E-Paper PDF 12th December (ISB)

CMYK

Thursday, 12 December, 2019 I 14 Rabi-ul-Sani, 1441 I Rs 19.00 I Vol X No 162 I 16 Pages I Islamabad Edition

Black sheep in Black coats g

lawyers storm punjab institute of cardiology in lahore, leave at least 3 patients dead

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smash window panes of hospital, ransack operation theatres, assault staff, visitors

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fayyazul hassan chohan roughed up, police pelted with stones; several miscreants arrested

yda claims at least 12 patients died during lawyers’ protest

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t least three patients lost their lives and several others were injured after a mob of disgruntled lawyers stormed the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), ransacked the hospital wards and operation theatres and tortured the staff and visitors.

Bushra Bibi was also among the deceased, whose death was confirmed by her son present on the scene. However, the Young Doctors Association (YDA) claimed that at least 12 patients had died during the violent clashes. the number of deceased could increase as some patients –in critical condition– were left unattended after the lawyers barged inside emergency wards, said Grand Health Alliance (GHA) Chairman Dr Salman Haseeb. the lawyers were protesting against a video that went viral on social media on tuesday, in which a doctor is seen narrating an encounter with some lawyers in front of a group. According to the doctor in the video, a group of lawyers had gone to the inspector general of police and told him to charge “two doctors” under Section 7 of AtA. He narrated that the IG had refused while the lawyers had urged him to press charges, saying “they could save face” that way.

RAMPAGE AT PIC: Lawyers initially blocked the entry and exit points of the hospital, which led to a violent scuffle between the staff and lawyers.

According to reports and the video footage, the protesting lawyers damaged equipment inside and broke windows of the hospital as well as cars parked outside. the protesters also smashed doors of emergency theatres and staff barely escaped the violence.

Meanwhile, the lawyers also attacked media personnel on the site with stones. A female reporter, Kinza Malik, of a private media outlet was injured. She also lost her phone to the vandals.

Some of the protesters fired gunshots and pelted arriving police with stones and bricks, according to a hospital doctor, Ashraf Nizami. Several lawyers were arrested, police said.

“It was catastrophic for hours,” Nizami said, adding that a 70-year-old female patient had died, and several patients were left unattended for hours, during the violence.

Nizami said the attackers forced doctors and nurses to flee, leaving patients in emergency and intensive care unattended. Police fired tear gas to

quell the mob while terrified patients and hospital staff fled to safety, officials said.

Punjab Information Minister Fayyazaul Hassan Chohan also got caught in the eye of the storm. the minister claimed that “lawyers had tried to kidnap” him. In a video, he can be seen being manhandled by a group of protesting lawyers.

Lahore DIG Operations Ashfaq Ahmad Khan also arrived at the hospital as the protest raged. He said that those who took the law into their own hands will be dealt with strongly. the president and secretary of the Lahore High Court Bar Association also arrived at PIC to convince the angry lawyers to leave the hospital.

PM, CM TAKE NOTICE: Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Usman Buzdar took notice of the incident as the report of the violent protest hit the airwaves.

Prime Minister Imran Khan sought a report from Chief Secretary Azam Suleman and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Shoaib Dastgir.

Chief Minister Buzdar, who was in Islamabad to hold meetings with PtI MNAs, assured that action will be taken against those responsible for the violence. the chief minister ordered an investigation into the attack and summoned a report from the Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) and provincial secretary of specialised health and medical education. the premier summoned a report from the provincial chief secretary and inspector general.

When asked why the government had not taken notice of tensions between doctors and lawyers earlier, Buzdar said that the matter had been resolved.

According to Chohan, the chief minister ordered a committee to be formed to take action against these lawyers. the committee will be headed by Law Minister Raja Basharrat, he added.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 02

lawyers’ violence draws condemnation from legal fraternity STORY ON PAGE 02

photo: zubair mehfooz

zardari gets bail in graft cases g

ihc postpones faryal talpur’s bail plea, seeks response from nab STORY ON BACK PAGE

Court confirms NAB's orders to freeze assets of Shehbaz Sharif, family STORY ON BACK PAGE more inside

Hafiz Saeed indicted in terror financing case STORY ON PAGE 02

India passes controversial citizenship bill

STORY ON BACK PAGE

CMYK Thursday, 12 December, 2019

02 ISLAMABAD

LAwyeRS’ vIoLence dRAwS condemnATIon fRom LeGAL fRATeRnITy AitzAz AhsAn sAys violent lAwyers Are destroying the reputAtion of the community

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NEWS DESK

he legal fraternity on Wednesday condemned the protesting lawyers who retorted to violence outside the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) in Lahore.

Speaking to a local news outlet, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and sen-

ior lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan condemned the “shameful” act and said that among the protesters, there were many lawyers who would be contesting the elections in January. “These lawyers are destroying the reputation of the legal fraternity and my head is bowed with shame. They should not be even allowed to contest the elections,” he said, adding that anyone who

took part in attacking a hospital should not be voted for.

Meanwhile, expressing concern over Wednesday’s incident, members of the legal fraternity took to Twitter and called for action against aggressive lawyers.

Babar Sattar said this was not the first such incident and urged the leaders to call for the cancellation of the licences of violent lawyers. “Lawyers’ attack on PIC is abhorrent & it isn’t the 1st such incident.

Those involved & easily identifiable must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law.

Our bar leaders must call for their li-

censes to be suspended. Time for us to show allegiance to rule of law & not tribalism,” he tweeted.

Barrister Asad Rahim Khan said, “hospitals are untouchable, even in war.

Lawyers who support attacking a cardiac centre should be disbarred. And lawyers who partake in the violence – attacking patients, disrupting heart surgery, letting people die – should be in jail. There is no other angle to view this from.” Other members

Photos: Zubair Mehfooz

ISPR chIef Gen ASIf GhAfooR'S PReSSeR PoSTPoned

of the legal community and people from all walks of life condemned the incident and urged the authorities to take action against those involved in attacking the hospital. earlier in the day, at least nine patients lost their lives and several others were injured after a mob comprising disgruntled lawyers stormed the PIC and ransacked the hospital wards and operation theatres in addition to intimidation of the staff and visitors.

hafiz saeed indicted in terror financing case LAHoRE STAFF REPORT

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday indicted proscribed Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief hafiz Saeed and other party leaders who were booked in July this year in multiple cases pertaining to alleged terror financing and money laundering.

Saeed, along with the other accomplices, was presented before the court under strict security protocol.

After filing charges, the court summoned the prosecution’s witnesses.

ATC-I Judge Malik Arshad Bhutta, who heard the case, adjourned proceedings until Thursday. earlier on Saturday, the court had delayed the indictment owing to the unavailability of one of the suspects in a case registered by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on charges of terror financing.

On July 3, top JuD leadership was booked in nearly two dozen cases pertaining to terror financing and money laun-

dering under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. however, the JuD leadership denied the allegations as being baseless and a result of international pressure on the Pakistan government. They claimed that they have been charged in cases by wrongly attributing them as leaders of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The CTD, which registered the cases in five cities of Punjab, declared that the JuD was financing terrorism from the massive funds collected through non-profit organisations and

trusts including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, Muaz Bin Jabal Trust, etc. These non-profit organisations were banned earlier in April as the CTD, during detailed investigations, found that they had links with the JuD and its top leadership.

Subsequently, on July 17, Saeed was arrested from Gujranwala on charges of terror financing by the Punjab CTD. he was sent to prison on judicial remand after the CTD presented him before a Gujranwala ATC.

Black sheep in black coats RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT

An important press conference of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, which was scheduled to take place at 3pm on Wednesday, was postponed earlier in the day. The presser was being held to brief the media on the topics discussed in the several hourslong corps commander conference held a day earlier. According to ISPR, the presser was postponed due to the operational engagements of the ISPR chief in Peshawar.

coNtINuED fRom PAgE 01 The Punjab government also summoned extra troops of Rangers personnel to maintain law and order. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Asahiq Awan strongly condemned the attack. In a tweet, she said that those who took law in their own hands would be brought to book.

She said torture on provincial information minister Fayyazul hassan Chohan, ransacking of hospital and harassing the relatives of the patients were highly condemnable and regrettable acts.

WHAT SPARKED THE VIOLENCE? According to Punjab Bar Council (PBC) Vice Chairman Shahnawaz Ismail, the lawyers’ attack was their reaction to the video that went viral on Tuesday.

Ismail said that on Nov 24, the doctors and hospi-

tal staff at the PIC beat up a lawyer Azeem Sindhu who had brought his mother to the hospital for treatment. he said that the health of the lawyer’s mother deteriorated as a result of doctors’ negligence.

“When we filed a case against those responsible, police didn’t arrest anyone,” he said.”This is only a reaction to the video that went viral yesterday and doctors are responsible for the clash that took place.”

DOCTORS, LAWYERS GO ON STRIKE: Following the protest, both doctors–led by Young Doctor Association– and lawyers of the Lahore high Court Bar Association (LhCBA) issued strike calls to protest the incident, each claiming to be the aggrieved party in the case.

Pakistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Syed Amjad Shah said that he condemned the violence created by the lawyers at the hospital but appeared to deflect

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blame on medical professionals. he said that it was the doctors who had initially misbehaved with the lawyers and then the issue turned violent whereas the rioting was the individual act by a few lawyers. Young Consultants Association (YCA) announced a nationwide strike after the violent protest.

YCA President Dr hammad Butt said that no consultant will be on duty all across Punjab on Thursday.

“The vandalism by lawyers is highly condemnable,” said Butt It is the second time in less than a month that the medical facility has come under attack. A similar incident was reported on Nov 20 when a public brawl broke out between a group of lawyers and the hospital staff. A lawyer’s body said at the time that the incident took place after some lawyers were allegedly beaten on the premises of PIC.

CMYK Thursday, 12 December, 2019

NEWS

chohAn AccUSeS PmL-n of InSTIGATInG hoSPITAL ATTAcK ShehbAz ShARIf SAyS PIc IncIdenT hAS bRoUGhT dISGRAce To PAKISTAn Leader of Opposition in National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condemned the violent clash between lawyers and doctors at a Lahore hospital in which at least 4 patients lost their lives. In a statement, Shehbaz said that whoever is involved in the incident shouldn’t be forgiven, adding that the incident brought disgrace to all Pakistanis. The PML-N president expressed grief over the deaths of patients at Punjab Institute of Cardiology, adding that those involved in the incident should be punished as per law. Shehbaz went on to say that a clash between two educated classes is one of the worst examples of government’s mismanagement. NEWS DESK

LAHORE: Lawyers attack Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan after he reached the Punjab Institute of Cardiology to mediate between the members of the legal fraternity and the doctors. ZUBAIR MEHFOOZ

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uNJAB Information Minister Fayyazul hassan Chohan has claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had conspired to create lawlessness in the province by using lawyers in Wednesday’s attack on a key hospital in the provincial capital.

At least three patients lost their lives after lawyers, reportedly members

of the Lahore Bar Association (LBA), attacked the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC). Chohan was also assaulted by members of the legal fraternity when he reached the medical facility to mediate between the two parties. The LBA representatives had gathered to protest against an incident in which their colleagues were allegedly thrashed by doctors at the PIC earlier this month.

Addressing a news conference, Chohan, flanked by Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat and health Minister

Dr Yasmeen Rashid, said he was instructed by Chief Minister usman Buzdar over telephone from Islamabad to visit the under-attack hospital and play a mediating role between the two sides.

Chohan claimed that PML-N activists were involved in creating chaos in the city. he said that a known PMLN activist was present among those lawyers who attacked him, adding that the mentioned political worker can be spotted in several photos with Maryam Nawaz and hamza Shehbaz.

A list of PML-N workers involved in the attack has been shared on social media, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Basharat urged the legal fraternity to show restraint. however, he added that anyone found involved in the attack would not be spared and would be brought to book. Punjab health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid said that those involved in rioting and ransacking the premises of PIC would be traced through CCTV footage.

Top intelligence, State Dept officials to brief US lawmakers on Kashmir Army chief meets UK envoy, Russian trade minister RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT

British high Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner, on Wednesday called on Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa here at the General headquarters, the military’s media wing said in a statement. According to the directorgeneral of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Asif Ghafoor, Gen Bajwa “welcomed him to Pakistan and wished him well for the assignment. During the meeting matters of mutual interests were discussed”. The COAS expressed well wishes for Dr Turner on his assignment here in Pakistan, the ISPR said.

Separately, the army chief also met the Russian Federation’s minister of industry and trade, Denis Valentinovich Manturov, and the two talked matters of mutual interest during the meeting.

Gen Bajwa and Manturov reiterated the wish to further bolster bilateral relations for peace and stability, as well as for economic prosperity in the region, the ISPR said.

Brad Sherman of the united States house of Representatives on Wednesday announced that members of the uS house Subcommittee on Asia will be briefed on the prevailing situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir by top uS state department officials on December 12.

In a message shared on Twitter, Sherman, a Democrat serving the San Fernando area of California, said that top intelligence officials will also be part of the classified briefing that is open to other members of the house, should they wish to attend.

“As Chair of the house Asia Subcommittee, I arranged a classified briefing. Tomorrow, top State Department and Intel officials will brief members of the Subcommittee and other interested members on Kashmir,” Representative Sherman wrote in his post.

According to Sherman, the classified briefing has been arranged on his request as the chair of the uS house Subcommittee on Asia. It is not the first time that the subcommittee will be discussing the alarming human

rights situation and military occupation of the Kashmir valley.

Back in October, uS Assistant Secretary Alice Wells, who oversees all uS state department policy towards South Asia, testified at a hearing that reviewed the situation in occupied Kashmir following the Indian decision to scrap the constitutional autonomy of the area in August.

Fearing strong backlash over the illegal annexation of occupied Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had imposed a communications blackout and military curfew in the valley.

Thousands of ordinary citizens, including former chief ministers, were arbitrarily detained.

In her testimony, Wells had told the subcommittee that she had relayed the strong concerns of the uS regarding Kashmir to India and told Delhi that Washington was closely monitoring the situation. She also testified that she had asked India to lift the military siege imposed on the valley.

Representative Sherman has been a key figure in the amplification of the Kashmir issue on the global stage. Besides initiating

hearings into the occupied Kashmir situation, he has also asked the uS government to pressure India into allowing diplomats to visit the occupied valley.

In a letter to Assistant Secretary Alice Wells last month, Sherman urged her to expedite efforts for sending uS diplomats to occupied Kashmir. “I am concerned about Kashmir because there is a lack of reliable information coming from the region,” he wrote.

The people of occupied Kashmir, meanwhile, continue to suffer due to the military lockdown of the area, which has been in place for more than four months now. The move has triggered fear among locals that it could be a prelude to evicting thousands of Muslim residents from their homes.

While scrapping the constitutional autonomy of occupied Kashmir, Indian PM Modi had also struck down a provision that barred outsiders from procuring land in the only Muslim majoritystate of the hindu-majority country. Modi co-related the move with prosperity and development.

NEWS DESK

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Qureshi discusses Kashmir issue, regional security with Saudi counterpart RIYADH: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday met with his Saudi counterpart and apprised him about the situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK). Talking to his Saudi Counterpart Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Qureshi said India has put 8 million people of occupied Kashmir under siege for the last four months. he added that the oppressed people of Kashmir are looking towards the international community, especially the Muslim ummah, to get rid of Indian brutalities. India has put a complete communication blackout in Occupied Kashmir to hide the reality from the eyes of the world. There is a complete suspension of fundamental human rights in Occupied Kashmir, he added. Both leaders discussed matters of regional and international importance. The two sides expressed the resolve to continue consultation to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and to promote regional peace and stability.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday on a daylong visit. AGENCIES

Govt, opp fail to develop consensus on ecP appointments The opposition on Wednesday offered a quid pro quo proposal to break the deadlock on the appointments in the election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) but the government delayed the decision and both sides failed to develop consensus, a local news outlet. The opposition members of the parliamentary committee tasked to finalise the appointments offered to surrender the post of chief election commissioner (CeC) in return for the appointment of two of its nominees against two vacant posts of the commission. however, the government members delayed their response till 4PM on Thursday in the next meeting of the parliamentary committee. Prime Minister Imran Khan has proposed the names of retired bureaucrats Fazal Abbas, Babar Yaqoob and Arif Khan for the slot of CeC, while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has recommended the names of Nasir Mahmood Khosa, Jalil Abbas Jilani and Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar for the same post.

After the meeting, PML-N member Mushahidullah Khan told the meeting that the government members of the committee have to seek the PM’s approval for everything and he does not appear to be serious in resolving the issue. he added that it was agreed in the last meeting that the appointments on CeC slot and other vacant posts would be finalised simultaneously but the government wants to make a decision on the former before the latter can be decided. NEWS DESK

Japan to provide $4.5m for supply of polio vaccine in Pakistan ISLAmABAD STAFF REPORT

While targeting over 20 million children for vaccination, Japan will provide $4.5 million grant for procurement of Oral Polio Vaccine in Pakistan. The Japanese government has announced to this grant aid to support the supply of the essential oral polio vaccine for the Polio eradication Programme in Pakistan.

This vaccine will enable the programme to reach more than 20 million under five children in Pakistan during vaccination drives planned from December 2019 to November 2020.

Notes of the grant were signed and exchanged here on Wednesday between the Japanese government, Japan Interna-

tional Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the united Nations Children’s Fund (uNICeF) in the presence of Dr Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for National health Services, Regulations and Coordination including officials and dignitaries.

The grant aid will be used for procurement of Oral Polio Vaccine. A total of 22.69 million doses will be procured under the grant which will support in vaccination of an estimated 20 million children for case/event response or mop-up activities. This will enable the programme to continue its efforts for closing immunity gaps among children under five years old, according to the Japanese embassy.

“Pakistan is currently facing a challenging situation in polio eradication.

however, the Government is committed to making all-out efforts to ensure all children receive the essential vaccine. It is a topmost priority of the government to make Pakistan polio-free,” said Dr Zafar Mirza during the signing ceremony.

“Continuous Support from the Government of Japan and partners will help us to maintain high-quality campaigns and reach every child in Pakistan with this essential polio vaccine,” he continued while expressing his gratitude to the Japanese government and other partners.

The Japanese government together with the Pakistani government and uNICeF, is determined to eradicate polio virus from Pakistan. For that purpose, “we expect the government to take further initiative and redouble its effort to eradi-

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cate polio including educating the people in need how dangerous polio virus will be” said Yusuke Shindo, Charge d’Affaires of Japan to Pakistan.

This funding will immensely contribute to strengthening immunity among children,” said Aida Girma, uNICeF Representative in Pakistan. “I am confident that with the sustained commitment from the Government of Pakistan and strong support from all partners, together we will be able to reach our goal, poliofree Pakistan.”

“Now we are approaching the most difficult time where all stakeholders are putting in their best efforts. We are proud that JICA can contribute to admirable efforts to protect Pakistani children from polio through this vaccine procurement,”

said Shigeki Furuta, Chief Representative, JICA in Pakistan. “JICA expects that the vaccine, the only way to strengthen children’s immunity, will be used effectively with the understanding of parents and communities, and the efforts of frontline workers,” he further added while speaking at the occasion Pakistan has made considerable progress in reducing poliovirus transmission in recent years. however, in 2019 the programme has seen a significant spread of the virus as the number of children missed during house-to-house campaigns resulted in an upsurge of polio cases in the country. As of 8th December 2019, 94 polio cases across all provinces were reported, of which 68 were recorded from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

04 LAHORE

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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RAngeRs DePloyeD In lAhoRe AfteR lAwyeRs AttAck PIc GOVT VOWS STRICT ACTION AGAINST LAWYERS LAHORE

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STAFF REPORT

hE government has deployed Rangers at important locations in Lahore under the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance 1959 provision seven and 10 following the lawyers’ attack on Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) earlier in the day.

According to a notification issued by the Interior Ministry, one platoon of the paramilitary force will be deployed at the Governor house while another will be stationed at the area surrounding Lahore GOR I and II. The rest of the platoons will be deployed at the GPO Chowk Mall Road, Punjab Assembly, the Supreme Court (SC) Registry, Lahore high Court (LhC), Civil Secretariat, Aiwan-e-Adal,

the IG office. One platoon will also be deployed at the PIC. Two companies will be present in the city as a reserve force. Rangers have been deployed in the city as per the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 4(XXII) and 5.

GOVT VOWS STRICT ACTION AGAINST LAWYERS: Earlier, addressing a press conference, Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat announced the government's decision to fully prosecute all those involved in the violent protest at PIC. "I assure you all, the government will see to it that no concessions are made," said the law minister, addressing the presser alongside Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul hasan Chauhan — who was manhandled by lawyers at the protest — and Punjab health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid.

"The government cannot allow anyone to take the law into their own hands. Those who tried to, will be held accountable." he said that in this regard, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has instructed that the lawyers who were involved and others who have been identified in video footage of the protests "will all be prosecuted". "he has clearly stated that no one who took the law into his hands will be spared and legal action of the strictest kind will be taken against them," added Basharat.

"There is a need to end the high-handed culture which has begun to take flight," he said.

The minister, reiterating the government's stance, said that while doctors and lawyers are both respected members of society, "they can never be allowed to take the

DoctoRs shut Down PIc AfteR DeADly RAmPAge NEWS DESK Hours after a deadly rampage at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, the Grand Health Alliance has shut down the hospital, including emergency, and asked patients to leave the premises immediately. The action to close the hospital until further notice came amid a call for strike by the doctors across the province in response to an attack on the hospital by rowdy lawyers on Wednesday morning that had left three people dead. Meanwhile, Young Consultants Association (YCA) announced a nationwide strike after the violent protest. YCA President Dr

Hammad Butt said that no consultant will be on duty across the province on Thursday. At least three patients lost their lives and several others were injured after a mob of disgruntled lawyers stormed the cardiology institute ransacked the hospital wards and operation theatres. The number of deceased however could increase as some patients –in critical condition– were left unattended after the lawyers barged inside emergency wards, said GHA Chairman Dr Salman Haseeb.The Punjab Bar Council also announced that they would boycott courts on Thursday and take out rallies against the doctors.

Resolution for revival of student unions submitted in Punjab Assembly LAHORE: A resolution was submitted in the Punjab Assembly Secretariat on Wednesday seeking revival of the student unions. The resolution was submitted by Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) MPA Samiullah Khan. The today’s leadership of the political parties remained active in the student politics in the past, even the constitution gives right to every citizen to form unions, the resolution submitted in PA reads. The government has been urged to immediately restore student associations in the province and hold elections in the educational institutes in this regard. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Imran Khan had also pledged the government will introduce a “comprehensive and enforceable code of conduct” to restore and enable student unions. STAFF REPORT

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law into their hands." he said a two-tier investigation has been launched into the incident. Part of the investigation will focus on whether the "police's negligence in enforcing the law" had a role to play.

Basharat said that the situation had been simmering since November "and the appropriate circles were not taken into confidence or apprised of the develop-

ments". "A separate investigation into this will take place," he said.

The minister condemned the treatment of Chauhan and Rashid as they tried to defuse the situation at the protest venue.

"Their presence at the hospital was evidence of the fact that the government tried their utmost to not remain detached from the situation," he said.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

NEWS

Uniforms made compulsory for KP universities’ teachers, students PESHAWAR: A high level meeting chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Shah Farman on Wednesday passed a resolution making uniforms mandatory for both teachers and students of all public sector universities across the province. The governor, while presiding over a Senate meeting of Abdul Wali Khan University here at the Governor House, pointed out the requirement of uniform for varsity students and teachers after which the meeting passed a unanimous resolution approving the decision. The meeting was attended by Abdul Wali Khan University Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Mohammad Khurshid, High Education Department (HED) Secretary Arshad Khan, Principal Secretary to Governor Nizam ud Din and other senate members. Earlier, the governor had stressed upon public sector universities to play a role in the promotion of research based education as per the requirement of modern life. On the occasion, he also directed the HED to make all universities bound for pre-senate meetings so that the agenda for the meeting could be discussed thoroughly. Later, the Senate approved budget 2018-19 and 2019-20 for Abdul Wali Khan University and also gave a nod to Draft Rules of Business and University Business Strategic Plan 2018-23. APP

Pia aircraft suffers damage after landing at sialkot airport A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Jeddah to Sialkot suffered damage to its landing gear after landing on Wednesday. The aircraft was taxiing after landing when one of the tyres burst due to a damaged portion of the tarmac. According to reports, the Boeing 777 aircraft suffered several hundred thousand worth of damage. The airline’s spokesperson said a spare was then ordered from Lahore and the damaged tyre has been replaced. The plane remained stranded at Sialkot Airport for more than three hours after the incident. In November, two other PIA flights landed safely after technical issues developed during flights to their destinations. The engine of flight PK650, en route from Lahore to Islamabad, malfunctioned and shut down after reportedly ingesting a foreign object. The pilot switched the engine off and landed the plane safely. There were 38 passengers on board besides the PIA staff, all of whom remained unhurt in the incident. NEWS DESK

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Pakistan’s ‘killer’ coP rao anwar to sue us govt

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day after the United States (US) imposed sanctions on infamous Karachi police officer Rao Anwar for his role in “serious human rights abuses” during his tenure as senior superintendent police in the provincial capital of Sindh, the ‘encounter specialist’ has decided to sue the US government.

In a video message issued on Wednesday, Anwar, while vowing to fight for clearing his name, said that he will file a lawsuit with the help of his counsel in the US and will also write a letter to the US consulate.

He said that he was blamed for

the extrajudicial killing of over 400 people but there was no formal complaint against him except the one he is currently facing the court proceedings against.

“I fought against terrorism alongside state institutions … there is a group deliberately doing a false propaganda against me and American government has also become victim of the same campaign and acted against me,” he said, adding that the “US government would have to prove my links to criminals or else render an apology”.

The former Malir SSP said that the move is an attempt to defame

Pakistan and divert the world’s attention from the Kashmir issue.

On Tuesday, in a statement issued on the US Treasury Department website, Deputy Secretary Justin G Muzinich said that the action “focuses on those who have killed, or ordered the killing of innocents who stood up for human rights including journalists, opposition members, and lawyers”.

In addition to Anwar, the US blacklisted 17 individuals located in Burma, Libya, Slovakia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan for their roles in serious human rights abuse.

“Additionally, six entities have been designated for being owned or controlled by one of the aforementioned individuals,” the statement added.

During his tenure as the Senior Superintendent of Police in District Malir, Pakistan, Rao Anwar was reportedly responsible for staging numerous fake police encounters in which individuals were killed by police, and was involved in over 190 police encounters that resulted in the deaths of over 400 people, including the murder of Naqeebullah Mehsud, the US Treasury Department said. NEWS DESK

Rs14m go to waste as Punjab forestry dept maintains lax attitude LAHORE SHAHAB OMER

The Punjab Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Department has failed to survey and mark elite trees to collect seeds for a project titled ‘Survey and Establishment of Orchards of Endangered Species in Punjab’ despite spending Rs14.279 million, Pakistan Today learnt on Wednesday.

The aim of the project was to conserve biodiversity and uplift the local community’s living standard and socio-economic condition as they directly or indirectly rely on forest resources. The project was also supposed to develop a source of seed bank of endangered tree species whereas the plantation of different tree species would provide quality seed for raising of plantations in future.

The total approved cost of the project was Rs14.279 million. According to the details, a total of Rs14.279 million was released and the project utilised 100 per cent of the release for the period 2017-19.

Further, the directorate general monitoring and evaluation (DGM&E) has evaluated a report over the project and states that main objective of the project was not achieved whereas while giving in its observations the report states, “Details and results of the survey and marking of elite trees were not shared during and after the visits.

Consultancy document for a survey from the University of Arid Agriculture Research (UAAR), Rawalpindi was not available. It was observed in all three project locations that boards were not available showing orchards’ information. Endangered species pro-

posed in PC-I were selected without any reference or notification from the relevant department e.g. the Forest Department”.

“It was observed that irrigation water was in excess in some places, while some places were dry due to uneven field in Bahawalpur plantation site. Orchards were not protected from animals due to incomplete fencing in Bahawalpur. There were weeds in the orchard in Gujrat site. Weeds affect plant growth and water use efficiency of the plant species. As per the survey in Gujrat Site, the survival rate of Dhak was very low (27 per cent). Behera and Mahagony also had low survival rate i.e. 57 per cent.

It was observed that there were only walls constructed in Gujrat site without roof, door & window. Inconsistency in fencing around orchards was

observed during a site visit,” the report added. The project has substantial relevancy due to the significance of the project regarding local and national requirements and is moderately effective in achieving the objectives and targets.

Three objectives out of eight have been achieved within the given timeline, three objectives have partially been achieved while two objectives were not achieved during the given period. The efficiency of the project is moderate due to partially achievement of targets with the timeframe. This project has a moderate impact based on the target achieved. Considering the financial progress, the project also has moderate sustainability. On the basis of data collected, observations and status of objectives and targets, the project is partially successful.

CPEC: The engine of Pakistan’s economic growth MIAN ABRAR Former UN secretary-general Ban-Ki Moon once said that sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all as it offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance.

China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is key to Pakistan’s yearn for achieving sustainable growth that has already transformed the violence-hit country into an emerging economic giant.

The successful recent meeting of 9th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the CPEC helped the country take another leap towards its goal of gaining economic reliance as the officials of both China and Pakistan reiterated their commitment for progress on ongoing and planned projects under CPEC. The Chinese delegation at the 9th JCC was the biggest in number as compared to previous delegations which shows commitment of China to take cooperation with Pakistan to new highs.

Both the countries made significant development on the proposals forwarded by six Joint Working Groups, which included the industrial cooperation, transfer of technology and cooperation in agricultural, mineral, oil and gas and steel sectors.

The major development in the 9th JCC was related to the much-awaited mega railway infrastructure project, MLI, which is likely to see practical development within the next 3 to 6 months.

ML-I project is to facilitate smooth movement of passenger and cargo trains at a fast pace cutting distance from Lahore to Karachi from 26 hours to approximately 12 hours, bringing in a transformation to the country’s ailing railway system.

The recently formed CPEC Authority would provide one-window for all CPEC

related projects putting them on a fast pace and remove all procedural bottlenecks and bureaucratic hurdles.

The government also plans to build the remaining portion of the eastern corridor of CPEC from Sukkur to Hyderabad (M-6) in Build-Operate & Transfer (BoT) mode under the umbrella of Public-Private Partnership with a Chinese company.

This year in March, the Zhob–Quetta section of the Western Corridor was inaugurated and now the remaining portion of DI– Khan–Zhob is being built on a fast pace.

Pakistan imports steel worth $ 4 billion. However, with the development and revival of its own Steel Industry. Revival of Pakistan Steel Mills would also help the ML-I project as steel would be needed in development of ML-I. The two sides decided to give top consideration to socio-economic and industrial cooperation in the second phase of the CPEC. While the people of China and Pakistan are working together to jointly promote CPEC for a better future, there are some noises from time to time. Ms. Alice Wells, the Assistant Secretary of State of the US for South and Central Asian Affairs, recently targeted the CPEC which reflects that the US is getting alarmed by the phenomenal success of the CPEC. Certainly, the CPEC has brought tangible economic and social benefits to Pakistan since its construction in more than six years, which is widely recognized. Prime Minister Imran Khan terms CPEC the top priority of the Pakistani government, and the Chinese Government also fully supports it.

The generating capacity of the completed energy projects of CPEC accounts for nearly 30 percent of Pakistan’s total power generation. These projects have provided the energy security for Pakistan’s economic development.

The Havelian-Mansehra section of

Karakorum Highway (KKH)-II opened to traffic just on November 18, and it resolves the trip problem along KKH, cutting travel time from Abbotabad to Islamabad from 3 hours to 30 minutes.

The Initial District of Gwadar Free Zone has got over 20 enterprises residents, with a direct investment over US$600 million. Amid the construction of CPEC, Pakistan is ranked 108 this year in the ease of doing business from 136 in 2018, according to the latest World Bank annual ratings, while it moves upto the 82th place from the 108th on global competitiveness index. All these make great opportunities for attracting foreign investment and realizing industrial upgrading.

Back in 2014, Pakistan had a serious power shortage and the average load shedding was from 6-18 hours per day, and the cost was as high as 17 cents/kWh. Everyone here has a deep understanding.

In order to reduce power generation cost and solve the power shortage problem, the Pakistani government issued the 2014 Upfront Tariff Policy for imported coal power plant in 2014 to attract invest-

CMYK

ment in Pakistan’s energy sector.

The policy is open and transparent and applies to both local and foreign investors. However, this policy did not attract foreign investment including the United States. With the joint efforts of Pakistani and Chinese peoples, Port Qasim Power Plant and Sahiwal Power Plant have been completed and put into operation before the schedule.

Pakistan’s Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) regularly puts the electricity prices of 131 configurable thermal power units in numerical order from high to low, and purchases electricity according to the price.

In the ranking in June 2019, Qasim Power Plant and Sahiwal Power Plant ranked 4th and 16th from the bottom respectively. Due to their advantageous power prices, advanced technology and stable power supply, the Pakistani government has been asking the two power plants to operate at full generating capacity and purchasing all the electricity generated.

Facts have proved that China has provided the Pakistani people with cheap and

clean energy and has won unanimous support from Pakistani people of all walks of life. The people of China and Pakistan are the most qualified to evaluate the corridor.

As to the ML-1 project, the initial design of the project was jointly accomplished by the China Railway No 2 Bureau, NESPAK (National Engineering Services Pakistan Limited), and PRACS (Pakistan Railway Advisory & Consultancy Services Ltd).

The project was launched in 2016, and the initial design was submitted in May 2017. In April, 2019, it has successfully passed the initial design review, organized by PR (Pakistan Railways), of the complex including MMP (Mott McDonald Pakistan), Canarail（ from Canada） and the Crimson.

As the project has not yet been approved, the amounts of the project will be adjusted according to the actual condition and the needs of Pakistan. After finalizing the design of the project, we would initiate bidding in accordance with international practice. This is a completely normal business practice. The groundless speculation that M-5 motorway was involved in bidding corruption is totally ridiculous, and extremely irresponsible.

This project is the largest transportation infrastructure project conducted under the framework of CPEC. The governments of both China and Pakistan attach great importance to it. In June 2015, M5 project officially launched the bidding process. Through fair bidding, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) won the bid at the lowest price.

The entire process is open and transparent and is in line with international practice. All the operations of the project are in full compliance with the laws and regulations of Pakistan and can withstand any challenge and investigation.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

06 WORLD VIEW

How to fix Pakistan’s crasHing economy

new York Times

i

AtIf MIAN

F an airplane took off a dozen times only to come crashing down each time, the only logical conclusion would be that the aircraft requires a fundamental redesign. Pakistan’s economy, like the airplane, has crashed 13 times in the last 60 years, each time requiring an International Monetary Fund bailout.

It wasn’t always so. During the 1980s, in per capita terms Pakistan was richer than India, China and Bangladesh by 15, 38 and 46 percent. Today Pakistan is the poorest. Its most recent gross domestic product growth estimate was only 3.3 percent, barely sufficient to keep pace with population growth.

Pakistan’s federal government is effectively bankrupt. Last year, the sum of interest payment due on the government’s debt obligations and pension payments owed to retired employees was more than the federal government’s net revenue. The entire government machinery, including the military, is running on borrowed money.

The consequences of Pakistan’s crashing economy have been devastating for its over 200 million people. They are instinctively aware of how far they have fallen behind and there is a clamor for change for a future where their children can live in dignity and comfort.

It was this public desire for change that propelled Pakistan’s most famous cricketer, Imran Khan, and his relatively new party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, into power in 2018. Prime Minister Khan

TO CHANGE COURSE, THE COUNTRY’S LEADERS MUST TAKE ON THE MONEYED ELITE AND RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM promised change and a “naya” or new Pakistan to his people, but change is proving far more difficult than imagined.

The fundamental challenge in bringing change is that those who are benefiting the most from the dysfunctional economy and stand to lose the most from change would fight every attempt at reform and attack the people trying to ensure reform.

Pakistan’s leadership must muster the courage to take on two primary forces of the status quo that hold the country back.

First, the moneyed elite who tip the scales of markets in their favor through unfair business practices, tax evasion and preferential access to power. They use their privilege to grab the fruits of other people’s labor rather than create something of value through their own enterprise.

The second force inhibiting Pakistan’s progress is religious extremism. Decades of patronage by successive military and civilian governments for promoters of religious hate has created a culture of institutionalized intolerance. The result has been devastating for society. Thousands have been killed, communities have been ripped apart and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced or forced to flee the country altogether. It is no wonder then that few want to invest in an environment afflicted with violence and intolerance. Many whose talents are sorely needed in Pakistan are forced to

flee the country because of extremism.

The combined effect of extremism and an unproductive rent-seeking elite is that Pakistan has one of the lowest investment rates in the world. Pakistan invests only 15 percent of its output compared with 30 percent for the rest of South Asia. This has led to diminished productivity. Pakistan’s total volume of exports has not risen since 2005. It has become a nation of consumers with limited capacity to produce and innovate. Last year, the country imported more than two times as much as it exported.

Reversing those trends requires a courageous commitment to fight the entrenched elements and extremists. Consider the unproductive moneyed class which instead of investing in real businesses buys urban land and sits on it. This is an idle activity that adds nothing to the country’s output and contributes directly to Pakistan’s low investment rate. The value of land keeps rising, not because of any effort by the landowners but because of an urbanizing population.

The correct policy response to discourage such activity would be to tax the value of land appropriately. This would dissuade the rich from hoarding land and instead incentivize them to invest in real businesses. Land would then be available for more productive uses and at cheaper prices. Moreover, the revenue generated

from land taxes could fund much-needed urban infrastructure.

While instituting a land tax addresses multiple problems in a single strike, carrying through with the policy requires courage as a large percentage of urban land is held by the powerful elite. Pakistan’s leadership must develop the courage to put the interests of the collective above those of the privileged few.

Similar challenges exist in other parts of the economy. For instance, sugar cane, which is one of the most water-intensive crops, is grown on nearly 2.5 million acres in Pakistan. This makes no economic sense for a country with a very serious water shortage. Rationalizing agriculture toward more efficient farming choices requires that the government take on the landed aristocracy by removing subsidies and charging for excessive water use.

The government also continues to dole out large export subsidies without an iota of proof that these subsidies have helped increase exports. Will the government develop courage to say no to special interests and devise a performance-based assistance mechanism? The auto sector is another example that has not innovated in decades but continues to be protected heavily by the government. And the power sector is dominated by private producers who enjoy high government-guar-

Financial Times AMY KAZMIN

Indian industrialists tend to be cautious in publicly criticising their country’s political leaders and policy direction, influenced maybe by that adage “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.

But Rahul Bajaj, the 81-year-old chairman of the Bajaj Group, is an exception. Grandson of one of the independence leader Mahatma Gandhi’s closest confidants, the industrialist has a reputation for being outspoken. His public remarks are often seen as a barometer of corporate India’s wider sentiment, which few others are willing to express.

That is why Mr Bajaj raised hackles in New Delhi last week, when he publicly suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has created an “atmosphere of fear”, with a chilling effect on the business community that had once cheered Mr Modi’s rise to national power.

The setting was a glitzy corporate awards ceremony in Mumbai — the type of function typically characterised by fawning and self-congratulation among India’s business and political elites. But with India in the grip of a sharp economic slowdown, Mr Bajaj suggested that many industrialists are too anxious about offending a notoriously prickly government to offer their honest assessments of what has gone wrong.

During the previous Congress administration, “we could criticise anybody”, Mr Bajaj told three cabinet ministers, including finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on the dais. Today, “we do not have the confidence that if we criticise something that you will appreciate it”.

Mr Modi’s closest lieutenant, Amit Shah, sought to dispel these concerns. “Nobody needs to be afraid,” Mr Shah, the home minister, said.

“But if such an atmosphere as you are talking about has been created, we will also have to try and improve that.”

On social media, though, other ministers displayed precisely the kind of defensiveness to which Mr Bajaj had alluded. Sharing a video of the ex-

change, Ms Sitharaman advised other potential corporate malcontents that there was “always a better way to seek an answer than spreading one’s own impressions, which . . . can hurt the national interest.”

Former top diplomat Hardeep Singh Puri, now minister of housing and urban affairs, tweeted, “that Mr Rahul Bajaj could stand up to Amit Shah’s face, express himself freely, instigate others to join him, clearly indicates that freedom of expression & democratic values are alive & flourishing in India”.

Few business leaders openly endorsed Mr Bajaj’s comments. But there can be little doubt that corporate India’s former ardour for Mr Modi has cooled, amid dismay about his government’s economic stewardship, and its apparent hostility towards critical policy feedback.

Since Mr Modi’s dramatic 2016 cash ban, his administration has claimed that it is waging a war against crony capitalism, necessary to purify the economy after decades of corrupt practices during the socialist-era “license raj” and thereafter. Few established Indian corporate houses have such unsullied pasts that their controlling families can sleep peacefully, without worrying what skeletons a vindictive government could unearth from their closets.

In private, businessmen talk of receiving phone calls from irritated ministers if they are seen to be publicly questioning government policies. Little wonder that many industrialists feel it is best to lie low, rather than risk being targeted by thin-skinned politicians, in a country where investigative agencies have been used to settle political scores.

Fear of the government’s intolerance (and possible retribution) is so strong that even when called to meet top leaders behind closed doors, some businessmen are still reluctant to speak frankly. But the Modi government can ill-afford such an anxious, alienated business community.

After six consecutive quarters of economic deceleration, New Delhi needs a coherent recovery plan, which first requires a vigorous debate about why the economy is going off the rails.

Private industry must be part of that discourse.

Mr Modi’s government must recognise that silencing the flow of honest policy feedback, whether intentionally or not, is ultimately self-defeating.

Atif Mian (@atifrmian) is John H. Laporte Jr. Class of 1967 Professor of Economics, Public Policy and Finance at Princeton University and the co-author of “House of Debt: How They (and You) Caused the Great Recession, and How We Can Prevent It From Happening Again.”

Everyone knew we were losing in Afghanistan

Indian business breaks ranks as economic strain takes its toll INDUSTRIALIST RAHUL BAJAJ HAS SUGGESTED THE GOVERNMENT HAS CREATED AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR

anteed returns in dollars only to run grossly inefficient plants.

It is even harder to find courageous leadership when it comes to dealing with religious extremists. One would have hoped that decades of suffering at the hands of religious extremism would convince at least one government or major political party to roll back the purveyors of hate. But no one seems interested. Or perhaps no one has enough courage.

All major political parties continue to fraternize with the merchants of hate whenever it politically suits them, thus empowering the extremists further. Last month, a cleric who specializes in spewing hate against minorities marched on Islamabad with his followers to put pressure on the government. As he rallied his crowd with dog whistles and extremist rhetoric, the leadership of Pakistan’s two main opposition parties, the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, stood next to him in solidarity. The ruling political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, was no different when it was in the opposition.

This is Pakistan’s ultimate dilemma.

It takes courage to put principles above petty political advantages, to stand firm against vested interests and to openly call out religious bigotry when you see it.

Prime Minister Khan was known for his fearless play on the cricket field as if he were a “cornered tiger.” Pakistan needs similar spirit in the political field today as its politicians have unfortunately developed a habit of conniving with vested interests and those who trade in religious hatred. Pakistan will change only when its leadership develops the courage to act otherwise. For the sake of Pakistan’s children, may that day come soon.

aTlanTic DAvID A GrAhAM

Afghanistan has long been the overshadowed war, eclipsed in public attention by the invasion of Iraq and a dozen other stories. Even so, the American occupation of Afghanistan grinds on, with an end seeming remote and any kind of positive resolution even more so.

It’s bitterly appropriate, then, that on Monday— with more hearings in the impeachment of Donald Trump and the release of a long-awaited Justice Department inspector-general report into the Russia investigation sucking up attention—The Washington Post’s Craig Whitlock delivered a devastating suite of articles about Afghanistan.

Based on a tranche of thousands of documents obtained by the Post in litigation, as well as some previously released memos, the report shows that for nearly two decades, America’s leaders—Democrat and Republican; civilian and military; elected, appointed, and career civil servant—have lied to us about how the war in Afghanistan is going. Yet while this story risks being overshadowed by the fresher stories coming out of Washington, there’s a straight line between the yearslong dissembling about Afghanistan and the chaos of the Trump administration today.

The obvious analogy to the Post scoop is the Pentagon Papers, the batch of documents about the Vietnam War leaked to the press and published— over the fierce objections of the Nixon administration, and with the permission of the Supreme Court—in 1971. The documents were a watershed.

As R. W. Apple Jr. wrote in The New York Times 25 years later, “They demonstrated, among other things, that the Johnson Administration had systematically lied, not only to the public but also to Congress, about a subject of transcendent national interest and significance.” They helped turn the tide of public opinion decisively against the war, and their lesson—that the government would lie so brazenly and extensively—set the table for Richard Nixon’s downfall and post-Watergate governmental reforms.

The Post, courting the comparison with the Pentagon Papers, is billing its stories as “a secret history of the war.” The shocking thing about the Post stories, however, is how unshocking they are. That isn’t to say they aren’t appalling. In exhausting detail, Whitlock shows how Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, their Cabinet officials, and military commanders told Americans that the U.S. had a clear strategy and was effectively executing it—

even though, in private, they said that the U.S. had no idea what it was doing, and no idea how to do it.

Polls have long shown majorities or pluralities of Americans saying that they don’t think the war in Afghanistan is worth fighting and that it is failing.

Fewer than half now believe fighting the war was the right decision in the first place—a finding that comes as a jolt to anyone who remembers the national mood after September 11, 2001. Most think that the war doesn’t have a clear objective. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these views are often even stronger among veterans—the people who have been sent to fight the war and have seen how little progress the American effort is making, and at what cost.

The Pentagon Papers helped enshrine in the public lexicon the idea of a “credibility gap”: the difference between what government officials were telling Americans about how the Vietnam War was going and how they knew the war was actually going. At the time, the presence of that gap seemed untenable.

Today, however, the credibility gap regarding Afghanistan isn’t a bizarre and unstable temporary situation but the status quo. Everyone knows the U.S. is losing in Afghanistan. Almost everyone in the government has been lying about it for years. Yet the collective response to this contradiction is a resigned shrug.

And while Afghanistan doesn’t make headlines much these days, there’s a straight line between this story and the impeachment hearing. In 1971, Americans could still be shocked by the fact that their leaders could be duplicitous. The Afghanistan debacle has conditioned us to expect this. That helped pave the way for the presidency of Donald Trump, who as a candidate offered a mix of outright lies, goofy fibs, and bullshit, and has faithfully continued to do the same since being elected.

The impeachment hearings in the House of Representatives are focused in part on Trump’s obviously false claim that he wasn’t extorting Ukraine for personal electoral assistance, as well as a range of subsidiary nonsense. Sometime soon, the Democratic-led House will vote to impeach Trump, but the president is expected to easily survive a Senate trial. As with so many of the troubling currents in contemporary American politics, Trump didn’t create the condition in which people shrug at their government when it brazenly and transparently lies to them. But he has benefited from and exacerbated it.

DAVID A. GRAHAM is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where he covers U.S. politics and global news.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

FOREIGN NEWS 07 IRAN SAYS IT FOILED 'VERY BIG' FOREIGN CYBER ATTACK DUBAI

i

AGENCIES

RAN will overcome U.S. sanctions by either bypassing them or through negotiations, and it will not cross its red lines in any talks with arch-adversary Washington, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday. Tensions have soared between Tehran and Washington since last year, when President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with six powers and reimposed sanctions on Tehran that have crippled its oil-based economy.

The Islamic Republic has rejected negotiating a new deal with the Trump administration, saying talks are only possible if Washington returns to the nuclear pact and lifts sanctions.

“The government is determined to defeat (the enemy) by bypassing America’s sanctions…or through various means including talks, but we will not cross our red lines,” the semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA quoted Rouhani as saying.

In a rare act of cooperation between Tehran and Washington, the United States and Iran each freed a

Somali security forces kill 5 Al Shabaab fighters to end hotel siege MOGADISHU

prisoner on Saturday.

Washington said it was hopeful that the prisoner swap would lead to the release of other Americans held in Iran and that it was a sign Tehran was willing to discuss other issues.

Iran released Xiyue Wang, a U.S. citizen who had been held for three years on spying charges, while the United States freed Iranian Massoud Soleimani, who had faced charges of violating U.S. sanctions against Tehran.

Iran said on Monday there were about 20 Iranians jailed in the United States in cases linked to sanctions violations.

‘VERY BIG' FOREIGN CYBER ATTACK FOILED: Iran has foiled a major cyber attack on its infrastructure that was launched by a foreign government, the Iranian telecoms minister said on Wednesday, two months after reports of a U.S. cyber operation against the country.

U.S. officials told Reuters in October

that the United States had carried out a secret cyber strike on Iran after the Sept. 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh blamed on Tehran. Iran denied involvement in the attacks, which were claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

“We recently faced a highly organized and state-sponsored attack on our egovernment infrastructure which was… repelled by the country’s security shield,” Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi, Iran’s

With Netanyahu's fate in question, Israel poised for new election JERUSALEM

Russia, Turkey and Iran express concern about militants in Syria's Idlib NUR-SULTAN AGENCIES

AGENCIES

AGENCIES Somali security forces shot dead five Al Shabaab gunmen, who had killed three civilians and two soldiers during an attack on a hotel near the presidential residence in Mogadishu on Tuesday night, police said early on Wednesday.

Al Shabaab, an Al Qaeda linked militant group, frequently launches bombing and gun raids in Mogadishu in a bid to topple Somalia’s UN-backed government. The group confirmed last night it had attacked the Syl hotel, a popular gathering place for officials and lawmakers. The latest attack started at around 7pm on Tuesday and ended at about 1am on Wednesday, when all five attackers had been killed, deputy police commissioner General Zakia Hussen said in a statement on Twitter. “The security forces ended the operation. Five people including three civilians and two soldiers died in the attack,” Hussen said. “Eleven others were slightly injured, including nine civilians and two soldiers,” she added. Hussen had said on Tuesday night that 82 people, including several officials, had been rescued from the Syl hotel. Security officers had initially mistook the gunmen for the police, until they began shooting and throwing grenades, another police officer said on Tuesday. Al Shabaab’s military spokesman Abdiaziz Abu Musab said on Tuesday that the group’s fighters were behind the attack at the hotel compound near the presidential palace. Somalia, in the Horn of Africa, has been embroiled in conflict and chaos since 1991, when clan-based warlords overthrew a dictator then turned on each other. Al Shabaab, which once controlled much of the country, was forced out of Mogadishu in 2011 and has since lost most of its other strongholds. But its fighters regularly attack sites in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya, which has troops in Somalia.

minister for communications and information technology, was quoted by the semi-official Mehr news agency as saying.

“It was a very big attack,” AzariJahromi said, adding that details would be revealed later.

It was not clear whether AzariJahromi was referring to the U.S. cyber attack, which U.S. officials said took place in late September and targeted Tehran’s ability to spread “propaganda”.

Asked about Reuters’ October report of a cyber attack, Azari-Jahromi said then: “They must have dreamt it.”

In late September, Iran reviewed security measures at its key Gulf oil and gas facilities, including preparedness for cyber attacks, following media reports of Washington weighing possible cyber attacks on Tehran.

The reported U.S. cyber strike highlighted how President Donald Trump’s administration has been trying to counter what it sees as Iranian aggression while avoiding an outright military conflict.

Iran has long been on alert over the threat of cyber attacks from abroad. The United States and Israel covertly sabotaged Iran’s disputed nuclear program in 2009 and 2010 with the Stuxnet computer virus, which destroyed a number of Iranian centrifuges that were enriching uranium.

Tensions in the Gulf have escalated sharply since Trump last year withdrew from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and reimposed trade and financial sanctions on Tehran.

Israel headed on Wednesday toward a third national election in less than a year with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing the fight of his life for political survival after a criminal indictment.

After giving its preliminary approval, and barring last-minute progress in deadlocked efforts to form a new government, parliament was set to vote for its dissolution later in the day and approve a March 2 election date already agreed by the two major parties.

What had once seemed nearly impossible to many Israelis – a third visit to polling stations after inconclusive elections in April and September – carries a heavy economic price: it will be well into 2020 before a new budget is passed, which will mean months of cutbacks that will weigh on growth.

Neither Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party nor the centrist Blue and White party led by his main rival, former military chief Benny Gantz, won enough seats in the Knesset (parliament) for a governing majority in the previous two contests.

Both men were delegated the task of forming a coalition, but failed. Each

has blamed the other for the impasse, in which neither could agree on the terms for a “rotating” premiership.

In the two previous national ballots, Netanyahu’s opponents focused on the three corruption investigations against him that included allegations he dispensed favors to media barons in a push for more favorable media coverage.

But this time, Israel’s longest-serving leader is running under the cloud of criminal indictment after charges of bribery, breach of trust and fraud against him were announced last

month.

Denying any wrongdoing, Netanyahu, 70, has accused legal authorities of attempting a “coup” aimed at ousting a popular right-wing leader.

Critics alleged that Netanyahu was trying to undermine the rule of law and set an election campaign theme portraying himself as the victim of “deep state” conspiracy.

As prime minister, Netanyahu is under no legal obligation to resign as a result of the indictment, and while in office he can ask the legislature to grant him immunity from prosecution.

Iraqi families fear worst after protesters abducted BAGHDAD AGENCIES

“Last seen: Friday, 9:18pm.” About an hour after gunmen began attacking a protest encampment in Iraq’s capital at the weekend, Mustafa — who had slept there for weeks — went offline.

In the days since, the 20-year-old demonstrator has not reappeared on messaging application WhatsApp, or in real life.

Late Friday, unidentified gunmen stormed and torched the multi-storey building known as al-Sinek Garage, where anti-government protesters had camped out for weeks.

At least 20 protesters and four police officers were killed in the melee, medical sources told AFP, while about 80 demonstrators were abducted.

“They filled up two charter buses with people from Al-Sinek,” said Yousef al-Harbi, an activist who was in the building when it was attacked.

Amer, a 26-year-old demonstrator, said he was nearby when gunshots began echoing from the building, so he called friends he knew were inside.

“Mustafa picked up and said, ‘things are really bad, they’re shooting at us.’ He hung up and his phone turned off,” said Amer, using a pseudonym as he has faced threats. “We’ve called everyone — from the government to the militias”, Amer said.

Security forces say none of the demonstrators were taken into custody, while pro-Iran armed groups blamed by protesters for Friday’s killings swore they had no role in the violence.

Nineteen-year-old Sajad was among those abducted by bus on Friday night.

His family heard nothing from him until he reappeared outside his home on Tuesday morning, after being held by masked men for three days.

“They drove for about three quarters of an hour and then their captors

handed them over to another group,” his father Rahim told AFP. “They were asked for their names, their parents’ names and their addresses,” Rahim said, declining to use his full name for fear of reprisals.

The description of where they were held — on a tributary of the Tigris on Baghdad’s northeast outskirts — corresponds to where other Iraqis say they were detained.

“It’s a place overlooking the Diyala” tributary, Iraqi blogger Chojaa al-Khafaji said after he was taken to the same place on the back of being abducted from his home in October.

There masked men in black uniforms took his phones after a brief interrogation. After 24 hours, they left Khafaji in a poor district of Baghdad with $20 to return home by taxi.

Sajad had to wait 72 hours until he was released with about 30 other protesters in the middle of the night on a road outside Baghdad.

Russia, Turkey and Iran are concerned about the increased presence of terrorist groups in Syria’s Idlib province, the three countries said after talks in Kazakhstan, pledging to coordinate actions aimed at eliminating the militants.

Moscow, Ankara and Tehran “highlighted the necessity to establish calm on the ground”, the trio said in a joint statement after the talks, also attended by representatives of the Damascus government and the Syrian armed opposition. The three countries also said they rejected attempts to create “new realities on the ground, including illegitimate self-rule initiatives” and that they were opposed to the illegal seizure and transfer of Syrian oil revenues. Commenting on the work of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, the three nations said it should be governed by a sense of “compromise and constructive engagement” without foreign interference and externally imposed timelines.

China imprisoned more journalists than any other country in 2019: CPJ BEIJING: China imprisoned at least 48 journalists in 2019, more than any other country, displacing Turkey as the most oppressive place for the profession, a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists report said on Wednesday. At least 250 journalists were imprisoned worldwide this year, according to the report, which the committee compiles annually.

The total last year was 255, said the report by the New York-based CPJ. China’s total rose by one since last year. The report noted that “the number has steadily increased since President Xi Jinping consolidated political control of the country.”

“A crackdown in Xinjiang province – where a million members of Muslim ethnic groups have been sent to internment camps – has led to the arrests of dozens of journalists, including some apparently jailed for journalistic activity years earlier,” the report said. Asked about the report by at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said U.S.-based institutions had no credibility. When asked about the number of journalists jailed in China, Hua said she could not confirm the figure, adding that China was a country where the rule of law prevailed and no one was above the law. AGENCIES

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

08 COMMENT Political vengeance overriding law

Helping a friend with suicidal thoughts Knowing what not to say, is as important as saying something

The PTI and opposition leaders

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hE only task the PTI government has fulfilled thoroughly is to persecute the opposition, the motive being political revenge. had there been a genuine desire to bring the corrupt to accountability, the government could have started with some of its own ministers and advisors against whom corruption enquiries had been blocked through official pressure.

The opposition’s persecution has taken various forms. Former PM Khaqan Abbasi, and MNAs Rana Sanaullah and Kh Saad Rafique have been in jails for months without any charge having been proved against them. The Speaker has either failed to use his authority to ensure their production in the house or his orders were not implemented. As Mr Abbasi told the National Assembly on Monday, he was not produced on December 4 despite the Speaker’s directives. In the case of Rana Sanaullah, production orders have never been issued.

PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz was given bail by the Lahore high Court after she signed two surety bonds, deposited a hefty amount and surrendered her passport to secure her release. Later, the court directed the government to decide on her request to travel abroad for a specified period. After the court had released Maryam on bail the government was left with no moral or legal ground to disallow her from leaving the country.

The Islamabad high Court has finally granted bail to former President Asif Zardari on medical grounds. In a bid to torture the ailing statesman, the government transferred his case from Karachi to Islamabad. he was also not allowed to consult his personal physician. while dealing with its opponents the PTI has set precedents that it would rue when it sits on the opposition benches.

Levers of control The government goes for both bureaucrats and the media

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hE PTI has long shown an authoritarian streak that comes from its holier-than-thou selfrighteousness. however, it seems that it is now trying to take this to the next level by giving itself levers of control over the bureaucracy as well as the media. while governments, both elected and military, have always made sure that favourite bureaucrats got promotions whether they deserved it or not, this will be the first government to institutionalise the rule of the blue-eyed, by the change carried out in the rules, giving the Central Selection Board a discretionary 30 marks out of 100 instead of 15, the extra marks coming from marks that had been previously allocated to Annual Confidential Reports, and professional courses.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet decided in its meeting on Tuesday that there would be no more allowing convicts to present their narrative on the media.

The government may want to perpetuate itself by trying to ensure that it can promote favourites, which will be followed by posting them to key positions. however, this path also lays the government open to litigation by overlooked civil servants, as has happened in the past, whenever there has been such a rule change.

It also may be justified by the government on the basis that the bureaucracy has not been cooperating with it, but it seems to be following in the footsteps of its predecessors by trying to gain the means of pushing ahead its favourites. It should not be forgotten that the CSB includes political input in the shape of parliamentarians, apart from several top civil servants.

That means that all those hoping for promotion will seek political and bureaucratic sponsors who will get them those all-important marks. CSB members, whether political or bureaucratic, will find bureaucrats obsequious indeed.

The press will resist any measures to erode its independence, as was shown by the meeting of various press bodies at the Islamabad offices of a newspaper recently attacked, to express the demand that those behind the attack be arrested. If the government put half the imagination it has shown in devising curbs on the media, or methods to bring the bureaucracy to heel, it would probably solve the problems of the country it is now having to duck.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Asher John

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Deputy Editor

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FaraZ TalaT

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ESTIgMATIZINg depression or suicide can seem like a herculean task. But it all starts with unlearning one neoliberal lie: “Preventing suicide is a matter of personal responsibility”.

A person does not attempt suicide because he hates his life; rather he hates the circumstances in which his life appears to have become permanently entangled. while discussing suicide, using the word ‘intentional’ is itself only technically appropriate. The ‘intention’ is to escape the toxic circumstances which the individual may not have been responsible for. At times, suicide may result from a botched attempt at selfharm rather than the ‘intention’ of ending one’s life. There are cases labelled suicide, like in drug overdose, where the intention may have been neither death nor self-harm. The person may simply have used the drug illicitly as a means to escape pain, and may have unintentionally lost one’s life in the process. we say that a person “commits” suicide, which I find curious. A soldier intentionally commits himself to a battle with high risk of injury or death; but I’ve never heard the term “committed martyrdom”. we respectfully imply through our words, that the soldier is not be blamed for his own death; it was circumstances that caused

his demise. Martyrdom was not committed, but achieved. To say that person “committed” or “carried out” the act of self-harm, is to accuse the victim of being the villain of his story. when discussing victims of suicide, we pretend not to notice the stigma in words like “commiting suicide”. People who understand suicide as a societal problem rather than a personal failure, tend to say that a person “died of suicide”. our words matter enormously. when you understand that preventing suicide is not strictly a matter of personal responsibility, you may notice a shift in the way you speak to friends or classmates who might be feeling suicidal. Phrases like “Stop worrying!” or “Stay positive!” begin to appear thoughtless and insensitive.

Such phrases spurt from the erroneous notion of suicide as something entirely within the sufferer’s conscious control. People don’t stop worrying just because you tell them to. There’s no secret lever you can pull to change your mood from ‘negative’ to ‘positive’. Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other mental health professionals don’t go through years of rigorous training just so they can tell their clients to “cheer up”. we all want to help out our friends who are found to be struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. But what you don’t do, is far more important than what you do. Firstly, don’t be too eager to hand out advice. A worthy psychiatrist thinks thrice before giving advice to a patient. There’s no reason a non-professional should be blurting out advice like, “Just pray five times a day, and it’ll be all right!”. Be mindful of your limitations. Just as it’s okay for you to avoid performing surgery on your friend no matter how much he needs it, it’s perfectly reasonable for you to feel uncertain about conducting psychosocial therapy. what you can do, is to listen empathically.

Acknowledge that it’s not the body that a suicidal person is trying to escape; it’s the situation. Understand the situation that your friend is trying to escape. what went wrong? what is your friend’s perception of the situation? Is there a

practical way to fix it?

If appropriate, some physical contact– like a hug– could be helpful and reassuring. It’s regrettable that the value of compassionate physical contact really needs to be hammered into men, who are often uncomfortable with such interactions. It’s okay. You’re allowed to hold your friend tight to make him feel safe, as long he’s willing to be embraced like that.

Don’t challenge your friend’s emotions or attempt to minimize them. Don’t tell him that someone you know went through something ‘much worse’. A senior psychiatrist I’ve had the good fortune of collaborating with, explained this point in a particularly smart way through the following example. The same rain makes different sounds when it falls on different surfaces. It’s quiet when it falls on a heap of sand, and loud when it hits a tin roof. The same situation can be perceived subjectively by different people, so it’s important that you attempt to understand how your friend feels about the particularly situation he’s in. Nobody likes being made to feel “crazy” for feeling the way one does. Don’t shame someone for feelings that seem “out of proportion” to the situation.

Above all, encourage your friend to seek out professional help. As discussed earlier, it’s prudent to acknowledge your limitations. Don’t let the hubris of knowing your friend better than anyone else, get in the way of directing him or her to a healthcare professional.

Ultimately, suicide is a societal problem. It’s not just you. It’s not just the doctor. Many things must go wrong at the same time with respect to social support, financial means, politico-legal situation, the economic order, and the healthcare situation, before we lose a loved one to suicide.

It’s not the fault of one person, and the victim is certainly not be blamed.

Faraz Talat is a medical doctor from Rawalpindi and an ardent traveller who writes frequently about science, social politics and international relations.

A second Nakba in the making?

The Trump Administration has created the conditions for another slaughter of Palestinians

Washington Watch Dr James J Zogby

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wo years ago Friday, President Donald Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. we knew then that this was an irresponsible and cruelly insensitive act that would do grave harm to the rights and well-being of Palestinians and put an end to any pretence that the USA could help negotiate an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. what we didn’t know was that this dangerous move was only the beginning of the damage Trump would do to Palestinian rights and the prospects for peace. we are running out of time. If action isn’t taken soon, we may well see a second, and potentially more devastating, Nakba. If it occurs, the responsibility for this tragedy will fall not only on the Israelis who carry it out and the USA that aided and abetted them, it will also fall on the nations of the world who failed to act in time to stop this tragedy from occurring. while each of these acts presents problems on their own, added together the toll they may take on the Palestinian people can ultimately be as devastating as a second Nakba.

In the short span of only two years, President Trump and his administration have attempted to undo all of the gains Palestinians have won during the past seven decades. Because the USA has shuttered the PLo office and denied that Palestinian refugees are, in fact, refugees and therefore part of the Palestinian community, the USA is saying that

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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it no longer sees Palestinians as a national commu- to the new US position on Israeli settlements.

The problem is that while the Trump Adminnity deserving of recognition and the right to selfdetermination. Because the USA has repeatedly istration has become increasingly politically isogiven carte blanche to every Israeli whim, regard- lated by its reckless behaviour, it has not been ing Jerusalem, refugees, and settlements, it has left effectively challenged. To change the current Palestinians particularly vulnerable to more ex- downward spiral dynamic that is unfolding in the treme Israeli measures– annexation, massive land Israel-Palestinian arena is a bold confrontation of seizures, and even expulsion. And because the both the USA and Israel. Statements or resoluUSA has flaunted its contempt for the rule of law tions will not suffice– since they are routinely disand international norms of behaviour, they have missed and ignored. what is required is that other created a far more dangerous and precarious world nations say “enough is enough” and tell the USA that its days of hegemonic in which any regional control over the “peace power backed by the USA process” have come to an can act with impunity and end. Israel too must be suffer little or no repercusWe are running out of confronted and made to sions for its behaviour. pay a price for its lawless I sometimes wonder if time. If action isn’t taken behaviour and gross systhis is what the “the Deal soon, we may well see a tematic violations of of the Century” is supPalestinian human rights. posed to look like. Maybe, second, and potentially of course, a unified all along, it was intended more devastating, Nakba. Palestinian response utilizto be nothing more than ing a campaign of non-viwhat it has been doing for If it occurs, the olent resistance would also the last two years– creatbe important, but I hesitate ing a nihilistic order in responsibility for this to place emphasis on this which the Israelis are free tragedy will fall not only factor for two reasons. to act out their most exFirst, the burden of doing treme fantasies while vulon the Israelis who carry it the heavy lifting shouldn’t nerable Palestinians are out and the USA that aided rest on the most vulnerable forced to inhabit a party to the conflict. And dystopian world in which and abetted them, it will even if the Palestinians they have no rights and no recourse open to them. It also fall on the nations of were to rise up, as they have before, unless the nais for this reason I suggest the world who failed to act tions of the world were that the cumulative impact ready to challenge both the of what Trump has done in time to stop this US and Israel, their resisthas created the conditions tragedy from occurring ance would come to a for a second Nakba. bloody end.

There are, of course, we are running out of avenues open before us time. If action isn’t taken that provide ways to avoid such a disaster. while the USA has created this soon, we may well see a second, and potentially mess on its own, each and every one of its moves more devastating, Nakba. If it occurs, the responhave been rejected by the Arab States and the over- sibility for this tragedy will fall not only on the whelming majority of the nations of the world. For Israelis who carry it out and the USA that aided example, only a smattering of minor US depend- and abetted them, it will also fall on the nations encies have considered joining the USA in moving of the world who failed to act in time to stop this their embassies to Jerusalem; last month, by a vote tragedy from occurring. of 170 to 2, the United Nations reaffirmed its supDr James J Zogby is President, Arab port for UNwRA; and then there were the denunciations issue by the Arab States and the Europeans American Institute.

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

COMMENT 09 Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Re-establishing dairy sector

Reforming college education The whole system must be revamped abDul rahman malik

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oLLEgE Education has been the most neglected area in Pakistan, especially in Sindh, where the colleges are not provided with development funds, modern methods of teaching, language and computer labs or interactive classrooms.

The promotions system is obsolete and the old nomenclature of posts dating back to 1980s, and lack of scholarships for teachers, lead to principals being appointed ignoring administrative skills or competence. As a result, the principals mess up the college funds and run after development funds but neglect the key point of imparting quality education. The situation becomes grimmer when the colleges are established onthe political basis and notified without following the procedure of SNE, Building, Population and feeding Schools that may guarantee the smooth running of the college.

The absence of any clear rules or recruitment policy for the appointment of principals, has played havoc with college education, since principals are unaware of audit and accounting, DDo powers and responsibilities, drafting and correspondence, communication, office administration, linkages, monitoring and evaluation of teachers and students outputs, curriculum development, course plan, planning and development of development schemes such as repair of college buildings and procurement procedure .

Mostly professors in BPS-19 and BPS-20 are posted on administrative or management posts such as Regional Director, Dg and Chairman BISE. There is no College Teachers Training Institute that may impart training to newly appointed lecturers and other staff that it may increase their productivity. Even the College Education Department is denied and usurped by Powerful PAS, PSS, PCS, PMS and oMg officers unaware of college issues.

Teachers disillusioned over delayed promotions, often take 18 years to reach the next grade but some get promotion after retirement. Earlier, the college teachers were provided moveover to next grade after on a time scale, but this was withdrawn.

Later, Time Scale was granted to schoolteachers, but the college teachers were denied these monetary benefits which provided respite against delayed Departmental Promotion Committees for promotions from BS-17 to BS-20 respectively.

It is alarming that some teachers remain in the same grade during the whole service period and some get only one promotion to next grade, given the obsolete promotions system and the socalled Four-Tier system. on the other hand, Punjab and KPK have introduced five-tier, which means promotion to BS-21. But in Sindh, the old four-tier system is in practice with a ratio of 60:40 for males and females. The Delayed DPCs after two to five years have wreaked havoc with service structure and pensionary benefits.

Teachers Unions of all four provinces such as SPLA (Sindh), KPLA (KPK), BPLA (Balochistan) and PPLA (Punjab) have protested for their rights and have been successful in getting their demands approved except the SPLA, owing to its internal differences, insincerity, selfishness or individualism and disunity because of lack of consensus or consultation with the college fraternity.

The old players of SPLA went on a solo flight and kept the members of SPLA in limbo,

which resulted in their downfall and they sabotaged the real voice of college teachers and dragged them into the quagmire of disappointment, deprivation and injustice. The disparities still continue, haunting the college fraternity.

Some young leaderswith a progressive approach came up to win support for the time scale and staged a showdown which drew the attention of the authorities to the long due issue of promotions and supplementing it with time scale until regular time-based promotions ,But the old leaders could not digest the successful protest and the landmark court decision directing the CM Sindh and Secretary College Education to resolve the issues of Promotions and Time scale after determining financial requirements and policy matters on priority basis.

Some teachers demand grades on the lines of university teachers since BCom, BSc, BA (now Replaced with AdSc and AdA) and MAlevel students have been imparted education at degree and postgraduate level at the degree colleges and postgraduate studies centres. The upgradation of posts such as Lecturers from BS17 to 18 and above in the lines of universities as the college teachers are regulated through higher Education.

The old stalwarts of colleges were lured by lucrative administrative positions in the regional directorates, Dg office, boards and principalships.

They apparently do not know that civil servants get five Promotions in their career as per their promotion policies, from BS-17 to BS-22.

Connversely, college teachers are deprived of all such perks and amenities as provided to civil servants. Such injustice warrants that government should resolve the issues on a priority basis.

It is unfortunate that college teachers have no representation in the College Education Department secretariat, while there are several doctors serving in the health Secretariat, and several engineers serving in the Public health Engineering Secretariat on Section officer, Deputy Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary-level administrative positions. Regrettably, the college professors, even in grade 19 or 20, are denied such representation just because they do not have a management or executive cadre like PSS, PMS, PoS, PCS or oMg, AAg etc. The college teachers, though, are appointed through Competitive Examination of SPSC, FPSC or the Provincial Public Service Commissions.

It is also pertinent to note that the civil servants are unaware of the technical terms and issues of colleges and only college teachers can address the needs and resolve the issues of college teachers properly and on a priority basis.

The college teachers should also be allocated 5 to 10 percent of the administrative posts in Secretariat as our college teachers are the most efficient and talented and can better deliver in policymaking and updating curriculum, service rules drafting and making informed decisions on administrative grounds.

It is shocking to say the teacher who is the factory to produce all the officers, is considered “not fit” for administrative positions though he or she is recruited through the same SPSC/FPSC. It would be good if the government introduces an Executive service to join the Civil service or secretarial service like SoPE (Section officers Promotions Exam) conducted by FPSC from the Federal Employees in grades 7 to 16, having eight years’ experience.

After passing SoPE, they would awarded the CSS cadre oMg ( office Management

group).They have been doing a tremendous job as these officers are well aware of day-to-day office Matters and meet deadlines quite easily and require fewer directions.

The government should also revise the SNE of the Colleges by creating three additional posts, of a vice-principal in BS-18, a Sub Engineer in BS 11/16 and an Assistant Director (Finance and Planning) in BS-17 to run the administrative, development and accounting matters smoothly. The Federal and Punjab colleges have vice principals who look after or officiate in the absence of principals. There should be either direct appointments through a search Committee or Public Service Commission for the position of vice principals and principals so that most experienced persons may be appointed on the administrative posts.

Furthermore, local and international scholarships and study leaves are not granted to college teachers to pursue MPhil and PhD or postdoctoral studies as availed by University teachers.

The new college teachers appointed through the SPSC should undergo the induction or orientation training to be organized at the directorate level, or a training wing or proposed institute, the College Teachers Training Institute or College Management Institute (CMI), may be established to impart training on teaching methodologies and lecture process. There must be courses on policy matters and orientation training for principals and vice principals on administration, management, supervision, auditing, strategic planning and innovation to improve college education and bringing it at par with international standards.

Projectors should be used and a laptop scheme should be initiated for teachers so that teachers can impart education on modern lines and make the learning fun as students get bored from the lecture of 40 to 45 minutes. The presentations on multimedia projectors will make learning interactive and collaborative.

Regrettably, though, there are multimedia projectors installed at some colleges but they have been out of order for years and The principals have not bothered to make them functional because of unavailability of computer lecturers and technicians, There should also be computer lab assistants, besides just lab assistants.

Principals are team leaders rather than just bosses to scold, report, tamper with ACRs or take action against teachers on personal grudges and be lenient with blue-eyed teachers. Bosses never take responsibility, just shift it. however, leaders always believe in teamwork and take the responsibility for either good or bad and defend their teammates.

Regrettably, some principals imposed upon colleges lack the competence to run the day-today affairs. owing to their incompetence, inefficiency and lack of training, academic and administrative issues surface which prompt the supervisory authorities to intervene. These trivial issues might have been resolved at the college level, had there been qualified and competent principals with problem-solving skills and management skills. It is also necessary that executive management training should be made compulsory for principals.

It is the need of the hour to address the woes of college teachers and colleges. These should be resolved on war-footing to transform colleges into great seats of learning, since colleges fill the gaps of higher education where there are no universities. The colleges serve as higher education institutions offering degrees at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels.

PAKISTAN enjoys the status of being the third largest milk producer in the world. however, being the biggest producer is one thing and utilising it to maximise gains from it is quite another.

The ‘gawala’ system is still so dominant that 95% of milk sold in Pakistan is through them. The gawala system has shattered the trust of people so much so that the public now doesn’t want to buy from them. The reason behind this is the adulteration of milk using water in the best-case scenarios and chemicals at worst.

The milk sold through the formal dairy sector of Pakistan comprises only 5% which is an incredibly low proportion of the milk produced and consumed. The milk for the packaged milk industry is gathered from those local farmers who can provide higher volumes of milk. This ignores small farmers who cannot meet the minimum milk volume to sell to these packaged milk companies. In Turkey and other developed countries, the governments have formed cooperatives where farmers can earn in proportion to what they contribute. These cooperatives not only include small farmers but also help control milk adulteration to a great extent.

A big percentage of milk is wasted every year in Pakistan either because it is not stored in optimal atmospheric conditions or, as discovered by the regulatory authorities, because of adulteration.

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has played an active role in curbing the menace of milk adulteration to this end, and as a consequence, hundreds and thousands of litres of milk that have been declared unsafe for consumption are dumped every year.

Recently, the permission has been granted by Chief Minister of Punjab Mr Usman Buzdar for the sale of pasteurised milk, which will begin from Township, Lahore as a pilot project.

Pasteurisation is a process in which the milk is heated at a certain temperature for a specific period of time to kill all the harmful bacteria in it. It is the need of hour for government intervention in the provision of safe milk. Every day, in cities across the country, children are reported to be suffering from malnourishment, stunted growth, wasting and other harmful diseases which can be combatted in part through the consumption of healthy, safe milk.

Ten years ago, Turkey formalised its dairy sector by implementing a minimum pasteurisation law. Today, Turkey is amongst the ten biggest milk producers in the world, and not only it fulfils its domestic needs, but also contributes to the economy by exporting a huge quantity of milk. If Pakistan, as the 3rd largest milk producer with a 95% informal dairy sector, increases the share of its formal dairy sector, not only it will this ensure the provision of safe milk to the masses, but also contribute to economic growth and development through taxes and investments. growth of any industry is directly proportional to the economy and the same applies for Pakistan’s dairy sector. A lack of awareness in this regard is one of the major reasons why the packaged milk industry has failed to grow at the pace it should have. If minimum pasteurisation laws are completely implemented, these will not only help the formal dairy sector scale, but will also enable small farmers who to date are forced to sell their milk in local markets, thus subject to adulteration.

Formalisation of industry has always brought innovation, growth, and effective and efficient solutions to any problems faced. For Pakistan’s dairy sector to achieve its fullest potential, the public and private sectors will have to join forces to see qualitative and quantitative results.

MuhAMMAD AMIR Lahore

HIV in Pakistan hUMAN Immunodeficiency Virus (hIV) is a hazardous virus which destroys the immune system and cause AIDS. Noticeably, this virus is caused by using needleless syringe and sexual contact. The common symptoms of this virus are sudden weight loss, jaundice, persistent cough, flu, night sweats and pneumonia which are commonly called fatal diseases. however, Pakistan has a large number of hIV patients included, men, women and children. Approximately, Pakistan has 160,000 adults living with hIV among whom 48,000 are girls of 15 to 25 years who have been involved in sexual contacts directly and indirectly. Furthermore, the country has an estimated population of 52,400 of transgender who have an hIV prevalence rate of 5.5 per cent. Not only this, according to a report, 900 children in Pakistan are currently suffering from AIDS who are sexually harassed which shows how our society is ignorant. In addition, recently,1,200 masses from Sindh and 45,000 people from KPK have been affected by hIV. The virus captured over all the country, but the concerned authorities are just watching the show without taking any action. Even, the hospitals have no space for infected patients. By the way, I just want to ask to government of Pakistan that Can’t we have such a scientist who can invent an appropriate antidote against this dangerous virus?

AbIDA DILJAn Turbat

Climate change ThE changes which are caused by global warming is what we called climate change. It is clear to everyone that climate change has become a great threat for this world. The unusual melting of glaciers due to global warming has increased the sea level which cause storm in order to destroy some beautiful countries like Maldives. The general causes of global warming by which climate change occurs are burning fossil fuels, using shabby vehicles, burning plastic bags, greenhouse gases and particularly depletion of ozone layer. however, climate change has become an international issue that has compelled many countries to discuss it in general Assembly of UNo. The world hope that UNo and its member countries will find out a suitable solution for this issue so that our beautiful planet should be protected. nAbILA bAShIR Turbat

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

10 FOREIGN NEWS

US groUndS SaUdi pilotS, haltS military training after baSe Shooting WASHINGTON

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AGENCIES

HE Pentagon announced on Tuesday it was halting operational training of all Saudi Arabian military personnel in the United States until further notice after a Saudi Air Force lieutenant shot and killed three people last week at a base in Florida.

The decision will have far-reaching impacts on visiting Saudi personnel, including grounding more than 300 Saudi Arabian military aviation students as part of a “safety stand-down,” first reported by Reuters earlier on Tuesday.

The Pentagon later confirmed the Reuters report about aviation students and added the move would also affect infantry personnel and all other Saudi training, other than classroom training. Such coursework, which includes English-language classes, will continue.

A senior U.S. defense official, briefing Pentagon reporters on the decision, said the move was intended to allow for a broader review of security procedures that would eventually apply to all of some 5,000 international military students in the United States. Still, the safety standdown only applied to the some 850 visiting students from Saudi Arabia. The defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the shooting “suggested that there could be a particular improvement with that (nation’s) population.”

“I don’t have any evidence to suggest that there is a larger ring or larger conspiracy,” the official said, when asked what was

operational pause began on Monday for Saudi Arabian aviation students.

She said the grounding included three different military facilities: Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Air Station Whiting Field and Naval Air Station Mayport, all in Florida.

The Air Force said its groundings of Saudi aviation students also applied to additional U.S. bases.

“Given the traumatic events, we feel it is best to keep the Royal Saudi Air Force students off the flying schedule for a short time,” the Air Force spokeswoman said.

Alshamrani was on the base as part of a U.S. Navy training program designed to foster links with foreign allies. He had started training in the United States in 2017 and had been in the Pensacola area for the past 18 months, authorities said.

driving the safety-standdown.

The FBI has said U.S. investigators believe Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, acted alone when he attacked a U.S. Navy base in Pensacola, Florida, on Friday, before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

The shootings have again raised questions about the U.S. military relationship with Saudi Arabia, which has come under heightened scrutiny in Congress over the war in Yemen and Saudi Arabia’s killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi last year.

Still, U.S. military leaders have sought to portray this as a localized issue which would not affect the overall U.S.-Saudi relationship.

Navy spokeswoman Lieutenant Andriana Genualdi said the safety standdown and

Six dead in hours-long New York shootout NEW YORK: Six people including a police officer and two suspects were killed during an hours-long shootout across a New York suburb not far from the Statue of Liberty, local officials said. “Our officers were under fire for hours,” Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly told reporters after the latest high-profile US shooting. In addition to the officer and the suspects, three civilians were killed in the incident that began around midday at a cemetery and ended in a store, Kelly said. Bomb squad officers were examining a stolen U-Haul vehicle “that may contain an incendiary device,” he added. No clear reason for the shooting has been given. Five of the dead were found inside a store, said Kelly. “We believe that two of them are bad guys,” while the other three are civilians, he said, describing the crime scene as “very extensive, three locations at least.” Two other officers were wounded, Kelly told reporters. “I heard fighting outside, then ‘Boom!

Boom! Boom!'” the New York Daily News quoted a food store worker two blocks from the shooting as saying. “I saw people running outside — men, women, children in the street. These people were scared.” Kelly said the suspects’ “movement was rapid and continuous for four hours” during the drama which saw the deployment of hundreds of police from New Jersey and New York, including tactical officers armed with rifles and wearing olive-green fatigues and helmets. NBC television reported that hundreds of rounds were fired. Media reports said the shooting began when an officer investigating a homicide approached the suspects in the cemetery. Identified by media as Detective Joseph Seals, he was the first victim. Asked to confirm whether the officer was indeed probing a murder, Kelly said it is “being looked into.” The suspects then took refuge in a grocery store where firing continued and the five bodies were later found. US residents have become accustomed to shootings — everywhere from churches to schools and cinemas — and firearms were linked to nearly 40,000 deaths of various kinds in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. AGENCIES

Experts quit Hong Kong police probe in blow to government HONG KONG AGENCIES

Climate activist Greta Thunberg is Time's 2019 person of the year STOCKHOLM: Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teenager who became the voice of conscience for a generation facing the climate change emergency, was announced Wednesday as Time magazine’s 2019 Person of the Year. The 16-year-old first hit the headlines for her solo strike against global warming outside Sweden’s parliament last year. “We can’t just continue living as if there was no tomorrow, because there is a tomorrow. That is all we are saying,” Thunberg told Time.

The magazine interviewed Thunberg aboard the sailboat that took her from the United States to Europe after a hectic 11-week North American trip to several US cities and Canada. Thunberg has taken her disarmingly straightforward message — “listen to the scientists” — to global decision-makers, accusing them of inaction. AGENCIES

An international panel of experts hired to advise Hong Kong on the police response to huge pro-democracy protests announced Wednesday they were quitting, saying the watchdog was not fit for purpose “in a society that values freedoms and rights”.

The group’s damning conclusion is a blow to Hong Kong’s government, which has insisted its Independent Police Complaints Commission is capable of holding the force to account over snowballing claims of brutality.

“We ultimately concluded that a crucial shortfall was evident in the powers, capacity and independent investigative capability of IPCC,” the experts said.

Critics have long charged the body lacks adequate powers, is stacked with pro-establishment figures and has been toothless when it comes to keeping the police in line.

The watchdog can only handle complaints forwarded by the police themselves and it cannot subpoena documents or compel witnesses to testify.

Such limitations, the expert panel said, do not “begin to meet the stan-

dards citizens of Hong Kong would likely require of a police watchdog operating in a society that values freedoms and rights”.

Protests have rocked Hong Kong for more than six months, with up to two million people taking to the streets, initially against a nowshelved extradition bill.

Latterly, one of the core demands of protesters — alongside fully free elections — has been an inquiry into the police, who have been left to battle increasingly violent black-clad activists and are now loathed by significant chunks of the deeply polarised population.

But both chief executive Carrie Lam and the police have repeatedly rejected those calls.

Pro-democracy lawmaker Tanya Chan described the resignation of the expert group as a “vote of no confidence” in the IPCC and the interim report it is expected to produce next year.

Political scientist Ma Ngok said the panel’s decision confirmed Hong Kong people’s doubts on the IPCC’s ability to find the truth.

“The government’s strategy of making the report independent by having a panel of overseas experts has failed,” Ngok told AFP.

New Zealand's Ardern says new Finnish PM 'needs no advice' WELLINGTON: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Finland’s new Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who has become the world’s youngest head of government, needs no advice from another youthful premier. Marin, 34, took over Ardern’s mantle as the world’s youngest female leader on Tuesday. “Oh, look, she needs no advice.

This is ultimately one of those issues when people assume of course because you are young that you are not bringing experience and expertise to the table necessarily,” Ardern told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday when asked if she has any advice for Marin. “I see she’s already a minister, she’s already a member of the government.

All I would say is: go well.” Ardern, 39, burst into prominence during New Zealand’s 2017 election and became the world’s youngest prime minister at the time. She is feted globally as part of a new wave of progressive and young leaders that has included France’s Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s Justin Trudeau. Ardern’s message, however, was in contrast to some worldly wisdom offered by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who at 94 is the oldest leader of a country. Mahathir said on Tuesday that it would be a good idea for Marin to ask “old people” for their advice. “While we believe in the idealism of young people, it is important also for them to consider the experience of the old people,” Mahathir said. AGENCIES

Arctic has one of warmest years, raising fears over rising sea levels NUUK AGENCIES

The Arctic has experienced its second warmest year since 1900, according to a report published Tuesday, raising fears over low summer sea ice and rising sea levels. The North Pole has been warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet since the 1990s, a phenomenon climatologists call Arctic amplification, and the past six years have been the region’s warmest ever.

The average temperature in the 12 months to September was 1.9 degrees Celsius higher than the 1981-2010 average, according to the Arctic Report Card of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA).

The end-of-summer sea ice cover measured that month was the second low-

est in the 41-year satellite record, tied with 2007 and 2016, the annual report said. “2007 was a watershed year,” Don Perovich, a Dartmouth engineering professor who co-authored the report, told AFP. “Some years there’s an increase, some years there’s a decrease, but we’ve never returned to the levels we saw before 2007,” he added.

The year up to September has been surpassed only by the equivalent period in 2015-16 — the warmest since 1900, when records began.

In the Bering Sea between Russia and Alaska, the last two winters have seen maximum sea ice coverage of less than half the long-term average.

The ice is also thinner, meaning airplanes can no longer land with supplies for the residents of Diomede, a small is-

UN head demands bigger climate action or 'we are doomed' MADRID: U.N. chief Antonio Guterres exhorted the world’s major economies on Wednesday to signal more ambitious commitments to cut greenhouse emissions as climate talks in Madrid hit an intense phase. “We need to have the big emitters understanding that their role is essential, because if the big emitters fail, everything will fail,” Guterres told Reuters in an interview. “If we just go on as we are, we are doomed.” AGENCIES

land in the Bering Strait, who now depend on less reliable helicopters.

MELTING PERMAFROST: Thick ice is also vital for locals who travel by snowmobile and stow their boats, or hunt seals and whales.

As the ice forms later in the fall, the inhabitants are isolated for a greater part

of the year.

The “shorefast ice,” anchored to the sea floor, is increasingly rare, and it is on this ice that fishermen and hunters store their equipment.

“In the northern Bering Sea, sea ice used to be present with us for eight months a year. Today, we may only see

three or four months with ice,” indigenous residents wrote in an essay included in the report.

It is not just sea ice that is receding, according to the report: ice on Greenland is also melting.

For the rest of the world this melt is measured by rising sea levels. Each year ice melting from Greenland alone raises global sea levels by 0.7 millimeters.

The snow reflects the sun’s rays back to space, but when it melts it uncovers more area for the sun’s heat to be absorbed and melts the permafrost, the soil that remains constantly frozen.

Greenland has the world’s second largest ice sheet after Antarctica, which is melting at a slower pace. Scientists noted Tuesday that Greenland is struggling too, however.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

BUSINESS 11

NEPRA offERs officiAl vEhiclEs to diREctoRs At 10Pc

CORPORATE CORNER

ISLAMABAD

LAHORE: Adviser to Punjab Chief Minister on Economic Affairs Dr Salman Shah participates in a panel discussion during Pakistan Oilseeds Summit 2019. US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) CEO Jim Sutter and US Agricutural Counsellor Rey Santella are also present on the occasion. press rel e a s e

KARACHI: Seniors officials of Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited participated in IBA-CEIF Islamic Finance Conference (IFC) 2019. The theme of the conference was 'Emerging Trends in Islamic Finance'. p r e s s r e l e a s e

A

aHMaD aHMaDaNI

S the government is adopting “austerity measures” to reduce the burden on the national exchequer, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is offering its directors the option to buy official vehicles at 10pc of the original cost.

According to documents available with this scribe, NEPRA has offered nine of its directors, including four additional director generals, the option to buy those official vehicles that are currently in their possession “after depositing 10pc of the original cost of the said vehicles”.

The directors have also been asked to deposit the amount in the NEPRA account so that the title

ISLAMABAD

LAHORE: Adamjee Life Assurance Company Limited launches its first smart branch in Emporium Mall. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Nishat Group Founder and CEO Mian Muhammad Mansha, and Adamjee Life Deputy Managing Director Jalal Meghani. press release

Planning Minister Asad Umar has said that the government was fully committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, underlining that the government's primary focus was on socio-economic and human resource development, besides bridging the disparities among various districts of the country for sustained national development.

The minister was talking to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Ignacio Artaza, who called on him at the Ministry of Planning on Wednesday. Planning Secretary Zafar Hasan was also present on the

GHUlaM aBBas

Two teams from Pakistan earned second and third positions in the Huawei’s Middle East ICT Competition 2019. press release

occasion.

Talking about SDGs, the minister said that the government's socio-economic agenda was aligned with development goals, adding that efforts were underway to frame a comprehensive strategy to achieve all targets.

He said the government would achieve the targets through innovative and focused implementation strategies in social, economic and environmental fields. "The government will continue to work jointly with development partners for mainstreaming and executing the 2030 agenda."

UNDP Resident Representative Ignacio Artaza lauded Pakistan’s efforts towards SDGs, adding that the UN was in the close coordination with federal and provincial governments.

SECP won’t let analysts ‘hurt’ market sentiment ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD: Bolts (Private) Limited has partnered with the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) to develop a state-of-the-art ‘Transformer Health Monitoring System’. pre s s r e l e a s e

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Wednesday observed that some capital market individuals were using the print, electronic and social media to give their views/opinions to induce the general public to trade on the stock exchange.

"These persons are neither qualified nor possess the requisite expertise/skill to furnish such opinions," the commission said in a statement.

"As these views are not supported by any research and data, it encourages rumours that affect the overall investment sentiments."

As per the statement, "Misleading views of few individuals tantamount to inducing public, based on deceptive information, for investing in securities. Any such said activity by any person is prohibited in terms of Securities Act, 2015, the framework governing stock market trading."

The SECP stated that it encouraged a conducive regulatory environment for sustainable growth of capital markets and it was also responsible to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the stock market.

"SECP is closely monitoring market activities on a regular basis," the statement read. "As a result of SECP vigilance, several criminal complaints have been filed against individuals/enti-

ties who were involved in market abuses."

Moreover, SECP has issued prohibitory orders in case of a few individuals and leading institutional investors to curb malpractices and maintain investors' confidence.

GUIDELINES FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES: Through a separate notification, the SECP has issued guidelines to promote innovation in financial services at insurance, non-banking finance and capital markets. The Regulatory Sandbox Guidelines 2019 is primarily applicable for new products, services or business models which have not been addressed under existing laws and regulations.

Under the guidelines, the applicants can apply for inclusion in regulatory sandbox implementation in which a set of applicants enter in order to test their innovation in a specified time.

The guidelines have been issued in the wake of growing digital businesses where the operator works as an intermediary or sells knowledgebased solutions to other businesses.

"The world is moving towards a new mode of entrepreneurship, and it has been proven that many innovators do not have the resources or capacity to establish large businesses. The SECP will now facilitate such innovators," said an SECP official. "Besides, the growth of technology is opening new avenues of businesses in all sectors."

Tenfold rise in onion prices leaves Indians teary-eyed MUMBAI aGeNCIes

As onion prices in India have soared tenfold this year, Mukesh Thoke, a restaurant owner on the outskirts of Mumbai, faces a dilemma – raise prices or take a hit on margins.

Widely used in Indian cuisine, onions have hit record high prices of 200 rupees ($2.79) per kilogram in some Indian cities

As per the NEPRA Car Policy, additional director general, director general, senior advisor, director and legal advisor are entitled to an official vehicle after successful completion of probation period while contract employees who sign two-year contracts with NEPRA and have rendered six months satisfactory service are also entitled to a vehicle. “All NEPRA vehicles will be provided with floormats, fire extinguishers, seat covers, first aid kits, security alarm system and comprehensive insurance.”

The policy further states that entitled vehicles will be replaced after every five years and the employees will have the option to buy the vehicles at written down book value (depreciated at 20pc per annum) or 10pc of the original cost in case the vehicle is fully depreciated.

‘Govt committed to achieving sustainable development goals’ sTaFF repOrT

LAHORE: Renowned actor Shahryar Munawar launches OPPO Reno2 F Special Edition in Pakistan. press release

of the vehicle could be transferred in their names.

The lucrative offer was made to NEPRA additional director generals Naweed Illahi, Imtiaz Baloch, Qamaruz Zaman, Sajid Akram and directors Iftikhar Ali Khan, Rafique Siddique, Abdul Ghafoor, Muhammad Yousaf.

As per the sources, NEPRA had made budgetary provisions of Rs62.80 million for the financial year 2019-2020 to purchase new vehicles.

However, they added, if these vehicles are auctioned, millions of rupees could be deposited in the national exchequer.

It is pertinent to mention that in an apparent bid to oblige its officers, NEPRA had approved a car policy in the year 2014 under which vehicles were handed over to its high officials at subsidized rates.

this year after untimely rains damaged crops, sparking a nationwide outcry, questions in Parliament, onion thefts here and dozens of viral memes here in India.

“People come to our restaurant for non-vegetarian food which requires a lot of onions. We can’t reduce onion usage as it would change the taste of our food,” said Thoke, who currently shells out 22,000 rupees ($307) every week for onions, up from 2,500 rupees at the be-

ginning of the year.

Some analysts even believe the price surge played a direct role in the Reserve Bank of India’s surprise move to hold rates steady last week.

“We advise investors to track onion prices as they hold the key to the next RBI rate cut,” said BofA Securities in a note to clients on Tuesday.

With India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman having to fend off ques-

tions in parliament last week around the surge in onion prices, the government has moved to not only ban exports of the vegetable but also rush to import from places like Turkey and Egypt.

But the moves have failed to soften the price of onions, which are now more expensive than apples and pomegranates.

Unlike Thoke, other restaurateurs have begun to use fewer onions, or have started using alternative fillers like cabbage.

“We can’t afford it. We have definitely reduced the quantity of onions we used,” said Nagarajan D, owner of Send-

SBP imposes Rs188m fine on four commercial banks BUSINESS DESK: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has imposed a cumulative fine worth Rs188 million on four commercial banks for violating its regulations in November. These banks include Allied Bank, MCB Bank, The Bank of Punjab and Habib Bank Limited (HBL).

According to a statement issued by the central bank, a fine of Rs60 million has been imposed on Allied Bank, Rs91.8 million on MCB, Rs14 million on The Bank of Punjab and Rs22.6 million on HBL. Earlier in October 2019, SBP had penalised HBL with a Rs35.6 million fine “due to major flaws in the foreign trade operation services and customer due diligence (CDD)”. In September, the SBP had imposed similar penalty worth Rs133.312 million on three banks, including Meezan Bank Limited (Rs63.805 million), Askari Bank Limited (Rs56.61 million) and MCB Islamic Bank Limited (Rs 12.906 million). It is pertinent to mention that the SBP has recently started making public the fines it imposed on commercial banks. From July, when it started making the fines public, till November, the SBP has fined commercial banks a collective Rs1.3 billion.

APTMA lauds govt for releasing Rs17bn in refunds ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has lauded the government for releasing Rs17.6 billion in various drawback schemes pertaining to the textile value chain. A delegation of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) met Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood at the Commerce Division on Wednesday. The APTMA members paid a special tribute to the efforts of the Commerce Division secretary, who expedited the release of Rs17.6 billion in refund claims. The association appreciated that the second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) would commence from January 1, 2020, saying that this would provide Pakistan a valuable opportunity to boost textile exports to China. The advisor heard the issues pointed out by the APTMA, particularly regarding the issue of quarterly charges on electricity. He assured that a meeting with the prime minister would be arranged early next week for the resolution of the matter. sTaFF repOrT

hoor Cafe, a south Indian restaurant chain.

Even households are being forced to change their diets.

“We can’t afford to spend 150 rupees or more for a kilo of onions. The Indian government should do something to bring down prices,” said Parvati Patil, a Mumbai-based housewife.

The price surge has forced a few state governments to start selling onions at a subsidised price, in the same manner as the country does for grains such as wheat and rice.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

12 BUSINESS PtA rebuffs rumours regarding closure of telenor services BUSINESS DESK Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has refuted the rumours circulating on social media regarding discontinuation of Telenor services in Pakistan. "Any such news or advertisement is fake. It is once again reiterated that all cellular mobile operators, including Telenor, will continue to provide services to its consumers as usual," PTA said in a statement on Wednesday. "PTA has referred the matter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigations and to initiate criminal proceedings against those spreading fake news involving PTA." The authority requested the public not to circulate such fake news since it causes confusion and inconvenience for telecom users.

Bankislami raises paidup capital to Rs11bn BUSINESS DESK BankIslami Pakistan Limited has successfully completed its 6th rights issue of Rs1 billion recently to increase its total paid-up capital to Rs11 billion. "This addition in the capital of the bank will provide the necessary impetus to its growth," the bank said in a statement. In view of its strategy to further strengthen its capital, BankIslami would soon announce the public offering of 'Ehad Sukuk – first-ever listed Islamic additional tier-1 capital instrument in Pakistan. The total size of Ehad Sukuk is Rs2 billion, out of which Rs300 million would be offered to the general public. The expected profit (pricing) of the Sukuk is three months Kibor +2.75pc with profit payment on a monthly basis. BankIslami is one of the leading Islamic Banks in Pakistan with over 330 branches covering more than 114 cities of Pakistan which offers a full range of services in corporate, commercial, consumer, retail and investment banking activities.

AdB to invest $2bn in Pakistan’s energy sector in next three years ISLAMABAD: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has planned to invest $2 billion in Pakistan’s energy sector over the course of next three years. "With the fresh release of $300 million to address the country's issues regarding circular debt, ADB has cemented its position as the top energy sector partner of Pakistan," said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Werner Liepach during a meeting with Power Minister Omar Ayub Khan and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Petroleum Nadeem Babar on Wednesday. ADB's Country Director for Pakistan Xiaohong Yang was also present on the occasion. The meeting took stock of the ADBfunded projects in the energy sector and it was decided that a comprehensive portfolio review meeting would be held by the end of this month between the Power Division and ADB to steer the projects to their logical culmination. It was also agreed that all efforts would be made by both sides to ensure maximum transparency during the execution of projects.

During the meeting, the ADB showed interest in facilitating technical studies for the gas storage facility in Pakistan. "In a later phase, the ADB can also consider financing the projects," Liepach observed. The ADB members were apprised of the new Renewable Energy Policy, which would be placed before the Council of Common Interest (CCI) in its scheduled meeting by the end of this month. The officials were briefed regarding various steps taken by the Power Division to boost the efficiency of the system and its campaign against power theft. The circular debt capping plan was also being variously perused and implemented by the Power Division, resulting in considerable reduction in its growth from Rs39 billion a month to Rs12 billion per month, it was informed. The ADB team expressed satisfaction over the steps taken by the Power Division, terming the efforts a positive for the sector's growth. sTaFF repOrT

PAkistAN, RussiA AgREE to REAlisE BilAtERAl tRAdE PotENtiAl HAMMAD AZHAR APPRISES RUSSIAN MINISTER OF PAKISTAN'S SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF IMF PROGRAMME, PROSPECTS OF PAKISTANI ECONOMY AND HUGE TRADE POTENTIAL BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES ISLAMABAD

P

sTaFF repOrT

AKISTAN and the Russian Federation have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties in all areas of mutual interest, including political, trade, economic, energy, education and people-to-people contacts.

The agreement was made during a plenary session of 6th Pak-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.

Economic Affairs Minister Muhammad Hammad Azhar led the Pakistani delegation while Russian Federation Industry and Trade Minister Denis V Manturov headed the Russian side.

The Pakistan delegation comprised of economic affairs secretary, foreign secretary and senior representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, commerce, energy, national food security & research, industries & production, planning & development, aviation, railways, petroleum & power, Federal Board of Revenue and Board of Investment.

Hammad Azhar briefed the forum about recent economic developments and highlighted the improved indicators of the Pakistani economy, especially with regard to the current account balance.

He further apprised the Russian side of the successful implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, the prospects of Pakistani economy and the huge potential of trade and investment between the two sides.

Both sides exchanged views on the prospects of mutual economic cooperation in multiple sectors, especially energy, trade, transport, industries and production, railways, agriculture and science & technology. Prospects of Russian investment for the revival of Pakistan Steel Mills were also discussed.

The Russian side expressed a keen interest in Pakistan's energy sector, particularly the North-South Gas Pipeline.

Discussions were also held on removing the

temporary ban on Pakistan's agriculture exports, including rice and potatoes.

Both sides resolved to increase the volume of bilateral trade from the present level to its true potential through greater cooperation and enhanced business activities between the private sectors of the two countries.

The Russian side invited Pakistan to organise a roadshow in Moscow so as to provide an opportunity to the Russian private companies to explore new avenues in Pakistan. The Pakistani side, on the other hand, invited Russia to have its presence in trade expos held in Pakistan.

The Russian side was apprised that Pakistan held bilateral and economic relations with the Russian Federation in high esteem which was evident by the recent settlement of the longstanding "Settlement of Mutual Financial Claims" between the two countries. The Pakistan side lauded Russia for helping the country lay the foundation for its industrial growth by extending support in establishing the Pakistan Steel Mills and expressed firm resolve to continue such interactions at a higher level to bet-

ter understand the developmental needs, opportunities of cooperation and investment in the emerging sectors, and removal of obstacles in trade and investment.

The 7th session of IGC would be held in Moscow on mutually agreed dates.

Meanwhile, addressing a press briefing following the session, Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar informed that Pakistan and Russia have agreed for a joint venture to enhance cooperation for the modernisation of Pakistan Railways.

"I believe that Russia has the required expertise in the sector, and we will expand the cooperation to introduce modern locomotive in local trains in order to resolve the issues of design and speed of trains," he added.

The minister said that relations between Pakistan and Russian have now entered in a new phase of development with a focus on new avenues for economic integration and business-tobusiness ties.

"We are negotiating Russian investment in the local market and the government has invited them to bring investment in the mines sector."

Speaking on the occasion, Russian Federation Industry and Trade Minister Denis V Manturov said that Pakistan and Russia were committed to enhancing bilateral trade with a particular focus on aviation, professional training and capacity building of the local industrial sector.

He said that Russian investment groups were keen to invest in the pharmaceutical sector, medical machinery and aviation.

'RuSSIa DESIRES STRonG TRaDE TIES wITh PakISTan' ISLAMABAD: Russian Federation Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday. The minister briefed the PM on a range of subjects discussed during the 6th session of Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission held earlier in the day. He affirmed Russia's desire for stronger trade ties with Pakistan and agreed that a huge potential existed for Russain investors in various sectors of Pakistan.

Manturov also conveyed special greetings of President Putin, which were warmly reciprocated by the PM. Speaking on the occasion, the PM underlined Pakistan's commitment to commence a new phase in its relationship with Russia. The PM recalled his extensive interaction with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek in June 2019, in which the two leaders had a fruitful exchange of views. He hoped that President Putin would visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. Noting positive developments in Pakistan-Russia relations, the PM hoped that the two sides would further enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, oil and gas, minerals, metallurgy, railways, aviation, IT, agriculture and education sectors. He highlighted the improved macro-economic stability and business climate in Pakistan and noted that there were vast opportunities that the Russian companies could utilise. ppI

MaRkET DaIly

kSE-100 sheds 133 points in range-bound session KARACHI sTaFF repOrT

Investors of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) endured another volatile session on Wednesday where indices ended negative after range-bound activity. Foreign investors offloaded equities worth $3.86 million on Tuesday.

According to recent data published by the State Bank of Pakistan, remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis increased by 9.35pc in November 2019 as compared to the same month last year. On a cumulative basis, overseas Pakistanis remitted $9.298 billion in the first five months of FY20. Remittances stood at $9.281 billion in the corresponding period of last year.

Passenger Car Sales in November 2019 slipped by 44pc as 8,524 units were sold com-

pared to 15,334 units in the same period last year.

Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited (HCAR 2.22pc) remained the top decliner as it posted a decline of 65.92pc in its sales. The company had observed 16-18 days of non-production in the previous month. Indus Motor Company Limited (INDU -2.50pc) also witnessed a fall of 56.18pc while Pakistan Suzuki Motors Company Limited (PSMC -4.75pc) recorded a decline of 26.94pc.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index which opened at 40,741.89 touched its intraday high at 40,911.19 midday after gathering 246.59 points.

The index then headed south, reaching its day’s low at 40,450.98 after losing 213.62 points. It settled lower by 133.18 points at 40,531.42. The KMI-30 Index declined by 329.88 points to end at 64,188.30, while the KSE All Share Index depreciated by 30.44 points, closing at 28,937.45.

The overall trading volumes increased from 254.62 million in the previous session to 305.03 million. Shares worth Rs10.85 billion were traded on Wednesday. Unity Foods Limited (UNITY +4.34pc), Power Cement Limited (POWER +6.66pc) and Pak Elektron Limited (PAEL +1.78pc) topped the volume chart, exchanging 44.52 million, 16.30 million and 15.62 million shares, respectively.

Sectors that led the KSE-100 index in the negative direction included banking (-49.75 points), power generation and distribution (43.85 points) and cement (-27.50 points). Pak Petroleum Limited (PPL -32.48 points), Hub Power Company Limited (HUBC -28.16 points) and Dawood Hercules Corporation Limited (DAWH -18.18 points) chipped off maximum points from the index.

Aramco IPO to help Saudi economy shift from oil: minister RIYADH aGeNCIes

Saudi Aramco's listing will boost the kingdom's efforts to diversify from oil as the bulk of proceeds will be injected in domestic projects, while the global buzz surrounding the deal will help lure foreign capital, the finance minister said.

Aramco's shares surged the maximum permitted 10pc on their Riyadh stock market debut on Wednesday, following the state-controlled oil giant's record $25.6 billion initial public offering (IPO).

However, the listing has fallen short of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s initial hopes for a larger flotation on an international exchange.

Funds from the 1.5pc stake sale, more than 80pc of which was bought by Saudi

ARAMCO'S SHARES SURGE THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED 10PC ON THEIR RIYADH STOCK MARKET DEBUT, FOLLOWING THE OIL GIANT'S RECORD $25.6BN IPO buyers, will go to the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund tasked with delivering Prince Mohammed’s ambitious economic transformation drive to wean the world’s top oil exporter off crude revenues.

"The proceeds will be used largely, maybe not totally, in the local economy, in projects where the PIF will be the first mover which then basically pulls more private sector participation ... so the money will remain in the system mostly," Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan

told Reuters.

Riyadh scrapped a planned international roadshow after foreign investors questioned the valuation sought for Aramco and raised concerns about corporate transparency.

Instead, the government focused on marketing the listing to Saudi investors and wealthy Gulf Arab allies.

Jadaan said the fact that one-third of the share sale was covered by individual Saudis was positive for “wealth retention and savings”, and that key IPO buyers

were Saudi investors who would normally keep money outside the kingdom.

The listing should in the long term help deepen Saudi capital markets and lure foreign investment, Jadaan said.

“An asset of this quality attracts a lot of attention when you attract attention to this company you then attract attention to other assets in the country that would not have been otherwise attractive in their own to international investors.”

FISCAL REFORMS: Jadaan was speaking after the Saudi government released a 2020 budget forecasting slightly lower expenditure and a wider deficit as the kingdom tries to balance fiscal prudence with continued support for the economy.

Jadaan said the impact of the Aramco share sale on the Saudi fiscal position would take time.

“Whether the PIF receives $100 billion or $25 billion, they will need time to deploy that money,” he said.

The minister said Riyadh planned to proceed with deeper cuts to energy subsidies between 2020 and 2025 but that the government would assess the impact on private sector growth before deciding on the size of cuts and timing.

“We’re looking specifically at the industrial sector and how we’re going to ensure that any energy price reform does not cause them damage, so we’re looking at it and considering it.”

The Saudi economy grew 0.4pc this year, according to official estimates, as the kingdom cut its crude production under a global supply reduction agreement. The government expects growth of 2.3pc next year, supported by non-oil sectors.

Bridal Couture Week

Show one of the bridal extravaganza kicked off with Fahad Hussayn’s collection Labyagawachi trousseau bridal collection.

It was followed by Samsara Couture House’s Hayal, inspired from the tulip era in the Turkish Ottoman Empire.

It was followed by Aisha Imran’s Shadi Mubarik in romantic hues for the charismatic classic bride.

Zonia Anwaar came next with her collection Zoella which was modern yet infused traditional techniques with her signature cuts for the young millennial brides.

Count von Count's love of numbers isn't just a quirky character trait—in traditional vampire folklore, the bloodsuckers have arithmomania, a compulsion to count.

Ziggi Menswear’s monochromatic collection Fana – ‘Annihilation of the Self’ which was constructed using luxe fabrics, rich embroideries and motifs inspired from Sufism.

Nitasha Bilal Haute Couture showcased Abooro with her vision of beautiful Mughal legacy, blending them with her revivalist techniques of kora dabka and was awarded the Pantene Rising Star for her beautiful debut collection.

Haris Shakeel who amalgamated embroideries with block and screen printing in his collection Ishq.

Next was Royal Tag’s very aristocratic menswear collection The Royal Ceremony, inspired by the majestic Syon House and Garden in London.

HOLLYWOOD BOLLYWOOD

The next show was by Kausar Sajid with her Parivarsh collection which has revived ancient embroidery techniques over luxe and delicate fabrics for the modernday bride.

Day one came to an end with globally acclaimed master couturier Nilofer Shahid’s collection Dastaan e Firdaus.

Shakeel’s by Zeeshan Danish’s hand embroidered bridal collection Kimkhwab and Sheeba Kapadia’s Claire De Lune for the new age bride.

On Day Two of the bridal extravaganza kicked off with Emraan Rajput’s earthy hued fusion collection Shalima.

It was followed by Aisha Farid’s Nur un Nissa a collection fit for the Mughal empress.

Humayun Alamgir’s Nawabzada a collection inspired by the fashion choices of the royals, elite and the influential.

Next in line was Embellished by Sadaf Amir’s Bagh e Baharan which featured colours of flowers from all seasons and transformed the ramp into a garden.

In Great Britain and Japan, black cats are perceived as auspicious. In the English Midlands, new brides are given black cats to bless their marriage, and the Japanese believe that black cats are good luck—particularly for single women.

Portland was named by a coin flip. Had the coin landed the other way, the city would be Boston, Oregon.

Trump As Thanos Video Dusts House Democrats

Jumanji: The Next Level Rotten Tomatoes Score Is In

Sara Ali Khan mesmerises fans with her eyes, calls herself ‘sasti’ Rekha

In a video that is going viral on social media and triggering the left, the Donald Trump re-election campaign posts footage of the POTUS as Thanos dusting the house democrats.

"House Democrats can push their sham impeachment all they want. President Trump's re-election is inevitable," the video teases. The video shows President Trump's face photoshopped over Thanos where, appropriately, with his right hand (the Thanos snap is left-handed; Tony Stark wore it on the right hand) he snaps, with the footage then showing members of the democratic party at a speech turning to dust.

This isn't the first time that Donald Trump has been compared to Thanos as there are many memes out there depicting the POTUS as the Mad Titan. I'd actually argue that Thanos is more on the left as he's all about population control, but the Trump video is pretty funny nonetheless.

What's also funny is that the Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War directors named and depicted Thanos' ships as "Qships" (Trump supporters should understand that one).

The Jumanji: The Next Level Rotten Tomatoes score is in as the film which stars Dwayne Johnson opens on Friday, Thursday with advanced previews.

Similar to the first movie from 2017, the Jumanji: The Next Level Rotten Tomatoes score currently stands at 76% with 42 reviews accounted for.

2017's Welcome to the Jungle scored a 76% with critics and an 87% with the audience. The flick went on to be a surprise smash hit as it brought in over $962 million worldwide, and actually outperformed Star Wars: The Last Jedi in the long run, when taking away The Last Jedi's mammoth opening numbers. Jumanji: The Next Level now opens in the U.S. a week prior to the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, so it will be interesting to see if The Next Level can see lightning strike twice.

The flick actually has already opened internationally and has brought in around $53 million, which is slightly down from The Next Level's international opening of $54.8 million.

Sara Ali Khan channelled her inner Umrao Jaan in her latest Instagram post. She shared pictures of herself gazing at the camera and captioned them with her now-famous ‘Sara Ki Shayari’.

“In aankhon ki masti, Rekha Ji se hai Sara bahut sasti, Luckily, voh apne aap pe hi hasti She says all this and then voh fasti.

Sara began her shayari with “In aankhon ki masti”, the iconic song from Umrao Jaan, and called herself a “sasti” version of legendary actor Rekha on whom the song was picturised. The hilarious post prompted a response from her Coolie No 1 co-star Varun Dhawan. “U have a lot of free time,” he commented.

Currently, Sara is shooting for the remake of Coolie No 1, which is being helmed by David Dhawan, who also directed the original. Varun and she are stepping into Govinda and Karisma Kapoor’s shoes, respectively. A few days ago, Sara completed a year in Bollywood and got nostalgic about her journey.

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

14 SPORTS

LivERpooL, ChELsEA thRough to ChAmpions LEAguE LAst 16 As AjAx go out LOnDOn

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Agencies

OLDERS Liverpool safely negotiated Tuesday's trip to Salzburg to take their place in the last 16 of this season's UEFA Champions League while Chelsea are also through, but Ajax suffered a shock group-stage exit.

Six clubs secured spots in the draw for the first knockout round in their final group games, with Ajax and Inter Milan the big names to miss out.

Jurgen Klopp's side just needed to draw in Austria to keep alive their bid to retain the European Cup, and they duly beat Salzburg 2-0 thanks to two goals in two second-half minutes, by Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah.

Keita headed in Sadio Mane's cross against his former club to put Liverpool ahead in the 57th minute, and Salah then

rounded goalkeeper Cican Stankovic to score from an improbably tight angle.

The result allowed Liverpool to progress as Group E winners, with Napoli going through in second place, while Salzburg are out and drop into the Europa League instead.

"What a team," Klopp told BT Sport.

"What an effort. It was a tough game."

"We scored two wonderful goals. We could have scored six or seven which is crazy. We won the group, we won the game, all good."

FaTi MaKEs HisTOrY: Ajax drop into the Europa League along with Inter, as Antonio Conte's team contrived to lose 2-1 at home to a makeshift Barcelona.

A win would have taken Inter through, and they were fancied to get the result they required as Barcelona left out a host of senior players, including Lionel Messi, with top spot in Group F already secured.

Carles Perez gave Barcelona the lead midway through the first half, but Romelu Lukaku fired in the equaliser.

Inter then missed chances to score a second and Ansu Fati showed them the way, the substitute netting an 86thminute winner to stun the home side and become the youngest ever goalscorer in the Champions League at 17 years and 40 days.

That record had been held since 1997

by Ghana's Peter Ofori-Quaye.

Borussia Dortmund needed to better Inter's result and they did so, beating Slavia Prague 2-1 to progress in second.

Julian Brandt got their winner after Jadon Sancho's opener was cancelled out

by Tomas Soucek, with Dortmund holding on after Julian Weigl was sent off.

Meanwhile, Lyon went through in dramatic fashion in Group G, coming from behind to draw 2-2 with RB Leipzig.

ROme Agencies

Arsenal, Rangers chart safe passage in Europa League Paris: Last season's runners-up Arsenal and Steven Gerrard's Rangers have their sights fixed on the Europa League knockout phase Thursday with 19 clubs competing for the final 11 places. Interim Arsenal boss Freddie Ljungberg will look to lead the Gunners into the last 32 after Unai Emery was sacked following last month's 2-1 home loss to Eintracht Frankfurt. Monday's 3-1 victory at West Ham ended the club's worst winless run since 1977 and Arsenal just require a point at Standard Liege in Belgium to progress from Group F. Rangers missed out on their first major silverware in almost a decade at the weekend following an agonising 1-0 defeat by Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final. Gerrard's side dominated large parts of the game but were unable to find a way past an inspired Fraser Forster, who saved a second-half penalty from Alfredo Morelos. Rangers are top of Group G and will advance if they avoid a second defeat of the competition to Swiss champions Young Boys. "We've got a huge game on Thursday and there's no better game to bounce back," Gerrard said. "We have to soak it up, remember it and be ready to go and give ourselves another opportunity.

That type of performance will get us where we want to get to. "It's raw right now but this is football at the top. We'll suffer and then we'll bounce back." Unbeaten Celtic have wrapped up top spot in Group E ahead of their trip to Romania's CFR Cluj, who are second in the section. Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could well stick with a similar side to the one that lost 2-1 in Astana with qualification already assured. The Norwegian fielded a starting team in Kazakhstan with an average age of 22 years and 26 days -United's youngest ever in major European competition. They lead AZ Alkmaar, who host leaders Ajax in the Dutch league this weekend, by a point in Group L going into their showdown at Old Trafford. Twice former European champions Porto as well as Italian duo Lazio and Roma and Bundesliga leaders Borussia Moenchengladbach are also still bidding to nail down a qualifying spot. Agencies

Carlo Ancelotti has been sacked by Napoli despite taking the Serie A side to the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday with a 4-0 win over Genk.

"Napoli has decided to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his role as first team coach," the Italian side said in a statement. Tuesday's win over Genk, which saw Napoli finish second in Group E, one point behind Liverpool, broke a nine-match winless run that came amid dressing room unrest and friction between the club, Ancelotti and the players.

Former AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso is the favourite to take over at Napoli, who finished second behind champions Juventus last season but are miles off the pace this year. They sit seventh in the Italian top flight on 21 points, a whopping 17 points behind league leaders Inter Milan and more worryingly eight behind fourth-placed Cagliari, who hold the final spot for next season's Champions League.

On Monday Ancelotti told reporters that "a coach's suitcase is always ready" ahead of Tuesday's match, and as speculation ramped up over the 60-year-old's future at the southern club he ruled out stepping down after Tuesday's win.

"Resignation? I have never resigned in my life and I never will," he said.

The Germans were two goals ahead at half-time thanks to two penalties, one scored by Emil Forsberg and the other by Timo Werner.

However, Houssem Aouar's curler gave Lyon hope just after the break and Memphis Depay levelled matters with eight minutes left.

Leipzig win the group, while the draw proved enough for Lyon to finish second because Zenit Saint Petersburg lost 3-0 to Benfica in Lisbon.

Franco Cervi gave Benfica the lead before a Pizzi penalty and a Sardar Azmoun own goal, as the Portuguese side finish third.

Ancelotti sacked despite guiding Napoli to Champions League last 16

"My future? The team management will make its assessment.

The club has been in turmoil this season as club owner Aurelio De Lau-

rentiis sank into a bitter row with his players following a series of disappointing results. The squad refused to bow to De Laurentiis' demand they be

confined to a week-long training camp in November, reportedly receiving a collective deduction to their wages of 2.5 million euros ($2.7 million) for their disobedience.

Union FIFPro said they would back the players against "further abuse and intimidation", calling De Laurentiis' decision to fine his squad "unjustified".

Ancelotti, who won three Champions League titles as a coach, twice with AC Milan and once with Real Madrid, replaced Maurizio Sarri in July 2018.

He guided the team to a runners-up finish in Serie A last season, when they missed out on the Champions League last 16 on goal difference to eventual winners Liverpool.

"I can't pretend, the team doesn't give what it could give," Ancelotti said on Monday. "In Europe, we have seen another Napoli, the one I would like to see in the league as well. I am looking for solutions to get out of this difficult period," he added. They are without a win in seven Serie A games since October 19 and next play Parma on Saturday.

Qatar readies state-of-the-art metro ahead of World Cup DOHA Agencies

Qatar fully opened its new metro network on Tuesday in a major infrastructure milestone ahead of the football World Cup Doha will host in 2022.

The railway was opened just in time for the Club World Cup football tournament that kicks off Wednesday, with organisers hoping the metro will ease the burden on the wealthy Gulf emirate´s choked roads.

The three lines link several stadia, residential areas, the airport and tourist zones.

"We were waiting for this," said airport handling agent Anshu, as she tested the new link between Doha's Hamad airport and the city.

"Almost everybody is taking public transport," she said of her colleagues at the airport, which had previously only been served by expensive taxis and infrequent buses.

A single journey in the metro's standard class, equipped with WiFi and USB charging points, costs two riyals ($0.55), while gold class, boasting plush armchairs and hardwood floors, costs 10 riyals ($2.75).

"For now, its mostly airport staff who are inter-

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ested. But if people know about it, they will come," said metro assistant Regine. Construction on the project began in 2013 and a 13 station preview service was launched in May this year.

The network was further tested during the Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament, which concluded on Sunday, with thousands of spectators enjoying free travel to and from stadia for that event.

More than 50 kilometres (30 miles) of tunnels were dug for the first phase of the ambitious project, which has seen 36 stations open to the public.

With high vaulted roofs inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, the stations "reflect the heritage of the country", according to Qatar Rail.

The second phase will see the opening of a new line, as well as the extension of the initial three routes, expanding the network to almost 100 stations by 2026.

In 2022, more than 1.5 million visitors are expected to travel to Qatar, which says its trains have a capacity of one million passengers.

"What is happening now in Qatar is like a movie in fast forward. It's probably a world record between the decision to create a metro system to its opening," chief executive of France´s SNCF rail operator, Guillaume Pepy, told AFP. SNCF runs the service through its majority-owned Keolis unit in a joint venture with a Qatari firm and RATP Dev. Japan's Kinki Sharyo built the initial 75 three-car trains, split into standard, gold, and family class, and will supply 35 more. The cost of the project has not been made public.

Qatar has previously said it spends $500 million a week on projects related to the World Cup.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

pAkistAn seAmers shine on DAy of fluctuAting fortunes Perth

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AGENCIES

ISTORY will record the significance of the day instead of the trivialities contained within it, though that is a shame, as the cricket was really rather good.

On a day where the breaks between sessions appeared to herald official changes in momentum, the ebbs and flows never really allowed either side to walk away claiming more than an equitable share of the spoils. Pakistan will be well pleased to have seen the back of half the Sri Lankan side, especially after a wicketless first session, while Sri Lanka may be content to have put 202 on the board, particularly as getting there appeared far from certain when Pakistan's all-pace attack - Yasir's omission adding yet another surprise to Misbah's burgeoning catalogue - prowled in the post-lunch session.

Even the bitterly cold morning and overnight rain that saw the ground almost completely submerged in the tarpaulin sheets Rawalpindi Ground hasn't deemed fit to upgrade since the previous century, wouldn't douse the spirits; people were queuing outside the ground since well before the start of the day's play. That they managed to get it to start on time was something of an organisational achievement, but Sri Lanka had a big call to make when they won the toss under overcast skies. Dimuth Karunaratne was brave and opted to bat, with makeshift opener Oshada Fernando walking out with him.

Was this young bowling attack caught up in the emotion those first two hours? Either way, the cricket on offer from them was ordinary.

Mohammad Abbas was hauled off after three ineffective overs, and the lack of swing on offer would make it easy for the Sri Lankan openers to

get settled in while the clouds above cleared. Shaheen Afridi was perhaps guilty of being too greedy, pitching full a shade too often, allowing the left-handers to lean into the drive and keep the scoreboard ticking.

Not that there was no warning of what would happen in after lunch was taken. All three quicker bowlers trapped the Sri Lankan openers in front, but that would only generate excited appeals instead of reviews or wickets.

Naseem Shah's nasty bouncer to Karunaratne was perhaps the event of a somewhat subdued session, the rearing bouncer striking the ducking batsman in the neck, necessitating concussion protocols to be activated. But by the time the final over of the session was bowled by Haris Sohail, Karunaratne had brought up his half-century. Fernando would loft him down the ground for the only six of the day in that over. The 100 partnership was nearing, Sri Lanka's grip on the game tightening, and Yasir's absence glaring.

Dinesh Chandimal is cleaned up by Mohammad Abbas AFP Afridi, Pakistan's most consistent bowler over the past month, was the first to strike, trapping Karunaratne in front from a straighter delivery, and finally getting the decision in his favour. That

galvanised the entire pace attack, each of the bowlers tucking in, eager to get their name among the wickets. Naseem was thrust into a lengthy spell that saw him retain both pace and accuracy, with reverse swing beginning to play its part. It was a bit of extra bounce, though, that outfoxed Fernando, who was pushed onto the back foot and could only edge to first slip.

Shinwari joined in shortly after, regularly drawing Mendis into the offdrive, before finally taking the edge.

But the delivery of the day belonged to Abbas, his accuracy rewarding him with a wicket identical to the one every fast bowler visualises in their head a thousand times. Pitching one on middle and off, he found seam movement to shape it away from Dinesh Chandimal to clatter into the top of off stump, the arc of the delivery meaning it did just enough to miss the outside edge and hit off stump instead. That was Abbas at his best, and in that session, Pakistan were at theirs. Sri Lanka had lost four wickets for 30 runs inside 14 overs, and suddenly, the possibility of the tail being exposed by stumps began to appear very real.

But tea, which came at 50 overs - Pakistan's over rate was far from ideal - would signal an end to that quality of fast bowling once more.

From a young attack, that is only expected, and any attack, however experienced, would find it difficult to sustain the sort of brilliance Pakistan managed for a whole session in the middle of the day. It helped Sri Lanka that Angelo Mathews was at the crease, the ideal man to dig in and remove the sting of any bowling attack, and Dhananjaya de Silva was a soothing presence alongside him at the other end.

It spoke to their maturity that neither felt under any pressure even as the first three overs after tea produced not a single run. If that gave the impression Pakistan had picked up where they left off, Sri Lanka would spend the next hour swiftly dispelling that. As soon as the lengths wavered, the batsmen began to capitalize, the shackles broken when de Silva found two boundaries off Shaheen as he went short of a length, with the next five overs producing 41 runs.

If bad light, which - for those who may have forgotten - inevitably plays a part in Test cricket in Pakistan, had forced the players off at any point around then, Sri Lanka would have walked away being able to claim a successful day. But before that, there would be one final twist, as a wide delivery from Naseem saw Mathews go searching for the drive. He only managed the outside edge, and the catch to slips would provide Pakistan a gift they wouldn't have expected on the evidence of the comfort with which the pair was batting.

Soon after, the 200 was brought up, and as the sun went behind the clouds and the umpires began to get fidgety, Sri Lanka saw their opportunity to walk away and come back tomorrow in less testing conditions. Only 68 overs had been bowled today, but for a crowd that has seen absolutely none for over a decade, even this curtailed day felt like a bonanza.

Lord's and Hove to stage inaugural Hundred finals LONDON AGENCIES

Lord's and Hove will stage next year's inaugural finals of English cricket's controversial new Hundred competition, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced Tuesday.

Hove, in Sussex, will be the venue for the women's final on August 14, with Lord's, widely regarded as the sport's spiritual home, staging the men's final on August 15.

"The Home of Cricket is a great setting for the final of this brand new competition, which will provide MCC the opportunity to welcome many more young people and families into the ground, including the Pavilion, not only for the final but across the group stages with our team, London Spirit," said MCC chief executive Guy Lavender in a statement.

Hove is one of England's leading venues for

women's cricket, having been sold out for women's internationals and the T20 Super League finals in recent years. The Hundred is a new tournament consisting of eight city-based franchise sides, breaking away from the traditional county system. Teams will bat for 100 balls each with overs lasting for 10 balls and bowlers either bowling five or 10 balls consecutively.

The players' draft was held in October but

opposition remains amid concerns over fixture congestion in a schedule already featuring firstclass, one-day and T20 cricket as well as the potential knock-on effects of a new tournament on the county set-up and the development of players for Test matches.

But English administrators are adamant the Hundred is needed to attract a new audience to that will maintain cricket's financial and sporting health as they look to build on their men's team's success at this year's one-day World Cup on home soil. "The Hundred is a really good way of protecting everything that we are serious about," ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said in October. "It's about protecting Test match cricket, it's about protecting four-day Championship cricket, it's about getting kids playing more cricket at school." The Hundred begins with a men's match between the Oval Invincibles and the Welsh Fire at The Oval on July 17.

SPORTS 15 Aleem DAr set to breAk recorD for most tests As umpire Pakistan's elite umpire Aleem Dar will break Jamacian Steve Bucknor’s record of most Test matches as an umpire in the first Test match between Australia and New Zealand, which commences in Perth on Thursday. The 51-year-old, who took up umpiring after a decade of playing first-class cricket in Pakistan, stands in his 129th Test match as on-field umpire since his debut in Dhaka in 2003 during England’s tour of Bangladesh. Starting his international career in 2000 during Pakistan’s home ODI series against Sri Lanka, Dar has officiated in 207 One Day Internationals and is only two matches shy of the record of 209 matches in that format held by Rudi Koertzen of South Africa. Dar has also officiated in 46 Twenty20 Internationals. "This is one milestone I had never thought of when I began my umpiring career. It is a truly amazing feeling and a high point of my life when I take the field here in Australia; thousands of miles from where I started my international career at home in Gujranwala," Dar said. MONITORING REPORT

inDiA opener DhAwAn to miss west inDies oDis, AgArwAl in MUMBAI: India’s opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan needs more time to recover from a knee injury and will miss the three-match one-day international series against West Indies, the country’s cricket board (BCCI) said on Wednesday. The left-hander suffered a deep cut on his left knee during a domestic game and had already been ruled out of three Twenty20 internationals against the Caribbean side, with the decider scheduled for later on Wednesday in Mumbai. "The BCCI Medical Team feels that while Dhawan’s stitches are off and his wound is healing gradually, he still needs some more time before he regains full match fitness," the board said in a statement.

Regular Test opener Mayank Agarwal was named Dhawan’s replacement in Virat Kohli’s squad. Agarwal has played nine Tests but has yet to represent his country in the white ball formats. AGENCIES

stokes sAys will be fit to bowl in south AfricA LONDON: All-rounder Ben Stokes is confident he will be fit to bowl in England’s upcoming five-Test series in South Africa after undergoing scans on his troublesome left knee. Stokes felt pain during the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand and did not bowl again that day, though he did return later in the match to bowl a further 25 overs. “I got some scans when we got back in England and there’s nothing really showing up on the MRI scans, which is good news,” the 28-year-old told British radio station TalkSport. “I just need to toughen up I guess but it’s alright and it’s just treatment now. I will be fine to bowl.” Stokes had surgery to repair torn cartilage in the same knee in 2016. AGENCIES

RAWALPINDI: Osaka Batteries Director Muhammad Mustafa Bin Talha with Pakistan cricket captain Azhar Ali and Sri Lankan cricket captain Dimuth Karunaratne at the unveiling ceremony at Rawalpindi. PR

Shades of 2015 as Australia, New Zealand rekindle rivalry in whites Perth AGENCIES

Expectations were high for New Zealand this time four years ago. Led by Brendon McCullum and boasting an impressive recent record, they arrived in Australia hopeful of a first Test series win across the Tasman since 1985, against a home team starting out in the wake of a raft of retirements at the end of an unsuccessful 2015 Ashes tour.

Save for a high scoring draw at the WACA Ground, the visitors were to head home defeated and disappointed, unable to get the wickets they needed on docile surfaces and winkled out one by one by Australia's taller, faster bowling attack with help from Nathan Lyon. A similar tale was to be told in New Zealand early

the following year.

In 2019, New Zealand's leadership has been passed on to Kane Williamson, and if anything the record they bring to Australia this time around is still more compelling, ranked No. 2 to India in Tests and World Cup finalists for the second consecutive 50-over tournament in England this year.

Yet the same questions asked of New Zealand in 2015 remain to be asked by many of the same performers. David Warner, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon are all arguably better cricketers now than they were then, bolstered by the subsequent inclusion and exploits of Pat Cummins.

Equally the supporting cast looks to be a strong one, whether Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3, the captain Tim Paine behind the

stumps, or a mature Matthew Wade marshalling the middle order.

One of the significant factors that held New Zealand back in 2015 was that

Trent Boult was not at his best following injury, and he finds himself in similar territory this time around. One potential difference is the pace and aggression of Lockie Ferguson, who might be capable of adding the spice that appeared missing four years ago. Either way, New Zealand will have fresh memories of 2015 as they contemplate Perth Stadium, and the story of this series will most likely be told in how much better they are at dealing with familiar challenges.

PITCH AND CONDITIONS: The Perth Stadium pitch has plenty of grass on top and some moisture underneath, but in the prevailing conditions - temperatures are expected to hit 40C in Perth on each of the first four days - there is the likelihood of deterioration and cracking on a surface baked hard by the sun.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

NEWS Nawaz to leave London for medical treatment in US Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently under treatment in London, will leave for the United States (US) over the weekend for further specialised treatment, according to media reports. According to reports, the former premier’s family has contacted the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) for the treatment of his blocked carotid artery. After arrival in the US, Nawaz will undergo a preliminary examination at the hospital before the commencement of further treatment. The 69-year-old three-time former prime minister was shifted to the Services hospital in October after his health condition deteriorated. Doctors then recommended him to get treatment abroad. The government had allowed Nawaz’s travel for medical reasons but put the condition that he submit an indemnity bond of Rs7-7.5 billion as a guarantee that he would return to the country after getting treatment. Nawaz, however, rejected the condition. He was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on humanitarian grounds in the Al Azizia case and by the Lahore High Court (LHC) in the ongoing Chaudhry Sugar Mills case, in which he is a suspect. In November, Nawaz Sharif was allowed to leave the country to receive medical treatment in London without any bond. The former premier reached London on the night of November 19 for medical treatment in a “high-end air ambulance” which was equipped with an intensive care unit and an operation theatre a day after his name was removed from the no-fly list. His brother Shehbaz – who also travelled with Nawaz – signed a court document that said: “If at any stage, the federal government has credible information that Nawaz Sharif is living abroad despite his fitness to travel, a representative from Pakistan’s High Commission would have a right to meet with his physician(s) to verify or confirm about his health”. NEWS DESK

India restores incoming SMS in IOK, mobile internet still cut SRINAGAR: India has allowed some incoming text messages into occupied Kashmir, officials said, four months after they were first blocked when New Delhi moved to strip the region’s autonomy. The August 5 communications blackout — which included cutting landlines, mobile phones and internet access — has badly hit locals and businesses especially as texts are an integral part of banking processes. Officials in Delhi said millions in the restive Himalayan region will be able to receive service messages from Wednesday, including one-time passwords from financial institutions. They will still be unable to send messages, the officials said. Passwords sent by SMS are widely used for many online purchases and financial transactions in the South Asian nation. Companies and customers had complained the clampdown meant they were suddenly unable to conduct simple, day-today transactions. Kashmiris said they had to resort to calling relatives or friends outside the valley — home to more than seven million — after phone lines were gradually restored, to help them make purchases or pay their bills. Text messaging services were restored in mid-October along with mobile phone lines, but then cut again by authorities a few hours later after a truck driver was killed and his vehicle set ablaze.

Zardari gets bail in graft cases IHC POSTPONES FARYAL TALPUR’S BAIL PLEA, SEEKS RESPONSE FROM NAB

AGENCIES

India’s parliament Wednesday passed a contentious citizenship bill amid violent protests and claims that it discriminates against Muslims as part of the Hindu-nationalist government´s agenda.

The bill will let New Delhi grant citizenship to illegal immigrants who entered India from three neighbouring countries before 2015 -- but not if they are Muslim.

The legislation was passed 125-105

KABUL AGENCIES

ZARDARI TO BE SHIFTED TO ZIAUDDIN HOSPITAL IN KARACHI ON THURSDAY

ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

HE Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari on medical grounds in two separate graft cases that pertain to money laundering through fake bank accounts and Park Lane estate case.

A two-member bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aamir Farooq granted the PPP leader bail against two surety bonds of Rs10 million each.

As the high court resumed the hearing, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) — represented by Prosecutor General Jahanzaib Bharwana and Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi — presented Zardari’s medical report prepared by a five-member medical board at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to the bench.

The high court-mandated medical board in its report stated that the former president was suffering from type-2 diabetes – a chronic medical condition in which blood sugar levels build up abnormally – and also faces heart ailments. It further revealed that the former president had three stents placed in his heart. The report further said that it was not possible for the former president to receive proper treatment in jail.

NAB’s legal team told the court that the bureau had completed its interrogation and filed a reference.

“Does NAB want Zardari to remain

under detention and receive treatment on state’s expenditure?” asked Justice Minallah. The anti-corruption watchdog did not answer. Subsequently, the high court granted bail to Zardari in both cases. Zardari was shifted to PIMS in October after the medical board stated that he was suffering from cardiac problems, diabetes and other ailments, and needed medical care.

According to sources, the PPP senior leader will reach Karachi on Thursday where he will be admitted to the Ziauddin Hospital in Clifton. Initially, his CT scan and angiography would be conducted whereas angioplasty will also be done if necessary. Head of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Dr Nadeem Qamar would be Zardari’s consultant cardiologist.

TALPUR’S PLEA: The bench, however, adjourned Faryal Talpur’s bail plea till Dec 17 owing to a lack of response from NAB. In an application filed earlier this month, Talpur maintained that she was the mother of a differently-

abled child. In order to care for her child, she asked the court to grant bail until the completion of the trial.

Zardari, Talpur and other accused face charges of corruption through fake bank accounts and embezzlement in the financial facility for Park Lane Private Limited and Parthenon (Pvt) Limited.

NAB alleged that the national exchequer suffered a loss of Rs3.77 billion because of the irregularities.

BILAWAL THANKS JUDGES: After the hearing, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari thanked the judges for “doing justice”. He claimed that the “NAB-government nexus wanted to stop, pressurise and threaten” the party.

“If the government thinks that they can pressurise us with these tactics then it is mistaken. I want to tell them that the prayers of this country’s poor people carry a lot of power. “President Zardari is going to come out […] He will get medical treatment and then, you all know that he is a hunter.

Suicide bombers in Afghanistan on Wednesday killed one person and injured more than 60 in an attack on the United States’ main military base of Bagram that was repulsed after a 30-minute clash, Afghan and NATO officials said. The attack comes as the United States looks to revive stalled peace talks with Taliban militants who control more territory than at any point since being ousted from power by coalition forces in 2001. Five Georgian servicemen were injured in the attack, the country’s defense ministry said in a statement.

The majority of casualties were Afghan. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Wednesday’s blasts. “A 30-minute clash also happened between the attackers, who obviously wanted to enter the base, and foreign forces,” Wahida Shahkar, a spokeswoman for the governor of Parwan province, where the base is located, told Reuters. Two attackers detonated vehicles laden with explosives at the southern entrance to the base, while five more opened fire. It was not immediately clear how many of the five gunmen were killed, Shahkar said. The attack was “quickly contained and repelled”, but a medical base being built for locals was badly damaged, Resolute Support, the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, said in a statement.

Court confirms NAB's orders to freeze assets of Shehbaz Sharif, family LAHORE STAFF REPORT

An accountability court on Wednesday ordered freezing of assets belonging to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and nine members of his family.

Accountability Judge Chaudhry Ameer Muhammad Khan passed the instructions during the hearing.

“Investigation against Shehbaz Sharif and his family are underway with regards to assets beyond income case and money laundering,” said special prosecutor of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Hafiz Asadullah Awan in the court.

Awan added that “Shehbaz has made properties worth billions through money laundering. Therefore, assets of Shehbaz, his wives and his sons should be confiscated”.

SHEHBAZ SHARIF AND FAMILY HAVE 14 DAYS TO FILE OBJECTIONS AGAINST FREEZING ORDER The decision comes a week after NAB Lahore Director General Shahzad Saleem froze 23 properties of Shehbaz, his sons and other family members in the income beyond means and money laundering case under Section 12 of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.

The NAB orders were to remain in place for 15 days, during which NAB filed an application in the accountability court for their confirmation.

In his detailed judgement, Judge Khan noted that the accused persons in the case have been accused of retaining assets beyond their ostensible means and the proportion of their wealth from 2003 to 2018 prima facie “is not proportionate to the known

sources of the accused which has not been explained by the accused”. “At this stage, even the provisions of the protection of Economic Reforms Act, 1992, would not be helpful to the accused party unless the sources of the said payments [are] disclosed by them,” the judgement states.

It says the NAB freezing orders against the Shehbaz family are also supported by the statements given by approvers namely Muhammad Mushtaq alias Cheeni, Yasir Mushtaq, Shahid Rafique and Aftab Mehmood.

While confirming the freezing orders, the court has stated that the Shehbaz family members have 14 days to file objections against the orders.

According to NAB, the frozen

India passes controversial citizenship bill NEW DELHI

1 killed, over 60 injured in attack on key US military base in Afghanistan

by the upper house, after the lower house voted in support of it on Monday. It will be sent to the president to be signed into law, with his approval seen as a formality.

The bill sailed through the lower house with 311 votes in favour and 80 against shortly after midnight on Monday.

It was strongly condemned by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Foreign Office on Tuesday. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom said it will propose sanctions against senior members of the Indian political leadership if the bill is enacted as law.

The citizenship bill also sparked protests in India’s northeastern states, where residents were unhappy about an influx of Hindus from neighbouring Bangladesh. Protesters burned tires and blocked highways and rail tracks in India’s remote northeast for a second day on Wednesday as the upper house of parliament began debating the legislation.

The Press Trust of India reported that police fired rubber bullets and used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters in Dibrugarh district in Assam state on Wednesday. Street protests were also re-

ported in Gauhati, the state capital.

The protesters organised an 11-hour shutdown on Tuesday saying they oppose the bill out of concern that more migrants who came to the country illegally will move to the border region and dilute the culture and political sway of indigenous tribal people. Introducing the bill in the upper house, Home Minister Amit Shah said the bill was not anti-Muslim as it did not affect the existing path to citizenship available to all communities.

“It seeks to address the difficulties of Hindus and other minorities who suffered

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

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properties include two houses in Model Town and Nishat Lodges in Dounga Gali, Murree which were acquired by Shehbaz in the name of his wife Nusrat Shehbaz. A cottage, a villa and a plot in Haripur and two houses in Defence Lahore were acquired by Shehbaz in the name of his other wife, Tehmina Durrani.

Land measuring over 390 kanal in Chiniot is in the name of Hamza Shehbaz and Suleman Shehbaz. Nine plots measuring five marla each in Jauhar Town and an over five-kanal house in Judicial Colony Lahore are in Hamza’s name.

Shehbaz has been on bail in Ramzan Sugar Mills and Ashiyana Housing cases, while Hamza is on judicial remand in the income beyond means, money laundering and Ramzan Sugar Mills cases. Suleman is absconding and presently resides in the UK. persecution in Muslim-majority Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan,” he said.

Anand Sharma, a leader of the main opposition Congress party, said the bill was “discriminatory because India’s constitution provides equal opportunities to all communities”. Some opposition members complained the the bill excluded Tamil Hindus who fled Sri Lanka during the civil war.

Meanwhile, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom criticised the bill as going in a wrong direction, against India’s rich history of secular pluralism and the Indian constitution, and sought American sanctions against Home Minister Shah if the bill is passed by both houses of Parliament.