Epfeb072014

Govt, Taliban teams finally settle down

Parameters prepared for moving on talks Agree to stop activities contravening peace Both sides raise questions about scope and authority of committees Talks to be held within ambit of Constitution and Fata region: Govt team Taliban’s approval to be sought on govt points LIAQAT TOOR ISLAMABAD—Amidst raising questions

Mine collapse in Balochistan kills 5 workers CHAMAN—At least five miners were killed in a landslide in a chromite mine in Muslim Bagh area of Qila Saifullah district on Thursday. A Chinese company has been working since long on a chromite project in the Muslim Bagh area. The officials said the five local miners were working in the mine when a portion of it caved in and they were buried under the debris.

Levis force personnel rushed to the scene to help recover bodies.

The bodies have been retrieved and sent to Qila Saifullah. Qila Saifullah Assistant Commissioner said an investigation had been ordered. Two Chinese engineers were killed in same mine in February 2011 in similar incident of mine collapse.—Online

about scope, mandate and authority about each other’s teams, the Government and Taliban committees finally settled down on Thursday and prepared parameters for moving on peace talks.

During four hours long preliminary deliberations held at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House to bring about peace in the country, both the committees agreed that all activities contravening to peace and on- going talks must be stopped.

According to a joint press statement read out by Maulana Samiul Haq on the conclusion of the initial talks, five points were presented by the government team while three points were put on the table

by Taliban committee in a very cordial and positive atmosphere during both sides expressed their keen desire to bring

about lasting peace in the country.

The five points put across by the government team included the talks will be held within the framework of the constitution, to be focused on the troubled region of Fata only and will not be applied on whole of the country, all activities contravening to peace must be stopped, negotiations be concluded in the shortest time frame and finally it was asked whether the government committee will have to talk to nine-member committee of the Taliban.

The three- point asked by Taliban committee pointed out about the scope and mandate of Government team, its authority to get implemented the demands to be put up by the Taliban and finally the possibility of its meetings with Prime Minister, Chief of the Army Staff and DG ISI. It was decided the government demands will be carried to the Taliban in Fata by the Taliban commit-

tee and hoped the reply will be sought within one week or so.

Both sides also condemned the recent acts of terrorism in the country and appealed to the nation to pray for success of the talks. The both sides will sit again after a week or so. After reading out the joint statement mediamen were not allowed to ask questions.

The government’s negotiators include Irfan Siddiqui, coordinator of the committee, Rustam Shah Mohmand, Rahimullah Yousufzai and retired Major Amir.

Negotiators from the TTP’s side include Maulana Samiul Haq, Maulana Abdul Aziz and Professor Mohammad Ibrahim.

APP adds: Addressing a joint press conference after three hours long meeting at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, Irfan Siddiqui and Maulana Samiul Haq said the committees agreed that both sides

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President inaugurates International Seeret Centre Extends support for International Seerat Varsity project, Stresses need to follow teachings of Holy Prophet (PBUH) The inauguration ceremony of the International Seerat center was held at Aiwan-iSadar. Addressing the ceremony the President greatly appreciated the setting up of International Seerat Centre at Aiwan-i-Quaid by the NPC. He was also appreciative of varied experience of NPC Executive Committee members and noted they had prominent standing in their careers. He was confident that their association with the ISC would facilitate achieving its objectives. He said, it is obligation of all the Muslims to follow the noble example of the Holy Prophet and promote awareness about his message not only in the country but also abroad.

The President said, “we need to promote a culture

Zardari asks Rehman to keep MQM in close contact IRFAN ALIGI K ARACHI —Former Federal Interior Minister and Senator Abdul Rehman Malik called on Former President and Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari late Wednesday night. He updated the PPPP Co-Chairman about his visit to London and meeting with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain in the presence of Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan.

The Senator also conveyed Husain’s sentiments of well wishes to Zardari.

The PPPP Co-Chairman and the Senator Malik discussed about ways of strengthening relations

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Ishaq added to most wanted terrorist list ISLAMABAD—The United States on Thursday designated Malik Ishaq, the chief of proscribed Lashkar-i-Jhangvi (LJ) militant group of Pakistan, in its list of most wanted international terrorists.

“The Department of State has designated Malik Ishaq as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224,” said a statement issued by the US State Department. The US government also decided to keep his outfit on the international terrorist organisation list.

The statement said that Ishaq has claimed responsibility of his role in various terrorist activities that killed more than 100 Pakistani civilians mainly Shia Muslims.—Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Head of TTP’s negotiating committee, Maulana Samiul Haq and Coordinator of government’s peace dialogue committee Irfan Siddiqui talking to media.

Another picture on Back Page based on the noble example of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)”, the people must be made aware that Islam is religion for all times and it seeks ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain unveiling the plaque of the International Seerat Center, a project of well being of the humanity in Nazriya Pakistan Council, Islamabad, yesterday. Seen in the picture are Chairman, NPC, Mr. Zahid Malik, Prof Dr. this world and blessings in the hereafter. He also Basharat Jazbi, Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad and Admiral (Retd) Abdul Aziz Mirza.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir stressed the need for teachtional Seerat Centre (ISC) Aiwan-i- Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) Which ing younger generation Muslim ASHRAF ANSARI Quaid here Thursday. The ISC has he presented to the whole human- history in objective manner.

ISLAMABAD —President Mamnoon been set up by Nazriya Pakistan ity through his life style, sermons Continued on Page 7 Hussain inaugurated the Interna- Council to highlight the message of and sayings.

Pakistan wants complete halt to US drone strikes: FO I SLAMABAD —Pakistan on Thursday said it wants complete halt of US drone attacks instead decrease in the frequency. Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, in her weekly briefing here said Pakistan’s stance over drone strikes is lucid that they are unacceptable as they kill innocent people and violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

She said Pakistan has consistently discussed this issue with United States and demanded that these violations of territory should stop. The Spokesperson said, “Our voice on drones has also been endorsed by the international community.” She said Pakistan also welcomes US President Obama’s statement regarding drone attacks.

Regarding the question of UN Security Council’s resolutions on Kashmir, Tasnim Aslam said,”How one country can decide that these resolutions are not valid.”

She said at United Nations, the member states condemned the countries for vio-

lating UN Resolutions.

She said if at some point Pakistan, India and Kashmiri people will reach an agreement on the settlement of Kashmir issue, then they will have to go to UN Security Council to endorse that decisions and bring another resolution to endorse the new procedure. Replying to a question, the spokesperson said bus service on Line of Control in Kashmir has been restored while it is expected that truck service will be restored soon.

She said Pakistan has accepted Indian proposal of early convening of working group to discuss LoC trade in order to revisit the modalities in this regard.

Replying to a question on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, she said project still exists, however, there were some technicalities regarding its timeframe and financing which needed to be discussed with Iran. She said realistically Pakistan is seeking new timeframe for the completion of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.—APP

CJ seeks report about arrested Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia

Seerat University to be set up in Islamabad Last Prophet needed deeper study OUR CORRESPONDENT I SLAMABAD —A state-ofthe-art Seerat University will be established in Islamabad by the International Seerat Centre where in addition to degree programmes in modern market-oriented subjects, PhD degrees will also be awarded to those who undertake deeper study of the ever-lasting teachings of the Last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

This was stated by Mr. Zahid Malik, Editor-in-Chief,

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Real reason of Quaid’s return ASHRAF ANSARI ISLAMABAD—Chairman NPC Mr. Zahid Malik presented a brief documentary during his welcome address at the inaugural ceremony of ISC at Aiwan-i-Sadr.

The documentary showed Chaudhry Fazl-i-Haq, former Interior Secretary, speaking about his meeting with Allama Shabbir Ahmad Usmani soon after the demise of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Chaudhry Sahib frequently met Allama Shabbir Ahmad Usmani, a close associate of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and also had some meetings with the Quaid before and after the creation of Pakistan.

Chaudhry Fazl-i-Haq quoted Allama Usmani as saying that the Father of the Nation had told Allama that he had

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NAB approves references against former Chairman PSM, GM Railways ISLAMABAD—The Executive Board of former Chairman PSM, Sameen Asghar, firms and causing loss of Rs 13.66m to the National Accountability Bureau on

Ex-Director Commercial and others, said

in Pakistan Steel Mills scam and one reference in Pakistan Railways case.

The board meeting was presided by Chairman NAB, Qamar Zaman Chaudhry in which the decision was taken that the two reference regarding sale of PSM products at cheaper rates would be filed against accused Moen Aftab Sheikh,

The accused are alleged to have given illegal benefits to private firms to the tune of Rs 506.67m, and Rs 311.378m respectively causing loss to the PSM/national exchequer. In the third reference, accused Sameen Asghar and others are alleged to have extended free credit scheme to private

ISLAMABAD—Chief Justice of Thursday approved three references a press release issued here.

Pakistan Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani Thursday took notice about the miserable condition of about three thousand Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia and directed Secretary Foreign Affairs to submit a report in the Supreme Court in one week. The Chief Justice took notice on an E-mail sent by an overseas Pakistani, Ali Khan resident of Saudi Arabia. According to a SC press release, the E-mail was registered through recently established Ex-Patriate, wing of Human Rights Cell of the Supreme Court.

The applicant stated that about three thousand people of Pakistanis arrested are in deportation centre, Jeddah, for last three months and few detainees have, even died in the centre.

He further stated that the exit/deport documents are to be prepared by Pakistan Embassy, which is not taking the matter seriously. Taking the cognizance, the Chief Justice of Pakistan ordered that: “Report be called from Secretary, M/o Foreign Affairs within a week.” —APP

Pakistan Observer and Chairman, Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) during his briefing to the President of Pakistan, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain on the occasion of the inauguration of the International Seerat Centre, a project of the NPC. He expressed the view that it was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who, for the first time, floated the concept of human rights, empowerment of women, equality, justice, peaceful co-existence

the PSM and national exchequer.

In another reference in the Pakistan Railways case against accused Saeed Akhtar, former GM Operations Pakistan Railways and Ahsan Mahmood former Director Planning are accused of causing loss of US $ 3.78m to the Pakistan Railways/ state treasury through acts of corruption and corrupt practices and misuse of authority.—APP

IHC restores 3-day supply to CNG stations Federal govt directed to take issue to CCI afresh ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD—Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday declared the government’s decision of threemonth closure of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in the Potohar region as unlawful and directed the government to supply CNG to the filling stations as per previous plan i.e. three days a week.

Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui while announcing detailed verdict declared unlawful the federal government’s gas load management plan and its sectoral priority policies.

The said plan gives domestic con-

sumers first priority, fertilizer sector second and CNG sector third and last one for supply of natural gas. The IHC single bench directed the government to take up the issue of gas load management in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) afresh within 90 days.

The court announced its 52-page detailed judgment. The interim order had issued on December 20, 2013 when the same court had temporarily restored the gas supply to the CNG sector for three days a week.

Through this order, the court accepted the petitions of 77 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station and ordered the government to provide gas to the

twin cities and Pothohar region CNG stations three days a week.

The judgment said, “In view of the aforesaid, it is hereby held that this load management plan dated January 29, 2013 and other subsequent two natural gas load management revised sectoral priority policies issued dated February 06, 2013 and March 01, 2013 placed on record are ultra vires to the procedure laid down in the constitution of Pakistan and are hereby declared void ab-initio”.

The CNG station owners had adopted before the court that the government suspended gas supply without any formal notification.

UNESCO to spend $7m for girls education in Pakistan ISLAMABAD—UNESCO would spend US$ seven million to expand access to education, improve quality and make educational environments safe for children, especially girls in the remote and backward regions of the country during the next five years.

This was revealed by Director General, UNESCO Ms Irina Bokova in a joint press briefing with State Minister for Education, Training and Standards in Higher Education held here Thursday.

UNESCO would provide this amount under Malala Fund for Girls’ right for expanding access for girls to primary and secondary education, increasing employment of female teachers in girls schools, training teachers, activating ParentTeachers Associations, community awareness programmes and gender responsive budgeting and resource allocations, she said.

The provision of missing facilities and ISLAMABAD: USAID Deputy Mission Director Nancy Estes presented 1330 metric tons of Ready to USE Therapeutic equipping students and teachers with peace Food to UNICEF Pakistan Country Director Dr Dan Rohrmann. Imtiaz Inayat Ellahi, Federal Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination also present on the occasion.

CIA recovers 18kg hashish, arrest accused

US supplies 1330mt of therapeutic food for malnourished kids

PHC restores two LHWs in Osama compound vaccination case

education and conflict management resolution would also be covered under the programme.

She emphasized on investing in girls education and said “educating the masses is the best way of achieving economic success, justice and equity”.

Irina Bokova said the country comprises over sixty percent population of youth which is a huge asset and giving them education can help revitalize the whole economy.

Speaking on the occasion, Baligh-urRehman reiterated the government’ pledge to increase the spending on education from two percent of GDP upto four gradually.

He said investment in education is prerequisite for peace in the country and if there is no peace, poverty will intensify.

He said the government has formulated a Plan of Action for education and this is high time to implement that plan and enrol more children to the schools.

The minister said many girls are de-

prived of their fundamental right to education and there is need to educate and convince their families and communities about importance of education.

The Plan of Action, he said, has targeted ending gender disparity from 10 percent to five percent.

The agreement to provide US$ seven million was signed, in a meeting held earlier, by the Irina Bokova and Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman.The meeting was attended by senior officials of the ministry and UNESCO. The activities under the programme will be implemented by UNESCO in close coordination and collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Trainings and Standards in Higher Education and the Provincial departments.

A steering committee comprising the representatives of the government and UNESCO will monitor and coordinate the overall implementation of the programme.—APP

Technology taken from China for nuclear reactors is safe: Aftab

ISLAMABAD—State Minister for Parliamentary nature were initiated by Pakistan as their aim A B B O T TA B A D —Pehsawar Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad Thursday said the was to create internal resistance regarding the

ISLAMABAD—The United States will donate levels of malnutrition rates cost 2 to 3 percent High court (PHC) Abbottabad technology taken from China to establish two projects.

HUB—Crimes Investigation 1,330 metric tons of therapeutic food supplies of Pakistan’s GDP each year.” Ms. Estes said. bench Thursday ordered to re- nuclear reactors at Karachi was safe and there “These lobbies did not want to see the resoAgency (CIA) wing of Hub police recovered 18 kilogram hashish and arrested an accused here on Thursday.

DSP CIA Jamil Ahmed Bajoi said that the police on secret information launched operation in the suburbs of Hub. During crackdown the CIA police recovered 18kg of high quality hashish and arrested drug peddler. The detainee in the preliminary interrogation revealed that he was going to smuggle the drugs to Karachi.

The police seized the recovered drugs and registering a case against the accused started the investigation.—INP

VC grieved over final year student’s murder STAFF REPORTER JAMSHORO—Sindh University vice chancellor Prof. Dr Nazir A. Mughal on behalf of faculty, officers & employees of the university has expressed deep sorrow & heartfelt grief on the sad murder of Noor Ahmed Bugti son of Khan Muhammad Bugti, a student of final year, department of political science who was shot dead by the unknown armed men during loot & plunder at Jamshoro Railway Station here in Thursday night.

According to a circular issued by Registrar Office, the vice chancellor Prof. Dr. Nazir A. Mughal on the occasion offered condolence and expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased student.

Dr Mughal demanded the district administration to ensure law and order situation and protect the lives of common citizens & students on priority basis adding that the criminals must be brought to justice without any delay.

JICA hands over modern machinery to WASA FAISALABAD—Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has handed over modern machinery worth about Rs. 1 billion to Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Faisalabad.

A spokesman of the WASA told here on Thursday that the machinery includes 8 jetting, 2 section machines, 2 cranes, 7 dumpers, generators, de-watering sets and other gadgets which were provided to WASA under Project of Up-gradation of Mechanical System for Sewerage and Drainage Services.

He further said that JICA had also provided Rs. 900 billion to WASA for the up-gradation of Mechanical Sewerage System.—APP

to more than 80,000 acutely malnourished children in Pakistan. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Mission Director Nancy Estes presented the food shipment to UNICEF Pakistan Country Director Dr. Dan Rohrmann and Mr. Imtiaz Inayat Ellahi, Federal Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination. The in-kind contribution of food stuffs valued at approximately 75 million rupees ($7.4 million) will help UNICEF Pakistan reach its goal of treating more than 125,000 Pakistani children aged 6 months to five years in 2014-15. Since 2009, the United States has provided over $600 million in food assistance to Pakistan. “Pakistan ranks third in the global burden of stunting and wasting. The high

“The ongoing support to the Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition Program is an indication of USAID’s commitment to mitigate the impacts of the nutrition emergency in the country and help Pakistan move towards a brighter future,” she added. The 2011 National Nutrition Survey in Pakistan found that 44 percent of children under five years of age are stunted as a result of chronic malnutrition.

Malnutrition contributes - directly or indirectly - to almost 45 percent of all deaths among children under five in Pakistan. The food supplies, technically known as “Ready to Use Therapeutic Food” or RUTF are made of a vitamin-enriched peanut paste used to treat children under age five who suffer severe acute malnutrition.—INP

instate the two Lady Health Workers against their removal from services for organizing fake vaccination around Usama compound Abbottabad.

According to details, the Khyber Phaktunkhwa health department sacked 17 LHW’s in fake vaccination around Usama compound Abbottabad during 2010. The sacked LHW’s filed a petition against this removal and court ordered to reinstate all 17 LHW’s, but the ANP government notified for 15 of them.—APP

Force of 1500 personnel to protect KKH: Barjees ISLAMABAD—Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir Thursday said a strong force of 1500 personnel is being constituted to ensure protection of Karakoram Highway.

He said paper work has already been completed while recruitment will be conducted on merit.

He was talking to a delegation of Ulema, who called on him here under the leadership of Senator Prof. Sajid Mir to

discuss law and order situation in GB region. The Minister said training to this force will be provided by Pakistan Army.

He said protection of human lives is the highest priority of government and added that serious steps are being taken to counter sectarianism in the GB. Barjees Tahir said Ulema Board has been constituted to maintain law and order situation in GB adding that besides, the government has embarked upon several measures to counter corruption which

are bearing fruits.

Senator Sajid Mir informed the Minister about the welfare projects being run

by Jamaat-i-Ahal-i-Hadees in GilgitBaltistan and ensured his party’s full support in order to maintain law and order situation. Maulana Abdul Wahid showed his apprehensions regarding rumour of creation of new constituencies. He told the Minister that new constituencies should be created in such a fashion as to promote religious harmony.—APP

Peace in Balochistan manageable: Janjua QUETTA—Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Nasser Khan Janjua on Thursday said that achievement of peace and sustainable development in Balochistan was doable and manageable.

He said this while talking to media here in Headquarters Southern Command Quetta cantonment. Commander SC while welcoming the media persons emphasized that media persons of Balochistan with their rich experience are the important stakeholders in the process that will lead to a stable and prosperous Balochistan.

He apprised media with the ongoing issues and the steps being undertaken to overcome the problems in the province.

He noted that there are four parts of the province, which are hit by insurgency and the extremism causing insecurity, dif-

ficulties in governance and ultimately mpinges upon the economy of Balochistan.

“While there are issues and challenges, the political leadership has also taken number of initiatives to overcome the problems,” he said and lauded the vision and the statesmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who set the pace by taking correct political decision in formulation of Balochistan govt after the last general elections.

He expressed his full support to Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik who is a great hope for the province.

Gen Janjua stresses on the need of political process of reconciliation with angry Baloch leadership and the visible efforts to bring them back.

He also urged the Ulema to play their role to curb sectarian violence in the country. On development projects, he appreciated the efforts of Federal Govt to initiate work on five major highways of the province including M-8 motorway which were recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

Economic infrastructure in the province and job opportunities to the people will certainly help eliminating crimes. Gen Janjua said that all law enforcing agencies and intelligence agencies in the province are now on one page which will ensure better security to the people.

He added that Pakistan Army is enhancing the capacity of Balochistan Police by giving specialized training to them in Quetta Cantt. —APP

was no issue with it.

Responding to a calling attention notice by Senator Saeed Ghani regarding building of two new nuclear reactors in Karachi, the minister said whenever a sensitive project, like the one being discussed, was to be executed, minute deliberations were done.

He said 29 nuclear plants of the same technology were underway in China while 15 were already operational, adding, the projects with the same technology were also in progress at Chashma.

Speaking on the occasion, Leader of the House Raja Zafar-ul-Haq said there were some lobbies always active whenever projects of such

lution of energy problem in the country,” Raja said, adding, the acquiring of nuclear technology had always become a hazardous task.

The leader of the House said some elements want these projects to be awarded to some other countries other than China.

He said the government would take every precautionary measure while establishing these nuclear reactors.

Earlier, Senator Saeed Ghani while drawing the attention of the House towards the issue said there was shortage of electricity in the country and these sorts of projects were imperative, but the government should also ensure the safety of masses.—APP

Pothoharis holds demo to get Mangla Dam water share KALLAR SYEDAN—Leader of the PML-N and social activist Jahangir Akhtar on Thursday said people of Pothohar have a right on the water user charges of the Mangla Dam. According to a press release issued here, he said “We will continue protest unless our half share is accepted and the funds are utilised properly for the development of underdeveloped areas of the region.”

Speaking to a protest rally held at Sar Soha Shah, Union Council Samot, Kallar Syedan,

Jahangir Akhtar said that all of the funds generated through water user charges cannot be provided to Azad Kashmir as river Jhelum is between AJK and Kallar Syedan.

Similarly, he said that the borders of Mangla dam touches Pakistan as well as AJK and that effectees of Mangla upraising belong to both sides of the divide. Jahangir Akhtar said that water user charges should be equally distributed as many areas of Kallar Syedan are deprived of facilities like health, education, electricity and roads.—NNI

APTA protest rally rejects cluster system of education GUL HAMAAD FAROOQI CHITRAL—All Primary Teachers Association (APTA) Chitral held a protest rally in favor of their demands. Protest rally was started from government primary school Chitral passing through Secretariat road and gathered in front of Chitral Press Club. The rally converted into

rooms like increasing number of class rooms, teachers in primary schools because some schools have only two teachers and 2 class rooms for 6 classes hundreds of students reading there.

They also demanded for banning outside duties of teachers in census and polio campaign because by this way their teaching is badly affecting and alternately causing for downfall of

Four cities to have women universities FAISALABAD—New universities will be setup in four cities including Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur and Sialkot in order to improve opportunities for women education.

A spokesman of the Education Department told here on Thursday that missing facilities at 96 colleges of the province were provided during the last five years. He said the government plans to spend Rs. 1.47 billion for establishing 82 new colleges,besides providing missing facilities in 68 existing colleges.

He told that Rs 175 million funds have also been allocated for different projects of comQUETTA: Youngsters crossing the road while walking on the piece of wood in rainwater merce colleges in the province.—APP accumulated on the road.

APTA holding protest to press for their demands. a public meeting. Addressing to members of education among these students of their respecAPTA Chitral jameeluddin general Secretary and tive schools.

They urged on government to adopt previother said that they observing black day against the wrong polices of present provincial govern- ous method of recruitments and to stop appointment through ‘NTS system. Teachers should be ment.

They said that APTA rejecting Cluster sys- given promotion according to services rules and tem of education as it was also exercised by to stop appointment on ad hock basis because it former government but totally failed. As the causing of nuisance both for teachers and govpresent govern biased by introducing this policy. ernment. They also demanded for increasing They demanded from the government to salaries of teachers according to dearness ratio. bring reform and positive changes in education Later on they handed over their grievances bases system instead of imposing of their wrong deci- resolution to Fakhre Alam vice president of press sions. They demanded for improvement in class club Chitral.

NH&MP intercept snatched, stolen vehicles on M1

24 projects under consideration for ECNEC approval I SLAMABAD —As many as 24 projects, costing over Rs 1000 million, are under consideration for the approval of Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

Replying a question during the question hour in the Senate, Lt. Gen. Abdul Qadir Baloch, Federal Minister for State and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Thursday informed that during December 1, 2013 to January 15, 2014, 38 projects received which are under process of scrutiny and appraisal before submission to the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) adding that these projects are pertaining to provincial and various other federal organizations and divisions.

Baloch stated that approval of the development projects is a continuous process therefore, a cut off date cannot be given by which all of the projects pending for CDWP and ECNEC will be approved.

However, efforts are made to ensure minimum possible time, he added.— APP

Furniture gutted in fire eruption SWAT—Furniture worth million of rupees perished when fire erupted in New Star Wood Factory at Manglore area here Thursday, police said.

According to details, fire that started due to short circuit engulfed whole factory in a jiffy. Resultantly furniture and equipments worth million of rupees destroyed.

Soon after the incident fire brigade rushed to the scene and extinguished the fire with the help of locals.

Police have started investigation of the incident.

Owners of the factory Said Rehman and Muhammad Rehman claimed that finished items of Rs 38 lac were destroyed in the fire.—APP

Pesco distributes 5000 energy savers CHAKDARA—The Sub Divisional Office, Pesco, Lower Dir distributed 5000 energy saver bulbs in its jurisdiction under PM’s Energy Saving Scheme.

SDO-2, Famid Khan and Superintendent Ajmal Khan told APP that the office has so far distributed 5000 energy saver bulbs among its consumers.

They said consumers’ response to this scheme was much encouraging and people in large number were applying for the energy savers. Famid Khan said the scheme would greatly help in conservation of energy and improvement of voltage.

Peshawar: PESCO authorities here Thursday urged consumers to adopt necessary precautionary measures during current spell of rain to avoid electrocution.

According to a press release issued here, consumers were appeals to properly “earthen” their electrical appliances and replace all worn out wires besides taking extreme caution in touching electrical appliances and cables with wet hands.

Females are also requested to avoid usage of metal wires for drying clothes.

Quetta: A joint teams of Quetta Electric Supply Company and Federal Investigation Agency launched operation against the electricity thieves and registered cases against owners of five bungalows.

Officials said on Thursday that a joint team of QESCO and FIA conducted raids at bungalows in private housing colony on Airport Road and three-phase meters of some bungalows tempered.

“The owners of five bungalows have been booked for involved tempered electricity meters,” they said. Further probe was underway.

PESHAWAR—National Highway and Motorway Police (NH&MP) Thursday intercepted two vehicles, one stolen and other snatched on gun point from Islamabad, on M1 and arrested two accused.

An NH&MP official informed that Motorway patrolling officials noticed entry of a stolen vehicle on Motorway M1. The patrolling officials tactfully intercepted the vehicle Toyota corolla bearing registration number AE-966 near Hasanabdal and arrested an accused Nawazish Ali resident of sector F-8/3 Islamabad.

The vehicle was stolen from the jurisdiction of Police Station Ramna. In another action, the patrolling officials who were having information of a vehicle snatched on gunpoint from Islamabad, intercepted Panther Hiace bearing registration No: RPT 6277 near Hasanabdal and arrested the accused driver Jan Muhammad resident of Bajawar, Khyber Pakthunkhwa.

SSP NH&MP Muhammad Tahir appreciated the efforts of patrolling officials Faisal Aziz, Faheem Nasir, Mirza Bhelol and Muhammad Haroon.—APP

KP employees announce month-long protest PESHAWAR: Advisor of HEC Naeem Khalid giving away shield to a position hold student of 16th All Pakistan Inter-University Declamation Contest for Allama Iqbal Shield at Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology.

Health, education atop KP government priorities: Siraj PESHAWAR—Senior Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Siraj-ul-Haq has said that the provincial government in the budget for the current financial year has allocated a huge fund for education and health sectors and these would be promoted on priority basis in future too.

Addressing a seminar held under the auspices of Islamic Medical Association here at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), he said that deficiency of doctors in the province would be filled next month.

Siraj-ul-Haq said that the provincial government has adopted austerity and in this connection, all ministers have cut down their expenditures.

He urged doctors for better treatment and decent manner with patients. Sirajul Haq who holds portfolios of Finance in the provincial cabinet remained with the Governor for some time and discussed matters pertaining to well being of the people of the province. It merits a mention here that Sirajul Haq, hails from District Upper Dir and he also highlighted some of the problems which the people of the area have been facing.

He also put forward suggestions for their solution too. *** The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has ordered the promo-

tion of various doctors on the recommendation of Provincial Selection Board, said an official statement issued by KP Health department here Thursday.

According to details, Dr. Ghulam Jilani, who was working as Associate Professor of Physiology Khyber Medical College, has been appointed Professor of Physiology on regular basis with immediate effect. He will be on probation for a period of one year.

Similarly, Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, Professor of Urology and Transplant, Institute of Kidney Diseases Hayat Medical Complex (HMC) has been posted Director Institute of Kidney Diseases HMC.—APP

PM wants prosperous Balochistan: Badini Q UETTA —Prime

Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was taking serious and practical measures to remove sense of deprivation among local people and bring progress and prosperity in Balochistan.

This was said by Coordinator for Prime Minister of Pakistan Millennium Goals Task Force Balochistan and Pakistan Muslim League-N MPA, Haji Ghulam Dastagir Badini.

In his statement issued, here on Thursday, he said that Prime Minister Mian

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has given special directives to carryout development projects in Balochistan besides ensuring merit and transparency.

He said that special steps were being taken to make Technical Training Center Noshki functional, establishment of modern medical laboratory in hospital and construction of schools and roads.

He said that projects were also being launched to provide employment to jobless youths.—APP

Peace committee member killed in encounter TANK—A member of peace

committee and a suspected militant was killed during an exchange of firing at Karhi Haider Khan village in the wee hours here on Thursday, police said.

According to Spokesman of Tank Police, the bloody clash occurred when volunteers of the peace committee and militants came face to face with each others at village Karhi Haider Khan.

As a result of cross firing, peace committee member Haider Jan and a suspected militant Shakirullah was killed on the spot.

Police have registered case.

Peshawar: A Spokesman of Lady Reading Hospital said on Thursday that 35 injured of Kocha Risaldar blast were discharged from the hospital after their condition was declared stable by doctors.

The Spokesman in a press statement issued here said 16 patients are still admitted in different wards of the hospitals.

He said 61 injured were received after the suicide blast against whom 35 were discharged. He said nine people were killed in the exFAISALABAD: Participants busy in arranging the flower during flower arrangement plosion occurred on Tuescompetition at Jinnah Bagh Park. day night. Faisalabad: A minor boy was killed in an accident in the area of Sadar police here on Thursday.

According to police, two and half year Zohaib son of Zafar was playing outside his house in Chak No.215-RB when a speedy tractor trolley hit him. As a Shahabuddin said that he had informed result the boy received seriBAJAUR AGENCY—Senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N and Member Na- the prime minister and other ministers about ous injuries and died when tional Assembly Shahabuddin Khan Thurs- the problems in the way of female educa- he was being taken to hosday said that federal government was mak- tion in the tribal areas. pital.

He said the PML-N led federal governing efforts to improve female education in Meanwhile, a rickshaw the tribal areas and several new girls’ ment has speed up its efforts to expand and driver was killed in a road schools would be established soon in vari- consolidate girls’ education in the tribal ar- traffic accident in the area eas particularly in Bajaur Agency and re- of Tarkhani police station. ous areas of the Agency.

He was talking to a delegation of women cently six girls’ middle schools have been According to the police,a activists from Bajaur Agency lead by promi- upgraded to the status of high schools in speeding car hit a rickshaw nent social worker and Women Rising of different areas of the agency. near chak 136-GB on On the occasion Ms Rania Gul informed S a m m u n d r i - T a r k h a n i Pakistan’s chairperson, Ms Rania Gull, him about lack of education, health facilities road,killing driver Bashir which met him here.

Federal government is determined to and other issues related to women in the Ahmad on the spot. The promote female education in the tribal area agency. Ms Gul said according to a recent police took the body into as education is fundamental for protecting survey conducted by her organization its custody and started in(women Rising of Pakistan) that condition of vestigation. women rights in the tribal area “Provision of education and health fa- women education and health care facilities in Dera Murad Jamali: One percilities were the equal rights of both male most areas of agency was very poor and a son was killed and another and female but unfortunately women which number of girls educational institutions were three injured in a collision is half the population of the tribal areas had without staff and basic facilities. She urged of car and truck near the always been deprived of their basic rights,” him to play his due role in promoting of women town, on Wednesday.— education in the tribal areas.—APP he added.

APP

Govt taking measures to promote girl education

ERRA completes 3,667 projects, NA told I SLAMABAD —Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) has completed 3,667 projects in quake hit areas of Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhawa from November, 2005 to July 2009.

In a written reply to the question of Dr Muhammad Azhar Jadoon, Minister In Charge of Prime Minister’s Office Thursday told that a sum of Rs 78.951 billion has been incurred on the projects (Rs 47.601 billion provided by Government of Pakistan and Rs 31.350 billion foreign aid).

This also includes phase of rescue/transitional housing and relief operations by ERC for the affected people prior to raising of ERRA.—APP

PESHAWAR—Employees of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Thursday announced to protest from Feb 15 to March 15 to press for their demands including raise in allowances.

According to employees of KPK government, they would protest on district level from February 15, and if their demands were not met, they could march to Islamabad.

Employees of KPK government demanded of the government to raise their rent allowance, promotions and changing of service structure.—Online

Widespread rain likely in up country ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday forecast widespread rain and snowfall over the hills, Upper Punjab, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan during the next 24 hours.

According to the synoptic situation, a westerly trough was affecting upper and central parts of the country and likely to move eastward during the next 24 hours.

Widespread rain is likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat divisions,

Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

While rain is expected at isolated places in

Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, D.G Khan, D.I Khan, Bannu, Quetta and Zhob divisions during the next 24 hours.—APP

Police delivering well despite limited resources: Durrani CHARSADDA—Khyber Pakthunkhwa Police and prevailing security cordon. He also inChief Nasir Durrani said on Thursday that despite limited resources KP police was delivering well in meeting its prime responsibility of providing protection to the life and property of the law abiding citizens.

Talking to local reporters after visiting various police stations and posts in Shabqadar region, he sought cooperation and help of the local people in elimination of crimes from the society.

The IGP also inspected police posts established near the tribal region and reviewed the arrangements made for coping with any untoward incident in case of emergency. He expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made there and announced cash compensation and commendation certificates for the police jawans.

DPO Charsadda Shaifullah Khan briefed the IGP about the law and order situation

formed the IGP about the accused arrested in kidnapping for ransom and extortion cases.

The IGP directed the officers of Mardan region police to start conducting search operation and raids against the anti social elements in their areas.

Later the IGP also chaired an unannounced open Katchery to acquaint himself of the problems and difficulties of the people of the area. The people lauded performance of the police and demanded increasing strength of the force. DIG Mardan Saeed Wazir was present on the occasion.

Meanwhile KP police arrested 40 proclaimed offenders, 115 suspected and seized arms and ammunition during the ongoing search and strike operation in parts of the province in the last two days.—APP

15 stolen transformers recovered

Gas pipeline blown up QUETTA—Gas pipeline has been blown up in Dear Allah Yar area of Balochistan, Levis force said on Thursday.

They said that explosive was placed along the 6 inch gas pipeline carrying natural gas to Sohbat pur from Dear Allah Yar. The unknown men exploded the explosive which causing disruption of gas supply to Sohbat Pur. Local administration reached the site and started repair work.

Further probe was underway. It was reported earlier that unknown men blew up a 24 inch diameters gas pipeline in Dera Bugti at night between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Levies sources said that unidentified men attached explosive material with the pipeline and blew it up. The explosion damaged a portion of the pipeline resulting in suspension of gas supply to the purification plant.—APP

SWAT: DIG Malakand Range Abdullah Khan giving cash prize to outstanding policemen during a ceremony.

Fix deadline for talks on Kashmir

MEDIA WATCH

Stalemate in Syria

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S part of a series of events held throughout the country and Azad Kashmir to mark the day of solidarity with Kashmiri people, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif went all the way to Muzaffarabad and addressed the joint session of Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Kashmir Council. In his inspiring address, which covered the regional situation and the underlying tension, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for resolution of the longstanding conflict of Jammu and Kashmir and in this regard invited India for a dialogue.

The tone and tenor of the speech of the Prime Minister was consistent with his oft-repeated resolve to establish durable peace in the region by improving relations with neighbouring countries especially India. However, he seems to be mindful of the reality that sustainable peace and stability was only possible if the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir is resolved as per aspirations of the Kashmiri people who have been rendering immense sacrifices for over six decades. It is in this backdrop that the PM once again invited India for dialogue to resolve all issues so that precious and scant resources of the two countries are spent on the welfare of the people. Mian Nawaz Sharif has established his peace credentials by offering to India that Pakistan is willing to consider any proposal for resolution of the dispute. However, we believe that such generous offers in the past led to nothing but dilution of the country’s principled stand on the issue without getting anything from India, which has not budged an inch from the mantra of ‘integral part’, which is surely against historical facts. A number of rounds of talks between the two countries have been held but these failed to lead to any progress towards permanent settlement of the problem and at times India used the ploy of talks to hoodwink the international community and buy more time to strangulate Kashmiris further. India, on several occasions, fled from talks on the pretext of often-engineered events and now beginning or resumption of talks itself is considered to be a major achievement by some circles.

We, however, firmly believe that there is absolutely no point in having talks for the sake of talks till doomsday. Talks must be meaningful and result-oriented and this objective can only be achieved if there is timeframe for the process. Open-ended dialogue had been grossly misused by India and we should not allow this to happen once again.

Both conditions of Taliban are acceptable T

HOUGH formal process of dialogue has yet to begin but barring some unpredictable development, negotiating teams of both the Government and the TTP are set to meet and talk. Presently, the two sides are entangled in preliminaries like date, timing and venue of the parlays and the most difficult task of agenda setting would then be just ahead of them.

No meaningful talks are possible if pre-conditions are set or the negotiating teams play with galleries and therefore, saner elements are advising the two sides to demonstrate maturity in handling the delicate peace process. Media reports are suggesting different conditions that Taliban intend to put on table for negotiations but things would become clear once the dialogue takes place and proceed ahead. However, veteran religious leader and the key-man of the TTP nominated negotiating team Maulana Samiul Haq, on Wednesday, indicated that Taliban wanted enforcement of Shariah and total withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan, which is the real cause of the trouble in the region. We believe that both these demands are justifiable and acceptable despite their hairraising effect on some segments of the society and quarters. The resistance movement of Taliban is directed against foreign occupation forces in neighbouring Afghanistan and Pakistan is also targeted for its support to the US-imposed war on terror. Therefore, total withdrawal of American troops would leave not much justification for Taliban to continue their violent movement. Even if the US decides to leave behind a few thousand troops, they will not be able to sustain them for too long in the face of stiff nationwide resistance. Similarly, enforcement of Islamic laws is a Constitutional obligation in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan where no law can be enacted which is against the spirit of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the holy Prophet (PBUH). There should be no cause for alarm for ultra-Westernized elements as enforcement of Shariah, like adoption of Urdu as national language, is an evolutionary process as per Constitutional scheme of things. Therefore, both the conditions are acceptable and it is only the question of following the mechanism envisaged in the Constitution.

Vatican rightly protests U

N Committee on the Rights of Child has issued a scathing indict ment of the Catholic Church’s handling of child sexual abuse cases and criticised its teachings on homosexuality, gender equality and abortion. The Report demanded that the Vatican take immediate action and turn over to criminal investigators any clerics who are known to have committed abuses.

The report infuriated the Vatican, which in its reaction stated that it would not accept any interference and slammed the criticism of its religious teachings. In our view Vatican rightly appears to be annoyed and we feel sorry that in certain segments of society world over, a tendency has developed to launch all sorts of attacks on religion. We say so because in the recent past there had been attacks in the West on Islam when blasphemous caricatures and remarks were published in the media that generated anger among Muslims all around. The trend to attack religion, may be Islam, Christianity or Judaism should be shunned away as it serves no purpose. Every religion has its own positive vision of peace which includes its understanding of human dignity, individual and communal flourishing, the obligation to be in harmony with others and the world. Thus the Vatican reaction over some points in the report as an interference with Catholic Church teaching on the dignity of human person and in the exercise of religious freedom, carries logic. Unfortunately many officials in the international organisations lack knowledge of religion and they make observations that are devoid of reality and deeply hurt the feelings of the followers. These officials must realize that religions have positive impact on the society and provide solace, promote tolerance and harmony. Therefore, we would strongly recommend that the practice of criticising religion should be not only discouraged but also brought to an end.

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Syria blowback: Regional Hezbollahs After having failed to unseat Bashar Al-Assad through the sending into combat of tens of thousands of extremists drawn from more than sixty countries, M D Nalapat including the US, Germany, the UK, India, Pakistan, Email: mgnalapat@gmail.com Russia and France, NATO is pinning its hope on Moscow. That capital has since ESS than two months into the the time when Mikhail Gorbachev BBC-CNN-Al Jazeera-pro became General Secretary of the moted “Arab Spring” that fol- Communist Party of the Soviet lowed the Bouazizi self-immolation Union sought to get certified as a during the final days of 2010,this “Good European”. Such a certificacolumnist predicted that the upsurge tion has been elusive, for the simple would soon morph into a Wahabbi reason that it will come about only winter. This was either ignored or after Moscow accepts in full the derided by the Usual Experts, who agenda set out for it by NATO. Even were similarly dismissive when the Gorbachev and Yeltsin could not prediction was made (including in succeed in subordinating Russian inthese columns) that the removal of terests to NATO commands to a Muammar Kaddafy in the manner degree more than 70%, which is accomplished by NATO would why they were unable to earn the make Libya a cesspit for the breed- only tag they prized, being accepted as “Good Europeans” by the Euroing of Al Qaeda.

When the focus of NATO pean Union. The level of Moscow’s switched from Tripoli to Damascus acquiescence to NATO’s geopolitiin furtherance of that alliance’s tacit cal imperatives was only about 40%, War on the Shia,a forecast was made but by ensuring that Bashar Althat after seeing the disintegration Assad surrender his chemical weapof everyday life in Libya, most Syr- ons, that level has reached 50%. ians would back Bashar Al-Assad Should Prime Minister Dmitry and his team, despite that regime’s Medvedev, who is clearly in the incompetence in running the Syrian Gorbachev-Yeltsin mould, persuade economy, and that assistance to the President Vladimir Putin to pressure Doha-Ankara-Riyadh project of re- Damascus further into accepting an placing the secular Assad with a “interim govt” sans Assad, that proWahabbi leader would create a new portion would rise to a level close playground for Al Qaeda. It takes to the 70% level accomplished unenormous chutzpah for a Secretary der Gorbachev and Yeltsin.

This columnist is an admirer of of State to make statements such as “the presence of Assad is what is the countries within the NATO bloc, attracting extremist fighters” when although that may not be immediit has been the cash, weapons and ately obvious from some of his writtraining provided to what from the ings. He regards as essential for both start were clearly Al Qaeda elements sides a close alliance between India

by Qatar, Turkey, France and other and the key countries of North powers that have energized this old America and Europe, except that such a partnership will need to be on enemy of the civilised world.

Geopolitical notes from India

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terms that are far more equitable than what is presently on offer. Societally, several members of the NATO bloc have progressed far beyond their counterparts in other continents in ensuring a better and a more independent life to their citizens. Indeed, in the UK, it has been more than a thousand years since the Magna Carta enshrined the rights of the people against the autocratic will of the monarch. The independence of spirit and ability to take personal initiatives by UK citizens, as distinct from more regimented societies such as Spain, ensured that it was the British rather than the Spanish empire that straddled the globe, and that it was British ingenuity that powered several of the inventions which made the Industrial Revolution possible. Sadly, the common sense of the British people got replaced by Teuton exclusivity when it came to the running of the empire,so that India for example was deliberately impoverished so as to prevent it from competing with England in manufactures and services, when the contrary policy - of assisting enterprise on the subcontinent would have vastly expanded the market for British goods.

Similarly, had India been given the status of Canada or Australia after World War I, the UK may still have been at the core of the global order, rather than on the periphery as it is now NATO’s War on the Shia is misconceived and destructive to its own security interests. Its obsession with facilitating the private agendas of a few rulers in West Asia is leading it towards policies that could destabilize the entire region.Syria is a case in point. Because of the torrent of weapons and cash that has flowed from Ankara, Doha and Riyadh to “freedom fighters” active in the killing fields of Syria, the insurgency in Iraq has gor energized, and today poses a severe threat to the stability

of a country that has suffered torture ever since Saddam Hussein seized power four decades ago.

Libya has become a training ground for extremists with an eye on Europe, as has Syria.

However, the graver threat is the pressure created by the sectarian agenda of NATO (which is reminiscent of Ariel Sharon’s folly in Lebanon in the 1980s). Should the alliance and is regional allies continue with their backing for a Libya-style solution in Syria, what is likely is that clones of Hezbollah will sprout in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain and Turkey. In each of these countries, elements of the local population are so angered by the extremist mobilisation supported by their own governments that several are on the verge of becoming militants themselves. Should networks ensure that weapons, cash and training flow to them the way such assistance has to Wahabbi fighters in Syria, in less than a year, full-blown insurgency will erupt in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan and Bahrain. This will be very bad news for the entire globe, including South Asia, which has sent more than ten million of its citizens to the region to work in offices and factories.

Isaac Newton warned that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. In their schoolboyish zeal to enforce a 21st century version of Sykes-Picot, John Kerry and his friends and allies are at risk of unleashing mayhem in the region, in the form of the sprouting of clones of Hezbollah in countries that have thus far escaped the pain that is being witnessed by citizens in Lebanon.

—The writer is Vice-Chair, Manipal Advanced Research Group, UNESCO Peace Chair & Professor of Geopolitics, Manipal University, Haryana State, India.

Reprehensible Indian movie The shooting of the film was supposed to take place in Benbut its production unit had Sultan M Hali gal to relocate after only 8 days of Email: sm_hali@yahoo.com shooting due to problems with the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern NDIAN propaganda against Pa India, as there were issues with the kistan knows no bounds. Its lat amount of local hands hired to work est controversial production titled on the movie. Filming mostly took “The Bastard Child” is based on a place around Delhi and Haryana, and deliberate attempt to rake up old overall shooting for The Bastard Child wounds based on lies and false alle- occurred mostly at night to avoid probgations. “The Bastard Child”, a 160 lems. The production for The Bastard minutes’ duration Hindi film is sup- Child experienced further issues with posed to depict events of 1970/1971, the film’s release, as the Indian Mowhich led to the breakaway of the tion Picture Producers Association did province of East Pakistan to become not approve of the movie’s title, which Bangladesh. In the recent past, included the word “bastard”.

The movie is Mrityunjay Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid has been vociferously Devvrat’s maiden venture in producdemanding an apology from Paki- ing a feature film. He had earlier been stan for alleged war crimes during concentrating on the production of the 1971 war of insurgency waged television commercials only. The foby East Pakistanis. Sheikh Hasina cus of the movie is supposed to be is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur the “liberation struggle” of the East Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh Pakistanis, but major attention has and the main perpetrator of the been given to the alleged genocide Agartala Conspiracy, which was by Pakistan Army and the claimed hatched in the Indian border town rape of Bengali women by Pakistani in the 1960s at the behest of the In- military, portrayed as an Occupation Army. The producer claims that he dians to dismember Pakistan.

Sheikh Hasina too is alleged to researched the topic thoroughly, be working on an Indian agenda and which included interviews with varireportedly, at the urging of her men- ous journalists, war veterans, and tors, has fomented trouble with Pa- refugees. He would have been credkistan despite the fact that majority ible, if he had been more objective Bangladeshis want better relations and tried to bring balance in the script with Pakistan and look upon India by also reading a history of the subas being responsible for oppression continent and quoting from neutral of Bangladeshis in the near past. The authors like Sarmila Bose, a grand release of the controversial movie niece of the famed Bengali leader has made it amply clear, whose lan- Subhas Chandra Bose.

Her book “Dead Reckoning: guage Sheikh Hasina Wajid has been parroting and whose theme she was Memories of the 1971 Bangladesh propagating in casting aspersions on War” challenges the figures claimed Pakistan. “The Bastard Child” ran by India and Bangladesh of victims into serious production problems. of the alleged genocide and rape.

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Based on interviews of survivors on both sides of the divide, she brings into reckoning, a factor which the producer of “The Bastard Child” fails to consider. She amply and correctly projects that the insurgents, who now call themselves freedom fighters, commenced the atrocities by committing genocide of the non-Bengali settlers in erstwhile East Pakistan and the West Pakistanis working there.

The members of the Pakistani Army, who were slaughtered in cold blood by their Bengali compatriots, who did not stop the rape of the West Pakistani and non-Bengali women either have been conveniently ignored by the film maker. Devvrat never consulted Dr. M. Abdul Mu’min Chowdhry, a Bengali nationalist who actively participated in the separatist cause, and in his publication “Behind the Myth of 3 Million”, challenges the falsehood of Bangladeshi claims that the Pakistan Army slaughtered three million Bengalis.

Citing an extensive range of sources to show that what the Pakistani army was carrying out in East Pakistan was a limited counter-insurgency, not genocide, the scholar discloses that after the creation of Bangladesh, an announcement was made to pay Taka 2,000 to every family that suffered loss of life where upon only three hundred thousand families claimed such compensation. Had there been three million individuals dead, their families would have claimed for compensation.

The film makers also fail to acknowledge the Indian role in the “Liberation of Bangladesh”. Pakistan has been making serious overtures to both India and Bangladesh for better relations but India has been spurning Pakistan’s serious efforts. The current government in Bangladesh appears to

be toeing the Indian line. India machinations in dismembering Pakistan in 1971 are well documented.

Indira Gandhi, the Indian Prime Minister in 1971, after defeating Pakistan, had declared “today we have drowned the Two-Nation Theory in the Bay of Bengal.”

Bengalis, who had deemed India to be their benefactor in their “Independence” rudely discovered that the real intent of India was to make the newly liberated country another “client state” when it started interfering in its internal affairs as well as demanding its pound of flesh.

Subsequent Bangladeshi regimes tried to be free of the Indian shackles and succeeded to some extent but Indian secret agency RAW managed to conspire and reinstall its surrogate, Sheikh Hasina Wajid at the helm of the government. After disastrous five year tenure, there was little or no hope for Sheikh Hasina to be re-elected but chaos, mayhem and conflict ensured the boycott of other political parties and for Sheikh Hasina and India to reclaim the control of Bangladesh. India should stop its plot to besmirch Pakistan.

Recent events in Bangladesh in which Jamaat-i-Islami leader Abdul Qader Mollah’s sham trial and execution for treason and alleged support to Pakistan Army in 1971 and the sentencing of four other Bengali politicians has already soured relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The release of reprehensible movie, with its dubious title, controversial and unsubstantiated theme is likely to add fuel to fire.

If we have live like better neighbours, India should reciprocate Pakistan’s extended arm for friendship.

—The writer is retired PAF Group Captain and a TV talk show host.

XPECTATIONS were low for the first round of Syrian peace talks, which convened in Montreaux, Switzerland, last month, and those expectations were met. A week of negotiations began in controversy, proceeded in only the most formal of terms, then, after marking some small progress, concluded with a whimper, with a second round uncertain. It says a great deal that negotiators consider the willingness of both sides to be in the same room at the same time an accomplishment. The danger now is that the Syrian government will use formal negotiations as cover while stepping up its assaults on the rebels. The world must demand that Damascus be held accountable for its actions, even as — or if — talks proceed.

The talks began on Jan. 25 with drama. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon invited Iran to join the meeting, a seemingly smart move since Iran is one of Syria’s key backers — providing men and material — and a country with significant interests in the resolution of the crisis. The invitation triggered consternation among other participants, who viewed Tehran as a potential spoiler. More significantly, the Iranian government refused to back the ostensible terms of the talks, the so-called Geneva I Communiqué laid out in June 2012, which had called for a Syrian transitional government. Within a day, Moon’s invitation was withdrawn.

When they began, the parties talked past each other. The rebels demanded that Syrian leader Bashar Assad step down and not be part of any transitional government. That position was rejected outright by Syrian negotiators, who instead denounced terrorists who they said were destabilizing country and threatened to turn Syria into an al-Qaida stronghold.

The antagonism was so strong that two groups refused to even meet in the same room. By week’s end, however, they were at least addressing each other, even if messages were largely insulting and nonresponsive.

Putting the best possible face on the meeting, UN special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said he found some common ground among the two sides, but conceded that it is “a modest beginning.” Outside observers were more sceptical, noting that there was no agreement to resume talks — currently scheduled to begin again Feb. 10 — nor was there the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the besieged town of Homs, where thousands of civilians lack food, water and other supplies.

UN officials blame the Damascus government for the hold-up in the delivery of supplies, calling the situation “wholly unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, it is estimated that another 1,900 people have been killed since the peace talks began. Syrian government intransigence is a large part of the problem. Assad’s negotiators insist that the opposition to his regime is a terrorist insurgency and they hope the repetition of that term will win the world over to their position. With Moscow and Tehran in his corner, Assad can hold out indefinitely. While the rebels have Western international opinion on their side, they are divided and their negotiators unskilled. Worse, they lack the weapons and material support to counter the government’s offensive against them. As a result, Damascus has every incentive for dragging out the talks, hoping to create facts on the ground as the rebels demonstrate their diplomatic incompetence. While that may make tactical sense, reports that the Syrian government has decided to go slow on the turnover of its chemical weapons stockpiles to international authorities could change the negotiating dynamic. The US has threatened to return to the UNSC to compel compliance with the previous agreement. Refusing to follow through with disarmament would undermine those who have called the Assad regime a reliable party and offer new grounds for intervention by outside forces. The rebels have said they are prepared to attend the next round of talks. The Syrian government has not refused to join, but it has not yet committed, said Brahimi. It is likely to attend, if only because the odds against progress are long and because of the opportunity to show up its adversaries. The world cannot allow the Assad government to stall at the table while it steps up military action. The international community should let him know that its patience has limits.

— The Japan Times If I had my time over I would do the same again. So would any man who dares call himself a man.

—Nelson Mandela S African statesman

Islam vs science?

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SLAM was built upon a founda tion of learning and knowledge.

Numerous verses in the Qur’an emphasized the importance of knowledge and critical thinking, as did the Prophetic traditions. The doctrine of Tauheed, of oneness and unity, symbolized the spirit of the universal Islamic scholar – seeking to further investigate the Divine Laws that encompassed the universe, and realizing that eventually everything in the universe pointed to God. Indeed, science blossomed in Islam, reaching unprecedented levels of activity, ingenuity, and interfaith (and inter-ethnic) academic cooperation never before witnessed in history. Throughout Islamic history, a peculiar brand of scholars emerged, known as hakeems, who embraced all the sciences with a complete sense of unity, realizing that all knowledge simply represented “branches” from the same “trunk,” and while Divine knowledge was inherently superior and absolute, scientific knowledge also formed a vital branch of this tree of knowledge - to place all focus and weight on one branch at the expense of the other would destroy the balance of the tree.

Thus, when carefully followed, this tree would extend in all directions, and Muslims would produce achievements in all fields of knowledge. The equilibrium achieved by

this hierarchy was carefully guarded would play an important role in transthroughout Islamic history, and ten- lating Greek and Syriac texts into sions mainly occurred whenever one Arabic. Al-Kindi (801-873) would branch would begin upsetting the bal- write dozens of treatises on mathance of the entire tree, as does the ematics, logic, and philosophy, bemodern scientism coming the of today. founder of the IsThe Spirit Of Islam As early as the lamic Peripatetic 8th century, scholschool of philosoars functioning inphy.

Alside the Islamic Khwarazmi (d. world had begun 863) would write embarking upon al-Jabr wa’lthe path of scienmuqablah (or Altific knowledge. gebra) from which By this time, the IsAlgebra would get lamic realm its name. He reached from Spain would also greatly to India, and was refine and improve witness to the upon the PtoleSohaib Baig flowering of cities maic geographical like Cordoba, maps, as well as Baghdad, Damascus, and make one of the best Muslim astroJaundishapur. Seyyed Hossein Nasr, nomical tables. Al-Razi (865-923) in his Science and Civilization in Is- would write 184 works mostly on lam, includes chapters briefly sur- medicine, with masterpieces on veying Muslim activities in the fields smallpox and measles. Likewise, of cosmography, geography, cartog- Nasr mentions the accomplishments raphy, natural history, sociology, of dozens of other scholars, clearly physics, optometry, mathematics, as- establishing that science bloomed tronomy, medicine, alchemy, theol- under Islam. ogy, and philosophy.

What makes this entire period of Thus we learn that Jabir bin scientific activity unique was that Hayyan (721-815) was the founder Muslims still operated in a frameof Islamic alchemy, practicing at the work that actively acknowledged and court of Harun al-Rashid. Hunain ibn depended upon the Divine. AlIshaq (810-877), a Christian scholar, Khwarazmi’s Algebra, for example,

begins its preface with a long paragraph devoted to praising God and sending salutations upon the Holy Prophet (PBUH), as would any other religious book of the time. In medicine, we also see this phenomenon especially prevalent. In fact, the term hakeem would come to denote both the sage and the physician, because usually both were embodied in the same person. Ibn Sina and Ibn Rushd, for example, were both philosophers, but made their living as physicians. In fact, physicians would be expected by society to combine “scientific acumen with moral qualities,” to have an intellect “that was never divorced from deep religious faith and the power of God”.

Fast forwarding to today, we see a quite different world. It is thus no surprise that Islam actively opposes the underpinnings of modern science, even if many Muslims are not too aware of the fact. They also focus on the evils of a godless science which demurs not to the Divine, but to the vicious desires of godless men. They ultimately call for a return to traditional science, pressing exceedingly urgently for the East to not follow in the same path as the West, and thus bring about the same catastrophes as the West did, especially at a time when the West itself is slowly beginning to realize its excesses.

— Courtesy: Albalagh.com

Voice of the People The Rawat Industrial Estate SHAHZAD HUSSAIN BHATTI

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awat Industrial Estate was declared an Industrial Zone in 1992, but no development of infrastruc ture has taken place up till now. The only approach road to the industrial estate from Rawat, is a single broken road which is a major problem. Long containers and carts come in factories for loading / unloading materials; block the road for hours and hours. Roads of industrial area are not usable during rainy days because of these are almost without asphalt. No proper guide map is displayed due to which visitors have to face great difficulties to trace their desire industry. No proper drainage and sewerage system exists. Animals/ birds drink waste water and suffer from diseases and die. Rawat Chamber of Commerce and Industries should take serious notice of it. Almost all pharma industries belong to feudals who are violating labour laws and factories are not providing salaries to their employees as per labour laws of Pakistan. Salaries of unskilled employees should be Rs. 10000 p/m, according to Government of Pakistan orders but no single industry obeys these orders, rather they are paying maximum Rs. 5000 to Rs. 6000 p/m. people are compelled to accept because of the brutal unemployment phenomenon. Safety measures are not being observed in these factories. Health is also in alarming situation as workers are busy in preparing medicines but their own health is also a question mark as no proper uniform, coat, face mask and surgical caps are given to them. No vaccination or medical treatment is given to them in case of their sickness. No doctor and labour officer pays a visit to factories to check worker’s health.

Only a small number of EOBI and social security cards are issued to selected employees. No leaves are granted to the employees. If some employee avails leave in emergency case, than the salary is deducted for the off days. Officials of labour and health departments visit the factories only to have their meals, high tea, receive gifts from factory management and go back with ok reports. No one protects the rights of the employees and provide them awareness of their rights. Chapper Tandoor hotels are also playing with the health of the workers as substandard flour, ghee / oil is used in meals and tea is given on very high price. Many workers become sick and fall in stomach and skin diseases. Workers appeal to the Chief Minister Punjab and other concerned high officials of the Federal and Provincial governments are requested to take notice of the appalling situation and affairs of the industrial estate Rawat.

—Islamabad

Poverty, mother of all ills HASHIM ABRO

Rising human rights violations Irshad Soomro Email:irshadsoomro97@yahoo.com

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HE human rights violations / persecution in Pakistan, during the year of 2013, ranks the country on fifth among the world’s top ten countries with worst human rights violations records (Human Rights Risk Atlas 2013). Pakistan is a human rights slaughter house for its citizens on the basis of ethnicity, religion and political affiliation; every day innocent peoples are killed in suicide bomb attacks and target killings, ethnic groups and minorities abduction and brutalities has become a common practice of the fundamentalist militants and state enforcement agencies, every day women and girls are targeted in honor killing, gang rape, burnt and forced for vani during the conflict settlement of two tribes by the socalled feudal notables of jrgas.

Recently a panchayat in Muzaffargarh district has slapped on the face of state and society by passing the order of gang rape with a 40 year old widow; the decision was merely made to avenge illicit rela-

tions between a woman from family of the rapist and the brother of rape victim. Of course, this incident got inspiration from the case of Muktara Mai and it couldn’t be happened again- if the culprits of Mukhataran Mai case were dealt with iron hand.

According to a report of Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights “there were 860 ‘honour’ killings (mostly women), 481 incidents of domestic violence, 90 cases of acid burning, 344 cases of rape/gang rape, and 268 incidents of sexual assault/ harassment” came forward for the period of January 1, 2012 to September 15, 2013. Beside this the number of women killed for giving birth to girls has gone up as well; and no doubt, the tyranny of feudal system and patriarchal values has major contributions in violence against women in Pakistan, and such kinds of cruel and inhuman systems and values would ultimately paralyze the society, widening the space for violent behaviors, social disobedience and disharmony as well.

The myth of minority and sectarian violations in Pakistan also is a matter of concern, as in one of the deadliest suicide attack on the Christian minority on All Saints Church in

Peshawar killed at least 85 innocent citizens and left more than 100 injured.

The other mourning incident was held on the day of first January, 2014, when the world community was engaged in celebrations for New Year, and the people of this country were lamented for their beloveds on a deadly suicide bombing in Mastung, when a vehicle loaded with explosives ripped with a bus killing 22 Shia pilgrims.

Figures show that during the year of 2013 suicide attacks in Pakistan rose up 39 per cent, as46 suicide attacks were reported in 2013 compared to 33 in 2012 (Pakistan Security Report 2013). Due to extremist attacks and persecutions of minorities more than 600 Pakistani Christians are currently seeking asylum. Beside this, increasing sense of insecurity issues like forced conversion of Hindu girls to Islam, Hindu’s kidnappings for extortion has also compelled the community members to migrate, and nearly 1,000 Hindu families have been struggling to migrate to India, more on this, the increased violent attacks on minorities has also put a question mark before the ideology of Pakistan being a secular state, as it has totally failed to provide security to minority groups.

The burning issues of the year 2013, like target killings, sectarian violence, land grabbing, extortions and drug mafia in Karachi, claimed more than 2500 lives of innocent citizens, political workers, social activist, religious scholars, laborers and law enforcement agencies as well renowned social activist and joint director Orangi Pilot Project Parveen Rehaman, If, honestly and critically analyzed, human rights violations in Pakistan are totally based on ethnicity, religion and political discrimination; and of course the foot prints are directly linked to the periodical Military dictatorship intrusions and it’s off springs (the fundamentalist) that have paralyzed the democratic, governance and judicial institutions of the country for more than 30 years.

There is a wide need of social and political will to change the illusions into reality, and it could be possible through wise and sensible help/ use of media involving all the stake holders in a consistence process of monitoring and social accountability of all the institutions.

— The writer is working as Election Observation Manager (FAFEN).

Views From Abroad

Pakistan’s future is tied to Taliban Tariq Ali

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WELVE years ago, a few weeks into the occupation of Afghanistan, I suggested (in these pages) that the euphoria aroused by an easy conquest was misplaced.

It would be a long war and one of its side effects would be to seriously destabilise Pakistan. Unfortunately, events have not contradicted the analysis. The spill-over into Pakistan has been creating havoc for years.

The view that this has nothing to do with Afghanistan is too shallow to deserve serious consideration.

It’s no secret that, since 9/11, successive governments –Musharraf, Zardari and now the Sharif brothers – have agreed to US drone attacks and been aware of covert CIA operations being carried out in Pakistan. Opinion polls, however, reveal that a large majority of Pakistani citizens are opposed to US policies. The capitulation of liberal secular parties to Washington left the field wide open to armed groups of religious fundamentalists, who began to challenge the state’s monopoly of legitimate violence, presenting themselves as defenders of both Islam and the

victimised Pashtuns in Pakistan.

Their claims are false.

Last year alone the TTP (Pakistani Taliban Movement), the largest of the armed fundamentalist groups, carried out hundreds of attacks in different parts of the country, massacring several hundred innocents and half that number of security and military personnel. Who were the dead? Civilians in Peshawar and other parts of the country, naval ratings in Karachi, intelligence operatives, policemen and soldiers everywhere.

Attempts by the military over the years to clear them out from certain areas they occupied (Swat being the best example) failed for two reasons: the military steamroller is clumsy and reckless, often achieving the exact opposite of what it has set out to do before having to withdraw; and, second, once the soldiers return to barracks, the civilian infrastructure is far too weak to resist armed intrusions by the militants. The pattern is repeated and nothing changes.

A few weeks ago the TTP targeted military headquarters in Rawalpindi, killing soldiers and civilians. As the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, arrived to visit the wounded in a local hospital, crowds of angry citizens chanted the choicest Punjabi

abuse against the TTP and demanded action. A shaken Sharif authorised one of his closest ministers to virtually declare war: the Pakistani air force was despatched to target TTP headquarters. The TTP leaders were shocked, and suggested immediate talks with the government.

They asked Imran Khan, leader of the PTI – the provincial government in Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan – to be part of their delegation. Embarrassed by the request, he refused. But others have been found, including Sami-ulHaq, the creepy cleric touted as the “father of the Taliban”. Nawaz Sharif has decided to back off from military action, and talks are expected to start very soon. They may produce a temporary ceasefire, but not much more.

However horrific the spate of recent bombings, the heart of the problem remains Afghanistan. It is not the case that the TTP and related networks are so powerful that their leaders cannot be found, captured, charged and punished. The fact is that, with the impending withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan, Pakistan’s intelligence service, the ISI, and its bosses in Pakistan cannot afford to offend the TTP too much.

Islamabad has developed the theory

of “strategic depth”: keeping Afghanistan out of the hands of India’s allies as a defensive strategy against India. This was always slightly absurd, given that both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers and any serious conflict would be a disaster for both countries.

Also, the Pashtuns in Afghanistan have always resented the British division of their lands and quite a few in Pakistan feel closer to their Afghan brethren than the regimes in Islamabad. The Taliban veil has masked this hostility and given it religious colours, but, underneath it all, the national question remains strong. If a section of the ISI supports the armed networks, it is difficult for other wings of the ISI to close it down.

A lasting solution, which may well not be the one favoured by many Pakistanis, will come after the US and its auxiliaries have left the country. The puppet president, Hamid Karzai, is aware of all this, which is why he has declared: “The Taliban are our brothers,” and denounced the British presence in Helmand. He will probably try to promote Pashtun nationalism to weaken Islamabad. The stakes are high for all sides.

— Courtesy: The Guardian

A bigger role for Rahul..!

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HERE are some who feel that Rahul is not being given a bigger role. A cook who works in the household reported this conversation: “My son you want a beeger role?” “Yes mama!” “What eese it you want beeger?” “Well

mama..” “Let mama guess, you want to carry your own lunch box to Parliament and not share lunch with your dear mama?”

“Yes mama yes,” said a pleased Rahul, “but mama, there are some other things...” “Let mama guess. You want to choose your own kurta pajamas and not have your dear mama choose them for you?” “Excellent mama, but …” “Let mama guess. You want to see adult movies my son?”

“Yes mama yes!” “But only once a month my son, I cannot come with you

more than once a month to cover your eyes!” “Yes mama, yes, but mama..”

“Let mama guess.. You want something else?” “Yes mama yes..” “Let mama guess, you want to make another speech in Arnob’s show?” “Yes mama yes?” “Okay my son but let mama see the speech and correct all your spelling mistakes!” “Yes mama, but..” “There is something more no?”

“Yes mama, yes..” “Let mama guess, you want to go to South America and see your girlfriend?” “Gee mama, yes..” “Okay my son but don’t do any-

thing naughty!” “No mama I won’t.

Mama…” “Yes my son there is something else?” “Mama, it’s about the Congress?” “You want to talk about the Congress?” “Yes mama, yes.” “What is it my son?” “Can’t mama guess?” “Mama can’t my son.” “I want to lead the Congress mama. I want a bigger role! “Mama mia! That eese my role! No my son, no. You can see adult movies twice a month. Okay my son? Okay?”

“Yes mother..!”

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Sufferings and degradation of human talent due to extreme poverty and lawlessness in Sindh can’t be described in words.

I have seen that the successive past and present rulers have made every possible effort to leave the people of Sindh in a persistent shadow of despair; they have made every possible effort to put them on a savage road by fuelling tribal feuds, honour killings and broad daylight robberies and kidnapping for ransom there. However, Sindh re-affirms that it will continue to rise from the ashes… Whatever the difficulties, Sindh shall be at peace!

—Islamabad

Use of nuclear energy HUMA REHMAN The Karachi Nuclear Plant whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister of Pakistan on 26th November 2013 has become a subject of controversy in certain small but very vocal quarters. A discussion on the issues was organized by publishers of a little known monthly Subha Nua in Islamabad recently under the title ‘Say No, to Nuclear Energy’. During the course of discussion speakers drew attention related to safety and security of the Karachi nuclear plant. I was present during the discussion but the objections raised against the power plant appeared to be speculative, theoretical and not on information relevant to the Karachi plant. However, PAEC had provided a comprehensive answer to all the technical queries raised in the discussion. As I remember, representatives of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in an open discussion in Karachi had earlier addressed the same concerns raised by the discussants and the audience.

I feel construction of Karachi Nuclear Power Plant is a significant step of the government to address power shortage issue in the country. Instead of making it controversial, the genuine concerns of the citizens should be given consideration and priority. The people should be informed about the measures taken by PAEC for safety and security of the plant. Pakistan has an impeccable record with regard to safety and security of its nuclear installations. A little more transparency by PAEC will go a long way in addressing peoples’ genuine concerns. Organizers of the Islamabad discussion had argued that “Say no to Nuclear Energy” because other states are moving away from nuclear energy. If it is true then why IAEA states that at least 30 other nations are either planning or constructing new nuclear power plants, including Japan.

—Islamabad

Press leaks MUHAMMAD YUSUF The strategic use of the weapon of press-leaks is as old as the invention of the press itself. But it is fantastic how its effectiveness has improved specifically with the spread of the electronic media. The targeted aims were achieved in years, but now the same is possible within months and even earlier. Press leaks are like gossip-rumours and they are inherently loved by the ordinary humans and ultimately believed by a majority of them, no matter how developed their minds may be. It is said by the anthropologists that the tongue was given to us by evolu-

tion, originally to use it to deceive our competitors in order to excel one another. But today that deception can travel at the speed of light.

For instance, Julian Assange (originally Ass-Angel) in 1910 was used to leak (low class) CIA documents meant to send shockwaves of anger through the impressionable Middle-Eastern populations against their dictators. The purpose was to galvanize them to rise up in so-called Arab Springs to bring about political changes the easier and cheaper way than the old methods of direct military coups by generals who needed to be constantly pampered and likely to blackmail their mentors at will.

Similarly the telephone-tapping leak let out by Snowden was aimed at putting friendly populations all over the world and especially the Europeans on guard against easy invasion of their precious privacy at the hands of their leading ally the USA. This fear of constantly being watched strikes a kind of terror in their hearts preventing them from thinking and exchanging hostile views against their Big Brother, because it was feared that with the loosening of its economic grip due to the recent slump in the American economy such a possibility seemed more and more likely to arise.

—Multan

Rule of law NOORUL AMIN DANISH A man can live in any condition but not in the environs replete with injustice. Law is the combination of rules and regulations. A society can,t make progress with out law because rule of law is the back bone of peace.

Now here in Pakistan main root cause of every problem is our VIP culture.

Here law is not equal for all.

A particular section of society enjoying the privileges and positions, can do any thing, without any fear of apprehension; these privileged people can even kill someone; but on the other side of the picture we see that law comes in action when a common poor man even if he defaults the payment of 1000 rupees, whereas law just ignores the smuggling of trillions of dollars. Everywhere the resources are being used by the upper class and the lower class is not in the scene. If we want peace, we will have to implement rule of law. There should be one and the same law for both the common man and the elite classes. If this happens, there will be no problem in our beautiful country. Everybody will enjoy full rights and the society which is now presenting a picture of Aazabe-Elahi would Insha Allah turn into a society of peace and love.

—Via email

WAPDA: King of corruption MOHAMMAD KHAN SIAL Some time ago, a report appeared in the media disclosing that a corruption cases to the tune of billions of rupees were detected in WAPDA. Former Prime Minister Gilani had labelled WAPDA a ‘white elephant’ as did the former Prime Minister, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, nearly 38 years ago. A period of 38 years is more than sufficient to judge the performance of any state-owned organisation. There have been frequent high level corruption cases in WAPDA for a long time, as reported by the media from time to time, but it is a fact that no one dares to take drastic action against the misappropriation of money being committed in notorious WAPDA. The unprecedented load-shedding, exorbitant billing, cases of power theft, free electricity to WAPDA employees and the consumers from particular regions and Provinces of the country and burdening the law-abiding consumers

with the shortfall billing are a few factors which fall in the realm of injustice, against the norms of law and devoid of equity and will invite the wrath of Allah. I hereby appeal to the Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Pakistan to take suo motu action against WAPDA, where corruption of billions of rupees has become a matter of routine and goes unimpeded and some of them, were highlighted by the national media from time to time.

I also suggest to the Prime Minister to bring in other private sector entities to provide same services to the consumers in competition with WAPDA. This will not only improve its performance but the common man would also be relieved. The other, but more effective solution would be to also privatise WAPDA and let it compete with other competitors in providing service to the people and then survive to appease the thousands of its corrupt employees.

—Karachi

Time of action SYED OUN ABBAS Power crisis, dishonesty, inflation, lawlessness and corruption are the problems which have surfaced since 9/11 when twin towers of the World Trade Centre were attacked. It was the starting point of terrorism activities in Pakistan, not in US. It seems that after 9/11, terrorism was intriguingly brought in Pakistan, as, according to a report, 1.3 million people from different countries together with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Chechnya, Germany and many other countries came to Pakistan and are living here illegally. It is confirmed by the police that the people who attacked PNS Mehran were not Pakistanis.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan has announced a committee of four people to negotiate with the banned TTP. The members of the committee are veteran journalists Irfan Siddiqui and Rahimullah Yusufzai‚ former Ambassador Rustam Shah Mehmand and former ISI official Major (retired) Amir. TTP has also announced the names of four people who will discuss from Taliban’s side in named chief of Jamaat-e-Islami’s KhyberPakhtunkhwa chapter Prof.

Mohammad Ibrahim, JUI-S chief Maulana Samiul Haq, JUI-F leader Mufti Kifayatullah, Lal Masjid prayer leader Maulana Abdul Aziz and PTI Chairman Imran Khan. The PTI and JUI-F have declined to be a part of the TTP team. The main and very important thing is that these Taliban will never agree to anything short of their own government and Shariah as they don’t accept or like the Constitution of Pakistan; they always talks about the ‘Shariyat’ of their own brand. One more issue is that US will also not be happy with any positive outcome of the talks etc because American CIA don’t want peace in Pakistan.

There is no use of negotiations with these inhuman outlaws who have been slaughtering innocent people and our Army personnel, who have destroyed more then 170 mosques and even then claim that that they are the title holder of Shariyat.

This is a time to take serious action otherwise it will be no use to crying over spilt milk.

—Karachi

DISCLAIMER THE articles, columns and letters are published on these pages in good faith. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

Iran says it can reassure West over nuclear reactor T EHRAN —Iran’s nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi said the unfinished Arak reactor could be modified to produce less plutonium in a bid to reassure the West, local media reported.

The Arak site is of concern to Western nations because Tehran could theoretically extract weapons-grade plutonium from its spent fuel if it also builds a reprocessing facility, potentially giving it a second route to an atomic bomb.

“Here we can do some design change ... in order to produce less plutonium in this reactor and in this way allay the worries and mitigate the concerns,” Salehi said, according to a transcript of his interview with the English-language Press TV website.

“Weapon-grade plutonium is not produced by this reactor. This reactor will produce about 9 kilogrammes of plutonium, but not weapongrade plutonium,” Salehi added.

“This reactor is a research reactor. It is for the purpose of producing radioisotopes and making other tests,” Salehi said, adding that Iran does not intend to build a reprocessing plant.

Western nations and Israel have long suspected Iran of covertly pursuing nuclear weapons alongside its civilian programme, allegations denied by Tehran, which insists its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful.

A top US diplomat, Wendy Sherman, said earlier this week that Iran did not need some of its nuclear facilities, including the Arak reactor, in order to have a peaceful programme.

When asked why Iran will not abandon the Arak reactor, Salehi said “it is a scientific achievement, it is a technological achievement...

We see no point stopping the work on this reactor.”

Salehi added that the reactor could not be brought online for at least three years.

Iran struck an interim nuclear deal with world powers in November under which it agreed to roll back parts of its nuclear work in exchange for the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets and limited relief from crippling sanctions.

It also committed not to make further advances at its Arak, Fordo and Natanz facilities. The interim agreement, which took effect January 20, is intended to buy time for the negotiation of a comprehensive accord that would resolve the decade-long impasse over Iran’s nuclear programme.

According to Mark Fitzpatrick, a former US State Department official now at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, changing Arak’s design so that it cannot produce weapons-grade plutonium might be something the world powers press for in the final accord.—AFP

Seven car bombs across Baghdad kill 13 B A G H D A D —Seven

car bombs exploded across Baghdad, killing at least 13 people in apparently coordinated attacks that targeted mainly Shi’ite Muslim districts, security sources said.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombings. But Sunni Islamist militants have been regaining ground in Iraq, particularly in the western province of Anbar where they overran two cities on January 1.

Since then, more than 1,000 people have been killed across the country, building on a trend of intensifying violence that made last year Iraq’s bloodiest since 2008, when sectarian warfare began to abate from its height.

On Thursday, bombs were detonated in the predominantly Shi’ite neighborhoods of Sadr City, Karrada, Hurriya, Ubaidi and Shaab.

Civilians from Iraq’s Shi’ite majority are often targeted

by Sunni insurgents.

Another explosion killed three people in the commercial Bab al-Sharqie district, near a bridge across the river Tigris leading to the heavilyfortified “Green Zone”, home to the prime minister’s office and several Western embassies.

In recent days, militants have staged a series of attacks near the Green Zone and outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, heightening concerns about Iraq’s ability to protect strategic sites as security deteriorates.

The city of Falluja is currently surrounded and under shelling from the Iraqi army in preparation for a possible ground assault to end a month-long standoff with Sunni anti-government fighters inside the Anbar city.— Reuters

South Sudan’s unfinished business PETER BIAR AJAK

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Residents of the besieged Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp wait to leave the camp, on the southern edge of the Syrian capital Damascus.

Syria can meet June 30 chemical weapons deadline: UN Chief SOCHI—United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was confident Syria would meet a June 30 deadline to eliminate its entire chemical weapons program under a US-Russian plan.

Syria has missed a February 5 deadline to hand over its stockpile of chemical weapons, prompting fears it could fail to fulfill on time the plan which helped avert a U.S.-led missile strike against President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

“About these chemical weapons, I believe the process has been moving on rather smoothly even though there have been some delays,” Ban told reporters after addressing a meeting of the International

Olympic Committee in the Russian city of Sochi.

“Our target is June 30 this year. This may be a very tight target, but I believe that it can be done with the full support of the Syrian government,” said Ban, who will attend the opening of the Winter Olympics in Sochi on Friday.

The agreement on the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons was reached after a sarin gas attack near Damascus last year killed hundreds of civilians.

Damascus blames delays in implementation of the plan on security problems and the threat of rebel attacks as the weapons are transported out of Syria.

The Syrian government has requested additional armor and communications equipment but the United States and the United Nations, which is jointly overseeing the destruction program with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, has said Syria has sufficient equipment to carry out the plan.

Ban, who called for a truce in Syria during the Olympics, said he had received promises over the plan’s fulfillment from Syrian Foreign Minister Walid alMoualem last week during talks in Geneva. “He assured me that this chemical weapons destruction process will continue as scheduled,” said Ban.—Reuters

Tunisia marks year since opposition leader’s murder

PARIS—France’s defense minTUNIS—Tunisians marked 12 turbulent months where he was slain to commemorate the anniver- ister says the military is likely since the assassination of opposition politician Chokri Belaid, with his family still demanding to know what happened despite the alleged assassin being shot dead this week.

The charismatic leftist and virulent critic of the Islamist party Ennahda, then in power, was gunned down outside his Tunis home on February 6, 2013. The political assassination, the first of two by suspected jihadists last year, came amid Islamist violence rocking the country — and the region — since the 2011 revolution that toppled a decadesold dictatorship and touched off the Arab Spring.

Belaid’s death triggered massive anti-government protests and a political crisis from which Tunisia has only now started to emerge, with the adoption of a consensus constitution in January.

Some 200 people gathered Thursday at the site

sary. A large poster asked the question that troubles many Tunisians despite an announcement this week that Kamel Gadhgadhi, his alleged assassin, had died in a police shootout.

The authorities has put the blame on Salafist group Ansar al-Sharia, suspected of links to AlQaeda that has since been designated a terrorist organisation but which says it rejects violence.

On Tuesday, Interior Minister Lotfi Ben Jeddou said Gadhgadhi was among seven suspects killed during the 20-hour seige of a house in the Raoued district of the capital. On Friday a ceremony is planned in Tunis to celebrate the adoption of the new constitution, with French President Francois Hollande and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy among those due to attend.—AP

BUDAPEST—Hungary’s par- voted against in the 256-29 vote.

The government says the expansion of the Paks plant, which provides some 40 percent of the country’s electricity supply, will lessen Hungary’s energy dependence on foreign sources.

At the same time, however, it also increases Russia’s long-term influence on energy matters as Hungary already gets most of its natural gas and oil from Russia.—AP

to extend its mission in Central African Republic, a day after local soldiers turned on a man in their ranks and stabbed and stomped him to death.

Jean-Yves Le Drian told RTL radio Thursday that extending the U.N.-mandated sixmonth mission was probably the best way to ensure a peaceful political transition.

Six thousand African peacekeepers have been deployed to try to control the chaos that has enveloped Central African Republic, alongside 1,600 French soldiers.

France says the goal is “a minimum of security” but even that has been hard-won.—AP

Merkel: Juncker good candidate for EU chief

Hungary MPs OK Russia nuclear plant deal liament has authorized a deal with Russia to build two reactors at the country’s only nuclear power plant in the southern city of Paks.

Russia will provide Hungary a loan of up to 10 billion euros ($13.5 billion) — around 80 percent of construction costs. The deal was approved Thursday by lawmakers from the governing Fidesz party and a far-right Jobbik opposition party.

Most left-wing lawmakers

France likely to prolong C. African mission

A Thai farmer raises his arm during a rally to demand the government to speed up the payment for the price of their crops outside the Commerce Ministry in Bangkok.

BERLIN—German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she would be happy to see the former prime minister of Luxembourg as the conservative candidate to head the European Commission.

Merkel says she has “great sympathies” for Jean-Claude Juncker to become the consensus candidate of the European People’s Party, of which her Christian Democrats are a part.

She told reporters Thursday at a news conference with Juncker’s successor as prime minister, Xavier Bettel, that the EPP bloc will make a final decision at its March 6-7 meeting in Dublin.—AP

he government of South Sudan and rebels led by its former vice president, Riek Machar, are scheduled to begin a second round of negotiations on Friday. During the first round last month the parties agreed to a cease-fire, but the violence has not stopped and an agreement to end the rebellion has yet to be reached. Yet even peace would be a partial solution, be-cause it cannot address the underlying cause of the strife: the lack of competent institutions of governance in the fledgling republic.

The crisis began on Dec. 15, 2013, when fighting broke out within the Presidential Guards between forces loyal to the president, Salva Kiir, who belongs to the Dinka tribe, and supporters of Machar, a Nuer. Despite its ethnic facade, the struggle is a tussle over power, and it turned violent be-cause South Sudan lacks robust institutions of mediation and governance.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, when its inhabitants overwhelmingly voted in favor of statehood in a referendum. That vote was made possible by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005, which ended over two decades of civil war between the government of Sudan in Khartoum and rebels mainly from the south known as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (S.P.L.M./ A). Under the terms of the peace deal, the S.P.L.M./A was supposed to be restructured into three distinct institutions — a government, an army and a political party — ahead of the 2011 referendum.

The challenges were daunting. South Sudan, after decades of neglect under successive regimes in Khartoum, suffered widespread poverty and a dearth of both formal institutions and competent cadres to fill them. It had the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, a 15 percent adult literacy rate and no infrastructure to speak of. John Garang de Mabior, the founder of the S.P.L.M./A, was a proponent of transforming Sudan into a secular and democratic country, as a means of addressing the grievances of people in the periphery, particularly the south. He believed that a strong southern-led party of marginalized Sudanese, in the form of a demilitarized S.P.L.M., would be the best foil to the ruling National Congress Party in Khartoum.

But Mr. Garang died soon after the 2005 peace deal was signed, thrusting his longtime deputy, Salva Kiir, to the helm.

Mr. Kiir was a dedicated separatist, and he — like Mr. Machar and myself — was skeptical of Mr. Garang’s New Sudan Vision, doubting that the Arabs of the north would ever respect other groups. And so the secessionists did little to build up the S.P.L.M., and by default tribal affiliation became the main means of political organization.

With an eye on the 2011 referendum, the separatists were far more interested in turning the S.P.L.A. into a regular army and bringing about a functioning interim government for southern Sudan, with separate executive, legislative and judicial branches. An effective army would be a guarantee against aggression from the north. A competent government would be their new country’s main instrument of governance.

They also hoped it would appear to the population as an antidote to the years of neglect under Khartoum.

Enormous amounts of money were spent. The budget of the government of southern Sudan aver-aged more than $2 billion a year in 2006-2011, thanks to a 50 percent share in southern Sudan’s total oil revenues allocated by the 2005 peace deal; 40 percent of that was earmarked for turning the S.P.L.A. into a professional army. In addition, inter-national donors gave southern Sudan an average of $1 billion a year in developmental aid during the interim period.

Though these investments brought the region its first schools, clinics and paved roads, they did little for the effectiveness of the interim government or the new army. One culprit was the international donors’ notion of “capacity building.” When it be-came clear that their efforts were headed for failure because of the uniquely difficult context of South Sudan, they focused on performing discrete projects rather than improving good governance. They deployed legions of foreign technical assistants who, eager to showcase immediate results, ended up do-ing everything themselves, transferring little know-how to South Sudanese civil servants.

A recent evaluation by the Office of the Presi-dent (to which I contributed) found enormous capacity gaps in all institutions. The government cannot deliver basic services, including security, to most citizens. South Sudan is the thirdmost corrupt country in the world, and it ranks fourth, after Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, on the Fund for Peace’s 2013 Failed States Index.

The S.P.L.A. has yet to become a professional military.

The 2005 peace agreement called on all rebel groups to integrate either into the S.P.L.A. or the armed forces of Sudan.

But several warlords rebelled continually throughout the interim period, leaving and rejoining the S.P.L.A., which reinforced their own power with their loyalists, rather than the army’s authority.

With such poor institutions, the rivalry between Mr. Kiir and Mr. Machar quickly devolved a few weeks ago apparently into a sectarian conflict. In reality, the violence is about competition for control of the S.P.L.M., which is seen as a major asset for the next election in 2015; it is still a popular brand, thanks to its part in the liberation struggle. At meetings in mid-December to discuss a new constitution, manifesto and a code of conduct for the party, Mr. Kiir and Mr. Machar could not agree on rules for internal elections or the appointment of the party’s chairman. Mr. Machar and his allies walked out in frustration; within a few hours, violence erupted among the Presidential Guards.

The latest round of peace talks has raised hopes of ending the strife in South Sudan. But the negotiations are a stopgap measure at best: The institutional deficiencies that have brought about the violence remain. For both its sake and the sake of this young country, the political leadership of South Sudan must complete the task it aborted of building basic institutions of governance.

—Courtesy The New York Times

History versus Europe HAROLD JAMES

H

istory matters, but in different ways. In some places and for some people, history means eternal clashes that are shaped by profound geopolitical forces: four centuries ago is the same as yesterday. Elsewhere and for other people, history suggests a need to find ways to escape from ancient predicaments and outdated prejudices. It is this cleavage that defines the intellectual battle now taking place in and around Europe.

With this year’s centennial of the outbreak of World War I, dozens of new analyses of “the war to end all wars” have rolled off the presses. And it is tempting to see contemporary parallels in imperial Europe’s complacency, particularly its firm belief that the world was so interconnected and prosperous that any reversal was unthinkable. Today, despite the supposed civilizing effects

of global supply chains, tinderboxes like Syria or the South China Sea could blow up the world — just as the Bosnian conflict did in 1914.

Reflecting on the legacy of the Great War has also been an occasion for reviving the era’s mentalities. In the United Kingdom, Education Secretary Michael Gove recently issued a polemic against historians who emphasized the futility of the war, calling it a “just war” directed against the “ruthless social Darwinism of the German elites.” This looks like a thinly veiled allusion to the power struggles of contemporary Europe.

But 1914 is not the only possible or attractive point of comparison in interpreting Britain’s past. Next year is the bicentennial of the Battle of Waterloo and the final defeat of Napoleon. The right-wing British politician Enoch Powell used to claim that the European Common Market was the revenge that the Germans and the French imposed for the defeats that Brit-

ain inflicted on them.

The celebrations and commemorations will be full of symbolism related to contemporary disputes. Already, British Prime Minister David Cameron has had to shift a summit meeting with French President François Hollande from the proposed site, Blenheim Palace, because French diplomats realized that it had been built to celebrate John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, who crushed Louis XIV’s forces in 1704, near the small Bavarian town that gave the palace its name.

The year 1704 is packed with meaning. The victory over France laid the foundation for the 1707 Act of Union between England and Scotland. That union is the subject of a vital referendum that will be held this year in Scotland.

Evocative historical dates are being used or abused in a similar way on the other edge of the European continent, to conjure up images of enemies that resonate in contemporary political debates. A few

years ago, a Russian film simply entitled “1612” evoked the Time of Troubles, when weak leadership caused Russia to be invaded and subverted by insidious Polish aristocrats and capitalists. The film’s director, Vladimir Khotinenko, said that it was important that his audience “didn’t regard it as something that happened in ancient history but as a recent event… that they felt the link between what happened 400 years ago and today.”

As Russia struggles to bring Ukraine back into its orbit, another ancient date looms large: 1709, when Czar Peter the Great crushed the Swedish and Cossack armies at the Battle of Poltava. That battle was also the subject of a recent Russian film, “The Sovereign’s Servant.” Russian television commentators describe the countries most engaged in supporting a European-oriented Ukraine — Sweden, along with Poland and Lithuania, which had been brought into the Swedish orbit — as seeking revenge for Poltava.

Europe’s western and eastern fringes obsess about dates that recall their struggles with the core: 1914, 1815, 1709, 1707, 1704 and 1612, among others. By contrast, the European core is obsessed with transcending history, with working out institutional mechanisms for overcoming the conflicts that scarred Europe in the first half of the twentieth century. The European integration project is a sort of liberation from the pressures and constraints of the past.

After World War II, Charles de Gaulle evolved a complicated metaphysics to explain his country’s relationship with its problematic past. Every European country had been betrayed: “France suffered more than others because it was more betrayed than the others. That is why it is France that must make the gesture of pardon... It is only I who can reconcile France and Germany, because only I can raise Germany from its decadence.”

Winston Churchill (a direct descendant

of the Duke of Marlborough) had a similar postwar vision for overcoming past divisions and nationalistic quarrels.

“This noble continent…is the fountain of Christian faith and Christian ethics,” he claimed. “If Europe were once united in the sharing of its common inheritance, there would be no limit to the happiness, to the prosperity and glory which its three or four hundred million people would enjoy.”

Is the European center currently too naive, or too idealistic? Is it really possible to escape from history? Or, on the contrary, is there something odd in the way that the European fringes obsessively resort to historical milestones? In Britain and Russia, this obsession appears to be not just a way to assert national interests, but also a mechanism for appealing to a population disenchanted with the contemporary realities of decline from the imperial past.

—Courtesy Today’s Zaman

Seerat University From Page 1 of civilizations etc but the Muslims world over had miserably failed in projecting the guidelines and roadmap for humanity given by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Mr. Malik explained that in addition to 15-point Pakistan related manifesto of the Centre, a 10-point programme for dissemination of the Seerat abroad will be undertaken. It will also serve as a platform for promoting religious harmony and intellectual dialogue between Muslim scholars and scholars of other religions. “All religions and revealed Books expound one message i.e. the greater good of man,” he added.

Prophet Muhammad’s teachings were panacea for all the ills of the world today and were meant for the whole mankind and they

shall continue to guide the man till the Day of Judgment. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Muslim scholars to project the Last Prophet (PBUH) in the right perspective the world over, Mr. Malik emphasized.

Highlighting the background of the establishment of the International Seerat Centre, Mr. Malik said that there were two major motivations for doing so. One was to project the Last Prophet’s teachings worldwide and the other as according to the study of the NPC the establishment of Pakistan had the backing of the Prophet himself, therefore, this sanctity of the State needs to be further established and inculcated in the minds of the people of Pakistan.

Real reason of Quaid’s return From Page 1 given up his exile in London for his return to India after he dreamt the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), who ordered him to go back to India and lead the Muslims to their destiny. The Quaid had asked Allama Shabbir Ahmad Usmani not to

make mention of his dream to anybody till he lived. It was for that reason that Allama Shabbir Ahmad Usmani told Chaudhry Fazl-i-Haq about the dream after the Quaid had departed from this earthly world.

International Secret Centre From Page 1 He said though the country was faced with grave challenges, there is light at the end of the dark tunnel. “Pakistan is our Creator ’s great blessing which must be valued by all of us”, he said, adding that “everyone has to play one’s role in pulling the country out of crisis”.

He assured the NPC chairman, Mr. Zahid that he

would extend his personal support not only for International Seerat Centre but would also help in setting up the proposed International Seerat University.

After the ceremony the President had informal chat with the participants. Principal Secretary to President Nadeem Hasan Asif Was also present on the occasion.

Parameters prepared From Page 1 should stop giving statements against each other and the process of talks should not be long as the nation is hoping for good news.

Irfan Siddiqui said they were holding talks with an open mind and heart and were hopeful that the talks would produce good results as the nation was praying and hoping for success of the peace process.

In reply, Samiul Haq said they welcomed the steps taken for establishing peace.

He said, “We always made efforts for an end to all sort of bloodshed so that Pakistan becomes a peaceful country according to the Islamic teachings.” The Taliban committee demanded a meeting with the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff.

The Taliban committee informed that the government’s demands and agenda would be conveyed to the leadership of Taliban. Samiul Haq said the talks were held in a congenial atmosphere. He said that their three-member committee would meet with the nine-member committee of Taliban in South Waziristan.

Zardari From Page 1: with the

MQM and promoting the man asked the Senator Malik to keep the MQM mutual coordination.

The PPPP Co-Chair- leadership in constant and

close contacts and take them into confidence on all matters.

Syrian rebels free hundreds from prison BEIRUT—Syrian rebels launched a new push the Kweiras military air base east of the city.

4 launches destroyed K ARACHI —A new cargo launch ready for sail was fully gutted while three other launches were partly burnt at Karachi Fish Harbour (KFH) when fire broke out in the wee hours of Thursday causing loss of million of rupees.

About one dozen fire tenders of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Dockyard put off the fire by mid-day.—APP

Terrorist’s house bulldozed BARA—The political administration on Thursday bulldozed the residence of a terrorist commander in Khyber Agency. Assistant Political Agent Jahangir Azam said that the house of a terrorist commander, who was expert in bomb making, located in Ghundi area of tehsil Jamrud of Khyber Agency, was razed to ground. Heavy contingent of security personnel remained alert on the occasion to avoid any untoward occurrence. Officials of political administration were also present on the occasion.—INP

Appeals of LJ convicts rejected KARACHI—Sindh High Court on Thursday rejected appeals filed against the conviction of a number of cadres of banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. The court heard the appeals against conviction of the Lashkar-eJhangvi militants who were convicted in 2010 for jail terms of 20 years each. They were sentenced for keeping explosive material and arms. The convicts included Abdul Baqi and Yusuf Chandio.—INP

PR to transport coal LAHORE—Pakistan Railways has been tasked to transport imported coal for coal fired power plants at Jamshoro and Sahiwal. To cater the needs of power plants, Pakistan Railways has placed orders for the import of 300 oil tank wagons and two thousand container wagons with China. The Railways officials in Lahore said on Thursday that the organization would have to arrange extra wagons and locomotives for the purpose. They said a PC-I has also been prepared for the import of 75 locomotives.—INP

10-kg bomb diffused Staff Reporter KARACHI —Bomb Disposal Squad deactivated a 10-kg bomb, which was plnated inside the site office of the Karachi water and Sewerage board located in S.I.T.E. area.

Bomb Disposal unit of Karachi Police was summoned to conduct a checking of the area, which located a 10-kg bomb. SSP district West of Karachi Irfan Baloch said that the 10-kg bomb was planted beside the sewage treatment plant at the site office of the KW&SB.

ISLAMABAD: A group photograph of the Members of Nazriya Pakistan Council, Islamabad and Members of the Board of Governors of the International Seerat Centre with President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, at Aiwan-i-Quaid on 6 February 2014 taken after unveiling of the plaque of International Seerat Center.

Seen on front row (L to R): Mrs. Qamar Aftab, Mrs. Farrukh Khan, Senator Razina Alam Khan, Mian Muhammad Javed, Chairman NPC Zahid Malik, President Mamnoon Hussain, Prof Dr Basharat Jazbi, Sardar Wazir Ahmad Jogezai, Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, Prof Dr. Ayub Sabir and M Bilal.

Seen on back row (L to R): Nazir Bokhari, Mumtaz Liaqat, Anjum Khalique, Admiral (Retd) Abdul Aziz Mirza, Dr Mohammad Mian Siddique, Prof Dr. Zia-ul-Haq Yousafzai, Gauhar Zahid Malik, Dr. Inam-ul-Haq, Ishrat Masoom, Ashraf Ansari, Salim Gul Sheikh, Dr Mohammad Tufail and Dr. Sahibzada Sajid-ur-Rehman. —PO Photo by Sultan Bashir

Dubai Islamic Bank willing to help Pakistan float sukuk bonds ISLAMABAD—Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) on Thursday expressed desire to help promote Islamic banking in Pakistan and was ready to assist in floating the country’s Sukuk bonds, and showed an interest in the upcoming disinvestment process of public sector entities.

This was said during a meeting between a DIB delegation and Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar in Dubai to discuss various avenues of co-operation between DIB and the Government of Pakistan, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance here.

DIB chief executive officer Dr Adnan Chilwan expressed the desire that DIB is keen to work closely with the Government of Pakistan particularly in the promotion of Islamic Banking in the country and was ready to assist in floating of Sukuk Bonds

by Pakistan.

Taliban commander, 3 guards killed OUR CORRESPONDENT P ESHAWAR —Unidentified gunmen late on Wednesday opened fire on a vehicle on Miramshah-Mirali road in Pir Kallay area of North Waziristan tribal region killing all its occupants, who were later identified as a local Taliban commander and his bodyguards.

Those killed in the attack were identified by locals as Shafiq, a Taliban commander, and his three guards, according to the security sources.

In another unrelated incident, two persons, including the leader of a local peace committee, were killed in an exchange of gunfire between militants and the members of a local peace committee in Tank district.

Dr Chilwan said that DIB was also eager to participate in the upcoming disinvestment of Public Sector Entities (PSEs) in Pakistan and was ready to offer its financial and technical support to assist the Government of Pakistan.

Ishaq Dar said the Pakistan was keen to promote Islamic Banking in the country and a Steering Committee to fast track the work on its promotion had recently been constitued.

The Finance Minister expressed the hope that Pakistan and DIB would work closely to achieve the fundamental objective of promoting Islamic Banking besides increasing cooperation to facilitate trade and investment in Pakistan.

Mr Darsaid Pakistan government was committed to increase the Foreign Exchange Reserves to double digits by March and US $16 billion by the end of the cur-

rent year.

Ishaq Dar said, in this connection several International Financial Institutions and International Banks were now approaching the government which is a testimony of the confidence they have in its economic policies.

The meeting was a follow-up of an earlier meeting, held in Islamabad on January 29. The Finance Minister expressed the hope that the Government of Pakistan and DIB would work closely to achieve the fundamental objective of promoting Islamic Banking besides increasing cooperation to facilitate trade and investment in Pakistan.

The DIB was one of the pioneers of Islamic Banking and has worked with various countries in advisory capacity to help them carry out transactions in Islamic mode, he added.

Reconstitution of Railway Board on cards

Chairman to be taken from the private sector RIAZ MISSEN ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Railways has decided to double the strength of its Railway Board, the highest decision-making body, as a part of its restructuring drive.

The move reflects the unflinching faith of the PML-N government that the involvement of private sector in the decision-making of Pakistan Railways can turn the tide and transform it into an efficient as well as profit-earning entity.

A summary submitted with the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Finance, Finance and Establishment Divisions seeks 50% increase in the number of

Board members by accommodating the private sector.

Under 1962 rules, the board is headed by a chairman and four members from different departments of Pakistan Railways but now it has been proposed that three members should be taken from private sector.

The most significant move vis-à-vis the reconstitution of the Board is about the Chairman, which the ministry has suggested be taken from the private sector.

It has also been proposed that General Manager be taken as a member giving him/ her grade 22. A meeting was scheduled with Finance and

Establishment Divisions in the current week but the exact date could not be confirmed. The summary will be submitted with the Cabinet Division after securing inputs from the Finance and Establishment Division.

The public utility is running in huge losses and confronts the challenge of revival at a time the government finds itself unable to spare additional funds upgrade and modernize the decaying infrastructure spread all over Pakistan. As many as 264 locomotives and 731 passenger coaches are off tracks due to nonavailability of funds for the purchase of spare parts.

in the northern province of Aleppo on Thursday to capture key symbols of the government and stormed a major section of a prison there, freeing hundreds of prisoners in the process, activists said.

The advance came amid a relentless air campaign by government forces that killed at least 11 people in an opposition held neighborhood of the provincial capital of Aleppo.

Activists said government aircraft dropped so-called barrel bombs — containers packed with explosives, fuel and scrap metal that inflict massive damage upon impact.

At least 246 people, including 73 children, have died in the past five days alone in similar aerial bombardment of the city, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The rebels on Thursday declared their intention to liberate Aleppo´s central prison and

No need for TTP talks in presence of ISC: Bilawal IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that there was no need to proceed for peace dialogue with Taliban while Islamic Shariat Court had already existed in the country.

In his latest message on twitter, Bilawal said that had he the powers in hand, he should have first asked Taliban to lay down their arms prior to proceeding to peace talks.

Meanwhile, while being interviewed by an Indian Television, he said that he opted to enter politics so that he could complete the mission of her slain mother Benazir Bhutto as there was nothing precious in life of a son except to complete the mission of her mother, which he would do at all cost.

Punjab int’l sports festival from Feb 26 LAHORE—Pakistan will be focus of a major international sports activity with the start of Punjab international sports festival from February 26.

In the first stage of the festival, Pakistan and Indian teams will lock horns in ten disciplines of the Punjab International Sports Festival 2014, said Director General Sports Board Punjab Usman Anwar said on Thursday.

The International Festival is going to attract around 40 foreign teams in the events starting from February 26 he said.

Mat Wrestling, Arm Wrestling (Men And Women), Bodybuilding, Kabaddi, Cricket, Weightlifting And Tug Of War (Men and Women) events will be held during the Indo-Pak competitions, he added. The organisers have scheduled trials for the selection of Pakistan’s teams for various events.—APP

Opposition fighters have been trying to capture the facilities for months.The prison, in particular, has been caught in the deadly stalemate of Syria´s civil war. Rebels have been besieging the facility, estimated to have around 4,000 prisoners, for almost a year.

They have rammed suicide car bombs into the prison´s front gates twice, lobbed shells into the compound and battled frequently with the hundreds of guards and troops holed up inside.

Thursday´s push began when a suicide bomber from the al-Qaida-linked Jabhat alNusra brigade blew himself up at the gates.

That was followed by a ground offensive during which rebels managed to gain control of most of the facility.

The Observatory said at least 300 prisoners were freed by the rebels. The anti-government Aleppo Media Center said rebels had gained control over the prison.—AP

NA approves 120 days extension of 3 anti-terror ordinances ISLAMABAD—The National Assembly on Thursday extended three ordinances for further 120 days amid heated debate and protest of the opposition parties.

Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid moved the resolutions to extend the three ordinances including Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2013 (VII of 2013), Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2013 (VIII of 2013) and Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, 2013 (IX of 2013).

Taking part in the debate in the lower house of parliament, the opposition parties including Pakistan People’s Party, Qaumi Watan Party, Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf, Jamat-i-Islami, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F and Independent Jamshed Ahmed

Khurshid to visit Kabul to discuss Karzai-Taliban talks NEW DELHI—Perturbed over reports about Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s clandestine engagement with Taliban, Indian foreign minister Salman Khurshid will visit the country next week for a meeting with him. While the government here is yet to react officially to these reports, it is learnt that the external affairs ministry has taken note of the confirmation of these by Kabul and its remark that “the last two months have been very positive”.

The Afghan government did not take the US into confidence before reaching out to the Taliban on its own and it is likely to further antagonize the Americans and create worries in New Delhi.

Indian media said Khurshid will also take stock of the progress made in key Indian infrastructure projects like parliament building, Salma dam and national agricultural university.

As the rift between Karzai and the US grows further, jeopardizing their proposed bilateral security agreement essential for a residual presence of US forces in the country after the drawdown, India has been forced to do a tough balancing act. India has shown understanding of Karzai’s position in not signing the agreement even though it doesn’t want US troops to withdraw completely and has refrained from putting any pressure on the president.

The Afghan Taliban have felt emboldened enough to respond favourably to Karzai’s overtures probably also because they believe Karzai has shown spunk in standing up to the US.—AP

Winter storm snarls US air travel for third day WASHINGTON—Airlines were canceling states, while some were getting freezing rain will affect flights in the Midwest, including thousands of flights Wednesday as snow and freezing rain crippled the US Northeast and Midwest for the second time in a week.

Across the eastern half of the US, the storm was canceling classes, closing government and business offices, and causing hundreds of thousands of power outages across the region, just after wreaking similar havoc in the Midwestern heartland on Tuesday.

A 100-kilometre stretch of an interstate highway in the densely populated region between the Pennsylvania and Connecticut was closed to all vehicles.

Up to a foot or more of snow was expected to fall on Wednesday on East Coast

and sleet that made driving treacherous. That follows a heavy coating of snow that fell on Monday.

FlightStats said almost 2,600 flights had been canceled as of 9.30am Eastern (1330 GMT) on Wednesday. That follows almost 2,000 cancellations on Tuesday and another 2,500 on Monday.

Most of the canceled flights were from the New York-area airports, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington. Regional airline Cape Air alone canceled more than 200 flights, including nearly every flight planned from airports in Massachusetts.

United Airlines warned that the disruptions

Chicago and Cleveland, too. United and other airlines are allowing passengers to change their tickets without the usual change fees.

Icy conditions knocked out power to more than 600,000 customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania and caused school and legislative delays as well as speed reductions on major roadways. Falling trees became a hazard for motorists.

The great bulk of the outages were in the five-county Philadelphia region, most of them in the suburbs.

New York state deployed more than 2,000 plows and other pieces of heavy equipment to keep roads clear during a storm that has forced

Dasti opposed the resolutions.

The ordinances were promulgated by President Mamnoon Hussain in October last year and under the Constitution the government was required to get them passed in the form of bills from parliament within 120 days.

The government had decided to defer the bills in the National Assembly on Monday because of strong protests by the opposition. The protests mainly came from the PTI and the ruling coalition partner JUIF which described the ordinances as draconian which undermined fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah of the PPP asked the government to defer the draft for a day or two to forge a consensus.—APP

the closure of one major highway and hundreds of schools upstate.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency and state offices were closed for non-essential employees, as the state got snow in northern parts, sleet and freezing rain in some areas, and all rain in southern counties.

Tens of thousands of customers were without power, and schools were closed or delayed.

Up in Massachusetts, the snowstorm forced Boston, Worcester and Springfield and other cities, to close schools and ban street parking to prepare for snow removal. In the tiny neighbouring state of Rhode Island, almost every school was shuttered.—AP

Malala nominated for ‘Children’s Nobel’ S T O C K H O L M —Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban, was nominated for the World Children’s Prize in Sweden for championing education rights for girls.

“She is a child herself and she stands up for girls’ rights to education in Pakistan, but also in the world as a whole,” Liv Kjellberg, 15, a member of the international prize jury said Malala was nominated last year for the Nobel Peace Prize.—Online

Kids learn to shoot down stroke with video game

A

DOCTOR who generally advises chil dren to turn off electronic devices urges them to play “Stroke Hero,” a video game that teaches kids to identify stroke symptoms and summon help, according to a new study. “While I recognize the hazards of video games, and I recognize the need to limit screen time, what better way to enable children to save lives than to have them play a video game?” Dr Olajide Williams, the study’s lead author, told Reuters Health.

Americans suffer nearly 800,000 strokes a year, and on average, one American dies from stroke every four minutes, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment administered within four and a half hours of the first signs of stroke can save lives and reverse disabling symptoms, said Williams, who is chief of neurology at Columbia University Medical Centre.

Better known as the Hip Hop Doc, Williams founded and runs Hip Hop Health, a public health organization that works with rap stars like Doug E Fresh to promote healthy living through music, videos and games.

Williams and rapper Artie Green designed Stroke Hero for an experiment with 210 lowincome nine- and 10-year-olds in New York’s Harlem neighbourhood, where the neurologist estimates 15 to 20 percent of kids are raised by their grandparents - who are at high risk for stroke.

Some 25 percent of the fourth and fifth graders had a personal experience with a stroke

victim, according to the study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke. The game stresses the importance of speed in recognizing symptoms and immediately dialling 911.

Players use medicine to shoot down clots blocking the flow of blood travelling from the heart to the brain. When the clot-busting drugs run out, players must answer questions about stroke to refill a syringe.

After playing the video game, children given a hypothetical scenario were 33 percent more likely to recognize stroke and call an ambulance, Williams said. Participants retained the knowledge when they were tested seven weeks later. “We were particularly excited about the retention after seven weeks,” Williams said. “How many academic curriculum can have that retention?”

Throughout the game, Green raps about signs of a brain attack.

“Stroke, it’ll cause weakness in both sides. . . . Stroke, you lose vision in both eyes.

Make your speech slur when you talk,” he sings. “Never hesitate - call 911. Stroke doesn’t care if you’re black or white.

Knowing all the symptoms will save your life.”

About 90 percent of the participants reported liking the game, and 67 percent said they planned to play it at home. For reasons the authors did not understand, however, only 26 percent of the children, mostly girls, used the “secret code” given to them to play Stroke Hero online at home.

CDA to provide basic facilities to students of Model Schools CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Maroof Afzal said that CDA administration attaches high priority to uplift and promotion of CDA Model School. “Students are future of our nation and we will make available all facilities to the students of CDA Model School”, he added.

The CDA administration will uti-

Administration fails to vacate I-11 slums ISLAMABAD—Interior Ministry and the Capital Development Authority has failed to get the I-11 slums vacated.

The slum housing mostly Afghans is reportedly famous for extortion, robbery and kidnapping for ransom. CDA is carrying out operations in various areas f the city to get the illegally occupied land free from the occupants. But so far has been unable to get this notorious area cleaned up.

According to official documents 285 families of Mehmand agency, 39 of Bajaur, 121 of Mardan Division, 42 of Charsadda, 92 from Peshawar, 23 from upper and lower Dir, 10 from Nowshera, 40 from Sawabi and 864 from other areas thus bringing the total population of the area to more than 8000.—Online

Rainwater on roads irks citizens STAFF REPORTER

Vehicles on the way during rain that drenched the Federal Capital.

Tourists throng hills to enjoy snowfall ISLAMABAD—The snowfall in Murree and surrounding hills on Thursday has attracted a large number of tourists from different parts of the country. Although there were no vacations, holiday or weekend, but still a large number of people specially from urban areas of Punjab and Karachi travelled to Murree to enjoy the snowfall.

Traffic jams were witnessed at various places on the road leading to the hilly station.

The resorts including Bhurban, New Murree, Kashmir Point, Pindi Point, Mall Road and Ayubia were packed with tourists. Galyaat, Hazara and Bhurbhan, received more snow as

compared to Murree city.

All restaurants were packed with tourists and the demand of woollies, has also gone up as mercury has gone below freezing point. A great rush was observed at hotels and place for eatables, people were enjoying hot food and hot drinks to keep themselves warm. Businessmen and shopkeepers of hilly resorts were happy in view of increased business activity.

Sameer Ali, a visitor from Lahore while talking to APP said, Murree had all facilities for enjoyment. “I am here today with my family and enjoying this awesome weather”, he added.—APP

RAWALPINDI —Heavy rains had lashed the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad early morning on Thursday, and water had accumulated at various areas especially near the Airport Road, where three feet of water had pooled at the Gulzar-e-Quaid Chowk a few yards from the Islamabad Expressway.

Traffic was blocked at the venue and most vehicles opted for an alternate route via the Fizaia Colony.

lize its best energies and resources to make school environment more conducive for learning and grooming, these views he expressed as chief guest at a ceremony held at CDA Model School to bid formal farewell to the retiring principal, here on Thursday.

He said that CDA administration acknowledges and owns the contribution of the departing principal. Her successor will have to work hard to prove to be her good replacement, the Chair-

man further said. The CDA administration is conscious of all problems and requirements of the CDA Model Schools and these issues are being given warmhearted attention.

CDA Model School needs a new and more spacious campus. CDA administration will arrange commencement of the new school campus at the earliest, the CDA Chairman added. Earlier while addressing at her farewell ceremony, the retiring principal said that

President confers Hilal-i-Pakistan on UNESCO DG STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday conferred the award of Hilal-iPakistan upon Ms. Irina Bokova, Director General, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) during a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The President conferred the award on Ms. Irina Bokova in recognition of her services for the people of Pakistan, supporting Pakistan in various UNESCO fora and activities, promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage and Indus valley civilization and assisting the country during natural disasters.

The investiture ceremony was attended among others by Zahid Hamid, Minister for Science and Technology, Baligh ur Rehman, Minister of State for Education, Training and Standards in Higher Education and other senior officials.

The citation read on the occasion said, “Ms. Irina Bokova, the first ever female Director General of UNESCO played a significant role in supporting Pakistan at various UNESCO forums, promotion of educational activities in Pakistan besides assisting the

President Mamnoon Hussain conferring the award of Hilal-I-Pakistan upon Ms Irina Bokova, Director General, UNESCO during a special investiture ceremony. people of Pakistan in various natu- played a crucial role in establish- tive Board Meeting to highlight ral calamities. ing Pakistan’s Tsunami Early the significance of preserving the She was instrumental in es- Warning System. She has also Indus valley civilization and to tablishing Malala Fund for Girls launched Mohenjodaro exhibition revive the international interest for Right to Education in 2012 and during 184th UNESCO Execu- the preservation of the site.

British writer visiting father’s land ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD—Eminent writer, novelist, playwright and filmmaker, Rosie Dastgir, currently living in London is visiting Pakistan on a week-long trip.

Rosie is arriving on February 16. Her debut novel “A Small Fortune” set in a Pakistani immigrant’s family has won her fame not only in England but also across the Atlantic and she has won attention of many papers and reviewers in the States.

Born to a Pakistani father (who was a native of Pir Mahal, District Toba Tek Singh before moving over to England in early 1950s) and English mother, Rosie has a first-hand experience of the struggle of the Pakistani immigrants. During her stay in Pakistan, Rosie Dastgir will participate in various literary programmes and interact with literati of the city. The prominent writers have hosted a reception in her honour on this occasion. Her stay also includes participation in literary interactive meetings.

To a question, Rosie said she was eagerly looking forward to meeting her family, friends besides writers and literary personalities of Pakistan.

Dastgir was educated at Oxford University and received Masters degree in Fine Arts in film from New York University’s Tisch School of Arts.

“A Small Fortune” portrays life of a Pakistani immigrant and revolves around typical Pakistani familial intricacies. The novel is also pictorial in the sense we come across a flurry of moving images.

The protagonist of the novel, Pakistani immigrant Harris, unexpectedly received “a small fortune” some fifty-three thousand pounds from a divorce settlement with an English woman. Brought up in a conservative society, Harris thinks this amount a burden

Japan-SAARC Youth Exchange Programme

Pakistani students leave for Japan CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The Government of Japan has invited a delegation of 11 Pakistani University Students who were chosen by their respective universities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to visit Japan, under the “JENESYS 2.0” Programme, from 9th February to 18th February 2014.

University students from member countries of SAARC have been invited by the Japanese government to participate in this short tern invitation programme. 12 university students from Karachi and Quetta are also visiting Japan under the same programme.

“JENESYS 2.0” (JapanEast Asia Network of Ex-

change for Students and Youths) is a youth exchange programme between Japan and SAARC countries to reaffirm and strengthen the bond between Japan and SAARC countries.

Under this programme, participants will be given opportunities to deepen their understanding on Japan’s cutting-edge high technologies and its support for local and creative industries, experience Japan’s traditional culture, and communicate with local people. This programme is expected to develop mutual understanding among youths in Japan and SAARC countries.

Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, handed over travel documents to the selected students from Pakistan at an orientation ceremony held today at the Embassy of Japan.

she has served CDA Model School for twenty eight years and is optimistic about its even brighter future due to availability of services of dedicated and capable staff and shining students.

She highlighted the issues confronting the school and stressed on the construction of the alternate school campus at the earliest. The students and staff members of the school also praised the services of the retiring principal through their speeches in course of the ceremony.

Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Hiroshi Inomata with the Pakistani university students who will be visiting Japan from 9th to 18th February 2014 on a short term invitation programme by the Government of Japan.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

and he must get rid of it, the sooner the better.

In order to fulfill this moral obligation, he chooses two recipients; his cousins living in abject poverty back in Pakistan and his Westernized daughter. However doing this further complicates the things, as he is in a fix which relatives to choose.

While reviewing the novel, a critic and author of “Miss Timmin’s School for Girls” Nayna Currimbhoy writes: “In Dastgir’s delicious debut novel, a clan of Pakistani immigrants navigates the treacherous territory between two cultures in an England of curry pubddles, cunning imams and failing convenience stores. It is funny, compassionate and vivid with details.”

Beggars mob picnickers at Lake View Park STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Rawal Lake View Park has become the hub of professional beggars as the park management is not paying any heed to control begging at the recreation spot.

The visitors have expressed concern over the increasing number of professional beggars inside the Lake View Park.

A large number of people are daily visiting the city’s beautiful water reservoir to enjoy some free moments with their families but due to beggars activities the resort is turning into an irksome place.

The visitors said that most of the beggars are female and children under the age of 15.

The beggars, surround every visitor and ask for Rs5 to Rs10, said Adeel Chughtai a visitor, adding that visiting the

park is becoming inconvenient.

Another visitor said it was difficult to enjoy in the park or eat at food stalls as the beggars surround them asking for money.

They said that the beggars tactfully exploit their emotions by telling stories of their miseries but they could not help all the beggars, adding it was responsibility of CDA to take effective measures against the beggar mafia.

He said they also steal valuables from the parked vehicles if they get a chance.

The visitors demanded of the authorities to take effective steps to make area of Rawal Lake View Park free of beggars.

When contacted an official of Capital Development Authority (CDA) said that strict action would be taken against the beggars, adding that the beggars coming to the park are creating problems for visitors.

Sadiq for boosting ties People cannot be kept deprived with Hungary, Indonesia Local Bodies polls

Zohr

06:20 01:30 04:15

of their rights for long: SC CITY REPORTER

07:30 Brothers in Islam establish

Six injured in road accident RAWALPINDI—Six persons received injuries in a road accident on Wednesday night at Mareer Chowk and two of them were reported to be in critical condition, Rescue 1122 reported.

According to details, a taxi cab collided with a Suzuki van taking a U turn near St John school as a result six persons were injured including a three year old child.

The injured identified Shafqat 32, Asma 30, Shehnaz 45, Umer 28, Gulraiz 43 and a minor Hasnaan 3. The injured were shifted to District Headquarter hospital.—APP

Removal of illegal van stops demanded CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani has remarked “conducting Local Bodies (LB) polls in cantonment boards is legal and constitutional obligation of the government and any further delay can not be allowed on this count. He gave these remarks while presiding over a 2-member bench of Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing of appeal plea filed by the government against high court orders on annulment of delimitation of constituencies in Punjab.

He further remarked “ delay in holding elections is breach of law and its consequences will not be good. Government had said it was legislating but legislation has not been enacted so far. People can not be kept deprived of their rights for long time. Government should tell when it would hold elections. He observed “ Responsibility for holding LB polls in cantonment boards rests with federal government. Defence secretary is facing contempt of court case for this reason. We will hear this case separately.

He further observed “ enough is enough. LB polls have not been held in cantonment boards so far since 1998. If government can not make amendment then we will order for conducting LB polls under old and the existing laws. When amendment is made then we will get hold elections afresh under new laws. We have waited for government amendments to all possible limits and we will not allow more delay now. This is legal formality that government should hold LB polls in cantonment boards.

He gave these remarks while presiding over a 2-member bench of Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing of appeal plea filed by the government against high court orders on annulment of delimitation of constituencies in Punjab. Attorney General (AG), Akram Sheikh, secretary election commission Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, DG Election Commission Sher Afgan and others appeared in the court The court asked from them the reason for not holding LB polls so far in cantonment boards. CJP re marked the matter pertains to federal government. Matter was delayed due to amendment. We can not al-

CAD to evolve strategy for school buses

STAFF R EPORTER mentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed Thursday informed the House that no contaminated water was being supplied to the Federal Capital.

Replying to a Calling Attention Notice in the National Assembly, the minister said the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was supplying water to the residents of the Capital from Simly, Khanpur Dams and from tube wells.

Sheikh Aftab said that water is being sup-

Twin Cities get 20 well equipped ambulances CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Muslim Hands, a UK based international NGO has launched a first-of-its-kind ambulance service for the residents of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

“The service which will also be available to the residents of adjoining areas of the two cities will provide round the clock prehospital emergency transportation care to the people”, Country Director Muslim Hands Pakistan, Syed Ziaul-Noor told reporter.

He said that the ambulance project was consisted of 20 well-equipped ambulances and was aimed at improving medical and healthcare services to the people in twin cities and adjoining areas.

The ambulances are part of an Ambulance Aid Convoy, namely “The Big Drive of UK to

Pakistan” organized by Muslim Hands International with a specified goal to furnish rapid and quality health services in Rawalpindi and Islamabad region. The volunteers, who raised funds for this project accompanied the convoy.

“These decommissioned NHS ambulances have made the long voyage from the UK, traveling through France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Iran to reach its new destination of service in Pakistan,” Zia-ul-Noor said.

“Covering 6000km through eight different countries, this journey was not easy one, but worth the sacrifices and more importantly worth the number of lives the ambulances will save”, he added.

He said that through this project, Muslim Hands would provide services in emergency situations relating to accidents, cardiac arrest, pregnant women and neonates.

ISLAMABAD —Facing acute shortage of school transportation, the education department of CAD has begun evolving a strategy to cover this deficiency.

In this regards the federal cabinet would be referred to for approval before its implementation, as sources disclose that February is to witness cessation of school busing, over paucity of funds to operate the buses.

It has been decided to seek the assistance of private sector in this regard, after which the services would be resumed.

STAFF REPORTER R AWALPINDI —Huge size sign board installed on the overhead bridge in front of Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) has turned into security risk for pedestrians using the bridge.

The installation of this sign board by an advertising company and District Administration (Distt Admin) to earn some amount of rupees is creating problems for citizens as the gallery of the bridge has gone out of sight.

Due to hidden entry and exist ways of bridge incidents of purse snatching and other crimes have become routine matter there, while encroachers have also established their writ on the footpath attached with this overhead bridge.

tional Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed his resolve to broaden and strengthen relationship of Pakistan with Hungary. He said that enhancing parliamentary contacts between legislatures of both the countries would add substance to the existing bilateral relations.

The Speaker was talking to Ambassador of Hungary Mr. Istvan Szabo, who called on him in Parliament House, on Thursday. The Speaker said that Pakistan accords high priority to its relations with Hungary and wants to further diversify those ties through collaboration in other fields. The Speaker said that Hungarian Mission in Pakistan should persuade Hungarian business community to take advantage of immense economic potential in Pakistan. He appreciated the contributions of MOL, the Hungarian company working

timacy. He also stressed the need for enhancing trade and cooperation between business communities of both the countries.

Mr. Burhan Muhammad, Indonesian Ambassador agreed that the interaction between parliamentarians and business economic communities would enhance the understanding and business activity in both the countries.

He informed the Speaker that Indonesia encourages import of various commodities from Pakistan especially fruits like mangoes and kinno.

He said that a trade fair is being arranged in Jakarta this June for Pakistani entrepreneurs to display their goods for Indonesian market.

He appreciated the establishment of Pakistan-Indonesia Friendship Group in National Assembly of Pakistan.

He said that it would be reciprocated in the Indonesian National Assembly after the new Assembly is in place after the general elections being held in April, 2014.

plied to the Capital after proper testing by the CDA laboratories, adding that the Authority has also its own Water Quality Control System.

The minister said that there is dire need to develop more laboratories in the Capital and also to improve the sewerage system which is so obsolete, adding that the old sewerage system was the main cause of spreading various diseases.

Sheikh Aftab said the instructions would be issued to the CDA to address the various problems facing by the capital with the coordination of provincial government of Punjab.

STAFF REPORTER

Sign board near BBH security risk

I SLAMABAD —Speaker Na-

in oil exploration sector in Pakistan.

The Hungarian Ambassador Mr. Istvan Szabo said that his country also attaches immense importance to Pakistan and wants to revitalize its bilateral relations. He said his country strongly desires to enhance its parliamentary relations apart from cooperation in other fields.

He said that Hungary will continue its support to Pakistan in its socio-economic development initiatives.

Later, Mr. Burhan Muhammad, Ambassador of Indonesia called on Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House.

Referring to the warm brotherly ties, the speaker said that both the countries were attached in eternal bonds of religion, culture and brotherhood which needs to be taken to new heights. He stressed the need for enhancing parliamentary ties between legislatures of both the countries which would bring more in-

No contaminated water being supplied to Capital: Aftab

R AWALPINDI —The wide- ISLAMABAD—Minister of State for Parliaspread encroachments and illegal van stops are creating troubles for the shopkeepers and shoppers in Kashmiri market of Raja Bazaar due to sheer slackness of the city administration.

The shopkeepers and traders of the bazaar have said that illegal parking, Qingqi rickshaws, vans, and encroachments have adversely affected their business. The situation has further been worsened owing to prolonged electricity and gas loadshedding, and poor sanitation conditions. The shopkeepers and traders including Sultan Mehmood, Wali-urRehman, Syed Shoukat, Muhammad Amin, Sajid Shah and others said that Kashmiri Bazaar has a historic significance but the officials of developmental authority do not pay heed to solve the problems faced by the areas.

The traders appealed to the Commissioner and District Coordination Officer (DCO) Rawalpindi to remove encroachments and van stops, besides ordering proper sanitation arrangements in the commercial area.

low delay. No election has been held since the last 8 years and violation of law will not yield good results. When new law comes then you can hold elections afresh.

Akram Sheikh said “ the reasons of the decision have also come. I have applied for the decision. We will file the reply within next two days.

The matters related to delimitations have been declared null and void in two provinces. Then how can the elections be conducted. High court has nullified delimitations in Sindh and Punjab. CJP remarked “we will serve you notice that you should file reply within a week for providing assistance to us. The court said in the order that “we had summoned AG for extending us assistance with reference to LB polls in cantonment boards. Elections have not been held in cantonment areas since 1998.

The government has given reasons now that the cause leading to the delay is this that government is going to amend Cantonment Local Government Ordinance-1998.

It is constitutional obligation of the government to hold local governments’ election under article 140 of the constitution. Policy has been laid down in article 32 as well.

STAFF R EPORTER

Ambassador of Korea Song Jong-Hwan, Chief Executive Roots Millennium Schools Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq and Quratul-Ain with students during the closing ceremony of Roots Millennial Olympiad.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

Parliament House roof leaks in rain STAFF REPORTER

Police arrest 29 outlaws including dacoits’ gang, POs RAWALPINDI—Police in its drive against anti- ing in their jurisdiction. The operation was social elements on Thursday arrested 29 accused including a six-member dacoits’ gang and three Proclaimed Offenders from different localities and recovered illegal arms and drugs from their possession. Airport Police claimed to have busted a six-member gang of dacoits from Scheme-III area and recovered illegal arms and daggers from their possession.

Acting on a tip-off, the Police raided the area and nabbed accused Furqan, Junaid, Hassan, Umer and Shoaib armed with pistols and daggers. Police have registered a case against the accused and expect “sensational revelations” during investigation.

Civil Lines and Ganjmandi Police arrested three proclaimed offenders (POs) in a search operation launched in different localities fall-

conducted to arrest absconders involved in heinous crimes. Police overall seized 3375 grams charas, 80 bottles of liquor, four pistols and a stolen motorcycle. According to details, Naseerabad, Waris Khan, Banni, Mandra and Saddar Bairooni Police apprehended Abdul Rehman, Rashid, Naushad, Ali Shan, Javed and Khalid for carrying charas.

Ratta Amral, Pirwadhai, Mandra and Saddar Bairooni Police caught Bilal, Ejaz, Kamran, Ishtiaq, Bashir and Azhar with liquor, while four accused were arrested from different localities of Sadiqabad and Ratta Amral for possesing illegal arms and ammunition. Civil Lines Police recovered a stolen motorcycle from Haroon and Akmal. Police have registered cases under relevant sections against the arrested.—APP

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Allama Iqbal Open University(AIOU) will set-

I SLAMABAD —With the be- up a ‘Center of excellence’ in Isginning of monsoon rains in the federal capital the roof of the Parliament House has also started leaking from various spots.

Even a moderate rain was too much for the roof of the Parliament House and it started leaking on Thursday as the rain spell continued for the whole day.

The staff in the Parliament House remained busy the whole day in placing buckets under the leaking water to save the carpets and records in the offices.

The roof was leaking from various spots which included the ground floor, entrance points of the National Assembly and Senate, entrance of opposition leader’s chamber, speaker and deputy speaker’s chamber and also the third floor.

Property dealers, tenants Chairman Allied Hospital Dr Aslam, ex-MNA Hanif Abbasi, Dr Umer, Dr Nasir and others inaugurating the new Orthopaedic Ward at Civil Hospital, Raja Bazaar.

AIOU to setup Center of excellence lamic Studies to promote Quranic teaching and Islamic values. The center, to be set up with Rs 100 million, will be electronically connected with other Universities in the Islamic world to promote true Islamic knowledge and spread the divine message of Quran and Sunnah. This was stated by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmed Sangi on Thursday while addressing a seminar on ‘Role of Arabic language in promotion of Islamic Studies and Islamic Culture.’

The seminar arranged by the AIOU Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies was addressed by Prof. Dr. Saleh Al Shasri, Head Department of Humanities, King Khalid Military College, Saudi Arabia, Prof. Dr. Saleh AlGhamidi, Dean, Faculty of Arts, King Saud University, Riyadh and Prof. Dr. Muhammad AlHadliq from King Saud University. They underlined the importance of the Arabic language to

understand and follow Islamic teaching in their true spirit. They assured providing due support to AIOU for implementation its academic programmes on Islamic studies and promotion of Arabic language.

Dr. Sangi said that University will set-up E-learning labs at its regional campuses to teach Arabic language to around two thousand teachers and fifty thousand students. E-learning software is also being developed to incorporate the contents of Arabic language. The Arabic language-teaching project will be undertaken in cooperation with other domestic and international institutions. Dr. Sangi said the contents relating to human rights, guaranteed by Quran and Sunnah have already been included in the University’s curriculum at the intermediate level.

The University, he added is also engaged in creating world largest ‘Information Communication Technology Center’ data for promoting e-learning.

Rs.123-million has been allocated for this purpose.

CTO issues travel advisory for Murree during snowfall RAWALPINDI—Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Ishtiaq Hussain Shah Thursday issued travel advisory for tourists planning to visit Murree while the hill station is having snowfall. Talking to APP here, he advised motorists to avoid using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-run and old model vehicles to ensure safe journey to the mountainous resort where people from across the country throng to see scenic beauty of Malka-e-Kohsar.

He said the traffic police have stopped movement of heavy vehicles on the road leading to Murree to avoid any untoward incident as the road becomes slippery after and during snowfall.

Shah stressed motorists to use tyre chains as it ensures better road grip, minimizing risk of slipping.

Meanwhile as the city continues to receive rain various road were inundated by rain water which slowed movement of traffic and caused of number accidents as motorists rammed into vehicles creeping on overloaded roads.—APP

Capital Police start registration ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Police have constituted special teams to register data of property dealers, rented houses and the tenants in urban and rural areas of the federal capital to ensure foolproof security.

The special teams will collect the data and the property dealers, rented houses and the tenants will be registered within a week.

According to police officials, the campaign is aimed at finding out criminal elements, who are hiding among the residents of the federal capital.

They appealed to the public to cooperate with the police teams and to provide correct information. —INP

Press Council of Pakistan Chairman, Raja Muhammad Shafqat Khan Abbasi presiding over the PCP 8th general meeting.

Mirwaiz hails Nawaz initiative to resolve Kashmir dispute through dialogue I SLAMABAD —Chairman All Parties ment for taking keen interst in their matter onboard in the dialogue process.

Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq hailed PM Nawaz Shariff ‘s initiative for resolution of Kashmir issue peacefully with India through dialoghue and expressed optimism that the talks will be result oriented and fruitful.

Talking to PTV, he said that “We hope that the steps taken by Pakistan will be appreciated by India and talks on Kashmir will soon be resumed. The only necessity is that Kashmir’s pro-freedom leadership must be taken on board. “ He acknowledged PM Nawaz Sharif’s bold step and thanked Kashmiri people for their complete solidarity on the resolution of Kashmir issue through dialogue process.

Replying to a question , he appreciated Prime Minister of Pakistan and his govern-

India committing human rights violations: Waza

and hailed suceessful commemoration of Kashmir Solidaity day in Pakistan on February 5 with full determination.

He said that such approach by the Prime Minister and his govt is a welcome step and positive message for the kashmiris towards resolution of Kashmir issue. He said that Pakistan wanted development of the region and has wise approach that nothing will be completly achieved unless kashmir’s basic issue is resolved .

So far as the Kashmiris participation is concerned, it has been very important that the Kashmiris should be given full participation in the talks procedure as history is witness that all the India and Pakistan dialogue process met with failure mainly due to Kashmiri leadership absence or they have never been taken

He stressed that the world should also realized this fact that peace depends upon justice and same is the case with Middle East, Syria ,Egypt, that no peace can be achieved unless jusitice prevails there .

He added that the kashmiri people also are waiting that the world and the UN who have made commitments with Pakistanis and Kashmirs should be fulfilled and hoped that a new era of development would be started in their region.

He said there should be some relief now for the Kashmiris from the sufferings and pain which they were facing for the 65 years. He urged the world and other international forums to fulfill their promise to help grant kashmiris their right to self determination.—APP

Indian Army should reopen Pathribal encounter case: Farooq

Children holding placards during a protest against the puppet administration in Srinagar.

New administrative units a conspiracy: Shabir Ahmad Shah

Islamabad should present fresh resolution in UN

JAMMU—Union Minister Farooq Abdullah has point here that there was a driver from Pakistan SRINAGAR—The All Parties said that Army should reopen the alleged side, who was carrying drugs. Obviously he has SRINAGAR—Terming the cre- SRINAGAR—After Prime Minister Nawaz change in policy the world community got ation of new administrative Hurriyet Conference (APHC) Pathribal fake encounter case so that “the jus- to face the law of the land.” leader and the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League (JKPL) Chairman, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza has said that India is committing the worst human rights violations in the territory.Mukhtar Ahmad Waza addressing a gathering in Kulgam pledged the people of Kashmir would continue to fight for securing their right to self-determination till complete success. He said that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people would not go waste.

He said that business of onions and potatoes couldn’t help in stabilizing and strengthening relations between Pakistan and India but the settlement of Kashmir dispute could normalize the ties between the two nuclear countries. He stressed immediate steps for resolution of the dispute over Kashmir so that permanent peace could be established in the region.

Waza also welcomed the statement of Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif inviting India for meaningful and result-oriented talks on Kashmir. He said that Kashmris are party to the dispute so both the countries must start dialogue process involving the true leadership of Kashmiris in the dialogue process.—KMS

tice is served”. “The case will have to be reopened and justice will have to be done,” he said in response to a question during a function

by Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association to felicitate state cricket team for their performance in Ranji Trophy season.

“Army has to relook into the case, because nobody is going to accept that the dismissal of the case is final,” he said. “I think the Centre may soon reopen the case,” he said. His son and JK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi and raised the issue of Army’s controversial decision to close the case, saying punishment should be meted to those responsible for killing of innocent people.

The Army, on January 23, had closed its probe in the case after acquitting five accused soldiers, saying the evidence recorded could not establish prima facie charges against any of them. Asked about the way Pakistan handled the issue of arrest of its one truck driver after recovery of drugs from his vehicle, he claimed, “I

The minister said, “It is important for Pakistan to realise that this is not going to do, law will take its course. And they must release our truckers so that they can come home.” Regarding his change in stand with regard to Narindra Modi, Farooq said, “As far as NC is concerned, NC is not going to join NDA.” “It (NC) has made its point very clear. Omar has also made it very clear that we are not going away from that (UPA). Therefore there is no question of joining Modi,” Farooq said.

He further said, “It is not for Farooq Abdullah, but the people of India to decide in elections what they want - whether they want a secular government or a communal government.” Meanwhile, Farooq said: “Third Front has been in the news for a long time. There have been talks about it. I think third front will only emerge after the elections are over.” “Once the election is over and seat numbers are there, then only one will come to a conclusion, whether that is possible and who will lead the third front,” he added.—NNI

Asiatic lion spotted in AJK national park

Meeting of Cross LoC officials remains inconclusive SRINAGAR—The fourth round of talks between the officials at the Kaman Post in the north Kashmir’s Baramulla district over the resumption of the trade ties remained inconclusive with Pakistan officials reiterating their demand for the release of their detained driver.

Officials said that the meeting between the two sides couldn’t break the ice, as the Azad Kashmir authorities refused to resume the trade unless their driver arrested on charges of smuggling narcotics into Valley is not released.

The Azad Kashmir delegation was led by Retired Brigadier Mohammad Ismail Khan, while the delegation from this side was led by Deputy Commissioner (DC), Baramulla, Ghulam Ahmad Khwaja. The meeting started at 3:30 pm and ended at 5:30 pm without any conclusion.

Pertinently, Indo-Pak officials have held three meetings in the past to resolve the crisis caused by the arrest of the Pakistani driver. The first and second meetings on January 18, and January 27, remained inconclusive, while the meeting on January 30 was partially successful as both the sides announced to resume travel ties.

However, trade across the Line of Control (LoC) remained suspended. The commerce was suspended on January 17 after the arrest of the driver and seizure of the vehicle by India. Pakistani authorities later detained 27 drivers and their vehicles from India who had gone to Chakote near Muzaffarabad with trade goods.

Pakistan also refused entry to 48 of its own trucks, demanding the Indian authorities to release the arrested driver and allow the return of all 49 trucksthat had come to the Salamabad trade centre in Baramulla district Jan 17.—NNI

units, ‘a political gimmick’, chairman Huriyat Conference Jammu and Kashmir (HCJK) Shabir Ahmad Shah has said that it is being done to distract the people from dissent.

Chairman HCJK said that the amalgam is keeping a vigil over the recent development and that it appeals people not to get swayed away by such tactics. “The politics is being played with the people of this troubled land. We must not forget that our basic aim,” Shah said.

He further stated that if districts are being created in every locality in Kashmir, still then the people of Kashmir will continue to strive for their ‘just cause’.

Shah added that the creation of new administrative units is being done for the political purposes and that people must remain cautious about the ‘nefarious conspiracies’ against ‘Kashmir cause’. “It is a nonissue for us, all we want is that people must not be swayed away by the creation of tehsils or nayabts. They should remember that their basic motive is right to self determination.”—NNI

MUZAFFARABAD—An endan-

MUZAFFARABAD: Physically impaired children celebrating their birthdays by cutting cake at a rehabilitation centre.

IHK Govt poisoning Kashmir atmosphere: Mehbooba SRINAGAR—The Opposition Peoples Demo- banderbaat kiya. They have been doing it for cratic Party has said the government’s go-ahead to the creation of administrative units in J&K without following the set criteria has poisoned the atmosphere and the move was fraught with danger, particularly in Kashmir.

“The Government sat on the Mushtaq Ganai report for almost three years and as the elections are drawing nearer, the report has been used to gain political mileage,” PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said at a press conference here.

The PDP had maintained a conspicuous silence over the government’s decision to create 759 units which is being seen as discriminatory against Kashmir.

“By deciding to increase the number of units from 222 to 659, the government has turned the atmosphere poisonous. They have pitted people against people and village against village. We apprehended it can have large fallout,” Mehbooba said. “Yahaan bi unhoonay

years,” Mehbooba said.

Last week the State Cabinet approved the report of its sub-committee for creation of new 659 administrative units besides around 2000 Patwar Halqas in the State. Of the total 659 units, 337 units have gone to Jammu while 274 units have been approved for Kashmir. Ladakh has got 48 units.

Anger is already brewing in Kashmir over ‘discrimination’ meted out to the region vis-àvis the share of units. Kashmir has the highest population of over 69 lakhs followed by Jammu with around 51 lakh souls. The number of electorate in Kashmir is again the highest, 36 lakh compared to 31 lakh voters in Jammu.

She attacked Omar-led government for ‘failures on all fronts,’ saying corruption, mis-governance, harassment of youth and erosion of institutions have been the “achievements” of this Government.—NNI

Asiya: Pakistan to raise Kashmir issue at international forums SRINAGAR —Chairperson of Dukhtaran-e- India at the international forums,” she said.

Milat, Asiya Andrabi has urged Pakistan and its leadership to raise the Kashmir issue at all international forums and play an active role for the resolution of the vexed issue.

In a telephonic address to various functions, Asiya appealed the Pakistani leadership saying, “observing Kashmir days won’t suffice unless and until hectic efforts are initiated at the international level.”

“I urge Pakistani leadership to take all possible steps at the world forums and to seek Kashmir resolution. No opportunity should also be lost in initiating Kashmir centric dialogue with

“Kashmiri people suffer all 365 days of the year as not a single day passes without the atrocities and the steps by forces to muzzle the genuine voice of Kashmiris.”

Asiya further said that Pakistani leadership should also make the international bodies understand about the fact that “Kashmir issue has been accepted as dispute by United Nations and resolutions are pending in the same forum.”

“People of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, should feel proud of Kashmiris, who are continuing their genuine struggle over the past two decades,” Asiya added.—NNI

gered subspecies of big cats has been spotted in a national park of Azad Kashmir, much to the delight of conservationists, a wildlife official claimed.

Chaudhry Muhammad Razzaq, Director AJK Wildlife and Fisheries Department, said spotting of Asiatic lion, zoologically known as Panthera leo persica, was repeatedly reported from Deva Vatala National Park, spread over 7482 acres in the southernmost Bhimber district.

Over the last five years, the wildlife department had been occasionally receiving reports about sighting of a lion by the residents or shepherds in the national park area, he told Greater Kashmir.

“However, when the latest report to this effect was received from a herder in November last year I deputed a local wildlife watcher Mohammad Ashfaq for verification of the claims after giving him training for two months,” he said, adding, the watcher finally spotted the large tawny-coloured cat near Bun Cheer locality in the upper parts of the park at midday on January 31.

Giving details, Razzaq said, the watcher who was accompanied by a friend suddenly came across the big cat, lying on the ground barely 20 feet ahead of them. As the large animal roared, the panicky watcher and his friend fled for their safety and in the meanwhile it disappeared in the dense forests, he added. Razzaq said the duo saw the lion once again after half an hour from a some 500 away from a mountain slope, as it was walking towards the Line of Control (LoC).

According to him, it was highly likely that the lion would have come from Jammu and Kashmir. “However, repeated reports over the past few years and latest spotting suggests that the lion has settled down in the park area,” he said.—NNI

Sharif invited India to engage in a result-oriented dialogue process over the Kashmir dispute, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference chief Syed Ali Geelani has said Islamabad should consider presenting a fresh resolution in United Nations in favour Kashmir peoples’ right.

While expressing satisfaction over the passing of resolution with respect to Kashmir dispute by the Pakistan National Assembly on Kashmir Solidarity Day, he said Islamabad “should mobilize its diplomatic offices to earn the favour of world community for oppressed Kashmir nation”.

“Pakistan should do more to address the Kashmir dispute and they should start a strong movement to highlight the grave human rights violations by India in disputed Kashmir,” the 84-year-old resistance leader said. Thanking Pakistan for expressing their solidarity with the Kashmir people, Geelani said: “Islamabad has always favoured the right to self-determination for Kashmir people and has suffered heavy losses for this.”

He said: “Pakistan has suffered tremendous human loses during the three wars with India and have lost East Pakistan over Kashmir dispute.” He said, “how can we forget those Pakistan youths who have sacrificed their precious lives for we people and this process continues.”

While criticizing the policy adopted by the former Pakistan President General Pravez Musharraf which he said was contrary to Islamabad’s traditional stand, he said: Musharraf has definitely harmed the Kashmir cause by diluting the issue. “By this

confused in understanding the demand of Kashmiri people.”

Geelani expressed hope that the present Pakistan government will maintain the traditional stand on Kashmir and will not follow the policies of Musharraf. He appealed the Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Shareef to find the possible ways of presenting a fresh resolution for Kashmir in UNO, with the consultation of specialists of International Laws.

In his message on Kashmir Solidarity Day, Sharif said Pakistan was committed to resolving all outstanding disputes with India including the one over Jammu and Kashmir through dialogue. “We invite India to engage in a comprehensive, sustained and result-oriented dialogue process,” he said.

Meanwhile, Syed Ali Geelani has said the Indian agents and supporters want to change the discourse and divert the attention of people from Kashmir dispute.

Geelani has appealed people to avoid the politics of tehsils and blocks and concentrate on real cause and sacrifices. “Great nations never get diverted by these lollipops and they never indulge in acts which harm their national interest and dignity,” a Hurriyat spokesman quoted Geelani.

Geelani said even though the ruling collation will try to use these new units for votes, but there will be no change on ground.

“Whoever is in the chair, weather Omar, Mufti, Congress or even BJP but the State of Jammu and Kashmir is directly ruled by New Delhi. Without their consent, Jammu and Kashmir government is unable to make even a small decision,” Geelani said.—NNI

NC worried about India’s security after US troop withdrawal: Farooq Abdullah

Demand for dry fruit shoots up in Held Kashmir

SRINAGAR—As the cold wave JAMMU—Union Minister Farooq Abdullah has said India would continues to tighten its grip have to be “extremely cautious” after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, and ruled out any security relaxation claiming that “terrorist outfits will try to destabilise” the country, particularly Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah said his party was worried about security of the country after the US troops leave Afghanistan. “We are worried about what is Taliban going to do, what is Al-qaeda going to do?

Because there is a feeling that the Pan-Islamism want to spread trough gun and it is going to be dangerous for all of us,” the National Conference chief said.

Referring to its impact on Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “Our region is one (which is in the focus), and we will have to be extremely cautious.”

Speaking on whether there would be security relaxation with the abrogation of the AFSPA, he said, “No, never... Not only in J&K, but in entire India... We should not lower our guard against those forces that are trying to destabilise India.”

“We have to be very cautious. We have to be very careful in whatever steps we take,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a function to felicitate the state cricket team for their good performance in the recently-concluded Ranji Trophy season.

“That is why it is important that we choose a government that can hold India together and fight the menace of terrorism and create strength,” he added.

The Union minister, however, said the AFSPA should be revoked from areas where it was no longer needed. He said, “As far as AFSPA abrogation is concerned, NC’s view is that there is no need for AFSPA. It should go from those places where Army is not operating.”—NNI

across most parts of northern India, including Jammu and Kashmir, the demand for dry fruit, including almonds, groundnuts and cashewnuts, has increased, with residents thronging local markets to buy them to keep themselves warm.

Residents were seen buying several varieties of dry fruit here over the weekend.

They said dry fruit, which contained concentrated fruit sugars, rejuvenated them as they were a good source of energy.

“There is a great demand for dry fruit at present, especially from Europe. In Kashmir, the demand is rising as dry fruit serves as a good diet during winter. Dry fruit has a lot of advantages. Walnuts are recommended for curing heart ailments, and if children are given almonds with milk, it protects them from cold and helps them keep warm. Dry fruit also keeps the elderly fit,” said Muhammad Shafi, a shopkeeper.—NNI

MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Minister for Rehabilitation Abdul Majid Khan, Commissioner Rehabilitation Raja Rafiq Nayyer, AC Khawaja Bashir and others paying visit to immigrants camp.

PIAF hails 2 years of Pak Business Express L AHORE —Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Chairman Malik Tahir Javed felicitated the Pak Business Express on completion of two years and said the private sector had an ability to put economy back on rail by turning loss making enterprises into profitable ones. In a statement issued here Thursday, he said the success of Pak Business Express was a good omen for Pakistan Railways. He hoped that days were not very far when Pakistan Railways would become a profitable entity. He said the government should appreciate ventures like Pak Business Express and success of the Pak Business Express had given a very good message to the foreign investors. He said the success of Pak Business Express had opened new doors for public-private partnership that was must to gain economic stability.—APP

Rates for conversion KARACHI—The following rates will be applicable for conversion into rupees of Foreign Currency Deposits, Dollar Bearer Certificates, Foreign Currency Bearer Certificates, Special U.S. Dollar Bonds and profits thereon by all banks and for providing Forward Cover on Foreign Currency Deposits (excluding F.E- 25 deposits) by the State Bank on February 7, 2014. The rates are U.S. Dollar Rs 105.3943, Japanese Yen Rs 1.0382, Pound Sterling Rs 171.7294 and Euro Rs 142.5352.—APP

ICAP holds InterRAET debate competition K ARACHI —The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) organized the annual Inter RAETs Debate Competition amongst CA students studying in RAETs at ICAP houses (Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad). The topics of the competition were “Chase your Passion not Pension”. Heated debate followed as the participants presented their stance very persuasively. Students from RAETs actively participated in the competition and won the applause and appreciation of all.

Participants came up with good arguments. The knowledge and the interpersonal skills of the participants were tested.—NNI

Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.

—Steve Jobs

Foreign investment to touch 20pc of GDP in 5 years: Miftah ISLAMABAD : Special assistant to the Prime Minister and view is concerned.

Chairman Board of Investment (BoI), Dr. Miftah Ismail Thursday said that investments into the country would reach to 20 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in next five years, hence promote sustainable economic development in the country.

“Our target is to bring investment level to 20 percent of GDP in five years. Currently the foreign investment into country is about 14 percent of GDP, so we will be increasing it by 1 percent of GDP per year,” Miftah said in an interview with APP. He said that investments could be enhanced by attracting private sector so the government is motivated to get private investment in by providing lucrative incentives and through the process of privatization.

The private sector brings with it higher international competitiveness, he added. He said that current fiscal year (2013-14) may be tight in terms of attracting investors as framework for investments would be set during this current year. However, there would be tangible developments in terms of investment inflows into he country during the years to follow, he remarked.

The BoI Chairman said that due to investment friendly policies of the government, Foreign companies executing in Pakistan have been grooming rapidly and making huge profits which he said have been becoming motivation for other companies to get in and invest in Pakistan for better benefits.

Talking about the over all law and order situation that is considered important for investments, he said that investors mainly invest in Punjab and parts of Sindh and both these ares are safe as far as security point of

Vodafone confident on revenue outlook after tough Q3 L O N D O N — B r i t a i n ’s Vodafone said it was confident its revenue would start to improve due to the take up of faster 4G services and cost cuts, after reporting another sharp fall in quarterly organic service revenue.

The world’s second largest mobile operator, which is investing to improve the speed and coverage of its networks after selling its U.S. arm in a $130 billion deal, said organic service revenue was down 4.8 percent in the three months to the end of December. It fell by 4.9 percent in the previous quarter.

The group, Britain’s third largest company, has reported sharp falls in its key revenue measurement in the last 18 months due to regulatory-imposed price cuts, fierce competition and European consumers reducing the number of calls they make during the downturn. —APP

He said that although there are some problems in Karachi, but the government has taken comprehensive measures to ensure law and order situation in this financial hub to ensure inflows of foreign investment. He said that there were lots of investment opportunities in Pakistan particularly in infrastructure and energy sector and keeping in view the lucrative investment opportunities, foreign companies are interested in coming in.

Given to liberal economic policies we are able to attract considerable investment from Japan, Chinese, European Union and North America. Talking about the Japan External Trade Organization’s (JETRO) recent business growth survey which ranked Pakistan as second in the world in terms of business growth, he said that it was not surprising as Pakistan was providing huge incentives as compared to the other countries of the world.

He said that Foreign investors do not face any restrictions on the inflow of capital, and investment of up to 100% of equity participation is allowed in most sectors. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan has been ranked second in the world in terms of business growth in a survey, conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

The current survey - which examined records of 9,371 Japanese firms operating across the world - put Pakistan just behind Taiwan in terms of business generated, leaving behind both India and Japan, media reports said. JETRO has been conducting such surveys since 2013. Pakistan’s data was generated from 27 Japanese firms doing business here.

The results found that 74.1% of the Japanese companies estimated operating profit in 2013, allotting second rank to Pakistan only after Taiwan (81.8%).—APP

Chief Secretary presides ZOT review meeting STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Sindh Chief Secretary Sajjad Saleem Hotiana emphasized upon expeditious completion of Zulfiqarabad Oil Terminal (ZOT), which would help in reducing the issues of traffic jam, in addition to facilitating all concerned stake holders, thought the country.

He advised the Additional Chief Secretary (P&D) to prepare a perfect line of action to fulfill the financial needs of ZOT project, in collaboration/under consultation with Secretary Finance and Administrator KMC, within a week.

Hotiana issued these instructions while presiding a review meeting on ZOT, held the other day in his office. The meet-

ing was apprised that out of total 3 phases - the phase-I has been completed, PhaseII is near completion, thereafter the 3rd & final Phase would be under taken which also includes the shifting process. It was decided in the meeting that the Federal Government shall be requested for obtaining the required funds, with a view to get the ZOT project completed within the scheduled time, before the end of this year.

The Chief Secretary asked the Administrator KMC to expedite completion of remaining work of ZOT Phase-II and submit plan for Phase-III within a month.

Additional Chief Secretary (P&D) M. Waseem, Commissioner Karachi Shoaib A. Siddiqui, Administrator KMC Rauf A. Farooqui and others attended the meeting.

Cooperative housing societies’ administrators appointed STAFF REPORTER KARACHI —The Secretary, Cooperation Department Sindh Ali Ahmed Lund has appointed Haji Muhammad Haroon as Administrator M/s HDA Employees Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. Hyderabad in place of Syed Sabir Ali Hashmi.He has also

appointed Muhammad Mansooruddin as Administrator of M/s Citizen Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. Hyderabad in place of Ayaz Ali and Rustam Bashir has also been appointed as Administrator of M/s Nawab Junagadh Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. Karachi in place of Shah Muhammad Ujjan.

PIA making efforts to induct 20 aircraft in fleet I SLAMABAD —Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is making all out efforts to induct at least 20 aircraft with long, medium and short range in its fleet. The management of the national flag carrier is making efforts to persuade the government to induct 20 fuel efficient aircraft in its fleet. “These aircraft will be inducted in PIA fleet starting from April 2014 and all 10 aircraft will inducted within a time frame of six to 10 months,” official sources said on Thursday.

According to the sources, the national flag carrier needs at least 45 aircraft. Meanwhile, the officials deputed at airports have been directed to take care of passengers.

They have been asked to take care of PIA passengers on the ground as well as on board. At a high-level meeting chaired by

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Aviation, Shujaat Azeem, it was decided that the employees of all cadres will be rewarded for their efficiency but slackness and corruption will not be tolerated at any cost and punitive actions will be taken against those found guilty.

The Special Assistant to Prime Minister made it clear that there will be zero tolerance towards corruption. He said that PIA flight kitchen, training centre and engineering are doing a very good job and have the experience, capability and capacity to become Strategic Business Units. “We are trying to establish MRO and efforts will be made to earn revenue by offering the services to other airlines and organizations,” he said.—AFP

ISE stays bullish ISLAMABAD—The Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) Thursday witnessed a bullish trend as the ISE-10 Index was up by 5.07 points to close at 4638.95 points. A total of 785,000 shares were traded, which showed a growth of 383,000 shares when compared to previous day’s trading of 402,000 shares. Out of 165 companies, share prices of 86 recorded increase while those of 79 companies decreased.

The share price of Murree Brewery increased

by Rs 22.46 while that of Mutchellls Fruit Farma decreased by Rs 36.38 per share. Lotte Chemical, Fauji Cement and Lafrage Pakistan Cement remained the top trading companies with 250,000, 200,000.—APP

ISLAMABAD: Dr Mfitah Ismail, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Chairman, Board of Investment meeting with David Mcneil, Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of United States of America, Islamabad to discuss economic developments in the Country, role of US Commercial Services and other areas of mutual concerns.

Market access to be to Provided regional countries: Khurram I SLAMABAD —Minister for Textile and Industries Khurram Dastagir on Thursday said that Pakistan will provide market access to the regional countries to increase trade and business activities in the region. He said that neighboring countries including India would have the market access in the area. Talking to a private television channel, he said that India should expedite the work on streamlining the tariff related matters.—APP

Shipping activity at Port Qasim KARACHI—Two ships carrying chemical were berthed at Engro Vopak Terminal and Liquid Cargo Terminal on Wednesday.

Berth occupancy was 18% at the Prot on Thursday where total two ship namely Norgas Innovation and Genuine Galaxy are currently occupying berths to offload, chemical and edible oil respectively during last 24 hours.—APP

Karachi port activity STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Following Ships called on and left Karachi port during last 24 hours I-Ships Sailed II- SHIP BIRTHED 1. Hyundai Freedom Cont 1 PAC Aries 2. AlMahboobah Tanker 2 Ital Moderna 3. Wan Hai 512 Cont 3 Ocean Pegasus 4.

Posen Cont 4 Kota Gembira 5. DL Violft Tanker 5. Corcovado III. EXPECTED SAILING Date 1. PAC Aries 06 Feb. 14 2. Corcovado 06 Feb. 14 3. Kota Gembira 06 Feb. 14 4. Ital Moderna 06 Feb. 14 6. MSC Kerry 07 Feb. 14 7. Ocean Pegasus 07 Feb. 14 8. Baltic Soul 07 Feb. 14.

Foreign investment in hotel industry

Mövenpick Hotels & Re sorts unveils major renovation plan for Karachi hotel AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI —Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts which has acquired Sheraton Hotel has unveiled a major renovation and refurbishment plan for the Karachi property which was reflagged as Mövenpick Hotel Karachi on January 1, 2014. The announcement was made at a press conference addressed by Mr. Andreas Matmüller, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts along with Mr. Sikander Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer, Arabian Sea Enterprises Limited, the owning company, and Mr. Mirza Mansoor Ahmad, General Manager of the

hotel.

“We are delighted to have entered Pakistan with the Mövenpick Hotel Karachi and understand the legacy of this hotel which goes back to 32 years.

The renovation plan will usher a new and exciting phase of the hotel and will add value to the service and product quality while preserving the soul of the property,” said Mr. Matmüller. “These are exciting times for Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and we look forward to building on our reputation of quality, reliability and care with a personal touch in Pakistan,” he added.

The renovation of the property will be

undertaken in phases, with the first phase of work to start immediately. This includes the entire renovation of the ground floor, entry points, restaurants and public areas. The several stages of the refurbishment will overlap over the next two years and cover almost 100% of the hotel giving it a refreshing new look. Renovation of the hotel’s suites and rooms, mezzanine level restaurants, meeting rooms, the ballroom, the makeover of the building façade and landscaping are part of the project.

Mr. Sikander Mahmood, CEO, Arabian Sea Enterprises Limited commented, “We are proud to be associated with

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and have selected the hotel company as our partner based on quality of service and product.

The Mövenpick brand has grown phenomenally in the past decade in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and we look forward to working together to give a unique experience to our guests in Pakistan.”

Earlier the General Manager of the hotel, Mr. Mirza Mansoor Ahmad, while welcoming the media said that the key focus of the operations would be training and development of local talent to supplement service standards and excellence in gastronomy.

Around 22 solar power projects to be functional by 2016 I SLAMABAD —Around 22 solar power projects having a cumulative capacity of 772.99 MW are under different stages of development will achieve commercial operation DeCOD by 2015-16, subject to availability of Grid by National Transmission And Despatch Company (NTDC) and announcement of tariff by NEPRA. Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) is promoting the use of solar technology at domestic level for electricity generation. The private sector is already using solar energy for domestic use for self consumption as there is no restriction or licensing requirement, official sources told APP, here today.

Souces said Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) is pursuing and facilitating the development of Alternative & Renewable Energy (ARE) based power projects through the private sector under Renewable Energy (RE) Policy 2006. Official said the RE power projects based on wind and solar energy are being developed by private sector on IPP mode. Besides solar,3 wind power projects of 150 MW capacities in total are under construction and will be completed in 2014, he said.

Another 13 wind projects having a cumulative capacity of 680 MW are at advance stages, ready to achieve financial closing in 2014. In total, 33 wind power projects are in different stages of development, while 2 wind power projects of 49.5 MW and 56.4 MW capacities respectively are operational. Sources said the RE Policy 2006 allows consumers to avail features like Net-Metering and Wheeling of Energy which require interconnection with the grid.

“The implementation of such schemes, however, requires regulatory framework enabling the domestic, commercial and industrial users to carry out net-metering, wheeling using solar energy”. Sources said AEDB has prepared draft rules for distributed generation, covering electricity generation from solar at domestic level, and submitted the same to National Electric Power Regulatory Authority NEPRA for announcement. “NEPRA, being the regulator, is the concerned agency for developing regulatory framework including incentives”.—APP

Water scarcity may compel many industries to shut down STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Due to sheer negligence of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), a huge amount of Rs44 millions is feared to go down the drains besides a fearing of many industries to shut down for want of water in Korangi Industrial Area.

Pakistan Tanners Association (S.Z) extremely condemned the pathetic attitude by the high ups of KWSB for squandering precious resources without achieving results from installation of 5 MGD water pipeline in the area for supply of water to the cluster of leather industries. The pipeline has been laid for over a year ago but the water is yet to be released into the pipeline due to which the pipeline has started rusting.

The Chairman PTA SZ, Fawad Jawed while sending a SOS to the Governor Sindh, Dr Eshratul Ebad Khan to intervene into the matter and get the project accomplished

by KWSB and release water into the mains so that the water-intensive exporting leather industry may survive from total collapse. He said that the Tannery Zone in KIA is not getting the water from KWSB for over a decade and the only source of water was from underground wells that are drying up fast. He further stated that now the industrial estate faces a drought like situation. KWSB continues to deny supply of water to the biggest national cluster of leather and its made-ups, which contributes to over 35% of total exports of national leather industry.

The huge funds given to the KWSB by the Governor Sindh from his special funds for this project appears to have been wasted since KWSB despite laying two kilometer long 12 inches dia pipeline from Tannery Zone to Chamra Roundabout. According to PTA the pipeline is yet to be connected with Water Trunk Main at Chamra Roundabout. PTA has demanded that KWSB must be asked to become account for wastage of precious, scarce national resources. As the water crisis in Tannery Zone has worsened, Fawad Jawed and has earnestly appealed to the Governor Sindh and Minister for Local Government, Sharjeel Memon to come to the rescue as leather and leather goods industry without further delay in order to save over a billion dollar industry of Karachi.

IT Grey trafficking should be controlled effectively: Anusha

Selling

Buying

USA

105.00

104.00

UK

172.83

172.50

Euro

141.87

141.60

Canada

94.66

94.48

I SLAMABAD —Minister of State for legal networks, so that there is no used for terminating grey traffic and

Switzerland

115.92

115.70

Australia

92.04

91.87

Information Technology Anusha Rehman Khan chaired a follow up meeting regarding monitoring of Grey Traffic under ICT arrangements. Federal Secretary for IT Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar, Chairman PTA, Dr. Ismail Shah, Member Telecom and senior officials of MoIT and PTA were also present on the occasion. The meeting was apprised regarding achievements and challenges faced by the PTA.Thousands of illegal sims have been blocked through sim detection system and, 3,90,000 suspected local IP addresses have also been blocked.

The Minister categorically directed that the government was committed to take stringent measures to ensure that all traffic in Pakistan is on

Currency

Sweden

16.06

16.03

Japan

1.0276

1.0257

Norway

16.76

16.73

Singapore

82.23

82.17

Denmark

19.01

18.98

Saudi Arabia

28.05

28.00

Hong Kong

13.55

13.52

Kuwait

371.74

371.03

Malaysia

31.44

31.38

Newzealand

85.40

85.24

Qatar

28.89

28.24

UAE

28.64

28.59

KR. WON

0.0969

0.0966

Thailand

3.198

3.191

Bullion Rates KARACHI—Following were the bullion rates in major cities yesterday.

RS PER 10 GRAMS KARACHI: Gold Tezab Silver Tezabi

47142.00 788.75

MULTAN: Gold Tezabi (24-Ct) 43380.00 Gold 22 Ct 39660.00 SilverTezabi 686.00 Silver Thobi 627.00

Fish Farms to produce nearly two thirds of global food fish supply by 2030 WASHINGTON—Aquaculture – or fish farming – will provide close to two thirds of global food fish consumption by 2030 as catches from wild capture fisheries level off and demand from an emerging global middle class, especially in China, substantially increases. These are among the key findings of “Fish to 2030: Prospects for Fisheries and Aquaculture” – a collaboration between the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), released today.

The report highlights the extent of global trade in seafood which tends to flow heavily from developing to developed countries. According to the FAO, at present 38 percent of all fish produced in the world is exported and in value terms, over two thirds of fishery exports by developing countries are directed to developed countries. The “Fish to 2030” report finds that a major and growing market for fish is coming from China which is projected to account for 38 percent of global consumption of food fish by 2030. China and many other nations are increasing their investments in aquaculture to help meet this growing demand.

Asia – including South Asia, South-East Asia, China and Japan – is projected to make up 70 percent of global fish consumption by 2030. SubSaharan Africa, on the other hand, is expected to see a per capita fish consumption decline of 1 percent per year from 2010 to 2030 but, due to rapid population growth of 2.3 percent in the same period, the region’s total fish consumption will grow by 30 percent overall. The report predicts that 62 percent of food fish will come from aquaculture by 2030 with the fastest supply growth likely to come from tilapia, carp, and catfish. Global tilapia production is expected to almost double from 4.3 million tons to 7.3 million tons a year between 2010 and 2030.

“The fast-moving nature of aquaculture is what made this a particularly challenging sector to model – and at the same time, embodies the most exciting aspect of it in terms of future prospects for transformation and technological change,” said one of the report’s authors Siwa Msangi of IFPRI. “Comparing this study to a similar study we did in 2003, we can see that growth in aquaculture production has been stronger than what we thought.”—NNI

compromise on legal framework for telecom business and financial loss to the exchequer. PTA in collaboration with FIA would continue to raid illegal activities and take it to logical conclusion.

The Minister also directed Chairman PTA to complete comprehensive training of PTA officials on operational aspects of the new system. So that they will be able to operate the monitoring devices effectively and detect all illegal Voip’s.

She also desired that all LDIs consortium/legal voice terminating inside the country should be on standard Voip protocols for billing verification and accountability purposes because customized VPNs are being widely

VOIP gateway are working on dynamic IP addresses allocation.

It was also agreed that devices associated with suspected IP addresses should be identified through IPDRs and radius information and subsequently blocked by the service provider. PTA will formulate a comprehensive Voip policy framework to handle the issue in view of the newly emerging VOIP trends to further mitigate grey traffic. “We have to work collectively to eradicate this menace of Grey Trafficking in national interest. We have to be more specific and target oriented and should make strenuous efforts to strengthen and augment this telecom sector,” the Minister added.—APP

CNG stations in Punjab be opened immediately: Paracha I SLAMABAD —The decision of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to keep all the CNG stations open for three days a week in twin cities has proved that stance of the All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) was correct and justified. Landmark decision on a case filed last year will help many to get jobs, improve transportation and budget of middle-class while helping hundreds to CNG operators avoid bankruptcy, said Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA. He said that the IHC has declared gas provision priority list amended by the former government illegal and that SNGPL has no right to take decision about CNG outlets therefore all the CNG stations across Pakistan must be reopened immediately. In a statement issued here today, he said that those elements in the former regime who changed the gas priority list unlawfully to help few influential should be brought to book as their steps aimed at personal welfare made live of millions a living hell.

Ghiyas Paracha said that the ECC of the former administration changed the gas priority list which resulted in losses of tens of billions to the government under the heads of gas wastage, tax collection and petrol

import bill pushing millions to use costly fuel misbalancing household budgets. The leader of the CNG sector said that government has inked contracts of 12 month supply of natural gas to CNG sector and domestic consumers as they don’t have any alterative while other sectors having substitutes are bound in 9-month contracts.

But, he said, those having alternatives continue to get uninterrupted supply which CNG sector is subjected to discrimination since the former government came to power which is amazing. Decisions regarding CNG sector are blatant violation of clause 35 of the agreement between Ogra and gas utilities which clearly states domestic consumers and CNG sector have a priority over all others, he informed.

Paracha said that tariff of CNG sector stands at Rs 656 per mmbtu while others are paying Rs 486. Likewise CNG sector pays Rs 263 as GIDC per mmbtu while other sectors pay Rs 50. Preferring low revenue generating sectors over CNG has resulted in colossal losses to gas distribution companies, he informed. He said that APCNGA is working with the government to find long-term solutions to the gas and CNG crisis.—INP

Senate body recommends abolishing of GST on tractors ISLAMABAD—The Senate Standing committee on National Food Security and Research has recommended to the government to abolish GST from tractors industry as it affected local tractors manufacturing plants resulting loss to industry as well as pur-

chasing capacity. The meeting of the Senate standing committee on National food security and research held here on Thursday with Syed Muzaffar Hussain shah in the chair where only Ms Nuzhat Sadiq and Muhammad Zafarullah khan Dhandla attended the meeting.

The secretary National food security and research informed the committee that before 18th amendment agriculture was federal government subject and government spent approximately fifty billion rupees on agri sector however after 18th amendment this trend changed and now very meager amount of Rs 75 million is spent on agriculture sector, which is seen as a major reason behind decline in annual production of crops in the country. Provincial governments have ignored the rural areas and are focused only on big cities.

Federal minister for National food security and research Sikandar Hayat Bosan disclosed that substandard cotton seed are cultivated in the country therefore production declined significantly. He emphasized for leg-

islation in the sector to improve the quality of seed quality because after legislation major companies would come in this sector and seed quality will improve. He informed that ministry has proposed to bring the old system of distribution of fertilizer under which companies were given share of fertilizer and its their responsibility to ensure the availability of fertilizers. Talking about price of fertilizers, the minister said that from 1st of March gas supply would resume to the fertilizers plants and production would start.

Therefore there is no chance of price increase of fertilizer, the minister said. Standing committee recommended the secretary to ensure availability of seed and fertilizer as Rabi season is approaching. In case of shortage of fertilizer in the country, the committee asked the ministry to import it to fulfill the requirements of agri sector. The minister said that after imposition of GST on tractors manufacturing industry, its price escalated to many time and millat tractors, Fiat have decided to close their plants in the country.

He sought assistance from the committee to make efforts to reduce GST from tractors and to save the entire industry. The committee recommended the government to abolish GST from tractors industry as it affected local tractors manufacturing plants resulting loss to industry as well as purchasing capacity. The committee also asked the ministry of finance to increased the budgetary allocation for research related project of the ministry of national food security and research. Chairman ZTBL informed the committee that after circular from State bank loans to farmers from ZTBL would increase.—Online

PBIT paves way for JV with Omani trading Co SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Due to the efforts of Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT), a joint venture agreement has been finalized between a Pakistani and Omani trading firm. This agreement has been signed between Green Spring Fruits, a Pakistani SME which manufactures value added products from fruits such as fruit leather and fruit pulp etc. and Al Kharusi Trading, Oman.

According to agreement Green Spring Fruits will supply its products to the Omani firm. It is worth mentioning that PBIT sent a delegation comprising of businessmen from the food and agriculture sector to World Trade Bridge Summit 2013 in Istanbul. The delegation also comprised businessmen from Green Spring Fruits.

Turkey hosted international business summit, the 19th World Trade Bridge 2013, organized by the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists in Istanbul. Turkey-World Trade Bridge 2013 had a sectoral focus and covered sectors of food, agriculture, fast moving consumer goods and related machinery.

ricultural Research Council (PARC), Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Thursday said that Global collaboration in agricultural research and development with national and international partners was the main aim of PARC to focus on poverty alleviation and ensure food security.

“PARC always appreciated the role of International Collaborators for their continued and sustained technical and financial support to up-grade National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Pakistan,” Dr. Iftikhar said while presiding over a high level meeting with International Development Partners’ Forum here. .

He said reducing poverty, increasing food production and security, improving human health and

management of natural resource and combining the strengths always enhances the productivity was the aim of the council. He said that international partners have played tremendous role for increasing per acre yield and enhance capacity building of farmers and other stakeholders.

He said that the purpose of International Development Partners’ forum was to provide guidance on various issues related to agricultural research and development. Another purpose of this forum was to establish a close collaboration for creating opportunities and to exchange views and ideas among the member partners, he added.

SIALKOT: Ambassador of Greece to Pakistan Mr Petros Mavroidis with office bearers of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his visit to SCCI.

ISLAMABAD: Former VP FPCCI Mirza Abdul Rehman and Dr Adnan Mirza with Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan.

India eases visa rules to boost tourist numbers NEW

D E L H I —Tourists travelling to India from 180 countries will no longer have to queue at their local consulates to obtain visas after New Delhi announced a “very significant” overhaul of its border controls.

Most foreigners currently have to wait several weeks before learning whether they will be allowed to enter India after submitting their applications at visa processing centres, a major deterrent for potential visitors.

Under the new scheme, set to come into force later this year, tourists will be able to apply online and then receive the green light within five days, before getting their visa at an airport on arrival. “It is a very, very significant step that we are taking forward,” Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid told reporters in the capital on Thursday.

“We want to welcome more people to come to India and to make it more convenient for tourists to come to India,” he said.—AFP

PARC Chairman lauds international partners for collaboration ISLAMABAD—Chairman, Pakistan Ag- nutrition, ensuring more sustainable

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Anusha Rahman chairing a meeting regarding monitoring of Gray Traffic under ICH arrangements.

Dr. Iftikhar also briefed the participants about 5 year business plan of PARC and its role in extending support for Prime Minister ’s Youth Programme. On this occasion Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative, Patrick Eva, FAO officials Patrick Evans and Nasar Hayat, Agricultural Counselor USDA, Clay Hamilton, USAID representative Michael Wyzan, Agriculture specialists from USDA, Ian Winborne and Shafiq-ur-Rehman, Country Representative ICIMOD, Dr. Abdul Wahid Jasra and members and Senior Scientists of PARC also spoke on the occasion and highlighted various issued of mutual interest to enhance collaboration between PARC and international development partners.—APP

KARACHI: Stockbrokers are seen busy in trading during the ascending trend at Karachi Stock Exchange.

Mohammad Adrees, CEO Sitara Chemicals and Wang Young, Chairman Shandong Yangguang Engineering Design Institute Col-LTD China Signing a contract to set up 35 MW Coal based power plant.

ISLAMABAD: Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, Chairman PARC presiding over a high level meeting with Dr Michael Wyzan (USAID), Patrick Evens (FAO), Clay Hamilton, lan Winbome (USDA), Dr Imtiaz (CIMMYT) and other Reps of Donor Agencies for Enhancing Cooperation between PARC and International Development Partners.

Punjab Govt grant oxygen for cash strived PHF: Mujahid LAHORE—Secretary, Pakistan Hockey Fed- government will also extend financial superation, former Olympian Rana Mujahid said on Thursday that a grant of Rs 100 million announced by the Punjab Government will serve as oxygen for cash strived Pakistan Hockey Federation which requires Rs 500 million per year to its activity programme..

“We are thankful to the Punjab Chief Minister, Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif for lending support to PHF at a time when its kitty is almost empty and it has become hard to send the teams abroad for taking part in international tournaments,”he told mediamen at a news conference here at national hockey stadium.

He said the Punjab chief minister has also set up a committee headed by Provincial Minister for Sports, Rana Mashood for the revival of the game at grass root level as well as in the educational institutions.

The committee ,he said, will work in close coordination with PHF for ensuring steps for the revival and development of the game by suggesting ways and means by taking into consideration the proposal of the former Olympians.

“With the announcement of grant by the Punjab CM , we are confident that our team will be able to participate in next month’s Azlan Shah Cup being played in Malaysia,”he said adding “ The grant of Chief Minister Punjab is a ray of hope for us and we are optimistic that the federal

port to lift the national hockey federation out of financial crunch.”

PHF official said they have submitted a report to Inter Provincial Coordination Ministry requesting them to provide adequate financial help to the PHF which needs Rs 500 million per year to organize its activities.

“PHF has also prepared its annual budget and submitted it to the Pakistan Sports Board and we have requested them to provide necessary funds for the participation of teams in the international tournaments abroad , besides functioning of hockey academies across the country and organization of hockey tournaments at home,”he maintained.

He said PHF wants to send its team to feature in the Asian Games being held in South Korea later this year and it will follow the direction of Ministry of IPC because of dispute in the national Olympic committee where two groups exists.

To a question he said Pak-India hockey federations have a mutual stance to revive bilateral hockey series between the two countries.

“Both the federations are agreed on this issue and now it is between the two governments to give final approval and we are confident of a positive outcome in due course of time,”he asserted.—APP

KARACHI: Chief Secretary Education Board Hoor Mazhar giving the winning trophy to winning team of Janisaran-e-Pakistan Inter School Tape Ball Tournament.

Inter-district divisional competitions from Feb 9

200 in fray, DHA Open Golf tee-off today

ISLAMABAD—There was no KARACHI —Over 200 golf- be facing stiff challenge Qayyum told reporters at play on the first day of the from the recent winner of the launching press coners will be in the fray in

M U LTA N —The inter-dis- various categories in DHA Rashid D Habib Memorial ference. trict divisional level competitions in connection with Punjab Youth Festival will start from Feb 9 (Sunday).

According to District Sports Officer Muhammad Siddique, competitions would be held at district sports ground which will continue till Feb 16 in which teams of the Multan division would participate.

Three competitions, including athletics, tug of war and arm wrestling would be held on Feb 9 at 9am.

While athletics (special persons), wheel chair (special persons) and kabaddi competitions will be held on Feb 10.

Football, badminton, hockey, chess, billiard, basket ball and walli ball competitions will be held on Feb 12 while cricket (tape ball), table tennis, karate, tekwando, boxing and squash matches will be organised on Feb 13.— APP

Al-Baraka Open Golf Championship which explode into action at Defence Authority Country Golf Club from Friday morning.

Besides the professionals and senior professional, amateur and ladies events are also part of three-day competition carry a handsome purse of Rs 1.8 million for professionals.

The main attraction in the professional event will be Pakistan number one Shabbir Iqbal of Islamabad Golf Club, who will also be defending his title played over 54-hole.

Ace golfer Shabbir will

Golf - Muhammad Nazir, with Muhammad Munir, Waheed Baloch Matloob Ahmed, Aadil Jehangir, Daniyal Jehangir, Imdad Hussain, Shafique Masih and others.

Prominent to miss the amateur event would be Muhammad Ali Hai. However, local DHA golfers Wasim Rana and Zuhaib Asif with Sajid Khan, Tariq Mahmood, Capt Ansar will be battling for honours in that category.

“Our course, fairways and greens are in the top shape for holding this event,” Brig (Rtd) Abdul

He expressed the hope that pros will enjoy playing here and coming up with good performances.

All the top golfer have an extensive practice session in build-up for the event. “I am geared-up to defend my crown and had good training session,” Shabbir Iqbal, who recenly won the Chief of Air Staff championship at Airmen Club last Sunday.

“Strong winds may pose problem and I am used to these kinds of conditions,” he said.I always enjoy playing on Karachi circuit,” country’s star golfer added.—APP

MCA U-19 T20 League Cricket from Feb 14 PESHAWAR —Malik Cricket Academy Under-19 Twenty20 League Cricket Tournament will commence from Feb 14 here at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium.

This was stated by Malik Farman, Managing Director Malik Cricket Academy while talking to APP here on Thursday. He said that six teams of Under-19 comprising Afghanistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khyber Peshawar, Malik Colts, MCA, Malik Sports.

The teams have been divided in two groups as in group-A Afghanistan, Malik Sports Junior, and Peshawar Khyber while in the groupB including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Malik Colts and MCA.—APP

Arambagh, DIMC win KARACHI—Arambagh Club and DIMC Club won their league matches in the Essa Laboratory Under-23 Basketball Tournament at Arambagh Floodlight Court Wednesday night, Shooter Faraz Ahmed topscored 19 points.But failed to save Manora Club from a narrow 39-35 defeat at the hands of Arambagh Club.Wajih (15) and Asad Ali (7) performed well the winners.

In another match DIMC Club shocked Bounce Club 47-31 despite Mubashir’s brilliant display with 16 points.Ghazi Khan (13) and Waleed (11) played main role in their team’s triumph.—APP

No play in Faysal Bank T20 due to rain Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Faysal Bank Twenty20 Cup to be played in twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) due to heavy rain, as all the grounds were waterlogged.

The T20 Cup matches are to be staged at four different venues of Islamabad and Rawalpindi with seventeen teams battling for the title. The tournament will continue till February 16 and the matches will be played at venues including Diamond Ground, Marghazar Ground, National Cricket Ground and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

A total of 17 teams have been divided into four groups.

Group A: Sialkot Stallions, Karachi Dolphins, Hyderabad Hawks, Quetta Bears and Larkana Bulls; Group B: Rawalpindi Rams, Karachi Zebras, Multan Tigers and Fata Cheetahs; Group C: Faisalabad Wolves, Islamabad Leopards, Lahore Eagles and Peshawar Panthers; Group D: Lahore Lions, Abbottabad Falcons, Bahawalpur Stags and D.M.Jamali Ibexes. Teams of D.M.Jamali Ibexes, Fata Cheetahs and Larkana Bulls will be participating in the event for the first time. Faysal Bank will be awarding a total of Rs 2 million as prize money to the winning team while Rs 1 million to the runner-ups. The players and officials are hoping that the fields will be fit for play on Friday.

Talking to APP, a PCB official said the teams that didn’t had any play due to rain on Thursday will be awarded a point each on the table.—APP

RAWALPINDI: Plastic sheets are being spread on the ground after rain during Faysal BankT-20 match.

Pakistan T20 squad named for Blind Cricket series I S L A M A B A D —Pakistan Blind Cricket (Vice-Captain), Amir Ishfaq, Muhammad Council (PBCC) on Thursday announced a 15-member T20 squad for the forthcoming Interloop Pakistan-India Blind Cricket Series to be staged at three different venues across the country.

The series comprise three T20s and three ODIs, The 1st T-20 will be played on February 15 at Bagh-e-Jinnah Lahore while the other two T20s will be played at Bohran Wala Ground Faisalabad on February 16 and 17.

However the three ODIs will be played in Karachi, 1st ODI on February 19 at Southend Cricket Stadium DHA Karachi, the 2nd and 3rd ODI at National Stadium Karachi on February 21 and 23, respectively. The national ODI team for the series will be announced later on.

The T20 team includes Zeeshan Abbasi (Captain), Muhammad Jameel

Toufeeq, Muhammad Zafar, Muhammad Idrees Saleem, Sajid Nawaz, Anees Javed, Nisar Ali, Muhammad Haroon, Israr-ul-Hasan, Irfan Majeed, Muhammad Akram, Zahid Mehmood and Tariq Samuel.

The officials include Nafees Ahmad (Manager), Abdul Razzaq (Coach), Tahir Mehmood Butt (Asst. Coach) and Masood Jan (Trainer).

Talking to APP, PBCC, Chairman, Syed Sultan Shah said tough competition is expected in the series as both teams are ranked at top slots in the ranking.

“Pakistan and India are best in the World of Blind Cricket. Pakistan is the champion of two ODI World Cups while India is the Twenty-20 champion,” he said.—APP

KHANEWAL: Students playing badminton during Punjab Youth Festival at Govt Post Graduate College for Women.

Interesting competitions during education sector athletics L AHORE —The Education Sector Athlet- Farooq and Abbas ics Competitions Of Boys And Girls Category of Punjab Youth Festival 2014 drew interesting competitions here at the Punjab Stadium athletics track on Thursday.

Saifullah of Jallo Park Boys School turned out to be the fastest athlete when he won the 100m Race.

He was followed by Azhar Ali at second position and Haider Ali was third.

In 200m Race, Usman Ali was first while Jabbar Saddique was second and Azhar Ali was placed third.

In 400m Race, M Ijaz Khan of Islamia High School Khazana Gate won the first position while Jabbar Saddique was second and third place went to Mahboob Ali. In 800m Race, Attokey Awan School’s Mohammad Farooq left everyone behind while he was followed Aaqib Afzal of Model Town School was second and Jaffar Ali third.

In 1500m Race, M Shahbaz of Attokey Awan School was the winner, Mazhar Ali was second and Abbas Akbar was third.

In Long Jump, Mohammad Azeem was the winner, Hassan Raza was second and Aaqib was third. In Javelin Throw, Ibrar Ali was first and was followed by M

Ali at second and third positions respectively. In Shot-Putt, Arslan Mushtaq won the title while Ali Ahmed was second and Waleed Asif was third.

In Girls Competitions, Sabiha Mushtaq was the fastest girl of the meet when she took the 100m title, Komal Ishtiaq and Moneeba were second and third in the race.

In 200m Race, Moneeba won the race while Farah and Tahira were second and third.

In 400m Race Fariha Ijaz was the winner while Moneeba was second and Fatima was third.

In 800m Race, Khadija Rana was the winner while Maria Hayat was second and Iraj Akhtar was third.

In 1500m, Komal Zulfiqar was first, Tanzeela Faisal was second and Mariam was third.

In Long Jump, Shanawar Abdullah took the title while Sabeeha Mushtaq and Roma were second and third.

In Javelin Throw, Amna Azmat was winner, Munaza Shaukat was second and Naureen Aslam was third. In Shot-Putt, Momena Asrhad was the winner, Rashida Zahoor was second and Faiza PESHAWAR: Chairman FATA Regional Cricket Association Shahid Khan Shinwari, President Noor ul Haq Baloch Khalid was third.—APP giving away playing kit to T-20 team.

Indo-Pak favourites to progress to Super League in ICC U-19 WC K ARACHI —Holders India event was staged in Sri and PNG to contend with”. and two-time former champions Pakistan are favourites to progress to the Super League quarter-finals from Group “A” in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup starting across United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Feb 14.

India, to be led by stylish top order batsman Vijay Zol, along with Australia, is the most successful side at this level having won the tournament three times.

Mohammad Kaif inspired India to the title in Sri Lanka in 2000, while Virat Kohli led from the front in Malaysia when India regained the title in 2008, said an ICC statement issued on Thursday.

However, Pakistan remains the only country to have won the tournament back-to-back.Khalid Latif led Pakistan to the title in 2004 in Bangladesh, while Sarfraz Ahmed’s boys retained the crown when the

AUCKLAND: Kane Williamson scored his fifth Test century New Zealand vs India, 1st Test,1st day.

Williamson, McCullum flatten India AUCKLAND—When MS Dhoni won his played a powerful punch; for every neat but the deliveries were worse, and Eden sixth consecutive toss of the tour, in the first Test in Auckland, he smiled sheepishly at his good fortune on an overcast morning. By the end of the first day, though, the smile had disappeared and his greying beard took prominence because India had endured a forgettable day. Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum scored aggressive hundreds during a rapid double-century stand for the fourth wicket, consigning New Zealand’s top-order stumble to a distant memory.

More than the volume of runs, the manner in which they were scored was remarkable. On a grassy drop-in pitch at Eden Park, India’s bowlers applied pressure in the first session and New Zealand lost three wickets for 54 runs before lunch. After the break, though, the stirring riposte from Williamson and McCullum changed everything. They had got together with the score on 30 for 3 in the 18th over and added 221 in 51 overs.

Williamson and McCullum launched a counterattack and picked up runs in similar regions but by employing entirely different methods. For every silken Williamson straight drive, McCullum

back-foot push through cover from Williamson, McCullum cut violently; for every controlled pull from Williamson, McCullum unleashed full-blooded slaps.

In between, there were urgently-run singles as they took on tiring fielders.

Williamson was the enforcer early on, using his range of shots to manoeuver the ball into gaps on both sides of the field. Zaheer Khan was driven to the straight boundary, Ravindra Jadeja was lofted towards the sightscreen and Mohammed Shami was punched stylishly through the off side. Williamson, the leading run-scorer in the ODI series, had brought his form to the longer format.

The lack of pace from India’s bowlers helped McCullum too, as he used his quick hands to punish anything marginally short. And there was plenty of friendly short bowling from India. One such delivery from Ishant caught the top edge of McCullum’s bat and sailed over the wicketkeeper to bring up the half-century of the partnership, off 73 balls. Another top edge gave Williamson the six that took him to his sixth consecutive half-century against India. They may have been top-edges

Park’s straight boundaries were short.

They then unfurled a flurry of straight drives to bring up the century stand. McCullum was the first to reach a hundred, off 135 balls, with a powerful drive over long-on off Jadeja. Two overs later, Williamson completed his majestic hundred - his fifth in Tests - with an inside out drive off the spinner..—Online

New Zealand 1st innings: Fulton lbw b Khan ................... 13 Rutherford b I Sharma ............... 6 Williamson b Khan ................ 113 Taylor b I Sharma ....................... 3 McCullum not out .................. 143 Anderson not out .................... 42 Extras: (b 1, lb 5, w 3) ................ 9 Total : (4 wickets) ................... 329 Fall of wkts: 1-19, 2-23, 3-30, 4-251 Bowling: ...................... O-M-R-W Shami ............................. 22-6-66-0 Z Khan ........................... 23-2-98-2 I Sharma ......................... 21-4-62-2 Jadeja ............................. 20-1-81-0 V Kohli ............................... 1-0-4-0 Sharma ............................. 3-0-12-0

England squads for West Indies tour, T20 WC L ONDON —England named the following squad on Thursday for this month’s one-day and Twenty20 tour of West Indies, and the Twenty20 World Cup. Squad for West Indies tour Stuart Broad (captain), Eoin Morgan (vice captain), Moeen Moeen Ali, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Jos Buttler, Jade Dernbach, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Michael Lumb, Stephen Parry, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, James Tredwell, Luke Wright Squad for Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh Stuart Broad (captain), Eoin Morgan (vice captain), Moeen Moeen Ali, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Jos Buttler, Jade Dernbach, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Michael Lumb, Stephen Parry, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, James Tredwell, Luke Wright.—APP

Rahman, Kayes lead Bangladesh revival with tons CHITTAGONG (Bangladesh)—Shamsur Rahman and Imrul Kayes hit maiden centuries as Bangladesh found batting form to avoid the follow-on in the second and final Test against Sri Lanka in Chittagong on Thursday.

The hosts, facing a monumental Sri Lankan first innings total of 587, fought splendidly to reach 409-8 by stumps on the third day at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium.

It was a remarkable comeback by the bottom-placed Test side, who had been thrashed by an innings and 248 runs in the first Test in Dhaka last week—suffering their 14th defeat in 15 matches against Sri Lanka with one draw.

But the loss of four batsmen in the final session after being 319-4 at one stage, meant Bangladesh still trail by 178 runs with just two wickets in hand. Rahman and Kayes, who came together when Tamim Iqbal was dismissed without a run on the board on Wednesday afternoon, put on Bangladesh’s highest second-wicket stand of 232.

Rahman scored 106 in only his second Test and left-handed Kayes celebrated his return to the Test side after two years with 115 to lift Bangladesh to 232-1 soon after lunch.—AFP

Lanka in 2006.

This month, Pakistan will be led by Lahore’s opener Sami Aslam as the green shirts will join India and Australia in their quest to reclaim the title and become the only sides to have won the tournament three times each.

The two sides will go head to head at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Feb 15 in a match that is expected to decide which side tops the group.Also in Group “A” are Scotland and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Looking forward to the tournament, India captain Vijay Zol said: “As the defending champion, India will be marked out from the start as the team to beat. The tournament format is very exciting, and apart from its arch-rival Pakistan, India also has two competent and motivated sides in Scotland

Olympics 2014: Bode Miller, Julia Mancuso shine in downhill training SOCHI (Russia)—The U.S. Alpine skiing team got off to a rousing Sochi start Thursday by winning two medals on the first day of downhill training.

Oh wait, they don’t hand out medals for training runs, but skiing fast in practice is still better than skiing slow.

It was certainly an encouraging start for American superstars Bode Miller and Julia Mancuso, who have already combined for eight Olympic medals.

Both skiers raced as if they were itching for more.

Miller continued his fine skiing of late by winning the first men’s downhill training run in advance of Sunday’s first Olympic alpine event.

Miller may be approaching the back slope of his career at age 36, but he’s skiing like he’s 26. Miller won the run with a time of 2 minutes and 7.75. Patrick Kueng of Switzerland finished second and Austria’s Matthias Mayer was third.

American ski-team veteran Marco Sullivan finished fourth.

Mancuso finished third in the women’s first trial run, behind Austria’s Anna Fenninger and Switzerland’s Fraenzi Aufdenblatten, in the women’s training look at the course at Rosa Khutor.

The women open Olympic competition Monday with the super combined, with the downhill scheduled for Feb. 12.

Miller is competing in his fifth Olympics and has won five medals — gold, three silvers and a bronze. This is the fourth Olympic appearance for Mancuso, who owns a gold and two silvers.

All 10 Olympic events for the men and women will conclude in the same finish area at Rosa Khutor.

Racers praised both men’s and women’s courses, although women’s training was halted briefly to shave some bite off the final jump.

Miller said the men’s setup is much better than the bumpy test run here in 2012, when several skiers left complaining of knee injuries.

“I was psyched to show up to see the course in such

Mahmudullah not out30 Gazi lbw b Mendis ...... 0 Al-Amin Hossain not out 3 Extras: (b8, lb1, nb21) 30 Total (for 8 wickets) 409 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-232, 3-252, 4-259, 5-319, 6-350, 7-396, 8-396 Bowling: ....... O-M-R-W Lakmal ............. 23-5-68-1 Pradeep ........... 15-2-96-0 Mendis ........... 27-2-84-4 Perera ............ 39-4-119-3 Mathews ........ 11-1-33-0

Big3 could face players’ revolt: Rashid Latif KARACHI—Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has predicted an agitation from the Federation of International Cricket-

ers’ Associations (FICA) and players, in the longer run, if the joint draft proposal from the Big3 - India, England and Australia - gets the required number of votes at the upcoming ICC meeting.

“If the proposal is implemented, the three boards will get the larger share of revenue, therefore, in future, the players could ask for a raise as well,” he said in statement on Thursday.

“The role of FICA, in that situation, could not be neglected either,” he said.—APP

IPL probe committee members address at India Gambling Summit in London Bipin Dani Observer CORRESPONDENT

S Lanka 1st innings:5 8 7 Bangladesh 1st innings (overnight 86-1): Tamim b Lakmal ........... 0 Shamsur Rahman b Mendis .................. 106 Imrul Kayes b Mendis115 Mominul Haque lbw b Perera ....................... 13 Shakib Al Hasan c Karunaratne b Perera 50 Mushfiqur Rahim c Silva b Perera ....................... 20 Nasir Hossain c Chandimal b Mendis .................... 42

Previewing the match against Pakistan, Zol said: “While it is always special and different to play against Pakistan as opposed to playing against anyone else, we won’t feel any added pressure in that game.

“Having beaten it in the recent ACC U19 Asia Cup final in the UAE recently, we feel we may just have the psychological edge in that match,” he said.

Sounding confident of his team’s chances, Sami added: “Before the ACC U19 Asia Cup final, we were on a winning streak of about 20 matches, and also beat India.So, we’re upbeat about our chances not only in our high-profile first game against India, but beyond that as well.

“Our strengths, which are our batting and spin bowling, have always served us well in the UAE,” Sami said.—APP

CHITTAGONG: Shamsur Rahman celebrates his hundred, Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, 3rd day.

MUMBAI—Mukul Mudgal, the chairman of the Supreme Court appointee IPL probe committee was invited to address at India Gambling Summit. He was a part of the India Delegation for the ICE Conferences, Excel, London. This was revealed

by Khushboo Luthra Arora, the Assistant Director- Sports and Youth Affairs : FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry).

“In a three-day Summit which ended on Thursday, Mugal on the very first day spoke on Status of Regulatory Readiness for Gaming in India”, she added.

Mukul Mudgal is an independent ad-

visor to the Lord Woolf Committee reviewing the governance structure of the International Cricket Council (ICC) pursuant to which he also attended the ICC’s Executive Meeting (2011). The BCCI, however, is opposed to the Woolf Report.

Along with Mudgal and few others, Vidushpat Singhania, the principal secretary to the IPL probe committee also attended the Sumit. He was a guest speaker on sports law.

Vidushpat Singhania also represented Pradeep Sangwan in the dope-hearing last year.

His CV has a masters degree in Sports Law and Practice from the DeMontfort University, Leicester; He also holds certificate in Sports Law from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Kids learn to shoot down stroke with video game A DOCTOR who generally advises chil dren to turn off electronic devices urges them to play “Stroke Hero,” a video game that teaches kids to identify stroke symptoms and summon help, according to a new study.

“While I recognize the hazards of video games, and I recognize the need to limit screen time, what better way to enable children to save lives than to have them play a video game?” Dr Olajide Williams, the study’s lead author, told Reuters Health.

Americans suffer nearly 800,000 strokes a year, and on average, one American dies from stroke every four minutes, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment administered within four and a half hours of first signs of stroke can save lives and reverse disabling symptoms, said Williams, who is chief of neurology at Columbia University Medical Centre.

Better known as the Hip Hop Doc, Williams founded and runs Hip Hop Health, a public health organization that works with rap stars like Doug E Fresh to promote healthy living through music, videos and games.

Williams and rapper Artie Green designed Stroke Hero for an experiment with 210 lowincome nine- and 10-year-olds in New York’s Harlem neighbourhood, where the neurologist estimates 15 to 20 percent of kids are raised by their grandparents - who are at high risk for stroke. Some 25 percent of the fourth and fifth graders had a personal experience with a

stroke victim, according to the study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke. The game stresses importance of speed in recognizing symptoms and immediately dialling 911. Players use medicine to shoot down clots blocking flow of blood travelling from the heart to the brain. When clot-busting drugs run out, players must answer questions about stroke to refill a syringe.

After playing the video game, children given a hypothetical scenario were 33 percent more likely to recognize stroke and call an ambulance, Williams said. Participants retained knowledge when they were tested seven weeks later.

“We were particularly excited about the retention after seven weeks,” Williams said. “How many academic curriculum can have that retention?”

Throughout the game, Green raps about signs of a brain attack.

“Stroke, it’ll cause weakness in both sides. . . . Stroke, you lose vision in both eyes. Make your speech slur when you talk,” he sings.

“Never hesitate - call 911. Stroke doesn’t care if you’re black or white. Knowing all the symptoms will save your life.”

“There’s a real opportunity here,” he said.

“Games are magnificent teachers. We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of games to be used in this way. Children like action, music, humour, animals, cartoons, sound effects, changes in camera angles. Compare that to health class where you have one teacher standing in one place.”

The Consul General of Sri Lanka H M B Herath cutting a cake along with Sri Lankan diplomats on the occasion of 66th Anniversary of Sri Lanka at Consulate premises.—PO photo Sultan Chaki

No shortage of wheat in Sindh: Dahar STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Sindh Minister for

US Consul General Michael Dodman and IGP Shahid Nadeem Baloch showing book of ‘Basic investigation’ during launching ceremony at CPO.

National plan of action in compliance to ICESCR urged STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Representatives of civil society, academics, political parties and other stakeholders urged the federal and provincial governments to adopt and implement National Plan of Action to ensure that Pakistan’s obligation under ICESCR are fulfilled.

They were speaking a consultation meeting jointly organized by Bhittai Social Watch & Advocacy (BSWA) and Pakistan Study Center, University of Karachi at a local hotel Thursday. Pakistan ratified In-

ternational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in 2008. It has been almost five years now since Pakistan’s ratification of the ICESCR. However, little progress has been made to fulfill the committeemen’s.

Under the article 2 of the covenant the state is responsible for submitting a report on progress made to ensure the rights; however no such report has been submitted to UN Committee on Economic Social and Cultural rights (UN ESCR) so far and requests are being made for de-

Provincial accreditation committee meets STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—A meeting of provincial accreditation committee was held at the office of Sindh Secretary for information Thursday. Sindh Secretary for information Dr Zulfiquar Ali Shalwani presided over the meeting.

Director Sindh Press and Information Department Muhammad Yousif Kabooro, Director Administration Mansoor Ahmed Rajput, Divisional Director Khursheed Ahmed Shaikh, Suwai Khan Chalgari and Shafiq Ur Rehman attended while senior journalist Shahid Jatoi, Salik Majeed and Pervez Ahmed were present.

The meeting discussed about issuance of the accreditation cards to the working journalists and decided that those journalists, who were also working in public departments, would not be allowed to get the accreditation cards.

The meeting constituted a 10-member sub-committee, which would meet every three months and would review the criterion about the issuance of onward accreditation cards.

The Secretary information Dr Zulfiquar Ali Shalwani on the occasion issued directives to all the directors that they should convene a meeting of the sub-divisional committees within their administrative precincts so that the process of the issuance of new accreditation cards should immediately be commenced.

The immediate onward process regarding the issuance of the accreditation cards would serve the journalist with their needs of holding the accreditation cards.

lay instead. Members of civil society, academia and media participated in the consultation. The plan of action will be submitted to a parliamentary committee.

MPA Ghazal Sial, MPA Nasir Hussain Shah, Dr. Riaz Shaikh, Muneer Memon, Naseer Memon, Dr. Syed Jaffar Ahmed, Bushra Khaliq and Mazhar Arif were prominent among the speakers during the meeting facilitated by Adam Malik.

Food Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar said that there is no shortage of flour in all over Sindh including Hyderabad and those who are making hue and cry in this regard are misleading the people. This he said while talking to media men here in his office on Thursday.

He said that sufficient wheat according to the needs of the Hyderabad flour mills and atta chakkis had been provided and there was no dearth of flour in Hyderabad.

He warned those elements who were trying to create artificial shortage of wheat and flour in any district of the province and if they did so, they would be dealt according to the law.

ANF foils bid to smuggle heroin

Rangers arrest close aide to Ghaffar Zikri from Lyari Security of Police HQs, stations beefed up IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Pakistan Rangers Sindh had during search operation in Garden East, Lyari, Nazimabad, Usmanabad, Quaidabad and Paposh Nagar held 12 suspects and shifted them to an undisclosed location for onward investigation. The arrested suspects belonged to a political party, which identity was not disclosed.

Rangers had also arrested a high profile target from Lyari. The arrested was identified as Irfan Baloch and was associated to the Lyari gang war faction led by Abdul Ghaffar Zikri.

He was arrested from his house located in Shah Baig lane in Lyari and was wanted to Police for several heinous crimes.

On the other hand, the suspect, who was killed by Rangers, was identified as Imran.

Rangers had claimed he was killed in exchange of fire with Rangers after he was asked to stop from moving in an area that the Rangers had cordoned off during targeted operation but he had opened fire on rangers and was killed after Rangers had retaliated with gun. However, the

members of slain Imran claimed that he had went to attend a marriage function of one of his acquaintance 2 days earlier and had gone missing since that day. Imran was aged 28 and lived in Block B of North Nazimabad area in Karachi.

Meanwhile, Security had been beefed up around the Police headquarters, Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Police headquarter and the Naval colony Police headquarter for fear of possible attack by the terrorist organisations. The Police had blocked all routes opening into the aforesaid Police headquarters with containers.

Police sources said that the intelligence agencies of the country had warned of possible attacks by the terrorists on Police headquarter in Khawaja Ajmer Nagri, Surjani Town, Medina Colony, Ittehad Town, Pirabad, Quaidabad, Sohrab Goth and Sachchal Police Stations.

Police authorities had following the receipt of warning from the intellifgence agencies had directed the in-charges of Police Stations to take necessary steps for fool proof security of the Police headquarters and police stations.

Bilingual declamation contest

STAFF REPORTER STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) had foiled a bid to smuggle heroin to Malaysia.

The value of confiscated amount of heroin in international market was worth billions.

The heroin was concealed in packages of Orange to be exported to Malaysia.

The ANF had also arrested 2 alleged smugglers while further arrests were expected through the arrested smugglers.

KARACHI—Defence Authority SKBZ College organized Karachi Bilingual Declamation Contest Thursday. Barbara Wickham, Director Sindh and Baluchistan at British Council Karachi was the chief guest of the function.

All the leading universities and colleges sent two teams to participate in declamation.

They spoke on various topics given by the Jewry, almost 34

students at together adorned the contest through their thought provoking speeches.

Barbara expressed satisfaction and appreciated the efforts of teachers, parents and all other concerned people.

She also appreciated the standards of declamation which students have made especially in English as international language.

Earlier, Brig Shahid Saleem Loan (R) Principal of DA SKBZ College in his wel-

come address said that the college provided intellectually vibrant and academically sound environment to develop all round confident personalities of young people, so they can face the challenges in their future life successfully.

In the English Declamation Contest Habib Public School grabbed the 1st position Reflection School was declared 2ndwhile Defence Authority Model High School Ph-IV won the 3rd position.

Sindh Festival

Exploring the gateway to prosperity of neglected folks IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Variety of programmes under the canvass of Sindh Festival continued to moving the people from al walks of life especially the youth, children and women at the Bagh Ibn-e Qasim in Clifton.

The family gala of the Sindh Festival at Bagh Ibn-e Qasim successfully completed a week and the passage of days looked so limited that the passion of the folk performers and the visiting families demanded extension in terms of days.

One visitor, Shehnila, who had visited Bagh Ibn-e Qasim, told Pakistan Observer that the Indian culture through films had dominated the Pakistani culture but the Sindh Festival had introduced fabulous colours of dresses, paintings, folk singing, handicrafts and typical rustic but nutritious cuisine, which she claimed,

were best in the world. “I don’t see as why our people undermine their culture, which can take at least half of the world in terms of dresses with colourful embroidery”. “Our folk music and the cuisine are so rich and nutritious that these could easily replace the Italian and Chinese dishes if once introduced at our hotels especially five star hotels.”

A Urdu-speaking Mirza Shafquat Baig, a local businessman dealing with crockery in Karachi told Pakistan Observer that the Sindhi culture had the power of dynamite, which just needed a spark.

However, the dynamite is negative while Sindh culture having the power of dynamite can light the venues not yet explored in the universe of fashion and design. “There is no comparison of Sindhi dresses for women and there is no parallel to Sindhi Pug, the turbine.”

Constructing wall on parking plot STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Parliamentary leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf in Sindh assembly Samar Ali Khan had condemned the Clifton Cantonment Board for constructing a wall on a parking plot in Punjab Colony.

He said that the construction of wall on a parking plot was illegal and against the interest of the people, which the PTI would vehemently condemn and would ask the higher authorities to take notice of the situation and prevent the CBC management from constructing the said wall.

The PTI lawmaker had expressed these views during his visit to the parking plot site in Punjab Colony where the residents of the area and Small Shopkeepers Welfare Organisation had staged a protest gathering.

Kids learn to shoot down stroke with video game A DOCTOR who generally advises chil dren to turn off electronic devices urges them to play “Stroke Hero,” a video game that teaches kids to identify stroke symptoms and summon help, according to a new study.

“While I recognize the hazards of video games, and I recognize the need to limit screen time, what better way to enable children to save lives than to have them play a video game?” Dr Olajide Williams, the study’s lead author, told Reuters Health.

Americans suffer nearly 800,000 strokes a year, and on average, one American dies from stroke every four minutes, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment administered within four and a half hours of first signs of stroke can save lives and reverse disabling symptoms, said Williams, who is chief of neurology at Columbia University Medical Centre.

Better known as the Hip Hop Doc, Williams founded and runs Hip Hop Health, a public health organization that works with rap stars like Doug E Fresh to promote healthy living through music, videos and games.

Williams and rapper Artie Green designed Stroke Hero for an experiment with 210 lowincome nine- and 10-year-olds in New York’s Harlem neighbourhood, where the neurologist estimates 15 to 20 percent of kids are raised by their grandparents - who are at high risk for stroke. Some 25 percent of the fourth and fifth graders had a personal experience with a

stroke victim, according to the study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke. The game stresses importance of speed in recognizing symptoms and immediately dialling 911. Players use medicine to shoot down clots blocking flow of blood travelling from the heart to the brain. When clot-busting drugs run out, players must answer questions about stroke to refill a syringe.

After playing the video game, children given a hypothetical scenario were 33 percent more likely to recognize stroke and call an ambulance, Williams said. Participants retained knowledge when they were tested seven weeks later.

“We were particularly excited about the retention after seven weeks,” Williams said. “How many academic curriculum can have that retention?”

Throughout the game, Green raps about signs of a brain attack.

“Stroke, it’ll cause weakness in both sides. . . . Stroke, you lose vision in both eyes. Make your speech slur when you talk,” he sings.

“Never hesitate - call 911. Stroke doesn’t care if you’re black or white. Knowing all the symptoms will save your life.”

“There’s a real opportunity here,” he said.

“Games are magnificent teachers. We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of games to be used in this way. Children like action, music, humour, animals, cartoons, sound effects, changes in camera angles. Compare that to health class where you have one teacher standing in one place.”

Commuters move on road during rain in the provincial capital.

LHC takes notice of assault on girl student

Foundation stone of Rawalpindi, Islamabad Metro bus on 28th

STAFF REPORTER

A beautiful night view of food street at Gowalmandi.

LAHORE—The Lahore High Court (LHC) Complaint Cell on Thursday took notice of a press report on administrative side regarding assault on a young girl by five vagabonds.

The Cell has directed the District & Sessions Judge, Gujrat to look into the matter and submit a detailed report regarding steps taken by police along with his own comments within a week.

According to details, a young girl of village Dilu was sleeping in her house when five accused Ghulam Ghous, Yasir, Imran, Gull Sher and Rehan knocked at the door. As the girl opened the door, they overpowered the girl and molested her.

On the application of the victim’s mother, Kharian police registered a case against the said culprits and arrested them.

Modern edu must to ensure bright future of country SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that a bright future for the country can be ensured by providing modern education to the young generation.

He said that government has already provided more than 200,000 laptops worth Rs.8.5 billion to talented students on merit under the first two phases of laptop distribution programme whereas a plan has been evolved to distribute one lakh more laptops among brilliant students in its third phase.

He said that students of 9th and 10th classes will also be included in this phase. He said that a sum of more than Rs.7.5 billion is being spent on the provision of missing facilities in public sector schools during the current year. He said that the process of providing missing facilities in boy and girl schools of all districts of south Punjab will be completed this year. He ex-

pressed these views while presiding over a high level meeting which reviewed in detail distribution of laptops among talented students and provision of missing facilities in schools.

Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Parliamentary Secretary Higher Education, Parliamentary Secretary School Education, Member Provincial Assembly Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, Secretary Higher Education, Secretary School Education, Chairman Punjab Education Foundation, educationists and concerned officers were present.

Addressing the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said that education is essential for solution of the problems being faced by the country and achievement of the goal of rapid national development. He said that the future of the country depends upon the youth, therefore, Punjab government is spending billions of rupees on their welfare and empowerment.

Policemen standing alert outside main gate of Punjab Secretariat during a demonstration organised by APCA.

SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that improving living standard of the masses and bringing deprived segments of the society into mainstream of development is the mission of Muslim League-N and the journey of progress started during the last tenure is being continued with renewed passion and determination.

He was talking to assembly members of various districts who called on him, here today. They included Mehdi Abbas Khan, Arif Mahmood Gull, Iffat Meraj Awan, Ghazali Saleem Butt, Khurram Abbas Sayal and Mehr Muhammad Fayyaz.

Talking to the parliamentarians, the Chief Minister said that service to the masses is the mission of Muslim LeagueN and it is vigorously implementing the agenda of public service. He said that

glorious public-welfare projects like metro bus are also being started in other cities. He said that foundation-stone of Rawalpindi-Islamabad project will be laid on February 28 while planning has also been made for starting metro bus projects in Multan and Faisalabad.

He said that steps are being taken on emergent basis for resolving energy crisis. He said that a big project of generation of electricity from coal in Punjab has been announced and six sites have been selected for installation of coal fired power projects.

He said that solution of energy crisis is essential for development and strengthening of economy and efforts are being made for generation of power from traditional methods as well as alternative resources. He said that coal-based power projects will start generation of electricity within next three to five years due to which economy will flourish, industrial

and agriculture sectors would develop and besides new job opportunities will be created. He said that the sites selected for generation of power from coal are very important owing to the fact that they are near the big centres of power consumption besides the electricity generated here could immediately be added to the national grid. He said that these locations are close to railway track and roads and most of all water is easily available. He said that the purpose of this project of power generation from coal is to encourage and guide private sector to supplement the efforts of the government to overcome energy shortage.

He said that Punjab government is setting up two coal power plants of 660 megawatt with its own resources. He said that project of generation of electricity from coal will prove to be a milestone in coping with this problem and would leave a positive impact on national economy.

Massive crackdown against 267 factories on cards MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—District Administration on Thursday, announces to launch a massive crackdown against 267 factories, which have not yet taken security / safety measures to avoid any incident, in residential areas from tomorrow.

District Coordination Officer (DCO) Lahore Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi has stated that City District Government Lahore had prepared a list displaying name of factories in this regard.

Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi has directed environment department and concerned officials of CDGL to start crackdown against factories which have not yet taken precautionary measures.

“20 Textiles, 92 chemicals, 31 Garments, 72 Engineering, 02 Bakery, 7 Packages, 9 Food, 5 Paper, 3 Furniture, 1 Leather Product, 1 Electronic and 1 Leather goods hazardous or dangerous factories have been identified in residential areas of all nine towns” DCO added.

Further more a meeting, in connection with action against hazardous and dangerous factories in residential areas, was held at DCO Office, which was chaired by DCO Lahore & attended by DO (Labour), DO (Civil Defence), DO (Rescue 1122), DO (Industries), DO (M&I), TORs and TOPs of all towns. DCO Lahore, ordered all officials to take strict action & seal all surveyed hazardous and dangerous industrial units, which have not adopted security and safety measures.

PU CCPC organizes training workshop STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Punjab University Career Counseling & Placement Centre (CCPC) organized a training workshop on “Career Management” at Institute of Business & Information Technology (IBIT).

Senior Vice President of KASB bank Malik Zahid Bashir delivered a special lecture on the topic and detailed tips for preparation of interview in banking sphere.

UHS research board’s meeting held MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—The 86th meeting of Advanced Studies and Research Board of the University of Health Sciences (UHS) was held here on Thursday with Vice Chancellor Maj Gen (R) Prof Muhammad Aslam in the chair The board considered the thesis reports of Dr. Fatima Inam for M.Phil (Anatomy), Dr. Maimoona Hamid for M.Phil (Anatomy), Dr. Saadia Muzaffar Syed for M.Phil (Anatomy), Dr. Saira Mushtaq for M.Phil (Biochemistry), Dr. Faiqa Arshad for M.Phil (Microbiology), Dr. Sharjeel Ilyas for M.Phil (Oral Biology), Dr. Shazia Bashir for M.Phil (Pharmacology), Dr. Sohail Iqbal for M.Phil (Pharmacology), Dr. Rizwana Hussain for M.Phil (Physiology), Dr. Mubashar ul Hassan for M.Phil (Physiology), Dr. Muhammad Amer Saeed for M.D. (Cardiology), Dr. Abdul Rauf Tipu for M.S. (Orthopaedics), Dr. Faisal Iqbal for M.S. (Orthopaedics) Dr. Muhammad Ali for M.S. (Orthopaedics), Dr. Jamshed Ali for M.S. (Orthopaedics), Dr. Muhammad Tahir Jamil for M.S. (General Surgery), Dr.

Yasir ud Din Hoti for M.S. (Neurosurgery) and Dr. Muhammad Atif for M.S. (Orthopaedics).

The following synopses were also considered for registration of students in various postgraduate courses: “Effect of levothyroxine administration on ovary and uterus of adult albino rats” by Dr. Tayyaba Mahmud M.Phil (Anatomy), “Association of angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism with vitiligo in Pakistani population” by Dr. Mahnaz Siddiqui M.Phil (Human Genetics), “CYP1B1 mutations in local patients with primary congenital glaucoma”

by Mr. Muhammad Umer Khan M.Phil (Biochemistry), “Anti-inflammatory effect of Carica papaya leaves in mouse model of allergic airway inflammation” by Dr. Asma Inam M.Phil (Pharmacology), “Anti inflammatory effect of Uncaria tomentosa on mouse model of allergic airway inflammation by downregulating NF-KB” by Dr. Gulpash Saghir M.Phil (Pharmacology), “Anti-inflammatory role of curcumin by pharmacological induc-

tion of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in mouse model of allergic airway inflammation” by Ms. Hira Shahid M.Phil (Pharmacology), “Anti-inflammatory effect of Pistacia intergerrima in mouse model of allergic airway inflammation and its comparison with methylprednisolon” by Dr. Shazana Rana M.Phil (Pharmacology), “Expression analysis of cellular genes (ACC and FAS) and lipid profile in normal and HCV (genotype3a) patients” by Dr. Muhammad Yaseen Bazai M.Phil (Physiology), “Role of CYP2C19 and PON-1 polymorphisms in clopidogrel resistant patients of ischemic heart disease” by Dr. Nabila Akram M.Phil (Haematology), “Mutations of FANCG gene (313G-T and 307 + 1G>T) in patients of Fanconi anemia in local population” by Dr. Ujala Aymun M.Phil (Haematology), “Over expression of HER2/neu in gastric carcinoma and its correlation with histologic subtypes” by Dr. Shirin Aamir M.Phil (Morbid Anatomy & Histopathology), “Effect of coconut water, coconut milk & coconut milk mixed

with honey on healing of oral ulcers in rabbits” by Dr. Basil Khalid M.Phil (Oral Pathology), “Expression of survivin in oral squamous cell carcinoma” by Dr. Naureen Tabassum M.Phil (Oral Pathology), “Comparative management of oral submucous fibrosis by using two treatment modalities to achieve maximum inter-incisal jaw opening” by Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Ch. M.D.S. (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery),“Factors including Lipoprotein (a) responsible for the development of coronary vascular disease among young male adults reporting to Lahore General hospital, Lahore” by Dr. Sohaib Akbar M.D. (Internal Medicine), “Comparative study between suture less mesh placement Vs. stapled mesh fixation in total extra peritoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair” by Dr. Waqas Ahmed M.S.(General Surgery) and “Comparison of HOLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate) with TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate) in patients of BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia)” by Dr. Farooq Malik M.S.(Urology). ‘