Asif’s assets was Rs5.1 million which increased to Rs221m in 2018 after serving on different posts that do not match with his known sources of income,” said the statement. “Accused Khawaja Asif claimed to have received Rs130 million from a UAE firm M/s IMECO, but during the course of the investigation, he failed to present any solid evidence of receiving this amount as a salary,” it said. “This clearly shows that the accused tried to prove his income through fake sources.” Moreover, NAB alleged that Asif was also running a company, Tariq Mir and Company — registered in the name of his staffer — through his frontmen. It said that an amount of Rs400 million was deposited in the account of Tariq Mir and no sources of this huge amount were disclosed.
Minerals sector being restructured into export industry: PM IsLAMABAD tLtp
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that for the first time in the 74 years of history of the country, the minerals and gems sector is being restructured into an export industry. Chairing a meeting of the Gems, Jewellery, & Minerals Task Force on Wednesday, the prime minister said that the government is transforming the traditional techniques in the minerals and gems sector by introducing the latest technology. The prime minister was apprised of the restructuring of the gems, jewellery and minerals sector and the
recommendations over the proposed mineral city. The meeting was informed that Pakistan has the capacity to export precious gems worth 5 billion dollars annually. The transformation of the sector will have a positive effect on the country’s economy, besides generating huge employment opportunities. The meeting was also informed that Pakistan has around 99 different precious gems reserves, making the country the eighth biggest country in the world in terms of its production. The prime minister directed that all these resources should be tapped and effectively utilised through a mechanism by removing the bottlenecks for the investors.
CPEC will not be affected by US-Pak relations, says Dawood News Desk Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said on Tuesday that the Pakistan-US relationship would not impact the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, according to Dawn. Appearing on DawnNewsTV show Live with Adil Shahzeb, he was asked whether Pakistan-US relations could have an impact on CPEC. “I don’t think so,” he responded, adding that the US knew how important the project was for Pakistan and “it will continue to remain so.” “Fifty per cent of investments have come from China and our exports to China increased by 30pc following the FTA (free trade agreement). So it [China] is very important for us from a trade and investment perspective and
China is a strategic partner for us,” Dawood said. Replying to a question on whether the US exit from Afghanistan would have any ramifications on Pakistan’s deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dawood categorically said that he did not think so. He said the finance minister is handling international monetary funds in a proper manner. To another question about the sluggish trend of exports, he said Covid was a factor for slow business activity. He hoped that increasing exports would improve the situation. “We have separate talks with the IMF and the way [Finance Minister] Shaukat Tarin has handled it is quite good,” he said. He also stressed the importance of enhancing Pakistan’s regional trade and lamented that the volume of trade
with the country’s neighbours was “very low”. China, he added, is an important country for Pakistan. Chinese investors are taking keen interest in this part of the region, he said adding that 50 percent of investment is coming from China. Dawood added that Pakistan had decided to approach other regional countries, such as Uzbekistan, to enhance trade relations. The commerce adviser pointed out that the deputy prime minister of Uzbekistan had visited Pakistan this year, showing keen interest in Islamabad’s proposal for business and investment ties. “Their interest is to have a route for their goods from Pakistan to African markets while we need a country in the Central Asian Republics that’s regionally connected and that is Uzbekistan,” he said.
had issued a positive statement about talks. But then things went wrong and dialogue could not succeed,” he said. He said that Shah Zain Bugti was a ‘political novice’ and he would never be willing that Brahamdagh Bugti would return and join the mainstream as both the cousins have a claim on the leadership of the Bugti tribe. Shah Zain Bugti would also not be acceptable for senior Baloch leaders like Khan of Kalat, Javed Mengal, Hairbyar Marri and others. It would have been better if Imran Khan would have formed a committee led by his own party president Sardar Yar Mohammad Rind and include in it the top Baloch chieftains. It would have worked,” he asserted. Asked if Khan had formed a tribal jirga (called Mairh in Balochi), Dashti said it would be an ideal decision. He said that Dr Malik Baloch or any senior Baloch politician could have been given the task to lead a bipartisan jirga to reach out to estranged Baloch leaders.
Covid-19 kills 17, infects 1,517 in a day: nCoC IsLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Pakistan on Tuesday confirmed 1,517 new COVID19 cases, the National Command and Operation Center said on Wednesday. The NCOC said that the number of overall confirmed cases had risen to 966,007, including 909,525 recoveries. The number of active cases has risen to 34,013 who are under treatment across the country, including 1,941 critical patients. According to the NCOC, the pandemic killed 17 people on Tuesday, increasing the overall death toll to 22,469. Punjab is the most affected province of the country with 347,180 infections and 10,791 deaths followed by Sindh which has reported 342,228 cases and 5,536 deaths so far. Sindh has 21,314 active cases while Punjab has 8,155 active cases. The NCOC said on its website that Pakistan has administered 17,759,783 Covid-19 vaccine doses across the country, with 3,427,072 persons fully vaccinated so far.
ministry rejects inclusion of Imran on ‘press freedom predators’ list MoNItorINg report The government has vehemently rejected an international media watchdog’s report that lists Prime Minister Imran Khan on a list of the world’s 37 worst rulers when it comes to press freedom. The angry reaction came in response to a Monday report titled: “Press freedom predators gallery — old tyrants, two women and a European,” released by Paris-based Reporters Without Borders. According to the group, the “cases of brazen censorship are legion since Khan became prime minister” following parliamentary elections in 2018. It claimed during his rule, the distribution of newspapers was interrupted, media outlets were threatened with withdrawal of advertising and television channel signals were jammed. “Journalists who cross the red lines have been threatened, abducted and tortured,” the media watchdog claimed. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in a statement on Tuesday rejected the allegations, saying the government believed in the “freedom of expression and media independence.” In a statement, the ministry said it was surprising that Reporters Without Borders “has jumped to the conclusion” that media in Pakistan are under draconian censorship measures by the government. It said the government has been “taking all possible measures to create a congenial environment for journalists to perform their professional obligations.”
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
04 NEWS
KARACHI
KP to borrow aNother $500m from aDb for DeveloPmeNt Projects PESHAWAR
t
STAFF REPORT
HE Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has sought a loan of $500 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to include DI Khan and Bannu in urban development plan, extend BRT service to Khyber Road, and provide better transport facilities in Swat and Abbottabad districts.
Nigeria urges Pakistan to establish more banking channels for bilateral trade LAHORE SHAHAB OMER
High Commissioner (HC) of Nigeria Abioye Muhammed Bello has called for the establishment of more banking channels to facilitate trade between Pakistan and Nigeria. The HC of Nigeria visited the Lahore Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here on Monday and also addressed trade promotion between Pakistan and Nigeria. On the occasion, LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah delivered the welcome address while Vice President Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, Nigerian Counselor Oluwatoyin Orukpe and Minister Mohammed Goni also addressed the gathering. HC said that trade and investment opportunities in the pharmaceuticals, information technology, construction and textile sectors of the both countries could be exploited through joint ventures. “The High Commission will work closely with the businessmen of the both countries for joint planning. We must move forward to promote bilateral trade and economic relations. Awareness of trade and investment opportunities is very important. In addition, both of the countries should exchange lists of businessmen according to the sectors and both countries should take full advantage of each other’s best geography,” HC said. The LCCI President in his speech said that Nigeria and Pakistan have close ties and both countries are important members of the OIC and the Commonwealth. “The Lahore Chamber has been emphasizing the need to take advantage of trade and investment opportunities in the African continent. Nigeria’s role in the African region is significant as it is Africa’s largest economy. Bilateral trade volume was 307 million dollars in 2019, which decreased to 146 million dollars in 2020. By boosting cooperation in the fields of pharmaceuticals, light engineering products, surgical instruments, sports equipment and valued textiles and automotive parts, bilateral trade could reach 1 billion dollar. In addition to these areas, there are vast opportunities for joint planning in the fields of oil, gas, agricultural technology and renewable energy for both countries,” Misbah said. Misbah added that the situation created by the Covid19 pandemic had improved and that regular exchange of trade delegations was now necessary. “The lack of solid banking channels is hampering trade growth and both governments need to take steps in this regard. Information on duty infrastructure and regulations in African countries is not readily available on the web and other sources. Commercial enterprises of the both countries can play a significant role in exchanging information which will benefit the business sector,” he added. Misbah also informed the HC that a standing committee called ‘Pakistan Africa Business Promotion’ has been set up in the LCCI and through this forum the LCCI wants to establish close liaison with the Chambers of Nigeria so that formal business relations can be established.
The government has already decided to borrow $602 million from the Asian Development Bank for sanitation services in Peshawar, Kohat, Abbottabad, Swat and Mardan. The KP government has now decided to include the upper tehsils of Swat and selected cities of Hazara division, including DI Khan and Bannu, in the same program for which an additional $200 million will be borrowed from the ADB. Similarly, it has been decided to include Warsak Road and
other feeder routes in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Peshawar by including Khyber Road for which a loan of $100 million will be obtained. Plans will also be made for sustainable urban mobility to provide transport facilities in Abbottabad and Mingora for which $200 million will be taken. The provincial government is hopeful for $100 million loan for expansion of Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit project in 2023 for sustainable urban mobility in Min-
gora and Abbottabad, and development in Bannu, DI Khan, Bannu, Hazara Division cities and upper Swat. The loan for the project will be approved by Asian Development Bank by 2024, after which regular work on the project will begin. After the approval of the proposed loan for the urban development project, the loan provided by the Asian Development Bank for the project will exceed $810 million, which is more than Rs 127 billion in Pakistani rupees. The provincial government has prepared a PC-1 of Rs99bn for the project, which will be approved by ECNEC in the next few days, while a separate PC-1 will be approved after getting more loans. Similarly, for Peshawar BRT, the provincial government has already taken a loan of $335 million from the Asian Development Bank. The Euro loan has also been borrowed from the French Development Agency. The provincial government is hopeful to reach an agreement for project readiness financing in September this year.
LCCI calls for boosting textile industry LAHORE APP
Technology and globalisation have created lucrative opportunities for the fashion and textile industry of Pakistan and they should be tapped by concentrating on branding and marketing, said Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Tariq Misbah. Chairing a seminar titled “Latest Trends and Collaboration in Fashion and Textile Industry” on Tuesday, he said that the textile sector was the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and held great significance. “Pakistan is the eighth largest exporter of textile products in
Asia, fourth largest producer and third largest consumer of cotton,” he said. “Pakistan’s textile sector covers 46% of the total manufacturing sector of the country and provides employment to 40% of the total labour force.” He pointed out that the sector also held 60% share in total exports and contributed 8.5% to the gross domestic product (GDP). Misbah remarked that Pakistan’s fashion designing and textile industry had emerged as important components of national trade because of their export potential. He was of the view that the two segments had tremendous potential to secure a mammoth share in the international fashion market, which was
worth billions of dollars. “Pakistani entrepreneurs have successfully earned good name in the local fashion industry and developed various prominent brands with the passage of time,” he said. “Some of them have been able to establish their brands in the international arena as well.” He appreciated local women entrepreneurs, saying they were lifting the textile sector to new heights. “Pakistan can grab a significant share in fashion industry exports if it succeeds in attracting the attention of foreign buyers,” Misbah added. He stressed the need for focusing on value addition because it would help enhance
China reluctant to open Khunjerab border till Covid situation improves ISLAMABAD GHULAM ABBAS
Despite earlier agreement for opening the border with Pakistan for trade after a yearlong closure, China is still reportedly reluctant to open the only route for trade activities until the situation of Covid-19 pandemic improves, reliable sources informed Pakistan Today. Earlier, following Pakistan’s persistent requests, China had agreed to open the Khunjerab border for trade by May 1, 2021 with stiff conditions in view of the Covid-19 situation. However the neighboring country has yet not opened the border despite all arrangements made on Pakistan’s side of the border. “We have been informed that China may allow goods cross the border by July 10, 2021, but we are still uncertain about the development,” said Javed Hussain, head of Gilgit Baltistan Exporters, Importers Association, who
had held a meeting with Chinese officials at Ministry of Commerce here in Islamabad on June 30. According to him, it was agreed in the meeting that the border would be opened on July 3, but that date also passed without any development. “Now we are given another date (July 10, 2021),” he said. “Unfortunately the border would be opened for only imports as Pakistani goods are not allowed to be exported to China through this route. As per Chinese officials only cargo containers would cross the border leaving the goods near the border from where the same would be lifted by Pakistani importers,” he said while replying to a query. “We do not see any chance of export to China via the land route in near future. Chinese side is very cautious about the Corona pandemic,” the businessman said. As a letter issued in April 2021, the Chinese government had informed that Chinese exporters
would leave the goods on a specific location of Pakistan’s side of the border from where importers may receive them after following the SOPs. Similarly, exporters would also leave their goods at the same location which buyers from China would receive after completion of the same process on their side of the border. As per the letter, personnel and the vehicles of both parties have been directed to work in different time frames to avoid direct contact. In this regard, loading and unloading, dropping and hanging up the trailer are to be done separately when the cargo inspection channel is opened. The opening of cargo inspection channels, the letter described, will be implemented in two phases keeping in view that disinfection and sterilisation facilities at Khunjerab-Sost Port will function from May 1. “In the first phase, from April 1 to April 30, both sides should conduct activities separately.
APP
Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Razak Dawood said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s exports to Australia increased by 33 percent during the fiscal year 2020-21 as against the exports of the previous fiscal year (2019-20). In a tweet, the adviser said that the country’s exports to Australia were recorded at $281 million during FY21 against the exports of $211 million in FY20. The adviser congratulated the exporters for accomplishing this new record exports to Australia and encouraged them to aggressively export to this important market.
He also commended efforts of Ministry of Commerce and Consul General of Pakistan in Sydney and urged him to facilitate exporters of Pakistan more to boost country’s external trade. “I am pleased to inform that for FY’21, our exports to Australia increased by 33% to $281 Million as compared to $211 Million in FY’20. I congratulate our exporters on accomplishing this new record export to Australia & encourage them to aggressively export to this important market. I also commend efforts of MOC’s Trade & Investment Minister @ashraf179 & urge him to facilitate our exporters even more,” the adviser tweeted. Earlier, the adviser said that despite the negative impacts of Covid-
There is no need to repositioning the container after unloading. The operation area is on the Pakistani side of the boundary under No 7,” Chinese authorities clarify in their reply. Noting that the entire process would be carried out in Pakistan, local traders have termed the conditions unjustified Earlier, Islamabad had asked China to reopen the border to facilitate cross-border trade and peopleto-people exchanges. In a letter sent to the Embassy of China in Pakistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had stated that the border was closed on December 1, 2019 as per schedule due to the winter season, while its opening on April 1, 2020 was postponed due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. “To support the lives and livelihood of the local population on both sides of the border, it is imperative that regular cross-border trade and P2P exchanges may be resumed. Therefore, the border may be opened from April 1,” the ministry stated. “The esteemed embassy is requested to take up the matter with relevant quarters to open the border on the said date for smooth and regular crossborder movement.” China-Pakistan border remains closed from December 1 till March 31 every year due to severe weather conditions, as per the bilateral agreement.
Master Changan Motors predicts automotive market to double in next 5 years Karachi: Master Changan Motors Limited is disrupting the automotive industry with the vision of Future Forward Forever. The company conducted its first Vendor Conference the first ever conducted by any new entrant in Pakistan’s automotive industry. The company anticipates the automotive market demand to grow twice as much from 300,000 units to 650,000 units in the next 5 years as a result of rapid digital transformations in Pakistan’s economy coupled with a growing young population. The recent population trend shows around 10 million young males are expected to become independent earners in just half a decade. The expected outcome of this population change is a speedy growth in the automotive sector that will most likely create a demand of another 350,000 units and at least 10,000 jobs by 2023 in the industry. PRESS RELEASE
Exports to Australia increased by 33pc in FY21: Dawood ISLAMABAD
profit margins in the export market. He was of the opinion that by enhancing collaboration and liaison between the textile sector and the fashion industry, Pakistan could get the desired results. The LCCI president also talked about the importance of forecasting trends in apparel business and said certain techniques were required to safely anticipate the future. LCCI Vice President Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry said that Pakistani entrepreneurs associated with the fashion industry should remain up to date with modern requirements and be aware of the changing trends in the global market.
19, the exports have performed well in country’s major markets. “I’m pleased to share that our exports have done quite well in our major markets,” the adviser tweeted, adding that the country’s exports to China increased by 34 percent to $2.33 billion during the Fiscal Year 2020-21 as compared to exports of $1.74 billion during FY2019-20. This also showed an increase of $ 586 million during the FY21. Likewise, the exports from Pakistan to Germany grew by 19 percent to $1.5 billion over previous year’s $1.3 billion while the exports to the Netherlands increased by 23 percent to $1.2 billion as compared to the previous year’s $1 billion. The country’s exports to Poland in-
CMYK
creased by 28 percent to $308 million in FY 2020-21 as compared to $ 241 million FY 2019-20, he added. He said that the exporters accomplished achievement despite the problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic and they deserve credit for it. He also lauded the efforts of Ministry of Commerce and Trade and Investment Officer in different countries for their contribution in promoting country’s exports He said, the exports to US were recorded at $ 5.2 billion as compared the exports worth $3.7 billion of last year, showing increase of $1.45 billion. “This is the first time in our history that our exports to the US have crossed the $5 billion mark,” he added
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
KARACHI
NEWS
Global tax reform plan Goes to the G20 MILAN
G
AGENCIES
20 finance ministers meeting in Venice on Friday and Saturday could rally the world’s top economies behind a global plan to tax multinationals more fairly, already hashed out among 130 countries representing 90 percent of world output. On the face of it, the Group of 20 — the world’s 19 biggest economies plus the European Union — have already backed the framework for global tax reform, agreed on July 1 among members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) alongside China and India. But negotiations continue behind the scenes to convince low-tax EU countries such as Hungary, Ireland and Estonia, who declined to sign
up to the OECD deal to tax global companies at a rate of at least 15 percent. Italian Finance Minister Daniele Franco, whose country holds the G20 presidency, said he is “confident” of reaching a “political agreement” among finance ministers in Venice that would “radically change the current international tax architecture”. Taxing digiTal gianTs: The hold-out European countries have relied on low tax rates to attract multinationals and build their economies. Ireland, the EU home to tech giants Facebook, Google and Apple, has a corporate tax rate of just 12.5 percent, while Hungary has one of 9.0 percent and Estonia almost only taxes dividend payments. However, the support of these three countries is crucial for the EU, as the adoption of a minimum tax rate would require unanimous backing from member states.
Bangladesh exports up 15pc as global demand for garments rebounds DHAKA AGENCIES
Bangladesh’s exports jumped 15% to $38.76 billion in the financial year ended June, data showed on Tuesday, led by a rebound in demand for garments as Western economies recovered. The world’s second-largest apparel producer after China took a roughly $6 billion hit in the 2019-20 financial year, with overseas apparel sales falling 18% to $27.94 billion. Garment exports rose 13% to $31.5 billion in 2020/21 from a year earlier, thanks to a 21% surge in overseas sales of knitwear products such as t-shirts and sweaters, but were 7% below the pre-pandemic period of 2018-19 financial year, the Export Promotion Bureau said. Sales of woven garments, such as formal denim shirts and pants, rose only 3%, which exporters attributed to tepid demand as more people worked from home and avoided social gatherings. Bangladesh’s exports in June grew at a record pace of 31% from a year earlier to $3.58 billion, led by more orders from the United States and Europe, the main destinations of apparel sales. Garment industry leaders said they expect exports to increase but rising costs of freight and raw materials could hold back growth. “Order flow is satisfactory. But freight costs and cotton prices are rising up, that could hamper our exports” Shahidullah Azim, vice president of the Bangladesh Garments Exporters and Manufacturers Association, said. “Our garment factories are largely unaffected by the latest pandemic situation at home but we need to control it soon,” said Azim, who supplies Euro-
pean and North American retailers. Bangladesh is currently battling a record spike in coronavirus cases, prompting the government to extend its strictest lockdown to July 14. Garment factories, however, are allowed to operate observing health protocols. Some garment workers are happy as they are able to earn overtime wages, which often account for 20% of their monthly income. “I am really happy that I can
earn some more doing overtime. There was a time when we went to the factory and sat idle all day as there were no orders,” said Munna Khan, a worker in Gazipur, on the outskirt of the capital city Dhaka. Low wages have helped Bangladesh build its garment industry, with some 4,000 factories employing 4 million workers, supplying brands such as H&M and GAP. Readymade garments are a mainstay of the economy, accounting for almost 16% of the country’s GDP.
05
Chinese tesla challenger debuts in hong Kong with $1.8bn Ipo HONG KONG AGENCIES
Shares in electric carmaker XPeng debuted in Hong Kong on Wednesday, as Chinese-based firms trading in the United States seek to avoid the glare of Beijing’s regulators by listing closer to home. XPeng, which is already Nasdaq-listed and is chasing Tesla in China, is the latest Chinese company to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange, following other big tech firms such as video platform Bilibili and search giant Baidu. The Guangzhou-headquartered car maker raised HK$14 billion ($1.8 billion) in its initial public offering ahead of the start of trade in Hong Kong on Wednesday, selling 85 million shares at HK$165 ($21.20) each. Its shares traded around 1.8 percent higher on opening. The IPO comes as Chinese companies face pressure to list closer to home, and shortly after ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing attracted scrutiny over data security when it listed abroad. “Companies have to split their business,” said Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, head of the Center Automotive Research in Germany. Didi’s fate shows how important the protection of Chinese customer data is, he added. Bloomberg News has reported that two other USlisted Chinese electric car makers — Nio and Li Auto — are also aiming to list in Hong Kong. China is the world’s largest car market and Beijing expects new energy vehicles to comprise 25 percent of car sales by 2025. XPeng has come a long way since co-founder He Xiaopeng proposed a merger with another struggling electric carmaker Nio. According to Chinese media reports, Nio’s founder William Li turned him down. XPeng eventually raised $1.5 billion in its US IPO last year. In fiscal year 2020, the Tesla-challenger delivered more than 27,000 vehicles. If XPeng performs well in Hong Kong, it could pave the way for similar pivots by other electric vehicle companies. The proceeds will help expand its product portfolio, technology development and speed up expansion, its prospectus said. Vehicles in its pipeline include an SUV featuring an autonomous driving system to be launched next year, targeting China’s “growing base of technology-savvy middle-class consumers”. But even as revenues rose from 9.7 million yuan in 2018 to 5.8 billion yuan ($900 million) in 2020, the company has yet to turn a profit. Some analysts remain bullish. “XPeng is at the forefront (of autonomous driving) in China, and its gap with Tesla is getting smaller,” said North China University of Technology researcher David Zhang.
Limited capacity, difficult logistics to slow Chinese bitcoin miners’ global shift SHANGHAI AGENCIES
Large bitcoin miners fleeing China to escape a state crackdown will take many months to start operating again, as data centres from Texas to Siberia scramble to secure space and power for them, while many smaller players may struggle to move at all. Bitcoin is created or “mined” by highpowered computers usually at data centres in different parts of the world, competing to solve complex mathematical puzzles in a process that makes intensive use of electricity. The industry in China, which accounted for as much as 70% of the world’s capacity, is in disarray after the State Council, or cabinet, announced a crackdown on bitcoin trading and mining in late May targeting financial risks. Miners in China are now shutting down or looking to move out, seeking tolerant authorities, low temperatures lest machines overheat and cheap electricity – ideally surplus power from hydro plants or oil fields that would be wasted. The power consumed by bitcoin mining globally in early July equates to an annual consumption almost as large as Austria’s, according to estimates from researchers at the University of Cambridge, even after falling
50% since May. While the move is set to fuel the emergence of new mining centres in the longer term, for now the miners are running into limited data centre capacity overseas and logistical challenges. “None of these guys are getting online in June or July,” said Thomas Heller, chief business officer of Compass Mining, explaining miners needed to collect machines scattered around China, test, clean and pack them, ship them abroad, and get through customs before installation. The logistics are harder for smaller Chinese miners with less cash on hand to pay for shipping, and who are also unfamiliar with operating overseas so may struggle to find hosting centres they can trust, miners say. Nonetheless Compute North, which runs data centres hosting bitcoin miners in Texas, Nebraska and South Dakota, for example, is accelerating expansion plans slated for next year to meet “a massive influx of inquiries” from China. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to see a lot of computers sitting in warehouses for the next six, nine, 12 months as the infrastructure catches up,” said Compute North Chief Executive Dave Perrill. “We are targeting the first and second quarter of 2022 for large scale deployments (but) it’s not a simple switch, it takes a lot
of complex engineering, procurement and construction.” Moscow-based BitRiver, which operates data centres in Siberia hosting bitcoin miners, has accelerated plans to build new facilities and expand existing ones to meet some of the demand from those leaving China. BitRiver estimates demand for space in its facilities will rise to 1.5 million mining machines requiring up to 2.5 gigawatts of
CMYK
power, dwarfing its current three data centres’ 125 megawatts. “We know companies are leaving China because they are running straight to us,” BitRiver spokesperson Roman Zabuga said. sPaCE sHORTagE: China’s ban on bitcoin mining may see up to 90% of all mining in the country go offline, according to an estimate by Adam James, a senior editor at OKEx Insights. Some miners are dumping
machines in despair. Kazakhstan-based hosting centre Hive Mining is receiving about four inquiries daily from Chinese potential clients, asking about prices, availability and regulations, said co-founder Didar Bekbauov. Kazakhstan simply doesn’t have enough ready-to-use space in data centres to host all those miners, he said. The ructions in Chinese bitcoin mining, however, are not bad news for everyone. “Our revenue automatically increased after several hundreds of thousands of bitcoin mining machines suddenly went offline in China,” said Dale Irwin, president of Greenidge Generation, a New York-based bitcoin mining and power generation facility. The algorithm governing bitcoin keeps production at a regular pace, adjusting roughly every two weeks to require more computing power to generate bitcoin if many machines are mining, or less if fewer. Since China’s crackdown, the computing power mining bitcoin hit a six-month low. “A lot of countries previously untapped by bitcoin miners, like in Southeast Asia, South America or Australia will be incentivised to use their stranded renewable power,” he said, “These energy markets weren’t needed before.”
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
06 COMMENT
In search of Toadies
Basking in the glory of China But unable to end poverty
Change will not happen if the toadies can help it
O
n the occasion of the centenary of the Communist Party of China, Prime Minister imran khan has reiterated support to the brotherly country’s efforts to safeguard world peace, contribute to global development and preserve international order imran khan is spot on when he maintains that President Xi Jinping’s vision of shared prosperity through the Belt and Road initiative had made a major impact on global sustainable development and proved President Xi’s credentials as a world statesman. He has also noted the fact that China has eliminated extreme poverty, which is one of the greatest achievements in the history of mankind. One would also agree with him that Pakistan and China have close relations and support each other on issues of respective core interests. Further, in an era of complex and profound changes at the global and regional level, the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan remains a strong anchor for peace, progress and prosperity. that being said, one would wish the PM abstains from alternately following the models of Malaysia, turkey and China without realising the peculiarities that led these countries to evolve their particular systems. China’s road to remarkable achievement is based on socialism. among the first steps taken during the revolution in China was land reforms which ended the centuries-old hold of big landlords who exploited the tenants, maintained primitive methods of farming that frequently led to famines and promoted warlordism. socialist China initially went for state-controlled industrialization and allowed the private sector a role only after decades. a significant sector of industry in China still remains under state control. Despite there being eight other parties in the country China is virtually ruled by the Communist Party set up in 1921 and painstakingly organised from the grassroots upwards Pakistan on the other hand was visualised by the founding father as a multi-party modern democracy, a pluralistic society and a welfare state where all institutions were to be under the control of the civilian government. the dream is yet to fully realized. Unlike President Xi, Mr khan depends upon the support of electables who are either big landlords or urban billionaires who are averse to any radical change and move from party to party in the direction of unelected mentors. He can talk about radical change but never affect it.
Dr FariD a Malik
F
ORMER President asif Zardari was in town in search of toadies. after reducing Bhutto’s national progressive party to a provincial retrogressive and corrupt political entity, he now seeks its revival. Punjab is the land of the ‘toadies’. they not only drove out the Quaid-e-azam from the Muslim League, but also played a pivotal role in the fall of Quaid-e-awam. the term ‘toady’ was used for the influentials of the province who sided with the Colonists against their own people. a ‘toad’ is an amphibian which comes out crosking in the rainy weather, also called a barsati maindak (monsoon frog) in the local language. after enjoying the envoirnment, it then recedes, waiting for the next opportunity. Bhutto called Lahore the Leningrad (st Petersburg) of Pakistan. in november 1967, he launched his party from here which then rose to be the largest national political party of the country. He gathered the progressives, cornered and then defeated the traditional ‘ electables ‘ in the 1970 free and fair election. First he himself fell into the ‘ toady trap ‘ in 1977 and now Zardari is desperate to seek their support as his political demise seems imminent. now that the corrupt politicians are being cornered, Zardari is trying to create space for himself leaving the sharifs behind. ‘ toadies ‘ are recognised by several other terms like; leeches, parasites, sponges, sycophants, flatterers, lotas, electables, but no good can be expected from them as they have no love for the land or its people. Unfortunately only after a few years of independence, Pakistan started drifting towards ‘ toadistan ‘.
Islamabad vigilantism
t
HE spirit of vigilantism shown in the islamabad youth’s sudden raid on a couple in islamabad should have cooled off after he was arrested, and charged with stripping a woman of her clothes, which is a capital offence, along with criminal intimidation and sexual harassment. Usman Mirza and a couple of accomplices are accused of having caught a couple in the act and then stripped them, all the while filming this. that the islamabad police acte4d swiftly to arrest the culprit may be commendable, but it should not serve to hide the fact that such sex crimes are becoming all too common. that the accused is not so much a vigilante as a sex offender should be noticeable from the fact that stripping the couple naked is not a punishment known for this offence to traditional panchayats or jirgas, which have previously rendered such sentences. the forcing of the couple to engage in congress indicates a pornographic element, especially the recording of the event as if there was some intention to sell. no court, islamic or otherwise, could render such a punishment, which means that the accused may be doubly criminal, not just by usurping the courts’ function of declaring someone to be punished, but of rendering a punishment no court can give. However, it seems that it was not just justice on the vigilante’s mind, but also other factors. the government should realize that this is merely the tip of a growing iceberg, and evidence, if any was needed, that adventures do not remain behind closed doors but spill over into such horrendous deeds. the government should ensure acrossthe-board implementation of the law and should ensure that none of the weaknesses are left in the police investigation, which enables those accused to escape on a technicality. However, that would be a purely administrative approach. the government also needs to devise ways to help us examine where we are going as a society. it will not be enough to lament the increasing indecency of society, and then go on as usual until the next incident evokes a similar horrifying response.
MuhaMMaD ZahiD riFat
P
akistan’s economy is moving progressively on a higher inclusive and sustainable growth path on the back of various measures and achievements despite a myriad of challenges during the financial year 2020-2021. according to the information gathered from official sources concerned, major achievements of economic performance during FY 2021 are briefly mentioned below: Pakistan was implementing a stabilization policy after the crisis of 2017-18 and the national economy was recovering from macroeconomic imbalances, but covid-19 slowed down the pace. that was recovered initially but the second and third waves of the pandemic one after the other brought significant challenges which were, however, met by the timely prudent policies by the incumbent federal government through its implementing organizations and agencies down the line. Pandemics like covid-19 are a once-in-a-century event that devastate global economies, but Pakistan had done much better in coping with the pandemic than many countries around the globe. the federal government took several measures and important policy decisions: monetary and fiscal measures, smart lockdown, rapid vaccination and so on, while the national Command and Operating Centre (nCOC) as a single organization was made responsible to take key decisions in collaboration with the provinces. the situation was put under control due to the federal government’s timely decision making as a result of which the numbers of daily COViD-19 cases are presently showing a declining trend. Prior to covid-19, the working population of the country was 55.74 million. the number declined sharply to 35.04 million which indicated that either
Arif Nizami Editor Joint Editor
Umar Aziz Executive Editor
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
The writer is ex-Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: fmaliks@hotmail.com.
An overview of The National Economy
Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami
Managing Editor
When the great Muslim General Tariq bin Zayyed landed in Spain, he burnt his boats to clearly send a meassage that there was no going back. Most Pakistani influentials from all fields own expensive properties in London which have been identified and marked yet they shamelessly go about doing business as usual without providing money trails.
Higher growth, sustainable
The accused’s arrest must not end the matter
Yousaf Nizami Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad
With the connivance of the establishment, the founding fathers of the country were driven out of the political arena to be replaced with leeches and parasites. after the first Martial Law was imposed in October 1958, the dictator introduced a dismissed police subinspector into the political arena. Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi then founded the ‘toady Dynasty’ of Gujrat that continues to sponge on the nation till today. then emerged the ‘sharif Dynasty’, the ‘akhtar Dynasty’ in the 1980s, followed by the ‘tarins’ in the q1990s while the evergreen ‘Qureshis’ of Multan were always there, all ‘toadies’ to the core. Unless these electables are weeded out of the political arena, Pakistan has no future. Change will always be stalled by them. in the national elections of 1937, the all india Muslim League (aiML) could only manage to win one seat in Punjab which was under the rule of ‘toadies’ like sir sikander Hayat and khizar Hayat tiwana, who called themselves ‘ Unionists ‘. after the Lahore resolution of March 1940, they joined the Muslim League in droves to save their estates as Congress was committed to land reforms. in the 1946 elections, the aiML did manage to gain a majority in Punjab but the ‘toady influence’ continued. First it was Zulfiqar ali Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) that took them on, followed by imran khan’s Pakistan tehreek-e-insaf (Pti). in the fear of being left behind, the ‘ toadies ‘ joined the Pti in groups. they sold themselves as electables who understood the system well but change was not their forte. Despite the persistent efforts of the Prime Minister, the march forward has been slow mainly because of these ‘toady influences’. the province of sindh also suffers from this
menace, but the land of the five rivers continues to be the nucleus of ‘toadism’. Lack of ownership at all levels has hurt us badl. no one seems to be interested in the common good. Everyone is in a survival mode as if there is no tomorrow. While most of us are linked with the land, the influentials have interests abroad. in the words of President Vladmir Putin, Pakistanis’ only interest in their motherland is to be buried there. instead of building 21st century universities, the sharifs decided to build a state of the art graveyard in Lahore which they called ‘shehar-ekhamoshian’ (silent City). i do not know what happened to this project after the sharif’s were voted out but the Orange train liability continues to haunt the nation. For treatment they go to Harley street in London, though there is a dillapidated road by this name in Rawalpindi not too far from the GHQ from where they were launched by Zia, the third dictator. When the great Muslim General tariq bin Zayyed landed in spain, he burnt his boats to clearly send a meassage that there was no going back. Most Pakistani influentials from all fields own expensive properties in London which have been identified and marked yet they shamelessly go about doing business as usual without providing money trails. First the Colonists used the ‘toadies’ to strengthen and extend their rule; now through them they continue to extract our meagre resources. Unless we get rid of them the ‘toadies’ will continue to ‘toad’ away change, and always be on the look out for merry weather. after all they are nothing but ‘Barsati Maindak’.
I
Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9
I
the people had lost their jobs or were not able to work. However, due to prudent decisions by the federal government, the working population had reached 52.56 million by October 2020. the national economy has witnessed a V-shaped recovery. the current economic recovery, it is pertinent to mention, has been achieved without compromising the internal and external stability of the country. Current account posted a surplus of $ 0.8 billion during July 2020-april 2021 period for the first time in 17 years. inflows of foreign exchange through the Roshan Digital account (RDa) crossed the $ 1 billion mark. During July-april FY 2021, workers remittances posted historically high growth of 29 per cent reaching to the level of $ 24.2 billion. Foreign exchange reserves with the state Bank of Pakistan rose to $ 16 billion mark, four years high. keeping in view the significant performance pertaining to Financial action task Force (FatF) conditions, potential pf exports and e-commerce, Pakistan has been added into the amazon’s seller list. Due to its impressive growth, Pakistan stock Exchange earned the title of being the best asian stock market and the fourth best performing market across the world in 2020. Profile of domestic debt has improved significantly during the tenure of the present government as short-term debt as percentage of total debt has decreased to 23 per cent at the end of March 2021 compared with 54 per cent at end June 2018. Over 80 percent of the net borrowing from domestic sources was through medium-to-long term domestic debt instruments, that is, Pakistan investment Bonds and Government ijara sukuk during the first nine months of FY 2021. Pakistan has entered the international market after a gap of over three years by successfully raising
Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
$2.5 billion through Euro Bonds. the policy rate has remained unchanged at 7.0 percent which led to improved business sentiments and stimulating economic activities, thus enabling employment to recover. Cellular mobile subscribers (number of active siMs) in Pakistan have reached 182 million at the end of March 2021 as compared to 167.3 million by the end of June 2020, showing an increase of 8.6 in nine months of FY 2021. at the end of March 2021, broadband (BB) subscribers reached 100 million at the end of March 2021 as compared to 167.3 million by the end of June 2020 showing an increase of 8.6 percent in nine months of FY 2021. at end of March 2021, broadband (BB) subscribers reached 100 million. the total BB penetration in Pakistan as such stood at 47.6 percent in March 2021 , registering an increase of about 19.7 per cent as compared to end March 2020. the international Monetary Fund (iMF) has acknowledged that the incumbent federal government’s policies have been critical in supporting the national economy and saving lives as well as livelihoods. the iMF and Pakistan have announced the resumption of the stalled $6 billion loan programme. During the period under report, all three major credit rating agencies, that is, Moody’s, Fitch and standard & Poor’s have reaffirmed their sovereign credit ratings for Pakistan. this reaffirmation is reflective of the sound policies of the incumbent federal government and of the confidence reposed by these leading international institutions in the country’s economic outlook.
During the period under report, all three major credit rating agencies, that is, Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s have reaffirmed their sovereign credit ratings for Pakistan. This reaffirmation is reflective of the sound policies of the incumbent federal government and of the confidence.
I
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
I
The writer can zahidriffat@gmail.com
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
be
reached
at
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
COMMENT 07 Editor’s mail Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan today exclusively
Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s Pakistan
What precipitated the US exit from Afghanistan? And what after?
aMjeD jaaveD
T
HE situation in afghanistan is in a state of flux. Even before the vacation of the notorious Bagram airbase, the taliban have been encircling major afghan cities under hostile rule. though well trained and well armed, the afghan troops usually preferred to take to heels rather than ferociously resist the taliban onslaughts. the Us President, in an interview, said that he decided to exit from afghanistan as the objective of taking out Osama bin Laden had been achieved, besides damaging al-Qaeda. the European troops had already left afghanistan quietly. thus, the afghan government is now faced with the grim challenge of facing the taliban with about 25,000 troops and 650 Us marines. the Usa is now more concerned about rescuing about 50,000 contractors (translators, informants and their ilk). in an interview, the Us President boasted that the Usa had achieved the main objective of taking out Osama bin Laden and damaing alQaeda. the affluent afghans, in search of a better future, feel cheated. they thought that the Usa longed for warding off obscurantism and transforming the afghan society into a vibrant enlightened polity. they question the costs of war in money and human toll. the Usa spent Us$2.261 trillion on the afghan war from 2001 to april 2021. about 174, 868 lives were lost. they included Us military 2442, contractors 3846, other/allied troops 1144, afghan troops and police69000, taliban 51,191, and afghan civilians 47,245. american mothers were unwilling to contribute anymore aluminum caskets to arlington Cemetery. american mothers became war weary after receiving 58,200 bodybags during the Vietnam war. the majority of americans believe the Usa failed to achieve its goals in afghanistan (PEW Research Center poll). they were fed up with wars started by Us presidents. this issue exerted an impact on presidential elections also. the afghan government presumed that the americans would never leave afghanistan, or strike a deal with the taliban. the government never prepared itself to make the most of the training and equipment the Usa provided. it never tried to become a viable force after the american exit. the afghan government failed to notice the taliban had become flexible during the course of war, striking compromises with not only the americans but also the northern alliance. the
taliban were no longer fully under Pakistan’s influence. they held negotiations even with india, to Pakistan’s disenchantment. the americans, on the other hand, struck many compromises with the taliban. they began to ignore sOs calls from the government troops under taliban fire. Devoid of air cover, the taliban used to begin each day with about 20 to 40 afghan casualties. the afghan debacle is the cumulative outcome of afghan government’s across-the-board mismanagement and the shifting goalposts of Us objectives. the taliban see the Usa as an aggressor. they draw inspiration from the Holy Quran, Chapter 22:39-40: `Permission to fight is given to those on whom war is made, because they are oppressed . . . those who are driven from their homes without a just cause except that they say: Our Lord is allah.” taliban fighters say `the americans have the watches, but we have the time’. the taliban’s thinking is akin to Vo nguyen Giap’s. ‘i could lose every battle and still win the war. Us secretary of Defence Robert Mcnamara had worked out that i was controlling the frequency and scale of engagements to keep my losses just below the birth rate. that way the Vietnamese could fight for ever.’ (nigel Cawthorner, Victory: 100 Great Military Commanders). afghan President ashraf Ghani admitted on 60 Minutes, ‘without Us and natO support’, his government would fall in six months. `it would fall within six days’ (Newsweek nov. 24Dec. 6, 2018). With the Pak-afghan border fenced, over 30, 000 fleeing `traitors’ (besides troops and Blackwater contractors) may have to be airlifted to Oman, Qatar and Bahrain through airborne brigades and the Us 5th Fleet, if the taliban win. Over 60 percent physical area, and over 90 percent ideological areas, is already under taliban influence. History is on the taliban’s side. the Usa’s 18,000 troops and 27,000 contractors proved to be handy prey. Despite the lure of dollars in elite leaders, the majority of afghans nurture an independent mind and loathe foreign dominance. in 1842, 16,000 British troops evaporated. in 1942 (WWii), British again failed to civilize (gun-point democratize) afghanistan. Britain realized `masterly inactivity’ is the best policy visà-vis afghanistan. afghanistan is commonly called the graveyard of empires. several rulers tried to overpower it. , But it was in vain. they had to bite the dust. alexander the Great had to beat a hasty retreat.Genghis khan lost a son while besieging Bamian. in the 19th century Britain, at the height of imperial power, invaded afghanistan. it was humbled. it never again attacked afghanistan taking refuge under their strategy of ‘Masterly inactivity’. the UssR rushed its troops there in aid of the tottering afghan government. in retaliation, the Usa and its allies cobbled together a resistance, mujahideen. the UssR had its nose bloodied on afghan soil. it retreated. Meanwhile, several component countries under soviet umbrella rebelled. the UssR broke into several independent republics, confining the Union to Russia. a taliban government emerged after the soviet departure. the sole superpower, the Usa, attacked afghanistan to oust the taliban. the ostensible reason was that the taliban had sheltered Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. the taliban had no answer to incessant aerial bombing. their government collapsed. For a while it looked as if the afghan invincibility had been
proved to be a myth. after decades of fighting, it dawned on the Usa that the afghan intervention was a misadventure. the puppet afghan governments were more interested in making money than fighting the taliban. Like Us soldiers, afghan trainees too realized it paid to connive at the taliban presence and let farmers grow poppy. afghanistan became a kleptocratic state where every government posting and promotion depends on power and patronage. afghanistan produces 92 percent of the world’s opium, with the equivalent of at least 3,500 tonnes leaving the country each year. this racket was secured by drug kingpins like ahmed Wali karzai, the beloved brother of former president Hamid karzai, and other influential persons. the essence of UnODC’s policy is that there is a causal (a priori or cause-and-effect relation) between poppy cultivation and the ongoing insurgency. the afghan government handpicks pliable provincial governors for eradication of poppy. these governors feed fictitious figures to the Un agencies about their landmark achievements in rooting out poppy cultivation at its various stages. these focal nodal prodigies have created the euphoria that government-controlled provinces are poppy-free. aside from euphoric reviews, poppy cultivation in afghanistan is flourishing by leaps and bounds. the governors are motivated more by selfinterest than national objectives. they are minting money from all quarters. afghanistan has a predominantly agrarian economy. Opium production contributes 35 percent of afghanistan’s GDP while cereal crops only about 27 percent. there is no industrial structure worth the name, and despite its tall claims, india has not been able to lay tangible industrial infrastructure to boost the afghan economy. afghanistan is one of the world’s least developed countries and the poorest in asia. in terms of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the majority of the country’s population is concerned about physical needs (food, clothing and shelter). Poppy cultivation is the main avenue of physical security. there is a symbiotic relation between the people’s need for socio-economic security and poppy cultivation. the majority of the population is preoccupied with how to survive by ensuring food security by getting employed in poppy cultivation. Yet, they find it difficult to make ends meet. Peace in afghanistan may remain elusive for quite some time due to a complex situation. it has too many stakeholders. Besides the Usa, Pakistan and the taliban, india (Chahbahar Port), iran, China and turkey (turkmen-turkic community) have stakes in afghanistan. the afghan economy is in shambles, and needs support. . Could the Usa spend $43 billion (it would save annually from exit) on afghanistan’s development? Could China, india, iran and turkey together (besides the Usa) start a new Marshall Plan in war-ravaged afghanistan to avoid a clash of interest? What about the postexit 250,000-strong afghan army and the taliban? Will there be no spill-over effect of taliban-enforced sharia on modernist Pakistan? How would the rebellious Pakistani taliban and recalcitrant elements in Balochistan react to the Us exit? Will the ashraf Ghani government and other puppets reconcile, at heart, to the Us exit? The writer is a freelance journalist, has served in the Pakistan government for 39 years and holds degrees in economics, business administration, and law. He can be reached at amjedjaaved@gmail.com
tHis country was created by MaJ to be a modern democratic welfare state. today we are neither a welfare state that Quaid wanted, nor a security state, but a country in utter confusion. instead of pursing vision laid down by Founding Fathers, we have been dilly dallying in an endless debate of presidential or parliamentary democracy. the hard truth is that it was under a so-called Presidential system imposed by likes of iskandar Mirza and ayub khan, that Pakistan without any parliamentary debate, got itself embroiled in a proxy war, by offering Badaber Base for reconnaissance flights over soviet Union ostensibly being part of CEntO, although neither iran, nor turkey were willing to do likewise. it was again under Presidential system that Pakistan chose to disregard China’s advice to liberate iOk in 1962, although MaJ had termed it our jugular vein, because all our rivers originated from there. Pakistan suffered humiliation of defeat, surrender and dismemberment in 1971 under Presidential system of Yahya khan. Finally, after a series of failures, it was a civil government which gave this country 1973 Constitution, which was based on parliamentary democracy. Given our limitations to match india in conventional war, prompted this civil government, with help of parliament to hold historic islamic Conference in Lahore. immediately after this, the parliamentary democratic government decided to lay foundations for building Defensive nuclear Deterrence, inspite of opposition by major super powers. the democratically elected government was removed by military dictator, who Cia Director Casey allegedly claimed to be on their payroll. a presidential system was again imposed, and 1973 Constitution effectively suspended and Pakistan got itself involved in afghan proxy war. We continue to suffer consequences What more will it take for us to realize that we must follow MaJ’s vision? Malik T Ali Lahore
Covid-19 Pandemic: A joke to the world COViD-19 Pandemic has become a rapidly increasing threat around the globe today. More than 3 Million People are affected by this disease and more than 200,000 people died of it. almost entire world took the step of initiating a nationwide lock down in order to combat this pandemic. the lock downs also affected sectors like business, education and economy in a very big way, but the people seem to not understand how dangerous this situation is and all they want is that the government opens everything despite what’s going on or what happened. People around the world are taking this threat as a joke and believe it cannot affect us, so just open up everything so we can continue living the way we used to. they are also not taking the lock down in their country seriously, they come out of their house and walk around like it’s nothing, the traders and the shopkeepers are also rioting over the lock down and threatening to open up their business despite what the government has to say about the current situation. Even the government itself looks like it doesn’t care about the situation; they are taking a ridiculous action of easing the restrictions to save their economy. is the economy much more important than the lives we are losing every day? they cannot even wait till it blows over, they think that the people need us and they need our products. When a person is terrified of covid-19 and its effects then how is he going to think about getting out? the problem is that the people are not even aware of what’s happening in this world and how much more deadly this could get if the restrictions are not in affect. already the number of the affected and the deceased is rising and people don’t seem to understand. they should be terrified of what can happen next if they just ease everything in this darkest hour. these businessmen, traders and others should hope this pandemic come to an end soon, they should think about what these restrictions were made for. they should keep faith in themselves and the others and protect the others and themselves. ZuHAib SHAH Karachi
Tiktok Addiction: tiktOk has slowly become the requirement of every teen. the addiction of tiktok among youth has created a lot of tension among their parents. Constant use of this application has become a pain more than enjoyment for people. tiktok is seen to be a time-waster. People unnecessarily spend a lot of time in creating music videos. the time they put in creating these videos when invested in learning any new skill or knowledge can prove to be a lot more beneficial to them in the future. some people use this application to make fun of people, community or religion. Recently there has been released a music video where people have made a prayer video with hilarious dance that makes fun of islam religion. Whether teens do it for a genuine career or fun, this app comes with risky consequences. in place of playing sports, focusing on their life, or prioritizing their study and career in their golden years, they are addicted to this meaningless app. MAMooNA GHAFFAr islamabad
Depression in Quarantine in this time of a global health, crisis being in quarantine and staying home keeping ourselves isolated is the only thing we can do to fight against the virus. But with its benefits there are also some disadvantages. keeping yourself constantly isolated from people may put us in the risk of depression and other psychological issues. With addition to fasting, people have gone more frustrated and angry even on little things. to fight depression we must do productive activities like reading books, doing art or indoor workout in quarantine so that we keep ourselves busy in something rather than falling into depression. FATiMA KHoKHAr Wah Cantt
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
08 WORLD VIEW
AfTEr AfghAnISTAn fAllS, whAT nExT?
Stan Swamy’s murder is a microcosm of the not-so-slow murder of Indian democracy
ACCORDING TO A NEW ANALYSIS BY RESEARCHERS AT BROWN UNIVERSITY, AMERICA’S TWO-DECADE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN COST IT NEARLY $2.3 TRILLION
Project Syndicate
O
DJooMart otorbaeV
N July 2, the U.S. military handed control of the vast Bagram Air Base to the Afghan government. U.S. troops and their NATO allies are now on track to leave Afghanistan by mid-July, well ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden’s Sept. 11, 2021, withdrawal deadline. According to a new analysis by researchers at Brown University, America’s two-decade war in Afghanistan cost it nearly $2.3 trillion. Now, Afghanistan’s neighbors — Pakistan, Iran, China, India and the Central Asian countries — are wondering just how much it will cost them to maintain security after the United States is gone. In late June, the U.S. intelligence community concluded that the Afghan government could collapse within six months of the U.S. withdrawal — a stark downward revision of its earlier, more optimistic assessment. As the Taliban has swept through northern Afghanistan, capturing dozens of districts and major cities, Afghan security forces have often surrendered without a fight. According to a June report from the United Nations Afghanistan Sanctions Monitoring Team, the Taliban now exercises direct control over more than half of the country’s regional administrative centers, and controls up to 70% of the territory outside urban areas. The tremors from these Taliban victories are al-
ready being felt across the region. Fierce fighting has occurred a mere four hours from Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe. On June 20, Taliban militants operating in northern Afghanistan surrounded government forces in Kunduz, the country’s sixth-largest city (population 300,000). Then, on June 22, the Taliban captured the Afghan-Tajik border outpost of Sher Khan Bandar without a fight. Meanwhile, Tajikistan’s border service reported that 134 Afghan servicemen had received asylum at the crossing. Another 53 Afghan border troops and local militiamen retreated from a Taliban onslaught in Afghanistan’s Shortepa district by crossing into Uzbekistan; and on July 5, more than 1,000 Afghan soldiers reportedly fled across the border from Badakhshan Province into Tajikistan. A complete Taliban takeover of the Amu Darya and Panj rivers dividing Afghanistan from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will likely occur within weeks. Since this outcome would allow the Taliban to control Afghanistan’s international borders along this front, the risk of large refugee flows from Afghanistan into Central Asia, and then on to russia and europe, has sharply increased. After clandestinely supporting the Taliban as a means to undermine the U.S. war effort, russia now fears broader destabilization in Central Asia and beyond. In response to recent developments in Afghanistan, russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says that, “By the end of this year, the command of the Central Military District will have to re-equip two aviation regiments with modernized Su-34M fighterbombers and MiG-31BM fighter-interceptors.” These reinforcements of russian air power in the region “will significantly increase the district’s capabilities to engage the enemy with fire and combat cruise missiles in the Central Asian strategic direction.” Similarly, after having made nice with the Taliban, China also now fears the greater regional instability that the U.S. withdrawal may incite. In addition to disrupting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s eurasia-
Theaterisation pangs CONSENSUS ELUDES PLAN TO INTEGRATE THEATRE COMMANDS
Djoomart Otorbaev is a former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan.
Scroll
T
DILIP KUMAR WAS THE FIRST KHAN OF BOLLYWOOD, THE PRINCE SALIM OF OUR HEARTS
E
Shobhaa De
very single Bollywood actor wants to be Dilip Kumar – even Amitabh Bachchan. Well, the unchallenged emperor of Cinema vacated his throne on Wednesday after dominating the hearts of adoring fans for five decades. The word ‘thespian’ seems to have been coined and reserved for just one man – him. And yet, for all that, Peshawar born, one of twelve children, Muhammed yusuf Khan, remains a man of mystery to most – perhaps by design. Aloof, soft-spoken and aristocratic in his bearing, how Dilip Kumar became the ‘ultimate actor’, starting with his first film Jwar Bhata (1944) for Bombay Talkies and ending with his last screen appearance in an entirely forgettable Qila (1998), deserves several hefty books. each performance was a master class in acting. In an era where movie stars in India have frequently chalked up a filmography of 100 and more films in two decades, here was a fastidious professional whose 50 years in front of the camera saw him perform in just 65 films – that’s 13 films per decade. Nothing. And yet, everything. During his life, he became the most revered actor of all time, spawning countless wannabe Dilip Kumars and giving birth to the ‘Dilip Kumar School of Acting’, as it were. every newcomer referenced and happily channeled his
inner Dilip Kumar without the slightest embarrassment or hesitation. As if! His brand of dialogue delivery was mimicked and mangled by many. The specific ‘Dilip Kumar gaze’ became a standard that nobody could reach. Let’s not even try to count those who fell by the wayside doing a Dilip Kumar. What was it about this man? I am stumped for an appropriate response. I have to admit I am no authority on either his personal or professional life. I watched a handful of his films way back when, and interviewed him just once, on the lawns of the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai (he was a cricket enthusiast). Much to my annoyance, my purana-wala bulky tape recorder misbehaved and the tapes got hopelessly entangled. We were seated on the edge of the cricket field, on a low ledge. A bit awkward for me, because I had to balance the tape recorder on my knees, take notes with one hand, and hang on to the machine with the other. He was polite, lofty, distant and unbothered by the circumstances and my discomfort. He was Dilip Kumar – in full legend mode. erudite, profound and articulate, he was quoting Urdu
arunDhati roy
He excruciating, slow-motion, custodial murder of 84-year-old Father Stan Swamy, a Jesuit priest who spent decades of his life in the service of India’s dispossessed, took place in the show window of our democracy. Our judiciary, police, intelligence services, and prison system are responsible. Our mainstream media too. All of them were aware of the case, and of his failing health. And yet he continued to be ground down. This gentle, frail yet tremendous man died as a co-accused, one of 16, in what the state calls the Bhima Koregaon conspiracy. Forensic analysis of computer hard disks as reported by the Washington Post has revealed that the prize evidence that allows the agencies to spin the story of a conspiracy was planted by malware in the computer of rona Wilson, one of the co-accused. That report was buried by the mainstream Indian media as well as the courts. On Tuesday, a day after Father Stan’s death, the Post reports that a second co-accused, Surendra Gadling, also had evidence planted in his computer. But we have a law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which allows our government to continue to incarcerate the accused – the best of India’s lawyers, intellectuals and activists – almost indefinitely, until they die of ill health or their lives are destroyed by years in prison. The UAPA is not being misused. It has been drafted for exactly this. The slow murder of Father Stan Swamy is a microcosm of the not-so slow-murder of everything that allows us to call ourselves a democracy. We are ruled by fiends. They have put a curse upon this land.
‘The Actor-e-Azam’
tribune, india Halfway into the three-year time span granted to implement the biggest military reform in independent India, it is clear that the stakeholders are far from reaching a consensus on the creation of integrated theatre commands. In early 2020, soon after taking over as the first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin rawat had stated that the Indian armed forces would complete the theaterisation process — integration of the capabilities of the Army, Air Force and Navy — by January 2021. But the process is not moving smoothly, as is clear from the protracted deliberations and comments by the parties involved. On Friday, Gen rawat said: ‘Air Force is required to provide support to the ground forces... Do not forget that Air Force continues to remain a supporting arm to the armed forces...’ Air Chief Marshal rKS Bhadauria, speaking at the same seminar, said: ‘It is not a supporting role alone. The airpower has a huge role to play. In any of the integrated battle areas, it’s not an issue of support alone.’ The Indian military has 17 single-service commands across the country — the Army and Air Force have seven each, and the Navy has three commands. The Andaman and Nicobar command, based in Port Blair, is the sole tri-service command. The theaterisation model being considered involves setting up of at least six new integrated commands, after the merger of the existing commands. However, sharp differences have emerged — the Army and Navy are in favour of the theaterisation model but the Air Force has concerns over the division of its air assets and the nomenclature and leadership of the commands. There are concerns also about the reduction of the powers of the Chiefs of Staff. even as the deliberations continue, it is evident that concerns over one’s turf are hampering progress. The Air Force’s anxieties would not have been soothed by Gen rawat terming it a ‘supporting arm’, which seems ill-advised because air power is the primary tool to achieve tactical gains in warfare. The existence of inter-services competition can’t be denied; due to this reason, the massive project of theaterisation should not have been left only to the three services — a more holistic approach, with involvement of Parliament and relevant ministries, was needed. What we are witnessing is a public clash of ideas, which must be avoided at all costs.
spanning Belt and road Initiative, a revitalized Taliban could re-energize the Islamist extremist threat in China’s western Xinjiang province. The prospect that Afghanistan will become a source of deepening poverty, mass migration and instability is quickly becoming everyone’s problem. But it is Central Asian governments that will be on the front lines. Still, many regional officials remain surprisingly optimistic. Following a recent visit to the U.S. to discuss Afghanistan and regional security, the Uzbek foreign minister, Abdulaziz Kamilov, gave an extensive interview in which he argued that only Afghans, including the Taliban, can resolve Afghanistan’s problems. “We have some optimism,” he explained, “Because the situation has changed. First, the two sides began direct contact for the first time in 40 years. The Taliban also want direct negotiations to reach a peaceful agreement.” While stressing that he is no defender of the Taliban, Kamilov pointed to an official publication on the group’s website where it claims to want to build an independent, sovereign Islamic emirate of Afghanistan without any outside interference. In this new country, the rights of women, girls and minorities would supposedly be guaranteed. It is hard to believe that a seasoned diplomat like Kamilov would fall for such honeyed words. yet, in also arguing that Afghanistan should be more deeply integrated into the Central Asian economy, he is on sound strategic footing. even the Taliban would be attracted to the idea of a renewed “Greater Central Asia” that could recreate some of the economic dynamism of the glory years of the Great Silk road (1100-1600 AD). With China determined to deepen its trade, investment and infrastructure ties across eurasia, this vision has a chance of becoming reality. But first, peace must prevail, above all within Afghanistan.
‘WE ARE RULED BY FIENDS. THEY HAVE PUT A CURSE UPON THIS LAND’
couplets and Shakespeare, english poets and German scholars (his reputation as a linguist and well-read man was on full and unabashed display). All this, while looking dreamily into the distance, like he was ensconced on a gilded throne in his own kingdom with a humble court historian obediently chronicling his utterances for future generations. His sense of personal ‘legacy’ was intact. ‘PRINCE’ OF OUR HEARTS We all cherish our Dilip Kumar ‘moments’ in cinema, and like other film buffs, mine is frozen as well. Dilip Kumar as Prince Salim (in the epic production Mughal-eAzam, 1960) managed to bring rare dignity into a cheesy sequence – the one where he strokes a white plume over the face of his beloved (the exquisite Madhubala, playing the doomed slave woman the Prince is in love with), languidly stretched out feigning deep sleep. He brought such a powerful erotic charge into that simple gesture, it left countless women panting for more. And then came the beauty who captured his heart and bagged the most desirable hero of Indian cinema. His
devoted begum for more than 50 years, Saira Banu was with him till her ‘Saheb’ took his last breath. In that one scene in Mughal-eAzam, what Dilip Kumar achieved with a graceful flick of his wrist, could never be matched by all the violent and vulgar pelvic thrusts of the three Khans put together – Dilip Kumar retains his position as the First Khan of Bollywood. Prince Salim became the unchallenged prince of our hearts – the Badshah and Shahenshah of romance, the supreme King of Tragedy… and there he stays. Dilip Kumar was the first recipient of the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (1954), and went on to create a record by bagging eight more. The list of his multiple trophies and honours is endless. He is now being immortalised as ‘The Actor-e-Azam’ by his worshipful admirers here and across the border. Although Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has announced that the last rites of the actor “will be held with full state honours”, I, frankly, was expecting a national holiday in India. And flags at half-mast – or some such grand gesture. How silly of me! In this environment? That too, for a legendary actor who had been recognised by Pakistan, when he was bestowed the highest civilian award – Nishan-e-Imtiaz (1998) by our neighbours? Tauba! remember, even back then, hyper-patriots back home had gone into overdrive and frothed at the mouth at the audacity of it all. How dare they? What does Pakistan think? Dilip Kumar is ours! He belongs exclusively to India! Shiv Sena bossman Bal Thackeray had been enraged – ‘return it!’ he told him after the Kargil War. Sensibly, Dilip Kumar did no such thing. yes, Dilip Kumar is the recipient of the Padma vibhushan (2015), India’s second-highest civilian award. But hey – it isn’t the Bharat ratna, okay? Dekho – abhi bhi time baqui hai. The author is a columnist, social commentator, journalist and opinionshaper. She has written 20 books.
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
BUSINESS 09
KARACHI corporate corner VIS reaffirms ratings of Dubai Islamic Bank KARACHI: VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) has reaffirmed the entity ratings of Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited ("DIBPL' at 'AA/A-1+' (Double A/AOne Plus). The rating assigned to the Bank's Tier II Sukuk and Additional Tier-1 (ADT-1) Sukuk has been reaffirmed at 'AA-" (Double A Minus) and A+ (Single A Plus) respectively. Outlook on the assigned ratings is 'Stable'. The previous entity rating action was announced on June 30, 2020. The assigned ratings incorporate strong financial profile and track record of demonstrated support of the sponsor, Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC, UAE (DIB). Subsequent to its acquisition of Noor Bank, DIB has established itself as one of the two largest Islamic Banking Institutions in the world. The assigned ratings incorporate strong financial profile and track record of demonstrated support of the sponsor, Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC, UAE (DIB). Subsequent to its acquisition of Noor Bank, DIB has established itself as one of the two largest Islamic Banking Institutions in the world. Press release
SNGPL declares 40pc cash dividend over Rs6bn net profit for FY20, announces accounts for Q1FY21 KARACHI: SNGPL has earned profit after tax of Rs5, 998 million and EPS of Rs9.46 as compared to profit after tax of Rs7, 076 million and EPS of Rs11.16 during the corresponding period of last year. Based on the declared profit, the company has proposed a final cash dividend of 40% for FY2019-20. The summary of financial results for the year under review is given below: Profit before taxation Rs8, 417m Provision for taxation Rs2, 419m Profit after taxation Rs5, 998m Following are the primary reasons, which have resulted into decrease in the company's profitability as compared to corresponding year; Firstly, an increase in UFG percentage from 11.86% to 12.32% and accordingly UFG disallowance from Rs10,528 to Rs11,742 million. Even though UFG volumes decreased from 52.5 BCF in previous year to 48.3 BCF during the current year, the increase in UFG percentage is mainly due to decrease in availability of indigenous gas volumes during the year. However, the value of disallowance increased due to increase in National WACOG used for valuing UFG disallowance by the Regulator. It is pertinent to highlight that OGRA has continued to value UFG disallowance at National WACOG even though the arrangement for using WACOG has been held in abeyance by Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in the meeting held on May 17, 2018. Moreover, an amount of Rs419m pertaining to previous has also been included by OGRA in UFG disallowance on the basis of finalized WACOG for FY 2018-19. The Company has taken up the matter with the Ministry of Energy for directions in this regard. Secondly, an increase in finance cost was primarily due to higher interest rates during the year which adversely impacted the company's profitability. Moreover, SNGPL has also declared its quarterly results for the first quarter ended September 30, 2020. Profit after tax earned by the company during the quarter under review is Rs3, 181 million as compared to profit after tax of Rs1, 880 million during the corresponding quarter of last year. Earnings per share for the quarter are Rs5.01 as against the earnings per share of Rs2.96 for the corresponding quarter of last year. Owing to decrease in finance cost by Rs1, 176 million and decrease in UFG disallowance by Rs648 million, the company has witnessed an increase in profit during the first quarter. Press release
Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd. (GO) launches premium line of GO Lubricants KARACHI: Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (GO) proudly launched its premium range of GO Lubricants at a grand event held at Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore. The company also held its Dealer Reward Program to recognize the profound efforts and services of its Dealer Partners. The high performing partners of GO were rewarded with various prizes that included SUVs, cars, motorcycles, and hundreds of home appliances. The event was also attended by Khalid Riaz - CEO GO, Ammar Ali Talat – Chief Strategy Officer GO and Directors of GO, Sheikh Shahzad Mubeen and Mr Bilal Ansari. Ammar Ali Talaat, Chief Strategy Officer shed light on GO’s latest fuel additives that effectively enhance fuel quality that is an environment friendly alternative that meets EURO-5 specifications. In a concluding statement Khalid Riaz, CEO GO, thanked the participants for their continued support and that it was their continuous focus on Quality, Quantity and Service that has made GO a front-running company in the industry. Press release
GOVT REMOVES FED, ACD, REDUCES ST ON SMALL CARS ISLAMABAD
A
GHUlaM
s new measures to facilitate the auto sector even before the forthcoming auto policy, the government has introduced multiple incentives to reduce prices of locally manufactured/assembled cars. Keeping the fresh measures taken in the budget 2021-22, the Ministry of Industries and Production claims that the production of vehicles would be more than 0.3 million in the current fiscal year. The number of manufacturing units may go up by 500,000 by 2025. Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Federal Minister of Industries and Production Khusro Bakhtyar said that the government has introduced measures to increase the production of vehicles and it has also given strong incentives for promoting localization. The minister announced that the incumbent government will make small cars financially affordable for the middle class, and he highlighted the steps introduced in the financial budget 2021-22. For vehicles up to 1000cc, the government has removed Federal Excise Duty (FED), and Additional Customs Duty (ACD) on locally manufactured cars, the sales Tax has also been reduced and the duties and taxes on import of small car (CBUs) has been reduced to bridge the demand supply gap. He spoke about rapid localization, and said that the government will update the localized manufacturing of auto parts every six months. Regarding the “On Money” of the premium
PRODUCTION OF 0.3M NEW VEHICLES EXPECTED IN FY22 issue, the minister said that the government has introduced several measures to curb this illegal market practice. This includes a new tax of Rs50,000 to Rs200,000 on first registration which was not in the name of the person who booked the vehicle. A compulsory payment of KIBOR+3 percent mark up by manufacturers on delivery beyond 60 days, the maximum upfront payment on booking not to exceed 20 percent of the invoice value at the time of booking and implementation of a real time trackable online booking and manufacturing status. The minister announced measures to promote export that will be part of the upcoming auto policy which includes that the exports targets for the manufacturers will be up to 10 percent of the import value by the end of five years of this proposed policy. He also informed about the incentives for Electric Vehicles and hybrid vehicles, adding that higher number of EVs in the local market would encourage auto companies to invest in related infrastructure in Pakistan to facilitate EVs. Mr Bakhtiar said that the automotive sector is one of the major industrial sectors of the country, and it has the potential to drive the entire economy of the country as its share in LsM is 7.81 percent. The minister said that the government has introduced measures to increase the production of vehicles to approximately 300,000 in the current fiscal year
and up to 500,000 by 2025. The minister said that under the impact of these measures the prices of cars are expected to be reduced significantly. For cars below 850 cc the decrease will be between Rs104,458 and Rs142,388 per car, and prices will be reduced by Rs112,118 and Rs186,375 for cars from 1001-1500 cc. The expected decrease of more than Rs169,958 for 1800 cc category and for vehicles of 2000 cc and above the decrease in prices is expected to be around Rs 229,458. Regarding localization the minister said that the condition of 30 percent value addition has been introduced on imported raw materials and components to be used for manufacturing of vehicles in the country Meanwhile, commenting on the newly announced auto policy, PAMA Chairman, Ali Asghar Jamali said, “I would like to strongly appreciate the present government for a very progressive Auto and Hybrid Electric Vehicle policy. The announced policy interventions are aimed at translating the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan which is all about growing the local industry and creating more jobs for our local youth. The policy also addresses the Prime Minister’s vision for promoting environmentally friendly technologies by promoting HEV. Industry is excited to see the announced policy and many players would be unveiling their investment plans to introduce the locally produced HEV in Pakistan. I am confident that all stakeholders including customers, industry, part makers and the government shall reap the benefits of the new policy equitably.”
FF Steel launches exclusive franchise network in steel industry
JazzCash launches digital account for teenagers
PEsHAWAR: FF Steel has become the first company in Pakistan to launch a franchise network in the country. The decision was made after observing the success made by other sectors of the industry using the same model. Initial branches for the franchise will be set up in Lahore, Jehlum, Nowshera, Tarnol, and Faisalabad. The franchise network will further promote ease of doing business; enhance market coverage and quality of service to the end consumers. With the launch of the franchise network, the steel industry in Pakistan will become revolutionised for being more competitive and organized to avoid tax evasion and directly contributing to the country's economic growth. The franchise model applied at various national and multinational setups including telecom sector, restaurant chains, textile sector and footwear industry specifically addresses the underlying issues of retail such as quantity scams, infringement in quality and price parity across the retailer outlets. Press release
KARACHI: JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading fintech, has launched the country’s first ever digital account for teenagers, the ‘JazzCash NextGen Account’. This account will allow adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 years to receive their pocket money and make all their payments digitally. The JazzCash NextGen account will give young account holders access to the digital wallet for online payments, QR Payments, topping up their mobile balance, and for many other JazzCash services. “The younger generation makes up a significant portion of the local population and is quite familiar with technology and devices. JazzCash is the No. 1 fintech in Pakistan, and we are proud to provide an early life banking solution for teenagers, to teach financial literacy and responsibility firsthand - a crucial life skill in today’s times”, said Erwan Gelebart, CEO JazzCash. Press release
Bank Islami Pakistan Ltd. approved as licensed CTI by SECP KARACHI: Bank Islami successfully fulfilled all the requirements of Market Maker and was notified by PSX on June 15, 2021 as Designated Market Maker for Pakistan Energy Sukuk I and II. With this notification and completion of regulatory formalities; BankIslami is pleased to have recently become the first Islamic Bank in Pakistan approved by SECP as licensed Consultant to the Issue (CTI) to become Investment Agent & Advisor for Shariah Compliant Debt Securities, both listed and privately placed. Bank Islami celebrates this milestone with the local bourse and the market through this magnanimous gathering. Press release
Telenor Microfinance Bank joins hands with new global partnership KARACHI: Telenor Microfinance Bank has joined hands with a new global partnership to harness the power of green consumer behaviours in order to enhance biodiversity and climate efforts. The ‘Every Action Counts’ (EAC) coalition is launched by the Green Digital Finance Alliance (GDFA), funded by the Finance for Biodiversity (F4B) initiative of the MAVA Foundation. The coalition aims to promote knowledge sharing to inspire innovative green tech solutions around the world, helping each payment platform and consumer goods company to focus on green behaviours. The coalition brings together a global network of financial, e-commerce, digital, and consumer goods and services companies with experts in sustainability, and nature and biodiversity conservation. Launch partners for the coalition include Ant Group (China), BBVA (Spain), BigPay (Malaysia), DANA (Indonesia), FNZ (UK), GCash (Philippines), Lazada Group (Singapore), MasterCard (US), MTN (South Africa), Paytm (India), SANLAM (South Africa), and Telenor Microfinance Bank (Pakistan). Press release
The City School northern region signs MoU with FBISE IslAmAbAd: The City School Northern Region signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education with the vision of continuing in quality education to our students across the network. The association of The City School with FBISE will provide centralized quality support for teaching and learning activities and the affiliation will aid The City School to align syllabi and assessment system across all branches in Pakistan. This will further empower students to avail benefits from innovations relating to subject choice that FBISE provides across Pakistan. Press release
CMYK
Engro implements solarisation project at Aiwan-e-Sadr under Green Presidency Initiative KARACHI: To support the government’s climate change and green energy initiatives, Engro Corporation has implemented a 1 MW solarization project under the Green Presidency initiative, turning Aiwan-e-Sadr into one of the only few presidencies in the world to be fully powered by green energy. Under this initiative, Engro Energy – a subsidiary of Engro Corporation – installed a state-of-the-art 1 MW solar panel system at the Presidency that will help reduce carbon emissions by 1400 tonnes and contribute savings of around Rs32 million to the national exchequer. For context, this is equivalent to planting 57,000 mature trees. With net metering, a 100 percent surplus energy is also being contributed to the national grid. Press release
Meezan Bank’s Shariah Board approves structure for issuance of new GoP Ijarah Sukuks KARACHI: In its 51st meeting, Meezan Bank’s Shariah Board approved the Shariah structure for issuance of new government of Pakistan Ijarah Sukuks. The board reviewed several key issues including transaction structure for the issuance of new GoP Ijarah Sukuk in detail. Justice (r) Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani – Chairman Shariah Supervisory Board approved the proposed Sukuk structure and showed his comfort and appreciation for the recent efforts made by the government in the issuance of Sukuks and promotion of Islamic banking in the country. The board also approved the product of Meezan Islamic Charge Card, an innovative product offering the customers convenience and flexibility and upon the use of which customers can avail various benefits and discounts. Press release
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
10 FOREIGN NEWS
KARACHI
HaItI PreSIdent Jovenel MoISe aSSaSSInated at HoMe: InterIM PM PORT-AU-PRINCE
H
AFP
AITI President Jovenel Moise was assassinated at his home early on Wednesday morning by a group of armed individuals, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph announced. Joseph said he was now in charge of the country. Moise’s injured wife was in the hospital, according to Joseph, who urged the public to remain calm, and insisted the police and army would ensure people’s safety. “The president was assassinated at his home by foreigners who spoke English and Spanish,” Joseph said. Moise had been ruling Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, by decree, after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed in the wake of disputes, including on when his own term ends. In addition to the political crisis, kidnappings for ransom have surged in recent months, further reflecting the growing influence of armed gangs in the Caribbean nation. Haiti also faces chronic poverty and recurrent natural disasters. The president faced steep opposition from swathes of the population that deemed his man-
date illegitimate, and he churned through a series of seven prime ministers in four years. Most recently, Joseph was supposed to be replaced this week after only three months in the post. Multiple crises: In addition to presidential, legislative and local elections, Haiti was due to have a constitutional referendum in September after it was twice postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Supported by Moise, the text of the constitutional reform, aimed at strengthening the executive branch, has been overwhelmingly rejected by the opposition and many civil society organisations. The constitution currently in force was written in 1987 after the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship and declares that “any popular consultation aimed at modifying the Constitution by referendum is formally prohibited.” Critics had also claimed it was impossible to organise a poll, given the general insecrity in the country. Moise had been accused of inaction in the face of multiple crises, and faced steep opposition from swaths of the population. The United Nations Security Council, the United States and Europe have called for free and transparent legislative and presidential elections to be held by the end of 2021.
Saudi official in US for talks on Yemen, Iran, Khashoggi
Iran takes steps to make enriched uranium metal VIENNA/WASHINGTON ReuteRs
Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, the UN atomic watchdog said on Tuesday, a move that could help it develop a nuclear weapon and that three European powers said threatened talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Iran’s steps, which were disclosed by the International Atomic Energy Agency and which Tehran said aimed to develop fuel for a research reactor, also drew criticism from the United States, which called them an “unfortunate step
backwards.” US and European officials made clear that Iran’s decision would complicate, and potentially torpedo, indirect US-Iranian talks seeking to bring both nations back into compliance with the 2015 deal, which was abandoned by former President Donald Trump. The deal imposed curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme to make it harder for Tehran to develop fissile material for nuclear weapons in return for the lifting of economic sanctions. After Trump withdrew, Iran began violating many of the restrictions. Tehran has already produced a small amount
WASHINGTON ReuteRs
of uranium metal this year that was not enriched. That is a breach of the deal, which bans all work on uranium metal since it can be used to make the core of a nuclear bomb. “Today, Iran informed the Agency that UO2 (uranium oxide) enriched up to 20 percent U–235 would be shipped to the R&D laboratory at the Fuel Fabrication Plant in Esfahan, where it would be converted to UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride) and then to uranium metal enriched to 20 percent U– 235, before using it to manufacture the fuel,” an IAEA statement said. A confidential IAEA report seen by Reuters said the agency had confirmed that Iran had taken steps to begin the process of producing enriched uranium metal. Britain, France and Germany said on Tuesday they had “grave concern” about Iran’s decision, which violates the nuclear deal, formally named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). “Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal R&D and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon,” they said in a joint statement issued by Britain’s foreign ministry. “With its latest steps, Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations,” they said, and urged Iran to return to the talks in the Austrian capital, which began in April and adjourned on June 20. No date has been set for a next round. US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Washington was not setting a deadline for the talks, but noted “that as time proceeds Iran’s nuclear advances will have a bearing on our view of returning to the JCPOA.”
Saudi Arabia’s deputy defense minister on Tuesday became the highest-ranking Saudi envoy to visit Washington since Joe Biden became president in January, and held talks with senior officials on the Yemen war and threats from Iran. The minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, is the younger brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s de facto ruler, who is accused by US intelligence of approving a 2018 operation in which Washington Post columnist and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi was killed, an allegation denied by Saudi Arabia. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Khashoggi’s death would also likely come up in the talks. The Trump White House had maintained strong ties with the crown prince despite Khashoggi’s death at the Saudi Embassy in Istanbul. But a White House statement on the minister’s meeting with national security adviser Jake Sullivan did not mention Khashoggi’s murder, although it said Sullivan “emphasized the importance of progress in advancing human rights in the Kingdom.” The two officials discussed the US partnership with Saudi Arabia, regional security and “the US commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups.” The prince also met with Colin Kahl, the US defense undersecretary for policy, and the two discussed “efforts to end the war in Yemen and the shared US-Saudi commitment to counter Iran’s destabilising activities” and other issues, the Pentagon said. The meetings were to give Saudi Arabia a sense of how relations with the United States have shifted from the pro-Saudi policies of former Republican President Donald Trump. A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Iran-aligned Houthi group ousted the country’s government from Sanaa. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system. Yemen President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi’s government is now in Aden, though Hadi is based in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Tens of thousands of Yemenis, mostly civilians, have died in six years of war and millions are on the brink of famine. Psaki said talks would also cover Saudi defense needs. “They’ll discuss the longstanding partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia, regional security and the US commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranianaligned groups,” she said.
Megaship Ever Given that blocked Suez Canal released by Egypt ISMAILIA AFP
Egyptian authorities on Wednesday released the megaship MV Ever Given which blocked the Suez Canal for six days in March after the vessel’s Japanese owners signed a final compensation deal. The ship weighed anchor and started to move north from the central canal city of Ismailia towards the Mediterranean Sea, shortly after 11:30am local time. The nearly 200,000-tonne container vessel became wedged across the canal during a sandstorm on March 23, blocking a vital artery from Asia to Europe that carries 10% of global maritime trade and pumps vital revenues into Egyptian state coffers. After a round-the-clock salvage operation to dislodge it, Egypt seized the ship and demanded compensation from Japanese owners Shoei Kisen Kaisha for lost
canal revenues, salvage costs and damage to the canal. In a ceremony attended by ambassadors and international media, Suez Canal Authority chief (SCA) Osama Rabie inked a final deal with representatives of the ship’s owners. “I announce to the world that we have reached a deal,” Rabie said, flanked by Egyptian and Japanese flags in the ceremony carried live on Egypt’s state television. He described the six-day salvage operations in March as a “race against time” to restore global shipping flows. “We were facing a tough test with the world watching,” he added. The SCA announced last month that it had signed a nondisclosure agreement with the Japanese firm ahead of reaching a final deal. Khaled Abou Bakr, a prominent lawyer who headed the negotiation team of the SCA, reiterated Wednesday the “secrecy” of the final compensation package shortly be-
fore the signing. “I can unequivocally state that we preserved the full rights of the Authority,” he said. Cairo had initially demanded $916 million in compensation before slashing that to around $550 million, but the final amount has been the subject of tough negotiations. MILLIONS IN REVENUES: Egypt, which earns over $5 billion a year from the Suez, lost between $12 million and $15 million in revenues for each day the waterway was closed, according to the SCA. The MV Ever Given’s grounding and the intensive salvage efforts needed to refloat it also resulted in significant damage to the canal. In April, maritime data company Lloyd’s List said the blockage by the vessel, longer than four football fields, held up some $9.6 billion-worth of cargo each day it was stuck. The Taiwanese-operated and Panamaflagged vessel was refloated on March 29,
and tailbacks totalling 420 vessels at the northern and southern entrances to the canal were cleared in early April. On Tuesday, the Ismailia Economic Court ruled the seized ship with its crew on board was being released following a request from the SCA. According to tracking service MarineTraffic, the ship had been moored in the northern part of Great Bitter Lake. It departed with its complete cargo of 18,300 containers intact, SCA sources told AFP. In a Sunday interview with a private television channel, Rabie said the Ever Given had suffered “no leakage”. He said Egypt would also receive a 75tonne tugboat from Shoei Kisen Kaisha as part of the compensation package, and noted that the family of one rescue worker who died during the salvage operation would also be compensated. “The Suez canal has always been a site of sacrifices since it was built,” he said.
CANAL EXPANSION: Rabie waved off the megaship as it headed to the Mediterranean surrounded by captains clad in white waving Egyptian flags. In a show of appreciation, the SCA also presented a silver plaque to the Ever Given’s captain and crew, who had been stranded for months. Even with the grounding of the ship, Rabie said on Sunday that canal revenues in the first half of the year had topped $3 billion. But officials have been keen to avoid reputational damage from the incident, trumpeting Egyptian efforts in the salvage operation. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi swiftly pledged investment to avoid any repetition of the crisis, and in May approved a twoyear project to widen and deepen the southern part of the waterway where the ship ran aground. Sisi had overseen the $8 billion expansion of a northern section of the canal to much fanfare in 2014-15.
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
SPORTS 11
KARACHI
Italy beat SpaIn on penaltIeS to reach eUro 2020 fInal LONDON
I
AFP
TALy beat Spain 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in a magnificent Euro 2020 semifinal at Wembley on Tuesday, as Jorginho converted the decisive kick to take the Azzurri through to the final where they will face either England or Denmark. Italy were not always on top though, with Spain the better side for long spells of an epic contest before Federico Chiesa, the Juventus forward, gave Italy the lead with a fabulous finish an hour into a match watched by a crowd of almost 58,000. The much-maligned Alvaro Morata, who was dropped from the starting line-up, came off the bench to equalise with 10 minutes of normal time left. No further scoring in extra time meant penalties again for Spain, who had beaten Switzerland in a shootout in the quarter-finals. They had also beaten Italy on penalties at Euro 2008, but this time misses from Dani Olmo and then Morata saw Spain give up the advantage they had been handed when Manuel Locatelli failed with the first kick in the shoot-out.
The Italians celebrated at the end with a large contingent of their UKbased supporters, and a team that has been rejuvenated under Roberto Mancini continues to dream of winning a first European Championship since 1968. Now unbeaten in 33 games, they go through to Sunday’s final to face either England or Denmark, who meet in Wednesday’s second last-four tie. “I have to thank the players because they believed right from day one that we could do something incredible,” said Mancini. “We haven’t yet done everything we need to though, there is still one step to go.” It is nine years since Spain mauled Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final in Kiev to win a third consecutive major tournament, and this was the fourth successive Euro in which these powerhouses had met. Spain won the first two of those meetings, but the last two have now gone to Italy. “It is not a sad night for me by any means,” said Spain coach Luis Enrique. “We can go home knowing we competed and were among the best teams.” Wembley comes to life: This meeting took place in the chill of a damp July evening in London, but the atmosphere at Wembley
was no damp squib. There were no travelling supporters, given the obligatory quarantine for all visitors to the United Kingdom. However, the large Spanish and Italian communities already in Britain meant a combined 20,000 fans of the two teams were in the 57,811-crowd allowed inside Wembley. They added a noise and colour
so sadly lacking at major sporting events since the pandemic began, and that provided the perfect stage. The football itself was absorbing and of the highest quality, particularly in midfield where Italy’s outstanding trio of Jorginho, Marco Verratti and Nicolo Barella met their match in Spain’s Sergio Busquets, Koke and the brilliant Pedri, a frightening talent at just 18.
But it was Italy who reached their 10th major tournament final and ended Spain’s hopes of a record fourth European crown. Southgate’s England ‘breaking barriers’: Standing in the Azzurri’s way will either be England, who have never reached a Euro final, or Denmark, playing in their first major semi-final since surprisingly win-
ning the competition in 1992. yet to concede a goal in their five unbeaten matches in the tournament, England underlined their potential with a 2-0 last-16 win against old rivals Germany. In the quarter-finals, a 4-0 rout of Ukraine in Rome fuelled dreams of Euro glory and ensured Gareth Southgate’s men would be heading back to Wembley. “We don’t have as a good a football history as we like to believe sometimes,” said England manager Southgate. “These players are making massive strides and breaking barriers all the time, we have broken barriers in this tournament and we have another opportunity to do that tomorrow.” Rocked by the cardiac arrest suffered by their star midfielder Christian Eriksen during their first match against Finland, Denmark went into their last group game without a point. But, with Eriksen on the mend after the shocking incident, Kasper Hjulmand’s team have embarked on a three-match winning run which has taken them to a first semi-final in 29 years. “We still play for and with him. There’s no doubt about that. That’s the only thing I can say about Christian,” said Danish coach Hjulmand.
Babar Azam says no thought of Pakistan quitting tour of England CARDIFF The AssociATed Press
Umar apologises for failing to report corrupt approaches News Desk Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has tendered a public apology for failing to report corrupt approaches made to him. The cricketer had to serve a 12-month ban due to failure in reporting the approaches. In a video message released by the country’s cricket board on Wednesday, Umer said he had made a “mistake” last year that harmed both his career and cricket. “Some people approached me but I was unable to report the same to the anti-corruption unit, due to which I had to face a 12-month ban,” he said, adding that it had been a “very difficult” period for him. He further said, “I learned a lot during this time and today I confess before all of you that that mistake brought disrepute to Pakistan Cricket.” Umer was suspended in February, 2020 for failing to report details of corrupt approaches made to him just before the start of the fifth Pakistan Super League season. He apologised to his family, the PCB and cricket fans over his breach.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said on Wednesday there was no thought of abandoning the team’s white-ball tour of England after learning of a major coronavirus outbreak within the home squad. Two days before the one-day series was scheduled to begin, England announced that seven of its personnel — three players and four members of the backroom staff — had tested positive for coronavirus. With the rest of squad instructed to isolate after being identified as close contacts, the tour — featuring three one-day international (ODI) matches and three Twenty20 (T20) matches — could have been in jeopardy but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) hastily assembled an entirely new 18-strong squad from across England’s county game. Asked whether there was any temptation to call off the trip, Azam said: “No, we didn’t think about it, it didn’t come into our minds at any time. “The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and ECB have assured us that they will take care of the safety and health of all the squad members. Of course it was disappointing news. We must understand that these are unprecedented times
of Covid-19. We are focusing on cricket and the first game.” That comes on Thursday in Cardiff and Azam was keen to underline that Pakistan will not be underestimating a revised England squad containing nine players uncapped at the ODI level. “We can’t take any player playing for England lightly,” said Azam, the top-ranked ODI batsman who has represented Somerset in English county cricket over the last couple of years. “They may be new players but they
are playing for England. I know a few of them having played in the T20 Blast and those we don’t know we have researched their performances.” Ben Stokes will captain England in its emergency, having been left out of the original group to continue his recovery from finger surgery. The allrounder has called on England’s makeshift squad to make the most of an unexpected opportunity. “One thing I told myself to tell the team is that, although this has been a very quick turnaround of events in hav-
ing to pick a new squad, it does not matter what names are on the back of an England shirt. We are walking out there as the number one team,” Stokes said. “That is an exciting thing to say you are a part of,” he continued, “whether you are an experienced player, young player or someone coming into the group for the first time. Situations like these are so rare and such a fluster, I would say you have got a chance to represent your country so let’s do it with a smile on our face and just enjoy it as much as we can as a group.”
Haris Sohail likely to miss ODI series against England kARACHI Agencies
Middle-order batsman Haris Sohail is unlikely to play in the first one-day international against England on Thursday and also remains doubtful for the remaining two games of the three-match series after suffering a leg injury. Haris, who has complained about an injury in the right leg, missed several practice sessions and both of the intra-squad matches of the national team in Derbyshire. A reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board said that Haris, who is due to undergo an MRI scan and is already undergoing rehab, does not appear to be ready for the first ODI against a weakened England squad.
“He has a leg injury and is unlikely to take part in the first ODI and could even miss out on the remaining two matches,” the source said. If the left-handed Haris is unable to play on Thursday, it means that Pakistan will have one or two debutants in their playing eleven. Either top-order batsman Abdullah Shafique or batting all-rounders Saud Shakil and Agha Salman could make their debut. One spot is expected to go to batsman Sohaib Maqsood, who replaced Haider Ali in the squad after sparkling performances in the Pakistan Super League. Sohail had previously returned home from tours to South Africa and New Zealand due to fitness issues and skipped the tour to England last year due to the Covid-19 restrictions. He had suffered a back injury during the tour of South Africa in early 2019.
Thursday, 8 July, 2021
prayer TimiNgs
NEWS Taliban launch assaulT on afghan provincial capiTal as us ramps up wiThdrawal KABUL
T
afp
He Taliban launched a major assault on a provincial capital in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the first since the US military began its final drawdown of troops from the country, as insurgents press on with a blistering offensive. Fierce fighting erupted in the western city of Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis, with the militants seizing police headquarters and offices of the country’s spy agency. As news of the morning assault spread, social media was flooded with videos of clashes — with some showing armed Taliban fighters on motorbikes entering the city as onlookers cheered. Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi said government forces were in a “very sensitive military situation”, adding that “the war is raging” with the Taliban. The onslaught came hours after Washington announced US forces had completed more than 90 percent of their withdrawal from Afghanistan, and as the Kabul government held talks with Taliban representatives in neighbouring Iran. The militants have waged a dizzying campaign across Afghanistan since US and NATO forces announced the final withdrawal from the country in early May, seizing dozens of districts and stirring fears that the government is in crisis. “The enemy has entered the city, all the dis-
tricts have fallen,” Badghis governor Hessamuddin Shams told reporters in a text message. He attempted to calm the residents later in another video message, appearing with a rifle — with gunfire rattling in the distance. “I assure you that we will, all of us, together defend the city,” he said. Provincial council chief Abdul Aziz Bek said some security officials had surrendered to the Taliban, while council member Zia Gul Habibi said the insurgents had entered the city’s police headquarters and the local office of the country’s spy agency. IRAN TALKS: Habibi said later the situation was stabilising, but fighting continued. “The city is not falling, but the Taliban are still in the city and aeroplanes are hitting their positions,” she said, adding that the military had deployed drones to strike the insurgents. “everybody was terrified when they heard the Taliban had entered the city,” said Aziz Tawakil, a resident of Qala-i-Naw. “We could hear sounds of gunfire and explosions […] Helicopters and planes are flying over the city and we can see they are sometimes hitting some areas of the city.” Hours after the attack, the defence ministry said its troops had cleared “most parts” of the city. “In the next few hours all parts of the city will be cleared,” ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said on Twitter. Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh
tweeted that the bodies of “tens” of Taliban fighters were lying in the streets. “I demand the respected ICRC (Red Cross) and other organizations to transfer the bodies […] The weather is hot, and we do not support disrespecting the bodies,” he said. Video also showed the Taliban releasing prisoners from a city prison, but governor Shams said later most of them had been recaptured. The fight for the city coincided with a highlevel summit across the border in Iran, where an Afghan delegation met with Taliban representatives in Tehran, according to the Iranian foreign ministry. Opening the Tehran talks, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif welcomed the US departure from its eastern neighbour but warned: “Today the people and political leaders of Afghanistan must make difficult decisions for the future of their country.” Last week, all US and NATO forces left Bagram Air Base near Kabul — the command centre for anti-Taliban operations — effectively wrapping up their exit after 20 years of military involvement that began in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Vital US air support for the Afghan forces has been massively curtailed by the handover. For months the Taliban have been effectively surrounding provincial capitals, with observers predicting the militants were waiting for the complete withdrawal of foreign forces before ordering an onslaught.
FAJR SUNRISE
ZUHR
ASR MAGHRIB ISHA
4:16
12:36
3:57
5:44
7:26
8:55
Pakistan, Qatar spirit of brotherhood evolving into enduring partnership: COAS Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that Pakistan and Qatar shared great history of cordial relations and a deep spirit of brotherhood, which are being transformed into an enduring partnership, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations said. The military’s media wing said General Qamar, who is on a two-day official visit to Qatar, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah and Chief of Staff Qatar Armed Forces of the State of Qatar Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanim Bin Shaheen Al-Ghanim on Wednesday. During the meetings matters of mutual interest, defence, security cooperation and regional and geo-political environment were discussed, according to the ISPR. On the occasion, the COAS said that both countries share the great history of cordial relations and a deep spirit of brotherhood, which are being transformed into an enduring partnership. He also appreciated the role of Qatar in the Afghan peace process.
The ISPR said that Qatari dignitaries also appreciated Pakistan’s continuous efforts for peace and stability in the region and pledged to keep working for better relations between the two brotherly countries. Both sides underscored the importance of further enhancing the cooperation in all fields, it further said. On Monday, Commander Turkish Land Forces General Umit Dundar had called on General Qamar at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and discussed bilateral military cooperation. “During the meeting, matters of mutual and professional interest with special emphasis on defence and security collaboration between the two brotherly countries were discussed,” the military’s media wing had said in a statement. Pakistan “highly values” its brotherly relations with Turkey which are deeply rooted in history and entrenched in our cultural and religious affinities, the communique quoted Gen Qamar as saying. Both sides had agreed to further optimise military to military ties particularly in training and counter-terrorism domains, it added. News Desk
Published by Arif Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 021-35381208-9. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk