Thursday, 25 November, 2021 I 19 Rabi-us-Sani, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 147 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition
It’s unfortunate to see CJP and a ConvICt InvIted to same event, says Imran Khan g
SayS when a nation'S moralS die, that nation dieS
ISLAMABAD staff report
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rime minister imran Khan wednesday said it was ‘unfortunate’ to see that the Chief Justice of Pakistan and a ‘convict’ who absconded the country were invited to speak at the same event. the remarks were made at the Kamyab Jawan Convention 2021 held here – days after a controversy was created after Pml-n leader nawaz Sharif’s address via a video link at the asma Jahangir Conference in lahore. Khan said that at a function in lahore the chief justice and Supreme Court judges were invited at a function. “and who addresses that event? a man who has been convicted by the Supreme Court and who has absconded from the country,” remarked the prime minister, terming it as ‘unfortunate’.
Khan believed that a nation is destroyed when it stopped considering looting money a bad thing. “when a nation’s morals die, that nation dies,” he asserted. “no one can wipe out a nation if its morality is intact,” he remarked. terming the recent alleged audio clip of former CJP mian Saqib nisar as a ‘drama’, the premier said that it was necessary to understand where this started. he said a country where its prime minister and ministers start stealing and taking public funds abroad and the country’s people are not poor because of a lack of resources, they become poor when government officials start stealing from the people. Such a country can never progress, he added. Commenting on the Panama Papers data leak, the premier said that the investigation revealed that Pml-n leader maryam nawaz owned four flats in london. “where did this money for the apart-
CoronavIrus In
PaKIstan
CONFIRMED CASES:
1,282,510
LAST UPDATED AT 9:30 AM ON NOVEMBER 24, 2021
DAY'S DEATH TOLL:
NEW CASES:
5
315
RECOVERED:
DEATHS:
1,238,980 28,668 SINDH:
PUNJAB:
474,407
442,556
KPK:
BALOCHISTAN:
179,644 AJK/GB:
33,453 ISLAMABAD:
34,536/10,408
107,506
ments come from?” he argued. “you may call the courts bad, you may call the army bad and i have already been dubbed as bad … But answer from where did you get the money to buy those apartments,” remarked Khan. the prime minister went on to say that he had been dragged to the court over an apartment he owned in the United Kingdom when he was playing cricket and held no public office. “i submitted all the details to the court,” he said, pointing out that he had bought the apartment when he was a cricketer and not a public office holder. “yet, i produced all the receipts, but they (Pml-n leaders) lied in the national assembly (regarding their assets).” the prime minister lauched four new projects for the uplift of the youth at the on the occasion. the projects include Kamyab Jawan markaz, Kamyab Jawan Green youth movement, Kamyab Jawan innovation league and Kamyab Jawan talent hunt youth Sports league. the prime minister said such projects gave the people an opportunity to develop skills, get loans to start the businesses and “change their lives”. Sharing his experiences and difficulties he had faced throughout his career in cricket, politics and philanthropy, he said he was able to overcome all the challenges through hard work and because he dreamed big. the premier also said that when he started his political journey 25 years ago, he found corruption to be the country’s biggest problem. “there was a corrupt system in place and that’s why it is taking longer to make things right,” he said, adding that the this nation, however, had great potential and was on its way to rise and “become something that was beyond imagination”.
Maryam urges former CJP Nisar to come clean on audio tape ISLAMABAD staff report
Pakistan muslim league-nawaz (Pmln) Vice President maryam nawaz on wednesday urged former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib nisar to be courageous and tell the nation that who had allegedly pressurised him to convict her and her father nawaz Sharif. addressing a press conference in islamabad, maryam, while referring to the alleged leaked audio of former CJP Saqib nisar, said: “i want to tell Saqib nisar that he will have to tell the nation the truth. who forced you to convict nawaz Sharif and maryam nawaz? who asked you to bring imran Khan [into power]?” in the clip, which has not been independently verified by Pakistan today, a voice, allegedly of the former CJP, can be heard saying: “let me be a little blunt about it. Unfortunately, here it is the institutions that dictate judgements. in this case, we will have to punish mian sahab (nawaz Sharif). [i] have been told ‘we have to bring Khan sahab (imran Khan) [into power].” maryam further said that as soon as the audio clip came out, propa-
Dollar crosses Rs175 mark again with 74 paisas gain KARACHI tLtp
Pakistani rupee failed to continue its winning streak against the US dollar on wednesday, with the greenback crossing rs175 mark yet once again. according to the State Bank of Pakistan, the Pakistani rupee shed 74 paisas (-o.42 percent) against the US dollar in the interbank market, as the greenback opened at rs174.30 and closed at rs175.04. within the open-market, the rupee was traded at 175.5/177 per dollar. overall, the local currency gained 20 paisas against the greenback during the last three days. the rupee’s depreciation during the ongoing fiscal year 2021-22 has been rs17.62 and rs14.87 in the current year 2021. according to currency experts, the government’s announcement of reaching a deal with the international monetary Fund (imF) helped stabilise rupee during the previous two sessions. however, the two-day rally quickly fizzled out as sentiments turned nervous when participants realised that imF conditions are very demanding.
ganda regarding the clip began to prove that the clip was doctored despite the fact that a very renowned american company did the forensic analysis of the clip. however, the former CJP has termed the audio fabricated and denied that the voice in the clip is his. talking about another leaked audio clip attributed to her regarding advertisements on several tV channels, maryam admitted that the audio of her instructing the media team not to give advertisements to few channels is real, adding that she will not say that it is edited. in the viral audio, maryam was heard giving instructions to the media team to stop advertisements of several tV channels during the Pml-n tenure. the daughter of former prime minister nawaz Sharif had said that no advertisement will be given to 24news, 92news, Samaa and ary. AVENFIELD CASE HEARING: meanwhile, the islamabad high Court (ihC) accepted the request of maryam’s lawyer for case adjournment and postponed further hearing on appeals in avenfield property reference till december 21.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 05
more inside
Pakistan’s continued commitment to reforms could lead to rating upgrade: Fitch STORY ON BACK PAGE
Punjab to hold lG elections in a phased manner STORY ON PAGE 02
they, however, said that completion of the sixth review may help stabilise the exchange rate for a long period, adding it would arrest the rupee’s slide and steer recovery of local currency against the greenback. they also said that large imports are still a threat to the rupee’s stability. the import bill also resulted in ballooning of the current account deficit. Pakistan’s current account deficit sharply widened to $5.08 billion during the first four months (July-octo-
ber) of the current fiscal year, compared with a surplus of $1.31 billion in the same period of the last year. the experts said the latest efforts of the SBP might not help stabilise the exchange rate until foreign inflows are not materialised. they said the Saudi government has pledged $3 billion as cash transfer to Pakistan for assisting in the balance of payment; however, such amount has not been transferred to the SBP yet, sending negative signals to the market.
US firm that examined alleged audio clip of former CJP receives threats STORY ON BACK PAGE
Khurram Parvez arrest: eU calls for probe of all allegations of human rights violations STORY ON PAGE 03
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Thursday, 25 november, 2021 | KARACHI
news
Punjab To hold lG elecTions in a Phased manner LAHORE
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INP
HE Punjab government has decided to hold the local government elections in three stages after members of the cabinet suggested to give priority, while conducting the polls to towns, where the Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf (PTI) party is in a stronger position to win. Reports citing people familiar with the development said the Election Commission of
Pakistan (ECP) recommended the province to hold the polls in two phases. The sources further said it was decided in principle that in the first phase, the election would be held in southern Punjab; in the second phase, in northern cities; and in the final phase, in central Punjab cities which are traditional Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) strongholds. However, the commission has recommended conducting the elections in two phases instead of three. The Punjab government is currently
holding consultations with the ECP in this regard. It needs vast resources and has to take other large-scale measures to arrange for the polls in the province. The ministers were taken on board on the polls decisions during a cabinet meeting held Tuesday. Sources divulged that many ministers did not agree with the plan to hold the polls in their constituencies during the first phase. But ministers hailing from Faisalabad, Mianwali and Multan agreed to the idea.
Pakistan among nations invited by Biden to democracy summit WASHINGTON AFP
Tarin for stabilising exchange rate to overcome inflation ISLAMABAD APP
Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin on Tuesday stressed the need for stabilising exchange rate to overcome inflation. “Instability in exchange rate has increased the inflation and we are trying to lessen the burden from the people of low-income group,” he said while talking to a private television channel. The minibudget would be presented in the next week, he said. Commenting on privatisation of DISCOs, Pakistan Steel Mills, Railways and other enterprises showing less progress, he said efforts are being made for restructuring the power sectors while the concerned department would look into the matter of privatisation of PSM and Railways for improvement. In reply to a question about increase in power tariff, he said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) demanded of the government to change the tariff rate. He said “after extensive discussion, we will increase the power tariff less than the demand of the IMF”. He said extra duty would be imposed on luxury items in near future. Steps have been taken to reduce current account deficit, he said. Replying to a question about tax collection targets, he said assessment would be made on real assets of the people so that actual tax could be imposed on them.
Joe Biden has invited Pakistan, but skipped China, to a virtual summit on democracy alongside more than 100 countries. The conference was a campaign pledge by the US president, who has placed the struggle between democracies and “autocratic governments” at the heart of his foreign policy. The “Summit for Democracy” will take place online on December 9 and 10 ahead of an in-person meeting at its second edition next year. The meeting was long advertised, but the guest list — published Tuesday on the State Department’s website — will be closely scrutinised. Unsurprisingly, America’s main rivals China and Russia are not on it. But the United States did invite Taiwan, which it does not recognise as an
independent country but holds up as a model democracy. China baulks at any use of the word “Taiwan” that lends a sense of international legitimacy to the democratic self-ruled island, which Beijing claims as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize — by force if needed. The US move is guaranteed to further inflame tensions between the two superpowers. “I agree Taiwan more than qualifies — but it does seem to be (the) only democratic govt invited that the US govt does not officially recognize. So its inclusion is a big deal,” tweeted Julian Ku, a Hofstra University law professor whose specialities include China. India, often declared “the world’s biggest democracy,” will be present despite increasing criticism from human rights defenders over democratic
backsliding under Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So, too, will Pakistan, despite its checkered relationship with Washington. Democracy in Decline: Turkey, a NATO ally of the United States whose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was dubbed an “autocrat” by Biden, did not make the list. In the Middle East, only Israel and Iraq were invited. The traditional Arab allies of the US — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — are all absent. Biden also invited Brazil, which is led by controversial far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. In Europe, Poland is represented, despite recurring tensions with Brussels over respect for the rule of law, but Hungary’s far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban is not. On the African side, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South
Africa, Nigeria and Niger are invited. “For this kick-off Summit […] there’s a case for getting a broad set of actors into the room: it provides for a better exchange of ideas than setting a perfect bar for qualification,” Laleh Ispahani of the Open Society Foundations told AFP. Rather than using the summit as an anti-China meeting, Ispahani urged Biden to address “the serious decline of democracy around the world – including relatively robust models like the US.” This summit is being organized as democracy has suffered setbacks in countries where the US had placed great hopes. Sudan and Myanmar have experienced military coups, Ethiopia is in the midst of a conflict that could lead to its “implosion,” according to US diplomats, and the Taliban took power in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troops after two decades.
Top court orders ‘immediate demolition’ of two Karachi residential towers ISLAMABAD
Punjab witnesses significant decline in dengue cases: official claims
StAFF RePoRt
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the commissioner of Karachi to “immediately demolish” two illegal residential towers — Nasla Tower and Tejori Heights — and report back to it by afternoon. Nasla Tower is a 15-storey residential building which the top court late last month directed to demolish within a week for encroaching on the land reserved for a service road. Whereas Tejori Heights is an under-construction structure being built on a land purportedly owned by Pakistan Railways. It came on the radar of the Supreme Court last month when the Karachi registry of the forum directed Commissioner Iqbal Memon to bring it down “within a month”. However, both the directives couldn’t be carried out. Today, a three-judge bench — headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Ijaz ul-Ahsan and Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin Ahmed — asked Memon “how many buildings have been demolished [as yet and] how much work has been done [to comply with earlier court orders]?” At this, Memon informed the court authorities have started the operation to demolish Nasla Tower. Justice Ahmed then observed authorities have not even started bringing down Tejori Heights. “The [demolition] process is underway,” responded the commissioner. “If the operation is underway, submit a report by this afternoon with pictures [as evidence],” responded the chief justice. The court then directed Memon
LAHORE StAFF RePoRt
to take all the heavy equipment and machinery available at his disposal and “start razing Nasla Tower immediately”. The top judge also directed the official to demolish Tejori Heights today as well. The bench will now take up the cases at the court’s Karachi registry on Friday. Also last month, Rukhsana Zuberi, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senator, asked the Sindh government to ensure the delivery of compensation money to the residents of the building. Her demand seconded a top court ruling which also order the builder to refund money to buyers of the residential and commercial units. Senator Zuberi, a member of the Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, demanded that the Sindh government immediately pay the promised compensation to the residents. naSla ToWer caSe: In a previous judgement on the legality of the ownership of the land, the court had said: “It is claimed that around
1957, the main road that was proposed to be 280 feet wide was realigned and as a result, its width was reduced to 240 feet and the excess 40 feet was allotted to SMCHS through a letter by the chief commissioner in December 1957.” It further noted the additional area was claimed to have been allotted by SMCHS to one Mustafai Begum and the area of the plot was allegedly increased from 780 square yards to 1,044 square yards and the additional area was neither incorporated in the original/amended lease nor in any subsequent lease deed. The present owner ultimately acquired it by way of a conveyance deed executed in 2015 and initially, the plot in question was meant for residential purposes, but in 2004 the then city government through a resolution allowed conversion of all residential plots on Sharea Faisal for commercial use and in 2007 the plot was converted from residential to commercial use, it added.
Secretary, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Punjab (P&SHD) Imran Sikandar Baloch Wednesday claimed that the number of dengue cases in Lahore have come down significantly this month. Baloch claimed that as a result of continuous precautionary and curative activities of the health department, the daily number of dengue positive cases in Lahore was about 350 and in the whole of Punjab about 500 in start of November. However, he added, in the last two weeks, Lahore has seen a steady decline with an average of 147 cases per day while Punjab with a total of 213 cases and these figures show a significant decrease in the positive proportion of dengue patients. Speaking about the steps taken by the health department to control the spread of dengue, Baloch informed that the dengue surveillance staff was working day and night to check the hot-spot areas across Punjab. “During November, the total containers found to have larvae were 999 in Lahore while 1332 from overall Punjab. Yesterday, the figure corresponded to 271 in Punjab and 231 for Lahore, indicating a decline in vector activity,” he said. Baloch said the overall bed occupancy in Punjab was 47 percent during November whereas now the bed occupancy has reduced to 27 percent. “A total of 5016 beds have been allocated for dengue patients in all government hospitals of Punjab,” he concluded.
Thursday, 25 november, 2021 | KARACHI
news KHURRAM PARVEZ ARREST
eu calls for Probe of all alleGaTions of human riGhTs violaTions
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NEWS DESK
HE European Union has said all allegations of human rights violations will be investigated — including the arrest of Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez — wherever they are committed, in line with international human rights commitments. India’s top anti-terrorism investigation agency on Monday arrested Parvez from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir during a raid at his home and office. In a press conference, Nabila Massrali, the EU’s spokesperson on foreign affairs, said: “We have received
reports on the arrest of human rights activist Khurram Parvez and seen the worrying comments by Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders.” Massrali said the EU follows the developments in Jammu and Kashmir closely and noted that it is essential that individual rights are fully respected. “The EU’s consistent position worldwide is that all allegations of human rights violations be investigated […] freedom of expression — online and offline — is a key value for all democracies,” she said. Massrali said the EU holds regular consultations with its Indian counterparts, including through the EU-
India Human Rights Dialogue, which resumed in April. An arrest warrant seen by AFP shows that Parvez was arrested under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). At least 2,300 people have been arrested under the UAPA — a vaguely worded law that effectively allows people to be held without trial indefinitely — in the Indian-controlled territory since 2019 when New Delhi cancelled the region’s partial autonomy and brought it under direct rule. Almost half of them are still in prison, and convictions under the law are very rare. UN’s Mary Lawlor, taking to
Twitter, said: “I’m hearing disturbing reports that Khurram Parvez was arrested today in Kashmir & is at risk of being charged by authorities in India with terrorism-related crimes.” He’s not a terrorist, he’s a human rights defender,” she added. Parvez, one of Kashmir’s bestknown activists, is head of Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, a group of rights organisations working in the region. He was arrested and detained on similar charges in 2016, after being prevented from boarding a flight to attend a UN human rights forum in Geneva. He was eventually released without being convicted of any crime.
Turkey, UAe sign accords on energy, technology at talks: officials ANKARA AgeNcIeS
Turkey and the United Arab Emirates signed accords on energy and technology investments on Wednesday after talks between President Tayyip Erdogan and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Ankara. Sheikh Mohammed’s meeting with Erdogan, the first such visit in years, comes as the two countries work to mend frayed ties after a period of bitter regional rivalry, and amid a currency crisis in Turkey. The memorandums of understanding were signed between the Abu Dhabi Development Holding (ADQ), Turkish Wealth Fund (TVF), and the Turkish Presidency Investment Office, as well as with some Turkish companies. The agreements highlight the pivot towards economic partnership after a battle for regional influence since the Arab uprisings erupted a decade ago. The disputes have extended to the eastern Mediterranean and Gulf, before Ankara launched a charm offensive in the region last year. Following the talks, Sheikh Mohammed said he had
“fruitful” talks with Erdogan on strengthening ties between Turkey and the UAE. “I look forward to exploring new cooperation opportunities to benefit our two nations and advance our mutual development goals,” he said on Twitter. ADQ signed an accord on investing in Turkish technology firms and on establishing a technologyoriented fund, while Abu Dhabi Ports also signed an agreement on port and logistics cooperation. A deal between ADQ and Turkish company Kalyon on energy and infrastructure, another with CCN Group on health cooperation, and a third with Turkey’s Presidency Investment Office on renewable energy were also among the agreements, a Turkish official said. The UAE announced it was establishing a $10 billion fund to support mainly strategic investments in Turkey, including in the health and energy fields, its state news agency WAM said. “Problems with the UAE are now behind us. We are entering a period based fully on cooperation and mutual benefit,” said another official familiar with preparations for Wednesday’s visit, and added the UAE investment would ultimately be in the billions of dollars. The Turkish and Emirati central banks also signed
a cooperation agreement on Wednesday. Earlier, two sources said they were holding talks about a potential swap agreement. Turkey’s central bank has previously sought swap deals with other countries as a source of hard currency to build reserves and support the lira, which has declined as much as 45% this year. It has swap agreements worth $6 billion with China, $15 billion with Qatar and $2 billion with South Korea, for a total of $23 billion. Turkey said in September it was in talks with the UAE over investments in energy such as power generation, while the UAE, whose sovereign wealth funds have made significant investments in Turkish online grocer Getir and e-commerce platform Trendyol, has said it seeks deeper trade and economic ties with Ankara. State broadcaster TRT Haber said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusogu will visit Abu Dhabi in mid-December. Ankara, at odds with several regional countries as well as its Western allies over various issues, has launched similar normalisation efforts with its rivals Egypt and Saudi Arabia, though those channels have yielded little public improvement.
state bank report says Pakistan’s economy rebounded in FY21 KARACHI AgeNcIeS
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a report to suggest that the country’s economy rebounded during the fiscal year 2021-22 with real GDP growth rising to 3.9%. In its annual report titled ‘State of Pakistan’s Economy’ — which reviewed FY21 — the central bank stated that the expansion in economic activity was accompanied by a 10-year low current account balance that contributed to a significant build-up in foreign exchange reserves. “The fiscal deficit also edged down despite COVID-related spending, leading to an improvement in the public debt-to-GDP ratio, unlike the experience of most countries across the world,” a statement issued by the SBP read. Per the report, headline inflation — based on the consumer price index (CPI) — also eased during the
year mainly due to “relatively stable prices of non-food and non-energy items.” However, overall price levels, especially of food items, remained high owing to supply-side challenges. Furthermore, average headline CPI inflation fell to 8.9% in FY21 — within the SBP’s forecast range of 79%. “The resurgence in domestic demand did not translate into inflationary pressures amidst the presence of some spare capacity in the economy,” it stated. It is pertinent to mention here that the inflation remained volatile during the year, because of the impact of the increase in fuel prices and power tariffs. The report notes that the economic turnaround was facilitated by management of the COVID health pandemic, as well as a prompt and targeted monetary and fiscal response to counter its impact on economic growth and livelihoods. The SBP’s liquidity support amounted to around
5% of GDP by the end of FY21, featuring a combination of policy rate cuts as well as several targeted and time-bound measures, such as the Temporary Economic Refinance Facility (TERF) for promotion of new investment, Rozgar payroll financing scheme to prevent layoffs, the Refinance Facility to Combat COVID to provide concessional financing to construct hospitals and facilities to fight against COVID, and temporary loan deferments and restructurings to provide temporary liquidity relief to small and big businesses as well as individual borrowers. The report highlights that a broad-based recovery in real GDP growth was recorded. Led by the favourable supply and demand dynamics as well as a low base effect from the COVID-led contraction in FY20, large-scale manufacturing posted a 14.9% increase in FY21. It further revealed that although the growth in agriculture was slightly lower than in FY20, the production of wheat, rice and maize rose to historic levels. “The cumulative increase in the production of these crops offset the decline in cotton production,” it noted. “The improvement in the commodityproducing sectors and a surge in imports led to a sharp recovery in wholesale and trade services in FY21,” the statement read. The central bank’s report also notes that the economic rebound was achieved without a worsening of macroeconomic imbalances, as the overall policy mix was still prudent. The current account deficit reduced substantially amid record-high workers’ remittances and export receipts and contributed to the $5.2 billion increase in the SBP’s foreign exchange reserves during the year. The country also retained access to sizable external financing, with inflows received from the IMF and other multilateral and bilateral creditors; the issuance of Eurobonds after a long hiatus; and deposits and investments from non-resident Pakistanis via the Roshan Digital Accounts.
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six killed, three injured in road accident ISLAMABAD StAFF RePoRt
At least six people were killed and three others injured after a car fell into a ravine in Upper Kohistan district on Wednesday, media reported. According to the reports, a car carrying nine members of a family fell into the ravine in the Lotar area of Upper Kohistan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Local people, police and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and the injured to a nearby hospital. The deceased include children and women who were travelling to attend a wedding function when the incident took place, the reports said. Hospital officials feared that the death toll might further rise because the wounded are in critical condition. Police said that the accident resulted from overspeeding when the driver lost control of the car.
lahore becomes world’s most polluted city LAHORE the ASSocIAted PReSS
A thick cloud of smog that enveloped Lahore on Wednesday earned it the ignominious title of the world’s most polluted city, according to a Swiss air quality monitoring company. Platform IQAir said the nation’s cultural capital now stands at the top of its polluted cities ranking — with an air quality index of 203 on the US AQI scale, versus runner-up Dehli, India, with 183. That standing was at 2:49 pm, the two cities had traded places at least once over the course of the morning. Increasing smog and particleladen air has sickened thousands of people with respiratory and other illnesses, forcing many to stay at home on particularly dirty days like Wednesday. Dhaka, Bangladesh came in third, with an index of 169, and Kolkata, India at fourth, with a reading of 168. Lahore stood at the third place a day earlier. Increasing air pollution and smog have forced authorities to order a partial closure of schools in Lahore, once known as the city of gardens. Authorities said they closed some factories and some were fined for not using technology that helps in controlling pollution. Doctors are advising people to wear face masks to avoid respiratory-related diseases. Rafeh Alam, an environmental expert who has been campaigning to create awareness among people about the dangers of increasing pollution, said many people, including women and children, have been exposed to toxic air, which causes several diseases. He urged the government to take measures to reduce air pollution. Adding to vehicle and industry pollution is the popular practice among poor farmers of setting fire to remnants of the previous season’s crop before preparing land for the next planting. Winds worsen the pollution by further spreading smog across the region.
04 NEWS 25th November 2021_Layout 1 11/25/2021 12:13 AM Page 1
Thursday, 25 November, 2021 | KARACHI
04 NEWS
Prolonged AfghAnistAn sAnctions will only hAmPer relief efforts: yusuf ISLAMABAD
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ATIONAL Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf said the world has to focus its efforts to ensure relief and assistance to over 35 million people of Afghanistan at the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe as sanctions were hampering aid endeavours of international donors in the war-torn country. In an interview with CNN aired early Wednesday, the NSA told host Becky Anderson: “It’s necessary for the audience and the anchorperson to understand what kind of human disaster we are going to face in Afghanistan.” A combination of a suspension of foreign aid, the freezing of the Afghan government’s assets, and international sanctions on the Taliban, have plunged a country already suffering from high poverty levels into a full-blown economic crisis. According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), 22.8 million people (of a population of approximately 39-40 million) are facing acute food insecurity and hunger, while the World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that at least a million children are already suffering from acute malnutrition. According to the UN, more than $200 million of humanitarian aid a month is needed to avert disaster. Yusuf recalled the United Nations’ WFP in its report said that 23 million Afghans
would acutely go short of food in the winter season which was now starting. “70 percent are already apportioning food, 60 percent are borrowing from others and on top of that more than 30 percent are reporting shortage of medicines.” The NSA said the Western publications were also reporting that women were selling their children to buy household commodities. “Imagine what reaction we would get when it was happening somewhere closer to the shores where you are sitting now,” he pointed out to the anchor. “This has to be beyond politics and any question of Taliban [… ] right now the world has to focus on getting assistance for the sake of 35-40 million afghans who are going to suffer. It’s really about them at this point, so Pakistan is doing what it can,” the NSA mentioned. He said Pakistan was not a rich economy but donated $30 million and there were also private donations that are being sent to Afghanistan. “The real issue is that why international humanitarian organisations aren’t being allowed to send money into Afghanistan to provide assistance to pay salaries to health staff?” he questioned. “Humanitarian assistance has been pledged, a lot of it, by the western countries and others in the world,” he said and added that the reason that the money was not getting across was the banking channels. “It’s just one thing that are some sanctions that have made the banks very cautious and so that we are not allowing even the UN, WFP, ICRC to run their own bank accounts
two policemen killed in firing in Peshawar ISLAMABAD: Two policemen were killed in a firing in Peshawar, police said on Wednesday. Police officers in the area told media that security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the wee hours of the day to arrest suspects in the Hayatabad neighbourhood. Being surrounded by security forces, the suspects opened fire and killed two policemen on the spot, said police, adding the assailants managed to flee from the scene. The area was cordoned off following the incident and a hunt was on to nab the assailants. Earlier on Monday, a policeman was killed in Peshawar when unknown gunmen opened fire on him while he was returning home off duty. Staff RepoRt
to get their money into Afghanistan, purchase things and give it to Afghans who are going to potentially die this winter,” he warned. He underlined that it should be made clear that humanitarian assistance was already exempted from any sanctions or the government of the Taliban. “It has nothing to do with them. This money is going to go to international organizations who are directly going to feed and support the average Afghan woman and man who we all profess wanting to protect,” he said. To a question, Yusuf said Pakistan has offered to become the air and land bridge, adding: “You (Anderson’s) were here recently and [you] know what Pakistan did to support evacuations of vulnerable Afghans and we have got 53,000 people transferred and transited through Pakistan of over 42 nationalities, including many Americans.” Pakistan, he said, was now offering its territory to become a land and air bridge where international organizations come as there were no banking restrictions. “They could transact, buy things from Pakistani market, import goods into Pakistan and sent across via truck or route.” Yusuf queried why there was yet no movement or a response despite enough monies available. “I am speaking to you as Pakistan’s NSA very selfishly. My neighbour’s house is on fire. I have the right to call 911 and tell them this is going to reach me,” he alluded to Pakistan’s repeated flagging of the Afghan humanitarian crisis. Pakistan had four decades of history of experience militancy as the Afghanistan war’s
ISLAMABAD app
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Wednesday emphasised the need for inter-civilisational dialogue and interfaith harmony to save billions of people across the globe from conflict, poverty, disease and hunger. Addressing at the International Interfaith Peace Conference here, the foreign minister said promotion of inter-faith harmony had assumed unparalleled significance in today’s polarised world characterised by extremism, supremacist ideologies, conflicts, and festering disputes. The foreign minister said Pakistan was committed to sparing no effort to promote harmony and understanding between different religions, cultures, and civilisations. He said the Covid-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for all, leading to the realisation that shunning conflicts and intolerance and promoting understanding and cooperation hold the key to the survival of mankind. He mentioned that Pakistan was at the forefront of efforts to promote understanding of the deep
spillover came to us because it had 1,600 miles of border with its Western neighbour, he added. To another query, he responded: “Some 25,000-35,000 Afghans cross over into Pakistan every day and then go back. What will happen, if there is a refugee crisis, Pakistan will be hit the next day.” He said Pakistan already had four million Afghan refugees for the past four decades, adding: “[…] think about what is happening in Belarus, what happened during Syria conflict and how stingy much of the world was with the refugees.” Yusuf said. “We are as generous as it gets but we have got to prevent more human suffering and should not be talking about what happens when more refugees come to Pakistan.” Responding to queries pertaining to the interim Afghan government, he said: “We have formal relations with Afghanistan and there is no recognition obviously. Pakistan has constantly led regional diplomacy and said we need to have regional and international consensus for a way forward.” But in terms of the recent visits of delegations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said: “We have three issues, one is humanitarian assistance and result is in front of you and Pakistan is shipping what it can. Second, we have 1,600 miles of border with Afghanistan and border management is crucial for us.” “We cannot afford international
Religious dialogue vital to save world from hunger, poverty: Qureshi veneration held by Muslims for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He stressed that the West must not encourage or tolerate the abuse of freedom of expression to injure the sentiments of about two billion followers of Islam. He said Islam firmly rejects notions of racial superiority and discrimination on the basis of caste and creed. Despite malicious propaganda, he said, there was a growing realisation in the world that Islam is a religion of peace that does not condone, encourage or promote terrorism or violent extremism. The foreign minister referred to the last sermon of the prophet as the “most definitive and unequivocal rejection of racism” and a timeless beacon of hope for humanity. He said Pakistan had a rich tradition of tolerance, understanding, and respect for the cultural values of minorities.
PAC to serve notice on NAB Chairman over absence from meeting ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
The Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday decided to serve notice to Chairman NAB over failing to attend the PAC hearing. “After serving notice to the NAB chairman, the PAC will exercise its powers to issue his arrest warrant,” PAC Chairman Rana Tanveer Hussain warned. “Every power, with the parliamentary body, will be used, if necessary to summon the Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB),” PAC chief said. The committee expressed its resentment over absence of the Secretary PM Office, Secretary President Secretariat and the chairman NAB in the PAC session. “The NAB Chairman could not attend the PAC session due to the Missing Persons Committee meeting in Lahore,” DG NAB Hussain Ahmed said in the parliamentary committee’s session. The PAC Chairman, Rana Tanveer sent the DG NAB out of the parliamentary com-
terrorists still in Afghanistan and IS escapees of the world and then the TTP who martyred and massacred thousands of Pakistanis to again create trouble for us. In the past two decades, India and Afghan intelligence was supporting TTP and we are having negotiations with the Afghan interim government on that issue,” he said. He added the third issue was that Pakistan was urging the Afghan government to do exactly what the world was asking on human rights, inclusivity and ensuring no terrorism from their soil. When Afghan came to Pakistan, he said it was the first time in troika plus including Pakistan, China, Russia and US meeting also took place and the US and others met this delegation. “Because we want to make sure that there is a direct conservation. Everybody comes to Pakistan but our role is merely to facilitate and remove any misgivings and all of us are working towards this goal but this is all irrelevant at the moment and will urge the world to think about the 35 million Afghans facing a humanitarian crisis,” he said. Pakistan, he said was hosting four million Afghan refugees and many of them were undocumented, where it was Pakistan that asked for documenting all and make dignified repatriation for the past 20 years. But the Afghan governments of that times refused that they were not interested to take back their people, he added.
mittee’s session. “Leave the session and immediately call the chairman NAB, and tell him to come to the PAC session next week at any cost,” chairman public accounts committee ordered. Audit officials informed the committee that the NAB recoveries audit of last one year will be completed soon. “The amount from the British National Crime Agency has also been audited,” the Auditor General said. The PAC chairman also rebuked Additional Secretary to the PM Office Nadeem Mehmood and Additional Secretary to the President’s Secretariat Waqas Ahmed over the absence of their secretaries from the PAC meeting.
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The spirit of interfaith harmony is reflected in the green and white of our national flag and is codified in our constitution, he added. Qureshi mentioned Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s speech before the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, was a forceful enunciation of religious tolerance. He said Pakistan is the land of Sufi saints whose message of respect for diversity, humanism and compassion resonates across the country. Being on the crossroads of civilisations, he said, Pakistan is a rich mosaic characterised by a confluence of cultures and amalgamation of ideas and wisdom. He mentioned that guided by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of promoting tolerance and interfaith harmony, Pakistan had opened up Kartarpur Corridor for the Sikh brethren. Similarly, efforts are underway to pro-
tect religious sites and promote festivals of other religions. Qureshi pointed out the government vision and efforts stood in stark contrast with the policies and actions of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government which was driven by racism and intolerance. The plight of minorities in general, and Kashmiris in particular, flies in the face of India’s claims of being a secular and democratic country, he added. He urged upon the world to make the Indian government realise that sacrificing Muslims and other minorities at the altar of populism poses a grave threat to humanist ideals as well as regional peace and security. He expressed confidence that clerics would strengthen the government’s hand in promoting interfaith harmony within Pakistan and with the rest of the world.
trial in noor murder adjourned on request of defense ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court in Islamabad Wednesday adjourned until December 1 further proceedings in the murder of the daughter of a former diplomat on the request of the defense. Noor Mukadam, 27, was found murdered at the residence of one Zahir Zakir in Sector F-7/4 of Islamabad in July. Zakir, widely believed to be the killer, was arrested the same day for his purported involvement in the gruesome incident. A first information report registered on the complaint of Ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam, Mukadam’s father, nominated Zakir under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code. Zakir’s parents — Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee — domestic staff and six workers of Therapy Works — an Islamabad-based organisation providing mental health services that employed Zakir and Adamjee — were arrested days later on charges of abetting the murder. A total of 12 people have been facing the probe on multiple charges. On Wednesday, Zakir and the other accused were produced in court. Staff RepoRt
Pml-Q expresses concern over local govt system in Punjab LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), coalition partner of ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Wednesday expressed concern over the new local government system in the province. The PML-Q ministers, during the Punjab cabinet meeting expressed reservations about the new local government system in the province. Provincial Minister Bao Rizwan left after expressing reservations at the cabinet meeting. Bao Rizwan said, the PML-Q ministers were not consulted about the new local government system, adding that the PML-Q leader should be taken in confidence regarding new local bodies system. Staff RepoRt
Thursday, 25 November, 2021 | KARACHI
NEWS corporate corner Ke Remains Committed to Cracking down on electricity theft KARACHI: In continuation with its massive crackdown aimed against power-thieves and defaulters, K-Electric disconnected power supply to parts of Lyari and Malir where the dues cumulatively exceed PKR 2.9 billion. Despite consistent efforts to cooperate with the consumers and offer schemes to facilitate them, Consumers in Lyari gathered in various pockets of the area to protest against the disconnection of power supply. While the staff members fortunately remained safe, KE’s offices in Moosa Lane and Kalri area were damaged by citizens who pelted stones and threw flammable material causing heavy damage to the utility’s property. The utility has also lodged a complaint at the respective police stations against the attack on KE's offices. FIR not lodged yet In a separate incident, protesters had gathered at the Lea Market area against the disruption of power supply, when unknown individuals opened gun fire and unfortunately injured 2 of the participants. Certain members with vested interests who had incited the protesters towards violence subsequently issued statements in the media which conflated both incidents and aggravated the situation. Spokesperson K-Electric strongly condemned the use of violence against the utility and citizens, stating “We remain dedicated to supporting our customers and seek their cooperation in resolving the payment of chronic legacy outstanding dues, some of which are in the tens of millions. Contrary to the perception being created, KE has no involvement in the unfortunate incident which occurred in the Lea Market area, and we urge citizens to work with us to find a solution. KE continues to invest in the improvement of its infrastructure to cater to the evolving needs of our customers, but the nonpayment of bills creates an unsustainable environment which hinders our ability to secure Karachi’s energy future.” KE has consistently reached out to consumers and regularly offers incentive schemes to facilitate bill payments against rebates and easy installments with an aim to inculcate a culture of regular bill payments. In the past, area representatives have also agreed to support KE in engaging communities to clear outstanding dues, which have regrettably not been fulfilled. The utility reiterated its fullest support for consumers who express their intent to clear their dues and urged residents and area representatives to take ownership and work jointly towards a sustainable solutio. pr
Rare white lion dies at Karachi Zoo KARACHI: A rare white lion died in Karachi Zoo on Wednesday after its lungs stopped working due to pneumonia, a spokesperson for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) said. He said that the big cat was ill for the last 13 days and suffering from Pulmonary TB which was being treated by veterinarians but “he could not recover and died due to his illness at 11am today”. The age of the lion was between 14 and 15 years and brought to Karachi Zoo from Africa in 2012. A team of veterinarians performed an autopsy on the lion and collected details about the illness and death. According to veterinarians, the lion also had pneumonia and its lungs had stopped working. Administrator Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that he was saddened to learn of the death of the white lion as they are rare in the world. “Strict disciplinary action will be taken against the zoo management if any negligence is found after the cause of death of the lion has come to light,” he added. In 2012, a new glass enclosure was built on the occasion of the arrival so that the citizens visiting Karachi Zoo can fully see the lion. agencies
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AJK CABiNet deCideS to give oNe MillioN oveRSeAS KAShMiRiS Right to vote muZZAfARABAd
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staff report
ZAD Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Cabinet Wednesday decided to give over one million overseas AJK residents the right to vote in the upcoming general elections. The decision was taken during a meeting of the AJK cabinet chaired by AJK premier Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi. The cabinet also approved an Amend-
ment Act to provide financial assistance to widows and orphans under which a special fund will be set up in the region. Furthermore, it was decided to collect the data of Ehsaas programme beneficiaries to ensure a transparent financial assistance system for widows and orphans. Some other decisions taken during the cabinet meeting included introducing the ‘one-dish’ system in weddings and other social gatherings, which must be winded up before 10pm. The cabinet was apprised of the
progress made so far by the committee formed to look over amendments to the Accountability Act, and directed it to finalise the recommendations for the next meeting. While addressing the cabinet, the AJK premier said that all resources will be utilised for the welfare of the people of the region, according to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision. He added that PM Imran Khan was taking effective steps for the prosperity and wellbeing of the common people, adding that it was his government’s mis-
Tarin directs provinces to take punitive actions against Fertilizer hoarders iSLAmABAd shahzad paracha
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin has directed the provincial governments to take punitive actions against Fertilizer’s hoarders. He said this while chairing the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) meeting held at the Finance Division. Secretary Finance, Secretary Industries & Production, MD Utility Stores Corporation, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Chief Statistician PBS and other senior officers participated in the meeting. National Price Monitoring Committee reviewed the prices of daily use commodities and essential food items in the country. The Secretary Finance briefed the NPMC about the weekly SPI situation which has been increased by 1.07% during the week under review. While reviewing the price trend of essential commodities, the Secretary Finance apprised that prices of 10 essential commodities registered decline prices of 14 items remained stable during the last week. The prices of essential commodities Onion, Potatoes, Cooking Oil registered significant decline as compared to same period last year, he added.
The Secretary Finance further updated NPMC that the prices of the wheat flour bags remained consistent at Rs. 1100 per 20 kg due to the proactive measures of the Punjab, KP Governments and ICT administration. The daily release of wheat by all the provincial governments will further ease out prices. While reviewing the price of sugar in the country, the Secretary Finance informed that prices are easing out in Punjab and KP due to proactive measures of the government. The new stocks of sugar are arriving in the market which will further lower the prices. The Advisor expressed satisfaction over the stability in the sugar prices and stressed Ministry of Industries and Production to take appropriate measures for creating strategic reserves of the sugar in the country for smooth supply of sugar in coming months. While reviewing the prices of edible oil, the NMPC observed that the increase in prices of edible oil in the global market has affected the local prices, however, it was informed that international prices of palm oil and Soyabean would start declining from January onward. The Adviser stressed to ensure that the lower international prices be passed on to the domestic consumers.
On the stock position of Fertilizers, it was informed that Punjab and Sindh governments have taken actions against the hoarders. Punjab government has established control rooms in the districts to monitor the stock position of fertilizers and appropriate actions are being taken on complaints against high prices. The Adviser directed the provincial governments to take punitive actions against Fertilizer’s hoarders, prevent shortage and make availability of fertilizers at controlled rates in all the provinces. The Adviser further directed Ministry of Industry and Production to initiate whistle blower law against hoarders and enforce it at the priority. While observing stock position of Kerosene oil in the country, the Adviser directed Petroleum Division to take measures for availability of sufficient stocks of Kerosene oil in market to support the lower segment of the society. The NPMC observed that Sastaa & Sahulat Bazaars in Punjab, KP are offering essential goods at subsidized prices. The Adviser to the PM on Finance & Revenue commended the efforts of the Government of the Punjab, KP and Islamabad administration in providing key items at discounted prices through arranging Sastaa Bazaars.
sion to serve the people regardless of their political affiliations. “Impartial accountability is the top priority of the government and the process of accountability will be initiated sans any discrimination,” PM Niazi stated. The AJK premier also expressed serious concern over the arrest of human rights activist Khurram Parvez in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). He urged international human rights organisations to play their role in the Parvez’s release.
Maryam urges former CJP Nisar to come clean on audio tape cOntinuEd fROm pAgE 01 A division bench, comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kayani, heard the appeals of Maryam and her husband Captain (R) Muhammad Safdar against their convictions in above reference. Maryam’s lawyer Irfan Qadir had moved an application in the IHC two days back, requesting the court to fix another date for hearing due to his engagements in Supreme Court. The bench accepted the request of Irfan Qadir and adjourned the case without further proceeding till December 21.
Senator Buppi appointed PM’s aide on e-commerce ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Senator Aon Abbas Buppi has been appointed as special assistant to the prime minister on e-commerce. Per a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Wednesday, Buppi’s appointment has been made in ‘honourary capacity’. Buppi was elected as a senator in March this year and served as the managing director of the Pakistan Baitul Maal until then. His appointment follows that of PTI’s Muhammad Ayub Afridi as the adviser to the prime minister on overseas Pakistanis. These recent appointments have increased the number of members in the federal cabinet to 53. They now include 17 special assistants to the prime minister, five advisers, 27 federal ministers and four ministers of state. staff correspondent
Ombudsman recovers, returns occupied property to owner LAHORE staff report
As a result of action taken on the orders of Punjab Ombudsman retired Maj Azam Suleman Khan, a 14-marla commercial house/land of one Muhammad Riaz Shahid has been vacated from the illegal occupation in Shakargarh Tehsil of Narowal. The complainant approached the office of the Punjab ombudsman, requesting he had submitted an application to Narowal District Police Officer (DPO) on September 18 last year informing that local police had illegally occupied his property valuing Rs77 million but to no avail.
He maintained he is the legal owner of the property in the light of the decisions given by the Board of Revenue (BoR) members and Revenue Department but this property has not been got vacated which is an injustice to him. After the intervention of the ombudsman office, said property was handed over to its rightful owner and the complainant has also informed the office he has retrieved the possession of this property after vacation of the illegal occupation. In a separate development, the ombudsman office returned a sum of Rs0.264 million to the affected students of a private college and saved their academic year from being wasted. The applicants, Syed Munawar Ahmad and others,
approached Khan’s office that their institution’s administration had received the admission fee of Intermediate part-I for the annual examination but did not deposit it to the board which could result in the loss of an academic year of 32 students. As a result of the action taken by the ombudsman, the students were returned their money while the BISE Lahore chairman has been directed that the educational future of the said students may not be wasted. Khan has also directed the higher education department (HED) secretary to take legal action against all such private colleges across the province which are darkening the future of their students and submit the report to his office within 45 days.
ECNEC approves ADB Funded AMI project iSLAmABAd staff report
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) of cabinet on Wednesday approved ADB Funded Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. The meeting of ECNEC was held under the chair of advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue. Ministry of Energy presented the ADB Funded Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in IESCO with directives to start the project without any delay as a pilot project and include other electric supplying companies. The project envisages enhancing load control and loading management up to the interface of the electricity distribution system operated by the distribution companies (DISCOs). The AMI project is designed as a least cost solution to reduce losses and efficiently balancing supply in the specific areas
of IESCO. ECNEC also approved Pakistan Optical Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-02) project of SUPARCO worth of Rs. 27,913.567 Million. The project will help building of an indigenous capacity in the fields of space /satellite technology and its applications, institutional capacity building of SUPARCO and promote high-tech R & D activities in the country. This project will contribute in acquisition of self-reliance in satellite technologies in Pakistan. The chair also approved Sialkot (Sambrial) – Kharian Motorway project submitted by Ministry of Communication, along with directions to NHA to present progress on development of business model to ECC. The project envisages construction of 69-km long, 04-lane wide Sambrial- Kharian Motorway with structures to be constructed for 06 lanes. Forum especially lauded the efforts of Planning Commission and M/o Communica-
tion for finalizing this project on PPP basis. ECNEC also gave approval to the New Gwadar International Airport(NGIA) 2nd revised project. The 2nd revised project envisages construction of New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) along with allied facilities over a piece of land already acquired. NGIA will replace the existing airport at Gwadar which has small terminal building with limited capacity. The new airport will be suitable for bigger aircrafts like Airbus A-380 and Boeing -747 & 777 etc for international and domestic services. ECNEC also approved the position paper for amendments in the ECNEC decision, 2004 and for approval of Self-Finance Development Schemes of distribution companies/entities, submitted by Ministry of Energy. ECNEC also approved Remodelling of Warsak Canal System in Peshawar and Nowshera districts worth o Rs. 16,695.81 Million. The 2nd revised PC-1 was consid-
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ered on 50:50 cost sharing basis between Federal and Provincial Government. Any variation in the cost of the project will be borne by the provincial government. ECNEC approved Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP- revised) project by HEC worth of Rs. 12,782 Million financed by World Bank. The project activities will be executed throughout Pakistan. The ECNEC Also considered a project Pak University of Engineering & Emerging Technologies (PUEET) Phase-I (Knowledge Economy Initiative) of HEC with a cost of Rs. 23.54 Billion. PUEET would be a research and commercialization university, which would house various centres of excellence in the cutting-edge fields of science and technology and a state-of-the-art- technology park. ECNEC gave approval to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP) at a cost of Rs. 97,146 Million.
KPCIP will improve the quality of life of the residents of five KP cities including Abbottabad, Kohat, Mardan, Mingora and Peshawar directly benefiting about 6 Million of urban population. Forum also approved the construction of 10th Avenue from IJP road to Srinagar Highway Islamabad at a total cost of Rs. 12.139 billion. Project would be executed in two phases and would be completed in two year’s time. Forum deferred the decision on Greater Thar Canal Project with directions to relevant stakeholders, both at Federal and Provincial level, to reach a consensus amongst themselves prior to its resubmission to ECNEC. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Asad Umer, Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Federal Secretaries and other senior officers from Federal as well as Provincial Government participated in the meeting.
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Thursday, 25 November, 2021
06 COMMENT
Shafaf elections but stained contestants
A positive change in government-ECP relations But how long will it last?
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ASt week, the PM had wondered why the Election Commission of Pakistan opposed the electronic voting machines (EVMs) as they ensure transparency and it was the job of the ECP to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections. He ridiculed the reasons given by the ECP officials. In September, while supporting the use of modern technology in elections, the ECP had raised 37 objections to the introduction of EVMs in the forthcoming elections. What has reportedly changed the situation is the realization among some of the PtI leaders that the government needs to move forward in consultation with the ECP rather than confronting it. the government panel on ECP appointments has been reconstituted, with Federal Minister Azam Swati replaced by Senator Kamil Ali Agha. After the government managed to bulldoze amendments to the Elections Act 2017 in the joint session of Parliament, allowing the use of electronic voting machines and granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis, the ECP too decided to prepare comprehensive recommendations on EVMs and on providing expatriates the right to vote. the ECP has had major reservations about EVMs that include their being tampering-prone and their software easily alterable. the Commission also believes the time is too short for a large-scale procurement and deployment of EVMs and imparting training to a massive number of operators. Further, that it was not advisable to introduce EVMs nationwide in one go. the polls on one day as required under the law would be nearly impossible if EVMs were introduced. What the ECP aims at is to provide answers to the problems caused by the required amendment in the laws. this could lead to talks between the government and the ECP to resolve the differences in the light of the recommendations. the ECP has appointed committees to provide suggestions to deal with issues like storage of EVMs, and voting procedure for overseas Pakistanis, besides running the pilot testing of the machines and the mechanism for their use. It would identify the best global practices, calculate expenditure and suggest changes in the rules. It is too early to predict whether the government and the ECP will succeed in jointly resolving the issues related to the use of EVMs. In case of the government insisting on any issue that violates the Constitution, the matter is likely to be taken up by the Supreme Court.
The legislators elected in 1970 were of a much higher calibre than those of today
Dr FariD a Malik
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hafaf or free and fair elections are indeed the way forward but with credible and untainted contestants. Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution have several conditions that have to be met by the candidates. tax and loan defaulters are liable to disqualification. Even loan write-offs are off limits. In the checkered political history of Pakistan only the 1970 electoral contest remains credible. Despite several democratic gains which includes the formulation of the 1973 consensual constitution, the election or the cailbre of the members are never highlighted nor discussed. It was the ablest house ever. Leader of the House was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) while Abdul Wali Khan led the opposition. Legislators were committed, able and honest. ZAB was so confident of his popularity and performance that he opted for early elections. Since then every electoral contest has been disputed or challenged, with various brands of Muslim League being the major beneficiary of these manipulated elections. Almost the entire leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) has been accused of corruption and money laundering. there are serious charges of corrupt practises against the Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) as well, but somehow the Chaudhrys of Gujrat always manage to slip accountability despite clear signs of foul play. In the current legislature very few members come up to the standards set forth by the Constitution. In other words, clean elections are being demanded by tainted candidates. It is widely believed that ‘Garbage in is garbage out’. the dirt is asking for a clean path to spread their dirty designs. the constitutional requirements must be applied across the board, free and fair elections and clean candidates to deliver a house of able and honest legislators as it was in 1970. It has to be a complete package. After the recent elections of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), an attempt is
Tax reform Proof is in the pudding
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AKIStAN’S tax-to-GP ratio has remained abysmal for over a decade, adding to its many other economic woes. Inadequate tax collection owing to a narrow tax net that the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) has continuously failed to expand, is at the core of the problem. Apart from managerial and structural problems within the FBR, a culture of tax avoidance is rampant within society, perpetuated by the political class that itself does not pay its fair share. Over the course of three years, Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken various measures to address these issues with little success. Bringing in top management at the FBR from the private sector did not result in the necessary actions being taken to reform the troubled institution. taking on the traders’ community was also short-lived, with the government having to back down on conditions that would have forced the former to declare its revenues. In its latest bid to meet tax targets, a ‘track and trace’ system has been launched to monitor the sugar industry, in particular its production volumes, by affixing tax stamps in real time. While the introduction of such technology in the taxation apparatus in collaboration with the businesses and industries that are to be taxed is a good initiative, it remains to be seen whether or not it is able to achieve its objective of generating more tax revenue. the government must also realize that such innovative tax collection methods are only implementable with industry-specific partnerships and there are limits to how much additional tax revenue can be raised through these partnerships. the more vast and undocumented part of the business community comprises of local traders, sole proprietors and medium-sized enterprises, and that is where the thicker cut of meat really is. Getting this crucial segment of the economy to pay taxes is an arduous task, requiring not only a strict ‘taxman’ but first and foremost the development of a taxpaying culture. As things stand, an increasingly large section of the population believes, not without reason, that taxes are not spent on providing them cost-free benefits like quality health, education and security. Until and unless such concerns are removed, a significant proportion of people and businesses eligible to pay taxes will continue to keep themselves out of the tax net.
HaFeezur TalukDar
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t is India which is a very self-realist state in South Asia. Self-proclaimed as the world’s largest democracy, India has no respect for the rights of its neighbours. India knows only taking from others, doesn’t know giving to others. For example, India has been deceiving Bangladesh for many years. India didn’t sign its promised ‘teesta water-sharing agreement’ with Bangladesh’ from 1983. India always says that it will sign the treaty with Bangladesh immediately. But it is 2021. teesta, this famous river that came to Bangladesh after crossing the border, was once young forever. Settlements have sprung up in large areas including Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, and Kurigram, around this river. the world-famous Bhavaya music tune has been created in a match with the livelihood of the people in the region and the flow of the river. But the teesta is no longer known. It is sitting to die from being weak. During the monsoon season, the river only has water for a couple of months. And before the rains end, it turns into a dead canal. this time the teesta has become waterless before the end of the Bengali month of Bhadra India is getting an opportunity to cultivate in the dry season by diverting water through the Ghazaldoba Barrage to the irrigation canal. And as a result, teesta is dying day by day in Bangladesh due to a lack of water. Vast chars (river island) have arisen in the heart of the river. the Indian government is controlling the normal flow of the teesta by building dams. As a result of the unilateral withdrawal of water, this river
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Unfortunately the transition after the defeat of the forces of corruption led by the PML(N), and the PPP has been very slow, causing difficulties for the masses. The expected relief has not been delivered mainly because of a poor team and lack of homework. No one seems to have a clear road to overcome the persistent decline. The writing is on the wall, another ‘Clean Contest’ amongst ‘Dirty’ players will get us nowhere
India takes water even from friendly countries
Arif Nizami (Late)
M. A. Niazi
sure from all sides. While the PPP, being a genuine political outfit, has opted for a political fightback, the PML(N), being an establishment embryo, is always willing to wheel and deal. this wheeling and dealing has been deadly for the democratic order. those who have been responsible for the decline cannot move the nation ahead. the smaller created democratic impediments like the PML(Q) and the MQM are always there to play for the galleries at crunch time. Real political parties are built around ideology, not families as is the case in the land of the pure. the electoral contest in 1970 was clearly defined between the forces of change and of the status quo. Change prevailed while the establishment was unwilling to let go which caused the break-up of Quaid’s Pakistan, but real democracy returned to the land of the pure. the democratic era was brief (1971 to 1977) but meaningful and effective. Unfortunately the transition after the defeat of the forces of corruption led by the PML(N), and the PPP has been very slow, causing difficulties for the masses. the expected relief has not been delivered mainly because of a poor team and lack of homework. No one seems to have a clear road to overcome the persistent decline. the writing is on the wall, another ‘Clean Contest’ amongst ‘Dirty’ players will get us nowhere The writer is ex-Chairman, Pakistan Science foundation. he can be contacted at: fmaliks@hotmail.com.
India makes Bangladesh’s part of the Teesta river into a dead canal!
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad
being made to overrule the past disqualification of the corrupt. this move will further push back the accountability process as convictions through our legal system are almost impossible. the role of the judiciary in derailing our democratic struggle is also not upto the mark. Instead of moving forward with the clean-up process, it makes no sense to look back. the entire legal framework is already overloaded with cases. the mexim ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ clearly applies. the colonial tradition of summer vacations for the superior courts continues after over seven decades of independence. Considering the backlog of cases this approach needs to be revisited as the ‘lordships’ no longer have to visit their families overseas. today they either reside in official residences or have also been gifted with residential plots, and their perks and pensions are the highest in the land of the pure. the two important pillars of the state (Judiciary, Executive) needs a major overhaul to obtain convictions of the unscrupulous. Common law is for the commoners, not for public office holders. Once accused of corruption they must come clean or be sidetracked. the onus of proof lies with them, the Napoleanic Codes should apply, ‘guilty as charged unless proven otherwise’. the prevalent practice of; ‘One is innocent unless proven guilty’ is not helping the accountability process. the age-old weapon of delays through adjournments is providing fresh oxygen to the corrupt elements. ‘Shafaf’ elections will only strengthen the Rule of the Corrupt which the Prime Minister (PM) is trying to stall despite pres-
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in Bangladesh has dried up and is now dying. Meanwhile, in the dry season, India withheld water, but in the rainy season, all the gates of Ghazaldoba Barrage were opened to control the water level. As a result, large areas of several districts around the teesta in Bangladesh became flood-prone. Houses and cultivable lands were washed away by the floods. According to the Water Development Board (Paubo) of Bangladesh, the 400-km long teesta River flows through India’s Sikkim and Darjeeling-Jalpaiguri in northern West Bengal, Lalmonirhat in Bangladesh, Rangpur through Chilmari in Kurigram and joins the Brahmaputra River at 124 km. According to the Dalia office (Paubo) in Bangladesh, in 1977, the Bangladesh government adopted a plan to build a barrage, head regulator, and closure dam on the teesta River. When the matter came to the notice of the Indian authorities, they built a 921.53-meter-long barrage at Ghazaldoba in Jalpaiguri (63 km upstream from Bangladesh). through this barrage, India is irrigating its agricultural lands with 80 percent of the total water flow of the teesta. Dalia Paubo, an engineer, said the remaining 20 percent of the water was released downstream into India, but after crossing a distance of 63 km, the current became very weak on the way to the barrage area in Doani point in Bangladesh. He said that at a time when India was closing the gates of their barrages if a minimum of one thousand cusecs of water was supplied to the irrigation canal, there would be no way to release it downstream. Ashwini (Bengali month of crop season) is without water: I visited the teesta Barrage area of Hatibandha Upazila in Lalmonirhat on October 16 (in the afternoon) and saw that all the 44 gates of the barrage were closed. As a result, as much water as is available is diverted to the teesta Irrigation Canal. As a result,
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the main river is almost waterless. this time teesta seems to have become waterless at the beginning of Ashwini. Not far from the barrage is a vast expanse of char. On the other side, through a canal-like section, some water flowed downstream. the water level goes down: People in the riparian areas say that as the depth of the river decreases, floods occur in large areas during the monsoon season. Buildings, including the houses, were washed away. On the other hand, due to the lack of water in the river during the dry season, there is an irrigation crisis in the riparian areas while the groundwater level is going down and the water in the tube wells does not compensate. Meanwhile, the farmers are counting the losses year after year as they are not able to irrigate due to lack of water, even after cultivating various crops including potatoes in the char lands. River researcher and director of the Riverine People (a rights organization in Bangladesh) tuhin Wadud said, “the teesta is a very good river compared to other rivers. Occupancy pollution is relatively low here. But the river is dying day by day as India unilaterally withdraws water year after year. In this situation, the implementation of the river water sharing agreement has become very urgent.” Nazrul Islam Haqqani, president of the Save teesta River, Save the Struggle Council, said, “the teesta River is the lifeblood of the Rangpur region. But that river is now dying. We have been agitating for a fair share of water for a long time and will continue to do so. Besides, I think the implementation of the teesta master plan in the government’s plan should be expedited.”‘ Above all, India has made the teesta River into a dead canal. India always talks about human rights, democracy. But I say that it is a mockery, deception, pretension. First, India should leave these bad habits, then it should talk about moral ethics. The writer is freelance columnist
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06-07 Comments - 25th November 2021_Layout 1 11/24/2021 9:24 PM Page 2
Thursday, 25 November, 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
Self-confidence
Apology to Bangladesh could change the region’s current geopolitics The two countries are both coming closer to China, and thus to each other PaTHik Hasan
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USt an apology for Bangladesh can change the region’s geopolitical game. Pakistan’s apology to Bangladesh can and must change the whole regional geopolitics. Pakistan should consider this with special attention. the 1971 liberation war is a historical truth for both Bangladesh and Pakistan. History is history. Pakistan should understand this truth. We know the history of the United Kingdom, France, and th USA. Now, Bangladesh celebrates the 50th anniversary of its journey. the country is moving forward. Its economy is booming. Although Bangladesh and Pakistan were separated, the two countries could work closely in many sectors. 16 December 2021, is knocking on the door. Bangladesh will celebrate the 50th anniversary of December 16 with full spirit. On 16 December 1971, Bangladesh got its independence from Pakistan. Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan from 1947 to 1971. Bangladesh had to separate itself from Pakistan due to various reasons through the prolonged independent movement. After the hardcore struggle, it placed itself on the world map as a sovereign state. Pakistan should apologize to Bangladesh for the war of liberation in 1971. Apart from some leaders of Pakistan, the common people of the country think that Pakistan should apologize to Bangladesh. If Pakistan apologizes, it has nothing to do with being small. Five decades since the liberation war have passed. the attitude of Pakistanis towards Bangladesh in 1971 has changed a lot. Now the Pakistani people also think that they should apologize to Bangladesh. On December 16, Bangladesh will celebrate the golden jubilee of her victory day. this is a golden opportunity for Pakistan. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan can visit Bangladesh on December 16 to mark Victory Day and formally apologize to Bangladesh. Imran Khan should offer an apology. Pakistan’s leadership should give up its egoistic mindset. they have to remember that Pakistan committed misdeeds in Bangladesh at that time. So, it is their responsibility to apologize to Bangladesh. I firmly believe that Bangladesh will take it in a positive way because Bangladesh knows how to forgiveto some extent, a Pakistan apology could heal Bangladesh’s war wounds. But this time, Pakistan should take it seriously. Pakistan should understand the regional geopolitical scenario. Why Pakistan should make an apology to Bangladesh? An apology from Pakistan for Bangladesh is a must to strengthen bilateral relations. It will help both Bangladesh and Pakistan melt the ice. It would be self-purification for Pakistan. Pakistan may think that it would harm its national prestige at the international level. But it wouldn’t happen. Seeking forgiveness to someone after doing wrong does not mean being small, but expressing oneself as a symbol of greatness and humility.
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Wajed always says that Bangladesh can’t forget the past. It is true that no nation can forget the past. thus, Pakistan and Bangladesh can go ahead with remembering the past. this would be possible if Pakistan makes an apology to Bangladesh. India is benefitting from the strained ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. So, Pakistan should take it seriously. Just an apology for Bangladesh can help Pakistan with all regional countries to counter India. India always spread the anti-Pakistan sentiment amongst Bangladeshi people utilizing the issue. Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country. the Pakistan-turkey-Malaysia-Bangladesh bloc would be the stronghold for Muslims around the world. But Pakistan has to bolster its ties with Bangladesh first. As a Muslim country, Pakistan should strengthen its relationship with other Muslim countries. If France and Germany can apologize to Algeria and Namibia, and Belgium to Rwanda, Burundi and Zaire respectively after all this time, why can’ Pakistan apologize to Bangladesh? If Europe’s two biggest former colonial powers France and Germany - can do it, then no one else should have a problem doing it. Pakistan should realize this. Pakistan needs Bangladesh’s support in common international regional forums. Bangladesh is going to become a South Asian economic star. Increasing trade ties with Bangladesh would be beneficial for Pakistan. However, Pakistan needs friends in the region. If Pakistan apologizes to Bangladesh this time, it would be a game-changer for the region. there may be high-level visits of policymakers between the two countries, leading to various agreements which would be mutually beneficial. By forming an alliance, Bangladesh, China and Pakistan can work closely for ensuring the greater interest of the triad to some extent for the region. Pakistan can offer Bangladesh to utilize Gwadar port and CPEC. Bilateral trade, cultural and religious ties would strengthen. Bangladesh is going to be recognized as an emerging power in South Asia. Many senior citizens of Pakistan can put pressure on the government of Pakistan in this regard. the time has come to realize the act that Pakistan did. the government of Pakistan should understand why the burden of this past act of Pakistan will carry the future of Pakistan. Imran Khan used to talk a lot about this issue before he became the Prime Minister, now he should keep his words. After a bloody struggle of nine months, East Pakistan emerged on the world map as a completely independent state called Bangladesh. Since then, in the long 50 years succeeding, Bangladesh’s position and acceptance has increased to every country in the world. Everyone around the world is praising the sustainable development of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is improving so much today, said an economist in Pakistan. Abid Hassan said in an article in a Pakistani newspaper, that Pakistan may seek financial assistance from Bangladesh by 2030. the former World Bank economist has just predicted the future. If Bangladesh can pay
$250 million US dollars to Sri Lanka, waive the IMF’s Bangladeshi share of money from Somalia and Sudan, help Indonesia with Covid-19 medical equipment, and shelter a large number of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, it can also help Pakistan financially. Bangladesh is a humanitarian state in South Asia. But seeking an apology from Pakistan to Bangladesh has become an obstacle. to strengthen the strained ties. Bangladesh has always sought an apology from Pakistan over the past. But Pakistan keeps silent. So, the relations couldn’t be made smooth. the bilateral relations remain strained. Despite Pakistan’s steadfast stance, many progressives in the country feel that Pakistan should apologize for the misdeed carried out. Hamid Mir is one of the journalists who campaigned for Pakistan’s apology. During a visit to Bangladesh in 2011, he said in an exchange of views in the office that he would continue to work for his cause. He also said that he was collecting signatures of members of national and provincial councils. Before arriving in Dhaka, Hamid Mir interviewed former cricketer and Pakistan tehreek-e-Insaf party chief Imran Khan on 23 March 2011. In the interview on tV, Mir drew Khan’s attention and said, “Didn’t you see that the Bangladeshi spectators supported Pakistan in the match between West Indies and Pakistan on March 23 at Mirpur Stadium in Dhaka.” Don’t you think the time has come for the government of Pakistan to apologize unconditionally to Bangladesh for the genocide of 1971? Imran Khan agrees with the host. the citizens of Bangladesh, expatriate Bangladeshis in Europe, have been protesting against Pakistan since 1971. they have been urging Pakistan to make an apology to Bangladesh. the demand is an apology from Islamabad for the actions of Pakistan during the liberation period. Yet it is not good for the government to ignore Pakistan’s public opinion. Pakistan should realize this now. the time has come to formally apologize to Bangladesh. Because the cries of losers during the war period are still heard. Since Bangladesh won on 16 December 1971, it was on 16 December that Pakistan could formally apologize to Bangladesh. Still, Bangladesh will get some consolation. this should be realized by the government of Pakistan. Because they need Bangladesh’s help and support in reviving their fragile economy and in various international issues. the sooner the Pakistani government realizes this, the better for them. If Pakistan wants to take steps to improve relations with Bangladesh, it must apologize for 1971. Only then is it possible to advance diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. So, it would be better for Pakistan if Pakistan should seek a state apology to Bangladesh as soon as possible. A Pakistan’s State Apology to Bangladesh could normalize the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. and change the region’s current geopolitical game. The writer can be pathikhasan1141@gmail.com
reached
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A man can conquer the unsurmountable challenges conveniently if one possess unfaltering. self-confidence. Self-confidence is vital to acquire big achievements without dread of downfall. Likewise, it is proven that successful people always have self-trust. those who don’t have confidence cannot achieve targets. Even sometimes timid/cowardly people, abandon/abort their pathways of success before approaching the border of success. Self-confidence is a prerequisite element to accomplish victories. Here are some visible steps, which confirms that self-confidence is a robust/ potent paraphernalia. Self-confidence is a necessary component to ignite one’s internal interest. Interest leads even a cowardly man toward daunting tasks easily. this factor urges you to continue the pathway even in challenging circumstances. As a result, you will be successful and secure what you chase. Without interest, you cannot persist arduous journey for a longer time. Self-trust serves as fuel to drive you on a long strenuous trek like vehicle. the vehicle cannot operate in the dearth of energy/fuel. In the same way, a chaser cannot target targets. In other words, self-confidence is food that provides energy to keep the quest on. Likewise, confident peoples beat resistance successfully. Both knowledge and confidence are equally important for success. Several knowledgeable men cannot collect good results, unlike confident people. Lets suppose a man has a great deal of knowledge over a topic, but he is completely devoid of confidence, can’t express it stunningly. As a result, his knowledge will become futile. In a nutshell, self-confidence is key to success. It unlocks plentiful opportunities for individuals. there are a host of paradigms around us that fail a failure individual to success. Self-confidence is the token of success. the brave/valiant can confront massive opposition and curb every hurdle. Furthermore, all successful personalities possess a good proportion of self-confidence. MUHAMMAD AFZAL SHAIKH SUKKUr
Investigative reporting tHE media should, through investigative reporting highlight the big issues rather than waste time with vegetable rates and help our nation remain on the right path. the media should stay away from the personal lives and conflicts of politicians. For example each year the people of KP would face three months of flour shortage, while the people of Karachi face water shortages. Similarly, while Pakistan has one of the highest gas reserves, we have been forced into importing gas. Similarly, the entire nation was forced to use the Euro2 variant of fuel, while the rest of the world used Euro 5 or 6 variants. Crude oil is exported or smuggled out of Pakistan, without processing it and we are forced to import processed fuel. Each year sugar industries would export sugar after getting a subsidiary and then import the same sugar back while getting more subsidiaries. Sugar industries would show 45% lesser production and not pay taxes on that production. three car companies claim they manufacture local vehicles, but in the last 30 years, they have only been importing all the vehicle parts and not locally manufacturing even the vehicle maintenance parts like filters. these car companies also remove the safety features of Japanese cars before selling them to the public. the CPEC land route, which was supposed to provide linkage to Baluchistan and KP’s least developed areas, and help these areas get developed, was completely changed and forced to move through congested Lahore. National Railways and Airlines have been overburdened with extra personnel and extremely high pension payments, leaving both organisations as loss-making. Similarly, more than 750 million was paid per month in salaries and rents to Pakistan Steel Mills employees for 20 years without the organisation even operating. there are many more high-level corruption cases that have cheated trillions of rupees from the people of Pakistan. the media has a role to highlight these scams and figure out why and who committed them, rather than confuse our nation with discussions of minor issues. SHAHrYAr KHAN BASEEr PESHAwAr
Promoting tourism IN Pakistan tourism is gaining traction as soon as the law and order situation is getting better. Pakistan is full of breathtaking tourist spots such as Neelum valley, Deosai plains, Siri Paey, Kumrat valley, Naltar Valley, Babusar top, Fairy meadows, lush green mountains and so many other cultural, heritage and historical places. In fact, a country’s image and reputation are judged on the basis of its capacity to provide basic facilities to tourists, particularly foreigners. Indeed, when India and China can earn more than $20 billion from tourism and various European countries like Switzerland, France, the UK, Italy and Greece can fetch several hundred billion dollars from tourism, why cannot Pakistan, a country blessed with enviable natural beauty? According to CN traveller, Pakistan is ranked the number one tourist destination among the top 20 countries. this is something to cheer about and it will promote tourism in Pakistan. Luckily, the government of Pakistan tehreek-e-Insaaf (PtI) is keen on exploiting the economic dividends that tourism can offer to Pakistan. It is encouraging to see that the incumbent government is trying to explore untapped sectors that can fetch a significant amount of money to the national exchequer. For the PtI government, the easiest way to make money and fill up the country’s kitty is to promote tourism. Now to take it further just like ‘Incredible India’, ‘Malaysia truly Asia’ campaigns, the government needs to put up its own advertising campaign on the international media to show and invite the people to visit and explore the beauty of Pakistan. Pakistan tourism Development Corporation (PtDC) must launch an e-portal for visitors` bookings. Moreover, the government of Pakistan should further promote tourism with sufficient publicity. there should be more facilities; good hotels, comfortable surroundings and proper transport. thus, this will bolster our fragile economy and portray a soft image of Pakistan across the world. INSAF BrOHI HYDErABAD
08 WORLD VIEW 25th November 21_Layout 1 11/24/2021 10:36 PM Page 1
Thursday, 25 November, 2021
08 WORLD VIEW
US, ISrael DIvISIonS on Iran SpIll InTo open ISRAEL IS WORRIED THAT THE AMERICANS ARE HEADING FOR AN INTERIM AGREEMENT WITH IRAN THAT WILL WIPE AWAY THE SANCTIONS
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week before the resumption of the Nov. 29 Vienna talks between Iran and world powers on a return to their nuclear agreement, a significant deterioration has emerged in one of the most intriguing and sensitive arenas of this ongoing saga — not between the United States and Iran but rather between the United States and Israel. In Israeli slang, this development would be called “shooting inside the tank,” in other words, instead of shooting at the enemy, the allies are targeting each other as they prepare to storm the other side’s forces. It began behind closed doors with veiled hints and exaggerated politeness, but went on to trickle down and out into the public domain. Over the past week, Israel and the United States appear to be waging a public fist fight in the media. Right now, the skirmish is confined to snide remarks, exchanges of irate messages and signals of mutual dissatisfaction. Neither side wants an escalation. Israel does not have any other strategic ally while the Biden administration — despite being conciliatory toward Iran — views Israel as a strategic asset and does not intend or want to fight it. To the credit of the Americans, it should be said that Israel started it. To Israel’s credit, let it be said that it had no choice. First came anonymous briefings by senior Israeli officials over the past two weeks according to which the United States was determined to return to the Iran nuclear deal at all costs. The briefing remarks escalated, accusing the United States of willingness to reach an interim agreement with Iran in return for a lifting of sanctions and a freeze on continued uranium enrichment — a complete capitulation to Iran, according to these unnamed officials. Israel views this approach as unadulterated, disastrous defeatism. On Nov. 15, when President Joe Biden’s Iran envoy Robert Malley vis-
ited Israel, a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was not on his schedule. Malley met with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, as well as the head of the National Security Council eyal hulata, but Bennett did not invite him to meet. This was explained in Jerusalem by citing protocol that does not oblige a prime minister to meet a visiting senior official, but everyone knows that under normal circumstances, Bennett would have been keen for a meeting with a special envoy who holds the administration’s Iran portfolio. These, however, are not normal circumstances. An associate of Bennett, who spoke on condition of anonymity, quoted him saying this week, “I am concerned, very concerned. We will not enter into a clash with our American friends at any cost, but we must make our views clear about what is happening and about the intention to start easing sanctions without even returning to the previous deal. This is simply a disaster and it is happening at a critical juncture of growing unrest in Iran. The West will simply be throwing Iran a lifeline. We cannot allow that to happen.” Addressing a Nov. 23 conference of the Institute for Policy and Strategy at Reichman University near Tel Aviv, Bennett reiterated what he had said in the internal meeting. “The Iranian regime is being corroded, with a weak economy and corrupt regime. … Iran is much more vulnerable than is commonly thought,” he said. “We face complicated times. It is possible that there will be disputes with the best of our friends.” The harsh language stems mostly from the fact that Israel finds itself alone on the battlefield. Defense Ministry Director General Amir eshel, formerly commander of the Israel air force, said in a radio interview Nov. 21 that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were ready and able right now to attack Iran and cause heavy damage to its nuclear program. Bennett, Gantz and Lapid have allocated billions of dollars for a speedy buildup of military capabilities to strike Iran, and Bennett has instructed the IDF and the Mossad to prepare to thwart the Iranian nuclear program. The West has attributed recent cyberattacks in Iran — including this week’s attack on Mahan Air, a private Iranian airline carrier, after last month’s disabling of half the country’s fuel pumps — to Israel, which has not assumed responsibility for them. This past week, the Americans appear to have lost patience. The response came in a series of New York Times reports saying senior US officials had recently told their Israeli colleagues the bitter truth. All the attacks, sabotage, mysterious explosions, assassination of the father of Iran’s nuclear program and the cyberattacks have not blocked Iran, on the con-
trary, the Americans reportedly said. All these operations, they reportedly added, simply prompted Iran to accelerate its nuclear program. According to these reports, Iran had successfully repaired all the nuclear facilities that had come under attack, upgraded them and resumed work under better conditions. The leaks seem to have been the administration’s way of making clear to Israel that continued aggression would bring down the entire strategy, just as the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” policy failed to yield the desired results. What is more, in explaining why it avoided responding to an Oct. 20 attack by five explosives-carrying drones on its al-Tanf base in Syria, attributed to a militia under Iranian influence, the United States said that strike was actually a retaliation for Israeli strikes in Syria. Nonetheless, when asked last week at the Manama Dialogue forum about the lack of a US response, even Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and presidential adviser Brett McGurk insisted that the United States was reserving the right to protect itself and its allies in the region. Most of those present at the event were not convinced. The general sense in the Middle east, among the moderate Sunni axis and Israel, is one of abandonment. The way these states all see it, the only ones who can be relied on right now to stop Iran are the Israelis. If the sides do indeed adopt an interim agreement freezing Iran’s uranium enrichment and lifting most of the US economic sanctions, Israel will have to make a decision. Will we see a repeat of the events of 2010-2012 when the Obama administration mounted a strenuous and ultimately successful campaign to convince Israel not to strike Iran? It would appear so. Bennett is more determined than was his predecessor Benjamin Netanyahu in 2010 and the sword, as the late Mossad Director Meir Dagan was fond of saying, “is poised on the neck.” Foreign Ministry Director General Alon Ushpiz told Al-Monitor this week that Israel was closely monitoring events, including US officials’ comments at the Manama Dialogue. “They made clear that they will not enter into an exchange of blows with the Iranians, but a time may come when they will have to make clear in harsh and no uncertain terms that they will not allow anyone to attack them. As for Israel, we have a clear policy, we will know how to defend ourselves and our interests,” he said. Bennett himself spelled it out at his speech to the security conference at Reichman University. “The mistake we made after the first nuclear deal in 2015 will not repeat itself. … In any case, even if an agreement is renewed, Israel is not a party to the deal, Israel is not committed, and will not be committed, to an agreement.”
Modi’s failed farm laws: eating humble pie TOO MANY FARMERS REASONABLY BELIEVED THAT THE PROPOSALS LEFT THEM AT THE MERCY OF A GOVERNMENT IN HOCK TO BIG BUSINESS Guardian
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Editorial
he Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, announced last week that his controversial farm laws would be withdrawn. With five state elections looming, and his ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) vulnerable in several contests, Mr Modi told the country how important farming had been to him and did something out of character: he ate humble pie in public, apologised and dropped his plans. This was the right thing to do. Mr Modi had proposed the major changes, which threatened the livelihoods of two-thirds of India’s 1.4 billion people, during the country’s Covid lockdown in 2020. The measures had been drafted in secret and then whipped through both houses of the Indian parliament without debate. Agriculture in India does need reform, but not of the kind Mr Modi envisaged – which many farmers reasonably believed would leave them at the mercy of a government in hock to big business. The result was widespread resentment across the farming belt of northern India, and produced probably the largest peaceful protests in the world. Mr Modi’s government responded with water cannon and internet shutdowns. The demonstrators were shamefully characterised by the BJP and its troll army as Maoists and jihadis. There were signs of growing alienation in the breadbasket state of Punjab, which the ruling party foolishly fed by alleging that the protests were being run by Sikh separatists. Instead of the protesters bowing to intimidation, it was the Indian prime minister who was forced to retreat. The mobilisation shattered the strongman image Mr Modi likes to project. It also signals a wider policy failure by the ruling BJP. In 2016, the Indian prime minister promised that farmers’ incomes would be doubled by 2022. This would have needed a rural family’s fortune to grow about 10% a year in real terms. Not only has this never happened under Mr Modi, it has never happened under any leader. Within India’s borders lies about a third of all the arable land in the Asia Pacific region. Size matters and this year India broke into the ranks of the top 10 agricultural exporters of the world. In an economy still reeling from the pandemic and with industrial investment and employment still not picking up, farming GDP has experienced growth in the last year. Mr Modi should hold constructive talks with farmers and develop new proposals that could help deliver better agricultural prices, while keeping essential food stuffs affordable for India’s urban working class. The case is made for India to replicate the success of its giant dairy cooperative by both free-market and left-leaning economists. This would be a way of augmenting incomes and productivity without leaving cultivators vulnerable to corporate exploitation. The Indian government’s biggest obstacle remains a trust deficit. Sections of Mr Modi’s own party question his imperious leadership. The opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s prediction a year ago that the BJP would be forced to scrap farm reforms will do him no harm. With a poor record, India’s prime minister may fall back to reigniting culture wars in the forthcoming elections. That would be a bitter harvest for farmers who were promised a much better deal by Mr Modi.
Why Mountbatten Diaries are back in focus
Tribune, india
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Vappala Balachandran
he Mountbatten Diaries have again emerged with a focus on India. They came up during a recent appeal hearing by a tribunal on British author Andrew Lownie’s petition demanding the full release of the Diaries, held by Southampton University among the Broadlands Archives. Lownie, who had published The Mountbattens: Their Lives and Loves in 2019, had alleged a colossal wastage of public funds (£6,00,000) by the Cabinet Office in court battles to resist the release of the Mountbatten Diaries. his own legal costs had come to £300,000. This may not match the mammoth figure — estimated at £3-10 million — spent by the Cabinet Office in 1986-87 during its unsuccessful efforts to prevent the publication of MI-5 spy Peter Wright’s Spycatcher in Aus-
tralia. This costly venture, however, had made that book, which otherwise had no great merit, a global bestseller. Southampton University has clarified that only a small percentage of the records was held back ‘as advised’ in 2011 while 99.8 per cent of the ‘Broadlands Archives,’ totalling about 4,500 boxes, were available for public scrutiny. These were originally kept in Mountbatten’s hampshire estate and later transferred to Southampton University. A report in the express (UK) on November 15, 2021, said that the Queen had expressed her fear that her ‘dignity’ could be compromised if secrets from the diaries of Lord Louis Mountbatten were revealed. It also said that Professor Chris Woolgar, who was the chief archivist of the Mountbatten Archive, wrote to the Cabinet Office 10 years ago, proposing to censor the sections of the diaries referring to the royal family and the partitioning of India. Was it because of Mountbatten’s habit of using “insensitive turn of phrases” while dealing with the most sensitive period of the IndiaPakistan Partition, as Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre had stated in their highly successful book Freedom at Midnight in 1975? The authors who had interviewed him for 30 hours had then come in for criticism for reproducing Mountbatten’s description of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel as “a pair of chastened schoolboys” when they allegedly
requested him to return from Simla on September 6, 1947, to quell the Partition violence. A week later, Mountbatten used another damaging expression that the two “were like schoolboys, absolutely pole-axed. They did not know what had hit them.” None of this mattered to Mountbatten as he took great delight in the book’s success, offering copies to the Queen and Prince Charles. The authors added that in the years which followed, they remained in close contact with Mountbatten, who took them around his personal archives at the Broadlands estate: “Well organised, fireproof cabinets, virtually every piece of paper bearing on his life, from the invitation cards to his christening to the menu of his last State dinner he had attended.” A year before his death, he surprised them by conveying that “it is you two who will write my biography.” They did not accept the offer as they felt that england would consider it almost an act of “treason to entrust your biography to an American and a Frenchman.” In 2002, a part of the Mountbatten Diaries appeared, duly edited by Lionel Carter, former Cambridge University librarian. This was Mountbatten’s Report on the Last Viceroyalty for the period from March 22, 1947, the day he arrived in India, to August 15, the day of Independence. Carter’s editorial introduction reflects Mountbatten’s personality, where he quotes Sir Ian Scott,
Viceroy’s Deputy Private Secretary, that his ‘formidable and impressive exterior’ gave ‘full reign’ to his ‘vanity and conceit’. This compendium was the Viceroy’s official letters to Prime Minister Clement Attlee over the developing situation during that crucial period. Mountbatten released the first version in 1949. Normally, it should have been the government’s responsibility to publish government archives. Or, he should have at least sought government permission to publish them as they contained his brutally frank comments on different personalities. however, Mountbatten did not care and started distributing copies to the King and others, forcing the government to classify these diaries until July 2002, when Carter’s edited version came out. On November 18, during the present appeal hearing, it was mentioned that Mountbatten had wrongly ‘influenced’ Sir Cyril Radcliffe, Chair of the Indo-Pakistan Boundary Commission, on the demarcation of the Indo-Pakistan Boundary Award. This was another example of Mountbatten’s lack of propriety in thinking that he could do anything. Lionel Carter had confirmed this in 2002, saying that Mountbatten had influenced the transfer of three tehsils — Ferozepur, Zira and Fazilka — from Pakistan to India as desired by his friend, the Maharajah of Bikaner, who did not want the Ferozepur headworks to go to Pakistan. There are various passages in this diary re-
flecting his nonchalant attitude towards the Indian leaders’ priorities, like preventing the visits of Gandhi and Nehru to Kashmir till he visited the state from June 18 to 23: “One of the reasons for this visit was that by going, I hoped to keep Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Nehru, both of whom wanted to go to Kashmir, from paying a visit at this time.” Then he quotes Sardar Patel, saying that neither should go but “if it is a choice between two evils, I consider Gandhiji’s visit would be the lesser evil.” Mountbatten had promised several things during that period without knowing anything about India or the gigantic problem he was facing, as his flamboyance did not match his capability. For this, he was sharply criticised by American author Stanley Wolpert in his book Shameful Flight. As an example, Mountbatten had assured former Congress President Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, on May 14, 1947, that he would take stern measures to crush the Partition violence to “nip the trouble in the bud”, including the use of “tanks and aeroplanes”. Nothing of that sort could be done. Lionel Carter ends his introduction by quoting from Sarvepalli Gopal’s review of Freedom at Midnight: “As time passes [Mountbatten] sees himself more and more at the centre of the stage, with superhuman god-like powers which reduce all others to pigmies…his vanity fed on itself till it borders on megalomania.”
Thursday, 25 November, 2021 | KARACHI
NEWS
corporate corner Master Changan reveals sketches of upcoming SUV
95% PAKISTANIS BELIEVE SWITChING TO ALTERNATIVES CAN hELP qUIT CIGARETTES ISLAMABAD
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KARACHI: Master Changan Motors, the auto brand of choice for more and more Pakistanis, is proud to announce it will soon be entering the country’s much-heated SUV segment, revealing official sketches of the incredibly sleek and aggressively designed SUV. Since debuting the Changan Alsvin Sedan in late 2020, Master Changan has fast grown to become one of Pakistan’s most popular automotive brands, constantly enticing consumers with innovative and cutting edge auto technology. Earlier this year, the company unveiled its “Future Forward Forever” positioning, demonstrating its commitment to this by testing Changan’s Level-3 autonomous driving technologies on Pakistani roads – a first for any automaker in the country. Now, the company has revealed, it is planning to introduce Pakistani auto consumers to a brand-new option in the SUV segment. Commenting on the company’s upcoming segue into the SUV segment, Danial Malik, CEO Master Changan says, “As with everything else, we are entering the SUV segment with a ‘Future Forward Forever’ attitude and look forward to disrupting it for the better and bringing Pakistan's SUV consumers into the future.” While the company has not revealed features, price, or launch timelines – mentioning only the new SUV will debut “Very soon!” – it has released initial sketches of the upcoming SUV, and claims that the upcoming SUV launch will be the first-ever ‘global launch’ for any vehicle in Pakistan. What that means is that Pakistan will be the first country to launch this new Changan SUV outside China as a global launch and the vehicle will be supplied to other RHD markets from Pakistan. Elaborating on this, Mr Malik says, “Despite spending millions of rupees, Pakistani consumers more often than not continue to lack access to the automotive design and technology available in other countries. Historically, Pakistanis get access to new models significantly later than other markets; the recent spate of ‘new’ and expensive SUVs are either at the end of their model life or have already been replaced globally with newer models. As such, we are proud to announce that Changan will be releasing this new SUV to Pakistani consumers first.” The sketches show an SUV with streamlined contours, combining classic auto design with a high-tech, futuristic twist. With an elevated front and rear, the form brings to mind an authoritative urban SUV from the future. Wide and protruded wheel arches give a bulky and powerful stance to the SUV, adding a broad and sporty presence. The front grill seems to have a sophisticated diamond pattern with sharp corners, and a two-tier front headlamp setup can also be seen, similar to other Changan vehicles such as the UNI-T. PR
Child malnutrition programme in Sindh's 23 districts falls prey to corruption NAWABSHAH Staff RePoRteR
The Accelerated Action Plan for Reduction of Stunting and Malnutrition continuing over the malnutrition issue in 23 districts of Sindh in a so-called and showy state is busy setting new records of corruption in Nawabshah District. The programme includes seven sectors that receive huge funds to work on the malnutrition issue. However, nobody knows when, where and how these sectors are working. The people even do not know about the presence of such programme in the district. The poor parents carrying their innocent children who are emaciated, weightless, weak and dwarf seem to be compelled to move from pillar to post in Nawabshah. The suffering of their children is unbearable for them. When the parents facing backwardness were asked about their children's living conditions, especially their treatment, frustration, helplessness and misery were clearly evident in their tone. During the conversation, some parents started weeping and sought immediate attention of the authorities. On the other hand, the district administration also seems to be unaware of the current situation of the malnutrition programme. The administration is absolutely ignorant about what has happened, what is happening and what is going to happen. This entire situation is a clear proof of corruption.
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6% of Pakistani smokers who wanted to quit cigarettes were unsuccessful despite repeated attempts, reveals an opinion survey conducted in major cities across the country. 95% of these Pakistanis, however, told us that switching to alternatives allowed them to quit the harmful habit of smoking. At a ceremony held in Islamabad, sharing details of the survey with media, Mirza M. Abeer, founder and CEO of ASAP, believes the best option is for smokers to quit, but the majority of smokers who cannot quit should at least move to safer alternatives such as e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products. The survey was commissioned by the Association for Smoking Alternatives Pakistan (ASAP) and conducted by Foresight Research with over 600 smokers and users of alternatives to help understand consumer perceptions about cigarette alternatives in the coun-
try. The research was a component of ASAP’s anti-smoking campaign launched in early November to get 1 million Pakistanis to quit cigarettes. “This would help a lot in reducing the number of smokers in the country,” he remarked The survey asked the participants about the reasons for quitting and all of them highlighted that better health is
one of the primary reasons for switching away from cigarettes, and 98 percent of the participants believed their health has improved as a result of switching. The survey also covered the government’s role, where 82 percent of participants believed the harm caused by cigarette smoking is a public health crisis in Pakistan, and 80 percent be-
URBANSOLE officially partners with JANA Shoes to manufacture and distribute in Pakistan LAHORE: Urban Sole, Leading shoe brand in Pakistan, has signed MoU with Jana shoes Gmb H&Co. KG Member of the Wortmann group Germany, a sole manufacturer and distributor in Pakistan. Considering the modern standards of footwear and realizing the gap of comfortable and stylish women footwear in the market, which lead to this partnership. The agreement will give exclusive rights to Urbansole to officially manufacturing and distributing Jana shoes across Pakistan. The contract was signed between the senior management from both side in a ceremony held in local hotel in Lahore. For more than two decades Urbansole has been leading the footwear industry with its unmatched quality and commitment to provide most comfortable shoes brand in Pakistan. Urbansole has earned the reputation of leading stylish shoes brand of Pakistan with extreme comfort. It is most popular brand of youth because offer contemporary designs The CEO of Urban sole Jawad Musaddiq while signing the contract said, “We are keen to excel our services in the field of footwear by focusing on comfort and making day-to-day life easier for consumers. We believe that no hurdle should come in the way of achievers and they must possess the best footwear to walk their path of life.” JANA shoes Managing Director Michael Romberg has also endorsed the statements and added “both the companies want a better experience for their consumers providing them a hassle-free and technologically advanced experience.” Describing the quality of Jana shoes he told the media that these shoes are made up of recycled PET bottles, which is the new and eco-friendly dimension in footwear manufacturing that results in feet comfort as well as a healthy environment. This agreement will be a game-changing partnership will pave the path of new standards in the footwear industry. Urbansole will become only shoes maker which uses recycle material to produce high quality shoes. It’ll trigger healthy competition among local manufacture to utilize environment friendly raw material for shoes productions. PR
VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioğlu visits Pakistan, meets with PM Imran Khan Jazz’s investment in the country crosses US$ 10 billion KARACHI: Kaan Terzioğlu, Chief Executive Officer, VEON Group called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. Kaan reiterated the Group’s full support towards the Government’s #DigitalPakistan agenda. VEON, a leading global provider of connectivity and internet services, is embarking on a journey to be a worldleading digital operator with over 213.8 million subscribers in nine countries, including 71.9 million in Pakistan through its operating company, Jazz. Kaan apprised the Prime Minister about Jazz’s investment in Pakistan, which has crossed US$ 10 billion including US$ 560 million in the last two years alone on 4G network expansion taking the total number of 4G users to 34.2 million, cementing Jazz’s position as the number one 4G operator. During the meeting, Kaan also talked about the role Jazz is playing in improving digital infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, investing in digital skills and literacy, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, and driving financial inclusion through JazzCash. Prime Minister Imran Khan valued the Group’s commitment to Pakistan including the sustainability initiatives that empower the young with digital tools and resources. “The government launched the ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative to provide a platform to the youth and it is heartening to see private sector companies like Jazz carry the mantle,” the prime minister said. He also highlighted the key role mobile operators play in a country’s economic growth by bringing in foreign investment, fostering connectivity, and enabling other sectors to thrive. "Pakistan is a key market for VEON, and we see tremendous growth potential as the country continues to implement its ‘Digital Pakistan’ vision. To accelerate this and to encourage private sector investment in broadband connectivity and network expansion, a forward-looking regulatory regime in line with next-generation connectivity requirements, and a policy framework facilitating innovative business models are needed,” said VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioğlu. PR
lieved the use of alternatives to cigarette smoking can help reduce the number of smokers in the country. About 89 percent of the participants were of the view that in order to help quit smoking, alternatives to cigarettes should be readily available to smokers in Pakistan. The survey also revealed that 86 percent indicated lack of awareness about the benefits of these alternatives as the major cause. Lastly, 89 percent of participants also understood that the government should encourage existing users who do not quit cigarettes to at least switch to safer alternatives. Mirza M. Abeer, a lawyer by profession, has founded the largest online community of smokers turned alternative users in Pakistan. His efforts take inspiration from the UK government’s policies that encourage alternatives to cigarettes to reduce the country’s smoking rates. ASAP dreams of a day that Pakistan government would implement similar policies and create space for smokers who are unable to quit.
Closing ceremony of International Conference on Cyber Warfare & Security concludes
ISLAMABAD: Two-day International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security concluded here on Wednesday. Mr Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony. The Minister was received by Air Marshal Nauman Ali, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force along with Air Marshal (Retd) Javaid Ahmed, Vice Chancellor Air University and Air Vice Marshal Abbas Ghumman, Director General C4I PAF as he arrived at the venue. The event was also attended by civilmilitary dignitaries and leading Academia, Think Tank and Cyber Industry representatives. Federal Minister Shafqat Mahmood, while addressing the ceremony, underlined the need for building strong cyber security capabilities as the country is under constant cyber-attacks. The Minister lauded PAF along with Air University for the successful conduct of International Conference on Cyber Warfare and holding of Cyber Security Industry Exhibition. Presence of leading players of Cyber Industry in the exhibition would help bring cutting edge technologies to the country. Shafqat Mahmood praised PAF for providing patronage to Air University in establishing Cyber Security Academy and strengthening academia to meet technological challenges. PAF under the vision of Chief of the Air Staff has taken a number of initiatives in the Cyber domain while contributing to National Cyber Security objectives. Through strong industry-academia linkages, PAF is involved in the development of high-quality HR pool capable of undertaking advanced research in the Cyber domain. Qualified HR would contribute to R&D efforts at Cyber Technology Park and Cyber Center of Excellence planned under National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP). Evolving itself as an effective, ubiquitous and highly responsive Cyber Force, PAF has upgraded its Cyber infrastructure to effectively counter potential threats. PAF is also establishing a dedicated Cyber Command as a potent force element to achieve its Cyber Warfare and Security objectives. On the occasion, Vice Chief of the Air Staff briefed the Chief Guest regarding various initiatives being pursued by PAF in collaboration with local and foreign technology experts. PR
Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM together with President, National Bank of Pakistan, Arif Usmani speaks to a local Kiryana merchant on Ehsaas Rashan Riayat registration in Taramri, Islamabad. PR
Thursday, 25 November, 2021 | KARACHI
10 foReIgN News
TAlibAn sAy DoHA TAlks To open ‘new cHApTer’ wiTH Us WASHINGTON
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EXT week’s talks between the United States and the Taliban in Doha — the second such meeting since the group seized power — will open a “new chapter” in political ties, the group said Wednesday. Washington said Tuesday it would continue to hold talks with the Taliban following a meeting between the two sides in the Qatari capital on October 9-10. “A new phase of negotiations will begin next week between Afghanistan and America in Qatar,” the Taliban said on their offi-
cial Arabic Twitter account. “At this stage, talks will address opening a new chapter in political relations between the two countries, resolving economic issues, and the implementation of the terms in the previous Doha agreement.” The US State Department said the proposed two weeks of negotiations will address several issues such as fighting the threat of the militant Islamic State group and AlQaeda groups, as well as humanitarian aid. Talks will also focus on how to offer safe passage out of Afghanistan for US citizens and Afghans who worked for Washington during the 20-year war. The American delegation will be led by
the US special representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West. Last week, West insisted that any financial and diplomatic support from Washington to the Taliban was based on certain conditions. He said the Taliban have to install an inclusive government, respect the rights of minorities, women and girls, and provide equal access to education and employment. Amir Khan Muttaqi, foreign minister of the Taliban government — which is not recognised by the international community — last week called for the release of Afghan assets frozen by the US in an open letter to the US Congress.
Arrest of Kashmiri rights defender continues to draw ire both at home & abroad SRINAGAR Agencies
Australia lists Hezbollah as ‘terrorist organisation’ CANBERRA AFP
Australia on Wednesday listed all of Hezbollah as a “terrorist organisation”, extending an existing ban on armed units to the entire organisation, which wields considerable power over Lebanon. Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews claimed the Iran-backed Shi’ite group “continues to threaten terrorist attacks and provide support to terrorist organisations” and poses a “real” and “credible” threat to Australia. Hezbollah has been designated as a terrorist group by parts of the West, although some countries have been reluctant to sanction the group’s political wing, fearing it could destabilise Lebanon and hamper contacts with authorities. Hezbollah defies easy definition — acting as part political party, part militant organisation and part provider of basic services to Lebanon’s Shiite community. It is the only side that has to date refused to disarm since the country’s devastating civil war ended in 1990. Membership of the organisation or providing funding for it will now be proscribed in Australia, which has a large Lebanese community. No reason was given for the timing of the move, which comes as Lebanon reels from spiralling political and economic crises. Nearly 80 percent of the population is estimated to be living below the poverty line.
The arrest of Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez by the India’s notorious National Investigation Agency (NIA) continues to draw sharp criticism both at home and abroad with global human rights organisations and political parties calling upon India to release him, immediately. According to Kashmir Media Service, Amnesty International in a tweet said, “The arrest of Kashmiri activist Khurram Parvez is yet another example of how antiterror laws are being misused to criminalise human rights work and stifle dissent in India. Instead of targeting HRDs, authorities should focus on bringing accountability for human rights violations”.
In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party in a statement in Srinagar termed his arrest as Modi government’s conspiracy to stifle voice of dissent in the territory. The DFP spokesman, Advocate Arshad Iqbal, said that persecution and reprisals by the Indian occupation author-
ities against human rights defenders, political activists and representatives of civil society was an obvious manifestation of the fascist BJP regime’s authoritarian mindset. “The Indian occupation authorities’ response to right to freedom of expression and opinion has always been authoritarian in nature”, he said adding that arrests, intimidation, and a vil-
ification campaign intended to debase the pro-freedom leadership and discredit the work of Kashmiri rights activists has been hallmark of the Indian government. Referring to Khuram Parvez’s remarkable role he said that Parvez “is being victimized just for documenting human rights violations and exposing India’s brutal face to the international community that has unfortunately chosen to stay silent on the sufferings of Kashmiri people.” Jammu and Kashmir Employees Movement General Secretary Junaidul Islam while denouncing the arrest of Khuram Parvez urged international rights bodies to prevail upon India to stop harassing human rights defenders in IIOJK. Parvez was arrested by NIA on Monday and was shifted to New Delhi on Tuesday.
China’s birthrate plummets to lowest figure in decades BEIJING AFP
China’s birthrate plummeted to a record low last year, highlighting a looming demographic crisis for Beijing caused by a rapidly ageing workforce, a slowing economy and the weakest population growth in decades. China relaxed its “one-child policy” — one of the world’s strictest family planning regulations — in 2016, allowing couples to have two children. Earlier this year that was extended to three children. But the changes have failed to result in the hoped-for baby boom, as the cost of living rises and women increasingly make their own family planning choices. Last year, China recorded 8.52 births
per 1,000 people according to the 2021 Statistical Yearbook released in the past week — the lowest figure since the yearbook data began in 1978. It is a marked drop from the previous year’s 10.41, and the lowest figure since Communist China was founded in 1949, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. In addition, the yearbook showed the number of marriages registered in 2020 reached a 17-year low, with only 8.14 million couples tying the knot last year. During the initial Covid-19 outbreak, parts of central China were placed under strict lockdown for months and across the country, many government offices were temporarily closed. For most of last year, however, there were few formal restric-
tions on weddings proceeding as normal. The number of divorces fell for the first time in at least 30 years, after a mandatory 30-day “cooling-off period” for divorcing couples was implemented at the beginning of 2020. The yearbook data highlights many social trends troubling the Beijing leadership, which has pushed a socially conservative agenda for society with women as wives and mothers. The results of a once-in-adecade census announced in May showed that China’s population grew at its slowest rate since the 1960s. Amid official efforts to boost birthrates, Beijing in September called for a reduction in terminations that are not “medically necessary”. Some questions have also been raised
over the reliability of China’s data. Calculations by Bloomberg on Wednesday suggested that China undercounted the number of births between 2000 and 2010 by at least 11.6 million — according to discrepancies between the statistical yearbook, for which surveys are conducted annually, and the once-in-adecade census. Two hashtags about the marriage data trended on the Twitter-like Weibo social network this week, with more than 140 million views. “I think raising a cat is hard, not to mention getting married and having kids”, one netizen complained on the thread. Others said the divorce cooling-off period had deterred people from rushing into marriage.
Xi urges sci-tech management system reform, unified electricity market system BEIJING XinhuA
Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of speeding up reform of the science and technology management system, as well as the development of a unified national market system for electric power. Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, also urged the development of a system under which principals assume overall responsibility at middle and primary schools under the leadership of Party organizations. Xi made the remarks on Wednesday while chairing the 22nd meeting of the central committee for deepening overall reform. Xi, who heads the committee, stressed accelerat-
ing the pace of building a system to support highlevel self-reliance and self-strengthening of science and technology. Xi called for following the rules of electricity market operation and market economy, improving the overall planning of the electricity market, and allowing electricity resources to be shared and better allocated in broader areas across the country. Efforts shall be made to accelerate the building of a unified, open, competitive and orderly electricity market system, which is at the same time safe, efficient and well-governed, said Xi. Xi also urged establishing a system under which principals assume overall responsibility at middle and primary schools under the leadership of Party organizations. Xi stressed that political standards and requirements should be upheld during the whole
process of education. The protection and utilization of cultural relics should be strengthened, Xi said, calling for better preserving and carrying forward the cultural heritage. He urged improving the capabilities to study cultural relics, and making China’s relics better known to the public and in the international community. More support should be provided for Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone to give full play to its advantages of scientific and technological resources and institutional innovation. Li Keqiang, Wang Huning and Han Zheng, who are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy heads of the central committee for deepening overall reform, attended the meeting.
Thursday, 25 Novemer, 2021 | KARACHI
SPORTS 11
Wisden selecTs ‘Man for all siTuaTions’ rizWan in World TesT Xi TeaM
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AKISTANI wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan has been featured in Wisden’s current World Test XI team as its wicketkeeper. A panel consisting of Wisden’s managing editor Ben Gardner, the website’s features writer Taha Hashim, and Wisden India editor Aadya Sharma picked the squad. “The aim was to create a team that would be successful anywhere in the world, and it was up to the panel to decide on the balance of
the side, as well as the batting order,” stated the website. Wisden appointed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson as the skipper of the side and instead of Rishab Pant, included Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan. “I picked Mohammad Rizwan because you can just rely on him in any situation. He’ll score whatever type of runs you need and he’s very good technically,” wrote Ben Gardner. Describing the Pakistani opening batsman as a “is a man for all situations”, Gardner said
that the manner in which Rizwan has played so far in white-ball cricket suggests his technique is sound and he can bat well in Tests as well. Wisden India’s writer Aadya Sharma said India’s Rishab Pant is a great batsman but he doesn’t have the consistency to be selected in the World Test XI squad. “It’s Rizwan for me. Rishabh Pant is obviously a great batsman but the only thing that comes with him is that doubt over his consistency. Rizwan has great technique and could do really well across conditions, across attacks,” wrote Sharma.
Shakibal Hasan blow as Tigers face big challenge against Babar Azam and Co in 1st Test AgeNcies Bangladesh’s struggling cricket team are battling injuries ahead of the formidable challenge of hosting Pakistan for a twoTest series beginning on Friday in Chittagong. Star players Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are sidelined, added to a lack of confidence in the camp after losing eight straight Twenty20 internationals, meaning Pakistan will start as overwhelming favourites. The visitors completed a clean sweep 3-0 in the preceding Twenty20 series but will be without leading spinner Yasir Shah, who has been nursing a thumb injury since September. The leg-spinner has been a key bowler for Pakistan since 2014, taking 235 wickets in 46 Tests. All-rounder Shakib suffered a hamstring injury against the West Indies in Sharjah last month that ended his T20 World Cup, but he had been included in the Test squad in the hope that he would regain his fitness. But Bangladesh’s chief selector Minhajul Abedin said on Tuesday: “Shakib hasn’t recovered from his injury yet. He needs further rehabilitation. Our physiotherapist is constantly taking
care of him.” Tamim was left out of the Test squad as he recovers from a finger injury and is unlikely to resume training until next month, said a Bangladesh Cricket Board official. Minhajul was confident Bangladesh would be able to make up for the absence of Shakib. “We have options in the spin department as well as in pace. The team for the
first Test is made up of cricketers who have been playing together regularly and they know the demand of Test matches,” he said. “Pakistan are a formidable team but we are confident that Bangladesh will be competitive if we are disciplined and patient.” Pakistan will replace Yasir with the 36-year-old Bilal Asif, who played the
most recent of his five Tests in 2018. “We have experienced players for the Test matches, we want to just carry forward the momentum,” said Pakistan captain Babar Azam after sweeping Bangladesh in the T20 series. Pakistan have played 10 Tests against Bangladesh, winning nine. Bangladesh’s only draw came in 2015 when Tamim scored a maiden Test double hundred in a record 312-run opening stand with Imrul Kayes in the second innings in Khulna. The second Test will start in Dhaka on December 4. Bangladesh squad: Mominul Haque (captain), Shadman Islam, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Abu Jayed Chowdhury, Yasir Ali, Mahmudul Hasan, Rejaur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan. Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Bilal Asif, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zahid Mahmood.
Can’t take India lightly in home conditions, says Williamson KANPUR AFP
New Zealand will not start as favourites despite facing an Indian team missing several key players, skipper Kane Williamson said Wednesday, as the world’s two top-ranked teams geared up for a spin battle in their first Test. Hosts India have rested skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami while opener K.L. Rahul was ruled out of the two-Test series on Tuesday after a leg injury. New Zealand are the number one Test side and reigning World Test
champions but are still wary of the hosts, who have often proved formidable in home conditions. “I don’t think we are favourites,” Williamson said on the eve of the first Test in Kanpur. “One of the key strengths of Indian cricket is its depth. India has great knowledge of their own conditions, we know the challenge is a big one.” Williamson led his side to an eightwicket win against India at the World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton in June, which the hosts will be looking to avenge. New Zealand have packed their squad with five spinners and are con-
sidering playing as many as three of them in the match. “As we have seen in this part of the world, the spin component has been very large and it has played a big role in changing the complexion of the game,” said Williamson. “I am sure throughout the whole series, the spin component will be a factor and it will be no different in Kanpur. It will be all about assessing the conditions as quickly as possible.” India’s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane said his side would miss the first-choice players but their replacements were willing to stand up and be counted.
Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah announces retirement from Test News DesK Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad on Wednesday announced his retirement from Tests after a 12-year career. The 35-year-old, who made his Test debut in 2009, was featured in 50 matches, scoring 2,914 runs at 33.49, including five centuries and 16 fifties and took 43 wickets. He also captained Bangladesh for six Tests. He played his 50th Test against Zimbabwe in July this year at the Harare Sports Club. It was a momentous occasion for the all-rounder as he starred in Bangladesh’s 220-run win over the hosts by hitting 150* in the first innings and was adjudged Player of the Match. In a statement, Mahmudullah said: “Leaving a format of which I have been a part of for such a long time is not easy. I had always thought of going on a high and I believe this is the right time to end my Test career. “I want to extend my gratitude to the BCB President for supporting me when I returned to the Test team. I thank my teammates and the support staff for always encouraging me and believing in my ability. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to play Test cricket for Bangladesh and I will cherish the many memories.
Australia opener Harris says Paine should play in Ashes BRisBANe AFP
Tim Paine has the full support of the Australian team and deserves to keep his place for the first Ashes Test against England, opener Marcus Harris said Wednesday. Paine suddenly quit as Test captain last week over a series of lewd text messages with a female colleague in 2017 that were about to be made public.
Harris said the news came as a shock to the playing group who only learned about it 30 minutes before the official announcement. But he backed Paine to come through the scandal and said he deserved to play in the opening Test at Brisbane on December 8 on his wicketkeeping abilities alone. “Yes, absolutely,” Harris said when asked if he should be in the starting eleven. “He’s done a really good in the last few years under tough circumstances, and I think
you can still probably argue that he’s the best gloveman in the country. “I know he’s got the support of all the players,” he added, with most of them personally contacting Paine in the wake of the scandal. “Obviously Painey is a very popular member of the group, and he was as skipper as well. So we’re looking forward to him getting up here in the next week or so and getting on with cricket.” The 36-year-old Paine has made it clear
he still wants to play for Australia with selectors needing to decide whether to cut him loose and start afresh or show loyalty. Harris, who is set to open the innings with David Warner, wouldn’t be drawn on who should be the next captain, with Pat Cummins and Steve Smith seen as the frontrunners. A five-person panel will make the decision, but it reportedly won’t include coach Justin Langer who has been told to focus on preparing the team.
Instead, the job will fall to selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide, Cricket Australia board member Mel Jones, chief executive Nick Hockley and chairman Richard Freudenstein. The diminutive Harris — currently in quarantine on Australia’s Gold Coast — is in the squad after another concussion injury to Will Pucovski and is determined to grab the opportunity after a poor 2019 Ashes campaign.
Thursday, 25 November, 2021
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PakisTaN’s coNTiNued coMMiTMeNT To reforMs could lead To raTiNg uPgrade: fiTch LAHORE
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ONTINUED adherence to the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) reform agenda would increase the likelihood of achieving outcomes that would lead Pakistan to positive rating momentum, Fitch Ratings said in its ‘Reforms and Financial Support Ease Pakistan Sovereign Risks’ report released on Wednesday. “However, political pressures could test the government’s commitment to reform, particularly if inflation accelerates from its already high levels,” the report added. Earlier in May, the credit rating agency had affirmed Pakistan’s longterm foreign-currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at B- with a stable outlook, reflecting weak public finances, external finance vulnerabilities, and low governance indicator scores. “Fitch Ratings believes Pakistan’s recent policy adjustments and demon-
strated access to external financing, as well as its commitment to a market-determined exchange rate, offset rising external risks from a widening current-account deficit. Ongoing reforms, if sustained, could create positive momentum for the sovereign’s B- rating,” the report states. In its latest report, the credit rating agency said that it expects the CAD in the fiscal year to June 2022 to be wider than the previous forecast of 2.2 per cent, adding that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on November 19 raised its policy rate by a significant 150bps to 8.75pc, pointing to rising risks related to the balance of payments and inflation. However, it added that external liquidity pressures should be manageable in the near term, despite the wider currentaccount deficit, given Pakistan’s adequate foreign-exchange reserves and success in accessing financing. The authorities’ sustained reform efforts and commitment to the IMF programme should support access to external financing, even with global financing
Tarin stresses for steps to create strategic reserves of sugar ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Adviser to the PM on Finance Shaukat Tarin has expressed satisfaction over the stability in sugar prices and stressed for appropriate measures to create strategic reserves of sugar in the country for smooth supply of the commodity in coming months. The advisor said this while chairing a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee to review prices of essential commodities on Wednesday. The adviser emphasised that lower international prices be passed on to the domestic consumers. He directed the provincial governments to take punitive action against fertilizer hoarders and make availability of fertilizers at controlled rates. The adviser directed the Petroleum Division to take measures for availability of sufficient stocks of Kerosene oil in the market. He expressed satisfaction over prices of commodities in Sastaa Bazaars in Balochistan and Sindh and further directed to establish such bazaars in more cities to provide maximum relief to the people. The meeting was briefed about the weekly Sales Price Index situation that increased by 1.07 percent during the week under review. The meeting was apprised that prices of 10 essential commodities including onion, potatoes and cooking oil registered decline while 14 items remained stable during the last week. The prices of wheat flour bags remained consistent at 1100 rupees per 20 kg while sugar are also easing out due to the proactive measures of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad administration.
conditions potentially becoming more challenging for emerging markets in 2022 as global monetary policy settings grow less accommodative, the report states. The report reiterated its earlier stance from May that continued implementation of policies sufficient to facilitate a rebuilding of foreign-exchange reserves and easing external financing risks could lead to positive rating action. It also reminded that positive rating momentum could emerge from improvements in the business environment or fiscal consolidation, if sustained over time, emphasising the importance of implementation and adherence of the EFF reforms to achieve these outcomes which would improve Pakistan’s long-term foreign currency IDR. Credit ratings are a forward-looking opinion on the country’s ability to repay its debt, issued on request. Rating agencies use letters, ranging from the highest AAA to the lowest C or D, to show relative ranking of credit-worthiness. The initial letters may be followed by further letters or numbers and a plus or
minus sign. In addition, a credit rating might also consist of a forecast that describes how a particular rating may change in the future. A positive outlook indicates a rating may be raised, and a negative outlook indicates a rating may be lowered. A stable outlook is assigned when we believe that ratings are not likely to be changed. It may be recalled that Fitch Ratings had downgraded Pakistan’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating by one notch, from B to B-, in December 2018 following Moody’s decision to change the country’s outlook from stable to negative while affirming its B3 rating in June 2018. Some of the other countries rated Bby Fitch include El Salvador, Iraq, Lebanon, Nicaragua, Surinam, Ukraine and Zambia. India’s credit rating is BBB, Bangladesh’s BB- and Sri Lanka’s B. Anything below BBB- is not considered investment grade, translating to the fact that many investors cannot invest in lower rating due to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
US firm that examined alleged audio clip of former CJP receives threats United States-based firm Garrett Discovery, that examined the alleged audio clip of former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, has said it has received a threatening phone call for its work. However, the firm did not reveal details about the caller. In a Twitter post, the firm said: “Today we received a call saying our lives are in danger and the same person said he is going to file in court against us for our work authenticating a file for Fact Focus. 1000+ calls
and chat requests on our site. Threatening our team to obtain a different result is unethical.” Earlier, the Fact Focus had published a report along with an audio clip, attributing it to former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar. In the audio clip, which has not been independently verified by Pakistan Today, a person can be heard saying: “Let me be a little blunt about it. Unfortunately, here it is the institutions that dictate judgements. In this case, we will
have to punish Mian sahab (Nawaz Sharif). [I] have been told ‘we have to bring Khan sahab (Imran Khan) [into power].” On the other hand, the former top judge had termed the audio clip fabricated and denied that the voice in the audio clip is his. According to Fact Focus, the audio clip was examined by Garrett Discovery. It is pertinent to mention that the account that tweeted about the threat is not verified. newS deSk
Labour Department of Kasur solicits donations for equipment LAHORE Shahab omeR
Due to ‘non-availability’ of funds with the Punjab Labour and Human Resource Department (PL&HRD), the Labour Department of Kasur has started soliciting donations from philanthropists for purchasing office equipment, Pakistan Today has learnt. According to sources, the PL&HRD has, for the first time, constructed a government building in the compound of the Industrial Relation Institute, the Saeed Ahmed Awan Centre for Improvement of Working Conditions & Environment (SAACIWCE) here in Lahore. The sources added that labour department Kasur was to be shifted in the said building before Nov 15, 2021 but the said office had no funds for the purchase of office equipment including furniture for conference
room and court room meant for the welfare of industrial workers. The sources revealed that the said department has meanwhile decided to contact philanthropists and effluents with a request to donate the equipment under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) so as the public office could be facilitated. However, the spokesman for the PL&HRD informed this scribe that there was no shortage of funds for the department but it could be a possibility that the funds are being released in phases. The spokesperson added that it was also under the provision of the PL&HRD to ask for donations from private sector as the officials required equipment for the welfare of the labour. “Even, in the past, some companies used to donate laptops, chairs, tables and other items to the department for the welfare of the labour,” he maintained.
Maryam Nawaz stirs new controversy by confirming audio about ads ban ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday stirred a new controversy by confirming the authenticity of a viral audio clip in which she could be heard instructing someone to stop advertisements to four TV channels. During a press conference regarding a recently surfaced audio clip allegedly containing the voice of former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, a reporter questioned Maryam about the authenticity of the audio clip. Replying to the question, the PML-N leader said that she will not deny that the voice is hers or say it has been “fabricated”. “I was running the party’s media cell at that time and it is an old audio clip,” she said. Maryam, however, told journalists to ask questions related to Nisar’s case, adding that she will speak about this issue later. It is pertinent to mention here that in the audio that went viral on social media, Maryam was heard telling someone that no advertisement will go to four channels that she named. MaryaM was talking about party advertiseMents: Later, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb clarified that the PML-N vice president was talking about party advertisements in the audio clip. “Decisions related to party advertisements are taken by the party,” she said, urging media not to create an issue out of this. Aurangzeb said that Maryam bravely admitted the truth regarding the audio clip, as “there is nothing to hide in this”. “When a person has done nothing wrong, they openly admit it,” she said, adding that people should instead talk about the audio clip that has “triggered inflation, unemployment, etc”. ‘it coMes as no surprise’: Following Maryam’s confession, Federal Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar wrote on Twitter: “Maryam Nawaz admits that she used the ‘power of advertising’ to influence media houses.” He added that it comes as “no surprise.” “The media houses that PML-N patronised and the ones they victimised are known to all,” he added. ‘confession of serious financial irregularities’: Following Maryam’s remarks, Fawad Chaudhry and Hammad Azhar held a press conference, where they informed the media an investigation will be conducted in this regard. Chaudhry said that Maryam was handling PML-N’s media cell and “misuse of public funds is considered a crime under the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).” “An investigation will be held in this regard and details will be shared with the media,” he said. Terming the orders by Maryam in the audio as “fascism”, Azhar said the PML-N vice-president’s confession is “enough to open the eyes of journalists”. The energy minister said that if this would have had happened in a western country, the whole family “would have gone to jail.”
Petroleum Dealers Association announces countrywide strike from today GOVT SAYS NO NEED TO WORRY ISLAMABAD ahmad ahmadani
The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) on Wednesday announced to observe a countrywide strike from tomorrow (November 25) over alleged government negligence in increasing the dealer’s margin to six percent. However, the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) announced Wednesday that all petrol pumps will remain open across the country tomorrow. PPDA’s Secretary General, Noman Butt while talking with Profit said petrol pumps located across the country including GilgatBaltistan and Azad Kashmir will close businesses at 6:00 a.m. from Thursday for an indefinite period. He said that so far the government has not paid due heed to the demands of PPDA and continued ignoring their demands. He said there would be no talks with the
authorities till the margins on the sale of petroleum products is not increased to 6%. Previously, the PPDA, after finding assurances from the government that their demands would be met, had called off the strike scheduled on November 05, said Noman Butt. He, however, added that the Petroleum Dealers Association has now asked the petrol pump owners to observe strike on November 25 and it is expected that all petrol pumps except state-owned oil marketing company (Pakistan State Oil) will go on strike from Thursday. On the other hand, Energy Minister Hammad Azhar said that ECC will consider reviewing commission of dealers in the next meeting. Federal Energy Minister Hammad Azhar in a tweet said,” We are in touch with the petroleum dealers association. A summary regarding revision of their margins has already been tabled in ECC and a decision will be taken in its next session.” A spokesman of the petroleum division said that the masses should not get worried with this strike call. He said that the petroleum division is striving hard to ensure a suitable increase in the margins of oil mar-
keting companies and dealers. He said a summary seeking increase in dealer’s margin has been sent to the federal cabinet’s economic coordination committee (ECC) and the ECC is likely to make a decision in this regard within ten days. All petrol pumps of PSO, Shell, Total and other OMCs will remain open on Thursday, said spokesman Petroleum Division. Meanwhile, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has declared that all those petrol pumps which are owned by the company (PSO) or work under it will be opened and they will continue/open business as routine matter. Similarly, All Pakistan Oil Tankers and Association Chairman Mir Shams Shahwani in a statement made it clear that his association has nothing to do with this strike. He said that closure of petrol pumps will cause more problems as the prevailing condition or situations of the country do not afford any strike and are not in favor of any kind of strike. He said 26,000 oil tankers will continue oil supply across the country. Large network of PSO comprising more than 10,000 tankers will continue the supply of
petroleum products on Thursday, said Mir Shams Shahwani, Chairman, All Pakistan Oil Tankers and Association. He added that the masses are already in trouble and we do not want to be part of any strike call which would add salt to the injuries of common public, said Chairman Mir Shams Shahwani. govt says no need to worry: The Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) announced Wednesday that all petrol pumps will remain open across the country tomorrow. A spokesperson for the Petroleum Division, in a statement, said that the case to increase the margin for petrol pump owners has been sent to the Economic Coordination Committee. “People don’t need to worry,” the spokesperson said, adding that the ministry is making efforts for a reasonable increase in the margin for oil marketing companies and dealers. They further stated that the federal cabinet’s decision in the said regard is expected in 10 days. “Petrol pumps of all companies including PSO, Shell, and Total will remain open
across the country tomorrow,” the spokesperson said. The spokesperson further stated that oil tankers have been dispatched for ensuring the uninterrupted oil supply throughout the country. Many oil sector associations have expressed satisfaction over the efforts made by the ministry, they added. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) had announced earlier in the day to go on a countrywide strike from tomorrow (November 25) to register their protest at what they call “low-profit margins”. Meanwhile, taking notice of the closure of petrol pumps, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) directed the petroleum marketing companies to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petroleum goods. OGRA spokesman said that some elements are trying to disrupt the supply of petroleum products but the OGRA enforcement teams will monitor the situation in the field. Action will be taken against the elements involved in placing obstacles in the supply, the oil regulator said.
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