E paper pdf (17 3 2016) lhr

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Saturday, 19 March, 2016 I 09 Jamadi-us-Sani, 1437 I rs 20.00 I Vol VI no 260 I 20 Pages I Lahore edition

Time to move on, gentlemen!

Army chief General Raheel Sharif and ISI DG Gen Rizwan Akhtar call on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss ‘country’s internal and external security situation’, as Gen Musharraf reaches Dubai early on Friday Source says Nawaz ‘has forgiven Musharraf for what he did to him after the coup in 1999’

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STAFF REPORT

RIMe Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday met with the top military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Rizwan Akhtar to discuss “the country’s external and internal security situation”.

However, according to informed sources, the meeting also addressed the controversial depar-

ture of former military dictator Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf from the country.

Sources said the military brass was appreciative of the role PM Sharif played in not dragging the issue any further despite stiff resistance from the opposition as well as from within his own party.

“The military brass praised the role played by PM Sharif and federal ministers for removing the former military dictator’s name from the exit Control List,” a government source said.

“I personally pardoned Musharraf,” the pre-

mier was quoted as saying regarding the leader who overthrew his government in 1999.

The source credited Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar as the man who steered the government’s decision to lift the travel ban on Musharraf.

Chaudhry Nisar played an active role.

“Nisar not only convinced the premier but also ensured the civil and military leadership were on the same page while dealing with the case amicably,” he added.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

Musharraf tells supporters in Dubai he will return to Pakistan after medical treatment, face treason charges

MQM takes oath of allegiance from workers

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has taken an oath of allegiance from its workers

Afghan Taliban leader rallies supporters, calls for unity Mullah Akhtar Mansoor claims Taliban are winning the war and are ‘in a better state than at any other time’.

STORY ON PAGE 04

that they will remain loyal to the party’s founder, Altaf Hussain.

STORY ON PAGE 02

Saudi-led 34-state military coalition is ridiculous, says Iranian envoy Honardoost asks why Iran, Iraq and Syria have been kept out of alliance if ‘they’ are so serious in fighting terrorism.

STORY ON PAGE 04

Tensions have prevented the two sides from playing each other in Tests for more than a decade, and the match is only happening because the world T20 is an International Cricket Council tournament.

TerrorISM MuST be TreaTed aS war, SayS IndIan MInISTer STORIES ON PAGES 02 & 04

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Saturday, 19 March, 2016

love not war as india, Pakistan resuMe rivalry KOLKATA

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AGENCIES

T’S one of the world’s fiercest sporting rivalries and previous showdowns have taken place while the countries have been at war, or used as an icebreaker between frosty leaders.

But when India and Pakistan face off in cricket’s World T20, love will be in the air amid a determination to ensure Saturday’s game soothes rather than stokes tensions. While there’s no shortage of patriotic fervour, a recent Facebook craze has seen thousands of fans posting profile pictures framed by the sporting emblems of their rivals.

After being garlanded on his arrival in Kolkata, Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has spoken of the “love” he receives from Indian fans. The leading classical singer

MQM takes oath of allegiance froM workers KARACHI

Shafqat Amanat Ali is set to serenade a packed house at Edens Gardens with Pakistan’s national anthem, before Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan belts out the rival Indian number.

Tensions have prevented the two sides from playing each other in Tests for more than a decade, and the match is only happening because the World T20 is an International Cricket Council tournament.

Although there had been signs of a thaw, an attack on an Indian army base in January dashed hopes the countries’ leaders would watch the match together, as they did at the 2011 World Cup. Afridi’s message was that his team is delighted to be back in India.

“We have always enjoyed playing in India and have been loved by Indian crowds more than crowds back home in Pakistan,” he said.

“Cricket has always brought people

maximum security for the visitors.

But Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram, a popular figure in India as a commentator on a Hindi television channel, said there was no reason to believe the rivalry would be anything but sporting. “It’s a whole lot of fun. I think not just the teams but the supporters of the two countries do enjoy the clash wholeheartedly,” Akram said.

“It’s a festival, people get together at dinner parties ... It’s a mega-event that everybody gets involved in.”

Former Indian international Arshad Ayub said the match was always a little bit special. “The game brings with it a lot of emotions, excitement and I just hope we have a really good game,” said Ayub, India’s manager at the 2015 World Cup when the teams faced off in Australia.

Cross-border shelling: Possibly the most famous encounter came during the

Pakistan High Commissioner allowed travel for Pak vs Ind T20 clash KOLKATA AGENCIES

STAFF REPORT The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has taken an oath of allegiance from its workers that they will remain loyal to the party’s founder, Altaf Hussain.

Senior leader Dr Farooq Sattar administered Tajdeed-e-Ehd-e-Wafa [oath of allegiance] – the fourth resolution among others, on the party’s 32nd Foundation Day held Friday evening at Karachi’s Jinnah ground, which is adjacent to the party headquarters Nine-Zero.

He asked the party activists whether they will get derailed, distracted or move towards their destination with unity.

Presenting a number of resolves before the massive gathering, the MQM deputy convener called for ending Altaf’s media blackout. He also demanded restoration of mayor’s full powers and census be held in the country. He said sacrifices of martyred people will not go to waste and under the leadership of Altaf Hussain they will carry on his Jid-o-Jhed [struggle].

Without naming former mayor Mustafa Kamal, who levelled unprecedented allegations against the party supremo and formed his party on March 3, Sattar said those bringing allegations in media will be answered in media. “If they bring evidence in a court then the party will go to the court.” He also demanded for formation of 20 provinces in the country. Meanwhile, Altaf also addressed the crowd via video link, dispelling rumours circulating about his ill-health.

together and I think politics should be kept away from cricket.”

‘Whole lot of fun’: After a row over security, Saturday’s match was switched from Dharamsala to Kolkata, the capital of India before the sub-continent’s 1947 partition that led to Pakistan’s creation. Eden Gardens is one of the world’s biggest grounds, even after a recent refit which reduced capacity to 66,000. Despite the cauldron-like atmosphere, its fans have a reputation for showing appreciation to opposing players.

Subrata Nag, a college student, said the home crowd wanted an Indian victory but would be gracious in defeat.

“Eden Gardens has a history of supporting the team which performs better.

We want India to win, but we will support Pakistan team if it plays well,” Nag told foreign news agency AFP. Kolkata’s police chief has promised

Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi Abdul Basit was granted a visa to travel to Kolkata for a World T20 standoff between Pakistan and India scheduled for March 19, ANI reported. The news agency quoted Basit saying, “I’m glad to be here but somewhat sad that my colleagues who wanted to come could not come.”

Basit was among five Pakistani diplomats who were earlier barred from travelling to Kolkata for the cricket match. It is unclear whether the other diplomats were allowed to travel for the match or not.

A total of 17 applications were

submitted by diplomats and officials, including the Pakistani High Commissioner, but only one diplomat had been allowed to watch the PakistanBangladesh match on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, Manzoor Ali Memon had said.

“Even that diplomat was unable to watch the match, as it is not possible to reach Kolkata in such a short time,” he said.

Following the incident, Pakistan lodged a strong protest with the Deputy High Commissioner of India JP Singh.

The Indian diplomat had assured officials that Pakistan’s reaction would be conveyed to Indian authorities in New Delhi.

The match between Pakistan and India, which was first scheduled at Dharamsala, was moved to Kolkata after security concerns. The Pakistan government then sought a “public guarantee” of security from Indian authorities before it sent players over for the international event.

The next day, Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of West Bengal, assured ‘foolproof security’ to the Pakistan team for its match against India in writing.

The Pakistani team arrived in India on Saturday evening amid tight security to take part in the World T20 series and will face off against the Indian cricket team in one of the most awaited games of the tournament at Eden Gardens on March 19.

Altaf received funds from RAW, MQM man confesses to London police TARIQ MIR SAYS ONLY FOUR PARTY LEADERS HAD KNOWLEDGE OF RAW FUNDING MONITORING DESK Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Tariq Mir has made startling revelations about party’s links with Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in his confessional statement to the London Metropolitan Police, a private media outfit has reported.

Mir’s eight-page-long confession details that the Indian government used to provide funds to MQM chief Altaf Hussain through various sources and the meetings

between MQM leaders and RAW officials used to take place in different European cities such as Rome, Zurich, Vienna and Prague.

The confessional statement reveals that MQM’s funding by the Indian spy agency started back in 1994 and initially the party used to receive GBP 800,000 annually. With these initial funds, Mir further discloses, nine houses had been purchased in London.

It adds that some MQM members did not want to see (slain leader) Dr Imran Farooq in the party, while only four MQM leaders, including Altaf Hussain, had the knowledge of party’s RAW funding.

Mir further says that after MQM’s inclusion in the government of former president Pervez Musharraf, Indian officials were notified that further funds would not be needed.

1999 World Cup, when the teams played in the middle of a mini-war over the Kargil region in disputed Kashmir.

Although there was a lull in fighting during the match, key moments were greeted with volleys of gunfire and crossborder shelling. Some politicians have argued it is inappropriate for the two countries to even contemplate a game of cricket. But Sehyr Mirza, a Pakistani journalist from Lahore who has changed her profile picture to show support for India in Saturday’s match, wrote on Facebook: “Here’s to breaking imaginary boundaries, and nulling the faulty idea of automatic cross-national hate”.

The success of the social media campaign was even noted by Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg. “Something pretty interesting is happening in India and Pakistan on Facebook right now,” Zuckerberg wrote in a post, adding that “what unites us is more important than what divides us”.

The match is expected to be watched by hundreds of millions of television viewers, including in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir where many residents will be rooting for Pakistan.

“On Friday, I will go to Jamia Masjid (the grand mosque) and pray for my team’s victory over India,” said Bashir Ahmed, a shopkeeper in the city of Srinigar. “On Saturday, I will see my prayers answered, inshallah.”

NAB begins probe against ex-CM Raisani for misuse of powers ISLAMABAD INP

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Friday initiated a probe against former Balochistan chief minister Nawab Aslam Raisani for excessive use of powers and making illegal appointments. According to NAB sources, Raisani has admitted that he had made illegal appointments of three naib tehsildars (revenue officers).

NAB documents detail that illegal appointments had been made with the assistance of former provincial revenue minister Zamurk Khan. Also, the chief secretary has written a dissenting note. It may be mentioned that the three appointments had been made against the directives of the Supreme Court. Former chief minister Raisani and other officials used powers beyond their portfolios in making the appointments of three revenue officials.

NAB refutes news item ISLAMABAD APP

Apropos news item - “NAB to probe money-laundering case against PM in US” published in a section of press, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has refuted and termed it as baseless and unfounded. According to a NAB statement, the Bureau adheres to policy of not discussing individual cases in media. “However, NAB is mindful of some irresponsible elements peddling scandalous and sensational rumours in garb of journalism,” said the statement. “NAB wishes to assert that no such action is under consideration. It is hoped that in true spirit of responsible journalism, an effort would always be made to verify authenticity of the news item before going to print.”

Imran Khan criticises govt for letting Musharraf go ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday criticised the government over General (r) Pervaiz Musharraf’s departure from the country.

In a poetic tone, Khan went on to say, “Nadaan gir gaya sajday mein, jab waqt-e-qayaam aya”.

He was talking to media outside his Bani Gala residence in Islamabad before leaving for Kolkata, India.

Imran Khan said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had vowed not to let Musharraf leave but now he is silent on the issue.

He denied the reports of the alleged secret agenda of D-Chowk sit-in alliance, adding that he is unaware of Tahirul Qadri’s presence in India.

While commenting on IndiaPakistan World T20 clash, he said that the game carries a lot of pressure and is important for both sides.

He confirmed that his meeting with the national team is due today (Saturday) in which he will try to prepare them mentally and will advise the players according to his experience.

He said that Himachal Pradesh was not a suitable destination for Pakistan to play the match as their

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chief minister’s statement was against the norms of hospitality.

Responding to a question, Khan said that he does not have time for cricket anymore and politics is more important and a challenging game for him.

Meanwhile, Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rashid also left for Kolkata to watch the India-Pakistan match.

Talking to media, he said that he has always maintained contacts with opposition leaders Imran Khan and Dr Qadri. He said the Indo-Pakistan clash was no less than the World Cup final, adding that he would return to Pakistan the next day after match.

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

govt in hot water in na over Musharraf’s exit PTI, PPP CALL FOR TAKING UP MATTER IN PARLIAMENT ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

AWMAKERS on Friday voiced strong protest in the National Assembly against the government’s decision of allowing former president Pervez Musharraf to travel abroad and called for taking up the matter in parliament.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Dr Arif Alvi of the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf said the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz government had to try the former military ruler under Article 6 of the Constitution, but it humiliated the whole Pakistani nation by allowing him to go abroad. On her turn, Shazia Marri of the Pakistan People’s Party said that since a high treason case had been instituted against Musharraf, the House should be explained the reason behind the grant of permission to the ex-despot to leave for other countries. “The Supreme Court has fixed the entire responsibility on the government and this

DAR SAYS REHAB, RETURN OF IDPS GOVT’S TOP PRIORITY should also be discussed in the House,” she added. Speaking on another point of order, PTI’s Dr Shireen Mazari said “what was the need of this parliament if it would not be taken into confidence on the country’s foreign policy”, asserting that parliament should have been taken on board before Pakistan joined the 34country coalition.

Recalling that Prime Minister’s Adviser Sartaj Aziz had categorically declared in the House that Pakistan would not use its forces against any country, Mazari questioned “if our army is used against any country, then who will be held responsible for it”. “This should be explained to the lawmakers,” she demanded. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s Maulana Amir Zaman, on a point of order, said that no development funds were being provided to him despite the fact that he had cast vote in favour of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

On a point of order, MNAs Maulana Jamaluddin and Ghulam Sarwar Khan said that steps should be taken for honourable return to homes of those who had

left North Waziristan for Afghanistan due to the operation Zarb-e-Azb. Upon this, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that steps would be taken in collaboration with the Interior Ministry to bring back those Pakistanis honourably.

Dar informed the House that the government had a comprehensive plan for rehabilitation and return of the internally displace persons (IDPs) who, he said, had rendered supreme sacrifices for the country. He said that complete rehabilitation and respectful return of the IDPs to their native areas was the government’s top priority. He said a separate cell had been set up in the Economic Affairs Division for welfare of the IDPs. He told the lawmakers that Rs.20 billion worth wheat was provided to the IDPs through the World Food Programme while a sum of Rs 17 billion cash was also disbursed among them. The finance minister further said that an amount of Rs 80 billion was specified for rehabilitation of TDPs, adding that a proposal was also on the cards to pay lump-sum amount to the TDPs for construction of their houses and rehabilitation. The Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), FATA Secretariat and other state institutions were engaged in ensuring dignified return of the IDPs to their hometown, he added.

Dar said the government was also ready to take necessary steps for those IDPs who had gone to Afghanistan if details were provided. The minister further said that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) would play its role in ensuring payment of salaries to employees of the HMC. He said he would check where the Ministry of Industries had sent summary to for payment of salaries to HMC employees.

Meanwhile, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal told the House that a sum of $35 billion out of the total $46 billion under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was for energy-related projects, and the rest for other projects.

Leave no stone unturned in serving masses, PM asks lawmakers ASSURES MNAS OF HIS SUPPORT IN EXECUTION OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has advised parliamentarians to leave no stone unturned in serving the masses, saying “the ultimate purpose of our endeavours in the socio-economic fields is to revolutionise the lives of our people and make Pakistan

a thriving democracy where equal opportunities are available to everyone”. The premier made these remarks during his separates meetings with MNAs Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, Chaudhry Nazir Ahmed and Abdul Rahman Khan Kanju at the Prime Minister’s House on Friday.

The parliamentarians apprised PM Sharif of numerous development and welfare initiatives being proposed in their respective constituencies. The prime minister assured the MNAs of his complete cooperation in execution of all the projects and schemes aimed at raising the living standard of the people.

The parliamentarians said that “we are confident that your (PM Sharif) leadership, the consolidation of gains in the infrastructure development, economic stability, self-sufficiency in energy and social sector reforms will be achieved in the near future”. They said that “the revival of trust and confidence of the international political leadership as well as financial and business community in successful socio-economic policies of the incumbent government was a manifestation of our pledge and commitment to the people to make their lives better in terms of empowering them and raising

their quality of life”. The parliamentarians also thanked the prime minister for taking interest in the infrastructure development and addressing the concerns of farmers in their respective constituencies. They told the prime minister that his vision of transforming Pakistan into a developed, progressive and modern state had started yielding the fruits.

About the overall security situation, they observed that the situation had improved in the country and the nation was united under the leadership of PM Sharif to eliminate the menace of terrorism and extremism from the motherland.

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Musharraf’s name removed from ECL in light of SC verdict: Rashid ISlAMABAD: Minister for Information on Friday said former president Pervez Musharraf’s name was removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) in light of the verdict of the Supreme Court. The apex court upheld the Sindh High Court’s (SHC) decision on ECL and there was no such example in history of the country, he told a private news channel. The minister said the government could not stop the former president from proceeding abroad on basis of those cases which were being discussed, adding that registering a new case against Musharraf was the only way to stop him. He added that if the government registered a new case it would be considered as revenge or personal rivalry. The minister said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was criticising and fighting its case on the media rather than on any proper forum. “It was PPP which had given red-carpet guard of honour to Musharraf during its tenure while Sindh High Court’s decision was also announced during PPP’s regime,” he said. APP

LMF announces to stop legal war against Musharraf till his return ISlAMABAD: The Lal Masjid Foundation (LMF) on Friday announced to stop its legal war against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf till his return to the country. Addressing a news conference here, advocate Tariq Asad, the LMF president and son of Abdul Rashid Ghazi, the slain leader of Lal Masjid, Sahibzada Haroonur Rashid said Musharraf was allowed to go abroad by a nexus of all state institutions, including judiciary, which reflected that the government and judiciary were not free. “We are doing legal struggle for the past four years and our family had to face pressure in this regard in the form of baseless and fake cases registered against us. Despite these tactics we continued our legal war in the various courts of the country, but ironically the government has allowed Pervez Musharraf to travel abroad which shows it has no moral courage to bring him back in the country,” they added. They said that despite being summoned by the courts in various cases, including Lal Masjid case, Musharraf did not appear before the judges. The LMF leaders however vowed that they would continue their legal war against all those involved in the Lal Masjid operation. ONLINE

TIME TO MOVE ON, GENTLEMEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01 “Although there’s a lot of dissent within the ruling party on the Musharraf issue, PM Nawaz will handle it,” the source further said.

The PM House confirmed the meeting but did not delve into details.

“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a meeting to discuss the external and internal security situation of the country at the PM House in Islamabad,” the official statement read.

The meeting was officially convened to discuss the recent bus attack in Peshawar and the progress in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb, it added.

All officials in attendance condemned the attack on a bus which killed 15 and injured several others. While it was noted that Operation Zarb-e-Azb had made significant gains, the participants reaffirmed their resolve to eradicate terrorism and extremism from the country.

MuShARRAf flIeS to DuBAI: Meanwhile, Gen Musharraf flew to Dubai early Friday for what his lawyers said was an urgent spinal cord related issue after a three-year travel ban was lifted on Thursday.

Musharraf boarded an Emirates flight bound for Dubai in the wee hours of Friday. The flight departed from Karachi airport at 3.55am. A news agency quoted an airport source as saying that the retired general appeared “relaxed”. “He was the

last person to board the plane and then the gate was closed,” the source said.

A large convoy of police and paramilitary rangers left Musharraf’s home in Karachi at around 3:30am as a decoy for the waiting media crowding his street, while the general travelled to the airport separately. Lawyers for the former president, who is facing multiple charges including treason and murder over the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, have said he needs urgent medical treatment not available in Pakistan.

“I am going abroad for treatment but will return to face the cases against me,” a party spokesman in Karachi quoted him as saying. “I am a commando. I love my motherland.”

“Six to eight weeks are required for the treatment and then he would go back home,” said Dr Amjad Malik, a spokesman for Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League.

CoMPlYInG WIth CouRt oRDeR, not BACKtRACKInG: Musharraf was banned from leaving Pakistan in March 2013 after he returned to the country on an ill-fated mission to contest elections. The former ruler was barred from taking part in the polls and instead had to face a barrage of legal cases. While the opposition parties had a field day slamming the ruling PML-N for backtracking on its tall claims of prosecuting Gen Musharraf on treason charges

for abrogating the constitution, the PMLN quarters took pains to show that the government was simply complying with court orders.

On Thursday, the government declined to put Musharraf’s name on the nofly list. A day earlier, the top court had said the ex-president could travel abroad, but said the government had the authority to put his name back on the ECL if it wanted to keep Musharraf in the country to face Article 6 proceedings.

“The government has decided to allow Musharraf to travel abroad for medical treatment. He [Musharraf] has also committed that he will face all cases against him in court,” Interior Minister Nisar announced on Thursday at a news conference in Islamabad.

Nisar said the government was removing the retired general’s name from the ECL on the directives of the Supreme Court.

The former president’s lawyers have committed before the apex court that he will return to the country after four to six weeks, he added.

On Wednesday, the SC rejected the federal government’s two-year-old appeal against the Sindh High Court’s decision to remove Musharraf’s name from the ECL. On the same day, the former president reserved a seat with a foreign airline at 4:30am but the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) intervened, saying he would not be allowed to travel unless the

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government removed his name from the no-fly list. The booking had to be cancelled. “Today his lawyers moved a proper application for removing his name from the ECL, after which the government decided to allow him to go abroad for treatment following the apex court’s judgment,” Nisar said at the media briefing. The minister added the detailed judgment on this case was not received but the decision to remove Musharraf’s name from the ECL was taken as per the apex court’s ruling.

Nisar said every decision had some motives but there was no confusion regarding the case against the former military ruler.

Without taking its name, the interior minister criticised the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for censuring the government “as if the government would lose the right to govern if Musharraf was allowed to go abroad”.

“What did they do during their fiveyear tenure despite booking Musharraf over Benazir Bhutto’s murder?” Nisar questioned. “We initiated the treason case against him and opposed every move for removing his name from the ECL. Everyone including the government has to follow the verdict of the Supreme Court.”

If the government, he added, is willing to allow Musharraf to travel abroad, it would not have filed appeals against the judgment of first the lower court and then the high court’s orders.

MuShARRAf’S CouP, PM IS oVeR It: He also brushed aside speculation of any clandestine deals behind the decision to allow Musharraf to leave the country.

“The prime minister has no personal grudges against Musharraf and he has pardoned him for whatever he did with him,” Nisar clarified.

He added the government did not put anyone’s name on the no-fly list anymore.

The powers have been delegated to the National Accountability Bureau, FIA and the defence headquarters.

Musharraf’s name was put on the ECL after he returned to Pakistan in 2013, hoping to lead his party into the general elections.

He was, however, disqualified from contesting the polls and found himself fighting an array of charges relating to his time in power.

Musharraf was the army chief when he seized power in a coup in 1999. He was the president till 2008 when a democratically elected government came into power and ousted him. He left the country to live in self-imposed exile in Dubai and London.

The charges relate to the former general’s imposition of a state of emergency in November 2007 and the assassination of former PM Benazir Bhutto the same year. Musharraf, 72, denies all the charges and has termed them “politically motivated”.

04 NEWS

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

China closely working with Pakistan to implement CPEC: Chinese envoy ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong on Friday said that his country was closely working with Pakistan to implement economic corridor project that will bring socio-economic benefits to the people of both countries.

Highlighting the significance of CPEC at a book launching ceremony held here, he said it was a unique project in Pakistan-China relationship that is meant to improve the living conditions of the people.

The CPEC will be a source of rapid development in all areas of Pakistan, he said.

The ceremony was organised by Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) for launching of a book titled China’s Stories, China’s Success- How China transformed itself in the past 40 years, written

by SM Hali. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed and ISSI Director General Masood Khan also spoke on the occasion. Minister of Planning, National Reforms and Development Ahsan Iqbal was the chief guest on the occasion.

The ambassador said that the Chinese leadership was committed to providing a better living to their people. China will focus on its main target which is the economic development of the country as this will not only bring welfare to the people of China but will also contribute to world peace and prosperity in the region and the world at large, he said.

The ambassador acknowledged that poverty alleviation is a difficult task for the Chinese government, which is determined to address it with full resolve. China is a peace-loving country, but it is capable of defending itself against any aggression. The ambassador appreciated the book author for introducing modern China in a very impressive way.

Ahsan Iqbal termed the CPEC a gamechanger project and said the credit went to the leadership of both countries who, in a short span of time, have transformed a mere an idea into a huge project worth $46 billion. All the reservations on the CPEC project have been removed by the government and now there is a complete consensus and unity among all the political parties on the CPEC. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had also expressed their complete confidence over the project of national importance, he added.

This project of national importance signed in 2013 had been materialised within two years with the efforts of leadership. The US$ 46 billion investment from the Chinese government within two years is reflective of time-tested friendship, he added.

AfghAn TAlibAn leAder rAllies supporTers, cAlls for uniTy MULLAH AKHTAR MANSOOR CLAIMS TALIBAN ARE WINNING THE WAR AND ARE ‘IN A BETTER STATE THAN AT ANY OTHER TIME’ KABUL

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HE leader of the Afghan Taliban on Friday called on followers to end divisions and rally behind him in the battle against the Kabul government as authorities step up the fight against the 15-year-old insurgency.

In a message distributed to media,

Mullah Akhtar Mansoor claimed the Taliban were winning the war and were “in a better state than at any other time”.

The Taliban were toppled in the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan.

The insurgency has escalated since the end in 2014 of the U.S.-NATO combat mission left inexperienced Afghan forces to battle the insurgents largely on their own.

As the Taliban launched their an-

nual warm-weather offensive last year, the government responded with largescale military operations. Ferocious battles have raged in the militants’ southern heartland of Helmand province and elsewhere.

Separately, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had been hoping to revive a stalled peace process with faceto-face talks earlier this month with Taliban representatives. The Taliban issued a statement last week saying they would not participate.

Referring to Afghanistan as the Islamic Emirate, Mansoor said that all efforts must be made to reunite the Taliban, split since last summer when they admitted that their founder and

Saudi-led 34-state military coalition is ridiculous, says Iranian envoy HONARDOOST ASKS WHY IRAN, IRAQ AND SYRIA HAVE BEEN KEPT OUT OF ALLIANCE IF ‘THEY’ ARE SO SERIOUS IN FIGHTING TERRORISM ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Iran Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost on Friday criticised the Saudi-led 34-state Islamic military coalition formed to combat terrorism in the Muslim world, terming it ‘ridiculous’.

“If they [Muslim powers] are so serious in the fight against terrorism then why Iran, Iraq and Syria are kept out of this alliance,” questioned the Iranian envoy while addressing a press

briefing in the federal capital.

“On one hand they make this alliance but on the other hand they are funding terrorists and extremists,” Honardoost remarked.

The Iranian envoy maintained that the militant Islamic State group had become a serious security threat to the Muslim world, and stressed the need for joint efforts to overcome this menace.

Honardoost said the Iranian president is due to visit Pakistan by the end of this month and that he will

sign a number of agreements and MOUs during his visit.

“Iran is against any foreign interference in Syria and wants that the crisis be resolved peacefully,” the ambassador maintained.

The coalition alliance was announced by Saudi Arabia in December last year for coordinating and supporting military operations against terrorism in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan. The headquarters of the new Saudi-led coalition would be based in Riyadh.

The kingdom said it was “a duty to protect the Islamic nation from the evils of all terrorist groups and organisations, whatever their sect and name, which wreak death and corruption on earth and aim to terrorise the innocent.”

TERRORISM MUST BE TREATED AS WAR, SAYS INDIAN MINISTER ACCUSING PAKISTAN OF FOMENTING TERROR IN INDIA, PARRIKAR SAYS ‘WHEN THEY FAILED IN CONVENTIONAL WARS, AS THEY FAILED IN 1965 AND 1971, THE ENEMY RESORTED TO A THOUSAND CUTS, TRYING TO BLEED INDIA’ NEWS DESK Small incidents of terrorism must be “treated as a war”, Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told parliament during a discussion on the Pathankot incident, the Indian Express reported on Thursday.

Parrikar told Lok Sabha on Wednesday that “our enemies cannot go scot-free”.

“This has to be treated as a war. Even small incidents of terrorism of this nature have to be treated as a war… You cannot have a running commentary about such

operations on television etc.

This puts security forces in danger,” he said.

“We are definitely in the process to ensure that our enemies don’t go scot-free,” he said.

“When they failed in conventional wars, as they failed in 1965 and 1971, the enemy resorted to a thousand cuts, trying to bleed India…. Pathankot has to be taken as a part of asymmetric war,” Parrikar said.

Clarifying that he had never tweeted

about the Pathankot operation being over prematurely, Parrikar said, “There was, probably, a small error which was immediately corrected.”

On January 2, a tweet from Home Minister Rajnath Singh said “all five terrorists have been neutralised”, and it was later withdrawn.

Parrikar said a total of six alleged terrorists were killed.

“Using all these weapons and also Air Force helicopters, finally, around 5.30, one terrorist was killed by DSC jawan and the remaining three were eliminated there. So, at that moment, at 3 o’clock, the same day, I had conducted a meeting and we had come to a conclusion that there were probably more terrorists. That is why the operation was kept on. Next day at 11 o’clock, the other two terrorists were engaged when they

CMYK

started firing,” the minister said.

He was replying after opposition MPs attacked the PM, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Parrikar for the government’s handling of the terror attack.

They also questioned the government’s policy on Pakistan.

Stating that intelligence build-up cannot take place overnight, Parrikar referred to the Technical Services Division (TDS), a secret intelligence unit that was set up by MoS, External Affairs, and former Army Chief, General VK Singh.

“Intelligence which was developed, whether it is deep assets or the attempt of TDS formation by General VK Singh, fell to political aspirations, to political policies and political point-scoring. It is not only Ishrat Jahan,” Parrikar said.

“I can quote many instances when military intelligence has been sacrificed at the altar of political goals,” he added.

leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, had been dead for more than two years.

Mansoor, previously Mullah Omar’s deputy, took over amid much controversy and rifts soon emerged, leading to infighting that has damaged the united Taliban front they had cultivated for so long. Much of the infighting is over control of lucrative smuggling routes through to Pakistan for drugs, minerals, arms and men.

Referring to the “brothers who grew upset over the past year or remained at a distance from the Islamic Emirate,” Mansoor said everything should be done to “placate, assuage and integrate them back into the united fold.”

Revisiting contempt law: Senate body invites stakeholders for wider discussion ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice on Friday decided to invite representatives of the Pakistan Bar Council, bar bodies and all stakeholders for a wider discussion for revisiting the contempt of court law. The amendment bill was moved by Senator Farhatullah Babar as a private member’s bill.

Babar, while explaining the rationale behind the bill, said that the basic purpose of the bill was not to seek its immediate adoption but to initiate a wider debate on it. He held the view that the contempt law should not only protect the dignity of the courts but also that of the litigants, and said that “a broader public discourse will help examine whether the existing law needed amendments in the definition of contempt, in deciding who is liable to have committed contempt as well as punishments for various acts of contempt”. Babar argued that the dignity of honourable judges must rest more on their conduct, nature of their orders rather than on a law that was too wide open in some respects and too restrictive in others. “Glory and majesty of the courts demand that at no stage, honourable judges should appear to have their eye on television and newspaper headlines while addressing the litigants during the proceedings,” he said, adding that the judges must be protected under the law from any disrespectful and offensive behaviour but this protection should also be equally available to the litigants. Talking to a group of reporters, Babar said the decision made by the Senate committee (today) sent a powerful message to everyone that parliament deemed it necessary to initiate consultations for revisiting the contempt law.

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

Two RangeRs injuRed in gRenade aTTack on checkposT KARACHI

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STAFF REPORT

T least two Rangers personnel were injured after two men riding a motorcycle hurled a hand grenade at the paramilitary force check post on Friday. “A hand grenade was hurled at the Rangers check post at main Korangi Crossing near Korangi Industrial Area,” SHO Zaman Town police station said. Two officials Abdul Ghafoor and Karimullah injured in the attack, he added.

The injured personnel were shifted to a local hospital where medical sources said that condition of one personnel was critical. Taking notice of the incident, Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Sial sought a report from the DIG East of Karachi Police.

The provincial home minister directed the officials concerned to increase police surveillance and step up

efforts to arrest the perpetrators. Meanwhile, Sindh DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar visited the check post and inquired about the incident.

According to him, explosives weighing half a kilogram, packed in a metal container, were thrown at the post injuring four personnel, one of them critically. The DG further said that three groups were involved in the third such attack in less than two weeks and that three people had so far been arrested for the crime scene. Earlier on Sunday, two Rangers check posts in District East were attacked by unidentified men. No loss of life was reported, however.

The first attack took place at 7:45am on a Rangers check post near Moti Mahal, Rashid Minhas Road, in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, while the second occurred at the check post in Essa Nagri on Sir Shah Suleman Road. Both the posts were partially damaged. According to witnesses, two men riding a mo-

MQM dissident Kaimkhani exhorts Sindhis, Urduspeakers to unite KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) dissident Anis Kaimkhani on Friday called for an end to differences between Urdu-speakers and Sindhis, and emphasised on unity in the province. At a press conference along with Raza Haroon, he said the ‘new party’ announced earlier this month by former Karachi mayor Mustafa Kamal was not just for Urdu-speaking people. Addressing Sindhis in their mother tongue, he said, “This is not just our party. This is also your party.

Let’s unite to end hatred between Urduspeaking and Sindhi people.” “The party will operate on a national level, and will not be limited to Karachi,” said Kaimkhani. A day after Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad distanced himself from the ‘new party’, saying, “I would have been at the forefront if I were part of the party,” Kaimkhani said the former MQM workers had great utmost respect for Ibad. “We don’t have to take a wicket in every press conference,” he said, adding that people’s problems must also be discussed.

The party would make a formal announcement on March 23, he said. Since Mustafa Kamal’s first press conference, he pulled former MQM members Kaimkhani, Raza Haroon, Dr Sagheer, Iftikhar Alam and Waseem Aftab into his ‘new party’. The party, which is yet to be named, will hold its first rally at Bagh-i-Jinnah. STAFF REPORT

‘Fix it’ campaigner Alamgir Khan indicted KARACHI: Campaigner Alamgir Khan, whose ‘Fix it’ campaign to cover unsealed manholes in the metropolis gained media attention, was indicted under Section 341 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) in a case of wrongful restraint by Judicial Magistrate (South) Kaleemullah Kalwar on Friday.

Alamgir and driver Saifullah, who were arrested last month by police as the campaigner attempted to create a “symbolic garbage dump” outside Chief Minister (CM) House, were granted bail in the case against surety bonds of Rs 5,000 each. Khan was on board a tractor and moving along the PIDC traffic intersection towards the Red Zone where several state building including Chief Minister House are located when police personnel took him and his driver, Saifullah, into custody. The campaigner pleaded not guilty after framing of charge against him.

Subsequently, the court adjourned the case until April 8 and summoned prosecution witnesses to record their statements on the next hearing. The maximum punishment for the offence is one month or a fine of Rs 500.

Alamgir rose to fame after he led Karachiites in a campaign to spray the portrait of Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah alongside potholes, ditches and heaps of garbage lining major roads of the metropolis which invoked the ire of thousands everyday. Khan, who holds a senior position in the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Karachi division, has insisted that his campaign is purely apolitical. STAFF REPORT

torcycle hurled something at the posts and sped away. A militant group active in the city had been trying to promote

terrorism and violence, Rangers had said in a statement, adding that action would be taken against the culprits.

Peace in Afghanistan means a peaceful KP, says CM Khattak PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

Linking peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with peace in neighbouring Afghanistan, KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak on Friday said that terrorism was an international issue and unified efforts were needed to confront it. Addressing a condolence reference arranged to pay homage to the late trade leader Haji Haleem Jan Shaheed at Nishtarabad, Khattak said that the province has faced challenges of terrorism for the last couple of years.

“Instead of losing heart there is

dire need to combat terrorism jointly,” he said, adding that armed forces of the country were committed to go to any extent to curb terrorism. Khattak said that peace was essential in Afghanistan for bringing stability to the whole region. He said that the provincial government, on the demand of the traders’ community had asked the federal government for repatriation of FC troops to the province.

He further said that the Afghan ambassador had been categorically told to ensure registration of Afghan refugees in the province. “Repatriation of these people to Afghanistan

in a dignified manner is necessary for the restoration of durable peace in the province,” he said.

The CM asked the traders community to contact the government before giving any call for strike or protest.

Malik Mehar Illahi, Shaukat Ali Khan, Mujeebur Rehman, Haji Asghar and Ihtesham Haleem, while speaking on the occasion, thanked the CM for withdrawal of notices issued to 2,200 shopkeepers, announcing Tamgha-e-Shujat for Haji Haleem Jan and naming Hepatitis hospital as Haji Haleem Jan hospital on the demand of the traders.

Two injured as charter plane crash lands at Karachi airport KARACHI STAFF REPORT

A charter plane with 18 people on board crash landed at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Friday.

Two people were reportedly injured in the incident.

Reports said the plane had to make an emergency landing as soon as it took off. Rescue teams and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials arrived at the scene and the runway was closed. In November last year, a Lahore-bound Shaheen Air flight, carrying 121 passengers and crew members, had also made an ‘emergency landing’ at the Allama Iqbal International Airport. It was initially reported that at least 10 passengers received ‘minor’ injuries when the plane landed due to tyre bursting, however, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) denied the claims and said all

passengers remained unhurt and that flight NL-142 landed at the airport. In a short while, it went off the runway, the

authority added. A medical report revealed that the pilot was intoxicated and fatigued at the time of landing.

NEWS

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Three new bills introduced in NA ISLAMABAD: Three new bills – the Sir Syed Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering Institute of Technology, Islamabad Bill, 2016, the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology Bill, 2016 and the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Bill, 2016 were introduced in the National Assembly on Friday. NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq referred the bills to the concerned committees for further deliberation. State Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Muhammad Baligh Ur-Rehman, Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid on behalf of Minister for Defence Production and Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain and Minister for Finance Mohammad Ishaq Dar moved the bills in the House. Meanwhile, Daniyal Aziz on behalf of Chairman Standing Committee on Finance Qaiser Ahmed laid a report of the committee in the bill to further amend the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 [The Foreign Exchange Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2014] in the House. APP

IHC summons notification for removal of Musharraf’s name from ECL ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed Malik Tahir Mehmood, counsel for General (r) Pervez Musharraf, to file the copy of the Supreme Court decision and the Interior Ministry’s notification about removal of the former president’s name from the ECL (Exit Control List). IHC Justice Amir Farooq issued the orders while taking up a petition filed by Musharraf’s counsel challenging a decision of a trial court that has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for him in Ghazi Abdul Rashid murder case. The counsel told the court that he had filed two medical reports belonging to his client and orders of the subordinate court in the IHC. He further told the court that the SC has rejected an appeal plea by federation against Musharraf and the interior ministry has issued a notification removing his client’s name from the ECL. The court remarked “you will have to submit a copy of the SC decision on rejection of federation appeal plea and the interior ministry’s notification regarding removal of Musharraf’s name from the ECL”. The court adjourned the hearing till April 28.

STAFF REPORT

Heavy rains kill 15 people, 131 cattle heads in KP PESHAWAR: Provincial Disaster Management Authority on Friday said that heavy rains claimed 15 human lives perished 131 cattle and damaged 95 houses across Khyber Pakthunkhwa from March 11 to 18. The spokesman of PDMA told APP that, five persons were died in Peshawar, two in Bannu, 1 each in Swabi, Tank, Malakand, Lakki Marwat, Shangla and Chitral and two in Mardan. Similarly, four persons were injured in rains related incident in Peshawar, one each in Bannu and Swat, four in Tank, two in Dir Lower and seven in Mardan. He further informed that heavy downpour perished 60 cattle in Shangla, 30 each in Bunner and Bannu, four in Abbottabad, three in Peshawar and two in Malakand. Heavy rain damaged 33 houses in Peshawar, 16 in Swabi, 15 in Abbottabad, seven in Mardan, five each in Swat and Malakand, three each in Shangla and Bunner, two each in Dir Lower and Lakki Marwat and one each in Tank and Dir Upper. APP

Four injured as groups clash over mosque’s ‘ownership’ KARACHI STAFF REPORT

At least four people were injured after a clash erupted following a dispute between two religious groups claiming possession of a mosque in Phase VII of Karachi’s DHA late Thursday night.

“The clash between two groups occurred when one party forcibly entered Umer Bin Abdul Aziz Masjid in DHA Phase VII, claiming to have taken over the mosque’s administration,” officials of Gizri police said on Friday. Following a clash between the groups, four

people injured who were shifted to Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre. Personnel of law enforcement agencies, including police and Rangers, were summoned to the site. Sources said the issue of handing over possession of the mosque to a new group last week triggered the clash. The mosque, which was earlier managed by the Ahle Hadis sect, was cordoned by the police with neither party allowed to take control of it. Residents said an ad hoc committee had been set up to manage affairs of the mosque. DHA Phase VII Welfare Association confirmed the development, saying a DHA-approved imam will lead prayers in the mosque.

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Saturday, 19 March, 2016

WEATHER UPDATES

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tolinton market: buyers, sellers and the unhappy animals

LAHORE

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AROMA SHAHID

F you keep pets at home, then you have probably heard of the Tolinton Market in Lahore. Located in Shadman, Tolinton Market is a place for pet lovers who wish to purchase or sell animals for a very low price. There is a variety of animals that are easily available in a single location, from dogs, cats, birds to chickens and rabbits. The only concern for any pet lover should be that the place is a purgatory for those poor animals.

While crossing the market, the putrid smell of animal hides permeating the atmosphere makes it difficult for the passersby to breathe.

The animals are mostly kept in cages and the sounds of their cries are impossible to ignore.

Pakistan Today questioned the stakeholders in this business to learn their stance on the living conditions of the animals.

LIVING CONDITIONS, VACCINATION: Hassan Dilawer owns two shops in the market and sells both cats and dogs. He said that the puppies in his shop are at least a month old.

“Weaning a baby from the mother’s milk is necessary because the puppies start growing teeth and the mother abandons them. To wean them off mother’s milk we feed them a diet of ‘Cerelac’, milk with bread or boiled chicken, at least, twice a day,” Dilawar said.

“We avoid over-feeding puppies to prevent them from getting sick and clean their cages daily. However, the dogs are not vaccinated because they

are usually sold at a young age and then it’s the responsibility of the owner to get them vaccinated.”

Discarded pieces of chicken meat were scattered on the floor, right next to the cages of cats. Dilawar said that he does not own a kennel and at closing time, the animals remain in their cages and are kept inside the shop with the shutter down.

“People come here with dogs that have been stolen but we refuse to buy any animals without documents.”

While Dilawar claimed that his dogs are perfectly healthy, he received a call from a customer who was complaining that a dog purchased from his shop only a few days ago was suffering from an illness.

“We get lots of customers who want to either purchase a dog or sell one. The ideal condition is to keep only six to seven puppies in the shop because it becomes a hassle to care for such young animals,” said Ali Akbar, who is also a shop owner.

Mix breed dogs are called “Bclass” or “working-class” dogs and are sold at lower prices.

“We purchase older dogs as well, but we are not responsible for their vaccination. It’s preferred that the buyer or seller vaccinates their dog, or else they don’t survive,” Ali Akbar said.

“It is easy to detect the symptoms of a rabid dog, so we don’t purchase one. We take our dogs for fifteen minutes walk every day after feeding them, then bring them back to the shop, tie them up with a leash and they remain here all night until the next working day.”

“The main problem is that cats and dogs are kept beside a place where chickens are slaughtered. The place is unhygienic and filled with germs and diseases. The most common diseases among dogs are Parvovirus and Canine distemper.”

Ali boxer, another shopkeeper said he owned around 20 dogs but not all were kept inside his shop. He claimed that the puppies were purebred; however, one could simply tell by looking at them that they were not.

He claimed that the one-month-old puppies were vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.

Another shop was solely dedicated to the sale and purchase of cats. ShoaibulRehman, the owner said that cats and dogs should not be kept near each other.

The cats endure extreme stress due to fear, which sometimes results in their death.

“Around two to three cats in these shops die on a daily basis,” Shoaib said.

Ubaidullah, a customer was surveying the market to find a suitable place to sell his cat. “We find it more convenient to sell our pet through this medium. The shopkeeper said that our cat could be sold for Rs 5,000.”

“The shopkeeper informed us that pets are purchased on a sale or return basis. This is why we are reluctant to leave our cat here until it is sold. They do not take responsibility for the death of animals in this case.”

Another customer said he has never had a bad experience with a purchase, “However, it is up to us to find out if the bird is sick or not.”

“I call up my friends and ask if they are aware of any birds for sale. I also check online websites, but those sources often turn out to be unreliable. I prefer coming here because there is a lot of variety in the market.”

According to Dr Asim Khalid Mehmood, an associate professor at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, “the weaning age for puppies is ideally eight weeks. The puppies are completely dependent on the mother for nutrition. People who keep dogs as pets often keep the puppies with the mother for over three months, during which the puppies wean off mother’s milk naturally and gradually shift towards other foods.”

“In case of early separation from the mother, puppies should either be kept under the care of a foster mother or feed on artificial milk,” Dr Asim said.

“Vaccination begins at six weeks and then the series of shots are completed until 16 weeks of age as per internationally recommended standards.”

“The vaccinations are necessary to counter the most common and deadly diseases in dogs. Parvovirus is the most common virus resulting in a fatality and stays in the infected area for at least six months. The place needs to be cleaned with bleach in order to get rid of the germs causing such diseases.”

LACK OF HYGIENE, SPREAD OF DISEASE: “In places like Tolinton Market, these diseases are always present in the environment. Since the animals are kept so close to each other, it is easily possible for one infected dog to spread the virus to other animals.”

Dr Asim said that the customers are not informed of the dogs’ condition, which means that there is a high chance that the dog may die by the time the new owner is able to detect the symptoms.

“Tolinton Market is so polluted that the whole atmosphere is filled with germs and disgusting odour. Keeping dogs tied up all day or locked in a cage has negative effects on their physical growth and mental stability.”

“The most important thing is to maintain hygienic conditions and prevent the sale of young puppies and kittens. Overcrowding of animals and keeping cats near dogs should also be avoided.”

“I believe that if the people involved in this business are educated and informed about the necessary hygienic standards, it is possible that there will be an immense change in the living conditions of animals, which may have a positive

impact on their business also.”

“Vaccinations are costly; hence, it is better if hygienic standards are maintained.”

“There are many activists who are working to protect animals but they are only working on individual level,” Dr Asim said.

RESPONSIBILITY OF SELLERS, BUYERS AND THE GOVT: Dr Wasim Yaqoob, a lecturer at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, said that the problem is that there are no laws in the country which protect animals from such conditions.

“We need to have regulations to ensure the safety of these animals,” he said, and added, “The main stakeholder, in this case, is the government.

They need to develop laws that specify the conditions which need to be met in order to run this business.”

“The standard worldwide is that a dog should be vaccinated against rabies at the age of three months.”

“An adult dog should be kept in an open area of at least 6x6 feet. The dog should not be tied with a leash for longer periods. Outsiders coming from places where chickens have been slaughtered should not be allowed to enter that area,” Dr Wasim said.

It is not just the responsibility of shopkeepers but also the customers, to ensure that the animals are kept in sanitary conditions.

“People need to follow ethics and care for life. The shop owners need to be made aware of the negative effects of unhygienic conditions on the animals,” said Dr Wasim.

Woman attacked With acid in naWab toWn LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Unknown suspects attacked a 29-year-old woman with acid in Nawab Town area on Friday morning.

The victim, identified as Yasmeen, received minor injuries and was shifted to Jinnah Hospital for treatment.

According to police, there was some dispute between the woman and her husband; however, the case is being investigated at the moment.

The incident comes few weeks after Punjab Assembly passed the Women Protection Bill, giving protection to the women affected by violence.

The new law criminalises domestic, psychological and sexual violence against women and calls for the creation of a toll-free abuse-reporting hot line and the establishment of shelters.

Fire erupts in printing press LAHORE APP

LAHORE: Students look at items displayed at a stall during a festival organized by APWA Community Center on Friday. ONLINE

CMYK

Machinery and papers worth millions of rupees were reduced to ashes when a fire erupted in a printing press at Royal Park LakshmiChowk on Friday.

Eight vehicles of fire brigade reached the spot and controlled the fire after three hours of hectic efforts. No loss of life was reported.

According to Rescue 112, the fire was caused by short circuit.

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Saturday, 19 March, 2016

MINISTER DIRECTS TO SPEED UP CRACKDOWN AGAINST ADULTERATORS LAHORE APP LAHORE: Students perform during the Annual Sports Day of Government College University on Friday. INP

Shehbaz SayS will enSure all Punjab kidS go to School by 2018 LAHORE

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STAFF REPORT

UnJAb Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that achievement of the targets fixed for promotion of education is the collective responsibility and effective measures will have to be taken for increasing the enrolment of children in schools and promotion of quality education.

Presiding over a meeting on educational reforms programme under Punjab Schools Reforms Roadmap, Shehbaz said that achievement of targets of Parho Punjab barho Punjab Programme is the national responsibility, adding that the target of the enrolment of every child of the province till 2018 will have to be achieved through hard work, commitment and determination.

Shehbaz Sharif said that he wants results in achievement of targets for the

improvement of educational sector. He directed that a comprehensive programme should be evolved for the training of teachers and steps should be taken for its immediate implementation.

He said that provision of resources for the promotion of education is a useful investment adding that access to quality education is the right of every child and Punjab government is upholding this right.

The chief minister said that funds of billions of rupees have been given for therepair and construction of the dilapidated buildings of schools and completion of this work within stipulated period should be ensured.

CPEC is a gamE-ChangEr for ProgrEss: Separately, in a meeting with Executive Vice Mayor of Chinese province Sichuan’s capital Chengdu, Zhu Zhihong, Shehbaz Sharif said that promotion of bilateral relations of Punjab and Lahore with Sichuan and Chengdu, strengthening of trade and economic ties and cooperation in water supply, sanitation, tourism and other sectors were discussed in the meet-

ing. It was also decided to further promote collaboration to declare Lahore and Chengdu as twin cities.

The chief minister said that Pakistan and China are bound together in strong friendly ties and the agreements of investment of billions of dollars are unprecedented in Pakistan’s history. He said that these agreements are of historic importance and will strengthen Pak-China friendship adding that China is extending unprecedented economic cooperation to Pakistan.

Pakistan and China are sincere friends and the hearts of people of the two countries beat together, he said.

Shehbaz Sharif said that Pak-China friendship is deeper than ocean, sweeter than honey, higher than Himalaya and stronger than steel.

He said that China has stood by Pakistan in every hour of need adding that Chinese leadership has given a historic investment package of 46 billion dollars to Pakistan, which is a precious gift of Chinese government to the people of Pakistan and reflects complete faith in the leadership of Prime Minister nawaz Sharif.

The chief minister said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a game changer for progress and prosperity of the country. He said that CPEC projects are a beginning towards the strengthening of economic conditions and will result in economic benefit not only to Pakistan but to the entire region.

Shehbaz Sharif said that the Chinese president, prime minister and the government have given a precious gift to the people of Pakistan in the form of orange line metro train and this project is a milestone in the provision of modern transport facilities of international standard to the common man. He said that work is in progress round the clock on metro train project and more than 300000 passengers will travel by this system daily upon its completion.

The chief minister said that Punjab government wants to benefit from skill and experience of Chengdu in the project of potable water and improvement of sanitation facilities. Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Chengdu’s decision to set up a working station in Lahore and said that it will help strengthen relations between Lahore and Chengdu in different sectors and the station will work as a bridge adding that Punjab government will extend all-out facilities to Chengdu for the establishment of working station.

Chengdu Executive Vice Mayor Zhu Zhihong, while speaking on the occasion, expressed the desire to take immediate measures to promote cooperation with Punjab and Lahore in trade, education, health, tourism, water management and other sectors. He said that Chengdu airlines want to start direct flights to Lahore adding that Punjab is making rapid progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and all out cooperation will be extended to the provincial government in the process of development.

The executive vice mayor invited the chief minister to visit Chengdu and said that Shehbaz Sharif is known as man of action in China and Punjab has made unprecedented progress under his leadership.

Provincial Minister for Agriculture Dr Farrukh Javed has directed the relevant authorities to speed up the crackdown to bring down the adulteration rate of agriculture medicines and fertilizers to zero.

He said this during his visit to Provincial Reference Fertilizers Testing Laboratory here on Friday.

He said that under the law, strict action would be taken against those persons found involved in adulteration process, adding that adulteration of agriculture medicine would be checked in the province as per the vision of Punjab Chief Minister.

The government was taking all possible steps to set up laboratories and ensure latest equipment and technical staff in these to facilitate the farmers, he added.

He further said that farmers should carry out analysis of clay, water and fertilizers through Water and Clay analysis Unit which had been established in all districts of Punjab and growers should use fertilizers in the light of the analysis report.

Dr Shahzada Munawar Mehdi and Dr Shahid Javed gave detailed briefing to the minister regarding the latest equipment being used in the laboratory.

Man axes wife to death for opposing second marriage SARGODHA STAFF REPORT

A man axed his wife to death for opposing his second marriage and fled after committing the crime here on Friday.

Police said that the accused, hailing from Gala Pur area of district Sargodha, was planning a second marriage but his first wife was strongly opposing his decision.

In a bid to get rid of his first wife, the man killed her with an axe and fled the scene. The body was shifted to hospital where it was handed over to heirs after medico-legal formalities.

The police have registered a case against the murderer and started raids for his arrest.

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DIG Operations takes subordinates to task over poor performance LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Dr Haider Ashraf has said that a strict crackdown must be initiated to arrest proclaimed offenders in the jurisdiction of all the police stations of the city, and a comprehensive plan must be crafted to curb the menace of crime.

He was speaking in his office on Friday while reviewing the crime situation in the month of February in the Iqbal Town and Model Town divisions.

On the occasion, SP Iqbal Town Dr Muhammad Iqbal, SP Model Town Capt ® Mustansir Feroz, all the circle officers and SHOs were present.

A rigorous plan must be prepared to arrest the proclaimed offenders and the security of banks, jewelry shops and educational institutions should not be compromised, said DIG Ashraf.

He instructed the police officials to document the cases of old enmities and ensure the routine patrolling of police on important roads.

He said that only those SHOs who perform their duties vigilantly can serve in the police stations.

Dr Haider Ashraf reprimanded SHO Iqbal Town nasrullah as the incidents of motorbike thefts had increased in his area. He suspended SHO Model Town Sohail Iftikhar due to the increasing crime rate in his area.

The DIG also gave instructions to the SHOs of all police stations to improve their performance, saying any sort of negligence will not be tolerated.

LAHORE: Brick kiln workers protest in favour of their demands outside Lahore Press Club on Friday. INP

Punjab govt committed to Providing healthcare to children: rafique LAHORE

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STAFF REPORT

HE 11th two-day International Symposium of Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health Lahore started on Friday. Adviser to Chief Minister Punjab on Health, Khawaja Salman Rafique, was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony.

Pediatricians and clinicians from all over the country, doctors from Children Hospital birmingham, UK and India are also participating in the symposium.

Dean Children Hospital Prof. Masood Sadiq, Medical Director Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathor, Prof. Shaista Maqbool, principals of different medical colleges, retired professors, a large number of doctors, nurses and foreign delegates attended the inauguration. Prof. Masood

Sherry speaks of peace and love at Art of Living fest

Sadiq, in his initial remarks, said that Children Hospital Lahore is the only hospital in the country where diagnostic and treatment facilities of all the diseases of children are available.

Salman Rafique said that protection of the rights of children and provision of health facilities to them is the duty of the government and the society adding that Punjab government is taking special steps for prevention of diseases and provision of mother and child health facilities. He informed that, on the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, hospitals for children are being established at every divisional headquarters in the province, out of which two hospitals, in Faisalabad and Multan have been completed.

He said that the cancer unit of Chil-

LAHORE

LAHORE Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman has said that all the great nations can take the world to a future of prosperity.

Speaking on leadership, terrorism, inequality and education during the three-day World Cultural Festival organised by the Art of Living in new Delhi, the PPP leader sought to spread peace and love.

She said the cultural extravaganza could prove a linkage to peace and harmony. Including a 100-member delegation from Pakistan, the Art of Living events drew people from 155 countries across the globe. besides Sherry Rehman, Mufti Muhammad Saeed Khan and MnA Muhammad Uzair Khan also spoke at the forums and received immense appreaciation. The response from the

people of India was incredible as they gave Pakistani delegates standing ovations whenever they entered the venues with the national flag.

One of the delegates Pakistan Today talked to termed the World Cultural Festival a successful event, and said it was a journey of love, friendship and peace.

He said they received a heart-warming response, adding that the Indian audiences were raising slogans of Pakistan Zindabad (Long Live Pakistan). Prominent dignitaries at the event were former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin, nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa, Vice-President of Suriname Ashwin Adhin and Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament Karu Jayasuriya. ”This event is a bond between us (India and Pakistan). If there are a few steps which take us back, then there are a few steps like this (the event) which take us forward,” Zafarullah Khan, a Peshawar resident, said of the event.

through the additional duty hours formula to retain the staff. Prof. Masood Sadiq urged the establishment of more children hospitals in Lahore to cater to the health needs of the masses. He disclosed that bone marrow transplant facility would be available in the hospital within next few months as the doctors are being trained at the Institute of blood Diseases (IbD) Karachi.

Kh. Salman Rafique assured that he will present the proposal for the establishment of separate university for child health issues to the chief minister for his approval. Kh. Salman Rafique lauded the efforts and services of the team of Children Hospital for providing best healthcare, promoting medical education and training the doctors, nurses in coordination with the international medical education and hospitals.

PEOPLE HAVE REJECTED POLITICS OF CONFRONTATION: ZAEEM QADRI STAFF REPORT

STAFF REPORT

dren Hospital, Lahore is being expanded and after functioning of new indoor block of the hospital, the capacity of cancer unit would be enhanced to 60-beds. Kh. Salman Rafique said that government is providing fellowships slots in 56 super specialties and sub-specialties.

Earlier, Prof. Masood Sadiq proposed that keeping in view the increasing burden of children-related diseases; a separate medical university should be set up for pediatric health. He told that the bed occupancy rate in Children Hospital is 200 per cent and workload is increasing day-by-day.

Despite all difficulties, best treatment and diagnostic facilities are being provided to the patients coming from all over the country in the hospital, he added.

He said that doctors and nurses should be compensated financially

Punjab government Spokesman Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri has said success of the Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz (PMLn) candidate with more than 75 thousand votes in by-election of nA-153 is a proof to the fact that people of Pakistan have full confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister nawaz Sharif and the government.

He said that people have rejected the politics of confrontation, unrealistic sloganeering, processions and containers and they support the serious political forces. He said that federal and provincial governments of Pakistan Muslim League nawaz (PML-n) believe in politics of development and good governance while making efforts for controlling terrorism and darkness of load-shedding and providing relief to the people through infrastructure, development, increase in education and health budget.

Due to this performance, the people have made the PMLn candidate win with thumping majority in by-election of Pirwala, he added. He expressed

these views while talking to media during a press conference in Islamabad.

Zaeem Qadri said that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, PML-n-led government has started mega projects and record development schemes for providing facilities to the people. He said that dozens of big projects have been completed while a number of mega projects including motorway from Faisalabad to Multan, Multan Metro bus Project and Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project are in phases of completion while bahawalpur Metro bus Project will also be started soon.

He said that the chief minister has provided additional funds of 11 billion rupees besides routine budget every year for removing the deprivation of people of South Punjab and increasing basic facilities like infrastructure, potable water, education and health for the improvement of living standard of

people of South Punjab.

Zaeem Qadri said that Imran Khan should learn lesson from his party’s defeat in the recent by-election and pay attention to the performance of PTI government in Khyber Paktunkhwa (KP). The recent election has proved that PTI and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) don’t have public support and majority of the people have expressed confidence in the leadership of PML-n.

He said that head of Provincial Accountability Commission of KPK had pointed out corruption and irregularities of the KPK chief minister and ministers and resigned due to hurdles created by provincial government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the way of accountability. He said that he will accept Imran Khan as a national leader if he withdraws legislation reducing the power of accountability commission in KP. Zaeem Qadri said that the credit of starting record development projects in south Punjab goes to Chief Minister Shehbaz

Sharif which included Shujaabad Multan expressway, district headquarters hospitals, institutes of kidney diseases, Shehbaz Sharif Hospital, nawaz Sharif Agriculture University, University of Science and Technology and various other projects adding that trade, business and international trade activities have increased due to setting up of international airport at Multan, motorway from Lahore to Faisalabad and Multan to Sukkar.

The spokesman said that PML-n government has increased billions of rupees in the health and education budget. He said that under farm to market road program, 2500 km roads are being constructed in rural areas. He said that Patwar culture has been eliminated due to computerisation of land revenue record. In response to a question Zaeem Qadri said that Women Protection Act cannot the withdrawn through administrative powers and any amendments or change in it is only possible through the provincial assembly.

Qadri said that Women Protection bill is aimed at protecting women and eradication of domestic violence.

FOREIGN NEWS 09

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

EU, TUrkEy clIncH dEal To rETUrn MIgranTS BRUSSELS

E

AGENCIES

UROPEAN Union leaders approved a controversial deal with Turkey on Friday intended to halt illegal migration flows to Europe in return for financial and political rewards for Ankara.

The accord aims to close the main route over which a million migrants and refugees poured across the Aegean Sea to Greece before marching north to Germany and Sweden in the last year.

But deep doubts remain about whether it is legal or workable.

After a morning of talks with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, European Council President Donald Tusk recommended that the 28 EU member states approve the text without changes and they rapidly agreed at a

summit lunch in Brussels.

“Agreement with Turkey approved.

All illegal migrants who arrive to Greece from Turkey starting March 20

will be returned!” Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka tweeted from inside the meeting.

A senior EU official said Davutoglu

had indicated Ankara would accept the proposal if the EU leaders approved it. He was expected to join the EU leaders for a formal session soon. Under the pact, Ankara would take back all illegal migrants who cross to Greece, including Syrians, in return for the EU taking in thousands of Syrian refugees directly from Turkey and rewarding it with more money, early visa-free travel and progress in its EU membership negotiations.

Migrants who arrive in Greece from Sunday will be subject to being sent back to Turkey once they are registered and their asylum claim is processed. A senior Turkish official said the returns would begin on April 4 and resettlement of Syrian refugees in Europe would begin simultaneously. The EU also agreed to accelerate disbursement of 3 billion euros already pledged in support for refugees in Turkey and to provide a further 3 billion by 2018 once Ankara came up with a list of projects that qualified for EU assistance.

While the talks were in progress, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the EU of hypocrisy over migrants, human rights and terrorism after supporters of the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) set up protest tents near the summit venue.

Brazil’s crisis deepens as judge blocks Silva’s appointment RIO DE JANEIRO AGENCIES

US man gets 22.5 years for recruiting FBI informants to IS NEW YORK AGENCIES

An American man was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison Thursday after trying to recruit FBI informants to the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria. Mufid Elfgeeh, 32, from Rochester in upstate New York, pleaded guilty in December to attempting to provide material support to the extremists and was described by prosecutors as “one of the first” IS recruiters captured in the United States.

Prosecutors said Elfgeeh spread IS propaganda on social media, sought funds for extremists and attempted to recruit and send two individuals — both of whom were cooperating with the FBI — to Syria to fight with IS. He was sentenced on the same day that US Secretary of State John Kerry said the IS group’s slaughter of Christians, Yazidis and Shias amounts to genocide. “While we are confident that keeping Mr Elfgeeh in prison for the next two decades will keep us safer, there continues to exist a pervasive, persistent and ever-changing terrorism threat,” said Adam Cohen, FBI chief in Buffalo, New York. “This threat remains among the highest priorities for the FBI and the intelligence community.” Prosecutors said he sent IS propaganda videos to one wouldbe fighter, arranged for an English-speaking contact in Iraq to communicate with that person via Facebook and paid $240 to help the individual obtain a passport. Elfgeeh also bought the pair of FBI informants a laptop and a camera to take to Syria, offered them tips on how to travel without being detected and arranged for a contact overseas to coordinate the logistics of the trip. Prosecutors say Elfgeeh sent $600 to a third person in Yemen also destined to help them travel to Syria to join the IS group.

Brazil’s political crisis deepened as judges filed injunctions to block the appointment of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as chief of staff to his successor following a tumultuous swearing-in ceremony and heated protests.

The first of the injunctions was overturned by a higher court, the state-run Agencia Brasil news agency said Friday. But another was issued immediately by a second judge in Rio de Janeiro, adding to the country’s political confusion.

President Dilma Rousseff’s opponents accuse her of trying to help the once-popular Silva avoid legal woes. He was taken in for questioning in a sprawling corruption probe less than two weeks ago. Cabinet members cannot be investigated, charged or imprisoned unless authorized by the Supreme Court.

Rousseff has insisted the Cabinet appointment has nothing to do

with any legal problems, saying Silva would help put the country back on track economically and spearhead the fight against attempts to oust her over allegations of fiscal mismanagement. The impeachment process moved a step closer Thursday as the lower house established a special commission on the matter.

The simmering anger that bought an estimated 3 million peo-

ple onto the streets in nationwide anti-government demonstrations over the weekend again spilled over, with protests flaring Thursday in Brasilia and Sao Paulo, where demonstrators brandished inflatable dolls of Silva in blackand-white prison stripes. A proSilva rally was slated for Friday, but it was not clear whether the former leader would attend.

Islamic State claims five Russian troops killed near Syria’s Palmyra BEIRUT AGENCIES

The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed the killing of five Russian troops in fighting near the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra.

“The soldiers of the caliphate, by the grace of God, have killed five Russian soldiers and six members” of the Syrian army, IS said in a statement. The group also claimed the killing of several members of the Lebanese Shia Hezbollah group in fighting near Palmyra. A website linked to IS, Aamaq, carried a similar claim, adding that one of the Russians killed was a military adviser.

“Four of the Russian soldiers were killed in Qasr al-Halabat west of Palmyra during an attempt to storm the area that IS forces foiled, while the advisor whose corpse was shown in a video distributed by the agency died (Thursday) in the Dawa area,” Aamaq claimed.

Aamaq also published a video, showing the bloodied corpse of a man in military gear that it claimed was the advisor. The footage also shows equipment presumably captured, including a customised AK74M rifle, a helmet and a compass.

A packet of bandages was filmed with instructions written in Russian.

IS seized Palmyra, a UNESCO

World Heritage Site in eastern Syria known as the “Pearl of the Desert”, last May, sending shock waves across the world.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said that Russian advisors were present near Palmyra, but could not confirm whether any Russian forces had been killed there in recent days.

President Vladimir Putin, Assad’s main backer, on Monday ordered the withdrawal of most of Russia’s armed forces from Syria.

The Russian air force has however continued to strike militant targets since the surprise announcement, particularly around Palmyra.

Fugitive from Paris attacks wounded, caught in Brussels shootout BRUSSELS AGENCIES

The most-wanted fugitive from November’s Paris attacks was wounded and caught in a shootout in Brussels on Friday, Belgian newspaper Derniere Heure and other media said. Other media reported two people had been arrested, though France’s President Francois Hollande said there was no confirmation of the detention of Salah Abdeslam, the 26-year-old French suspect from Brussels. Television footage showed masked, black-clad security forces guarding a street in the capital and reporters at the scene described white smoke rising from a rooftop. A police spokesperson said an operation was ongoing and could not give further details. Belgian police had found finger prints belonging to Abdeslam at the scene of an earlier shootout, prosecutors said. The Belgian federal prosecutor’s office also said an Algerian killed during that earlier operation at an apartment in Brussels on Tuesday was probably one of the people French and Belgian investigators were seeking in relation to the Islamic State attacks in Paris on November 13. It later said in a separate statement that Mohamed Belkaid was probably the man who went under the name of Samir Bouzid and was killed on Tuesday.

Indian Muslim men arrested over Hindu leader’s doctored image NEW DELHI AGENCIES

Indian police said Friday they had arrested two young Muslim men on charges of obscenity for posting a doctored image of a hardline Hindu leader dressed as a woman on social media. The image showed the head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a controversial Hindu right-wing group with close links to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dressed in a tight pair of women’s trousers and black high heels.

The image of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was shared on Facebook and Whatsapp and was an apparent reference to the group’s recent decision to ditch its trademark khaki shorts for long trousers. Police said they arrested Shakir Yunus and Wasim Sheikh, who are both in their early twenties, after receiving complaints about the image. “We charged them with circulating obscene content and creating enmity between different groups,” said D K Arya, deputy inspector general for the Khargone region in Madhya Pradesh state where the men live. The RSS styles itself as a cultural organisation devoted to protecting India’s Hindu culture. But critics accuse it of being an anti-Muslim pseudo-fascist organisation with a history of fuelling religious tensions. Some Twitter users criticised the arrests, which come as India’s government faces pressure over its record on freedom of speech.

SchoolchIldRen teaR off woman’S hIjaB In london LONDON AGENCIES

A Muslim woman claimed that her hijab was ripped from her head by a mob of schoolchildren as she tried to stop them stealing on Sunday.

Masoomeh Jafari, 26, from Sutton, South London, revealed how she was left terrified after up to 30 youngsters attacked her, grabbing her headscarf twice

at Poundland supermarket.

Jafari, who has worked at the Poundland store for six years, said: “They came in here shouting and stealing things and I told them to stop,” adding, “A group started swearing at me, saying things about my religion and the clothes I wear.

Then they grabbed my headscarf twice. I was very frightened.”

About five of the girls aged between 11 and 14 allegedly called her a ‘f***ing

Muslim’ after they were found stealing goods from the store Sunday afternoon at about 3pm. Passer-by Patricia Rose, 69, of Sutton, who was shocked by the incident said: “They were saying ‘f*** this’ and ‘f*** that’ and they were trying to get back into the shop after they had tried to steal things.”

She added, “I then went into Poundland and saw the lady. She is a delightful person and her head was down. She told

CMYK

me that the children had pulled at her hijab and had sworn at her.”

Rose said police officers attended the shop but the group had left and there was no CCTV footage to help identify those involved.

According to Jafari, incidents like this have taken place before too.

She went on to say, “This has happened before. Sometimes they come in after school, sometimes on the weekends

– we catch some of the children stealing from the shop and they are rude to us. I was really upset after it happened.”

Jafari added, “I told my parents about it and they said that I should think about finding work somewhere else. But I have been here for so many years and this was not a problem until recently.”

While Sutton Police said it had no record of the abuse, Poundland said it will look into the matter.

10 COMMENT

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

Casting doubts on patriotism

PTI’s intraparty elections Full of controversy

T

He PTI has kept its doors open for entrants from all parties, no questions asked. Some of the leaders who have embraced PTI to create ‘Naya Pakistan’ are notorious turncoats. They have brought with them time-tested tactics to promote themselves in the new party. They know how to create their own lobby in PTI, make use of money to capture a coveted party office or have ‘ghost’ party members registered to get their loyalists elected to party posts. Malpractices of the sort turned the last party elections into a farce. Some of the top party leaders were held guilty of blatant electoral fraud by the Wajihuddin Ahmad tribunal appointed by Imran Khan. The powerful lobbies got Ahmad suspended.

The new election Commissioner, assigned the task to hold less controversial polls, is facing the same problems. elections scheduled prior to the party foundation day on April 25 have been postponed for more ‘careful planning’ for the “first-ever mobile message-based election in the world”. The reason: the commission was receiving complaints that some people were using up to five SIMs on one national identity card to create five voters. To outmanoeuvre the old sinners, the commission had to develop a new technology which was now being tested ‘by the world-class auditors’. To doubly ensure that the leaders of the cleanest and the most honest party in the country do not succeed in defeating the new technology, there would be a test-run before the election. Who is going to win, the chess master or the computer, remains to be seen.

There is a cut throat competition over Punjab.

Despite warning by PTI’s chief eC in January against forming alliances and forums, the unity Group and Nazriati Group have all but announced their nominees for the top party slot in Punjab. The eC knows that discretion is the better part of valour. There is therefore little hope of any disciplinary action against the leaders of the two groups for violating the election code.

Afghan Taliban’s rejection Ball again in Pakistan’s court

T

He Afghan Taliban’s apparent rejection of Pakistani pressure regarding the peace talks highlights the sensitive and unpredictable nature of the present arrangement. It was always going to be difficult to get the insurgents to talk, especially since their last Spring Offensive never ran out of gas. Surprisingly, their successes did not stop even for the usual winter lull.

That realisation, most probably, led to Sartaj Aziz recently acknowledging senior Taliban presence in Pakistan and, of course, their vulnerability. The Taliban will talk, we told the world, otherwise we will simply turn them out.

The joke, if news reports are to be trusted, is back on the facilitators of these talks. The sanctuary is not that crucial anymore, it turns out, and Afghanistan is safe enough for them now that nato’s departure has defanged Kabul to a great extent. And that puts the spotlight back on Pakistan. The leverage and the acknowledgement, which seemed like such a good idea, are suddenly not working. Nor does immediately following through on the promise win anything for the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG). But since Pakistan raised the stakes (with the expulsion threat) only to meet a stiff counter threat, it must now take some sort of action.

There is no reason to host these commanders, of course, if they continue to be only a source of trouble. unless they play ball, they must no longer be tolerated. Yet simply throwing them out will hardly solve the problem.

Come spring, the fighting will pick up substantially, obviously drawing more of the west’s attention, if not hardware, as the situation worsens on the ground. And, of course, the occupation will prolong. The Taliban must once again be reminded, therefore, that come what may they will never ever come close to Kabul again. The best they can do is take over a few districts before they are wrestled back, and blood will continue to spill a while longer. So another round between Pakistan and the Taliban will most likely decide the future of the talks.

Will not work

Khurshid AKhtAr KhAn

O

ur turbulent politics never runs short of providing the television news networks one exciting episode after another with reruns and follow ups – all for free. Such a presentation on March 3 kept the audience glued to their television sets for nearly three hours. The script was like old wine in a new bottle or like repetitive folklore.

The story was rejuvenated as the storyteller was a rebel MQM stalwart and a former colourful character in the drama, who resurfaced in Karachi to deliver the sequel.

The passionate narration in the realty show nearly convinced the public mind, at least for the moment, to seriously consider the contents as real life events and not as some horror fiction.

The production turned out to be quite a feat, as the insider reaffirmed hair raising tales (or facts) of organised crime, extortion, murders, money laundering, misplaced blind loyalty and political treachery.

Star performer of the show was Mustafa Kamal, a former Senator, a popular Karachi city Nazim and a blue eyed boy of the MQM chief.

The one man supporting cast was another heavy weight and a former rabita Committee Deputy Convener Anees Qaimkhani. Both descended together on the Karachi political scene after spending three years of self-imposed exile in Dubai (a safe haven for our political elite escaping from something) living with their families in self-acclaimed luxury.

A press conference was hurriedly put together for the same afternoon. The solo performance of a well-conceived three-part script of past, present and future exceeded expectations. The high note was an unprecedentedly belligerent direct attack on the leadership and person of Mr Altaf Husain that triggered a floodgate of similar blunt and intense accusations by many others, who earlier could not even dare dream of.

The duo claimed to be men of conscience.

They attributed their meteoric rise through the ranks of MQM to hard work and dedication to the party. They claimed to have no part in the criminal activities that were undertaken by a section of the party under direct command of the chief (whom they had difficulty calling the quaid). In due course, they differed with the party policy and became disillusioned with the leader who was gradually turning wayward in his autocratic manner. Their conscience persuaded them to dissociate with the party and throw away their lucrative positions.

Fearing reprisals of their former mentor over their insolence, they quietly left the country

with their families and abstained from active politics. Their conscience pricked them once again after three years. They owed it to the people to return to the homeland, fight the evil and tell the truth. They announced the formation of a new party (with no name) extending a general invitation to anyone willing to join. A knight in shining armor had entered the arena to deliver justice, peace and prosperity to Karachi and the urdu speaking people.

Mr Kamal has adhered faithfully to the original script down to the last word during the unending follow-ups. His solitary target is Altaf Hussain. He never stops talking of his ruthlessness, excessive drinking and deteriorating mental and physical condition. He blames him for destroying two generations of the Mohajir youth and pushing them into a life of crime and violence. He has termed the rabita Committee as a powerless body that is periodically humiliated and restructured in full public view. Its role is just to implement orders delivered from London and not to question why.

As expected, the entire front-line of MQM rallied behind their leader and dismissed all charges against the party and its leader as baseless and unfounded. Its prominent members are making desperate efforts to appear unperturbed with an air of business as usual and avoiding much comment. They consider the development as yet another conspiracy that is doomed to fail.

MQM was converted into a political party in 1984 from a student organisation that was founded in 1978 in Karachi. Its objective was to protect the interests of the ‘Mohajirs’, who perceived themselves as the victims of discrimination through ‘quota’ system that gave preference to certain ethnic groups for admissions to educational institutions and employment in the civil services. In 1997, it tried to extend its influence nationally from being ethnically regional and changed its name from Mohajir to Muttahida. The party has pursued a roller coaster ride with the establishment and other political parties, which have simultaneously supported and despised them.

Altaf Hussain emerged as its undisputed leader. With his charismatic oratorical skills, he was able to unite the migrant community under its banner. He consolidated his power through a disciplined organisational structure (of units and sectors) that filtered down to the street level and developed into a dreaded mafia. He had zero tolerance for dissent and his word was final in party policy. He gradually transformed into a cult and the loyalty of his followers became devotional. The workers were tasked to raise funds to finance the party as voluntary contributions by businesses. Soon, these converted into forced demands and extortion. Muscle power was indiscriminately used to coerce submission.

The timing of the current challenge thrown by the two rebels is significant. Altaf Hussain is

reported to be suffering from multiple physical and nervous ailments. The transmission of his public addresses has been forbidden by law. He has been under investigation in murder and money laundering cases, during which Tariq Mir is reported to have admitted to Indian funding to MQM in an interview to British police. The rangers operation has practically neutralised his militant wing through which he controlled his followers (or disciples). Sindh government is in no mood to let the elected MQM mayors take control of the cities. His leaders are having a hard time defending his vagrancies. A vacuum of leadership and race for succession is a distinct eventuality of his vulnerable incapacity or mortality. There could be no better time than now to stand up to him and show your hand.

Mustafa Kamal has not clearly spelt out so far the objectives or the manifesto of his new party. His attention, all his press talks and appeals have circled around MQM. He has tactfully refrained from speaking against any of his previous colleagues. The few who have joined him also hail from the same group. His main thrust has been to win the ordinary worker and is pleading general amnesty for those misguided involved in violence and crime, similar to one offered to BLA militants. After all, he is a branded product of MQM and charity begins at home. The mystery question is, will he beat them or join them?

MQM is a large ethnic minority group of over 20 million established voters and is a political force of the country. It has survived frequent previous onslaughts. If any rogue elements of the party members have accepted funding from rAW at some time, they must be tried and sentenced. To declare the entire party unpatriotic or Indian agents for the misdeeds of a few is like an attempt to destroy the entire political structure of the country. Going by our previous experiences, this must not be allowed to happen.

The forefathers of this community have rendered monumental sacrifices of lives, property and their ancestral homes (of centuries) to migrate in 1947 and adopt this region as their home.

Their educated middle classes were the backbone to prop up the earliest administration of this country. This party has made its mark in public benefit and social welfare initiatives through its Al-Khidmat Foundation. Their people from Karachi and Hyderabad were the first to reach the northern areas in assistance of the victims during calamities like earthquakes. In cricket matches against India, they are the ones who support our team the most. Only fools or our enemies can discard their patriotism or sow seeds of discord for them on this ground.

Khurshid Akhtar Khan is an engineer and an entrepreneur. He can be contacted at: k.a.k786@hotmail.com.

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COMMENT 11

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

Public debt management MohAMMAd ishAq dAr

W

HeN the present government started its term in June 2013, it inherited challenges like large fiscal deficit, rising debt burden, unfavourable balance of payments, low foreign exchange reserves, poor growth in tax revenues with shrinking tax-base, swelling current expenditures, a gigantic circular debt that was unravelling the energy sector, flight of capital, weakening exchange rate and perilously declining investors’ confidence. On the external front, the major development partners had considerably scaled down their support due to waning economic fundamentals and apparent inability of the country to service its external obligations in the near future. One of the main challenges was absence of external financing which was causing turbulence in the domestic exchange markets and tilting the composition of public debt towards domestic debt and that too into shorter maturities creating vulnerabilities and entailing high rollover and refinancing risks. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) forex reserves, which stood at $6 billion in June 2013, fell to $2.8 billion in February 2014. It was a highly precarious situation for the external account.

In early 2013, it was predicted that the country might default on its sovereign obligations, if necessary steps to avert the situation were not taken. These predictions were made by the financial experts, who had analysed the macroeconomic situation prevalent at that time and reached the conclusion that the country would not have sufficient external resources to meet its obligations of external debt falling due beyond February/June 2014. There was a dire need for stemming the depleting reserves and stabilising a fast depreciating currency, which touched rs110.25 against uS Dollar on 29 November, 2013, was fuelling inflation and raising the cost of debt servicing.

The importance of lengthening the maturity profile of domestic debt became inevitable while maintaining interest rate stability and regaining growth momentum was also required to counter the impact of indebtedness.

On assuming office, the present government took necessary steps for avoiding default, ensuring fiscal discipline and consolidation, stabilising a collapsing economy and accelerating growth. Accordingly, the government started revamping the economy through structural reforms and stabilisation measures such as reduction in un-targeted subsidies, broadening the tax base, restructuring the Public Sector enterprises (PSes), building foreign exchange reserves and reducing the fiscal deficit, while ensuring that social safety net and development spending are not only protected but enhanced considerably. A brief account of the improvement in major economic indicators over the period from June 2013 to June 2015 is given below: FBr revenue increased from the level of rs1,946 billion in FY2012-13 to rs2,588 billion in FY2014-15. FBr is on course to achieve the revenue collection target in excess of rs3,000 billion during the FY2015-16.

Budget deficit was contained at 8.2% in FY2012-13 (down from a projected 8.8%) within weeks of assuming office. The deficit has been reduced to 5.3% in FY 2014-15. We are on track so far to reduce it to 4.3% for the FY 2016 ending in June 2016.

Average inflation reduced from 8.62% in FY2013-14 to 4.53% in FY2014-15. Average CPI during the pe-

riod Jul-Feb of FY 2016 has been recorded at 2.48%.

Credit to private sector, which was negative at rs19.2 billion in FY2012-13, increased to rs208.7 billion in FY201415. During the current financial year 2016, the amount has increased to rs299.7 billion till 12 February, 2016.

Credit to agriculture sector increased from rs336.2 billion in FY2012-13 to rs.515.9 billion in FY2014-15. The target for the current FY2015-16 is rs600 billion.

Development spending which was rs348 billion in FY2012-13 increased to rs502 billion in FY2014-15. During the current FY2015-16 an amount of rs700 billion has been budgeted. remittances increased from $13.9 billion in FY2012-13 to $18.7 billion in FY2014-15. During the current FY, $12.7 billion were remitted till the 29 February, 2016.

The fiscal consolidation paved the way for a reduction in the Debt to GDP ratio, which fell from 64% in FY2012-13 to 63.5% at the end of FY2014-15. In the next three fiscal years, our target is to bring down the Debt to GDP ratio to 60% or less in accordance with the provisions of the Fiscal responsibility and Debt Limitation Act (FrDLA), through effective fiscal and prudent debt management.

Debt management has taken special emphasis in this whole scenario as the absolute debt continues to grow over the last many years due to persistently large fiscal/budget deficits of previous successive governments. Our government’s vision is to further reduce the statutory debt limit from existing 60% to 50% in 15 years, starting from FY2018-19 and to limit statutorily the federal fiscal deficit to 4% through introduction in the Parliament of an amendment bill for necessary changes in the FrDLA in this context.

Despite these achievements, many detractors of the government are ceaselessly creating doubts about the debt situation of the country. There is, therefore, a need to set the record straight.

Pakistan’s total public debt as of 3006-1999 was rs2,946 billion of which domestic public debt was rs1,389 billion and external debt was rs1,557 billion.

Total public debt as of 31-03-2008 was rs5,800 billion which included domestic public debt of rs3,020 billion and external debt of rs2,780 billion. Public debt further increased to rs14,318 by the end of FY2012-13, thereby the previous government contracted net debt of rs8,518 billion during its term 2008-13.

Pakistan runs a persistent fiscal deficit. For FY2012-13, the country’s fiscal deficit was projected at 8.8% of GDP. It was due to a major effort during the last month of the FY2012-13 that we were able to contain it at 8.2%. Such a high level of fiscal deficit is unsustainable as it adversely affects economic growth and necessitates larger amount of borrowing to meet the fiscal gap.

The present government started its first fiscal year in 2013 with inherited total public debt of rs14,318.4 billion comprising of external public debt of $48.13 billion (rs4,796.5 billion) and domestic public debt of rs9,521.9 billion.

During the period from July 2013 to December 2015, the total public debt has grown to rs18,467.3 billion out of which the external public debt is $53.36 billion (rs5,589.2 billion) while domestic public debt is rs12,878.1 billion. Thus, there is a net increase of rs4,148.9 billion in total public debt, inclusive of $5.23 billion of external debt.

The reason our government was able to achieve a lower level of borrowing

was that we kept the fiscal deficit under control by enforcing fiscal discipline. In this context, efforts have been made to achieve lower targets of fiscal deficits in the first 3 fiscal years of our government.

The previous government entered into a front-loaded Stand-By Arrangement with IMF in 2008 with a total loan of $11 billion. A major chunk of the loan amounting to $3,089 million was released upfront, followed by four more releases amounting to $4,366 million, thereby making total loan disbursements of $7,455 million to previous government.

Thereafter, the Stand-By Arrangement was suspended due to inability of the government to implement the agreed economic reforms and as a result the previous government could not draw $3,545 million earmarked for the country under the programme.

The present government entered into an extended Fund Facility (eFF) with the IMF in September 2013 with estimated total amount of $6.6 billion. Till date the inflows from IMF under current programme have been $5,271 million while the repayments to IMF in this period amount to $4,415 million, in settlement of the installments due of the loans taken by the previous government. Therefore net inflow from IMF in our tenure stands at $856 million, which is included in the increase of $5.23 billion recorded in external debt. Government has successfully completed ten quarterly reviews and is on track to complete the reforms programme by September 2016. The economic reforms being implemented are homegrown and were part of the manifesto of Pakistan Muslim League-N for General election 2013 and became basis of IMF’s current programme.

There were two reasons for entering into IMF supported extended Fund Facility, which is more tedious than Fund’s other facilities. Firstly, the necessity of major repayment of loan taken by the previous government under the Stand-By Facility and secondly, to restart full scale business with other multilateral development partners which had suspended support to Pakistan due to the macroeconomic instability caused by discontinuation of the reforms program in the previous government’s tenure.

Present government has repaid over $10 billion of external debt till end December 2015, which mainly related to the borrowings of the previous governments.

Despite this heavy repayment, the foreign exchange reserves of the country have risen to more than $20 billion, of which SBP reserves were $15.8 billion at end Dec 2015, which is equal to nearly four months of import-

cover as compared to less than around three weeks of import-cover in February 2014 when the SBP reserves stood at $2.8 billion.

It is worth mentioning here that while the external public debt has gone up by $5.23 billion during the two and a half years, the forex reserves of SBP have increased by $9.8 billion in the same period or by $13 billion when compared to from February 2014 to December 2015.

The critical consideration in debt management is the sustainability analyses for which various indicators have been designed. Major debt sustainability indicators have improved in the first two fiscal years, a fact that is acknowledged by global stakeholders.

“Refinancing Risk of the Domestic Debt Portfolio” was reduced through lengthening of the maturity profile at the end of June 2015. Percentage of domestic debt maturing in one year was reduced to 47 percent compared with 64 percent at the end of June 2013.

“Exposure to Interest Rate Risk” was also reduced as the percentage of debt re-fixing in one year decreased to 40 percent at the end of June 2015 compared to 52 percent at the end of June 2013.

“Share of External Loans Maturing within One Year” is equal to around 28 percent of official liquid reserves at the end of June 2015 as compared with around 69 percent at the end of June 2013 indicating improvement in foreign exchange stability and repayment capacity.

Moreover, there is a perception that the major part of forex reserves accumulation has been done by way of contracting expensive external debt, especially euro Bonds, which again is a patently flawed understanding of the facts. The cost of eurobonds issued by the government ranges from 7.25% to 8.25%. Pakistan re-entered the international capital market in April 2014 after a gap of seven years to seek additional funding on the basis of its improved macroeconomic indicators in order to avert the predicted June 2014 default of Pakistan.

Furthermore, a successful capital market transaction helps in opening other vistas for seeking foreign funding and foreign direct investment.

Credit to agriculture sector increased from Rs336.2 billion in FY2012-13 to Rs.515.9 billion in FY2014-15.

The target for the current FY2015-16 is Rs600 billion.

A large portion of the forex loans were contracted at extremely low rates and attractive terms. This is evident from the average cost of the total external debt obtained by present government till December 2015 which comes to around 3.3 percent. After including the grants mobilised by the current government, the average cost of borrowing further reduces to 3.03%, which is significantly lower than the domestic financing cost of about 10 percent even after one builds a margin of capital loss due to exchange rate depreciation. Thus cost of the external debt contracted by current government is not only economical but is also dominated by long term funding. To establish the fact that this government has slowed down the pace of debt accumulation, the declining trajectory of Debt to GDP ratio is a sufficient proof.

It is worthwhile to mention here that some quarters are quoting an incorrect number of external public debt. There is a need to understand the difference between external Public Debt and Total external Debt and Liabilities of the country. external Public Debt stood at $53.4 billion, as at end-December 2015 while at the same time the total external Debt and Liabilities of the country were $68.5 billion. Total external Debt and Liabilities include debt of other sectors which by definition are not considered as Public external Debt since the government is not liable to pay these obligations. It includes debt of private sector and banks etc.

A misconception commonly spread is that the CPeC will result in increase in public external debt to $90 billion by 2018. This is neither based on facts nor on a proper understanding of debt dynamics. First, a wrong base number of $66 billion is being used to arrive at the $90 billion number. Secondly, out of the total CPeC package of $46 billion, a major share of $35 billion is in the private sector, mostly in power generation in IPP mode, not adding to the external public debt.

Those making such astounding claims seem to lose sight of the fact that while making debt projections, the debt due for repayment during the corresponding period is to be taken into account as well. While new debt is contracted, previously accumulated liabilities are being discharged at the same time.

Another baseless and misleading news was recently run by Bloomberg, which otherwise is a very credible new agency, that Pakistan’s external debt of nearly $50 billion was maturing during 2016.

This was an outlandish speculation completely bereft of any truth. Our total external debt is close to this amount and is due to be retired in the next 40 years. Ministry of Finance issued two detailed rejoinders, which were suitably addressed by the Bloomberg.

At a time when we have brought major improvements in debt management it is regretful that some quarters are deliberately sowing seeds of doubt and confusion in ordinary minds. Pakistan has regained the external reputation and financial credibility. This has been unquestionably recognised by international development partners and a number of well-reputed global publications such as Economist, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, etc.

By the grace of Almighty Allah, Pakistan’s economy is showing visible signs of improvement. Having successfully averted the predicted default of June 2014 and having achieved macro-economic stability, our government is now making efforts to put the economy on a high growth trajectory with a target of 7% by 2018 that would enable significant reduction in poverty and creation of jobs for our youth. The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is determined to consolidate the economic gains achieved so far and to ensure that these translate into increased economic opportunities for the common man.

The writer is Finance Minister, Pakistan.

12 WORLD VIEW

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

Do we neeD embassies anymore?

Foreign aFFairs

T

alEx OlivEr

HE embassy, at least in its traditional form, is facing an existential crisis. The global transformations of the twentyfirst century have dramatically changed the way nations practice diplomacy. The rise of digital communications, diminishing resources, and growing security threats all raise the question of whether the traditional embassy is still relevant.

More than half of the developed nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have reduced their diplomatic footprint over the last decade, according to our research at the Lowy Institute, where we have constructed the Global Diplomacy Index, which charts almost 6,000 diplomatic posts across nearly 660 cities around the world. As government budgets shrink, embassies and diplomats seem more like expensive luxuries than political assets. It doesn’t help, of course, that diplomats are stereotyped as overpaid and ineffectual cocktail-circuit regulars and that foreign ministries frequently fail to reflect the times. They generally lack diversity and are slow to embrace innovation, even social media.

Australia’s diplomats in Indonesia, for example, were still not using social media in 2010, even though Indonesia is the site of one of its most significant embassies, the largest recipient of Australian aid, and one of its most important neighbors in Asia. Despite being described as a “digital dinosaur” in 2010, the secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs admitted in 2012 that he still did not consider digital diplomacy a high priority. And with the rising importance of economic diplomacy, governments are more inclined to open trade offices and innovation hubs than embassies. For example, our research in-

dicates that between 2009 and 2015 the United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office shed almost 30 diplomatic missions, while its science and innovation network expanded its coverage from 24 to 28 countries.

Once the government’s eyes and ears abroad, embassies are now usually the slowest way to get information, unable to compete with lightning-fast media reporting and exhaustive country analyses prepared by NGOs and risk consultancies. The digitally connected world allows governments to communicate directly with their counterparts, and some world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have become prodigious users of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, speaking to huge domestic and foreign audiences without even telling their embassies.

In some ways, smaller budgets have brought about some much-needed streamlining. In the five years since 2010, the United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office has been forced to shave off $143 million from its annual spending and nearly ten percent of its U.K.-based staff. But the agency’s leaner profile has required it to prioritize and shift resources from its largest European posts, as well as dwindling priorities in Afghanistan and Iraq, to address new crises in Ukraine and West Africa.

Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are adapting to budget constraints by operating what are in effect joint embassies with other countries. Switzerland shares premises and operating costs with the Netherlands in Oman and with Austria in Los Angeles, California. Canada and the United Kingdom announced plans in 2012 for a number of resource-sharing arrangements, and Canada and Australia have already signed a reciprocal arrangement for representing each other’s interests in Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. Under a 1986 memorandum of

Did Syria intervention return Russia to superpower status?

Le Temps EmmanuEl Grynszpan

Vladimir Putin's decision to withdraw the lion's share of Russia's troops from Syria might have come as a surprise, but insiders in Moscow say the timing makes perfect sense.

Many factors can explain why now. "Putin promised this operation would be limited in time and wouldn't lead to an Afghanistanlike stalemate," explains Ruslan Pukhov, director of the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, who also notes that the coming hot weather and summer sand storms would reduce the efficiency of air attacks.

The Syrian operation carried a fundamentally new character for Moscow. "For the first time, the Russian military understood they could get results with the sole use of air power," Pukhov adds. "It's a revolution in the Russian mindframe, which until now mocked American or European interventions, because they thought victory was impossible without a ground intervention."

Still, the fact remains that Russia did little to defeat ISIS. Far from it, given that Russian warplanes essentially focused their strikes on other groups directly opposed to Bashar al-Assad.

"Moscow has transformed the situation on the ground. Syrian forces are no longer faced with 56 fronts like at the beginning and can instead focus their offensive on just three or four fronts," notes Kirill Koktych, political theory professor at MGIMO University.

The Kremlin's other broader objective is the destruction of Islamist fighters from former-USSR countries. And we don't know whether that was successful. According to

the Russian Foreign Ministry, there are about 2,000 of them. The Kremlin has made it no secret they're concerned about the dangers if these fighters return home.

Putin is also aware that he has gotten off lightly, with very little human losses on the Russian side.

And reports that anti-aircraft missiles had reached Syrian rebels for the first time since the beginning of the conflict, courtesy of Ankara and Riyadh, may have also accelerated the pullout.

Among diplomatic circles, Moscow's Syrian intervention is interpreted as a step towards a longterm objective that consists in restoring a parity - at least a symbolical one - with Washington in the running of international affairs.

"Vladimir Putin isn't focused on Assad's fate," a diplomatic source says. "What he wants is to be treated as an equal by the American president. Russia's fantasy is to divvy up the world with the Americans, like they did at the time of the Yalta conference."

International relations expert Vladimir Frolov concurs. "The strategic goal behind the Syrian operation was the rebirth of the American-Russian bipolar format.

Seen from Moscow, this type of relationship with Washington is the key element that defines a global power status ... leading to the stabilization of a system that's coming out of a unipolar world into a new world order. The Russian-American cooperation in Syria can and must become a model to resolve regional conflicts, and in the fight against terrorism."

Resolving other tricky conflicts, like the one in eastern Ukraine, will be a crucial test for this renewed bipolar power status that Vladimir Putin has been seeking for so long.

understanding, Canada and Australia agreed to provide citizens of the other country with consular assistance: helping those who are arrested, ill, or hospitalized; aiding victims of crime; and locating missing family members, among other tasks. They also, importantly, cooperate in crisis response, which is an increasingly significant focus of international exchange between ministries of foreign affairs the world over.

But the biggest threat to the viability of embassies is security. In conflict-ridden countries where information on the ground is scarce, diplomatic posts are crucial, and yet are routinely shuttered when conditions get rough. Most nations have closed their embassies in Libya, Syria, and Yemen because of the conflicts there. Even in less dangerous countries, embassies are mired in security protocols that restrict access by locals and often confine embassy staff and diplomats to semi-safe green zones—hardly a way to get an accurate picture of events on the ground. Indeed, some embassies, particularly American ones, resemble elaborate military bunkers more than diplomatic outposts. They are outfitted with bombproof pads and full-service food courts.

Of course, these are still the exception. At most embassies, diplomats are free to go about their business, cultivating networks and pursuing their nations’ interests.

All of this doesn’t mean that embassies do not have a significant role to play in foreign relations. There are plenty of reasons why we still need these foreign outposts. They are their nations’ shop fronts: a physical interface between the home nation and the host country. Good diplomats forge relationships with governments that would otherwise be tough to reach; they navigate local power dynamics, gather and interpret information, help businesses steer through foreign legislation, and connect with local civil society. Tom Fletcher, U.K. ambassador to Lebanon between 2011 and 2015, con-

fronted a society riven with dysfunctional politics and facing threats at its borders.

Yet under his ambassadorship, the United Kingdom helped Lebanon defend its borders and stave off terrorist attacks and supplied vehicles and military infrastructure. Fletcher’s charisma and energy on the ground enabled the United Kingdom to build a stronger and more resilient presence in Lebanon and in the region.

On the flip side, the absence of an embassy can be as damaging as its presence can be enabling. The United States’ absence from Tehran for over 30 years certainly made it more difficult for U.S. policymakers to parse developments in that notoriously complex country. And the closure of diplomatic posts in other war zones in the Middle East has severe consequences: it strangles the delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations, hampers support for besieged governments, and makes counterterrorism efforts far harder to implement.

But to survive, embassies will need to adapt.

They could begin by focusing more on adding value to their government’s understanding of a foreign country. Embassies cannot compete with the speed of news organizations and social media, nor should they try to. But they do provide a unique lens for such information, contextualizing and analyzing events with a trained eye toward enhancing their country’s national interest. What a media organization might find newsworthy will be different from what a diplomat judges as an important development for relations between his country and a host nation.

Diversifying embassy workforces will also help. Roughly 60 percent of senior leadership positions in the U.S. State Department, the U.K. Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are held by men. This imbalance limits a nation’s understanding of and engagement with a foreign culture as a whole. Diplo-

mats from a broader spectrum of backgrounds will be able to interact with more diverse segments of society.

Embassies also need to strike a better balance between security concerns and the ability of diplomats to do their job.

This is a formidable issue and the consequences of neglecting it are extremely serious, as the deaths of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and others at the U.S. embassy in Benghazi have shown.

But if embassies respond to security threats by cutting themselves off from the societies in which they operate, they might as well turn off the lights and go home. Harnessing new technologies, particularly social media, can help alleviate the impact of cumbersome security restrictions, although it’s a poor substitute for building strong personal connections with locals. Some embassies and diplomats are well versed on this, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

Without embassies, building and maintaining useful relationships with other countries would be much harder.

There would be no dedicated agency establishing high-level relationships with foreign governments, garnering crucial knowledge about foreign institutions and legislative regimes, or smoothing the path for citizens and businesses in foreign markets. There would be no diplomats to understand local conditions and identify key players. There would be no consular experts trained to help their nationals in distress. Without embassies, crisis response, which relies on established relations with local authorities, would be less effective.

These are among the many reasons why most nations still see the value in having embassies. But whether their numbers dwindle further in the next decade will depend to a large extent on whether embassies can become more nimble and adapt to an increasingly fluid global environment. For a centuries-old institution, that’s not going to be easy.

CHINA'S FORBIDDEN HISTORY, FORBIDDEN SUBJECTS, FORBIDDEN IDEAS 3quarksdaiLy Gail pEllEtt

Along with the jaw-dropping economic and technological transformation in China over the past two decades, has come an Orwellian load of forbidden history, subjects and ideas. Aided by a Party-censored and self-censored traditional and social media these forbiddens are maintained today—as in the past—by threats and fear.

Forbidden is a passionate word compared to censored. Forbidden commands and threatens while censored seems… well, bureaucratic. Forbidden is the term the Chinese government uses to sustain ideological control.

When I began writing a book about my time in Beijing thirty-five yeas ago, friends often asked. "China is so different now, how could a book about 1980 Beijing have any relevance?" Yet daily I marvel at how the speeches and policies of President Xi Jinping reflect the tough political and ideological policies of the Deng Xiaoping era. Deng was just consolidating his power in 1980.

I was the first professional broadcast journalist hired in the forty-year history of Radio Beijing—China's equivalent to Voice of America—invited to teach courses in Western journalism and edit scripts in the English Language Department. Despite my expertise, I couldn't be trusted with a private conversation with my colleagues about the news, the world, or their ideas or our journalistic mission.

Associating with me was forbidden. As one brave comrade told me privately, "Although the Cultural Revolution is over, if people are seen getting close to you they risk losing their housing, a pay raise, access to university or school for their kids.

"During the Cultural Revolution," she said, "People lost everything." So while that fear of relationships with foreigners— especially foreign journalists—harked back to the Cultural Revolution it was reinforced by a threatening speech made by Deng Xiaoping in December 1980 when

he warned those who didn't resist foreign ideas or bourgeois individualism. Those who grew chummy with foreigners. After that speech icy winds blew through the hallways of Radio Beijing.

While editing scripts, I soon learned that some subjects were forbidden like Tibet and Taiwan. And periods of history were forbidden like Mao's Great Leap Forward— that initiated forced collectivization and industrialization in the countryside from 1958-62. It resulted in widespread famine and millions of deaths.

There were suggestions that the failure of that program by Mao led to his initiating the Cultural Revolution in order to regain power. But that idea, too, was forbidden.

Yang Jisheng, who wrote "Tombstone," published in 2008, dealing with the disastrous policies of Mao during The Great Leap Forward, projected that there were 36 million deaths. Recently, the U.S. press reported that Yang was warned not to go to Harvard in March where he is to receive an award for his scholarship.

Although Mr. Yang had been given permission to travel and receive awards in the past, this time he was told by his former employer, Xinhua news service, that he should not go. What was not reported is that Xinhua most likely controls his housing allocation and pension. So the warning has consequences if ignored. Mr. Yang claims that he would also be forbidden from publishing future books.

In 1980 the first stories were emerging that hinted at some of the pain and suffering endured during the Cultural Revolution. Then as now it was forbidden to implicate Mao or the Party in crimes that sometimes led to death. Today China's most famous filmmaker, Zhang Yimou, must self-censor details of the Cultural Revolution and earlier periods of political purification campaigns especially any arguments that might pin the blame on the Great Helmsman or Party leadership for failed policies.

In 1979, a year before I arrived in Beijing, the Beijing Spring or Democracy

Wall movement had just been crushed.

That movement, too, is now forbidden history just as the later 1989 massacre in Tiananmen Square has been erased from public consciousness.

Over the past two decades more forbiddens have been added to the list. It now includes anything having to do with the Dalai Lama, the Falun Gong, the Xingjian separatist movement, the 2008 milk scandals, on-line discussion of political reform, constitutional reform as well as universal values of human rights. Travel by foreigners to Tibet during the anniversary of the 2008 riots there is also forbidden.

The New York Times reported March 10 that at the National People's Congress taking place in Beijing this month the Party released a list of forbidden topics for local press. They included Beijing's famous smog, scalpers at hospitals selling appointments to doctors and jokes about delegates' proposals. Not surprisingly Taiwan and North Korea were also on the list.

Chinese government efforts to forbid certain history, subjects, and ideas have led to restrictions on outside media and scholarship. And, of course, the worldwide web is perhaps the biggest forbidden of all. While China watchers speculate about President Xi Jinping's motivations in expanding totalitarian ideological control, I recall that the seeds and fruits of all these forbiddens were evident in the China I witnessed in 1980.

Gail Pellett's book, Forbidden Fruit—1980 Beijing, a Memoir, was published by Van Dam in February, 2016.

Pellett is a writer, director, and producer of award-winning TV and radio documentaries. Her work has appeared on PBS, NPR, NBC, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and Pacifica Radio. Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post Magazine, Mother Jones and the Village Voice, as well as in webzines—Truthout, Common Dreams, Moyers Media and the Pan-Asia Photography Review.

LEISURE 13

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

HaGaR tHE HoRRIblE

aries

taurus

gemini

You might not even be aware that you slipped away from the real world and drifted off into the realms of your imagination. But if you look at everything very closely today.

Your boss might not be very demonstrative with his or her support of your efforts today, but you keep pushing ahead no matter what. You're confident that you can prove your value if only given the chance.

You may share an intriguing idea with someone today because you want a strong and clear response. But rather than receiving a definitive yes or no, you might not be able to tell where the other person stands.

cancer

leo

virgo

Your vivid daydreams of a faraway destination can make you feel like you're actually there. Unfortunately, you can't reach your exotic paradise immediately in the threedimensional world.

You have your work cut out for you today, yet you may choose to set it aside to pursue a more creative venture. Don't worry about the unrealistic expectations of others while you are busy running down a dream.

People have a tough time trying to reason with you today because you believe you already possess all the facts you need to make up your mind. You might say that you're interested in new information as it arrives.

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

You have many tasks on your to-do list today and it's a smart strategy to complete as much as possible before the Moon leaves your 6th House of Work.Effective time management is currently your key to success.

Exciting diversions to your daily routine are like guests being welcomed in for a cup of tea. Although your common sense doesn't approve, you will probably say yes to an invitation that comes your way now

You might experience unexpected stress because of the heavy responsibilities that fall on your shoulders now. However, you're still ready to go out and stir up some mischief, even if there are consequences to pay.

dIlbERt

GaRFIEld

baldo

capricorn

aQuarius

pisces

You probably won't be able to stick to your previous plans today, and accepting this fact early on in the day could alleviate a lot of unnecessary tension.

Let go and allow your heart to lead the way.

You may receive an important message from someone who is very close to you.

Paradoxically, what you are told could be contrary to what you believed you were going to hear.

You're emotionally unsettled today because you sense something big is about to change. Your feelings are volatile and you can't tell where they are leading you. Unfortunately, attempts to ignore your needs could trigger you to unconsciously act out.

cRosswoRd

sUdoKU

woRd sEaRcH

ACROSS

bRIdGE

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.

forge hanger learn lunch lure moral pail pants purpose situation source visitor voice vowel wallpaper wisdom

Today’s soluTions

tRIals aNd ERRoRs

cHEss white tO PLAY AND MAte iN five MOves 8

crossword solution

7 6 5 4 3 2

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

chess solution

A

1.Ke3 Qxd1 2.c4 Qxc1+ 3.Rxc1 f5 4.Nc3 bd6 5.Nd3 *

1

sudoku solution

1 unconstitutional overthrow of a government (4,5) 8 giants (5) 9 city buried by volcanic eruption, ad 79 (7) 10 fellow apartment resident (8) 11 well-built sexually attractive man (4) 13 clear, logical and convincing (6) 14 serious avoidable mistake (6) 16 centre about which something turns (4) 17 auf wiedersehen! (2,6) 19 with a roof over one's head? (7) 20 formal ruling on a point of islamic law (5) 21 inlaid veneers, forming a design to decorate furniture (9) DOwn 1 hinged window sash (8) 2 presumptuously arrogant (6) 3 ditch — rubbish tip (4) 4 everything — 1997 sheffield-based film (3,4,5) 5 halloween ordeal? (5,2,5) 6 chinese philosophical doctrine (12) 7 street musician with a hurdy-gurdy (5-7) 12 black and yellow insect, like a bee or wasp (8) 15 after which day becomes night (6) 18 common — noun (anag) (3-1)

analysis apiece around bleach bride build cages calf click close comic crash cream devoid difficult familiar federation

14

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

ARTS

British man wins $720,000 for solving 300-year-old math proBlem

s

NEWs dEsK

IR Andrew J Wiles, 62, was awarded the Abel prize by the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters in Oslo this Tuesday for his twenty-year study on finding a solution to the “Fermat’s Last Theorem.”

“This problem captivated me,” Wiles told The Guardian. “It was the most famous popular problem in mathematics, although I didn’t know that at the time. What amazed me was that there were some unsolved problems that someone who was 10 years old could understand and even try. And I tried it throughout my teenage years.

When I first went to college I thought I had a proof, but it turned out to be wrong,” he said.

The British mathematician first revealed his findings in 1993 to a lecture at Cambridge University. But since then, his work has undergone some changes after an error was noted in 1994.

The Abel prize is often referred to as the mathematician’s “Nobel Prize”.

Aside from the pride and honour, the award also comes with $720,000 in prize money.

The mathematical theorem was proposed by Pierre de Fermat in 1637, which states “an + bn = cn. This equation has no solution in integers for n≥3.” In other words, n can never be

more than 2 for the equation to work. It may seem simple enough, but definitive proof of the theory had alluded mathematicians throughout the centuries. You can learn more about the problem in the video below.

On hearing of his success, Wiles said it was a “tremendous honour” to receive the prize, but conceded he had not thought about what to do with the half a million pounds that accompanies the award.

The methods Wiles developed to solve Fermat’s Last Theorem have had a lasting impact on mathematics and are still being put to use today.

“The proof didn’t just solve the problem, which wouldn’t have been so good for mathematics. The methods that solved it opened up a new way of attacking one of the big webs of conjectures of contemporary mathematics called the Langland’s Program, which as a grand vision tries to unify different branches of mathematics.

It’s given us a new way to look at that,” he said.

Facebook CEO enjoys smoggy Beijing run ahead of forum BEIJING Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg took a mask-free jog through Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on Friday, smiling through thick smog as he seeks greater access for his company to China, where its service is banned.

The social media executive was in the capital ahead of an economic forum that gives some of the world’s top business and finance leaders the opportunity to hobnob with senior Chinese politicians.

In a picture posted to his Facebook account,

Zuckerberg said it was “great to be back in Beijing”, adding that he had jogged through Tiananmen and to the Temple of Heaven.

The photo showed him running with a small group past the iconic image of Mao Zedong that hangs over the entrance to the Forbidden City.

Neither Zuckerberg nor anyone in his party wore a mask, despite thick smog — also well-known by tourists to the city.

Levels of PM2.5 — the smallest, most dangerous particulates — were above 300 micrograms per cubic

metre in Beijing throughout the morning before the photo was posted, according to data from the US Embassy in the city.

At that level — 12 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended maximum — the US embassy’s advice is: “Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion.”

Zuckerberg often posts pictures of his running while travelling, but the photo was greeted with derision by some Chinese Internet users who are not allowed access to his company’s service.

Facebook has been banned in China for years but is pushing to get back into the country, even as Communist leadership tightens censorship controls.

Zuckerberg has been criticised both in China and abroad for his apparently deferential treatment of the country’s leaders.

In 2014, he hosted China’s top Internet regulator Lu Wei at his Silicon Valley office, telling the man in charge of cracking down on online expression that he was studying the speeches of President Xi Jinping and had purchased copies of a book collecting them for several of his colleagues.

He has also been studying Chinese and delivered a speech in passable Mandarin during a 2015 appearance at Tsinghua University.

Many Chinese users saw Friday’s Facebook posting as tone-deaf.

“He’s the world’s most expensive vacuum cleaner”, said one user on China micro-blogging site Weibo.

Facebook users, too, were not convinced by the wisdom of the excursion.

“You have a total number of 6 people in the running team,” went one tongue-in-cheek comment from a Chinese expatriate in Australia. “Did you apply for the authorisation to run on the street? If not, this is illegal in China.”

She added: “Please respect the local law when you are in a foreign country.”

Self-tying shoes by Nike finally unveiled CourtEsy thE INdEpENdENt Nike has unveiled shoes that can tie themselves up. The company has revealed its HyperAdapt 1.0 sneakers that include what the company calls “sport-informed adaptive lacing”. The shoes can sense when their wearer steps into them and a system inside will automatically tighten, matching itself to “individual idiosyncracies in lacing and tension preferences”, the company said.

The new shoes were shown off as part of a range of new technology, which also included an update to its Nike+ app and a new material that stops mud from clogging up on the sole of football boots.

The company suggested that the selflacing technology would come to shoes beyond the HyperAdapt 1.0, describing it as “the first performance vehicle” for the technology. The company has already shown off similar technology in its Nike Mags — a recreation of the famous selftying shoe from Back To The Future — but says that the HyperAdapt is the first time that they have been available in an affordable and sport-focused package.

The shoes are meant to ensure that the trainers can be tightened so they fit perfectly, Nike said. “When you step in, your heel will hit a sensor and the system will automatically tighten,” said the leader of the project of Nike, Tiffany Beers, in a statement. “Then there are two buttons on the side to tighten and loosen. You can adjust it until it’s perfect.” The company said that technology has the potential to bring shoes that would adjust themselves as they are worn, helping athletes and others have their shoes fix themselves according to what their wearers need.

For the moment the shoes require their owner to alter the fit, but the company said that it could eventually lead to more intelligent shoes. “Wouldn’t it be great if a shoe, in the future, could sense when you needed to have it tighter or looser?” said Tinker Hatfield, who worked on the shoe, in a statement. “Could it take you even tighter than you’d normally go if it senses you really need extra snugness in a quick maneuver? That’s where we’re headed. In the future, product will come alive.” The shoes will be available towards the end of the year, in the holiday season, Nike said. They will only be available to members of the Nike+ app, the company said, and people can sign up and get notifications for when the shoes are available.

TwiTTEr aN awkward Child aS iT TurNS 10 As Twitter marks its 10th birthday Monday, it is somewhat of an awkward child — having become a powerful communication tool but still struggling to win users and reach profitability.

Since making a star-quality entrance a decade ago, Twitter has become a musthave tool for journalists, activists, and celebrities but has struggled to show it can expand beyond its devoted “Twitterati” to become a mainstream hit.

While Internet lovers might have trouble envisioning life without Twitter, the San Francisco-based company has seen its stock tank, a chief executive leave, and its staff cut.

Twitter’s woes include a slump in its stock price to all-time lows this year — down nearly half from its 2013 stock market debut — and ongoing losses, even as its revenue grows.

Twitter’s base of monthly active users remained stuck at 320 million at the end of 2015. While that is a big accomplishment, Twitter has failed to keep pace with fast-growing rivals and to expand beyond its base.

The troubles have forced Twitter to

bring back co-founder Jack Dorsey as chief executive, but that has not stemmed rumors about a possible buyout or merger.

“It’s not dead yet,” independent analyst Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group said of Twitter.

“Watching all the metrics, you see they are not getting a lot worse but they don’t seem to be getting better either.”

Some analysts believe Twitter’s true value is being demonstrated in the US presidential race, especially by the Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump.

“Eight weeks ago I would have said the days of Twitter are over; I don’t say that anymore,” Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry told media.

Twitter has ‘legs’ The analyst said Trump has shown how potent Twitter can be for those who embrace it.

“I think that probably the worst for Twitter is over,” Chowdhry said. “This platform has legs.”

Chowdhry said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also used Twitter effectively to win his campaign and Tesla

founder Elon Musk has been shaking up the auto sector with the help of the messaging platform.

Twitter and other social media have been important tools in movements such as the Arab Spring, and in protests in Turkey, where the government has sought to ban it.

An advantage of Twitter is that it lets users “amplify” messages with tweets that echo on the Internet, and assess public sentiment in real-time by getting quick feedback.

Trump has boosted the number of his followers to nearly seven million and has managed to beat rivals with a campaign largely based around Twitter.

“I am pretty sure most of his followers are not on Twitter, but they know what he is saying on Twitter,” analyst Omar Akhtar of the technology research firm Altimeter Group, said of Trump.

“The Twitter effect cannot be ignored. Twitter has a life beyond its platform, the trouble is it doesn’t know how to monetize that part.”

The research firm eMarketer lowered its revenue estimates for Twitter this

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month, saying its “monetization” efforts — the selling of advertising or “promoted tweets” for those who use the platform without logging in — are falling short.

“Events like the US election and Summer Olympics this year may prove pivotal to the success of this strategy,” said eMarketer’s Martin Utreras.

Change brings risk Twitter bears the weight of being measured against Internet titans such as

Facebook, which is only a few years older but has eclipsed the billion-user mark.

Flight VC partner Lou Kerner, whose investor group watches emerging companies, said Twitter has done “an amazing job” creating a new communication medium but appears to have leveled off instead of becoming ubiquitous.

“Like any other company, Twitter is judged on growth,” Kerner said. “They have stagnated.” AGENCIES

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

ARTS

15

I'm more excIted for Kapoor & SonS than the paKIStan-IndIa match: fawad Khan

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HE upcoming weekend promises a thrilling few days for people in Pakistan and India. First, there's the release of beloved actor Fawad Khan's sophomore Bollywood project, *Kapoor & Sons,* which releases in cinemas today.

Second, there's the most-awaited match of the ICC World Twenty20 series on March 19, the face-off between Pakistan and India, and Pakistanis have their fingers crossed for a victory that will break India's winning streak.

Imagine the excitement of Fawad, who's admitted to being a passionate cricket fan. But the actor has said that he's more excited for his film than anything else: "I am very excited but I'm more excited for 'Kapoor & Sons'. Currently there is no India versus Pakistan

T20, only 'Kapoor & Sons'," said Fawad at the screening of the film, reports IBNLive.

And he's confident that the film will be a hit across borders: "The USP is that it is a relatable family drama, it is a sweet and a heartfelt story, I feel that such kind of films are hardly made because it is very simple and made for the love of filmmaking."

"There was no need to plug in any unimportant element and no need to sprinkle any 'masala', the story is that complete. The movie itself is so entertaining and so full of love that people would watch it," Khan added.

'Kapoor & Sons' has been produced

by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and directed by Shakun Batra. Agencies

Sneha Ullal parties with Chris Gayle

#KyaDilliKyaLahore: Zeenat aman & rekha Bhardvaj to kick-off shaan-e-Pakistan

WEB DEsk Chris Gayle was harsh with England last night (Wednesday) when he crushed their bowling attack in pursuit of the 184-run target in their first World T20 game. Gayle scored 100 runs undefeated off just 48 balls. West Indies secured the victory with balls and wickets to spare and then they had some fun time, partying with the ‘Lucky’ star Sneha Ullal. Sneha, who is almost a forgotten memory for the fast-tracked Bollywood industry, was trending in India today after posting her pictures with West Indies stars including Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo. This is what she posted: "When an actor and a cricketer meet, convos be like - Cricket, acting, dance and India. Game on."

PrEss rElEasE Indian culinary chef Mujeeb-urRehman, celebrated singer Rekha Bhardvaj (Kabira,Namak, TereIshq

Mein) andl egendary Bollywood actress Zeenat Iman are set to kickoff, the three day cultural, fashion, music and culinary lifestyle event S h a a n - e - P a k i s t a n

I wonder why so many of these maulanas and TV anchors are so vehemently against the women's protection bill/act. Are they also wife beaters?

taLat asLaM 'Women fake rape reports to get Canadian visas': Musharraf 'Generals fake health reports to flee from treason charges': me

Purniya awan Mullahs! stop letting ur delicate egos get affected by a legislation that seeks to protect women. scared Ull get reported? #SupportTheBill

Zarrar Khuhro One more day of Musharraf related political outrage and then it's Pakistan vs India. Milk it while you can!

shaheryar MirZa Closest thing to actual justice might just be Musharraf not being able to take part in politics in Pakistan, or even live freely here.

bratory Fashion Showcase of 16 designers from across the fashion tiers from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh including Ahmed Bilal, Aisha Imran, BaraeKhanom, Bibi Russell (Bangladesh), Braahtii by Huma Nassr, Zainab Chottani, Amir Adnan, Cara Collection, Joy Mitra, JyotiSachdevIyer, Mehdi Designs, Republic Women's Wear, SamanthChauhan, Studio by AV, Style D'Elegance and ZubiaMotiwalla among others.

An initiative by Huma Nassr of Braahtii, Shaan-e-Pakistan has been envisioned as a platform for Indian and Pakistani fashion talent to showcase their craft on a unified stage as a means to create further awareness of the fashion prowess of the Subcontinent and to strengthen the bond between the two countries.

Napa and Texas varsity students’ concert delights audience EntErtainmEnt DEsk

nuZhat s. siDDiqi

#‎KyaDilliKyaLahore‎ from Sunday 20th March 2016.

Day one will start with a musical & culinary evening ‘Eik Shaam Dosti Kay Naam’ featuring musical performances by artists Rekha Bhardvaj and Shivam band from India and Asrar & Mai Dhai from Pakistan.

Day 2 will exhibit about 30 participating retailers/craftsman from India & Pakistan including Amina Sultan, Anand Khanna, BeechTree, Chapter 13, Elisha Wadhwani, Healiv, JootiShooti, Lace Up, Lucknow Sey, Milli Shoes, Mina Siddique, Nine Lines, Prisms and Paintbrushes, Sonia Ahuja, Sonrissa, Stratford Street, Susheel Jewellers, Womaniya Collection to name a selection of retailers.

Day 3 will host the exhibition till 5:00PM followed up by a cele-

Shakespeare said it best — “If music be the food of love, play on.” And the concert titled ‘Sangat’ took this thought forward at the Beach Luxury Hotel on Thursday where a stellar ensemble comprising musicians from across borders came together as one.

With the three-year musical exchange between the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa) and the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin coming to an end, the musical display showcased the varied exchanges that have taken place between students of both institutions. Sangat (association) was the theme of the musical evening, and the musical notes that comprised each arrangement were an ode to the

journey these students have been on — of a musical nature as well as of a personal one.

The interesting arrangement onstage was that no particular musician was given centre stage; in fact each individual had a role to fill without which the arrangement would have been incomplete. The holistic arrangement gave space to each performer for self-expression, while still remaining part of a whole.

Saxophone player Lee Redfield was one of the more recognised crew members of the ensemble as he has taken part in several different collaborations with Napa students as well as with the Pakistani band Raahi. This was his third visit to Karachi.

Several compositions played throughout the evening were by legendary sitar player Ustad Nafees, who is also a Napa faculty member. ‘Mu-

sica Senza Confini’ (Music Without Borders) was one such composition. According to Sonia Seeman, who is associate professor of Ethnomusicology at the Butler School of Music, and was playing the clarinet, “the evening ‘Sangat’ is a wonderful example of music without borders, as different musicians coming from different backgrounds are directly communicating together.”

Marriage to iK was a MistaKe: rehaM Khan EntErtainmEnt DEsk Between statements about misogyny and the need for gender empowerment in Pakistan, TV host and human rights activist Reham Khan fielded several questions about her 10-month marriage with her now ex-husband, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

Speaking on the second day of the two-day India Today Conclave 2016 at the session, Line of Peace: Sisters Under the Skin Empowering Women across Borders, Reham plainly referred to her marriage as "a mistake", reports India Today: "We all commit mistakes, and so did I. The world is changing, I did not marry each time for a certain status a man has. We might profess to be modern, but we still may not end up listening to the woman. One thing I'm really proud of is the way my son is raised, he's a 22-year-old boy who gives me immense pride."

Reham was joined on stage by actor/activist/politician Gul Panag and India Today's Simi Pasha, who

moderated the session.

Drawing from her experience, Reham entreated women to always speak up. "There is one thing that binds us together, which is the 'hushed silence'. We hide the reality of our homes," she remarked. "Inequality, misogyny starts at home," she later added.

Reham further said, "I am a woman, I look like a woman, I behave like a woman. But people in Pakistan call me Dabangg like Sallu," referring to the iconic cop character played by Salman Khan in 2010.

When asked about covering her head, she said her marriage with Imran Khan had nothing to do with her change

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in appearance: "I loved meeting the real people of Pakistan, people in Balochistan, people in south Punjab. That is when I 'changed my appearance because I love wearing the chadar."

"I landed in Pakistan in December 2012, just for a few months to cover the elections. I went there for a personal reason to look after my mother after my father passed away. It was a gap year for me, I thought it'd be good for my CV, I was bored with my job [as] senior broadcast journalist for the BBC, I was coming home after a long shift and doing dishes in the darkness, and I just wanted excitement and boy, did I get it in Pakistan.

"What i loved in Pakistan is meeti n g t h e

real people of Pakistan. I travelled through most of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, all the way to the border with Afghanistan and Balochistan and South Punjab. And I just like the way people dress up.

I quite like the traditional chadar. I do that because it is the Pakistani identity, It's the Pakhtun identity to wear a white chadar. It has nothing to do with an appearance for people.

"My Identity is fluid, I feel more comfortable wearing a chadar, people communicate with me better.

I sit on the floor and eat makai ki rotiand sarson ka saag with them and they like it. Then when i talk to them, it is far easier for me to tell them how to improve their lifestyle.

"Gender empowerment is considered in isolation, unless we improve the per capita income for every man and woman and the future of every child in Pakistan and India. [Otherwise], we'll just be doing other seminars and workshops, and ticking the boxes. That's why I change my appearance, not because I married someone."

16 BUSINESS CORPORATE CORNER Al Baraka Bank & Al-ghazi tractors join hands to promote agri financing

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

FIA SIndh AgAIn InCludES AKd SECurItIES In EOBI EnquIry KARACHI

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KARACHI: Agricultural sector of Pakistan has made significant contribution to the GDP. State Bank of Pakistan has always taken keen interest in providing credit facilities for agriculture sector to support existing farmers to expand their farming capacity and encourage people to invest more in the agriculture sector. In order to promote the SBP initiative for SME sector and for Agri Financing, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited & AlGhazi Tractors Limited, for the facilitation of ‘Tractor Financing’ at Al Baraka House, Karachi. This MoU will allow the farmers and agriculturists to avail Shariah compliant financing options for rural financing including financing of tractors and other credit facilities, with quicker processing and flexible payment options. PRESS RELEASE

Samsung galaxy S7 & S7-Edge launch ceremony held at IMAX lahore

ARShAd huSSAin

hE Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) implicated the employees of AKD Securities Limited in multimillion rupee Employees Old-Age Benefits(EOBI) scam in October 2014 through Enquiry number 34/2014 in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Director FIA Sindh Shahid hayat has included the names of AKD Securities on the basis of EOBI directors’ statement that AKD securities was the lead manager of the M/s Amtex Limited shares in 2010.

The name of AKD Securities was not on the list of the culprits, which was submitted to the Supreme Court by the then FIA director general through the Agency’s director for law.

The FIA wrote in its report that the owners of Amcap Securities and M/s Amtex Limited are the same and were living in Lahore at the time of this fraud. The main suspects who sold and manipulated the shares of M/S Amtex were: 1) Iftikhar-ud-din founding member Amcap and father of Khurrum Iftikhar, CEO of Amtex 2) Faiza Khurrum founding member

rector general for investment, Chief Executive Officer and directors of the M/s Amtex Limited; Aslam Motiwala, chairman of the SAZ Capital, and Amcap directors Khurram Shehzad, his wife Marium Shehzad and his brother Naveed Shehzad.

The counsel for AKD Securities said that the registration of the new FIR and the arrest of the CEO and directors of the AKD Securities Limited after the closure of the inquiry and submission of the final report to the Supreme Court shows a mala fide intent of the FIA, which illegally reopened an inquiry, which had already concluded.

In the new report, the AKD Securities Limited was accused of manipulating prices of the shares of the M/S Amtex Limited, in the FIR and the interim charge sheet submitted by the FIA. The new report also provides details of the share prices at the time of the fraud.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan initiated an enquiry into the alleged manipulation of share prices, but found no role of the AKD Securities Limited in this transaction, the FIA report said.

The report of the SECP has all the details pertaining to money trail and the beneficiaries. This report has been shared by the SECP with the FIA, but it had concealed the report because of ulterior motives, the counsel said.

Amcap and wife of Khurram Iftikhar, CEO of Amtex (also director of Amtex) 3) Sajida Shehzad founding member Amcap and wife of Mr Shahzad Iftikhar, director of Amtex (also Director of Amtex) 4) Sonia Nadeem, director of Amcap and wife of Nadeem Iftikhar, Director of Amtex.

The FIA Enquiry Report 40/2013 had claimed before the Supreme Court that there is no role of any brokerage house including AKD Securities in the manipulation of M/s Amtex prices as all the brokerage houses released their research reports reflecting the impressive financial growth of the said company in the years 2010-12.

According to the official documents submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan by the FIA director general under the constitutional petition No 34/2013, the name of the AKD Securities Limited is not among those linked with the scam. Now the inquiry into the EOBI-Amtex shares case has been completed.

The names of the accused submitted to the court by the FIA director general in the EOBI scam inquiry No. 40/2013 are Zafar Iqbal Gondal, the then chairman of the EOBI, Kanwar Khursheed Wahid, the then EOBI di-

LAHORE: Samsung held a grand launch ceremony to announce the launch of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, at Samsung Imax in Lahore, recently. The entire area of Samsung IMAX was turned into a new-age technology experience zone where people could interact with the most powerful smartphones till date. Samsung recently closed the pre-orders of Galaxy S7edge and Galaxy S7 where 70% of the smartphones were pre-ordered within the first day of pre-order announcement by Samsung. Samsung has seen overwhelming response and interest of people in the newly launched powerful smartphones. The advanced camera on Galaxy S7edge & Galaxy S7 captures more light to deliver high quality images. The F1.7 lens on both sides of the phone and larger pixels on the rear camera’s image sensor allow for brighter and sharper images – even in low light. It offers the world’s first dual pixel sensor on a smartphone camera, using 100% of the pixel on the Dual Pixel sensor for phase detection. Each pixel has two photodiodes that capture light independently to enhance the detection even in the dark. The camera also has the Motion Panorama, Hyperlapse video mode, Selfie flash and spotlight features. PRESS RELEASE

dhA to get digitized with Zong 4g services

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique inaugurating up-graded Train Rack of Karachi Express at Lahore Railway Station. ONLINE

ECC imposes 15% tax on steel, iron products

KARACHI:Employees of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) will have unrestricted access to Zong’s telecom services including latest high-speed 4G internet technologies following a corporate agreement between the two parties. The development transpires as a result of signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony here on Friday. DHA Lahore was previously using the services of another operator and is now switching to Zong only to ensure trouble free telecom services. PRESS RELEASE

KARACHI: Administrator DHA Brig Zubair Ahmed presiding over a DCK Steering Committee Meeting held at DCK project site on Super Highway. Pr

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) on a proposal of FBR, approved levy of 15 per cent additional regulatory duty on import of finished iron and steel products till 30th June and 10 per cent regulatory duty on aluminum alloy The ECC meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Prime Minister’s Office Friday. ECC after detailed deliberations approved the Automotive Development Policy 2016-21. The policy aims to facilitate higher volumes, better investment, enhanced competition and better quality with latest technology. The policy also aims to create a balance between industrial growth and tariffs to ensure sustainability for all stakeholders. It would also ensure consumer welfare besides aiming at providing policy consistency and predictability for investors. The Automotive Development Policy (ADP) 2016-21 will be formally launched on Monday. On the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, ECC allowed 45mmcfd raw gas from OGDCL’s Qadirpur Gas Field to be allocated to TNB LPL up to year 2025-26 enabling the plant to continue to provide 211 MW net power to the National Grid. ECC allowed increase in the limit of the GoP guarantees for PIA from Rs. 146 billion to Rs. 151 billion to help the National Carrier pay its liabilities. The ECC considered and approved the proposal submitted by Ministry of National Food Security and Research for extension in the date for export of wheat/wheat flour (aata) till 15th June 2016. On another proposal of Federal Board of Revenue, the ECC gave approval for extension in the date for reduced withholding tax @ 0.4% for non-filers under section 236p of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 up to 31st March, 2016. The ECC had detailed discussion on proposal concerning RLNG based IPPs submitted by Ministry of Water and Power. The forum approved extension in Bid submission date for 1000 MW R-LNG based IPPs initiative till 5th of April. STAFF REPORT

CMYK

Major Gainers COMPANY OPEN Philip Morris Pak. 1799.90 Shezan Inter.

450.00 Service Ind.Ltd 850.00 Gillette Pak 299.00 Attock PetroleumXD 428.98

HIGH 1799.90 462.00 870.00 299.00 438.00

LOW 1799.90 450.00 850.00 299.00 427.10

CLOSE CHANGE TURNOVER 1799.90 74.90 20 461.50 21.50 300 870.00 19.97 1,150 299.00 14.00 100 434.20 10.97 20,100

542.00 382.00 370.00 658.00 162.00

541.50 382.00 368.00 640.00 153.19

542.00 382.00 370.00 644.04 153.81

-28.00 -16.00 -14.95 -7.84 -7.44

3,450 500 10,900 95,050 3,767,600

7.15 9.05 33.45 9.30 18.79

6.92 8.65 32.00 8.74 17.95

7.10 9.01 32.32 9.17 18.17

0.13 0.28 -0.48 0.75 -0.03

26,457,500 11,297,000 8,992,000 8,502,500 8,343,000

Major Losers Sapphire Fiber J.D.W.Sugar Atlas Honda Ltd Mari PetroleumXD Engro Foods Ltd.

541.50 382.00 368.00 657.44 161.49

Volume Leaders K-Electric Ltd. B.O.Punjab Fatima Fert.

Dewan Motors Byco Petroleum

7.00 8.80 32.30 8.74 18.74

Interbank Rates USD GBP JPY EURO

PKR 104.6805 PKR 151.2214 PKR 0.9404 PKR 118.0691

Forex UK Pound Sterling Euro US Dollar Canadian Dollar Australian Dollar Japanese Yen Saudi Riyal U.A.E Dirham China Yuan

BUY

SELL

150 118 105.5 79.55 79 0.92 27.9 28.6 16.1

150.7 118.5 105.75 80.1 79.45 0.95 28.05 28.75 16.25

BUSINESS 17

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

nA adopts motion to refer PIA corporatisation bill to joint session ISLAMABAD APP

The National Assembly Friday adopted a motion to refer the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) Bill, 2016 as passed by the lower house and rejected by the Senate to the joint sitting for consideration and passage. The motion was moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed on March 14 in the house under sub-rule (7) of rule 154 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. Meanwhile, the president has already summoned the Joint Session for Monday (March 21) at 5PM. It is also expected that the Anti-Rape Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2015; the Anti-honour Killing Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2015; the Privatisation Commission (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015; the Torture, Custodial Death and Custodial Rape (Prevention and Punishment) Bill, 2015 and the Gas Theft Control and Recovery Bill, 2014 will also be on the agenda of the Joint Session.

govt withdraws subsidy on utility stores’ commodities ISLAMABAD OnLinE

Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Industries and Production Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan has revealed in Senate that government has abolished subsidy on utility stores’ items. he expressed his views while answering a call-attention notice submitted by members of National Assembly Imran Zafar Lagari, Syed Gulam Mustafa, Shahida Rehmani and Abdul Sattar Bachani for not give subsidy on utility stores’ commodities. Ajmal Khan said that the government had organised more than 5,000 utility stores across the country including far-flung areas in 2007which was the biggest organisation in South Asia. There were more than 14,000 employees working in utility stores, he added. The secretary said that presently no subsidy was being given in utility stores, however, he suggested that this issue should be transferred to the standing committee. On MNA Abdul Sattar’s question, the parliamentary secretary said that they had asked the government to provide the basic commodities to masses on reasonable prices but the government withdrew the subsidy. MNA Shagufta Jumani said that utility stores were selling poor quality products only. The government should organise more utility stores, she suggested. Reacting to Jumani’s viewpoint, Rao Ajmal said that standard commodities were being sold to masses. he also asked to point out the utility stores which were selling substandard products. Ajmal suggested the government to give subsidy on sugar, oil, ghee and flour.

PAKIStAn EXPOrtIng 2,700 tOnnES OF gyPSuM dAIly tO IndIA: KhurrAM dAStAgIr ISLAMABAD

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OnLinE

hE National Assembly was informed on Friday that Pakistan is exporting 2,700 metric tons of gypsum to India daily through Wagah border crossing from July last year till date.

Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan told the house during question hour that gypsum is being exported to India in ‘crushed loose form’ with value up to 22 dollars per metric ton.

To a question, he said major reason of decline in Pakistan’s exports is massive reduction in prices of commodities in the world. he said another reason is major recession in international market and slowdown in China which resulted in decrease in demand. however, he said there is a decrease in exports in terms of value and not in terms of quantity. The Minister said the main focus of the trade policy is on value addition. he said last year record cotton was

produced last year, adding that no data has been collected about damage of crops this year. To this, Zafarullah Jamali said politicians couldn’t been trained in 70 years so how can farmers can be trained about agriculture.

Answering a question, Khurram Dastgir said performance of foreign missions of the country is being vigorously monitored. he pointed out that except some diplomatic missions, Pakistan is keeping minimum diplomatic presence in different countries to maintain diplomatic relations. he said zero tolerance is being observed against corruption in Foreign Office.

Dastgir informed the house that Pakistan has consistently supported all the regional and international efforts to combat militancy, extremism and terrorism. he said since the key objective of the 34 Muslim Countries Alliance with Saudi Arabia is to counter the threat posed by terrorist groups, Pakistan has joined the alliance. he pointed out that

Operation Zarb-e-Azb is helping to fight terrorist groups within the country. he said Pakistan is expected to share its counter-terrorism experience with other interested member countries.

Referring to problems being faced by the farmers for low prices of their products, the Minister said there is massive decline in prices of agriculture products in the world. however, he pointed out that agriculture products prices are higher in Pakistan than other countries of the world.

Khurram Dastgir said the reason for reduction in cotton production is untimely rains. he said the government is planning to give training to the farmers to timely drain out the water from the cotton crops in case of intensive rains.

The minister stated that different Pakistanis are imprisoned in African countries, one in Ethiopia, one in Senegal, nine in Tanzania, one in Zimbabwe, seven in Kenya, three in Uganda, one in Rwanda, one in Libya, one is Sudan and 44 in South Africa under different

Oil sets new 2016 highs on production freeze, demand bets

APP

AGEnCiES

Oil rewrote its 2016 peaks on Friday, barreling into higher $40 territory and toward multi-week gains on expectations of a production freeze by major exporters and stronger seasonal fuel demand in the United States.

A rally in equity markets, on track to a fifth straight weekly gain, also boosted oil prices, with U.S. energy company shares .SPNY trading near 3-1/2 month highs.

The dollar .DXY, on the slide since a more accommodative U.S. monetary policy unveiled this week, traded near five-month lows, making many commodities, including oil, more attractive to users of currencies such as the euro.

“Focus for now is firmly placed on a global macroeconomic environment that is propelling other industrial commodities such as the metals as well as world equities back to around highest levels since late last year,” said Jim Ritterbusch of Chicago-based energy markets consultancy Ritterbusch & Associates.

Brent crude LCOc1 was up 65 cents, or 1.5 percent, at $42.19 a bar-

rel by 10:44 a.m. EDT, after setting a 2016 high at $42.54. It was on track to a 4 percent gain on the week, its fourth straight weekly rise.

US crude CLc1 rose 58 cents to $40.78 after setting the year’s high at $41.20. It was on course to gain 6 percent on the week for a fifth straight week of gains.

Oil has surged about 55 percent from 12-year lows after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) floated the idea of a production freeze two months ago, boosting Brent from about $27 and U.S. crude from around $26.

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC producers led by Russia will meet in Qatar on April 17 to further the initiative that could result in the first global oil supply deal in 15

ISLAMABAD OnLinE

based on imported coal and an ancillary jetty for coal transport near the existing hub plant.” he said that the Project will be developed via a joint venture (JV) with China Power hub Generation Company (CPhGC) Pvt. Ltd, which has already been incorporated under the laws of Pakistan. The project is part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It is the only power project under CPEC in the province of Balochistan.

“As an integral part of Project development, hubco has carried out an en-

Pakistani scientists review wheat research through uS-funded seminar ISLAMABAD

NEW YORK

years. US crude inventories hit a fifth straight week of record highs last week but the build of 1.3 million barrels was less than half of forecasts. Gasoline demand, meanwhile, jumped 6.4 percent over the past four weeks from a year ago.

“We are leaving the period of low demand and starting to move toward the period when demand increases over the summer,” said Olivier Jakob, oil market analyst at Petromatrix at Zug in Switzerland.

The market is looking out for the U.S. oil rig count due at 1:00 p.m. from oil services firm Baker hughes to see if energy firms cut drilling activity again this week. The oil rig count has fallen the past 12 weeks while total oil and gas rigs are at 1940 lows.

HUB COAL PROJECT WILL REDUCE POVERTY IN PAKISTAN Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif has said that the hub coal power project will not only bring prosperity to the country but will also accelerate the pace of development in Balochistan. he was talking with a delegation of the hub Power Company (hubco) comprising Chief Executive Khalid Mansoor, New Ventures Senior Vice President Tahir Jawaid, Chairman of the coal project company – China Power hub Generation Company, huang Yuntao and CPhGC CEO Zhao Yonggang who met with Federal Minister for Water and Power Khwaja Asif and Secretary Water and Power Younus Dagha on Friday.

Informing the minister about the work of hubco, CEO Khalid Mansoor said, “At present, we are in the advanced stages of a historic, multi-billion dollar project to develop two 660MW plants

allegations.

Sikandar Bosan while replying to PTI’s Dr Arif Alvi’s question said agriculture departments should be give back to National Food Security in order to overcome issues, adding that these institutions are facing problems after they went to provinces under 18th amendment.

vironmental and social impact Assessment (ESIA) study. The environmental concerns of the project identified in the ESIA study include the recommended mitigation measures which will be fully complied by hubco during various phases of the project,” he said. huang Yuntao apprised the minister of the environmental controls. “With state-of-the-art equipment, the project will meet all the requirements set out by the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). Liquid effluent

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treatment plants will also be installed at the project. Additionally, hubco will ensure that industrial effluents discharged by the project do not go beyond the limits set by the NEQS, ensuring that there is no adverse impact on the marine ecology of the surrounding area.”

The project construction will provide employment opportunities through induction of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workforce for the project. In addition, economic activities around the project site are also likely to witness a major increase.

“Projects of this magnitude bring inclusive growth and ensure development of the adjoining areas,” Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif said.

Regarding the ongoing energy crisis in the country the minister said that the project would pave the way for a much-needed shift for the Pakistan’s current energy mix to achieve the objective of generating all the energy that the country needs.

Dozens of Pakistani scientists and agricultural experts participated in the first phase of 2016 traveling wheat seminar funded by the US government. The annual seminar brings together wheat scientists from all over Pakistan to observe and discuss wheat research at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council’s wheat research centers, said a press release issued on Friday. “Wheat scientists are able to share and discuss their work more effectively as they examine wheat fields rather than sitting in a formal meeting,” said Dr David Marshall, US Coordinator for the Wheat Production Enhancement Programme. “As a result of this seminar, scientists have obtained a better understanding of the problems and successes of each research programme.” From March 8 to 18, scientists visited farmers’ fields, private seed companies, and research centers near Karachi, hyderabad, Sukkar, Multan, and Faisalabad. The participants examined challenges faced by Pakistani wheat growers such as diseases, climate change, weeds, and crop management issues. The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) organised the seminar.

Pak-Iran gas pipeline to resolve energy crisis in Pakistan: envoy ISLAMABAD OnLinE

Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Mehdi honardoost has said that the Pak-Iran gas pipeline will help to resolve energy crisis of Pakistan at cheaper rates. Iran will also provide 3,000 mega watt of electricity to Pakistan at low price. he was talking to journalists at National Press Club on Friday. he said that Pak-Iran gas pipeline would offer inexpensive gas to Pakistan whereas its construction cost would also be incredibly meager. he said the current volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran was almost 100 million USD, which would be enhanced to five billion dollars. A free trade agreement between the two countries is on the cards which would be finalised soon. With the FTA, the cost of shipment between Pakistan and Iran would be much reduced, and the economy of both the countries would excel.

18 SPORTS

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

MccleNaghaN leads NZ to secoNd victory DharamSala

N

Agencies

EW Zealand’s Midas touch at this World Twenty20 continued in Dharamsala, where they took their tournament record to two wins from two matches with an eight-run victory over Australia. Having spun India out in Nagpur, New Zealand made one change to their side, bringing in the fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan to replace the spinner Nathan McCullum. McClenaghan duly took 3 for 17 and played a significant role in derailing Australia’s innings. Australia, by comparison, seemed confused at the selection table. They picked two specialist spinners to complement allrounder Glenn Maxwell but those two men - Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa - bowled only one over each. The No.1 batsman on the ICC’s T20 international rankings, Aaron Finch, was also left out, as was Josh Hazlewood. Australia’s performance was far from disastrous, as the margin suggests, but neither did they seem entirely cohesive.

Another strange call was the decision to send Agar in ahead of Australia’s most renowned finisher, James Faulkner, with 43 needed off 30 balls and five wickets in hand. Agar scored 9

off eight balls, and Faulkner did not get to face a ball until there were 21 needed off 10 balls. That was in the penultimate over of the chase of 143, an over in which McClenaghan took two big wickets, those of Agar and Mitchell Marsh for 24. From 22 needed off 12, Australia soon needed 19 off the last over.

Corey Anderson was given the responsibility by Kane Williamson and had Faulkner caught in the deep first ball; Australia’s finisher was finished, and so were their hopes. Earlier, Williamson had won the toss and chose to bat on a dry surface that both captains expected would become slower, and New

Zealand’s 142 for 8 proved adequate.

Usman Khawaja, selected to open alongside Shane Watson, gave Australia an encouraging start and was picking gaps at will, but his run-out on 38 from 27 balls was a turning point. Adam Milne’s throw from the deep to the bowler Grant Elliott caught the diving Khawaja just short, and Australia were 62 for 3 in the ninth over, their momentum rapidly deserting them. The rest of the batsmen struggled to get in on the slow pitch. Mitchell Santner’s first two overs had been outstanding, continuing his form from the win over India. Just as he had Rohit Sharma, Santner de-

ceived Smith with a beautiful delivery that dropped and turned past the edge as Smith danced down the crease. Luke Ronchi completed the stumping, Smith was gone for 6, and Santner soon added the wicket of David Warner to his collection as well.

McClenaghan had picked up the first wicket, with Watson caught off a slower ball for 13, and he returned later to remove Mitchell Marsh and Agar. Marsh had struck a couple of sixes to give Australia hope but once he and Glenn Maxwell, who played so many reverse shots he seemed at times to be a proper if out-of-touch left-hander, departed, New Zealand were firmly in control.

They had seemed to be in complete control early in their own innings, at 58 for 0 from six overs. New Zealand’s left-arm spinner was Santner but his Australian counterpart was the one delivering gifts. Agar, with all of one match and two overs behind him in his T20 international career, bowled the third over and was understandably nervous. So much so that his first two balls were full tosses that Martin Guptill duly smashed for six.

Another six to end Agar’s over left him with figures of 0 for 18 from six balls, and he was not asked to bowl another one for the rest of the innings.

Goodwin returns as Sussex batting coach

Bates, Devine steer New Zealand to thumping win SportS DeSk Suzie Bates’ swift 60-ball 82 and her 104-run partnership with Sophie Devine for the second wicket set the base for New Zealand Women’s massive 93-run win over Ireland Women in the World T20 match in Mohali. New Zealand got off to a blistering start after opting to bat, as opener Rachel Priest struck three fours in the first over before falling to medium-pacer Amy Kenealy in the second over. The wicket brought Bates and Devine together at the crease, and the pair built on the early momentum in their century stand. By the end of the Powerplay, New Zealand were 48 for 1 and except for a couple of quiet overs, the pair found the boundary with ease. Devine fell in the 15th over to Isobel Joyce, after a 34ball 47, and Bates then propelled the score past 150. The New Zealand captain struck two successive sixes off Kim Garth in the penultimate over before falling for 82; her knock also included seven fours. She became the fourth player to score more than 2000 runs in women’s T20I cricket and is second on the list of highest run-getters with 2063 runs, ahead of Sarah Taylor and Stafanie Taylor. Ireland’s chase simply failed to get off the blocks. They lost two wickets within the first four overs for a score of 16 and by the tenth over had reached only 34 for 3. The required run rate was already more than 14 by that stage and it was only Joyce who showed some resistance with a 33-ball 28, the top score in an Ireland innings that eventually petered out to 84 for 5. Offspinner Leigh Kasperek had economical returns of 1-10 in her four overs while legspinner Erin Bermingham took 2 for 17.

FIFA reveals former president Sepp Blatter’s salary was £2.6m SportS DeSk Sepp Blatter was paid a £2.6m package last year, the first for which Fifa has disclosed the salary paid to its president and secretary general. Football’s world governing body published the figure in its accounts for 2015, which showed that a year of unprecedented corruption scandals had led to it losing $122m (£84m). Blatter’s package covers the final year of his 17 as the Fifa president, before he was banned from football for eight years in December over the £1.35m alleged “disloyal payment” he made to the former Uefa president Michel Platini in 2011.

Shortly before his salary was published, the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced that Blatter has appealed against the ban, which Fifa’s appeals committee had already reduced to six years. Fifa’s former secretary general, Jérôme Valcke, who in February was banned from football for 12 years for seven breaches of the Fifa code, including alleged personal use of a private jet and selling TV rights at an undervalue, was paid a £1.45m salary package in 2015, the accounts disclosed.

Shortly after Fifa published his salary, the Swiss attorney general announced that it has now opened criminalproceedings.

SportS DeSk Sussex appointed their former batsman Murray Goodwin as their new batting coach.

Goodwin, 43, spent 12 seasons with the club as a player and was an integral part of the side that won three Championship titles and five limited-over trophies between 2003 and 2009. Goodwin, who was confirmed as a vicepresident of Sussex in early 2015, said: “I believe I can bring to a very talented squad some belief and options on playing certain situations in all forms of the game. I’m hoping to try and add a winning culture to this talented squad.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to come back to my second home. When I applied for the role I was always hopeful but to actually have been considered above the many applicants who applied is very humbling.”

Sussex’s head coach Mark Davis said, “I

am thrilled to have Murray Goodwin joining us. His vast batting experience, gained from many years of first-class and International cricket all over the world, will be invaluable.

I am confident Murray’s relentless approach to batting and his technical expertise will be of great value throughout the Sussex Cricket pathway. “He has a brilliant work ethic and a passion for teaching the game, which is a vital ingredient in any elite coach. I am sure he will be welcomed back by everyone at Sussex Cricket and I look forward to him becoming an integral part of our coaching team.”

Sussex have reshuffled since the departure of head coach Mark Robinson to take up the coach’s role with England Women. David was confirmed as head coach, Keith Greenfield has been appointed director of cricket and Carl Hopkinson has assumed Greenfield’s role of academy director.

Knee injury forces Lasith Malinga to return home SportS DeSk Lasith Malinga has been ruled out of the World Twenty20 with injury, dealing a substantial blow to Sri Lanka’s campaign.

Having flown to India earlier this week hopeful of playing some part in the tournament, Malinga has aggravated the bone bruise in his left knee that has plagued him since November. He has returned to Sri Lanka, and the selectors are expected to name a replacement over the next 72 hours, following practice games in Colombo on Friday. Malinga had been preparing to play Sri Lanka’s opening World T20 match against Afghanistan on Thursday, having increased his bowling load incrementally through the week. He was seen warming up ahead of the game, but pulled up as he ran in to bowl one of his practice deliveries, and stopped bowling thereafter. It was later confirmed he had aggravated his injury, and would play no part in the tournament. There have been serious doubts over Malinga’s fitness right through the approach to the tournament. Malinga was only able to play one match out of four in the Asia Cup, and had also stepped down from the captaincy when it became apparent he could not guarantee his availability for the full World T20. He had said he was hopeful of playing in the World T20 in early March, but more recently, had questioned why the selectors chose him in the Sri Lanka squad when he felt he was clearly unfit. He had joined the side on Monday nevertheless, but will now have spent less than four days with them before he was withdrawn from the tournament. This bone bruise is similar to the injury Malinga had sustained in his right knee in 2008. On that occasion, he was out of international cricket for almost two years. As he is now 32 years of age, there is a chance the current injury is serious enough to end Malinga’s international career. He has also had trouble with his left ankle in recent years.

Malinga underwent surgery on that ankle in 2014, but has been a diminished bowler since his return. Sri Lanka have some seam-bowling cover in their present squad, which features Suranga Lakmal in addition to Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Kulasekara, who played against Afghanistan. Malinga had been the spearhead of the T20 attack however, and was instrumental to Sri Lanka’s march to three World T20 finals over the last four tournaments. He remains the World T20’s highest wicket-taker, with 38 scalps from 31 matches.

PALESTINIAN FIREBOMB SURVIVOR MEETS HERO RONALDO SportS DeSk A Palestinian boy who survived a firebombing

by Jewish extremists that killed his parents and baby brother was greeted by Real Madrid’s stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, on Thursday. Five-year-old Ahmed Dawabcheh has been recovering from his injuries over the past eight months.

Moved by images of the bandaged boy wearing a Real Madrid jersey, Palestinians campaigned for months on social media to persuade the team to meet Ahmed.

And his dream came true as he posed for photos and had a Real shirt christened with own name on the back signed by the club’s Galacticos, including three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo and Welsh star Bale.

“The Real Madrid team met him and took photos with him and gave him a shirt and ball signed by the whole team,” Madrid said in a statement.

“Clearly moved, the boy ran around the facilities before witnessing his idols train.”

After meeting the players at Real’s training ground, Ahmed was then given a tour of the club’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

The attack in July drew renewed attention to Jewish extremism, sparked international condemnation and worsened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Palestinian

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Football Association head Jibril Rajoub said Real Madrid were “restoring hope for a child who lost his entire family”.

In December Ronaldo also met a threeyear-old Lebanese boy who had lost both parents in a suicide bombing in his home country.

His on-field rival, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, was similarly moved by the plight of

another five-year-old.

Afghan boy Murtaza Ahmadi won the internet’s heart when he was pictured wearing a plastic bag as an improvised Messi jersey.

He travelled with his family to Kabul last month to receive two jerseys autographed by the Argentine star, which were presented to the young fan by UNICEF.

SPORTS 19

Saturday, 19 March, 2016

root takes eNglaNd to record Wt20 chase mumbai

scoreboArd r south AfricA innings hM AMlA lbw b Ali 58 Q de KocK c hAles b Ali 52 16 Ab de Villiers c MorgAn b rAshid 17 f du Plessis c roy b willey 54 JP duMiny not out dA Miller not out 28 extrAs: 4 229 totAl: bowling: dJ willey 4-0-40-1, rJw toPley 2-0-33-0, MM Ali 4-0-34-2, cJ JordAn 3-0-49-0, bA stoKes 20-23-0, Au rAshid 4-0-35-1, Je root 1-0-13-0 r englAnd innings JJ roy c de KocK b Abbott 43 17 Ad hAles lbw b Abbott 15 bA stoKes c Morris b rAbAdA Je root c Miller b rAbAdA 83 eJg MorgAn b duMiny 12 Jc buttler st de KocK b iMrAn tAhir 21 8 MM Ali not out 5 cJ JordAn c duMiny b Abbott dJ willey run out (Miller/de Villiers) 0 Au rAshid not out 0 extrAs: 26 230 totAl: bowling: K rAbAdA 4-0-50-2, dw steyn 2-0-35-0, KJ Abbott 3.4-0-41-3, iMrAn tAhir 4-0-28-1, JP duMiny 3-0-31-1, ch Morris 3-0-39-0

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Agencies

OE Root scored 83 as England sensationally chased down a target of 230 to stun South Africa by two wickets in the World Twenty20 in Mumbai on Friday.

The classy batsman hit six fours and four sixes in his 44-ball knock as England finished on 230-8 with two balls to spare after South Africa made 229-4.

It was England’s highest ever total in 20-over cricket and the second highest successful run chase by any team in the history of the shortest format of the game.

Moeen Ali dramatically hit the winning run after England went into the last over needing just one run to clinch victory.

Opener Jason Roy had earlier scored 43 while Jos Buttler made 21.

Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla and JP Duminy made half centuries as South Africa posted 229-4 after England won

the toss and elected to field first.

Left-handed de Kock reached his 50 off just 21 balls thanks to seven fours and three sixes that included a beautiful array of shot-making in the Super 10 Group one game.

England skipper Eoin Morgan experimented with six different bowlers in the first seven overs as de Kock and Amla made easy work of David Willey and Reece Topley, among others, to reach 960. England finally made a breakthrough in the eighth over when de Kock, on 52, was caught deep by Alex Hales off spinner Moeen Ali, providing them a rare moment of joy.

AB de Villiers came in and made a quick 16 as South Africa reached 100 in only eight overs before he was caught by Morgan off Adil Rashid in the ninth.

The two quick wickets helped to stem the South African tide momentarily and gave England a brief moment of hope, however South Africa’s strength in depth shone through.

England were left to rue a simple dropped catch by Topley in the fourth over that would have seen Amla walk as the batsman went on to notch his halfcentury in the tenth.

He was eventually out leg before wicket by Ali in the 12th over on 58.

Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis came in at number four and made 17 while Duminy expertly took over where de Kock and Amla had left off.

The left-hander, batting at number five, scored 54 not out that included three sixes and three fours.

‘First time that pressure Celebrities who are going to watch Pak-India World T20 clash is more on India’

kolkata Agencies

India’s cricket team is undoubtedly, indisputably, unarguably, and by a massive distance, better than Pakistan’s cricket team. At football. It was probably the only definitive bit of knowledge anyone could have gleaned from watching the two teams’ training sessions on the eve of their World T20 clash at the Eden Gardens. If Saturday’s big match involved goalposts and a large, inflated ball, India would lose no sleep over it.

It is, instead, a cricket match.

And not just any cricket match.

It is the cricket match that causes a spike in the frequency of Venkatesh Prasad sightings on Indian television in the days leading up to it. And of Aamer Sohail and Kiran More and Javed Miandad and Ajay Jadeja and Waqar Younis and Joginder Sharma and Misbah-ul-Haq. It is an India-Pakistan clash at a World tournament, and it will come with the inevitable trappings. Famous people will sing national anthems. Massive names will be present among the massive numbers in attendance. Sachin Tendulkar will be there. So will Imran Khan. And Sunil Gavaskar. And Wasim Akram. And Kapil Dev. And Inzamam-ul-Haq. In the middle of all this, India and Pakistan, the cricket teams, will try and tune out the constant swirl of India-Pakistan.

R Ashwin reinforced this during his pre-match conference on Friday, in a packed and insufficiently air-conditioned media room that evoked the pressure cooker cliché.

“This rivalry is huge,” he said. “It’s very hard to put a finger [on it] and say how huge it is. It’s probably bigger than the Ashes is. As far as the Indians go and the Pakistanis go, I don’t think they watch this as a game of cricket. It’s more of a border rivalry, they want to get one up on each other.

“So there is much more to

this game rather than the game itself taking centrestage. As far as people are concerned, they put their emotions into it. For the players it’s about trying to keep the emotions aside and playing the game the best we can.”

It is something India have invariably managed to do against Pakistan at World events.

In six World Cup meetings and four in the World T20, they have never lost. It’s the sort of record that can put pressure on both sides, but on this occasion India are under more of it, given that they are playing at home, and given that they were beaten soundly by New Zealand in their first game and therefore have to win this one. Over recent years, Pakistan have usually been underdogs going into matches against India, and on this occasion have the cushion of a big win in their opening game against Bangladesh.

“History can change, too,” Waqar Younis, Pakistan’s head coach, said. “We are confident, a little more this time because [India] can go out of the tournament also. They will be under a lot of pressure. We have to take it positively. We have won the last match, so there are lots of things going in our favour, hopefully.

Yes, there is no doubt that our history hasn’t been so good but history can always be changed.

“In all the previous games, the pressure was on Pakistani team. This is the first time that the pressure is more on India not arising from victory or defeat at the hands of Pakistan but because this is a very big tournament. I have been a cricketer all my years and it is impossible that India won’t be feeling the pressure. I am sure they will be feeling the pressure and we are going to take advantage of that.”

India arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday night, but only had an optional training session which only Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane and Pawan Negi attended - on Thursday.

Their first full session ahead of the match was on its eve.

The match has already become the talk of the town in India, where people religiously follow the sport, and Pakistan where national game hockey is completely eclipsed by the growing following of cricket.

Many former cricket greats including 1992 World Cup star for Pakistan Imran Khan, Inzamamul Haq, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis (incumbent Pakistan team headcoach), legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavasker, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag will grace the occasion with their special guest appearance.

The versatile Bollywood actor and inconic figure Amitabh Bachhan will also mark his presence and sing India’s national anthem before the match. While Shafqat Amanat Ali will sing national anthem of Pakistan.

The iconic stadium is expected to be filled to the brim during the much-awaited game between the arch rivals.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) said “We plan to felicitate four legends each from India and Pakistan. We will be giving them mementoes at around 6 in the evening

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just before the start of the game,” reported the Indian media. Besides, the historic venue which is set to host the high-voltage clash, has a capacity of 65,000 presently which is around 35,000 less than what is used to be six years back. But still the crowd strength is enough to take the roof with their screams.

Outside the nearby Mohammedan tent from where the tickets for international matches are usually sold, a giant yellow banner has been fixed which says: “No tickets will be sold from the counter.”

The tickets are priced at Rs.1500 Rs.1000 and Rs.500. Agencies

SPORTS Saturday, 19 March, 2016

Rejuvenated Pakistan out to test india’s bouncebackability KOLKATA

t

AGENCIES

HE build-up to the India-Pakistan clash began once Dharamsala was named as the venue on December 11 last year. Political tensions and security concerns in the weeks preceding the World Twenty20, however, left the administrators and fans in a limbo: ‘Will they, won’t they?’

On March 9, a day after the start of the tournament, the impasse was finally over and the match was tipped over from Dharamsala to Kolkata. On the eve of the game in Kolkata, R Ashwin told a reporters that the India-Pakistan rivalry was “probably bigger than the Ashes”.

India and Pakistan had provided a precursor during the Asia Cup last month when Mohammad Amir’s fire was coun-

order, which has been shielded by Virat Kohli’s imperious form, was brutally exposed by New Zealand, and Dhoni conceded the batsmen lacked adaptability.

Can the middle order produce a better riposte if Kohli’s bubble is burst again?

MS Dhoni fiddles with the XI only once in a blue moon. R Ashwin was coy on Pawan Negi’s inclusion in a high-pressure game against Pakistan. Ajinkya Rahane is available as a middle-order option, but India are likely to stick to the same XI unless Mohammed Shami comes in for Ashish Nehra India (probable) 1 Shikhar Dhawan 2 Rohit Sharma 3 Virat Kohli 4 Suresh Raina 5 Yuvraj Singh 6 Hardik Pandya 7 MS Dhoni (capt &wk), 8 Ravindra Jadeja 9 R Ashwin 10 Ashish Nehra 11 Jasprit Bumrah With the team finding some rhythm and opening their campaign with a

tered by Virat Kohli’s ice. India grooved to the Asia Cup title; Pakistan suffered a pre-mature exit and were in chaos, with some barbs even directed at captain Shahid Afridi.

Both sides have played just a match in the World T20 so far, but have had vastly different results. The pressure is now on India who had custard pie smashed on their faces by the largely unheralded spin trio of Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Nathan McCullum. Things seem to be falling in place for Pakistan at the right moment: the top order delivered on Wednesday against Bangladesh, as did Afridi. Once-upon-a time finisher, Shoaib Malik is back to slip in to a similar role, and can also bind the innings if there is a (familiar) implosion.

The Kolkata pitch has been on the sluggish side, but Pakistan’s penchant for pace is their way of life. India’s middle

thumping win, Pakistan may not disturb their combination either.

Pakistan (probable) 1 Sharjeel Khan 2 Ahmed Shehzad 3 Mohammad Hafeez,

4 Umar Akmal 5 Shoaib Malik 6 Shahid Afridi(capt) 7 Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk) 8 Imad Wasim 9 Wahab Riaz 10 Mohammad Amir 11 Mohammad Irfan

Former greats pin high hopes on Shahid Afridi

Pakistan looks a very dangerous side, says Sangakkara

Kohli gifts Amir bat in fresh show of love

KOLKATA AGENCIES

SpOrTS DeSK India’s Virat Kohli gifted comeback Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir one of his bats Friday, a gesture that grabbed attention ahead of the mouth watering World T20 clash between the arch rivals. The star Indian batsman took the bowler by surprise as he handed over the prized bat to Amir during a pre-match practice session at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata. The 23-year-old pacer has had to face stiff resistance from many quarters including his own teammates after serving a prison term and a five-year ban for spot-fixing in a Test match against England at Lord’s in 2010. Kohli, 27, has however openly welcomed Amir’s return to the international fold.

Waqar confident Pakistan will beat India SpOrTS DeSK Pakistan coach Waqar Younis on Friday said he is confident Pakistan will win against India at their World T20 clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. “Pakistan has an advantage over India because of latter’s defeat against New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament,” said Younis. “They have lost the last game and they must be worried that they can get knocked out of the tournament. That’s a huge worry especially when you are playing in your home ground,” he said. “It’s an added pressure on them,” Younis added. The national coach further said that Pakistani bowlers can be real “game changers” in the tournament. “Even though Bumrah and Nehra are brilliant bowlers, we take edge with the pace given our bowlers can bowl up to 145-150 km/hr.

Apart from Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz can also be a match winner for us,” he said. The former fast bowler also praised Imad Wasim, who is has been making a name for himself in the spin department.

Barcelona to face Atletico Madrid, PSG meet Man City

ISLAMABAD APP

Former cricket stars on Friday pinned hopes on skipper Shahid Afridi to repeat his allround skills for the second time when Pakistan take on traditional rivals India in the eagerly awaited clash of the World Twenty20 as the sun sets on the lush green Eden Gardens of Kolkata.

The former cricket greats believed the flamboyant all rounder Shahid Afridi could play a key role in national team’s win against their arch foes. Afridi, who has been under fire after Pakistan s poor performance in the Asia Cup T20, played superbly both with the bat and ball in national team’s win against Bangladesh in their opening match of ongoing T20 World Cup on Wednesday. Batting legend Javed Miandad said he wants Afridi to repeat his heroics of Bangladesh match when time comes for Saturday’s encounter.

“Afridi has to bat up in the order. He must get maximum over s. He can be a terror,” Miandad said. The former cricket great also praised Kolkata crowd, stating Kolkata has only sports loving people.

“They are passionate. Sports should not be a war as the world makes fun of us (when

we behave this way),” Miandad added. Former superstar Wasim Akram said that Pakistan would psychologically be in a better frame of mind in the match against India.

“Pakistan are going to the game after a convincing win in their opening match. “So psychologically they will have an edge over Indians as they suffered defeat in their first match against New Zealand,” Wasim said.

He also asked Pakistan team to adopt an attacking strategy against Indians. “If Pakistan manage to get a couple of wickets in the power play session, they will be in a position to push India to the back foot,” the former captain said. Former Test Captain Aamir Sohail says bowlers would have to work hard in the high profile World Twenty20 encounter.

“If India wins the toss and bats first, our bowlers will have to take early wickets in order to restrict the Indian batsmen to a low total. “But if our batsmen are put to bat first, then they will have to take the responsibility and show some real performance like they did in the match against Bangladesh,” said he.

Sohail said: “In case India prepares a flat pitch, Pakistan will have an edge over the arch rivals.But if they prepare a turning pitch, then India will have an upper hand”.

As Shahid Afridi’s team gear up for Saturdays clash with pre-tournament favourites India at the Eden Gardens, former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara says Pakistan “looks very dangerous” and should not be written off. “I think it’s going to be very tight [game] and could be a classic,” Sangakkara wrote in his syndicated column on Friday. “Pakistan looks very dangerous to me after their win against Bangladesh.” In an obvious reference to Pakistan’s no-win record against India in World Cups, Sangakkara warns that “reputation and form ... provides no protection in an event where there are so many dangerous teams.” The key, he says, is not losing early wickets. “When they take early wickets, which they often do, it gives India the upper hand,” said Sanga, as the wicket-keeper batsman is popularly known. “If Pakistan don’t lose those early wickets, it will be easier for them in the middle overs,” said the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs and the fifth-highest in Tests. Sangakkara said Pakistan to their credit have “a good all-round team” with the opening combination of Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Shehzad quite settled.

Moreover, Mohammad Hafeez at No 3 was “really good”, and the “evergreen” Afridi looked “rejuvenated”, the Lankan great said. “His presence is one of the reasons that Pakistan have the luxury of a very balanced bowling attack that includes quality spin and also a dangerous pace attack.” But Sangakkara also warns against complacency, maintaining that while India’s bowling attack may be less balanced it was nevertheless “still strong”.

IMRAN KHAN REACHES KOLKATA TO RALLY PAKISTAN AHEAD OF INDIA MATCH

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Barcelona will face fellow Spaniards Atletico Madrid, runners-up two seasons ago, in the Champions League quarter-finals following the draw in Nyon on Friday. Barca, bidding to become the first team to win the trophy two seasons in a row, will get the chance to avenge their defeat at the same stage two years ago when Atletico won 1-0 at home after a 1-1 away draw.

Paris St Germain, who last reached the semi-finals in 1995, will face fellow big spenders Manchester City in the other outstanding tie, with the first leg at the Parc des Princes.

Ten-times champions Real Madrid were pitted against German side VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich will face Portugal’s Benfica. Both Bundesliga teams will play the first legs at home.

Pakistan’s legendary cricketer Imran Khan left for India on Friday to attend the 2016 World Twenty20’s marquee clash between the two sub-continent giants.

A buoyant Pakistan side will take on the hosts India at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 19.

But Imran, who would be accompanying his once most trustworthy striker Wasim Akram, will be much more than a spectator.

He will be providing captain Shahid Afridi with “experience-

based tips” to rally Pakistan, who have a history of underperforming against India in big games.

“Shahid Afridi had sought my advice on Pakistan’s match against India. I don’t know what exactly Pakistan team’s grey areas are, but I will try to give them suggestions in the light of my own experience,” Imran told reporters at his Bani Gala residence. “I’ll suggest the players against succumbing to any pressure.”

Pakistan have a psychological edge over India Imran Khan has tipped Pakistan team as favourite to win against the arch-rival India in the World

Published by Arif Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore.

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Twenty20 match scheduled to be held at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Saturday.

“Pakistan have a psychological edge over India this time,” he said after arriving in Kolkata Friday evening. The Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) chief said the high intensity match will be difficult for the both teams. “Pakistan-India match will be difficult for the two sides.”

Talking about the Indian team, Imran said MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli were such players who could perform in under pressure.

“Situation in a Twenty20 match changes after every two balls are bowled, the PTI leader said.

He went on to say, “If I were a captain in tomorrow’s match, I would never think about taking any pressure.”