Daily BN for 06 08 17

CMYK

Daily published simultaneously from Lahore & Multan

Volume 7, Issue No. 108

Lahore Edition

Ameer Muqam urges Imran Khan to focus on KP's development

Nissan's US workers vote against joining UAW

DETAILED STORY — PAGE 2

DETAILED STORY — PAGE 6

Price 4

Pages 8

Sunday, August 6, 2017. Zeqad 13, 1438 A.H.

Editor: Asad Mumtaz

I wish to hold my peace for now, says Nawaz ISLAMABAD: In an informal conversation with journalists on Saturday, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said that though he has a lot to say on the circumstances surrounding his ouster, he wishes to remain silent for now.

He had arrived in Islamabad from Murree, where he had been staying since his ouster from Prime Minister House last week. He had been disqualified from holding public office by the Supreme Court on July 28 in its verdict on the Panama Papers case for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset. He was welcomed by scores of his followers on his arrival in the capital. "How could I declare a salary I never received from my son's company?" he asked journalists on Saturday.

The former premier also insisted that no evidence of corruption could be found against him despite the investigation of his father's company records.

Warning that there will be a state of anarchy in the country if it "did not walk on the right path", Sharif said Pakistan is right now on its way to prosperity and will continue to grow. The thrice-deposed premier also stressed the need for a political consensus.

He emphasised the need for unity amongst political parties and recalled that he had accepted the PPP's mandate in Sindh after the 2013 elections.

"Even during anti-government protests and sit-ins [led by the Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf], we never took an offensive stance," he recalled. Commenting on former president Pervez Musharraf's recent remarks in an interview to BBC Urdu, Sharif challenged him to return to Pakistan. Musharraf, who is

facing a treason trial for imposing a state of emergency in the country on Nov 3, 2007, had said that dictatorships had a better track record compared to democracy in Pakistan.

"Musharraf wanted to sign the NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) with me," Sharif claimed. He also claimed that he was told to meet Musharraf, ostensibly to strike a deal, several times; instead, he signed the Charter of Democracy with the late Benazir Bhutto.

Sharif said that his expulsion from the country after Musharraf's coup in 1999 was a trial for him, but had also taught him a lot. He added that it was important to learn from one's mistakes, but it seemed that the country had learned nothing from the 1971 secession of Bangladesh.

He also asked whether the courts could ever hold a dictator accountable for his actions, noting that no one has so far been held responsible for the "murder" of Nawab Akbar Bugti. Sharif, currently staying at Punjab House Islamabad, later met with political allies including Jamiat Ulema-iIslam-Fazl chief Fazlur Rehman, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party head Mahmood Achakzai and former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar, among others. He was slated to address a rally in Lahore on Sunday, but has reportedly changed his initial plan of heading to Lahore via the Motorway on Sunday and will instead take the GT Road on Wednesday.

Sharif, who reportedly changed his plans on the insistence of his party cadre, is expected to address PML-N workers and supporters in cities along the GT Road as he makes his way to his home turf. -APP

Nawaz Sharif accorded warm welcome at Bhara Kahu ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was accorded a warm welcome by a large number of supporters of Pakistan Muslim League (N) when he arrived Bhara Kahu on his return to Islamabad from Murree.

People from the Bara Kahu and adjoining localities had assembled at MurreeIslamabad highway at Bara Kahu to welcome their leader. They showered flower petals on their leader and raised slogans in favour of

the former Prime Minister.

Nawaz Sharif, for some time, disembarked from his car, waived hands to acknowledge love of his supporters.

Later, the former PM left for Islamabad to attend a meeting of Pakistan Muslim League (N) convened at Punjab House. Nawaz Sharif was given warm welcome at Punjab House.

Nawaz Sharif is chairing a consultative meeting of PML(N) which is being attended by the top leadership of the party. -APP

ISLAMABAD: Ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif waes to his supporters at Barakah. -Online

Exports policy to be framed with stakeholders consensus

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Commerce and Textile Pervaiz Malik Saturday said that relevant stakeholder will be taken on-board to frame such policies that improve the country's business environment and the exports.

In an interview with Radio Pakistan, he said the country will be taken forward as per the vision of former PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif whose ultimate objective was to be made Pakistan the Asian tiger. He further said that the government is committed to timely completion of all ongoing projects including CPEC to transfer the benefit of development to the people. -APP

KHYBER AGENCY: General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) meets with troops at Rajgal valley during his visit. -Online

Pakistan experiences slow internet as submarine cable goes offline KARACHI: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) informed on Saturday that Pakistan is experiencing slow internet as IMEWE, the international underwater cable responsible for bringing internet to Pakistan, has gone offline due to technical problems.

A spokesperson from PTCL said that a major flaw in IMEWE had occurred near Saudi Arabia, while another official said the fault has disrupted the country's entire internet infrastructure.

The PTCL spokesperson also said that Jeddah has started making efforts to repair the cable, but added that "restoring the network will take some time."

"In its absence, PTCL is working towards an alternative network to provide users reliable internet," PTCL's Chief Business Development Officer Sikandar Naqvi told media. According to media, two other submarine cables, SEAMEWE 4 and TW1, have been

offline since last month due to similar flaws, which has resulted in a bottleneck after IMEWE's breakdown.

The loss of these three submarine cables leaves Pakistan relying on SEMEWE 3, SEAMEWE 5 and the AAE1 submarine cables, out of which SEAMEWE3 operates in a limited capacity, while the other two were installed only recently, sources said.

The 25,000-kilometre-long AsiaAfrica-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine internet cable was brought online on July 2. It will now be put to the test as the bulk of the country's network load will fall on it until the IMEWE cable is usable again.

Along with Pakistan, the AAE-1 cable system connects Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Greece, Italy and France. It is the world's largest submarine cable system built in

more than a decade.

It can provide the lowest latency express internet route among dozens of countries and regions across Asia and Europe, China Unicom, a key stakeholder in the project, had said in a statement when it was operationalised.

At least three submarine cables, connecting Pakistan with rest of the world, have gone offline due to faults, we have checked with sources. It must be mentioned that IMEWE submarine cable carries significant amount of Pakistani bandwidth and its down-time is going to hit local ISPs with very serious challenges. While SEAMEWE 4 and TW1 submarine cables were already offline since last month - due to faults of similar nature. They are still being repaired.

With today's fault in IMEWE, Pakistan's majority of back-haul bandwidth is currently unavailable and all sorts of internet in the country is currently operating under severe capacity. -APP

Indian troops kill 3 Kashmiri militants in gun battle

Govt slashes price of petrol

by Rs 1.80

SRI NAGAR: Three Kashmiri militants were killed in a gun battle with Indian troops on Saturday, triggering a new round of antiIndia protests and clashes.

The fighting began after government forces raided a cluster of homes on a tip that suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were hiding in India-held Kashmir's northwestern Sopore area, said police InspectorGeneral Muneer Ahmed Khan. He said that as the soldiers began searching homes, they came under gunfire from militants.

In the ensuing battle, three militants were killed and a police official injured, he said.

"During the encounter three militants of LeT were eliminated," a police statement said, adding that three automatic assault rifles were recovered from the site of the clash. As the news of the killings spread, protests and clashes erupted in several parts of the region as residents chanted slogans against Indian rule and in favour of the separatists who have fought against New Delhi's rule since 1989.

Soldiers fired at rock-throwing protesters in Bandipora area and wounded at least three civilians. In an escalating confrontation in the last seven days, at least 10 militants and four civilians have died in five gun battles and subsequent anti-India clashes. Two

ISLAMABAD: The government on Saturday announced a reduction of Rs1.80 per litre in the price of petrol and of Rs2.50 per litre in the price of HighSpeed Diesel (HSD), while keeping the prices of kerosene and light diesel oil unchanged.

Reinstated Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who made the announcement in a live transmission, said that petroleum prices could not be changed before the commencement of the ongoing month due to the vacuum of leadership in parliament.

The new prices will be applicable by 12am tonight, he said. The price of petrol has been reduced to Rs69.52 from Rs71.32, while HSD will be available at the rate of Rs77.40 after a reduction of Rs2.5 from Rs 79.90 per litre. -APP

Indian army soldiers also have been killed in an ambush.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep in Indiaheld Kashmir's mostly Muslim population and most people support the separatists' cause against Indian rule. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.

In recent years, Kashmiris, mainly youths, have displayed open solidarity with anti-India elements and sought to protect them by engaging troops in street clashes during military operations against the militants.

The anti-India protests and clashes have persisted despite the Indian army chief warning recently that "tough action" would be taken against stone throwers during counter-insurgency operations.

Separatist groups have largely been suppressed by Indian forces in recent years and public opposition to Indian rule is now principally expressed through street protests. Meanwhile, The joint resistance leadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik has said that Hurriyat leaders arrested by India's National Investigating Agency are being subjected to mental torture in New Delhi. -APP

Pakistan heading towards a normalised state: COAS RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday said Pakistan is heading towards a state where the writ of state and supremacy of law would be "second to none", said a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

"With the full backing of the nation, we are heading towards a normalised Pakistan where writ of state and supremacy of law would be second to none and where every

Pakistani, whether in cities, tribal or far flung areas will be able to play their positive and rightful part in Pakistan's progress," the ISPR quoted the army chief as saying.

General Bajwa was visiting the forward areas in Khyber agency's Rajgal valley, where the armed forces are conducting Operation Khyber-4 to clear the strategic valley from militant elements.

The army chief was given a detailed briefing on the ongoing oper-

ation and was told that the Army has cleared 90 percent of the objective area.

He also appreciated the professionalism of the Army and Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which was responsible for pin-point targeting of militant hideouts and strongholds, leading to fewer casualties in the ground forces.

"On completion of this operation Khyber Agency would be free of terrorists' influence thereby providing environment for return of TDPs and

development prong to proceed," said ISPR. Khyber Agency will be free of terrorism on completion of the KhyberIV operation, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa promised during the visit to Rajgal valley . He also promised that the return of temporarily displaced persons will soon become possible.

In a detailed briefing on the operation, Gen Bajwa was informed that armed forces have cleared over 90 per

cent of the target area of terrorists.

The army chief appreciated the professionalism of the participating troops and the support of the airforce in "skillful targeting of the terrorists' strongholds," according to a statement released by inter-Services Public Relations.

"With full backing of the nation, we are heading towards a normalised Pakistan where writ of state and supremacy of law would be second to none and where every Pakistani -

whether in cities, tribal or far-flung areas - will be able to play their positive and rightful part in Pakistan's progress," Gen Bajwa said while talking to officers and troops, the army's media wing stated.

Earlier, Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Butt and IGFC KP North Major General Shaheen Mazhar Mehmood, Commander Khyber-4 operation received the COAS on arrival in operational area. -APP CMYK

National

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Sunday, August 6, 2017

PTA receives 10,237 complaints against telcos in three months

MULTAN: PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi along with Ch Sarwar and Qari Haneef Jalandhri of Wafaq ul Madirs talking to media persona. -Inp

PQYC chalks out programme to celebrate Independence week ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Qaumi Yakjehti Concil (PQYC), in coordination with Directorate of Federal Education has chalked out a comprehensive to celebrate Independence week from August 8 with zeal. The PQYC would organize different programmes in the federal capital to mark the 70th Independence anniversary of the motherland, Pakistan, said a statement issued here Saturday.

The weeklong programme was chalked out at a special meeting of the council held under the Chairmanship of Nasim Ahmed Usman who on the occasion lauded services of Director Federal Education, Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi for his cooperation in organizing the programmes. As per the programme, Quran Khani, Mehfil Darood and special prayers for the martyrs of Pakistan would be held on August 8. On August 9, a competition of national songs would be organized at Margallah Post Graduate College for Women while on August 10 a speech competition on the topic of "We and Today's Pakistan" would be held in the same college.

On August 11 stickers would be distributed with written message "What Pakistan has given to us and what we gave to our country." While on August 12 meetings of children would be organized with different leaders. On August 13, Sunday a 500 feet flag of Pakistan would be hoisted in Lakeview Park. Under a special programme titled "Diya Jalayay Rakhna, Ghar ki Khatir sou Dukh Jheelay, Ghar tou Akhar apna hai" candles would be lit to encourage young generation of the country to work for the development of the country and take it towards progress and prosperity. -APP

Pakistani baby with rare heart disease treated in Noida ISLAMABAD, Aug 5 (APP): A team of doctors at Noida (India) gave a new lease of life to a three-year-old Pakistani child who was suffering from a rare heart disease, found in one among 200,000 children.According to a Health News Channel, Mohammad Bilal was suffering from Uhl's anomaly. The muscles on the right chamber of his heart were weak and enlarged,which increased pressure on his heart's left chamber. "As a result, the child's heart was not functioning properly and the pumped blood was unable to reach the his lungs resulting in high risk for his life, doctors said in statement on Friday. Bilal was treated with fontan procedure and right ventricle exclusion from circulation method, a critical surgerical procedure that took about five hours.

"Under this procedure, the entire blue blood of the child's body was pumped directly into his lungs through a tube and the right chamber of the heart is removed," doctors said. "Due to prolonged illness, the child had become very weak, hence, he was kept on ventilator for four days post surgery. Along with this, he was given medicines so that his body gains immunity and does not develop any infections," doctors added. Bilal was also given a high calorie, high protein and vitamin diet through feeding tube to ensure speedy recovery. He was discharged last week, the doctor said. -APP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received 10,237 complaints from consumers against different telecom operators including cellular service providers during last three months, of which 9,832 were addressed.

The redressal rate of all complaints from telecom consumers was 96.04 per cent. The authority had established a special cell which receives complaints telecom operators including mobile phone, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), Long Distance International (LDI), Wireless Local Loop (WLL) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). As per data, PTA receives 3,121 complaints against PTCL during April-June, 2017.

Telenor stands at second position as a telecom operator with 2,095 complaints lodged during the same period.

In terms of the segregation of complaints by individual operators, a total of 2,095 complaints were received

Ameer Muqam urges Imran Khan to focus on KP's development ISLAMABAD: PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) President Ameer Muqam has urged PTI Chief Imran Khan to focus on development of KP instead of pointing fingers at others.

Talking to a private news channel, he expressed serious concerns over lack of health facilities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said no burn center was established during the four year PTI-led government.

Ameer Muqam further said PML-N would sweep the next elections on the basis of its performance. -APP against Telenor which was 30 per cent of total Cellular Mobile Operator (CMO) related complaints. Cellular mobile subscribers constitute a major part of the overall telecom subscriber base, therefore, the maximum number of complaints belong to this segment.

Total number of complaints against CMOs during April-June 2017 stood at 7,002.

Mobilink, which has the largest

number of consumers, was second with 1,889 i.e. 27 per cent of the complaints were received against it.

Zong stood third with 1,432 complaints i.e. with 20 per cent of the total complaints.

Ufone had 969 complaints against its various services which make up 14 per cent of the total CMO related complaints, followed by Warid with 617 i.e. 8.8 per cent complaints. -APP

Kashmiris being subjected to all kinds of oppression: Mirwaiz ISLAMABAD: Chairman Hurriyat forum, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that people of Kashmir are being subjected to all kinds of oppression and even religious places are a target of this repression.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who continues to remain under house arrest, addressing a public gathering over phone in Srinagar said, another front that has been opened by Indian authorities is through their investigat-

ing agencies and media to malign Kashmiris' freedom movement, defame Hurriyat leadership and demoralize the Kashmiri people, KMS reported.

Even religious and educational institutions that hold a special reverence and respect for people like Anjuman-e-Auqaf, Anjuman-eNusrat-ul-Islam and Dar-ul-Khair are being targeted by the NIA, he added.

Mirwaiz said that such tactics to

defame the genuine sentiment in Kashmir and to build pressure on pro-freedom leadership had failed in the past and were destined to fail this time too.

He said despite such aggressive stance adopted by New Delhi, the Kashmiri people are committed to their goal of seeking dignified resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

"Kashmiris have given supreme sacrifices for the last seven decades and our struggle is based on justice

and democratic principles," he said and urged people to remain steadfast and show forbearance at the critical juncture in their political struggle.

Strongly condemning the killing of yet another civilian, Ghulam Mohiuddin Butt of Arwani by Indian forces, he said, "It is extremely sad that people of Kashmir have lost the right to life because they are demanding resolution to the Kashmir dispute through political means." -APP

Rivers Indus, Chenab, Kabul, Swat flow in medium, low flood ISLAMABAD: The Federal Flood Commission (FFC) said Saturday that River Indus was flowing in Medium Flood at Kalabagh-Chashma and Chashma-Taunsa and at low flood at Tarbela and Guddu.

According to FFC report, rivers Kabul in Warsak-Nowshere reach and Swat at Chakdara bridges are also flowing in low flood. Rest of the main rivers i.e. Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej including River Indus in SukkurKotri reach are flowing normal. At present Tarbela & Mangla Reservoirs elevations are 1537.00 feet & 1229.35 feet respectively, which are 13.00 feet

& 12.65 feet below their MCLs of 1550.00 feet and 1242.00 feet. Thus the Combined Live Water Storage is 86.52 % of the total live storage capacity (i.e. 13.856 MAF). Overall flood management procedures and safety requirements are being kept in focus by the Dam Management Authorities while operating the reservoirs.

As per Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), Lahore, yesterday's trough of Westerly Wave persists over North-eastern parts of Afghanistan, whereas Seasonal Low still persists over Northeastern Balochistan. Weak moist currents from Arabian Sea are penetrating

into upper & central parts of the country upto 5000 feet. FFD, Lahore has predicted dry weather over most part of the country during the next 24 hours.

However, isolated thunderstorm may occur over Punjab (Rawalpindi, Sargodha, gujranwala, Lahore and DG Khan Divisions), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Malakand and Hazara Division) and upper catchments of river Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutleg during the same period. Prominent rainfall events during the past 24 hours included Islamabad 33mm, Tarbela 18mm, Gujrat 12 mm, Sialkot 09mm, Malamjahha 08mm and Marala 05mm. -APP

Green tea extract might help to prevent cavities

‘Newly-elected PM to continue development agenda of PML-N’ ISLAMABAD, Aug 5 (APP): PML-N leaders have said that newly-elected Prime Minister will continue PML-N's agenda of economic development in the country. While talking to Radio Pakistan, PML-N leader Mian Abdul Manan has said that PML-N has always worked for the democratic system in the country.

He said that the induction of new ministries in the cabinet is a positive development.

Meanwhile another PML-N leader Mehmood Bashir Virk has said that democratic system is far better than dictatorship. He further said that the democratic system in the country has not been destabilized and it is a need of unity to put Pakistan on road to progress and development. -APP

ISLAMABAD: A team of researchers has developed a new formula made with an extract from green tea that can fix the problem of sensitive teeth as well as help prevent cavities.

The study shows that green tea extract epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) stood up to tooth erosion, abrasive brushing and prevented biofilm formation, Health news reported. When the protective layers of teeth

GB Directed to expedite rescue, relief activities in flood-affected areas Islamabad town ISLAMABAD, Aug 5 (APP): Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman has directed Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority to expedite relief activities in flood affected areas. According to Radio Pakistan, he has also directed all concerned departments to provide relief items and food to affected people besides restoration of roads and power supply. Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority has also established a control room in Gilgit to monitor the situation. The control room can be contacted at Phone numbers 05811920874 and 920875. -APP

shuts for 2nd day against killing of youth

Efforts underway to restore traffic on Naran Babusar Road

ISLAMABAD: Complete shutdown was observed in Islamabad town, Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) on the 2nd consecutive day on Saturday against the killing of two Kashmiri youth martyred

by Indian troops. The troops had killed the youth, Yawar Nissar and Ghulam Mohiuddin Butt, during a cordon and search operation at Kanelwan in Bijbehara area of the district on Thursday late night, KMS reported. People staged forceful demonstrations in Lal Chowk, Sherpora, Achajipora, Janglat Mandi and Achabal Adda localities of Islamabad town. Indian police and troops used brute force to break up the demonstrations, triggering clashes between the protesters and the forces' personnel.-APP

ISLAMABAD, Aug 5 (APP): Efforts are underway to restore traffic on Naran Babusar Road which was blocked due to floods and landslides in the area. According to a Private News Channel, Gilgit to lower Naltar road has been opened for traffic. In the meantime, electricity supply has been restored to Gilgit city and suburbs. The power supply was disrupted flood water inundated an eighteen MW power House in Naltar. -APP

Robbers loot millions, Karachi police fails to respond after repeated calls KARACHI: Robbers looted valuables worth hundred of thosands of rupees from a house in the Bufferzone area of the metropolis on early Saturday morning. The members of the household claimed that despite repeatedly calling police rapid response service 15 police authorities did not pick their call.

At least six robbers entered the house and when the family resisted the robbery attempt, the robbers assaulted the female and children of the family. The robbers looted as much as Rs10 million, ten tolas of gold, seven mobile phones and one laptop. -APP

are worn away, a bony tissue called dentin is exposed.

This tissue contains microscopic hollow tubes that, when exposed, allow hot and cold liquids and food to contact the underlying nerve endings in the teeth, causing pain.

Unprotected dentin is also vulnerable to cavity formation.

Researchers wanted to tackle sensitivity and beat the bacteria at the same

time. They took nanohydroxyapatite and EGCG - which has been shown to fight streptococcus mutans, which forms biofilms that cause cavities.

These ingredients were combined with the mineral silica nanoparticles, which can stand up to acid and wear and tear.

They tested the drink on extracted wisdom teeth and found that the formula plugged the dentin tubules. -APP

40 pc work on M3 section of Motorway completed ISLAMABAD: Over 40 percent progress of Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway (M3) has been achieved and the project would be completed by April next year, National Highway Authority (NHA) spokesman Kashif Zaman told APP on Saturday.

The project was started in February 2016 and it would cost Rs148.654 billion with design speed of 120km per hour, he said.

The 230km long Lahore?Abdul Hakeem (M-3) had been divided into four parts and being constructed by two contractors through a joint venture of M/s China Railway 20 Group and M/s ZKB. He said eight interchanges, eight bridges over major roads, 35 bridges over canals, and six underpasses and 316 culverts had been constructed.

Interchanges of M-3 would be located near the cities of Nankana Sahib, Samundri, Rajana, Pir Mahal, Darkana, Jaranwala, Mangatanwala, and Saigan. -APP

ATTOCK: Vendors displaying national flags to attract the customers at roadside. -Online

Surveillance system being developed for video streams to combat terrorism ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications is in process of developing an Automatic Surveillance System for Video Streams which would provide great support to Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in combating terrorism and capturing culprits.

The peaceful purposes of this project are monitoring crowd, restricted access points and counting occurrence of specific persons.

From technological perspective, one

tested technology that can provide some protection against terrorism is video surveillance.

They are quite common these days, resulting in sharp rise in surveillance data during last few years. This rate of increase has been gathering speed in underdeveloped and developed countries alike. Only in United Kingdom, there are 4.2 million closed circuit TV cameras installed, one per every 14 people. National ICT Fund, a department of the Ministry is funding the project at a

cost of Rs. 26.62 million. Principal Investigator's Organization (PIO) is AlKhwarizmi Institute of Computer Science, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore and project is expected to be completed by August next year.

As per details of the project here on Saturday, technically, this project mainly encompasses automatic understanding of visual scenes based on individual contents/High Level Features (HLFs) present in the videos.

By extracting high-level features, such as human's face, age, gender, emotions, actions and objects, human-human interaction, human-object interaction, scene settings etc., we can easily obtain interpretation of a video stream.

It merits mentioned here that Pakistan is world's sixth most populous country and in Asia has much geographical importance because of its strategic location. Firstly, Pakistan is fully nourished with natural resources. Pakistan enjoys all the features of nature like sea,

desert, mountains, and rivers. Secondly, in this region there are four seasons which results in variety of natural and synthetic products.

Pakistan shares its border with very prominent countries of this world. It also provides sea transportation facilities to many landlocked countries.

Despite these blessings, still Pakistan is a developing nation. It has not been able to utilize its potential. There is no wonder that it is engulfed with a number of social and economic problems like

poverty, lawlessness, illiteracy etc. but terrorism is proving to be the biggest threat to progress.

There are a number of dimensions of this problem that require thorough treatment with political, economic, social, justice, security and technology setups of the country. The video surveillance procedure is becoming common in Pakistan as well. A huge amount of data is collected by cameras every day, but question remains how to make meaningful use of this data. -APP

City News

Sunday, August 6, 2017

3

National Action Plan for citizens LAHORE: The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) on Friday unveiled 'People's NAP', a simple version of the 20-point National Action Plan for ordinary people.

People's NAP was shared by PILDAT at a public forum that was addressed by Mujeeb ur Rahman Shami, editor-in-chief of Daily Pakistan; Lt-Gen (r) Moinuddin Haider, former governor of Sindh and former interior minister of Pakistan; Marva Khan, teaching fellow at the Lahore University of Management

Sciences and Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of PILDAT. The forum was attended by Habeeb Akram, Rauf Tahir, Hafeezullah Niazi, Dr Murad Ras, Vikas Hassan Mokal, Waheed Gul, and Azma Bukhari.

Giving an overview of People's NAP, Ahmed Bilal Mehboob stated that it explains in detail each of 20 points of the National Action Plan. Each point highlights the role and responsibilities of each stakeholder, including governments, parliament and provincial assemblies, citizens and CSOs in implementation of NAP. Shami highlighted NAP's impor-

tance as a consensus document and expressed his dismay at a lack of progress on criminal justice reform.

Lt-Gen Moinuddin Haider termed NAP a constant struggle, saying that terrorists had been trained for thirty years therefore they could not be rooted out in two or three years. He however appreciated the strides made by the Punjab government in implementation of the National Action Plan. Marva Khan highlighted a lack of proper connection between the State and the Society as an important problem in implementation of NAP. –APP

PML-N in action for NA-120 votes

Contraband seized, 13 arrested SARGODHA: The police have arrested 13 persons and recovered narcotics, liquor and illegal weapons from them.

Police spokesman said here on Saturday, during ongoing drive against drug-pushers and criminals Shahpur Sadar police conducted raids and arrested 13 drug pushers and criminals. The police also recovered three-kilogram Hashish, 50 bottles of liquor, four pistols, two guns, one rifles 444-bore and one Kalashnikov from them.

Police have registered separate cases against the accused. –APP

Faith-healer kidnaps follower’s daughter TOBA TEK SINGH: A 'fake' faith-healer allegedly kidnapped the young daughter of his follower on Friday. Complainant Muhammad Younis of Ghazi Abad locality informed the city police that Pir Maqbool Ahmad used to visit his house frequently for the spiritual treatment of his ailing daughter. He alleged that his daughter was alone in the house when Pir Maqbool came and abducted his daughter. The police have launched hunt for recovery of the girl. –APP

One killed, 7 injured in road accidents FAISALABAD: A man was killed while seven others were injured in different road accidents in district Faisalabad during the past 12 hours.

Police spokesman said here Saturday that one Javaid, a resident of Chak No 247-RB was travelling on a motorcycle rickshaw when a speeding vehicle hit him near Chak No 64-GB killing him on-the-spot. In other accidents, Iqra (24), Khursheed (30), Jawad Ashraf (30), Muhammad Saleem, his mother Rasoolan Bibi and a relative Zainab Bibi were injured and shifted to hospital for treatment.

One person held over fraud charges: One person was arrested by a special team of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on charges of fraud in the limits of Saddar police station here on Saturday. According to police, Sarfraz s/o Abdul Qadeer who allegedly received Rs 4.9 lac from the complainant Bilal for sending him to Dubai for job.

Later on, neither he sent him abroad nor returned his money. FIA's Sub-Inspector Ghulam Abbas along with local police conducted a raid and arrested the accused.

Man found dead in mysterious circumstances: A man was found dead under mysterious circumstances in his house in the area of Thikriwala police station.

Police said here Saturday that one Qasim Ali, a resident of Chak No 275-JB, was sleeping in his house when five unknown assailants stormed his house and opened fire on him.

As a result, the man received serious injuries and died on-the-spot. The police shifted the body to hospital for autopsy.

8 injured in roof collapse: Eight persons were injured, when a roof collapse in the area of City Tandlianwala police station on Saturday.

Police said, that the roof of an old house, owned by Abbas collapsed, in Mohallah Shamspura. As a result, 18-year-old Abu Bakar, 20-year-old Zahida Abbas, 15-year-old Amina, 45-year-old Nasreen, 26-year-old Iram, 21-year-old Muhammad Hussain, 25year-old Sidra and 20-year-old Sabeeha were buried beneath the debris.

Rescue 1122 rushed to the spot and pulled out the victims out of debris and shifted them to hospital for treatment. –APP

LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Friday started electioneering in NA-120 Lahore, which fell vacant after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif as PM. Dozens of PML-N workers, including women and the youth, visited their voters as part of their door-todoor drive to vote their candidate CM Shehbaz Sharif in the upcoming by-election.

A group of PML-N supporters raised slogans in favour of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Led by former MPA Dr Zamurrad Yasmin and Punjab chapter VP Muhammad Saeed, the PML-N supporters toured Krishan Nagar, Prem Nagar and Sannatnagar distribute pamphlets and other material among residents to motivate them to vote for the PML-N candidate in September 17. –APP

52 ‘outlaws’ held in one day FAISALABAD: The police have arrested 52 alleged criminals including 24 proclaimed offenders in Faisalabad during the past 24 hours.

Police said here on Saturday that, police have conducted different raids in which 52 owtlaws, who were involved in various crimes were held and recovered four pistols, three kilograms of charas (Marijuana) and 165-litre liquor from their possession. Police have registered separate cases against the culprits. –APP

LAHORE: Children selecting dress contain national flag at local market. Preparations to celebrate the 70th Independence Day are in full swing to mark the occasion in a befitting manner. –Online

‘Quality healthcare services being provided to patients’ LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafique on Saturday said that the government was focusing on provision of quality healthcare services to patients in hospitals and control the spread of diseases.

The minister was addressing the launching ceremony of Mass Drug Administration for Trachoma under global elimination of Trachoma, organized by the National Trachoma Task Force Pakistan at a local hotel here.

He said that a comprehensive prevention of diseases programme was being implemented in Punjab.

Besides Chairman National Committee for Eye Health Pakistan and Prof of Ophthalmology, King Edward Medical College, Prof Asad Aslam Khan, Director International Trachoma Initiatives Paul Emerson, Medical Advisor

CBM Dr Babar Qureshi, Regional Director Tanja Kern, Country Director Farah Naz, Country Manager Fred Hollows Foundation, coordinators from different provinces and a number of experts attended the ceremony.

Prof Asad Aslam Khan informed the participants that National Trachoma Task Force has conducted a survey regarding trachoma disease in 54 districts of Pakistan and it was revealed that one of the major causes of blindness in Pakistan is the disease of trachoma.

He said that the percentage of the disease was very high in Kamber Shehzad Kot and Chattral. He said that medicine would be administered to the people at mass level to eradicate the disease. The Pfizer company would provide medicine while distribution and courier arrangements could be done by the CBM. On this occasion, the health minister appreciated

the efforts and collaboration of National Trachoma Task Force, National Committee for Eye Health Pakistan, WHO, ITI and Fred Hallows Foundation Pakistan.

Kh Salman Rafique said that these organisations and NGOs were actually helping the federal as well as provincial governments for a greater cause to overcome the diseases.

Court moved against YDA: A petition has been

filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) for action against the agitating doctors.

The petition was filed by Majeed Ahmad wherein the provincial government, secretary of health and Young Doctors Association have been made respondents.

The petitioner submitted that a group of young doctors had paralysed hospitals and roads in Lahore. He mentioned that emergency and outdoor services were closed in all big government hospitals and many deaths took place due to it.

5 water thieves held

Govt boosting forest cover to mitigate climate change impacts engaged, in this connection.

The secretary said, including Punjab government, various entities had already had started work on the monsoon plantation with enough stocks of saplings in nurseries in various parts of the province.

It is pertinent to mention here that the federal government recently approved a 'monsoon campaign' aims to plant more than 100 million saplings across the country.

Besides, KPK will plant 70 million saplings, Sindh 14 million saplings, Balochistan 750,000, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 3.75 million, the Fata 1.01 million, Ministry of Defence one million, Heavy Industries Texila 1,000, the Pakistan Ordnance Factories 4,000 and the IUCN 500,000 saplings, he added. –APP

FAISALABAD: An employee of Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), department feeding to birds in Canal Park. –INP

Nawaz to be accorded warm welcome in Lahore LAHORE: Federal Minister Pervaiz Malik, provincial ministers Rana Mashhood and Zaeem Qadri have said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will be accorded a historical reception upon his arrival in Lahore.

They were addressing a press conference at Lahore Press Club on Saturday. Pervaiz Malik, who is also Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Lahore president, said that the Panama case verdict was a very strange decision. He said that civil society, legal experts and the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) expressed their reservations on the decision. He said we have the right to go for review of the decision.

Pervaiz Malik said that peo-

ple of Lahore would set a new record of public gathering upon arrival of Nawaz Sharif in the city. He said that Nawaz Sharif left no stone unturned to serve the people of Pakistan.

He served the nation and worked for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and launched the war against terrorism. He said: "I urged people to ensure joining the event in maximum numbers."

Zaeem Qadri said that the PML-N had implemented the Panama decision. "We have left this verdict to the history to judge its credibility," he said.

He said Nawaz Sharif lives in the hearts of people. "He is a leader of the nation and we will render him an honour for his services," he added.

PMDC can enforce last year's admission policy:

The Lahore High Court Friday allowed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to implement its 2016 admission regulations for medical and dental colleges for new admissions.

Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza passed the order, observing that the PMDC could implement its policy for new admissions and the colleges were free to approach the council in case of any grievance. The new regulations empower University of Health Sciences (UHC) to conduct admissions to medical and dental colleges. –APP

Varsities symbol of national integration, says VC AIOU

MULTAN: Five people allegedly involved in water theft were arrested in the last couple of days. A task force, led by Assistant Commissioner Shujabad Abdur Rauf, held crackdown in Shujabad and Sikandarabad and arrested Muhammad Shahid, Ghulam Yasin, Rana Nazik, Muhammad Shaukat and Sikandar for stealing water from canal. The accused were sent to Shujabad police station. –APP

LAHORE: The provincial government was committed to boost the forest cover in the province under Green Pakistan Programme (GPP) to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the most effective way.

This was stated by Secretary Punjab Forest Wildlife and Fisheries Department, Capt (r) Jahanzaib Khan while talking to APP here Saturday. "Punjab was on its way to plant 12 million saplings in the province during monsoon season" he said. He further said the Punjab government was revamping the forest sector to tap its full potential to drive prosperity in the province Jahanzaib Khan said that all provincial and federal government organizations, educational institutes, corporate sector, the NGOs and media were being approached and

He submitted that the public also faced inconvenience due to doctors' agitation on roads. He contended that the doctors could not stop the medical services under the law. He pleaded with the court to declare the doctors' strike illegal and directives be issued for registration of cases.

"Nawaz Sharif struggled for basic rights of the people. I request everyone living in every province, city and town to come ahead and join the event as well as our struggle."

Rana Mashhood said: "The only crime of Nawaz Sharif is that he worked for people." He said that gathering of people upon arrival of Nawaz Sharif will be like a referendum in favour of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leadership.

"We want to ensure sanctity of vote. We want to take Pakistan forward, eliminate terrorism, bring financial stability and strengthen the country," he added. He said that the implementation of article 62, 63 of the Constitution should be equal for all. –APP

MULTAN: Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui said that universities are a symbol of national integration as the AIOU functions across the country.

He said that they were going to launch matric education free-of-cost in FATA and Balochistan areas in the first phase, and it would be extended to the south Punjab and Sindh in the second phase.

He said that they were offering free education to prisoners across the country, adding that 1,000 prisoners in various jails were getting education through distance learning programme of the AIOU. He said that it's a positive activity and would be helpful for them in becoming good citizens. The VC expressed these views while addressing a seminar titled "Column writing and society" here at the AIOU regional office on Saturday. He said that the university was also offering free education to drop-out girls in 8th class, adding that 400 girls were getting education through this project in Thatha only.

He said that they were going to introduce education programme for special persons free-of-cost, adding that access ability centres were also functional at 44 regional centres across the country.

He said that the university was focusing on research work and 23 national and international conferences had been conducted so far in this regard. –APP

Opinion Kashmiri’s struggle is unique

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Sunday, August 6, 2017

Lahore & Multan Email: businessnewspk@gmail.com

Understanding CPEC Common sense would suggest that investments under the CPEC banner present an enviable opportunity for our economy to jump onto a significantly higher growth path on a sustainable basis. The principal constraint in conducting a fair assessment of the latent returns to our economy from CPEC is the general opaqueness of the provisions driving these investments. Officialdom assures us that only a part of the funds is being provided in the shape of loans (and at affordable rates of interest). The rest of the financing is in the form of investments in energy and does not carry debt liabilities.

From the information, one has been able to glean, the guaranteed returns range from 17 per cent to 20pc in dollar terms on the investment/equity in the power sector (rising to more than 25pc if we add on all the exemptions granted on customs duties, both federal and provincial GSTs and other allied taxes).

These high guaranteed returns, complemented by our poor governance of the energy sector, will keep the price of energy high, affecting adversely the competitiveness of the economy in general and the exporting sectors in particular. The cost per megawatt of these coal-based power plants has also not been shared to enable a comparison with international standards. This is important because, as explained, the returns are a guaranteed percentage of the equity, incentivizing over-invoicing of imported equipment, enabling not just the recovery of the investment upfront but also furnishing a guaranteed return on this over-invoiced amount.

What is uncertain is the impact that CPEC could have on our growth rate, given our weak global competitiveness owing to our deformed tax structure, poor governance and lack of skills. It limits our ability to integrate into Chinese-driven value chains. A greater worry would be the possible folding up of many of our businesses, not being competitive.

As things stand, without a competitive industrial (perhaps even the agricultural sector), we may have to be content with, like the good 'rentiers' that we are, simply collecting toll taxes for our much-marketed 'strategic location'.

The outcomes of these deliberations could introduce an intriguing twist to our strategic policies for the region as we seek funding to service our debts and commitments under CPEC - with a dreaded currency mismatch resulting from most earnings in rupees servicing dollar liabilities. Lest we forget, the IMF has no currency of its own, nor does it manage one. It essentially lends in US dollars which is also the currency for discharging CPECrelated obligations. If political analysts are right in asserting that the Americans are not happy with our Afghan and regional policies and our attempts to get closer to the Chinese, their monopoly over their currency and their clout in the Fund provide them a leverage beyond just a role in the finalization of IMF conditions.

M Bilal HE freedom movement of Kashmir started in 1931. In spite of the fact that 500000 people have sacrificed their lives, thousands have become homeless and suffered heavy losses of their property; this movement still continues with zeal and zest.

Seventy years have passed now. It is a national freedom movement and a large part of the population is taking part in it. It is a public and democratic movement. India is trying to crush it with the merciless use of power and violence. But the poor and helpless people have refused to surrender before Indian forces. Old, young, men, women and even students are participating in this movement fearlessly. We should understand completely that the use of terrorism for political purposes is a kind of militancy in which common citizens are harmed. On the contrary, the freedom movement is a polit-

T

ical struggle for the right of self-determination of a wretched or miserable nation. Generally, the occupying forces try to suppress it by state violence and power. During this struggle, people who are the victims, have to resist and strike in response. This struggle for the right of self-determination and freedom is a political process. If we have to use force against military forces of the occupying state, even then this struggle will remain a movement of resistance.

It cannot be called terrorism.

This legal and natural right is admitted in the charter of the UN and various resolutions of the General Assembly.

Especially the resolution no, 1514(15) of 1960, which is regarded as the "Declaration on Granting Independence to Colonial Countries and People". If the occupying force uses power against them during this struggle, then the authority changes into belligerent occupation. In this situation, civil disobedience and use of legitimate force is a right of the movement of resistance and it is recognized as a right to self defense in law. From the American freedom movement, under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson (1826-1743), up to Ireland, Aljazire, Kenya, South Africa, there are more than one hundred countries that are included in this list. South Sudan, Eastern Timor, Kosovo, Bosnia, Palestine and Kashmir are the recent examples of it. That's why every use of force is not regarded as violence or ter-

rorism in international law. The legitimate war that is based on positive struggle for rights, defense and freedom is an admitted fact. The use of force collectively in the war of selfdefense and freedom in the charter of the UN is a clear example of it. The UNO supported the wars that were fought for the right of self-determination. When the nations achieved freedom, it acknowledged them as free and legitimate states. Christopher O Quaye, an expert of international law, has mentioned this rule in these words "Almost in all freedom movements an essential element is use of power. The UN has encouraged the freedom movements in its resolutions continuously and regarded some of them as courageous, it shows that the UN accepts the use of force as legal." (Liberation Struggle in International Law. Philadelphia, Temple University Press 1991. Page282). He again writes, "Terrorism and the struggle for freedom are not the same activities. All institutions of the UN have a consensus that every struggle for the right of self-determination is lawful and genuine." The experts of international affairs who do not accept this position or stance so openly, they are also compelled to say that every use of force is not terrorism.

In the Penguin Dictionary of International Relations this concept is expressed in these words, "No agreement could be prepared on the issue of terrorism to prevent it. The basic rea-

son is that there are some problems to define it according to the political priorities. A man is a terrorist for someone and freedom fighter for the other.

That's why international law is unable to explain it." (Graham Evans, Richard Ninham. Page-177).

However, he acknowledges that the political right of self-determination has been recognised now. It has a relation with the right of the people of a region, that they should decide their future by themselves. "According to the rules of the political right of self- determination, people have a right to decide without any pressure. This concept is found in the (American) declaration of independence in 1776 and in the human rights declaration of France. The UN has tried on different occasions to relate this concept with the abolition of the colonial period and in this way it could be regarded as legal right and a positive duty instead of a desire only."

(Page477-478). In the light of this debate, we can analyze that the freedom movement of Kashmir has no relation with terrorism. America has violated the international law openly by declaring Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist. There is a logical consequence of this action. America has included Syed Salahuddin in a caravan of freedom fighters which has 1st American president Jefferson, Nelson Mandela, Jomo Kenyatta, Mugabe, Abdul Qadir Aljaziree, Sabhash Chandar Boss and Bhagat Singh as its members.

Developing the institutions

Rights Violations

Hassan Ahmad

With questions of political and economic uncertainty on the horizon, issues related to human rights often get sidelined in the country. This has not gone unnoticed in the international community - a committee of the United Nations recently pointed out that the Pakistani state has to address a large number of failings on the human rights front. From abductions by state institutions to increasing the tempo of executions through the death penalty, the Pakistani government has not done enough to protect the rights of its citizens; in fact, on many occasions, it has colluded in the marginalization. The UN's dissatisfaction with the state of human rights in Pakistan is to be expected.

The laws that need to be passed to guarantee human rights often aren't, even when they are implementation is a problem and finally, the institutions that are sworn to protect not only fail in their duties but also add significantly to the problem. The government's lack of control over intelligence and law enforcement agencies for instance, is a glaring failure on its part - citizens are picked up, tortured and killed for charges unexplained, all under the guise of national security. False accusations and lynching through the blasphemy law are on the rise and press freedom is consistently clamped down upon through overt and subtle threats to journalists. The standard argument in defense of state-sponsored human rights abuses is always that the protection of national security trumps human rights. But while it is important to remember that Pakistan is a country fraught with turmoil, and certain steps of the government perceived to be harsh have been deemed necessary there have been too many occasions where the state has gone too far, or not far enough.

Even if we take the security situation into account, there must be some measure of accountability of law enforcement and intelligence agencies; at the very least, all of them should be answerable to the government, which is not the case currently. Beyond that, the state is expected to make more of an effort towards safeguarding rights - laws such as the draconian cybercrime law has exacerbated the issue of rights instead of protecting them (which was the state intention). There is a need to focus on one of the most important aspects of governance - the protection of basic and inalienable rights.

HE main purpose of introducing the Local Government System was to empower the people at the grassroots level and to transfer power from the elite to the masses. This system of grassroots democracy envisaged yielding new political leaders. It was also anticipated to solve people's problems at local level, allow public participation in decision-making and ensure the provision of speedy justice. The essence of this system was that the Local Governments would be accountable to the citizens for all their decisions. It would enable the proactive elements of society to participate in community work, development related activities and would remove rural-urban divide.

The new Local Government plan was an effort on the part of the Military Government to lay the foundations of an authentic and enduring democracy.

In order to establish democracy at grassroots level, the regime of General

T

Pervez Musharraf, introduced the Local Government System. This was not a new experiment in Pakistan.

Ayyub Khan had undertaken a similar effort in this direction by introducing the Basic Democracy System. This new system of Local Government was installed on August 14, 2001, after holding of elections. Direct elections on non-party basis were held in five phases for members of Union Councils, Union Nazims, and Naib Union Nazims during 2000 thru to 2001. On the basis of these direct elections, indirect elections were held in July-August 2001 for Zila Nazims and Naib Zila Nazims and also for TehsilTown Nazims and Naib Nazims. In order to attract people towards electoral politics, the minimum age for local government elections was lowered from 21 to 18 years. One-third seats were reserved for women.

The District Government consisted of the Zila Nazim and District Administration.

The District Administration consisted of district offices including sub-offices at Tehsil level, who were to be responsible to the District Nazim assisted by the District Coordination Officer. The District Coordination Officer was appointed by the Provincial Government and was the coordinating head of the District Administration.

The Zila Nazim was accountable to the people through the elected members of the Zila Council. A Zila Council consisted of all Union Nazims in the District, which consisted of members

elected on the reserved seats. These seats were reserved for women, peasants, workers, and minority community. The Zila Council had its Secretariat under the Naib Zila Nazim and had a separate budget allocation. Adequate checks and balances were introduced in the System.

The middle tier, the Tehsil, had Tehsil Municipal Administration headed by the Tehsil Nazim. Tehsil Municipal Administration consisted of a Tehsil Nazim, Tehsil Municipal Officer, Tehsil Officers, Chief Officers and other officials of the Local Council Service and officials of the offices entrusted to the Tehsil Municipal Administration. The Tehsil Municipal Administration was entrusted with the functions of administration, finances, and management of the offices of Local Government and Rural Development, and numerous other subjects at the regional, Divisional, District, Tehsil and lower levels.

The lowest tier, the Union Administration was a corporate body covering the rural as well as urban areas across the whole District. It consisted of Union Nazim, Naib Union Nazim and three Union Secretaries and other auxiliary staff. The Government allocated Rupees 32 billion to the Local Government in 2002. The funds were deposited in the account of the District Government. The District Government further distributed these funds to Tehsil and Unions. In addition to the fiscal transfers from

the Province, the Local Governments were authorized to generate money from their own sources by levying certain taxes, fees, user charges, etc.

It is, however, pertinent to make a special mention that it is only in the absence of elected assemblies that local governments are the popularly elected bodies and play important political and developmental roles. After the election of Senators and members of the provincial and national assemblies, its role has been again substantially marginalized. The elected representatives of National and Provincial Assemblies usually take over some functions, which local governments used to perform and as such in many ways they are prone to intervene in the evolution of proper and improved Local government. Local governments suffer from the fact that their existence is not constitutionally ordained and they are a mere extension of the provincial government. In the Constitution, the allocations of the functions of the federal and provincial governments are clearly specified whereas the existence of local government is not formally embodied in the Constitution. Moreover, financial, technical, and bureaucratic constraints plus limited revenue (merely 5 per cent of revenue generated by the government) cause the poor and almost non-existent local government for most of the time.

A culture of corruption Hamza Jaffry ORRUPTION has become synonymous with our existing system and is pushing our nation to a dead end. Favoritism, nepotism, misappropriation of public fund, bad debts and misuse of power are on the rise.

Corruption has gained roots in our society because of wrong decisions and weak policies of the successive governments. The agencies responsible for checking corruption have completely failed in their mission. Thus accountability seems non-existent. First of all we must define the corruption. Apparently, it would look like suspicious financial transaction alone. But that is too narrow view. Corruption today has become a way of life and it encompasses the ideological, moral and ethical values of society.

It has become a part of our culture. Think about everyone else who is engaging in corruption. If we don't do the same thing, will not it be to our loss? If a thousand people are engaging in cor-

C

ruption, the one who doesn't is only hurting himself. Corruption is a series of developed reactions to the same situation that has strengthened with time and repetition.

Corruption evolves as a result of evasion of ethical and religious norms. Religion always asks the believers to have a solid strive in bringing a moderate society. It agrees in favor of decentralized economy. Regulation of wealth according to rule of law is the motto of Islam.

Islam explicitly condemns the existence of corruption in every form. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared that; "Damned is the bribe giver (or corruptor)-the bribe taker (the corrupted) and he who goes between them". In this scenario, there is no room for cooperation, fair play and justice. It is all about who is better, powerful, influential and dominating than the others and also about how you use your advantages to control your opponent by talking away his or her assets.

While addressing to the constituent assembly of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam said, "One of the biggest curses from which India is suffering is bribery and corruption that really is a poison.

We must put that down with an iron hand".

His words were not directed at any particular group. He foresaw corruption as a deadly virus, a poison which could sap the very foundation of a state and lay it open to all kinds of dangers. In America the rising expenses of elections have created a strange situation. The Jewish business magnates have turned into kingmakers because of their money and the entire American nation is being held hostage to

Mail Box The benefits of learning English Actually, English is an international language in the world.

Most people are using this language in the daily life.

It is an important language because we use this language to communicate with other country's people. We also use English in many places. For example, it is used in computer language, movies international business and so on.

Furthermore, many people think that learning can get big benefits.

And the question arises we say that why learning can get big benefits?

Because you can come to an international person, because you can

improve the changes in jobs and because you can communicate with any people in this world.

English is common in everywhere.

When you play the computer you will use English talk to others and when you go traveling you will speak English to ask the roads. In addition, you can know many friends in the world so learning English is a good way to communicate with foreign people.

Therefore, it can let you gain more and more knowledge for studying English.

–ASIMA TAQI, (Absor)

CIA’s drug war Golden Crescent (Pakistan & Afghanistan) and golden triangle

their ability to provide enormous amount of money for the election of key contenders. This is also a form of corruption which is monopolized by a few people. The position in the East is worse because the democratic system has not been institutionalized. And because of this practice the level of corruption is much higher while the level of discipline much lower.

In China and India, corruption is gaining momentum. The indiscipline is also following in the footsteps of corruption and several uprisings point out that corruption has gained firm roots in soil too. The major reason of fast creeping corruption is political instability, poverty, unequal structure of society, unemployment, lack of accountability, weak political institutions and absence of rule of law. Resultant they are affecting political stability, equal distribution of resources and power, confidence of local and foreign investors and political institutions.

Incompetent judiciary in terms of not bringing the culprits in to the gallows of law and absence of bringing the corrupt politicians and policy makers to the books is another decisive factor in today's sorry state of affairs. In the same manner, the unnecessary delay in deciding the cases of corruption is a clear explanation of the adage: the justice delayed is justice denied.

The discussion on corruption in Pakistan would never be complete without having a glance on National Reconciliation Ordinance, a symbol of corruption in Pakistan. It was promulgated by a military dictator to serve his own vested interests. It freed all the politicians and

(Vietnam, Laos, Burma, Thailand) are origins of opium productions around the world.

CIA operate and manage the drug's cartel covertly to support her war and economy.

The same was done in the 19th century by the East India company and Anglos. First (1839-1842) & second (18561860) opium war fought between Anglo's and China by the British to legalise opium trade and besides this 56-58% of the revenue were being generated by the British empire through the opium trade and this provided them with economic boost to bring whole of the India under their subjugation by launching multiple wars.

The war in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Jorden, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are being supported by the CIA through this drug production and supply around the world.

This is how the US is waging a

civil servants until 1990, who were convicted on charges of corruption. PPP and PML (N), the big political giants remained the beneficiaries of this ordinance. Under the provisions of NRO, the civil servants, politicians and major industrialists were given a safe passage to escape from all the charges of corruption and made them free of any sin. NRO, most appropriately can be termed as the law that legitimized corruption in Pakistan.

All the above-mentioned factors have brought Pakistan at number 139th among the most corrupt countries of the world.

According to CPI report, Pakistan has 2.3 score out of 10 which shows its position very weak while on contrary, New Zealand showed 9.4 out of 10 in the race and toppled the entire scenario. Pakistan on the other hand, is lagging behind in all spheres of life. This is the outcome of corruption that Pakistan has lost its identity and failed to establish its credibility in the whole world. It is pity that we are working without effective planning. Whole of the society is running aimlessly with no destination or target in view. In the process, everyone picks whatever he finds on his way. It is also one of major reason of backwardness. If we want to kill corruption at grass root level, we will have to cap those cavities where the virus of corruption nourished. If we confine ourselves to the systems alone, we will, at the most, be applying cosmetic treatment. It merely touches the tip of the iceberg. For a more lasting solution we will have to adopt effective measures to check corruption.

war and bringing her hegemony on the world.

–ADNAN IQBAL, (Karachi)

Falling on deaf ears!

LDA Lahore is perhaps the most inefficient authority of Pakistan. I have written umpteen letters that the contractors digging roads in Lahore does not repair dug out roads in Lahore.

This results in severe jolts to motorists passing over the dug out roads but the LDA authorities have perhaps deafness in ears that do not listen to repeated calls for road repairs. The super efficient C.M. of Punjab is perhaps powerless over the LDA officers that do not listen to complaints in national press.

–MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI, (Lahore)

Revisit KBD It is being advised to revisit KBD which has been declared to become a victim of politics. It need to be revisited by herculean efforts of Prime Minister. If he had been successful to bring around all the provinces to build KBD, it will add another feather in the PM's.

Who can wait for a deacde to build Bhasha dam at a cost of $14billion. Much could happen in ten years to thwart Bhasha dam.

–MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI, (Lahore)

Frankly, this saxophonist on the Boston T (underground) has done a better job than the rather miserable effort on Coke Studio.

–Abbas Nasir

News in Daily Pakistan utterly false. Even if offered no question of my acceptance to the position of Attorney General. Malicious gossip –Asma Jahangir

According to newly-emerged observations, Moenjodaro has proven to be the largest Bronze Age city of the world.

–Sikandar Ali Hullio

IK is hurling false allegations on my father, should tell about his father who was terminated over corruption: Chairman PPP –Majid Agha

Write to us editor@dailybusinessnews.pk fb.com/DailyBN twitter.com/BusinessNews

Once out of office everyone wants to cash-in on issues of #Balochistan.

What NS did for Bugti case when He was PM? Petty Politics on display –Adnan Aamir

Market Insight

Sunday, August 6, 2017

5

End of uncertainty at the PSX KARACHI: Pakistan's stock market seems to be responding positively to the ousting of Nawaz Sharif from PM office.

Not only did it recover from its steep intra-day losses last Friday when the judgement was announced, it continued its gains yesterday as well.

One would have been tempted to say that market pundits are only responding to the 'end of uncertainty' - as some players argue - instead of the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif. That view may hold some truth but it doesn't hold a lot of ground in the face of various Whatsapp videos, showing a rare display of 'bhangras' at the PSX floor on Friday amid slogans of #GoNawazGo, and 'judges zindabad'.

As for the 'end of uncertainty' argument, this column would advise investors to think twice before joining the bullish bandwagon jump started by the punters.

Remember how the stock market reacted jubilantly right after the April 20th Supreme Court order when it decided to

QUETTA: A man collecting bundle of animal foods before delivery. –INP

FOREX RATES F.C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LOW RATE Australian Dollar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Bahrain Dinar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .278 Canadian Dollar . . . . . . . . . . . .84.25 China Yuan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.6 Danish Krone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16.6 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126 Hong Kong Dollar . . . . . . . . . . .13.4 Indian Rupee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.6 Japanese Yen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.94 Kuwaiti Dinar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .347.5 Malaysian Ringgit . . . . . . . . . .24.45 NewZealand $ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77.75 Norwegians Krone . . . . . . . . . .13.15 Omani Riyal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272.5 Qatari Riyal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28.6 Saudi Riyal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28.35 Singapore Dollar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Swedish Korona . . . . . . . . . . . . .12.8 Swiss Franc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107.85 Thai Bhat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.05 U.A.E Dirham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 UK Pound Sterling . . . . . . . . .140.25 US Dollar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107.9

. . . . .HIGH RATE . . . . . . . . . . . . .84.8 . . . . . . . . . . . . .280 . . . . . . . . . . . . .85.1 . . . . . . . . . . . .15.75 . . . . . . . . . . . . .16.9 . . . . . . . . . . . .127.2 . . . . . . . . . . . .13.65 . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.67 . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.97 . . . . . . . . . . . . .350 . . . . . . . . . . . . .24.8 . . . . . . . . . . . .78.45 . . . . . . . . . . . . .13.4 . . . . . . . . . . . .274.5 . . . . . . . . . . . .28.95 . . . . . . . . . . . .28.55 . . . . . . . . . . . . .78.8 . . . . . . . . . . . .13.05 . . . . . . . . . . .108.75 . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.15 . . . . . . . . . . . .29.25 . . . . . . . . . . . . .142 . . . . . . . . . . . .108.2

BULLION (10 GRAM) 10 GRAM GOLD 24 CT GOLD 22 CT SILVER

43628.00 39992.00 625.71

1 TOLA GOLD 24 CT GOLD 22 CT SILVER

50900.00 46658.33 750.85

FBR collecting data to broaden tax net ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to broaden the tax net during the current financial year, sources said.

Sources told Customs Today that data of financial transactions will be collected from different sources. The FBR will analyze this data at the head office to identify new taxpayers on the basis of CNICs. However, the data of non NTN holders will be forwarded to National Data Base Registration Authority (NADRA) for verification of addresses and after confirmations, notices would be issued to them u/s 114 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

The data will be collected from banks, motor registration authorities, car manufacturers, commercial

and industrial electricity subscribers, Sui gas, immoveable property registration authority, private construction companies, cellular phone companies, NADRA, Pakistan Engineering Council, withholding statements, school and college fees.

The FBR has directed all field formations to launch surveys and collect the data of all professional doctors, engineers and lawyers. The FBR will also encourage the field offices to identify new cases within their respective jurisdictions. It is important to mention here that FBR collected the data of over 5.6 million people during the last financial year. The FBR has decided to make the current BTB campaign different from the past and has adopted a new strategy to improve its working. –BN Report

NEC forecasts 4.93pc growth KARACHI: Meanwhile, a bit of good news on the macroeconomic front! Recall how at the time of last released Economic Survey, the National Economic Council (NEC) had forecast a full year Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) growth of 4.93 percent for the fiscal year ending June 2017. Recall also how this column had raised doubts over NEC's claims, arguing they are likely to have underestimated full year LSM growth.

Turns out that the LSM numbers released since then - and they are released with quite a lag - suggest that the full year growth will indeed be higher than previously estimated by the NEC. According to the latest industrial production index released

Dilemma of textile city project ISLAMABAD: After spending more than Rs2.5 billion public money on the Pakistan Textile City project, the government has decided to wind it up in the national interest. The ambitious project, factually an industrial zone dedicated to the textile processing and related industries, was launched in 2009 over an area of 1250 acres in Karachi.

The city was made public?private joint venture company driven by the vision to develop and operate a state?of?the?art industrial zone to boost value added textile products. But the project soon ran into financial troubles with liabilities reaching over Rs5 billion during the last eight years. After years of mismanagement, corruption and administrative failure, its board of governors has now decided to close it up.

A prominent board member told the Senate committee on ports and shipping that a general body meeting of the investors and shareholders has been called to decide the fate of the mega project.

At least 75 percent investors are required to vote for winding up the project, as it is allegedly causing Rs800,000 per day loss to the national exchequer. With a decision to close the project, the officials would continue the traditions of making and breaking process of the national building programme.

Now after years of illplanning and mismanagement, all the assets of the company will be disposed of and the land will be transferred to the Port Qasim Authority, which had earlier leased it to the city. –BN Report

by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the 11-month LSM growth stood at 5.58 percent. That's much higher than 3.49 percent in the eleven-month period last fiscal year, and 3.33 percent in the fiscal year before.

While being cognizant of the cyclical fall in the LSM index in June, this column estimates full year LSM growth to land between 5.73 and 5.82 percent, i.e. about 80-90 basis points higher than what's been earlier estimated by the NEC. In order to meet the NEC target, the LSM index would have to fall by 13 percent month-onmonth or 4.4 percent year-on-year, whereas nothing in economic fundamentals suggests such a steep decline to have happened in June.

Considering that the LSM is esti-

form a joint investigation team. By May 24th the punters took the market to new life high (52876 points), but eventually slipping to 43783 points by July 13th.

That close was just days after the JIT had submitted the report, and about 10 percent lower from the close on April 20th. How many fingers got burned? Plenty!

A similar episode might follow suit if investors throw caution to the wind.

While economic policies may continue until the next elections, political uncertainty may also continue in the months ahead. That political uncertainty doesn't only stem from the possible conviction of Nawaz Sharif after NAB's trial; it also stems from what lies ahead for Ishaq Dar and Shahbaz Sharif; the Hudaibiya case is said to be a can of worms, and worms are also known to eat men. Agreed, that the cases will take much longer than the Panama case, but uncertainty sees the news flow and likelihoods.

A host of possibilities exist out

there; some with only Nawaz in Adiala, some both Sharif brothers in; some with none. Each might have different political implications for the next elections. How does the market read PMLN's future without the Sharif brothers, or with one of them in Adiala, or with both of them back in the game?

The market hasn't really thought through these possible developments. But a clearer picture on these possible scenarios will eventually emerge during the accountability courts' proceedings. Until that time, smart investors should refrain jumping the bullish bandwagon and opt for cherry pick at lower levels instead.

What are the lower levels? Well, Qasim Anwar, Pakistan's first certified chartist working at AKD Securities says he expects the market to consolidate (marked by accumulation) between 44000 and 47600 points; his current downside expectation being limited 44000 points. –BN Report

PFC looking abroad for expansion LAHORE: A delegation of Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) left for the United States of America (USA) here on Saturday on a two-week visit to explore new markets and strengthen existing bilateral trade ties with the American business community.

The PFC delegation, headed by its Chief Executive Mian Muhammad Kashif, will avail the opportunity to study the latest designing of products and modern technologies in their fields to improve their businesses to compete in the global markets. Prior to departure for America, Mian Kashif told the media that such business-oriented tours could play a pivotal role for Pakistani furniture manufacturers in achieving furniture export target of more than one billion dollars annually in the international furniture markets.

To a question, he said Pakistan's major buyers of wooden furniture were Britain, USA, Sri Lanka

and Gulf countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait.

He said that the United States mostly purchases bedroom furniture, while the UK and the Gulf countries import kitchen and office furniture. He said that a British retail chain had sold some Pakistani furniture at its outlets and more than 80 per cent of the furniture demand there was met by Chinioti furniture. Combined with handicraft industry, he added that the furniture industry was employing about 50,000 people.

The PFC chief mentioned that Japan had great scope for Pakistani furni-

ture, because they liked Pakistani traditional handcarved furniture designs with classic finishing and similar designs could be replicated in the USA market; therefore, efforts must be made to promote furniture exports by more regular participation in international shows. All this could happen with the support of the government and a vision among furniture traders. He said that furniture with calligraphic engraving had great demand in local and international markets, which seemed to be dominant trend in Pakistan.

Therefore, Pakistani craftsmen should focus on working in this particular area to earn the muchneeded foreign exchange.

In this regard, he appreciated the PFC role in bringing the latest technical know-how in Pakistan to develop local furniture industry for manufacturing quality products, competitive in the international market. About boosting

furniture exports, he said that the government should remove hurdles in this regard and take steps to curb 'Sheesham' wood smuggling in the garb of raw material, besides awarding the furniture a status of full-fledged industry. On this occasion, PFC Secretary Hamid Mahmood said that the Council was planning a strategy to enhance exports and this sector could touch more than US$850 million export target by the year-end if training centre are opened in the country for imparting modern skills. Exports to Italy, France, the USA made around 55 per cent of total exports, he added.

He said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) should support exporters of furniture at international furniture exhibitions, assing that Pakistani foreign missions should also explore new avenues and hold fairs in their respective countries. –BN Report

mated to have 10.7 percent share in the country's total GDP in the year ending June 2017, the higher than estimated LSM growth implies that Pakistan's GDP growth for FY17 will likely be revised upwards on two accounts.

First, the direct, albeit nominal, impact of higher than estimated LSM growth on overall GDP growth; this column expects that impact be in the tune of 0.10 percent. And second, its cascading effects on the service sector GDP estimates. Granted that the overall impact on the GDP may still be nominal, but in the face of recent political setbacks, the PML-N government can be expected to shine their shop at the most modest of achievements. –BN Report

Minister vows to steer market for betterment LAHORE: Federal Minister for Commerce Muhammad Pervaiz Malik Saturday said with the active participation of the private sector and leading exporters, all out efforts will be made on priority to achieve the realistic exports target of $35 billions by 2018.

The minister was talking to Vice President SAARC Chamber, Chairman United Business Group (UBG) Iftikhar Ali Malik here. Pervaiz Malik said that his ministry would enhance co-operation with Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, its affiliated chambers and trade associations to address traders' problems. Iftikhar Ali Malik, welcoming the appointment of Federal Minister for Commerce Pervaiz Malik, said he will play a vital role in bringing reforms for boosting trade,

to turn the country's exports around and attract new investment through improving business viability in the country.

He assured the Minister of full cooperation on behalf of the business community in executing all positive steps of the government for promoting trade. "The export target can only be achieved if exporters are refunded Rs 300 billion.

These deposits were made by Pakistani exporters to ensure that they repatriate to Pakistan all their export earnings," he added. "A rise in exports will help the government boost its revenues and invest in the development of the country," adding he said unfortunately, Pakistan"s exports are stagnant whereas other regional countries have moved far ahead.

The minister after hearing suggestions advised the

business community to conceive forward planning in view of the prospects arising out of the mega regional development initiatives like China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Turkmenistan-AfghanistanPakistan-India Pipeline.

These mega projects, coupled with development of infrastructure in the form of motorways and upgradation of Gwadar port, would open new avenues of economic activities in the country, he added.

Pervaiz Malik said that it would be his endeavor to improve businesses viability and profitability which would certainly lead to growth in exports and investment. He said that all stakeholders will be taken into confidence prior to finalization of the trade policy in future and viable suggestions and proposals of the business community will also be incorporated. –BN Report

LAHORE: Newly appointed Federal Minister for Commerce Pervaiz Malik talking to media at Lahore Press Club. –NNI

Electronics post positive data KARACHI: The retail sector seems to be priming the economic pump. As per latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the overall output of the large-scale manufacturing (LSM) index grew by 5.69 percent in Jul-May FY17.

Among the top-three growth industries in the FY17 LSM index is 'electronics' - the other two being 'iron and steel products' and 'automobiles'.

Having a roughly 2 percent weight in the LSM index, the electronics industry grew by a recent high of 16.18 percent year-on-year in 11MFY17. The key electronics items illustrated in the graph have all grown between FY11 and FY16. However, the growth in refrigerators and air-conditioners has

been the most prominent. In the more recent period, there is double-digit growth all around, except for the TV sets. During 11MFY17, production of deep freezers grew by 28 percent, refrigerators 24 percent; electric fans 21 percent, and air-conditioners 10 percent, on a year-on-year basis.

In tandem with growth in domestic retail, the production of major electronics items is expected to continue its recent growth run. The middle-class, both its existing members and aspirants, tend to drive the purchases of white goods and electronics. If the economic growth gathers pace, the resulting higher per capita income will push the sales of both lifestyle and convenience products.

Already, there is an apparent proliferation of housing schemes in both major and small cities - a sign of upward mobility - that is also a driving factor in appliance sales.

While folks want comfortable lifestyles, not many households currently have that. As per Euro monitor, in 2016, mere 55 percent of households had a washing machine, 43 percent had a refrigerator, 20 percent had a microwave oven, and 16 percent had a deep freezer.

There is obviously potential there, more so in rural areas where ownership of household durables is markedly lower than urban areas. Continued flows of remittances and growth in farming incomes are going to be driving forces for electronics sales. –BN Report

Inflation likely to remain low in coming years KARACHI: Decline in tobacco prices has kept headline inflation subdued which is complemented by high base of perishable food items. Together, these two have nullified the impact of quarterly upward revision of house rent index. The CPI stood at 2.9 percent in July17, while on monthly basis; it was recorded at 0.34 percent.

The fiscal year has started on a good note.

Seeing the recent trend in SPI, WPI, and international oil prices, headline inflation is likely to remain suppressed in

the months to come. Lower food and oil prices have subdued inflationary expectations, although political uncertainties amid rising current account deficit are keeping chances of currency depreciation alive.

Nonetheless, food, tobacco and beverages prices are keeping inflation low. In case of tobacco, the government finally halted the practice of increasing excise duty in this year budget, and has given incentive for low price cigarettes to compete with illicit market.

The players pounced upon

the opportunity and are giving discounts - cigarette prices are down by 5.6 percent in one month and the fall is 16.1 percent on yearly basis.

The food price index though increased by 0.35 percent on monthly basis, decline in previous few months has made the base favourable, as on yearly basis, food index increased by a mere 0.7 percent in July. Items such as tomatoes, pulses and sugar are down in range of 1545 percent on yearly basis.

Food inflation is likely to remain low in August as the SPI

for the last two weeks of July which is to be registered in August inflation remains in negative territory. WPI is showing some decline as well - down by 0.24 percent on monthly basis while the increase is restricted to 0.66 percent on yearly basis in July. This is implying the prices are likely to hover in lower range in the coming few months.

The international trends are no different; as global commodity prices index is keeping inflation low. That is why despite the fact that house rent index increased

by 1.5 percent in July and 7.2 percent on yearly basis, headline inflation is likely to be negative on monthly basis next month.

Core inflation is under pressure as it increased by 5.6 percent in July while the monthly increase is double of headline at 0.7 percent.

The house rent index, health and education inflation are primarily responsible for high core inflation.

This is also implying that inflationary expectations are somehow alive and easing monetary policy coupled with

expansionary fiscal policy close to elections is having its toll on non-food non-energy prices.

Bottom line is that till the time currency peg to USD is intact, imported inflation would not come and given suppressed commodity prices, inflation will remain well within the SBP's target of 4.5-5.5 percent, and much below the budgeted target of 6 percent in FY18.

Had the external account pressure not been so pronounced, doves would have dominated seeing the encouraging inflationary trend. –BN Report

Around the Globe

6

Amazon shadow looms large ahead of retail earnings NEW YORK: As old and new Amazon.com (AMZN.O) competitors gear up to report earnings, investors are eager to know how they plan to withstand the growth of the No. 1 online retailer. So far this quarter, Amazon has been brought up in some 130 earnings calls from S&P 1500 .SPSUP components according to a Reuters analysis. About 50 of those came in the last week alone.

More than 30 companies reporting earnings in the following weeks mentioned Amazon during their most recent earnings call or were directly asked about threats or opportunities regarding Amazon's growth. "Any retailer, whether it's an online retailer or has online presence, or just brick and mortar, that tells you they're not concerned about Amazon, they're either in denial or lying," said Steven Osinski, marketing lecturer at the Fowler College of Business at San Diego State University.

Beyond retailers like Wal-Mart (WMT.N) and Target (TGT.N), and following Amazon's planned acquisition of Whole Foods Market (WFM.O) announced mid June, expect Amazon to pop up on earnings calls from food producers, packagers and retailers including SpartanNash (SPTN.O) and Dean Foods (DF.N).

Amazon mentions in less-expected earnings calls could also give investors an idea of where analysts expect the behemoth to strike next.

"It'll be interesting to see (Amazon CEO Jeff) Bezos' next move in terms of wanting to expand into a certain space," said Daniel Morgan, portfolio manager at Synovus Trust in Atlanta. He said apparel as well as pharmaceutical distribution were among the areas where Amazon has been said to make its next big move.

"They've shown up in places we didn't think they'd have competitive impact just two years ago." In a sign of Amazon's widening clout, industry bellwethers like McDonald's (MCD.N), 3M (MMM.N) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) in their latest earnings calls were asked for the first time about effects of Amazon on their businesses.

Consumer discretionary is the S&P 500 sector expected to post the smallest year-overyear earnings growth this reporting quarter, with a gain of 3.3 percent. Overall, earnings are seen rising 12 percent from last year.

Amazon's own results weigh on the sector, as it earned 40 cents per share instead of the $1.42 analysts had expected. But its 25 percent revenue increase to $38 billion was seen as a detriment to some competitors and could weigh down expectations for their quarterly reports.

"Expectations have been pushed down because a lot of the retailers, particularly the bricks and mortar ones, have had problems - Amazon and other related - so expectations are pretty low," said Nuveen Asset Management's chief equity strategist, Bob Doll.

"Amazon obviously has a very powerful model but on the other hand, they're not going to put every bricks and mortar retailer out of business. -BN Report

Toshiba to Cut Off Western Digital's Future Supply of Chips TOKYO: Toshiba Corp. took another stab at its U.S. joint venture partner, Western Digital Corp., saying it has no rights to new chip production that's vital to the future of both companies. The latest escalation of the fight between the two centers on a new factory called Fab 6. Toshiba said it will build the plant without any participation from its U.S. partner, thereby cutting off Western Digital from chips made with the factory's new technology. Western Digital inherited its stake in the joint venture when it bought SanDisk Corp.

"Toshiba is dismayed by Western Digital's pattern of exaggerating SanDisk's rights under the relevant agreements," the Tokyo-based company said Friday in a statement.

"Despite claims to the contrary, Western Digital does not now possess any legal 'rights' to participate in this phase of investment, which is an important investment in the next generation of flash memory."

Western Digital soon countered with a statement of its own, saying Toshiba's position is wrong and affirming its rights. "The terms of the agreements and our related legal rights are clear, and we remain confident that we will receive our share of any capacity from Fab 6," the San Jose, California-based company said. "We are continuing our constructive dialogue with Toshiba on this and other matters."

The two companies are locked in a legal fight over Toshiba's plan to sell its share of the joint venture to make up for multibillion-dollar losses in its nuclear power operations.

Western Digital argues that it has a say in the sale, as well as right of first refusal. Further legal wrangling could delay the sale to a group of preferred bidders, putting Toshiba at risk of being delisted.

Aspects of the dispute have spilled over into court. Western Digital said a judge in San Francisco on Friday agreed to change a temporary restraining order-prohibiting Toshiba from blocking Western Digital employees access to shared databases and other joint-venture facilities-into a preliminary injunction. The order also requires Toshiba to continue to supply materials and sample wafers to Western Digital in the U.S. Western Digital needs to retain access to output from new Toshiba factories as improvements in manufacturing technology are one of the key determinants of success in the memory chip industry. Newer plants and equipment typically produce better semiconductors more cheaply.

Toshiba said the talks haven't proved fruitful. "Toshiba provided an investment proposal to SanDisk earlier this year," it said in the statement. "Despite numerous meetings and negotiations, including at the CEO to CEO level, Toshiba's proposal was not accepted on the timetable set out in the agreements. " -BN Report

S&P revises Israel debt outlook to positive, keeps A+ rating WASHINGTON: Israel's improved economic growth and efforts to rein in spending prompted Standard & Poor's to raise the outlook on the country's debt profile, the credit rating firm announced Friday. While S&P held Israel's debt rating stable at A+, it improved the outlook to "positive" from "stable," which means it could raise the grade a notch in the next two years, the company said in a statement.

The agency praised the government for "measures that restrain future expenditure growth" which in turn "could enable the government to resist ongoing spending pressures," even amid recent tax cuts. "The rating action reflects our opinion that Israel's improved fiscal framework and strong economic growth could enable further progress on fiscal consolidation over the next few years," the agency said.

That progress would be even more likely if Israel sees stronger economic growth, S&P said, noting the country's "remarkable" economic performance since the 2008 global financial crisis. The economy grew four percent last year and is expected to expand by 3.1 percent this year. "We could raise our ratings in the next 24 months if the government makes further progress in lowering the public debt burden as a percentage of GDP" from the current 62.1 percent, the agency said. -BN Report

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Nissan's US workers vote against joining UAW CANTON: Nissan Motor Co. workers dealt the United Auto Workers another blow in its decades-long attempt to organize Japanese automakers' U.S. car plants, as employees at a Mississippi factory voted against joining the union.

Workers at the facility in Canton voted nearly twoto-one against joining the UAW, Nissan spokesman Paul Barage said in an email. The union has largely failed for years to organize Japanese, German or Korean automakers' American factories. The vote results are another setback to labor groups in the U.S., where the total share of workers who belong to a union fell to a record low last year. -BN Report

WASHINGTON: A man takes a photo of a graffiti depicting President Trump on the controversial Israeli barrier in the West Bank town of Bethlehem. -BN Photo

Jobs Growth Contributes to Uncommonly Strong US Economic Picture WASHINGTON: The U.S. economy is hitting a sweet spot seldom seen in past expansions, posting in July a record 82nd straight month of job creation and an unemployment rate at a 16-year low, despite slow growth in output.

Economic growth has been stuck stubbornly near a 2% annual rate, the weakest expansion in output since World War II. But by a range of measures the economy is pushing into new territory, including record stock-price highs, improving consumer confidence and rising corporate profits. Even wages, though rising slowly, are advancing at a healthy pace when adjusted for exceptionally low inflation.

The latest evidence was a Labor Department report Friday that showed U.S. employers added 209,000 jobs to payrolls in July and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3%.

With the July increase in hiring, the record stretch of monthly hiring is

equivalent to six years and 10 months, almost three years longer than the second-best streak, from 1986 to 1990.

Expansions tend to get tripped up by boiling excesses, like a housing bubble in the 2000s, a tech bubble in the 1990s and inflation in the early 1980s. But this economy appears to have some more room to run as it enters its ninth year.

Other parts of the global economy, including Europe and China, are contributing after stumbles in recent years, adding to global growth that is spilling back to the U.S. "Compared to six months ago, the global economic outlook has certainly shifted in a positive direction," said John Silvia, chief economist at Wells Fargo. In the U.S., "there are more jobs, and better jobs, and that's a confidence builder."

Hiring accelerated this summer after a spring slowdown, keeping job growth in line with last year's

pace despite expectations among some economists that hiring would cool this year.

Other economic markers are flashing green. The stock market is at records, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average topping 22000 this week. Low unemployment and modest inflation have stoked consumer confidence to the highest levels since 2000, and that could slowly be translating into more consumer spending, which accelerated in the second quarter.

That points to an economy set to outperform the long but sluggish expansion's 2.1% average annual growth rate through June.

"This is not a 2% economy," said Ellen Zentner, chief U.S. economist at Morgan Stanley. "If you look at the domestic economy, it's much stronger."

President Donald Trump touted July's job report on Twitter Friday: "Excellent Jobs Numbers just

released - and I have only just begun. Many job stifling regulations continue to fall. Movement back to USA!" The monthly pace of hiring has averaged 184,000 this year. That is remarkably consistent with the monthly pace of 187,000 during President Barack Obama's last year in office, despite the starkly different views of economic policy espoused by the two men.

Whether the new president's deregulation agenda is lifting job growth so soon into his presidency is an open question. One area where the administration has sought to pull back oversight is mining. That category, which includes oil-and-gas extraction, has well outpaced overall job growth this year, though it was nearly flat in July. Many analysts attribute the sector's rebound after two years of decline to the resurgence in oil prices tied to improved global demand. -BN Report

IMF Faces Internal Resistance Amid Push to Uncover State Corruption BRUSSELS: Sean Hagan, the IMF's top legal counsel, and other senior officials are exploring how the fund should strengthen the institution's oversight of corruption as critical to ensuring economic health.

The IMF's executive board said the fund's policy department should probe ways the emergency lender can better call out corruption ailing many economies around the world.

"Systemic corruption can seriously undermine a country's ability to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth," IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in a speech to the Financial Action Task Force plenary in late June. "We need to intensify our fight," the former French finance minister said.

Still, IMF management is facing resistance within the executive board to shining too bright a light on the issue at a country-specific level. In a board meeting late last month, several on the IMF's 24-member executive board said they are worried fund economists might be too forthright and sought to

limit the extent of the fund's corruption analysis, according to an IMF document and a person familiar with the discussions.

A handful of board directors "believed that the Fund should limit its engagement to the areas where it has a clear competence and where it could have better traction in its dialogue with member countries," the IMF said in a statement, referring to the confidential discussions fund economists have with governments.

Careful not to name the directors, the IMF said that the cadre of membercountry representatives questioned the fund's expertise on the matter. And while roughly half of the board said greater clarity in IMF reports would be helpful, a few board directors "cautioned‌that the use of direct language could have an adverse impact on Fund engagement with its members," the IMF said. Many of IMF's board members hail from nations that rank poorly on corruption indexes.

"Some countries fear being named-

and-shamed," a senior IMF official familiar with the matter said.

A spate of corruption scandals have toppled governments and heads of state over the past several years, from Brazil to Pakistan, Ukraine to Mozambique.

But beyond the political effects, widespread corruption can also take a huge toll on the economy. Public officials siphoning off state revenues into secret overseas bank accounts are stealing cash that could be used to build roads, schools and hospitals, programs vital to boost the ability of the economy to grow. Corruption can raise a country's borrowing costs and hinder needed policy overhauls. And by exacerbating inequality and undermining judicial, fiscal and other key state institutions, corruption can perpetuate the political instability that is anathema to growth and investment.

"In some countries, corruption is so pervasive that it has become the norm, with significant and long-lasting social and macroeconomic impact," the IMF said.

Buffett's Insurers Slump, Dragging Down Berkshire's Earnings

THAILAND: A general view shows a flooded area in Sakon Nakhon province. -BN Photo

NEW YORK: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is finding it hard to grind out higher profits this year, in large part because of slumping results at its insurance businesses.

Gains at the conglomerate's railroad and energy units weren't enough to overcome an underwriting loss during the second quarter, the company said Friday in a statement. Operating profit slid for the third straight period.

Buffett, 86, is still sitting on a mountain of cash. At the end of the quarter, his company had almost $100 billion. The record balance prompted the billionaire to say earlier this year that he hadn't put his "foot to the floor" on an acquisition for a long time. It also fueled speculation that he might buy something that's big even by his standards.

In the meantime, Buffett has been

finding other places to invest.

Berkshire bought a stake in a real estate investment trust and agreed in June to prop up Home Capital Group Inc., an embattled Canadian mortgage lender.

In early July, the energy arm of his conglomerate announced a $9 billion deal to buy the parent company of the largest electric-transmission operator in Texas, though the agreement is being challenged by Paul Singer's Elliott Management Corp. Berkshire has also held talks with Sprint Corp. Chairman Masayoshi Son about making an investment, according to a person familiar with the matter.

While those deals could soak up a lot of excess cash at Berkshire, its dozens of businesses continue to generate more. All together, they produced $4.12 billion of operating profit in the second quarter, an 11 percent decline

from a year earlier. Per share, the figure was $2,505, missing the $2,791 average estimate of four analysts surveyed

by Bloomberg.

The biggest unit, railroad BNSF, reported profit rose 24 percent to $958 million. The business has benefited from a surge in coal and other freight shipments this year as it continues to take market share from Union Pacific Corp., its main competitor in the western U.S. The insurance segment posted an underwriting loss of $22 million, compared with a gain of $337 million a year earlier. Some of the decline was at auto insurer Geico, which incurred more claims costs than a year earlier.

Buffett has said the business is willing to endure higher expenses as it adds new customers, because results will improve in longer term. -BN Report

Wall Street opens higher on strong US jobs report NEW YORK: Wall Street stocks pushed higher Friday, with the Dow moving past its seventh straight record, buoyed by a strong US jobs report.

About 30 minutes into the final trading session of the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1 percent to 22,050.16, retreating slightly from the open. The broader S&P 500 was up the same amount to 2,477.08, while the techdominant Nasdaq had barely budged at 6,345.13.

The closely-watched monthly employment report showed the US economy added 209,000 jobs in July, higher than analysts expected, pushing the unemployment rate back down to 4.3 percent. The strong gain for June was revised even higher. Meanwhile, the US trade deficit fell in June due to a surge in exports and a decline in imports pushed by a weaker dollar.

Analysts said investors also were cheered by another good batch of earnings reports released after markets closed Thursday.

Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare said mostly better-than-expected earnings and an employment report that was largely in line with expectations allowed the market to continue its upward climb.

"The key takeaway from the (jobs) report is that it fit that sweet spot yet again where job growth was strong but wage growth was not," O'Hare said. Energy and financial stocks were moving higher, with Chevron up 0.4 percent and American Express rising 0.55 percent. -BN Report

Dollar recovers, stocks rise after US jobs report LONDON: The beleaguered dollar got a shot in the arm from strong US jobs data Friday, with equities also pushing ahead as investors welcomed the unequivocal signs of American economic strength.

The world's largest economy added 209,000 net new positions in July, well above forecasts, driving the unemployment rate down to 4.3 percent.

The data possibly gives the Federal Reserve a clear shot at raising rates after months of inflation weakness clouding the outlook, dealers said, although some noted that wages are still not rising fast enough for comfort.

"The July jobs report from the US appeared to tick all the boxes when the numbers were released, strong jobs gains, higher participation and unemployment back at 16 year lows," said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda. "But as ever, there was one crucial component missing," he cautioned, "the path back to higher earnings continues to be a painfully slow one. The (workers') earnings numbers for June were once again the only disappointment in an otherwise stellar report." data temporarily dispelled gloom triggered by a report on a probe into alleged Russian interference in the US

election. They also helped European equities extend early tentative gains ahead of the weekend, as newly-found dollar strength took the pressure off the euro whose recent rise has been threatening to undermine the competitiveness of eurozone exporters. But fundamentals are still in favour of the European single currency, many believe.

"Investors are totally in love with the euro at the moment-it's come from a very cheap level and taken on a momentum of its own," William Hamlyn, investment analyst at Manulife Asset Management, told

AFP. "There's a general nervousness that this strong euro is beginning to impact European corporate profits-we are starting to see it in this quarter's results," he said.

Overnight, the revelation by the Wall Street Journal that special counsel Robert Mueller has convened a grand jury to investigate Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election-a step towards possible criminal indictmentssparked a furious reaction from President Donald Trump and dented gains on Wall Street.

The report sent the European single currency surging on Wednesday to

US Trade Gap Narrows 5.9% WASHINGTON: The U.S. trade gap narrowed sharply in June as a strengthening global economy pushes up demand for American exports overseas. The trade deficit with other nations contracted 5.9% from a month earlier to $43.64 billion, the Commerce Department said Friday. The deficit fell because exports rose 1.2% while imports fell 0.2%.

Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal expected a $44.1 billion deficit. The report offered encouraging news for the U.S. economy, which has grown sluggishly this year but is starting to reap more benefits from strengthening economies overseas and a weakened dollar. -BN Report $1.1910 -- its highest level since early January 2015. By mid-afternoon in

Europe Friday, the euro had retreated to $1.1829. -BN Report

Entertainment

Sunday, August 6, 2017

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South Africa loses two early chasing 362 OE Root survived one chance but not a second one, and Ben Stokes fell just before stumps, as England finished Day 1 of the final Test against South Africa on 260-6 on Friday.

The in-form Ben Stokes was bowled for 58

by Kagiso Rabada an over before the close at Old Trafford, giving South Africa a late boost after the tourists twice had England in a hole early in the series-deciding Test, and twice saw the home team fight its way out. Jonny Bairstow was 33 not out and nightwatchman Toby Roland-Jones 0 not out at the close.

Although South Africa, trailing 2-1 and seeking to save the series, edged the day by virtue of its six wickets, a score in excess of 300

by England could be competitive on a feisty

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pitch that gave the Proteas quick bowlers plenty to work with. England also still has Moeen Ali, a handy batsman, to come as it seeks a second straight series win over South Africa, but its first at home over the Proteas since 1998.

England twice had to dig deep on Friday, when it was 92-3 with Tom Westley's departure, and then at 187-5 when Root was lbw for 52 to Duanne Olivier.

England fought well both times, first with a 52-run stand between Dawid Malan and Root, and then with late-afternoon resistance from Stokes and Bairstow in a 65-run partnership that nearly took the home team to stumps.

Rabada had other ideas, spearing in a quick yorker that blew past Stokes' bat and rattled into his stumps. –BN Report

Openers lead SL’s fight after follow on

COLOMBO: There was extra bounce, puffs of dust kept being kicked up from the surface, and deliveries kept whizzing past the outside edge. And yet, Kusal Mendis (61 not out) and Dimuth Karunaratne (55 not out) did a fine job of plotting Sri Lanka's fightback in the second session, completely in contrast to the team's morose performance before Lunch.

The pair frustrated the Indian bowlers - the spin duo in particular - to take the team to 118 for 1 at Tea. A couple of hours into Day 3, Sri Lanka were staring down the barrel, having folded rather meekly in the face of excessive turn and bounce generated by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Ashwin bagged his 26th fivefer - going past Harbhajan

Singh - and Jadeja picked up his 150th Test wicket, becoming the second fastest Indian to achieve the feat as Sri Lanka went from 50 for 2 to 183 all out in the opening session. When they came back on to bat again, both India and Sri Lanka would've expected a repeat, considering the surface was going to continue being friendly to Ashwin and Jadeja.

It didn't help Sri Lanka's case that even fast bowler Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami were doing well, despite getting no purchase from the wicket. Virat Kohli trusted Umesh to start the proceedings post Lunch, and the fast bowler repaid in kind. A length delivery from him moved back in enough to go through the left-handed Upul Tharanga's defence and hit the stumps in just the third over of

Sri Lanka's second innings.

The end seemed nigh, before Karunaratne and Mendis swept their way out of trouble.

Their ordeal in the middle wasn't as simple as that though. Between picking full balls from outside offstump to sweep them away and using their feet cleverly, both Mendis and Karunaratne faced deliveries that pitched in front of them and whizzed past their outside edge. There were multiple appeals too, as were the temptation to review calls for Virat Kohli. But more importantly for Sri Lanka, there were runs too. Karunaratne and Mendis didn't miss the opportunity to put poor deliveries away and force Kohli to push his fields and change his bowlers around. Mendis was particularly unkind towards Jadeja, hitting the left-arm spinner for four fours in a single over.

When Kohli decided to pull the plug on Jadeja's seven-over spell, the latter had conceded as many as 42 runs and didn't have a wicket to his name.

Against the left-handed Karunaratne, Ashwin varied his angle from either side of the wicket, but to no avail. The script from the first session had done a 180 degree-flip, with India looking bereft of ideas and the Sri Lankan pair batting as if the first session never happened. –BN Report

Usain Bolt of Jamaica competes in the men's 100m heats. –BN Photo

Tahir clinches badminton title PESHAWAR: Tahir Khan clinched the Youm-eShuhada-e-Police Badminton Championship trophy at the Wadood Indoor Hall of the Peshawar Sports Complex on Friday. In the men's singles final, Tahir defeated Haroon Khan 21-17, 19-21 and 21-18.

Urooj Khan, a former KP No. 1, recorded victory against Fatima of Sarhad University 21-23, 21-19 and 23-21 in the ladies singles final. In the men's doubles, Tahir and Masood of KP Police recorded victory against Haroon and Zohaib in straight sets. The score was 21-18, 21-17. In the juniors' final, Hammad Khan beat Aziz Khan by 21-19 and 21-15. KP Sports director general Junaid Khan announced Rs10,000 cash awards each for the winners and Rs5,000 for the runners-up. –BN Report

Shadab Khan shines on CPL debut

SRK has no opinion on nepotism, wants you to know EPOTISM has been a hot topic in Bollywood lately but it seems like the king of the fraternity doesn't even understand it.

Shah Rukh Khan, who comes from a non-acting background said that he doesn't get the discussions on the subject and hence, doesn't have an opinion on it. "I don't understand this (nepotism).

How can I understand it? I am a Delhi boy, who went to Mumbai at the age of 25. There, everybody loved me and accepted me. So I don't understand this talk," Shah Rukh, who is the father of three kids (Aryan, Suhana and AbRam) with wife Gauri Khan, added: "I want my kids to make a name for

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themselves on their own feet. If they want to become a marine biologist,

The teaser for Hareem’s ‘Parchi’ released HE teaser was first unveiled in cinemas at the end of Janaan but has now made its way to the internet. The 23-second-long clip shows Hareem Farooq, looking like someone you don't want to mess with, and Kazmi all battered up.

We're feeling a little confused though. Why does she have a toothpick in her mouth like that? Why did she beat up Imran? Is she going to be playing a hooligan? We've got so many questions but it seems like we're going to have to wait a little longer to get any more info. Speaking to Daily Aftab in J a n u a r y, Kazmi had revealed: "We're trying t o

incorporate a lot of things that have not been done before and are also rather difficult.

We don't even know if we can pull them off. But let's see." He added that although it was a comedy feature, "the content will have a serious and deeper meaning."

Hareem Farooq and Ali Rehman Khan will be playing the lead roles and the man behind Janaan, Azfar Jafri will be directing. Parchi will tentatively hit theatres by the end of this year. The actress, who herself is the lead actress of the film is currently busy working out in the gym for her movie whereas the male lead and other characters of the film have not been signed yet. Parchi will be a directional by Azfar Jafri, the director of Jannan. The film’s script has been written by Shafqat Khan.

The movie is expected to canvas this fall whereas the release date of the film has not been revealed yet.

–BN Report

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AKISTAN sensation Shadab Khan and explosive Brandon McCullum shine as Trinbago Knight Riders comfortably beaten St Lucia Stars in the opening match of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2017.

Brendon McCullum and Colin Munro blasted halfcenturies in an unbroken second-wicket century stand as Knight Riders razed down the 133-target with 56 balls to spare. The Daren Sammy-led franchise were ousted by Knight Riders by five wickets in the first elimination playoff last year. Any hopes of avenging that season-ending defeat were dashed by Shadab Khan, the Pakistan leg-spinner, on CPL debut.

He picked 2 for 15 - the effort earned him the Player of the Match award - as Stars limped to 132 for 9.

On a true surface with even bounce, it was far from enough. Andre Fletcher triggered a pulsating start, hitting Khary Pierre, the left-arm spinner, for three successive fours in the second over, but Shadab's introduction brought the runs under check.

Fletcher, looking to whip one by walking across, only to see Shadab cleverly fire the ball in, was trapped plumb in front for 26, which would be the highest score of the innings. A thin middleorder left the St Lucia franchise vulnerable on a number of occasions last year.

Shane Watson played a key role in propping them out of trouble. On a day when they needed him, he was forced to sit out after a calf injury flared up on the long flight across the Pacific. –BN Report

then she should become that.

If they want to become an actor or a filmmaker, then

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that's also great.

"I don't understand this discussion. When I hear the word 'nepotism', I feel the other person is talking about Napoleon. Even though I know enough English, still I don't understand it and the discussion.

Whether I agree or disagree - I don't even understand it so how can I have an opinion?"

The nepotism in the industry was called out first by Queen actress Kangana Ranaut when she called filmmaker Karan Johar a "flag bearer of nepotism" on his popular chat show Koffee With Karan. Later, Johar, with actors Saif Ali Khan and Varun Dhawan poked fun at Kangana at the IIFA Awards last month by saying that "nepotism rocks".

They later apologised for their act. –BN Report

Man United delighted after Ronaldo’s comments RISTIANO Ronaldo tells court he always pays his tax and never had this issue in England- and that why he wants to return.

The Real Madrid superstar is currently being trilled in a court case over alleged tax fraud. And Ronaldo has now admitted he wants to leave the country during the one hour and 25 minute proceedings on July 31st.

The Sun quoted Ronaldo: "In England, I never had these problems, that's why I want to go back there" "I always paid my taxes, always. In England and In Spain. And I always paid. As you know, I cannot hide anything, it would be ridiculous on my part to do such a thing, he added. –BN Report

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JK Rowling pays tribute to late HP actor Hardy CTOR Robert Hardy has passed away at the age of 91. The late actor played the role of the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, in The Chamber Of Secrets, The Goblet Of Fire, The Order Of The Phoenix, and The Prisoner Of Azkaban.

According to Telegraph, a statement was released by the family which reads, "It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Hardy CBE today

A East Hampton, (New York): (L-R) Molly Sims, Candice Miller, Marcella Guarino and Rachel Zoe attend the Rachel Zoe x What Goes Around Comes Around pop-in in East Hampton, New York.

announced his death, following a tremendous life: a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years." JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, took to Twitter to pay her tribute. Robert Hardy began his career as a stage actor in U.K. and continued dramatic acting throughout his career. He is also known for his portrayal of Winston Churchill although many will always remember him as Siegfried from the classic All Creatures Great & Small. –BN Report

Punjab Arts Council to launch ‘Folk Studio’ HE Punjab Arts Council (PAC) is gearing up for its very own music show Folk Studio, the first season of which is to be launched on August 14 Pakistan's 70th Independence Day. As its name would suggest, Folk Studio will follow the same format as Coke Studio and attempt to promote folk music from all over the province.

According to reports, the first season of the show will

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feature eight songs from various artists and the PAC has already asked other regional art institutions to suggest names of artists it can feature for the second season. Industry veterans such as Arif Lohar, Atta Ullah Khan Esskhailvi, Saeen Zahoor, Shoukat Ali, Akram Rahi Malkoo and Naseebo Lal will be part of the first season. The featured singers and musicians will perform both traditional and contemporary music and a special studio is supposed to be constructed sometime in the

near future for it.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Lahore Arts Council has also recently launched its own music project which included younger, aspiring artists. Punjab Arts Council (PAC), on the other hand, is working for the revival and protection of regional folk music in particular.

"We have been planning Folk Studio for a long time, ever since we first heard Coke Studio and loved its music, but there was a shortage of modern

equipment then.

We are now, finally, in a position to kick-off our first season. The songs will be recorded with the help of private, modern studios until our own is constructed," a PAC official told Daily Aftab.

"Our focus is on Punjabi folk music and traditional songs that are part of our culture, such as Jugni, Tappy Mahiya and Boliyaan. We are hosting many famous folk artists on the show and the more prominent ones have been

asked to sing their best songs for season one," the source continued. "Everyone has showed a great willingness to participate.

We are also hoping to highlight some hidden talents from all over Punjab in the process. This Independence Day, they will all perform live before the PAC administration and other, senior music artists and be selected for the next season."

According to Saman Roy, executive director of the PAC, it is the government's responsibility to promote folk arts. "Our

folk culture is very rich and the state must put in an effort to safeguard it.

That's why I have asked all kinds of folk singers, young and old, male and female, to come and perform for us on August 14 so that we can pick the best ones," said Saman. "I have also set up a panel of judges who understand music.

The first step is to record the songs and then work on their videos, which will be launched later with the help of social media." –BN Report

CMYK

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Foodnerd.pk Slashes 30pc off on All Restaurants of Islamabad ISLAMABAD: Foodnerd.pk has announced friendship day discounts on numerous restaurants of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Through their campaign "Offer Mangao Dosti Nibhao", foodnerd.pk is all set to deliver food at your doorstep anytime.

August is the most celebrated month in Pakistan, as the entire nation observes a national holiday on account of Independence Day. But for the residents of the twin cities, foodnerd.pk has planned to accelerate the celebration

through Friendship Day by offering flat discounts on all restaurants of Islamabad.

According to team foodnerd.pk, foodies in Islamabad are always on the look for great deals and discounts.

Following the success of Mother's Day and Father's Day campaigns, foodnerd.pk again brings isloo-ites with great offers this Friendship Day on various local and international food chains.

With many valuable things in life, friendship may be one of the most cher-

Patients bear the brunt as YDA strike enters fifth day LAHORE: The Young Doctors Association (YDA) continues its strike across Punjab for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday.

Authorities on Friday took action against 39 striking doctors who refused to work in the outpatient and indoor departments of public hospitals. Many male doctors were terminated while the salaries of the striking female doctors were deducted for being 'absent from duty'.

In Lahore's Jinnah Hospital, a scuffle was reported between the protesting doctors and a patient's attendants after the former reportedly refused to tend to the patient. SP Ayesha Butt reached the hospital and resolved the situation.

While the emergency departments of government hospitals in Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad remained open, patients visiting the OPDs and other wards suffered as a result of the strike.

This is not the first time the association is protesting after it put forward its two demands to suspend Punjab Health Secretary Najam Shah and revoke the Central Induction Policy. Negotiations between the association and the government have failed six times after the latter refused to suspend Shah. -APP

ished. The campaign is celebrating the importance of this day by launching 4 days campaign starting from Thursday, 3rd August 2017 to Sunday, 6th August 2017. The offer is valid for maximum order value of Rs 2500/Hisham Malik, CEO foodnerd.pk says; "I love great food offers and this year's friendship day is going to be an unforgettable celebration of friendship and food. We will continue to bring such offers throughout the year for our customers as it is a great opportunity to spread joyous moments with family and friends".

He further added; We, at foodnerd.pk stepped up the game for our competitors by providing food at customer's' doorstep in simple, fast and easy way through a convenient app.

Hailing from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, we are soon going to expand our operations to Lahore, Karachi and other metropolitan cities.

Pakistan's highly regarded food chains like Khiva, Atrio, Roasters, Pablo's Burgers, Tandoori, New Yorker Pizza and many other are offering flat discount through foodnerd.pk which promises to deliver food warm, fresh and fast.

With delivery market thriving and the leading online food delivery app is raising the bar. The campaign is expected to end the busy weekend in a perfect way for the foodies in Islamabad. -APP

Rangers reject Dr Asim's claims he was 'drugged during confession' KARACHI: The Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, in a statement, has rejected the claims made by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Dr Asim Hussain stating he was drugged while making his 'confession' during his incarceration with the paramilitary force in 2015. The Rangers termed Dr Asim's statement a baseless allegation and said he did not make any such claims while appearing in court before or after his bail.

During his appearance on Geo News' 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Sath' on Friday, Dr Asim said he was drugged heavily when he recorded his confessional statement.

"I still don't remember what I said to them. I was heavily drugged when I was kept in solitary confinement," said Dr Asim.

He added that he has gone through serious mental torture and it has left long-lasting effects on his mind as he is now facing psychological issues.

Dr Asim said that he has requested courts to allow him to travel abroad for his back surgery. "NAB (National Accountability Court) is not allowing me [to leave the coun-

try] for they think I will not return. It is wrong. My family, businesses are all here, What will I do? I have even said that if I don't return, the government can take over possession of my hospitals."

He said that during investigations, the primary questions asked to him were about financial matters of PPP chief Asif Ali Zardari. The former petroleum minister maintained that cases against him were "completely baseless, scandalous and false", and that he was willing to face charges.

"Some people had personal vendettas against me and they misguided the authorities," he said, adding that during his first meeting with Zardari, he had asked the PPP co-chairman, "Why me? Why have I been pushed to the wall?"

Asim said the cases against him were made with the consent of the Nawaz-led government. "Whatever they are going through it is because I prayed ill for them," he said, referring to the fallout on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz of the Panama Papers case. -APP

Nisar says will explain why he didn't take cabinet post ISLAMABAD: Former interior minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Friday said he would explain in next few days as to why didn't he take any post in the current federal cabinet.

Addressing a rally in Rawat, the former interior minister said he felt himself blessed seeing so many people to his back. "Neither did I send a vehicle, nor invited them, yet a large number of people showed up at the rally." He reiterated his support for former prime minister saying that Nawaz Sharif could be removed as premier, but his place as a leader cannot be taken away.

"These days politics in Pakistan has become really difficult. There's mud-slinging, no differentiation in right and wrong," Nisar said.

"People should decide whenever PML-N comes in power; new roads and motorways are built in the country. New paths were opened for development in the entire country over the past four years."

Nisar had declined to take any post in the new federal cabinet, which was sworn in on Friday following disqualification of Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's election as the new premier. -APP

‘Nawaz wanted to use Article 62, 63 against opponents’ CHITRAL: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) cochairman Bilawal Bhutto said on Saturday that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif wanted to use Article 62,63 of the Constitution against his political opponents which is why he opposed the PPP's attempts to do away with the law.

"We had repeatedly said that the law was introduced by a dictator and is against the spirit of Constitution but Nawaz Sharif did not budge. Now he himself has fallen prey to it," said Bilawal addressing a rally here.

He said that the politics of hypocrisy by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president has ended, adding that Nawaz should not be under the impression that he can now walk away and will be held accountable for "money looted from the masses…[and] injustices towards the poor and the farmers".

Taking a jibe at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, Bilawal said that Imran's politics is based on abuse and hurling insults at others, and asked him to also question Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak "who is facing allegations of corruption". -APP

CHANGCHUN: Suspects in telecom and online fraud cases are brought back to China from Fiji at Changchun Longjia International Airport, Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Aug. 5, 2017. A total of 77 suspects in telecom and online fraud cases have been brought back to China from Fiji, the Ministry of Public Security announced Saturday. The suspects are accused in more than 50 cases involving more than 6 million yuan (892,000 U.S. dollars). -BN Photo

43-strong cabinet exposes PML-N fissures: PTI LAHORE: Fissures in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have been exposed with the formation of a 43-member and "large-scale" federal cabinet, central information secretary of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Shafqat Mahmood, said at a news conference here on Friday.

Dr Yasmin Rashid, the PTI's candidate for the by-election to be held in NA-120, and MPA Mian Aslam Iqbal were also present on the occasion.

Lashing out at what he called the PML-N's attempt to appease every faction in that party, Mr Mahmood claimed the portfolios had been distributed without any regard to the expertise of the legislators they had been given to. Ministers Khawaja Asif and Khurram Dastgir had no experience of dealing with diplomatic norms and defence matters, respectively, he said. The PTI leader claimed that former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan wanted to become foreign minister but had been sidelined in the party.

Similarly, MNA Daniyal Aziz was not compensated as per the services he had rendered for his party, he added.

Referring to Nawaz Sharif's disqualification as a member of the National Assembly, Mr Mahmood said the nation had expected that the PMLN would accept the Supreme Court's decision in letter and spirit, as many of

its spokespersons had claimed, but the party was "using foul language" against the court instead.

He said Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah had termed the Supreme Court's decision a "fixed match", while a certain media house continued to publish stories against the judges.

Saying that former prime minister Sharif continued to have the final word on key government matters, Mr Mahmood said the PML-N had no respect for state institutions as it continued to flout the Supreme Court's decision.

He alleged that the PML-N was targeting Justice Ijazul Ahsan, who had been appointed to oversee the National Accountability Bureau's references against Nawaz Sharif and his family members, as per the court decision.

In response to a question about MNA Ayesha Gulalai's allegations against PTI chief Imran Khan, Mr

Mahmood squarely blamed the PMLN for "launching a character assassination campaign" against Mr Khan.

"Imran Khan did not send her any indecent message," he said.

He said the PML-N was smarting from the Supreme Court verdict that had disqualified its leader so the PTI was on guard for a possible smear campaign. "The PML-N exposed itself in the National Assembly when all its members spoke only on the Gulalai issue," he said.

Mr Mahmood rejected the National Assembly's committee formed to probe harassment charges levelled against Mr Khan, calling it biased because all its members were PTI's political rivals.

"The PTI is not against investigations into the allegations but we cannot accept investigators who had themselves launched the vilification campaign," he asserted. -APP

Maryum, Musadiq call on PM ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Ms. Maryum Aurangzeb and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister Dr. Musadiq Malik called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at PM Office today. The Prime Minister was briefed about the working of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The Prime Minister stated that media is an important stakeholder in the democratic system. Media has to play a responsible role in informing the general public in an unbiased manner, stated the Prime Minister. -APP

Imran still has time to apologise: Ayesha Gulalai

Musharraf an enemy of the people, says Saad Rafique ISLAMABAD: Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique lashed out at General (retd) Pervez Musharraf on Saturday, calling the former president an enemy of the people.

In a series of tweets around 1pm, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader said Musharraf's dictatorial policies shook the foundations of the country.

"Musharraf was saved and sent out of the country but in the court of history, he cannot save himself from being termed a national criminal and usurper," said Rafique.

He said dictators have joined the waste bin of history and that no one will cry on their grave. "The performance of the elected representatives was more than their shortcomings hence they have been remembered," claimed Rafique. He argued that dictators bring forth artificial change and fake development, and in order to legitimise their rule, make deals on the nation's sovereignty.

"Pakistan's dictators show the people their fists and lick the boots of the enemies," he said further.

In an interview to BBC a few days ago, Gen (retd) Musharraf said in Pakistan, military rulers put the country on the correct track while the civilian governments derail it from the right path.

The former president went on to say, "If we compare the past records of civilian and military governments, Pakistan always pro-

gressed during dictatorship regimes."

To a question, the former military ruler said: "Ousting the government is only the right of the masses, however, the situation in Pakistan is absolutely different. This right is exercised when there are a check and balance in the Constitution. People themselves come to the military to get rid of the civilian governments. People also came to me to do so and I took over the civilian government on their demand."

"While protecting the Constitution, we can't destroy the nation, however, the Constitution can be slightly ignored for protecting the nation." -APP

Markets being forcefully shut down for Nawaz's arrival, alleges Dr Yasmin

HYDERABAD: Dr N Lal put typhoid fever injection to child during launching. -Inp

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's candidate for NA-120 by-election Dr Yasmin Rashid said that markets around Bund road are forcefully being shut down by the authorities over the arrival of Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz chief in Lahore.

She said that the Punjab Chief Minister has told Patwaris (land revenue officials) to gather people with flags to welcome Nawaz Sharif.

"We respect the vote, we respect voters.

Every voter deserves respect. The authorities

may use all the state machinery in the constituency it is of no use as the poor man has finally decided to stand against the Sharif monarchy," she said.

He challenged CM Shehbaz Sharif to contest election against her from the constituency. "PML-N has not even nominated anyone for the polls. We are here in the constituency and from today we are going to door-to-door campaign," she added.

Dr Rashid said that PTI won't let the government rig the election this time. -APP

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member Ayesha Gulalai said that there is still time for party chairman Imran Khan to apologise to "the nation and its women" and she is ready to accept his apology if and when he does.

Gulalai, who is still an MNA, said that she will present all evidence if summoned by the Parliamentary committee, formed to probe allegations by her against Imran.

"The matter has now gone to the Parliament. [Imran should be worried] that he might face embarrassment.

Gulalai had on Thursday alleged that Imran had hinted towards tying the knot in the texts sent to her, which also included inappropriate messages. She claimed that she had informed her father that Imran had asked her to meet alone. She said she went along with her father and brother to meet Imran, which irked him.

Gulalai added that her father had asked Imran regarding what he wanted, but Imran dodged the question. "I am ready to sit infront of Imran and can confront him on the obnoxious messages that he sent. He put me through mental torture and pain," said Gulalai. She reiterated that Imran had sent her the first inappropriate message in 2013. PTI, however, on Friday rejected the demand for a bi-partisan parliamentary committee to probe Gulalai's allegations. -APP

LOMTP to be completed as per schedule: Hassan LAHORE: Chairman of the steering committee for Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project (LOMTP) Khawaja Ahmad Haassan has informed that construction work on package -II, from Ali Town to Chouburji, has been geared up and grey structure of nine out of the 13 elevated stations along this stretch has so far been completed and handed over to CR-NORINCO for executing electrical and mechanical works.

He was talking to media men after

inspecting casting yard of package -II and under-construction stabling yard at Rai Wind Road as well as an under-construction metro station at Sabazazar, here, Saturday. He told that grey structure of the remaining four stations will also be completed and handed over to the Chinese contractor during the current month.

Khawaja Ahmad Haassan further informed that a total of 806 U-tub girders are being fabricated for constructing

40 feet elevated track for the train. Each U-tub girders is 30 meters long, 5.5 meters wide and weighs 216 tons. After kicking off launching of these structures, the track for the train will begin taking shape along package-II. He told that with the help of steam curing technology, an average of nine U-tub girders will be pre-cast daily from 15th of August and four kilometers long track will be constructed after launching these girders by the 15th of September.

Khawaja Ahmad Haassan observed that the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project (LOMTP) is being executed on fast track as very brief time lines have been set for finishing various works for meeting this challenging task.

He told that U-tube girders have been cast for the first time in Pakistan for this project and our efforts in this regard has been successful for which LDA, NESPAK and the local civil contractors deserve full credit. Chief Engineer

LDA Asrar Saeed, General Manager NESPAK Salman Hafeez, other officials concerned and representatives of Chinese Contractor, CR- NOROINCO also accompanied Khawaja Ahmad Haassan during the visit.

Meanwhile, a total of 14 commercial plots were auctioned by Lahore Development Authority against a sum of Rs. 1.1035 billion on Saturday.

Maximum bid was offered for commercial plot No 6, of Finance and Trade

Centre, M.A. Johar Town , measuring 13 kanals and three marla, which was auctioned against a total amount of Rs.889.8 million. Its base price had been fixed as Rs. 3.00 million per marla where as it fetched a price of Rs.3.375 million per marla.

Lease rights for three years of LDA's petrol pump site, measuring 2 kanals and eight marla, situated at Civic Centre, Sabazazar, were also auctioned against a sum of Rs. 38.17 million. -APP

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