Sunday, 24 April, 2022 I 22 Ramzan, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 296 I 12 Pages I Lahore Edition
Imran Khan urges apex Court to hold publIC probe Into ‘latter-gate ConspIraCy’
ISLAMABAD
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Staff report
USTEd Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday urged the Apex Court to hold a public probe into the ‘Lattergate conspiracy ’ saying that his party would not accept an in-camera hearing of the judicial investigation. Addressing his maiden press conference after being ousted as prime minister, Imran Khan accused the PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for hatching a conspiracy to dislodge PTI government through vote of no-confidence. “Supreme Court should hold open hearing on threat letter… we will not accept any in-camera hearing,” he remarked. The PTI chief also claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and
PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari colluded with “foreign conspirators” to remove him from power. “No prime minister would be able to hold out against foreign conspiracies in future if no investigation was carried out [into alleged threat letter],” he said while urging the state institutions to take a stand against alleged foreign plot to protect country’s sovereignty. Commenting on the diplomatic cipher, Imran said the language used by the US diplomat against his government was ‘unprecedented’ and ‘threatening’. He also lashed out at the opponents for terming the telegram as a routine matter, calling them “shameless”. “I came to know in January that a foreign conspiracy was being hatched against my government,” said the former PM.
Speaking about the party dissidents, Imran urged the apex court to hold day-day to hearing on his petition seeking disqualification of rebel lawmakers. “If our institutions do not take a stand against this [horse-trading]… then our country’s future is in danger.” He also accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of being partial in foreign funding case, demanding its chief to step down immediately. Imran Khan said he has directed the party leaders and workers to begin preparations for a long march on Islamabad to achieve “true freedom”. “A sea of people will converge on Islamabad… people have woken to reality as to how corrupt rulers were imposed on them.” He also criticised the government’s decision of striking down names from no-fly list, saying the decision was taken to provide “safe exit” to corrupt individuals. “Put my name on exit control list (ECL) I don’t want to go anywhere.” Imran said yesterday ’s highpowered National Security Committee (NSC) huddle “vindicated” his claim of foreign conspiracy and also “validated” minutes of the body ’s meeting held last month when he was the prime minister. On Friday, the NSC meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz concluded that no evidence of “foreign conspiracy ” to topple Imran Khan’s government has been found, but at the same time it endorsed the decisions taken in its previous meeting. “NSC confirmed that the [diplomatic] cable was original and the conversation between Pakistan and US officials was real,” said Imran Khan.
Ismail tells IMF Pakistan willing to curb fuel subsidies ISLAMABAD Staff report
The finance minister on Friday agreed with International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommendations to reduce fuel subsidies and end a business tax amnesty scheme, pledging to pursue structural reforms to boost a crisis-wracked economy. The Fund in 2019 approved a $6 billion loan over three years for Pakistan but disbursement has been slowed by concerns about the pace of reforms. Miftah Ismail, who took office this month after a previous government lost a no-confidence vote, said he had “good discussions” with the IMF on a visit during the Washington-based lender’s annual spring meetings. “They’ve talked about removing the subsidy on fuel. I agree with them,” Ismail, himself a former IMF economist, said at the Atlantic Council. “We can’t afford to do the subsidies that we’re doing. So we’re going to have to curtail this,” he said. He claimed that former prime minister Imran Khan, seeking to avoid ouster, set a “trap” for his successors through heavy subsidies on fuel and electricity, as well as a tax amnesty scheme for businesses — measures that derailed a disbursement from the IMF loan.
Shehbaz, Putin quietly exchange letters, vow cementing cooperation report ISLAMABAD monitoring report
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have quietly exchanged letters, expressing desire to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, Express Tribune reported. The letters were exchanged after the election of Shehbaz as prime minister but both the sides kept development away from the media glare in what seemed to be a move aimed at avoiding any public attention. A senior foreign office official confirmed to The Express Tribune that President Putin wrote a letter to the prime minister, congratulating him on his election. The official, who requested not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, said Putin expressed the desire to deepen cooperation between the two countries. PM Shehbaz wrote back to Putin thanking him for his felicitation message and expressed similar sentiments on bilateral ties between the two countries as well as cooperation on Afghanistan. The exchange of letters happened as the former prime minister Imran Khan is adamant he was ousted from power through an alleged US-backed vote of no-confidence since Americans did not like
his Russian policy. But the felicitation message by President Putin suggested that the process of building a relationship between Pakistan and Russia would continue under the new political dispensation. Foreign office officials said resetting ties with Russia was a decision taken by the state a long time back keeping in view the changing regional and international alignments. That process, officials said, would continue but without much fanfare for some time given the RussiaUkraine crisis. The Russian Embassy in Islam-
abad, using its Twitter handle, congratulated Shehbaz on April 12 and expressed the hope that ties between the two countries would grow under his government. Unlike Imran Khan’s government, the new government will push for resetting ties with the West, particularly with the United States. Sources said that Pakistan’s relationship with the West and the US was damaged because of the former prime minister’s rhetorical statements. The new premier would avoid such an approach rather work quietly to advance the country’s foreign policy interests. The focus would also be on
reaching out to the European Union, a major trading partner of Pakistan. On Friday, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen congratulated PM Shehbaz on assuming the office of the prime minister and underlined the commission’s desire to further strengthen its bilateral relationship with Pakistan. The prime minister expressed his thanks for the felicitations and stated that Pakistan greatly valued its relations with the European Union, which were based on shared values and common objectives of peace, prosperity and development. He highlighted the importance of closer trade and investment ties between Pakistan and the EU. He appreciated the GSP Plus arrangement and underlined that, being a mutually beneficial scheme, it had played an important role in the expansion of Pakistan-EU trade. The premier lauded Ursula von der Leyen’s stewardship of the EU Commission and underscored his resolve to further deepen mutual engagement. PM Shehbaz also extended a cordial invitation to the European Commission President. The two leaders agreed to stay in contact and work together to expand Pakistan-EU relations, intensify investment and trade cooperation, and enhance mutual cooperation between the two sides in diverse fields.
“He gave an amnesty to businesses for setting up factories so that they don’t have to pay taxes, or even if they evaded taxes that’s ok,” Ismail told reporters at an event organised by Pakistan’s embassy. But Ismail added that some targeted subsidies should remain for Pakistan’s poorest amid sky-high global prices. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to jumpstart a moribund economy, certain to be a major issue in elections due next year. Pakistan has repeatedly sought international support and suffers from a chronically weak tax base. Ismail said that Pakistan, the world’s fifth most-populous nation, needed to move to a new economic model by removing obstacles and promoting exports to the world. “We have such an elite-benefitting country that almost every subsidy that you can speak of actually goes to the richest people,” he said. Ismail said his immediate goal was reining in double-digit inflation — a target complicated by lifting fuel subsidies — and kickstarting job creation. He denied Pakistan was in danger of defaulting on its debts, with foreign reserves currently standing at $10 billion, and much of its bilateral debt held with friendly countries China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 05
more inside
‘Imported’ government taking credit for PTI projects: Umar STORY ON PAGE 02
President rejects appeal of NAB official guilty of ‘disclosing secrets’ STORY ON PAGE 03
Bilawal to take oath as FM soon: Kaira STORY ON BACK PAGE
Govt committed to attract US investment to Pakistan: Miftah STORY ON BACK PAGE
02
Sunday, 24 April, 2022 | LAHORE
NEWS
‘IMPorted’ governMent taKIng credIt for PtI Projects: UMar ISLAMABAD
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Staff RepoRt
AKISTAN Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Asad Umar said on Saturday that instead of concentrating on its job, the “imported” government’s entire focus was on taking credit for the development projects initiated by the last government.
In a statement, he said: “I want to show you the real face of Prime Minister ‘Showbaz Sharif’ [sic].” “Earlier, it was Islamabad Metro project whose credit the new government had tried to take and now it is Quetta-Karachi highway’s widening project which Shehbaz is eyeing to paste its nameplate on,” he added. Meanwhile, former information minister and PTI central spokesperson
KP govt to formulate nine separate development programs AzIz BunerI The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has directed all administrative departments to prepare nine different development programs for the next financial year from which one program will be finalized. Development programs will be prepared with a volume of Rs100 billion, Rs150 billion and Rs200 billion. The P&D has directed administrative departments to allocate funds in three different programs under which 90% of ongoing and 10% new projects in program one, 80% ongoing and 20% new in second program and 70% ongoing and 30% new in the third program. According to sources, review meetings on the development programs will be held next week which will continue till the last week of May after finalizing the development program.
Pakistan reports first polio case in 15 months ISLAMABAD afp
The prime minister said Saturday he will chair an emergency meeting of a national task force for polio eradication after authorities detected the country’s first case of the debilitating neurodegenerative disease in 15 months. Health officials announced the discovery of the wild polio case on Friday, saying a 15-month-old boy had been paralysed by the virus in the district of North Waziristan. “Deeply saddened to share that a 15-monthold boy has been paralyzed in North Waziristan,” tweeted Shahzad Baig, a coordinator with the National Emergency Operations Centre for polio eradication programme. “Pakistan confirms a wild #poliovirus case after nearly 15 months,” he added. The nation’s last case was detected in January 2021, and earlier this year authorities celebrated going 12 months without a single case — the first time that had occurred since eradication efforts began. Pakistan is one of two countries, alongside Afghanistan, where polio remains endemic, although case numbers have dropped drastically in recent years. The case in North Waziristan takes the global number of polio cases in 2022 to three, with a case also confirmed in Malawi and another in Afghanistan, according to data from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The case in Malawi was confirmed in February although the onset of paralysis came in November 2021, according to the GPEI. The authorities said they were working on ensuring the virus does not spread further in the South Asian country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said he would preside over the emergency meeting of the polio eradication task force on Monday.
Fawad Chaudhry expressed concern over the detection of a polio case after 15 months in Pakistan. In a tweet, Chaudhry said: “The political adventure against the Imran Khan government broke the backbone of the country’s economy where polio was eradicated and Bill Gates visited Pakistan and declared it a great achievement of Pakistan. 15 months later, polio has returned, God bless Pakistan.”
ECP begins delimitation process for elections ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has begun preparations for the next general elections and an initial list of delimitations in the country would be released by May 24. In a statement, the ECP said the delimitation process for national and provincial assemblies would
continue until August 3. “The training process for the committees involved in the delimitation process is ongoing and the data has been obtained from concerned institutions,” the commission said. The initial delimitation will be completed by May 24 and will be published by May 28, the statement said and added that appeals on it could be filed between May 29 to June 28. The ECP said that the appeals would be heard
81,132 faithful to perform Hajj this year from Pakistan ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has allotted a quota of 81,132 pilgrims to Pakistan to perform Hajj this year. According to the official sources on Saturday, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony would start receiving Hajj applications in the next a few days through designated branches of the country’s scheduled banks. Hajj expenses, age limit, vaccines and other terms and conditions would be announced soon through Hajj Policy 2022, it added. The sources said applications submitted in the shape of individuals or groups would be decided by the balloting. It said the distribution of Hajj quota between public and private Hajj schemes would be divided with the ratio of 60:40. Earlier, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs
and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor said the ministry’s officials should use their full potential to make the best arrangements for upcoming Hajj and provide quality services to the pilgrims. Receiving a detailed briefing on the activities and responsibilities of the ministry, he said Hajj was one of the basic pillars of Islam and to make this sacred obligation a success story, we would have to sacrifice our comforts and provide all possible facilities to the intending pilgrims. The minister said the operation of Hajj 2022 was a big task for the ministry as it had a very short time to manage all the prerequisites for its smooth sailing. He, realizing the omnipresence of Allah Almighty, expressed his determination that he would discharge his professional obligations in an efficient manner and expect the same from all other employees and officers of the ministry. The briefing was given by the secretary and additional secretary and it was attended by all the quarters concerned of the religious affairs ministry.
Summary regarding LHC order on Hamza oath under Alvi’s consideration: office ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
A summary moved by the prime minister’s office on Saturday regarding an order of the Lahore High Court (LHC) concerning the oath of office to Punjab chief minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz was under the consideration of President Arif Alvi. According to a press release issued by the President’s Secretariat: “The summary received from the Prime Minister’s Office on 23rd April 2022 regarding the order of the Lahore High Court passed with W.P. 24320/2022 dated 22nd April 2022, is under consideration of the Honorable
President as per the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
between July 1 to 30 and a final list of the delimitations will be published on August 3. It is pertinent to mention here that recently the Supreme Court returned a plea from Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf (PTI) against the process. The registrar of the apex court returned the PTI plea after raising objections that the petitioner has not approached the concerned forum for redressal of the issue. The petition was directly filed in the Supreme Court despite having an opportunity to raise the matter at the concerned forum, the registrar said and further added that the petition also did not carry concerned certificates.
Imran ‘fooling’ people by harping on conspiracy mantra: Marriyum ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that PTI Chairman Imran Khan was fooling the people by spreading “fake propaganda” that a foreign conspiracy was hatched to topple his government. “Imran Khan is constantly lying… he robbed the people of their livelihood and destroyed the country’s economy during his four years in power,” said the minister while addressing a press conference in Islamabad. Her statement comes soon after ousted PM Imran accused PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif of hatching a conspiracy to dislodge his government and demanded Supreme Court to hold an open hearing on lettergate. Marriyum asked the former PM to explain why he did not disclose the alleged threat letter for many days when he received the diplomatic cable on March 7. “After his allies left, Imran Khan began to see conspiracy against his government,” she added. “Why did you keep meeting the representatives of the country conspiring against your government? Imran Khan should stop fooling the people,” the minister remarked. She also referred to National Security Committee (NSC) meeting’s communiqué which stated that no foreign conspiracy was hatched against the PTI-led government. Speaking about foreign funding case, Marriyum said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will hold the deposed premier accountable for concealing funding details and receiving funds from prohibited sources. “Nawaz Sharif is the key stakeholder of Pakistan’s politics. Imran Khan is a liar, a thief and a hypocrite. Noconfidence motion [against Imran] was passed through a joint political strategy,” she added. Marriyum said President Arif Alvi administrated the oath to the PM Shehbaz’s cabinet members which proved that the incumbent government was formed through constitutional means.
Govt to disburse April’s salary in advance AhMAD AhMADAnI The government has decided the disbursement of pay, allowances and pension to all the government servants and pensioners for the month of April, 2022 in advance on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The federal government’s Finance Division (Expenditure Wing) has made this announcement through a letter to the Controller General of Accounts, Islamabad on April 21, 2022. According to official letter No. 4(4) Exp-III/2011-254, it is observed that 01-05-2022 will be a public holiday i-e Sunday & 02-05-2022 will be the 30th Ramzan-ulMubarak or 01st of Shawal (Eid-ul-Fitr), subject to sighting of Moon. However, in both cases the expected holidays of Eid-ul-Fitr will be starting from 02-05-2022. In this regard, attention is invited to Rule-219 (1) of the Treasury Rules (Vol-1) which states that “If the first two days of a month are holidays on which pay and allowances are not disbursed at the treasury, Head of Local Administration, may at their discretion direct the payment of monthly pay bills to all federal government servants on the last working day before the holidays”, said the letter.
“It is therefore requested that, the pay and allowances/pension for the month of April, 2022, may be disbursed in advance to all federal servants and to all pensioners of the federal government on the last working day of this month,” reads the Finance Division’s letter. Reportedly, the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council (RHRC) had earlier announced the dates for Eid-ul-Fitr in Pakistan. Based on scientific evidence, SecretaryGeneral RHRC, Khalid Ijaz Mufti, predicted that the country will observe Eid-ul-Fitr on May 3,2022. He said that the new moon would be born on 1 April at 11:24am. The age of the moon will be at least 19 hours at the sunset of 2 April (29 Shaban). It is pertinent to mention all the provincial governments of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be giving salary, allowances and pensions to their employees and pensioners in advance on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. However, employees of a large number of private companies will remain deprived of this Eid Gift as their employers are not expected to give advance salary to them on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Sunday, 24 April, 2022 | LAHORE
PresIdent rejects aPPeaL of naB offIcIaL gUILty of ‘dIscLosIng secrets’ ISLAMABAD
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Staff RepoRt
RESIDENT Dr Arif Alvi has rejected the appeal of an anticorruption watchdog official, who was found guilty of disclosing official secrets, to set aside the major penalty awarded to him over unlawful communication of official information for illegal gains. The president, as per an official statement, also directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Saturday to proceed against other officers involved in such cases. “If found guilty punish them for doing corruption within the very institution that was responsible for controlling corruption.” Noman Iqbal, Assistant Private
Secretary (BS-16) had been awarded the major penalty of “reduction to a lower post for a period of five years” after it was established that he copied and shared official information with unauthorised individuals. NAB’s Karachi chapter had conducted a fact-finding inquiry, based on a source report, under which confidential record was found in the mobile phone of the accused, which he was otherwise not authorised to hold. NAB had recommended initiating disciplinary proceedings against Iqbal. Initially, the matter was probed by Chairman Inspection and Monitoring Team, NAB (HQ), which revealed that Iqbal was involved in unlawful communication of official information inside and outside NAB in connivance
Karachi police seek technical assistance from intelligence agencies to recover kidnapped girl StAff report Police investigators probing the kidnapping of a teenage girl from Karachi’s Al Falah area have sought technical assistance from intelligence agencies for her recovery, it emerged on Saturday. “We are focusing technically to solve the kidnapping case of the 14-year old girl, Dua Zehra,” observed South Senior Superintendent of Police Zubair Nazeer Shaikh. The senior officer, who is tasked by the police authorities to investigate the case, said that the police have sought assistance from intelligence agencies and will utilise their tech expertise to solve the case. He added the police are also conducting surveys and have interrogated several persons of interest with criminal record or who were sexual offenders in the past. The Anti-Violent Crime Cell chief said the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing (CCW), which has expertise in accessing social media groups, was also helping them technologically. Separately, the FIA’s CCW head Imran Riaz said that their four-member team, including a forensic expert, technical analyst, female investigation officer and female psychologist visited the house of Dua Zehra Kazmi. He added that the FIA made “emergency contact with Google, Samsung and [an] online gaming platform”. Haleem Adil Sheikh criticises police performance Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh alleged that the police were not taking the Dua Zehra case seriously. “The police’s lack of seriousness in the case is a matter of concern,” said the PTI leader, accusing the authorities of “misleading” the girl’s parents. Sheikh said the police and the provincial government appeared to have failed to recover the girl. The police, instead of performing their duty, were allegedly involved in the “character assassination” of the girl, he added. The PTI leader advised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to focus on Sindh instead of taking foreign trips.
with two other officials of NAB, Karachi. An inquiry committee was also constituted to probe into the matter that found the appellant guilty on charges of “misconduct” and “disclosure of official secrets”. A forensic analysis of appellant’s phone also found chats and documents which proved that he copied and shared information with unauthorised individuals, read the statement. Afterwards, Iqbal was awarded penalty of reduction to lower post for five years and two other officers involved were also penalised. Iqbal then submitted an appeal to the president, being the Appellate Authority, under NAB Employees Services Rules (TCS-2002) to set aside the major penalty. The NAB chairman through a
summary, circulated through the Ministry of Law and Justice and endorsed by the prime minister, requested that the appeal of Iqbal may be rejected. President Alvi upheld the original decision on the grounds that Iqbal had not provided any cogent reason or additional justification to recall the earlier decision of major penalty. He emphasised that for such individuals this penalty does not do justice and wished that the punishment should have been harsher. “I direct NAB to complete the investigation against other officers involved and if found guilty punish them for the wrong done to the country and tarnishing its image,” the president noted while rejecting the appeal.
PEMRA issues show-cause notice to TV channel on ‘fake news’ AgencIeS The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Friday issued a show-cause notice to ARY News for airing what it called was “fake/unverified news” based on informal sources about the stance of Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed, regarding the ‘Cablegate’ controversy. The cable in question refers to a communique sent by Majeed that former prime minister Imran Khan has continuously claimed contains evidence of a conspiracy to topple his government. The National Security Committee (NSC) convened a meeting on the cable on Friday — the second time in as many months that the NSC held a meeting to review the cable’s contents — in which the former US ambassador was also present and testified before it. According to the show-cause notice, the channel aired the news, regarding the ambassador’s stance in the meeting, at 6:52pm on Friday. According to the comments quoted in the notice, ARY News claimed citing sources that Majeed, in the NSC meeting, maintained that the cable’s contents amounted to interference in internal affairs, and that it was a “reality” that threatening language had been used in the cable and the ambassador remained steadfast on his stance despite government pressure.
Pemra said that the airing of “fake/unverified news” quoting informal sources without taking Majeed’s point of view appeared to be an “intentional move on the part of ARY News and tantamount to malign state institutions”. “Moreover, this act is against the established journalistic ethics wherein an official statement of the NSC was issued and yet ARY News is relying on informal sources with ulterior intentions to mislead viewers,” the notice said. It added that the airing of fake news and unverified content raised serious concerns about the performance of the channel’s editorial board and the gatekeeping tools adopted. “Airing of such fake /unverified news [is] tantamount to sheer violation of Section 20(f) of Pemra Ordinance 2002 as amended [by] Pemra (Amendment) Act, 2007 read with Clause 3(1)(i,k), 4(1), 4(2), 4(4), 4(7), 4(10), 5, 17 and 24 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, as well as orders of the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan in suo motu case No. 28 of 2018, duly communicated to the channel on various occasions,” the notice said. It directed the chief executive officer for ARY Communications Ltd to show cause in writing within seven days as to why legal action — including an imposition of fine, suspension and revocation of license under Section 29, 30 and other enabling provisions of Pemra Ordinance 2002 — should not be initiated.
Govt, media body resolve to enact legislation for curbing fake news AgencIeS Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and the media’s Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Saturday decided to enact legislation for curbing fake news. The meeting between the newly appointed information minister and the JAC agreed to add a provision in the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) law to tackle fake news, which they said had not only harmed the national interest but also had an adverse impact on national cohesion and unity. Aurangzeb assured the JAC members that the present government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, would not compromise in any way on the right to freedom of expression.
US corporate sector has a very productive relationship with Pakistan, says Miftah Staff RepoRt
Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail has said that the U.S corporate sector had a very long and productive relationship with Pakistan. Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail, while speaking with the delegation of the U.S. Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC, said that the U.S corporate sector had a very long and productive relationship with Pakistan. The Finance Minister said attracting the U.S foreign investments in all sectors of Pakistan’s economy was the government’s top priority. The government was focused on creating a business-friendly environment and would welcome all the suggestions. The Finance Minister identified various areas in Pakistan’s economy, particularly agriculture, tech sector including fintech, pharmaceutical and health sectors, and digital banking where the U.S companies could enhance their investments in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives of the top 12 U.S investors in Pakistan including Abbott, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, the Resource Group, TRG, Visa, Cargill, North Shore Medical Labs and Excelerate Energy L.P. Esperanza Jelalian, President USPBC congratulated the Finance Minister and the Minister of State on assuming office. She said that a USPBC delegation would be visiting Pakistan soon to explore further opportunities for investment. Jelalian assured that USPBC will continue to engage with the government of Pakistan to seek mutually beneficial ways of enhancing cooperation. In their introductory remarks, the USPBC members briefed the meeting on their businesses in Pakistan and plan to enhance their presence in the Pakistani market. Ambassador Masood Khan welcomed the participants at the embassy. The introductory remarks were followed by an interactive session during which the Finance Minister answered the USPBC delegation’s various queries.
“PM Shehbaz Sharif is striving to promote the constitutional and fundamental right of freedom of expression,” she added. Lashing out at the previous Imran Khan-led regime for media restrictions, she said only democratic leaders valued and believed in the right of freedom of expression. “Free and independent media provides a shield to the politicians and we will strengthen it further,” she added. She regretted that the last four years proved to be devastating for the people, politics and journalism. “Attempts were made to deprive people of their independence by muzzling the media through the closure of television channels and programmes,” Aurangzeb added.
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daewoo gas, cncec sign contract for $300mn offshore Lng terminal in Pakistan StAff report Daewoo Gas has signed a Master Engineering Procurement Construction and Finance (EPCF) contract with China National Chemical Engineering Construction Company (CNCEC) under which CNCEC would design, construct and finance an offshore LNG terminal. The terminal would be complete with topside equipment to enable LNG filling into ISO containers for use in Pakistan. The specialized LNG containers will be moved by trucks all over Pakistan where LNG will be re-gasified at client sites. According to a statement from Daewoo, “At its peak, Daewoo Gas’ terminal will handle 10,000 metric tons of LNG per day, improve Pakistan’s energy supply, create thousands of jobs nationally, and reduce carbon emissions.” The total foreign investment in this project including the terminal, facilities, LNG logistics and supply infrastructure is estimated to be $300 Million. Shahid Karim, chief executive officer of Daewoo Gas, said, “We plan on operationalizing the terminal within a year, before summer 2023, at Pakistan’s LNG zone in the Arabian Sea.” Daewoo Gas also plans to use the LNG in its own long-distance bus and truck fleet operated by Daewoo Express as a substitute for more expensive and polluting diesel. CNCEC Chairman Hu Liufang said, “We welcome the award of this significant contract by Daewoo Gas and look forward to design and construct world largest VLNG terminal for offshore installation. This large and ambitious project represents the ideals of CPEC industrial cooperation and technology transfer between the brotherly countries of China and Pakistan.” Sameer Chishty, chairman of Asiapak Investments, which is the holding company for Daewoo Gas, was present at the signing ceremony and said, “AsiaPak Investments is committed to innovative technology projects in Pakistan’s energy sector, a country with a significant energy need for industry and households. Through this VLNG project, AsiaPak Investments contributes to further strengthening Pakistan and China’s Iron Brotherhood. We are grateful to all the stakeholders especially OGRA, Port Regulators and Government of Pakistan for their encouragement and support, ensuring uninterrupted supply of affordable energy to the people of Pakistan.”
resignations of PtI Mnas de-sealed newS DeSk National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that the resignations of PTI members have been de-sealed and their fate would be decided strictly according to the Constitution, law and rules, a news outlet reported on Saturday. The PTI MNAs had tendered their resignations en masse after the Imran Khan government was ousted through a no-confidence motion earlier this month. Subsequently, former deputy speaker Qasim Suri had accepted the resignations and issued a notification in this regard. Speaking to journalists, Ashraf said: “I will call every resigning member to my chamber individually to consider the fate of his/her resignation, and the process will start soon.” The speaker further added that those who do not want to resign would be given due consideration. “I am convinced that no decision should be taken beyond rules and the Constitution,” he said. Ashraf said democracy is the only solution to all issues being faced by the common people.
Sunday, 24 April, 2022 | LAHORE
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NEWS
PTI APPRoACHeS IHC AGAINST eCP’S ALLeGed bIAS IN foReIGN fuNdING CASe ISLAMABAD
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staff report
He Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court against the election Commission of Pakistan’s (eCP) alleged bias in the foreign funding case. According to
a news outlet, lawyers Anwar Mansoor Khan and Shah Khawar filed a petition on behalf of PTI’s Amir Kayani. The PTI made the eCP and 17 other political parties respondents in the case. The parties include the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Jamiat
Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Awami Muslim League (AML), Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Balochistan National Party (BNP), Awami National Party (ANP) and others. The petition called on the court to also decide the cases against the 17 political parties within a month. It stated that the eCP was acting impartially while
Punjab AG in a fix over appeal against LHC order on Hamza oath LAHORE staff report
A day after announcing to challenge a Lahore High Court (LHC) ruling on oath of office to chief ministerelect Hamza Shehbaz, Punjab Advocate General Ahmad Awais is now in a fix over what to do as there are legal hitches involved in the case that bar him to
taking action only against the PTI, and that the commission had refused to scrutinise the accounts of the 17 other political parties like the PTI accounts thus, the PTI has become the [only ]affected party. “The election Commission should also be ordered to scrutinise the accounts of 17 political parties,” the petition prayed.
contest the order. On Friday, LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti ordered the president to appoint a representative for administering the oath to Shehbaz as Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema expressed his inability to do so. But the governor directed the advocate general to submit an intra-court appeal against the verdict. Though Awais said that he would throw a challenge but after seeing legal hitches that would deter him to challenge the decision, he is in a bind to find a way out. Legal experts wonder how the governor could file an appeal when he was not even a party in Friday’s verdict. CHEEMA HOSPITALISED: Meanwhile, Governor Cheema fell ill and underwent a series of tests at Services Hospital in Lahore on Saturday. He complained of food poisoning and did not feel good.
Three soldiers martyred in North Waziristan crossborder attack: ISPR
ISLAMABAD staff report
Three Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred during an exchange of fire with militants from across the border with Afghanistan in the Dewagar town of North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Saturday. According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the terrorists from across the border opened fire on troops and the latter “responded in a befitting manner”. “As per credible intelligence reports, due to fire of own troops, terrorists suffered heavy casualties,” it added. However, during the fire exchange, Havaldar Taimoor, 30; Naik Shoaib, 38; and Sepoy Saqib Nawaz, 24; having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom. The ISPR further said Islamabad “strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that the Afghan government will not allow the conduct of such activities in the future”. The Pakistan Army “is determined to defend Pakistan’s borders against the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve”, the statement said.
Movie ‘London Nahi Jaunga’ being filmed in Istanbul ISTANBUL: The romantic comedy movie “London Nahi Jaunga,” or “I Don’t Want To Go To London,” starring Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat, is being shot in Istanbul. Producer Irfan Malik told Anadolu Agency that it is the third film he shot in Turkey, a country he views as his second home. “Turkey has excellent technical facilities for filming and there is a large TV industry in the country. They said that there are 8,000 movie theatres here. I would like my films to be released here as well,” said Malik. “TV series from Turkey are shown on Pakistani televisions, but the Turkish films are not shown in Pakistani cinemas. We aim to take steps in this regard to improve the brotherhood and good relations between the two countries.” Underlining that he is in talks with distributors for his new movie to be screened in Turkey, Malik said: “My goal is to broadcast this movie in Turkey with subtitles and dubbing. Thus, this movie will be the first Pakistani movie to be released in Turkey.” Saeed said: “I am very happy to be in Turkey. All Pakistanis love Turkey. Turks also love and respect us.” Hayat said crews started shooting the movie in Pakistan and shooting the second part continues in Turkey. “We are shooting the movie in a very beautiful place. I am having a great time with the professional shooting team,” said Hayat. Underlining that Turkish television series have a great influence in Pakistan, Hayat said: “Turkish actors are very popular in Pakistan. I think Turkey and Pakistan should work together to conduct projects involving Turkish and Pakistani players.” The cast includes Kubra Khan, Vasay Chaudhary, Sohail Ahmed and Gohar Rasheed. A portion of the film will be shot in London in the coming days. anadolu agency
Saad urges PIA management to pursue meritocracy ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique chaired a high-level virtual meeting in Lahore to review the performance of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). While addressing the officers, the minister said that it is painful that the best airline of the past is in loss today, adding that every single person of the institution would have to work tirelessly to restore PIA. The Federal Minister directed the officers to follow the principles of merit. He said no political pressure will be put on anybody in PIA. The Federal Minister directed the concerned officers of PIA to submit a report next week stating the fitness of all the aircrafts. "We need to increase our capacity to compete with the airlines in the region," he said. The Federal Minister said that neglecting our national interest while concluding agreements with different countries and companies is the theme of the story of decline of our institutions. He directed the officers to prepare a workable business plan of PIA and submit it by Tuesday so that it could be discussed and submitted to the Cabinet for approval. staff report
US ‘welcomes’ NSC denial of claim it orchestrated Imran’s ouster ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON staff report
The State Department welcomed the National Security Committee (NSC) statement saying it dismisses the suggestion that the United States had conspired to topple the government of former prime minister Imran Khan through a vote of confidence. Addressing a press briefing, State Department deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter, when asked to comment, said: “We welcome this statement.” Khan has accused Washington of backing a conspiracy to remove him. He had said that he visited Moscow against US advice. Washington denies the charge. Asad Majeed Khan, former Pakistan ambassador to the United States who had written a cable to Islamabad about Washington’s take on Khan’s Moscow visit, briefed the civil and military leaders on the committee. “The NSC after reviewing the contents of the communication, the assessment received, and the conclusion
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presented by the security agencies, concludes that there has been no conspiracy,” the statement said. It had, however, also “reaffirmed the decisions of the last NSC meeting”. In the meeting held in March, the forum had decided to issue a “strong demarche” to a country, that it did not name, over what it said was “blatant interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan”. During her briefing, Porter reiterated Washington’s position on the matter, saying: “there’s absolutely no truth to those rumours, so we welcome this statement.” “And I would also like to underscore that the United States values our longstanding cooperation with Pakistan and has always viewed a strong, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan as critical to US interests.” The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party has demanded a judicial probe into the matter. Khan has aired his conspiracy allegations in three huge public rallies he has held in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar since he was ousted. He has demanded snap elections.
Sunday, 24 April, 2022 | LAHORE
NEWS
couple booked for marrying son impersonating as daughter swAt syed shahabuddin
A case has been registered against a boy and his parents for marrying him impersonating as a girl in Matta Tehsil of Swat District. Even though Mohammad Izzat Khan was a boy, his parents declared him a girl only on the basis of signs and got him married in December 2017. Izzat Khan did not establish a relationship until his husband left for Malaysia and then went to the doctors and proved himself to be a boy. On her husband’s return four years later, a case was registered against Ezzat Khan and his parents in Matta police station. According to the police, Muhammad Izzat Khan son of Nasray, a resident of Langardheri area of Matta Tehsil, was married on December 7, 2017 to Abdul Rehman, son of Sher Zada, a resident of Koza Durosh Khela by the name of Zalilat Bibi. Abdul Rehman returned from Malaysia four years later and petitioned the police that during 18 days of marriage, Izzat Khan did not establish relations with him on the pretext of illness. He said that when he returned to Malaysia, in 2019, Izzat Khan consulted doctors and proved himself to be a boy. According to medical reports, Izzat Khan has masculine traits by birth. Despite being a boy, Izzat Khan’s parents Nasray and his mother, despite having knowledge, cheated on him by impersonating him to be a girl, said a police official. Police registered a case against Muhammad Izzat Khan, his father Nasray and his mother under sections 419-420-466-468496 in the light of full investigation and medical reports. A police official said that Izzat Khan and his father Nasray were arrested and sent to District jail Swat while his mother has been granted bail by the court. Meanwhile , a year ago, a video of Izzat Khan turning from a girl to a boy was viral on social media. The video shows Izzat Khan as saying that he felt pain after a year and a half of marriage and when he went for examination, the doctors tested him and said that he is not a girl but a boy.
ismail tells iMf Pakistan willing to curb fuel subsidies cOntinuEd fROm pAgE 01 Sharif has little over a year before he has to call a general election, leaving observers wondering whether ousting Khan will backfire, since his government inherited an economic crisis that will take time to overcome. But Ismail said there was “never a wrong time to do the right thing.” “If what we claim is true, and we are actually more competent, then we should be able to make a difference in a few months. And if we don’t, we’ll be thrown out by the people, which is fine.”
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PM exPResses conceRn oveR ResuRfacing of Polio viRus
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RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed concern over the resurfacing of a polio virus case in the country after a period of 15 months. A day earlier, a 15-month-old boy from North Waziristan was tested positive for type-1 wild poliovirus (WPV1). The boy was reported to be paralysed by wild poliovirus, making it the third case of wild polio to be
recorded globally in 2022. The virus was confirmed by a laboratory at the NIH, Islamabad, with the onset of paralysis on April 9. Summoning a report from the authorities concerned, the prime minister directed for formulation of strategy to eradicate the crippling disease from the country. The prime minister also summoned a meeting of the National Task Force for Polio Eradication on Monday. staff report
Military aid and arms for Ukraine pARis afp
Several Western countries have provided Ukraine with military aid and weapons, since Russia invaded its neighbour on February 24. Announced deliveries have mainly involved defensive weapons, but the situation is fast evolving. Among the offensive weapons which are playing an important role are US-made Javelin missile launchers capable of piercing the most sophisticated armour, such as T-90 Russian tanks, and Turkish drones. Often the aid includes protective gear like helmets and body armour, and food rations. Here is a panorama of announced military aid. It is not exhaustive and some of the promised aid has still to be delivered. UnIteD StAteS: US President Joe Biden announced on April 21 a new package of $800 million in military aid for Ukraine. The Pentagon said the newest round of US support will include 72 155mm howitzers, 72 armoured vehicles to tow them, 144,000 rounds of ammunition, and more than 120 “Phoenix Ghost” tactical drones recently developed by the US Air Force specifically to address Ukraine’s needs. The new package follows another $800 million in military assistance announced by the White House on April 13, including helicopters, howitzers and armoured personnel carriers. Previously the United States had supplied or promised Ukraine 1,400 Stinger anti-aircraft systems, 5,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles, several thousand rifles with ammunition and a range of other equipment.
Kashmiris to observe ‘Black Day’ during Modi’s IIOJK visit today: Tanveer Ilyas
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Sardar Tanveer Ilyas has said that Kashmiris on both sides of Line of Control (LoC) would observe ‘Black Day’ on the occasion of visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Sunday. He was addressing a press conference along with Hurriyat Conference leaders in Islamabad on Saturday. Sardar Tanveer Ilyas said that thousands of Kashmiris have been martyred by Indian security forces in custody, extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances. Worst human rights violations were being witnessed in India and the human rights violations examples set by India were inimitable, he added. The AJK Prime Minister said that India was settling Hindus in Kashmir to disturb the ratio of population there. Kashmiris have high morale in the face of Indian oppression, he said adding that Quaid-e-Azam had called Kashmir the jugular vein of Pakistan. He further stated that Kashmir issue was a dispute of land issue but it was an issue of freedom of 15 million people instead. Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir are a matter of shame for the United Nations. Sardar Tanveer Ilyas said that the UN was constituted to establish peace across the globe. If the United Nations does not play a role in the Kashmir issue, its very existence will be in jeopardy. The United Nations should implement all its resolutions and the Kashmiris would continue their struggle till achievement of the goal of right to self-determination, he added. staff report
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tUrkey: Kyiv had before the Russian invasion around 20 Bayraktar TB2 drones, built by the Turkish military. Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said in early March Kyiv had received new drones, which some experts number at 16. Kyiv also said a TB2 acted as a decoy, distracting the defences of the Russian warship Moskva with a TB2, while it pounded it with missiles on the other side before sinking it last week. Some experts say that Turkish drones continue to be delivered to Ukraine, something not confirmed by Ankara. UnIteD kIngDoM: The UK says it has distributed more than 200,000 items so far, including 4,800 NLAW anti-tank missiles, and a small number of Javelin missiles. It also announced it was sending 6,000 other missiles, consisting of antitank and high explosive weapons. It has also sent Starstreak high-velocity antiaircraft missiles and according to reports is planning to send Stormer armoured missile launchers, on which Starstreak can be mounted. It has also vowed to send 120 Mastiff, Wolfhound and Husky armoured vehicles and a new anti-ship missile system. It has also sent Poland a Sky Sabre medium-range, anti-air missile system. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on April 22 that the UK is considering sending tanks to Poland so that Warsaw can send its own to Ukrainian forces fighting against Russia. CAnADA: Canada has since 2015 committed over $141 million Canadian dollars ($112.6 million) for defensive military equipment for Ukraine. Some $118 million of that has come since February 2022.
Punjab govt to ensure abundant flour, sugar availability in Ramazan bazaars LAHORE staff report
In line with the direction of the Prime Minister to provide maximum relief to people during the holy month of Ramazan, the Punjab government would provide sugar at a discounted price of Rs 70 per kilogram in Ramazan bazaars across the province from Sunday. Chief Secretary Punjab Kamran Ali Afzal presided over a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the implementation of the Ramazan package, wheat procurement campaign, and measures to curb smuggling. The Chief Secretary directed the officers to ensure abundant availability of 10kilogram flour bags at the rate of Rs 400 throughout the province. He mentioned that providing maximum relief to people during the month of Ramazan is a priority, adding that the prices of essential commodities should be checked in the open market regularly. Kamran Afzal asked the relevant authorities to continue measures to control the smuggling of wheat and fertilizer and focus on monitoring of supplies of food items, especially fruits and vegetables ahead of Eid. He also lauded the performance of deputy commissioners in the wheat procurement drive. The divisional commissioners gave a detailed briefing to the meeting through a video link. The meeting was informed that flour and sugar were available in abundance in all the districts. The number of check-posts in bordering districts has been increased to curb the smuggling of wheat and fertilizer.
Sunday, 24 April, 2022
06 COMMENT
The amazing resilience of female Baloch vloggers
Imran Khan and his followers No immediate change
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ITHIN days of the end of the PTI rule, reports started appearing that exposed former PM Imran Khan’s claims of moral rectitude and Spartan living. The PTI government had consistently refused to divulge the purchases made by Mr Khan and his wife from the Toshakhana. It was maintained that the disclosure of any information would jeopardise international ties. It appears now that it was a loot sale. The former prime minister and his wife retained all the 112 valuables worth Rs 142.02 million at a throwaway price of Rs 38 million along with 52 free gifts worth Rs 800,200. Mr Khan claims that he built the Bani Gala road by selling gifts from the Toshakhana. CDA has negated this, maintaining that the patch of road cost only Rs 3 million. Why didn’t Mr Khan direct CDA to build the road or use the funds at the disposal of the PM? Soon after taking over Mr Khan propagated austerity. Mr Khan could have lived and worked from the PM House to cut travel expenses. He preferred instead to travel by helicopter. According to Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the helicopter’s total fuel and maintenance cost over four years amounted to over Rs 980 million. Such is Mr Khan’s spell over his supporters that they outright dismiss any wrongdoing on his part. They have already rejected the security agencies’ reconfirmation that there was no international conspiracy to oust the PTI government. The incriminating evidence in the foreign funding case is also likely to be rejected by the PTI’s activists, most of whom were introduced into politics by Mr Khan. It will take time and a lot of convincing evidence before they change their outlook. Most of all, they need a replacement in the form of a party that is perceived to be honest, responsive and meritorious. As PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari traveled to London to meet ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, media was abuzz with rumours that the visit was aimed at securing key constitutional offices for the PPP. It was interesting to find Nawaz Sharif admitting no single party could extract Pakistan from the economic, political and diplomatic mess and Mr Zardari talking about working together as the PPP snd PML(N) did while formulating the Charter of Democracy and passing the 18th Amendment. In case the youthful leadership of the mainstream parties is able to lift their parties’ images, which is an uphill task, and Mr Khan’s misadventures lead to a blind alley, the bulk of PTI activists might consider changing loyalties.
Parvez Moula bakhSh
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decade ago nobody could see a picture of a Baloch girl on social media. The reason was not that there was no internet or there were no mobiles but the mindset of people. The people were and still are to some extent bound by so-called cultural norms. It was almost impossible to find a picture of a girl even on their own families' mobile phones. If a girl's picture was seen, the girl was numbered among prostitutes. Sorry to say but this is a fact which I have experienced. Not only Baloch but many nations still do the same as the Baloch did ten years ago. Surprisingly, there is still a substantial number of people who do not let their females use phones, capture pictures, or engage in vlogging. To be honest, my family does not allow and they should not allow it because Islam, our religion, does not allow it. Here one must note that Islam does not allow doing bad things, therefore we should not let our girls do guilty things but they should be allowed to do things that can lead to success and betterment. My dear readers, we all should know that God gives equal rights to people be women or men they have the same position in God's eyes. Accordingly, we should obey God's command. We should let females live the way they want, but before we should acknowledge whether their work is satisfactory or not. I think this is the time to accept that females are
Afghan terrorism
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UST a day after Islamic State’s Khorasan (IS-K) chapter claimed responsibility for a series of blasts primarily targeting Afghanistan’s Hazara community, a deadly bombing at a Sunni mosque during Friday prayers rocked the city of Kunduz resulting in 33 deaths, including children. As no group has so far taken ownership of the latest attack and this particular incident targeted Sunnis rather than Shias, it is clear that multiple terror outfits are operating in Afghanistan and are evidently able to carry out their activities without much hindrance. With the Taliban government unwilling to fully accept this reality, denying the presence of terror groups in the country, such a rapid deterioration of the security situation was to be expected. What is more, in the absence of any tangible meaningful action against these groups by Kabul, the latter has been able to comfortably hit targets across the border in Pakistan. The Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in North Waziristan following a gunfight with Afghan terrorists across the border. Since the Taliban takeover, the TTP has resurged and gained prominence once again and continues to successfully attack security personnel on Pakistani soil, predominantly in Balochistan where it has managed to gain the support of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). IS-K struck a Shia Mosque in Peshawar last month, killing over 60 worshippers. A major reason for the support of the Taliban was to establish law and order, and bring such episodes to an end.While Pakistan should be concerned about the state of the relationship, Afghanistan should be more concerned. The Taliban government should realise that if it cannot maintain normal relations with its neighbours, it is failing a very basic test of its readiness to be included in the comity of nations. Other standards have been laid down, such as respect for human rights and readiness to allow female education, but the very basic minimum, preventing its territory from being used to launch terrorism against other countries, is hardly an imposition; it is merely something states do for each other.
Whether or not the renminbi replaces the dollar, poor countries ber the brunt
Shahzeb zakaria
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n the wee hours of 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Almost two months forward, the biggest war on European soil since World War II rages on. In the weeks past, thousands have lost their lives and an estimated 11 million Ukrainians have been displaced, with about 7 million relocating internally and the rest fleeing to neighbouring countries. In the wake of this conflict, countries across the globe have imposed sanctions on Russia and numerous global companies have announced plans to cease all business involving Russia. While these actions will certainly have a crippling effect on the Russian economy, there are profound implications for the global economy, both immediate and long-term. The immediate shortterm implication of the Russia-Ukraine war is a rapid increase in the prices of commodities and grains that are directly produced by Russia and Ukraine. In addition to the impact of sanctions, supply chain disruptions have also contributed to price increases as Russia and the EU have closed their respective airspace for the other party, and trade via sea freight routes in the Black Sea has come to a near halt. While prices have adjusted in anticipation of upcoming shortages driven by both supply chain disruption and the impact of sanctions, some products will likely undergo additional price discovery. Below, we present a ranking of products where the combined Russian and Ukrainian exports constitute a large share of the global trade. According to data
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi
Umar Aziz
Joint Editor
Joint Editor
Executive Editor
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
The writer is a freelance columnist
The Russia-Ukraine war and the world
Kabul can no longer sit idlely by while terrorists are on a rampage
Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad
not less. They can also serve the nation. We should not limit their potential just because our ancestors have done it for centuries. With time, we can observe that time is changing, emotions are changing, circumstances are changing, and people's minds are changing. Somehow they are accepting the change. Perhaps, they have come to know that being adaptive is a sign of leaders that leads to development. Undoubtedly, if a nation, Baloch or another, wants growth and advancement, it should be adaptive, it should change according to the environment and circumstances. With time, we can observe that females are taking a great part in social media and are earning money by gaining an audience. In the last two years, the number of Baloch females has been increasing on social media. Now, we can see many Baloch females active on social media platforms, especially on Instagram and YouTube where they seek out their future. One thing that I have observed is that vlogging is more common among the females of Balochistan. However, female vloggers are still belittled and seen derogatorily in entire Balochistan. There are no more than 10 vloggers in all of the province. Therefore, almost all these vloggers have a large audience due to the poor competition. The most famous and first female vlogger of Gwadar, Balochistan is Anita Jalil who faced the hardships and backbitings of the people. People had no satisfactory thoughts about her but we all should accept that she is a leader who did not think about the people. She is a mind changer who does not leave her dreams as many others do, instead she fought against and won the hearts of thousands of Baloch people. She is not one of the most popular social media activists but she is the most popular one who has more than 960k followers on Facebook, more than 168k followers on Instagram, and more than 24k subscribers on YouTube. She possesses the most followers in the province. Besides, she is an actress who starred in one of the best films about females "Balochabad" which was directed and written by Shakir Shad, a very famous director in the province. The people are growing very fast, and their place is growing on the internet Secondly, look at these people now. Most of the time in Balochistan, if I look,
I can find a female blogger. They were the ones who made their way according to their wishes. We all should know that successful nations and people are not limited to any norm or boundary. They are limitless and adaptive. Therefore, to be successful, one must be limitless. Furthermore, this is the modern age where many things have become common. Participating in social media is undeniably a culture. According to some elderly people, every single person is connected to the internet whether he has his counts or not, but is connected to social media unwillingly. In simple words, almost everyone wants and is taking part in digital life. There is no shame in making fans and gaining an audience. But here in Balochistan, it is equal to death to go viral on social media for a girl. A female can not take part in social media because of the mindset of people. But, some dreamers are not affected. They are unstoppable. They are confronting the narrow-minded people. There is no one to deny that vlogging is growing very fast. People are liking them a lot, as well as the vloggers who create videos, are also more interested in creating what they are. This is really astonishing to know that the number of vloggers in Balochistan is increasing day by day as compared to other social media recreations. There could be many reasons behind this. Perhaps, they are encouraged by other vloggers who have gained a great audience through vlogging, or perhaps the beauty of Balochistan compels the residents to create videos and then show them to the world. In most places of Balochistan after facing countless troubles still, many females are socially active and are doing great work on social media platforms, especially YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook where they create videos relating to their wills. There is no proper internet in Balochistan. But still, these creators are neither comprised by the harsh conditions of the province nor could the rude behaviour of people spoil their visions. They work hard. They live in the media and have become famous among Baloch. They are a source of encouragement and hope for other females. It is a fact that Balochistan has been a victim of serious indispositions and catastrophes. There is nothing except fertile land but a poor population in Balochistan. There is nothing except pain and discomfort. Nevertheless, this province has attracted not only other people belonging to Pakistan but also the world. Really, a large number of YouTubers visit Balochistan and enjoy it a lot. Perhaps, that is why the number of bloggers is increasing in the province.
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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9
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from The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), an online data visualization and distribution platform, more than 50 percent of the global trade for asbestos, seed oils, and pig iron is sourced from Russia and Ukraine. Excluding crude and refined Ppetroleum, the following exhibit lists all products where the global traded value was more than US$1 billion in 2020 and Russian and Ukrainian exports accounted for more than 10 percent of the world trade. For the entrepreneurial-minded, these products might present an opportunity in the global trade market. Over the longer term, Ukrainian exports may come back to pre-war levels under normal circumstances (unless Russia annexes Ukraine). However, Russian exports are unlikely to recover anytime soon. Consequently, prices for products with a heavy dependence on Russian exports will likely remain elevated over the long term. This commodity price-driven inflation will be accompanied by slow/negative growth in real economic output in various regions across the globe. Countries, especially those in Europe, are also expected to increase military spending to bolster their defenses. And lastly, it will not be a surprise if the Chinese CIPS network makes inroads against the dollar-based SWIFT network. Even after cessation of the war, owing to the sanctions Russian exports will not recover to prewar levels anytime soon. The following products, along with their substitute products, are likely to see elevated prices over the longer term. It is noteworthy that asbestos has been linked to cancer and is banned in many countries around the world. However, Russia is the largest exporter of the mineral, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the global export in 2020. In terms of the largest $ value of export, Crude Petroleum was Russia’s largest export in 2020, followed by Refined Petroleum and Petroleum Gas. Whereas the US banned Russian Oil imports in early March, the EU is more divided but has indicated that some measures are forthcoming, along with a ban on Russian Coal. Europe, however, remains heavily dependent on Russian gas, with some estimates putting Russian gas accounting for 40% of the EU’s gas needs. There are plans to reduce this dependence to about 24% with the import of liquified natural gas from the US and some other
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countries. The long-term impact of the increase in commodity and food prices is inflation, which will be passed on to all countries across the globe, however remote their geographic location. This will disproportionately impact poorer nations, where food spending constitutes a much bigger share of the disposable income. Whether such scenarios lead to civil unrest, protests, and regime changes, remains to be seen.. Another unfortunate outcome of the RussiaUkraine war is the increase in defence budgets across the globe. This will be most notable in Europe, where countries have big wallets and close physical proximity to Russia. Several European countries, including Germany, Italy, Belgium, Romania, Poland, and Norway, have already announced plans to increase defence spending. A more militarized world is certainly profitable for the weapon manufacturers but could be catastrophic for the human race. SWIFT is the largest cross-border payments system in the world with over 11,000 banks across 200 countries in its network. According to The Economist, the SWIFT network had a daily average transaction volume of about $400 billion towards the end of 2021. The Chinese rival network, known as CIPS (Cross-Border Interbank Payment System), was well behind at $50 billion a day. As the US and EU ban more Russian banks from the SWIFT network, these banks are likely to switch to the CIPS network. Not only will a ban on all Russian banks from the SWIFT network result in difficulty in making payments for Russian gas (which the EU is dependent on) but it also bolsters the status of the Renminbi as the second global currency. In recent days, Russia announced its willingness to sell oil to ‘friendly countries’ at below-market rates. In future, if a country is facing high inflation and possible civil unrest, it will be more likely to avail such an offer. That said, only time will tell whether the world divides into two distinct trading blocs – one based on the dollar and another on the Renminbi. Excluding, Crude and Refined Petroleum, the following exhibit lists all products where the global traded value was more than $1 billion in 2020 and Russian exports accounted for more than 10 percent of the world trade. The author is pursuing an MSc in zoology in Indian occupied kashmir.He can be reached at ehsaanamy133@gmail.com.
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
Sunday, 24 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
Customs of Pakistan THERE are many Non-Muslims in our country like Christian, Hindus, and Sikhs. They also participate in the festivals of Muslims but they also celebrate their festivals like Holi, Ram Lila, Birthday of Hazrat Isa (A.S). Our culture is a mixed culture of different people with different ideologies. I pray that we as a nation have tolerance and acceptance for all cultures and ideologies. Our differences are our strengths; we need to be united and respect every culture. TANVEER MURAD KARACHI
Absence of humanity
Limits of US Human Rights Report on Bangladesh Has a mountain been made out of a molehill Jubeda Chowdhury
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HE USA recently released a report on the human rights situation of 198 countries in 2021. The country's state department made various allegations of human rights violations against Bangladesh. The US State Department's annual global report on human rights was launched on April 13, by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In Bangladesh, there have been claims of widespread impunity for security force abuses and corruption, according to the report. According to the 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Bangladesh report, "significant human rights issues included credible reports of unlawful or arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings; forced disappearance; torture or cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by the government or its agents on behalf of the government." Rejecting the report, the state minister for foreign affairs, Shahriar Alam, had already said in a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the report was given without verifying the information, and that. The US ambassador to Dhaka will be summoned for this. In an official response, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that the US report is far from the reality of Bangladesh. The state minister also claimed that information was taken from weak sources. He said that in Bangladesh, there are issues that are far from reality, which the government was excluding from outside. Which Bangladesh will never be able to entertain. Especially the rights issues of homosexuals that have been mentioned. There is a big problem with the quality of research that has been used. The sources from which the information was taken are weak. It is a clear political agenda. The state minister said the USA needed to hold talks with Bangladesh before releasing the report. The information mentioned in the US report will be verified by the concerned ministry and the US ambassador will be summoned in this regard. "We hoped they would share the matter with us first," he said. “It also falls within a rule. We have decided that we will talk to the USA about every issue.” Shahriar Alam said the government does not expect anyone else to interfere in the internal affairs of Bangladesh. "The government took little means to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption, abuse, and murders by security officers," according to the report. Bangladesh's government said on April 17, that the USA’s human rights country report "heavily underplayed" Bangladesh's existing system of accountability over law enforcement agencies, while Dhaka remains "intensely engaged" with the UN mechanism and US recommendations to protect human rights. “The report appears to urge the creation
of a lawless society in order to destabilize society and the government," the foreign ministry stated in a statement. It goes on to say that the Bangladeshi legal system forbids killing by indiscriminate use of firearms. Shahriar Alam stated that the government would seek an explanation from the USA, noting that there were fundamental flaws in the report. There are many limits to the report published by the US State Department. The report is based on the results of various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the majority of which are supported by donors. They do not fund such programmes out of their own pockets. Because these NGOs, particularly those in Western countries, are supported by donors, they feel compelled to collect negative news, fearing that if there is just positive news, their financing will be cut off. Politics may or may not play a factor in this. They are naturally loyal to whichever country provides the funds because they are supported by donors. Even large NGOs rely on donations, and they struggle if they do not receive the funds they require. During the pandemic, this is exactly what happened. During the pandemic, NGOs were largely inactive. Because the Western world was also hurting from the pand e m i c ' s consequences, the NGOs were unable to obtain much funding. In this sense, there is a constraint. The USA, like Bangladesh, did not delegate this obligation to the UN. Who entrusted them with the task of compiling reports about other countries? What is the law in this regard? It is their own set of rules. Is this report credible in the eyes of the world community? No country, neither Bangladesh, India, or China, has entrusted them with this task. Whatever they are doing may be logical, but it would have been great if they had done so after consulting Bangladesh. By making and publishing the reports, The USA always tries to interfere into some internal affairs of other countries. Human rights are a universally accepted term. Bangladesh is also working to promote human rights, law, peace and harmony in the country. Bangladesh has its own human rights commission. The legal codes of Bangladesh ensure the protection of human rights in Bangladesh. Because Bangladesh has a strategic engagement with the USA, it may have brought
this up during meetings.Bangladeshis must also be informed about human rights violations in the USA, or this endeavour will lose credibility.There are numerous examples of human rights violations in the USA. Extrajudicial killings are committed by US police. In the USA, roughly 1,000 such occurrences occur each year on average. In addition, there was the Black Lives Matter movement. In fact, not only Bangladeshi students, but students from the whole Indian subcontinent face hate crimes. Let’s talk about the human rights situation in the USA. 918 people have been shot and killed by the police in the USA in the past year. This isn’t my data. This is the data from The Washington Post. Protests over the 2020 Black Lives Matter, revived by the extrajudicial killing of George Floyd by three Minneapolis police officers, appeared to be the largest protest movement in US history. The US should look at the human rights situation in its territory first. On February 26, UN human rights experts called on the US government to end police torture and racial discrimination in the USA. According to reports of Western media outlets such as The Guardian and the BBC, there are serious violations of human rights in the USA. Shouldn't the USA look at the human rights situation in its own territory first? The constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh clearly spells out the fundamental principles of state policy. The Constitution explicitly articulates the protection and promotion of human rights (art. 11). It obliges all branches of government to respect and ensure the rights it enunciates. There are might have some individual incidents but the Bangladesh Police aims to enhance the capacity and willingness of all its members to contribute in a collaborative manner to the creation of a safer and more secure environment based on respect for human rights, equitable access to justice, and rule of law in accordance with the spirit of our constitution and the principles of universal human rights. It is true that there might have some individual incidents but the US authorities shouldn’t evaluate the whole scenario by a single frame. In the case of Bangladesh, the security forces may fire several times to save lives when terrorists fire their weapons. Bangladeshi citizens shouldn’t spark any new controversy and worry based on this recent human rights controversy. USBangladesh bilateral relations wouldn’t be affected. We have recently had the USBangladesh Partnership Dialogue where several important topics were discussed, including military cooperation. This is not the first time the USA has produced a study like this in recent years. There isn't much difference between those and the latest report.
It is true that there might have some individual incidents but the US authorities shouldn’t evaluate the whole scenario by a single frame. In the case of Bangladesh, the security forces may fire several times to save lives when terrorists fire their weapons
The writer is a freelance columnist
THE visuals of a snack seller brutally tortured to death by wedding guests have sent shockwaves across the country. A video that went viral on social media displayed Ashraf Sultan, a daily wager, lying on the floor with the guests enjoying their meals completely unaffected by the incident. The cruelty of the incident left me speechless, and I could not help but picture myself as the next victim. The lack of humanity and cruelty displayed by the perpetrators shows an absence of morality and the prevalence of intolerance in our society. Ashraf, oblivious to the ill fate that awaited him, went to the wedding to sell snacks so that he could earn a meagre amount of money to feed his family. Even though Ashraf’s brother-in-law tried to rescue him from the scene, the bloodthirsty guests did not let him come to his aid. This incident has once again reminded us that as a society we have failed on multiple fronts. We have failed to inculcate the value of human life, compassion and tolerance amongst the people. The ineffective law and order situation has emboldened people to disobey laws and commit heinous crimes. The police only sprang into action after public outrage on social media. Twelve suspects were arrested including the wedding hall manager, and the police chief vowed to punish everyone responsible. Had the incident not been reported on social media, the perpetrators would have remained scot-free and continued to engage in all forms of cruelty. This is alarming because many incidents are never reported on social media and the police also remain impassive in helping the poor victims. This incident must be taken as an opportunity to address the larger issues prevalent in our society to avoid future acts of brutality. SAJJAD HUSSAIN LAHORE
UK and FATF hypocrisy THE Russia Ukraine war has exposed many hypocrisies of the Western countries, with Western nations allowing and even promoting foreign civilians to go fight in the war. Similarly, Ukrainian refugees are given a welcome by Western nations while Arabic, Asian and African refugees are treated very badly by the same nations. Another hypocrisy of the UK that has been exposed is the fact that UK laws have a loophole where the UK allows the purchase of properties in the UK anonymously via shell companies. This loophole has made the UK very rich while providing a safe place for criminals to deposit their ill-gotten wealth. UK Government is aware of this fact for decades and nowadays are facing pressure from the EU, who want the UK to confiscate the Russian oligarchy’s properties because Russia invaded Ukraine, where Pakistan and other developing nations have been asking for years to stop this practice, confiscate and return the properties that were bought with a stolen wealth of our nations back to us. The UK has ignored all such requests from developing nations. SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER PESHAWAR
Motorway rest areas SERvICE areas in Motorway are opened for the convenience of the travellers to give them facilities but unfortunately, they are also taking advantage of people by charging double money. At various rest areas, tuck shops prices are almost double or triple the market actual price. Last week I travelled from Multan to Lahore and the bus stopped at Rajhana service station where the cup of tea was charged for 120 rupees which is equal to the price of 1-kilo milk. Among the food items sold at inflated rates include coffee/tea, juices, mineral water, soft/cold drinks, biscuits and chips. It is the duty of NHA to check overpricing by carrying out surprise inspections at different times on a regular basis. The government should maintain check and balance on these rest areas. MARYAM NADEEM LAHORE
Street crimes WITHIN the first three months of 2022, more than 11,000 theft and robbery incidents were reported in Karachi alone, which reflects a complete failure of the law enforcement agencies in tackling crimes and protecting citizens. Many people lost their lives in resisting street crimes and theft. Some people have linked the increase in crime rates to the high unemployment, illiteracy, rising inflation, and poverty, which has compelled people to commit crimes to make ends meet. This may be true to some extent; however, it is the police’s inaction that has further emboldened street criminals. They have taken up new tactics of committing crimes while the citizens are in a constant state of fear and insecurity. Most people have either been a victim of street crimes themselves or know someone who was recently victimised. visiting a congested bazaar during broad daylight is just as unsafe as traveling on a desolate road at night. The disorderliness and a lack of safety are impacting the overall wellbeing of society. The police rarely patrol in areas and fail to investigate cases properly. Although the provincial government recently met with law enforcement agencies to form a strategy to curb the rising crimes, we have yet to see effective implementation of these strategies. The police must undertake this task seriously to restore law and order and allow the citizens of Karachi to heave a sigh of relief. KINZA FATIMA KARACHI
Sunday, 24 April, 2022
08 WORLD VIEW
The French elecTion is a glimpse aT The volaTile FuTure oF WesTern poliTics THE FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION UNDERSCORES HOW POPULIST FORCES ARE RISING ACROSS THE WEST AS THE POLITICAL CENTRE STRUGGLES TO REINVENT ITSELF
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CaTHERInE FIESCHI
HroUDED in the news flowing from Ukraine and russia, the French presidential campaign was a muted affair this year. Now as we head into the final runoff this weekend, the stakes for France, for Europe and for the global security order are higher than they have been in a long time. Yet whether Emmanuel Macron or Marine Le Pen is victorious, the election already offers more evidence of the challenges facing mainstream politics, with the collapse of the traditionally dominant parties and populist forces still rising across the West. Take the strength of anti-status quo votes in France and Brexit’s rallying cry of “take back control.” or Viktor orbán and Hungary’s refusal to play by the European rules and italy’s thinly veiled chaos despite Mario Draghi’s best efforts — not to mention Donald Trump’s reign in the United states. There is clearly growing voter revulsion toward the idea that they are condemned to one size fits all institutions, and to a single political and policy path. The idea that There is No Alternative, as Margaret Thatcher once said, has become unbearable even when what is on offer is more comfortable and predictable. Whether this broad rejection of the status quo means we are headed toward a world dominated by illiberal politics or merely one of extreme and permanent volatility isn’t yet clear. And new crises, notably the consequences of climate change, may well fashion some hybrid version of our politics. But ultimately, populism is probably a transition, not an end-state. The politics of the center are far from irrelevant, but our institutions — overwhelmed by the politics of accusation and resentment — no longer know how to provide voters with reasonable and legitimate means to address their grievances from a centrist vantage point. so populism, however destructive, may yet force Western politicians to craft new institutional paths to representation and to compromise — more in sync with what people experience in their everyday lives, and with what they value. There is a perspective from which the results of the first round of the French election earlier this month are a quintessentially French story and nothing larger. in fact, France looks as though it is copying itself by staging a rematch of 2017: A Macron-Le Pen runoff, and an outcome that isn’t quite yet in the bag — down, even, to roughly similar first round results for the top three candidates. Macron slightly higher with 28 percent (rather
than 2017’s 24 percent); Le Pen also slightly higher (with 23 percent rather than 21 percent). And finally, third man Jean-Luc Mélenchon (with 22 percent rather than 20 percent), once again locked out of the second-round contest. But look closely and there are some fundamental differences. First off, the candidates may look the same, but this is a bit of an optical illusion. Macron is no longer the exciting young maverick who stormed the Elysée, having siphoned support from a frustrated center-left and scandal-plagued center-right. He’s struggled to govern through crises like the Yellow Vests protests and pension reform strikes, while his “Jupiterian” approach and occasional sarcasm have all led to a deep resentment of his persona and some outright loathing in many quarters. Post-pandemic, most French voters might have grudgingly agreed that Macron’s government has “done oK,” and as a result, Macron entered this election well ahead of other candidates in the polls, and slightly boosted by the Ukraine crisis. But a majority of voters are at best disillusioned and most often angry. Meanwhile, in five short years, Le Pen has furthered her mission to appear more mainstream. Gone are the days when 80 percent of French voters thought she and her far-right party were a menace to democracy. Today, the number is barely 50 percent. Le Pen’s strategy (since she took over the party from her Holocaust-denying father in 2011) has been to focus on lower income voters. rather than simply woo those susceptible to a traditional populist right agenda on immigration and integration as her father had done, she made a play for working class voters who increasingly felt that the traditional left had deserted them and their interests. This story is a familiar one in advanced democracies where progressive or social democratic parties have struggled to reconcile representing the economically vulnerable while supporting inclusive visions of societies that lower income voters feel disproportionately benefit an (urban, cultural) elite. Le Pen’s mainstreaming is deceptive: she sports a softer haircut, and the pictures are more Carol Brady waving brownies than far-right warrior expelling immigrants — yet the program remains chillingly nationalist, particularly on issues to related to immigration, integration and citizenship. But Le Pen has left these issues on the back burner (on page 16 of her pamphlet, where her traditional voters know where to find them), while she campaigns on the high cost of living and rising energy prices, which she blames on renewable energy development, Macron’s failed diplomacy with russia, and on western sanctions. (After russia invaded Ukraine, Le Pen quickly pulped her campaign fliers and produced a version purged of the chummy photos of her and Vladimir Putin. she has — weakly — condemned russia’s aggression but suggested to voters who are anxious about the war that, were she to get into power, she would seek peace with russia and a closer alignment between NATo and russia.) Macron spent a good part of his campaign engineering the faceoff with Le Pen, convinced he would easily beat her again. But now he is faced with a candidate who cannot be as swiftly dispatched because she stands as the only alternative to him and the status quo liberalism he
stands for — in a landscape where most voters seem to want alternatives. And this is perhaps the major point of difference with 2017 and the most alarming one from a broader European political perspective: in 2017, Macron was elected by reducing the socialists to rubble and putting the center-right on life support. This year, that trend accelerated, as the socialists’ candidate came in below 2 percent (after holding the presidency a mere five years ago) and the leading candidate of the center-right came in under 5 percent. The result is that Macron aside, the candidates from the main institutional parties have been wiped out in this election. of the three candidates who came in over 20 percent, one is of the populist right (Le Pen) and one is of the populist left (Mélenchon); both advocate a distanced relationship with the EU and with the U.s., governance by popular referendum and pulling out of NATo or NATo’s integrated command. Add to this the 7 percent for extreme right Éric Zemmour and the 26 percent of voters who stayed home, and it shows the vast majority of French voters are refusing to engage with mainstream politics. THE GoLDiLoCKs iLLUsioN on the eve of the second round of voting, there are two ways of looking at this. The first is to argue, as many have, that France is split into two blocs — an “elite bloc” (roughly one-third) that tends to be optimistic and more confident in the future, and a “popular bloc” (the other two-thirds) that is angry, worried and wants out of “the system.” The fact that in France these two blocs are nowhere near of equal size should worry us in a majoritarian system — can the nonpopulist bloc ever win again given the numbers? it’s worth noting that when the blocs are of more comparable size, as in the U.s., the outcome is instability, and no less worrying. Perhaps as a way of posing the question in a less desperate way, some French analysts are choosing to frame the result as “tripolarization,” the emergence of three blocs — a populist right bloc, a populist left bloc and a centrist liberal bloc. The appeal of dividing France — or any other European democracy — into three poles is obvious; it avoids lending credence to the populist view of two enemy blocs fighting to the death, and it gives current politics a certain comfortable readability that maintains a version of left, right and center. What one might call Goldilocks politics — with a center that’s “just right.” But it’s not clear this center really exists at the moment: it is more likely a trick of the light. The political center is not an illusion, but it’s always been a constructed compromise. Under our current politics, it feels fabricated to many voters, with their preferences not so much aggregated as disregarded. The result is invective and polarization. sunday’s round may deliver the last gasps of Goldilocks politics à la Française: Most recent polls suggest that Macron will win next week — and perhaps even that the parliamentary elections in June might deliver a just-about-workable, centrist majority or set of alliances to govern France across the political spectrum. Two things seem clear though. First, it’s foolish to ascribe any permanence to this kind of bi-polar, or “tripolar” politics; we are not yet recomposing or realigning
— we are still decomposing and de-aligning. in this respect, the French election ultimately offers a glimpse at the future of Western politics: Whether populist politicians take power or not, they are certain to continue to upend our politics for years to come. Either because they will continue to create knife-edge situations such as the ones in France or the U.s. Which brings us to the second point: Part of the attraction of illiberal ideologies (sometimes imported from places such as russia and China that have gone through more recent political and economic upheavals) is their rejection of the status quo. What is coming into focus is the fact that voters have a bone to pick not just with the choices they are being offered, but with the way they are being asked to choose. rEsPoNDiNG To THE PoPULisT MoMENT However, we decide to interpret political developments in European democracies, their institutions show signs of fraying. Be it the voting systems, the electoral calendars, the political parties and even the broad political and cultural references that account for their emergence (social democracy or Gaullism, for instance). A couple of things are worth highlighting here. The first is that voters in France and elsewhere have made it clear over the past few decades that they trust representative institutions — indeed they care about institutional representation — less and less. The fact that a sizable minority, or a small majority, of voters keep choosing populist politicians who are wedded to the idea of governing via referendum is no accident; that’s not only because the populists may not have the necessary majorities in parliament, but because populism is in great part about the bypassing of representative institutions to give a direct voice to the people. The experience of the speed, immediacy and endless variety of the internet, and the illusion of personal efficacy and relevance created by the echo chambers of social media do nothing to attenuate the demand for directness and speed of policy. Yet interestingly, no one has yet really used digital tools to improve democratic representation and make them more reactive and more adaptive. it’s notable that France’s younger voters, who are likely the most digitally savvy, largely flocked to the populists Mélenchon and Le Pen. in a world where digital channels create a permanent aspiration to intimacy, closeness and reactivity, we shouldn’t underestimate the resentment toward a political world that offers none of that. This is what populist politicians — left and right — have understood: the fundamental need for personal involvement and efficacy in a world where they have become a form of currency. if Macron and his centrist counterparts across the West want to chart a viable alternative, they must find a way to meet voters where they are and provide them with a political adventure that meets their aspirations. And paradoxically, on climate change, on energy, on defense, a majority of European citizens want the EU to take more responsibility. Can Europe be the adventure? it might be our best shot. Catherine Fieschi is founder of the research and advisory group Counterpoint and author of Populocracy: The Tyranny of Authenticity and the rise of Populism.
Boris Johnson’s trip to India won’t work IF THE WEST WANTS TO CHOKE PUTIN’S WAR MACHINE, THEY WILL NEED TO DO FAR MORE THAN JUST PLEAD FOR INDIAN SUPPORT. THEY WILL NEED TO THREATEN MODI WITH SANCTIONS
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Sunny Hundal
oris Johnson has gone to india to persuade its leader to join the western alliance against Putin. i guess it allows him to escape inconvenient headlines at home. But the trip to india is unlikely to yield much. For both leaders it is a photo opportunity for a pretence. india’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, is far more ideologically, culturally and militarily aligned with Putin than is commonly assumed in Europe. india isn’t walking a fine
line, but rather trying to give western leaders that impression, in order to preserve its close alliance with Putin. in fact, it was among the first countries to start flouting western sanctions by doubling down on buying russian oil, even as China held off. Let’s take the military point first, since that’s what most people focus on. it is true that for decades, india was the single largest importer of russian military equipment. Nearly $36bn (£27bn) out of the total $54bn it spent on arms imports over the last 20 years went to russia. only around $4bn was spent on military equipment from the Us and, and a similar amount from israel. As much as 85 per cent of india’s key weapons systems are of russian origin, according to one estimate. All this makes india reliant on Putin for spare parts, maintenance and upgrades. But this is only one side of the picture.
The country had long sought to buy more sophisticated and advanced American defence technology, but was hampered by sanctions imposed by the Clinton administration in 1998, after it tested multiple nuclear weapons. in other words, it had no choice but to buy russian military technology. There’s another key reason india needs western support. China’s leader Xi Jinping has taken a far more confrontational approach with india over border disputes than his predecessor, humiliating Modi multiple times. That makes the country ideal for a partnership with the Us, Britain, Japan and Australia – who want allies to help contain China. staying in an alliance with Putin makes both countries even more dependent on the mercy of their bigger partner, China. in other words, the military case for india sticking with russia isn’t as clear cut as some western and indian commentators
claim. Modi’s alliance with Putin is deeper than simply a marriage of convenience. it is an ideological and cultural marriage too. And both countries take that more seriously than western commentators realise. it’s worth remembering that before he became prime minister, Modi was banned from entering the UK and the Us. in 2002, he was widely blamed for sitting by and doing little as Hindu extremists carried out anti-Muslim pogroms in the state of Gujarat – where he was the leader. He was banned for good reason. The Us and UK at the time were hoping he would not come to power. Modi has not forgotten that slight. Modi’s party, the BJP, wants to create a state where Hindus are put first. Not a multicultural and multifaith democracy, but an authoritarian state where one group has implicit and explicit power over everyone else. Christian, Muslim and sikh groups have
been sounding the alarm ever since he came to power. Christians and Muslims in india in particular have faced a rising number of attacks in recent years over the practice of their faith. Modi and Putin share a worldview that goes deeper than military ties. They both want to create a nation that eschews diversity and democracy for an authoritarian ethnostate. They want to put their own people (white russians, upper-caste Hindus) first. And they resent the Us and the UK for raising human rights abuses at home. The Hindu nationalist right is much closer to Putin and Xi Jinping’s worldview than that of the Democrats in the Us. While Modi was happy to go and campaign for and with Donald Trump, he hasn’t had the same relationship with Biden, for the same reasons. if it strikes you as odd that the far right would make alliances with brown people, it shouldn’t. Hindu extremists have long admired Hitler, and more recently there was plenty of love for Trump among the same crowd for similar reasons. Modi and Putin both believe that countries should be allowed to run their own affairs how they want, including the persecution and subjugation of minorities if needed. if the west wants to choke Putin’s war machine, they will need to do far more than just plead for indian support. They will need to threaten Modi with sanctions and show some resolve. it’s the only language that both Putin and Modi understand.
Sunday, 24 April, 2022 | LAHORE
NEWS
corporate corner first phase of monitoring of partner institutes of nAVttC punjab carried out The first phase of monitoring of the partner institutes of National Vocational and Technical Training Commission Punjab region was carried out to evaluate the training program of Batch-III of the Prime Minister’s Skill for All Program. A total of 304 institutes were monitored in 9 divisions of Punjab which include Lahore, Bahawalpur, Multan, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal. National Vocational and Technical training Commission has developed a its own android based monitoring and evaluation application that is linked on real-time basis with project management and monitoring system (PMMS) along with dashboard access to all key management personnel and field monitoring and evaluation(M&E) operators. The implementation of NAVTTC’s effective M&E strategy across the country has produced the remarkable results by delivering state of the art trainings under the Prime Minister’s Skill for All Program. NAVTTC is working hand in hand with the training partners for enhancing quality of the TVET sector. NAVTTC has sofar successfully trained 74,736 youth in 150 High-TECH and 100 Conventional technologies with 71% employment. Presently a batch of 63,000 youth is being given skill trainings through 989 Training partners and reputed universities. 95% youth have expressed satisfaction over the quality of the trainings by NAVTTC. The “Skills for All Strategy” of government is working as a catalyst for imparting quality training among youth. pr
pmC implements mdCAt in accordance with global best practices ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical Commission envisions improving standards of healthcare delivery in Pakistan by fostering an environment that produces healthcare practitioners who imbibe the values of compassion, commitment, and excellence. The Pakistan Medical Commission strives to improve healthcare education through the advancement of quality medical and dental education in Pakistan. Pakistan Medical Commission successfully implemented and conducted the single largest computer-based MDCAT examination in Pakistan to ensure that every student entering the field of medical study has the necessary aptitude, knowledge concepts, and analytical skills required for a rigorous medical and dental training program. Prior to the establishment of PMC, each province conducted its separate medical college entry tests with different curriculums and examination structures. Thus, the results followed a different method in each province creating a pool of students not given equal opportunities in the entry tests and a varying merit standard. Consequently, deserving students missed out on the chance of medical or dental education. The MDCAT being a computer-based examination was in accordance with global best practices to give a fair chance to every medical aspirant. The MDCAT was successfully held across 22 cities in 25 centers within Pakistan and 6 centers internationally. Catering to 194,309 medical and dental aspirants the centers were located across Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The centralized computer-based testing system has provided an extensive dataset that will help evaluate the quality and standard of higher secondary education across Pakistan. In order to recognize and acknowledge the performance of students in MDCAT, PMC conducted first of its kind an award ceremony in which students on the national and provisional levels were acknowledged on a national platform with medals, certificates, and cash prizes. Pakistan Medical Commission following its vision & commitment to Ensure System Transparency holds a second review for students who had some grievances with the MDCAT exam including choosing either a personal or a referral review. All such steps were taken to strengthen students’ belief that the single standard exam is designed to assess students’ potential and their readiness to start the medical and dental healthcare journey. The role of Pakistan Medical Commission towards betterment in the healthcare field is unprecedented. Despite baseless allegations and criticism, PMC is determined to facilitate all its stakeholders, especially students who are asset to the country. pr
A lArge number of supporters Attend shAukAt khAnum IftAr dInner LAHORE
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HE Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) organised a second fundraising iftar dinner in the city on Thursday, April 21, 2022 as part of its ongoing Zakat campaign. Chairman Board of Governors of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, Imran Khan, was present as the chief guest at the event. A large number of donors and supporters also attended this iftar where Rs. 20 crores were collected. On this occasion, Dr Muhammed Aasim Yusuf, Chief Medical Officer of SKMCH&RC, gave an overview of the ongoing projects of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, “Over the past twenty-seven years, the unstinting support of generous donors has meant that we have been able to provide financially supported treatment worth Rs. 63 billion to deserving cancer patients. At SKMCH&RC, we have always taken all possible steps to ensure that the utilisation of Zakat complies with Islamic injunctions regarding utilisation for Zakat-eligible patients. Zakat funds are used for the medical treatment of deserving patients, and not
for other expenses such as construction. SKMCH&RC has received Shariah compliance certification confirming that its Zakat processes are in line with Islamic principles.” Highlighting the impact of charity over the last year, Dr Aasim Yusuf said “In 2021, we recorded 63,725 chemotherapy sessions, 19,128 surgical procedures and 77,809 radiation treatments at all our facilities. The generous support of our donors enabled us to provide financially supported treatment worth Rs. 9.7 billion to deserving cancer patients and the proportion of Zakat collections in this was approximately
Rs. 5.1 billion, which reaffirms that Zakat funds are completely exhausted on providing direct patient care within the same year they are collected.” Addressing the distinguished guests, Imran Khan said that cancer treatment is very expensive and the majority of our people cannot afford it. For more than 27 years, SKMCH&RC has been collecting Zakat and providing financially supported treatment to over 75% of all patients. He said that SKMCH&RC is of huge benefit not only for deserving cancer patients but also for those who can afford to pay because they are
provided treatment according to international standards at much lower costs than countries like the UK or USA. He said that for a population of over 220 million, we need more cancer hospitals and for this reason, the second SKMCH&RC was constructed in Peshawar in 2015 and the third and largest SKMCH&RC is expected to open in Karachi in 2023. He added, “As a nation, we united in the cause of trying to eradicate the scourge of cancer from our country, and we made equitable access to quality cancer care a reality in Pakistan. For the year 2022, we have a budget of Rs. 28 billon and as in past years, we hope to collect a major portion of this through your Zakat and donations. Ramzan is the month of giving and in this month, I would like to urge everyone to open their hearts and donate generously to support our mission of providing equitable access to quality healthcare to thousands of cancer patients from around the country and beyond.” It may be recalled that the first fundraising iftar in Lahore was organised on April 15th this year when Rs. 15 crores were collected, demonstrating the trust of people in the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust as a credible charitable institution.
Groundbreaking ceremony held for ZEM Insignia by ZEM Builders ZEM Builders, a renowned real estate company, held the groundbreaking ceremony of one of their premium commercial projects located on GT road known as ZEM Insignia on 22nd April 2022. The ceremony was attended by the CEO of ZEM Builders, Zeeshan Akram Qureshi along with the business elite, distinguished members of society, clients and employees of ZEM Builders. Speaking on the occasion, Zeeshan Akram Qureshi, the CEO of ZEM Builders spoke about the significance of the project and how it will open up gates for novel businesses and commercial ventures. He further remarked on his vision of bringing cutting edge concept buildings to Pakistan and creating employment opportunities
through the real estate industry. ZEM Insignia is set to be one of its kind commercial hub that will create opportunities for startups and SMEs. It is expected to deliver high functionality through contemporary design and high-end amenities in its retail stores, office spaces and food outlets. ZEM Builders is one of the leading real estate companies in Pakistan over the years. It is known for introducing novel dynamics to the real estate industry by bringing cutting-edge designs, unique construction approaches and sustainable development. ZEM Builders has recently bagged “RCCI Brand of the Year Award 2021” for its remarkable endeavours in the real estate industry and for upholding its core brand values of innovation, quality and delivery. pr
India warns nationals against studying in Pakistan NEW DELHI AnAdolu Agency
Higher education authorities in India have urged nationals not to enrol in any college or educational institution in Pakistan. In an advisory issued on Friday for Indian nationals and overseas citizens, the University Grants Commission and All India Council for Technical Education said that all “concerned” are advised “not to travel to Pakistan for pursuing Higher Education.” Those intending to receive education in Pakistan, will not be eligible for employment or further education in India, the regulators said.
“Any Indian national/Overseas Citizen of India who intends to take admission in any degree (of) college/educational institution of Pakistan shall not be eligible for seeking employment or higher studies in India on the basis of such educational qualifications (in any subject) acquired in Pakistan,” the advisory said. It added that migrants and their children who “have acquired higher education degrees in Pakistan and have been awarded citizenship by India would be eligible for seeking employment in India,” but only after obtaining security clearance from the Indian Home Ministry. The Indian government had previously issued similar advisories for educational institutions in Azad
Pakistani philanthropist and microfinance pioneer Dr. Amjad Saqib nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2022 Dr. Amjad Saqib, a Pakistani philanthropist and the founder of Akhuwat, the country's largest interest-free microfinance programme, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work in poverty alleviation. His organisation began in 2001 with 100 USD, and nearly two decades later, Akhuwat has grown into the nation's largest microfinance institution, dis-
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tributing the equivalent of 900 USD million to five million poor families and boasting a loan repayment rate of nearly 100%. There have been 343 nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, including 251 individuals and 92 organisations from around the world. “Dr. Amjad, Chairman of the Akhuwat Foundation, stated on this prestigious occa-
sion, "My services are beyond such awards, and they are purely for the sake of Allah." Dr. Amjad was also one of five recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, named after a Filipino president who died in a plane crash, for his "first-of-its-kind" interest- and collateral-free microfinance programme, which has helped millions of poor families. pr
Jammu and Kashmir. Most of Indian nationals who pursue higher education in Pakistan are from the occupied Kashmir region. The erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir has been a bone of contention between the two nuclear rivals since 1947, following the end of British colonial rule in the subcontinent. The Muslim majority picturesque valley is controlled by Pakistan and India in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir is also held by China. Since they were partitioned in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars — in 1948, 1965 and 1971 — two of them over Kashmir.
Sunday, 24 April, 2022 | LAHORE
10 FOREIGN NEWS
MuSlIM GenocIde: After HIjAB, KArnAtAKA Govt Set to BAn AzAAn BENgALURU
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Agencies
He government in the Indian state of Karnataka is all set to strictly implement ban on Azaan through loudspeakers. The move is likely to add to the existing social unrest in the state. Karnataka Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai, and the state DG and IGP Praveen Sood made it clear on Friday that everyone should follow the law in this regard. Bommai said instructions have been issued for resolving the Azaan issue harmoniously through holding peace committee meetings at the police station level. He said, the process is going on and everyone should follow the law. “There is a High Court order on Azaan. A circular has already been issued in accordance with that. The rule also specifies the decibel level. The DG has already issued the circular,” he stated. IGP Praveen Sood had stated that as per the rule, notices have been issued to mosques and other places where speakers are used. “We will not allow violation of the High Court rule at any cost. The police have issued notices across the state,” he stated. Media reports quoting sources in the police department, however, said that any action against a mosque or a
temple for use of speakers would result in chaotic consequences for the state. Meanwhile, the founder of extremist Hindu organization Sri Ram Sena, Pramod Muthalik, has stated that he has launched an “Azaan se Azadi” campaign in the state. He had demanded that the government should ensure ban on performing of Azaan on loudspeak-
Iran says talks with regional rival Saudi Arabia resumed in Baghdad TEHRAN
ers in the mosques. Ban on Halal products demanded across IndIa: Meanwhile, a plea has been moved in the Indian Supreme Court seeking a ban across India on Halal certified products and also withdrawal of Halal certification. The plea by advocate Vibhor
Indian police drowns Kashmiri youth in IIojK sRiNAgAR Agencies
Anand, maintained that the Muslim minority, which is 15 per cent of the population, wants to consume ‘Halal’ meat and the same is being forced upon the rest 85 per cent of the people. “Now, this ‘Halal’ certification is not restricted to meat, but it has been extended to even food items, cosmetics, medicines, hospitals, housing societies and malls. It includes snacks, sweets, grains, oils, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, nail polish, lipsticks, etc,” it said. The plea stated that the acceptance of Halal certification by private organisations like Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind and few others mean that the existing government certification like ISI (Indian Standards Institution) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) on consumer products is not enough. It claimed that the Halal certification of products is discriminatory towards other communities. The plea said people who may not be comfortable with halal meat, or for people with religions where only jhatka meat is allowed, no longer have any choice in the matter. The plea urged the top court to issue direction to the Indian government to declare all the certificates issued by various organisations as null and void and also direct the government to impose a ban on all products which have been Halal certified.
Xi Jinping unanimously elected delegate to 20th CPC National Congress
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Rival regional powers Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed talks in the Iraqi capital after they were suspended in March, Iran’s semi-official Nour News reported on Saturday. There was no confirmation from Saudi Arabia or Iraq on the resumption of the talks. “The latest positive meeting has raised hopes for the two countries to take steps toward the resumption of ties,” said Nour News, which is affiliated with the country’s Supreme National Security Council. It did not say when the fifth round of talks were held. Riyadh severed ties with Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in the Iranian capital following the execution of a Shi’ite cleric in Saudi Arabia. Iran suspended the talks in March without giving a reason for the decision that came as a new round of negotiations was due to start. The move came after Saudi Arabia executed 81 men in its biggest mass execution in decades. Tehran condemned the executions that activists said included 41 Shi’ite Muslims. Predominantly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi’ite Iran, which are locked in proxy conflicts around the region, started direct talks last year to try to contain tensions. Saudi Arabia and Iran have backed opposing sides in regional conflicts and political disputes in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq for years, and Saudi Arabia has led an Arab coalition waging war against the Iranaligned Houthi movement in Yemen since 2015.
Xi Jinping was elected delegate to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the CPC Guangxi regional congress by a unanimous vote on Friday. A total of 2,300 delegates will be elected by 38 electoral units across China by the end of June. Later this year, the delegates are expected to attend the national congress, a high-profile political event held every five years to discuss and decide the Party’s key issues. The name of Xi, general secretary of the current CPC Central Committee, was put to the vote in the electoral unit of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after he was nominated by the CPC Central Committee as a candidate for delegate to the 20th CPC National Congress. According to an earlier report by the Xinhua News Agency, Party leaders were assigned to
local electoral units in the 19th CPC National Congress elections in 2017 to demonstrate the Party leadership’s focus on regional development. Some provinces or regions were considered “battlefields of poverty alleviation,” some were on the frontline of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, and others were ethnic minority areas. Guangxi, a mainly minority ethnic region in southern China bordering Vietnam, is considered an important stop for cross-border trade with Southeast Asia. During the Guangxi CPC
congress held on Thursday and Friday in the capital city Nanning, regional delegates said that Xi’s election represents the shared aspiration of more than 2.5 million Party members and over 150,000 grass-roots Party organizations in the region. The Party’s 20th national congress comes at an important time after the Party announced the realization of its first centenary goal – building a moderately prosperous society in all respects – and has embarked on a new journey to build a modern socialist country.
In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a 17year-old boy died of drowning after Indian police forced him to jump into a river in Badgam district. According to Kashmir Media Service, people staged a protest demonstration in Kawoosa area of Badgam district on Friday against the killing of a youth Muhammad Yousuf Kantroo by Indian troops. Yousuf Kantroo, a resident of Badgam district, along with two other youth was martyred by the troops during a cordon and search operation in Pariswani area of Baramulla district on Thursday. Indian police used brute force to disperse the protesters in Kawoosa near Magam area of Badgam district. The police chased a group of youth and one of them, Shabbar Hussain Mir (17), jumped into Sukhnag river. eyewitnesses said that the boy jumped in the river but was unable to swim to safety and drowned. After hours of search, they said, the teenager’s body was retrieved by residents and taken to his native place for burial. Shabbar was laid to rest amid tears and sobs as the entire neighbourhood had assembled there to mourn his loss.
Aid groups push to feed Yemen’s hungry millions during ramadan ceasefire HAJJAH/AL MAHRA ReuteRs
A two-month ceasefire has given aid groups a chance to step up aid to Yemen’s hungry millions, but malnutrition ravaging children is projected to worsen if fighting returns or humanitarian funding does not pick up. “The benefits of the first weeks of truce are already significant,” said erin Hutchinson, Yemen Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council. The group has been able to give aid to 12,000 people in one district of Hajjah province that has not been reached for more than three years. More than seven years of conflict in Yemen have devastated the economy, displaced millions and pushed food prices out of the reach of many. Spiking global grain and commodity prices are adding further strain. “Tens of millions of people in Yemen are living hand-tomouth,” said Richard Ragan of the World Food Programme (WFP), which is trying to feed half of Yemen’s 30 million people in one of its largest-ever programmes. Stunted and weakened by severe malnourishment, oneyear-old Jiad Jalal’s skin is dry and wrinkled over his protruding skull, limbs and stomach. Living in a makeshift displacement camp in Khadish, Hajjah, one of Yemen’s poorest regions, Jalal is one of 2.2 million children under five — including 538,000 severely malnourished — who will suffer acute malnutrition this year, according to preceasefire UN estimates. “We eat only what we can get from aid agencies. Wheat, beans and such items. If we don’t receive food, then some days we eat and other days we go hungry,” said his grandmother Zahra Ahmed. “We are trapped between hunger and exhaustion. Look at the children,” she added, gesturing to tiny Jalal who they cannot afford to take to the capital Sanaa for treatment. Hunger and malnutrition have worsened this year, the UN’s March data showed, and the body projected that between June and December those unable to secure minimum nutrition will hit a new high of 19 million, up from 17.4 million currently. The number facing famine-like conditions could increase from 31,000 to 161,000 people, the UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis said. In al-Mahra, in Yemen’s east, women in a displacement camp of tattered shelters built outdoor fires to fry dough balls that children munch on, and pat bread into hot mud ovens. “We adults, we have to be patient and go hungry to feed the children. If only you could see how sick I am, because I only feed my children,” said mother-of-ten Fatima Qayed.
BFA’s takeaways add confidence to global cooperation amid COVID-19 MiAN ABRAR Defying headwinds from the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, fragile global economic recovery and complex geopolitics, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2022 has voiced the importance of an open mind and coordinated global actions loud and clear. Themed “The World in COVID19 & Beyond: Working Together for Global Development and Shared Future,” the forum was held from Wednesday to Friday in Boao, a coastal town in China’s southernmost province of Hainan. It gathered government officials, heads of international organizations, experts and entrepreneurs from all over the world to discuss the post-pandemic development agenda. From improving public health, promoting common prosperity, and realizing carbon neutrality to proposing the Global Security Initiative, China
has shared its wisdom and demonstrated its resolution to bring more certainties to the world’s prospects. Delivering remarks for the opening ceremony, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that China as the world’s second-largest economy is of great significance to promoting the world’s economic recovery. Meanwhile, all countries over the globe should strengthen their cooperation to achieve the goal. “In a world of change, one thing remains constant — the importance of solidarity between countries,” Georgieva said. BrIdGInG ImmunIZatIon Gap: “Last year when we met, much of the talk was on COVID-19. This year, the virus is still here with us,” said BFA’s chairman Ban Kimoon in his welcome speech during the opening ceremony of this year’s conference. To date, the world has recorded more than 500 million COVID-19 in-
fections and the novel coronavirus has claimed the lives of over 6.2 million people. For humanity to clinch a final victory against the pandemic, more hard efforts are needed. China has provided over 2.1 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations. It will follow through with the pledged donation of 600 million and 150 million doses of vaccines to Africa and ASeAN countries respectively, as part of its effort to close the immunization gap. Be it in delivering vaccines abroad or producing them overseas, China has honored its commitments with concrete actions. “China action” has won rounds of applause from BFA attendees. “China is doing its best, not only to protect its own people but also to make a huge contribution,” said Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, former director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Alessandro Golombiewski Teixeira, a former chief economic advisor to the president of Brazil, is “a big supporter” of China’s dynamic zeroCOVID approach. “I think China can inspire countries to take this as a serious matter because you are talking about the life of its people,” he said, adding that other countries may not be able to copy the Chinese model, but can learn from the Chinese mentality to better deal with the pandemic and to avoid as many deaths as possible. toWard Greener Future: Ranging from the venues which are solely powered by green electricity, to the recyclable and degradable cups provided to BFA guests, low-carbon applications and design details can be spotted throughout the BFA venues. The conference’s green transition has mirrored China’s continuous pursuit of a greener future. China has announced its ambitious targets of peaking CO2 emissions before 2030
and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. China, the world’s largest carbon emitter, has become the largest user of renewable energy over the years, with its carbon intensity slashed significantly. The country’s enterprises are also scrambling to walk the talk. During the BFA, a newly developed stainless steel material bought by BROAD Group caught the attention of many guests. The construction material can reduce carbon
emissions by 90 kg per square meter, equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by five trees. Traditional industries in China have also jumped on the bandwagon to accelerate the green shift. China’s leading oil and gas producer China National Petroleum Corporation announced intensifying its efforts in green transformation during the BFA, particularly in the fields of technological innovation and ecofriendly development.
Sunday, 24 April, 2022 | LAHORE
SPORTS 11
MAn City, LiverPooL LoCked in titLe bAttLe LONDON
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News Desk
REMIER League leaders Manchester City and their relentless challengers Liverpool will expect to stay neck and neck in the title race after this weekend’s matches. In the battle for top four places, Arsenal can deliver a hammer blow to Manchester United’s hopes, while Chelsea can’t avoid another slip against West Ham. Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City will have to hold off one of the best teams ever if they are to pip Liverpool to the title. Guardiola’s side is one point clear of second-placed Liverpool after both teams won comfortably in midweek. With six games left, it will likely take just one slip from either team to decide the enthralling race. It would be a major surprise if that happens this weekend as the City hosts second-bottom Watford on Saturday, while Liverpool plays fourth-bottom, Everton, in Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield. Guardiola has acknowledged City will have to win all their remaining matches to be sure of lifting the trophy, and that is a fitting tribute
to the quality of quadruple chasers Liverpool. “Liverpool are one of the best sides in the whole of football history, we are facing one of the best teams
Paceman Mohammad Amir signs for Gloucestershire ISLAMABAD AFP
English county cricket club Gloucestershire announced on Friday they had signed former paceman Mohammad Amir on a three-match deal. The 30-year-old, who played 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals and 50 T20s, will be available for Gloucestershire’s County Championship division one games against Surrey, Hampshire and Somerset. Amir will provide cover for fellow bowler Naseem Shah, who has been ruled out of action for the next month with a shoulder injury. Amir, who received a five-year ban from cricket for his part in a 2010 spot-fixing scandal, said: “The County Championship is an amazing competition and I can’t wait to get going with Gloucestershire. “I love playing in English conditions and I’m feeling really good, so I hope I can perform well for the team.” Gloucestershire’s performance director Steve Snell said: “We are delighted to have signed a bowler of Amir’s calibre. “We will sadly be without Naseem for a few weeks due to injury and while we help him get back to full fitness, Amir will provide us with quality and international experience in our seam attack for what is a strong first division competition.”
Masood hits back-toback double centuries
ever,” Guardiola said this week. “They have everything, that’s why being there with them means a lot. The players know it. They’ve faced them and they know.
“We don’t have any chance to drop anything, but we have been in this position and played with this pressure.” Manchester United’s decision
to announce the long-awaited appointment of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their new manager from next season came just two days after the Dutch coach was given a stark reminder of the massive task he faces at Old Trafford. United’s wretched display in Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat at Liverpool underlined just how far they have fallen since Alex Ferguson led them to their last Premier League title in 2013. Languishing in sixth place – 23 points behind Manchester City – United have been reduced to scrapping for a top four finish and even that goal could well be beyond them. United head to Arsenal on Saturday trailing both the fifth placed Gunners and fourth placed Tottenham by three points. Defeat against a direct rival for the Champions League places would be a fatal blow for interim boss Ralf Rangnick and his side, who were rocked by the bomb threat received by out-of-form captain Harry Maguire on Thursday. Arsenal, behind Tottenham on goal difference, go into the clash boosted by Wednesday’s 4-2 win at Chelsea, a vital success that ended their run of three consecutive defeats. “I said to the players, if you
Russell and Mercedes find speed while rivals look ahead IMOLA
want to be playing Champions League football, you have to beat the top teams,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. Prior to their shock 4-1 home defeat against Brentford, Chelsea had won six consecutive games and were showing few signs of being affected by the sanctions on Russian owner Roman Abramovich. But since that unexpected setback, Thomas Tuchel’s side have been mired in a inconsistent spell that threatens to ruin their hopes of an uplifting end to a difficult campaign. Their painful Champions League quarter-final exit against Real Madrid featured a 3-1 first leg defeat in which Karim Benzema demolished the cracks in the Chelsea defence that Brentford had already exposed. The feelgood factor from a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals swiftly vanished as Arsenal ransacked Stamford Bridge to reawaken fears the Blues might miss out on a top four place. Currently five points clear of fifth place, Chelsea have conceded 11 goals in three home games and would be plunged into further turmoil if they lose to West Ham on Sunday.
Golf great Greg norman wants to play british open
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SYDNeY
George Russell was fastest in Saturday’s free practice in a strong headwind as champions Mercedes bounced back from a disastrous opening day at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton was fourth quickest in the other Mercedes as the team made the best of warmer dry conditions at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. The seventime champion had said Mercedes ‘underperformed as a team’ on the opening day. Sergio Perez was second for Red Bull ahead of championship leader Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. Fernando Alonso took fifth for Alpine and Carlos Sainz sixth in the second Ferrari ahead of world champion Max Verstappen in the second Red Bull. The result was an unexpected turnaround for the ‘silver arrows’ after Friday’s failure to qualify either car for the top-ten shootout for the first time in 10 years since the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix. But it may not signal an upturn in race competitiveness in the 100kilometre sprint race later on Saturday or Sunday’s Grand Prix. After Friday’s deluge, Saturday’s practice session began in warm sunshine and dry conditions
Golfing great Greg Norman intends to come out of retirement and compete at the British Open in July, a report said Saturday, with the Australian saying: “I love St Andrews.” The 67-year-old, a two-time winner of the Claret Jug who has recently been spearheading a proposed Saudi-backed breakaway Super League, has not played a major since 2009. But he wants to return for the tournament’s 150th edition, to be held at the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland — considered the home of golf. “I’m filling out the entry form now. I think I’m going,” he told News Corp Australia newspapers. Whether he tees off or not is still to be seen. Norman will either have to battle through qualifying or seek a rare special exemption, given he is over the cut-off age of 60 for former champions. He believes he has a case. “I think I can still get in,” he said. “It’s the 150th. I’m a past Open champion. I love St Andrews. “If… I would consider going back and teeing off one last time, maybe this is it.” Norman — nicknamed the “Great White Shark” — played the last of his 27 British Opens in 2009. He won in 1986 and 1993, and posted 10 top-10 finishes in all. Hugely popular in his heyday, he has become a polarising figure more recently as chief executive of a breakaway league funded by Saudi Arabia that is intended to rival the US PGA Tour. The new league hoped to lure top players, but a string of the world’s best have opted out, with Norman accused of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. He rejects that claim. “We are here to play golf, serve fans, grow the game, and give additional opportunities to players,” Norman told News Corp. “Golf is good for the world and that includes Saudi Arabia.”
AFP
with a track temperature of 31 degrees. The air temperature was 19 and rising and the circuit filled with animated ‘tifosi’ packing the stands and hillsides. Hamilton, on medium tyres, was out in the early bunch of runners and was soon top of the timings in one minute 21.809 seconds, a marker rapidly eclipsed as the Red Bulls took control on soft tyres. McLaren’s pair, Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, did not appear. The team said Ricciardo had “an issue” on his car. Valtteri Bottas’s Alfa Romeo was also up on the garage jacks. Leclerc came out, to the joy of Ferrari fans, but was apparently running with a heavy fuel load as he concentrated on preparation for the sprint race. Yuki Tsunoda, the only driver on hard tyres, was clearly more focussed on Sunday’s
Grand Prix. By mid-session, Russell had gone quickest for Mercedes ahead of Perez and Hamilton, indicating a major shift in the team’s fortunes after Friday’s travails in the rain. All three were in the 1:19’s. But in ‘sprint weekend’ format, the session was not as representative of pure speed as usual for a Saturday ahead of a traditional qualifying. Leclerc and Sainz were 10th and ninth and ‘resting’ back in Ferrari’s garage before the Monegasque returned to go second on the softs with 15 minutes to go. Sainz followed into sixth before Perez went second, both on mediums –- clear proof that the warmer weather enabled much better tyre performance, notably for Mercedes whose cars ran with a raised ride height on Saturday.
Hasan Ali praises Shaheen Afridi’s fitness and work ethic AgeNcIeS LONDON AFP
Pakistan opener Shan Masood on Friday hit a second successive double century in the English county championship to take his aggregate to 608 runs in four innings. The 32-year-old was out for 219, having hit 24 fours and a six as Derbyshire racked up 401 runs in the day to reach 437 for four and lead by 224 in their game against Leicestershire. Masood’s magnificent innings followed his 239 in last week’s draw against Sussex. Leftarm spinner Callum Parkinson finally claimed Masood’s wicket on Friday, bowling him with a ball that turned sharply from outside the left-hander’s off-stump. Masood turned for the pavilion but could leave the field only after every Leicestershire player, led by Parkinson, had offered a handshake of congratulation on a superb exhibition of high-class batting.
Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has showered Shaheen Afridi with praise following his solid start to the English county cricket season. Both Pakistani pacers are currently playing the LV Insurance County Championship; Hasan Ali is representing Lancashire whereas Shaheen Afridi is wearing the Middlesex jersey. Shaheen Afridi helped Middlesex register a massive victory of an inning and 82 runs over Glamorgan as he returned the figures of 3/35 and 1/34. He also contributed 29 runs with the bat which helped Middlesex further extend their first-inning score. Praising Shaheen, Hasan Ali said called his fellow colleague “an exceptional bowler.” “Shaheen Shah Afridi is an excep-
tional bowler. I see a hunger to succeed in his eyes and a passion to perform to his best and to me he is the fittest man in Pakistan who can bowl and field with the same enthusiasm all day long,” praised Hasan. Hasan Ali himself is enjoying a solid start to his English county season as he picked up 5 wickets in their match against Kent. Talking further about Pakistan’s domestic circuit, Hasan Ali also claimed that departmental cricket needs to be reinstated – a decision that was not part of former Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan’s plans. “We had a lot of departmental & regional teams before & having more domestic teams and therefore more cricket, would be beneficial for Pakistan. We have a population of over 220 million so having just 6 First-class teams does not fit our requirements,” Hasan claimed.
Sunday, 24 April, 2022
prayer timings
NEWS
BIlAwAl to tAKe oAth AS FM SooN: KAIrA
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AKISTAN People’s Party (PPP) leader and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira on Saturday confirmed that the party’s chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will take oath as foreign minister in a day or two. Talking to the media in London along with PML-N leader Ishaq Dar, Kaira said that all the matters have been sorted out and the PPP chairman has left for Pakistan after meeting with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Imran Khan running propaganda of conspiracy: Marriyum Aurangzeb ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Saturday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is running a propaganda of an alleged conspiracy. Marriyum Aurangzeb, while addressing a press conference today, said that Imran Khan sensed a conspiracy just after the coalition partners left his government. She questioned Imran Khan about the reason for hiding the diplomatic cable for so many days. Aurangzeb claimed that Imran Khan had looted the nation for four years and destroyed the economy. She responded to Khan’s allegations, saying that he is consistently lying about a conspiracy and he should stop misguiding the nation. “Imran Khan hid his bank accounts from the election commission. Why does Imran Khan keep meeting the representatives of the country hatching a conspiracy against him?” Levelling serious allegations, the information minister said that Imran Khan has sold the Kashmir. She said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is expected to announce PTI foreign funding case soon. “He kept collecting funds for his political party by using the name of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital,” said the minister. staff report
Govt aims to bring about economic, fiscal stability: Miftah Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Miftah Ismail said Saturday that the government was aiming to bring about economic and fiscal stability leading to economic recovery and growth. While achieving this objective, the government would ensure that this growth was all inclusive by taking care of the poor segments of the society, the minister said while speaking at an event hosted by renowned US think tank Atlantic Council in Washington DC. He highlighted the economic agenda and priorities of the newly formed government in Pakistan, according to press statement issued by the finance ministry here. Miftah reiterated the government’s commitment to attract US investment in all sectors of country’s economy by creating business friendly environment, adding the government also recognized the potential of Fintech and digital economy, and the sector would be facilitated further. He said that the government would take stepwise measures to ensure robust increase in country’s exports to resolve balance of payment and current account deficit issues. app
Dr. Alvi should act as President rather Niazi’s personal employee: Sanaullah ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that Dr. Arif Alvi needed to act as President of Pakistan instead of posing as personal employee of Imran Niazi. In a statement issued here on Saturday, he said that if Dr. Arif Alvi was not able to take care of dignity of the President Office, then he should step down without waiting any further. Rana Sanaullah said that the country would be run in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan and not on desires of Imran Khan. He said that the President Office if a constitutional position and not political. When it comes implementation of the constitution, the President falls sick. After directions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP), orders of the Lahore High Court (LHC) were also being violated, he added. staff report
“Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will take oath as FM in a day or two”, Kaira said. In their last meeting, the PML-N supremo and PPP chairman — the two key allies in the ruling coalition — discussed ways forward after a “constitutional victory for democracy, the rule of law and supremacy of parliament” and agree to work closely to “repair the rot across the board,” read a joint statement. Former premier Nawaz Sharif led the PML-N delegation during the talks, while the PPP side comprised Bilawal, Senator Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Kaira. staff report
Govt committed to attract US investment to Pakistan: Miftah WASHINGTON DC agencies
The Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has reiterated the government’s commitment to attract US investment in all sectors of Pakistan’s economy by creating business friendly environment Speaking at an event hosted by renowned US think tank Atlantic Council in Washington DC, Finance Minister Dr. Miftah Ismail highlighted the economic agenda and priorities of the newly formed government in Pakistan. He said the government’s aim is to bring about economic and fiscal stability leading to economic recovery and growth.
While achieving this objective, the government will ensure that this growth is all inclusive by taking care of the poor segments of the society. The Finance Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to attract US investment in all sectors of Pakistan’s economy by creating business friendly environment. He added that the government also recognizes the potential of Fintech and digital economy, and the sector will be facilitated further. Finance Minister said that the government will take stepwise measures to ensure robust increase in exports of Pakistan to resolve balance of payment and
current account deficit issues. Mr. Frederik Kempe, President of Atlantic Council in his introductory remarks said that Pakistan and the US had a longstanding partnership based on shared values of democratic governance, regional security and economic growth. The Atlantic Council is particularly working to promote economic cooperation between the two countries. He appreciated the role of Pakistani American diaspora in this regard. The Finance Minister also answered questions from the participants that included US government officials, economists, think tank experts and prominent Pakistani American entrepreneurs.
PM for combined efforts, energies to overcome deprivation of Balochistan QUETTA staff report
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that lack of facilities, neglect and sense of deprivation led the Balochistan province to backwardness which could be overcome through collective efforts by diversion of its due shares of energies and resources to the province. Addressing a ceremony after performing groundbreaking of the dualization of I- section of 330-kms Khuzdar-Kuchlak sections of N-25 Chaman-Karachi national highway, he regretted that despite gifted with huge natural resources and geographical location, the province had faced different challenges. He said rich with Sui natural gas reserves, the people of the province had not been given its due benefits, adding the true potential of Sandak, coal mines, Reko Diq reserves of gold and copper could be the harbinger of development and prosperity. He said Reko Diq mines exploration had remained an issue of litigation in the past frittering away precious time and national wealth. The Prime Minister regretted that they could not settle the issue and as a whole and individually, they had failed to meet the expectation of the people of the province. Acting Governor Jan Muhammad Jamali, Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, fed-
eral Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Communication Maulana Asad Mehmood and Minister for Housing and Works Maulana Abdul Wasey, Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti, Israr Tareen and provincial ministers were also present on the occasion. The Prime Minister said that they should not live in the past and keep on repenting rather they should move ahead with unity by learning from the past experiences. He said in the past, during 2000 to 2014, terrorism had wreaked havoc and the Baloch and Pashtuns living in the province bore the brunt like the people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Both provinces had been given unmatched sacrifices against the scourge of terrorism, he said and lauded the sacrifices of the armed forces and the law enforcement agencies that had helped defeated the specter of terrorism. The Prime Minister referring to recent incidents of terrorism, said that they knew the factors but with unity and solidarity, the nation would defeat it. He stressed upon a collective decision-making power which could remove all the hurdles and enable them to confront the emerging challenges. The Prime Minister further stressed that the narrative about South and North Balochistan should be shunned, rather it should be their priority to address
core issues like lack of basic facilities. He opined that after tribal areas, this province had been the poorest one, despite having huge natural reserves, which were not tapped properly. The Prime Minister said Reko Diq was a saga of great pain and discomfort as country’s billions of rupees had been wasted on litigation. Other nations had excelled while Pakistan lagged behind, he expressed. The Prime Minister said to live like a nation, they had to stand on their feet through achieving an economic prosperity. He said the coalition government was faced with huge challenges but expressed the confidence that they would rewrite a history of progress and development. The Prime Minister urged the political leadership to think of the country and its people irrespective of the political divide. He also announced to provide financial support to about 5,0000 families of the province living below the poverty line. However, he made it mandatory for the recipients to send their children to schools as they would not like to create an army of beggars rather to create a lot that should stand on their feet and turn themselves into nation builders. The Prime Minister also asked the concerned authorities to prepare a feasibility report over Quetta metro bus, besides establishment of a technical university.
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fiqah-e-hanfia lahore sehr: 4:01 am iftar: 6:36 Pm
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fiqah-e-jafaria lahore sehr: 3:11 am iftar: 6:46 Pm
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No change in army’s approach despite huge PtI protests: analysts KARACHI anadolu agency
Former army officers do not foresee any change in the military’s current approach towards the country’s future “political and constitutional course” despite huge crowds spilling out in support of former prime minister Imran Khan following his ouster. Khan, whose Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came into power after the 2018 general elections, was ousted through a successful no-trust motion by the opposition alliance earlier this month. He is the first Pakistani leader ousted through a no-confidence motion in the country’s 75-year political history. Crying foul, the ousted premier heaped the blame for his exit on an “American conspiracy”, a claim rejected by the army, although it acknowledged there was an “interference” in Islamabad’s internal affairs. Former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, nonetheless, acknowledged a creeping bitterness in otherwise congenial relations between the ex-prime minister and the army. “The PTI would have been in power had our relations with the establishment were good,” Chaudhry said in an interview with a media outfit earlier this week. Confirming that ties with the establishment had been fragile for the past several months, he said his party made “a lot of efforts” to end the rift. ArMy AnD poLItIcS: “The army will maintain its approach. There will be no change in its policy because of several crucial factors,” Talat Masood, a retired three-star general, opined. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Masood, who served in the military from 1952 to 1990, and took part in two wars against arch-rival India, contended that the former premier’s ongoing policy could “only diminish his chances of coming back to power.” “The first and foremost factor (behind no change in the military’s policy) is that the state cannot afford Khan’s narrative, which is highly detrimental in terms of economy, foreign policy, and internal and external security,” Masood said. He was referring to Islamabad’s longtime dependence on the US and the European Union in terms of military hardware, trade, and financial aid, particularly from international monetary agencies, which are heavily influenced by Washington. “It is high time for Khan to review his current approach, which is not at all in the country’s interest. He will definitely continue to enjoy (his) cult following, but it will not benefit the nation as a whole,” he went on to argue. The cricketer-turned-politician enjoys massive support among the youths, and nearly nine million overseas Pakistanis, who took to the streets across the country to protest his ouster. “Khan must exploit this potential in his favour positively rather than choosing a collision course,” he maintained. Endorsing Masood’s views, Mahmood Shah, a retired brigadier, observed that political gatherings or crowds, no matter how big they are, will not change the army’s policy. “Khan has a big following. But it’s not that big, which can dictate the state. He can come back to the power through elections, and not by forcing the state,” Shah, who served in the military from 1970 to 2002, told Anadolu Agency. “He will soon realise that he is pursuing a wrong approach.” ‘pAcIfIcAtIon’ cAMpAIgn: Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has held a string of meetings with serving and retired military officers in recent days, which according to analysts, is part of a “pacification” and “realisation of factual position” campaign in the face of criticism the army is facing for its alleged role in the change of regime in the country. “The ongoing campaign, especially on social media, which aims to target the army has affected the ranks and files of the military. And this is quite understandable because the army men don’t live in isolation. They have families, friends, and acquaintances with different political backgrounds,” said retired army Brig Said Nazir. Khan’s ouster, he said, did not sit well not only with his supporters, but many retired military officers, who took to the streets or the social media to express their peeve, which was “unprecedented”. “That’s why the army chief is meeting with serving and retired officers to clarify the military’s position on the recent political developments,” Nazir, who served in the army from 1973 to 2008, told Anadolu Agency.
Nawaz, Bilawal agree on need for close cooperation Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have met in London and agreed on the need for a fresh charter and close cooperation to take the country forward, a news outlet reported on Saturday. Nawaz led the PML-N delegation during the talks while the PPP side comprised Bilawal Bhutto, Sherry Rehman, Naveed
Qamar and Qamar Zaman Kaira. The joint statement said that during the meeting, both leaders agreed that they have accomplished a great deal whenever they work together, adding that it was resolved that the close cooperation is imperative to rebuild the country. Matters relating to the broad roadmap for the future with the consensus of all democratic forces and the unfinished busi-
ness left on the “Charter of Democracy” were also discussed in the meeting. “It was also agreed that high-level summitry is needed to brainstorm the path ahead for a new charter,” read the statement. It further said that there was a strong realisation that the people of Pakistan have suffered greatly from the “disastrous economic mismanagement and unprecedented incompetence of the PTI government”, all
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of which need to be addressed and repaired. They also agreed to repair the rot across the board. Joint goals will focus on reversing in phases the drastic economic slide that Imran Khan has taken the country down on, the terrible blunders and self-serving trade-offs on foreign policy, as well as healing the deep scars from assaults made on the country’s democratic system, read the joint statement. staff report