E-Paper PDF 30 August 2018 (ISB)

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Thursday, 30 August, 2018 I Zil Hajj 18, 1439 I Rs 19.00 I Vol IX No 61 I 20 Pages I Islamabad Edition

Imran’s LabbaIk moment g

PriMe Minister iMran Khan forMs four-MeMber CoMMittee to hold talKs with tlP leaders as hundreds of zealots MarCh on federal CaPital for dutCh envoy’s exPulsion over blasPheMous Cartoons Contest

Govt to merge all media regulatory authorities into one top body STORY ON PAGE 02

ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

rime minister imran Khan has formed a four-member committee to negotiate with the hardline Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after its activists led by firebrand cleric Khadim Hussain rizvi started marching towards the federal capital from Lahore in a bid to pressurise the government to expel the Dutch ambassador over a blasphemous caricatures contest being organised in Netherlands by an islamophobe Dutch mP, Geert Wilders.

Following the TLP rally's departure for islamabad, Pm Khan formed a four-member committee comprising Foreign minister Shah mahmood Qureshi, Federal minister for religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri, Federal information minister Fawad Chaudhry and Punjab Law minister raja Basharat to hold negotiations with the TLP leaders on Thursday.

"The committee will brief the TLP leaders on measures against blasphemous caricatures," Noorul Haq Qadri told reporters after holding the first round of talks with TLP representatives Afzal Qadri, Allama Waheed Noor and Dr Amini in Lahore.

He said the government is trying to devise a joint strategy so that this issue can be dealt with effectively. “We desire a peaceful resolution of this matter by the way of negotiations," he added.

During the talks, the TLP delegation said that their march to islamabad in protest against Dutch Freedom Party leader Wilders' announcement to hold a competition of blasphemous caricatures will go ahead as planned unless the Dutch ambassador to Pakistan is expelled from the country.

The blasphemous cartoon contest, scheduled for November, is being organised in the Netherlands by Wilders — a right-wing anti-islam lawmaker who has been widely criticised for his activities.

Dutch Prime minister mark rutte has already distanced his government from the controversial contest, clarifying that: "Wilders is not a member of the [Dutch] government. The competition is not a government initiative." in a tweet on Wednesday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr mohammad Faisal said that Foreign minister Shah mahmood Qureshi spoke with his Dutch counterpart to discuss the issue of "blasphemous caricatures".

"The Fm expressed concern on the announcement of [the] abominable and sacrilegious competition by Geert Wilders," read the tweet, adding that the Dutch Fm made it clear that his government was neither associated nor supporting the event The religiopolitical party, meanwhile, announced that they would proceed with their march on the federal capital, saying that its workers would "stay on the streets until either the publication of blasphemous cartoons in the Netherlands is stopped or the government immediately ends diplomatic ties with the Dutch".

TLP protesters on Wednesday started gathering at Data Darbar in Lahore, from where they started marching towards islamabad via GT road. earlier, the religiopolitical party had urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTi) government to not only "discontinue diplomatic and commercial relations with the Netherlands" but also "demand from other islamic countries to do the same".

The TLP had also demanded that since the competition's judge is an American national,

Court rejects Zardari and Musharraf’s affidavits on assets

"therefore, strict measures should also be taken against the US".

The TLP had attained notoriety after it effectively disrupted daily life in islamabad for 20 days in November 2017.

Protesters had occupied the Faizabad interchange which connects rawalpindi and islamabad through the islamabad expressway and murree road, both of which are the busiest roads in the twin cities.

The agitators had believed that during the passage of elections Act 2017, the Khatm-eNabuwwat oath was deliberately modified as part of a larger conspiracy.

The amendment to the oath had been deemed a 'clerical error' by the government and was subsequently rectified through an Act of Parliament.

Nonetheless, TLP had demanded the resignation of key government figures for their role in the 'conspiracy'.

The PmL-N government at the time had initiated several rounds of negotiations with the protesters, but failed each time. Under pressure, it had finally launched an operation to disperse the protesters, leaving at least six people killed and scores others injured.

After the botched operation, the government had decided to call in the army for help. However, the army had refused to take action, and the government had turned to negotiations with the protesters and then capitulated by conceding to a number of their demands in return for an end to the protest.

Pakistan’s concerns over india’s hydropower projects remain g

islaMabad deMands 5-Metre reduCtion in height of PaKal dul ProjeCt STORY ON BACK PAGE

PTI shifts blame of RTS failure during general elections to PML-N

TLP protest over Dutch contest to test Imran Khan STORY ON BACK PAGE

STORY ON PAGE 02

Gen Bajwa calls for collective efforts to maintain Waziristan peace

Court to explore options to try Musharraf in absentia STORIES ON PAGE 03

STORY ON BACK PAGE

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CMYK

02 NEWS

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

GovT To MerGe all MedIa reGulaTory auThorITIes INTo oNe ToP body INFO MINISTER SAYS PEMRA AND PCP WILL BE MERGED TO MAKE PMRA ‘WHICH WILL NOT ONLY OVERSEE ELECTRONIC MEDIA, BUT ALSO PRINT AND SOCIAL MEDIA’ ISLAMABAD

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eDeRAL Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday announced that after reviewing the role of the Pakistan electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PeMRA) and the Press Council of Pakistan (PCP), the government has decided that all media regulatory authorities will be merged into one top body called the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PMRA).

Addressing journalists after a meeting, the minister said that in coordination with "our media friends", the government has decided to do away with PeMRA and PCP and constitute a

new body "which will not only look after electronic media, but also print and cyber media [social media]".

"There should be one regulatory authority to look at all mediums, and the same laws and censors should apply across the board," he added. According to Chaudhry, this proposal would also save the government's resources. "All authorities will be merged into one body of professionals, which will also include media representatives."

He then referred to the Supreme Court's remarks during a case regarding media having its own code of ethics, saying that would also be taken into consideration.

"In the coming days, you will see major changes in the Information Min-

istry, regulatory bodies, and Pakistan Television (PTV)."

It is pertinent to mention here that PeMRA was created through an ordinance in 2002 for regulating and issuing channel licenses for the establishment of the mass media culture, print and electronic media. The PCP was also established through a presidential ordinance in 2002. Both of the institutions were established under Article 19 of the constitution to ensure freedom of expression. Legal experts believe that any change in the status of these institutions will require the government to pass necessary legislation in the parliament.

Chaudhry, during his talk on Wednesday, also said that a media cell was operating from the PM House under the supervision of Maryam Nawaz, controlling allocation of government advertisements allegedly beyond the jurisdiction of the Information Ministry. "We merely asked about the details of the expenses and the PML-N leaders walked out [from the Senate],"

PM Imran’s cabinet likely to have 10 more ministers

he added. "The previous government was only functioning on the basis of advertisements." The minister said a review committee has been formed to formulate a policy for government advertisements, adding the prime minister has strictly instructed that state's money will not be used for personal publicity.

Last week, the information minister had announced that the PTI-led government had lifted political censorship on state-run news organisations.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the minister had said that both PTV and Radio Pakistan would now enjoy complete editorial independence over the content they produce.

The state-run TV channel has since been broadcasting news on opposition parties, and even tweeted criticism of the Punjab chief minister.

The minister has also said that farreaching changes are being introduced in the information ministry, and expressed confidence that the changes will be visible within the next three months.

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The federal cabinet is likely to be expanded as eight to 10 new members are expected to be inducted next month. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cabinet currently includes 16 ministers and five advisers.

However, several key ministries lie vacant.

According to sources, the prime minister was briefed regarding the ministries and was told that several are vacant owing to which the officials are facing difficulty in fulfilling their roles and the decisionmaking process. The premier was informed that a meeting of the economic Coordination Committee (eCC) was held, however, there are six ministries related to it which do not have someone on the top post, sources said. Ministries of transportation, power division, privatisation, national food security, statistics and water resources do not have a minister which is why important decisions pertaining to them cannot be made, the sources further added. PM Imran then gave the nod and directed that appointments be made on the vacant ministries, sources said. Following his directives, eight to 10 ministers are expected to be inducted in the cabinet next month, they added. A day earlier, PM Imran decided to appoint Sheheryar Afridi as minister of state for interior. On August 20, when PM Imran’s cabinet was sworn-in he had retained the interior portfolio.

KP cabinet ministers take oath PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

PM Khan distances himself from Khawar Maneka fiasco Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday decided to distance himself from the Khawar Maneka incident after being informed that there was no pressure on Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) to remove DPO Rizwan Gondal, a private media outlet reported. According to reports, the premier took the decision following a report of the Punjab government, in which it had stated that the police officer used social media to turn out to be a “hero”. It also said that Punjab Chief Minister Usman Bazdar didn’t remove Gondal and that he was removed on falsely narrating the series of events.

Last week, a police team led by Gondal had briefly intercepted Khawar’s car after he didn’t stop at a check post despite being signaled to do so. Khawar was also believed to have misbehaved with the policemen. Imran termed the dispute an internal matter of police, while the Punjab government will now oversee this matter.

Amid the Khawar Maneka fiasco, Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan had said neither the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nor the Punjab government had anything to do with removing the DPO. He had also claimed that the officer was transferred on the complaints of citizens. NEWS DESK

The members of the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet took oaths for their offices at the KP Governor House on Wednesday. The KP cabinet comprises 15 members.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Atif Khan was designated as a senior minister and the portfolio of tourism handed over to him as well. The Health Ministry was given to Hisham Inamullah Khan while Sultan Muhammad Khan was given the law ministry. On the other hand, Shahram Tarakai was appointed as the local government minister.

Further, the Finance Ministry will now be headed by Taimur Saleem Jhagra. The Food Ministry was handed over to Haji Qalandar Khan Lodhi while the Ministry for Forestry has been given to Syed Muhammad Ishtiaq. Mohibullah Khan will now lead the Agriculture Ministry while Revenue Affairs will be managed by Shakeel Ahmed Khan. Mineral Development Ministry was given to Amjad Ali and the Information Technology Ministry to

PTI blaMes PMl-N For rTs FaIlure

Kamran Khan Bangash.

The advisers to the KP chief minister will include Abdul Kareem on Industries and Ziaullah Khan

Bangash. Shah Muhammad Khan will serve as the special assistant to the KP CM on transport although he did not take his oath on Wednesday.

PM to skip UNGA session in September Prime Minister Imran Khan will skip next month’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session to focus his attention on the country’s economy, said Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Foreign Minister Qureshi will head the Pakistani delegation at 73rd UNGA session set to open on September 18. “No, the prime minister is not going. I will lead Pakistani delegation,” Qureshi told reporters. There was a debate

in Pakistan whether the new prime minister would attend the UN session or stay home as part of his austerity drive and focus on economic issues. “The prime minister of Pakistan thinks that the present situation in the country needs attention,” Qureshi told the media. He said Khan wants to focus on his new government, sworn in earlier this month, and a looming currency crisis which threatens to derail the fast-growing economy. NEWS DESK

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Swati on Wednesday questioned the former Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) government over the reliability of the Result Transmission System (RTS) installed for July’s general elections. Speaking in the Senate, Swati pointed out that the RTS was developed by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) under the previous PML-N-led government, which appointed senior NADRA and election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) officials for the purpose.

During the session, Swati and Senator Ateeq Sheikh called attention to the RTS failure episode. Former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani alleged that the former government wanted to whitewash its negligence by forming a committee of its choosing to scrutinise the matter. He endorsed forming a parliamentary panel to investigate the matter further. On August 26, Senate’s Standing Committee on the Interior Chairman Rehman Malik, who was nominated to oversee and monitor July’s elections, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, urging him to order constitution of a technical committee to investigate the issue. The senator said that the letter was addressed to the prime minister as he also holds the portfolio of the ministry of interior and by virtue of that “he is an ex-officio member of the Senate’s standing committee on the interior; hence, it is mandatory for him to fully assist and attend to the committee.” STAFF REPORT

All three presidential hopefuls get clearance to contest poll ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) on Wednesday approved the nomination papers submitted by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Dr Arif Alvi, Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Aitzaz Ahsan and Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal’s (MMA) Maulana Fazlur Rehman for the presidential election scheduled on Sept 4, as all three candidates have started lobbying for support of political parties.

While the PTI nominee for the presidential race, Dr Arif Alvi, is confident of an easy victory, PPP candidate Aitzaz Ahsan said he hopes that Jamiat Ulemae-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman will withdraw his candidature after failed negotiations with

the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Unable to tackle the ruling party with a joint candidate, the opposition parties stand divided between Aitzaz and Fazl in the presidential election due on September 4. In an attempt to bridge the gap, Aitzaz said on Wednesday that Maulana Fazl “is a friend and I respect him,” adding that he hopes “the JUI-F chief will withdraw from the race and support me for the office of president.”

Aitzaz added, “The Constitution only binds a lawmaker to vote as per party policy when it comes to voting on the budget, a constitutional amendment, or the election of the prime minister and chief ministers.”

He also said, “PTI has to do justice between candidates.” “Voters have to de-

cide this and I hope some PTI leaders will also vote for me,” he added.

FAZL SEEKS GDA, MQM-P SUPPORT: On the other hand, Maulana Fazl met with Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) chief Pir Pagara in Karachi and sought his group’s support for the presidential election.

Later, talking to reporters, Fazl admitted that both PPP and PML-N could not reach a consensus for a joint candidate for the race. He said that he would not have any objection if both parties decide to support Aitzaz.

MMA Spokesperson Allama Owais Noorani said that the JUI-F chief will also hold meetings with MQM-P leaders, including Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.

BAP SIDES WITH PTI: Meanwhile, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) has an-

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nounced to support Dr Arif Alvi.

This decision was announced in a joint press conference at Chief Minister House, after a meeting between PTI’s presidential candidate Dr Arif Alvi, Federal Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak, PTI’s senior member Jahangir Tareen, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri and Chief Minister Jam Kamal. Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal while talking to media, said that BAP would fully support PTI at the federal level for resolution of Balochistan’s problems to bring real change in the province.

He further said that Dr Arif Alvi has already shown good performance in the last five years in the National Assembly.

We hope that after success in presidential election, he will take all the provinces on

board, the CM said.

‘FAWAD CH RECOMMENDED AITZAZ’S NAME’: Meanwhile, a media report claimed that Interior Minister Fawad Chaudhry had recommended the name of Aitzaz from the opposition in a bid to make a competitive presidential poll.

After the PPP suggested the name of its Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari for the race, Chaudhry asked the opposition to nominate Aitzaz against PTI’s Alvi, the reports added.

A 50-minute meeting was held between Khursheed Shah, Zardari and Aitzaz in which the PPP’s presidential nominee had made it clear that he would not withdraw from his candidature once his name is finalised, according to reports.

CMYK Thursday, 30 August, 2018

NEWS

sC rejeCTs ZardarI aNd MusharraF’s aFFIdavITs oN asseTs ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

He Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday directed former presidents General (r) Pervez Musharraf and Asif Ali Zardari and ex-attorney general Malik Qayyum to submit a 10-year record of assets and bank accounts as it rejected the affidavits submitted by the trio.

A three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, while hearing a case pertaining to the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), directed them to disclose before the court the details of assets of their spouses and children both in the country as well as abroad within three weeks.

The NRO was promulgated by Musharraf in 2007 under which the politi-

cians and other individuals were granted an amnesty over corruption and criminal cases against them, thus allowing them to return to Pakistan.

MUSHARRAF OWNS APARTMENT, THREE VEHICLES: According to a statement submitted Musharraf’s counsel Akhtar Shah, the former military dictator owns one apartment in Downtown Dubai, worth 5.4 million dirhams, and three vehicles: a 2015 model Mercedes worth 230,000 dirhams, a Tahoe Jeep 2017 model worth 150,000 dirhams and a Chevrolet Impala 2018 worth 130,000 dirhams. Besides, Musharraf has three foreign bank accounts holding 92,100 dirhams, 21,550 pounds and 268,653 dirhams.

“Ask him to appear before the court and clarify,” remarked the CJP in reference to whether the former president could purchase a flat from his salary dur-

ing his working days. “My client bought foreign assets after his presidency,” Musharraf’s counsel replied. “Do lecturers get paid this much? May be I should also give lectures after retirement,” the CJP retorted.

The top judge then asked who owned the farmhouse in the Islamabad suburb of Chak Shahzad, to which the counsel responded that it was [also] owned by Musharraf.

“Nothing has been hidden from the court,” said Musharraf’s legal counsel said. To which, Justice Nisar observed that Musharraf will not be allowed to hide any relevant information.

ZARDARI TOLD TO SUBMIT DETAILS: Rejecting the affidavit submitted by the former president, the CJP ordered Zardari to submit details of all his local and foreign assets since 2007, including whether he owns or is the beneficial

Nawaz received 88pc profit of hMe, court told ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor on Wednesday told the court report that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif received 88 per cent profit of Hill Metal establishment (HMe). During the hearing of the reference, Sharif’s lawyer, Khawaja Haris cross-examined Wajid Zia and posed questions about the cash flow and net profit of HMe. Replying to Haris’s question, Zia told the court that net profit order of HMe had been acquired from a report of the Audit Bureau. “It is neither a product of Panamagate Joint Investigation Team (JIT) nor an attempt was made to consult those who prepared these documents”. As the cross-examination continued, Zia snubbed Haris over asking technical questions. The judge of the accountability court also barred Nawaz’s counsel from going into technicalities and asked him not to divert attention from the case. To this, Haris replied he had been practising law for 40 years and Zia knew why such questions were posed before him. The hearing was then adjourned till Thursday.

sentence did not translate into an exemption from disclosing his assets, the CJP added.

“Did Zardari ever held accounts in his name or his wife Benazir Bhutto or their children’s names for that matter,” the court asked Naek. To which, he responded he will tell the court after consulting Zardari.

IhC reserves verdict in PIa Ceo appointment case

NEWS DESK The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) ongoing probe into a case pertaining to fake bank accounts has revealed that around Rs41 billion were laundered, a private news channel reported on Wednesday. FIA officials found at least 15 more suspicious bank accounts, four of which have been confirmed as fake. A total of Rs6 billion was laundered via these four fake or ‘benami’ accounts. With this latest revelation, the total amount of money laundered via fake bank accounts amounts to Rs41 billion. The FIA is investigating at least 32 people for suspicions of money laundering from fictitious accounts, including former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur. Zardari’s close aide Hussain Lawai was arrested in July this year in connection with the probe, whereas Omni Group Chairman Anwar Majeed and his son, Abdul Ghani Majeed, were also taken into custody earlier this month. FIA officials said that out of the four accounts confirmed to be fictitious, some belong to Omni Group. The agency is investigating the other 11 ‘suspicious’ accounts, via which Rs90 million were transferred with the involvement of Zardari group. So far, as many as 33 bank accounts have been found to be fake or ‘benami’ accounts which were employed to launder money. 400 people including politicians and bureaucrats benefited from the laundered money.

COURT GIVES FORMER PRESIDENTS AND EX-AG MALIK QAYYUM THREE WEEKS TO SUBMIT 10YEAR ASSET AND BANK ACCOUNTS DETAILS CJP ASKS HOW MUSHARRAF COULD AFFORD TO BUY FLAT IN DUBAI FROM HIS SALARY DURING PRESIDENCY

owner of any trust, or is the direct or indirect owner or shareholder of any bank account.

In his affidavit submitted on Tuesday, Zardari had affirmed that he owns neither moveable or immovable property nor any bank account outside Pakistan.

When Zardari’s counsel, Farooq Naek, wondered why the bench is seeking more details, the CJP replied: “You [Zardari] are a public office holder and we want to examine your honesty under Article 62 (1) (f) of the constitution.”

“My client served a nine-year sentence and nothing was proven against him,” Zardari’s counsel Farooq Naek informed the court, adding that he should be compensated in light of his long imprisonment. To which, the chief justice said that the former president could only achieve the reward in the form of clearance by the Supreme Court. The prison

FIa probe reveals rs41bn laundered via fake accounts

03

LAHORE: TLP activists led by Khadim Rizvi initiate their march to Islamabad over Dutch blasphemous cartoons. PPI

Court to explore options to try Musharraf in absentia ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

A special court on Wednesday resumed hearing the high treason case against General (r) Pervez Musharraf and sought assistance in proceeding with the case if the former military dictator continues to remain an absconder. Interior Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar told the two-member bench led by Justice Yawer Ali that a letter had been written to Interpol for Musharraf's repatriation, but Interpol officials had refused to issue a red warrant, saying that Interpol does not deal in political cases.

"How can the court decide the case if Musharraf avoids turning up on the next hearing?" Justice Ali asked, and directed the interior secretary to submit the copy of the letter in court “as we want to maintain transparency in the case”.

He asked authorities to inform the court on the next hearing if they can record Musharraf's statement via video conference or if the case can be pursued without recording a state-

ment. The next hearing of the case has been deferred to Sept 10.

PROSECUTOR RECUSES HIMSELF: During the hearing, prosecutor Akram Shaikh submitted an application to the court saying he wanted to detach himself from the case. He also contended that the new government should decide whether to continue with the case or not.

He added that Musharraf's counsel had become a part of the government and the Interior Ministry would have to decide the future course of action pertinent to the case. The court granted his plea. Shaikh had been pursuing the case for the last five years. He had in the past repeatedly requested the special court to conclude the trial and issue a verdict in the absence of Gen Musharraf.

Shaikh had submitted his resignation to the Interior Ministry after the election, saying: "If the PTI wants to continue with the case, it can engage a lawyer to proceed with the case." He had ruled out the possibility that the government would withdraw the treason case against

Gen Musharraf. “It would be tantamount to aiding and abetting an accused person,” he had said.

The special court had indicted Gen Musharraf for high treason in March 2014. The prosecution had laid its evidence before the court by September the same year.

However, the special court could not proceed against the former dictator as the IHC had issued a stay order and Gen Musharraf subsequently left the country after the superior courts removed his name from the exit Control List. The special court had later declared the accused a proclaimed offender and ordered the confiscation of his properties. However, its order could not be executed due to the matter pending litigation in various courts.

The special court had earlier this year resumed its proceedings in the treason case and ordered that Gen Musharraf’s computerised national identity card (CNIC) and passport be blocked. The outgoing PML-N government had in May executed the court order and blocked the absconder's CNIC and passport.

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved its judgment on the matter of appointment of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief executive Officer (CeO) after hearing arguments of Deputy Attorney General (DAG). A single member bench of IHC comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani took up the case for hearing on Wednesday. Giving arguments on the petition of Senator Azam Swati, DAG Rashid Hafiz told the court that the appointment of the national carrier’s CeO Musharraf Rasul Cyan was made in contrary to the rules and regulations. The procedure in place has not been adopted in regard to this appointment, he added. Hafiz said the caretaker government had deferred this matter till the induction of new government, adding that the newly elected government has not taken any decision with regard to the appointment of PIA CeO. The DAG further said that the PIA case is pending hearing in Supreme Court (SC) as well. The SC is going to take up this case for hearing on September 3, 2018. He prayed the court to issue an order regarding the PIA CeO case before the hearing is taken up by the top court. Judge Kiyani inquired as to why the matter should not be referred to the cabinet.

The court later reserved its judgment. ONlINE

Two Kashmiri youths martyred in Indian forces’ firing SRINAGAR: Two youngsters were martyred on Wednesday when Indian armed forces opened indiscriminate during a search operation in the Islamabad district (Anantnag) of India held Kashmir. The occupational forces also destroyed a house with explosives during the operation. According to media reports, the management suspended internet and mobile phone services in the district to stop people from contacting each other while trains were also stopped so that no protests could be staged against the killings. Despite all restrictions, a large number of Kashmiris took to roads to protest against the brutality of Indian forces. The occupying forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the protestors. AGENCIES

22 bureaucrats transferred in major reshuffle ISLAMABAD SHAHZAD PARACHA

A major reshuffle took place at the federal level as 22 bureaucrats were transferred to various positions.

A notification available with Pakistan Today states that BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) Fazal Abbas Maken has been posted as Cabinet Division secretary. He was previously posted as National Food Security and Research Division secretary. Similarly, Khalid Masood Chaudhry has been trans-

ferred to Industry and Production Division secretary from Religious Affairs.

Furthermore, Shoaib Ahmed Siddique has been appointed as communication secretary, Muhammad Arshaf as Parliamentary Affair’s Division secretary, Jamil Ahmed as Interprovincial Coordination Division secretary, Rabiya Javeri Agha as Climate Change Division secretary, Pir Bakhsh Khan Jamali as Postal Division secretary, Aamir Arshaf Khawaja as Maritime Affairs Division Secretary, Mumtaz Ali Shah as Religious Affairs Division secretary, Capt (r) Ja-

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hanzeb Khan as Printing Corporation of Pakistan managing director, Zafar Hassan as Planning, Development and Reform Division secretary incharge, Muhammad Asif as Overseas Pakistanis additional secretary incharge, Syed Tahira Habib as Federal Tax Ombudsmen secretary, Azhar Ali Chaudary as Textile Division secretary and Dr Muhammad Hashim Popalzia has been appointed as the National Food Science secretary.

In addition to this, Communication Division Secretary Furqan Bahadur Khan, Climate Change Secretary

Khizar Hayat Khan, Textile Division Secretary Shahrukh Arbab, Industry Secretary Maroof Afzal, Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Incharge Syed Tahir Raza Naqvi, Printing Corporation of Pakistan MD Chaudary Mubarik Ali, Postal Service Division Secretary Hamid Haroon have been directed to report to establishment Division with immediate effect and until further orders.

It is pertinent to mention here that the federal cabinet in its meeting held on Tuesday gave the approval to transfer these officials.

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MCI MeMberS deCry undue InterferenCe, delayS by Cda ISLAMABAD

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SHAH NAWAZ MOHAL

HE 26th meeting of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) was dominated by ruckus as members allege undue interference by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in its domain, the district administration's role in denying MCI to auction cattle market, and bureaucratic hurdles by the Ministry of Interior Affairs here on Wednesday.

The members didn't spare mayor and chief metropolitan officer as they criticised their role in not confronting the Interior Ministry and Ministry of Fi-

nance who have failed to transfer the assets from CDA to MCI, particularly the Interior Ministry that has kept the file of rules of business, schedules of the establishment and transfer of powers from MCI to CDA and returned it back after spending months citing 16 points to be revised.

The Finance Ministry too was targeted for its failure to allocate funds to MCI for various projects.

It is pertinent to mention here that MCI right now has to ask CDA for its finance including salary of its staff and other expenditures. Despite having six items on agenda that included approval of previous meetings, division of assets, monitoring and supervision of environment staff, encroachments in Saidpur village,

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detail of income sources and expenditures and detail of budget allocation during financial year 2018-19, the meeting was dominated by issues pertaining to encroachments, water woes, FIR on a UC chairman.

During the meeting, the members demanded that the deputy commissioner be made to appear in person before them to give answers. They demanded that since it was the power of MCI to establish cattle markets how come district administration is establishing cattle markets. The members alleged that CMO Syed Najaf’s sympathies lie with CDA officers as despite court orders and passage of the Islamabad Local Government Ordinance, CDA is reluctant to handover assets and Ministry of Finance is withholding its budget

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for the past two years. The meeting also discussed the responsibilities given to the elected representatives to monitor the progress of the environment staff. The meeting unanimously supported the monitoring system and said that in order to maintain green character of Islamabad and removal of wild bushes and grass, the environment wing would be made more efficient and active because keeping city clean and green is among the responsibilities of elected representatives.

The session unanimously approved the enhancement of TAB vaccination fee which is charged from eateries and workers engaged in business of production of edible products from Rs 30 to Rs 150. The House also discussed the encroachments made by the restaurants in Saidpur Model Village and decided that in the next session, complete details to be presented before the House so that comprehensive policy could be evolved. Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz briefed the House about current water situation and said that in the wake of recent rainfalls the water level in the Simly Dam has increased substantially while underground water levels also increased due to which extraction of water from tubewells has also increased.

Shafqat says new policy to ensure quality education ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Minister for Federal Education and Technical Training Shafqat Mahmood has said that the ministry is working on a comprehensive education policy to ensure quality education and provide level playing field as well as equal opportunities to everyone in the country. Talking to Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Xiaohong Yang on Wednesday, he said that Pakistan was currently facing various challenges in the education sector but the government was fully committed to resolving these challenges. He said that among the various challenges were the different streams or systems of education that include government schools, private schools and religious schools or madrassahs. “There is also the challenge of providing quality education without discrimination,” he said. “We are working on making a comprehensive education policy that will address these challenges.” The education minister said that the ministry’s main focus would also be on the human skills development. He said that the ministry was setting up skill universities for vocational and technical training in close liaison with all the chambers of commerce and other stakeholders in this regard. Shafqat also suggested that the ADB should work on skills development in Pakistan. The country director reiterated ADB’s commitment to support Pakistan in order to improve its economy, reduce poverty and achieve development goals. She appreciated the steps the government intends to take for the promotion of education. “We are looking forward to working closely with the government for the progress and prosperity of the Pakistani people,” she said.

NARAN: Tourists enjoy pleasant weather at a waterfall on Naran Road. ONLINE

Navy launches plantation drive ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Navy on Wednesday launched one million pine tree campaign here at the Margalla Hills under the Green Pakistan national campaign with an aim to ensure sustainable ecosystem and socio-economic development of the people. In a message on the occasion, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi said that the world was facing severe environmental challenges due to high deforestation rate. As per the statistics

published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations; the percentage of the forests in Pakistan with respect to land area has dropped from 3.3% to 1.9% in the last 25 years (1990-2015).

Realizing the severity of the situation, Admiral Zafar Abbasi said that the federal and provincial governments had taken concrete steps to stop deforestation and increase plantation. “I am confident that this pine tree plantation campaign along with mangrove and spring tree plantation drives being undertaken by the Pakistan Navy would contribute to-

wards the national efforts,” he remarked.

For years, apart from the contributions towards food, fiber, livelihood, resources and water; trees have been instrumental in thwarting the adverse effects of climate change. The effects of climate change are alarming and its consequences are being felt in the shape of unpredictable weather conditions.

There was a time in early ’80s that Margalla Hills used to receive quite sizable winter snowfall but this beauty is now a part of history primarily due to climate change and frequent fire incidents observed in the hills, which rarely

happened in the past. Pakistan Navy, being the immediate neighbour of the Margalla Hills felt the effects of this adverse weather and man-made calamities, the most. Thus, taking lead to ensure institutionalization of necessary measures to mitigate such climatic effects, it had planned to plant one million plants on the Margalla Hills during the next three years in a phased campaign. Admiral Zafar Abbasi has urged the countrymen to join hands with the Pakistan Navy in that noble cause and commit to plant at least one tree each, thus helping to provide clean and better environment for the future generations. “On this occasion, let us commit to be saviors of the trees and environment which is a blessing of Almighty Allah,” he said.

SPEAKERS SUGGEST WAYS TO COUNTER VIOLENT EXTREMISM PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

Speakers at a workshop were unanimous on a point that the Paigham-ePakistan initiative of the government was the best tool to deal with growing extremism and intolerance in the society and to encourage the youth towards positive and constructive approach.

A two-day training workshop was organised in collaboration with the Intentional Islamic University of Islamabad at the Sahibzada Hall of the University of Peshawar to raise awareness about growing violent extremism in the society and impart training to the participants on countering the menace. A large number of participants, including university professors, research scholars, civil society members and clerics from different religious schools of thought, attended the first day

of the event. In their lectures, IIUI Director Dr Muhammad Zia, Dr Suharwardi of the Islamia College of Peshawar and Mussarrat Qadeem discussed in details various aspects of extremism, its stages and the counter strategies and special focus on roles of the faculty members and the civil society activists in peace building.

The speakers suggested ways for countering extremism by discussing contemporary challenges and their solutions.

They said that the basic objective of the initiative was to promote harmony and friendly relations between various segments of the society as well as different religious groups in the country. They stressed the need for a concerted effort to disseminate the message of the Paighame-Pakistan initiative among all segments of the society. They urged the participants to fulfill their human and religious obligation of promoting peace, tolerance, broth-

erhood and unity. Multiple workshops and programmes have been conducted in the recent months in different universities and educational institutions across Pakistan to train faculty members on countering violent extremism and promoting the initiative. The Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of the International Islamic University of Islamabad has already established the Paigham-e-Pakistan Centre for Peace, Reconciliation and Reconstruction Studies to conduct research studies on peace, reconciliation and reconstruction.

The government launched the Paigham-e-Pakistan project earlier this year in order to address the challenges posed by extremism and sectarianism through a national narrative which also portrayed a soft and positive image of Pakistan and highlighted Islam as a religion of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and harmony.

WORLD VIEW 05

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

What ‘sexy sheikh literature’ reveals about Western ideas of the Middle east HOW MANY TIMES MUST I PICK UP A BOOK, OSTENSIBLY ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST, ONLY TO READ PAGE UPON PAGE ABOUT A SPIRITED ENGLISH HEROINE?

New statesmaN RUQaYa iZZiDien

W

hAT do General alhamar – literally, and presumably unknowingly, General the Donkey – of Yasmin Porter’s The Sheikh’s Reluctant Bride, and the “barbarian” Zoltan Al Farouk bin Shamal from Duty and the Beast have in common?

Yes, they are both part of what I’m calling the sexy sheikh subgenre; a branch of literature which inexplicably took off after 9/11 and showcases some of the worst Western stereotypes of Arab culture (Duty and the Beast is part of a whole sheikh series from Mills and Boon).

Of the hundreds of sexy sheikh novels that exist, a huge number of titles are named after the heroine’s reluctance, kidnapping or captivity (naturally, you can’t have a relationship with Arab man without coercion). The cover art universally features topless, chiselled men. White men, of course, because although we want to read about brown skin, it would offend our sensibilities to see it on the cover.

Sexy sheikh lit – surely an oxymoron to any normal reader – plot follows a fairly rigid plot. The sheikh is never a scholar of Islam, as you might naively imagine, but rather a rich, ethnically-vague man of royalty. he has the dark eyes, brown skin and hostile nature that you’d expect of any fictional Arab man. And he always has a need for a white woman in his life. Perhaps he needs her business expertise, or maybe he requires someone who knows how to talk to West-

erners. Sometimes he just needs a wife quickly and our American/British/European heroine happens to be conveniently on hand.

The desert romance subgenre can be traced back to Edith Maude hull’s 1919 novel The Sheik. It set the tone for a trend of toe-curling thrillers and mysteries set in colonial-era Arab countries, some more complex than others in their fetishisation of Arabs.

In The Sheik, the independentlyminded Diana Mayo treks on horseback into the Algerian desert, where she is promptly kidnapped by, you guessed it, a sheikh! Cue a caravan of wealthy/brokenhearted/tomboy women who, against the advice of society, set off for Morocco/Egypt/Iraq. Yet what is most incredible about these stories is how uncommon it is to encounter a single believable Arab character.

This is the case, too, in historical fiction set in Arab countries. These novels are supposedly serious, yet often the Arabs in the story are ridiculously named – such as the Egyptian females Cleo and Isa in Jenny Ashcroft’s 2016 novel Beneath a Burning Sky (the former is a pharaonic romanticism and the latter a man’s name). In other cases, Arab characters are used as a mouthpiece to perpetuate white stereotypes, such as the supposedly feisty Bedouin wife of a British soldier in Catrin Collier’s 2011 Long Road to Baghdad, who claims her new husband owns her and that Bedouins are simple people.

Such literature acknowledges the racism of colonialism without distancing itself from these narratives, or providing significant social criticism. It is quite common to read of references to “turning native”, “blackened sea urchins”, “a subservient slave girl”, and the likening of Arabs to insects or animals.

Though these stories are frequently set during revolutions and uprisings, Arab characters – and we are fortunate if there are Arabs with names or dialogue – fail

to offer any insight into local characters.

Instead, they are expected to provide a backdrop of homogenous, anonymous savagery, or mysticism if the writer wants to heighten the tension.

Take Christine Mangan’s novel Tangerine – which was released earlier this year and is already optioned for film by George Clooney. Despite being set in Tangier during the height of the Moroccan struggle for independence, Tangerine impressively, manages to exclude this key cornerstone of Moroccan history almost entirely. The writer seemed content that it was a foreign country; as the narrator puts it: “The promise of the unknown, of something infinitely deeper, richer than anything I had ever experienced in the cold streets of New York.” Arabia is “a magic key, a secret incantation”, where the cheap imagery of genies, oppressive heat and arid desert is rife, even when you are in a lush climate, hundreds of miles from any desert.

Meanwhile, there is only one Arab character to speak of, who exists solely to fulfil the untrustworthy-local trope that no novel set in the Arab world can do without. how many times must I pick up a book, ostensibly about the Middle East, only to read page upon page about a spirited English heroine, contrasted with the one-dimensional Arab women who are bent over stews, arms overflowing with babies, or cleaning the floors of their colonisers? Arab women are rarely significant, and when they are, rarely, described, they are “tame” or “put camel-piss on their hair”. Even when supposedly attractive, they are described as “no cream-skinned beauty…She was dark with hawk-like Arab features” (Long Road to Baghdad, 2013).

The white protagonists in these books are presented as exceptional, not only able to assimilate better than other tourists, but seemingly than the Arabs themselves. Their pale skin makes them striking in this land “that conjured up images of a vast, desert nothingness” (Tangerine, 2018). That’s Morocco, where you can go to a ski resort and swim in the Mediterranean, but only its desert fits the mystical Arabia narrative.

While there is nothing inherently wrong in writing about a culture that’s not your own, it necessitates extra research, not less. Yet many authors write about the Arab world as if it is fictional, pulling names, cities, and customs out of thin air. The result is a mass of inaccurate representation and lazy writing, more befitting of 1918 than 2018.

You wouldn’t set a serious British novel in the village of Alwaysrainingham. So why is it acceptable to have typecast Arabs with ridiculous names who live in faraway places such as Barakhara – as in Kate Walker’s 2006 novel At the Sheikh’s Command – which literally translates to Outside of Shit.

These stereotypes don’t confine

themselves to literature, either. Take the widely-circulated clip in which the late John McCain chastises a voter during his 2008 presidential campaign who called Barack Obama an Arab.

Many praised his ability to stand up to racist voters. Less remarked one was the fact that “Arab” itself was seen as an insult (McCain told the voter Obama was a “decent, family man”).

Fortunately, there is mounting recognition of excellence in Arabic-language fiction. Gradually this is making its way into the English market through a growing pool of translators and publishers, helped along by a devoted audience of bloggers and reviewers featured on sites such as Banipal Magazine, Arab hyphen and ArabLit. In Iraqi literature, several works that present the country and its peoples in their complexity have been released in translation in 2018 alone. The Baghdad Clock follows two Iraqi girls during the Gulf War, The Beekeeper of Sinjar tells the stories of Yazidi women who managed to escape the grip of Isis, and the prize-winning Frankenstein in Baghdad is set during the US invasion and chronicles the creation of a composite man made up of the various body parts of killed Iraqis.

When it comes to literature set in the Middle East, these are the stories we miss out on when we misrepresent Arabs, or, as is often the case, when we don’t represent them at all.

Writers should be held to account for falling short on research, ethics and characterisation, as they would if other areas of their writing failed to hit the industry standard. Publishing imprints, meanwhile, should shoulder their share of the responsibility for failing to flag problematic content.

But I guess you can’t take my word for it. I’m an Arab. If these novels are to be believed, “They will twist everything… your words, your intentions, until they fit their own. This is their way.”

(Tangerine, 2018).

Ruqaya Izzidien’s novel, The Watermelon Boys, set during and after the British conquest of Baghdad is released on 30 August by Hoopoe Fiction.

Iran's drought crisis is fueling the country's political instability NatioNal iNterest Matthew ReiseneR

In recent weeks, Iran has experienced a number of demonstrations protesting the lack of clean water in southwest Iran. Oil wells and sugar cane refineries, the historic economic lifeblood of the region, contribute to the crisis by polluting the water and inflicting residents with a myriad of health complications. Broken water pipelines, extended water outages, and widespread illnesses caused by the consumption of contaminated water resulted in an extensive grassroots response from those impacted by the crisis.

While protests against Iran’s oppressive regime are hardly a new phenomenon, the recent uptick in demonstrations focused on grievances related to the Iranian government’s mismanagement of environmental issues should be of great concern to regime officials. Specifically, the rising discontent in the oil-rich Iranian province of Khuzestan, located along Iran’s western border with Iraq, is a rational response to years of policy failure and troubling environmental trends that have long plagued the region. Khuzestan’s water crisis and the public backlash that it caused are a preview of the challenges the province will face in the coming years, and the environmental degradation that threatens Iran could present serious political, social, and economic challenges to the Iranian government.

Iran’s southwestern region is not simply troubled by the lack of clean water, but also by a shortage of available drinking water in general. Droughts and dust storms have become increasingly common in Khuzestan, and higher-than-average rates of evaporation have exacerbated this issue across the country, with, “an estimated two-thirds of rainfall (evaporating) before it can replenish rivers.” Unfortunately, climate change threatens to further exacerbate this crisis in coming years. Experts

KHUZESTAN’S WATER CRISIS AND THE PUBLIC BACKLASH THAT IT HAS CAUSED ARE A PREVIEW OF THE CHALLENGES THAT IRAN WILL ENDURE IN THE YEARS TO COME project that rainfall in the region is, “expected to fall 20 percent by the end of the century, and temperatures could rise by as much as 5 degrees Celsius.” These factors, combined with a marked rise in dust storms, will result in water becoming even more scarce a commodity.

No Iranian province has been more adversely impacted by these trends than Khuzestan, a region which has long been a source of strife for the Iranian government. Originally called “Arabistan,” Khuzestan has the largest concentration of ethnic Arabs in the overwhelmingly Persian state of Iran, which has historically made the region a hotbed for Ahwazi Arab separatist activity, anti-regime protests, and calls for improved governance. Khuzestan is the most oil-rich province in Iran, yet poverty rates among the Ahwazi Arabs are staggering. Residents have long criticized the Iranian government for ignoring regional concerns, and many blame the current water crisis on Tehran’s decades of neglect for Khuzestan’s deteriorating environment.

Iran’s central government indeed deserves its fair share of the blame for the current state of Khuzestan’s water. Former Presidents Akbar Rafsanjani, Mohammad Khatami, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad oversaw the development and expansion of the industries that have devastated the environment in southwestern Iran with little regard for their ecological impact, while the central government has long tolerated entrenched corruption within the bureaucracies assigned to address such concerns. The construction of several large dams designed to provide stable sources of water for industrial refineries, as well as planned diversions of key rivers to supply water to other provinces, has

further contributed the water shortage.

Iran’s long history of ignoring or suppressing scientific findings that contradict the official positions of the regime have further stifled efforts to address the crisis.

Many of Iran’s leading scientists and academics fled the country in the years following the revolution, and those who remained to warn of the coming calamity were largely ignored, or worse. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard went so far as to arrest a team of forty Iranian scientists in May on charges of espionage, further damaging the prospects of open communication between experts and the government on issues of environmental protection. Iran’s water czar Kaveh Madani, a renowned water conservation expert whose appointment as a deputy to the Department of the Environment was celebrated as a step in the direction of reform, faced similar harassment from the state, prompting his resignation and departure from Iran.

Local outcry against the government’s failures to address the problem is likely to increase further as water scarcity in Khuzestan becomes more pronounced, which could trigger the existing fault lines in Khuzestan’s relationship with the whole of Iran. Continued mismanagement of the region’s water will strengthen the deeply-entrenched narrative that the Iranian government views its Arab population as second-class citizens and Khuzestan as a province from which it can extract resources while minimizing the assistance it provides to its residents. Khuzestan is therefore likely to see a marked increase in the size, frequency, and intensity of its grassroots activism and protests against the Iranian government if the water crisis remains unaddressed.

Should Khuzestan experience a

greater spike in anti-regime activism, it could deal a significant blow to the Iranian economy. The Khuzestan Basin is home to roughly 80 percent of Iran’s onshore oil reserves, and oil has long played an outsized role in Iran’s economy, with oil rents accounting for over 13 percent of Iran’s GDP in 2016, according to World Bank data.

If Khuzestan’s protests and activism become widespread enough to meaningfully disrupt oil production, it could significantly affect Iran’s oil exports, as well as domestic energy prices. These disruptions could come in the form of strikes among local oil workers or protests staged around critical energy infrastructure that create labor disturbances, intentionally or otherwise. Iranians are intimately aware of the economic impact of politically-motivated disruptions in oil production, as strikes and worker slowdowns throughout the industry did significant damage to the economy during the Iranian Revolution. Iran’s oil infrastructure could also becoming a more frequent target for Sunni and Arab separatist groups, who have attacked pipelines in the past and could see a rise in popularity as the water crisis convinces more disaffected Iranian Arabs of their government’s unwillingness to protect them.

Finally, the Iranian government should be very concerned with the broader social and political implications of the ongoing water crisis. While Khuzestan has arguably been dealt the most serious blows by the water crisis, the damage has hardly been contained to southwest Iran. The Iran Meteorological Organization concluded that approximately 97 percent of the country experienced some form of drought conditions

in March of 2018 even as nationwide water usage remained alarmingly high, bodies of water such as Lake Urmia in the north have frequently been at risk of completely drying up, and water shortages sparked violence in cities as large as Isfahan this past spring.

Just as the deepening water crisis could sow greater seeds of discontent in Khuzestan, so too could those seeds take root throughout the rest of Iran. More sustained droughts, increased mortality rates and spikes in food prices caused by water shortages, and decreases in oil production resulting from instability in Khuzestan, could spark a new wave of discontent amongst the broader Iranian population.

Iran’s government enabled the water crisis not simply due to its bureaucratic mismanagement, but also because it consistently chose to prioritize factors such as short-term economic gains and the maintenance of social control over taking the steps necessary to address the long-term sustainability of the environment. Ironically, the decision to allow Iran’s environment to deteriorate to such a degree will likely force Iran to confront even more significant economic and social challenges down the road.

Khuzestan’s water crisis should certainly register as a serious concern for Iran’s government, and is likely to become an even greater threat as the effects of climate change deepen in the coming years. While the underlying source of the problem is an environmental one, much of the blame for the current crisis falls on the Iranian government, which has shown little willingness to address the significant structural concerns that contribute to the crisis. If Iran fails to develop a workable solution to the water crisis, observers are likely to witness a rise in instability and civil unrest in Iran as drought conditions worsen.

Matt Reisener is a program associate at the Center for the National Interest.

06 NEWS govt to expedite seminary reforms, says babar Awan ISLAMABAD APP

Advisor to Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan on Wednesday said the federal government was committed to expediting seminary reforms to ensure equal rights to the students. He told Senate that the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) along with relevant departments had already started the process of registration of seminaries; however, some seminaries were not willing to register. As many as 689 seminaries have been registered in FATA, he said, adding that 179 seminaries were been registered in other parts of the country.

Awan said the government was responsible to bring change in lives of students of seminaries and to provide them equal rights in education and job opportunities in order to bring them into the mainstream. He said our vision of change was to provide equal rights to every person of the country without any discrimination. He said the process of registration of seminaries was continued and rest would also be registered in 90 days. Speaking on a point of order, Leader of the House in Senate, Shibli Faraz vowed finalising cybercrime bill soon. Responding to questions of Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani and Senator Nauman Wazir, Awan said FIA had the capacity but there was a need to enhance it further. Cyber Crime wing Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had so far registered 388 cases, he said, adding that as result of these cases, 350 accused persons were arrested, of which there were 65 convictions and 45 acquittals and a fine amounting of Rs 12.72 million had been imposed by the courts.

Sepoy Maqbool Hussain’s funeral held in Chaklala RAWALPINDI

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

AzAm SwAti mAy become Science And technology miniSter SENATOR SWATI REPORTS CORRUPTION, IRREGULARITIES IN MINISTRY TO PM IMRAN KHAN

MINISTRY OFFICIALS BRIEF SENATOR REGARDING THEIR PERFORMANCE DURING LAST TWO GOVERNMENTS

ISLAMABAD

S

GHULAM ABBAS

ENATOR Azam Swati, an aspiring candidate for the post of science and technology minister, on Wednesday briefed Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding the massive corruption and irregularities in the said ministry during the past 10 years.

Swati also presented detailed evidence of the illegal appointments, promotions and financial embezzlements in the ministry and attached departments.

In a recent detailed meeting with Prime Minister Khan, Swati informed the premier that hundreds of people had been recruited by the ministry on political bases. Swati briefed PM Khan on the massive embezzlement and violations of rules in the ministry and presented evidence of the alleged corruption by ministry’s senior officials.

Talking to Pakistan Today, Swati, who also served in the ministry in past, said that it was prerogative of PM Khan to give the ministry to him.

“I had served in the ministry with dedication and honesty. I had not even consumed a single cup of tea on the expense of government during the past eight years,” he said.

Swati went on to say, “I had even sealed factories owned by the influentials producing substandard products during a countrywide operation against the manufacturing of substandard food items,” adding that the ministry has wit-

nessed massive embezzlement and violations of rules in the ministry.

Meanwhile, as per official sources, the secretary of Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has asked all departments concerned to prepare a brief summary about their performance. The ministry is also prepared a briefing regarding cases of corruption and irregularities under investigation. “Since Swati is expected to head the ministry, the officials are expecting inquiries and transfer postings in the ministry and its attached departments,” said an official at the ministry.

According to insiders, reports and evidence of corruption, misappropriation and illegal appointments have already been provided to Swati, being member of Senate’s committee on the MoST, by various employees of the ministry and attach departments.

In case Swati is given the portfolio, he will initiate inquiries against the reported cases which include, illegal appoint of 35 officials by the previous government and appointment of over 80 employees by PPP-led government during 2008 to 2013, irregularities and corruption in Comsats Institute of Information Technology, National Testing Service (NTS), illegal appointments and corruption in Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and many others. Some of the cases are already under investigation by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

“The new minister, in case he wished to uproot the menace of corruption in the ministry, needs to change the team of license branch and inspection team of PSQCA at ports besides making

PTI to contest by-poll from PK-78 PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

APP

Funeral prayers for the 1965 war veteran Sepoy Maqbool Hussain — who breathed his last at Combined Military Hospital in Attock on Tuesday — were held at Rawalpindi's Chaklala Garrison on Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations said. According to a statement issued by Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa along with a large number of soldiers attended the prayers and paid respect to the national hero. "[The] deceased will be buried with full mil[itary] honour at his native village Narian, Azad Kashmir later tonight," said the DG ISPR's tweet. Sepoy Maqbool Hussain of Azad Kashmir Regiment got injured during the 1965 war and was taken prisoner by the Indian Army. After languishing in Indian jails for 40 years, he was released in 2005. He was awarded Sitara-i-Jurrat for his gallantry.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would submit nomination paper of its candidate for by-poll in PK-78 scheduled to be held on October 14, where ANP leader Haroon’s widow will be contesting the by-election.

The PTI media head Iftikhar Durrani told APP here Wednesday that PTI will contest election in by-poll from PK-78, however, the name of the candidate was yet to finalized.

Earlier, Muhammad Irfan of PTI was contesting from the constituency against ANP leader Haroon Bilour who was killed in a suicide attack.

It is to mention here that ANP had nominated Haroon’s widow as its candidate for by-poll and her son submitted her nomination papers to regional election commission on Wednesday August 29.

Late Haroon Bilour's son Daniya told media after submission of nomination papers said all the Opposition parties had assured full support to

ANP’s PK-78 nominee Samar Bilour.

ANP and would not contest by-elections from the constituency. The general election in PK-78 was canceled after assassination of ANP leader Haroon Bilour in a terrorist suicide attack in his coroner meeting here in Yaka Toot area on July 11, 2018. Haroon was a candidate from this constituency.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the intending candidates can submit their papers till August 30, while the list of the candidates would be displayed

on August 31. Similarly, the scrutiny of candidates would be held on September 4, while the appeals against the decisions of Returning Officers would be filed till September 8. The Appellate Tribunal would decide against the appeals till September 13 and the revised list of candidates would be displayed on September 14.

The candidates could withdraw their nomination papers till September 15, while election symbols would be allotted on September 16. Election would be held on October 14.

It is pertinent to mention here that by-poll in one NA, nine PK constituencies would be held as these became vacant due to death of contesting candidates, resignation under Article 223 and postponement under Articles 218(3) of the Constitution.

The constituencies included NA35 Bannu, PK-3 Swat-II, PK-7 SwatIV, PK-44, Swabi-II, PK-53 Mardan-VI, PK-61 Nowshera-I, PK64 Nowshera-IV, PK78 PeshawarXIII, PK-97 DIKhan-III and PK-99 DI Khan-V.

Press freedom vital to govt’s democratic credentials: HRCP ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly urged the government to acknowledge and promptly address constraints to press freedom.

In a statement released on Wednesday at the launch of its report investigating recent curbs on newspaper distribution and journalists’ freedom of expression, HRCP said, “The new government must uphold freedom of expression across the print and broadcast media to establish its democratic credentials. Its commitment to ensuring that all state-run media have complete editorial independence is an important

and welcome step, but this is still the tip of the iceberg. The government has inherited a difficult situation in terms of curbs on press freedom, but having done so, it must now acknowledge and take responsibility for the actions of all state institutions and services in this context. This means investigating allegations of continued unlawful interference with newspaper distribution among private media organisations. It will also entail monitoring the press freedom announced for state-run media to see if it extends to areas that the security establishment had set out of bounds for the press, such as the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).”

“There is also overwhelming evidence that corroborates reports of the

systematic, strategic intimidation and harassment of journalists and social media activists – to the point that an increasing number of media persons feel compelled to practice self-censorship at the expense of professional, objective journalism. There appears to be little compunction about intimidating journalists and their families, subjecting them to vicious character assassinations through social media and creating fear through reprisals in the shape of abductions and physical attacks. Moreover, arbitrary media blackouts of ‘sensitive’ areas, notably North and South Waziristan, does not point to a ‘free’ or ‘independent’ media,” the statement added.

HRCP called on the federal and

CMYK

provincial governments and all other state institutions and services to take appropriate steps to prohibit and prevent unauthorised, illegal interference with freedom of expression in the country. It urged the government to ensure that there should be no interference in the sale and distribution of any newspaper, nor should any TV channels be deliberately displaced and the system of issuing ‘press advice’ on the part of state agencies must cease immediately and the complaints documented in HRCP’s report redressed.

The state must also set up complete and effective information commissions in each province to implement its obligations under the Right of Access to Information Act 2017.

administrative changes in the authority.

NAB and FIA which are investigating some cases regarding Comsats, NTS and others need to be facilitated by the ministry. There are mafias controlling affairs of these departments,” said an official at the ministry, on the condition of anonymity.

“NoCs and licenses are sold to companies without due inspection and substandard food items are cleared from the port without due lab test by the PSQCA employees after getting bribes,” he said adding that number cases of corruption and irregularities are still unreported in other attached departments.

Attach departments of the ministry include Council for Work and Housing Research (CWHR), Comsats University of Islamabad (CUI), National Institute of Electronics (NIE), National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), National University of Technology (NUTECH), Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET), Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST), Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA), Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), STEDEC Technology Commercialisation Corporation of Pakistan (Private) Limited and Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).

PTI MPA Imran Ali Shah ‘donates’ Rs0.5m to Edhi Foundation Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh MPA Dr Imran Ali Shah has reportedly donated Rs 0.5million to Edhi Foundation. On August 25, PTI Karachi’s Disciplinary Committee in its verdict on MPA Imran Shah’s assault of a citizen of the metropolitan city directed him to donate Rs500,000 as a ‘fine’ to the Edhi Homes Orphanage Centres besides, providing free medical treatment to 20 orthopaedic patients recommended by Edhi Trust. Following the inquiry into the incident that occurred on August 14 near Karachi’s Stadium Road, the committee has also warned Shah that any further misconduct on his part will result in his immediate expulsion from the party. NEWS DESK

SC issues show cause notice to ARY anchor ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan on Wednesday issued a show cause notice to ARY News host Arshad Sharif for discussing sub-judice matters on his talk show “Power Play”. A threemember bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar had taken up a suo moto notice regarding the August 28 episode of the talk show in which a question pertaining to the affidavit submitted by former president Asif Ali Zardari was put up for discussion.

“Comments like these [those made in the show] are prejudicial to court proceedings,” the CJP remarked, warning Sharif of action against him. He also termed the discussion akin to “interference in court matters”. The top judge also questioned whether the TV programme was “sponsored” by anyone, asking: “On whose direction did you conduct the programme?” “This is a straightforward [case of a] media trial,” observed Justice Ijazul Ahsan. “How can you discuss cases being heard in courts [during your programme]?” Justice Nisar asked Sharif. STAFF REPORT

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

‘Aisay Nhi Chaley Ga’, Aamir Liaquat tells PM Imran Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) disgruntled MNA Aamir Liaquat Hussain has criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan for “not listening to anyone”, as he vented out his anger at being given a cold shoulder by the party’s Karachi chapter as well as the PTI chairman. “Allah has said in the Quran that you should consult others before taking any step because this is what Prophet (PBUH) was told by the Almighty,” Hussain said while talking to a private news channel the other night.

The PTI MNA elected from NA-245 Karachi also objected to being sidelined during talks with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM). “I was an important leader of MQM and I know all the top leadership personally and that is why I should have been asked,” he said, adding that he would have conducted negotiations on PTI’s terms. He further said that he will not take any ministry even if Imran Khan offers him one. Talking about a possible forward bloc in PTI, Liaquat said that there is no proper forward bloc as such but there are leaders from Karachi who are not happy with the party’s leadership. “Those leaders promised people of their constituencies to bring change but the party is not listening to them,” he claimed. “This will not be good for PTI’s future in Karachi,” he said. Talking on another talk show, Liaquat said that PTI contested the election on the slogan of austerity but it is now limited only to tea and biscuits. “This limited austerity will not work rather the party has to focus on real issues especially in the metropolitan city,” he said, adding that PTI should not have formed a coalition government. “The promise of change has not been fulfilled hence there is uncertainty among the masses,” he commented.

LEAVES PTI WHATSAPP GROUP: In another development, Amir Liaquat has left the WhatsApp group of PTI MNAs and MPAs. According to media reports, Liaquat is disgruntled for not being invited to a reception at the Sindh Governor’s House hosted by newly-appointed governor, Imran Ismail. “The party must respect its leaders and workers,” Liaquat said.

Meanwhile, the party leaders have urged Imran Khan to send the matter to the disciplinary committee. NEWS DESK

Rs6b govt ads given to media in past four years, Senate told ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, National History, Literary Heritage and attached departments had given advertisements worth Rs 6,111,779,669 to print and electronic media in last four years, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry told Senate on Wednesday. In a written reply to the question of Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, he said the advertisements worth Rs 426,912,654 had been given to print and electronic media in 2013-14. Rs 1,095,794,707 billion had been given to both print and electronic media during 2014-15, advertisements worth Rs 2,469,226,193 in 2015-16 and Rs 2,119,846,115 in 2016-17. The minister stated that a media cell under the supervision of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz was operating from PM House to control the allocation of government advertisements beyond the jurisdiction of Ministry of Information. "The previous federal government increased its spending for the production of advertisements from Rs 42.6 crores in 2013-14 to Rs 2.1 billion in 2016-17 and a total of Rs 6.1 billion was spent in these 4 years," the minister observed. He said the advertising agencies were assigned media campaigns considering their creative/productive capabilities and skills. The advertising agencies were appointed on the panel of Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, National History & Literary Heritage through an open and transparent competition process, the reply added, informing that all enlisted agencies were invited to participate in the competition process as per Press Information Department (PID) guidelines for appointment of advertising agencies. STAFF REPORT

Pm ASSureS full SuPPort to nAb for eliminAting corruPtion

ISLAMABAD

P

STAFF REPORT

RIME Minister Imran Khan emphasised on rooting out corruption from the country during a meeting with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the PM reiterated that he wants to eliminate corruption and promote transparency in the country.

PM Imran told the NAB chief that indiscriminate accountability of

corrupt elements remains the government’s top priority. He added that the government remains committed to further strengthening the anti-graft body and increasing the capabilities of institutions. According to a statement issued by the PM House, PM Khan said, “The government is committed to extending all possible support to strengthen NAB and increase the bureau’s capacity.”

He also expressed satisfaction with NAB’s performance. Justice (r) Iqbal congratulated Imran on assuming the office of the PM. In his first

NEWS

speech as PM-elect, Khan had said, “First of all, we will start strict accountability. I promise to my God that everyone who looted this country will be made accountable.”

“I want you all to understand that the moment we start going after corrupt people, they will start raising a hue and cry. They are everywhere.

They will come out on the streets.

They will say that democracy is in danger. I want you all to continue standing with me. We will save this country or these corrupt people will save themselves,” he had also said.

Senate Opp walks out after Rasheed says ‘railway land not anyone’s father’s property’ ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The opposition members walked out of the Senate session in protest on Wednesday after Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that land belonging to the Pakistan Railways was not anybody’s “father’s property”.

Members of the opposition bench protested the use of such a phrase by the railways minister.

During the session, the newly appointed railways minister said the ministry had 20,000 acres of land that was not in use. But, he added, they would leave it to the cabinet to decide whether the land should be sold or leased out.

Rasheed said land belonging to the Railway Ministry was not owned by anybody’s father, it belonged to the government, which should make decisions regarding the property. “[However] land mafia considers railway land as their father’s property.”

While talking about losses faced by the ministry, Rasheed said rail-

ways stood at a loss of Rs30 billion in 2013, which now went up to Rs41 billion, in 2018.

He said the total liabilities of Pakistan Railways remained Rs 82.899 billion during the financial year 2016-17.

Answering the question of Senator Mohsin Aziz, he said the total current liabilities of Pakistan Railways were Rs 12.415 billion, security and deposits’ liabilities were Rs 11.755 billion, while accrued liabilities were Rs 0.092 billion in 2016-17.

He said the Accounts of Pakistan Railways for Fiscal Year 2017-18

would be finalised by July 31, 2018.

At a news conference earlier, Rasheed said they would work on bringing down the expenses of the railway ministry. Speaking about his plans, the minister said they would curtail the expenses by 15%.

The railways minister added they will be auctioning off trains and wagons that have been standing stationery for the last 60 years, whereas 30 train stations will be upgraded.

Furthermore, he said two new trains will operate from September 15. He also promised to increase the freight by 20%.

07

Four police officials killed in IHK ahead of key court case SRINAGAR AGENCIES

Four police officers were shot dead while security forces killed two suspected rebels in India-held Kashmir (IHK) on Wednesday as tensions rose before a major Supreme Court hearing on the troubled region. Five police officers who had stopped near the southern Kashmir town of Shopian to repair their vehicle were ambushed, Inspector General of Police Swayam Prakash Pani told AFP.“Four of the police were killed. One who was inside the vehicle at the time of the attack is safe,” Pani said. Separately, two suspected rebels were killed in a gunfight with government forces not far from the attack on the police, officials said. The Muslim-majority Himalayan region has seen a resurgence of hostilities in the past two years. Security officials say at least 144 rebels have been killed this year, while more fighters have joined their ranks. There are an estimated 250 active underground fighters, they say.

Separatist groups have called a general strike for Thursday and Friday before the Supreme Court hearing, which they fear could allow Indians from outside Kashmir to buy property in the state and get government jobs.

Marriyum says Fawad still behaves like PTI spokesperson ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry is still behaving like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson and not a government functionary. She said that he needs to understand that issuing statements against PML-N leaders will not build five million houses and create 10 million jobs as promised

by PTI. Responding to Fawad Chaudhry’s statement regarding Maryam Nawaz, she said that his statement against Maryam Nawaz is as true as his statement regarding Rs50/ km helicopter rides of Prime Minister Imran Khan. The way the current government is being run, it seems that the people would need to search for the 10 million new jobs and five million homes too on Google, just like the information minister found the helicopter fare on Google. She said that he needs to understand that his days of being the PTI spokesperson are over where he used to campaign based on lies and false allegations. PTI could be run on lies by its spokesperson, but the country cannot be run on lies by the information minister. “Fawad Chaudhry needs to understand this difference and should at least keep the honor of the office he has been entrusted with”, she said.

‘Breastfeeding can save over 820,000 lives annually’ ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Breastfeeding has profound benefits for infants, as the improving breastfeeding practices could save more than 820,000 lives of children in a year globally. In Pakistan, breastfeeding lies at only 38 per cent and that is why the rate of stunted children in the country is 44 percent.

This was stated by keynote speakers at the culmination of the World Breastfeeding Week 2018, organised by UNICEF and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) here on Wednesday.

Beyond the well-documented positive aspects of long-term health and wellbeing, breastfeeding has a beneficial impact on the workplace, the health care system and largely on the society.

Investing in breastfeeding reduces the annual health care costs and in-

creases productivity associated with higher intelligence. Speaking on the occasion, Aida Girma Country Representative of UNICEF- Pakistan reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to the government of Pakistan to target critical nutrition activities such as improving breastfeeding rates.

She said that legislation regarding child nutrition and protection of breast milk benefits and implementation of these laws at the provincial level should be a priority. Aida said that breastfeeding could save lives, as it’s the first vaccination of the child, which is equally beneficial for the mother and her children.

She said that the role of the community is very important and a strong monitoring mechanism should be put in place to ensure implementation of health-related legislation. PTI Senator Javed Faisal said that Prime Minister Imran Khan always gave great importance to nutrition and

stunted children issues and it is evident from his public statements. He said that PTI in its previous government in KhyberPakhtunkhwa (KP) mainly focused on human development and the results are before the nation.

Faisal said health and education is the incumbent government top priority and the impact could be seen in its 100day plan. He also said that the PTI-led government would make legislation for public interests. Research shows that an estimated 22% of newborn deaths could be prevented if breastfeeding is started within the first hour after birth and 16% if it’s started in the first 24 hours.

It is also important to note that infants who are not breastfed are 15 times more likely to die from pneumonia and 11 times more likely to die from diarrhea than those who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life.

Today the realisation in the world is

more elaborate after so many studies conducted on the benefits of breastfeeding and the Lancet series which not only focuses on breastfeeding and stresses upon the need to improve exclusive breastfeeding in both low-income and high-income countries to promote child survival and wellbeing. World Health Assembly, under the UN, sets targets to improve breastfeeding in 69th World Health Assembly in 1981 and the government of Pakistan has also committed to adhere to these global targets.

Government of Pakistan and ministry of NHSR&C is cognizant of the fact and the need thereof in this respect.

In 2002, necessary legislation for protection and promotion of breast feeding was made through “The protection of breast-feeding and child nutrition ordinance, 2002” and in 2009 the breastfeeding rules were also formulated and endorsed by the Health Ministry.

08 COMMENT

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

Karachi revisited

The road to ‘Naya Pakistan’ Getting off to a bad start

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T would be inappropriate to pass a judgment on the performance of the PTI twelve days after the swearing in of Imran khan as PM. There is however a need to point out certain developments that negate some of the avowed ideals of the PTI chief like accountability, depoliticisation of police and austerity on the part of government functionaries.

In less than ten days of taking oath usman Buzdar has traveled to Islamabad, Mian Channu and Pakpattan by helicopter. The last two tours were of an entirely private nature. Buzdar went to Mian Channu to condole with a friend over the demise of his father. To give it an official turn, bureaucracy made a last minute addition of a visit to local government hospital. as this was planned in haste it led to overcrowding at the facility and the death of a child waiting to be treated. The travel to Pakpattan was of a spiritual nature. Conducting private visits at public expense is thoroughly unjustified. reportedly the CM was accompanied by a protocol of numerous vehicles and private shops around the venue were closed on orders of the administration. This is the continuation of the elitist culture Imran khan used to condemn.

There were reportedly fissures in k-P PTI leadership over cabinet names with at least one nominated member publicly announcing plans to turn down the offered job. another aspirant for a cabinet slot, who failed to get it, submitted a resolution in the k-P assembly on Monday urging all members of the cabinet to declare their assets, implying that they had acquired wealth through illicit means. unless the issue is clarified, the ongoing accountability of political opponents would be considered one-sided.

Imran khan has rightly underlined the importance of depoliticising police. The sudden transfer of DPO Pakpattan prior to an official enquiry and media reports suggesting that this was linked to an alleged altercation between the police official and a well-connected person calls into question the claims of making police independent of political influence. Coming as they do at the start of turning the country into “Naya Pakistan” the incidents do no not bode well for the future.

Fuelling inflation For the poor, especially

a

FTEr back-to-back increases in petrol and electricity prices, the sudden hike in LPG prices – by nearly 100pc in some parts – risks crippling the lower and middle working classes just as the new government settles in office. The hundreds of rickshaw drivers blocking roads in protest across the country the other day were only a small part of the population that will be hit, very hard, if LPG prices are not brought under control immediately. The problem assumes entirely different proportions if allegations in sections of the press, about deliberate hoarding to jack up prices and make a windfall for some people in the right positions, are true.

It is wrong, of course, to blame a government less than a fortnight in office for this mess. The LPG issue was mishandled by the previous government in more ways than one. Yet no matter how little time the new dispensation has had, it must immediately investigate alleged hoarding and manipulation. More than rickshaw fuel, LPG is used in far flung areas where natural gas infrastructure does not exist. and those places, not surprisingly, have registered the steepest rises in prices.

With winter not too far away, gas demand will rise cyclically; adding a market driven push to prices as well. already inflation has started crawling its way up.

Dealing with the huge deficit will also demand austerity which will hit the lower classes the hardest. and the mix of stagnant wages and rising prices has, historically, been the surest recipe of disaster for a new administration. LPG is rightly known as the poor man’s fuel in Pakistan. The PTI government must take very serious note of this development and order and urgent audit of all concerned departments, especially OGra. and if government functionaries are indeed found toggling prices to make personal fortunes, swift and forceful justice must follow.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Asher John

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Deputy Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

I

It is a complicated city

Remshay ahmed

R

ECENTLY, a report published by the Economist Intelligence unit (EIu) surfaced, labelling karachi one of the ten least liveable cities in the world.

While the ranking should have alarmed the people, the 7th least liveable city status has fallen on deaf ears.

The ranking on the Global Liveability Index scoring is done on the basis of security, affordability, education, healthcare, urban lifestyle and infrastructure. The fact that karachi has fared up badly on all these parameters highlights the adversarial condition in which the business hub of the economy is thriving.

Shahbaz Shairf, the name taken synonymously for Punjab’s (read: parts of Lahore) development promised that if elected from karachi, he would establish the metropolis on the same pattern as Lahore. The newly-elected government of Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) took a similar stance while campaigning in karachi; saying it would bring uniform development in all major cities, especially karachi. While this served as a direct blow to Sharifs’ biasness of focusing solely on Lahore, the PTI would now have to deliver on what it has promised people. understanding karachi is a complicated process, graphing why and how the city has come about, is tracing decades of history and rapid sporadic urbanisation against which the real development has been left behind. While the world chokes on plastic, karachi gasps through thick, humid ‘air’ that engulfs the city. The Clifton beach that has always been the go-to place for people looking to spend a good Sunday, spews

sewage water that is inordinately drained into the sea. Some would say that this is no way to treat a sea, but this is no way to treat a city either.

Being the only developed port city at the time of partition, a large number of people decided to settle here. Over the years, this pattern has persisted and the city which was thought of holding a large number of muhajirs (people who migrated to Pakistan from Lucknow and Delhi) have fallen short of a large number of Pakhtuns, Balochis and Bengalis who have settled here, in search of jobs. a large number of Parsis, Jews and Ismalilis, giving the city its idiosyncratic, multicultural ethnicity initially, however, have fled the city following years of marginalisation.

This is a concern for anyone wishing to understand how the city’s demographics have changed.

Where karachi’s skyline, thwarted by multi-floored buildings is an indication of the ever-increasing need for housing people, the ubiquitous ethno-religious slums point towards a deep-seated political marginalisation which would take decades to be mainstreamed. however, some have taken theTabdeeli as a chance for the city’s better future. From these it is understood that the city suffers from a multi-dimensional problem with trash, which would have to be dealt with in terms of its constituent problems.

Stemming from this is the argument that the city’s problem of garbage disposal is a matter of awareness, and the consensual need to clean up the city. Some would argue that this clean up is a matter of politicisation after all, of creating a sphere of influence where garbage can’t be disposed off without the approval of a higher power.

Either way, the waste that surrounds us, the sewerage water that drowns the city and the fetid breeze that is hazardous to health; needs a comprehensive course of action.

The Clifton beach that has always been the go-to place for people looking to spend a good Sunday, spews sewage water that is inordinately drained into the sea

Engaging the diaspora Opportunity corridor

UzaiR Khan

F

arrukh, a Pakistani native, runs his own business in Berlin. as I sat at a street-side café near Oberbaum Bridge with him talking about business culture in Europe, I shot a question at him: What stops him from doing business in country of origin, Pakistan? Promptly, unlike any surprise, he hinted at the unease of doing business in Pakistan.

The World Bank recently ranked Pakistan amongst lowest scoring countries on the DOB Index. From registration of starting a business to multi-layered taxes and extortions, the country doesn’t offer any appeal to expatriates to invest in home country. The fears of fraudulent activities and dubious economic transactions discourages the overseas Pakistanis to invest in their home country, which, given assurances, could have been even larger source of direct investments without donor conditions attached.

The incumbent government has a high time to utilise the opportunity to not only secure the vote bank of overseas Pakistanis but also the confidence of human capital settled abroad through optimally resolving their issues and giving them a flat pitch to invest and earn stakes. according to estimates, about nine million people of Pakistani origin are now scattered across the globe – almost 5pc of Pakistan’s total population. One in ten households currently have

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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The encroached land, in terms of slums, will cause a public outcry if and when removed. With limited funds, there is only so much housing that the new government can provide, and that too would take a lot of time. With the city outstretching towards hyderabad, another populated city, there’s only so much land to dispose off the cities’ garbage. With Eid-ul-adha’s remains and light drizzle, the unavailability of land for landfill sites is brought to focus in the most repulsive of ways, which makes one question the mere necessity of holy sacrifice in a city where perhaps people have lost their civic sense and the authorities have failed to address the problem. and who can blame the people when they’ve to wrestle with the inevitability of targeted killing on their way to work, stand in long queues to get a bucket or two of water and give in to coercive means to let their businesses prosper.

With karachi alone, the new government has its work cut out for itself. The trash can’t be disposed off without its people, sewerage water can’t be drained without the supply of clean water, and the ethno-religious slums can’t be divulged with delimitation alone. however, one thing is for certain, the city can’t go on the way it is. It’s about time steps are taken to rid the city off of the old ways and more opportunities are created elsewhere in the country where people can migrate to. Mapping and chalking, creating and ridding are just a part of the way in which the city can be made more liveable. But of course, all of this will loom under the unsaid danger of religious fundamentalism or perhaps religious marginalisation which requires an all-out nationalist strategy.

a family member who has settled abroad or works overseas. unfortunately, subsequent governments have never been able to engage with the Pakistani community around the world.

Every new government brings a new hope among millions of expatriates but none fails to disappoint them. Consequently, our crippling economy remains deprived of the huge funds that can be injected by overseas community to push the economy to run the track. a number of factors are responsible for the mounting trust deficit between Pakistan and the 6th largest diaspora in the world.

This time around, however, the situation is uniquely different. PTI’s overwhelming victory in the recent election has put Imran khan, the diaspora’s favourite, at the helm of the affairs of the country. The largest of the challenges in governing the country lie on shoulders of the finance minister, asad umar.

PTI’s tirades against corruption enjoy much appeal among educated, wellheeled Pakistanis leaving in different corners of the world. In khan, they Pakistanis see hope. They believe that the cricketer turned politician of Mianwali’s Niazi clan can sail the sinking ship to the shores.

Throughout his 22 years struggle, khan has always considered dollar earning diaspora as country’s financial lifeline and relied upon them for his earlier projects including health and education.

Thus, charismatic PM’s goodwill will play a cardinal role in abridging gap between overseas residents and the incumbent leaders.

The much awaited decision of granting online voting rights by the Election Commission to the overseas community in the upcoming bielections is a good step forward but a lot needs to be done. In order to engage with the diaspora, a new pool of decision makers should follow the footsteps of the largest recipient of remittances

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

Remshay Ahmed is a political realist by profession and a pessimist by choice. She can be reached at remshayahmed95@gmail.com

in the world: India.

India has already emerged as a leader in this field, with one of the most comprehensive state level diaspora engaging policies.

Firstly, special attention should be devoted to revamp the ministry of overseas Pakistanis which serves as a one-stop agency for any kind of matters relating to overseas Pakistanis and is meant to be a focal point for the expatriate population. Ironically, neither overseas nor foreign ministry’s current website shows any data regarding Pakistani diaspora abroad – a reflection of lack of seriousness of the authorities. The vocal Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s mature press conferences have garnered much praise but he has uttered no words regarding the neglected asset of Pakistan.

Secondly, the government needs to create business opportunities to attract Foreign Direct Investments especially from the expatriate population. assuring economic transparency and averting frauds will boost the comfort and confidence of investors leading to higher totaling of investment.

Moreover, the rude behaviour of staffs at the Pakistani airports discourages the overseas Pakistanis, who are now accustomed to a welcoming attitude of immigration officers at foreign airports. Complaints against arrogant attitude of airport staff are made every other day.

Lastly, a lot depends on PM’s direct contact with Pakistanis in foreign lands.

Prime Minister Modi’s direct contact with mighty Indian diaspora across the globe has paid dividends, and so can be done by Pakistan’s premier.

Imran’s interaction with the Pakistani community should be the top agenda on his foreign tours. If kaptaan banks on overseas Pakistanis for dams and loans and considers the diaspora as “Golden Sparrow”, then he must be reminded that Golden Sparrow demands Golden Nest!

Assuring economic transparency and averting frauds will boost the comfort and confidence of investors leading to higher totaling of investment

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Uzair Khan is a Policy Scholar at the Centre for Public Policy and Governance. He can be reached at uzairkpr@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 09

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

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A question of states manship not leadership

Steps for projecting positive image Putting things right

maliK mUhammad ashRaf

P

rIME Minister Imran khan during his maiden visit to the ministry of foreign affairs while sharing his vision in the domain of foreign relations with the concerned officials also emphasised the need to project positive image of the country among the comity of nations. In view of the prevailing global environment Pakistan unfortunately does not have an enviable image among the fraternity of nations, mainly attributable to the phenomenon of terrorism and religious extremism which also pose an existentialist threat to the country. No person in his right mind would take an issue with what the prime minister has said.

We have been hearing similar voices from our rulers about projecting soft image of Pakistan internationally and calling for a paradigm shift in the conduct of our foreign policy, with greater emphasis on public diplomacy as an effective and indispensable ingredient of the strategy to achieve the desired objectives. But regrettably no credible and concrete steps were taken to achieve the desired objective. We have a dismal record in regards to realigning our foreign policy priorities with the new emerging global realities and the new mechanisms evolved as a consequence of the ability of the emerging technologies to expand the horizons and options available to conduct public diplomacy. Instead of pursuing pro-active policies tuned to the changing realities, we have remained stuck to a rather regressive approach steeped into a visceral aversion to the well thought out and well researched decision making processes.

The focus regrettably remains on traditional diplomacy and mechanisms devised to promote and facilitate stateto-state relations rather than public diplomacy which from its previous emphasis on developing contacts between a state and publics of another state, has of late transited into the realm of people-to-people contacts on bilateral level

as well as state-to-global audience outreach. a phenomenon made possible by the new technologies like internet, digital communications and new techniques of public relations on the global plank through the use of the vast array of media outlets.

Pakistan is the most misunderstood country in the world and the phenomenon of terrorism and religious extremism, arguably, is a leading factor in distorting its image on the global level.

Pakistan as a front line state in the war on terror has suffered the most in men and material, but regrettably our allies and western countries look askance at our endeavours, doubt our commitment to the cause at hand and decidedly remain oblivious to our national and strategic interests in the region.

The western media with its all-permeating power and unfettered global outreach is also feverishly engaged in maligning Pakistan and soiling its image among the comity of nations. under the prevailing circumstances it is absolutely essential for the government, besides relying on the state-to-state diplomacy, also accord top priority to the efforts to create a better understanding of Pakistan’s position and its image internationally, countering the negative propaganda against it and projecting a soft image of the country premised on the positive things that have happened in the arena of war on terror as well as the measures adopted to improve economic, social and political conditions in line with the globally accepted principles.

The emergence of an independent judiciary and a free media in Pakistan are indeed epoch making developments. The strides taken towards gender equality and empowerment of women are also very positive developments.

These achievements can be used to achieve desired results provided the government takes concrete measures to strengthen its Pr apparatus at the international level. This is the age of information, media and specialisation. as such image building assignment needs to be handled by well equipped, trained and professional officials of the Information service, constituted for the very purpose. But it is matter of great shame that our press sections in the foreign missions are either not properly equipped or lack the wherewithal that is necessary to do justice with their roles. It is not only a much needed compulsion to strengthen these outfits but also to expand their network to the areas that hitherto have escaped the attention of the

Prime Minister Imran Khan needs to give more attention to reinvigorating the press sections in the Pakistan embassies abroad ensuring that they are also well-equipped with required paraphernalia

government. We do not have any presence in important capitals of Central asia, Latin america and Eastern Europe. Putting in place arrangements for capacity building of the press officers, language courses, streamlining the procedure for their foreign postings free of political influence are some of the steps that can immensely contribute towards building soft image of Pakistan. It is a matter of great shame that the posts of the press officers in some of the important capitals of the world like Berlin, Washington, London and New Delhi have remained vacant during the last five years and no effort was made to post press officers there.

It is also a pity that whenever during the last regimes austerity drives were announced the axe has invariably fallen on the press sections abroad. a numberof press sections have been abolished also curtailing the number of posts of the press officers abroad.

Traditional diplomacy has its own advantages and efficacy but it cannot match the power of public diplomacy conducted through media in changing perceptions and attitudes of the people and influencing their judgments. Pakistan needs a sustained and well orchestrated effort to use the power of media and the Pr regime to address the issue of image building in the larger and long term interest of the country. The importance of well managed press sections in our missions abroad headed by well trained officers of the Information Group can hardly be overemphasised. There is an imperative need for getting our priorities right and staying in line with the emerging global realities. It is an unavoidable national obligation and must not be allowed to become a casualty of the moves aimed at frugality.

Prime Minister Imran khan needs to give more attention to reinvigorating the press sections in the Pakistan embassies abroad ensuring that they are also well-equipped with required paraphernalia to be able to produce desired results. I am sure that Imran khan really means what he has said about improving the image of the country at the international level and would match his words with concrete steps to make that happen. The newly appointed Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also seems an energetic individual who has ample understanding about the importance and power of the media. It is hoped that he would not only play his role in redefining the role of his ministry in line with the emerging realities but would also pay adequate attention to strengthening of the press sections abroad. he can immediately initiate the process by posting the press officers to the stations which have remained vacant during the last five years.

The focus regrettably remains on traditional diplomacy and mechanisms devised to promote and facilitate state-to-state relations rather than public diplomacy

Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic.

He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail.com

WhEN men at the helm of affairs talk of austerity drive and self-reliance along with endeavors in extending an olive branch to and taking on board opposition parties in the larger national interest of the country, it reflects of positive thinking in national affairs in principle indeed. as such, let us wish our aspiring leaders all the best to work on this valued principle of national illumination towards a brighter Pakistan.

First: simplicity and austerity drive. honestly we at the top are so accustomed to and acclimatized with pompous facilities and lavish benefits as obstinate state of mind and die-hard habit. Leading from the front and setting examples in austerity do matter with directives. But what awesomely counts is how unparalleled and statesmanlike skill and acumen naturally and logically impact and convince in this regard.

Secondly: self-reliance and self-sufficiency is a noble national cause. But let us fairly ponder how to credibly and skillfully break the ice when blind dependence is deep rooted from childhood as school kids bank on private tutors to pass, when capable nephews and nieces look upon influential uncles for jobs and when leaders cannot think beyond World Bank, IMF, uSaID, CIDa and alike for socio-economic development!

Thirdly: leadership consensus on national priorities amid mutual trust is an unanswered question for the house calling rising over and above self, shunning ego or vanity and needs charismatic statesmanship rather than mere leadership to change mindsets of chicken-heartedness, narrow-mindedness and short-sightedness into ones of lion-heartedness, broadmindedness and far-sightedness all for Pakistan.

PARVEZ JAMIL Karachi

Just one, thank you GOvErNMENT of Pakistan should declared one holiday a week. Prime Minister Imran khan said making Pakistan as medina state and making it a welfare state, like Quaid-e-azam Muhammad ali Jinnah had wanted it to be so as a Muslim country he should declared “Friday” as a holiday and men should allowed to wear Pakistani traditional dress “Shawlar kameez” in the offices also both in private and government offices. Two-day holiday given by the previous government to end the load shedding crisis but load shedding is not finished in the country so one holiday is enough, there should be six working days for both government and public offices and also for school, colleges and universities because we have to work hard to overcome the overall economic crisis in the country so for this we have to more work days in a week.

GHAZAnFAR ALI KHAn Karachi

Video games NOW a days, video games have become more popular among our children than before. Children can be seen sitting at homes, streets and at other places playing either online or offline games in smartphones recklessly. Infact, this useless amusement activity gives children nothing beneficial except badly affecting their mental and physical growth and hampering their academic performance. In addition, extensive use of screen also damages children’s eyesight and limits their physical activities primarily playing outdoor games.

Thus, parents are requested to constrain their children from this unhealthy practice. apart from this, children must be taught about the pros and cons of gadgets in homes as well as in schools so that they can use them in an appropriate manner after being better aware of their negative and positive usage.

ASSAd ALI BALoCH Phaka,Taluka district dadu

Blasphemous cartoons ThE nobility and stature of holy Prophet (PBuh) has been elaborated by almighty through divine revelation in holy Quran and there are over 1.7 billion Muslims all over the world who believe that he is last messenger prophet. Every year millions perform hajj, because it is the Sunnah of our holy Prophet (PBuh).

If any insane individual or group of people, who are insensitive to feelings of billions, resort to such criminal irresponsible acts like printing caricatures or cartoon, they cannot in any way inflict any damage to stature and eminence of our holy Prophet(PBuh). It is the belief, practices and commitment of Muslims alone which will spread the message of Prophet (PBuh).

Muslims all over the world must not be distracted by such mischievous acts, which by design resort to incite their emotions and spread disorder in Muslim majority states. holding demonstrations will only weaken their already fragile economies. The only protest which will send a message is to boycott all products produced by these countries whose citizens resort to such insensitive acts like printing blasphemous cartoons and caricatures and not bringing to standstill the economic activity in their own countries. Such demonstrations will have no impact on either holland or any other country involved in such indecent activity. These religious leaders should instead launch a campaign to promote spread of education in science, technology, economics etc so that their countries become self reliant. One hopes that few religious leaders stop politicizing sensitive issues and instead launch an effective campaign for boycotting products of countries which allow blasphemous activities.

MALIK TARIq ALI Lahore

10 FOREIGN NEWS

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

Haley says Us RoHingya RepoRt 'consistent' witH Un findings f UNITED NATIONS Agencies

INDINGS of a US State Department investigation into Myanmar’s Rohingya crisis are “consistent” with those of a report by UN investigators released this week that called for Myanmar’s commander-in-chief and other generals be tried for genocide, the US ambassador to the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Nikki Haley said “the world can no longer avoid the difficult truth of what happened.” She did not use the term “genocide” and the State Department has said it had not yet concluded whether it shared the determination of “genocidal intent” that Monday’s UN report attached to the attacks on Rohingya Muslims.

However, Haley said that of the more than 1,000 randomly selected Rohingya Muslims surveyed in the State Department’s own report, “fully one fifth” witnessed more than 100 victims being killed or injured. She said 82 percent had seen a killing, more than half had witnessed sexual violence and 45 percent had witnessed a rape.

“The report identifies one group as the perpetrator of the overwhelming majority of these crimes: the

Burmese military and security forces,” Haley said, referring to the US report.

She said the Security Council must hold those responsible for the violence to account and added, “The whole world is watching what we do next and if we will act.”

Haley’s comments provided the first details of the State Department report compiled from 1,024 interviews at refugee camps in Bangladesh and completed in late April.

It remained unclear when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo planned to issue the full US report, which could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar, particularly if Washington concluded there was genocide.

The findings were originally due to be announced ahead of Monday’s UN report but have been held up by internal deliberations.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said “genocidal intent” was “a very specific legal designation.”

“It is not one that is easily made,” she told a regular news briefing on Tuesday.

Critics have accused Washington of an overly cautious response to the Rohingya crisis, but a US

Myanmar rejects UN probe on Rohingya abuses YANGON: Myanmar rejected Wednesday the findings of a UN probe alleging genocide by its military against the Rohingya, in a strident government response to a damning report on the crisis. Myanmar has come under immense pressure this week over last year’s military crackdown that pushed more than 700,000 of the Muslim minority into Bangladesh. Monday’s report by a UN fact-finding mission said there was evidence of genocide and crimes against humanity “perpetrated on a massive scale”. In a session of the UN Security Council late Tuesday several countries — including the United States — called for Myanmar’s military leaders to face international justice. But Myanmar on Wednesday rejected the remit of the UN mission and its findings. “We didn’t allow the FFM (the UN Fact-Finding Mission) to enter into Myanmar, that’s why we don’t agree and accept any resolutions made by the Human Rights Council,” government spokesperson Zaw Htay said according to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. He pointed to the formation of Myanmar’s own Independent Commission of Enquiry, which he said was set up to respond to “false allegations made by the UN agencies and other international communities”. Zaw Htay also lashed out at Facebook for pulling down the pages of Myanmar’s army chief and other top military brass, saying that it could hamper the government’s efforts with “national reconciliation”. The social media giant has admitted it was too slow to react to the crisis, which saw its platform — which is wildly popular in Myanmar — become an incubator of hate speech against the Rohingya. Agencies

official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Monday that the UN findings could increase pressure for tougher US action.

The release of Monday’s UN report marked the first explicit UN call for Myanmar officials to face

Five soldiers killed in northern Kenya

Russia bans 'undesirable' US environmental group

NAiROBi: Five Kenyan soldiers were killed and 10 wounded on Wednesday when their car ran over a homemade bomb in northern Kenya, the military said. A Kenya Defence Forces statement did not say who it believed was responsible for the attack in coastal Lamu County although it referenced “lurking terror elements” in the region. On August 8, five soldiers were killed in an attack claimed by the Somali group al Shaabab in Lamu, according to local officials. The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab aims to topple Somalia’s UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam. They have intensified attacks in Kenya since Nairobi sent troops into Somalia in 2011. The group has launched several attacks, including ones in which they have beheaded people, in the past year in Lamu County. Kenyan security officials say the militants have used the Boni forest straddling the Kenya-Somalia border as a hideout and base for attacks. Agencies

MOSCOW: Russia has banned a US environmental lobby group from operating in the country after labeling it an “undesirable” organization, the 15th foreign group to fall foul of legislation brought in under President Vladimir Putin four years ago. The Justice Ministry added the group, Pacific Environment, to a list of banned organisations on Tuesday evening after prosecutors last week said it posed a threat to state security. The San Francisco-based group, which could not immediately be reached for comment, campaigns with local partners to protect the environment in Siberia and the Far East from fossil fuel extraction, mining and illegal logging, according to its website. Rights and other lobby groups that receive foreign funding have come under pressure in Russia since Putin signed into law legislation in 2015, banning “undesirable” organisations from operating in the country. Relations between the United States and Russia are at post-Cold War lows and were buffeted this week by a new round of US sanctions that came into effect on Monday. Agencies

German city takes down golden Erdogan statue after outcry WIESBADEN Agencies

The German city of Wiesbaden removed Wednesday a temporary statue of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan set up in a town square by artists, after it sparked confrontations between his supporters and opponents.

"In agreement with state police, Mayor Sven Gerich decided to have the statue removed as security could no longer be guaranteed," the city's government said on Twitter.

Firefighters arrived shortly after midnight with a crane to lift the four-metre (13-feet) tall golden statue of Erdogan from the central German Unity Square, where it had been placed on Monday as part of Wiesbaden's Biennale art festival.

Organisers had hoped the statue would provoke public debate relevant to this year's theme of "bad news".

Since a failed 2016 coup attempt in Ankara, Erdogan´s crackdown on political opponents and

journalists — including some German nationals — has been closely followed in Germany, home to a sizeable Turkish minority.

The statue, which had been posed to point boldly into the distance, was quickly defaced with insults like "Turkish Hitler".

A "slightly aggressive atmosphere" developed, a police spokesman told the DPA news agency, while city councillor Oliver Franz told the Wiesbadener Kurier newspaper that verbal confrontations had escalated into scuffles and "bladed weapons were spotted".

"We put up the statue to discuss Erdogan," Wiesbaden city theatre chief Eric Laufenberg told DPA. "In a democracy, we have to put up with all kinds of opinions".

But Emil Saenze, a local representative of far-right, anti-immigrant party Alternative for Germany (AfD) blamed the outcry on "stupidity" by the organisers, who had "given a stage to a despot who spends his time humiliating Germans".

genocide charges over their campaign against the Rohingya. It said the military carried out mass killings and gang rapes with “genocidal intent” and the commander-in-chief and five generals should be prosecuted.

'No regrets' about killing wounded attacker, says Israeli soldier Tel Aviv: A former Israeli soldier who fatally shot a wounded Palestinian attacker who was lying on the ground says he “has no regrets” in his first interview since leaving prison three months ago. Elor Azaria told the Hebrew-language daily Israel Hayom on Wednesday that if he could relive the March 2016 incident in the West Bank city of Hebron, “I would act exactly the same, because that's how I needed to act.” Azaria served two-thirds of a 14-month reduced sentence after being convicted of manslaughter. The combat medic was filmed shooting a wounded, incapacitated Palestinian attacker. Israel's military pushed for his prosecution, saying Azaria violated its ethics. Azaria says in the interview that the military “abandoned” him, echoing sentiments of many Israelis, particularly on the nationalist right, who defended his actions. Agencies

Israel renews threat to attack Iran’s targets in Syria JERUSLAEM Agencies

Israel on Wednesday renewed its threat to attack Iranian military targets in Syria, after the two Muslim allies signed an accord on security cooperation.

"The accord concluded by (Syrian President) Bashar al-Assad and Iran constitutes a test for Israel: Our response will be loud and clear," Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz said on Israeli public radio. "We will not allow Iran to establish itself militarily in Syria," he said.

"We will react in Syria with all our might against any Iranian target that threatens Israel, and if the Syrian army´s air defence intervenes against us, it will pay the price."

Iran´s military attache to Damascus said Tuesday that his country´s military advisers would remain in Syria under the defence agreement signed the previous day. "Support for Syria´s territorial integrity and the independence of Syrian sovereignty were also emphasised in the agreement," BrigadierGeneral Abolghasem Alinejad said.

Tehran has provided steady political, financial and military backing to Assad as he has fought back against a seven-year uprising.

Israel has sought to avoid direct involvement in the conflict but acknowledges carrying out dozens of air strikes in Syria to stop what it says are deliveries of advanced weaponry to its Lebanese enemy Hezbollah. It has also pledged to prevent its arch foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria and a series of strikes that have killed Iranians in Syria have been attributed to Israel.

FOREIGN NEWS 11 US military says no plans to suspend major exercises in Korean peninsula

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

WASHINGTON Agencies

tRUmp blames cHina foR Hacking clinton emails WASHINGTON

U

Agencies

S President Donald Trump said on Twitter early on Wednesday China hacked the emails of 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton but did not offer any evidence or further information.

“Hillary Clinton’s Emails, many of which are Classified Information, got hacked by China. Next move better be by the FBI & DOJ or, after

all of their other missteps (Comey, McCabe, Strzok, Page, Ohr, FISA, Dirty Dossier etc.), their credibility will be forever gone!” he tweeted a little after midnight on Wednesday.

US intelligence officials have said Russia orchestrated the hacking of Democratic officials to meddle with the 2016 presidential election.

A US federal grand jury indicted 12 Russian intelligence officers in July on charges of hacking the computer networks of Clinton and the Democratic Party.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating Russia’s role in the 2016 election and whether the campaign of Republican candidate Trump colluded with Moscow. Russia denies meddling in the elections, while Trump has denied any collusion.

Trump said in April 2017 China may have hacked the emails of Democratic officials to meddle with the 2016 presidential election. He also did not provide any evidence backing his allegation at that time.

The US military has no plans yet to suspend any more major military exercises with South Korea, the defense secretary said on Tuesday, in the middle of a breakdown in diplomacy with North Korea over its nuclear weapons, Reuters reported.

Defense Secretary James Mattis told a Pentagon news conference that no decisions had been made about major exercises for next year but noted that the suspension of drills this summer as a good-faith gesture to North Korea was not open-ended.

US President Donald Trump’s June decision to unilaterally suspend the drills caught many American military planners off guard and was broadly criticised as a premature concession to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who Trump wants to give up his nuclear weapons.

“We took the step to suspend several of the largest exercises as a good-faith measure coming out of the Singapore summit,” Mattis told reporters, referring to the June 12 meeting between Trump and Kim. “We have no plans at this time to suspend any more exercises,” he said, adding that no decisions had yet been made on major exercises for next year.

Saudi medical students allowed to complete training in Canada

OTTAWA

Trump unblocks more Twitter users after US court ruling WASHINGTON Agencies

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday unblocked some additional Twitter users after a federal judge in May said preventing people from following him violated individuals constitutional rights.

US District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald in Manhattan ruled on May 23 that comments on the president’s account, and those of other government officials, were public forums and that blocking Twitter Inc users for their views violated their right to free speech under the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University on August 10 sent the Justice Department a list of 41 accounts that had remained blocked from Trump’s @RealDonaldTrump account. The seven users who filed suit had their accounts unblocked in June. The 41 blocked users include a film producer, screenwriter, photographer and author who had criticized President Trump or his policies. At least 20 of those individuals said on Twitter that Trump had unblocked them on Tuesday. The 41 users were not a comprehensive list of those blocked by Trump. Rosie O’Donnell, a comedian, said on Twitter late Tuesday that she remained blocked. The White House did not immediately comment late Tuesday.

Agencies

More than 1,000 Saudi medical students ordered to leave Canada because of a diplomatic row have been granted an extension that would allow them to complete their training, Ottawa confirmed Tuesday.

According to medical and university officials, the 1,053 students received notice of the reprieve from the Saudi education ministry. "We are pleased that (Saudi) medical residents across the country will be able to complete their training here in Canada," Canadian foreign ministry spokeswoman Amy Mills told AFP. The medical students had originally been given an August 31 deadline by Riyadh to arrange new internships and transfers to schools in other countries. Last week the deadline was extended to September 22.

Paul-Emile Cloutier, president of Health-

Khamenei says ready to abandon nuclear deal if needed TEHRAN Agencies

Iran's supreme leader warned on Wednesday the country could abandon its nuclear deal with world powers if it no longer served its interests, even as economic and political pressure mounted on the government.

“Naturally, if we reach the conclusion that (the nuclear deal) is no longer maintaining our national interests, we will put it aside,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a meeting with the cabinet, according to his website.

He said Iran must not “pin its hopes” on Europe, despite European efforts to salvage the nuclear deal following the withdrawal of the United States.

The government of President Hassan Rouhani has been battered by the return of US sanctions, which has triggered a rapid departure of foreign firms and ended his hopes of attracting large-scale investment.

His political enemies are circling, with parliament announcing that two more of his ministers could be impeached in the coming days.

The labour and economy ministers have already been sacked by parliament this month and motions have been accepted to vote on impeaching his industries and education ministers in the coming days.

Khamenei insisted the political tumult was a sign of the strength of Iran's democracy.

He praised the tough questioning Rouhani received in parliament on Tuesday as “a glorious show of the power of the Islamic republic and the self-confidence of officials.”

Differences between officials are “natural”, he added, though he said they should not be covered by the media “because the people would become worried”.

Tuesday's grilling in parliament was the first for Rouhani in five years as president, and lawmakers slammed his handling of five economic issues, ranging from unemployment to the collapsing value of the currency.

In voting at the end of the session, they declared they were unsatisfied with four of his responses.

'Day and night' Under parliamentary rules, the issues could then have been referred for judicial review, but parliament speaker Ali Larijani — a close ally of Rouhani — said on Wednesday there were no legal grounds for doing so.

Parliament can theoretically impeach Rouhani, but he has the protection of Khamenei, who has previously said removing the president would “play into the hands of the enemy”.

Instead, Khamenei called on officials to work together “day and night” to resolve the country's economic problems.

Iran's currency has lost around half its value since the US announced it was withdrawing from the nuclear deal in May, and further pain is expected when sanctions on its crucial oil sector are reimposed in November.

Conservative opponents of Rouhani, who have long opposed his outreach to the West, are smelling blood.

CMYK

Mattis also said smaller exercises deemed to be exempt from the suspension were ongoing.

Mattis’ comments on the drills come at a delicate time for negotiations between the United States and North Korea after Trump scrapped plans for a meeting between top officials from both countries.

At the June summit, the first meeting between a serving US president and a North Korean leader, Kim agreed in broad terms to work toward denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. But North Korea has given no indication it is willing to give up its weapons unilaterally as the Trump administration has demanded.

Since then, diplomats have failed to advance the process.

North Korean officials even warned in a letter to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week that denuclearization talks risked falling apart, US officials told Reuters.

In particular, the North wants steps toward a peace treaty. The 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving US-led UN forces technically still at war with North Korea.

US officials fear North Korea might turn its attention to cutting a separate deal with South Korea and driving a wedge between the US-South Korea alliance.

CareCAN, which represents Canadian hospitals, said students were told on Monday they´ll now "be able to continue their Canadian studies until such time as they´re able to arrange a medical program posting in another country." No timeline was given. But because arranging a transfer can take up to 18 months, Cloutier said many students will "probably remain in Canada to finish their training, especially if they only have a year left in their program."

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia expelled Canada´s ambassador, recalled its own envoy, froze all new trade and investments, and suspended all scholarships to Canada as part of a rupture between the two countries.

It followed Canada´s call for the release of Saudi women activists in detention. The split risked causing hardships for both students and teaching hospitals that rely on the Saudi medical residents and trainees to help care for up to 25,000 patients in Canada.

france restricts travel by diplomats to iran PARIS Agencies

France has told its diplomats and foreign ministry officials to postpone indefinitely all non-essential travel to Iran, citing a foiled bomb plot and a hardening of Tehran’s attitude towards France, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

Any hardening of relations with France could have wider implications for Iran.

France has been one of the strongest advocates of salvaging a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which US President Donald Trump pulled out of in May. Iran’s economy has been hammered by the prospect of the re-imposition of US sanctions that had been lifted under the deal.

European countries including France have pledged to try to soften the economic blow, but have been unable so far to persuade their firms to defy Washington and stay in Iran.

12 business

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

World BaNk rEady To SUPPorT NEW govT’S rEform PlaNS ISLAMABAD

T

PPI

HE World Bank (WB) on Wednesday said that it was ready to support the reform plans of the new government in Pakistan that are needed to stabilise the economy and accelerate growth to end poverty and boost prosperity.

The commitment was made by the World Bank’s newly appointed vice president for the South Asia region, Hartwig Schafer, when he met with the government and key counterparts to discuss Pakistan’s development priorities and reform agenda.

“The visit gave me an opportunity to learn more about how we support millions of people in Pakistan, especially the youth, through investments in health, nutrition, education, skills and the digital economy,” said Schafer.

During his two-day stay in Islam-

abad, Schafer met with Finance Minister Asad Umar, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Adviser to the PM Abdul Razzak Dawood. He also held discussions on digital disruption and regional connectivity and trade with stakeholders from the private sector and civil society.

“I am impressed to learn about

gold import sees steep fall by 32.04 per cent in July ISLAMABAD: The gold imports into the country decreased by 32.04 percent during the fiscal month of the current fiscal year against the imports of the corresponding month of last year, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported Wednesday.

Pakistan imported gold worth $1.423 million during July 2018 against the imports of $2.094 million in July 2017, showing growth of 32.04 percent, according to latest PBS trade data. In terms of quantity, Pakistan imported 34 kilograms of gold during the month under review compared to the imports of 52 kilograms during last July, showing a decrease of 34.62 percent. Meanwhile, on a month-onmonth basis, the gold imports into the country, however, witnessed a positive growth of 1.35 percent in July 2018 when compared to the imports of $1.404 million in June 2018, the PBS data revealed. It is pertinent to mention here that the overall merchandise imports into the country during the month under review witnessed an increase of 0.6 percent by growing from $4.809 billion last July year to $4.838 billion. The exports from the country witnessed an increase of 1.17 percent by reaching $1.646 billion in July 2018 from the exports of $1.627 billion in July 2017.

Based on the estimates, the trade deficit increased by 0.31 percent in the first month of this year after it grew from a deficit of $3.182 billion in July last year. The deficit grew to $3.192 billion during July 2018.

Meanwhile, on a month-on-month basis, the exports from the country decreased by 12.77 per cent during the month of July as compared to the exports of $1.887 billion in June 2018. Similarly, the imports into the country decreased by 15.03 per cent in June 2018 as compared to the imports of $5.694 billion in April 2018. AGENCIES

Pakistan’s cotton yield likely to cross 14.2m bales ISLAMABAD: The cotton crop’s output during the current season is expected to cross 14.23 million bales. The anticipation comes due to a 2 per cent increase in area under cultivation during the period under review compared to the last year. The favourable weather conditions, suitable climate position for the crop, better management and low intensity of pest attacks in Punjab and Sindh this year were indications of a significant growth in output, said Pakistan Central Cotton Committee vice-president Dr Khalid Abdullah. Talking to APP on Tuesday, he added that whitefly attacks on the cotton crop in Punjab had reduced from 17 per cent last year to 12 per cent this year. However, he lamented that the cotton crop in Sindh had remained waterstressed due to below average rainfall in agricultural areas. AGENCIES

the government of Pakistan’s plans for investing in human capital and creating jobs, attracting investments through ease of doing business and better regional connectivity, improving infrastructure and services in Karachi, and strengthening the management of water and the environment,” said Schafer. “We look

forward to engaging the federal and provincial governments and providing support to implement urgent reforms needed to stabilise the economy and achieve accelerated growth in the medium term.”

Schafer was appointed as the World Bank vice president for South Asia on July 1, 2018. The region includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan has been a member of the World Bank since 1950. Since then, the bank has provided $33.4 billion in assistance. The WB’s programme in Pakistan is governed by the country partnership strategy for FY2015-2020 with four priority areas of engagement: energy, private sector development, inclusion, and service delivery.

The current World Bank portfolio includes 43 projects with a net commitment of $7.79 billion.

PML-N’s haste results in hit worth billions, threatening rupture in power supply Breathless haste, casting caution and procedures to the wind, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government tried to bring online power projects before the end of its term in May 2018 exhausted. The endeavour has brought grief as billions of rupees from the public exchequer have been squandered away – with many more billions of good money likely to be thrown after where the bad ones.

Urging the new Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf dispensation to stem the morass soonest, the dire words of caution suggest that further losses to the tune of billions are in the offing while the national grid may also lose many thousands of megawatts of electricity.

All this combined has the potential to trigger major blackouts across the country, particularly in the boondocks, with industrialists in megacities encountering difficulties in meeting export production targets, it has been stressed.

The PML-N government had decided to install two power generation plants in the Bin Qasim coastal area, each producing 660MW each, at a cost of $1.98 billion.

The first unit was inaugurated in November 2017, two months ahead of the project completion date, while the second was activated on April 25, 2018.

For electricity transmission, it was decided to lay in two phases a 174km-long 500-kilovolt transmission line from Port Qasim to Ma-

Tariq Jamali given additional charge of NBP president ISLAMABAD: A day after the federal government removed National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) president Saeed Ahmad, NBP Senior Vice President Tariq Jamali has been given the additional charge of acting president. According to the notification issued on Wednesday, Jamali has been appointed as the acting president of the bank until further orders. The federal government on Tuesday decided to remove National Bank President Saeed Ahmad Khan from his post amid corruption allegations against him. The announcement was made by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry while he was addressing a press conference in Islamabad. The information minister went on to say that legislation will be amended to make laws of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) more effective. Earlier on June 20, an accountability court had reserved verdict against Khan in the supplementary reference filed against the former finance minister Ishaq Dar. The reference was related to money laundering worth millions of dollars. Judge Muhammad Bashir had heard the case, in which nominated accused, NBP President Khan, Naeem Mehmood and Mansoor Raza of Hajveri Trust appeared before the court. The trial against NBP head had started on March 1, after he emerged as one of the three accused in the case in February this year. STAFF REPORT

Thailand Exhibition targeting US$1bn trade to open on Sept 1

tiari. Under the plan, around 170 double-circuit signal towers were installed before November 2017.

Work on the second phase is going on for building the transmission line over 120 km with 350 signal towers.

However, the 55km-long transmission line has developed faults dozens of times since January 2018 and, as a consequence, both Port Qasim production units have stopped working several times.

According to an agreement, if power production units are shut because of a fault in the transmission line, the private-sector in-

vestor will receive a penalty of Rs700 million from the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC).

The private-sector investor argues when standard operating procedures are not followed, the power production units could not be run smoothly, many of the parts are damaged and the company is forced to purchase new parts.

The company, a private-sector entity, is now seeking a penalty of Rs5.6 billion for the closure of production units because of recurring faults in the transmission line. NEWS DESK

KARACHI: A three-day single country Thailand Exhibition, eyeing to enhance existing US$1 billion bilateral trade and expecting around 50,000 visitors from all walks of life, will be opened on September 1 at Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi.

Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) President Muffasar Atta Malik will inaugurate the event as chief guest along with Royal Thai Consulate-General, Karachi Consul General HE Suwat Kaewsook and Thai Government’s Ministry of Commerce Thai Trade Centre Director Suebsak Dangboonrueng. The exhibition is organised by the department of international trade promotion, ministry of commerce and Thai government with the support of Thai Consulate-General, Karachi and is being managed by Event and Conference International Pvt. Ltd. In a statement issued here on Wednesday, Thai Government’s Honorary Trade Advisor to Ministry of Commerce Arif Suleman informed that the exhibition will accommodate 50 companies with more than 10 categories of products including hardware, car paint, machinery/rice mill, food and beverage, household products, water purification, home textile products, footwear, health and beauty products, medicine and herbal products, motorbike parts, party accessories, jewelry cleaner and electrical appliances. He further said that this exhibition is a distinctive effort of the department of international trade promotion of Thai government to expand opportunities to the business communities of both countries, which will consequently strengthen the economic relations. PPI

PM Khan says promoting trade, facilitating businessmen top priorities ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday said that that promoting trade and facilitating business community, especially the overseas Pakistanis who wanted to invest in various conventional and nonconventional sectors of the economy, was among the priority areas for the government.

He said this while chairing a briefing about functions of Ministry of Commerce at Prime Minister’s Office.

Advisor to PM on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood was also present during the briefing.

Commerce Secretary Muhammad Younas Dagha gave a detailed presentation about the functions of the ministry and its attached departments. While

briefing the prime minister about the current situation of imports and exports of the country, the secretary proposed

policy initiatives and various short-term and medium-to-long term measures aimed at promoting trade activities and

realising export potential of the country.

PM Khan said that the existing structures of facilitation of investors would be reviewed to ensure seamless facilitation of prospective investors.

Discussing the role of trade officers abroad towards enhancement of country’s trade, the prime minister observed that there was a need to review the criteria of appointment and assessing the performance of the trade officers to ensure that business community is properly facilitated, investment potential of the country is highlighted and the trade targets are achieved.

The prime minister also directed that a comprehensive strategy should be worked out to check corrupt practices of illegal money transfers (hundi) and smuggling which were negatively affecting the country’s economy.

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Thursday, 30 August, 2018

CORPORATE CORNER JS Bank wins best digital innovation award

ToTal CirCUlar dEBT loomiNg aT rS1,188BN, ECC Told DECISION TO IMPORT UREA TO BE TAKEN AFTER ASCERTAINING DOMESTIC FERTILIZER PRODUCTION ISLAMABAD

KARACHI: The JS Bank Digital Banking Team marked another feather in its cap with the ‘Best Digital Innovation Award’ presented at the Pakistan Digi Awards 2018 in Karachi. The Pakistan Digi Awards once again paid tribute to the most innovative and imaginative initiatives in the digital industry of Pakistan. This year, JS Bank was honored to be the financial institution selected for its trailblazing mobile application, ‘Apni Cricket League’, a gamified user experience where banking was invisible, feasible yet entertaining. PRESS RELEASE

Bank islami partners with dHa multan to offer house financing solutions

T

STAFF REPORT

HE Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet was informed on Wednesday that the total circular debt of the country stands at Rs1,188 billion. In a meeting of committee held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance Asad Umar at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the Ministry of Energy gave a detailed presentation on the amount of piled up circular debt.

According to the data compiled up to July 31, 2018, by the ministry, it was brought to the notice of the ECC that the amount of circular debt is standing at Rs596 billion with an increase of Rs30 billion in the last month. It was further said that another Rs582 billion are parked with the power holding companies under the STFF arrangements.

The ECC identified the 5-6 key areas that accounted for the pile up of these liabilities and formed different committees to work upon reasons and formulate their suggestions to be pre-

sented in the next ECC meeting that is to be scheduled in the next week.

The committee will later present its suggestions to the cabinet for the approval and decision on the future course of action. The ECC chairman stated that all facts will be shared with the public to make decision making a transparent and inclusive exercise.

The ECC chairman further expressed displeasure on the issue of fertilizer pricing and its export undertaken by the previous government, which was totally against the interests of the farmer community. He said that the interest of the poor farmer should be the supreme motivation for taking such decisions.

The committee was informed that the total

FbR has three months to act against corrupt officers KARACHI: Bank Islami Pakistan Ltd, one of the leading Islamic banks of Pakistan, has joined hands with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Multan to offer Shariah compliant financing solutions to the registered allottees of DHA Multan Villas which is a new housing scheme launched recently. The objective of the partnership is to support and promote Pakistan’s housing sector that has great potential towards country’s economy. Pursuant to this collaboration, Bank Islami will accept housing finance applications from those successful applicants who approach the bank with intimation/allocation letter issued

by DHA Multan. To facilitate existing DHA Multan customers, the bank will offer them early and partial settlement options and discounted rates. PRESS RELEASE

LAHORE: Descon expands its operations into South Africa after acquiring 26 per cent of shares in South African company Plant Design and Project Services (PDPS). PR

SBP allows advance import payments on open account basis KARACHI STAFF REPORT

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed the advance import payments up to $10,000 or equivalent per invoice and imports on open account basis up to the said limit against lifesaving drugs, medical instruments, air craft parts, newspapers, magazines and books etc.

Through a circular, the SBP said that the lifesaving drugs and devices are subject to submission of a certificate to the authorities issued by respective provincial health department confirming that the medicines/devices instruments to be imported fall under lifesaving/essential category. Earlier, the state bank through had restricted advance payments against imports and imports on open account basis respectively. In this regard, it has been decided to allow advance import payments up to $10,000 or equivalent per invoice and imports on open account basis upto the said limit against the following items: Conditions on all other terms, conditions and instructions in the matter shall remain unchanged.

ISLAMABAD APP

The Senate's Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Wednesday provided the last chance to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) by granting it an extension of three months to complete inquiries and submit a report on action taken against corrupt officers.

The committee, which met here under the chairmanship of Senator Farooq Hameed Naek, expressed its displeasure over FBR for not completing inquiries within last six months against the corrupt officers as directed by it.

The committee chairman directed the FBR representatives that the report should be submitted by the FBR chairman and if there were any hindrances in taking action against the corrupt officers, the same should be clearly mentioned in the report. The committee further asked the board to prepare the report keeping in view the cases recommended by the subcommittee regarding corrupt practices.

Earlier, FBR representatives informed the committee that the inquiry and report on the subject matter were delayed as various inquiry officers had gone on training whereas there were some issues pending with appellate tribunals.

Meanwhile, the committee, after thoroughly discussing the tax exemption issues being faced by Sino-Hydro Corporation Ltd., directed the FBR to expedite the matter and take a decision within one month as per law.

The FBR representatives informed the committee that the corporation had applied for the certificate in January 2017 which was refused by the competent authority i.e. commissioner and later it filed a review petition before the chief commissioner, the decision of which was still awaited.

The FBR was also directed to report to the

committee why the decision regarding the issuance of exemptions was delayed for such a long time.

The committee deferred consideration of depreciation of Pakistani rupee against the dollar as the Minister of Finance and State Bank of Pakistan governor were not available due to a meeting of Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).

The committee also discussed in detail the issue of modalities for implementation of tax relief regimes announced by the government as promised during the passage of FATA, PATA and Malakand region merger bill 25.

The committee directed the FBR to check whether the benefits passed to Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) before and after the merger were the same and present a detailed report in next meeting.

The committee members were of the view that the benefits provided to those areas before merger should stay there and if removed, the same should be restored.

They also expressed surprises on the issue of enhancing customs duty on cotton seven days after the passage of the federal budget for the fiscal year 2018-19 on the directive of the cabinet.

The FBR representative informed the committee that since it was the decision of the cabinet, and as an implementation agency, it had to implement it.

However, the committee referred the matter to the Law Division asking what the status was of cabinet decision regarding the matter.

The committee observed that a change in customs tariff after the passage of budget was not conducive to the stability.

The committee resolved that in future, any change in tariff structure on the recommendations of the cabinet should be put before the parliament.

bOi simplifies new companies’ registration to facilitate investors ISLAMABAD: The Board of Investment (BOI) has simplified and shortened the new companies' registration process for facilitating the local and foreign investors to enhance the foreign investors.

“We have introduced and implemented the new laws for ease of doing business to provide a conducive business environment for investors,” a senior official of BOI told APP here on Wednesday.

Replying to a question, he said that the National Industrial

Parks (NIP) and a management company would develop the planned Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Islamabad.

“We require around 50 acres land to develop Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the federal capital for providing equal opportunity and facilities to foreign and local investors,” he said. The Board of Investment said that three SEZs had become operational in the country and started production while remaining six zones would be rationalized by June, 2019.

Special Economic Zones in Faisalabad, Haripur (Hattar) and Karachi sold their land and operational for production for last three months.

Three each SEZs would be established in Punjab, Sindh and one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he added. Replying to another question, he said that nine more Prioritized Special Economic Zones (PSEZs) would also be established in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Northern Areas and Federally Administered Tribal Areas. APP

requirement of fertilizer for the country for this sowing season would be around 600,000 tonnes.

The ECC directed that a committee will be formed under the chairmanship of Industry and Production Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood to hold discussions with the local fertilizer industry to ascertain the total domestic production.

The committee will present its recommendations in next ECC meeting following which the decision will be made regarding the import of urea.

The committee has also decided against changing the sui-gas prices.

Moreover, the summary for Pakistan State Oil's financial health and liquidity position was deferred as the issue was closely linked with circular debt.

asad Umar promises steps for award of NfC ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs Asad Umer Tuesday told Senate that the government would take steps to complete the process of award of National Finance Commission (NFC). Speaking at the floor of the Senate here, he said if the government would decide to seek the help of International Monetary Fund (IMF), it would not be for the first time as earlier 12 times earlier governments took loans from the international financial institution. He said, the financial situation of the country would be put before the parliament, cabinet and the prime minister.

Senator Raza Rabbani said. The Senate has in the past regularly raised the issue of National Finance Commission award. AGENCIES

Pakistan, Bahrain agree to boost bilateral trade ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Bahraini counterpart Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa on Tuesday agreed to reinvigorate economic and investment relations between their countries to boost the current bilateral trade volume of US $310 million. The two sides expressed the commitment as Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid telephoned Shah Mehmood Qureshi to congratulate him on assuming the office of foreign minister.

The two foreign ministers agreed to revive institutional mechanisms of Joint Ministerial Commission and Bilateral Political Consultations to explore fresh avenues of bilateral cooperation. Foreign Minister Qureshi congratulated Shaikh Khalid on achieving the Tier-1 status on anti-human trafficking efforts and termed it a remarkable achievement that made the entire Muslim world proud. He expressed gratitude for Bahrain’s assistance in setting up Hamad University in Islamabad and for hosting more than 100,000 Pakistani workers in Bahrain.

He expressed concern over the reports of visa suspension for Pakistani nationals by Bahrain and hoped the visa restrictions would be eased up. AGENCIES

Extension sought to file tax returns KARACHI: The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) in a letter to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairperson has sought an extension in the deadline to file tax returns for 2018. In the letter, the PTBA states that tax return forms were uploaded on August 17 after amendments and it was difficult to file tax returns in 11 days. The PTBA has sought for the deadline to be extended to October 16. STAFF REPORT

CMYK

14 SPORTS

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

'Survival mode' SeeS djokovic through at Steamy uS open WAShIngton

W

Agencies

IMBLEDON champion Novak Djokovic suffered in sweltering US Open conditions Tuesday but battled through to the second round with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory over Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.

Djokovic, playing his first match on Arthur Ashe Stadium since falling to Stan Wawrinka in the 2016 final, received a brutal welcome back to Flushing Meadows as soaring temperatures and high humidity prompted organizers to offer the men a 10-minute mid-match heat break for the first time ever.

"We both struggled. We were not the only ones today. Brutal conditions," said Djokovic, who called for trainers who enveloped him in ice packed towels late in the second set.

"I had to find a way to dig myself out of the trouble."

Until late in the third it was "survival

mode" said Djokovic, who endured a rocky start to the season after elbow surgery before breaking through for a 13th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

His Cincinnati Masters victory over Roger Federer stamped him a US Open favorite along with defending champion Rafael Nadal, despite his modest sixth seeding.

He certainly looked a contender as he reeled off the last 10 games against Fucsovics, showing signs of sharper focus even before the 10-minute heat break between the third and fourth sets.

Federer, the second seed, escaped the worst of the conditions as he headlined the night session on Ashe. Nor did he meet much resistance from Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka in a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory.

Up 5-1 in the final set, Federer was unable to close out the match against Nishioka's serve, and then was broken on his first attempt to serve it out.

Federer, who claimed his 20th Grand slam title at the Australian Open in January, put the match away two games later,

Pak hockey fraternity sees a gold medal for green-shirts in Asian Games ISLAMABAD APP

Pakistan hockey fraternity Wednesday lauded the national team’s performance in the Asian Games and said that green-shirts will bag a gold medal in the mega event.

PHF president Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar in a video message received here said the way senior and junior players were playing in the mega event showed that the team was performing like a unit.

“They have performed outstandingly well in the Asian Games and I urge players to treat the semifinal against Japan on Thursday like a final and win it,” he said.

PHF Secretary Shahbaz Ahmad said the whole nation was proud on team’s performance in the Asian Games. “The team is united and must return home after becoming the champion,” he said.

Former Olympian Nasir Ali feels Pakistan would easily outclass Japan in the semi-final. “Pakistan

will bring home a gold medal and will make the whole nation proud.”

Former Olympian Qamar Ibrahim urged the Pakistani nation to keep the hockey team in your prayers as they had a big game coming up on Thursday. “It is PHF’s efforts which are paying off in the Asian Games,” he said and added it was the revival of Pakistan hockey.

International hockey player Jaan Mohammad said Pakistan team needed to give its best in the semi-final and prayed to Allah for the team's win.

Former Olympian Kashif Jawwad said the players had been working very hard and would bring home a gold medal.

Former Olympian Sameer Hussain who was coach in the 2014 Asian Games in which Pakistan lost to India, said the way Pakistan team was playing attacking hockey in the Asian Games it seemed they would bag a gold medal in the mega event.

sealing it with a service winner.

"I didn't know how really good Nishioka was," Federer admitted of the 22year-old, who was ranked 58th in the world last March before tearing a left knee

ligament and sliding out of the top 150.

"I wanted to play well at the beginning of each set. I was able to break the beginning of each set, cruise after that. I was very happy."

Fourth-seeded German Alexander Zverev kept his time in the sun to a minimum with a 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Canadian lucky loser Peter Polansky.

And Australian Nick Kyrgios, opening the evening action on Louis Armstrong stadium, fired 25 aces and 48 total winners in a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Moldova's Radu Albot.

For many, however, the day was a hard slog and the decision made some two hours in to afford the men a heat break after a third set wasn't enough to prevent half a dozen retirements.

Italy's Stefano Travaglia, Argentine Leonardo Mayer, Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis, Russian Mikhail Youzhny and Serbian Filip Krajinovic were all victims of the heat while Romanian Marius Copil succumbed to an arm injury in the third set of his match with seventh-seeded former champion Marin Cilic.

"I had heat stroke," Mayer said of his decision to call it quits against Serbia's Laslo Djere. "I was not going to die on the court, tennis is not for that."

Loew rejects Ozil's accusations of racism in German FA BerLIn Agencies

Joachim Loew has rejected Mesut Ozil's accusations of racism within the German FA (DFB) as the head coach gave his analysis of Germany's World Cup debacle on Wednesday. “Mesut made allegations of racism, but I can clearly say that in the DFB, there have never been racist comments,” Loew said while announcing his squad to face world champions France in Munich on September 6, then Peru three days later.

“The players with an immigration background have always enjoyed playing for us and nothing has changed,” added Loew who has been head coach since 2006.

Arsenal midfielder Ozil retired from international football on July 22 with a stinging three-page statement, in which he directly accused DFB president Reinhard Grindel of racism. This is the first time Loew has commented on the Ozil saga.

“His advisor called me to inform me that Mesut would issue the third part of his statement,” added Loew. "The player himself did not call me, which normally players have done in the past. Mesut has still not called and for the last two weeks I have unsuccessfully tried to reach him.

“I am sure there will be a chance for a personal conversation in the future. He has chosen this path - I have to accept that.”

Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan, who were both born in Germany to Turkish parents, sparked a political storm on the eve of the World Cup by meeting Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

When Erdogan's office put out pictures of the meeting, the pair's loyalty to Germany was hotly questioned, sparking fierce debate about integration, and they were attacked by German far-right politi-

cians.

Ozil walked away from the German set up after the World Cup, complaining of facing “racism and disrespect” and specifically took aim at Grindel. “In the eyes of Grindel and his supporters, I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose,” Ozil wrote damningly.

Following Germany's World Cup debacle, finishing bottom of their group in Russia, Loew announced on Wednesday that assistant coach Thomas Schneider has been demoted to chief scout.

The axe has also fallen on Sami Khedira, 31, who was part of the team which won the 2014 World Cup. The Juventus midfielder is the biggest name casualty in the new squad, which included Gundogan, as well as his Manchester City teammate Leroy Sane, who was dropped for the World Cup. Loew says 'the biggest mistake' he made in Russia was to assume Germany could reach the knock-out stages by playing possession football.

Sharapova downs battling 39-year-old Schnyder at US Open WAShIngton Agencies

Maria Sharapova shattered the fairytale return of 39year-old Patty Schnyder at the US Open on Tuesday, winning a roller-coaster first round clash 6-2, 7-6 (8/6).

Schnyder, the oldest ever player to make the main draw of a Grand Slam via qualifying, was outgunned by the five-time major champion in the first set and for the majority of the second.

However, she bravely battled back from 1-5 down to 6-6, showing the sort of ability and court-craft which won her 11 titles and once took her to seven in the world rankings. She even saved three match points in the tiebreaker before Sharapova's 23rd winner of the night sealed victory shortly before midnight.

"My average match against her is like two hours and 20 minutes so I knew I was in for a battle no matter what my story is or hers," said Sharapova who is now 21-0 in US Open night sessions.

"I knew we'd go out and relive the battles against each other. "I know what a competitor she is and to come back on the tour is very admirable."

Left-hander Schnyder made her US Open bow in 1997 -- the year of the deaths of Princess Diana in Paris and Mother Teresa in Kolkata.

It was the year that Mike Tyson infamously nibbled on Evander Holyfield's ear while Twitter was still nine

years away.

Schnyder made the quarter-finals in New York in 1998 and 2008 before retiring in 2011.

Tuesday's match was her first main draw appearance at the US Open since 2010 and her first against Sharapova in a decade. "It doesn't really feel that special," said Schnyder. "It doesn't feel like I have been gone for a while as tennis is a passion of my life."

"Times passes really quickly and it doesn't seem it's eight years since I last played Maria."

Schnyder was watched on Tuesday by three-yearold daughter Kim. "She enjoyed it. She saw herself up on the big screen," added Schnyder who does not know if her return to the tour will be permanent.

Her focus, she said, will be on her daughter.

"It's more fun for me to get to know her world rather than her having to get to know my world of tennis." Understandably there were a few nerves on both sides on Tuesday.

Sharapova, the 2006 US Open champion, served up three double faults in the first game with the opening four games of the contest all breaks of serve.

The Russian 22nd seed steadied the ship with two more breaks, pocketing the first set with Schnyder losing all four of her service games and failing to hit a single winner.

Schnyder finally held serve for 1-1 in the second set before retrieving the breaks to get to 5-5.

"She still has incredible hands and moves incredibly well for being out of he game for so long," added Sharapova. "It took me like 15 years to drop shot Patty

CMYK

Schnyder and win a point."

Sharapova will face Romania's Sorana Cirstea for a place in the last 32.

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SPORTS 15

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

mani must form think tank of ex-cricketers, says miandad ISLAMABAD APP

Batting legend Javed Miandad Wednesday said Ehsan Mani, who was the best man to take over the reigns of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), should to form a think tank comprising former cricketers for improving cricket affairs. Mani, who is also former International Cricket Council (ICC) president, is set to be elected next PCB chairman in the election scheduled for September 4. Talking to APP, Miandad, who played for Pakistan in Tests and One-Day Internationals between 1975 and 1996, said the think tank should consist of former cricketers who could guide Mani on cricket affairs. He said Mani was an allrounder. “Either it was the affairs of the game of cricket or the administrative affairs, he would manage to deal the same very well,” he added. Miandad, who remained coach of Pakistan cricket team on various occasions, also advised the new PCB boss to induct former Test or first-class cricketers at regional and district levels for the betterment of the game. A lot of talented former cricketers were sitting idle at their homes, whose expertise should be utilized for developing cricket, he stressed. Speaking about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2014 to play bilateral series from 2015 to 2023, he said the PCB must tell the ICC that Pakistan would only play Test and ODIs if India honoured the MoU. "It is always India which has not fulfilled its promises," he added.

problemS aplenty for england including revived india 100 for four or worse in half of their past 62 Test innings.

Vince was dropped by England after a tour of Australia and New Zealand that left him with overall Test figures of 548 runs from 13 matches at a low average of 24.90 and a top score of 83. But this season the Hampshire captain has scored 847 runs at an average of 56.46 in England's first-class County Championship.

That includes innings of 74 and 147 against Nottinghamshire at Southampton last week. England also have concerns over the balance of their attack, with pace-bowling all-rounders Ben Stokes (knee) and Chris Woakes (thigh) not yet fully fit.

If either man is ruled out, it could lead to a return for 20-year-old Surrey left-arm swing bowler Sam Curran.

England also have to decide whether to recall off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali, either as a replacement for, or an extra slow bowler in support of, leg-spinner Adil Rashid.

An innings of 219 and figures of eight for 89 against Yorkshire have put Ali's name back in the frame for a match on a ground where he took six for 67 against India during England's 266-run win in the corresponding Test four years ago.

That same Test also saw Alastair Cook end a run of low scores with an innings of 95 and England would be delighted if their all-time leading Test run-scorer put another bad trot behind him in similar fashion this week. India have yet to field the same side for two consecutive Tests under Virat Kohli's captaincy.

But that could change following a

LonDon

e

Agencies

NGLAND head into Thursday's fourth Test against a resurgent India at Southampton facing several awkward questions. Whether Jonny Bairstow is fit to play at all, never mind keep wicket, after suffering a broken finger during India's dominant 203run win in the third Test at Trent Bridge, has still to be decided.

"The swelling has gone down," Bairstow told reporters in Southampton on Tuesday.

"I'm going to try and keep wicket in training this afternoon as well."

Even if Bairstow is included purely as a specialist batsman, England, seeking a victory that would see them win the series, will still have to consider whether they need to bolster their fallible top order.

The risk in fielding an injured player was highlighted by India's Mohammed Shami, who said Bairstow would be targeted if he batted at Southampton.

"When you see that a batsman has a weakness and he feels uncomfortable in some way, you'd prefer to work on that aspect," said paceman Shami. "We will definitely look at that."

If Bairstow is ruled out completely, James Vince is set for an England recall on his home ground, with one-day wicketkeeper Jos Buttler taking over behind the stumps as happened during the third Test.

But even if Bairstow plays, the in-form Vince could still return in a bid to strengthen the batting -- England have been

Playing in World Cup 2019 is my only goal: Wahab Riaz JAMAIcA Agencies

Wahab Riaz has only one immediate aim – to make Pakistan’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 squad, reported ICC. Wahab, who was Pakistan’s leading wickettaker at the 2015 World Cup, hasn’t played an ODI since June 2017. With Pakistan boasting a formidable pace attack, the left-armer admits it’s hard to guarantee a spot in their squad, but will do everything in his power to pull on the famous green jersey at next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.

“It’s never easy to try and find a permanent place in a strong team like Pakistan which is doing so well at the moment,” he told Pak Passion. “This is especially true when you are talking about Pakistan’s very effective bowling line-up but I know that I made my debut for Pakistan when our bowling was very strong and it happened due to my hard work. I was able to convince the selection committee then and I believe I can do it again.

“At the moment, being selected for the 2019 World Cup for Pakistan and performing well is my main, and only, priority at this time. There is also the 2020 World T20 on the horizon but I am firmly focused on playing in the 2019 World Cup at the moment.” Despite being out of Pakistan’s one-day side for over a year now, Wahab – who has 79 ODI caps to his name – has no plans to withdraw from international cricket. “It is my only desire as a professional cricketer and as a Pakistani to continue playing for my country,” he added.

“Playing for your country gives one great satisfaction. Moreover, being selected to play for a strong team like Pakistan means that you have to be one of the best fast bowlers in the world, so it’s a matter of honour and pride to see your name on the Pakistan team list and something I will never give up on.

“I am 33 but my fitness and ambition has never been stronger. I used to think that the fascination of playing for Pakistan would fade with time. But, if anything, my passion to represent Pakistan has only grown and become stronger than ever before.”

dominant display in Nottingham where, for the second match of the series, Kohli scored exactly 200 runs, including a century, having achieved the same feat in the first Test at Edgbaston.

Victory kept alive India's hopes of coming from 2-0 down to win a five-match series, something achieved just once in Test history, by a Don Bradman-inspired Australia against England in 1936/37.

Int’l athletes arrive to participate in Karakoram marathon challenge ISLAMABAD APP

As many as 35 runners from 24 countries have arrived in Pakistan to participate in the Karakoram marathon challenge.

Organised by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) the marathon will be held at the high-level altitude of 11,300 feet above the sea-level at the Naltar Valley in Gilgit. On their arrival at PAF base, the participants were welcomed by the Naltar Air Vice Marshal Sarfraz Khan. “The landmark event will not only feature international runners but will also include 70 members of the armed forces along with 30 local runners who will be racing the full marathon of 42.2 kilometres as well as the half-marathon category of 21.1km,” a press release said The press release added the youngest marathon runner will be 10 while the oldest runner will be 80 years old. Some of the top runners participating in the marathon include Ziyad Rahim from Pakistan, Jurgen Kuhlmey from Germany.

While Janos and Edit Kiss from Hungary, John

Lum Young from Trinidad, Giuseppe Raguso from Italy and JC Santa Teresa from the USA will be at the marathon. Moreover, from Denmark’s Rene Olsen, Dan Micola from the Czech Republic, Zara Rahim and Mekaal Rahim from (Canada/Pakistan), Philippe Waroux from France, David Darton and Colin Lea from the UK will be participating in the marathon. Athletes from Australia, Belgium, Egypt, Tunisia, Faroe Islands, Poland, Qatar, UAE, Argentina, Ireland, Taiwan, China, Scotland and Netherlands will also be part of the event.

PM Imran Khan missed a trick by replacing Najam Sethi as PCB chairman LAhore KK shAhid

Despite the rise of Pakistan cricket under former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi, his exit was always a foregone conclusion once the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government came to power. The differences between him and Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan were such that there was always going to be one way the matter was going to be settled.

This is despite the fact that Imran Khan had vowed in his victory address after the elections that there would be no political victimisation under him.

Even so, more than a matter of following through with a political vow, PM Khan has missed a trick by replacing Sethi as the PCB chairman right away.

Given that his political career pretty much owes its existence to his cricket career, how Pakistan cricket performs under Imran Khan was always going to be scrutinised. However, given that he should – and does – have his plate full

at so many other places, cricket could, of course, have taken a backseat as PM Khan addresses the grave concerns in the country.

The most convenient way of doing so would’ve been to let things stay as they were at PCB. This would’ve given him the brownie points for not being petty and following through with his words on no political victimisation, and would’ve also given him the breathing space should things go pear-shaped for Pakistan cricket.

For, had anything gone wrong, he could’ve just as easily pinned it on the regime that he had never installed and then swooped in with his changes, and implemented whatever vision he has for Pakistan cricket going forward.

What PM Khan seems to have completely ignored is the fact that under the previous regime Pakistan became the top-ranked Test side in the world for the first time in its history, still is the number one T20 side and won the ODI Champions Trophy last year. It also launched the Pakistan Super League

(PSL), and brought international cricket back home.

So, pretty much the only way the next regime can top the successes is if Pakistan wins the ODI World Cup next

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year, and Australia agrees to tour the country.

When you’re at the top, the only change that can happen is downward.

And so, the moment Pakistan drops

from the number 1 rankings in the T20s, the knives will be out. Similarly, given how the 1992 World Cup echoed virtually as a political manifesto for the PTI, failure to make a strong show at the World Cup in England next year will be pinned on PM Khan by his critics.

Of course, it would be unreasonable for PM Khan’s vision – the merits or demerits of it notwithstanding – to provide dividends both on and off the ground. But he has walked straight into it, in what can only be described as a combination of a desire to get rid of his detractors and perhaps the idealism that the newly installed regime seems to be exhibiting everywhere.

Let’s hope for Pakistan cricket’s sake, that the new PCB regime continues with the good work that was being done, and identifies the problem areas empirically, before going around trying to fix it. For, what ain’t broke – which quite evidently many parts of Pakistan cricket aren’t as things stand – need not be fixed.

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

NEWS

pakistan’s concerns over inDia’s hyDropoWer projects remain LAHORE

p

STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN has expressed its objections over the hydropower projects being built by neighbouring India during the opening round of bilateral water talks being held in the provincial capital.

The first round of the two-day Pakistan-India Permanent Indus Commission talks opened on Wednesday where Islamabad said it has concerns over the construction of 1000MW Pakal Dul and 48MW Lower Kalnai hydroelectric projects on River Chenab.

On Tuesday, a nine-member delegation from New Delhi, led by Indian Water Commissioner PK Saxena, had arrived in Lahore via Wagah border.

The Pakistani authorities showed concerns over the designs of the two projects and “demanded a reduction of five metres in the height of the Pakal Dul project”. They also urged the Indian representatives to “clarify the filling up and vacating pattern of the lake for Pakal Dul hydroelectric power plant”.

MAJOR OBJECTIONS: Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai projects are on two different tributaries of Chenab. In March 2017, India had promised to modify the designs of the two projects and address Pakistan’s concerns but in vain.

In May 2018, Indian Prime Minister

ISLAMABAD DEMANDS 5-METRE REDUCTION IN HEIGHT OF PAKAL DUL PROJECT AMONG OTHER DEMANDS IN FIRST ROUND OF TALKS WITH INDIAN DELEGATION

Narendra Modi had instead laid the foundation stone of 1000MW Pakal Dul project to kickstart the project, without addressing Islamabad’s reservations.

The project’s completion is targeted within 66 months with a commitment to provide 12 per cent free of cost electricity to India-held Jammu and Kashmir, according to media reports.

A former water sector official said it was typical Indian style to build projects in violation of the 1960 treaty as was evident from all previous contro-

versial projects like Baglihar and Kishanganga. During execution of these projects, New Delhi engaged Islamabad in technicalities, but kept civil and side works moving for years until reaching the fait accompli stage, when challenged at international forums.

Pakistan has objections to the pondage and freeboard of Lower Kalnai and pondage, filling criteria and spillway of Pakal Dul hydropower projects on Marusadar River — a right bank tributary of the Chenab. Pakal Dul is a

storage-cum-power project and can have gross storage of about 108,000 acre feet of water. The project design envisages its filling every monsoon season between mid-June and end-August.

Islamabad is of the opinion that the tunnel spillway of Pakal Dul should be raised closer to the dead storage level because its placement 40-metre below the dead storage level could allow drawdown flushing not permitted to India under the 1960 treaty.

Pakal Dul project is three times larger than Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project that Pakistan believes has been built in violation of the treaty. Islamabad is seeking international arbitration without success at the level of intransigent World Bank administration.

On the 48MW Lower Kalnai project, Pakistan has raised objections to its freeboard, pondage and intake and is of the view that the depth of bridge girder and provision of freeboard should be close to one metre and considers twometre freeboard as ‘excessive’.

Pakistan has also challenged the discharge series of River Lower Kalnai at Dunadi for winter months and estimated permissible pondage of 0.38 cubic megametres compared to Indian design pondage of 2.74 cubic megametres.

The Lower Kalnai project is on a left bank tributary of Chenab and can have gross storage of about 1,508 acre feet of water.

Rs0.3m a day, not Rs4,000: Aviation experts weigh in on Fawad’s copter claims EXPERT SAYS IT’S A COST WORTH PAYING FOR SECURITY LAHORE ABDULLAH NIAZI

The mainstream and social media have been abuzz with calculations about the cost incurred by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s commute from his home in Bani Gala to his office after Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had claimed that the helicopter was not particularly expensive and cost somewhere around Rs 50-55/kilometer.

However, according to multiple helicopter and aviation experts, the said figure is nowhere near the actual cost that the helicopter incurs.

According to details, the copter that is in the use of

the premier is the Leonardo AW 139, which is a twin-engine chopper that was acquired by the Pakistani government for $12 million in 2013. The information minister’s claim has been that the 15-kilometer flight which takes three minutes does not cost more than an entire cavalcade and helps avoid disturbing other commuters, and this in line with the premier’s austerity drive.

However, as aviation expert and former senior PIA engineer Ali Malik Tariq explained to Pakistan Today, the time and cost that any helicopter takes for such a journey is much more than what the government is trying to portray. “The 3-minute figure does not make sense because any helicopter takes a certain amount of time to reach the take-off point. And this is probably the part which consumes the most fuel.”

“Although average cruise fuel consumption is about 5-6 litres per Nautical Mile (NM), it uses a minimum of 40 litres to achieve cruise altitude of 12,000 feet and approximately 50 litres to reach 15,000 feet

which would be recommended safe height for security purposes,” he explained. “The average cost per NM would be in the range of over $250-350 per minute taking into account the total cost incurred.”

This would mean that a three-minute copter ride could cost up to Rs12,000. In comparison, at Fawad Chaudhry’s claimed rate of Rs 50-55 per kilometer, a to and fro ride would cost only around Rs 2,000.

While the difference is clearly a big one, this is still not taking into consideration the time and fuel spent on the helicopter’s take off and initial warming up.

To achieve the requisite flying height of 15,000 feet, the helicopter would need to burn at least 50 liters as per the instructions of the aircraft manufacturers.

This would just be the helicopter taking off into the air and would not include the fuel spent in the time given for it to pick up power while it is grounded.

Similarly, a certain amount of time also has to be given after the chopper has landed.

Gen Bajwa calls for collective efforts to maintain Waziristan peace COAS says terrorism and development can’t go together ; therefore, local population needs to remain vigilant against terrorists RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Wednesday that no conflict ends through kinetic operations alone, adding that there is always a post-operation rehabilitation and development effort. Addressing a combined Jirga of tribal elders from North and South Waziristan agencies, Gen Bajwa said that peace has largely returned to the region, however, a few IED incidents have recently taken place in North Waziristan. He said that while stability operations continue alongside border fencing, socio-economic progress is also catching up. COAS said that terrorism and development can’t go together, therefore, it needs to be ensured through collective efforts that the unrest doesn’t return, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. The COAS asked the local population to remain vigilant as the main stakeholder to retain the attained peace and stability in the area.

The ISPR said that the COAS was briefed about stabilisation operations and progress of fencing along Pak-Afghan Border in Waziristan at Angoor Adda. The ISPR said that the COAS appreciated quality and speed of work. The army’s media cell said that the tribal elders thanked the COAS for restoration of peace in the area, merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ongoing efforts for socio-economic development in the area. They also assured COAS of their unflinching support to security forces and the state. The tribal leaders also mentioned a requirement for additional communication infrastructure, electricity, water, educational institutions and upgraded cellular network facilities, said the ISPR.

Tehreek-e-Labbaik’s protest over Dutch contest to test Imran Khan NEWS DESK A hardline Islamist group that made surprise gains at last month’s elections in Pakistan plans to protest a Dutch politician critical of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), testing how new Prime Minister Imran Khan handles religious organisations that helped him take power, reported Bloomberg.

The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, which finished sixth in the election with 2.2 million votes, said it will march from Lahore to Islamabad on Wednesday to protest Dutch nationalist politician Geert Wilders’ plans to hold a caricature competition of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Known as the TLP, the group said it will “stay on the streets” until Khan cuts ties with the Netherlands.

The TLP, which advocates implementation of strict Islamic law, aided Khan’s election win last month by attacking his main rival, ex-premier Nawaz Sharif, for kowtowing to the West. The group’s rise has fuelled concerns that Khan may pander to Islamist groups to secure his position in a country where no prime minister has ever completed a five-year term.

“Having this group in the mainstream has had—and now more so will have— significant repercussions,” said Madiha Afzal, a nonresident fellow at the Brook-

ings Institute in Washington. “In Pakistan, the political pressure is always to give in to Islamists,” she said. How Khan “deals with them early on will be a real test and will set the tone going forward”.

Gains made by right-wing religious parties have raised concerns over whether Pakistan will heed calls from the US to stop alleged support for militant proxies that have little tolerance for religious minorities. The army was accused in the run-up to the July 25 vote of pushing terrorist organisations into politics to lend them legitimacy.

One of those parties backed by Hafiz Saeed, the suspected planner of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, took over 170,000 votes. The military has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry strongly protested the Dutch competition, and Khan said on Monday he would take up the issue with the United Nations. He didn’t address the TLP or its march directly.

“I know the western mind,” Khan said. “They won’t step back from their freedom of expression notion because the majority don’t understand our love, affection for the prophet (PBUH).” While Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte distanced his government from the contest, he said Wilders “is a politician who provokes and he is free to do that”.

The TLP came to prominence after it led protests which shut down streets in Islamabad in November over a change in a lawmaker oath seen as more accommodating the Ahmaddiyya, a persecuted community that believes in another prophet after Mohammed (PBUH). The group clashed with police and the military refused to remove the protesters. Pakistan’s law minister at the time resigned to placate their demands. While the TLP won only two provincial seats in Karachi, Khan courted fringe Islamists during his campaign. He hasn’t yet commented on the TLP’s rise, and in televised speeches since his July 25 election victory he hasn’t touched on religious extremism.

INSPIRING FANATICISM: Jeelan Shah, a senior TLP official, said his party is tolerant of minorities and other faiths.

“The media projects that radicalism and fanaticism,” Shah said in an interview. However, if Ahmedis “step out of line and they go out and pose as Muslims, that is not allowable and that is not allowable in the constitution”.

Followers of the group like Wali Muhammad want Khan to take heed of the TLP’s rise and push back against the West. The shopkeeper in Karachi hangs a banner depicting firebrand cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi. It denounces Sharif as an appeaser of “Jews and Christians” and an

Dutch police Detain pakistani man over parliament attack threat The Dutch police have reportedly detained a 26-year-old Pakistani man who travelled to the country from France to “stop the blasphemy”, referring to a contest of blasphemous caricatures being organised by a Dutch right-wing lawmaker Geert Wilders. According to a tweet by a journalist: “Netherlands police has detained 26-year-old Pakistani man suspected of threatening an attack on Dutch Parliament/ MP Geert Wilders for scheduling anti-Islam cartoon competition. In the Facebook post, suspect tells that he’s travelled from France to Holland to stop the blasphemy.” In a video, attached to the tweet, the man can be heard saying that he has left his family and friends for this cause. “I have reached here and will not return until I reach to the person who is conducting it,” he said, adding that he needs support and help from other Muslims to achieve his goal. “The security is very tight around the location of competition and I will not do anything to harm the reputation of Pakistan or Muslims but I will try my best to reach to Geert Wilders,” he said, adding if a person can wait to form his government for 22 years, I am a true lover of Prophet (PBUH) so I will wait as long as it is possible. NEWS DESK

opponent of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which mandates the death sentence for offences against Islam. “Americans are not our friends as they always seek to enslave us,” said Muhammad, 56, who sells paan, a chewy combination of tobacco, betel leaf and areca nut, near Karachi’s port.

“The TLP and Imran Khan are not going to fall into this slavery trap.”

The party has inspired fanaticism in

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

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its name. In May, a man who allied himself to the TLP shot then Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal of the PML-N. Iqbal survived the attack and the TLP party denied the gunman was affiliated to them.

Shah denied allegations that the military favoured the TLP to draw votes away from Sharif’s party. The armed force’s media department didn’t respond to a request for comment.