Issuu

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022 I 25 Ramzan, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 299 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition

Three Chinese naTionals among four dead in KaraChi blasT KARACHI

staff report

N explosion ripped through a van inside a university campus in Karachi on Tuesday, killing three Chinese nationals and their local driver, officials said. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militant group claimed responsibility for the blast, which took place near a university campus, adding in an email sent to a Reuters reporter that it had been carried out by a woman suicide bomber. The blast was the first major attack against Chinese nationals in Pakistan since last year when a suicide bomber blew up a passenger bus in the Upper Kohistan district

that killed 13 people, including nine Chinese. Karachi police chief Ghulam Nabi told reporters the blast killed three foreigners and a local. “The reports we have got is that they’re Chinese,” he said in comments telecast live from the scene of the crime. He said the three Chinese were teachers at Karachi University. The three dead Chinese included the director of the Chinese-built Confucius Institute, which offers Chinese language graduate classes, and two teachers. The fourth fatality was the Pakistani driver of the van, the officials said. “It is too early to say what kind of a blast it is,” police officer Muqaddas Haider told reporters. “We have a confirmation of

four deaths, but I can’t say anything about their identities.” When asked, Haider declined to confirm television reports that the foreigners were among the occupants of the van. Abdul, Khaliq, a police official, said an investigation was underway. No one has claimed responsibility for the explosion. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a proscribed militant group active in Balochistan, has targeted Chinese nationals in attacks in the past. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later in the day, visited the Chinese Embassy here and conveyed his condolence over the death of Chinese nationals in a blast that took place in Karachi earlier in the afternoon.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

BLA CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTACK. SAYS ‘MISSION WAS CARRIED OUT BY FIRST FEMALE SUICIDE BOMBER’

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

IncoMPEtEncE, InEPtnESS anD bullyInG hallMarKS oF PtI 4-yEar MISrulE : MarrIyuM auranGzEb ISlaMaBaD

APP

INISTER for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb Tuesday said incompetence, ineptness and bullying were the hallmarks of former prime minister Imran Khan, who had deprived the masses of affordable daily use commodities. Addressing a news conference, she said Imran had become a brand name for incompetence. Browbeating, bullying and hurling of threats by Imran Khan would no more work as now he would have to account for the problems being confronted by the country due to his four years of misrule and incompetence. Imran was in the dock, he should answer about price hike, loadshedding, increase in foreign debts and high flying dollar as the same were the result of his bad governance, she added. Marriyum said the present government wanted to give relief to the people, whose lives were made miserable by the Imran Khan-led regime. Imran would soon become

a relic of the history as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif through his day and night efforts would provide solace to the people. When questioned about the source of foreign funding, Imran threatened the Election Commission of Pakistan of dire consequences, she said. The minister told the media that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed that there should be zero loadshedding from May 1. She said for provision of relief to the people, the government had reduced the prices of flour, ghee and sugar. She said the last Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had added 14,000 MW electricity to the system. Twenty out of 27 dysfunctional power plants had been made operational and availability of fuel to them would be fully ensured by May 7. Lashing out at Imran Khan, she said the former prime minister destroyed economy, rendered nearly six million people jobless, increased prices of commodities to unprecedented level and borrowed record over $43,000 billion debt, besides selling Kashmir (to India) during his four-year rule. Instead of holding protest

demonstrations, Imran should better stop telling lies and inform about the sources of his foreign funding, she added. Quoting Khawaja Asif’s saying ‘Koi Sharam Hoti Hay, Koi Haya Hoti Hay’, she said Imran had the audacity to blame the present government for power loadshedding, unemployment and shortage of diesel. She said Imran Khan should answer about the money laundering of $ 7 million in 16 dubious accounts, which the PTI had not declared. Instead of answering the vital question, Imran had launched a vilification campaign against the Election Commission

of Pakistan (ECP) and attacked the ECP. She said Imran Khan, who was responsible for sky rocketing prices of wheat flour, sugar, electricity and gas, should answer misappropriations in the foreign funding case after eight years. Imran Khan could not force the government to announce early elections, which would be held at an appropriate time, she added. The minister said Imran Khan remained imposed for about four years only to destroy the economy and plunge the country into darkness. He victimized the media, imposed restrictions on journalists and brazenly violated the Constitution. She lauded the steadfastness of media persons and traders who fought the fascist government of Imran Khan. Answering a question, Marriyum said Prime Minister Shehbaz had also issued strict directions against the hoarders of diesel, who were causing problems for farmers in harvesting their crops. The PM directed the concerned to show zero tolerance against hoarding of diesel, she added. To another question, she said the prime minister, his cabinet members, and

even allies were visiting Saudi Arabia on their own expenditure instead of burdening the national exchequer. She also made it clear that no journalist was visiting the holy land on the government expenditure. She said Saudi Arabia’s visit had a great strategic importance as it would help explore avenues of cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture and industrial zones. She criticized former minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain for hurling accusations against the journalists. “Imran had made foreign visits on the government’s expenditure, but the prime minister is visiting Saudi Arabia on personal expenses. Imran spent some Rs 1 billion on his helicopter joy riding,” she added. To a query, she said assets beyond means cases would be instituted against former first lady’s front-person Farah Gogi and Shahzad Akbar. At the very outset of news conference, she expressed her grief over the loss of lives in the Karachi suicide blast. PM Shehbaz Sharif in collaboration with the Sindh government was taking measures to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future, she added.

PM Shehbaz speaks to Bill Gates, expresses concern over first polio case of 2022 ISlaMaBaD News Desk

Govt announces four holidays on occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr ISlaMaBaD News Desk

The Government of Pakistan Tuesday issued the schedule for the Eid ul Fitr holidays, which will start on May 2 (Monday) according to a notification. The 4-day holiday will begin on May 2 and continue till May 5 (Thursday), the notification said after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval. According to source, initially a summary of a three-day holiday was sent to the prime minister, however, he approved a four-day holiday.

Khurram Dastagir Khan gets power portfolio as PM notifies 4 more ministers, one MoS ISlaMaBaD News Desk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has allocated the portfolios to four federal ministers and one minister of state (MoS). According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Khurram Dastagir Khan has been given the portfolio of power, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has been made the minister for economic affairs, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada has been appointed the human rights minister, while Murtaza Javed Abbasi has bagged the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Muhammad Hashim Notezai will be Minister of State for Power. The Cabinet Division has issued a notification to this effect. The first oath-taking ceremony of PM Shehbaz’s cabinet was held on April 19 at the President’s House but President Dr Alvi was unable to administer the oath as he was reportedly unwell at the time. President Arif Alvi did however administer oath to four new ministers on Friday during the second oath-taking ceremony setting aside his differences with the Shahbaz Sharif-led government and agreeing to fulfil his Constitutional duties following the first meeting between the two.

Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif spoke on telephone today with Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The ongoing public health and social sector programmes supported by BMGF in Pakistan were discussed, including polio eradication and the Foundation’s support towards improving immunisation, nutrition and financial inclusion services in Pakistan. The Prime Minister underscored that Pakistan deeply values its cooperation with BMGF. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further solidifying its fruitful partnership with the Foundation in all the ongoing areas of work. Pakistan has maintained progress towards polio eradication and appreciates the invaluable assistance provided by BMGF in that regard. While noting that only one case of polio was recorded in 2021, the Prime Minister stressed that his Government remained committed to eradicate all forms of polio from the country. The Prime Minister expressed grave concern on the first case of poliovirus in 2022, after 15 months, which was recently confirmed in a child in North Waziristan. He noted that

a special emergency response plan for South Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province is already under implementation to scale up and improve the quality of the polio eradication programme and increase security of frontline health workers. Mr. Gates acknowledged the positive progress and reiterated the Foundation’s continued support to Pakistan for ensuring that no child is at risk of paralysis due to poliovirus. Recalling the polio related challenges faced by Afghanistan, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction on the resumption of polio vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan. He underlined the need for adequate international support to Afghanistan in that regard. The Prime Minister and Mr. Gates also exchanged views on Pakistan’s COVID-19 vaccination drive. Moreover, they discussed BMGF’s support for various other government-led programmes aimed at addressing malnutrition and stunting, essential immunisation services, operationalisation of micropayment gateways financial inclusion, and digitization of the National Savings Programme. Making Pakistan Poliofree: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his government’s strong

commitment for eradication of polio from the country. In a tweet on Tuesday, Shehbaz Sharif said there would be zero tolerance for any laxity in the national fight against polio. He said, “Our anti-polio drive will now focus on the districts of South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa particularly, Bannu and North and South Waziristan.” Sharif said the best performing officials would be acknowledged and recognised as national heroes. On April 23, Pakistan had reported its first case after a span of 15 months in

North Waziristan on Friday. A 15-month old boy was found paralysed by the wild poliovirus on April 22 in North Waziristan. After celebrating the polio free milestone for over a year, Pakistan national polio laboratory had confirmed the virus in the patient. Shehbaz Sharif had expressed deep concerns over the case in the country and requested the concerned authorities to compile a detailed report on the causes. The PM had also issued instructions to formulate a strategy for the rapid eradication of poliovirus from the country.

ECP contradicts statements on delaying foreign funding case hearing Manal Jaffery The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday contradicted some statements appearing in sections of the press on intentional delaying the hearing of the foreign funding case. According to ECP, these statements are baseless as the scrutiny committee was working on applications received related to the foreign funding case from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Pakistan Peoples Party, and Pakistan Muslim League (N). It added the committee had submitted its report on PTI foreign funding case with the commission in December 2021 and its regular hearing has been fixed before the commission, which is in the final stages. The commission has sought a report on April 28 from the Chairman Scrutiny committee on the matter as the April 2729 date has been fixed for final arguments of PTI lawyer while the

commission has sought necessary records from PPP, PPPP, and PML-N as the scrutiny committee has fixed May 9 for proceeding on cases of these parties. The commission made it clear that any delay in hearing or proceeding of foreign funding cases was due to various reasons from these parties. It added that the commission has continued the

proceeding on the case without any discrimination. The commission said that as per a letter received from the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, the 7th population and housing census is being started on 1st August 2022 and its results will be provided to ECP on December 31st,

2022. It added that in case of a new census, the ECP’s 2017-based delimitation will become irrelevant and the commission will be bound as per law to start delimitation from January 1st, 2023. For this purpose, at least four months are required for reviewing electoral rolls due to the addition of statistical block codes and their limitations. The commission will start hearing on declarations sent by the Speaker National Assembly to the Chief Election Commissioner on May 14 under Article 63 (A) against 20 members National Assembly on April 28 while the date of May 6 has been fixed for hearing on the declarations issued by the Speaker Punjab Assembly against 26 members Punjab Assembly which were received on May 20. It added that under Article 63 (A), the ECP has to make its decision within 30 days after receiving declarations by the ECP.

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022 | KARACHI

lhc rESErvES vErDIct on haMza ShEhbaz’S PlEa ovEr oath-taKInG ISSuE

newS DeSk

HE Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday reserved verdict on a petition filed by newly elected Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shehbaz for implementation of orders about his oathtaking. LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti heard the petition filed by Hamza Shehbaz. During the Tuesday’s proceedings, Advocate General Punjab (AGP) Ahmad Owais submitted that the Punjab governor had sent a 6-page letter to the President of Pakistan and expressed serious concern over the election of chief minister, besides seeking his advice. He further submitted the president sent the recommendations of the governor to the prime minister. The AGP also raised objections on the maintainability of the petition, saying that the president had not been heard. However, the chief justice expressed serious annoyance and questioned which law had given the mandate to the governor to examine validity of chief minister’s election, adding that the election was held on court orders.

To which, the AGP submitted that issue of election needed to be dealt with restraint as the election was held during ruckus. But, the chief justice noted that the court had shown enough restraint, questioning what action had been taken on the court orders. The AGP submitted that the court order was

received by the President three days ago, now he would look into the matter. The chief justice observed that there was no government for past so many days in the province while expressing dismay over the inaction. At this stage, a federal law officer apprised the court that the prime minister had sent the advice to the president, asking for the court’s order to be complied with in letter and spirit. Advocate Ashtar Ausaf on behalf of Hamza Shehbaz argued that the court orders were not being implemented. He pleaded with the court to issue directions for implementation of its orders. Subsequently, the court reserved the verdict on the petition. The verdict is expected to be announced on Wednesday. Hamza Shehbaz through the petition submitted that the LHC had expressed expectation that the President of Pakistan would appoint another person to administer the oath of the chief minister’s office to him while forwarding its orders to the office of the president for the purpose. However, the court orders have not been implemented, he submitted while pleading with the court to issue directions for implementation of its orders.

ECP hints at general elections not to be held before May 2023 asif assumes charge as Defence Minister ISlaMaBaD APP

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MP Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday assumed charge as Minister for Defence. He was received by Defence Secretary retired Lt. Gen. Hilal Hussain at the Ministry of Defence, said a press release. Asif held an introductory meeting with the senior officials of the ministry. He was also briefed in detail about the role and functions of the ministry and its allied organisations. Speaking on the occasion, Asif said: “We are proud of our armed forces and the government would provide maximum support to enhance their capabilities and professionalism.” He assured that the government would provide resources and equipment, in order to make Pakistan’s defence impregnable. He said the defence of the country would be strengthened as it was confronting enormous internal and external challenges.

another judge recuses himself from Maryam’s plea for passport retrieval laHOre stAff RePoRt

A second two-judge bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) formed to take up the petition of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz involving her passport was dissolved on Tuesday. The bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and comprising Justice Farooq Haider was dissolved when the latter recused himself from the case. The bench was supposed to hear Nawaz’s petition regarding the retrieval of her passport so that she could go to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Ahsan Bhoon appeared before the court on behalf of Nawaz. But the bench could not take up the case. Earlier on April 21, a two-judge bench headed by Justice Najafi could not be able to hear the case as the bench was dissolved when Justice Anwar ul-Haq recused himself from hearing the case. Nawaz has approached the high court for permission to go abroad. Nawaz, in her petition, said she had surrendered her passport to the court, adding: “I want to go to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah but cannot do so because my passport is surrendered at the LHC.” She pleaded with the court to allow her once to go on pilgrimage and issue orders for temporarily returning her passport.

SHaHzaD ParacHa

were underway. The PPP and PML-N have been asked to present their party’s records before the ECP’s scrutiny committee on May 9, the statement said, noting that if there is a delay in the procedures, then it is due to delaying tactics from the political parties, and not the election body. In the statement, the ECP said it works independently, is an unbiased body serving in line with the law, and serving in the country’s “best interest”. The ECP mentioned that it had received 20 declarations of violation of 63(A) from the National Assembly on April 14, whose hearing will take place on April 28. Meanwhile, it received 26 Article 63(A) declarations from the Punjab Assembly, whose hearing will take place on May 6, the ECP said, noting that the body has the prerogative to decide the cases within 30 days.

oGra warns oil hoarders of taking strict action newS DeSk The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has taken cognisance of the reports of non-availability of diesel and moved its enforcement teams along law enforcement agencies and district management in different regions to inspect and unearth illegal oil storages. Anyone found in hoarding or stocking oil illegally would be dealt with under the law of the land, OGRA warned in a statement issued on Tuesday. The authority said chief secretaries had already been informed to advise deputy commissioners for increasing vigilance on any such illegal activities and take immediate punitive actions. “Moreover, DCs have also been informed to mobilise teams to inspect petrol pumps in their respective regions and anyone found in hoarding or short supply may strongly be dealt with according to law and a report should be sent to OGRA,” it added.

cabinet likely to remove Fbr chairman

newS DeSk The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday hinted that general elections may not be held before May 2023, citing a census-related setback. The ECP’s statement comes after ousted PTI Chairman Imran Khan demanded early elections and vowed to remain on the streets till polls are held, while the incumbent government also remains unsure about its time in office. In a statement released today, the election body said it received a letter on April 18 from the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, stating that the seventh population census would commence on August 1 and its results would be received by December 31. As a result, the ECP said it would be constitutionally bound to hold elections based on the new census as the 2017 census — used to conduct polls nowadays — would become irrelevant. Once the ECP receives the new census data, the ECP will start working on delimitation from January 2023, and it will take the body at least four months to issue new lists of the constituencies — and only then can elections be held. Moving on, the ECP said some quarters were blaming it for delaying foreign funding cases. “The ECP strongly rejects this criticism.” The Commission said scrutiny committees were working on the applications it had received from the PPP, PML-N, and PTI. It added that the hearing on PTI’s foreign funding case was nearing its end final arguments

NEWS

Mariam Nawaz and Hamza Shahbaz addressing party workers at Lahore.

The Federal Cabinet is likely to remove FBR Chairman Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed from his position. Sources said that the meeting of the federal cabinet will be held on Wednesday under the chair of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif which takes up the three agenda items including the appointment of chairman FBR. The Establishment Division has forwarded the panel of three officials for chairman FBR including IRS officer Asim Ahmad as well as member custom operations Tariq Huda. Sources said that PM Shahbaz Sharif also interviewed Asim Ahmad and Tariq Huda, Asim Ahmad is considered to be the favorite for chairman FBR slot. He previously held the charge as FBR chairman from April 2021 to August 2021. He has also served as a member of the information technology (IT) in the FBR. It is pertinent to note the incumbent chairman FBR was appointed last year in August. The meeting would also be given a briefing on the load shedding in the country by the Ministry of Power. The cabinet would also discuss the deteriorating law and order situation following the Karachi blast and incidents of firing from Afghanistan into Pakistan killing armed forces personnel.

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

PTI sTAges nATIonwIde ProTesTs AgAInsT eCP heAd ISLAMABAD

staff report

AKISTAN Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) held nationwide demonstrations outside the offices of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), condemning the “partisan” conduct of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and demanding his resignation. Since his appointment to the office in January 2020, Raja — who is the son-inlaw of Saeed Mehdi, former principal secretary to Khan’s disgraced predecessor Nawaz Sharif — has been at the helm of a series of decisions against the PTI, the party insists. On Saturday, in his first press conference after leaving office, former prime minister Imran Khan said his party did not trust Raja because all his decisions were against the PTI. Responding to the presser, Raja said he had “no intention of tendering my resignation,” before adding that there was no valid reason to “think like that”. “I am working in the best interest of

the country and shall continue to do so.” According to videos aired by news channels, party workers staged demonstrations outside the ECP offices across the country. The authorities had also deployed additional troops in different cities to ensure the security of ECP buildings and staff.

FIA clears former boss of wrongdoing LAHORE staff report

A district and sessions court in Lahore on Tuesday cleared former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director general Bashir Memon, who was facing multiple charges including a $101.2 million banking fraud, of criminal wrongdoing. During the hearing, the court asked the agency about the progress of the investigation. Responding to the judge, the counsel for the agency said the investigation has been finished and it will not file charges against Memon. Memon, who had resigned from service in December 2019 as a mark of protest against being posted out close to his retirement date, claimed the government of former prime minister Imran Khan wanted to make an example of him to scare the civil service into obedience. Opening Pandora’s box with a string of allegations against Khan, the former head of FIA claimed that Khan wanted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz to be tried for terrorism, a claim which was rejected by the government. In one of the cases, Memon is accused of facilitating a suspect wanted in financial crimes abroad and for his failure to probe the money laundering allegations against him. He was suspected of being involved in the $101.2 million banking fraud involving Umar Farooq Zahoor, a Dubai-based Pakistani-Norwegian businessman. During the course of the inquiry, it came to light that Zahoor with a co-suspect purportedly defrauded a bank of $89.2 million in the Norwegian capital of Oslo in 2010 after remaining involved in another fraudulent scheme worth $12 million in Bern city of Switzerland in 2004. Memon was accused of allegedly facilitating Zahoor in at least two instances of financial crimes in the Swiss city of Zurich and Oslo, and human trafficking during the former’s tenure as the director-general of the agency.

In Karachi, police were deployed outside the ECP office ahead of the protest and three mobile vans were also present at the site as part of security arrangements. According to a statement issued by PTI spokesperson Saddam Kumbhar, Sindh Assembly Opposition Leader Haleem Adil

Sheikh and party leaders, including Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Bilal Ghaffar, Aftab Siddiqui, Raja Azhar and Saifur Rehman, were among the demonstrators. Whereas in Peshawar, chaos was witnessed outside the agency’s office as protestors attempted to barge into the building. They were stopped by police deployed outside the gates. PTI lawmakers from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, including Zahir Shah and Abdul Salam, were among the protesters, who raised slogans against the CEC, calling him biased. Meanwhile, in Islamabad, former interior minister Sheikh Rashid and PTI MP Shibli Faraz spoke to the media during the protest outside the ECP office. Amid loud slogans by the demonstrators, Faraz said while his party was staging a “symbolic protest” and added that thousands of party members were unable to reach the site of the demonstration as “routes have been blocked”. The Red Zone was sealed by placing containers after the agency wrote a letter to the Interior Ministry seeking security ahead of the protests.

#ImportedHakoomatNamanzoor: anti-govt hashtag sets record with over 100mn tweets ISLAMABAD Monitoring report

The hashtag #ImportedHakoomatNamanzoor (imported government unacceptable) trending on Twitter on the national and global trends panel for over two weeks now has generated an unprecedented volume of over 100 million tweets and is “maybe the biggest trend ever”, said a Twitter analytical tool. According to Tweet Binder, by early Tuesday, 106,433,419 tweets had been sent using the hashtag, in Urdu rather than English, since its launch in the second week of April to talk about the government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance which came into power by overthrowing the administration of former prime minister Imran Khan through a vote of noconfidence on April 10. Hashtags are a handy way of grouping and categorising tweets, and they help people follow topics in which they’re interested. Anyone searching for a specific topic can find relevant tweets immediately rather than having to scroll through their Twitter feed. Twitter’s research found that tweets with hashtags increased engagement — clicks, retweets, favourites, and replies — for individuals and brands. Minister for Information and

Broadcast Marriyum Aurangzeb had claimed that the trend — used by the people to condemn the purported foreign conspiracy to overthrow the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government — was initiated by the party and has since been promoted by automated accounts, often referred to as bots. “Tweets were generated through bots. We have their Twitter handles. The ongoing campaign using faceless Twitter accounts and handles will not only be ended but FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) will also be involved. There is zero tolerance for this,” she told a press conference last week. Following her presser, the counter-terrorism wing of the agency launched a crackdown on social media activists that it believed were involved in what it declared a smear campaign against institutions.

An FIA officer told the media that the campaign had been launched in an “organised manner” by social media activists operating from within and outside the country but didn’t name any party for leading the campaigns. But PTI MP and former climate minister Zartaj Gul disagree. “This is the consolidated voice of Pakistanis protesting over the foisted imported dummy government [sic] of literally criminals that has been imposed on the public,” she tweeted. “Pakistan’s sovereignty was challenged, the way Pakistanis across the globe responded has made history,” read a tweet published by the party’s official handle. “History is being made, you cannot stop the voices of [the] people of Pakistan, it will only get louder and louder,” said Imran Ghazali, former head of the Digital Media Wing.

Pakistan seeks economic support for Palestine, occupied Kashmir UNITED NATIONS app

Against the backdrop of conflicts, post-pandemic shocks and climate change, Pakistan called for “generous” political and economic support for the people living under foreign occupation like those in Palestine and occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “For developing countries, a first priority is poverty reduction, especially in crisis and conflict situations,” Ambassador Munir Akram told the UN Commission on Population and Development”, adding that Pakistan recognised the importance of population strategies especially in dealing with health and related social issues. “Emergency humanitarian and economic support is essential in situations such as in Afghanistan, as well as for the people of occupied Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir,” the envoy added. He underscored the need for understanding population dynamics as societies around the world strive to achieve the ambitious and holistic 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “An educated, skilled healthy and empowered population is the key driver of development; a people which is ignorant and uneducated and enfeebled by disease and unemployment is a drag on development and a recipe for persistent and growing poverty.” The developing countries, he said, have been devastated in the last 2 years by the coronavirus pandemic and natural and man-made disasters, as well as price inflation in food, energy and other essential commodities, requiring mobilisation of adequate finance to respond to these multiple exogenous shocks to their economies and people. Ambassador Akram endorsed the call by UN Secretary-General and in the FfD (financing for Development) Declaration for larger concessional assistance, debt relief, re-allocation of unutilised SDRs (special drawing rights), larger financing from the IMF and regional banks, and mobilisation of the promised $100 billion annually in climate finance, to enable developing countries to recover from these crises and revive their economies. Apart from such emergency measures, the realisation of the demographic dividend for the developing countries, and the realisation of the SDGs, requires comprehensive national and international policy actions including: — a priority focus on human development, with adequate spending on quality education and health, especially the empowerment of women and youth in development; — adequate investment in sustainable infrastructure – energy, transportation, agriculture, housing, which can create jobs, ensure economic growth and lay the foundation for industrialisation and sustained growth; — the construction of an equitable international financial architecture, including a fair international tax system; — reform of the world trade regime to allow developing countries preferential and full access to global markets for goods and services to enable export-led growth; — overcoming the growing digital divide between the industrial and developing countries, and, — halting and reversing the outflow of billions each year in illicit financial flows from developing countries.

Missing Karachi teen recovered from Okara: police LAHORE staff report

The Punjab police are said to have recovered Dua Zehra Kazmi, a 14-year-old girl who purportedly went missing from outside her home in the Al Falah Society neighbourhood of Karachi last week, from Okara along with a man who is said to have contracted marriage with the underage girl. Kazmi had gone missing on April 16, after she went out of her house to throw thrash. Her father said they live on the first floor of a residential building and his daughter had gone down to the ground floor to dump the trash, but she didn’t return. When reported by the family, the incident sparked outrage on the internet.

According to a spokesperson for Lahore police, Kazmi and Zaheer Ahmad were taken to the office of the Okara district police officer (DPO) where their statements were recorded. The two will be moved to Lahore for police protection. “We have been in touch with the Karachi police and have informed them about the recent development,” the spokesman added. The couple were reportedly staying at the residence of Ahmad’s uncle. MARRIAGE REGISTRAR ARRESTED: Meanwhile, Lahore police also arrested a marriage officiator who allegedly solemnised the marriage. The Mozang police apprehended Hafiz Ghulam Mustafa who, according to the marriage document, solemnised the marriage. Seperately, a video statement of Kazmi

has surfaced in which the young girl can be seen announcing that she married Ahmad of her own will. Making a series of stunning revelations about the incident, Kazmi said she was not kidnapped but left home to marry Ahmad. She also claimed that her parents were forcing her to marry a cousin. She also blamed her parents for violence and added that they were fixing her marriage with the cousin without her consent. Kazmi further claimed that her father lied when he said she was underage. “I am not 14. I am an adult […] 18,” she claimed. A police official said the cleric was being investigated about the marriage, adding the facts would come to light only after the completion of the probe.

CMYK

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

Pakistan Navy conducts Naval drills with US Navy Pakistan and US Navy conducted bilateral Naval Exercise Inspired Union in North Arabian Sea. The exercise was aimed to rehearse maritime procedures and enhance interoperability in naval operations. During conduct of exercise at high seas, ships from both navies rehearsed maritime manoeuvres to counter asymmetric threats, mine counter measures and Search & Rescue operations. Conduct of bilateral exercises is indicative of PN’s recognition as a reckonable force and shows resolve to maintain regional stability and good order at sea. pr

faisal Subzwari discusses USD 3.8bn KCCDZ development project with CrBC Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari discusses USD 3.8 Billion Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Zone (KCCDZ) development project with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Pakistan in Islamabad today. The minister held a meeting with General Manager to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) Pakistan, Mr. Lyu Ming to discuss USD 3.8 Billion development project under Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Zone (KCCDZ). The CRBC elaborated the operation and significance of the project to the Minister and discussed the policy demands from the government of Pakistan. Minister Faisal Subzwari showed his great interest over the project’s significance that would uplift the lifestyle of people of Karachi and would generate numerous employment opportunities. Furthermore, CRBC showed its concern over the delayed response for the past three years that is hampering the implementation of the project. The Minister assured the CRBC delegation full assistance from the Ministry and undertook that he will take this case at the earliest to all the stakeholders including Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chief Minister Sindh, Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and promised to expedite the process in the fastest pace. Minister Subzwari showed gratitude to the CRBC for the visit and informed them to meet again after the discussion with all the stakeholders involved is finalized. “MoMa will not lose a single day, we will do everything that is required immediately”, Minister Faisal Subzwari The meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary Maritime Affairs, Joint Secretary Maritime Affairs and Senior Officials of the Ministry and CRBC. pr

Home-based women workers decry HomeNet Pakistan’s apathy in resolving their problems KARACHI: Home-based women workers in Orangi Town staged a novel protest and sat along roadside with their children and husbands. Explaining their problems, they said that they do not get any kind of rights and do not have edibles at their homes even the situation of starvation has come. “No one is doing anything for our betterment. We are struggling with life,” they added. The protesters said that social injustices have snatched the wish of living from them. “We do not get any kind of rights. The income sources which were available to us earlier now are not available. We are not finding any work to do at home and school fees of our children could not be paid because of poverty,” they maintained. They said with tears that there is not anything available at their home to cook. “Men are also facing unemployment for a long time,” they added. They said that facing humiliation at each step of life has become their destiny. “The performance of the government is zero for us. The role of HomeNet Pakistan is only for exhibition. Not any work has been done till now by HomeNet by which we have been directly facilitated. Officers of the organization neither come nor ask about our wellbeing. We have been left alone,” they maintained. They said that it is requested from HomeNet that the funds which are collected on their names that should be spent for their prosperity. “Solid government reforms are inevitable for making our lives better,” they added. staff report

CPEC to rEmaiN toP Priority of tHE NEw govt: rEPort

PEC will remain top priority of the new government and change of regime in Pakistan makes no effect in carrying forward the long-standing Sino-Pak friendship, says a report published by Gwadar Pro on Tuesday. The report mentioned the recent speech of the new Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif delivered in the parliament, in which he declared that his government would speed up the highquality construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, making it a symbol of China-Pakistan friendship. CPEC lives in the heart of the people of Pakistan where no matter who rules the country, CPEC will remain at the top priority, he remarked. According to the report, due to this fate-changing China-Pakistan cooperation on CPEC, the life of Pakistani people, especially at grassroots level, has been not only improved but transformed towards a better direction. The entire political spectrum including the leading political parties has a strong consensus for standing together on CPEC. While reacting on the

new appointment, China appreciates the new Prime Minister’s remarks and is ready to work with Pakistan to continue to further advance the high-quality development of CPEC. There is an urge to practically expand the bilateral cooperation and build CPEC together for shared benefits. There is also a desire from both sides to accelerate the building of closer China-Pakistan ties to create a community of shared future in this new era and work together to promote the well-being of the two peoples. At the advent of CPEC in 2015, Pakistan Muslim League (N) was ruling in Islamabad with the vast majority. During the reign of Nawaz Sharif, many long-term communications and energy projects under CPEC made huge progress. It is also important to note that when Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was Chief Minister of Punjab, a province with a solid industrial and agriculture base, he worked on CPEC projects at phenomenal speed. There is an expectation that this time he will deliver at the national level with the

same enthusiasm and speed. CPEC has been so entrenched in the national roots of Pakistan that no government can change it. It is a stateto-state strong partnership. Government and people’s representation may change at the national level, and there may be slight changes in the ways of implementation; however, the basic normative model and structures will remain the same. CPEC holds a strong ground for the essential cooperation between Pakistan and China. Over all these years, the defining moments in the history of relations helped both sides thwart the test of times with grounded support through prudence and foresightedness shared by Beijing and Islamabad. Our ancestors’ seeds of friendship sowed more than decades ago have evolved into a perfectly developed tree with many branches of benevolence and fruits growing all around. The roots are vivid in our hearts and on our lands. Pakistan-China relations are based on the strength of the shared belief in peace and prosperity and beyond any politics or change of governments. The

level of relationship that both Pakistan and China enjoy is beyond time and space, having the strength and resilience to face and battle any storm together. CPEC is the epitome of the ChinaPakistan relations and is considered as a model for the other countries to follow. With the change of government in Pakistan, there would not be any change in the level of friendship. Instead, it will grow manifold. The only constant change is the stronger Pakistan-China ties. Over these years, there has been a constant pattern of strengthening resolve to build closer ties with China by all kinds of ideological regimes in Pakistan. In Pakistan’s chequered history of democracy, China has always remained a source of strength and inspiration. With the multibillion-dollar CPEC in the extraordinary second phase that focuses on agriculture, industry, and socio-economic development, Pakistan has a bright and robust future. The incumbent government will continue to focus on these projects and build and further capitalize on them to bring peace and prosperity to the country. inp

Palestine a burning paradise Zaheer hassan Ramdan is a month of blessings for humanity but Isreal does not care to continue aggressive attacks on poor Palestinians. The long standing conflict between Palestine and Israel is still on fire, and this is because of Israel’s hawkish regime in pursuit of Jews supremacy in the region. During last ten days Gaza fears another war, the residents of the Gaza Strip believe they will be the ones to pay the heaviest price. Ramadan has repeatedly been accompanied by war in Gaza, where the two main Palestinian armed resistance movements, Hamas and PIJ, are based. Out of Israel’s four wars on the Gaza Strip, two have erupted in the holy month. In the last week, Israeli forces expanded their violence in Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday morning, storming the mosque’s courtyards and attacking worshipers, wounding over 150 Palestinians and detaining 400 others. Lot of worshippers were attacked with rubber bullets, batons and tear gas, at Masjid Al Aqsa – the third holiest site in the Muslim world. Yet frustratingly, their suffering gets little airtime on mainstream media. Harrowing videos surfaced on social media showing Israeli forces not even sparing the elderly, women or children. Other videos showed worshippers inside the Al Aqsa Mosque as clouds of tear gas was thrown on them. This was a stark reminder that even in the holy month of Ramadan, Palestinians will continue to undergo oppression and human rights violations by Israeli forces whilst many world leaders continue to undermine their plight. Thousands of worshippers had come to pray the dawn prayers when the violence ensued last week. If this had happened in any other place of worship there would be worldwide outcry, but yet the atrocities against Palestinians are met with deafening silence. Just last year, Israeli forces raided Al Aqsa in Ramadan resulting in an 11-day assault on the besieged Gaza strip but the West continued to support the Israeli government in its assault. Both the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Jo Biden failed to acknowledge the disproportionate

attacks launched by Israel against the Palestinians as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of military weapons. In fact, Jo Biden went as far as sending over $3 billion of military aid to Israel last. This is clearly an asymmetrical struggle between the oppressed and the oppressor as Palestinians do not have the means to defend themselves. The Israeli apartheid regime is brazenly breaking human rights principles and international law by committing crimes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.During Israel’s bombardment in May 2021, at least 260 Palestinians were killed, including 39 women and 67 children, and more than 1,900 people were wounded. Some 1,800 residential units were demolished, and at least 14,300 others were badly damaged. Over the course of 2021, the Israeli military arrested nearly 8,000 Palestinians, including more than 1,300 minors and 184 women. As of April 10, 2022, there were 4,450 Palestinians held in Israeli jails in Israel and the occupied territory. For Palestinians, they are political prisoners fighting to end Israel’s illegal occupation. Of those: • 530 are held without charge or trial • 160 are children • 32 are women • 549 are serving life sentences • 499 are serving a sentence of more than 20 years Child prisoners – Ahmad Manasra’s case • Israel is the only country in the world that tries children in military courts, often denying them their basic rights. • The Israeli army has imprisoned more than 12,000 Palestinian children since 2000, according to Addameer. • Most of these children were charged with “throwing stones”, a crime punishable under military law by up to 20 years in prison. • Currently, 160 Palestinian children remain in Israeli prisons, most are in pre-trial detention and have not been convicted of any offence. • One of the most harrowing child prisoner cases is that of Ahmad Manasra who was arrested at the age of 13, brutally interrogated and then sentenced.

Iran always show unprecedented support for Palentinians and also calls on Muslims to unite in support of Palestinian cause through diplomatic channels and with very articulated vocal stance. The Israeli regime’s fresh atrocities in Al-Aqsa Mosque, and cautioned against the implications of certain Arab countries’ desire to restore relations with the Tel Aviv regime. “Deeply outraged by the new atrocities of the Israeli regime. We strongly condemn the desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque,” Khatibzadeh tweeted. “Reminder that normalization with the apartheid regime of Israel only encourages the oppressor to double down on its brutality,” the spokesman underscored. “Muslims must stand united behind the Palestinian cause,” he suggested. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian blasted the Israeli regime’s attack on al-Aqsa Mosque in a phone conversation with Ismail Haniyeh, chairman of the political bureau of Hamas, saying resistance is alive while the Zionists are desperate. This Ramadan, we must continue to speak out against Palestinian suffering. This is shameful that those in power, who have the ability to stand up against such injustice, choose instead to put their political and economic agendas ahead of accountability. Many countries in the West such as the UK and US have allied with Israel and continue to dismiss the suffering of innocent Palestinians who are attacked in their own places of worship. The Zionists’ “shameless” acts of violence against sacred places in Palestine and against the fasting people and worshipers at mosques. Across the Muslim world, mass protests were staged in support of the oppressed Palestinian people. The Palestinians deserve to worship in peace, to live in peace and have their human rights upheld but sadly their lives are in the hands of those in power who do little for their cause. Will the world wake up in the name of Humanity and save the burning Paradise.

Three Chinese nationals among four dead in Karachi blast continued from page 01 PM CONDOLES WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS: The prime minister met Chinese Charge’d Affaires Pang Chunxue and sympathized with the government and the people of China as well as the bereaved families. The prime minister, who was accompanied by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, assured a swift probe into the tragedy to take the culprits to task. “I want to assure you on my behalf, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan, that we will hunt down the perpetrators, culprits, killers. We will not rest until they are caught and given exemplary punishment,” the prime minister said talking to the Chinese media at the embassy.

He instructed the authorities concerned to provide foolproof security to the Chinese nationals as well as the organizations. Calling it an attack on China-Pakistan cordial relations, the prime minister resolved that the Government would not let the bilateral ties be undermined through such acts. He said Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah would visit Karachi on Wednesday to assist the Sindh government in the investigation and extend all required cooperation from the Federal Government to nab the culprits. Moreover, he said, the government would review the entire security risks to the Chinese people and take all possible measures to strengthen the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. “We will not allow any disturbance in this friendship, come what may. We will cut their hands and stop them from creating any

differences,” he resolved. The prime minister, in his condolatory remarks at the embassy, wrote, “We are deeply shocked and distressed at this dastardly attack. All Pakistanis mourn their loss and offer their condolences to the bereaved families.” He also reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating all militants and terrorists from the Pakistani soil. “We won’t rest until the culprits are hunted down and given exemplary punishment,” he wrote. CONDOLENCES POUR IN: As the condolences started pouring in, Jamiat Ulem-eIslam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman strongly condemned the suicide attack occurred at Karachi University. In a message, he offered his condolences to those foreigners and compatriots who were killed in the suicide attack. Maulana Fazl said he was equally feel-

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ing the pain and suffering of the victims and their families at this crucial hour. He proposed the government to make fool proof arrangements for the safety of foreigners, especially Chinese brothers. Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a van at Karachi University, killing three Chinese faculty members and their Pakistani driver. The PPP chairman, in a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives in the attack. “I am sure the Sindh Police will ferret out the terrorists and they will soon be in the clutches of law,” he added. Bilawal Bhutto stressed that fool-proof measures should be taken to ensure security of the Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

He also prayed for early recovery of those injured in the attack. The Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Security, Shazia Marri also strongly condemned the blast incident which occurred in Karachi terming it as a cowardly act to destroy the peace of Pakistan. “The Pakistani nation has bravely fought terrorism and will continue to do so in the future,” Shazia Marri said in a statement. The federal minister expressed condolences to the victims of the incident and prayed for the safety of the injured. Pakistan’s enemies will not succeed in their nefarious designs through such cowardly attacks, she said. Expressing condolences over the death of Chinese citizens, Shazia Marri said “PakChina brotherly relations will not be affected by such terrorist activities”.

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022

06 COMMENT

The brightness of change

Re-enacting a flop show Imran Khan back to old antics

TI chief Imran Khan’s fall from power should have led him to ponder over his shortcomings. It was no ordinary matter that allies and several party leaders abandoned the PM when the PTI was still in power. There was a need to hold several sessions of the party’s core committee to thoroughly debate the issue so that a situation of the sort does not arise in future. Instead Mr Khan has built a fairytale-like narrative with him as the Godsent hero who struggled for14 years for the good of his people, but all the corrupt powers got united against him and toppled his government with the “support of foreign forces”. The elegiac narrative may induce some of his tender-hearted followers to cry their hearts out but provides them no guideline for the future. ThPTI’s mercurial chairman is now itching for action. What is more he has decided to be dangerous. he is again going to march on Islamabad to hold a sit-in till his demand for fresh elections is accepted. It is likely to be a long wait. The eCP needs months to complete legal requirements and would be ready for elections by October. In case the economic situation starts improving, the PML(N)-led coalition government might like to complete the remaining tenure of over a year. I The PTI’s last march-cum-sit-in was spread over from14 August to 17 december 2014. The party enjoyed the support of a powerful figure in the establishment. The PTI’s sit-in was also joined by Tahirul Qadri and his highly motivated Pakistani Awami Tehrik workers. This time the establishment has become neutral while the PAT chief has kept his party out of the game. The media which projected Khan’s struggle in 2014, but was strangled by the PTI when it assumed power, is no more going to ignore PTI’s transgressions. To cap it all, the protesters will have to cope with a long hot summer. This explains why Imran Khan wants “just a few weeks” for the call to march. But to Imran Khan’s chagrin the elections will be held under chief election commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, who according to PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry is acting as a PML(N) worker. It is time Mr Khan comes out of the dream world and reconciles with reality. Instead of taking to the streets, the PTI should return to National Assembly and act as a responsible opposition party.

The government must be aware that it is no longer the opposition

AttiyA MunAwer

he government has changed but the situation of the country and the people is not advancing. At present, the country is under the burden of immense debts. Problems like inflation and unemployment have taken a toll on the common man and the government is once again on the doorstep of the IMF to further alleviate our poverty, while the IMF is enforcing new conditions on our poverty line. It is said that the current government, which is imposing new conditions to further alleviate our poverty, was claiming to put an end to rising inflation in the fortnight before it came to power and immediate relief would be provided to the people as soon as it came into power but the fears that are being expressed about the abolition of subsidies and increase in petrol, gas and electricity prices have made the people more anxious and the people’s hopes for the government are once again falling apart. It is clear that the present government has inherited economic problems in the same way as the previous government did, but the difference is that Imran Khan did not have an experienced team to solve the problems. There seemed to be no clear policy or plan in Imran khan’s regime but on the contrary, the cabinet formed by MianShehbaz Sharif consists mostly of the same old veteran ministers, who also served as ministers in previous governments as well as the present government

Foot in mouth Planning minister equating Cuba to North Korea is an unnecessary diplomatic faux pas

AKISTAN’S relations with the USA have taken a beating over the past two months with former Prime Minister Imran Khan relentlessly peddling a conspiracy theory alleging that it had conspired with his bitter rivals, the collective opposition at the time, to oust him. The absurdity of the claim notwithstanding, the USA has understandably not taken too kindly to these accusations and the new coalition government has missed no opportunity to criticize Khan for his belligerence that is hurting the country diplomatically. One would thereforeexpect carefully worded nuanced statements from senior members of the new government, however, considering Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s foot in mouth moment, stating that ‘Pakistan did not want to become like Cuba or North Korea’, that is hardly the case. By equating Cuba and North Korea, he has drawn the ire of Cuban Ambassador Zéner Caro, who termed the comment ‘disrespectful’ but he continued to balance his statement by adding that it did not represent the ‘true respect and deep affection’ Pakistanis have for Cuba. Cuba has come a long way from the Cold War era where it sided with the Soviet Union with a high human development index, a GdP that has consistently grown since 1970 and a 99% literacy rate. North Korea on the other hand is an international pariah, cut off from the rest of the world and known best for state-sponsored systematic human rights abuses that include but are not limited to arbitrary killings, forced disappearances and torture. Cuba’s anger over being considered by Mr Iqbal as one and the same as North Korea is therefore valid and understandable. What is more, Cuba was the first nation that offered doctors to Pakistan after the deadly earthquake of 2005 and not only did it provide free vaccinations to Pakistan during Covid-19, it offered to set up a centre to produce its vaccine in the country. Mr Iqbal has clarified his position, replying to the Cuban ambassador’s tweet, saying his remarks were ‘only in the context of foreign policy’; hardly an apology. It is hoped, going forward, that federal ministers use better sense while making references to friendly countries that are allies of Pakistan.

The Yogi is only the tip of the iceberg DeeDAr Ali BAngwAr

NdIA witnessed many people-friendly leaders in her history, like Mahatma Gandhi, A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Rabindranath Tagore, Jawaharlal Nehru and many more, who are remembered with good phrases around the world today. But Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and other religious leaders have become a rising threat to the Muslims in India. Yogi Adityanath belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is a supporter of anti-Muslim spiritual leaders of hindus in India. Yogi Adityanath has recorded venomous speeches in which he describes his extreme hatred against Islam and its adherents too in India. hindu extremists filed a case in the Supreme Court of India, for transforming the Taj Mahal into "Ram Mahal", Lal Qila into 'Ram Qila' and Babri Mosque into a Ram Mandir, keeping the view it was deity Rama's birthplace and was utilized as a mandir for several years. Now they claim that it wa conquered by the Muslim leader Zahir-u-ddin Babar, the first Mughal emperor, and transformed into the Babri Mosque. The Babri Mosque was demolished by the hindu extremists in 1992. This attack resulted in a great loss of man and material. Until today, the Babri Mosque remains demolished. Yogi Adityanath and his proponents have been doing their best to uproot the Muslims from the earth of India and make it a Muslim-free country. Yogi Adityanath stated 'we will do so even if doing so needed dying and killing. extremists are spreading Islamophobia, demolishing mosques, killing the Muslims on slaughtering cows on 'eid UL Azha' and many other Islamic activities, he is standing and supporting the anti-Muslim leaders in India. In the Friday prayers, they break the loudspeakers of Azan and beat the Muslims who come to offer prayer. however, the acting government is silent.

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

To win the next election, it is necessary to formulate policies that have immediate and lasting effects in the interest of the people. If this does not happen then the entire debris of the previous government will fall on the present government. It will be very difficult to avoid it and go to the next election as this time the people will vote not for change, but only in case of change and this honour will be given to the one who will light the lamp of change

The writer tweets @AttiyaMunawer

Yogi Adityanath: a rising threat for Muslims

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

coalition who have been claiming better planning since coming to power. So the people rightly expect more from the Shehbaz Sharif government than from Imran Khan that they will perform better than the previous government and will refrain from such measures which the previous government has been taking. There is no denying the fact that the present ruling parties, despite being fully aware of the situation in the country and the economic crisis came up with a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan and succeeded in ousting the Imran government from power before it had completed its constitutional term. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the new government to deal with whatever economic or political situation it may be facing now, because the government can neither escape from it nor waste its time by dumping its debris on the previous government while accepting the challenges with open heart, so the current government will have to take steps to overcome the political and economic crises and provide immediate relief to the people. This is not as easy as it might have seemed to the opposition alliance when sitting outside the government. Just a few days before coming to power, Mian Shehbaz and his comrades used to sharply criticize the Imran Khan government and say that it had ruined the economy of the country and the country was mired in debt, that a PML(N) government would overcome these problems and save the people from difficulties. The coalition government has now been formed and all the institutions are also subject to their orders. So it can be expected that the situation will move in

the right direction. The present government is making a fuss over the tunnels laid by the previous government. If the previous government has really laid any tunnels then it is the job of the present government to clear them. Mian Shehbaz Sharif and his team can neither get rid of the problems they face nor pass the buck on to anyone else, they will have to work on an emergency basis in a very short time. They will have to formulate short term policies which can be implemented to maximize the benefits in the shortest possible time. It was very easy to talk about it in opposition, but it seems very difficult for the government to do anything now. Undoubtedly, one of the top priorities of the present government is to abolish the cases against itself and its party leaders, dispose of the NAB, get a clean chit from the courts, and find a transparent way to participate in the next elections. But at the same time, the thorns the previous government has scattered at home and abroad will have to be picked up by the newly appointed cabinet and PM Shehbaz Sharif as it is their responsibility to create conducive conditions. Some allies of the government have started demanding early general elections, the same demand of the deposed government. So Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his allies have to survive and in order to win the next election, it is necessary to formulate policies that have immediate and lasting effects in the interest of the people. If this does not happen then the entire debris of the previous government will fall on the present government. It will be very difficult to avoid it and go to the next election as this time the people will vote not for change, but only in case of change and this honour will be given to the one who will light the lamp of change.

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

Since the avent of the BJP from 2014 until today, the government remains silent and even some leaders of the acting government has been seen in video record attending an important meeting of antiMuslim spiritual leaders of India. Yogi’s legacy to his followers is openly clear: if you want to kill Muslims, I would provide you with everything whether guns, money or people to kill them. The dilemma of wearing a hijab in India is a very severe problem that Muslims have been facing for a long time. The recent issue of wearing the hijab by a Muslim girl in her college; for that she had not entered the college when hindu extremists strived to attack her. Keeping this in view it seems that the acting government of India is also adherent of this extremism in India. Moreover, the mainstream media too remained quite quiet. The world's largest democracy and secular India declares itself to be a hindu and completely anti-Muslim and anti-minority state. In this regard, they killed hundreds of thousands of people of the Sikh community in Gujarat and delhi and Christians were also killed in Karnataka. however, sadly, other political bodies are quite quiet. A well-known religious leader of the hindus Annapurna announced that "Nothing is possible without weapons. If you like to engulf their community, then put an end to them. Be equipped to kill and be equipped to go to prison. even if 100 of us

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

are ready to kill, 20 lakhs of them 'Muslims', then we will be triumphant, and go to jail, "Like Myanmar, our police, our politicians, our Army and every hindu should carry weapons and perform a Safayi Abhiyan 'ethnic cleansing'. There is no other alternative remaining". The world has transformed from extremism, hatred, sectarianism and political turmoil into peace, tranquillity, serenity, love, justice, egalitarianism, development and some are even thinking of settling societies in cosmology and exobiology. however, the Indian religious leaders have been touching the pinnacles of extremism, and sectarianism. Being a political and spiritual leader Adityanath ought not to succumb to the minorities of his country for it would be harmful to him and the image abroad of India. he should think of humanity, not sectarianism and personal gain. No doubt, South Asia has tightened the claws of religious intolerance in which Pakistan and Bangladesh are entrapped by great fanatic mindsets. however, India is showing a great threat of religious intolerance. All democratic forces in India, who are invariably silent over anti-minority mayhem in the country, must speak against the extremists of the country. Apparently, as the incidents, cited have shown, the hindu extreme right intends to foment anti-Muslim violence completely on hierarchy.

All democratic forces in India, who are invariably silent over anti-minority mayhem in the country, must speak against the extremists of the country. Apparently, as the incidents, cited have shown, the Hindu extreme right intends to foment antiMuslim violence completely on hierarchy.

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

The writer can be reached at deedaralibangwar1@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022

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

Death Bags

Changing Alliances and the Still Emerging New Order Things are moving in a direction no one can predict

washington watch

Dr JAMes J ZogBy

heRe are significant realignments taking place across the globe. Old alliances appear to be experiencing stress or outright fractures, while new ones are being born. Media commentary on these developments too often takes a microscopic view, focusing on individual conflicts or shifting alliances without historical context. Seen through this myopic lens, the shifts that are occurring are presented in overly dramatic terms. however, if we take a step back and look through the long lens of history, we see that the last century has, if anything, been characterized by dizzying twists and turns of nations and power blocs that have occurred from the end of the First World War to the present day. In this light, the change we are witnessing isn’t so much the “doomsday” end of some sacred “world order” (as this particular “world order” has only been in existence for a few decades). Rather, what we are seeing is just another reordering of nations based on evolving priorities and changing realities. A look at the last century is instructive. The First World War concluded with Western europe as an ascendant power bloc. At the 1920 San Remo Conference, these nations arrogantly divided up among themselves the “spoils” of that war, consolidating their control over much of Asia, Africa, and the Middle east. The USA, which absented itself from these proceedings, was left as the dominant power in the Western hemisphere, with extensions of its “empire” into the Pacific. While that war had been dubbed “the war to end all wars,” three factors contributed to unraveling the post-WWI order leading to another World War: the punishing economic hardships imposed on Germany helped to fuel an extreme nationalist backlash leading to an aggressive, racist regime bent on revenge; the Communist revolution beginning in Russia, laid the foundation for the ascent of the Soviet Union; and the rapid growth of industrial Japan coupled with an extreme religio-nationalism led it to seek greater influence in the Pacific. The end of World War II left the former

Western european powers in a weakened state— their economies in shambles, dependent on American support and largesse. With its decisive victories over Nazi Germany and Japan, and its expanding economy, the USA emerged from the war with an even stronger role as leader of the West. At the same time, Soviet Russia moved quickly to consolidate its control over the countries in eastern europe that had been ravaged by Nazi Germany. As the colonial empires of the West were crumbling, their demise was hastened by Soviet support for “national liberation movements” which in a few decades led to the independence of nations across Africa and Asia and the emergence of a “non-aligned movement”— which, though functionally anti-West, was technically unaffiliated with the two superpowers. From the 1950s onward, for at least three decades, the world order was dominated by these two hegemons — the USA and the USSR— who engaged in a Cold War, which was often characterized by “hot” conflicts fought by surrogates for these two powers. during this same time, both the USA and the USSR suffered humiliating and exhausting defeats— the US in Vietnam and the USSR in Afghanistan— which weakened but did not completely end their respective roles. When the USSR did collapse at the end of the 1980s, the USA emerged, for a time, as the world’s dominant military and economic force. That lasted for a decade until American hubris led to its unraveling. The Bush Administration’s decision to invade and occupy Afghanistan and Iraq to demonstrate American power and usher in an expansion of “pro- US liberal democracies” across the Middle east, produced the opposite result. Instead of securing “an American century,” those wars left the USA exhausted and demoralized. And instead of consolidating the USA’’s hegemonic role in the “new world order” these wars bred resentment of US arrogance and violations of international law, fueled the growth of extremist movements, and emboldened regional powers (Iran, Turkey, Israel, and the Arab Gulf States) and global powers (the BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India, and China) to extend their influence in defense of their own interests. The USA’s humiliating withdrawal from

Afghanistan and now Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have revealed new contours in the changing world order. While the USA and many of its allies in Western europe have imposed punitive sanctions on Russia, that country has countered these sanctions by demanding that its significant fuel and grain exports be traded in rubles, bolstering their value. And many nations, including American allies in Asia, Africa, and the Middle east have either not agreed to sanction Russia or are supporting its war in Ukraine. While the USA and Russia are exhausting themselves and depleting their political capital in wars they can’t win, another critical development has been taking place. As a result of decades of exporting US industry, jobs, and technology to China, that country has slowly become an economic giant. And while the USA is struggling to impose itself in regions of the world where its influence is waning, China has made major investments in these same countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Western hemisphere. As a result, China, once called a “sleeping giant,” has quietly and non-confrontationally emerged as a new influential pole in the still-forming new world order. everywhere we look, new alliances are being formed in recognition of rapidly changing power dynamics. Countries that once relied on the USA for security and investment have formed new blocs, as they pursue their own national interests. There are trade pacts in Asia centered around China. In the Middle east, some Arab countries have signed farreaching agreements with Israel, China, and India. And many of the BRIC countries have refused to honour Western sanctions against Russia. The USA and its Western allies still have enormous economic and political assets; it would be foolish to count them out of the game. But clearly the game that is unfolding isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. A new order is emerging and there is no certainty about what it will look like 20 years from now. This should come as no surprise; any review of the past century’s twists and turns make clear that despite the ethnocentric or ideological hubris of those who, at different times, have dominated, change is the one constant

The USA and its Western allies still have enormous economic and political assets; it would be foolish to count them out of the game. But clearly the game that is unfolding isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. A new order is emerging and there is no certainty about what it will look like 20 years from now. This should come as no surprise; any review of the past century’s twists and turns make clear that despite the ethnocentric or ideological hubris of those who, at different times, have dominated, change is the one constant

The writer is President of the Arab American Institute.

We see plastic bags everywhere around us floating on the roads and streets. Sometimes we find these bags flying in the air and hanging on the trees and garbage cans. In dump places, we find colourful heaps of these bags. do you ever think how many plastic bags are used by us every minute in the whole world? Trillions of plastic bags are used worldwide each year, nearly 2 million each minute. It stands for a number of incredible benefits that help people every day but plastic bag is the most harmful material on our planet. You see without special treatment these bags are not readily degradable. Plastic bags are dumped into millions of hectares and emit dangerous toxic gases like methane, carbon dioxide gas, etc. Plastic bags take more than 400 years to degrade. despite knowing all these harmful aspects we are still-using plastic bags. Plastic bags cause serious environmental problems such as air pollution, human and animal diseases, reduction of soil fertility and blockage of the sewage system. Thousands of marine species face suffocation and death in the oceans due to engulfing these plastic bags. In developing countries like Pakistan, these bags are used for carrying food items. The plastic chemicals react with the food and generate carcinogens that cause cancer. Recent research shows, that plastic is present in the human blood. Plastic bags block sewerage system, especially during rainfall which causes flooding. The blockage creates foul smells and suitable habitat for mosquitos. Mosquitos begin to gather in stagnant water which spreads a number of diseases like malaria and dengue. Plastic bags also affects agriculture by reducing soil fertility The reason behind the widespread use of plastic bags is their low weight, low price, easy availability and lack of other alternative material. By educating people through school and media we should increase awareness. We should take proper measures. Instead of using plastic bags, we should use canvas bags, paper bags, cotton bags, cloth bags and other environment friendly materials We should pay attention to the proper collection of used plastic bags so that they can be easily recycled. By converting plastic wastes into formic acid(a chemical used to generate energy) we can also produce electricity. ZAINAB AHMAD, Lahore.

Water management

WATeR-ReLATed conflicts can be traced back to as early as 2500 BC in Mesopotamia. With time, these conflicts have only increased and are now ringing alarm bells around the world. The main factors contributing to water insecurity are climate change, fast-growing population, urbanisation, industrialisation, non-consented development of dams and diversions, meagre management, etc. Also, feeble organisations that are responsible for addressing water-related issues such as distribution have failed to play a decisive role. Water scarcity is affecting nearly 40% of the world’s population and is a source of exasperation for policymakers regarding a country’s integrity and stability. Around the world, several countries share more than 200 water bodies, which has given rise to unending debates and brawls. From the watersheds of the Nile (among its eleven riparian countries) to the Tigris and euphrates Rivers (Turkey, Syria, and Iraq), from the GangaBrahmaputra (India, Bangladesh, and Nepal) to Indus Basin (India, and Pakistan), from transboundary water disputes between Afghanistan and Iran to the water shortages and public discontent within a country including Yemen, India, Pakistan, etc. INTIKHAB ULFAT KARACHI

Deplorable traffic in Sheikhupura SheIKhUPURA suffers from a severe traffic problem with the situation consistently worsening. Given that my house is situated near the railway station, I can confirm that the traffic situation is deplorable because of poor management. during the arrival and departure times of the train, the entire road is blocked with traffic because hundreds of passengers are entering or exiting the station. Street vendors and public transportation such as rickshaws and taxis parked near the station further add to the congestion. Across the city, an alarming rise in traffic accidents has been reported with dozens killed and many others injured. The absence of traffic police coupled with the non-implementation of traffic rules has led to serious traffic congestion. The crumbling infrastructure has failed to support the ever-increasing traffic. Most passenger buses and other heavy vehicles enter narrow roads and block them. Underage rickshaw drivers and motorcyclists violate traffic rules and further disrupt order. The situation is worse on the main highways as the traffic signals have been closed for several years now, which has caused regular traffic jams. SYEDA ALISHBA SHEIKHUPURA

Animal rights ACROSS Lahore, I have witnessed both stray and pet animals being treated poorly. Unfortunately, animal abuse is commonplace across Pakistan because people have little understanding of animal rights. In markets, birds and other animals for purchase are kept in unhygienic and suffocating cages. Animals brought from abroad for Pakistani zoos are not provided with adequate food and are subjected to torture and isolation. horses, donkeys, and mules are invisible workers who are overburdened and underfed. To reduce the population of stray dogs, a country-wide campaign to kill stray dogs was undertaken. Giraffes, lions, and other wild animals have been taken in as pets. Removing wild animals from their natural habitats and placing them in unfamiliar conditions induces anxiety and stress within the animals. Pakistan is already facing the extinction of different species; the absence of animal rights and safety has further worsened the situation. Increased water pollution and chemical disposal have shrunken water bodies that have harmed aquatic species such as turtles, dolphins, etc. even welfare protocols for farm animals are not followed. To stop rampant animal abuse, provincial governments should develop laws and regulations to protect wildlife. An animal welfare committee should be set up, which should include activists and animal welfare organisations to form policies and strategies. URWAH BUTT LAHORE

wednesday, 27 April, 2022

08 world vIew

The growing ThreaT of global receSSion RECORD-HIGH INFLATION DOES NOT MAKE THINGS ANY EASIER. I AM NOT SURE POLITICIANS AND POLICYMAKERS ARE UP TO THE TASK THEY MAY SOON CONFRONT

ProjeCt syndiCate

Kenneth rOgOff

S the global economy flying into a perfect storm, with Europe, China, and the United States all entering downturns at the same time later this year? The risks of a global recession trifecta are rising by the day. The challenge confronting France's newly re-elected president is how to give his secondround voters valid reasons to believe that he has listened to them. Fortunately, there is a potential for an opening on three related issues. A recession in Europe is almost inevitable if the war in Ukraine escalates, and Germany, which has been fiercely resisting calls to pull the plug on Russian oil and gas, finally relents. China is finding it increasingly difficult to sustain positive growth in the face of draconian COVID-19 lockdowns, which have already brought Shanghai to a screeching halt and now threaten Beijing. In fact, the Chinese economy may already be in reces-

sion. And with US consumer prices currently increasing at their fastest rate in 40 years, prospects for a soft landing for prices without a big hit to growth look increasingly remote. Private and official economic forecasts have recently started to highlight growing regional risks, but perhaps understate the extent to which they multiply each other. Widespread lockdowns in China, for example, will wreak havoc with global supply chains in the short run, raising inflation in the US and lowering demand in Europe. Normally, these problems might be attenuated by lower commodity prices. But with no clear end in sight in Ukraine, global food and energy prices are likely to remain high in any scenario. A recession in the US, especially if triggered by a cycle of interest-rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, would curtail global import demand and trigger chaos in financial markets. And although recessions in Europe normally radiate globally mainly through reduced demand, a war-induced slowdown could radically shake business confidence and financial markets worldwide. How likely is each of these events? China’s growth trajectory has long been slowing, with only a combination of luck and mostly competent macroeconomic management preventing a severe downturn. But no amount of careful macroeconomic stewardship can save the day if the Chinese leadership has made the wrong call on COVID-19. Most Asian countries have now exited zero-COVID strategies and are moving on to regimes that manage COVID-19 as an endemic threat, but do not treat it as a pandemic. Not China. There, the government is spending massive sums to convert empty downtown office build-

ings into quarantine centers. Perhaps the new quarantine centers are a brilliant idea, providing a way to redirect China’s bloated construction sector toward more socially useful activities than piling more new projects on top of years of overbuilding (something that the International Monetary Fund economist Yuanchen Yang and I warned of in 2020). Perhaps China’s leaders know something their Western counterparts don’t about the urgency of preparing for the next pandemic, in which case the quarantine centers could look positively visionary. More likely, however, China is tilting at windmills in trying to tame the increasingly contagious virus, in which case the centers will prove to be a vast waste of resources, and the lockdowns futile. The risk of a US recession has surely skyrocketed, with the main uncertainties now being its timing and severity. The sanguine view that inflation will decline significantly on its own, and that the Fed will therefore not have to raise interest rates too much, is looking more dubious by the day. With savings having soared during the pandemic, the more likely scenario is that consumer demand will remain strong, while supply-chain problems become even worse. True, the US government appears to be scaling down its stimulus policies, but that will increase recession concerns even if it helps mitigate inflation somewhat. And if stimulus programs continue full throttle – and, in an election year, why would they not? – it will make the Fed’s job even tougher. As for Europe, blowback from economic slowdowns in China and the US would have threatened its growth

India and the US navigate their diﬀerences

even without the war in Ukraine. But the war has greatly amplified Europe’s risks and vulnerabilities. Growth is already weak. If Russian President Vladimir Putin resorts to using chemical or tactical nuclear weapons, Europe will be forced to cut the cord decisively, with uncertain consequences for both its economy and the risk of further escalation, which might mean imposing sanctions on China as well. Meanwhile, European governments are under considerable pressure to increase significantly their spending on national defense. Clearly, emerging markets and poorer developing economies will suffer mightily in the event of a global recession. Even energy and food-exporting countries, which until now have benefited economically from the war because of high prices, would likely have problems. With luck, the risk of a synchronized global downturn will recede by late 2022. But for the moment, the odds of recession in Europe, the US, and China are significant and increasing, and a collapse in one region will raise the odds of collapse in the others. Record-high inflation does not make things any easier. I am not sure politicians and policymakers are up to the task they may soon confront. Kenneth Rogoff, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at Harvard University and recipient of the 2011 Deutsche Bank Prize in Financial Economics, was the chief economist of the International Monetary Fund from 2001 to 2003. He is co-author of This Time is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly (Princeton University Press, 2011) and author of The Curse of Cash (Princeton University Press, 2016).

Bring back the mortal remains of Bahadur Shah Zafar CounterCurrents Dr Prem Singh

WHAT WAS ACHIEVED MAY HAVE BEEN LESS IMPORTANT THAN WHAT WAS AVOIDED: A DIPLOMATIC RUPTURE OVER THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE CRISIS rCW

Jeff m Smith

ECRETARY of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in April hosted their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The ministers met for the fourth edition of the 2+2 defense and foreign policy dialogue that began during the Trump administration. The talks were preceded by a virtual meeting between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the two countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations. The dialogue was largely successful, if not entirely groundbreaking. What was achieved may have been less important than what was avoided: a diplomatic rupture over the RussiaUkraine crisis. At the 2+2, both sides offered lofty rhetoric about the health and future of India-US ties. “There’s virtually no domain on which we are not cooperating with each other,” Jaishankar declared. Austin called the relationship the “cornerstone of security in the Indo-Pacific.” Singh signaled India’s happiness with the numerous “foundational” military agreements signed in recent years, insisting the two sides would “double up capabilities across conventional and emerging defense domains.” Readouts of the discussions noted the two militaries are operating “closely together across all domains” and would “jointly meet the challenges of this century.” Perhaps the most interesting takeaway from the meeting was a proposal to “explore possibilities of utilizing Indian shipyards for repair and maintenance of ships of the US Maritime Sealift Command to support mid-voyage repair of US Naval Ships.” Beyond that, the dialogue produced a handful of modest but positive developments. These included an agreement to cooperate on space situational awareness as well as the launching of a new Defense Artificial Intelligence Dialogue. They also involved commitments to joint service engagements to support high-end combined operations; to the co-production of air-launched unmanned aerial vehicles; and to expanded joint cyber training and exercises.

India also announced that it would join Combined Maritime Forces Bahrain, a “multinational maritime partnership, which exists to uphold the Rules-Based International Order by countering illicit nonstate actors on the high seas and promoting security, stability, and prosperity.” Arguably the most important outcome was the two sides’ ability to navigate differences over Russia and the Ukraine crisis. India and the U.S. have never seen eye-to-eye on Russia, but Putin’s invasion has brought their quiet disagreements to the forefront. Some U.S. commentators cried foul when India voted repeatedly to abstain from criticizing Russia at the United Nations for its conduct in Ukraine. They called into question India’s credentials as a democratic member of the Quad while it continued to import Russian oil and gas. The U.S. government, however, has adopted a more flexible approach. It recognizes that most of India’s legacy military hardware is of Russian origin. The Indian government believes it can ill afford to alienate its top defense supplier while its border dispute with China grows more violent and volatile. The U.S. government also recognizes that, in the subtle language of diplomacy, India’s position has shifted from stoic neutrality to criticism of Russia’s actions —- without naming Moscow explicitly. In a break from its early statements on the crisis, the Indian government is now denouncing violations of international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in Ukraine. New Delhi has also condemned the horrific killing of civilians in Bucha and, unusually for India, called for an international inquiry into the atrocity. “All these statements, without naming [Russia], are clearly aimed at indicating unhappiness towards what Russia has done,” explained former Indian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin. Modi has also spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice. Modi is rumored to have signaled India’s opposition to the war in direct conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Bucha killings in particular may have marked a turning point in Indian public opinion. With several Indian reporters in Ukraine broadcasting images of the hor-

rors back home, the Indian press has engaged in unusually lively criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Some have questioned Moscow’s ability to remain a reliable supplier, with Russia’s own military industrial base being drained by the Ukraine conflict. Others are increasingly unnerved by Russia’s deepening embrace of China and Moscow’s neutrality during recent flare-ups at the China-India border. Arguably the only time Russia has notched a victory in Indian public opinion is when the U.S. government has been perceived as threatening or lecturing India over Ukraine. A trip to New Delhi by Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh earlier this month ruffled feathers when he was quoted threatening “consequences” for any Indian attempts to evade U.S. sanctions while importing Russian energy. This month, the White House sought to clear the air. When asked if, during a pre-meeting phone call, Biden had pressured Modi to reduce Russian oil imports, a White House spokeswoman noted Russian energy represents only 1%-2% of total Indian energy imports, adding: “They’re not violating any sanctions by importing oil. It’s a decision we made to stop importing oil. Different countries have their own calculation.” Meanwhile, on the defense relationship with Russia, Blinken explained that India developed those ties “at a time when the U.S. was not able to be a partner to India. Times have changed. Today we are able and willing to be a partner of choice with India across virtually every realm.” In the spectrum of U.S. interests at stake with India, the Indo-Pacific, the Quad, and the China challenge outrank the country’s legacy ties with Russia. There is little merit to creating a rift with New Delhi over a war India opposes and whose outcome it is unable to affect. Rather than sanctioning India for its legacy reliance on Russian military hardware, it is better for the U.S. to show that it is a more reliable and superior alternative as India continues the important but sluggardly process of weaning itself off Russian arms. The April 2+2 was a step forward in the right direction. Jeff M. Smith is a Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation.

(The following Memorandum had been submitted to the then President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee Ji in May 2013, and again to the present President Shri Ramnath Kovind JI in May 2017 by the Socialist Party (India). Simultaneously, the Memorandum was also placed in the public domain for a wider discussion on the issue through press releases, seminars and through a march, namely kooch-e-azadi, from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar being organised by SPI on every 11 May started from 2013. The revolt of 1857 broke-out on 10 May in Meerut. The fighters of the revolt reached Delhi on 11 May 1857, and fought First War of Independence (FWI) under the supreme command of Bahadur Shah Zafar. This year’s 10 May, which is approaching shortly, will be the 165th anniversary of the revolt. The country is also celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav i.e., 75 years of India’s independence. To mark the occasions, the Memorandum is released again with a hope that the demand made therein will be addressed without further delay and will inspire a discussion on the issue among the citizens of India. If, in case, citizens think that the demand is not right or not relevant, they should come forward with their arguments. The flag saluting song of the fighters of 1857 is also placed for reading and contemplation at the end of the Memorandum. It is believed that the song was composed by krantidoot Azimullah Khan.) Date: 4 May 2013 Memorandum His Excellency Shri Pranab Mukherjee President of India Sub: Request to bring back the mortal remains of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Most Respected Sir The Socialist Party would like to request you to direct the Indian government to bring back the mortal remains of Bahadur Shah Zafar from Rangoon (presently Yangon), Myanmar, to Delhi. The Socialist Party takes inspiration from the thoughts of Dr. Rammanohar Lohia. Dr. Lohia had suggested that in case a leader passes away in a foreign country, her/his last rites should be performed there itself. The Socialist Party accepts this view of Dr. Lohia that would lead to strengthen the bonds of world brotherhood. But the case of Zafar was altogether different. He was arrested by the imperialist rulers, tried and brought to Rangoon in captivity in 1857. He passed away there on 7 November 1862, at the age of 87, longing for two yards of mother land for his burial. Zafar, a poet of his own style, expressed his pains of exile in his famous couplet: ‘kitnaa hai badnaseeb Zafar dafn ke liye, do gaz zamin bhi na mili kuu-e-yaar mein’.

As you know, it is a long pending demand made by several citizens of India time to time. The first such request was made by the Bahadur Shah Zafar Memorial Society in 1949. However, the government has not conceded the demand though it knows very well that Zafar had expressed the desire to be buried in India after his death. One can understand that the colonial rulers kept Zafar, the symbol of revolt and Hindu-Muslim unity, in captivity and then buried him in exile as a non-entity. But it remains unexplained why the rulers of free India are not ready, even symbolically, to undo the insult and injustice meted out to Zafar by at least bringing back his remains to India and put him to rest at the place of his choice – Dargah Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki at Mehrauli, where an empty grave awaits his remains. Sir, the demand to bring back the remains of Bahadur Shah Zafar to India is not merely an emotional issue for the Socialist Party. Zafar was the leader of our First War of Independence against the colonial powers and a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. Therefore, it should be the duty of the Indian government to bring back his remains. Further, a grand memorial should be constructed in the memory of the martyrs of 1857 for the benefit of present and future generations. We would like to draw your kind attention towards the tribute paid to Zafar by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, addressing a ceremonial parade of INA at his tomb at Yangon. Netaji ended his speech quoting famous couplet of Zafar: ‘Ghazion mein bu rahegi jab talak iman ki/ Takht-e-London tak chalegi tegh Hindostan ki!’ (As long as there is faith in the heart of the freedom fighters/ The sword of India will pierce through the throne of London). Netaji declared on that occasion, ‘‘This parade is the first occasion when India’s new revolutionary army is paying homage to the spirit of the supreme commander of India’s first revolutionary army.’’ Sir, we make a sincere appeal to you to kindly take personal interest in this matter of great importance and convince the government to concede to the demand at the earliest. With best regards Dr. Prem Singh General Secretary/Spokesperson 9 May 2017 Most Respected, His Excellency Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji I would like to re-submit the attached Memorandum, sent earlier to Shri Pranab Mukherjee Ji in 2013, with great hope that you will kindly give a serious thought to our request. With utmost regards Yours faithfully Dr. Prem Singh President Socialist Party (India)

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

corporate corner Jazz Digit 4G Internet-enabled handset to boost internet access for low-income women To expand the benefits of mobile broadband, especially among low-income segments in Pakistan, Jazz Digit 4G has been recognized as a successful rollout globally by the organization representing mobile network operators, GSMA. According to the GSMA’s ‘Making internet-enabled phones more affordable in low and middle-income countries’ 2022 Report, affordability is a key barrier for 3.4 billion people living in areas with mobile broadband coverage but not using mobile internet. The affordability of handsets remains a key barrier to mobile ownership and mobile internet adoption, particularly for women and rural populations. In Pakistan, 42 percent of cellular subscribers don’t use mobile broadband. Addressing the affordability barrier to mobile phone ownership in Pakistan, Jazz was the first local mobile operator to offer 4G smart feature phones at very affordable prices starting from PKR 4,500. Upon its purchase, users are provided free access to social media sites and free Jazz to Jazz calls during the first three months. Recently a new Digit 4G range, the touchscreen ‘Energy’ series, was launched offering more RAM, memory and better battery life. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz said, “We have always remained focused on our commitment to ensuring digital services are available to everyone. However, one of the key barriers to achieving this ambition is affordability of internet-enabled handsets particularly amongst the women of Pakistan. The successful rollout of the Jazz Digit 4G smart feature phones highlights the potential of launching an industrywide instalment-based ‘smartphone for all’ program with an effective regulatory cover to facilitate the purchase of smartphones among low-income groups.” Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA, said: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, progress in reducing the substantial mobile internet gap has stalled across low- and middleincome countries, and in some countries the gap has even increased. Against this landscape it is wonderful to see one of our Connected Women Commitment Partners, Jazz, working intentionally to create products like Jazz Digit 4G, which helps to increase access to affordable smartphones and mobile internet, a key challenge for many women. Since 2016, the Connected Women Commitment Partners have reached an additional 55 million women with mobile internet and mobile money services. We remain committed to continuing this work, supporting partners like Jazz to reach even more women and close the gender digital divide. At Jazz, one of the key priority areas is improving access to smartphones and the internet as these are fundamental requirements to digitally and financially empower millions, enabling them to access education, health and other lifeenhancing services. Jazz also has a strong focus on bridging the digital gender gap. As part of the GSMA’s Connected Women Commitment Initiative, Jazz has committed to increasing the proportion of women in its mobile internet customer base by 8 percent by the end of 2023 with a dedicated focus on female smartphone ownership. JazzCash has already met its GSMA Connected Women target two years ahead of time with 22% women subscribed to JazzCash wallets. pr

BIDGET DEFICIT SURGES TO RS2,565Bn In nInE mOnThS islamabad

ShAhzAd pArAchA

AKISTAn’s budget deficit for the first nine months of the current fiscal year 202122 has surged to Rs2565 billion (4 per cent) of GDP. The Ministry of Finance on Tuesday issued the fiscal operation from July to March of the current fiscal year 2021-22 which indicates that total revenue clocked in at Rs5,874 billion with Rs4,821.9 billion tax revenue and Rs1,052.2 billion non-tax revenue. In tax revenue, federal government collection was Rs4,383.6 billion whereas provincial collection stood at Rs438.2 billion. On the other hand, the federal government has collected Rs958.5 billion and provincial governments Rs93.7 billion in non-tax revenue. Similarly, the total expenditures in the first nine months of the current fiscal year were recorded at Rs8,439.7 billion with current expenditures at Rs7,378 billion and development expenditure as well as net lending totaling Rs1,051 billion. The markup payments were recorded at Rs2,118.4 billion which include Rs1,897.2 billion do-

mestic, Rs221.2 billion foreign, Rs881.8 billion defence affairs and services, Rs395.3 billion pension, Rs318.9 billion civil government expenses, Rs575.2 billion subsidies, and Rs919.9 billion grants. The report states that a statistical discrepancy of Rs10.6 billion was also observed in the period under review. Overall, the budget deficit was recorded at Rs2,565 billion whereas the primary balance was Rs447.1 billion in the negative (0.7 per cent of GDP). Documents state that the total federal share in tax revenue was Rs4,383.6 billion which included Rs1,578.5 billion indirect taxes, Rs714.7 billion in taxes on international trade, Rs1,866.1 billion in sales tax and Rs224.1 billion in Federal Excise Duty. Meanwhile, the total provincial share in tax revenue was Rs438.2 billion which included the sales tax on services Rs251.5 billion, excise duty Rs6.7 billion, stamp duty Rs50.2 billion, motor vehicle duty Rs27.2 billion whereas other taxes were Rs102.4 billion. On the other hand, the federal share was Rs958.5 billion out of the total non-tax revenue of Rs1,052 billion. The federal share includes a markup on PESs

Azerbaijan to strengthen trade, economic ties with Pakistan: diplomat

Cnergyico signs a memorandum of Understanding (moU) with Abhi Cnergyico Pk Limited (formerly Byco Petroleum), one of Pakistan’s largest petroleum companies, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the financial wellness platform Abhi that provides salary advance service. Cnergyico plans to use Abhi’s innovative financial technology to facilitate its employees located all across Pakistan. With Abhi, employees can access their earned salary, at any time of the month. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Azfar Saeed Baig, Cnergyico’s Vice President for Information said, “taking care of employees has been the number one priority at Cnergyico. The company has been blessed with hundreds of hardworking and dedicated individuals who are all part of the Cnergyico family. We not only offer attractive wages, invest in training and development, cultivate a diverse and inclusive work environment, and ensure the health and safety of our employees but also provide attractive benefits by using innovative, technology-driven products like Abhi.” Cnergyico is one of the biggest employers in the energy industry in Pakistan, since the company operates the country’s largest oil refinery in terms of installed capacity, a rapidly growing network of over 430 retail outlets, the nation’s first and only Single Point Mooring, and other energy infrastructure assets. By collaborating with Abhi, Cnergyico seeks to give greater financial flexibility to its employees so they can prosper and succeed. pr

islamabad Aziz Buneri

Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Pakistan, Khazar Farhadove stressed the need for further strengthening mutual trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan. He invited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa businessmen to make investments in potential sectors in Azerbaijan. He was addressing a meeting chaired by Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Hasnain Khurshid Ahmad here at the chamber’s house on Tuesday. SCCI senior vice president Imran Khan Mohmand, executive members Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pervez Khattak, Tameotah Khalilov, and Shoaib Khan from Azerbaijan embassy in Pakistan,

importers, exporters, and traders were present during the meeting in a large number. Hasnain Khurhid while speaking on the occasion emphasized the need for further enhancement of bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. He emphasized it was imperative that joint initiatives and ventures should be launched to give further boost to the present trade volume between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The SCCI president viewed that vast opportunities were available for foreign investors to make investment in potential sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, like oil, gas, mine, minerals, hydel power generation, furniture, handicrafts, pre-

cious and semi-precious stone, etc. KP is a safe and attractive province for investment and business, all the local and international investors can invest here without fear, says Khurshid KP is gate-way to Afghanistan onward to the Central Asian Republic, so the region has great significance and role toward promotion of regional trade, says Khurshid. He stressed the need of taking pragmatic steps for promotion of regional trade. Khazar Farhadove said that his country is enjoying cordial relations with Pakistan. He added Azerbaijan is giving much importance to enhance mutual economic and trade cooperation with Pakistan. The diplomat informed that a number of working groups have been formed between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, which are working efficiently to remove hurdles and problems, which were being faced by the business community of the two countries. He said his country is a lucrative destination for foreign investors and invited the KP potential investors to make investments in important sectors in Azerbaijan. The diplomat thanked Pakistan for supporting Azerbaijan in the Armenia conflict. Earlier, in the meeting, the participants pointed out a number of problems and issues that were hampering mutual trade between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and gave a number of suggestions for their amicable resolution.

Rs55.08 billion, dividend Rs36.6 billion, SBP profit Rs473.5 billion, PTA profit Rs39.01 billion, royalties on gas Rs61.6 billion, defence receipts Rs12.1 billion, passport fee Rs15.8 billion, discount retained on crude oil Rs11.8 billion, windfall levy against crude oil Rs8.7 billion, gas infrastructure development (GID) cess Rs14.3 billion, natural gas surcharges Rs17.5 billion, petroleum levy Rs125.5 billion and others taxes were Rs83.7 billion. The provinces’ non-tax revenue was recorded at Rs93.7 billion in the first nine months of 2021-22. Besides, PSDP releases from July to March were recorded at Rs1,032.6 billion which includes Rs308.6 billion federal and Rs724.06 provincial shares. Meanwhile, the Provincial surplus stood at Rs599 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year with the highest of Rs392 billion by the Punjab government, followed by Rs114 billion by Sindh, Rs90.541 billion by Baluchistan and Rs1.637 billion by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Provincial tax collection during the nine months of the current fiscal year remained at Rs438 billion and transfer from the federal government under nFC Award was Rs2,584 billion from July to March 2021-22.

Food imports increases by 15.46pc in 9 months The food group imports into the country during first three quarters of current financial year increased by 15.46% as against the imports of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from July-March 2021-22, different food commodities valuing $7.067 billion imported as against the imports of $6.121 billion of corresponding period of last year. The major commodities which observed increase in their respective imports during the period under review including soyabean 113.73%, palm oil 46.74%, sugar 49.74%, tea 11.95%, spices 11.71% and pulses 6.53%. Meanwhile, the imports of milk cream and milk for infants during the period under review decreased by 16.78%, wheat unmilled 19.12%, dry fruits and nuts decreased by 22.54%. In last 9 months of current financial year, $2.443 billion spent on the import of palm oil as against the import of $1.860 billion of same period last year, besides spending $103.873 million on the import of soyabean oil as compared the import of 48.325 million in order to fulfill the domestic requirements of edible oil and vegetable ghee. During the period under review 311,031 metric tons of sugar valuing $190.873 million imported as against the import of 279,604 metric tons costing 127.467 million of same period last year. Over 720,433 metric tons of pulses valuing $477.693 million also imported in last 9 months in order to tackle with local needs, which was recorded at 842,643 metric tons worth of $448,424 million during corresponding period of last year. It is worth mentioning here that food group exports from the country during first three quarters of current financial year grew by 18.92% and and reached to $3.961 billion as against the exports of $3.331 billion same period last year. App

Sports goods exports witness 35.23pc increase in 3 quarters The export of sports goods from the country witnessed an increase of 35.23 percent during the first three quarters of fiscal year (2021-22) as compared to the export of corresponding quarters of last year (2020-21). The country exported sports goods worth $259.851 million during July-March (2021-22) as compared to the export of $192.160 million during July-March (2020-21), showing growth of 35.23 percent, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Among the sports products, the exports of footballs also increased by 40.33 percent as it surge from $94.730 million last year to $132.936 million during the current year.

The gloves exports rose by 16.36 percent by going up from US $48.731 million last year to US $56.702 million during the current year, the PBS data revealed. Likewise, the exports of all other sports goods also increased by 44.18 percent from $48.699 million last year to US $70.213 million during the current year. Meanwhile, year-on-year basis the sports goods’ export witnessed an increase of 21.74 percent in March 2022 as compared with the export of the same month of last year. The sport goods exports in March 2022 were recorded at $31.451 million against exports of $23.693 million in March 2021.

During the period under review, the footballs and gloves exports also increased by 61.63 and 8.17 percent respectively whereas the exports of all other sports products increased by 4.15 percent. Meanwhile, on month-on-month basis, the exports of sports goods however decreased by 11.47 percent during March 2022, as compared to the exports of $35.526 million in February 2022, the PBS data revealed. On month-on-month basis, the exports of footballs and other sports commodities decreased by 13.69 percent and 15.13 percent respectively while the exports of gloves however increased by 1.43 percent. App

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022 | KARACHI

10 foReIgN NeWs

Do not unDerestimate threat of nuclear war: lavrov

AgENCIES

USSIAN Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the West on Monday not to underestimate the elevated risks of nuclear conflict over Ukraine and said he viewed NATO as being “in essence” engaged in a proxy war with Russia by supplying Kyiv with weaponry. Lavrov, in a wide-ranging interview broadcast on state television, also said that the core of any agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine would depend largely on the military situation on the ground. Lavrov had been asked about the importance of avoiding World War Three and whether the current situation was compara-

ble to the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, a low point in U.S-Soviet relations. Russia, Lavrov said, was doing a lot to uphold the principle of striving to prevent nuclear war at all costs.

“This is our key position on which we base everything. The risks now are considerable,” Lavrov said. “I would not want to elevate those risks artificially. Many would like that. The danger is serious, real. And we must not underestimate it.” Russia’s two-month-old invasion of Ukraine, the biggest attack on a European state since 1945, has left thousands dead or injured, reduced towns and cities to rubble and forced over 5 million people to flee abroad. Moscow calls its actions a “special operation” to disarm Ukraine and protect it from fascists. Ukraine and the West says this a false pretext for an unprovoked war of aggression by President Vladimir Putin. Lavrov, defending Moscow’s actions,

also blamed Washington for the lack of dialogue. “The United States has practically ceased all contacts simply because we were obliged to defend Russians in Ukraine,” Lavrov said, repeating the rationale for Moscow’s invasion of its southern neighbour. But he said Western supplies of sophisticated weapons, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, armoured vehicles and advanced drones were provocative measures calculated to prolong the conflict rather than bring it to an end. “These weapons will be a legitimate target for Russia’s military acting within the context of the special operation,” Lavrov said. “Storage facilities in western Ukraine have been targeted more than

once (by Russian forces). How can it be otherwise?” he added. “NATO, in essence, is engaged in a war with Russia through a proxy and is arming that proxy. War means war.” He said that Kyiv authorities were not negotiating in good faith and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a former actor, was like British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in playing to the public rather than addressing the task at hand — negotiations. “They are similar in a way in their ability to play to the gallery. For example, they imitate negotiations,” Lavrov said. Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne and Ronald Popeski in Winnipeg; Writing by Ronald Popeski; Editing by Leslie Adler and Cynthia Osterman.

Musk-ruled Twitter: users left to fight trolls and misinformation? SAN FRANCISCO AFP

For Syracuse University assistant professor of communications law Kyla GarrettWagner, Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter is not a free speech rights victory. “What we have done is put even more power into fewer hands,” she told AFP. “If Elon Musk decides tomorrow that he wants to shut Twitter down for a week, he can do that.” She noted the US Constitution’s first amendment only bars governments from gagging what citizens say — leaving the billionaire entrepreneur the power to decide what can and cannot be posted on the private entity of Twitter. “This is not the street corner,” Garrett-Wagner said. “This is the proverbial Wild West but owned by a minority elite that doesn’t represent minority voices.” ‘the trolls take over’: Musk’s promised hands-off approach to content is a particularly thorny matter when it comes to high-profile cases like that of former US president Donald Trump, who was banned from Twitter after an assault on the Capitol by his

supporters. “Musk says he is going to turn Twitter into a social media platform with no moderation; there have been several of those and they don’t work,” said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group. “The trolls take over, they get too hostile and drive people away from the platform.” Musk has said he is averse to banning people from Twitter due to misbehaviour, prompting speculation that he would lift Trump’s ban. But Trump on Monday said he would not be returning to Twitter even if his account were reinstated, saying he

would stick to his own site, Truth Social. app store trouble? If Musk pulls back on policing content at Twitter, advertisers would also have to take the lead to ensure their messages were not associated with toxic content, according to advocates and academics. “Accountability now rests with Twitter’s top advertisers, who need to make it clear that if Twitter becomes a free-for-all of hate, extremism and disinformation, they will walk,” said Media Matters for America chief Angelo Carusone. “It is also critical that Google and Apple hold Twitter to the same standards they applied to other apps like Parler,” he added, referring to a social network popular among conservatives. The tech giants would need to reiterate that “Twitter will not get special treatment and that a violation of their terms of service will result in the platform being removed from the app stores,” according to Carusone. Musk will also face tough judgement in the court of public opinion, with Twitter users apt to turn away from the

platform if it becomes hostile and flooded with misinformation, GarrettWagner said. Some of Musk’s own tweets have raised eyebrows, as he once mocked a Tesla whistleblower and in 2018 called a rescue worker who criticized a plan to save children from a flooded cave in Thailand “a pedo guy.” While Musk has talked about ridding Twitter of software “bots” that fire off spam, actually confirming that users are living people could prove challenging, Baird analyst Colin Sebastian told investors in a note. Sebastian noted that Musk’s idea of charging for coveted blue check marks that verify users’ identities is a “nobrainer,” but it is likely only a small minority of people would pay for the status. Musk has also said he believes anyone should be able to scrutinize the software behind the service. “The rhetoric around transparency is that it will lead to an epiphany and people will change,” Garrett-Wagner said. “It’s a misleading comfort to think everything will be okay if we know how it is working.”

North Korea’s Kim vows to ‘strengthen’ nuclear arsenal at military parade SEOUL AFP

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to strengthen the country’s nuclear weapons programme during a speech at a high-profile military parade in Pyongyang, state media reported Tuesday. “We will continue to take steps to strengthen and develop our nation’s nuclear capabilities at the fastest pace,” Kim said, according to a transcript published by the official Korean Central News Agency. According to KCNA, Kim gave the speech late Monday at a parade marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. North Korea is under biting international sanctions over its nuclear weapons programme, and repeated negotiations aimed at convincing Kim to end it have come to nothing. Kim on Monday said the country’s nuclear weapons were “a symbol of national power” and that the country would “further strengthen and develop our nuclear force at the highest possible speed.” Pyongyang has carried out more than a dozen weapons tests this year, including firing an intercontinental ballistic missile at the full range for the first time since 2017. North Korea had paused long-range and nuclear tests while Kim met then-US president Donald Trump for a bout of doomed diplomacy, which collapsed in 2019. Talks have since stalled. US and South Korean officials and analysts have warned Pyongyang could soon resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 2017. Satellite imagery has shown signs of new activity at a tunnel at the Punggye-ri nuclear testing site, which North Korea said was demolished in 2018 ahead of the first Trump-Kim summit. Nuclear attack? KCNA reported that Kim oversaw a huge military parade Monday, featuring paratroopers, displays of the country’s largest and most powerful missiles, and thousands of troops marching together.

In a speech at the major event, Kim said that while the primary role of the country’s nuclear weapons was as a deterrent, they “cannot be bound to only one mission”. “If any force attempts to usurp the fundamental interests of our country, our nuclear force will have no choice but to carry out its second mission unexpectedly,” he said. KCNA said the parade had showcased the North’s most sophisticated weaponry, including the Hwasong-17, which it claims to have successfully tested on March 24. “The spectators raised loud cheers, greatly excited to see the giant ICBM Hwasongpho-17 which soared into the sky on March 24,” KCNA reported. At the time, state media trumpeted the “miraculous” launch of what it claimed was the Hwasong-17, publishing dramatic photos and videos of leader Kim

personally overseeing the test. But analysts identified discrepancies in Pyongyang’s account, and South Korean and US intelligence agencies have concluded that North Korea actually fired a Hwasong-15 — a less-advanced ICBM which it had already tested in 2017. Seoul-based specialist site NK News published photos it said had come from the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper showing a Hwasong-17 missile at the parade. North Korea stages military parades to mark important holidays and events, often featuring thousands of goose-stepping troops followed by a cavalcade of armoured vehicles and tanks and culminating with the key missiles Pyongyang wants to display. Observers closely monitor these events for clues on North Korea’s latest weapons development.

un to vote on measure pushing states to justify veto use NEW YORK AFP

The 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly are to vote Tuesday on a resolution that would require the five permanent members of the Security Council to justify their use of the veto in future. Discussions of veto reform are rare and controversial, but have been revived by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Directly targeting the United States, China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom — who are the only holders of the veto right — the measure would “make them pay a higher political price” when they opt to use their veto to strike down a Security Council resolution, said an ambassador from a country that does not have the veto, and who asked to remain anonymous. Critics call the measure, introduced by Liechtenstein, a “simple procedural reform.” But it is not yet clear if the reform would push the five permanent members to use the veto less, or if it would create even more vetoes as permanent members propose controversial texts they know their rivals will to veto only to force them to justify their stance publicly. First proposed more than two years ago, the measure provides for the General Assembly to be convened within 10 working days after a permanent member uses a veto “to hold a debate on the situation as to which the veto was cast,” according to the text. Around sixty countries have joined Liechtenstein in co-sponsoring the reform, including the United States – a rapid rally of support that caused widespread surprise at the UN. Britain and France will vote for the reform, even though they abstained from co-sponsoring it. Neither Russia nor China were among the sponsors of the text, either. A diplomat from one of the two countries, who asked not to be named, criticized the move, saying it will “divide” the UN even further. ‘Not directed at russia’: The measure will “create a new procedure,” said Liechtenstein’s ambassador Christian Wenaweser, who insisted the proposal is “not against anyone.” “It is not directed against Russia,” he said, despite the fact that the proposal was on ice for more than two years and its revival came as the Security Council has proven incapable of condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, due to Moscow’s veto power. From the United States’ perspective, it is clear Russia has abused its right of veto for two decades and the proposed text is intended to remedy this. Wenaweser said the text aimed to “promote the role of United Nations, to promote multilateralism and to promote the voice of all of us who are not veto holders and who are not on the Security Council on matters of international peace and security.” The text is non-binding, and nothing prevents a country that has used its veto from declining to explain its actions to the General Assembly. But its application “will shed light” on the use of the veto right and on the “blockages” within the Security Council, said one ambassador, on condition of anonymity. In addition to its five permanent members, the Security Council also has 10 members elected for two years, without the right of veto. Among the co-sponsors of the resolution are — in addition to Ukraine — both Japan and Germany, which are hoping to become permanent members in a potentially enlarged Security Council. But neither Brazil nor India, two other potential candidates for a permanent position on the Council, are on the list of co-sponsors obtained by AFP.

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022 | KARACHI

SPORTS 11

Buttler tons to Kohli ducKs: hits and misses of the iPl so far neW DeLHi

AFP

HE 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has passed the half-way mark after a month of high-octane action in the world’s richest T20 cricket tournament. AFP Sport looks at five talking points from the first half of the season. Smiling aSSaSSin: Jos Buttler has smiled his way to the top of this season’s batting chart with three sparkling centuries for Rajasthan Royals. The softly-spoken Englishman has been a bowler’s nightmare with 491 runs in seven matches to take Royals into the top four of the 10-team table. His latest 65-ball knock of 116 against Delhi Capitals puts him in with a chance of chasing Virat Kohli’s 2016 record of 973 runs in a season. “Jos has a cheat code for batting,” England fast bowler Jofra Archer tweeted. Kohli flopS: The former India captain and national superstar Kohli has been struggling with the worst slump of his stellar career after two successive golden ducks for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli has managed just 119 runs from eight matches, following his lacklustre recent form for his country with the prolific run-scorer unable to manage an international century for more than two years. Disbelief after dismissal, a wry smile and a dejected walk back to the pavilion have been familiar sights for “King Kohli” this IPL season. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said it is “anxiety” to get going that is playing on the

star batsman’s mind. powerhouSeS tumble: Mumbai Indians and defending champions Chennai Super Kings have won nine of the 14 IPL titles since the league was launched. But the powerhouse teams are languishing at the bottom of the standings with Mumbai winless and Chennai managing just two victories from eight. Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma, who has made just 153 runs, blamed his batsmen, including himself, after the latest loss to Lucknow Super Giants when failing to chase down 168. Fans have backed a turnaround and Rohit has acknowledged their “faith and undying loyalty to this team so far”. titanic debut for gujarat: IPL debutants Gujarat Titans have been the team to beat this year and sit on top of the table with six wins out of seven matches. All-rounder Hardik Pandya has led from the front with 295 runs and four wickets off his pace bowling. Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan has also shone with the ball, and a matchwinning batting blitz, while South African David Miller made an unbeaten 94 to stun Chennai. Gujarat have also shocked two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders and former India opener Wasim Jaffer called them a “surprise package”. umpireS get pant fuming: Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant almost called his batsmen from the field to protest against an umpire’s call against Rajasthan Royals during an ill-tempered match last week. The drama happened on the third ball

of the final over when Obed McCoy bowled a high full toss that Delhi believed should have been called a no-ball for being above the waist.

Pant and assistant coach Pravin Amre, who walked on to the pitch, were both fined 100 per cent of their match fee. Amre was also suspended for one match.

Umpiring controversies are not new to IPL. Mahendra Singh Dhoni walked onto the field in 2019 to protest at a no-ball call and was docked 50 percent of his match fee.

Rafael Nadal says he is to return at Madrid Open next week MADRiD APP

Rafael Nadal is to return to competitive action at next week’s Madrid Open, a month out from the French Open which the Spanish legend has won 13 times. The 35-year-old resumed training last week after being on the sidelines for four weeks due to a rib injury. He said on social media he wanted to play in the Spanish capital despite being “short of preparation”. Nadal picked up the injury in his loss to American Taylor Fritz in the Indian Wells final on March 22, announcing at the time he expected to be out for between four and six weeks. That defeat ended his perfect 20-0 run to start 2022 which had included winning the Australian Open title. Nadal beat Daniil Medvedev in an epic final in Melbourne after Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia over his Covid vaccination status. That victory gave him a men’s record 21st Grand Slam title, moving him out of a tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer. The French Open begins on May 22.

Graeme Smith cleared of racist decision-making as skipper and Director of Cricket Agencies Former South African captain and director of cricket Graeme Smith said on Monday that he felt “completely vindicated” after an arbitration process cleared him of allegations of racial discrimination. Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Sunday that two independent arbitrators found in Smith’s favour on three issues during his time as captain and later director of cricket. In a statement, Smith said: “I am grateful that my name has finally been cleared. I’ve always given South African cricket my utmost, as a player, captain and administrator over the last 20 years.” “So to hear these baseless allegations of racism being made has been extremely difficult, both for me and my family,” he said. “It has been exhausting and distracting, not least because South African cricket has also been going through a well-publicized rebuilding process which has required a lot of attention.” “I am just pleased that we have now gone through a robust arbitration process before independent arbitrators and I have been completely vindicated,” he further

added. The allegations against Smith were made during a Social Justice and Nation Building process, set up by CSA. They were conducted by an ombudsman who made “tentative findings” that he recommended should be investigated further. The claims against Smith were that he showed discrimination against black wicket-keeper Thami Tsolekile, preferring to select the white batsman/wicketkeeper A.B. de Villiers for series against England, Australia and New Zealand; that he was racially biased against black leadership at CSA and in the choice of Mark Boucher as head coach of the national team. The arbitrators went into detail on all three matters in a 95-page report, released by CSA on Monday, and exonerated Smith on all three counts. Costs were awarded in his favour. David Becker, Smith’s attorney, said the former captain had been the target of “a multitude of opportunistic claims and insinuations made before the SJN which were not properly tested and which were clearly false.” Becker said the “serious and defamatory” claims had been made “by a small group of individuals with an obvious

agenda to tarnish his good name and have him removed as director of cricket.” Smith’s contract as director of cricket expired at the end of March. “It is a testimony to his character and leadership that he has held his head high throughout this process, focused on the job at hand and continued to play a highly significant role in assisting South African cricket,” said Becker. CSA board chairman Lawson

Naidoo paid tribute to Smith. “Now that finality on these processes has been reached, it is appropriate to recognise the extraordinary contribution that Graeme has made to South African cricket, first as the longest-serving Test captain and then as director cricket from 2019 to 2022. “His role as the DOC has been critical in rebuilding the Protea men’s team in particular and has laid a solid foundation for his successor.”

the open set for record attendance at st andrews scOTLAnD Agencies

The British Open will draw a record attendance of 290,000 people at St Andrews in Scotland this year, organisers said on Tuesday. The attendance will break the previous record set in 2000 when Tiger Woods won the tournament in front of 239,000 spectators. “The news that this will be the largest Championship ever staged is a phenomenal feat and reminds us of the enduring appeal of golf,” said Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland. Organisers said they received more than 1.3 million applications in the ticket ballot which led to the highest number of tickets being issued to fans. The 150th edition of The Open, one of golf’s major championships, will take place from July 1017 at the Old Course.

milicic to depart macarthur fc at end of a-league season MeLBOURne ReuteRs

Macarthur FC are on the hunt for a new coach after Ante Milicic confirmed on Tuesday he would step down from the role at the end of the A-League season. The first coach of the A-League expansion side, Milicic is heading to Croatia for family reasons, the southwest Sydney club said. “It has been a great honour to be the first-ever head coach of Macarthur FC,” the former Australia women’s coach said in a statement. “We are now determined to finish the season strongly.” Milicic guided Macarthur into the 2020/21 playoffs in the team’s first A-League season. They are currently seventh in the 12-team league with two regular-season matches to play. The top six qualify for the playoffs.

Wednesday, 27 April, 2022

prayer tImINgs

NEWS

PM, ENERGY MINISTER VOW TO END POWER OUTAGES BEFORE EID

ISLAMABAD

staff report

N a move to facilitate the public, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced an end to power outages across the country from May 1. Sharif declared that the government had operationalised 20 out of 27 power producers which he claimed were shut down for a year. Chairing a high-level meeting to devise a policy to address the shortage, he said the step was an “Eid ul-Fitr gift” for the public who had been suffering power outages in summers. The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to resolve all the

issues pertaining to load-shedding by April 30 so as to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted power supply to consumers. He stressed establishing an integrated and sustainable fuel system to meet the requirements of power generation and also a plan keeping in view the hot season in particular. Sharif called for a long-term effective plan to eliminate the loss of feeders of the power distribution companies. He took notice of the complaints of artificial shortage of diesel during harvesting and directed the relevant authorities to identify the perpetrators and ensure strict action. The prime minister emphasised an

uninterrupted supply of diesel to farmers to run agricultural machinery and urged the district administration in rural areas to facilitate the farmers. The meeting was briefed that the re-operationalisation of the 20 power plants had increased power generation. It was claimed that the previous government did not purchase fuel for power plants in four years which led to load-shedding. However, the government of Sharif within two weeks managed the availability of fuel besides increasing the capacity of electricity generation. It was informed that the total power generation in the country was about 18,500 megawatts while the shortfall was between 500 to 2,000

megawatts. The prime minister was also briefed in detail about the loss-making feeders of the distribution companies. The meeting was attended by Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and senior officials. Sharif, soon after assuming the office, had ordered to operationalise power plants in the country that were shut down due to lack of fuel or other technical glitches. He had also ordered to address other causes of load-shedding including negligence in timely repair and lack of maintenance of power plants. New energy minister promises to address loadshedding issue before May 1 Federal Minister for Energy Engineer Khuram Dastgir on Tuesday said the government would address the issue of load shedding before Eid. Talking to a private news channel, he said load shedding issue aroused due to mismanagement and not paying attention to this sector during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. He said the country had capacity to produce 36,000 Mega Watt electricity and 25,000 was requird of the country. The minister said the present government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif would make all out efforts to reduce all the national issues with consensus. He said the previous government had destroyed the all national institutions and badly damaged the roots of the foreign policy. He strongly condemned the Karachi terrorist attack and he expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic incident in which several people had lost their lives. He also expressed sympathies with the bereaved families, adding the government would treat the responsible with iron hands and they could not escape from the law of the land.

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

4:42

12:30

3:59

6:02

6:58

8:19

fiqah-e-hanfia lahore sehr: 3:57 am iftar: 6:38 Pm

islamabad sehr: 4:00 am iftar: 6:44 Pm

karachi sehr: 4:41 am iftar: 6:59 Pm

fiqah-e-jafaria lahore sehr: 4:07 am iftar: 6:48 Pm

islamabad sehr: 4:10 am iftar: 6:54 Pm

karachi sehr: 4:51 am iftar: 7:09 Pm

Miftah Ismail held meetings with global bond investors in London

Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Miftah Ismail, alongside State Bank Governor Reza Baqir and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Moazzam Ahmad, held meetings with key global bond investors in London on Monday. The meeting with investors was hosted by JP Morgan, at its European headquarters in London. More than 30 global investors in global debt markets, representing asset managers, sovereign wealth funds and hedge funds from North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia attended the meeting. The Finance Minister briefed investors on his discussions with the IMF in Washington DC last week, and on efforts to complete the 7th review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program. Finance Minister Miftah Ismail underlined the need for prudent and responsible fiscal policy while supporting the poor and those hardest-hit by the rising global inflation. The Finance Minister affirmed to investors the government’s desire to extend the program duration through June 2023 as a signal of Pakistan’s commitment to reform. The investors showed a keen interest in investing in Pakistan. They appreciated the steps taken by the government of Pakistan to ensure fiscal sustainability. Finance Minister Miftah Ismail thanked the management of JP Morgan for organising the successful investment conference in London, the heart of the European Financial Market.staff report

Terrorists attack Security Forces in Sararogha, South Waziristan: ISPR

islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting Chinese charges d’affaires in Islamabad, Ms Pang Xue. INp

The terrorists on Tuesday fired upon Security Forces in Sararogha, South Waziristan District which was promptly responded by the Pakistan Army troops. However, during intense exchange of fire, two soldiers, having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat (martyrdom), said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release. The martyred soldiers were identified as Lance Naik Umar Ali Khan (age 26 years, resident of Bannu) and Sepoy Muhammad Siraj ud Din (age 23 years, resident of DI Khan). The area clearance was being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area, it added. “Pakistan Army is determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve”, the ISPR said. press release

Bilawal Bhutto to take oath as foreign minister today PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has confirmed that he will be taking oath as a federal minister tomorrow. Bilawal, who will likely be appointed as the foreign minister made the announcement in a press conference Tuesday after a meeting of the PPP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC). The development comes after Adviser to Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira said last week his party chairman would take oath within two days. Bilawal was present at the time when the initial federal cabinet members took oath, however, he did not take the oath. But Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had assured that the PPP chairman would take the oath after he returns to Pakistan.

In a conversation with journalists in London, Kaira said Bilawal has left for Pakistan — after he held two meetings with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to exchange views on political matters. Meanwhile, in today’s press conference, Bilawal said former prime minister Imran Khan’s “foreign conspiracy” narrative hurt Pakistan’s image on international forums. Bilawal said the PTI chairman’s “conspiracies” would continue as he keeps shifting his targets from the judiciary to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The PPP chairman said Khan violated the Constitution and considered it a “piece of paper”, while ex-deputy speaker Qasim Suri and President Arif Alvi were involved in the “conspiracy” with him as well.

He demanded that the events that had transpired on the night before the vote on the no-confidence motion against the then-prime minister should be investigated. “Imran Khan’s politics is based on lies and propaganda. He is running a campaign ‘why didn’t you save me’. He is targeting every institution that did not ‘save’ him,” the PPP chairman said. Bilawal blamed Khan for making “all the institutions of Pakistan controversial” and called on them to keep working within their constitutional parameters. On his meeting with the PML-N supremo, Bilawal said Nawaz had invited him to iftar, where they discussed the “Charter of Democracy (CoD) II” — and not “the handing of portfolios”. News Desk

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