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thursday, 9 June, 2016 i 3 ramzan-ul-Mubarak, 1437 i rs 17.00 i Vol Vi No 342 i 16 pages i islamabad edition
obama asks pakistan to punish pathankot and Mumbai attacks’ perpetrators
America puts all its eggs in Modi’s basket
Says he stands with india against groups like JeM, let and network of underworld don dawood ibrahim WASHINGTON SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
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reAtiNg pathankot attack at par with 26/11, president barack obama on tuesday sent out a clear message to pakistan, asking it to punish the attack’s perpetrators amid the US vow to stand with india against terror threats from pakistan-based groups like Jaish-eMuhammad (JeM), lashkar-e-taiba (let) and dawood “company”. “they (obama and Modi) called for pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 pathankot terrorist attacks to justice,” a joint statement issued after the
MoDi lauDs us support after MuMbai attaCks, urges Deeper seCurity ties
US accords india status of ‘major defence partner’; signs several defence agreements with india including information sharing agreements
obama-Modi meeting at the White house said. during the meeting, Modi and obama acknowledged the continued threat posed to human civilisation by terrorism and condemned the recent terrorist incidents from paris to pathankot and from brussels to Kabul, the statement said. “they resolved to redouble their efforts, bilaterally and with other likeminded countries, to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism anywhere in the world and the infrastructure that supports them,” the statement said.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
US CoNgreSS expreSSeS CoNCerNS over rightS violAtioN iN iNdiA AS pM Modi begiNS viSit STORIES ON PAGES 03 & 04
pti MNas rebellion: a fight between Uproar in NA after good and evil, but which is which? Kh Asif calls Shireen the rebellion against Khyber pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister pervez Khattak may be little more than an arm-twisting tactic by pakistan tehreek-e-insaf (pti) lawmakers bent upon getting maximum
development funds for their respective constituencies. the party, however, also does not seem to have clear answers for why so many of its parliamentarians have rebelled against the sitting chief minister.
Mazari ‘tractor trolley’ pti lawmakers lash out at defence minister over sexist comment, spokesman says ‘Khawaja Asif should be hung upside down for his vulgarity and misbehaviour’.
STORY ON PAGE 02
pakistan makes bid to thwart india’s NSg membership, a little too late File photo
Fo official says india’s inclusion could affect strategic stability, and that the Nuclear Suppliers group should adopt objective and non-discriminatory criteria for membership of non-Npt states.
STORY ON PAGE 02
Hailing a milestone, Clinton declares victory in Democratic race
Hillary Clinton declared herself the Democratic Party nominee for United States president on Tuesday, embracing her role in history as the first woman to lead a major party in a race for the White House. STORY ON PAGE 05
STORY ON PAGE 03
02 NEWS
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
Uproar in na after Kh asif calls shireen Mazari ‘tractor trolley’ PTI LAWMAKERS LASH OUT AT DEFENCE MINISTER OVER SEXIST COMMENT, SPOKESMAN SAYS ‘KHAWAJA ASIF SHOULD BE HUNG UPSIDE DOWN FOR HIS VULGARITY AND MISBEHAVIOUR’ ISLAMABAD
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STAFF REPORT
EFENCE Minister Khawaja Asif came under fire by opposition lawmakers for making offensive remarks against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) female MNA Shireen Mazari during a National Assembly (NA) session on Wednesday. Using derogatory language specifi-
cally targeting the PTI’s chief whip Shireen Mazari, Khawaja Asif pointed towards Mazari and said, “Someone make this tractor trolley keep quiet” when she and some other lawmakers protested to his speech on load shedding during Ramzan. “Make her voice more feminine,” he said, according to eyewitnesses. Another lawmaker chimed in from the government benches to say “Keep quiet, aunty.”
Moments earlier, television footage showed the defence minister briefing lawmakers on the state of load shedding in Ramzan. “We are making efforts so that those who are fasting spend their Sehri, Iftari and Taraveeh without being affected by the load shedding crisis,” Asif claimed. Opposition lawmakers, including Mazari, vocally opposed the defence minister’s claims. Amid the uproar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq called for order, requesting the opposition benches to quiet down and listen to Asif’s speech. “Wait until it is your turn to respond,” Sadiq said. The opposition, however, did not halt their protest, upon which Asif said: “They can’t get their affairs in order but they criticise others,” after which he made a pointed remark at Mazari, asking for her
to be silenced. The PTI’s chief whip, Mazari is known for her clear stance on issues and her hard-hitting criticism of government policies. Following the debacle, the NA speaker ordered that Asif’s remarks against Mazari be expunged from the session’s record. When Mazari stood in protest and argued with the speaker’s decision, Asif said: “I am not going to apologise, they can do whatever they want.” Ayaz Sadiq ordered Mazari to sit down and ‘let him do his job’. Shifting the blame for Asif’s outburst onto Mazari, the speaker said: “Why didn’t you sit then? You kept on speaking,” he told the PTI’s chief whip. PTI’s Shafqat Mehmood said Asif, who he had known for 50 years, was in-
telligent and well-dressed but whenever he was under pressure, he didn’t keep his tongue in check. “It seems as though this problem has followed him for 50 years,” Mehmood said. Although some TV reports claim Mazari appeared on the verge of tears, the PTI’s chief whip denies having “broken down”. “News on TV channels that I broke down in NA because of Khawaja Asif’s remarks absolutely incorrect. We had a yelling match until the speaker intervened,” she tweeted. Responding to Asif’s outburst, PTI Spokesman Naeemul Haq said “Khawaja Asif should be hung upside down for his vulgarity and misbehaviour, and should be beaten with a shoe 25 times in the morning and 25 times in the evening.” Khawaja Asif last year slammed the PTI when the party’s lawmakers rejoined the NA. “They should also have some grace, some ethics and some modesty,” he said. Mazari said, “Told Khawaja Asif if he had any shame or modesty he would know to deal with women... Luckily my voice is louder than his.”
PtI mnas’ rebellion: a fight between good and evil, but which is which? REBEL MNAS SAY THEY’RE FIGHTING AGAINST THE CORRUPTION OF CHIEF MINISTER KHATTAK AND HIS CABINET
MNAS CLOSE TO KHATTAK SAY REBELS ARE MOTIVATED BY JEALOUSY AND ARE DANCING TO PM NAWAZ’S TUNES FOR MORE FUNDS
ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR
The rebellion against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak may be little more than an armtwisting tactic by Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) lawmakers bent upon getting maximum development funds for their respective constituencies. The party, however, also does not seem to have clear answers for why so many of its parliamentarians have rebelled against the sitting chief minister. Instead, there seems to be no love lost between the two sides as they are both attempting to paint the other in the worst possible light. Imran Khan’s meeting with the party’s MPAs in Peshawar in the evening proved fruitful as the party announced that the disgruntled MPAs will return to the fold after the meeting. Imran Khan announced that from now on, he will be visiting the province more often. But there was no word on whether the rebel MNAs were also being wooed by the party establishment. While there are accusations aplenty against the chief minister, it appears that the rebels are light on evidence against the maligned CM. Party officials, in fact, are saying the lawmakers have personal grievances against Khattak. PTI leaders in background interviews and on the record discussion indicated that the rebel lawmakers are in a hurry to get maximum development funds so that they can win the next elections in the wake of rumours of snap polls in the country. PTI MNA Dawar Khan Kundi told Pakistan Today that the rebel group had held consultations with like-minded members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. “All five of us have arrived here in Peshawar to hold a meeting with likeminded colleagues of the KP assembly. We will present our charter once we finalise our strategy,” said Kundi. Kundi did not say how many members there are in the like-minded group. “I don’t have the mandate to talk about our likeminded MPAs. They will announce their strength once we decide the future strategy. For the time being, I can tell you that we are five MNAs in this group and we are fighting for securing the ideology of the party,” he said. ‘FIGHTING AGAINST CORRUPT PRACTICES’: Qurban Ali Khan, a PTI MPA elected from Nowshera, the
same city from where Chief Minister Khattak was elected, also refused to comment on the number of people in the likeminded group. “We were a 14member group who had vowed to resist the corrupt practices of the cabinet ministers and of the chief minister. For the time being, I don’t know the exact number of my colleagues as all of us are scattered. I can give you a number once we sit down together,” he added. He said that he had been vocal against corrupt practices and for accountability of the corrupt elements in the PTI government for the last two years but to no avail. “My speeches against corruption and malpractices are a part of the assembly’s record. In a bid to disrupt our group, the chef minister picked some of my colleagues into his cabinet while some others have been made parliamentary secretaries. They had made Javed Nasim a parliamentary secretary while another colleague Azizullah Khan was also made parliamentary secretary yesterday (Tuesday),” he added. ‘REBELLION FUELED BY JEALOUSY’: A PTI lawmaker told Pakistan Today that Pervez Khattak had gone beyond the call of duty to accommodate the PTI lawmakers. “Pervez Khattak has accommodated all the lawmakers. He has provided Rs 20 million as development funds to each PTI MNA even though the federal government had not provided any funds to the party’s lawmakers.” However, the MNA said that the five lawmakers had decided to stage a rebellion out of jealousy against their own fellow MPAs who had gotten launched many development schemes in their respective constituencies. ‘THEY JUST WANT MORE FUNDS’: “Since these MNAs have
Imran asks khattak to address reservatIons of dIsgruntled mPas PESHAWAR: Pakistan Terheek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has directed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak to address reservations of disgruntled party lawmakers. Taking notice of the revolt of party’s MPAs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Imran Khan rushed to Peshawar and chaired a meeting of parliamentary party. According to inside reports, angry MPAs took the chief minister to task in the key meeting. Imran Khan intervened and directed Khattak to address the grievances of the disgruntled party members. The PTI chief further asked the chief minister to devolve power to grass-root level in line with the party’s manifesto and election’s promises. In addition, he asked MPAs to ensure their presence in the upcoming budget’s session. STAFF REPORT
failed to do development work themselves, they feel they’re being left behind while their MPA colleagues have done more development work. So the MNAs feel their influence is being curtailed as compared to their fellow MPAs. Now they want more development funds for more development in their areas,” the PTI leader added. The PTI leader said that the rebel lawmakers were feeling the heat due to the public pressure as elections can be held anytime in the wake of the Panamagate. ‘THEY’RE DANCING TO THE PM’S TUNE AND THE CHAIRMAN WILL SHUT THEM DOWN’: A PTI leader said that the party will also investigate whether this so-called rebellion is being staged to divert the attention of the PTI chairman who has threatened to launch street protest to seek probe into Panama Leaks allegations against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members. "We are investigating the matter to find out whether the PTI lawmakers have a genuine grievance or if they are dancing to the tunes being played by the PM's cronies," he added. "PTI Chairman Imran Khan is already in Peshawar today where he will hold separate meetings with angry PTI MNAs and MPAs. He will personally listen to them and will make up his mind over the issue. The chairman will also announce future strategy shortly over the issue. But one thing is clear: Imran won't give in to blackmail," he said. A PTI lawmaker said that Pervez Khattak is not only providing funds to the PTI members of the KP assembly but he is also providing development funds to the opposition members judiciously. “This is what the PTI stands for. Khattak is treating the government and opposition lawmakers equally,” the PTI leader added. Asked to elaborate, the PTI lawmaker said that Khattak had divided
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funds among PTI and Jamiat Ulema-eIslam-Fazl (JUI-F) MPAs from Hangu equally. “There is a PTI MNA from Hangu while one MPA belongs to PTI and the other belongs to JUI-F each. The royalty for gas and oil has been divided between the PTI and JUI-F members fairly,” the PTI leader said. ‘THE INGRATE REBELS’: The PTI leader added that Khattak had also provided funds to PTI and JUI-F members from Bannu. He asserted that the disgruntled MNAs were themselves to blame for their lethargic attitude as they never turn up for meetings and then ask for development funds for their constituencies. “Despite the fact that Khattak played a key role in the election win of Col (r) Amriullah Marwat and Dawar Kundi, it is regrettable to find that both are now blaming him for their failure,” the PTI leader said. He said Khattak had played a key role in the nomination of Marwat as Chairman of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Education. “Now Marwat holds an office similar to that of Asad Umar’s. Both are chairmen of various standing committees. What else does Marwat want?” As far as Dawar Kundi is concerned, the PTI lawmaker said that after the election of Kundi as MNA, his brother had been appointed as District Nazim of Bannu. “Half of the employees of class-IV in Bannu have been accommodated on the request of Kundi. What else does he want from PTI?” He said that if Khattak’s performance was not up to the mark, how it was possible for the PTI to hold huge public meetings across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. “Other than Imran Khan’s charisma, the performance of the KP government is what attracts crowds to PTI’s rallies in KP,” the PTI leader said.
College principal shot dead in Quetta QUETTA STAFF REPORT
The principal of University of Balochistan’s law college, Barrister Amanullah Achakzai, was shot dead by unknown assailants on Spini Road here on Wednesday. Police said the barrister was severely wounded when his vehicle was sprayed with bullets by unknown gunmen. Achakzai succumbed to his wounds while he was being taken to Civil Hospital Quetta. Police and Frontier Corps personnel reached the scene and an investigation into the incident went underway. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack. Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri condemned the academic’s killing and demanded police arrest the culprits and submit a report. A number of lawyers reached the Civil Hospital and announced a boycott of courts in protest of the barrister’s killing.
Why did Cm shehbaz miss his flight to lahore?
LAHORE STAFF REPORT
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif turned back after he was already en route to the airport on Tuesday evening, and extended his stay in London, Pakistan Today has learnt. Official sources claimed that the CM decided not to fly as bad weather in Europe was going to delay the flight by five hours. However, a Pakistan Today investigation has revealed that there was no delay and the flight took off and landed at the Lahore airport at the scheduled time on Wednesday. As per details, there are three Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights a week between Lahore and London. The PK-758 leaves from London on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The CM was supposed to return on Tuesday’s flight at 6:25 pm and reach Lahore on 6:05 am. Shehbaz Sharif left for the airport, but on the way, changed plans and went back to his residence. Records show that the flight he missed reached Lahore at exactly 6:05 am, without any delay. The chief minister will now return on Thursday.
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
IndIA’s InclusIon could Affect strAtegIc stAbIlIty, PAkIstAn tells nucleAr suPPlIers grouP FO OFFICIAL SAYS NSG SHOULD ADOPT OBJECTIVE AND NON-DISCRIMINATORY CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP OF NON-NPT STATES ISLAMABAD
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STAFF REPORT
day after India received support from the United States’ for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership, Pakistan cautioned the cartel of nuclear technology holders that country specific exemptions would negatively impact strategic stability in South Asia.
In order to mobilise support for Pakistan’s NSG membership, a briefing session was held in Islamabad with NSG countries’ diplomatic missions invited. “Pakistan has the expertise, manpower, infrastructure and the ability to supply NSG controlled items, goods and services for a full range of nuclear applications for peaceful uses,” said Tasnim Aslam, head of the UN desk at the Foreign Office. She urged the attending diplomats to adopt an
objective and non-discriminatory criteria for membership of non-NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) states. India’s membership of the NSG is “not merited until the country meets the group’s standards”, a New York Times (NYT) editorial said earlier in June. The group’s membership has signed the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty but India has refused to do so, which means “it has not accepted legally binding commitments to pursue disarmament negotiations, halt the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and not test nuclear weapons”. A key US Senator, Ed Markey, had also warned that enabling India to join the NSG would cause a “never-ending”
nuclear race in South Asia. Pakistan’s application is likely to lead to a showdown in the group which has also been facing calls to induct India as a member. US President Barack Obama announced Tuesday that his country is backing India’s bid to join the club. China could also insist, as a condition of India’s membership, that Pakistan also be allowed to join. The NSG, which was created in response to India’s first nuclear test in 1974, is expected to hold its next meeting in June. The NSG is a 48-nation club dedicated to curbing nuclear arms proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that could foster nuclear weapons development.
Modi lauds US support after Mumbai attacks, urges deeper security ties WASHINGTON AGENCIES
India bars Pakistan HC from attending ceremony in Nagpur NAGPUR INP
Pakistani High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit was sopped from participating in a diplomatic meeting organised by United Nations in Nagpur. According to details, the high commissioner was invited as a chief guest but when he arrived at the venue, he was barred from entering the hall. The ceremony organisers also cancelled Abdul Basit‘s invitation card due to some unknown reasons. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials have stated that it is for the fourth time the high commissioner’s invitation card has been withdrawn. Abdul Basit was earlier stopped by the Indian officials from attending a ceremony in Noida.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a closer security relationship between his country and the United States on Wednesday, in an address to the US Congress stressing the importance of warming ties between the two countries. He dedicated much of the speech to the importance of fighting terrorism, thanking Congress for US support after a military group’s rampage in Mumbai killed 166 people in 2008. “The fight against terrorism has to be fought at many levels. And the traditional tools of military, intelligence or diplomacy alone would not be able to win this fight,” Modi told a rare joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives. “We have both lost civilians and soldiers in combating it. The need of the hour is for us to deepen our security cooperation,” Modi said. He leavened the speech to lawmakers, the first such address
by an international leader since Pope Francis’ in September, with jokes about Congress’ bitter partisan divide and yoga. But Modi used it to make serious points about India’s neighbour Pakistan and regional concerns
about Chinese expansionism. “I commend the members of the US Congress for sending a clear message to those who preach and practice terrorism for political gains,” he said, not mentioning either country by name.
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India needs to wait for NSG membership: report WASHINGTON INP
India will need to wait a while longer before it joins the elite club of nations that control trade in advanced nuclear technologies, according to three diplomats with knowledge of the process. According to Bloomberg News, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is unlikely to accept India’s application for membership when it would meet on June 20 in Seoul as officials in New Delhi have not yet met all the criteria for admission. This is said by the diplomats, who asked not to be named in line with diplomatic rules for discussing private deliberations, representing governments inside the 48-nation group. A delay could roil plans by United States President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who were meeting in Washington on Tuesday to bring the world’s second-most-populous nation into the nuclear mainstream. It would push back a decision on Indian membership to later in the year and risk bumping into the US presidential election. US Secretary of State John Kerry made a plea to member states skeptical toward India’s bid for NSG membership to “agree not to block consensus on Indian admission” to the group at the Seoul meeting, according to a two-page letter in Bloomberg News. A State Department spokeswoman said that Obama affirmed that the country has met the requirements when he visited Modi in New Delhi last year. While the diplomats said they are not opposed to letting India into the NSG eventually, they said the terms of entry require more negotiations to preserve the credibility of the trade controls. They want tighter monitoring by international nuclear inspectors as well as iron-clad assurances that Indian activities in its civilian nuclear program would not be used for military purposes. As NSG decisions are taken by consensus, a minority of members could block India’s bid to join the group. After months of wrangling in 2008, India won NSG trade exemptions, without being granted full membership, giving it access to advanced reactor technologies. India, North Korea and Pakistan are the only countries outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that have admitted to possessing nuclear weapons. Israel, which also has not ratified the NPT and is widely believed to possess nuclear arms, does not acknowledge its arsenal. The diplomats said that they are concerned that admitting India before strengthening the NSG eligibility requirements would weaken the rules for other nonrecognised nuclear-weapons states to join. They said India’s application could be reconsidered in the fourth quarter, after the remaining proliferation concerns have been addressed. India’s neighbor and regional rival, Pakistan has also submitted an application to join the NSG, according to the envoys. Kerry signaled that India would be willing to cooperate with Pakistan’s application in his letter. “With respect to other possible new members of the NSG, Indian officials have stated that India would take a merit-based approach to such applications and would not be influenced by extraneous regional issues,” he wrote.
AMERICA PUTS ALL ITS EGGS IN MODI’S BASKET CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01 COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISTS, SHARING OF INFORMATION: During the meeting, Obama and Modi committed to strengthening cooperation against terrorist threats from extremist groups, such as “al-Qaeda, Daesh/ISIL, Jaish-e Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, D Company and their affiliates, including through deepened collaboration on UN terrorist designations.” “In this context, they directed their officials to identify specific new areas of collaboration at the next meeting of the US-India counter-terrorism joint working group,” the statement said. “Recognising an important milestone in the US-India counter-terrorism partnership, the leaders applauded the finalisation of an arrangement to facilitate the sharing of terrorist screening information,” it said. The agreement opens the doors to exchange of terrorist-screening information between the Multi-Agency Centre/Intelligence Bureau of India and the Terrorist Screening Center of the US, under which the two sides shall “provide each other
access to terrorism screening information through the designated contact points, subject to domestic laws and regulations”. The arrangement will enhance the counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries, said a statement. Modi and Obama also affirmed their support for a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that advances and strengthens the framework for global cooperation and reinforces that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism, the statement said. ‘MAJOR DEFENCE PARTNER’: In a significant development, the US on Tuesday recognised India as a “major defence partner” which means that for defence related trade and technology transfer, the country will now be treated at par with America’s closest allies. “Noting that the US-India defence relationship can be an anchor of stability and given the increasingly strengthened cooperation in defence, the United States hereby recognises India as a major defence partner,” said a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with US President Barack
Obama. According to the statement, under the ‘major defence partner’ recognition, the US will continue to work toward facilitating technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners. Meanwhile, the White House also said that the meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Modi resulted in progress on finalising some key defence agreements between India and the US. “I can tell you that there was important progress on finalising agreements relating to defence logistics, sharing of maritime information, and even the movement of US aircraft carriers in the region,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference. SHARING OF TECHNOLOGY: The joint statement said, “The leaders reached an understanding under which India would receive license-free access to a wide range of dual-use technologies in conjunction with steps that India has committed to take to advance its export control objectives.”
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In support of India’s ‘Make In India’ initiative and to support the development of robust defence industries and their integration into the global supply chain, the statement said the US will continue to facilitate the export of goods and technologies, consistent with US law, for projects, programmes and joint ventures in support of official US-India defence cooperation. Applauding the enhanced military to military cooperation between the two countries especially in joint exercises, training and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Obama and Modi expressed their desire to explore agreements which would facilitate further expansion of bilateral defence cooperation in practical ways. Officials from the two sides said India and the US have finalised the text of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). It is likely to be signed soon, a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call. US, INDIA SIGNING AGREEMENTS LEFT AND RIGHT: India and the US also finalised text of an information exchange annex under the joint working
group on aircraft carrier technology cooperation. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said India and the US have reached an understanding to finalise the framework for the US-India cyber relationship in the near term. According to the statement, the two leaders committed to enhance cyber collaboration on critical infrastructure, cybercrime and malicious cyber activity by state and non-state actors, capacity building and cyber-security research and development and to continue discussions on all aspects of trade in technology and related services, including market access. In an apparent reference to the countries which are indulging in large scale cyber hacking, the statement said no country should conduct or knowingly support online activity that intentionally damages critical infrastructure or otherwise impairs the use of it to provide services to the public. Meanwhile India and the US inked an agreement in the sphere of defence cooperation and counter-terrorism after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama.
04 NEWS
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
2,665MWs electricity added to systeM during three years: KhaWaja asif water aNd power MiNister says $36b beiNg MQM stages walkout froM Na over raid at farooQ sattar’s resideNce iNvested iN eNergy sector uNder cpec ISLAMABAD
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STAFF REPORT
EDERAL Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the present government has added 2,665 Megawatts of additional electricity in the system during the last three years. Taking part in the budget debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday, he said 600 MWs of electricity has been rehabilitated from the existing units during this period. He said that these are the efforts of the government that there is not load shedding during Sehr and Iftar times. He said electricity supply and demand gap has been reduced to half in the present government as compared to the previous one. Asif said $36 billion are being invested on energy plants under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said the government is implementing several energy projects free of corruption. He told the House that on completion of these projects 11000 MWs additional electricity will be added to the national
grid and total generation capacity will reach to 31000 MWs by 2018. He pointed out that Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project will be completed by August next year, 1320 MWs Port Qasim project by June 2018 and Tarbela-IV by June next year. He said the recovery process of electricity bills has been speed up and percentage of recovery has been increased from 83 per cent to 93 per cent. He pointed out that last year Rs 55 billion were recovered on this count which is a record. He said the federal government has a plan to establish five grid stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) but KP government is using delaying tactics in providing land for this purpose. He said the government has settled net hydel profit issue of KP and the federal government is making payment to the province in this regard. The minister said like other scams, the issue of Panama Papers will also fade
Balochistan Exfinance adviser Khalid Langov sent on 14-day remand QUETTA STAFF REPORT
An accountability court Wednesday handed over former finance adviser to the Balochistan chief minister, Mir Khalid Langov to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on a 14-day remand till June 21. Langov was produced before the accountability court after completion of his 14day remand. Strict security measures were taken for Langov’s arrival in the court in relation to the ongoing investigation of Balochistan secretary finance Mushtaq Raisani’s corruption scandal. The NAB requested the court to grant an extension in Khalid Langov’s remand, which the court accepted. Earlier, NAB officials arrested Langov from outside the Balochistan High Court (BHC), where he appeared for the hearing of a pre-arrest bail plea in relation to the ongoing investigation into Mushtaq Raisani’s corruption scandal. He was arrested as he was exiting the court premises after the BHC bench dismissed his plea. On May 17, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had granted protective bail of 12 days to Langov. Earlier this month, Langov said he was stepping down from his post to aid transparent investigations after a huge amount of the ill-gotten money was recovered from the residence of the provincial finance secretary Mushtaq Raisani. The NAB had recovered more than Rs730 million from Raisani’s residence. He has been accused of embezzling billions of rupees from the local government development funds.
out in a matter of few weeks. He said Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah quoted wrong figures while initiating the budget speech. He urged the opposition to come out well-prepared for taking part in the budget debate. He said the opposition should do constructive criticism. Pervaiz Malik appreciated the performance of the Finance Ministry for taking proposals from business community before preparing budget. He said a comprehensive package has been given in the budget for development of agriculture sector. He lauded the government for earmarking a huge amount for Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). He pointed out that increase in salaries of the government employees and upgradation of various posts is a good measure. Ghulam Sarwar Khan said there should be no discrimination in duration
of loadshedding for urban and rural areas. He criticised that circular debt is again increasing. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui alleged that residence of senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar was besieged on Tuesday in Karachi. He also alleged that MQM was being politically victimised. MQM also staged a token walkout from the House. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur in his speech said that agriculture is the backbone of economy and this sector cannot be ignored. He appreciated concessions given on fertilisers. He said sales tax in agriculture sector should be abolished for growth of this sector. He criticised the government for allocating less funds for development in Sindh province. He said the figure of 4.7 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate is incorrect. Chaudhary Jaffar Iqbal criticised the opposition members for making political statements instead of giving concrete proposals for improving the economy during the budget debates. He said 3600 MWs of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) based electricity will be added in the national grid. He said Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz government believes in practical work for the betterment of the
country rather than hollow slogans. He said the government is taking practical steps to eliminate corruption. Shah Jee Gul Afridi stressed the need for making the Gwadar Port fully operational at the earliest. He appreciated the government for continuing the Benazir Income Support Programme. He said that no project has been given to Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in PSDP. He pointed out that generation of job opportunities for FATA youth are imperative for peace there and beyond. He demanded incentives for setting up industries in FATA. Shafqat Mahmood alleged that fake and fudged figures have been provided in the budget especially about GDP growth, direct and indirect taxes. He pointed out that PSDP is declining as percentage to GDP. He criticised the government for taking loans. Tahira Aurangzeb said international financial institutions have acknowledged that economy in Pakistan is improving. She pointed out that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan was elected from NA-56 Rawalpindi but did nothing to solve the problems of the constituency. She congratulated the government for presenting a budget full of relief packages.
grand Jirga to give final approval of reforms package for fata, senate told ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Minister for States and Frontier Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch told the Senate on Wednesday that the committee headed by Adviser to prime minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is finalising recommendations for reforms in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Responding to a calling attention notice moved by Abdul Qayyum, the minister said these recommendations will soon be presented before Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as well as the parliament for
abid sher ali says 94% of couNtry gettiNg uNiNterrupted electricity supply duriNg sehr aNd iftar approval. He said a grand jirga may also be convened in order to get final approval of the reforms package for FATA from the tribal elders. The minister said the committee has already held consultations with the tribal elders, FATA parliamentarians and other segments of the society to get their inputs on the FATA reforms. The committee also
visited all the tribal agencies in this regard, he said. Abdul Qadir Baloch said the tribal people are patriotic and have given immense sacrifices in the ongoing war against terrorism. He said our foremost effort is resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced families. The Senate was also informed
that the government is ensuring uninterrupted supply of electricity to 94 per cent areas of the country during Sehr and Iftar times. This was stated by Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali while responding to a calling attention notice moved by Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh. He said it is the utmost effort of the government to fully facilitate the power consumers in the holy month of Ramzan. He said that unscheduled load shedding is not being carried out in the country except the areas where percentage of losses is more than 60 per cent.
US Congress expresses concerns over rights violation in India as PM Modi begins visit WASHINGTON APP
The Human Rights Commission of the US Congress has expressed concerns over the growing violence against minorities in India at a hearing that coincided with the start of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the United States. A day before the Indian Prime Minister is to speak to the joint session at the Capitol Hill, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress held the hearing on incidents of discrimination, intimidation and harassment against Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Buddist communities in the so-called world’s biggest democracy. Joseph R Pitts, Co-Chairman of the Commission noted growing ties between the United States and India in different sectors but said these relations have failed to take note of the rising tide of human rights violations in India.
“Many of these developments, certainly positive, have overlooked a troubling array of human rights concerns that should give us a pause,” said the Congressman. Congressman Pitts recalled that a hearing in 2014 noted an alarming trend and instances of communal violence targeting Muslims and Christians, adding that number of these instances have grown in recent years. He said according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s recent report, religious tolerance and violence against religious freedom increased in India in 2015. Another report by the US State Department cited several incidents, including the enforcement of anti-conversion laws in India. The Congressman said that in February this year, co-chairman of the Human Rights Commission signed by 32 lawmakers, including 8 US Senators wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi
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expressing concern over reports of violent incidents targeting religious minorities in India. He regretted that the letter never received a formal reply and the government of India in a public statement on it characterizes the concerns as constituting an “aberration”. Congressman Pitts noted that throughout the fall of 2015 numerous Indian well-known writers, artists and scientists have returned national awards to protest growing intolerance against religious minorities and freedom of expression. Some Indian business leaders and Indian-born economists also echoed these concerns, he added. The Congressman stated that many international and domestic NGOs have expressed concerns over the human rights violations in India which are targeting marginalized communities. He said, according to various sources licenses of nearly 9,000 NGOs were cancelled by the Indian authorities
in 2015. Several high profile Western NGOs, including Green Peace and Ford Foundation, were denied access to funds. He said this state of affairs was of grave concerns. Congressman Trent Franks, another member of the Commission, noted that Indian minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists have endured violence for decades and they continue to live in a climate where “known perpetrators commit violence with impunity”. He recalled that in 2002 violence in the Indian State of Gujrat, when Prime Minister Modi was the Chief Minister of that state, anti-Muslim violence killed 2000 people, including women and children. More than 100,000 were forced from their homes. In 2013, violence against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh left 40 dead, over a dozen women and girls were raped and 50,000 were forced to flee their homes, he added.
FOREIGN NEWS 05
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
Hailing a milestone, Clinton deClares viCtory in demoCratiC raCe LOS ANGELES
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AGENCIES
ILLARY Clinton declared herself the Democratic Party nominee for United States president on Tuesday, embracing her role in history as the first woman to lead a major party in a race for the White House. The former first lady, senator and US secretary of state celebrated her victory in the nominating race over rival Bernie Sanders at a raucous event with supporters in Brooklyn, New York, where Clinton placed her achievement in the context of the long history of the women’s rights movement. “Thanks to you, we have reached a milestone,” Clinton said in a speech. “We all owe so much to who came before.” new Jersey win, north dakota loss: Clinton, 68, spoke shortly after beating Sanders in New Jersey’s nominating contest, expanding her lead in the delegates needed to clinch the nomination and setting up a five-month general election campaign against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump in the Nov 8 election. Clinton also won the presidential primary in New Mexico and South Dakota, walking away with three wins in Tuesday’s half dozen contests against rival Bernie Sanders, who won in North
Global violence worsens, driven by Middle East conflicts: peace index LONDON AGENCIES
The world has become increasingly violent with deaths from conflict at a 25-year high, terrorist attacks at an all-time high and more people displaced than at any time since World War Two, the 2016 Global Peace Index showed on Wednesday. The annual index, which measures 23 indicators including incidents of violent crime, countries’ levels of militarisation and weapons imports, said intensifying conflicts in the Middle East were mostly to blame. But beyond the Middle East, the world was actually becoming more peaceful, researchers behind the index said. “Quite often, in the mayhem which is happening in the Middle East currently, we lose sight of the other positive trends,” said Steve Killelea, founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which produces the index. “If we look in the last year, if we took out the Middle East ... the world would have become more peaceful,” Killelea told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. More than 100,000 were killed in conflict in 2014, up from nearly 20,000 in 2008. Syria, where nearly 67,000 people were killed in 2014, accounted for the bulk of the increase, according to the index. The United Nations has said the number of displaced people is likely to have “far surpassed” a record 60 million last year. The index showed that most attacks it classed as terrorist were concentrated in five countries - Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The economic cost of violence over the past decade was $137 trillion - greater than the global GDP in 2015, the IEP showed. The indicator which improved the most in the last year was funding for UN peacekeeping operations, which reached record highs in 2016, IEP said. “However, peacebuilding and peacekeeping spending remains proportionately small compared to the economic impact of violence, representing just two per cent of global losses from armed conflict,” Killelea said in a statement. More than 120,000 UN peacekeepers are currently deployed in 16 operations worldwide. The largest are in Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan’s Darfur region, South Sudan, Mali, Central African Republic and Lebanon. Another improvement in peace, is a 10 per cent fall in global military spending in the last three years, IEP said. Building lasting peace: Europe is the most peaceful region in the world, although the region’s peace score dropped in the wake of attacks in Paris and Brussels. Deaths from such attacks in Europe have more than doubled over the last five years.
Dakota and Montana. Among the six contests taking place on Tuesday is California, the big prize where Clinton was still at risk of an embarrassing loss to Sanders. Polls in California closed at 11 p.m. ET, but news networks said the race was too close to call. In her speech, Clinton appealed to Sanders supporters to join her and said the Democratic Party had been bolstered by his campaign for eradicating income inequality, which has commanded huge crowds and galvanised younger voters. By contrast, Clinton harshly attacked Trump for using divisive rhetoric that belittled women, Muslims and immigrants, and took specific aim at his recent condemnation of an Indiana-born judge of Mexican heritage. “The stakes in this election are high and the choice is clear. Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit to be president and commander-in-chief,” she said. “When Donald Trump says a distinguished judge born in Indiana can’t do his job because of his Mexican heritage, or he mocks a reporter with disabilities, or calls women pigs, it goes against everything we stand for,” she said. ‘glass ceiling’: There were no immediate projections in Montana or South Dakota in the final series of big presidential nominating battles that began on Feb 1 in Iowa. The District of Columbia, the
last to vote, holds a Democratic primary next Tuesday. In a fundraising email to supporters, Clinton declared her campaign had broken “one of the highest, hardest glass ceilings.” On Twitter, she said: “To every little girl who dreams big: Yes, you can be anything you want - even president. Tonight is for you.” Clinton’s race against Trump, 69, will unfold as she faces an ongoing investigation of her use of a personal email server while secretary of state. Opinion polls show the controversy has hurt Clinton’s ratings on honesty and trustworthiness. Clinton now must try to unify the party and win over Sanders supporters after a bruising primary battle. But Sanders, a democratic socialist US senator from Vermont, has vowed to stay in the race until July’s party convention that formally picks the nominee, defying
growing pressure from party leaders to exit the race. Although Sanders will be unable to catch Clinton even if he wins the primary in California, America’s most populous state, a triumph there could fuel his continued presence in the race and underscore Clinton’s weaknesses as she heads into the fight with Trump. The White House issued a statement saying President Obama had called both Clinton and Sanders. It said he congratulated her on securing the delegates necessary to clinch the nomination and would meet Sanders on Thursday at Sanders’ request. Clinton edged Sanders out, especially among older voters, with a more pragmatic campaign focused on building on President Barack Obama’s policies. Steven Acosta, a 47-year-old teacher living in Los Angeles, voted for Clinton on Tuesday, saying that was partly because he believed she stood a better
Afghan Taliban kidnap 47 in Kunduz KABUL AGENCIES
Unidentified militants seized 47 passengers traveling on a highway in Afghanistan’s Kunduz province on Wednesday, officials said, the latest in a series of kidnappings fueling concerns that the government is losing control of major routes. Armed men seized people from a bus and car after stopping the vehicles on the outskirts of Kunduz city, which was briefly held by the Taliban late last year. The highway connects Kunduz to the neighboring
province of Takhar. The abductees were taken to the provincial town of Uqtash, a Taliban stronghold, local officials said. Most of Kunduz province is under Taliban control, with the government restricted mainly to the city. There was no immediate claim or motive in the assault. Officials blamed the Taliban, which on May 30 seized passengers from the same road and killed 10 they suspected of links to the Afghan government and military. Unidentified militants also seized 17 people traveling by road in northern Sar-ePol province last week, but all were
freed unharmed. The Taliban couldn’t be reached for comment. The wave of kidnappings targeting travelers on major highways has raised concern among Afghans that the government is losing the ability to secure major routes, possibly restricting people from traveling between cities. They follow the appointment of new Taliban leader Maulavi Haibatullah, a hard-line religious chief who assumed power in May following the death of chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour by a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan.
Migrant death toll in Mediterranean ‘hits 10,000’ STRASBOURG AGENCIES
More than 10,000 people have died crossing the Mediterranean to Europe since 2014; the UN said on Tuesday, as the EU unveiled fresh plans to stem the migrant flow from Africa. Following a rash of deadly shipwrecks in recent weeks which claimed the lives of hundreds of people, the UN refugee agency said the number of deaths at sea had risen sharply this year, with a record 2,814 people drowning since January. And over the past few days, the overall numbers who have died since the start of 2014 has reached 10,085, the UNHCR said on Tuesday. With Europe in the grip of its worst migrant crisis since World War II, the rising death toll has prompted urgent efforts to tackle the problem, with Brussels, seeking ways to clamp down on the Africa route from after a deal with Ankara in March slashed numbers trying to cross from Turkey.
“We cannot tolerate the loss of life on this scale, we need to do everything to stop it,” European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans said as he unveiled the plans. The new proposal involves using EU funds to promote private investment of up to 60 billion euros in key countries of origin for migrants, namely Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, and Senegal, as well as Jordan and Lebanon, Timmermans said. Eight billion euros of EU funds are available to support migration deals with external countries, many of which were first mooted at a crisis summit of European and African nations in Malta last year. The Commission also wants to speed up readmission deals with African countries and with Pakistan and Afghanistan to make it easier to send back migrants who do not win refugee status. “There will be consequences for those that refuse to cooperate,” Dutchman Timmermans told the European Parliament alongside EU foreign policy chief Federica
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Mogherini. The European Commission was later to unveil a plan for a “blue card” system for skilled migrants to come to Europe legally. The aim is to reduce the incentive for people to try to smuggle themselves into the continent illegally on flimsy boats and put their lives at risk. “If we ever want to compete with the US Green Card, we need an EU Blue Card that deserves the same merit,” Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said. Breaking down the figures, the UN said a total of 3,771 had died at sea in 2015 and 3,500 the year earlier, plus this year’s deaths. “You’ve now had since the start of 2014 — when this phenomenon of rising numbers across the Mediterranean happened — 10,000 deaths,” UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards said. “This is clearly an appalling number of deaths that have occurred in the Mediterranean, just on Europe’s borders just in the past couple of years,” Edwards said.
chance of winning in November. “I like what Bernie Sanders says and I agree with almost everything that he says,” Acosta said. “The problem is that I think Republicans would really unify ... even more against him.” ‘rush to Judgment’: Sanders was determined to stay in the race, even after the Associated Press and NBC reported on Monday night that Clinton had clinched the number of delegates needed to win the nomination. A Sanders campaign spokesman castigated what he said was the media’s “rush to judgment”. Under Democratic National Committee rules, most delegates to the July 25-28 convention in Philadelphia are awarded by popular votes in state-by-state elections, and Clinton has a clear lead in those pledged delegates. But the delegate count also includes superdelegates, party leaders who can change their minds at any time. Clinton’s superdelegate support outnumbers Sanders’ by more than 10 to 1. The Sanders’ campaign has said it can still persuade superdelegates to switch to him, although in practice superdelegates who have announced their intentions are unlikely to change their minds. Sanders would have to get more than 60 per cent of the superdelegates backing Clinton to switch their votes. So far, his campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, acknowledged they had yet to convert a single delegate.
UK voter registration website crashes before deadline for EU referendum LONDON AGENCIES
Senior British politicians have called for voter registration for the June 23 referendum on EU membership to be reopened after a government website crashed shortly before the deadline on Tuesday night, hampering some people’s efforts to register. The deadline passed at midnight (2300 GMT), and half a million people registered online on the final day, according to a government website that provides data on the voter registration system. But at 11:35 pm, the Cabinet Office, the government department in charge of the issue, tweeted that it was aware of an issue with the website, which was due to unprecedented demand, and was working to resolve it. Minutes later, it tweeted an apology to those experiencing problems, urging them to keep trying as some people were still getting through. Almost an hour after the official deadline, it tweeted that the issue had been fixed, without specifying whether any applications received after midnight would be valid. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said on Twitter: “I’m told (the official website) has crashed so people can’t register to vote for #EUreferendum. If so, deadline has to be extended.”
Car bomb hits Turkey police station in Kurdish southeast ANKARA AGENCIES
A car bomb ripped through a police station on Wednesday in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast, injuring several people a day after 11 people were killed in an attack in Istanbul, state-run Anatolia news agency said. A bomb attack hit a police station in the town of Midyat, said Anatolia, which blamed “terrorists” in a reference to militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Several people were injured and ambulances were dispatched to the scene after the powerful explosion, privately owned NTV television reported. Violence flared last year between Kurdish rebels and government forces, shattering a 2013 ceasefire reached after secret talks between PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and the Turkish state.
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Indian govt crossed all limits of brutality against Kashmiris: Mishaal Mallick ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
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Shortage of fundS or Sheer apathy of Cda? MuSharraf regIMe eStablIShed dozenS of new parKS along wIth lIbrarIeS and gyMS for the general publIc In the federal capItal, but cda’S IndIfferent attItude towardS theSe publIc IntereSt facIlItIeS IS gradually reSultIng In theIr declIne ISLAMABAD
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ShAh NAwAz MOhAl
HE libraries, gyms and parks are in a miserable condition in the capital. Many libraries suffer from a scarcity of books while gyms are either closed or the equipment is rusty and unusable. During 2000’s the campaign to ‘beautify’ capital was initiated by then President and spearheaded by then Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Kamran Lashari. During
their tenure new parks were made, restaurants and hotels were constructed on Peer Sohawa which on top of Margalla Hills and new roads and flyovers were built all across the city. Many new sectors were developed on the fringes of Islamabad. The gym at sector G-11 and G-7 have long been closed. The picture of gyms in other sectors is no different either. The younger lot, when the gyms were newly opened and the machinery was functional, used to regularly visit the facility. But since the better days are long
past, the youth now opt for private gyms. In the beginning, the older lot used to frequent the library to read newspapers and have a chat in the adjacent open air sitting area, whereas now only a few readers can be found in the libraries. The lack of washrooms and other basic amenities at many libraries deter the elderly populace from visiting the libraries. Unlike gyms, the libraries do open quite regularly but their timings have been cut short by three hours. According to National Library’s website, the
timing is from 8am in the morning to 7pm in the evening. However, many libraries close around long before the prescribed time. Every sector in Islamabad boasts of multiple parks. There are separate parks for children, ladies and senior citizens. There are community parks that have football ground, tennis court, basketball court, outdoor gyms and running tracks. Many of these parks are in a derelict condition. The nets are missing, the partitions are nowhere in sight, there is ugly graffiti all over the place and at night there is no electricity in and around the parks. Since CDA has no official spokesperson presently and things are in a flux at CDA and Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC), therefore, no comment was available.
Mishaal Mallick, the wife of a renowned Hurriyat leader, Yasin Malik has said that the Indian government has crossed all limits of brutality on the people of Kashmir. She stated this while addressing a seminar organised by the State Youth Parliament on Wednesday on the topic of Kashmir Solidarity in which the representatives from student organisations participated from all over the country. The conference was presided over by the State Youth Parliament President Shaheer Sialvi. Speaking on the occasion Mishaal Mallick said that India was trying to settle the Hindu settlers in huge amount in Kashmir, which was a deliberate plan to turn Kashmiri Muslim majority into a minority. She said that Indian government was working on this plan so that if there will be any plebiscite in Kashmir, according to the resolutions of United Nations, the results will be in favour of India. Students from Indian Occupied Kashmir also addressed the seminar. Pirzada Muhammad Amin from Manki Sharif said: “Manki Sharif played an important role in the jihad for Kashmir and if Pakistan will need our support anytime in future, our thousands of followers will be there to rescue Pakistan”. Shaheer Sialvi while addressing the seminar puts his demand to the government of Pakistan for allocating a special quota for students from Indian Occupied Kashmir in colleges and universities of Pakistan.
Three children die, four injured in wall collapse incident DERA ISMAIL KHAN
ISLAMABAD: A cyclist pedals his way home during heavy rain on Wednesday. INP
APP
At least three children were killed and four others were injured when the wall of an under-construction house fell on them in Ganj Kari Shamozai area on Wednesday. Police said the children were playing near the newly raised structure of a house when a wall fell on them, killing three of the children and injuring four others. The injured children were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. The injured included Aqsa Bibi, Siraj and two brothers named Sadiq and Khalid.
17 suspects held with arms, drugs in Peshawar PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT
At least 17 suspects, including Afghan nationals, were arrested with arms and drugs during a search operation on Wednesday. The police and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) personnel conducted a joint search operation against the outlaws in Qazi Kaley and surrounding localities of the provincial capital Peshawar. During operation, the LEAs apprehended 17 suspects, including Afghan nationals, with arms and drugs.
Senate body reiterates demand for briefing on housing schemes in less developed areas ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
The Senate’s Standing Committee on Underdeveloped Areas held a meeting to discuss the performance of the ministry of Housing and Works and its attached departments in underdeveloped districts and FATA. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Senator Usman Khan Kakar at the Parliament House on Wednesday. According to the data provided by PWD, out of 27 development schemes in Balochistan, not a single scheme was completed in 2014-15. 110 schemes out of 131, and 13 out of 43 were completed in underdeveloped areas of KP and Sindh respectively.
However, when senators expressed concerns regarding the slow pace of work and no attention given to projects in underdeveloped areas, the ministry of Housing and Works told the committee that this data was updated on 30 April and work will be completed by 30 June. The committee expressed anguish over presenting old data to the committee. The committee was further told that amount for development schemes in Balochistan was released on 14 and 19 June and due to short time left of the fiscal year, work could not be completed. The committee decided to take up the matter of delay in the release of the budget by the finance ministry and to check which department is re-
sponsible for the delay. The committee also questioned the status of National Housing Authority (NHA) and its budget allocation. The committee was told that NHA is an attached department of the ministry and has only a corresponding role for the PM’s low-cost ‘Apna Ghar Scheme’. The committee members were surprised to know that no work has been done on this scheme other than land allocation in some areas of Sindh, KP and Balochistan. The meeting was attended among others by Senator Mir Kabeer Shahi, Senator Samina Abid, Senator Gianchand, Senator Sarda Musakhel, Senator Jehanzeb Jamaldini and Secretary Housing and Works.
Hajj corruption case: Hamid Saeed Kazmi challenges prison sentence in IHC ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Former federal minister for religious affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi on Wednesday challenged the verdict of the trial court in Hajj corruption case in Islamabad High Court (IHC). Earlier, a local court sentenced to imprisonment for 16 years to Hamid Saeed Kazmi in Hajj corruption case. The court had given 16 years imprisonment to Hamid Saeed Kazmi while former director general Hajj Rao Shakeel had been sentenced to 40 years in jail by the trial court. The court also announced 16 years sentence to Aftab Islam, who is an accomplice in the Hajj scandal case. This scandal had occurred in the PPP’s government tenure during 2008 to 2013.
ISLAMABAD 07
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
Residents of Chaklala Cantonment Board decry water shortage RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
rAWALpInDI: Government officials have parked their vehicles in a space reserved for senior citizens and disabled persons at Ramzan Bazaar of Chaklala UC-76. INP
amend the ConStitution to take away exCeSS grantS: piLdat ISLAMABAD
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hAMId KhAN wAzIR
AKISTAN Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) stressed the need for amending the constitution to take away the powers of supplementary grants from federal and provincial governments. This is because it further erodes even the cosmetic role of the National Assembly (NA) in scrutiny and passage of the budget. It is a mockery of parliamentary supremacy and runs counter to the spirit of democracy that excess spending and other changes in the approved budget are made without the prior approval of the NA. Therefore, to strengthen the parliament’s role in budget scrutiny, PILDAT demanded: “The parliament must create the necessary political consen-
thInK-tanK SayS exceSS grantS reduceS the SerIouSneSS In budget MaKIng sus to amend the constitution”. It said that it is necessary to take away the powers of excess and supplementary grants from federal and provincial governments and to make it incumbent upon each government to seek ‘prior’ approval in case any extra expenditure is required. The definitions of excess and supplementary grants must also be revised to be stringent and precise in scope. Just as the Constitution of Pakistan requires the federal government present an annual budget statement to the NA in respect of each financial year, the same constitution, through Article 84, also suggests that the federal government has the power to spend amounts and get an ex-post (after
spending the money) approval from the NA. However, the irony is that Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar sought the parliament’s postfacto approval for Rs 261 billion ‘supplementary budget’ to cover governmental expenditure overruns in the outgoing fiscal year. This was almost 28% higher than the figure approved last year. NA passed the budget each year that prescribes limits and purpose; hence, the additional budget and re-appropriation can change the prescribed limit and purpose, it added. Prior approval of NA is, therefore, not required and hence the sanctity of the original budget passed by NA is lost. The national budget, therefore, is
the single most important manifest of governmental priorities. “Power of the purse” is an incontestable democratic fundamental. Hence, it said that in order to strengthen parliament’s role in budget scrutiny, it requires many reforms with the budget procedures, but a major reform, in this case, is required in the Constitution of Pakistan. The constitutional power of supplementary and excess grants caused many problems, as it reduced the seriousness in the budget making because each government knows it can increase the budgetary limits or change the purpose during the year. Besides, the focus on policy is lost, as policymaking and implementation is hampered once the purpose of funds is changed. Similarly, monitoring and accountability become difficult since the executed initiatives may differ from approved initiates.
The Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB) consisting of millions of individuals is hit by severe water shortage. Blistering weather coupled with the arrival of the fasting month has made it impossible for the citizens to live under extreme conditions without an adequate supply of water. It has become a routine that the residents are seen holding large utensils, knocking at other people’s doors to acquire water. The areas of Dheri Hassanabad, Lalkurti, Jhanda Chichi, Dhok Chiragh Din and surrounding localities are enlisted as the most water deficit areas. The supply of water in these areas was scheduled on an alternate day, but this routine has been called off as well. A protest demonstration was witnessed in the area of Dheri Hassanabad where the residents, mainly women and children, stood before a sealed water filtration plant with empty water cans and bottles to draw the attention of the authorities concerned to the troubles of the people. The protestors demanded uninterrupted supply of water. The CCB did not plan an uninterrupted supply of water for the residents of the area before the advent of summer, locals said. The negligence of the department has resulted in the scarcity of water, depriving the residents of their basic need, they complained. The helpless citizens made complaints to the newly elected public representatives for the solution of their miseries. As a response to their requests the public representatives sent them away after promising that the department will shortly overcome the scarcity of water. The spokesperson of CCB maintained that shortage of water during summer is natural. He promised to increase the number of water tankers in the water deficit areas.
Woman killed RAWALPINDI ONlINE
A woman was killed by unknown persons within Saddar police jurisdiction. Rasheed Jamal, a resident of Saddar, lodged a complaint with the local police that while he was at work his neighbour informed him that his wife Rehana, 35, has been killed by unidentified persons. According to the complainant, when he returned home he found his wife lying in a pool of blood.
Man shot dead ISLAMABAD ONlINE
A man was gunned down within Nilore police limits. Shoaib Khan, a resident of Nilore, lodged a complaint with the local police that his brother, Tanveer, was returning from work when Muhammad Wari, a resident of the same locality, opened fire on him and killed him on the spot. The police have registered a case and shifted the body to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for autopsy.
KP government releases Rs 15.13 billion out of Rs 30b allocated district ADP PESHAWAR APP
Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) under section 53 (a) of the Local Government Act 2013 allocated 30 per cent development budget of the total KP budget for local government, but only released Rs 12 billion of the total Rs 30 billion. According to the analysis of Center for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), the provincial government is struggling in realising 2015-16 budget estimates revenue and has to cut down its development budget. CGPA Programme Manager Malik
Masood said that Rs 15.13 billion has been released under district ADP out of the total Rs 30 billion allocated budget for districts, adding that village councils and neighborhood councils have received Rs 6.5 billion out of Rs 13.1 billion allocation, while tehsils and town councils have received Rs 4.2 billion out of Rs 8.5 billion and the district councils have received Rs 4.3 billion out of Rs 8.5 billion allocation. “The funds were distributed under the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) formula that comprises 60 per cent on population, 20 per cent on backwardness and 20 per cent on lag in infrastructure,” he said. He added that under the PFC,
Torghar and Kohistan were the most backward districts of KP securing 1.97 per cent budget out of total 20 percent under backwardness followed by Shangla which could only get 1.26 per cent of the total. On the other hand, he told that Peshawar secured 6.83 per cent out of 60 per cent under the population head followed by Mardan 4.93 per cent and Swat 4.25 per cent respectively. Similarly Peshawar secured 2.1 per cent under lag in infrastructure out of 20 per cent followed by Mardan and Swat securing 1.23 per cent each. Masood said Peshawar got a total Rs 1,516 million for village councils, tehsils and districts, Mardan Rs 1089 million,
Swat Rs 964 million, Mansehra Rs 795 million, Swabi Rs 792 million, Charsadda Rs 786 million, DI Khan Rs 716 million, Abbottabad Rs 710 million, Nowshera Rs 684 million, Lower Dir Rs 649 million, Kohat Rs 598 million, Haripur Rs 596 million, Bannu Rs 565 million, Upper Dir Rs 526 million, Bunner Rs459 million, Laki Marwat Rs458 million, Shangla Rs 455 million, Kohistan Rs 440 million, Malakand Rs 392 million, Karak Rs 386 million, Battagram Rs 345 million, Chitral Rs 339 million, Hangu Rs 315 million, Tank Rs 291 million and Torghar Rs 263 million respectively. CGPA Programme Manager Malik Masood stated that the district ADP has
been reduced owing to the provincial revenue shortfall. However, the revised allocations are yet to be determined for district ADP. He demanded KP government to realistically estimate revenue estimates ahead of 2016-17 budget as provincial government is facing shortages in its own provincial estimated revenues in 2015-16 budget, besides the shortages in receipts from federal consolidated funds. He also urged the provincial government to not cut down the district ADP as it will discourage the local governments, “the government should also improve its timely utilisation capacity of development funds,” demanded Masood.
08 COMMENT
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
Pakistan and US-India understanding
The religiotainment wizards of Pakistan A constellation of six glittering stars
Need to improve relations
ground for an ad selling soft drink, fries, or some dairy product. The fasting month of course coincides with the peak season, but the religiotainment industry is lucrative all year round. In the following, I list six superstars from this thriving industry. Starting from the “end of Times”, Dr Masood has made the theme absolutely his own. even his political analyses of the here and now have all the doom and gloom of the apocalypse. Thankfully for the believers however, at the end there is the joy of the rapture, or something very like it. The interesting thing about the doomsday scenarios is that regardless of the religion, they are all pretty much identical – there is much violence and blood; only the identity of the blessed and the doomed differ according to the narrative. Dr Masood is always very careful to tell the ‘correct’ version. A variant of the “end of Time” stories is the Ghazwa-e-hind narrative, the most popular version coming from Zaid hamid whose very name is now synonymous with the concept. The story usually has the Muslim forces marching into Delhi. Videos of hamid horse-riding and discharging sundry firearm rounds (presumably by way of rehearsal for the war) are available on Youtube. This narrative may sound political or military, but it derives all its strength from religion. These may be tough times for hamid, he
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heRe is a clear division between Pakistan and its traditional ally the US over the issue of terrorists. This became amply clear when Mullah Mansour was killed in a drone strike in Balochistan. Pakistan protested against the attack, calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty. It was revealed that President Obama had personally approved the drone strike and that it may not be the last one. State Department Spokesman Mark Toner later made it clear that any Taliban involved in attacks on the US and allied troops in Afghanistan will face a similar fate. he reiterated that terrorists still find safe havens on Pakistan’s territory and there is a need to root them out. The commonality of views over the issue between the US and India finds place in the joint statement by President Obama and Prime Minister Modi. While vowing to stand together against terrorism and extremism the two leaders condemned terrorist incidents from Paris to Pathankot, calling them a threat posed to human civilisation. The two leaders vowed to bring to justice the ‘perpetrators of terrorism anywhere in the world and the infrastructure that supports them’. The statement particularly names ‘Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, D-Company and their affiliates’ among others. hopefully those who make security policy will realise the grim implications of the statement. As if this was not enough, Obama and Modi jointly called for Pakistan ‘to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terrorist attacks to justice’. It is time Pakistan reviews its policy towards its so called assets. It is in the interests of the people of Pakistan to put an end to the killings of innocent civilians and servicemen by terrorist networks operating from areas along the Durand Line. The Afghan government lacks the capacity to perform the job alone. What is needed is a synchronised, joint operation by Pakistan, Afghanistan and the remainder of the US-led troops. A joint military action that eradicates the threat would bring Afghanistan and Pakistan closer and improve relations with the US.
hasan aftab saeed
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hIS year’s Ramzan has brought great news. Dr Shahid Masood’s much awaited third series on the “end of Times” is ready for release. This one is aptly entitled The Final Call since Dr Masood, by his own admission, may not be able to carry out in future the extensive research needed for such projects. If the teaser is anything to go by, the series, for the first time, will feature the concepts of time and the speed of light. Coming from Dr Masood, a mouth-watering prospect indeed! Ramzan or not, we have all received text messages offering a hadees a day for Rs 9.95 plus tax. The same goes for TV ads, whose inevitable tinge of religious sentimentality becomes even more thinly-disguised in Ramzan; what with the usual sight of the Muslim family happily breaking the fast, or the sound of azaan in the back-
Hasan Aftab Saeed is a connoisseur of music, literature, and food (but not drinks). He can be reached at hasanas@live.jp
NSG membership and Pakistan
Number fudging allegations
A policy of mutual inclusion bears mutual benefits
Improving the budget
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he post budget debate in the National Assembly did not go too well for the government. The immediate rejection of the budget speech was not just a knee-jerk thing after all. The opposition, particularly PTI, has presented too large a charge sheet to be dismissed out of hand. The thing about fudging figures – including the growth rate – especially, is a very serious charge, and if backed up by proper evidence, needs thorough checking and explaining now on part of the government. Noted economist Dr hafiz Pasha first raised the storm on budget evening itself, implying the real GDP growth figure was nearer 3.1 percent than 4.7 percent. But other than fudging, too, PTI ‘finance man’ Asad Umar raised questions that the government will have to answer. even if growth is above 4pc, historical average still puts the last few years in the lowest growth bracket in fifty years. Investment, currently at 15.1pc, is lowest in six decades, according to Umar. Also, it is chilling that while the PPP government amassed an annual Rs1.2 trillion in debt, in the first three years of the present government the annual increase in debt has risen to Rs2 trillion. All this presents a rather sobering picture of the economy, contrary to Dar sb’s boasts at the budget. But if taxes are at a historical low, exports are stagnant, agriculture just crashed through the floor, and even the steel mills is shut down for eight months, can growth really be on a sustainable trajectory? Dar sb, like every other Pakistani finance minister, has been consistent only in missing budget targets time after time. So there is only so much legitimacy in the budget speech itself. The exchange in the Assembly takes place precisely because the government needs to clarify ambiguities. And since the opposition has put up some serious charges, it must present appropriate proof. And the government too must prove it has not lied to the people.
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being denied access to TV and all, but only a foolish man will write him off so easily. he has risen from the ashes of disasters before, and using his Teflon resilience will most probably do so again. The suave and soft-spoken Bilal Qutab is next, his specialty being the wazeefa show (no it doesn’t mean scholarship). One needs to meet his fans to have an idea about the kind of loyal following he commands. The only info needed in order to benefit from his programme is one’s mother’s maiden name and one’s own date of birth. You can either ask for a wazeefa, or can directly get a dum from Qutab by placing a glass of water next to your TV screen. The next two stars of our constellation are Tariq Jameel and Junaid Jamshed. In terms of the light they emit, they are very similar to one another. Junaid has of course been a star from his Vital Signs days. he has never looked back – TV preaching, garments brand, J Fragrances, lecture tours… you name it. Maulana Jameel commands even a greater fan following, if anything. Of course I sort of knew about him all along but the first time I ever listened to his lecture on the internet was probably in 2009-10. I was half-lying in my chair, as was my habit (still is); and Maulana sahib was describing the houris of paradise. I distinctly remember abruptly getting up and taking notice. I have been a fan ever since.
Last but definitely not the least; we now come to the reigning king of religiotainment – none other than Dr Aamir Liaquat hussain. Nobody does Ramzan quite like hussain. Unlike the American televangelists, he doesn’t ask for money from his devotees – plenty of money comes from the sponsors. his ‘constituency’ is the whole of Pakistan, and all his fans need to do is keep watching and endorsing his show, which they never fail to do. Apart from the usual quiz sections and other regular stuff, the show features delightful sights of hussain thrusting mangoes down people’s throats. hussain demands no special skillset on the part of his guests, except the ability to make absolute fools of one’s self. If Dr hussain’s immense knowledge of Islamic history or his penchant for playing the clown won’t win you over; his devotional singing certainly will. If the show has any negatives, they are minor in nature. For example, there is an occasional urge on the part of the viewer to reach for the revolver and do something rash. Dr hussain consistently features in the list of 500 influential Muslims of the world. he is a walking encyclopaedia of all art forms, especially drama and cinema. And he completely understands the subject, as was evident by his quite impromptu professional appraisal of Ghalib.
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Malik MuhaMMad ashraf
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fasting ban in China is the talk of the town nowadays. Journalistic circles in Pakistan are not ready to believe that fasting could be banned in any country. even the brutal regime of Israel doesn’t put any restrictions on fasting by Palestinians in the holy month of Ramzan. So how China could put curbs on its own citizens for fasting? ever since the civil nuclear technology deal was struck between USA and India and the US manoeuvred NSG waiver for her new partner, Pakistan has been striving hard to convince the US and the international community about its credentials to deserve membership of the group and the adoption of a non-discriminatory approach in regard to admittance of non-NPT states to the NSG. While US has stood for Indian membership of NSG all along, it has not been favouring the same consideration for Pakistan. At the third Nuclear Security Summit at hague, the prime minister made a forceful case for Pakistan’s inclusion in the NSG. he staked his claim for the membership of group and other international control regimes declaring that Pakistan had been running a safe and secure civil nuclear programme for the last 40 years, attached highest importance to nuclear security and had the expertise, manpower and infrastructure to produce civil nuclear energy. It has pursued a policy of restraint as well as credible minimum deterrence and its nuclear security is supported by five pillars - a strong command and control system, an integrated intelligence system, rigorous regulatory regime and active international cooperation. The security regime covers physical protection, material, control and accounting, border controls and radiological emergencies. Pakistan, he said, has also been regularly submitting reports to the UN Security Council 1540 committee on the measures that the country has put in place to exercise control over transfer of sensitive materials and technologies. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry (representing the Prime Minister at the fourth and the last Nuclear Security Summit in April), also strongly pleaded for Pakistan’s inclusion in
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NSG, saying that not only were Pakistan’s nuclear installations secure, but that the world also acknowledged that they were. he rightly emphasised that a policy of inclusiveness, rather than erecting barriers to the participation of wider circle of responsible states, would serve far better the common goals of strengthening global nuclear security. he said any discriminatory actions were bound to create fissures and apprehensions about the motives of the powers trying to sell the idea of non-proliferation and nuclear security. It was indeed a very logical argument and a perfect recipe for obtaining unqualified support of the countries of the world on the issue. An incisive look at these claims reveals that they were very much in harmony with the NSG requirements and the objectives of the nuclear security and qualify Pakistan for a place in the comity of nuclear suppliers and other international regulatory regimes on export of nuclear materials. The diplomatic offensive of Pakistan produced positive results. US authorities confessed that they were impressed by the steps that Pakistan had taken to secure nuclear weapons and materials since the beginning of Summit process. In their view, Pakistan took this issue very seriously. Another big gain of this interaction with the global community and the US President was that President Obama told a post-summit press conference “we need to see progress in Pakistan and India, making sure as they develop military doctrines that they are not moving in the wrong direction”. It was a visible departure from the previous stance of US on the nuclear question when it invariably chose to advise Pakistan to cap its nuclear programme unilaterally without giving same advice to India. Reportedly, a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the eighth round of Pak-US Security, Strategic Stability and Non-proliferation working group in Islamabad recently stated “The US delegation recognised Pakistan’s significant efforts to harmonise its strategic trade controls with those of NSG and other multilateral export control regimes. Both sides agreed on the value of Pakistan’s continued engagement, outreach and integration into international non-proliferation regime’. encouraged by US change of mind and expression of support, Pakistan has formally applied for the membership of NSG and the group which is likely to have two meetings on 9th and 23rd June respectively. In these, they will deliberate on the requests of both India and Pakistan for inclusion. Pakistan has invariably stressed the need for a non-discriminatory criteria-based approach in regard to inclusion of non-NPT states
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in the NSG. It is however not certain of the fate of these requests as opinion within the NSG on inclusion of new non-NPT members is divided. The existing rules and criteria does not provide for admitting the non-NPT members into the NSG fold. To pave the way for any such initiative amendments will have to be made to the existing rules. Some countries did express concern about India expanding its nuclear arsenal by diverting the fissile materials for production of nuclear weapons when the NSG waiver was given to said nation. These concerns still persist. Some international agencies have come up with reports recently that, after the NSG waiver, India has indeed expanded its nuclear arsenal. US Senator Markey in a senate hearing recently said “since 2008 when we also gave them exemption, India has continued to produce fissile materials for its nuclear programme virtually unchecked. At that time Pakistan warned us that the deal would increase the chances of the nuclear arms race in South Asia.” Despite this, the US and some other countries would like admittance of India in the group. however to achieve consensus on the issue they will have to adopt a non-discriminatory and criteria-based approach. Any discriminatory treatment towards Pakistan in regard to membership of NSG would push Pakistan for ‘full nuclear deterrence’ vis-àvis India which will deal a big blow to the efforts of the international community to promote the cause of non-proliferation. Simultaneous inclusion of Pakistan and India in the NSG will not only establish the principle of non-discrimination but would add to the strength of NSG in furthering the objectives of nuclear non-proliferation and well controlled export of nuclear materials for promoting international nuclear trade cooperation. Pakistan would be in a better position to contribute to firming up and refining the regulatory guidelines and safeguarding its interests as an NSG member. It would also allow Pakistan to export nuclear materials to other countries under the gaze of global community in a legitimate manner - with all the accompanying economic benefits - as well as reinforcing its credentials as a useful member of the global community. It is hoped that the members of NSG, US and its allies will keep all the foregoing variables into consideration and give adequate and well deserved attention to the security concerns of Pakistan while deciding the fate of the request of both the countries. Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic. He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail.com I
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
COMMENT 09
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
Editor’s mail
Send your letters to: letters to editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, lahore, Pakistan. Fax: +92-42-32535230 E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
World Environment Day
The myth of fasting ban in China It’s not all black and white
Mian abrar
A
fasting ban in China is the talk of the town nowadays. Journalistic circles in Pakistan are not ready to believe that fasting could be banned in any country. even the brutal regime of Israel doesn’t put any restrictions on fasting by Palestinians in the holy month of Ramzan. So how China could put curbs on its own citizens for fasting? This intriguing question compelled me to delve into the matter. Over the past few days, I contacted numerous officials and common citizens in China to get a true picture on this fasting ban. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang for short) is located in northwest China where Muslims are in majority. For thousands of years it has been a multi-ethnic region of multiple religions. At present, the major religions in Xinjiang are Islam, Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism and Taoism. When contacted, a Chinese government official brushed aside the notion of fasting ban for Muslims, terming it a propaganda campaign to hurt the image of China among Muslims. “There is nothing new in this propaganda campaign. every year with the arrival of the holy month of Ramzan, a vicious propaganda campaign based on lies is projected just to harm the image of China and its valiant people. There is absolutely no ban on fasting in China. Rather, the Xinjiang government facilitates the Muslims fasting in Ramzan,” the official said. “Chinese government never believed in putting curbs on ethnic minorities. Fasting ban in China is a false propaganda. This issue is actually being confused by some media organisations who don’t understand the system in China,” the official asserted. An official in Xinjiang government also confirmed that no such ban has been officially enforced in the province. The official said that like the central government, the local governments at all levels of Xinjiang have fully implemented the system of regional ethnic autonomy and the policy on the freedom of religious belief, and constantly improved laws and regulations on the administration of religious affairs.
“All religions in Xinjiang have thus reached a new historical stage at which they coexist in harmony. Religious freedom is protected under the constitution in China, which the government strictly abides by. In case of minorities especially, the constitution is strictly followed to ensure harmony, peace and tranquillity among peoples from various faiths and beliefs,” the official added. The Constitution of the People’s Republic of China clearly stipulates: “Citizens of the People’s Republic of China enjoy freedom of religious belief.” “No state organ, public organisation or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or not believe in, any religion; nor may they discriminate against citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion.” “The state protects normal religious activities. No one may make use of religion to engage in activities that disrupt public order, impair the health of citizens or interfere with the educational system of the state.” According to the Regulations on Religious Affairs promulgated by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and the Regulations of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Religious Affairs promulgated by the local government of Xinjiang, both reflect the above principles of the Constitution that “citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief” and that “the state protects normal religious activities.” Under the law, it is a completely independent choice of citizens to believe in, or not believe in, any religion. No organisation or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or not believe in, any religion; nor may they discriminate against citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion. No citizen suffers discrimination or unfair treatment for believing in, or not believing in, any religion. Relevant rules and regulations of Xinjiang also have provisions on religious groups, venues for religious activities, clerical personnel, religious activities, religious property and related matters. Citizens’ freedom of religious belief and their obligations are unified; citizens who believe in or do not believe in any religion must fulfil the obligations prescribed by the Constitution and the law. Anyone who infringes upon citizens’ freedom of religious belief shall bear the corresponding legal liability. These activities are protected by law, and no organisation or individual may interfere with them. To ensure successful pilgrimages for believers in Islam, Xinjiang adopts a policy of organised and planned pilgrimages. The official said President Xi Jinping strongly believed in implementing the constitution in letter and spirit. “Specific directions have been passed on to government authorities in Xinjiang to ensure that Muslim citizens enjoy religious freedom,” the official added. During my recent visit to Xinjiang province, I also tried to investigate the fasting ban. Most of the Muslims in
Ürümqi and Kashgar, with whom I spoke to, mentioned that they faced no obstructions in fasting and neither have they been prohibited or reprimanded. I also visited the main eidgah Mosque in Kashgar city and found people offering prayers. The mosque is the largest in the country and attracts more than 10,000 Muslims on important religious occasions, like eidul Fitr or eidul Azha. Mohammed Noor, a Muslim praying at eidgah, said there was no restriction on fasting in Xinjiang. “We have full freedom to observe religious rituals,” he said. During my interaction with people in Xinjiang, it came to the fore that those government servants who are members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) are advised not to observe fasting during their duties. Since communists do not follow the teachings of Islam, they also do not observe fasting. So the government employees are guided not to fast as the ruling party does not encourage any religious activities. Ahmed Ali, a religious scholar in Xinjiang, says that even Islam allows children, old and the ill not to fast as it may hamper their recovery and physical and mental growth. Discussions with some of the schoolteachers at a local school in Urumqi revealed that the government has not banned fasting for students and teachers, rather they are encouraged not to observe fasting, ensuring their mental and physical growth and nourishment as fasting may harm their mental and physical growth. “China puts education high on its priority. China’s school time starts from 8:00 in the morning and continues until 4 in the evening and if some children want to do homework at school, their timing could go beyond 6pm. Can anyone even think of studying all day long?” the head teacher argued. She said it gets more complicated if you are not a grown up man or woman. “Since the Chinese nationals give top priority to education, it is beyond comprehension for kids to continue long hours of fasting while being in school. No one can survive this long study while fasting. Moreover, it is difficult to carry on for a month in a competitive environment,” she added. Chinese government respects people’s freedom to believe in whatever they want to believe, but they discourage the promotion of any religions. Citizens’ religious feelings and needs are fully respected. During the holy Islamic month of Ramzan whether to close or open halal (Muslim food) restaurants is completely determined by the owners themselves without interference. There are mosques with a tradition of having iftar and a number of religious believers provide free iftar to fasting people. Mian Abrar heads Pakistan Today's islamabad Bureau. He has a special focus on counter-terrorism and inter-state relations in Asia, Asia Pacific and South east Asia regions.
WORLD environment Day is celebrated on June 5 every year by people all across the world to raise global awareness about the importance of a healthy and green environment in human lives. This day is celebrated to encourage people from all walks of life not only to actively participate in the celebration, but also to become active agents in developing environmental safety measures. It is a day to encourage people to make their nearby surroundings safe and clean in order to enjoy safer, cleaner and prosperous future. The 2016 theme for World environment Day is “Zero Tolerance for the Illegal Wildlife Trade”, as the increasing illegal trade in wildlife is eroding earth’s precious biodiversity and pushing the whole species towards extinction. Like other parts of the world, World environment Day was also observed across the country with the aim to protect environment and motivate people to be a causative agent of change against the deteriorating quality of environment for the future generations. In connection with this year’s theme, a number of activities and events were organised by different government and non-governmental organisations in Lahore in a bid to highlight the importance of the day besides raising awareness on illegal trade of wildlife and eco-friendly initiatives for better environment. Celebrations included an awareness walk, plantation, camping, public briefing, leafleting and a massive cleanup operation. All this is a welcome step as little things can make a big difference. Making a difference in how we do things in our daily lives can also help a lot. Therefore, we must join hands with the government to save the environment and every effort should be made for maximum tree plantation. If we had kept a check on ourselves as nations and individuals, we could have had a much less damaging effect on our planet. Yet no political movement is more vital and timely than modern environmentalism because we must save ourselves from our own immediate folly. Syed Ali QASiM lahore
We need the vultures – save them FROM the salty seas to the barren deserts and from the deep oceans to the bleak plains, wild animals face the ongoing threat of cruelty and annihilation which is exceeding without any respite. Yet vultures serve a vital role for the planet, and for the health and the well-being of the people who live near them. And while they may not fit everyone’s ideal of beauty, they are majestic aviators and stunning in flight. Vultures can be found in every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The Conservation and Protection of Vultures in South Asia is needed anyhow to save the precious species from extinction, which provide a check on environmental degradation caused by rotting of corpses (dead animals). According to some figures compiled by ornithologists, vultures are biological waste controllers who feed on the corpses of the animals and control epidemics like splenic fever (anthrax) which can contaminate water sources and also stop the breeding of other scavengers such as feral dogs and some others which spread rabies. About 15 or 16 years ago we could find millions of vultures in India including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Nepal but in very recent years they are in danger of completely disappearing from the blue planet. Two species of vultures native to India, Pakistan and Nepal have declined by 97 per cent while another species by 99.9 per cent. Vultures are confronting many outcomes which include shortage of dead animals on which they feed on, etc, so measures should be adopted to further speed up efforts towards arresting the decline. ZeeSHAn nASir Turbat
Narcotic smuggling at airports IN last few weeks there has been rise in incidences of large quantity of heroin hidden on board PIA flights caught by Customs in Karachi. huge quantity such as 27 Kg of heroin cannot be brought into airport sensitive area through normal passenger entry points. This must have been sneaked into airport premises through various numerous entry points which are manned by ASF and hidden on aircraft behind panels with connivance of CAA, Ground handling agencies or airline employees. There are too many individuals exempted from search at our airports. As it is, Pakistan airports have been designated as unsafe. emergence of housing societies and other commercial activity in the vicinity of what should have been a Sterile Zone have further compromised aviation safety. There is a Standard Operating Procedure that before every departure a joint search is conducted by ASF, Anti Narcotics and concerned airline technicians certifying that they have checked aircraft especially toilets. Anti Narcotic and Customs deploy trained dogs for such checks. The unfortunate reality is that there have been many frequent security lapses at Karachi Airport and nobody has been held accountable and punished. It was during PPP’s tenure under politically appointed DG and CFO of CAA that non-scheduled airlines were involved in undocumented operation and Landing and Parking Fee pocketed by them in connivance with other CAA officials for over a year. Media reports suggest that various commercial outlets located in Transit Lounges have been involved in Karachi and Lahore airport in organised money laundering and smuggling. Along with this, presence of too many foreign nationality holders, in both CAA and PIA crew, is another factor involved in organised money laundering. AneelA CHAndio Sukkur
10 BUSINESS
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
ABout 7,092 villAgeS to Be eleCtRifieD DuRiNg thiS fiNANCiAl yeAR ISLAMABAD
A
app
S many as 7,092 villages will be electrified by the end of financial year 2016-17, compared to 6,046 villages during the outgoing fiscal year 201516, officials told APP on Wednesday. “Power generation projects of 5,304MW capacity would help electrification of more villages this year and the demand and supply gap in the electricity is expected to narrow down,” said officials. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is also expected to
CDWP approves 14 projects worth Rs 1.1 trillion ISLAMABAD
add up to 19,400MW to the national grid by 2018 in the Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode. CPEC projects include coal, hydro and wind, the sources said adding that it would not only augment supplies in a major way, but also significantly change the energy mix by reducing the average cost of generation. The development of hydro resources is being actively pursued and about 9,551MW projects are at various stages of construction. Work on 969MW Neelum-Jhelum power project is in advance stage of construction with 80.4 per cent physical work completed on the project. The first unit of 242MW capacity will start generation in
July 2017 and other three units will start generation by the end of 2017. Likewise, the first unit of Tarbela 4th extension will start generation of 470MW in 2016-17. Other power generation projects are at various stages of construction, including 4,500MW Diamer Bhasha, 128MW Keyal Khwar, 106MW Golan Gol, 2,160 MW Dasu Hydropower Project, 34.5MW Harpo, 243MW 2nd Rehabilitation of Warsak Hydropower Station. Similarly, 2,880MW nuclear power projects are at various stages of construction. The sources said that the pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of approximately 18,875MW hydro projects have been completed and the said projects are
under various stages of approval while the required amount of money for these projects is being arranged. These are 7,100MW Bunji Hydropower Project, 310MW Refurbishment and up-gradation of Mangla Generation Unit 1-6, 1,100 MW Kohala, 690 MW Shyok Dam, 665 MW Lower Plas Valley, 496 MW Lower Spat Gah, 40MW Basho, 2,300MW Pattan, 4000MW Thakot, 2,100MW Dasu Stage-II, 48MW Jagran,
Oil hits 2016 highs on Nigeria sabotages, US draw forecasts
Staff RepoRt
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Wednesday approved 14 development projects worth Rs 1.1 trillion, out of which four development projects were recommended to Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The projects recommended to ENEC include Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG terminal and pipeline project (GNP), procurement of 75 diesel electric locomotives, upgradation of Pakistan Railway’s (PR) existing Mainline-1 (ML-1) and establishment of a dry port near Havalian and Improvement and widening of N-45 (130.22 km). The CDWP meeting was chaired by Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and attended by senior federal and provincial officials. The projects approved related to energy, water resources, environment, transport and communication, physical planning and housing, IT, mass media and governance. The CDWP approved rehabilitation of National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited (NTDC) system in areas in the south for improvement in the reliability of the system to avoid frequent tripping at the cost of Rs 1.064 billion and recommended Gwadar-NawabShah LNG Terminal and Pipeline (GNP) project to ECNEC for the cost of Rs 168 billion. The meeting approved Sindh Resilience Project (SRP) at the cost of Rs 2.495 billion and Establishment of Glacier Monitoring Network at the cost of Rs 892.481 million. CDWP approved Procurement of 75 locomotives out of which 55 locomotives will be of 4000-4500 HP and 20 locomotives of 2000-2500 HP, at a cost of Rs 45.7 billion and up- gradation of Pakistan Railway’s existing Mainline-1 and establishment of a dry port near Havalian at the cost of Rs 870.4 billion. The meeting approved improvement and widening of N-45 (130.22 Km) at the cost of Rs 19.6 billion and construction of Nahqi Tunnel, Mohmand Agency, FATA at the cost of Rs 2.4 billion. It also approved construction of road from Zera to Dabori, Orakzai Agency in FATA at the cost of Rs 1.9 billion. The CDWP approved computerisation of PM Secretariat (Phase 2) at the cost of Rs 123.9 million and approved replacement of 10 KW Medium Wave Transmitter D.I. Khan with 100 KW Medium Wave Transmitter under a USAID programme and shifting of the Broadcasting House to a new site at the cost of Rs 314 million. The meeting approved research and feasibility studies and workshops project at the cost of Rs 249.26 million and also approved Pakistan’s Productivity, Quality and Innovation Initiative’s estimated cost of Rs 250 million. It also cleared position paper of construction of accommodation for Bhittai Rangers in Karachi at the cost of Rs 2.8 billion.
LONDON aGeNCIeS
Oil prices rallied for a third straight session on Wednesday to new 2016 highs above $50 a barrel on relentless sabotage of oil supplies in Nigeria and ahead of U.S. crude inventory data likely to show draws. Data from showing May crude oil imports in China at their highest
in more than six years also boosted prices as it fed hopes that energy demand was stabilizing in the No. 2 economy and also the world’s second-largest oil consumer. The dollar’s drop to 5-week lows on waning expectations for an imminent U.S. rate hike also added to interest in greenback-denominated oil from holders of the euro and other currencies. [FRX/]
Brent crude futures rose $1 to $52.44 a barrel by 9:45 a.m. EDT (1345 GMT), after reaching $52.47, their highest level since October. US crude’s West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were up 88 cents at $51.24 a barrel, after rallying to $51.27, their highest since last July. “The trend is your friend and picking tops can be painful as all of the money out there chasing trends from the systematic side of the market can overwhelm,” said Scott Shelton, broker at ICAP in Durham, North Carolina. “That seems to be happening here and being driven by Nigeria outages and trade buying as they pull barrels from inventory.” The Niger Delta Avengers militant group in Nigeria, which has brought oil output in Africa’s largest producer to a 20year low, said it had blown up a Chevron oil well as it rejected peace talks with the government. The rebel assault came ahead of weekly crude inventory data from the U.S. government, likely to show draws.
Engro Corp sells stake in fertliser unit NEWS DESK Engro Corporation has sold over 28 per cent of its shareholding in Engro Fertilizers, Pakistan’s second largest fertilizer manufacturing company, to institutional and high net worth individuals in a private placement worth approximately $185 million. In a securities filing on Wednesday, Engro Corporation said it sold 295 million shares, which constitute 22.1 per cent of the total outstanding shares of Engro Fertilizers, at a price of Rs 65.47 per share. Engro Corporation owned as many as 78.8 per cent of over 1.3 billion outstanding shares in Engro Corporation at the beginning of 2016. Its shareholding in its fertilizer manufacturing subsidiary has been reduced to 56.6 per cent following the transaction. Engro Corporation did not state the reason for the share sell-off. However, analysts say the deal is part of the holding company’s strategy under which it is gradually steering away from non-energy businesses to focus on power-related projects. “The proceeds… are expected to finance the equity need of the ongoing Thar mining and power projects,” said BMA Capital Management analyst Sajjad Hussain. Engro Corporation is one of the largest conglomerates operating in the country with interests in energy,
fertilisers, petrochemical, food, trading and chemical storage. As much as 47.8 per cent of Engro Corporation’s total revenues in 2015 originated from its fertiliser unit while the contribution of power businesses in the company’s top line was 7%, according to Bloomberg data. Engro Corporation has recently been selling its stakes in non-energy businesses to raise cash for onward investments in energy-related busi-
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nesses. For example, it recently began negotiations with a Dutch company, Royal FrieslandCampina NV, for the sale of up to 51 per cent shares in Engro Foods, a subsidiary that contributed more than a quarter in the corporation’s revenues last year. The share price of Engro Corporation gained Rs3.27 on Tuesday, up almost 1% from the last day’s closing price to trade at Rs 350.50 a share at 10:45am.
and 26MW Shagarthang. In addition, almost a total of 4,020MW thermal projects in the public sector are under construction. These are 1320MW Coal fired Power Plant Jamshoro, while construction on two 2400MW LNG-based power plants at Haveli Bhadur Shah and Balloki have been started, and 300MW coal-fired Power Plant Gwadar is under active consideration. These plants are expected to be completed by 2018, sources added.
CCP issues Policy Note to PRA and SRB, recommends uniform tax rates KARACHI Staff RepoRt
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has issued a Policy Note to the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) and the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) recommending to them to withdraw the exemptions granted to the informal, non-corporate transporters of goods, from sales tax on inter-city carriage of goods by rail or road. The CCP took notice of the circulars issued by the Punjab Revenue Authority and the Sindh Revenue Board on September 1, 2015 and July 24, 2015, respectively granting exemptions to the informal transporters of goods from sales tax. The CCP observed that the exemptions granted to the non-corporate entities had placed the corporate sector at a competitive disadvantage. The Policy Note stated that preferential tax treatment of different undertakings is a competition concern as it creates an arbitrary distinction between services providers, with some entities liable to pay sales tax while other providers of exactly the same services in the same market are excluded. Such discrimination has the effect of lowering the cost of one group, without taking into account efficient management or other economic factors, and relies instead on the governmentcreated advantage. Apart from creating the anticompetitive environment, the exemption also has the implicit effect of promoting the undocumented sector at the cost of the documented sector, which needs to remain a separate policy consideration. The Policy Note recommends that the Punjab Revenue Authority and the Sindh Revenue Board withdraw the exemptions granted through their circulars, in order to ensure a level playing field for all the market players. It further recommends that Item No. 48 of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012 be amended to remove the exemption provided to individual owners of vehicles for carriage of goods. The Policy Note has been issued under Section 29 of the Competition Act, 2010, which empowers CCP to review policy frameworks to foster competition in all spheres of economic and commercial activity and to suggest legislative changes to the federal and provincial governments.
BUSINESS 11
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
CORPORATE CORNER JazzCash to offer health insurance with tPl Direct insurance ISLAMABAD: JazzCash has announced the launch ofSehat Sahulat, an affordable health insurance service, in partnership with TPL Direct Insurance for its Mobile Account Customers. This service offers access to quality health insurance to customers in emergency situations, or for inpatient hospitalization. JazzCash Mobile Account customers who opt for the service by paying an annual fee do not have to worry about their hospitalization needs nor do they have to carry an additional health card to avail their insurance. By simply presenting their CNIC at their nearest panel hospital, they can avail all the linked medical benefits as covered under the insurance plan. For emergency treatments, customers can visit non-panel hospitals as well and the cost will be reimbursed by the insurance company. pReSS ReLeaSe
No uNANNouNCeD loAD SheDDiNg, iNSiStS MiNiStRy of WAteR AND PoWeR says 97% urBan, 85% rural areas with zero load shedding at sehri and iftari ISLAMABAD
W
KARACHI: British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan along with International boxers at Pakistan’s first international boxing event. The event was organized by Iris Event Artistry & Planning and supported by Xenith Public Relations under its CSR initiative to raise funds for Thar. pR
Staff RepoRt
ITH the beginning of Ramzan, the Ministry of Water and Power is making all-out efforts to provide maximum relief to the domestic consumers, especially at the Sehri, Iftar and Taraweeh timings, despite a heat wave across the country where the mercury sometimes shoots up to 52 degrees. Official quarters said a rehearsal was conducted from the evening of June 6, 2016 and the Industrial feeders were closed to provide uninterrupted power supply to the domestic consumers. As much as 95% of the urban and 80% of the rural areas were supplied electricity. Similarly at Sehri time on June 7, the percentage of urban areas with electricity was 97% while 85% of urban areas experienced zero load shedding. At Iftari time on the first day of Ramzan (June 7), 96% urban area and 80% of the rural areas
were load shedding free. On Wednesday, at Sehri timing 97% of the urban areas and 90% of the rural areas remained under zero load shedding. An official statement said there is no unannounced load shedding in the country and Ministry of Water and Power Secretary Mohammad Younus Dagha is personally monitoring the situation at Sehri, Iftari and Taraweeh timings from the monitoring room of the Ministry. The statement said that the ministry is making all-out efforts to provide uninterrupted power supply to maximum domestic consumers. However, due to sever heat and other technical issues, some faults may occur at local level leading towards temporary disruption of power supply to a particular locality. The distribution companies (DISCOs) have formed special teams to rectify such faults on emergency basis. The Federal Complaint Cell at the Ministry of Water and Power is also working 24/7 to address consumers’ complaints across the country. Con-
Major Gainers COMPANY rafhan Maize nestle pak Xd pak services feroze 1888Xd packages ltd.
OPEN 8399.00 7500.00 612.00 385.41 598.01
HIGH 8399.00 7500.00 612.00 385.41 613.99
LOW 8399.00 7500.00 612.00 385.41 598.01
CLOSE CHANGE TURNOVER 8399.00 129.00 20 7500.00 54.23 20 612.00 29.14 50 385.41 18.35 2,500 610.86 10.15 20,800
senate standing committee finalises recommendations for finance bill ISLAMABAD
Major Losers unilever foods philip Morris pak. sapphire fiber abbott lab. atlas honda ltd
Staff RepoRt
5213.00 1581.66 589.10 662.00 400.50
5213.00 1581.66 589.10 662.00 400.50
5213.00 1581.66 589.10 661.01 384.00
5213.00 1581.66 589.10 661.39 389.64
-173.50 -83.24 -30.90 -19.11 -10.11
20 40 50 300 7,400
8.24 35.18 33.30 18.30 68.85
8.04 33.73 31.90 17.40 66.70
8.06 34.89 32.72 17.54 67.61
-0.14 1.33 0.81 -0.09 -0.74
22,283,500 15,719,500 13,452,000 10,489,000 10,177,500
Volume Leaders k-electric ltd. fauji cement pak int.Bulk dewan Motors engro fert.
8.20 33.80 32.02 17.67 67.00
Interbank Rates usd gBp Jpy euro
pkr 104.8119 pkr 154.0839 pkr 0.9530 pkr 117.1901
Forex uk pound sterling us dollar euro canadian dollar australian dollar Japanese yen saudi riyal u.a.e dirham china yuan
BUY
SELL
151.75 104.95 118.5 82 77.5 0.96 27.75 28.45 15.8
152.45 105.2 119 82.55 77.95 0.99 27.9 28.6 15.95
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatisation in its meeting at the Parliament House deliberated upon and finalised recommendations for Finance bill 2016-17. According to a press release, the meeting of the committee was presided over by Chairman Senator Saleem Mandviwala. Senators Usman Khan Kakar, Sardar Azam Musakhel and Gul Bashra of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party gave a number of recommendations primarily dealing with different projects in Balochistan. The committee gave six months deadline to Higher Education Commission to establish sub campuses of Balochistan University in Zhob and Chaman to facilitate the students of the area. The committee also considered a proposal to establish a Forestry University in Ziarat. Senator Usman Khan Kakar underscored the need for establishing a livestock university in District Musa Khel. Recommendations concerning 1,000MW solar, wind, gas and coal power projects on the CPEC western route were discussed and postponed until today (Thursday) to be discussed in the presence of officials from the Water and Power Ministry. Kuchlak to Zhob motorway, Zhob to D. I. Khan motorway and BostanKohat railway lines were decided to be
discussed today in the presence of NHA officials. The committee accepted the recommendation to hold a mineral survey in Quetta and Zhob divisions. In this regard, the Geological Survey of Pakistan will brief the committee. The committee approved Senator Usman Kakar’s recommendations regarding gas projects in Balochistan, circular railway projects, cancer hospital in Loralai, allergy centres in provincial capitals and clinical laboratories in Balochistan. Senator Kalsoom Parveen withdrew her recommendation regarding food security. Her recommendation regarding construction of mother and childcare hospitals in Quetta was approved. Balance amount of Rs 333 million for infrastructure of Lasbela university and fund allocation for solar tube wells in Balochistan were also accepted. The committee during its deliberations also passed three bills. The bills include ‘Corporate Restructuring companies Bill, 2016’, ‘Deposit Protection Corporations Bill, 2016’ and ‘Financial Institutions (Secured Transactions ) Bill, 2016’. The committee also discussed in detail the recommendations moved by Senator Sirajul Haq. The meeting was attended among others by Senators Ilyas Ahmed Bilour, Saud Majeed, Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari, Ayesha RazaFarooq, Kamil Ali Agha, Sardar Fateh Muhammad Muhammad Hassani, Mohsin Aziz, Mushahidullah Khan and Sirajul Haq.
sumers can call on 051-9103888, 0519206834 and 051-9204430 or may register online complaints on www.mowp.gov.pk. The statement said that due to unprecedented heat wave in the country, the demand for the electricity has also risen sharply. The Ministry of Water and Power has appealed to the consumers to adopt energy conservation measures and avoid wasting electricity. The Ministry has especially urged the consumers to minimise use of air-conditioners at the time of Sehri and Iftar so that maximum relief can be provided to domestic consumers across the country.
Pakistan shares hit yet another high KARACHI aGeNCIeS
Pakistan stocks climbed to yet another high on Wednesday, led by energy and cement stocks, dealers said. The benchmark 100-share index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange ended 0.09 percent higher at 37,426.39 points, after having earlier touched a high of 37,614.45.”The market witnessed a dull session today, but slowly climbed to yet another high while gaining 34 points,” said Hammad Aman, Manager Equity Sales at Topline Securities (Pvt) Ltd. Volume rose 38 percent to 140 million shares, while value was flat at 7.7 billion rupees. K-Electric and Fauji Cement Company Ltd led the volume charts with a combined trade of about 37 million shares. Continued interest was seen in Fauji Cement, which closed up 4.3 percent. Engro Corporation Ltd said it had sold 295 million shares of Engro Fertilizers Ltd through a private placement to local and foreign investors at a price of 65.47.Engro Corp gained 0.3 percent while Engro Fertilizers eased 0.8 percent.
AIIB LENDS SUPPORT FOR BELT AND ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN PAKISTAN Bank to approve $1.2 Billion in financing this year; Bank’s president says aiiB’s scope goes Beyond investing in Belt and road initiatives BEIJING INp
The first batch of investments by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will be announced on June 24 during its third board meeting, said the Bank’s President Jin Liqun. Jin added that the AIIB will support projects under the Belt and Road Initiative in countries such Pakistan and Indonesia. However, it was not created exclusively for this initiative. “We would finance infrastructure projects in all emerging market economies even though they don’t belong
to the Belt and Road Initiative,” he said. These will include the bank’s solely financed projects, as well as those co-financed with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. With authorised capital of $100 billion, the AIIB will invest in infrastructure, energy, transportation, urban construction, water supply and logistics as well as education, healthcare and environmental projects. The World Bank said in a statement that the AIIB expects to approve about $1.2 billion in financing this year, with projects jointly financed by the World Bank, which accounts for a sizable share. “The AIIB will also build branch of-
fices responsible for raising capital in both international and regional financial centers such as London, New York and Frankfurt,” Jin said. At a meeting with global executives from 15 companies including Royal Philips NV and Schneider Electric SA, Jin said: “The Belt and Road Initiative serves as a road map for how China will further integrate itself into the global economy, bringing new opportunities and a new future to China and every country along these developing trading routes.” Daimler AG Chairman and CEO Dieter Zetsche said: “I think the Belt and Road Initiative is about growing together globally. It’s the best prospective vision we could
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have to try to deal with the conflicts in a constructive way and to build bridges.” Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters said: “The initiative is a key factor for the devel-
opment of the region. And the fact that the AIIB is supporting it so actively is critically important in terms of building infrastructure and bringing out economic opportunities.
12 WORLD VIEW Al JAzeerA
i
HAMID DAbASHI
MAGINE Leonardo DiCaprio, say as Jordan Belfort in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Now imagine him as Rumi. Yes, Rumi: the Muslim mystic poet of the 13th century. Now imagine Robert Downey Jr, say as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Jon Favreau's Iron Man (2008). Now imagine him as Shams-e Tabrizi. That's right: the mysterious mystic centre of Rumi's deepest and most moving affections, the very inspiration behind his monumental collection of lyrical poetry. Believe it or not, this is not a mere flight of fantasy but the combined intention of a major Hollywood scriptwriter and a producer who have evidently come together to make a biopic on the Muslim mystic, scholar, thinker, and poet Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi: the author of two monumental masterpieces of Persian poetry, the Mathnavi and the Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi, the founder of the Mevlevi Order, whose Mausoleum in Konya is the pilgrimage destination of millions of his devotees from around the globe. "An Oscar-winning screenwriter," we read in the news,"has agreed to work on a biopic about the 13th-century poet Jalaluddin al-Rumi. David Franzoni, who wrote the script for the 2000 blockbuster Gladiator, and Stephen Joel Brown, a producer on the Rumi film, said they wanted to challenge the stereotypical portrayal of Muslim characters in western cinema by charting the life of the great Sufi scholar." Why not, was my first reaction to the news. Rumi is so big, so magnificent, so majestic a river that anyone can come closer and fill a bucketful with his grace and go about his business. Rumi is, of course, no stranger to New Age mysticism and has been quite successfully made available in English by
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
The hollywood bull enTers rumi's china shop
such cavalier "translators" as Coleman Barks and Deepak Chopra. Though quite distant from their original Persians, these English translations indeed read very well, create an engaging emotive universe, and successfully draw global attention to a poet otherwise entirely alien to them. When there is no rose, to borrow a metaphor from Rumi himself, what choices do people have but to remember it from a drop of rosewater! If you read the original Persian or are otherwise familiar with Rumi through the scholarship of the hard-working but quiet Orientalists such as R A Nicholson and A J Arberry, you may roll your eyes at some of these translations. But given Rumi's own predilection towards a playful soul he might have smilingly approved of his poetry being taken for a ride into English with such lovely disloyalty. You cannot really be stubbornly dogmatic about the persona and the poetry of a man who danced with words as he took all dogmas for a lovely bathing under a cascade of forgiving love. Can you? imagining rumi: Be that as it may, the new biopic this report promises is going to venture into a whole different domain: how to imagine and visualise Rumi, the world he lived, the divinity he experienced, the focal points of his love and affection, the universe that he thought engulfed his life and afterlife? Muslims who know and love Rumi,
especially those who are born and raised in his original Persian poetry, will and could never be satisfied with any rendition of him - Hollywood or otherwise. The reason for that is very simple. They have been imagining him in their own mind for generations and lifetimes, and the slightest variation from that imagining will lead them the wrong way. The incurable banality of Hollywood for casting famous actors of European descent in leading roles of non-European characters did not of course begin with the idea of having Leonardo DiCaprio play Rumi or Robert Downey Jr Shams-e Tabrizi. Just take a look at a picture of a blackface Laurence Olivier as Othello or Mahdi of Khartoum, or even more recently of Christian Bale as Moses in Ridley Scott's Exodus! The challenge that Hollywood and its scriptwriters and producers face, however, is much more serious than who will portray Rumi. As a titanic figure in Muslim moral and intellectual history, Rumi was the product of a moment when the Mongol invasion was bringing the Abbasid and Seljuqid empires to a crushing end to build an even more enormous and opulent empire on their ruins. Rumi was the single most towering moral intellect at the crosscurrent of that world-historic moment. His universe of imagination, the God he praised, the heavens he fathomed, the Persian poetry he perfected to the pitch of that divine presence are all at fundamental odds with
the fragmentary attention span of a world in which Hollywood has turned its attention to Rumi. As a poet, a mystic, and a prophetic soul, Rumi does not belong to anyone, and anyone can enter his presence and hope to receive the gift of his grace. If Hollywood wants to turn to Rumi, may Rumi's blessings be on Hollywood. But before Leonardo DiCaprio of Hollywood or Salman Khan of Bollywood is invited to play Rumi, the scriptwriter and producer are well advised quietly to whisper this piece of a ghazal that I as a mere pilgrim to Rumi's grace translate for them from the original. I promise it will do them good: Oh Muslims what am I to do For I no longer know myself? I am neither a Christian nor a Jew,
Neither a Zoroastrian, nor indeed a Muslim! I am neither from the East nor from the West, Neither from the sea nor from the land ... Neither from the dust nor from the wind, Neither from water nor from fire ... Neither from this nor from the world to come, Neither from Paradise nor from Hell, Neither from Adam nor from Eve, Nor indeed from the Garden of Eden I dwell in Noplace, my sign is Signless. I have neither a soul nor a body, For I come from the very Soul of all souls. Hamid Dabashi is Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in New York.
Pariah to friend: Narendra Modi MODI’S WEST ASIAN ODYSSEY and the US come full circle Hindu
TALMIZ AHMAD
BBC SeeMA SIroHI
An invitation to address a joint meeting of the US Congress is a rare honour for foreign leaders but in Mr Modi's case, it also completes the circle of rehabilitation. When Mr Modi enters the House of Representatives on Wednesday, he will no longer be the pariah who was once blacklisted in the United States for his perceived failure to control anti-Muslim violence when he was the chief minister of the western state of Gujarat during religious riots in 2002. The US Congress invoked a littleused section of the immigration law in 2005 to bar Mr Modi from entering the United States. As a result, President George Bush's administration revoked his existing tourist visa and denied his request for a new one to address a gathering of Indian-Americans. The State Department cited Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which says that any foreign government official who "was responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom" is ineligible to enter the US. But Mr Modi's massive victory in the 2014 national elections changed the dynamic overnight. President Barack Obama personally called to congratulate him, quickly pivoting to recognise that Washington could not ignore the prime minister of India, the world's largest democracy, as it could the chief minister of one of its states. Americans are, if anything, most pragmatic in matters of state. The White House invited Mr Modi soon after and he made his first official visit as PM to the US in September 2014. Mr Obama personally accompanied him to the memorial for Martin Luther King Jr. The optics of the visit were carefully designed by the Indian side to show the US' acceptance of Mr Modi. 'ignominy to cErEmony': But an address to the US Congress - the big prize - eluded Mr Modi for various reasons, including a potential government shut down. But more than 40 American Congressmen, senators and governors, nonetheless, attended his rally at Madison Square Garden, standing in a semi-circle
to welcome him on stage. The choreography was not lost on anyone, including US diplomats in attendance. In two years, Mr Modi has gone from ignominy to ceremony as India and the United States tried to forge an ever-closer partnership. The US Congress recognises India's importance as it does the financial and political muscle of 3.2 million Indian Americans, many of whom are supporters of Mr Modi. But this does not mean that all senators and congressmen have forgotten the past. Nor can they ignore reports over the last two years that increasingly portray a climate of religious intolerance and communal tensions in India. Some of them may even raise questions about these issues when they meet him on Wednesday. To drive home the point, the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the House of Representatives has organised a hearing on the human rights situation in India precisely during Mr Modi's three-day visit. Two weeks ago, during a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, many senators expressed concerns about India's record in fighting human trafficking, and child and bonded labour. They also raised questions about violent attacks on Muslims, Dalits (formerly untouchables) and Christians. Interestingly, Mr Modi is the first and probably the last foreign leader to address a joint meeting of the Congress this year. The last speaker was Pope Francis in September. Mr Modi is also the first Indian prime minister to be hosted for lunch in the Capitol by Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, a Congressman who many see as a future presidential candidate. He will then move to a high-powered reception organised by the chairmen of the foreign affairs committees of both the House and Senate. The lavish welcome on Capitol Hill is designed to heal any wounds that might have festered from the snub of 2005. Since becoming prime minister, Mr Modi has never publicly spoken about the visa denial. When asked, he said that relations between countries transcend individuals. Indeed, for in the end it is India that is in the American calculations.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew out from Doha on June 5, he brought to an end an unprecedented Indian engagement with the countries of the Gulf. In just ten months, he has visited the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Qatar, and has hosted the Abu Dhabi crown prince in Delhi. In every capital he has been received with a lot of warmth. Every country has applauded its historic and civilisational links with India, and every interaction has yielded substantial agreements which will take bilateral relations into new areas and reshape ties to make them relevant to contemporary times. Economic and cultural tiEs: Besides paying tribute to the resident Indian community, the visits attached central importance to boosting energy and economic ties: here the difference is the commitment on both sides to upgrade the existing buyer-seller relations to long-term partnerships based on investments and joint ventures. The two sides also agreed to pursue cooperation in new frontier areas, such as space, telecommunications, renewable energy, food security, sustainable development, desert ecology, and advanced healthcare. Every country visited expressed its admiration for India’s economic achievements and pledged to become a partner in India’s development efforts, with the UAE even setting aside a fund of $75 billion to invest in India’s infrastructure needs. All of them emphasised the value of cultural ties that have shaped our ethos over several centuries, and committed themselves to enhancing people-to-people links through new platforms for interaction, embodying the shared values of moderation and accommodation. The joint statement with Iran, titled ‘Civilisational Connect, Contemporary Context’, particularly focussed on sustaining historic cultural ties through interactions among scholars, authors, artists, filmmakers, the media, and sportspersons. Every Gulf country expressed anxiety about the threat from terrorism and pledged to work closely with India to combat it, not only through strong armed action but also by countering radicalisation through promotion of a moderate religious discourse espousing peace, tolerance, and inclusiveness. Most of the countries have spoken of India as their “strategic partner”, a status that represents a high degree of shared values, perceptions and approaches to matters of security concern. Thus, the joint statement with the UAE speaks of “shared threats to peace, stability and security”, and agrees to a “shared endeavour” to address these concerns, which is founded on “common ideals and convergent interests”. Similarly, the joint statement with Saudi Arabia talks of the two countries’ responsibility to promote peace, security and stability in the region. The Iran statement speaks of the strategic importance of regional connectivity linked with the development of Chabahar port. Not surprisingly, enhancement of defence ties has been given central importance by all the countries the Prime Minister has visited. This includes frequent dialogue between senior officers, training, joint exercises by the three arms of the military of both countries, joint marine operations, and supply and joint development of arms and ammunition. Defence cooperation is complemented by the countries agreeing to intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism operations, capacity-building and adoption of best practices and technologies by the security agencies on both sides. Cooperation in de-
fence and intelligence affirms that India is seen as a worthy partner in these sensitive areas by countries that face serious domestic and external threats from extremists. Promoting rEgional stability: While the bulk of the joint statements is devoted to bilateral relations, every one of these documents contains a subtext that poses a challenge for India and imposes a new responsibility on it: how to shape an Indian role to promote security in the Gulf. The UAE statement speaks of the need for the two countries to establish a “close strategic partnership” for “these uncertain times”, and calls upon them to “work together to promote peace, reconciliation, stability… in the wider South Asia, Gulf and West Asia region”. The Saudi joint statement notes “the close interlinkage of the stability and security of the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent and the need for maintaining a secure and peaceful environment for the development of the countries of the region”. The joint statement with Iran speaks at length about the threat from terrorism for the peace, security, stability and development of the region. It specifically refers to the peace and stability of the region being served by “a strong, united, and prosperous and independent Afghanistan” and their agreement to strengthen trilateral consultations and coordination. West Asia today is in the throes of the gravest crisis in its modern history. Besides two ongoing wars, there is the jihad, represented by the transnational al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The two Islamic giants, Saudi Arabia and Iran, are locked in a competition in which each country sees the other as threatening its nationhood, regime, political order, and doctrinal standing in Islam. Saudi Arabia believes that Iran supports terror, interferes in the domestic politics of the neighbouring Arab states, and is a destabilising force that has regional hegemonic aspirations. Iran denies these allegations, arguing that the Saudi monarchy faces serious domestic economic and political challenges, particularly from its restless youth who chaff against an order that is on the wrong side of every issue in world affairs — the Kingdom is unfairly making a scapegoat of the Islamic Republic that has no regional territorial ambitions. With the deep doctrinal and political divide between them, the proxy wars in Syria and Yemen, and the attendant proliferation of jihad, the stage is set for their differences to escalate into direct conflict. India has every reason to be concerned: its energy security and its economic interests are linked with regional security, as is the welfare of its eight million-strong community. India’s abiding interests require that it get off the fence and contribute actively to regional stability by promoting engagement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and by working with regional and extra-regional partners with a similar interest in regional security, to structure platforms for dialogue and confidence-building measures. This is a daunting challenge, but India is fully equipped to handle it. The ground was prepared by Foreign Sectratary S. Jaishankar when, speaking of West Asia at a conference in Delhi in March this year, he said: “We are no longer content to be passive recipients of outcomes… Our growing capabilities and stronger national branding, in fact, makes us a credible partner. We ourselves have a more nuanced view of developments in the region. The interplay among these nations actually offers us new avenues of cooperation.” The time has come to live up to this commitment. Talmiz Ahmad is a former diplomat.
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
ARTS
AAmIr LIAquAt DreSSeS uP AS ‘ANgeL’ AND APoLogISeS to tAHer SHAH TAHER SHAH’S ‘ANGEL’ DOMINATED SOCIAL MEDIA FOR WEEKS AFTER ITS RELEASE AND PEOPLE COULDN’T STOP MOCKING, JOKING AND EVEN APPRECIATING IT
t
NEWS DESK
HE last time TV host Aamir Liaquat Hussain was in the news it was when he resigned over fellow Geo News anchors wearing Army Public School’s uniform during their news bulletin on December 15 in the memory of Peshawar attacks. Now the man has hit the headlines once against because he appeared on his show ‘Pak Ramzan’ wearing a blue robe and wings, imitating Taher Shah, with the song Angel playing in the background. He invited Taher on his show and praised him for the song. Liaquat recalled the time he invited Taher on his show, two years ago, and may have said something that he shouldn’t have. To make up for his behaviour, he said he is wearing Taher’s “angel dress”.
File photo
“Today, I am wearing your beautiful Angel dress, and I would like to tell the whole world that it is very easy to make fun of someone, to mock someone, but
Shoaib Akhtar to judge an Indian comedy show Looks like India is looking to rope Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for a new comedy show called Indian Mazzak League. Indian Cricketer Harbhajan Singh has been named as a judge on the show. Shoaib Akhtar has been a guest judge on shows such as Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega so this is not new for him. According to a source in DNA India, “Since the show is on the lines of Indian Premier League, they thought of roping in cricketers as judges. The contestants of the show will include stand-up comedians like Chandan Prabhakar, Shakeel Siddiqui and Sugandha Mishra. There will also be another comedian from Pakistan.” Let’s wait and find out if Shoaib joins the team. ENTERTAINMENT DESK
there are very few people who spread happiness and Taher Shah is one of those who has spread happiness amongst us all,” said Liaquat who couldn’t stop rav-
Ali Zafar stars with SRK, Alia Bhatt for next movie Indian Director Gauri Shinde’s upcoming starring Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan and Ali Zafar is set to release by the end of this year, according to a press release. The film tentatively titled Walk and Talk, stars Alia in the lead role alongside Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Kapoor and Angad Bedi. While SRK is said to be essaying the role of a psychiatrist, Ali will also be seen in a key role. The cast including King Khan recently wrapped up the shoot. The movie is based on the journey of a filmmaker (Alia) who is in search of a subject for a short film. During her search, she comes across different kinds of men whom she eventually ends up dating. This is the first time SRK, Alia and Ali will share space on the silver screen. ENTERTAINMENT DESK
Naseeruddin Shah refused an audition for Albus Dumbledore There were many actors in the running to play Harry Potter’s mentor Albus Dumbledore after original actor Richard Harris died. Now, in a recent interview, Naseeruddin Shah revealed how he almost became ‘The Chosen One.’ In a Twitter chat with The Times of India, Shah revealed that after Harris died after completing work on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second film in the series, his agent wanted him to audition for the part. The role would eventually go to Michael Gambon, who played the Hogwarts headmaster for 6 Potter films. COURTESY HINDUSTAN TIMES
Udta Punjab gets support from Rahul Gandhi RANTING PAKISTANI Hilary got any brothers? They should run for their lives. We killed our first in 1996.
TOOBA SYED Kh Asif isn't the only one who should be criticised for these remarks. The speaker did not expunge the sexist comments either! Unacceptable
HAROUN RASHID Full marks to Sen Farhatullah Babar for proposing abolition of CII and reallocation of its budget to Natl Comm on Status of Women
FAYSAL CHAUDARY Yesterday kh Asif was summoned by GHQ the Most heard word was Yes sir &today he called a woman tractor trolly in Assembly.No sharam No haya
SHUMAILA H. SHAHANI Senior Minister Khawaja Asif sets appropriate standards that a woman's voice must comply with IF they wish to have a voice #shame
ing about the song which was, in fact, an international ‘hit’. Two years ago, when Taher Shah released his first song “Eye-To-Eye”, the host invited the singer on his show and asked him in a sarcastic tone “who asked you to sing?”, which many thought was nothing less than an insult. Just so you know, Taher Shah’s “Angel” dominated social media for weeks after its release and people couldn’t stop mocking, joking and even appreciating it.
If you have been keeping tabs on the news, you’d probably know that Anurag Kashyap’s upcoming film Udta Punjab has landed in deep controversy. Firstly, Punjab from the title of the film will mostly be replaced as ordered by the authorities of Punjab. Also, Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has ordered over 90 cuts in the film including removal of all abusive content and use of the word Punjab. But, the government, as well as CBFC, thinks that this will show the state in the bad light and will turn out disastrous. ENTERTAINMENT DESK
Hrithik Roshan goes time-travelling in Mohenjo Daro’s first look The first look of Hrithik Roshan’s much-awaited period film, Mohenjo Daro is out. The Bollywood actor teased his admirers with the motion poster of the epic adventure-romance drama directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar. The poster, talks about the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro in the era of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Hrithik tweeted on Tuesday, “Often the greatest of men have the smallest of beginnings. His name..?... Only the truly vulnerable can be truly powerful!! Are u ready?” And hours later, he shared the poster with the caption, “Manifestation of love and power.” COURTESY HINDUSTAN TIMES
13
PeeCee has a new friend in Hollywood Priyanka Chopra has started making friends in Hollywood at a very fast pace. The latest to join her crew is Sarah Michele Gellar. Priyanka gave the Buffy star a shout-out in a recent interview with LA Times: “When I was in high school in America, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me hardly ever. I just thought that was normal because you don’t know any better. So I used to idolise so many other people, like Sarah Michelle Gellar on Buffy. But when I went back to India at age 17 and started travelling for work that was when I slowly realised that we don’t all look like one person.” The mention really moved Sarah, who sent her a message on Twitter, ‘@priyankachopra I love watching you (and all that you represent) so you can imagine how honoured I was at the mention.’ Priyanka was quick to respond as she tweeted ‘Thank u for the kind words @SarahMGellar Buffy got me through some rough years in high school. ENTERTAINMENT DESK
Neymar to make his acting debut with Deepika in xXx
Looks like Deepika’s Hollywood debut is full of surprises. We thought Deepika working alongside Vin Diesel in xXx: The Return of Xander Cage was a big deal, but who knew that Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr will be making his acting debut in the same movie. In fact he has already started filming for his scenes. Vin Diesel took to Instagram to reveal that the professional footballer has already began shooting, and is a “natural.” xXx: The Return of Xander Cage has already created immense buzz among fans. ENTERTAINMENT DESK
Backstreet Boys reunite after 17 years The most popular band of the 90s is back, Backstreet Boys, took everyone by surprise when they performed at the Miss USA 2016 pageant on Sunday. Almost 17 years after releasing their iconic album Millennium, the boy band proved that they are still Larger Than Life as they made the audience sway to the tunes of As Long As You Love Me and I Want It That Way. The boys took to Twitter to share all the behind-the-scenes fun of the big night. ENTERTAINMENT DESK
Rahat Fateh Ali wasn’t aware if anyone sung ‘Sultan’ song before MUMBAI AGENCIES
Singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan says he was not “aware” that the song which he sang for Salman Khan’s “Sultan” was originally recorded by Arijit Singh. Recently, Arijit had written a public apology to the “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” star asking him to retain a song which he had sung for his upcoming film directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. According to the reports, the song “Jag Ghoomeya” was initially recorded by the “Tum Hi Ho” singer, but was, however, re-recorded in Rahat’s voice. When asked about this, the singer told reporters, “First of all, I was not aware if anyone had sung it before. I just came, I sang the song and that’s it. What happened after that I don’t know?” The singer was speaking at the launch of T-Series’ new single “Dillagi”. The song has been composed by Salim-Sulaiman and features Vidyut
Jammwal and Huma Qureshi. The music composer duo has given music for many A-listers. When asked if there is a pressure from stars to make a particular singer croon a track, Salim said they have been “fortunate” not to have any such incidents. “Fortunately we have never faced that pressure, ever. We worked with some amazing filmmakers and directors, who were very open and respectful about our work and they want us to work with whoever we want to,” Salim said. “There is always a wish list, I remember we were working in ‘Heroine’ and there was a song where Madhur Bhandarkar was very keen that we work with Sunidhi Chauhan,” he said. His cocomposer Sulaiman said the decision to make a particular singer croon a track is just like that of casting for a film. “When we make music, we make it for films. In a film what happens is you cast. The director casts the actors, cameraman, the
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DOP (director of photography). In the same way when we make music we cast singers the way the requirement of the song is,” he said. “Usually the director and producer agree with us. When there is a need for a certain casting, we try and achieve that kind of casting,” he added.
14 LEISURE
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
An inflexible attitude can create problems today, especially if you get into a disagreement about something that's important to you. You're confident about your point of view, but you might feel as if.
Although you reserve the right to change your opinion often today, don't expect your friends to keep up with your uncharacteristic mood swings. The Moon's current visit to your pragmatic sign reassures.
You might not be interested in expressing your emotions today while the Moon squares talkative Mercury from your 12th House of Privacy. If you do choose to share your feelings, your words may be misconstrued.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
You are at your best today when you're involved in a community project or part of a team at work. However, you might not be able to assume the identity that's necessary for you to fully merge with the.
You may be asked to pitch in and help someone out now, even if you're weary of putting your needs second. But your generous spirit prevails because the Moon's presence in your 10th House of Public Responsibility.
Your efficiency is challenged by people around you today as they make their dreams sound fascinating enough to distract you from your path. However, the determined Taurus Moon goes a long way toward keeping..
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
You prefer to keep things light and easy now, but could get drawn into intense discussions about your feelings, anyhow. You might be annoyed with the emotional detour today while the sensible Taurus Moon.
You may have an encounter with a friend or a lover today that temporarily turns him or her into an opponent rather than an ally. However, it's not in your best interest to acquiesce too quickly because.
A simplistic approach to your life is a healthy antidote to your hectic schedule today. Instead of seeking the peak experiences of inspiration, you're motivated to meet your responsibilities in a timely.
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
You have a magic touch now and can transform the most mundane chores into fantastic opportunities for personal fulfillment. But don't let financial considerations stand in your way; it should only take.
You can sense a shift in the cosmic energy as beautiful Venus leaves your sign for the greener pastures of your dreams. You might be a bit disoriented if your needs don't align with where you seem to be.
You could become singularly focused in your quest to accomplish your goals today because you might be trying to justify taking time off later. But this strategy is ineffectual if you have already overloaded.
cRosswoRd
ACROSS 1 Moon-starers (anag) (11) 9 Mostly (2,7) 10 Chum (3) 11 wrist bones — Capri (anag) (5) 13 Sooner (7) 14 Stand down (6) 15 Fully informed (2,4) 18 Sovereign (7) 20 Move furtively (5) 21 Almond, for example (3) 22 Barry humphries' birthplace (9)
woRd sEaRcH
DOwn 2 Give in the middle (3) 3 Flowing (7) 4 hospital workers (6) 5 Back tooth (5) 6 Rebuke (9) 7 Good judgement (11) 8 Costa Brava resort (6,2,3) 12 Reverberated (9) 16 Increase (7) 17 Picked (6) 19 Quantities of paper (5) 23 Paved the way (3)
HaGaR tHE HoRRIblE
dIlbERt
GaRFIEld
baldo
cHEss ABSORB ASSOCIATIO NS BETRAyAL BRANCh BRILLIANCE BRING ChANGE CLOCk dOUBT EMPTy ENAMEL GENTLEMAN hOUSE hUNCh IdIOCy ISSUE
jEwEL NIGhT OThER PANIC REACh RENEw SCAN SETS ShUTTER SMILE SORT SQUALL SQUEAk STALL TABLE TOLL UPSETS
black TO PlaY aND MaTE IN fOur MOVEs 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Today’s soluTions
bRIdGE slowING dowN tHE play
sUdoKU crossword solution sudoku solution
1.Nf6+ gxf6 2.exf6 Qe5 [2...Qg3 3.Qxf8+ Kxf8 4.Rd8#] 3.Rg1+ Kh8 4.Qxf8+ chess solution
How to play Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the squares contains all the digits. The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once.
Thursday, 9 June, 2016
ShArApOvA bAnned fOr twO yeArS fOr dOpIng
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USSIAN tennis star Maria Sharapova has been banned for two years after failing a drug test, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Wednesday. Sharapova tested positive for the controversial banned medication meldonium during January’s Australian Open. UN suspends Sharapova as goodwill ambassador “An Independent Tribunal appointed under Article 8.1 of the 2016 Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (the “Programme”) has found that Maria Sharapova committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under Article 2.1 of the Programme and as a consequence
has disqualified the affected results and imposed a period of ineligibility of two years, commencing on
ICC retains elite panel of umpires for 2016-17 season SportS DeSk The International Cricket Council has announced an unchanged elite panel of umpires for 2016-17. The ICC said its elite panel had recorded a correctdecision percentage of 95.6 - up from 94 in 2014-15 - in 220 matches across formats, the best since the Decision Review System was introduced in 2008. Geoff Allardice, the chairman of the umpires selection panel, commended the elite panel for its achievements. “The elite panel has had an outstanding 12 months,” he said. “Based on the individual performances of each umpire, as well as their ability to work together as a group, the selectors have decided that the same 12 umpires deserve to be rewarded with appointment to the elite panel for 2016-2017. “The selectors also noted the improved performances of some of the umpires on the international panel and expect them to be pushing for selection on the elite panel in years to come.” Apart from Allardice, who is also the ICC general manager of cricket, the selection panel comprised chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle, the former England batsman David Lloyd, and the former India offspinner and elite panel umpire S Venkataraghavan.
26 January 2016,” said a statement on the ITF website. Maria Sharapova said on
Wednesday she will appeal the two-year doping ban handed down to her by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for doping and which threatens to end her career. “While the tribunal concluded correctly that I did not intentionally violate the anti-doping rules, I cannot accept an unfairly harsh two-year suspension,” Sharapova wrote on her Facebook page. I will immediately appeal the suspension portion of this ruling to CAS, the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sharapova has 35 WTA singles titles and has won all four of the sport’s grand slam titles. Her career earnings amount to $36 million while her off-court earnings, according to Forbes, are around $200 million. Agencies
Colombia into last eight, US bounce back at Copa America SportS DeSk Colombia became the first side to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa America Centenario, while the United States thumped Costa Rica 40 to get their campaign back on track. Goals from AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca and Real Madrid star James Rodriguez secured a 21 win for Colombia over Paraguay in front of a vocal crowd at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California. Victor Ayala gave Paraguay hope after pulling a goal back on 71 minutes but Colombia held on for three points which means they are assured of a top two finish in Group A and a place in the last eight. Colombia need only to draw against Costa Rica on Saturday to assure themselves of first place, leaving them a potentially easier quarterfinal against the runner-up from Group B, which contains Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti and Peru. In Tuesday’s other game, US striker Clint Dempsey scored his 50th international goal as the host nation bounced back from their 2-0 loss to Colombia on Friday with a convincing rout of Costa Rica. Dempsey opened the scoring from the penalty spot after nine minutes before Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood struck just before half-time to effectively settle the contest. Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth goal three minutes from time, which could prove crucial if goal difference comes into play. The win came as a welcome relief for US
coach Jurgen Klinsmann, whose tenure has faced mounting criticism over the past 18 months after a series of disappointing performances in competitive matches. United States Soccer Federation chief Sunil Gulati had fueled fresh speculation about Klinsmann’s position only hours before kickoff, telling journalists: “No one has iron-clad job security.” Klinsmann meanwhile showed he was in no mood to cede ground to his critics, picking the same starting line-up to face Costa Rica that had disappointed in the 2-0 defeat to Colombia. Klinsmann’s faith was rewarded with a superb first half display from his team. “I think it was, overall, a very pleasant performance,” Klinsmann said. “It confirms the spirit of the group. They are all there for each other, the whole bench is jumping up and down when we score.
SPORTS 15
Obama will not attend Muhammad Ali’s funeral SportS DeSk The White House said President Barack Obama will not attend Muhammad Ali’s funeral, which coincides with his oldest daughter’s graduation. “They will be attending Malia’s high school graduation ceremony in Washington, DC,” said spokeswoman Jen Friedman. Instead, a close aide “will read a letter from the president and the first lady as part of Friday’s service in Louisville.” In elegant, elegiac prose, Obama wrote of the boxing legend, one of his personal champions: “Muhammad Ali was The Greatest. Period. If you just asked him, he’d tell you. He’d tell you he was the double greatest; that he’d ‘handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder into jail,’” he wrote in his statement released by the White House. “But what made The Champ the greatest what truly separated him from everyone else is that everyone else would tell you pretty much the same thing,” Obama said. “I was too young when it was taken to understand who he was still Cassius Clay, already an Olympic Gold Medal winner, yet to set out on a spiritual journey that would lead him to his Muslim faith, exile him at the peak of his power, and set the stage for his return to greatness with a name as familiar to the downtrodden in the slums of Southeast Asia and the villages of Africa as it was to cheering crowds in Madison Square Garden,” Obama continued. The president went on to quote Ali who stated: “I am America, I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own. Get used to me.” Obama added that “the Ali I came to know,” was not just “as skilled a poet on the mic as he was a fighter in the ring, but a man who fought for what was right. A man who fought for us.” “He stood with King and Mandela; stood up when it was hard; spoke out when others wouldn’t,” Obama said. Muhammad Ali’s funeral to be attended by Pak ambassador Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States will attend the funeral of Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer to grace the sport, and will represent the government and people of Pakistan. Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani will attend the funeral on directions of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Ali’s funeral is slated to be held on Friday, June 10.
MOURINHO MAKES BAILLY FIRST SIGNING FOR MAN UNITED SportS DeSk Highly-rated Ivory Coast centre-back Eric Bailly became Jose Mourinho’s first signing for Manchester United on Wednesday from Spanish outfit Villarreal. The 22-year-old a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations winner signed a four year contract subject to being granted a work permit and will cost a reported 30 million (38.4 million euros, $43.7 million). Bailly, who moved to Spain aged just 17 when he joined Espanyol, impressed last season as Villarreal conceded just 35 goals in 38 league matches and also reached the Europa League semi-finals. “Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent,” purred Mourinho, who replaced Louis van Gaal last month after the Dutchman failed to qualify United for next season’s Champions League. “He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around. “We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development,” added Mourinho, who previously has gained a reputation for not bringing on young talent. Bailly, capped 15 times by the ‘Elephants’, said working with Mourinho would be crucial to his developing into a
better player. “It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United,” said Bailly, whose contract includes an option to extend it by two years. “To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do. “I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. “I am looking forward to meeting my new team mates and to starting this new chapter of my life,” added Bailly who scored one of the spot-kicks in Ivory Coast’s penalty shootout win over Ghana at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Bailly who cost Villarreal just 4.4 million when he joined from Espanyol last year will have to work on his discipline on the pitch as he was booked 10 times last term and sent off once. It had been widely-thought that veteran Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be Mourinho’s first signing. Ibrahimovic has been linked with a move to United having left French champions Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season just finished as he enjoyed a good relationship with Mourinho at Italians Inter Milan. However, the 34-year-old presently in training with the Swedish squad for Euro 2016 has toyed with questioners who have asked him if he was joining United.
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SPORTS Thursday, 9 June, 2016
Pakistan cricket needs two years to recuPerate: aaqib Javed dejected Junaid khan mulling swapping england for Pakistan After receiving multiple rejections from the Pakistan team, the left-arm fast bowler Junaid Khan is looking to permanently settle in England and one day represent The Three Lions. Junaid is the highest wicket-taker with 71 Test wickets to his name, Pakistan’s current crop of fast bowlers but was snubbed by the Inzamam ul Haq-led selection committee, with the former skipper saying he has struggled to find the rhythm since he sustained a knee injury last year. However, Junaid has shown improved performance during recent matches, impressing in the Pakistan Super League with Peshawar Zalmi, both with the new ball as well as at the death. He also accounted for big-hitting West Indian opener Chris Gayle in his very first over against the Lahore Qalandars. Junaid was part of the 50-over Pakistan Cup and was named in the army-led fitness boot camp in Kakul. The International Cricket Council also carried out a random doping test on Junaid, alongside leg-spinner Yasir Shah, Test Captain Misbahul Haq, and ODI Skipper Azhar Ali. But the 26-year-old is now frustrated at the amount of time he has spent at the peripheries of the team. “Junaid feels hurt after being constantly ignored by the selectors and is looking to permanently settle in England,” a member of Junaid’s family told local media. “He thinks that he is being treated unjustly and therefore feels it is better for him to play his cricket in England where his talent is respected and valued.” Agencies
Match-fixers deserve life bans: alastair cook
Alastair Cook, the England captain, believes that any player involved in match-fixing should be banned for life. However, he has no problem with the likelihood of facing Mohammad Amir again, because he served the punishment handed down to him. Amir was given a 12-month jail sentence for his part in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal at Lord’s, of which he served six in a Young Offenders Institute, as well as a five-year ban from cricket which elapsed last year. He has since returned to Pakistan’s one-day and T20 sides and earlier this week was named in Pakistan’s Test squad for the England tour. Subject to final confirmation of a visa being granted, he is set to return to the Test format on the ground where he committed the crime. Cook was part of the England team involved in the 2010 Lord’s Test when Amir, along with Mohammad Asif and captain Salman Butt, were caught in the News of the World sting accepting money to bowl no-balls on demand. Agencies
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ORMER right-arm fastbowler Aaqib Javed believes Pakistan cricket stopped developing its academy structure which resulted in a slump in standards. Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandar’s director of cricket also said that Pakistan will miss the presence of Test captain Misbahul Haq and veteran batsman Younus Khan once they depart from the format. “At the moment they are all over the place,” said Aaqib. “I am worried when Misbah and Younus go, what will happen to their batting? We have seen the Sri Lankans struggling after losing two great players [Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara]. The challenge can’t be solved in six months or one year.” Aaqib rued the downfall of the academies in Pakistan which resulted in a stunted production of talented individuals. “Nobody actually realised the
development in Pakistan stopped and it is hurting them right now,” said Aaqib. “They used to have the best academy system back in Pakistan which they stopped in 2010.” He added: “All these players are from this system and once you produce players from the system you can depend on that group of players for four or five years. All of a sudden when you stop your development plans you have no more players coming up from your system.”
Aaqib, who represented Pakistan in 22 Tests and 163 ODIs, estimated that Pakistan will need at least two years to recover from the slump in form. “So now, Pakistan has to wait at least two years and they should realise that they should not expect any miracle from Mickey Arthur or somebody else,” he said. “It’s not about people, it’s not about personalities it’s about the system.” Aaqib, who was the front-runner in the local coach category after
Waqar Younis resigned from his head coach post, also said that he trusts Arthur’s attributes to be of assistance for Pakistan cricket. “I think [Arthur] has great experience working with two international teams and working with a high performance centre,” said Aaqib. “He is a technical and a team coach. So, I think, he must be very experienced and working with Asian players he must have an idea of working with different people. I can’t find any problem because he has the experience and I think he’ll do well.” Aaqib added that there is not short-term remedy for Pakistan cricket’s problems. “The coming two series are really tough in England and Australia,” he said. “I think everybody should understand this is a time to support Pakistan cricket, not to criticise Mickey Arthur or others. I think the coming two or three years will be exciting for Pakistan cricket, but in short-term I can’t see any [quick] repair.”
Pakistan’s Diana hunts for glory in cricket, football Diana Baig shifts restlessly in her seat, checking her watch every few seconds at an awards ceremony after leading her cricket team to victory. Soon she has to play a football match at another venue, and time is ticking. Baig is no stranger to the pressure. The talented 20-year-old plays for Pakistan’s national team in both cricket and football, representing the country as one of the “Girls in Green” at the recent World Twenty20 tournament in India in between practicing her penalty shoot-out skills. “It was an honour to be selected for the T20 squad,” she says, in between glances at her watch. She did not make the starting team, but being at the tournament even from the sidelines was “very encouraging for me it gave me new life, a new energy”. The 20-year-old grew up playing street cricket and football with other children in the magnificent Hunza Valley, their makeshift areas ringed by some of the world’s tallest mountains in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan. The fact that she was a girl did not matter, she says: Baig belongs to the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam, who are followers of the Aga Khan infamous in conservative Pakistan for their moderate views. That largely freed her from the restrictions placed on other, more conservative women in the Muslim country, where her gender is battling for greater freedom. From the streets, Baig began playing in community events and for local teams, and by 2010 she was leading the newly-formed Gilgit-Baltistan women’s team. Two years later, she was selected for Pakistan’s A side, and then as a reserve player for the
2013 World Cup. In 2015 she finally won her first international cap, playing for Pakistan against Bangladesh. But Baig says she had her moments of despair along the way. “A time came when I could not see my future bright like this,” she admits. Being selected for the A-side changed all that. “After that, I started to work hard.” Her journey to the forefront of Pakistani women’s football was even more dramatic. In cricket-obsessed Pakistan, football especially women’s football finds itself largely unable to compete in the popularity stakes. But while playing cricket in Islamabad in 2010, Baig tried out for the Gilgit-Baltistan football team on a whim after friends told her they needed players. She made into the team and, to
her disbelief, in 2014 was selected to play for Pakistan at the SAFF Championships in Bahrain. She has been a member of the starting 11 as a defender ever since, she says, unable to hide her excitement. Baig has had to fight harder for her cricket career. Unlike in men’s cricket, Pakistan’s women’s players are not contracted and are selected on a match by match basis from lower-ranked teams, such as the several hundred playing at the provincial level. That means that there were times when Baig was in and times when she was out. Fighting to keep her place was complicated by the fact that again, unlike the men Pakistan’s women have no regular facilities or practice time, meaning Baig was forced to rely on training with her university team to keep up to international standard. But her selection for the World T20 meant the hard work on the playing fields at the Lahore College for Women University had paid off. “It is because of this college, this ground because the regular practice is very important,” she says. Now Baig is fighting to maintain a crucial balance between her sporting dreams and an education. “It becomes very hard,” she says. “I try to start from football I play football in the morning, then our cricket training starts around 11 or 12 noon and continues until 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm.” After that, she says, she heads to her university hostel for food and drink. “I start studying during the night, continuing until late.” Women’s cricket is growing in popularity in Pakistan, she says, with corporations such as mobile companies increasingly arranging sports events. Agencies
South Africa back in business after ODI win over Australia SportS DeSk South Africa roared back into contention in the Tri-Nation One-Day International series with a 47-run victory over Australia in the third match of the tournament at the Guyana National Stadium on Tuesday. Defending a modest 189 for nine on another pitch that challenged the patience and technique of all batsmen, the Proteas bowlers were resisted only by opener Aaron Finch´s defiant 72 before he was ninth out as the World Cup-holders folded for 142 off 34.2 overs. By virtue of their margin of victory, South Africa also earned a bonus point and leapt from last to first on net run-rate over Australia, leaving hosts West Indies third. Competition resumes in St Kitts on Saturday with South Africa and Australia renewing their rivalry at Warner Park. Farhaan Behardien´s workmanlike innings of 62 held South Africa´s innings together and earned him the “Man of the Match” award. However, pacer Kagiso Rabada shared the plaudits with a useful unbeaten 15 as the tail contributed important runs and then led the way with the ball as he claimed three for 13 off seven
probing overs. Rabada disposed of Usman Khawaja in his opening spell and returned to account for wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade and tailender Nathan Coulter-Nile in an excellent display of controlled fast bowling. His effort was supported by Wayne Parnell, who shared the new ball and got rid of the dangerous David Warner in his very first over. Playing his first ODI for almost 16 months, Parnell then trapped Australian captain Steve Smith leg-before. Spinners Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso then tightened the stranglehold with two wickets apiece, while Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm leggie, marked his debut with the wicket of Glenn Maxwell in his first over to ensure there was no escape for the Aussies. “We started well with the two seamers although this wasn´t the kind of surface where they were having the time of their lives,” captain A.B. de Villiers said. “(Tabraiz) Shamsi was a handful for their batters. I didn´t see a lot of them picking him.” Earlier, Australia´s fast bowling pair of Coulter-Nile and Josh Hazlewood proved most effective with two wickets each in restricting the Proteas after de
Villiers surprisingly chose to bat first on winning the toss. “We didn´t adapt well enough with the bat today,” was Smith´s assessment of his team´s reply. “We´ve got a couple of tough games ahead of us now and we have to improve on this effort.” Coulter-Nile, who replaced Mitchell Starc from the opening victory over West Indies two days earlier, made the most of the opportunity with a spell of two for 38 off 10 overs. He claimed the vital wickets of de Villiers and J.P. Duminy in consecutive overs to reduce the South Africans to 104 for five midway through the innings, effectively killing off any realistic chance they had of posting a formidable total. Hazlewood was even more economical in conceding 20 runs off 10 metronomic overs. He earned an LBW verdict against Quinton de Kock to break the opening partnership with Hashim Amla and returned to get rid of Parnell. South Africa entertained hopes of a challenging total when de Villiers and Amla were at the crease. The two most experienced batsmen in the side put on 40 for the third wicket before Amla was run
out for the third time in ODI´s against Australia. Wickets continued to fall regularly thereafter and it was left to the
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lower-order players Phangiso and Rabada to assist Behardien in lifting the South Africans closer to the 200-run mark.