E paper pdf (10 04 2017) (isb)

CMYK

Monday, 10 april, 2017 i 12 rajab, 1438 i rs 19.00 i vol vii no 282 i 16 Pages i islamabad edition

Bilawal asks south Punjab people be ready for equality g

PPP cHAirmAN ‘sAd’ to kNow 12Pc literAcy rAte iN soutHerN PuNjAB STORY ON PAGE 03

6 Killed, Over 100 injured

FO condemns killings in held-Kashmir g

PAkistAN seeks world iNterveNtioN to stoP killiNgs, BrutAlities iN iHk STORY ON PAGE 03

Chandio believes PPP being ‘targeted’ like MQM STORY ON PAGE 03

No demographic change in Balochistan, says Ahsan STORY ON PAGE 04

Five terrorists killed in dg Khan operation STORY ON PAGE 02

No commeNts about GeN Raheel, Pm tells leaGueRs g

sAys eNtire NAtioN PAys triBute to retired geNerAl For His meritorious services STORY ON PAGE 03

islam has no place for terrorism, sectarianism, says imam-e-Ka’aba Fazl says jui-F advocates sect-free politics, harmony

did Saudi CleriC aSSuage COnCernS On iSlaMiC Military allianCe?

STORIES ON PAGE 02

STORY ON PAGE 02

02 NEWS

Monday, 10 April, 2017

ImAm-I-KA’AbA: ISlAm hAS no PlAce For TerrorISm, SecTArIAnISm FAzl SAyS JUI-F AdvocATeS SecT-Free PolITIcS, hArmony

SHEIKH SALEH CALLS ISLAM A RELIGION OF PEACE, LOVE AND FRATERNITY NOWSHERA

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APP

MAM-I-KA’ABA Sheikh Saleh Bin Muhammad Ibrahim on Sunday said that Islam is a religion of peace, love and fraternity and evil designs of those, who are wrongly interpreting its teachings for their ulterior motives can be frustrated

by Muslims by forging unity among their ranks.

Speaking at the concluding session of centennial celebrations of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F (JUI-F) here at Azakhel, he said that there was no place for terrorism, militancy and sectarianism in Islam as Muslims believe in oneness of Almighty Allah. Quoting a verse from the Holy Quran, he said that confrontation and conflicts lead to failure and unsuccessfulness in life.

He urged the people to strictly follow the teachings of Quran and the Sunnah (life and sayings) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for achieving glory and success here and the life hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is mercy for all the worlds, had also laid stress on peace, tolerance, brotherhood and mercy for the entire humanity, he added.

He said that Islam therefore has nothing to do with violence, terrorism and sectarianism, as it embodies the teachings of Quran and the Sunnah and not that version of extremists which

they were projecting for their vested interests. He said that terrorism lead to economic imbalance, unemployment, inequality, chaos and anarchy in the society, and hindered growth of progress and development.

The Imam-i-Ka’aba strongly condemned all those elements, who linked Islam with terrorism and wrongly interpret its teachings for accomplishment of their ulterior motives. He said that teachings being given at the Islamic seminaries had great importance for complete eradication of terrorism and called for active role of Islamic scholars in creating awareness among the masses against the menace.

He asked the Islamic scholars to deliver special sermons about peace and harmony as enshrined in Islamic teachings. He said that Quran and the Sunnah were a complete code of life, providing solution to every problem, and advised the people to strictly hold the rope of Almighty Allah and not involve in differences, conflicts and confrontations.

He urged the Muslims to shun sectarianism and forge unity. He said that the Islamic scholars of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia stood united for the guidance of people. Today, all the Muslims stood united for the protection of holy places, including Haramain Sharifain, he said.

He also said that the Muslims had a lot of expectations from Pakistan, which was a very important Muslim country.

Pakistan’s unequivocal stance regarding the protection of holy places

NOWSHERA: Jamait Ulema-e-Islam-F Fazlur Rehman on Sunday said that his party advocates for national unity, sect-free politics based on non-violence policy and will not allow anyone to sabotage atmosphere of interfaith harmony in Pakistan. Addressing a public gathering at the concluding ceremony of the three-day centenary celebrations of his party here at Azakhel, he said that this historic congregation had passed the message of hope and peace in the world and would remove a sense of deprivation among the masses. Fazl said that Islam, being the religion of peace, had no place for terrorism, extremism and his party would continue peaceful struggle in line with vision of forefathers for attainment of their goals. “Islam is the religion of peace and love and peace could only be established by strictly following the teaching of Holy Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a true spirit,” he said.

Fazl said that Islam was most popular religion of the world, which could lead humanity towards lasting achievement of peace and harmony. “Peace in world can’t be established unless we give rights to people on their resources, economic empowerment, social justice, ending deprivation of marginalised communities, poverty, hunger and speedy justice to all,” he said. He suggested bilateral agreements for exploration of mineral resources, adaptation of technological skills and enhancement of diplomatic relations with developed countries based on mutual respect. “Politicians calling each other thief or corrupt was not a dignified way of politics,” he said. After coming into power, the JUI-F would eliminate corruption and ensure good governance as they had shown during its regime in the past, he said. APP was highly appreciable, he added. He said that the Muslims were facing many challenges, which could only be addressed through unity. He said that he was impressed with the discipline exhibited by the people and arrangements made for the historic JUI-F congregation, which gave a message of peace

and solidity to the world.

Later, the Imam-i-Ka’aba led Zuhar prayer and offered prayers for the progress and prosperity of Muslims, Pakistan and liberation of occupied territories of Muslims throughout the world, including Jammu Kashmir and Palestine.

Five terrorists killed in DG Khan operation RANGERS SEPOY KAMRAN ALSO MARTYRED IN IBO RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Rangers Punjab conducted a special intelligence-based operation in Dera Ghazi Khan early Sunday morning in which five terrorists were killed, the military’s media wing said.

“Five terrorists – including two high-profile militants: Zulfiqar, alias Zulfi, wanted in seven FIRs and having close links with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA); and Peer Baksh, alias Peera, having Rs2 million head-money and wanted in 15 FIRs – were killed in Chhera Thal, 40km southwest of Fort Munro,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Punjab Rangers’ sepoy Kamran was killed in the exchange of fire between the Rangers

and the suspected terrorists, while Deputy Superintendent Rangers Haroon was injured and evacuated to Multan’s Combined-Military Hospital.

The funeral prayer of Shaheed Sepoy Kamran was offered at Multan Garrison. Lieutenant General Sarfraz Sattar, Corps Commander Multan, DG Rangers Punjab Major General Azhar Naveed Hayat, serving and retired military officials attended the funeral of Kamran.

The dead body Sepoy Kamran will be taken to his hometown, Juranawala, where he will be laid to rest with full military honours.

Anti-terrorist operations under the Operation Raddul Fassad are in full swing across the country. The operation Raddul Fassad started in February following a fresh wave of terrorism in the country. The operation, unlike last military operations, was expanded to all parts of Pakistan, especially Punjab.

Raddul Fasaad aims at indiscriminately eliminating the “residual/latent threat of terrorism”, consolidating the gains made in other military operations, and

further ensuring the security of Pakistan’s borders.

Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Civil Armed Forces (CAF) and other security and law enforcing agencies (LEAs) are actively participating in to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.

Terrors bids thwarted, 5 arrested PESHAWAR/ CHAMAN: Pakistan Army has seized an explosive-laden vehicle near Chaman and arrested two suspects, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday. According to the ISPR, 80 kilogrammes explosive material was fitted in the vehicle that was prepared in Kandahar and brought to Pakistan for use in a terror attack. The ISPR said the vehicle was seized in an operation that was carried on the basis of intelligence reports. Identities of the suspects were not shared with media. Police foils terror bid: Police foiled a terror bid in Peshawar by arresting three alleged terrorists in Peshawar who were planning to carry out an explosion here on Sunday. According to an official of the police control, the terrorists were arrested while they were trying to plant a bomb at Northern Bypass. He informed that police have recovered 5kg of explosive material and further said that the arrested terrorists hailed from Peshawar.

The terrorists were shifted to unknown place for further interrogation. 22 mortar bombs recovered in Abbottabad: Abbottabad police on a tip off conducted a search and strike operation in the city and recovered 22 mortar bombs from Dhamtoor, Harnoo and Nawan Shahr police station areas. The police officials said that on the special directives of District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Ishfaq Anwar police conducted search and strike operation in various areas of the Abbottabd city where they recovered 22 mortar bombs in different areas buried underground in plastic bags; though police was not able to arrest any accused. AGENCIES

KSA executes 3 Pakistanis for heroin smuggling Saudi Arabia on Sunday executed three Pakistani nationals convicted of smuggling heroin, bringing the number of executions in the kingdom to 26 this year.

The state-run SPA news agency said the three had been found guilty of “smuggling quantities of heroin in their stomachs”.

It named the three men as Mohammed Ashraf Shafi Mohammed, Mohammed Aref Mohammed Anayt and Mohammed Afdal Asghar Ali. All three were Pakistani citizens. SPA reported 153 people being executed in the ultra-conservative kingdom last year, a number confirmed by Londonbased rights group Amnesty International.

Among those executed was Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr, a high-profile figure behind a string of Shiite protests in 2011 demanding reform in the Sunni-ruled kingdom. Amnesty reported 158 death penalties in the country for 2015, the highest annual rate in the past two decades.

Saudi Arabia has a strict legal code under which murder, drug trafficking, armed robbery, rape and apostasy are all punishable by death. AGENCIES

Did Saudi cleric assuage concerns on Islamic military alliance?

SALEH SAYS GEN RAHEEL NOT FIRST PAKISTANI COMMANDER TO FIGHT FOR MUSLIM COUNTRIES ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR

The visit of Imam-i-Ka’aba Sheikh Saleh Bin Muhammad Ibrahim, the prayer leader of the grand mosque of Makkah, has made waves in across Pakistan.

Days before his arrival, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Hunardoost raised objection to the appointment of former army chief General Raheel Sharif as commander of the Islamic military alliance. Perhaps, the mission of the Imam was to remove misunderstandings about the alliance.

During his interactions with people from various segments of the society, the Imam time and again made an effort to remain candid but objective about the 40states military alliance and the leadership role being accorded to General Raheel Sharif. At another meeting with a group

of politicians and journalists, Imam Salih was so clear in his tone and tenor that a senior journalist whispered in ear of a fellow colleague, “Looks like he is on a mission to pacify the lobby opposing Gen Raheel Sharif’s appointment as chief of Muslim NATO.” Imam Salih said that it was a matter of pride for Pakistan that its former army chief, who had led a fight to flush out terrorists from Pakistani soil, was now going to lead the Islamic force. He said that Gen Raheel was not the first Pakistani army commander who was going to fight for safeguarding the Muslim countries as part of the alliance. He also made it clear that Gen Raheel would not be answerable to any Saudi official and rather he would command the forces according to his vision and strategy. Responding provocative questions, the religious scholar shied away

from targeting any specific country or the followers of a specific school of thought.

Asked whether the alliance would target Iran, the Imam frankly told the participants that the alliance would only target terrorists and it was not against any Muslim state.

He said that despite the fact that the relations of Saudi Arabia had turned sour after Shah Iran’s departure, Saudi Arabia never targeted Iran. He said despite the bitter ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia was looking after its five percent Shia minority despite provocations from Tehran. The Imam also expressed disappointment that Iran was using its proxies to destabilise the Middle East region.

He said that Iran, through its proxies from Houthis to Hezbollah, was trying to detsabilise the Middle East states Iraq, Syria and Yemen. However, the religious leader said that Saudi Arabia wanted normalisation of relations despite all provocations. He said that Pakistan may be facing hardships and several issues but that doesn’t mean that they have forgotten to protect the Islamic holy sites. He said that Saudi Arabian gov-

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ernment and its people were thankful to Pakistan and its people for their firm stance to protect the holy sites. He called on all the Muslims of the world to unite under one flag and the message of peace and unity and solidarity among all sects is a welcome sign too. Normally, we seldom hear such voices of unity from the scholars of salafites school of thought. And it seems the objective of the trip was to clear doubts and fears that the military alliance of 40 Muslim states is going to be used against Iran.

During his interactions, the Imam tried to reach out to as many people as he could. From his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other functionaries to the Punjab chief minister and others; from leading a prayer meeting at Faisal Mosque to addressing the religious congregation of JUI-F at Nowshera – all reflected that he was on a mission to reach out to as many people as he could.

The Imam also did not minced his words too about the support Pakistan had accorded to the military alliance. He also made it clear time and again that the al-

liance was only meant to defeat the scourge of terrorism and it was not aimed at targeting any specific country or sect.

This argument looks genuine too. With the successive setbacks to the terrorist outfit, Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq, the terrorists are fleeing to safer locations. Successive media reports suggest that the remnants of the terrorist outfit are trying to return to their native countries and wage wars against their own regimes.

The recent terrorist attack in Russian city of St Petersburg has revalidated such fears. Since many activists from Arab states had fled to join the Islamic State, those countries are preparing themselves to fight out such elements.

It seems that the message of the Imam was taken across the board positively too. Even if it was the objective of his visit, the Imam has successfully achieved it too even before his return.

Urging Muslims to united for Islam, he said that Muslims shouldn’t fight each other, saying such congregations convey the same message.

Monday, 10 April, 2017

NEWS

03

SIX KILLED, OVER 100 INJURED

Fo condemnS KIllIngS In SrInAgAr, PArTS oF IhK PAKISTAN SEEKS WORLD INTERVENTION TO STOP KILLINGS, BRUTALITIES IN DISPUTED STATE ISLAMABAD

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AGENCIES

AKISTAN has strongly condemned killing of six Kashmiri people and injuries to many by Indian forces in the Indian-held Kashmir.

In a tweet message on Sunday, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakariya urged international community and human rights organisations to play their key role in stopping bloodshed and crimes against humanity by India in the disputed state.

He demanded that perpetrators must be brought to justice who were involved in killing of innocent people.

Pakistan will continue diplomatic, moral and political support to Kashmiri people in their indigenous movement for right to self-determination, he said.

As many as six people were killed and at least 100 injured when police clashed with protesters during a by-election in Srinagar. Hurriyat Conference had called for a boycott of the vote, resulting in heightened security and low voter turnout when the polling began.

In Budgam district, police initially used teargas against protesters who were throwing stones, but then opened fire, killing six people, local and foreign media reported. Over 100 people were injured during the clashes across central

Kashmir, according to officials.

At least 70 polling stations were shut due to the violence, while at some stations voting machines were set ablaze by the protesters. In Srinagar, the by-election was held to fill a vacant seat in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of the parliament.

A second by-election in the disputed state for a separate Lok Sabha seat is set to take place on April 12 in Anantnag. The results of both the polls are expected to be announced on April 15. All polling stations have been declared as sensitive by the Election Commission of India because of anger prevailing among the masses against India over the massacres.

Fearing protests and violence, police launched a crackdown in different parts and rounded up many youth, who have lodged at different police stations.

Media reports said that only 11 out of 2147 votes were polled in three polling booth, 34, 35 and 36 in Sonwar area of Srinagar till filing of this report.

As many as nine candidates including National Conference President Farooq Abdullah are contesting the polls.

The Srinagar-Badgam seat fell vacant after Tariq Hameed Karra resigned from the LoK Sabha, saying the government was treating Kashmiri people much worse than Nazi forces.

The authorities have put almost entire Hurriyat leadership including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Syed Ali Gilani, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, Aasiya Andrabi and Nayeem Ahmed Khan either in jails or under house detention to stop them from leading the anti-India demonstrations and electionboycott rallies.

Bilawal asks South Punjab people be ready for equality chandio believes PPP being ‘targeted’like mQm

PPP CHAIRMAN ‘SAD’ TO KNOW 12% LITERACY RATE IN PUNJAB’S SOUTHERN PARTS LAHORE

KARACHI

PPI

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto on Sunday said that days of ‘deprivation’ for the people of South Punjab were over and asked the people of the region to get ready for the dawn of development, prosperity and equal opportunities.

He was talking to his party’s leaders and workers from South Punjab at the Bilawal House in Lahore during interviews for the PPP candidates for different districts including Multan Division, Bahawalpur Division, and districts of Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Lodhran.

Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, former Punjab governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood, Natasha Daultana, Shaukat Basra, Abdul Qadir Shaheen and senior PPP

Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Information Maula Bakhsh Chandioon Sunday said that the policy of ‘picking people up’ is not appropriate. Atfirst ‘one party’ was targeted and now it seems to be the Pakistan People’s Party’s turn, he said while addressing a press conference, where he made the statements in reference to the recent arrest of three close aides of former president Asif Ali Zardari. Minister for Interior Affairs Chaudhry NisarAli Khan was making ‘threats’ since some time now he has acted upon it, he claimed. “We will not accept this kind of revenge,” he said, adding that such kind of acts promote anarchy. Currentlyin Sindh, the duration of loadshedding of electricity was 18 hours and the situation of water supply was also dire, he claimed. On Saturday, Opposition Leader Syed Khursheed Shah demanded that the three close aides of the former presidentbe presented in the courts within the next 24 hours. “If you want to arrest people for being Zardari’s friends, then you should arrest me too, I can also tell you a lot,” he had said. “Ghulam Qadir Marri and NawabLeghariare among the ‘arrested’ people,” he said.“The rulers have played with the emotions of the people,” he said, adding that the government had accepted there was a shortfall of 4,500 megawatts despite claiming that it would provide electricity to everyone.

repatriation process of Kokikhel tribe begins today ISLAMABAD APP

FATA Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) has said that the process of registration and repatriation of Kokikhel tribe of Khyber Agency will start from April 10 (Monday) and will continue till April 28.

According to the plan, people who registered themselves in 2012 but could not receive any assistance will be sent back home in the first phase. The second phase will be for fresh registrations, a private news channel reported. Khyber Agency political administration officials said that government was trying to allay all reservations of the people, and IDPs will also get compensation for their damaged houses.

leaders were also present on the occasion. Bilawal said that he felt sad to know that there was only 12% literacy rate in South Punjab while its share in the development budget in the province was meager.

Bilawal said that PPP has great plans for what he believe ‘poverty-ridden’ people of South Punjab and pledged to emancipate them from ‘Takht-e-Raiwind’ in the next general elections. Before the interviews, the family and children of Imtiaz Ahmed met the PPP chairman at the Bilawal House. Imtiaz Ahmed was killed during an attack on party’s South Punjab Information Secretary Shaukat Basra in Haroonabad.

The PPP chairman expressed grave concern that the culprits involved were roaming freely and the government was not ready to lay hands on them. He said that the Punjab government announced for fair investigations but in fact it appears to

be hands in gloves with those behind the killing.

NO ELECTORAL ALLIANCE: PPP spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar said in Islamabad that there was no truth in reports in a section of the media that the PPP has decided to enter into electoral alliance with one or the other party in anticipation of general elections.

Contradicting such report, he said that neither any electoral alliance had been formed with any political party nor was under consideration at this stage. He said that the electoral alliances by way of seat adjustments and other known methods were normally made between political parties during elections and there was nothing unusual.

However, it is too early and the PPP has not even given a thought let alone having already forged any electoral alliance, he said. “The party guided by its manifesto, its world view of fundamental issues confronting the nation and the aspirations of workers will take appropriate decision when the time comes,” he said.

‘IndIA relIeS on nUcleAr ArmS InSTeAd oF reSolvIng KAShmIr dISPUTe’ ISLAMABAD APP

India has always relied on the build-up of nuclear arms instead of resolving the longstanding dispute of Kashmir, a senior officer of the Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs (ACDA) said while addressing a British think tank. ‘South Asian Strategic Stability: A Pakistani Perspective’ was the topic of a recent address at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), London where ACDA Director Brigadier Zahir Kazmi said, “The Indo-Pak Subcontinent’s nuclear powers have conflicting strategic paradigms.” “India is distinctly revisionist and pursues global status and hegemony.

Conversely, Pakistan pursues sovereign equality, undiminished security, and peaceful coexistence.” Kazmi said that nuclear weapons had always played an unlimited and central role in Indian strategic thinking. Since the 1950s the country proliferated and made nuclear weapons for status and then created a security rationale for these. In stark contrast, he said, Islamabad’s nuclear thinking had always been influenced by New Delhi’s doctrinal and force posture choices. Islamabad had always endeavoured to maintain balance with proportionate and restrained responses to a dynamic threat. He said that Pakistan spent 2.1 % of Asia’s total defence outlay, which paled in comparison to 13.9 % by India.

Against this backdrop, he said, Pakistan saw itself cliff-hanging to maintain strategic stability in the Sub-continent.

“Pakistan’s sincere desire for peaceful resolution of all disputes, particularly that of Jammu and Kashmir, has been a wild goose chase. Pakistan has exercised unilateral strategic restraint and takes minimum essential measures to stabilize deterrence,” he said. “If nuclear weapons are only `political in nature’ and if there is a true commitment to nuclear disarmament, the focus of our collective efforts should be on dispute resolution and building peace rather than conflict management and building sinews of war,” he added.

Nawaz takes notice of ‘controversial’ comments about Raheel Sharif NEWS DESK Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday, while taking a notice of statements about General (retired) Raheel Sharif, prohibited all Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) leaders from making any “controversial” remarks related to the new role of the former army chief, Radio Pakistan has reported.

“The entire nation pays tribute to Gen (retired) Raheel Sharif for his meritorious services,” a third tweet by Radio Pakistan quoted the prime minister as having said.

Premier Nawaz’s directions to leaders of his party came days after Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair called Raheel Sharif ‘just another general’ and said he should not be made larger than life. Sindh Governor Mohammad Zubair had on April 7 remarked that the former army chief was “just another general and no one should make him larger than life”. “He is a normal general like any other generals and it’s his right to acquire the piece of land he was

given. Let’s be fair with him – let’s not make him larger than life. This will only create more problems for him,” the Sindh governor had said.

Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique tried to dissociate the federal government from Zubair’s remarks soon after the Sindh governor made them. “The statement of the Sindh governor was his own statement and not the government’s stance,” Rafique said in a statement hours after the governor’s media talk.

Foreign Office spokesman for Nafees Zakria on March 31 had said that Pakistan has become a part of Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism (IMAFT) of 34 Muslim countries while its Terms of Reference (ToRs) are yet to be formulated.

On November 27, 2013, when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed him as the country’s army chief, some of Gen Raheel’s peers were not expecting him to reach the pinnacle of the military career.

For starters, Gen Raheel’s predecessor Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was believed

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to have recommended Gen Rashad Mahmood – former chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) – for the coveted slot. Beyond that, few within the military establishment thought Gen Raheel would be capable to take on the challenging role at the time because of lesser experience in combat command assignments. During his tenure, Gen Raheel defied all odds and proved his critics wrong.

When he took over the coveted post, Gen Raheel had been carrying the legacy of his elder brother Maj Shabbir Sharif and uncle Maj Aziz Bhatti, both of who were recipients of the country’s highest military honour.

But Gen Raheel created a legacy of his own which his successors will find extremely difficult, if not impossible, to match let alone surpass, say officials who have served under him or observed him closely during his stint army chief.

The experts say that the government’s unnecessary evasiveness and the clandestine manner in which Gen Raheel’s imminent appointment has been

handled have created an impression of secret deals — an impression that must be emphatically dispelled in the parliament. Raheel Sharif’s role pivotal: Imam-e-Kaaba Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohammad al Talib on Saturday said Gen (retd) Raheel will play a pivotal role in countering terrorism as head of the Saudi-led military alliance of 41 Muslim nations.

Speaking to a private news channel, he said by leading the alliance, the former army chief will only bring prestige to Pakistan. “Pakistan is now a peaceful country … all credit for that goes to Gen (retd) Raheel Sharif and the government and people of Pakistan,” Sheikh Saleh said. “Raheel Sharif’s vast experience and knowledge will play a pivotal role in countering terrorism,” he added.

The Imam-e-Kaaba said the Saudiled alliance will only strengthen ties between the member countries and the Muslim Ummah. He added that peace in Islamic countries will translate into peace in the world.

04 NEWS

Monday, 10 April, 2017

‘MADE IN PAKISTAN MEANS HIGH QUALITY’

No ‘deMogrAPHiC CHANge’ iN BALoCHiStAN: AHSAN iQBAL ISLAMABAD

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MIAN ABRAR

edeRal Minister for Planning, development & Reform ahsan Iqbal on Sunday rejected the notion being projected by vicious elements suggesting a demographic change in Gwadar and other areas due to the influx of people in the coastal areas, saying the government will protect the social, economic and legal rights of the people of Balochistan province.

“The people of Balochistan have the right on their resources and the government will protect all rights of the people of the province. The notion being projected by vicious elements suggesting a demographic change in Gwadar and other coastal areas is a part of blatant lies,” he said while talking to the workers and youth activists of the Pakistan Muslim league-N (PMl-N) from Balochistan.

The minister hoped that Gwadar would soon be enlisted as a centre of modern education with completion of an international standard university in

this port city. “The days are not far away when students from across Pakistan as well as other part of the world will get education and professional trainings in Pakistan especially in Balochistan,” he added.

Bringing industrial revolution and turning Pakistan into trade hub were the goals of the government which were set to be achieved under this multi-billion China-Pakistan economic Corridor (CPeC). “Projects in energy, infrastructure and port development will provide a base to industrialisation of the country,” he said, adding that “Made in Pakistan" would be considered as a sign of high quality and standard soon.

He stated that 85 million jobs were up for grabs in China due to relocation of the Chinese industry that has lost their competitive advantage because of rise in cost of operation. “The CPeC presents an opportunity to Pakistan to grab major share of the available jobs which can help employ the unemployed surplus labour. People particularly the educated youth should not care about the propaganda but try to grab this opportunity as much as possible,” he added.

He told the delegation that work on Gwadar Master Plan was in progress to make this city a world modern port city. “like Singapore, Hong Kong and dubai, Gwadar will soon be a centre of world investors and business associations,” he said. The construction of the Gwadar airport would be starting this year which would prove another milestone in the development of this remote region, he said.

The minister said that further Gwadar to Quetta and Gwadar to Rathodhero roads construction have ensured better connectivity and opened a new era of development in Balochistan.

He said that the world narrative about Pakistan has completely changed with converting CPeC dream into a reality and transformation of Gwadar as a new centre of development in the region.

In 2013, enemies were terming Pakistan as the ‘most dangerous country’ and now they were hatching conspiracies to create hurdles and halt CPeC’s success but they will have to see a failure, he remarked. The whole nation has decided to protect the CPeC and the connectivity being provided through

road infrastructure and development projects has ensured mainstreaming of Balochistan, leading to eradicate sense of deprivation of the people for the first time in the history, he said. ahsan stated that there was complete consensus among the federating units where the federal and the provincial governments were working jointly to ensure speedy implantation of CPeC projects which has brought a historic opportunity for the private enterprises of Pakistan. “It is their duty to take maximum advantage of the industrial cooperation being planned under CPeC. The establishment of economic zones would bring maximum employment for local youth,” he said. “enemies of CPeC are the enemies of Pakistan who cannot digest the remarkable success we achieved by converting CPeC agreement from a piece of paper into a billion dollars investment projects. The 50 billion dollars project has emerged as a leading project of regional cooperation, which is paving way for peace, prosperity and development of Pakistan and the asia region,” he concluded.

Is the legal profession the easiest gateway to politics?

ISLAMABAD SHAH NAWAZ MOHAL

Trade unions, workers unions, local bodies, and bar politics are considered the breeding grounds of political workers and leaders alike. However, it is commonly observed lawyers-turnedpoliticians rule the roost in every political party.

Many top lawyers in the country including S M Zafar, Khalid Ranjha, Sharifuddin Pirzada, a K Brohi, Wasim Sajjad, aitzaz ahsan, and many others have served in key ministries during both dictatorships and democraticallyelected governments in the past.

Surprisingly, if one looks at the present cabinet, one can’t help but spot an abundance of law graduates and practicing lawyers including PM Nawaz Sharif, Minister for defence and Water and Power Khawaja asif, Minister for defence Production Rana Tanvir, and law Minister Zahid Hamid to name a few.

Pakistan Today asked notable

France expels Swiss imam with 'extremist' views France's interior ministry said it has expelled a Swiss Islamic preacher with 'extremist' views to his home country. The ministry said Hani Ramadan was arrested Saturday in Colmar, in eastern France, as he was taking part in a conference, and police escorted him to the Swiss border. It said Ramadan is "known in the past to have adopted a behavior and made comments which pose a serious threat to public order on the French soil." In 2002, Hani Ramadan was banned from teaching in a Swiss school because he had publicly defended the stoning of adulterers. AGENCIES

lawyers about their take on the close affinity between the legal profession and politics in Pakistan.

“In a way, yes, there is close bond, because you need to know about law to legislate. But most importantly, every political party need lawyers to be advised on legislation, to help with cases, to build a narrative, and to save them when they are in hot water,” said Supreme Court advocate asma Jehangir who is also a notable human rights activist. “But this is not only the case in Pakistan, but the world over. lawyers are needed in politics,” she said. asma Jahangir leads the ‘Independent Group' of lawyers that has a strong presence in bar politics throughout the country.

When asked whether the PPP leads in having the best lawyers with likes of latif Khosa, aitzaz ahsan, Farooq H Naik, Babar awan, and others, Jahangir differed and said that in her opinion, the PMl-Q had the best lawyers. “The PMl-Q has Wasim Sajjad, S M Zafar, dr Khalid Ranjha, alamgir Jooja, and

many others. These lawyers all joined during military rules and stuck with them,” she said. a senior former judge of the Supreme Court and a notable lawyer who has also served as head of the PTI’s election tribunal, Wajihuddin ahmed said, “‘We have Chaudharis, Sardars, Waderras, Maliks, and feudals in our politics. as you know, nature abhors a vacuum, and someone has to fill the empty space. every Tom, dick and Harry finds politics fertile pasture, and as a result they divert their resources towards politics. Pakistani politics is not based on professionalism. It is more of a trade.” ahmed also said that politics has become a game of investment, where one invests and makes illicit gains. “Basically, one becomes a legislator and reaches federal or provincial assemblies, and lawyers are more adept at legislation than laymen. Secondly, lawyers don’t have a 9 to 5 routine like people of other professions. They have ample

time and money to socialize. So, without a doubt, there is an affinity between lawyers and politics,” he concluded.

Supreme Court advocate Mushtaq ahmed Mohal who has been PPP’s candidate for the National assembly from Hafizabad twice, said that there was a strong correlation between politics and the legal profession. “advocacy in itself is a largely a social matter. a lawyer who doesn’t have a social life can never be successful. The examples are aplenty.

Mehmood ali Kasuri, was a great lawyer but also the law minister for Zulfiqar ali Bhutto. S M Zafar was ayub Khan’s law minister and then we have Sharifuddin Pirzada, a K Brohi and others,” he said. ahmed emphasized that since lawyers are well versed with the law, it helps them a great deal with legislation business. “due to this, in order for a lawyer to succeed, he needs to dabble in politics as well, be it at the bar level, local level or national level. Bar politics hones one for bigger arenas,” he said.

Constitutional supremacy ultimate goal: Ayaz ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

National assembly Speaker ayaz Sadiq has said that supremacy of the constitution is the ultimate destination that guaranteed democracy, fundamental rights and security for each and every citizen of the state.

He said that the sanctity of this sacred document was immense which must be upheld at any cost. He expressed these views on the eve of the Constitution day being celebrated on Monday (april 10) across Pakistan. ayaz highlighted the historical significance of the day, saying that some 44 years ago, the representatives of the first democratically-

elected legislature – united by common purpose and an unwavering resolve – unanimously passed the constitution as a guiding principle to journey towards a democratic, peaceful and prosperous republic.

He lamented that periodic interventions by undemocratic forces held the constitution in abeyance and retarded the pace of a strong federation and democratic culture. Such misadventures proved detrimental to the state of security, human rights and development, he added.

Remembering the sacrifices rendered by the political forces to ensure supremacy of the constitution, the speaker said that the democratic forces while striving for reinstating

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the constitution and restoring democracy faced enormous challenges and they confronted the tyrannical regimes with resilience and an unrelenting resolve for supremacy of the constitution. He paid rich tributes to those unsung heroes who ceased to exist in the history but made every effort to defend the sanctity of the constitution by facing torture, imprisonment and even execution enforced by the autocratic regimes. ayaz said that this historic day provided an opportunity to reiterate the pledge to protect, preserve and defend each and every word of this sacred document that united as a nation to live together with liberty, social justice and equality.

HC to transfer student’s body from Australia SYDNEY AGENCIES

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to australia Naela Chohan on Sunday said that arrangements were being made to transfer the body of the Pakistani student, who was murdered in australia, to Pakistan. “The Pakistani High Commission is constantly in touch with the victim family and australian officials,” she said. The High Commissioner praised the efforts of the australian officials that led to the timely arrests of the murderers. She said that the australian president has helped in calming down the Pakistani community. earlier on april 6, a 29-year-old man, identified as Zeeshan akbar, was stabbed to death likely by two australian teenage boys who were taken into police custody for interrogation. akbar was found with multiple stab wounds late on Thursday. Police believe the suspected murderers, aged 15 and 16, went on a rampage, allegedly stabbing another man in the stomach, hitting a third with a tyre iron, and a fourth with a beer bottle. The daily Telegraph newspaper reported that IS appeared to be scrawled in blood on a window at the petrol station, referring to the Islamic State militant group. The authorities did not confirm the gruesome details but deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said: “There was physical evidence at the scene which does go to our view that this might be an act of terrorism.” The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper said that one of the teenagers' mother thought her son had been radicalised in recent weeks. Burn added that both were known to police for other offences, but not terrorism. The 16-yearold was being investigated for terror links, she said. local police commander Superintendent Rod Smith described the incident as absolutely horrific and said it doesn’t get more serious than this.

PML-N’s UK women wing supports Maryam Nawaz PMl-N UK Women's Wing has praised Maryam Nawaz Sharif for giving invaluable support to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in helping him formulate policies and strategies.

Fozeen Gull, the chairperson of PMl-N UK Women's Wing, made these remarks while addressing a gathering of women workers at an event arranged to acknowledge the contribution of Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Four women-only events were held in london, Birmingham, Manchester and Bradford which were attended by a large number of female workers of PMl-N. The objective of these events was to organise and activate female supporters of PMl-N for campaigning and community activism.

Fozeen Gull said that Maryam Nawaz has been a victim of malicious propaganda unleashed by opponents of democracy and PM Sharif but she has stood steadfast and emerged stronger and more resolute. She said that organised campaigns have been run against her to target Nawaz Sharif but masses are fully aware about her contribution for Pakistan and respect her for the difference she had made.

Fozeen Gull said that Maryam Nawaz has played a central role in almost all schemes – including education and health projects and gender and minority issues – that are now benefitting large sections of the society. NEWS DESK

FOREIGN NEWS 05

Monday, 10 April 2017

Palm Sunday church bombingS kill 38, iS claimS reSPonSibility TANTA

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HOUSTON: An art car takes part in the 30th Annual Houston Art Car Parade in Houston. Xinhua

Norway to build world’s first ship tunnel OSLO AGENCIES

Norway will build the world's first ship tunnel on the Western Stad peninsula to facilitate freight and passenger ship navigation in avoiding a dangerous coastal area, according to the Norwegian Coastal Administration. The 1700-meter-long, 37meter-wide and 26.5-meter-tall tunnel will pass through the narrowest part of the Stad Peninsula, allowing freight and passenger ships to bypass the Stadhavet Sea, which is the most exposed and most dangerous area along the coast of Norway, according to the administration. A ship tunnel will reduce the risk of incidents and accidents, making the voyage safer for both passengers and freight, as well as securing regularity. It will also strengthen industrial and commercial activities in the region, the administration said in a report posted on its website. To create it engineers will have to blast out a huge eight million tons of rock, which will be used in the neighboring municipalities to establish new landmass and expand existing areas for business purposes. After completion, commercial traffic -- especially passenger traffic -- will be given priority to pass through the tunnel, the administration said, adding that leisure boats and other vessels can also use the tunnel. The tunnel is expected to open in 2023.

AGENCIES

AESh claimed responsibility for bombing two Egyptian churches as worshippers gathered to mark Palm Sunday, killing at least 38 people in the deadliest attacks on the Coptic Christian minority in recent memory.

The attacks followed a Cairo church bombing in December and came weeks ahead of a planned visit by Catholic Pope Francis intended to show support for the country´s Christian minority. The first bombing struck the Mar Girgis church in the city of Tanta north of Cairo, killing 27 people, the health ministry said.

Emergency services had scrambled to the scene when another bombing rocked the Saint Mark´s church in Alexandria where Coptic Pope Tawadros II had been leading a Palm Sunday service.

Eleven people were killed in that attack, which the interior ministry said was caused by a suicide bomber who blew himself up when police prevented him from entering the church.

The ministry said Tawadros was unharmed, and a church official said he had left the church before the bombing. At least 78 people were wounded in Tanta and another 40 wounded in Alexandria, the health ministry said.

Egyptian officials denounced the violence as an attempt to sow

divisions in the country, while Francis sent his "deep condolences" to Tawadros.

Daesh claimed that its "squads" carried out both attacks, in a statement by its self-styled Amaq news agency published on social media accounts.

Images broadcast by private television stations showed bloodstains smearing the whitewashed walls of the church in Tanta next to shredded wooden benches.

"The explosion took place in the front rows, near the altar, during the mass," General Tarek Atiya, the deputy to Egypt´s interior minister in charge of relations with the media, told AFP. "I heard the blast and came running. I found people torn up... some people, only half of their bodies remained," said Nabil Nader, who lives in front of the Tanta church.

The worshippers had been celebrating Palm Sunday, one of the

holiest days of the Christian calendar, marking the triumphant entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem.

Francis, who is due to visit Cairo on April 28-29, offered prayers for the victims.

"Let us pray for the victims of the attack unfortunately carried out today," he said in an Angelus prayer.

"May the Lord convert the heart of those who sow terror, violence and death and also the heart of those who make weapons and trade in them."

Copts, who make up about one tenth of Egypt´s population of more than 92 million and who celebrate Easter next weekend, have been targeted by several attacks in recent months.

Extremists accuse Copts of supporting the military overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, which ushered in a deadly crackdown on his supporters.

In December, a suicide bomb-

ing claimed by IS killed 29 worshippers during Sunday mass in Cairo.

The bombing of the church within a compound that also holds the seat of the Coptic papacy was the deadliest attack against the minority in recent memory.

A spate of attacks in Egypt´s restive Sinai Peninsula, including the murder of a Copt in the city of El Arish whose house was also burned, have led some Coptic families to flee their homes.

About 250 Christians took refuge in the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya after Daesh released a video in February calling for attacks on the religious minority.

Reacting before the second bombing in Alexandria, Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid called the attack in Tanta "a failed attempt against our unity".

"Terrorism hits Egypt again, this time on Palm Sunday," he tweeted. Prime Minister Sherif Ismail also condemned the attack, stressing Egypt´s determination to "eliminate terrorism".

The Cairo-based Al-Azhar, an influential Sunni Muslim authority, said it aimed to "destabilise security and... the unity of Egyptians".

Egypt´s Copts have endured successive attacks since Morsi´s ouster in July 2013. More than 40 churches were attacked nationwide in the two weeks after the deadly dispersal by security forces of two pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo on August 14, 2013, human Rights Watch said.

Blast outside military base in Somalia capital wounds three MOGADISHU AGENCIES

A roadside bomb planted in front of a military base in the Somali capital of Mogadishu has wounded three soldiers, officials said on Sunday. “A blast injured three of our soldiers. We believe it was a bomb planted outside the military base gate.

We are investigating,” Major Abdinur Farah, a military officer, told Reuters. Witnesses said soldiers opened fire after the blast. It was not immediately clear who planted the bomb.

Five missing, as landslide hits western Indonesia JAKARTA AGENCIES

Five people were buried as a landslide took place in Nganjuk district of East Java province in Indonesia on Sunday, an official of the disaster agency said. The landslide occurred at 14:00 p.m. Jakarta time in Kepel village when all the victims were having activities at rice fields and plantations located at the slope of a hill, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the national disaster agency told Xinhua via phone. heavy downpours happened in the affected area a day before the disaster, he added. Search and rescue operation for the five persons has been underway, Sutopo disclosed.

GAZA: Palestinian National Authority (PNA) employees take part in a protest against the decision to reduce their salaries in Gaza City. Xinhua

US navy strike group heads toward Korean peninsula The United States (US) Navy said Saturday it had sent a carrier-led strike group to the Korean peninsula in a show of force against North Korea's “reckless” nuclear weapons programme.

The move will raise tensions in the region and comes hard on the heels of a US missile strike on Syria that was widely interpreted as putting Pyongyang on warning over its refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions. North Korea denounced Thursday's strike as an act of

“intolerable aggression” and one that justified “a million times over” the North's push toward a credible nuclear deterrent.

“US Pacific Command ordered the Carl Vinson Strike Group north as a prudent measure to maintain readiness and presence in the Western Pacific,” said Commander Dave Benham, spokesman at US Pacific Command.

“The number one threat in the region continues to be North Korea, due to its reckless, irresponsible and destabilising

program of missile tests and pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability,” he told AFP, in an unusually forceful statement. Originally scheduled to make port calls in Australia, the strike group ─ which includes the Nimitz-class aircraft supercarrier USS Carl Vinson ─ is now headed from Singapore to the Western Pacific Ocean.

Pyongyang is on a quest to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead, and

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has so far staged five nuclear tests, two of them last year.

Expert satellite imagery analysis suggests it could well be preparing for a sixth, with US intelligence officials warning that Pyongyang could be less than two years away from developing a nuclear warhead that could reach the continental United States. North Korea on Wednesday fired a medium-range ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan ahead of a US-China summit. In February the

North simultaneously fired four ballistic missiles off its east coast, three of which fell provocatively close to Japan, in what it said was a drill for an attack on US bases in the neighbouring Asian country.

Last August Pyongyang also successfully test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile 500 kilometres (300 miles) towards Japan, far exceeding any previous sub-launched tests, in what the North's leader Kim Jong-Un hailed as the “greatest success.” AGENCIES

06 FOREIGN NEWS

Monday, 10 April 2017

ChemiCal aTTaCks jolT world ouT of apaThy Towards syrian Crisis BRUSSELS

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AGENCIES

HE recent chemical attacks on the Northern Syrian town of Idlib seem to have helped the United Nations (UN), leading the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to issue a desperate appeal a day before the Brussels conference.

The appeal pledged $5.6 billion in 2017 to be spent on humanitarian, resilience, and development activities under the Syria Humanitarian Response Plan, Regional Refugee & Resilience Plan (3RP), and the Syria Crisis Appeal

by Red Cross.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), Islamic Development Bank (IDB), and World Bank confirmed an additional funding of $3.5 billion for 2018-20 besides loans worth $27.9 billion, as well as bilateral donor loan finance.

The United Kingdom, Kuwait, Norway, Germany, Canada, Japan, the United Nations, and the European Commission (EC) included the largest donors in earlier

conferences held in Kuwait (2013, 2014, and 2015) and London (2016).

Documents issued by the UN indicate that in 2015, nearly 6 million and 4.4 million people received monthly food assistance and other assistance and shelter support, respectively. Over 9 million received medical care, and more than 5 million children benefited from educational support in a humanitarian crisis that led to 250,000 deaths, 1.2 million people being injured, and 6.5 million internally displaced.

In addition, the crisis forced 5 million people to live in besieged cities and an-

other 5 million to flee as refugees – primarily to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt – while approximately 13.5 million currently stay vulnerable in Syria.

An amount worth $1.5 billion was raised in 2013, while $2.4 billion and $3.8 billion were raised in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The 2016 London conference – co-hosted by the UK, Germany, Kuwait, and the United Nations – had raised $6 billion for 2016 and $6.1 billion for 2017-20, with an announcement of $40 billion in concessional loans from multilateral development banks (MDBs) and donors.

Kuwait had pledged $500 million in the same conference, a year before. The UK, Germany, and Norway spent £1.1 billion, over $1.3 billion, and $176 million in 2015, besides providing support to “transport chemical weapons out of Syria for destruction, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution 2118 and decision by the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons [OPCW].”

The 2015 conference called for “political solution based on UN Security Council resolution 2254 (2015) and Geneva Communique (2012), which demands a transitional government body representing legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.”

However, according to an official press release from the UNHCR and UNDP issued on April 4 this year, the 3RP faces serious funding crisis due to the non-delivery of funds in the conferences. It was issued as an appeal on behalf of the 240 international and national partners and host governments in the region. “[We are] extremely concerned by the current low funding levels of the response,” the press release lamented, adding that “as the world prepares to meet in Brussels, only a fraction of the

funds needed to assist Syrians has been received.”

“The primary regional appeal and strategy – the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) for 2017 – calls for $4.63 billion to continue delivering vital protection and assistance for refugees and host communities. To date, only $433 million of the amount requested has been received, just 9% of what is needed,” says the release, warning that “all areas of assistance will be curtailed this year,” if no additional funding comes in.

“Food and cash assistance will be reduced or cut by mid-year, challenging stability and security in the region,” the statement explained.

Furthermore, UNHCR's Filippo Grandi stated, “The situation is getting desperate. We are already seeing children who are not able to go to school, families who cannot access adequate shelter or provide for their basic needs.”

In addition, UNDP administrator Helen Clark expressed, “We recognise and applaud the donations made so far, but the simple truth is that funding is not keeping up with needs.”

Before the chemical attacks, however, EU’s foreign ministers on April 3 had declared in the Luxembourg meeting that “Syrian regime has failed to meet its primary responsibility for the protection of the Syrian population, action must be taken.”

After Brussels conference, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini outlined three components of the strategy as military action against Daesh, military effort to bring a ceasefire, and humanitarian and political work.

Runners race from Greece to Belgium sending message of solidarity with refugees ATHENS AGENCIES

In the footsteps of thousands of refugees, 15 runners from Belgium set out in early April on a different relay race of 3,000 km on the Balkan Route.

Bearing a message of solidarity and aiming to raise awareness of the rights of immigrant populations, the citizens' association "Humans Welcome" started its journey on April 5 from the Greek island of Lesvos, where they visited Kara Tepe camp, met with the Greek authorities and NGOs and raced from the camp to the island's main port.

Their next stop was Athens, where, under the auspices of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the runners symbolically raced inside the Panathenaic Stadium.

Engineer Valter Iurlaro, the founder of the initiative, came up with the idea a year ago, when Hungary decided to close its borders for thousands of refugees who had fled war zones.

"As a European citizen, closing the borders of Europe didn't make sense to me. Especially since this resulted in closing the Balkan Route and thus increasing deaths in the Mediterranean Sea," Iurlaro told Xinhua, at Elefsina, 20 km west of Athens, where the continental relay started from.

"So the idea was to bring down these borders in a symbolic way and that's how this humanitarian project was born," he added.

Iurlaro's idea, spread across the internet, was immediately welcomed among communities of runners. "The same thing that was in my mind, was also in the other people's minds. We thought the same thing, although we didn't know each other," Iurlaro said.

Leaving behind the comfort of their homes for the two weeks of Easter holidays, 15 determined runners of different nationalities, supported by a team of doctors, drivers and a crew of filmmakers who will tell the tale in a documentary, signed up for this mission, all inspired by the same idea.

"We do not want to declare war

on anyone, we simply want to say 'Humans Welcome': we are all identical human beings," Iurlaro explained.

"We are people of all ages, coming from all sorts of backgrounds, and what brings us together is that we all think we can do a little something so that people view these human beings who came from far away not only as numbers or fluxes, but as the human beings that they are,"Sandra Ungemach, who was the first runner to start the relay from Elefsina, told Xinhua.

For Ungemach, who lives in Toulouse, France and loves running in the Pyrenees Mountains, the athletic challenge was naturally the first - but not the only thing that caught her attention.

"I met with extraordinary people, and an extraordinary cause. Personally I didn't know much about the refugee crisis. Like everybody I was listening to the news, I heard that there were people dying, but I didn't know what to do about it.

They gave me the idea to do this and I find it amazing," Ungemach stressed.

"Humans Welcome" project serves a double purpose: alert the peoples of Europe not only to the refugee crisis, but also to the suffering Greek people. "The second stage of our move has to do with Greek people, the forsaken people of Europe, which is something we don't understand either," said Iurlaro, who has organized several events and film-screenings back in Belgium in order to contribute to a more profound understanding of the Greek crisis.

Crossing eight countries, each runner will take turns in racing an average of 15 km per day accompanied by a cyclist and each followed by one of the three caravan vehicles that carry all the mission's equipment. The convoy was expected to cross the Greek-Macedonian border on April 8.

All along their race, "Humans Welcome" collect postcards from people who wish to send their message to the European Parliament where the mission is expected to arrive on April 16.

KOLKOTA: People participate in a rally demanding safe and respectful workplace for doctors in Kolkata. Xinhua

Myanmar wedding boat toll rises to 30 YANGON AGENCIES

Rescuers Sunday found more bodies from a boat accident in western Myanmar that has now claimed the lives of at least 30 people, most of them guests returning from a wedding.

The boat, called "Silver Star" in Burmese, sank Friday evening in a river near Pathein, a port city west of Yangon.

It was believed to be carrying around 60 passengers when it collided with another vessel in the dark.

Rescuers pulled 21 bodies from the river on Saturday and have since discovered more victims.

"We got nine dead bodies, three men and six women, today," a police officer at Pathein police station told AFP, asking not to be named.

It is unlikely there are many more victims to be found. On Saturday evening a local MP said nine people

were missing.

Local media photos showed frenzied scenes as rescuers worked throughout the early hours of Saturday to wheel stretchers away from the river and lay bodies onshore.

Fatal boat accidents are common in Myanmar, a poor country with rudimentary transport and weakly-enforced safety regulations.

Vessels ferrying people along the coastline and rivers are often dangerously overcrowded, and accidents can have staggering death tolls. It can also take several days for all bodies to be retrieved.

Last October, 73 people, including many teachers and students, drowned when their overloaded vessel capsized in central Myanmar on the Chindwin River.

Around 60 people died in March 2015 when their ferry sank in rough waters off the western state of Rakhine.

1 killed, 20 injured in Turkey balloon flight accident ANKARA AGENCIES

One people was killed and 20 others wounded in the hot air balloon accident in Cappadocia of central Turkey early Sunday, local private broadcaster NTV reported.

According to the initial information, the balloon hit electric wires due to strong winds during descending.

The ambulances and rescue staff were dispatched to the scene after the accident and the injured were brought to the local hospitals. An investigation has been launched.

On March 14, a total of 49 tourists were wounded after hot air balloons made an emergency landing due to winds in Nevsehir district of Cappadocia.

Last February, one Danish tourist died after falling off the balloon.

The Cappadocia region is visited by around 2.5 million local and foreign tourists every year, with some of the visitors opting to take balloon flights over the stunning landscape during their trip.

WEATHER UPDATES SUNDAY

Monday, 10 April, 2017

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MOHR tO EstablIsH sHEltER HOME FOR vulnERablE cHIldREn ISLAMABAD APP

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INISTRy of Human Rights (MOHR) would establish a shelter home for vulnerable children in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to ensure their protection and safety.

The shelter home would be set up at the first floor of Crisis Center for Women H/8, as security arrangements are already satisfactory there and no extra resources would be required, an MOHR official said.

He shared that National Child Protection Center (NCPC) was already running a non-formal school for street children where temporary shelter facility was also available but this new center would be equipped with all desired facilities.

The step has been taken as every child has equal rights without any discrimination and our religion also did ad-

Four dead, six injured in road mishap

vocate their rights, adding that it was government’s responsibility to ensure conducive atmosphere for their upbringing.

The official informed that education was the fundamental right of every child and Article 25-A of our constitution also made it compulsory, but unfortunately children were forced to indulge in economic activity due to poverty.

The Article 25-A said, “The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law”.

He further shared that it was alarming that a number of domestic child labour and child violence cases were reported at MOHR so they have decided to set up a place where such vulnerable children should be shifted immediately.

He added that these children urgently needed physical and psychological support and should be kept in an environment where they could feel themselves protected.

Over 200 schools lack clean drinking water facility RAWALPINDI

Four killed after bus turns turtle at Indus Highway ISLAMABAD APP

An accident at Indus Highway killed four and injured more than 20 persons as a passenger bus turned turtle in Sehwan Sharif on Sunday. According to details, the bus was going to Larkana from Karachi and tried to save a bike but could not succeed and overturned. Four persons, including the rider, died on the spot, a private news channel reported. Three dead could not be identified as yet, whereas, more than 20 are injured who have been transferred to Saeedabad and Dadu hospitals. The injured also include women and children, and those who were in critical condition have been sent to Hyderabad. Furthermore, the locals shifted some of the injured to the hospitals on their own. A road accident in Okara also took the lives of two people.

Pak Embassy hosts Easter dinner

Online

PESHAWAR APP

Four people including a minor and three women died and six others were injured in a road accident near Takhtbhai monuments on Mardan Road when a speedy pick-up collided with a roadside electricity pole after the driver lost control over the vehicle.

According to an official of the police station Takhtbhai, 11 member of a family coming to Mardan from Cotton Village, Talash area, District Dir Lower to attend a marriage ceremony, when it reached near Takhtbhai on main Mardan Road, driver Muhammad Raz Gul lost control over the pick-up, colliding with electricity pole as a result Rozinat wife of Khani, Raheel D/o Ihsan, Sultania w/o Wazirzada, and minor Sana d/o Bacha Hussain died on the spot while Naveed s/o Ihsan, Bakhtawar wife of Ihsan, Samina d/o Abdul Hakeem, Tahniyat wife of Abdul Hakeem, Buktana wife of Bacha Hussain and Nasima d/o Maskeen received injuries. Soon after the accident, the local people along with police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to the Mardan Medical Complex for medical treatment.

Over 200 primary, middle and secondary schools in Rawalpindi Division lack the facility of clean drinking water.

According to documents, Punjab Education Department has sought details of all the schools functioning in Rawalpindi Division. According to sources, the funds in the budget have been allocated to supply clean drinking water to the schools, however, the authorities have failed to enforce and utilize the funds. The schools are located in seven tehsils including Kotli Sattain, Murree, Kahuta, Kalar Syedain, Taxila, Gujar Khan and Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, Punjab Education

ISLAMABAD APP

Department spokesperson said that provincial government was initiating a project to supply clean drinking water to schools located in

Woman commits suicide over domestic issue RAWALPINDI: A woman committed suicide over a domestic issue within the Waris Khan Police jurisdiction.

Salma Bibi committed suicide by shooting herself after having dispute over domestic issue with her husband.

The police reached the area and shifted the body to local hospital for medico-legal formalities. Online

Rawalpindi Division, while a list of affected schools was also being prepared which would be forwarded to Punjab government for approval.

Married woman abducted ISLAMABAD: A married woman has allegedly been abducted within the Koral Police Station jurisdiction. Mumtaz Hussain, a resident of Koral, lodged a complaint with the local police that kidnappers have abducted his wife from the local market. He suspected that Shahid and Saeed could be behind the kidnapping. The police have registered a case and started investigation. Online

The Embassy of Pakistan and ‘All Neighbours’, a Virginia-based community organization, co-hosted the Easter dinner in Washington DC. According to a message received here from Washington, Virginia State Senator Richard Dick Black was the chief guest on the occasion. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry commended the Pakistani Christian community for spreading the message of peace, love and hope, and playing the role of a bridge between their motherland and their homeland. The ambassador also highlighted the important role being played

by Christians in the national development of Pakistan. He conveyed warm sentiments and felicitations to the participants on the festive occasion and added that the embassy would keep its doors open for such events in future.

Religious leaders from different churches offered prayers on the occasion and expressed warms wishes of the Christian community for the people of Pakistan. A group of young children presented a cultural performance at the event. Some participants narrated their positive impressions of the land and the people from their recent visits to Pakistan.

The event was attended by a large number of participants from the tri-state area including faith leaders, families of Pakistani American Christian community, officials of various US government departments and American public.

Lok Mela continues to attract visitors ISLAMABAD APP

The ten-day ‘Lok Mela’ continued attracting visitors from the twin cities on its 3rd day on Sunday.

An atmosphere of festivity and a celebration of local cultures surrounded the festival here at Garden Avenue Shakarparian. Since the first day of its inauguration the `mela’ became talk of the town among the residents of the two cities.

The major features of the festival to attract the public include artisans-at-work exhibition, provincial cultural pavilions, folkloric songs and dance ensembles, rural musicians, cultural evenings, promotional stalls by public organizations and NGOs, general assembly of crafts people, an exotic craft bazaar, traditional food cuisine and food stalls have enthralled both adults and children.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed said that Lok Mela was amazing and these folkloric songs and dance mesmerized me and my kids.

All provinces and regions including

Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir got the opportunity to showcase their respective rich cultures comprising indigenous folk

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music, songs, traditional dances and traditional cuisines.

A large number of people from different walks of life including professional and general masses, art and craft experts,

cultural personalities, diplomats, political figures, media persons and students visited and entertained by the fascinating performances of the artists.

More than 700 artists, singers and artisans are participating in the festival, representing the real cultural values of the country. For the first time, Lok Virsa initiated shuttle service to bring visitors from various points to Lok Virsa.

The ‘Lok Mela’ cultural activities can be live seen throughout the country and in many other parts of the world. For the first time Lok Virsa also arranged a Fazal Jutt folk theatre especially for the young talent.

Fazal Jutt is the son of renowned singer late Ashiq Jutt. Renowned Sindhi folk singer Bagchand also joined Lok Mela and entertained the visitors with melodious songs. A number of foreigners showing interest in cultural artifacts and traditional clothes were also seen at the festival.

08 COMMENT

Monday, 10 April, 2017

JUI-F’s show of strength Are we in for another kind of proxy war?

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hILe serious questions persist about the role of Jamiat-Ulama-i-hind, vis-à-vis the creation of Pakistan, the JUI-F - which claims to be its offshoot - celebrated the centenary of the party for three days. The big show was facilitated by the PML-N government which is understandable as JUI-F happens to be its ally. That the gathering was arranged in KP indicates the keenness on the part of both PML-N and JUI-F to try to wrest the province from the PTI. An alliance with the PML-N made it easier to get visas for clerics from different countries including India and Bangladesh. Fazl-ur-Rehman was out to use the centenary gatherings for political muscle flexing.

It was highly unusual for the Saudi government to be officially represented at a political party’s show of force.

Imam of Kaaba led the Friday prayers, drawing hundreds who might not otherwise support JUI-F. The Saudi Minister for religious affairs addressed the gathering. This would be seen by rival parties as an act of partisanship from a government expected to show neutrality in Pakistan’s internal politics. The Saudi officials’ participation compromised the position of the Saudi government as well as that of the JUI-F which would be labelled as Saudi proxy by its competitors On the eve of the conference, JUI-F Secretary General Abdul Ghafoor haideri made an odd offer to the TTP to join his party and achieve their objectives through peaceful means. The call was issued at a time when terrorists from Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Lashkar-eJhangvi al-Alami, which are part of the TTP, are continuing to conduct ruthless attacks on minority sects, security agencies and general public. The network aims at breaking up the Muslim majority states and creating instead a world-wide Khilafat. It was understandable to invite leaders from PPP, PML-N and Jamaat-e-Islami to the gathering. A Christian cleric had also been invited as a show piece. There was however no representation from the Shia community or its political organisations.

Few would buy Fazl-ur-Rehman’s claim that he represents the entire Ummah rather than any sect.

Dangers of acting arbitrarily

Decline of feudalism Lessons from history prove it’s an ever growing possibility

Najeeb KaKaR

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RIOR to the French Revolution, europe was inextricably enmeshed with imperialism and obsolete rule of feudalism, despotism and absolutist monarchy. The French society was comprised of three different estates. Nobles or the feudal lords being the first estate, the clergy second; followed by the general French population.

The role of the second estate According to Jeffrey Brautigam: “together, the clergy and the nobility wielded enormous power and enjoyed tremendous privilege, while the various groups that made up the Third estate bore the tax burden. The Catholic Church in France functioned as a branch of the government bureaucracy. It registered births, marriages, and deaths; collected certain kinds of agricultural taxes; and oversaw both education and relief for the poor. The Church owned approximately 10 per cent of land in France but paid no taxes to the government.”

Moreover, the ‘Catholic Church’ was an established institution in France. hL Peacock in his book 1789-1981: A history of Modern europe argues that “various forms of the Protestant faith existed in France, but were not recognised by the law. The only public worship allowed was that of the Catholic Church. This monopoly of religious power was the subject of violent attacks by

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In the midst of these crisis, the privileged order did not have any other feasible option than to relent its privileges. On Aug 4, 1789, a radical decision was taken by members of national assembly. By which nobility and the clergy came one by one and surrendered their privileges. It was rather inevitable, however.

With the issuing of the August decrees, feudalism came to an end in France. And the peasants were completely unfettered from the yoke of their feudal contracts. The assembly thereafter, issued the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, which preserved the self-sufficiency of the French people.

In the meantime, the national convention executed King Louis XVI, on the grounds of treason in January, 1793, and declared France as a republic. This is how feudalism, despotism and absolutist monarchy was abolished in France and society evolved successively “on the basis of equality and justice.”

What lessons can Pakistan learn?

But in modern time feudalism is still intact and deeply-embedded in Pakistan’s politics, society and culture. Which is an existential threat and real impediment in the way of development and integration in society. The feudal landlords hitherto enjoy prodigious power and riches and as well as “claiming to be” the progenies of the “Sufi saints” in order to exploit the insensible public.

The landlords in Pakistan need to understand the changing environment abroad. Which has no space for landlordism, feudalism and its redundant institutions. Once feudalism is eliminated, the young and talented people will arise and contribute their valuable services to the progress of society. It is, vitally indispensable, to end feudalism voluntarily. If not so, perhaps violence and bloodshed would come and obliterate it eventually.

Najeeb Kakar is a journalist and contributing writer at The huffington Post and The Diplomat with an interest in religion, history and foreign policy of major powers, based in Islamabad. He can be reached at najeebkakar195@yahoo.com Follow him on Twitter@najeebkakar19 and on Facebook.

The terror of splinter groups

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hey were picked up one by one from different parts of the country. Zardari’s three trusted aides have disappeared within a week, with hints of more to be possibly taken away in days to come. This is enough to cause alarm among the PPP leadership.

Khurshid Shah, Maula Bux Chandio and Bakhtawar have all expressed concern. Three persons, close to PPPP Chief Zardari made to disappear within days indicates that this is no case of kidnapping for ransom or of people failing to return home on account of memory loss caused by dementia.

Zardari had recently declared war against the PMLN government. he had also warned Interior Minister to abstain from acting like Saif-ur-Rehman. Did this lead the government to take umbrage and overreact? The PPP thinks it is a case of political vindictiveness on the part of Ch Nisar, either on his own or on instructions from the top leadership. There is a need on the part of the Interior Minister to come clean about the issue. If there is sufficient evidence of these three persons having been involved in a crime, action against them should be taken in accordance with due process of law. even the law reviving the military courts passed in March this year by Parliament requires production of an accused before the magistrate within twenty four hours Any harsh action taken in violation of law by a federal government led by a Prime Minister from Punjab against political rivals from smaller provinces is bound to cause alienation. Nawaz Sharif is already being accused

by Sindh and KP of acting like the chief executive of a province rather than the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The action can further strengthen parochial tendencies. The federal government is being accused of interfering in the affairs of Sindh and of neglecting it in development projects. Cautioning the federal government against inciting the people, the Leader of the Opposition has asked the federal government if it wants them to come on roads and start speaking against the state.

many great French writers, among whom the most outstanding was Voltaire, who demanded complete religious toleration.”

It comes down to land On the other hand, the nobility owned nearly 25 per cent of land in France and relished a notable position in the society. The key jobs in military services were earmarked for them. They sat on special seats in the church far from commoners. This class was also tax exempted and particularly hinged on the taxes of peasants.

Consequently, they accumulated wealth and built Châteaux and citadels — on their land-owning property — in order to live an extravagant and luxurious life.

So, these structural inequalities and accumulated ills in France — inflicted by mildly selfish and callous landlords — prodded peasants for uprising. Several times, the peasants revolted against the barbaric deeds of their ruthless landlords. But, unfortunately, the rebellions were crashed meteorically. Because they did not have arms, military training and intellectual support to resist the might of “professional and wellequipped army.”

The bloody revolution and the August decrees On July 14, 1789, an angry mob stormed the ancient fortress of Bastille in Paris. The Governor and his guard were killed, and their heads were paraded on pikes through the city. In the aftermath, the prisoners were released, and marked the commencement of the revolution. As the news of the fall of Bastille reached the countryside, the peasants and farmers were electrified and revolted against their feudal contracts by assaulting their Châteaux and destroyed whatever found there.

The following day, the state of affairs was further deteriorated in Paris. And it took a terrible shape, when an irritated throng pillaged shops in search of foods and munitions. Not only had this happened but they also captured the galleries of assembly in Paris to watch a session of the national assembly, which was underway. however, the revolutionary activities further galvanised the French populace to pressurise nobility and the clergy to capitulate their privileges.

How long will we let our fear paralyse us? effort to force civilian and military intelligence institutions to review and revise their security policy.

Tackling the problem head on Interestingly, our National Security Policy is based upon principle of mutual inclusiveness and integration including dialogue with all stake holders, isolation of terrorists from support system and deterrence capacity of security apparatus to neutralise threats to internal security. The recent terror attacks may also engender a change in thinking of provincial and national security apparatus to start concentrating on dismantling local terror support networks in the country.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliated groups have accepted the responsibility of majority of these attacks. Jamaat-ulAhrar (JuA), in a video message, has stated that they have launched operation “Ghazi” after the name of Muhammad Abdul Rashid Ghazi who was killed during operation “Silence” in 2007 when Special Operation Commandos (SOCs) cleared a madrassa affiliated with Lal Masjid, Islamabad. The leadership of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar has also affirmed that they would go after the crusaders of prophetism. They have also assured their audience that they would attack all those persons who consider Khulfa-e-Rashideen and other companions of the prophet as infidels. Furthermore, all media personalities who propagate negative reports for the benefits of enemies of Islam would also come under attack. They will also target those educational institutions which promote un-Islamic ideology in the country but they will not conduct any operation at public places in-

Faisal ali Raja

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he recent terror incidents have jolted the security apparatus and created uncertainty about law & order situation in the country.

Since terrorism is a dynamic process therefore the perpetrators of terror keep on changing their approaches and strategies to blunt the counter terrorism operations at sub national level.

There are many reasons for these attacks First, it is an attempt to shatter the security perception among the citizens. A lot of effort has been made to create a security structure since the start of military operation in North Waziristan. These include new initiatives to enhance a secured environment perception among the masses.

Second, the terror groups or organisations having been pushed back due to recent counter terror actions are making another effort to demoralise and discourage the government functionaries to belittle the effectiveness of military operation.

Third, different anti-state splinter elements operating from the border areas and actively supported by external intelligence agencies have re-energised different sleeper cells to conduct a coordinated terror operation in Pakistan.

Fourth, it is also an asymmetric

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cluding processions, rallies, funeral prayers, mosques, madrassas and playgrounds.

Moreover, all structures for public welfare will not be targeted as well. Similarly, all religious places of worship of minorities shall not be attacked unless anyone of them is utilised by anti-Islamic forces. They will also not strike against those individuals who were formally associated with un-Islamic institutions but have now given up their association with it and are ready to inform JuA about their activities.

Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) is a militant Sunni Deobandi group which is one of the splinter factions of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The group has claimed attacks on Wagah border, twin bombing at Roman Catholic Church and Christ Church in Lahore, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park attack and terror assaults in Mohmand Agency. Most of its members are also affiliated with TTP and their loyalties depend upon number of factors including tribal affiliation, sectarian connections, monitory benefits and financial gains.

Interestingly, in August 2016, two key leaders of JuA were caught in an intelligence led operation in Lahore.

These JuA leaders were running sleeper cells in Punjab for terror operations. Perhaps one thing which adds to the lethality of these splinter groups is their ability to hide among the population with ease and comfort. Most of the members of these groups remain in an idle state till they start the operation in which they become highly dynamic and flexible.

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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The State needs to respond The attack in hayatabad, Peshawar on February 15, 2017 was aimed at judiciary in which two people including a driver of Civil Judge was killed while four judicial officials sustained injuries. Similarly, the attack in Lahore was directed against police officials, in which fifteen people were killed and more than a hundred were injured.

It is essential that the government should react to these terror attacks with composure and circumspection. A three pronged approach should be adopted to confront with the present situation.

First, all civilian and military intelligence agencies should search out sleeper cells and expose local terror support networks in the province.

Second, Afghans living in Pakistan, legally or illegally, should be properly documented and registered. A clear policy about their stay in the country should also be enumerated. If the alien agencies can use them for their objects why can’t we employ this human resource for our benefit?

Lastly, the terror attacks are directly linked to our Afghan policy.

Any terror activity in our border lands will have an impact on internal security of the country. In modern warfare, such attacks are an effective tool to bring about a policy shift in critical areas of national security. It is up to the civilian-military leadership to decide what changes can be made in our regional approach to have a minimum impact on national security.

Faisal Ali Raja is a Senior Superintendent of Police.

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 09

Monday, 10 April, 2017

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

Pollution in Karachi: The role of public vehicles must be investigated MAy I invite the attention of the concerned authorities through your esteemed paper, towards the excessive noise level and the pollution caused by the public vehicles on the roads of Karachi.

Karachi suffers from the excessive noise level and pollution caused by buses, autos and other vehicles. The percentage of non-polluting buses and autos is so sparse - perhaps 1 out of 10.

During peak-hours when I ride my bike to work, autos and buses are the major occupants of the arterial roads and commuters are forced to suffer the smoke and noise these vehicles emit.

Can’t the city administration do something about this?

My opinion is that of a layman’s and I wouldn’t be able to calculate the exact percentage of vehicles which aren’t contributing to the pollution. But I allow myself to guess that, if just autos and buses are made environment friendly, Karachi would be much much better.

I request the concerned authorities to take prompt action to provide relief to the suffering people of Karachi.

ABDUL MoUID SAMANA Karachi

A multitude of voices Dissent is a powerful tool – if Pakistani lawmakers realise it Nelson Mandela and Che Guevara, i.e.: they all were dissidents. history is replete with instances of dissent bringing forth revolutionary (positive) changes in a society, it was dissent which, reformed the Arabian Peninsula, led to Independence of United States, ended apartheid in South Africa, brought an end to colonial rule in subcontinent, instigated French Revolution, introduced Magna Carta and ended slavery and racial segregation in USA. Furthermore, dissent has profoundly contributed towards intellectual and scientific development of the world, it was abuzaR salmaN KhaN Niazi dissent which, located sun at the centre of the universe, pioneered N the year 1919, the case of the science of genetics, invented Abrams v United States einstein’s cosmological constant. came before the US The Greek intellectual giant Supreme Court. The said and philosopher, Aristotle, found case challenged the convic- beauty and balance in diversity, not tions of five men of Russian origin, unity. Aristotle theorised that an efwho were prosecuted under the Es- fort to create a state whose citizens pionage Act of 1917 on the charge are similar might create deep conof instigating and mustering resist- flicts and divisions within the sociance against the war efforts of ety. Aristotle’s diversity doctrine, if USA. Although the Apex court sus- interpreted in the context of dissent, tained the conviction, one judge - would mean that unity of thought Oliver Wendell holmes - disagreed and ideas adversely affect the with the majority decision and left growth of scientific, intellectual, a dissenting opinion. Initially, the legal and political institutions in a dissenting opinion received strong society, as diversity brings forth disnation-wide condemnation (as it senting views which act as a catawas against the popular public lyst in the development of a society. opinion), nevertheless, after some Dissent has played a significant years and till now, holmes’s dis- role in reforming in reforming senting opinion is hailed as a mon- American society. In Brown v Board ument to liberty. holmes wrote: of Education 1954, the US Supreme “The ultimate good desired is bet- Court unanimously adumbrated that ter reached by free trade in ideas, racial segregation in public schools the best test of truth is the power of violated the Fourteenth Amendment, the thought to get it accepted in the which bars the states from denying competition of the market, and that equal protection of the laws to any truth is the only ground upon which person within their jurisdiction. This wishes safely can be carried out. landmark decision in a way overThat, at any rate, is the theory of ruled the decision of the Supreme our Constitution. It is an experi- Court in Plessy v Ferguson 1896, ment, as all life is an experiment.” wherein the court upheld racial segA quick regation laws glance at the for public faworld’s hiscilities on the tory reflects touch stone of that one thing Fourteenth was common The Greek intellectual giant Amendment. a m o n g The Supreme and philosopher, Aristotle, Court gave a Socrates, Joan of Arc, Martin completely found beauty and balance different L u t h e r ver( P ro t e s t a n t dict after 58 in diversity, not unity.

Reformer), years solely Aristotle theorised that an due to the reahuey Newton, Galileo effort to create a state whose son that powGalilei, Mare r f u l citizens are similar might tin Luther dissenting King Jr (Afrovoices (particcreate deep conflicts and American acularly of Martivist), John in divisions within the society. tin Luther) Locke, Marthe 20th cengaret Sanger, tury created a Gandhi, Bhapowerful pubgat Singh, lic opinion

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against racial segregation, which in- however, he was offered the option spired the Judges to unanimously of abandoning his beliefs or drinking the cup of hemlock. he died eagerly rule out racism in public schools.

Dissent, to a great extent, em- for the principles he treasured. This bodies the Idea of freedom of ex- is what I call a pure form of sacrifice for propagapression. tion of a just Freedom of idea; and it expression is was a dissispecifically d e n t designed to Those who dissent are not ( S o c r a t e s ) protect the weak and vul- traitors or anti-national rather who sacrificed for the ultinerable, as the they are those people who mate truth. rich and powThe proberful don’t need the gov- stand against inequalities of lem of exernment to wealth, unreasonable power tremism and terrorism in grant them structures and exploitation Pakistan can such rights. be aptly evalIt’s not the of the poor. uated on the majority that yardstick of normally disdissent. As sents against per my humthe ruling elite ble underrather it’s the minority whose unpopular idea standing, extremism (including needs protection. Therefore, in violence, intolerance and terrororder to protect their voices, ism), often results from the failure civilised and genuinely democratic to tolerate dissenting views, opinsocieties have constitutionally ions and thoughts. Furthermore, guarded the right to dissent by in- Zia’s Regime inept policies have troducing the fundamental right of created a full crop of generation “freedom of expression” in their re- which considers ideas other than spective constitutions (for in- its own not only wrong but also stance, the First Amendment to the wicked which deserve to be elimiConstitution of USA). Such a right nated from the society. Lack of disalso exists in the constitutions of sent is a major impediment Pakistan and India; however, due towards attainment of a tolerant, to our weak and decayed institu- peaceful and developed Pakistan.

The Military-Mullah nexus in tions, practical manifestation of the past (especially during the Zia this right has yet to be seen.

In his book, “Why Societies regime) have killed the room for disNeed Dissent”, Cass Sunstein sent in Pakistan. Anyone who quesaverred “Nations are far more likely tions the self righteousness, rigidness to prosper, if they welcome dissent and vested interests of Mullahs in and promote openness”. As per his power is labelled an “infidel” and theorisation, those sitting in higher anyone who questions military’s role echelons (including but not limited as guardian of our ideological to presidents and lawmakers) are boundaries is labelled as a traitor.

Those who dissent are not traimore prone to blunder if they don’t develop and promote a culture of tors or anti-national rather they are dissent and open discussions within those people who stand against intheir organisations. he further ar- equalities of wealth, unreasonable gues that a free and tolerant society power structures and exploitation of not only forbids the suppression of the poor. Dissent is a precious pheideas, but also creates ample oppor- nomenon, it merits more recognitunities for dissidents to unearth tion; it has inherent propensity to covert truths, expose popular myths counter the injustices that have a habit of exploiting the vulnerable in and denounce rampant injustices.

The conformists - who oppose weak societies. Dissent normally dissidents and portray them as ego- succeeds in introducing reforms tistical and treacherous – are, in re- and producing a less unjust society; ality, free-riders, selfish and the In addition to that, it satisfies an inbeneficiaries of the status quo. Ac- herent human desire to be able to cording to Sunstein, dissidents reject struggle for justice. Pakistan can desocial barriers and perform priceless velop at a rapid pace on all fronts, social functions, often put their own if we can build an environment life in danger, they cannot be self- where dissent is not only tolerated centred or egoists. Socrates death is but also valued and encouraged. a living example in front of us. In the Abuzar Salman Khan Niazi is year 399 BC, Socrates was accused by the Athenian Government of cor- an advocate based in Lahore. He rupting young people with his teach- can be contacted on Twitter at: ings he was tried and found guilty. @SalmanKNiazi1

Where’s the censure on rumour mongering?

IT seems Pakistan has become a land of rumours and the most disturbing trend is that highly educated people are most active in it. In last two weeks, I have so far received ten or twelve versions of the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Panama Leaks.

These rumours should not be taken lightly as they damage the credibility of our institutions and create confusion in the mind of people about what to believe or not believe.

It is our responsibility to stop a rumour when we receive it rather than forwarding it by just labelling it “forwarding as received”. By sending it out, we are endorsing it and should be held responsible for it.

PeMRA and other state institutions should take serious actions against such will full rumour mongering on regulated media. I understand that it is not possible to control social media but we can’t allow such thing to become a norm on professional media.

ABDUL QUAyyUM KHAN KUNDI Lahore

Sunk in darkness: Where are our street lights?

ThROUGh the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I want to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the lack of provision for street lights. Without street lights, city roads turn in to a haven for criminals. Majority of residential and commercial areas of city are reeling under darkness due to this lack of streetlights. The number of crimes includes robbery, chain snatching and kidnapping, as the criminals take advantage of the dark and blatantly carry on their misdeeds.

Darkness along the streets also makes it easy for illegal dumping of garbage and untreated sewage by private owners.

A few patches of VIP roads and areas roads are also in darkness. Not a single street light was functioning for long stretches on these roads.

WARDA SoHAIL Karachi

Edhi’s 50-rupee coin A special coin designed in honour of the renowned humanitarian Abdul Sattar edhi was issued on 31st March, 2017. edhi, who was the founder of Pakistan’s biggest welfare organisation, died last year. The coin’s design was a token of small gratitude of his infinite hard work for the humanity by the State Bank of Pakistan. We can never thank him for his devotion and esteem for humanity but we can reminisce. This was such a good step taken by the government in the memory of Abdul Sattar edhi. The government and the public should also arrange financial sustenance for this organisation.

HADIA AzIz Islamabad

Child labour ALThOUGh the shameful practice of child labour has been the condemned by various countries around the world, the abhorred practice still prevails in our country. Moving down on the streets of the city one often comes across workshops of different kinds that have innocent, underage and helpless children working more than 10 hours a day for miniscule wages. Beauteous little hands that are supposed to hold toys and books are, sadly handling rough tools with faces covered in mud and oil deprived of a serene childhood. Sometimes these children don’t have a choice except to work for the survival of their families, and sometimes some parents deliberately send their children to work despite their small ages.

I would like to request the government and the social institutions present in our country to seriously look upon this grave issue, so that that the life standard and future of these children can be improved.

HAMzA AQEEL KHAN Karachi

10 BUSINESS

Monday, 10 April, 2017

HERCULEAN TASK?

fBr tO COllECt rS 1.1 trilliON iN laSt quartEr Of ONgOiNg fy ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

HE Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is faced with a challenging task of collecting Rs 1,194.3 billion during the last quarter (April-June) of the current fiscal year 2016-17.

The FBR has managed to collect Rs 2,265 billion during the first nine months (July-March) period. Overall, there is a tax deficit of Rs 160 billion during the first nine months. The government has so far avoided revising the tax target for the current fiscal year.

An informed source said that the change of two chairmen of FBR, during one fiscal year, was a bad omen, as it meant there was no consistency in policy as well as in administration. The incumbent Chairman FBR Dr Irshad will be retiring by the end of this month.

The government, he added, should have appointed a permanent Chairman FBR, for at least two years’ term. After the retirement of the former chairman, they should have appointed an officer who should have at least three more

NESCOM prOpOSES SafEty MOdEl fOr railwayS ISLAMABAD

years of service to bring consistency in the policy.

Retirement of the incumbent chairman in April, poses problems not only for achieving the revenue target for the current fiscal year, but for setting revenue collection projections for the next fiscal year as well. With their boss to retire in a few days, the tax mandarins will not adhere to his directives and they would not bother to give firm commitments for next fiscal year, he added.

The tax authorities attribute the de-

cline in revenue collection to the tax concessions granted to the textiles and export oriented sector as well as due to the decline in the petroleum products prices. Indirect tax, including withholding tax and sales tax on petroleum products has emerged as the major revenue contributors during the last few years.

Despite pressure from international financial institutions and donor countries, the government has evaded taking strict measures against a large number of rich businesses.

The tax collection arm of the government, FBR, is tasked to collect direct taxes of Rs 480.7 billion, sales tax of Rs 454.9 billion, federal excise duty of Rs 85 billion, and customs duty of Rs 173.6 billion during the last quarter. Overall, the FBR has to collect 16 percent more revenue to achieve the current fiscal’s tax target of Rs 3.621 trillion.

The revenue collection target for April estimates that FBR will have to collect Rs 290.7 billion, out of which; direct taxes target is Rs 93.1 billion, sales tax at Rs 130.9 billion, FED at Rs 20.4 billion and customs duty of Rs 46.4 billion.

During the month of May, FBR will have to collect Rs 346.2 billion, including direct taxes of Rs 126.8 billion, sales tax of Rs 141 billion, FED of Rs 29 billion and customs duty of Rs 49.4 billion.

In June, the revenue collection for FBR is projected at Rs 557.4 billion, including direct taxes of Rs 260.9 billion, sales tax of Rs 183.1 billion, FED of Rs 35.6 billion and customs duty of Rs 77.8 billion.

CAA to generate revenue by enhancing commercial activities: PM’s advisor

ISLAMABAD APP

Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be signed between the two countries after the State Bank of Pakistan and the Central Bank of Iran resume banking channels. Joint ministerial level meeting between Pakistan and Iran would be held in Tehran on April 18, for negotiation on bilateral trade and FTA between the two countries, a senior official of ministry of commerce told APP here. "We are very much looking forward to a progress on the bilateral trade and enhancing exports to Iran," he said.

Talking about FTA with China, he said its second phase was also due. However, Pakistan was desirous to have duty relaxation on 50 products before launching the phase-II, he added. "We demanded unilateral relaxation on 50 different products for few years before signing Phase-II of FTA," the official added. Replying to question, he said that Pakistan wanted relaxation on these products to protect the local market and ensure competitiveness.

CdNS achieves rs 165b savings

APP

National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) has proposed a comprehensive safety model to the Ministry of Railways to help control the train collisions and accidents on level crossings.

Connected with a radio link, the system will be installed in the locomotive and at level crossings simultaneously, which will have warning lights and sirens to keep people alert, sources at the ministry told APP. They said the locomotive speed system, vision systems, electromechanical system, train approaching warning system and train collision avoiding system would be devised to prevent accidents in the future.

According to the sources, as many as 338 minor and major accidents have been occurred on Railway’s network across the country since January 2013 till December 2016.

Out of the total 338 accidents, 149 were major accidents while 189 fell in the category of minor accidents, they added.

The sources said that roughly 245 accidents were caused due to negligence of the road users while negotiating the manned, unmanned level crossing and unauthorized locations.

In all these cases, the responsibility of these accidents lie on the road users under section 91/1 of Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965, and sections 128 and 129 of Railways Act, they stated.

The sources further said that as many as 118 persons were killed in the accidents and 467 were injured.

Around 110 staffers of Pakistan Railways were penalized over negligence and the punishments which were awarded included; compulsory retirement from service, removal from service, reduction to a lower post, a warning and withholding of the annual increment.

During the period under review, Pakistan Railways have sustained a total cost of damages worth Rs 287.549 million.

According to break-up figures, during 2013, Railways sustained damages of Rs 1.63 million, in 2014 Rs 28.548 million, in 2015 Rs 158.538 million whereas during 2016 it sustained damages of Rs 98.83 million.

fta to be signed between pak-iran after resumption of banking channels

ISLAMABAD APP

ISLAMABAD ONLINE

Adviser to Prime Minister on Aviation, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has directed the officials of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to generate more revenue by enhancing commercial activities at airports.

He stated this while visiting the New Islamabad Airport. Secretary Aviation Irfan Elahi was also accompanied by him. He directed the authorities concerned to complete all the work in an efficient manner, enabling the functioning of the new air-

port.

The advisor has expressed his satisfaction that the new airport will be the first airport of the country having state of the art facilities and emphasized that all other airports of the country should be modernized and equipped with latest technology.

Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan has urged the CAA to generate more revenue by enhancing commercial activities at airports and asked the DG, CAA, to develop a recreational park in the vicinity of the new airport by utilizing the available land and water reservoirs.

Earlier, the advisor sought a briefing from DG, CAA, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman on operational readiness of the new airport keeping in view its opening date.

While chairing another meeting with stakeholders like airlines, ground handlers, airport security force, ANF, FIA and customs, the advisor directed CAA to extend full cooperation to them for their timely operation at New Airport. In the end, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan visited different sections and areas of the airport and expressed satisfaction on the progress of the work.

Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has achieved Rs 165 billion savings till last week of third quarter of current fiscal year, from July 1 to March 25, 2016-17. The target for the year 2016-17 was Rs 228 billion, while the directorate managed to achieve Rs 218 billion for the previous fiscal year, a senior CDNS official told APP here.

He said the CDNS had notified an upward revision in the profit rates for various saving certificates to benefit its investors, especially the widowed and pensioners, which had been applicable from February 1. "The instant revision was made in the backdrop of the current market scenario and in accordance with the government's policy to provide market-based competitive rate of return to the investors of national savings", he said. He said that as per the notification issued by the federal government, the new rates for Defense Savings Certificate, Special Saving Certificate and Account, Regular Income Certificate and Savings Accounts had been revised upward at an average of 7.54 per cent, 6.03 per cent, 6.54 per cent and 3.95 per cent respectively. The official said the profit rate of return for specialized savings schemes like Bahbood Savings Certificates and Pensioners' Benefit Account had also been revised up and fixed at 9.36 per cent to provide a safety net to the specialized segments of the society.

Workshops on soil fertility to equip farmers ISLAMABAD APP

Around 250 farmers were engaged in four training workshops on soil fertility, sustainable rice production and water productivity.

Three village training workshops were conducted in different agricultural areas of the country, including the parts of district Sheikhupura, equipping the rice growers on latest cultivation techniques.

The capacity building training was organized by Rice Partners pvt Ltd (RPL) in collaboration with MARS food and Helvates Swiss Inter cooperation in the last week, according to a

press release issued here.

Talking to the farmers, Project Manager RPL Zafar Iqbal said that rice production constituted the major economic activity, 21 per cent of (GDP) and a key source of employment, 44 per cent, for the rural population of Pakistan. He said the average yield of rice in Pakistan was far less than other leading rice growing countries.

It was inevitable to bring the maximum rice growing farmers in capacity building activities for enhancing their skills on water efficient techniques for sustainable rice production, he added.

Zafar has sensitized the farmers regarding social aspects of SRP standards

and demanded them to not involve child labour in agriculture sector.

Chief Operating officer Rice partners Pvt. Ltd Muhammad Ali Tariq addressed the farmers about the importance of core-relation of UN SDGs and Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP).

He emphasized the farmers to excel on water productivity and sustainable production of rice as per SRP standards.

He further explained the outline of WAPRO project and its importance in implementation of Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP). He further highlighted that Pakistan is an agricultural country and the agriculture sector can serve as the shortest pathway for achieving

United Nations UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Project Agronomist, Imran Sheikh addressed the farmers and said that it’s very important to focus on SRP protocols like crop calendar, record keeping, laser leveling, quality seed, water productivity, balanced use of fertilizers.

He also added that farmers need to ensure soil fertility and proper land preparation, for obtaining maximum yield and farm income. Imran advised the farmers to incorporate crop residue instead of burning it because it will not only increase soil fertility, water holding capacity, but also avoid from polluting environment.

Monday, 10 April, 2017

pSM tO EvaluatE COSt Of 1500 aCrE laNd BEfOrE allOCatiON fOr CpEC

BUSINESS 11

ISLAMABAD

t

GHULAM ABBAS

HE newly reconstituted board of directors of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), which met recently to examine the proposed allocation of mills’ 1500 acre land to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has decided to evaluate the cost of the land by a third party before its allocation.

The 11 member board, which was reconstituted to look into the immediate issues of PSM, including the implementation on prime minister’s order for allocation of land to establish a special economic zone near the mill in the context of the CPEC, has reportedly taken various initiatives in its first meeting.

According to a member of the board, who did not want to be named, the board has decided to evaluate the price of land as per prevailing market price of property in the area through highly reputed chartered accountants/firms approved by the State Bank of Pakistan. He, however, said that the allocation of land for the Economic Zone under CPEC cannot be granted until the case related to this land is settled in court.

According to him, the income generated through sale/use of the 1500 acre land may be utilized for the revival of the mill which has been dysfunctional for more than a year now. According to

sources at the PSM, as per the estimated value of land in 2017, the 1500 acres piece of land was worth Rs 30 billion, which could be used for payment of dues to pensioners, gratuity and, others perks of employees as well as paying off as

many liabilities as possible in order to at least revive the mill.

Earlier, soon after the federal government’s move to allocate the 1500 acre land of PSM to CPEC related projects, the Sindh government, objecting the allo-

cation, had reminded the centre that over 17,000 acres land at the PSM actually belonged to the province. It was given to the mill for operational purposes. Through a letter, the provincial government had informed the centre that the land would

legally stand returned to the province if it was utilized for any other purpose or given to a third party.

The issue was highlighted after the ministry of industries and production had notified that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved the allocation of 1,500 acres of PSM land for the CPEC industrial park and ordered that the matter be taken up with the Privatisation Commission and the PSM board for fulfilling the formalities.

Apart from the land related issue discussed by the board at length, it was also decided that the board members would have to inspect the entity physically and examine the initiatives needed for the revival of the mill.

The board, according to sources, will also meet again in the last week of this month to finalize its recommendations and present them to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation. The board, in the last meeting, constituted a couple of committees to sort out tricky issues as early as possible.

It may be mentioned here that the PSM has been continuously losing its land to different institutions, private investors and encroachers with political support. A 220-acre plot of the PSM was given to the Al Tuwairqi Steel (ATS) during the tenure of former President Pervez Musharraf at a total lease value of about Rs261 million for 60 years. Besides, former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had approved allocation of about 930 acres for the National Industrial Park on lease, but the PSM could not recover the lease amount.

The Sindh Board of Revenue, last year, had reclaimed about 1,770 acres from encroachers but a major part of the land was leased out for 99 years to investors at times at a rate as low as Re1 per square yard a year.

rs 100 million spent to complete development schemes in attock, says minister ATTOCK APP

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad said that this government is giving a priority to provision of basic facilities to the people of remote areas, besides giving priority to mega projects.

He said this while talking to newsmen here on Sunday.

He said that under Millennium Development Goals Community Development Programme, 100 million rupees have been spent on 11 development schemes benefiting hundreds of families. He said that at the cost of 90 million rupees, gas facilities have been provided to eight villages which include; Khura Khel, Ghari Matani, Waliya, Malhu, Bara, Mula Mansoor, Sahiba Kamala and Boora. The minister stated that at the cost of 5 million rupees, six transformers have been installed in Attock and Hazro, while at the cost of 4.5 million, three classrooms and ten washrooms have been constructed in the Government Post Graduate College, Attock.

ISLAMABAD: A vendor displaying solar panels in front of his shop as its demand increases due to changing weather conditions. ONLINE

Well-being of general public a budgetary priority, says Dar ISLAMABAD APP

Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday said that ensuring the well-being of the general public would be accorded the utmost priority while preparing the budget for the fiscal year 2017-18.

The minister said that keeping in line with the past four years' tradition; the present PML-N government will take all opinions, proposals and constructive suggestions from experts into account. He said this while chairing a meeting at the finance division here to review matters related to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), said a press release.

Budget proposals with respect to the corporate sector were also discussed dur-

ing the meeting. The meeting was attended by Secretary Finance, Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Chairman SECP and senior officials of the ministry of finance and SECP. Chairman SECP apprised the minister regarding the consultations that SECP has been conducting with various representatives of the corporate sector to obtain their proposals and suggestions for the upcoming budget.

Secretary finance informed the minister that the finance division was working in close coordination with the SECP in this regard, and interaction with various other stakeholders was also being actively undertaken for the budget preparations. He said that the prescribed timelines for the budget were strictly being followed.

The minister said that keeping in line

with the past four years' tradition of the present PML-N Government, all opinion, proposals and constructive suggestions from experts and stakeholders, including from corporate sector will be taken into account while preparing the budget.

The minister impressed upon all the officials concerned to undertake budget preparations diligently while also abiding by the timelines.

Chairman SECP also briefed the minister on reform measures, including legislative measures, being taken by the government to facilitate the corporate sector. The minister emphasized that the reforms being introduced by the government were meant to facilitate and regulate the corporate sector, in line with international best practices. He urged the SECP to continue undertaking measures to further facilitate the corporate sector.

12 world view

Monday, 10 April, 2017

Should PakiSTan ex-army chief lead iSlamic miliTary alliance?

BBc

T

ahMeD rashID

HE appointment of Pakistan's former army chief General Raheel Sharif to head a 39-country Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries to combat terrorism has set off intense debate in Pakistan and in the region.

The alliance is seen by many observers, but in particular by Shia Muslims in Pakistan and the Middle East, as a new Saudi-inspired Sunni block to counter Iran's growing influence among Shias in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

After months of silence from Gen Sharif, Pakistan's defence ministry has now said that both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have come to an agreement on his posting.

So far at least there does not seem to be an army made up of soldiers from any of these 39 countries and what exactly Gen Sharif will do in Saudi Arabia has not been disclosed.

But Pakistanis are anxious given that 20% of the population are Shia, there are large numbers of Shia officers and soldiers in the army - which has never faced sectarian unrest - and memories of the horrors of the 1980s when Saudi Arabia and Iran were accused of fighting a proxy war on Pakistani soil live on.

Each state, it was alleged, funded and supported militant Sunnis and Shia respectively in Pakistan to kill each other.

Even today there are still widespread attacks launched largely by Sunni militants against Shia across Pakistan and the government has so far failed to bring this sectarian war to an end. Many Shia have left the country. The deal has prompted enormous debate in Pakistan, with the main opposition coming from Imran Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf party, which says such a deal would worsen the Sunni-Shia rift in Pakistan.

The main advocate of the plan is Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who owes the Saudis several political debts, including his release from a jail sentence imposed a decade ago after he was toppled in a mili-

Regime change is a failed strategy AmericAn conservAtive Charles Pena

By now the U.S. foreign-policy elite should understand that regime change is a bad idea. The three most recent cases—Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya—are far from models of success. Afghanistan is now America’s longest-running war with no end in sight. Iraq is a close second and yet another example of the folly of trying to impose Western-style democracy in a tribal society with a SunniShia divide. Libya has turned out to be a smaller-scale version of Iraq. Another dictator deposed, but even President Obama had to admit regime change “didn’t work.” Which brings us to Syria, an ongoing military mission that is still a work in progress. Clearly, the Obama administration—via a combination of arming anti-Assad rebel factions and air strikes—was unable to topple the regime in Damascus. One view amongst the foreign-policy elite is that we must work with local partners in Syria but “we must choose the right partners.” Exactly who those right partners are is not entirely clear and our track record picking the right partners in Afghanistan and Iraq gives rational thinkers cause for pause. Indeed, there may not be any right partners and it is incredulous to think that it’s possible to create them, as some have suggested. The problem with regime change is not whether we can use military force to topple a regime. We certainly did that in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya—in different ways and at varying costs. But regime change is not about just getting rid of a regime. It’s about replacing it with a new government crafted in our image. The criticism often leveled against regime change is that we do not commit enough resources—usually the U.S. military—or time for post-conflict stabilization and rebuilding a new government where democracy will flourish. The real problem is Washington policymakers’ hubris in believing that type of change can come from outside forces, namely our U.S. armed forces. What Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya teach us is that getting rid of dictators doesn’t mean that liberty and freedom will automatically replace them and flourish. If anything, the most immediate outcome is a power vacuum with various factions—with impossible-to-determine motives—vying for power. And if they get to vote, we shouldn’t be surprised when those upon whom we bestow democracy tend to make choices very different than what we expected. Not only are the costs significantly more than what regime change proponents predict but the outcomes also rarely match predictions. It’s also worth remembering that ISIS is a product of regime change—a fact often lost on proponents of intervention. Deposing Saddam Hussein in Iraq created the conditions that gave rise to al-Qaeda in Iraq which, in turn, morphed into ISIS. Toppling the regime in Damascus is just as likely to result in a vacuum of instability to be filled by ISIS or the rise of another Islamic group with a radical ideology—using foreign military occupation as a rallying call to radical elements in Islam, with the occupier as the target. All these are reasons why polls conducted pre-election, postelection, and post-inauguration show the majority of Americans do not believe U.S. foreign policy over the past 15 years—when it embraced regime change—has made them safer. Which brings us back to Syria. Yes, Bashar Assad is a thug and a brutal dictator. But he is not a direct military or terrorist threat to the U.S. The sole criteria for risking American military lives on foreign soil should be U.S. national security—when the U.S. homeland or American way of life is directly threatened.

Charles V. Peña is a senior fellow with Defense Priorities and author of Winning the Un-War: A New Strategy for the War on Terrorism.

tary coup. Mr Sharif then lived for many years in exile as a guest of the Saudis.

The army has also been historically close to the Saudis, providing troops and training in the 1980s to the Saudi armed forces and receiving help for the purchase of weapons systems.

Many Pakistanis are desperately keen that the country stay out of the crises that have gripped the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are jointly trying to defeat the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are Shia.

The Saudis are also suspected of supporting a variety of militant Sunni groups fighting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria and of having helped Bahrain crack down on protests led by its majority Shia population.

The Saudis have long asked Pakistan to contribute to its forces in Yemen, which so far Pakistan has refused to do.

Last year Pakistan's parliament voted against sending Pakistani troops to Yemen. However the new Islamic alliance led by the Saudis and the appointment of Gen Sharif may alter the strategic picture for some.

Meanwhile Iran has increased its presence throughout the Middle East particularly in providing military aid to regimes in Iraq and Syria, while it is also

allegedly helping the Houthis and other Shia in the region. Iran has strongly objected to the appointment of Gen Sharif as head of the alliance. ''We are concerned that it may impact the unity of Islamic countries,'' said Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost on 4 April.

Islamabad insisted that it had told Iran of the appointment, but Tehran said that did not mean it had accepted the decision.

Instead Iran has offered to help form a ''coalition of peace'' in the Middle East rather than forming a military alliance.

Raheel Sharif's acceptance of the job has led to intense debate on political talk shows on TV channels, with many people questioning why a very popular former army chief should now enter the quagmire of the Middle East, which may ultimately force Pakistan to make difficult strategic choices and almost certainly sour its relationship with Iran.

Much of the print media has been critical of the appointment, which has not been helped by the total blackout of information from both the government and the army as to what exactly this alliance hopes to achieve or how it will benefit Pakistan. ''The government is pursuing a course of action that undermines Pakistan's status as a neutral referee in the Muslim world,'' said Pakistan Today in an

editorial.

Newly appointed Foreign Secretary TehminaJanjua has pledged that Pakistan will maintain a balance in its relations with Tehran and Riyadh "even though it's very challenging".

There has been longstanding criticism from politicians and the media that Pakistan has been ignoring Iran, even though it is an important neighbour. So far Gen Sharif's appointment has only increased that criticism and created considerable unease as to the future course of Pakistan's foreign policy.

Friendship is a flowing river Hindu sheIkh hasIna

Maintenance of good relations with the neighbours; friendship to all, malice to none is the policy I pursue throughout my life. My only desire in my political thought is to build a society for common people where none will suffer from the curse of poverty while their basic needs will be met.

In other words, they will get the opportunity to have the right to food, clothing, shelter, medicare, education, improved livelihood and a decent life.

I received the teaching of such sacrifice from my father. My father, Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, did his politics with a motto to change the lot of the people. Wherever there was an injustice, he would protest it. This was the policy of Bangabandhu and he was always vocal for establishing the rights of the people. And, for that reason, he had to embrace imprisonment time and again and endure persecution. But he remained firm on the question of principle. Bangladesh earned its independence under his leadership.

In the 1970 general elections, people of Bangladesh voted for Bangladesh Awami League and made it the majority party. With the people’s mandate, the Father of the Nation declared the independence of Bangladesh and directed the people to carry on the war of liberation. People and the Government of India gave food and shelter to nearly 10 million refugees of Bangladesh. They extended all-out cooperation in our great liberation war and played an important role in creating global opinion in favour of Bangladesh.

We are grateful to the friendly people of India. The Indian government had played an important role even in getting Bangabandhu released from the Pakistani prison.

Shrimati Indira Gandhi had played the leading role in earning our independence, freedom of Bangabandhu and bringing him back to his beloved people. We got her government, political parties and above all the people of India beside us during our hard times. The killers brutally assassinated the Father of the Nation on August 15, 1975. I lost 18 of my family members, including my mother, three brothers and sisters-in-law. I, along with my younger sister Rehana, sur-

vived as we were abroad. In our bad days, India again stood beside us. I could not come back home for six long years. The Bangladesh Awami League elected me its president in my absence. I returned home with the support of the people.

In BangaBandhu’sfoosteps: On my return, I started a movement for the restoration of people’s basic rights and democracy. We formed the government in 1996 after 21 years. I got the opportunity to work for the people. I devoted myself to the task of welfare of my countrymen not as a ruler but as a servant. My father got the opportunity to build the warravaged country for only three and a half years. And I got the chance to serve the people after 21 years.

During that time, the people of Bangladesh realised that the objective of a government is to accomplish the task of people’s welfare. We signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Treaty ending the two-decade-long conflict. We brought back 62,000 refugees from India and rehabilitated them in the country. We signed the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India. The country’s image brightened in the outside world. two steps Back: A five-year period is too short for the development of any country. We couldn’t win the election of 2001. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party-Jamaat-e-Islami assumed state power and destroyed all our achievements. Again, the country’s progress suffered a setback. Militancy, terrorism, corruption and misrule made people’s life miserable.

The country became champions in the corruption index five times. The minority community became victims of torture. The country’s socio-economic development had been stalled.

The Awami League leaders and workers became targets of persecution. Bangladesh once again fell under emergency rule. We demanded restoration of democracy. We faced jail, torture and false cases. But finally, people triumphed.

The national election was held after seven years in 2008. Winning the election, we formed the government. We started implementation of a Five Year Plan and 10-year-long Poverty Reduction Strategy Plan. We have been working to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041. The people of Bangladesh started getting the benefit of it.

Bangladesh is marching ahead.

We earned over 7.1% GDP growth.

Inflation is contained within 5.28% and the poverty rate has been reduced to 22%. At this moment, on many socio-economic indicators, Bangladesh’s standing is better than many other South Asian nations whereas a few years ago our position was at the bottom. But we still have a long way to go to ensure prosperity of the people. And we are working towards that end. My objective is to fulfil the dream of Bangabandhu through building a hunger- and poverty-free Golden Bangladesh being imbued with the spirit of the War of Liberation.

RegIonal coopeRatIon the key: I always refer to poverty as the main enemy of this region. A large number of people of Bangladesh and India suffer from malnutrition. They are deprived of their basic needs. Lack of nutrition is impeding the growth of a huge number of children. They don’t have proper medicare and schooling. We have to change this scenario. We have the ability. The only thing we need is to change our mentality. I think eradication of poverty should be the first and foremost priority of our political leaders. And, in today’s globalised world, it is difficult to do something in isolation. Rather, collaboration and cooperation can make many things easier. That is why I always put emphasis on regional cooperation and improved connectivity.

I believe in peace. Only peaceful co-existence can ensure peace. There are some issues between us. But I believe that any problem can be resolved in a peaceful manner. We have demonstrated our willpower through the implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement. There are some more issues like sharing of waters of the common rivers (the Teesta

issue is currently under discussion) that need to be resolved. I’m an optimistic person. I would like to rest my trust on the goodwill of the great people and the leaders of our neighbour.

I know resources are scarce, but we can share those for the benefit of the people of both countries. We share the same culture and heritage. There are a lot of commonalities (at least with West Bengal). We share our Lalon, Rabindranath, KaziNazrul, Jibanananda; there is similarity in our language, we are nourished by the waters of the Padma, Brahmaputra, Teesta; and so on. The Sundarbans is our common pride. We don’t have any strife over it. Then, why should there be any contention over the waters of common rivers?

Our foreign policy’s core dictum is: ‘Friendship to all, malice to none.’

The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, defined the policy. We are also inspired from his words: “The very struggle of Bangladesh symbolised the universal struggle for peace and justice.

It was, therefore, only natural that Bangladesh, from its very inception, should stand firmly by the side of the oppressed people of the world.” At international forums, we support all international efforts towards building a just and peaceful world.

In recent years, especially after 2009, when my party assumed office, cooperation between Bangladesh and India has been bolstered manifold. Rail, road, and waterway connectivity boosted. Trade, commerce and investment maximised. People-to-people contact also got momentum. Such mutual cooperation is definitely benefitting our people. Relations, at a personal or national level, largely depend on give-and-take measures. Mexican Nobel Laureate Octavio said ‘Friendship is a river’. I think that the friendship between Bangladesh and India is like a flowing river and full with generosity. This is the spirit of the people of the two neighbours. I think if our commitments are honest, we would be able to achieve many things that are beneficial to our people. On the eve of my four-day visit to India, I myself, and on behalf of my countrymen, would like to convey the heartiest greetings to the people of India. I hope that the cooperative relations between Bangladesh and India would reach a new height through my visit.

Sheikh Hasina is the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Monday, 10 April, 2017

ARTS

13

MAhiRA BeCoMeS BollywooD ToP GRoSSinG ACToR in 2017 ENTERTAINMENT DESK

M

AHIRA Khan made her Bollywood debut with none other than King Khan himself

in Raees.

While the movie was not

cleared by the Censor Board to screen in Pakistan, SRK-Mahira starrer did extremely well worldwide.

Therefore, when Bollywood Life went on to determine which actor did the best in the first quarter of 2017, Mahira beat the famous divas of Bollywood.

with Johny LLB 2 respectively.

The Ho Mann Jahan star beat Bollywood ace actors such as Alia Bhatt with Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya and Deepika Padukone with her Hollywood debut, xXx: Return of the Xander Cage takes fourth and fifth position in the list.

However, she might not be

According to the report, the Bol actor starrer, Raees, did exceptionally well with minting over $21 million only in India.

The huge box-office collection escalates Mahira to the pinnacle.

The second and third position holders are Yami Gautam with Kaabil and Huma Qureshi

able to top the list for a long time due to the ban on Pakistani artists in India.

Be it beginner’s luck or not,

her fans wait with bated breath to see how this success translates into more and better roles for Pakistan’s leading female star.

Morgan Freeman re-enacts some ‘Shawshank Redemption’ for Graham Norton All you have to do is say “Shawshank Redemption” and “Morgan Freeman” and I’m all ears. So when I saw a clip of Morgan Freeman on the Graham Norton show with him actually doing some of Red from Shawshank Redemption, I knew instantly it was going up on this site. P.S. if there’s one talk show outside of the United States that you need to follow, it’s Graham Norton. He had a small late night stint here in the states called “The Graham Norton Effect” but it never really took off. However, the guy’s huge in Britain and he gets the same caliber guests as our main late night guys do here. I must admit I didn’t think much of Graham Norton first time I laid eyes on him,” narrated Freeman.

Freeman continued to narrate things bout Norton’s life, demeanour and drinking habits. He also got an opportunity to express a quiet desire for mercy. “I hope people stop asking me to do stupid voice-overs like this,” said the Academy Award certified actor. “I hope.” ENTERTAINMENT DESK

Arjun Rampal booked for allegedly assaulting a man NEW DELHI: According to a report in a foreign news publication, the model turned actor has been booked for assault as he injured a man in a Delhi five-star hotel. The actor allegedly snatched the man’s camera and threw it at him, apparently injuring the man. The actor was at a city five-star to perform at a DJ night. The victim, Shobit told the publication, “I went for a Saturday night party. Arjun Rampal was playing the DJ console. He suddenly threw a camera towards the audience, which hit me.” “I don’t know why he threw the camera. The incident took place at around 3.30am.

I have complained, but the police have not taken any action.

No FIR has been registered till now,” he added. The Rock On star has not commented on the matter till now. AGENCIES

Ricky Martin joins Versace: American Crime Story Ricky Martin has signed on to star in the third season of Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology. Martin, who is best known for shaking his bon bon while livin’ la vida loca, will star as Antonio D’Amico, the longtime partner of Gianni Versace.

This marks Martin’s first major acting role, although he previously guest-starred in an episode of Glee, which was also created by Murphy. But while Martin’s casting may be surprising, it doesn’t mean it won’t pay off. The last time Murphy took a chance and cast a singer in one of his shows, Lady Gaga ended up walking away with the Golden Globe for American Horror Story: Hotel. Versace will be the third installment of the Emmy-winning series, which will tell the story of Gianni Versace’s murder in 1997. ENTERTAINMENT DESK

The Rock and I are close in a weird way: Vin Diesel ENTERTAINMENT DESK Actor Vin Diesel says he and his The Fate of the Furious co-star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are close to each other in a weird way.

In August last year, there was buzz that Diesel and Johnson had a fight during the shooting of the upcoming film when Johnson slammed a co-star without naming him on Instagram. However, Diesel has cleared the air stating that they are working fine together.

“I don’t think the world really realises how close we are, in a weird way. I think some things may be blown out of proportion. I don’t think that was his intention. I know he appreciates how much I work this franchise.

In my house, he’s Uncle Dwayne,” asserted Diesel. Diesel said that he cares about Johnson “more than he’ll ever know”.

“I protect the franchise. I protect

everybody including Dwayne. I protected Dwayne more than he’ll ever know. And it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t have to know.

But he appreciates it. He knows it.

“Dwayne has only got one Vin in his life. Dwayne Johnson only has one big brother in this film world and that’s me,” he said. The rumours about Diesel and Johnson’s feud spread in the final weeks of The Fate of the Furious shooting.

During that time, Johnson wrote: “Some conduct themselves as stand up men and true professionals, while others don’t. The ones that don’t are too chicken shit to do anything about it anyway.

“When you watch this movie next April and it seems like I’m not acting in some of these scenes and my blood is legit boiling-you’re right.” The Fate of the Furious is set to to release on April 14.

Carrie Fisher will appear in Star Wars Episode IX Carrie Fisher’s Star Wars legacy will continue posthumously as the actor will appear as her iconic character Princess Leia in in Episode IX of the third Star Wars trilogy, reports Deadline. Earlier reports of the same were recently confirmed by Carrie’s brother Todd Fisher who released a statement saying, “She’s as much a part of it as anything and I think her presence now is even more powerful than it was, like Obi Wan — when the saber cuts him down he becomes more powerful. I feel like that’s what’s happened with Carrie. I think the legacy should continue.” Filming of Episode IX has yet to begin, but Todd Fisher said he and Carrie’s daughter Billie Lourd have given the Lucasfilm permission to feature previously shot

unused footage of Fisher in the 2019 film.

Todd continued, “Both of us were like, ‘Yes, how do you take her out of it?’ And the answer is you don’t.” While the first draft of Episode IX has been written, it’s currently unclear how the Star Wars storyline has been altered after Carrie’s death or what footage producers will utilise. In an earlier statement, Disney and Lucasfilm had announced that they will not feature the actress via CGI technology in Episode IX after having done so for her Rogue One cameo. Carrie Fisher had finished shooting the upcoming Episode VIII: The Last Jedi at the time of her December 27th death.

Leia reportedly plays a significant role in The Last Jedi. ENTERTAINMENT DESK

KSA to build entertainment city

RIyADh AGENCIES

Saudi Arabia announced plans on Saturday to build a 334 square kilometer “entertainment city” south of the capital Riyadh, to feature sports, cultural and recreational facilities including a safari

and a Six Flags theme park.

The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund will be the main investor in the project, which will break ground in 2018 and open in 2022, according to a statement by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman carried by state news agency SPA. Other local and international investors will

also provide capital, the statement said, without elaborating on the size of the investment.

“This city will become, by God’s will, a prominent cultural landmark and an important center for meeting the future generation’s recreational, cultural and social needs in the kingdom,” said Prince Mohammed in a statement.

US-based Six Flags announced in June that it had begun talks with the Saudi government to build theme parks as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 efforts to expand its entertainment sector and diversify the economy. Chief Executive Jim ReidAnderson said later in the year that the company aimed to build three parks in Saudi Arabia, with each costing between $300 million and $500m.

The Vision 2030 reform programme contains plans to shed the kingdom’s austere reputation, wean the economy off oil and create jobs for young Saudis.

But developing a leisure sector is fraught with difficulties in the Islamic kingdom, which adheres to a strict social code where women are required to wear loose-fitting robes, cinemas and alcohol are banned and public spaces are gender-segregated.

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Janet Jackson splits from her husband after five years of marriage The pop star has split from the Qatari business man after five years of marriage, The Mail reported on Sunday.

The couple welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Eissa Al Mana, just months ago on January 3, 2017. A source told The Mail, who was first to report the news, “They’re both busy people but determined to be good parents, even if they’re apart. It’s amicable and Eissa will stay with his mother, who is basing herself in London.” Jackson and Al Mana, who have kept most of their romance hidden in privacy while splitting their time between Dubai and Qatar, famously met in 2010 at a hotel opening. Two years later, the then-lovebirds announced their engagement only to come forward once more and reveal they had ties the knot during an intimate ceremony.

In April 2016, the “Rhythm Nation” songstress postponed her Unbreakable World Tour to start planning for a family of her own at the age of 50. Since becoming a mom, Jackson has remained in London. ENTERTAINMENT DESK

‘Better Call Saul’ writer Gordon Smith inks overall deal with Sony TV Better Call Saul writer-producer Gordon Smith has closed an overall deal with the studio behind the acclaimed AMC series, Sony Pictures TV. Under the pact, he is currently a consulting producer on Sony TV’s WGN America drama series Outsiders and will return to Better Call Saul for the fully expected fourth season. Smith is a home-grown talent. He started as a production and writers assistant on Sony TV’s Breaking Bad before landing a staff writer job on prequel Better Call Saul, where he quickly emerged as a key writer. Smith’s very first produced TV script, the 2015 Better Call Saul episode “Five-O,” earned Smith a writing Emmy nomination, with the “Gloves Off“ 2016 episode landing him a WGA Award nomination this year. Smith also shared in Better Call Saul‘s 2016 and 2017 WGA nominations for best drama and best new series. ENTERTAINMENT DESK

7 years with Dev Patel were impactful: Freida Pinto

Los ANgELEs: India-born US-based actress Freida Pinto, who was earlier in a relationship with actor Dev Patel for seven years, is currently single. She says it feels like she is born again. “For the first time, I finally understand the concept of self-love and self-care. I’m single and happy, and busy. I haven’t been single for a long time. It’s like being born again,” Pinto told a foreign news publication. Freida and Dev, who started dating during the filming of Slumdog Millionaire, which released in 2008, parted ways in December 2014. “You can be with someone and it can be really good for your growth. That’s what Dev was for me. The seven years I was with him were so impactful. But I ended up being single when I started thinking about these other things,” she said. AGENCIES

14 LEISURE

Monday, 10 April, 2017

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

You might even choose to let go of your past to start all over again. Don't hold back while happy-go-lucky Venus is dancing in your 5th House of Spontaneity; explore the pleasures that you seek, even if it's only in your dreams.

Paradoxically, you may be tempted now to shake everything up for the sake of change. But be careful about overreacting and creating more complications. Meet others halfway or you could miss out on the love that's already in your life.

Fortunately, there's no reason to fret over how to best express your feelings when you're with people you trust. Simply let go and flirt with the edge; your heart is happiest when a bit of excitement is added to the mix.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Continue to build on what you have now that sweet Venus is moving out of your sign to enter your 2nd House of Resources. Although this is an opportune time to stabilize relationships, you may still be toying with the idea of starting a new one.

There's no valid justification to keep your feelings quiet today. But it is crucial to make sure that your current agenda is in your best interest because it's all too tempting to get carried away with your desires now.

You could miss a wonderful chance to express your desires today if you are so afraid of negative consequences that you remain silent. Luckily, all is not lost since there will be new opportunities in the near future.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Your self-image may be distorted now; nevertheless, you believe that you have something very personal to hide today. However, revealing your secrets is easier and more enjoyable than you expect.

The good news is you may receive recognition from people who only know you only through your work since you're so adept at compartmentalizing your life. Just accept the positive feedback wherever it appears with the appropriate amount of gratitude and humility.

Coasting through the day sounds like a marvelous idea, especially if you are working too hard. Nevertheless, your unchecked desires can take you on a detour as it gets tougher to maintain the balance between fantasy and reality

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You may believe your life will fall apart unless you act maturely. Believe it or not, there is a time and a place for letting go of responsibilities, too. Don't be so rational today; instead, indulge your passions for a change.

You could fall in love with the idea of love now, whether or not you're in the market for romance. Flirty Venus dances into your 7th House of Relationships to add sparkle to your interactions with nearly everyone.

There's no magical escape route today, so you might as well buckle in and get busy. Thankfully, congenial Venus makes work more pleasant once she moves into your 6th House of Employment.

cRosswoRd

ACROSS 1 Compromise between two extremes (7,5) 9 Torte (anag) (5) 10 Silly billy — it'd bang (anag) (7) 11 Pip — source — children (4) 12 Soft, yellowish suede leather (8) 14,24 The Blue Boy painter, d. 1788 (6,12) 15 (French?) cake (6) 18 Rotating dynamo coil — a rum tear (anag) (8) 20 Wine sediment (4) 22 Scrutinise (7) 24 See 14

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DOwn 2 Inter-war design style (3,4) 3,7 Manually operated device for dealing with flames (4,12) 4 Burning desire (6) 5 Eight-day Jewish festival (8) 6 Native of Tashkent, perhaps (5) 7 See 3 8 Ordering hats (anag) — ordering quadrupeds? (5-7) 13 Lacking diplomacy (8) 16 Soon (7) 17 Santa's cave (6) 19 Pastoral people of East Africa — as I am (anag) (5) 21 Unaccompanied (4)

HaGaR tHE HoRRIblE

dIlbERt

GaRFIEld

baldo

cHEss CABIN CANS CAREEN CASTLE ChALET ChARGE ChICk ChILd COMMUNE CRAzE dORy dREAM EVERy FINALE GIANT GROOM hANdLE hARE

hUMOR JOINT LIVERy MINOR NIGhT ORGAN PIzzA PORTFOLIO PRACTICE SChOOL ShARE SLEET TALENT TRAdE TRAMP VACATE WASTE WEALTh

black TO PlaY aND MaTE IN ONE MOVEs 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Today’s soluTions

bRIdGE loUIs plays tHE odds

sUdokU crossword solution sudoku solution

1...Nc7 * 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.

SPORTS 15

Monday, 10 April, 2017

Neymar sees red as Barca let real madrid off hook MADRID

N

AGENCIES

eyMAr was sent-off as Barcelona lost further ground on real Madrid at the top of La Liga in a shock 2-0 defeat to Malaga on Saturday. real are now three points clear and have a game in hand despite Antoine Griezmann's classy finish five minutes from time snatching a 1-1 draw for Atletico Madrid earlier at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Neymar picked up the first red card of his Barcelona career for two bookable offences as the Catalans were left to rue letting Sandro ramirez join Malaga for free last summer. Sandro exposed some awful defending from Jeremy Mathieu to sprint clear on goal and slot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen at his near post. Malaga also had the better chances of the second-half filled with controversy as Juanpi shot straight at Ter Stegen when clean through. Neymar had been shown his first booking for delaying a Malaga free-kick whilst tying his shoelaces and stupidly charged into Diego Llorente 25 minutes from time to see red.

The hosts then had a goal

wrongly ruled out for offside when substitute Adalberto Penaranda finished off a flowing counter-attack.

However, Barca were also infuriated with referee Gil Manzano when he somehow awarded a freekick on the edge of the box when Sergi roberto had been brought down clearly inside the area.

Malaga finally picked off the 10 men in the final minute when Pablo Fornals unselfishly squared for Jony to smash home from close range.

Barca's defeat meant real's disappointment earlier in the day was

short lived. Pepe's towering header early in the second half looked to have real heading five points clear at the top in the Madrid derby.

However, Griezmann rounded Keylor Navas to slot home at the near post five minutes from time.

"It is a draw but we've lost two points. Clearly we deserved all three points today," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. "We played very well, but we lacked the second goal that would have allowed us to relax." After a slow start, real took control of the game as the first half wore on and only

two stunning stops prevented Zidane's men from taking a half-time lead.

Firstly, Jan Oblak tipped over Karim Benzema's effort after a neat one-two with ronaldo had freed the Frenchman inside the box. Moments later Cristiano ronaldo couldn't believe his eyes when his fierce goal-bound effort was turned to safety by Stefan Savic's incredible headed clearance from under his own crossbar. real started the second half with intent as ronaldo headed just wide before Oblak had to rush from his goal to block Benzema's volley from point-blank range. The european champions finally made the breakthrough seven minutes into the second period when Pepe rose highest in a crowded penalty area from Toni Kroos's free-kick to power a header into the far corner. However, Atletico responded to falling behind and should have been level on the hour mark when yannick Carrasco played in Fernando Torres clear on goal.

The former Spanish international failed to finish, though, as he fired straight at the onrushing Navas.

Navas has faced a barrage of criticism this season, but he made another smart stop to deny Griezmann levelling with an outrageous overhead kick attempt.

Alonso unleashes wild side in Chinese GP qualifying SHANGHAI AGENCIES

Twice Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso unleashed his inner animal on Saturday as he dragged his misfiring McLaren Honda past the opening phase of qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix.

“I am pushing like an animal,” Alonso told his team over the radio after unexpectedly setting a time good enough to get him well clear of the elimination zone and into the top-10 in the opening part of the hour-long session.

The Spaniard eventually ended up 13th on the timesheets, failing to make it through to the final pole-position shootout phase.

Nevertheless, his was one of the standout performances of the qualifying hour, given his McLaren had been expected to be knocked out early on like his team mate Stoffel Vandoorne was in 16th. “I did the lap flat out in some corners, not caring too much, risking over the limit and everything went well,” Alonso told reporters.

“Q1 was our target today,” he said, referring

to the opening part of qualifying at the end of which the slowest cars on the grid are generally eliminated. “But we picked up some pace in qualifying, the car behaved okay and it was a surprise to be 10th in Q1 and also 13th in Q2.”

When asked what animal he was pushing like, the 35-year-old replied: “A big one, an elephant, or something like that.”

Alonso and McLaren have endured a frustrating start to the season as engine supplier Honda continue to struggle to come to terms with Formula One’s V6 turbo-hybrid rules three years into their rekindled partnership.

The team’s running during pre-season testing was hampered by a lack of reliability and performance from the engines and their form in last month’s season-opener in Melbourne little better.

Despite putting in what he called one of the best drives of his career, Alonso could only battle for the lower points-paying positions, before dropping out of contention altogether and eventually retiring. McLaren, who last won a race in 2012, expect to struggle even more this weekend down the long straights and around the wide sweeps of the Shanghai circuit.

As a result, Alonso is pinning his hopes on changeable conditions on Sunday delivering the team’s first points of the season.

“Mixed conditions will be welcome,” he said.

“Wet-dry, wet-dry, multiple changes on the pitstops… will be a gamble for everyone.”

my future is tied to WeNger's, says ozil LONDON AGENCIES

Mesut Ozil wants Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s future to be cleared up before he commits himself to the club, the Germany playmaker indicated in a newspaper interview published on Sunday.

Wenger, Arsenal’s manager for over 20 years, is out of contract at the end of the season and has pledged to make an announcement about his future “very soon”. Ozil is currently stalling over a new contract, with his existing deal due to expire in a year, and suggested he will not make a decision on his future until he knows what Wenger is doing.

“It’s not just important for me, but for the whole club,” Ozil told the Mail on Sunday. “It’s important to know if he stays or if he goes. We need to think towards next season. “He’s very important. In my career I’ve always made decisions not just because of clubs, but managers too. “As a footballer, it’s important to have the manager’s trust and believe they can develop you.

“When I went from (real) Madrid to Arsenal, I came for him because I told him at the time he’d be my first option. That was the case. We still have a super understanding today. “I have his trust, he’s a superb coach. He’s been successful for many years, he’s been here for 20 years and has always managed to get Arsenal to reach the Champions League, making Arsenal a big club. “He deserves to be shown respect.” Wenger is bidding to steer Arsenal into the Champions League for the 20th season in succession.

His side trail Manchester City, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot, by seven points, but have two games in hand, beginning with Monday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

Ozil, 28, said his decision on whether or not to extend his contract was not contingent on Champions League qualification. “I haven’t thought about that. The club comes first, not Mesut Ozil or anyone,” he said. “The team have the aim to reach the Champions League and I’ll fight for that.

In the summer we have enough time to talk about the future and we’ll do that.” He added: “I’m very happy. I have a connection with the club. I love London, it’s great to live here, but I can’t say today what will happen in the future. In the summer we’ll definitely talk.”

Man Utd push 10-man Sunderland closer to relegation SpORtS DeSk Bottom club Sunderland's hopes of avoiding relegation suffered another setback as Manchester United eased to victory to climb to fifth in the table.

Sunderland played with 10 men for more than 45 minutes after Sebastian Larsson's controversial red card for a challenge on Ander Herrera.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had already put United ahead with a sublime, curling 20yard effort. Henrikh Mkhitaryan made it 2-0 before Marcus rashford drilled in the third. Sunderland are 10 points from safety with just seven games left and have not scored for seven matches.

United, who move above Arsenal, are four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City with one game in hand over their neighbours.

Sunderland two weeks from relegation?: This was Sunderland's 21st league defeat in 31 games this season, while they have now gone 11 hours and 15 minutes without scoring in the top-flight.

It is hard to see where another win is going to come from and the Black Cats' relegation to the Championship could be confirmed as soon as 26 April - with five games remaining.

Sunderland were not helped by an injury to Bryan Oviedo, which cut short the defender's afternoon, while Larsson's

contentious straight red card for going over the top of the ball on Herrera ended any realistic chance of a win before the interval. Larsson, who was furious with referee Craig Pawson's decision, now faces a suspension for his first Premier League dismissal in what was his 278th appearance in the competition.

Moments before the red card, Victor Anichebe had been denied by United's Argentina keeper Sergio romero, who was starting in place of the injured David de Gea. Jermain Defoe went close from 20 yards after the interval but the Black Cats have lost six of their last seven games and look drained of any confidence. Shaw earns a pat from Mourinho: Jose Mourinho made five changes for his side's 50th competitive game of the season but while keeper De Gea's absence was down to injury, the United boss opted to rotate players ahead of Thursday's europa League quarter-final first leg with Anderlecht.

Luke Shaw made a surprise return just days after Mourinho had questioned the full-back's commitment and delivered a polished performance as the red Devils stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to 21 games. Shaw recovered from an early booking, awarded for flying in behind on Didier Ndong, to offer more width and attacking threat down the left.

In front of watching england manager Gareth Southgate, he set up a great

chance for Marouane Fellaini, made captain for the day four months after being booed by his own fans.

And Shaw's lively contribution also included an attempt on goal and the pass to Mkhitaryan to make it 2-0.

It was telling when Mourinho gave the 21-year-old a deserved pat on the back when he was replaced, with United in total control, soon after Ndong accidentally stood on his ankle.

Ibrahimovic's opening goal was a de-

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light, spinning away from Billy Jones before bending home from outside the area.

No Sunderland player had touched the ball when Mkhitaryan doubled the lead 45 seconds into the second half with a low shot, while substitute rashford completed a fine counter-attack to slot his first league goal since 24 September.

Only days earlier, Mourinho said rashford was suffering from a major lack of confidence caused by his lack of goals.

Sunderland boss David Moyes: "I

don't want to blame referees for my position and us losing. Today the result was helped by the referee. Manchester United were playing well but the red card was a decision that went against us. "[Before United scored] We were hanging in the game and staying in the game and trying to do our best. We gave away a poor goal and I thought we needed to get a lot closer. When we went down to 10 men it made it a lot harder.

"We keep going. We have another home game next Saturday and we have to try and win it. We do some good things but just lack a bit of quality but it's not for the want of trying. The boys are doing everything they can. "The hardest thing as a manager is losing and we're losing a lot.

The players care and want to do well and we're not doing as well as we should be."

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "We want to fight in the Premier League until it is mathematically impossible. The Premier League we cannot win, but europa League we can.

"We had lots of players that were not here today and the most important thing after the three points was to have no more injuries. "I took Shaw off because of the yellow card and the pressure from the crowd. It was good to protect him but was also good for him to play one hour with a good solid performance and no mistakes, so I'm really pleased for him."

SPORTS Monday, 10 April, 2017

2nd OdI: WIndIes WIn tOss, elect tO fIeld agaInst PakIstan nasir Jamshed’s lawyer meets PcB official LONDON: Pakistan test batsman Nasir Jamshed has been in touch with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials through his lawyer, sources say.

According to the source who is privy to developments related to the case, a top PCB official arrived in London three days ago and met the lawyer of Nasir Jamshed, however, it’s not clear if the PCB official was able to meet Nasir Jamshed in person.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan has said that Nasir has been avoiding the PCB’s anti-corruption officials and lawyers but a source told this correspondent that Nasir Jamshed hired a law firm specialising in criminal defence to represent him.

Jamshed has been advised by his lawyer to communicate to the PCB and the National Crime Agency (NCA) through him because of the sensitivity of the case, said the source.

The PCB official who reached London on Wednesday is scheduled to be back in Lahore by Tuesday where he will give a full briefing to the PCB officials about his visit. It’s understood that the PCB official met NCA detectives on Friday afternoon and exchanged documents relating to the alleged crime inquiry being conducted by the NCA in UK. Nasir Jamshed, the former Pakistan opener, and two other men were arrested in the UK in the second week of February in relation to the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The NCA says these arrests were “in connection with bribery offences as part of an ongoing investigation into international cricket match spot-fixing”.

Nasir Jamshed’s wife Dr Samara Afzal has mounted a defence of her husband replying to the PCB chairman statement that Nasir Jamshed has been elusive. She wrote on a social media website: “So the person I see at home every day who looks like my husband ... I wonder who that is.” AGENCIES

Real defender Pepe suffers broken ribs

MADRID: Real Madrid face a defensive crisis ahead of huge clashes against Bayern Munich and Barcelona after Pepe suffered a double rib fracture in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.

Pepe opened the scoring with a towering header seven minutes into the second half but then had to be replaced after clashing with teammate Toni Kroos.

“He has been diagnosed with a fracture in the seventh and eighth left ribs,” Madrid said in a statement. The Portuguese defender is expected to be sidelined for up to a month. Madrid are already set to miss central defender Raphael Varane for the rest of the month due to a hamstring injury. The European champions face Bayern in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

Bayern then travel to the Spanish capital for the second leg on April 18 before Real host Barca in a potential La Liga title decider on April 23. AGENCIES

W

EST Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and again chose to put Pakistan in to bat in the second of three One-Day internationals at the National Stadium in Guyana on Sunday.

On the heels of their historic victory in the opening encounter at the same venue two days ago, the West Indies have retained an unchanged eleven as they seek another win that will give them a first ODI series win against any opponents since 2014 (against Bangladesh) and a first against Pakistan since 1991.

Pakistan have switched left-arm fast bowlers in the only change to the line-up that failed to defend a total of 308 for five on Friday, Junaid Khan coming into the team at the expense of Wahab Riaz.

West Indies had never before successfully chased a target of 300 or over in an ODI while their winning total was also a new venue record.

With the same pitch being used for the second-match, there is an anticipation of another high-scoring duel.

PAkIStAN tO MAke A StRONg cOMebAck IN SecOND ODI, SAyS INzIMAM: Chief Selector Inzimamul Haq claimed that Pakistan will give a good performance in its second ODI match against West Indies on Sunday in

Guyana, adding that a one-match loss should not be a matter of concern.

Addressing media personnel in a press conference, he said: “Pakistan team has the potential to make a comeback, however, the Caribbean side must not now be taken lightly.”

Responding to a question, the chief selector said that the skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed, should not be worried about the presence of Kamran Akmal

in the squad. He stated that the Pakistani team is lacking good allrounders. “We are lacking all-rounders like Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood in the squad. The selection committee is in search for them,” he said.

Inzimam further said that he has made it clear to the team and management that whoever is not giving performance will not find its place in the squad.

The chief selector added that the

board respects the decision of Younis Khan and Misbahul Haq to retire after the West Indies series. SportS dESk WESt INdIES: Jason Holder (capt), Evin Lewis, Chadwick Walton, Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, Jason Mohammed, Jonathan Carter, Ashley Nurse, Devendra Bishoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel. pAkIStAN: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Kamran Akmal, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Aamir, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali.

Serbia, France set up Davis Cup semi-final clash PARIS AGENCIES

Novak Djokovic vowed to spearhead Serbia’s Davis Cup semi-final clash against France in September, telling reporters: “From your mouth to God’s ears, I’ll do my best to be there”.

Serbia will travel to France for the semi-finals from September 15-17, but with the clash coming just five days after the US Open in New York, the world number two was asked to confirm he will play. Djokovic, 29, starred in 2010 when Serbia defeated France in the final in Belgrade for their only Davis Cup title. Having won a 12th successive singles rubber in the tournament on Friday to set Serbia on their way to this weekend’s quarterfinal victory against Spain, the 12-time major winner is crucial to his country’s hopes of returning to the final for the first time since 2013.

“I’ll do my best to be available for the semifinals. We appreciate playing for our country, we wish that we get the strongest team and to fight with them.” Djokovic believes nine-time champions France will be desperate to avenge their defeat in the 2010 final when they squandered a 2-1 lead to lose 3-2 after dropping both of the final day’s reverse singles. Djokovic was responsible for one of those losses before Viktor Troicki clinched the winning point. “They are motivated because for a long time they have not won the title and I believe that they still remember the Belgrade defeat.”

Back in Belgrade on Saturday, Troicki and Nenad Zimonjic defeated Pablo Carreno-Busta and Marc Lopez 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0, 4-6, 6-2 to seal victory over Spain. In Rouen, France also took an unassailable 3-0 lead against Great Britain in their quarter-final. However, the identity of the other semi-finalists will not be known until Sunday after 32-time champions United States pulled back to 21 down against Australia in Brisbane while Italy battled to trail Belgium 2-1 at Charleroi.

Djokovic and Troicki had won Friday’s singles to give Serbia a 2-0 lead over Spain before the

hosts took an unassailable advantage on Saturday against the five-time champions who were missing 14-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.

Victory gave 40-year-old playing-captain Zimonjic, who has not missed a Davis Cup tie for a decade, a 30th win in the tournament.

“He had pressure, he put himself into play and did a great job,” said Troicki of the veteran who also played in the 2010 final. France reached their fifth semi-final in eight years when Nicolas Mahut and Julien Benneteau defeated Britain’s Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot 7-6 (9/7), 5-7, 7-5, 7-5.

The win in the doubles followed Lucas Pouille and Jeremy Chardy taking the opening singles on Friday as Britain suffered in the injury-enforced absence of world number one Andy Murray.

Mahut and Benneteau, both 35, have played more than 200 matches together in their careers.

That experience proved crucial for a home side who went into the quarter-final without their leading singles players, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet.

‘SIght betteR’: “We had a great weekend, it gave me goosebumps,” said France captain Yannick Noah whose team last won the title in 2001 and have lost three finals since.

Britain team captain Leon Smith defended his team who were champions in 2015 when Murray starred. “Of course, we lack depth, that’s pretty bloody obvious,” said Smith. “But it’s a damn sight better than it used to be.”

In Brisbane, Steve Johnson and Jack Sock kept American hopes alive with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 2-6, 63 win over Australia’s John Peers and Sam Groth.

The win sets up an intriguing final day, with Nick Kyrgios getting the chance to win over the Australian public when he takes on Sock in the first of the reverse singles. In Charleroi, Italy’s Andreas Seppi and Simone Bolelli saved a match point to see off Ruben Bemelmans and Joris De Loore 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6).

Belgium, runners-up in 2015, had taken a 2-0 lead on Friday against the team who had stunned defending champions Argentina in the first round.

Afghanistan to make historic Lord’s debut in July LONDON AGENCIES

Afghanistan are set for another milestone after it was announced Friday they will play their first match at Lord´s, taking on a side led by former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

Now one of the world´s leading associate, or junior cricket, countries Afghanistan are closing in on becoming a Test match nation.

They are top of the International Cricket Council´s Intercontinental Cup standings, with the winner set to gain Test status next year.

Their 50-over match against MCC at Lord´s, “the home of cricket”, will take place on July 11. Two Afghan players, Mohammad Nabi and Hamid Hassan, were previously on the MCC Young Cricketers scheme.

MCC president Matthew Fleming said: “I am thrilled that we will be wel-

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad.

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coming Afghanistan to Lord´s this summer. I have seen first-hand the talent and passion for cricket the nation has and this fixture can only be a good thing for the ongoing development of Afghan cricket.

“It is the latest landmark on a very exciting journey for Afghan cricket and MCC will need to field an extremely strong side in order to compete,” the former England one-day international all-rounder added.