E-Paper PDF 14th December (KHI)

CMYK

Saturday, 14 December, 2019 I 16 Rabi-ul-Sani, 1441 I Rs 17.00 I Vol X No 164 I 16 Pages I Karachi Edition

LHC sLams ‘CuLTure of jungLe’ as Lawyers sTrike for reLease of PiC aTTaCk susPeCTs g

division bench asKs lawyers’ rePresentatives ‘how dare yoU attacK a hosPital?’

LAHORE

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SHAHAB OMER

he Lahore high Court (LhC) on Friday strongly criticised the lawyers involved in the violent attack on the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) two days ago, saying the action showed that a culture of the jungle was prevalent in Pakistani soceity.

The LhC Division Bench’s observation came as lawyers across the country, on the call of legal bodies, boycotted courts on Friday to protest against the registration of cases against those lawyers who were arrested for their involvement in the rampage at PIC. hearing four petitions filed for the release of the arrested lawyers, a two-judge bench comprising Justice Ali Baqir Najafi and Justice Anwarul haq said their heads had bowed with shame over the disgraceful actions committed by the legal fraternity. “how dare you attack a hospital?” Justice Anwarul haq asked the lawyer representatives, asking them to justify the actions of the rioting

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US-Taliban talks to take 'brief pause' after airbase attack

Protesting lawyers storm into coUrtroom of JUstice mazahir naqvi to end JUdicial Proceedings

lawyers. he asked what steps would have been taken if the lawyers had attacked the bar council instead of PIC. Advocate Azam Nazir Tarar, who was representing the accused lawyers, said that the police did not have the authority to torture anyone, adding that the lawyers were being treated as if they had gone to PIC to fight a war. expressing anger over Advocate Tarar’s remarks, Justice Najafi asserted that the defendants had surely gone to the hospital to fight a war. Responding to this, Advocate Tarar stated: “We have condemned the incident on TV programmes”.

“You have no idea how we all are suffering after hearing about this act,” Justice Najafi said in response.

Advocate Tarar said that they do not have a bar leader who could have explained the incident to the judges, however he assured the bench that licenses of all those involved in violence would be suspended.

Justice Najafi remarked that the bar council have black sheep in their flock.

“The law of the jungle does not civilize a society, and what you have done is a culture of

the jungle,” he said, adding that they will give a justifying verdict as they have taken oath to protect the law.

The court sought a report from the CCPO on the arrest of the lawyers and ordered the police to implement the decision regarding medical examination of the accused. The hearing was adjourned till Dec 16.

There was a heavy presence of law enforcement personnel at and near the LhC premises as lawyers gathered to raise slogans against the police and administration.

Protesting lawyers also stormed into the courtroom of Justice Syed Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi and sought to end judicial proceedings for the day.

“It is my responsibility to ensure continuity of judicial proceedings,” Justice Naqvi told the protesters. he said it was up to lawyers to decide whether they appear for their cases but there would be no delay on the court’s part.

Urging the protesters to resolve the matter, the judge advised them to visit the PIC with flower bouquets and “hug out” their differences with the doctors and administration.

Meanwhile, the Proficient Lawyers Society filed a petition in the LhC seeking answers from the Pakistan electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PeMRA) over “one-sided” coverage of the matter.

The petition also seeks answers from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority on the viral “controversial” videos showing lawyers attacking the PIC. It also calls for an explanation from Punjab Police chief Shoaib Dastagir on the alleged use of excessive force against lawyers.

LAWYERS STRIKE: On Friday, lawyers across the country boycotted courts and demanded “immediate release” of their arrested colleagues.

A notification issued by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Thursday said the protest was “against partial and biased conduct of the local police and the administration of Lahore against the lawyers as well as action taken by the Islamabad high Court against the Secretary-General, Islamabad high Court Bar Association.”

Boris Johnson on course to deliver swift Brexit after big poll win

CONTINUED ON PAGE 02

Zardari reaches Karachi for medical treatment

Us envoy lauds Pakistan’s role in afghanistan peace process STORIES ON BACK PAGE

Rising polio cases a 'matter of shame' for Pakistan: PM

STORY ON BACK PAGE

Pia records rs32.7bn loss in first half of 2019 STORY ON PAGE 12

File photo

STORY ON PAGE 03

STORIES ON BACK PAGE & 03

15 Pakistan-born candidates emerge successful in UK elections

UK doctors consider Nawaz’s toxicology screening for poisoning STORY ON BACK PAGE

CMYK Saturday, 14 December, 2019

02 NEWS

govT To form commiTTee To faciliTaTe media: firdous ISLAMABAD

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STAFFF REPORT

PECIAL Assistant to PM on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan on Friday announced that the government has decided to form a committee to overcome challenges that are being faced by media fraternity.

Speaking to reporters here, the special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) on information and broadcasting said that Prime Minister Imran Khan himself will head the committee, while she will act as a coordinator. She admit-

ted that while international indicators like Moody’s and World Bank showed improvement in the country’s economy, the media sector was still facing financial constraints. “About 85 percent of media houses’ business depends upon advertisements by the private sector,” Awan said.

“When the private sector faced difficulties, it affected media houses as well.”

She said that the prime minister had taken notice of the downsizing in the media industry and he strove to ensure, through “personal communication with owners” of media houses, that people’s jobs remain secure. “We succeeded in some cases but in others, we could not ef-

LHC slams ‘culture of jungle’ as lawyers strike for release of PIC attack suspects The lawyers’ joint action committee formed on the matter said that lawyers will not appear in courts on Friday. They claimed that the arrested lawyers were tortured by police and demanded their immediate release. The SCBA and various local bar associations also supported the strike call. On Wednesday, lawyers had staged a violent protest at the PIC apparently on a mission to avenge a group of lawyers, who had been beaten up at the PIC a few weeks ago, soon after some video clips went viral on social media. The incident had resulted in three deaths as the

fectively communicate with the owners of [some] media houses. “The prime minister has decided that we settle this issue, once and for all and sit together to combat disinformation. People of a certain mindset are harming the national interest [by working] on an international agenda and who want to protect their own interests in the garb of media freedom.

“The prime minister, in order to reach a permanent solution to this problem and to address problems faced by media workers, legitimate issues of media houses and future challenges of this industry, has formed a committee.”

The committee will include presi-

condition of some critical patients deteriorated in the absence of doctors after the lawyers barged into the hospital and damaged equipment and broke windows and doors.

In the aftermath of the attack, police arrested 81 protesters.

On Thursday, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore sent over 46 of them on judicial remand while turning down a police request for their physical remand to investigate charges of attacking the PIC. The Shadman police had lodged two FIRs against 200-250 lawyers which included Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. SCBA REJECTS ‘UNLAWFUL ALLEGATIONS’: In a statement, the SCBAP said the bar association “through a unanimous resolution strongly rejects and condemns the unlawful allegations posed on [the] legal fraternity” in the wake of the PIC incident. “SCBAP downrightly discards the allegations regarding direct involvement of lawyers commu-

dents of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, chairman of Pakistan Broadcasting Association, an office bearer of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors — whomever the body nominates — the chairman of the parliamentary association of the media and other stakeholders.

“Government will become a bridge between media house owners and workers,” Awan said, adding that the committee will settle issues pertaining to money that is owed to media houses by advertisers — which includes pending dues by the government — and unpaid salaries of media workers as well as any other issues related to their jobs. She expressed hope that by the year 2020, issues faced by the media industry will be resolved and said: “You know that a Twenty20 match is always thrilling. We hope that this 20-20 match between the journalist community and government will turn into a friendly match.”

nity attacking the said hospital rather the lawyers’ community gathered outside the PIC building to record peaceful protest against the unwarranted speech from the goons that have been hiding in the ranks of medical community that was the root cause of the reaction which provoked the whole legal fraternity,” the statement read. The SCBAP expressed “grave concern” over the “unlawful arrests” of lawyers and “torture […] during their detention and inhumane behaviour with them by the Punjab police”. They said the strike was also in solidarity with Umair Baloch The high court on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to IHC Bar Association Secretary Muhammad Umair Baloch for “professional misconduct and contempt”. The high court also suspended Baloch’s licence “to practice before [IHC]” until the next hearing, which will be held on December 19. –CONTINuEd FROm PAGE 01

Three policemen injured in grenade aTTack in Tank; TerrorisT killed TANK STAFF REPORT

At least three policemen including a station house officer (SHO) received severe wounds in a grenade attack of their patrolling van in Tank district on Friday. A terrorist hurled grenade on a police van of Gomal police station which injured three policemen. The wounded officer was identified as a station house officer (SHO) Inayat. Police officials told media that the terrorist, equipped with explosive material as well, has been killed in immediate response firing by the security persons.

Heavy contingents of police forces cordoned off the area and commenced a search operation. Moreover, the officials of Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) have been called at the site to defuse the explosives possessed by the attacker. In September, at least four policemen had received severe injuries following a ‘remote-controlled’ bomb explosion that targeted their patrolling van by unidentified assailants in KP’s Lower Dir district. A remotecontrolled bomb blast left four policemen wounded in Lajbouk Biari as their vehicle was targeted, District Police Officer (DPO) told journalists. He added that the police van was on routine patrolling in the area.

PM Imran congratulates UK’s Johnson on resounding victory Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday joined other world leaders in congratulating Conservative Party leader Boris Johnson for his resounding victory in the United Kingdom’s general elections. In a tweet, the prime minister said that he “look(s) forward to working with him and continuing the cooperation” between Pakistan and the UK. Prime Minister Imran and UK Premier Johnson have enjoyed a friendly relationship since before they were elected into office.

Johnson won an outright majority in the 650-seat parliament after an exit poll showed the Conservatives on course to win a landslide 368 seats — the biggest Conservative national election win since Margaret Thatcher’s 1987 triumph. A landslide Conservative win marks the ultimate failure of opponents of Britain’s departure from the European Union who plotted to thwart a 2016 referendum vote through legislative

combat in parliament and prompted some of the biggest protests in recent British history.

For Johnson, whose 20-week tenure in power has been marked by chaotic scenes in parliament and stark division on the streets over Britain’s tortuous departure from the European Union, victory in Thursday’s contest was vindication. Other world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Council President Charles Michel, also extended congratulations to Johnson.

Roadside bomb blast kills 10 civilians in eastern Afghanistan KABUL AGENCIES

Ten civilians, including four women and a child, were killed when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan, officials said on Friday. The explosion happened in the volatile district of Jaghatu in Ghazni province after the US and Taliban paused ongoing talks on Thursday.

“Unfortunately, in the explosion, 10 people, including four women and a child, were killed,” Ghazni provincial governor spokesman said on Saturday.

All the victims of the blast were civilians, he added, saying six others were wounded. Marwa Amini, deputy spokeswoman for the interior ministry in Kabul, confirmed the blast and toll. There was no

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claim of responsibility for the explosion.

Earlier this week the Taliban launched an attack near Bagram, a major American airbase. Insurgents often use roadside bombs and landmines to target Afghan security forces, however, the lethal weapons also inflict heavy casualties on civilians.

The explosion comes just hours after Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said insurgent leaders had held “positive talks” with a US delegation in Doha, adding the two sides planned to restart talks after a few days.

Years of conflict have left Afghanistan strewn with landmines, unexploded mortars, rockets and homemade bombs – and many are picked up by curious children.

Last month, 15 civilians including eight children were killed when their vehicle hit a land mine in northern Kunduz province.

CMYK Saturday, 14 December, 2019

NEWS

Zardari reaches karachi for medical TreaTmenT KARACHI

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ppp ready To fighT back againsT selecTed govT, says bilawal

STAFF REPORT

ORMER president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) CoChairman Asif Ali Zardari has reached Karachi from Rawalpindi for medical treatment. Zardari arrived on a special airplane designated specifically for Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

The PPP leader was discharged from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad on Thursday after being granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds.

He was shifted to Zardari House on Thursday evening where he spent the night. The former president was accompanied by his son Bilawal BhuttoZardari, daughter Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari and senior PPP leaders.

The former president will be admitted to Ziauddin hospital in Clifton where a six-member medical team will look after his treatment. The PPP stalwart has been suffering from ischemic heart disease, which means his heart may have an inadequate supply of

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Friday said his party is ready to fight back against the “selected and incompetent government” of Prime Minister Imran Khan. “We will no longer tolerate any political puppets,” Bilawal remarked while addressing a workers’ meeting. The party has given a clear message to the “selected government and their facilitators” that the nation is standing with us, he said. The support of people is the true reflection of your power, Bilawal added. PPP is the only party that fought Zia’s dictatorship and we are now ready to fight this “selected government”, said the PPP scion. He announced that the party will unveil its public agenda during its Rawalpindi. “We are starting a new fight after December 27.” The PPP will hold a rally at Liaquat Bagh to commemorate the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated at the site 12 years ago. “The third generation of the party is headed to Rawalpindi. Will you all join me?” He asked a charged audience. “I want you all to support me like you supported my mother.” “Democracy is under threat in the country and conspiracies are underway to quash the rights of the people,” he said, adding, “democracy is our revenge”. STAFF REPORT blood and oxygen. He also has severe pain in L5-S1 vertebra of the spinal cord. Zardari was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau on June 10 after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the IHC in the fake bank accounts case, prompting a strong reaction from the opposition and sporadic protests by PPP workers in various parts

first female ihc judge lubna saleem pervaiz takes oath ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) first female judge Lubna Saleem Pervaiz was officially sworn in at a ceremony on Friday. She took her oath alongside judges Fiaz Anjum Jadran and Ghulam Azam Qambrani. The oath was administered by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah. She was previously working as deputy general at the Sindh High Court (SHC). The judges have been appointed to IHC by the president for a year, according to a notification from the Ministry of Law and Justice. Under Article 175-A of the Constitution, the initial appointment of an additional judge in the high court is made for one year. After this term expires, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) considers the judges for a permanent position, and the Parliamentary Committee on Judges Appointment then considers the JCP’s recommendations.

LAWYERS’ MEMBERSHIP SUSPENDED: Meanwhile, the membership of 60 lawyers was suspended for opposing the boycott following the arrest of lawyers and attending the oath taking ceremony of the judges. The list, which included the barred lawyers such as Additional Attorney General Tariq Khokhar and Deputy Attorney General Syed Tayyab Shah, was forwarded to the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC). STAFF REPORT

15 pakistan-born candidates emerge successful in uk elections At least 15 Pakistan-born candidates have clinched victory in the recently held election in United Kingdom. According to details, Conservative Party’s Sajid Javid has returned as the MP for Bromsgrove and increased his already majority by 6,533 votes. Labour Party’s Naz Shah has claimed victory for consecutive third time from Bradford West while Khalid Mahmood has also retained his seat as Birmingham MP. Meanwhile, Labour Party’s Yasmin Qureshi has managed to hold on to Bolton South East whereas Conservative candidate Rehman Chishti and Labour’s Imran Hussain have also won elections in their respective constituencies. Labour Party candidates Zara Sultana and Tahir Ali have bagged votes in Coventry South and Birmingham Hall Green, respectively.

Moreover, success was also faced by Saqib Bhatti in Meridian. NEWS dESK

of the country, mostly in Sindh province. Bilawal had termed his father’s arrest an act of “political victimisation” by the PTI government, and declared it a negation of Article 10-A of the Constitution that guarantees the right of fair trial to every citizen.

The IHC bench had also cancelled the bail of Zardari’s sister Faryal Talpur,

a co-accused in the case, and she was also arrested a few days later.

The case against Zardari and Talpur was originally registered with the Federal Investigation Agency and was filed before a banking court in Karachi.

Later, NAB got the case transferred to its Rawalpindi directorate, a decision which was criticised by the PPP.

PML-N wants immediate arrest of PM’s nephew over PIC attack ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday called for the "immediate arrest" of Prime Minister Imran Khan's nephew Hassaan Niazi for his "involvement in the attack" by lawyers on Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) in Lahore earlier this week.

Marriyum also urged the Punjab government to allow PIC — which has been sealed — to resume its operations.

"They said that the police raided the residence of Imran Khan's nephew, but he was not found. There is no case registered against Hassaan Niazi despite his clear involvement in the incident. He must be arrested immediately. The incident must be thoroughly probed and the hospital unsealed," said Aurangzeb.

"People from all over the country would go to that hospital and now because of this incompetent, unqualified government, it lies sealed." The PML-N leader lashed out at the PTIled government for seeming "helpless" in the aftermath of the attack.

"We witnessed a complete collapse of the Punjab government. Those

who used to challenge the writ of the state in 2014, who smashed open the heads of police officers at D-Chowk, we ask them: Where was the Punjab government that day? They were told that the lawyers were walking to the hospital that day."

'LIES', DISCREPANCIES:The PML-N leader said that the government had "lied" in its written response to a set of questions submitted to the parliament today. "When they were asked what amount of money

was recovered through the Asset Recovery Unit and what expenses were incurred in the exercise, Ali Mohammad said in response: Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif should be asked regarding the amount of corruption they have done.

"If Shehbaz Sharif has engaged in corruption, the proof must be submitted to the court and the same should have been mentioned in the written response submitted in parliament," said Aurangzeb.

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pm imran heads to riyadh today ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan will leave for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a one-day on Saturday. Imran’s visit is part of Pakistan’s continued efforts to facilitate rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, also accompanied by the head of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), visited Riyadh on Wednesday and is believed to have laid the ground for the premier’s visit. The flurry of visits by Pakistani civil and military leadership to Saudi Arabia and Iran over the past few weeks suggested that there might be ‘some breakthrough’ in the diplomatic manoeuvres initiated by Islamabad. This would be Prime Minister Imran’s fourth visit to Saudi Arabia since May. In October, he also travelled to Iran following his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in New York in September. The army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and the ISI Director General Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed also visited Iran. General Qamar’s visit to Tehran in November was considered significant as he, according to a media report, was carrying important message for the Iranian leadership on behalf of Saudis.

Pakistan has been trying to seek a patch-up between Iran and Saudi Arabia since September when the Saudi oil facilities came under missile attacks. Speaking at the weekly news briefing, Foreign office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are the ‘hallmark of the brotherly relationship.’ “You have witnessed the high frequency of leadership level exchanges, especially since last August. The prime minister has undertaken at least 3 visits to KSA since May this year,” he added. STAFF REPORT

india's citizenship bill premised on falsehood: fo ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office has rejected the comments by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)’s Spokesperson about a tweet of the Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding discriminatory citizenship bill passed by the Indian Parliament this week. The FO in a statement issued here on Friday stated that many international human rights organizations and neutral observers even from within India have characterized the legislation as discriminatory against Muslims and unconstitutional. The FO statement stated that: “We reiterate that this Indian legislation is premised on a falsehood, both with regard to the alleged decline in non-Muslim population in Pakistan as well as their alleged persecution in the country. Furthermore, objectively speaking, India should be the last country to pretend being a “protector” of the minorities.

The world’s media have widely reported on and condemned the deplorable conditions of the minorities in India, especially since the assumption of office of right-wing BJP in 2014”. It said the architects of the massacre of thousands of Muslims in Gujarat do not have the moral high-ground to preach about the rights of minorities to India’s neighbouring countries. STAFF REPORT

Legal requirements not fulfilled in Musharraf case: Ijaz Shah INTERIOR MINISTER REJECTS RUMOURS OF DEAL BETWEEN GOVT, OPP LEADERS Interior Minister Ijaz Shah on Friday said that the government has sought delay in the verdict of the high treason case against former military ruler General (r) Pervez Musharraf because it believes that the legal requirements of the case have not been met and the accused has “not been given a fair trial”.

Speaking on a television programme, the interior minister, who was once a close aide of the former military ruler, said that since Musharraf is the first man to be tried under Article 6 of the Constitution, it would be unfair to give verdict in the case without following all the steps in the criminal justice

procedure. “The law should take its own course and all steps in the criminal justice procedure should be completed and he should be allowed to produce witnesses in his defence since he deserves a fair change,” he said, adding that this was not his personal opinion, rather the opinion of the government.

Questioning the merits of the case, the interior minister said that the order under which Musharraf had been booked was wrong. “All legal processes must be completed in a trail under Article 6 because the punishment for treason is death or imprisonment for life,” he added. When asked whether the

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proclamation of state of emergency is the subversion of the Constitution, Shah avoided a direct answer and instead referred to the observations of the courts.

Speaking about the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision to grant bail to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, he said that no agreement had been signed between the government and the former president and he was only granted bail on medical grounds.

He also dispelled the notion that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif was allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment under a deal, saying that the federal government will approach the Punjab government if the former premier does not return within stipulated time. He also said that the government would not allow

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz to travel to London to visit her father since “her siblings and relatives are already there to look after him”.

The interior minister also condemned the lawyers’ attack on the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, saying that it was disappointing to see the “most educated class of society” storm a hospital because even in the two world wars, hospitals were not attacked. He added that the perpetrators would be given exemplary punishment.

Regarding the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) scandal, he said that “there is no harm in admitting if anything went wrong or mistakes were committed”. He added that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is holding an independent inquiry into the scandal. NEWS dESK

04 KARACHI

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

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Former govt official handed 34-year jail term by anti-terror court NAWABSHAH INP

KARACHI: A Pakistan Customs official breaks liquor bottles while a bulldozer road roller crushes seized bottles in the outskirts of city. INP

CM MurAd direCtS MiniSterS to hoLd open CourtS in ALL diStriCtS on deC 21 KARACHI

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STAFF REPORT

INDH Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed all the provincial ministers, advisors and special assistants to hold open kutcheries all over Sindh on December 21, (Saturday), 2019 and resolve public problems in presence of concerned officers.

Murad Shah on Friday, through chief secretary has also invited representatives of some of the federal government institutions such as NADRA, HESCO, SEPCO and SSGCL to attend

the open kutcheries. The provincial ministers, advisors and special assistants have been assigned districts where they would hold open kutcheries. The arrangements for open kutcheries would be made by the deputy commissioners.

The ministers assigned the district for open kutchries are Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho Mirpurkhas, Minister Local Govt Syed Nasir Shah Shaheed Benazirabad, Minister Revenue Makhdoom mahboob, Tando Mohammad Khan, Minister Food Hari Ram Badin, Minister Agriculture Ismail Rahu Larkana, Minister PHED Shabir Bijarani Sujawal, Minister Culture Sardar Shah

Matiari, Minister Women Development Shehla Raza Thatta, Minister Excise Mukesh Chawala Jamshoro, Minister Energy Imtiaz Shaikh Sukkur, Minister Rehabilitation Faraz Dero Ghotki, Minister IT Taimur Talpur Tando Allahyar, Minister Transport Awais Qadir Shah Shikarpur, Minister Katchiabadies Murtaza Baloch Sanghar, Minister Fisheries Bari Pitafi Qambar-Shahdadkot, Minister Industries Ikram Dharejo Kashmore, Minister Irrigation Sohail Siyal Jacobabad, Sr Advisor Works Nisar Khuhro Khairpur, Advisor Law Murtaza Wahab Naushehroferoze, Advisor IPPC Aijaz Jakhrani Tharparkar, Advisor Social

Welfare Aijaz Shirazi Umerkot and Special Assistant for Empowerment of Disabled Persons Qasim Naveed Dadu.

The chief minister has directed all deputy commissioners coordinate with ministers, advisors and special assistants and simultaneously make arrangements for open kutcheries. The provincial secretaries of different department and their senior officers would also attend the open kutcheries.

The open kutcheries would also be attended by SSPs, representatives of concerned local bodies and representatives of all the provincial departments to settle public grievances.

Durrani granted bail in assets beyond means case KSBL awards degrees to MBA class of 2019 KARACHI: The Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL) conferred degrees to the batch of MBA 2019 at the 5th Commencement Ceremony, held at the KSBL campus. The commencement event was opened by the Founding Chairman of KSBL Hussain Dawood. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Chairman SECP Aamir Khan.Hussain Dawood in his address to the graduating students said, “At KSBL we endeavor to train people to effectively manage scarce resources honorably and sustainably. Resources are the strength of an economy, and effective utilization of resources adds to the wealth of a nation. If Pakistan is to become a developed nation, its people must first be given the opportunity and the means to develop into leaders who specialize in the management of resources in all aspects.” The keynote speaker, Aamir Khan congratulated the students for graduating from one of the region’s finest academic institutions. He encouraged graduates to always practice impeccable work ethics and adhere to them with integrity, which is the cornerstone of all moral values. On this occasion, the Dean KSBL Dr. Zeeshan Ahmed applauded the academic achievements of the graduating class who essentially raised the bar by achieving the highest GPA and secured two consecutive CFA challenges. He mentioned that the placements for this batch were made in record time. PRESS RELEASE

KARACHI STAFF REPORT

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday granted bail to Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani and other accused in assets beyond means NAB reference case.

A SHC bench heard the bail pleas of Durrani and other accused and granted them bail. The court directed Durrani to submit two surety bonds of Rs1 million each in the court. Agha Siraj Durani is facing corruption charges and was in jail on judicial remand. The other accused granted bail in the reference included Agha Maseehuddin, Tufail Ahmed, Mitha Khan, Samshad Khatoon, Aslam Per-

vez, Zulfiqar Ali, Gulzar Ahmed and others. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader has been in jail in a NAB reference about assets beyond known sources of income.

Last year, on July 20, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had ordered an inquiry on charges of corruption against the Sindh Assembly speaker. The NAB prosecution named 20 persons including Durrani’s daughters, son, brother and servants as accused in the reference filed in accountability court Karachi after an inquiry.

According to the NAB chargesheet, the accused were involved in corruption of up to 1.6 billion rupees.

NAB Karachi had arrested Agha Siraj

Durrani from a hotel in Islamabad in February this year. In judgment, the bench remarked that NAB’s allegations are required to more investigate.

NAB had claimed gold of Rs12 crore.

NAB officials could not submit receipts for purchase and price of gold, the court remarked.

It remarked Aga Siraj’s daughter's land was claimed but documents could not be submitted. Agha Siraj Durrani belongs to a family with an agricultural background, the court said. The court remarked NAB also failed to properly assess the value of Agha Siraj's land. The NAB's weak investigation directly benefits the accused, the court remarked.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Nawabshah on Friday handed 34-year jail term to a former Sindh government’s adviser, Ismail Dahri, in three cases related to possession of illegal weapons, explosive material, and a hand grenade. Dahri has been given a 10-year jail term each in two cases each over keeping illegal weapons and explosive material, whereas, 14-year rigorous imprisonment were given for possession of a hand grenade. Dahri had been arrested in a joint raid of Rangers and Sindh police on June 27 this year from his residence in Nawabshah where the law enforcers recovered illegal weapons, a hand grenade and explosive material from his possession. Earlier on December 10, an anti-terrorism court in Karachi acquitted five alleged target killers on Tuesday due to a lack of evidence in kidnapping, murder and other heinous crimes. The police prosecution suffered a major setback earlier this month as they failed to provide substantial evidence against five alleged target killers linked with MQM-London.

Woman jumps into canal along with two daughters NAUDERO PPI

A young married woman, mother of two daughters, reportedly threw herself and her two little daughters into Dadu Canal here Friday due to ‘family problems’. According to details, 25-year Koonj, wife of Nizamuddin Khokhar threw her daughters, 6-year Rizwana and 2-year Naina, into the Dadu Canal and then she also jumped into it near Pir Jan Muhammad area. On hue & cry of girls, some people jumped into the canal and rescued Rizwana. However, search for her mother & younger sister was still on.

Young Rizwana was shifted to local hospital.

SHO Ketty Mumtaz Police Station Noor Mugheri said that the woman jumped into the canal along with her two daughters and one of them was saved. He said thorough investigation will be made to find out the truth. Muhammad Khan and Noordin Khokhar, bothers of the woman Koonj, alleged that their sister took this step due to family problems and torture of husband. Till filing of this report, divers were searching for the woman and her daughter.

PMA demands removal of corrupt officials from SHCC KARACHI PPI

Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) demanded of the Sindh government to remove officials from Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) who were allegedly found involved harassment of doctors, corruption and other malpractices. These views expressed by Secretary General PMA Centre Dr S.M Qaisar Sajjad and General Secretary PMA Karachi Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro during a press conference held at PMA House Karachi.

Treasurer PMA Centre Dr Qazi Wasiq , Joint Secretary PMA Karachi

Dr Ismail Memon and others were also present.

Dr Qaisar Sajjad expressed deep concern over current situation created

by SHCC’s officials, saying they are working beyond their mandates. He said some officials were involved in harassment of qualified doctors, malpractices and corruption.

He explained that basic the mandate of SHCC was to improve the standard of healthcare facilities and eradication quackery from Sindh province. He said unfortunately some officials are harassing the qualified doctors and indirectly supporting the quackery.

Secretary General PMA Centre informed around 200,000 quacks are operating in the Sindh province out of which 80,000 in Karachi but no sincere action been taken by SHCC against them since the establishment of commission. He said PMA has received lot complaints all over Sindh regarding misbehavior and harassment by directors, assistant directors and others from registered qualified doctors.

General Secretary PMA Karachi Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said harassment and blackmailing of doctors by SHCC officials is not acceptable. He warned that doctors will not entertain notices or

actions if the officials continue to work beyond their mandate and authority.

He suggested that SHCC should make public SOPs for minimum medical standard to be followed by healthcare facilities and TORs of SHCC officials to be communicated to all concerned. Joint Secretary PMA Karachi Dr Ismail Memon informed that different branches of PMA Sindh has registered complaints against SHCC officials in PMA executive meeting held couple of days ago at PMA House Karachi. They demanded for immediate of restructuring of SHCC, and removal of incompetent and corrupt officials on urgent basis.

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

NEWS

khursheed shah's remand extended for five more days KARACHI: An accountability court of Sukkur has extended the judicial remand of PPP MNA Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah to five more days in a case of assets beyond known sources of income. Khursheed Shah was brought to the Accountability Court from the NICVD Hospital Sukkur on Friday. Counsel of Syed Khursheed Shah argued that despite passage of 87 days NAB has failed to produce any solid evidence against his client.He demanded of the court to release his client. The NAB prosecutor informed the court that the NAB chairman had sought formation of a Joint Investigation Team to probe against Syed Khursheed Shah and in this regard the chairman NAB had written a letter. The prosecutor demanded 15 days additional judicial remand of the PPP leader. The judge of the Accountability Court ordered the NAB prosecutor to file a reference against the PPP leader by December 17 otherwise the court will announce its decision. APP

Equal rights as citizens, not just as minorities: moot ISLAMABAD: As part of its ongoing work on freedom of religion or belief, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) held a meeting of the National Interfaith Working Group, attended by representatives of the Christian, Hindu, Ahmadiyya, Sikh, Ismaili, Shia Hazara and Baha’i communities.

Participants demanded that an effective, independent national commission for religious minorities be set up in the spirit of the 2014 Supreme Court (Justice Jillani) judgement. They also agreed that the official census data on minorities should be released as soon as possible. HRCP Secretary-General Harris Khalique said that social radicalisation was an increasingly grave concern. Participants discussed a range of issues, from discrimination against the Zikri community in Makran and the vulnerability of the Sikh community in Peshawar to demographic manipulation in Gilgit-Baltistan and increasing divisions within and across religious minorities. Representatives of the Ahmadiyya community pointed out that they were barely ascribed equal rights as citizens, much less rights as a ‘minority’. Dr Khalid Masood, former chair of the Council of Islamic Ideology, said that it was critical to respect religious diversity and view religious communities as they viewed themselves. Jennifer Jag Jiwan of the Christian Study Centre said that the proposed national commission should attempt to reform the discourse on religious minorities not only between the state and its citizens, but also among citizens to counter internalised bias. Former Senator Afrasiab Khattak said that only a democratic solution would help resolve the increasing pressure on vulnerable groups such as religious minorities. Discussing the bottlenecks in the implementation of the Jillani judgement, former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that, under Article 146 of the Constitution, the government could legislate on religious minorities even if it were a devolved subject. Pakistan’s international human rights commitments also obligated the government to do so. STAFF REPORT

MQM-P subMits bill seeking eight Provinces in Pakistan

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HE Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) on Friday submitted a bill in the National Assembly Secretariat for increasing the number of provinces in Pakistan to eight.

The bill submitted by MQM-P legislator Kishwer Zehra calls for the creation of South Punjab and Bahawalpur provinces within the existing Punjab, as well as two provinces each in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Sindh.

The bill recommends that the existing KP be divided into a Hazara province and KP, while Sindh should be split into Northern Sindh

and Southern Sindh.

The eight provinces proposed by the MQM-P would be Punjab, South Punjab, Bahawalpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Hazara, Northern Sindh, Southern Sindh, and Balochistan.

The bill calls for the total number of general and women’s seats in the NA to be increased from 332 to 335. It provides a breakdown of NA seats if the changes are implemented: three for Islamabad, nine for Hazara, 20 for Balochistan, 32 for Southern Sindh, 38 for Southern Punjab, 43 for Northern Sindh, 55 for K-P, and 117 for Punjab.

MQM-P has also demanded an

AGENCIES

Protests in India against a new citizenship law that opponents say is anti-Muslim spread to other regions on Friday, a day after two people were shot dead by police in the northeast of the country, the epicentre of days of demonstrations.

Police with batons and firing tear gas clashed with hundreds of students in New Delhi, television pictures showed, as Muslim protesters set fire to placards in Amritsar and other rallies were held in Kolkata, Kerala and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat.

The protests in Guwahati in the northeast, where medical staff earlier confirmed two people were shot dead out of 26 who were admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds on Thursday night, prompted Modi and Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe to postpone a summit in the area slated for Sunday.

With four people still in a critical condition on Friday, the

increase in Senate seats from 104 to 188, proposing eight seats for FATA, four for Islamabad, and 22 each for the eight provinces.

In January this year, the country’s main opposition party, the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) submitted a constitutional amendment bill in the National Assembly seeking the formation of two more provinces –Bahawalpur and South Punjab – by dividing up the largest province of Punjab.

In September, a constitutional amendment bill was introduced in the Senate seeking the creation of a new province under the name of Bahawalpur-Janoobi Punjab.

FIA recovers Rs7bn during 2019, PM's aide claims ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant (SAPM) on Accountability Shahzad Akbar on Friday announced that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has recovered Rs7 billion during 2019. “(PML-N spokesperson) Marriyum Aurangzeb asked about what the ARU had done to bring back looted wealth which was stashed abroad,” Akbar said while addressing a press conference here. “Critics need to understand how the ARU works.”

Akbar said that those who had remained in power since the past 35 years had illegally occupied public land, and the opposition was creating noise over its recovery.

He alleged that apart from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif, the ‘B team’ of the PML-N was also involved in corruption. He said that the incumbent government replied to the questions and criticism it received but its predecessors did not.

“Those who were in power before us did not bother answer-

ing questions,” he said. “Even Marriyum said that this government is quick to give a response.”

Akbar said that the Anti-Corruption Punjab had recovered land worth Rs129 billion. He said that the government had spent Rs10.3 million on the ARU. “Marriyum should stop misleading the nation with false claims,” he said.

He said that when Shehbaz’s son Hamza is questioned, he tells authorities to ask questions from his brother, Suleman. He said that the government was asked about various questions and it provided answers to them.

India protests spread over 'anti-Muslim' citizenship law NEW DELHI

05

UN human rights office in Geneva called on India “to respect the right to peaceful assembly, and to abide by international norms and standards on the use of force when responding to protests”.

In Guwahati, the main city in Assam state, rioters on Thursday left a trail of destruction, torching vehicles, blocking roads with bonfires and hurling stones at thousands of riot police who were backed up by the military.

With the internet suspended in many areas of the city, several thousand people gathered for a sit-in protest on Friday and no major incident was reported.

Many cash machines had no money, shops were shuttered and petrol stations closed. Authorities in Meghalaya, another northeastern state, cut off mobile internet and imposed a curfew in parts of the capital Shillong. Around 20 people were hurt in clashes there on Friday, reports said.

“They can't settle anyone in our motherland. This is unacceptable.

We will die but not allow outsiders to settle here,” protester Manav Das

told AFP on Friday in Guwahati.

“We will defeat the government with the force of the people and the government will be forced to revoke the law,” said local activist Samujal Battacharya.

HINDU AGENDA? The Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) — approved this week — allows for the fast-tracking of applications from religious minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, but not Muslims.

For Islamic groups, the opposition and rights organisations, it is part of Modi's Hindu nationalist agenda to marginalise India's 200 million Muslims. Modi denies this and says that Muslims from the three countries are not covered by the legislation because they have no need of India's protection.

The US State Department on Thursday urged India to “protect the rights of its religious minorities”, according to Bloomberg.

The UN human rights office said it was concerned the law “would appear to undermine the commitment to equality before the law enshrined in India's constitution”.

“We were asked about the money that was spent on overseas trips,” he said. “We gave them the list of expenditures that were incurred.”

Akbar alleged that the PMLN had laundered money in the past through ‘cash boys’.

“Who were Masroor Anwar and Shoaib cash boys?” he asked.

He said that it had been several days and neither Shehbaz nor anyone from the PML-N had responded to his 18 questions.

Akbar spoke about the recent settlement between Bahria Town Chairman Malik Riaz and the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom.

“The NCA has transferred £190m to the government of Pakistan,” he said. “The NCA’s press release has said that it was a civil suit and there was no criminal element,” he added.

The PML-N’s Marriyum Aurangzeb had earlier lashed out at Akbar and criticised the ARU. She had said that the government had spent Rs20.3 million on the unit but hadn’t recovered anything yet.

“After spending Rs20.3 million, the amount that they recovered is zero,” she had said.

The bill to create a new province by bifurcating Punjab was jointly sponsored by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lawmakers Bahramand Tangi, Rubina Khalid, Imamuddin Shouqeen, Sikandar Mandhro, Islamuddin Shaikh, Gianchand, Keshoo Bai, Sherry Rehman, and Jamaat-eIslami’s Mushtaq Ahmed.

The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2019, sought amendments of Articles 1, 51, 59, 106, 175A, 198 and 218. The bill mainly determines the allocation of seats for the assembly of the proposed Bahawalpur-Janoobi Punjab province and setting up of High Court there. NEWS DESK

Sharing of Swiss bank data will bring transparency: Qureshi MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday said that an agreement under which Switzerland will share financial information of Pakistanis with Islamabad will bring transparency in the shifting of money to foreign destinations. Speaking to reporters, the minister said the government welcomes the accord under which Switzerland has agreed to provide “several kinds of information” to Pakistan. Qureshi said there was nothing if somebody has shifted wealth abroad that was earned from legitimate sources, as long as they can show the money trail for it and it has been moved abroad through official banking channels and not through money laundering. “If they (Switzerland) share information with us it will improve Pakistan’s accountability process and a hurdle will be created in corruption’s path in the country,” he added. The Swiss parliament had earlier this week approved the automatic exchange of bank data with 18 additional countries starting from 2021, Swissinfo.ch reported. Under the automatic exchange of financial information (AEOI), Swiss authorities will provide details of bank accounts held by other partner countries’ citizens. In return, Switzerland will receive banking information of accounts held by Swiss citizens or residents in those countries, the publication reported. STAFF REPORT

House panel approves charges, Trump at brink of impeachment WASHINGTON AGENCIES

A Democratic-controlled House of Representatives committee on Friday took Republican President Donald Trump to the brink of impeachment when it approved two charges against him stemming from his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden.

A deeply divided House Judiciary Committee voted 23-17 to approve articles of impeachment charging Trump with both abusing the power of his office over Ukraine and obstructing House Democrats’ attempts to investigate him for it.

If the full House votes next week to impeach Trump, as expected, the Republican will become the third U.S. president to be impeached. But the chances of him being removed from office are close to zero because the Senate, which is dominated by Republicans, will have the final say.

In congressional hearings that have gripped Washington, Democrats have accused the

CMYK

president of endangering the U.S. Constitution, jeopardizing national security and undermining the integrity of the 2020 election by asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July phone call to investigate Biden.

“Today is a solemn and sad day,” the committee’s Democratic chairman, Jerry Nadler, said. “For the third time in a little over a century and a half, the House Judiciary Committee has voted articles of impeachment against the president.”

Republicans have defended Trump and accused Democrats of a politically motivated farce aimed at overturning his surprise 2016 presidential election victory.

“A sad, ridiculous sham in the U.S. House of Representatives. This needs to come to a quick end,” Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, a Republican who is often a staunch defender of Trump, wrote on Twitter.

If impeached, Trump will go on trial in the Senate early next year, just as the 2020 presidential campaign begins to pick up speed.

Biden, a former U.S. vice president, is a leading Democratic candidate to face Trump in November’s general election.

Trump has alleged that Biden was involved in corruption in Ukraine and should be investigated but the president has offered no evidence. The Democrat denies any wrongdoing.

ABUSE CHARGE: The abuse of power charge against Trump also accuses him of freezing nearly $400 million in U.S. security aid to Ukraine and offering a possible White House meeting to Zelenskiy to get him to publicly announce investigations of Biden and his son Hunter, who was on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

Trump also asked Ukraine to investigate a debunked theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 U.S. election.

The obstruction charge against Trump is based on his directives to current and former administration officials such as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry, even if that meant defying subpoenas.

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

06 WORLD VIEW

‘The WesTern culTure’s secreTary of sTories’ HE’S TRANSFORMED HIS COMPANY FROM A STUFFY MEDIA DOYEN INTO A SEXY CULTURAL FORCE. HE CAN GLIDE TO RETIREMENT IN 2021 ON THE FUMES OF THAT TRIUMPH time

n

BELINDA LUSCOMBE

oT since somebody figured out that you could attach two black plastic disks to a skull cap and make everyone look like Mickey Mouse has a pair of ears sent such a buzz through a media executive. The new set were green, wingshaped and attached to a baby space alien.

The instant Disney CEo Bob Iger saw them, his heart leapt.

“As soon as those ears popped up from under the blanket, and the eyes, I knew,” says Iger, recalling when he first saw footage of Disney’s newest bankable piece of intellectual property, known to the world as Baby Yoda. He likens the feeling to when he was running ABC’s prime-time TV division and 16-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio showed up on Growing Pains. The next moves were obvious: start production on little green dolls and theme-park rides and lunch boxes, then throw open the vaults and clear space for more cash.

But Iger is the kind of guy who, if given the marshmallow test, would not only decline to eat the marshmallow, but persuade everyone else to sell him theirs and corner the market on S’mores. So he made a different call: no Baby Yoda merch yet. The cuddly alien was the heart of the new Star Wars–themed series The Mandalorian. That show was the anchor of Disney’s new streaming service Disney+, and Iger would not spoil the first episode’s big reveal.

As history will show, the auricles delivered. Disney+ signed up 10 million people by the day after its Nov. 12 launch.

It is not yet a threat to the big tech companies that dominate the stream: Netflix has 158.3 million subscribers, Amazon Prime has 101 million, and Google’s YouTube has about 2 billion users a month. But if streaming is the future of entertainment, Disney—the ultimate legacy player—now has a credible vessel in which to get there.

Iger’s tenure as the leader of the world’s most lucrative dream factory has been one long CEo highlight reel. But 2019 was an apex year, when many of his carefully incubated eggs hatched. Creativity is a messy affair, technology is an expensive, glitchy one, and business plans, like military campaigns, rarely sur-

vive the first battle. Yet in 2019, Iger managed to blend all three into one epic, deal-packed 12 months. And in a year when the tide has shifted against Big Business, Big Media and Big Tech, Iger has transformed his enormous media company into a gargantuan media and tech business while ensuring that the Walt Disney Co.’s products remain widely beloved. As other corporate chiefs face steepening criticism, the worst thing he’s accused of is being a promising presidential candidate. He has rebuffed the idea.

Why bother? In the post-information age, mythmakers carry more weight than lawmakers. In many ways, Iger is the Western culture’s Secretary of Stories, with the power to choose what narratives are given the most resources.

“I think the Disney+ launch has been amazing,” says Facebook Coo Sheryl Sandberg, who was on the company’s board from 2010 to 2018. “It’s a big risk, but Bob’s really good at understanding the landscape further out as well as executing a strategy. It’s rare to be able to do both.” *** “This has been probably one of the most productive years we’ve had as a company in the 15 years that I’ve been in this job,” says Iger, 68, who lives in L.A., but is in his native New York to host an East Coast board meeting. “This time last year, we had not closed the deal for Fox,” he says, referring to the $71 billion acquisition of most of Rupert Murdoch’s entertainment assets. “We had not opened up two Star Wars Lands, we had not launched Disney+. We had not closed the deal for control of Hulu.” Iger was also not yet a best-selling author. His sevenfigure earnings from his memoir, The Ride of a Lifetime, are going toward journalism scholarships.

Iger managed all those moving parts while still making moving pictures. Even before Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives, Walt Disney Studios has already released six of the eight most lucrative movies of 2019, and broken the $10 billion global box office barrier. Avengers: Endgame is now the highest-grossing movie of all time, selling $2.8 billion worth of tickets globally since it was released in April. Investors are thrilled; the stock is up 34% this year.

The entertainment business isn’t just about money, though. When Disney generates a successful franchise, the characters and myths it creates occupy the

The rape of India’s soul

Project Syndicate JAYATI GHOSH

Injustice, discrimination, and violence are hardly unheard of in India. But today, they are being normalized, enabled, and even encouraged by the state, which is promoting an aggressive form of Hindu nationalism that looks increasingly like mob rule. India’s diversity and complex civilizational legacy are now under assault, and it is shaking the very foundations of Indian democracy.

In August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government stripped Indian held Kashmir – India’s only Muslim-majority territory – of its special status, which had granted it considerable autonomy, and split it into two “union territories” over which the central government now wields more direct control.

In order to stave off unrest, the government deployed thousands more troops to Indian held Kashmir before announcing the changes. It then placed prominent local politicians, including former allies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party

(BJP), under house arrest; enforced a curfew on residents; restricted movement into, out of, and within the state; and imposed media and telecoms blackouts.

Months later, most Kashmiris still lack Internet access. Despite the blackout, sporadic reports paint a dark picture of repression by armed forces. Civilians have reportedly sustained severe injuries from crowd-control tactics (such as the use of tear gas and pellet guns), and thousands of locals – including children as young as nine – are languishing in jails.

Yet, rather than defend the rights of Kashmiri citizens, India’s Supreme Court has postponed hearings on relevant pleas. As for the rest of India’s population, they have largely ignored, accepted, or applauded the assault on Indian held Kashmir.

In the northeastern state of Assam, another horror unfolds. In August, authorities released their jurisdiction’s National Register of Citizens (NRC), which excluded nearly two million people who could not provide proof of their names or parents’ names in the electoral rolls before March 24, 1971 – an arbitrary date essentially directed at identifying Muslim immigrants. Many of these now-stateless people have been sent to detention camps, where they live in appalling conditions.

Betraying the project’s xenophobic aims, its architect, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has called these people – many of whom were born in Assam or whose families have lived there for decades – “termites,” his term for illegal

culture to a degree that they can amplify or dampen people’s understanding of who they are and what they stand for. Movies like Black Panther and Frozen take up so much of the national attention span that the communities and identities those films portray become less other, more central. of course, not everyone celebrates Iger’s choices. Many bemoan Disney’s blanding effect on the culture—including director Martin Scorsese, who in November wrote in an excoriating New York Times op-ed that movies from Disney’s Marvel studio lacked “revelation, mystery or genuine emotional danger.” He claimed that the focus on franchises—a key Iger strategy—was contributing to a situation that “was brutal and inhospitable to art.”

Iger, famous for his Mandalorian-like imperturbability, calls Scorsese’s comments “nasty” and “not fair to the people who are making the movies,” but brushes them off.

“If Marty Scorsese wants to be in the business of taking artistic risk, all power to him,” he says. “It doesn’t mean that what we’re doing isn’t art.” In true Hollywood fashion, Iger says his people and Marty’s people are arranging a get-together.

Whenever he’s accused of taking no risks, Iger points to Black Panther, which he considers one of his top five career achievements. “I expected Bob’s [advice] to be more conservative, but it was actually the opposite,” says Panther director Ryan Coogler. “He wanted us to be more aggressive and ambitious.” Iger encouraged him to build out the theme of transgenerational trauma as it relates to race.

“He wasn’t afraid from a cultural standpoint or a business standpoint.”

Nearly every story about Iger’s tenure at Disney contains a variant of the sentence This is his biggest gamble yet. In 2006, he made a $7.4 billion deal to buy Pixar from a guy who hated Disney. Then he bought Marvel, a company built on the mercurial fantasies of adolescent males, then Lucasfilm, when the Star Wars stories seemed burned out. And this March, he persuaded the mulish Murdoch to sell him nearly all his marshmallows too.

Disney+, however, makes those other bets look penny-ante. Iger had slowly and somewhat stealthily bought BAMTech, the company Major League Baseball used to stream games, which provided the techno-

logical back end. But he knew the only way to bring people to a new streaming service is with shows they can’t miss. “There was a meeting. In the Disney boardroom,” says Iger, whose way of telling stories is as consistent and methodical as his schedule.

Heads of the company’s creative shops were told to come with pitches for the new service. “I said, ‘We’re not creating another separate studio. You will all be the suppliers. No. 1 priority.’” of all the suggestions he heard that day, it soon emerged that only The Mandalorian would make it in time. It—and by extension Baby Yoda—would have to carry the whole launch. Iger was right to keep that black-eyed sweet pea a secret, because the culture wasn’t going to wait until gift season. The Internet was swiftly flooded with Baby Yoda–bilia, including knitted hats, baby items, love songs, DIY Christmas ornaments and, of course, memes. So many memes. Iger sent friends his favorite, a mash-up of cosmological narratives featuring the Pope holding Baby Yoda like a communion wafer. *** In some circles, Iger is considered only marginally less alien than the creature he greenlighted. He has worked for the same company for 45 years, through 20 jobs and 14 bosses, outlasting scores of rivals, apparently without making any major enemies. “You will never hear, ‘Bob Iger, he’s such a son of a *****,’” Gayle King—not even on his payroll!— said last year. When he finally got a shot at the top spot, however, there were doubts; the interview process was so long and humiliating he ended up at the doctor’s office with an anxiety attack. The $65.6 million he earned last year seems to have eased but not erased the memory. of course, Iger may have bet wrong.

Disney has already spent $3 billion on the service and plans to spend billions more on a venture that may never turn a cent.

The Star Wars and Avengers narratives are reaching their outer atmospheres.

Hong Kong Disneyland is almost empty amid the ongoing protests. And he has still not named a successor.

But for now, for just this moment, Iger is unassailable. He’s transformed his company from a stuffy media doyen into a sexy cultural force. He can glide to retirement in 2021 on the fumes of that triumph. Except it’s not his style. When asked which IP he would buy if in some fantasy world he could: Harry Potter, Gandalf or James Bond, Iger smiles.

“We’re not looking to buy anything right now,” he says. “But I’ve always been a huge James Bond fan.”

INDIA’S RAPID DESCENT INTO XENOPHOBIA, VIOLENCE, AND IRRATIONALITY HAS AN IMPORTANT ECONOMIC DIMENSION, BUT IT TAKES POLITICIANS TO CHANNEL THESE EMOTIONS INTO NATIONALISM, AND TO EMBOLDEN THE NATIONALISTS TO COMMIT VIOLENCE Bangladeshi immigrants. He has also promised that the BJP government “will pick up infiltrators one by one and throw them into the Bay of Bengal.”

In this case, instead of pushing back, India’s Supreme Court has actively instigated and aided the process.

It now watches as the BJP government builds detention camps across the country, in preparation for the program’s nationwide implementation – a process that is likely to be even more aggressively anti-Muslim.

While the NRC implicitly targeted Muslims, some Hindus were caught in the crossfire. So the government is keen to pass a new Citizenship Amendment Bill, which makes Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi, or Christian refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan eligible for Indian citizenship.

Muslims are excluded.

Though the bill is blatantly unconstitutional, it has already been approved by the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament), and seems to have broad popular support. It now needs only to clear the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) to become law.

Muslims are not the only group facing discrimination and violence in India today. Hindu nationalists have also targeted the long-marginalized Dalits, the lowest-ranked group in India’s rigid caste hierarchy. In 2016 alone, more than 40,000 crimes against members of lower castes were reported. And yet last year, the Supreme Court triggered large

protests by weakening the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, designed to protect lowercaste communities.

Moreover, India continues to fail its women, who face high rates of sexual violence. Victims who report the crimes committed against them often suffer far harsher punishments – including harassment, job losses, further violence, and even death – than the perpetrators. Legal processes are slow; authorities often treat victims poorly; and justice is rarely served, especially if the accused is powerful or well connected.

Just this month in Uttar Pradesh, a 23-year-old woman who had reported being gang-raped last year was set on fire while heading to a court hearing.

Among the attackers were two of the five accused men, who had been released on bail. She died a few days later.

Since then, two more rape survivors have been killed in Uttar Pradesh.

Even when perpetrators are punished, it may look more like mob justice than the impersonal application of the rule of law. The recent gang rape and murder of a young veterinarian near the southern city of Hyderabad is a case in point. Initially, local police failed the victim through apathy. When her family attempted to file a missing person’s report, they resisted taking action at all, before sending the family to another police station, because the victim’s last known location was in that jurisdiction. Several hours passed before the search began.

After four men were accused of raping and murdering the young woman, however, there was a massive public outcry, including calls by prominent women to lynch the rapists. Under pressure, police quickly rounded up the accused, took them under a bridge, and shot them dead. (The police claimed that the men had tried to grab their guns, forcing them to shoot.)

Such extrajudicial killings are being widely hailed in India. Due process and the rule of law are not nearly as satisfying, it seems, as quick revenge. Meanwhile, no one is addressing women’s lack of safety, or the impunity of other acknowledged rapists who have more political power.

India’s rapid descent into xenophobia, violence, and irrationality – much like support for populist leaders and causes elsewhere – has an important economic dimension. Declining demand, employment, and consumption have left many feeling insecure and frustrated. But it takes politicians to channel these emotions into nationalism, and to embolden the nationalists to commit violence. Now that the BJP has done so, is it able – or willing – to exorcise the many demons it has unleashed?

Jayati Ghosh is Professor of Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, Executive Secretary of International Development Economics Associates, and a member of the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation.

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

FOREIGN NEWS 07

EU LEadErs CaLL For swiFt BrExit ratiFiCation aFtEr tory viCtory BELGIUM

E

AGENCIES

U leaders have expressed cautious confidence that Boris Johnson will pivot to back a close economic relationship with the bloc and called for swift ratification of the withdrawal agreement after the prime minister’s election triumph.

The size of Johnson’s majority was welcomed in Brussels, where the 27 heads of state and government have gathered for a two-day summit. Charles Michel, the European council president, said he expected the withdrawal agreement to be passed through parliament within weeks to allow the UK to leave with a deal in 49 days’ time.

“We expect as soon as possible a vote by the British parliament on the withdrawal agreement,”Michel said. “It is important to have the clarity as soon as possible. We are ready. The EU will negotiate to ensure to have a close cooperation in the future with the UK.” Earlier, the European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said she would “immediately listen to the prime minister, the new prime minister, to be reassured what the pathway is”.

EU leaders believe the Conservative majority will give Johnson free rein

to decide his negotiating objectives and compromise in the talks where necessary. Once the UK parliament has ratified the withdrawal agreement, the European parliament will give its consent in January before the UK’s departure at the end of the month.

EU leaders are waiting to see what incarnation of the prime minister will emerge now he is secure in Downing Street. Johnson had initially approached the negotiations on the withdrawal agreement with bullish, uncompromising talk, but swiftly broke his red lines to concede to a customs border in the Irish Sea be-

tween Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

The Irish taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, hinted at private assurances from Johnson that he would sign up to EU standards in order to secure a trade deal.

“I’d like that to ensure we still have tariff-free and quota-free trade between Britain and the EU and to have a set of minimum standards so that nobody feels that there’s unfair competition or anyone’s trying to undercut them when it comes to labour rights, environmental protection and issues like that,” he said.

“And [from] my conversations with Mr Johnson, I think he’s probably in a simi-

lar space, so it’s a case of now getting on with it. “It’s a case of now getting on with it and I think the prospect is there to develop a new future economic partnership between the EU and UK, and one that’s going to be mighty and good for all of us.

EU leaders are expected to issue a communique later on Friday saying “the future relationship will have to be based on a balance of rights and obligations and ensure a level playing field”.

Brussels wants the British government to sign up to EU environment, tax, work and social standards as it seeks “to establish as close as possible a future relationship with the UK”, according to a leaked draft of the document.

There is a debate among the EU27 and with the European commission on what might be possible to negotiate between 31 January, when the UK is expected to leave, and the end of the transition period 11 months later. Johnson has said he will not extend the transition period, as would be permissible under the terms of the withdrawal agreement, beyond the end of 2020. The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, who has been confirmed in his post, has said that as a result, there is insufficient time to complete negotiations on a comprehensive deal and trade will need to be prioritised, leaving other issues such as cooperation on services and transport for later.

EU leaders clash on climate funding, nuclear power BRUSSELS AGENCIES

French govt says ready to talk as pension strike bites PARIS: French officials said Thursday that they were open to negotiating a pension overhaul that has sparked crippling transport strikes, as unions warned of walkouts through the holidays unless the government drops the plan.

President Emmanuel Macron, who so far has spoken rarely about a centerpiece of his far-ranging reform drive for France, told reporters in Brussels that “now is the time for consultations.” Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who presented details of the project Wednesday, said he would call union leaders to “quickly resume the dialogue” on the reforms. “My door is open and my hand outstretched,” Philippe said on Twitter. Philippe has proposed talks “as soon as possible next week”, his office said in a statement. Unions unanimously rejected his plan for a single pension system that maintains the legal retirement age at 62, but with reduced payouts unless a person works until at least 64. Even France’s moderate CFDT union, the country’s largest and long in favor of a single points-based pension system, said the government had crossed a “red line” and voiced support for mass demonstrations on December 17. “I’m ready to talk,” CFDT chief Laurent Berger told BFM television. “But a willingness to be constructive doesn’t mean letting someone walk all over you.”

“There won’t be any Christmas truce,” warned Laurent Brun, head of the transport arm at France’s hard-line CGT union, the largest among public-sector workers including those at rail operator SNCF. “We didn’t want this, but the government is standing firm, so this is going to go on for a long time,” he told France Info radio. AGENCIES

European Union leaders clashed over the bloc’s plans to tackle climate change on Thursday, arguing over how to pay for a green transition and the role of nuclear power.

Brussels’ new leadership, under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, wants member states to use their summit to commit to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. But at least three coal-hungry countries in the east of the bloc are holding out for a more detailed promise of funding for their energy transition, and when the leaders broke for dinner agreement was still far off.

Opposition to the 2050 target from eastern members such as the Czech Republic and Poland also fed into what is expected to be a long, bitter summit debate about climate change and the long-term EU budget. Von der Leyen’s “European Green Deal” includes a plan to mobilise 100 billion euros to help countries with the move towards carbon

neutrality, but critics say this is not enough. Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who wants more detailed assurances about funding, said the Czech Republic alone would need 30 to 40 billion euros ($27 to $36 billion) to achieve carbon neutrality.

And Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda estimated the transition would cost two-thirds of his country’s GDP. VIENESE COFFEE: Hungary and the Czech Republic want the summit conclusions to explicitly endorse nuclear power.

But the latest draft seen by AFP simply acknowledges their right to “decide on their energy mix and to choose the most appropriate technologies”. The Czech leader also hit out at countries like Austria and Luxembourg for refusing to agree to the EU endorsing nuclear energy as green. “Nuclear energy is clean energy without emissions. I don’t know why countries have a problem with this,” Babis said as he arrived, after earlier accusing Austria of hypocrisy over its power supplies.

“This morning at a quarter to eight, Austrians consumed 23 percent of Czech electricity, Slovakia 30 percent. If we hadn’t supplied Austria with energy, a quarter of them wouldn’t even make coffee.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country gets more than two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power, backed the Czechs, saying the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change agrees it should play a role. “For countries that have to get away from using coal, it’s obvious they will not be able to move to all renewables overnight,” Macron said. And there was more support from Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who insisted that “without nuclear energy there is no carbon-neutral European economy”.

But Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel was adamant he would not agree to EU money being used to set up nuclear plants. “We are convinced that nuclear energy is neither sustainable nor safe, and especially when it comes to waste, we still do not know what we should do,” he said.

UK's Corbyn says will not lead Labour in next election LONDON: Jeremy Corbyn on Friday said he would not lead Britain’s main opposition Labour party at the next general election, after predictions of a crushing defeat at nationwide polls. “I will not lead the party in any future general election campaign,” the veteran socialist, 70, said after winning his north London seat for the 10th time.

Corbyn went into Thursday’s election offering a radical leftist programme for social change, including huge investment in public services, as well as a second referendum on Brexit. But he was criticised for his handling of allegations of antiSemitism within Labour and supposed sympathies with proscribed terrorist groups.

An exit poll forecast Labour would lose 52 seats to secure 191 in the 650-seat parliament — the party’s poorest result since 1935. The forecast put Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservatives on 368 seats, giving the party a majority of 86. Senior Labour figures have indicated Corbyn was responsible for the heavy losses. He admitted in an acceptance speech the results were “very disappointing”. But he stopped short of saying he would stand down immediately, instead of announcing he would lead the party during a “process of reflection” into what went wrong. Corbyn defended his “manifesto of hope” and maintained they were “extremely popular” during the campaign. But his message had been eclipsed by Brexit. “Brexit has so polarised and divided debate in this country, it has overridden so much of a normal political debate,” he added. AGENCIES

Uber promises new measures to combat sex assaults in France PARIS: Ride-hailing app Uber on Thursday pledged new safety measures in France after the firm’s French boss Steve Salom was summoned by equalities minister Marlene Schiappa. Salom told AFP after the meeting he had pledged that Uber would contact the authorities to pass on all available information in the event of a sexual assault allegation and that driver accounts would be immediately deactivated. A facial recognition device would be launched from Monday to verify that the person driving the vehicle is the registered driver. And he said that Uber France would also undertake to “fully fund the psychological and legal monitoring of victims” and to “call the victim back in less than three minutes after a report (of an assault)”. In France, the firm is under pressure from a viral campaign detailing sexual assault involving its drivers, under the hashtag #UberCestOver (Uber it’s over). The company, which has come under fire around the world for its safety record, said last week it had tallied nearly 6,000 sexual assaults in the United States over the past couple of years. That included more than 450 cases of rape, according to Uber’s first public report into the issue, which counted attacks by both passengers and drivers over 2017-18. AGENCIES

Traditional Thai massage gets UNESCO heritage status BANGKOK AGENCIES

At Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha temple, Krairath Chantrasri says he is a proud custodian of an ancient skill — the body-folding, sharp-elbowed techniques of Thai massage, which was added Thursday to UNESCO’s prestigious heritage list.

Originating in India and practiced in Thailand for centuries, the massage was popularized when a specialty school opened in the 1960s to train massage therapists from around the world. Nuad Thai’s addition to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage” practices “is historic,” said the Thai delegate at the United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organization meeting in Bogota, Colombia. “It helps promote the practice of Nuad Thai locally and internationally,” he said.

From upscale Bangkok spas and

Phuket beach fronts to modest streetside shophouses, “nuad Thai” is ubiquitous across the kingdom, where an hour of the back-straightening discipline can cost as little as $5.

Krairath, who teaches at the Reclining Buddha School inside the famed Wat Pho temple, helps thousands of Thai and foreign students who flock to the centre each year.

The son of a masseuse, he takes great pride in his role sharing the ancient discipline at a temple whose certification is a proud banner for any massage shop.

“I’m a continuation of our collective knowledge,” the 40-year-old told AFP. At Wat Pho’s complex, trainees run through a catalogue of moves targeting the body’s acupressure points with thumbs, elbows, knees and feet while also incorporating deep stretches and contortions. Doctors and monks were said to have brought these methods 2,500 years ago to Thailand, passing its secrets from master to disciple in temples and later within families.

Under Thailand’s King Rama III in the nineteenth century, scholars engraved their knowledge of the field onto the stones of Wat Pho. The nuad Thai school, which has trained more than 200,000 massage therapists who practice in 145 countries, first opened in 1962.

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

08 COMMENT

PIC under attack

The lawyers on the rampage Government’s failure to save lives and property

Health-care professionals are under threat of violence worldwide

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He attack on the Punjab Institute of Cardiology was not a spontaneous outburst of anger over some provocative act but a well-thought-out, coldblooded action carried out by over 300 lawyers in violation of the law. As the Interior Minister has put it, a dispute took place between doctors and lawyers three to four weeks ago and the matter was resolved.

The restoration of an independent judiciary through a movement spearheaded by the lawyers provided them a sense of empowerment. A small number of euphoric lawyers subsequently started resorting to lawlessness for their own benefit. This was the time when the elder members of the community should have reined them in.

But keen to win bar elections, they decided to look the other way. The errant section of the community beat up police, helped criminals escape, tortured media reporters and at times did not spare even the litigants. They attacked members of the judiciary to seek verdicts of their choice.

The acts of intransigence were often ignored.

Things worsened as Mr Imran Khan and his exuberant followers entered the political scene and introduced a culture of intolerance by ridiculing the opposition leaders.

The PTI’s trolls used abusive language on social media and issued calls for aggressive action against the opponents.

In the present case, Intelligence agencies took the anger brewing in a group of the lawyers lightly. The police force, thoroughly demoralised due to the frequent shuffling of its officer corps and having no directives from above, waited impassively till the lawyers had vandalised the hospital.

Unwilling to accept its failure to resolve the dispute between the doctors and lawyers and to give clear directions to police that could have saved three lives, the government has accused the PML-N for being behind the mayhem.

The announcement of a lawyers’ strike by the LBA is equally unfortunate. Bar leaders elected to offices depend on the lawyers’ votes. So, they have a tradition of supporting the handful of black sheep in black coats despite knowing that they have indulged in a misdemeanour.

Unless the government takes its responsibilities seriously, at times the lawyers, at other times the doctors or some other organised social group, will break the law, causing tragic losses of life and destruction of property.

Meeting bad with worse The threat not to cooperate does not solve anything

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ML-N parliamentary leader Khawaja Asif has reason to be irate at the government, or rather the PTI. After all, its supporters staged a demo in front of the Avenfield Apartments where ex-PM Nawaz Sharif and his stand-in as party chief, brother Shehbaz, are staying, and used threatening language. However, that misbehaviour does not justify his threat not to cooperate with the government in the legislation that has been mandated by the Supreme Court on the matter of the COAS’s extension. It is not that the COAS’s fate is at stake so much, as the futility of such a threat. After all, Parliament is meant to be the place where dialogue is carried on until a problem, no matter how difficult, is solved, and it has been one of the objections the PTI has faced that it has not engaged in that dialogue with the opposition that it needs to, out of a misplaced sense of self-righteousness. Now, it seems, the PML-N has engaged on the same course.

It also appears that Kh Asif might have engaged on a solo flight, which would lead to cracks in opposition unity, as other parties refrain from following suit. Just as much as the government lacks the numbers to pass an Act in the Senate, the PML-N lacks the numbers (in both Houses) to frustrate any legislation on its own. Kh Asif is also embarking on a journey which would lead logically to resignations from Parliament. That would fulfil the demand of the JUI-F during its Azadi March, but that demand had been turned down by the combined opposition’s Rahbar Committee. Kh Asif may well find that even his own parliamentary party would be too reluctant to do what he says. As the Rahbar Committee is meeting, Kh Asif would do well to take his demand there.

The Committee can best serve the case of democracy by persuading him against following through on a demand which does not set a good precedent. The government and the opposition should both remember that problems are solved only through dialogue. The consequences of avoiding dialogue are not just obvious, but have cost the country too dearly to bear repetition.

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

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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Dr Zeeshan Khan

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N 11 December, lawyers attacked the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) and four patients died on the same day due to the stampede. The second tragic incident initially happened when a lawyer took her mother to PIC, which was then followed by a below-the=belt speech by a PIC doctor. The issue was almost resolved by an apology but later on lawyers attacked PIC doctors, pharmacists and other paramedics in the form of an enraged crowd with clubs and a few firing guns, and even the police could not do anything; actually, the situation went out of control. The lawyers also blocked Jail Road and vandalised public properties. Then both the prestigious communities started abusing each other, particularly on social and other media.

Lawyers, the protectors of law, and doctors, the ‘messiahs’ of humanity, started brewing up different conspiracies against each other. Both professionals basically work for the facilitations of humans and protect basic human rights. Mistakes were made by both sides. Black sheep are everywhere. But the second episode of attack was solely done by lawyers. even the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and medical equipment was destroyed. Incidents of ‘Wukala Gardi’ especially after Former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhrycum-Judiciary restoration movement and recent the MTI Act ‘Doctor Gardi’ both have been the parts of Pakistan’s history. Both professionals pass through rigorous hours of work but doctor’s duty hours are more hectic and long. Moreover, patience could postpone the unwanted situation.

Condemnations alone will not work but a proactive approach must be adopted by giving exemplary punishments to all the culprits.

Violence in health care institutions is a common problem in the world. The common point of studies on violence against health care workers is that violence in the health field is more than at

other work places and it is less taken into account.

In each study it is found out that verbal violence is more than physical violence. In the researches, it is found out that the groups who are most subject to violence are emergency workers or nurses.

The acts of violence are more in the emergency services during evening and in the first hour of application to the health care facilities. People who use violence are mostly patients or an unnecessary number of relatives of patients. In many countries of the world, policies have been developed to prevent violence in health care institutions and in some countries, those who use violence to health workers are sentenced to prison.

A policy issued by the United Kingdom government for remonstration of physical assault on doctors, concentrates on hostility against incitement and advancement of environment. Sadly, Pakistan’s government hospitals lack a system to manage such challenges seriously. Mostly violence is seen in emergency departments where patients are brought under such serious condition that saving their lives becomes unattainable. This is the main reason why young medical graduates especially girls prefer to practice abroad as they dread fights.

Currently, Pakistan’s rampant population is living in a time of turmoil due to terrible political and economic instability. Unemployment, poverty and political agitation have created anger, frustration and impatience in the common man, resulting in greater risks of crime and violence in the country. Medical employees are immensely being targeted by the violence of patients, especially in government hospitals. In Pakistan, 77 per cent of physicians have faced both verbal and physical abuse, a survey showed recently.

The Pakistan Penal Code includes a provision that the government has a political as well as legal duty to implement. Section 153-A states that: “By words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representations or otherwise, that promote or incite, or attempt to promote or incite, on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other grounds whatsoever, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities: or commits, or incites any other person to commit, any act which is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities or any

groups of persons identifiable as such or on any ground whatsoever, and which disturbs or is likely to disturb public tranquillity, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and with fine”.

Violence occurs when the service cannot be steady or when access is limited to operate. Panic and stress created by such conditions can lead to violence against service providers or organisations. Violence may occur when a health care worker tries to set restraints on eating, drinking or when service is refused. District-level hospitals are needed to be provided with all medical facilities. The common problems interfering with the capabilities of basic health units are issues with the salary structure, non-serious behaviour towards posting of doctors and other staff, lack of medicines and equipment.

The American College of emergency Room Physicians has recommended interventions such as increasing the number of security officers, closed circuit television cameras with 24-hour trained observers, panic buttons, and better control of the entry into the emergency department.

The reality is acts of violence in hospitals continue to be on the rise. Bad things can happen anywhere and administrations or policy-makers can try to get rid of this violence by; Firstly, establishing a zero-tolerance policy against violence against staff members and visitors, Secondly, educating and training the staff with provisions of new technologies and not just in the high-risk areas like behavioural health and security but with others too, Thirdly, making it mandatory for employees to report acts of violence in a non-punitive environment through their internal incident reporting Fourth, keeping abreast of new strategies and partner with local law enforcement or having a consultant review the worksite and lastly, collaborating and maintaining partnerships with law enforcement agencies.

Whatever be the cause of violence, the impact is grievous. If these types of relentless attacks on the health-care profession are left unchecked by the policy-makers, political leaders, regulatory bodies and administrative authorities, then brilliant students will be scared to choose this noble profession.

Dr Zeeshan Khan tweets at @DrZeeshanKhanA1, and can also be reached at dr.zeeshan.alias.ghazikhan@gmail.com

Honey-trapped and money-trapped Indian defence personnel’s vulnerabilities

aLI sUKhanVer

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INe, woman and wealth; these are the three tools which usually succeed in luring a secret agent, particularly when he belongs to some Indian security agency. Just in the last five years there had been countless examples of Indian army and intelligence officers who were honeytrapped by wine, women or wealth.

‘In November 2014 the Ferozepur police arrested two Indian army personnel from the cantonment area on charges of conducting reconnaissance of the area,’ reported India Today. The paper further narrated that during the interrogation, it came to light that the accused had visited the Indo-Pak check post at Hussainwala twice, and they were in contact with an ISI agent Jaya Mishra, who had honey-trapped the accused separately. The accused were identified as Shiv Narayan Chandravanshi, 43, and Arjun Malviya, 35, of

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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Bhopal district in Madhya Pradesh. earlier to this episode, on 30 August, the Pathankot police had arrested an Indian Air Force employee on charges of spying and selling strategic information about the air force station to a woman, believed to be a Pakistani spy.

In April 2018, the Sonipat police arrested a 22-year-old youth, Gaurav Sharma, on spying charges. He was working with the Indian Ministry of defence According to the media reports he was in touch with two women who were allegedly ISI spies and whom he had met on Facebook.

The arrested young man told the investigators that the women lured him with sex chat and later asked him to supply sensitive information about Indian defence forces. He further told that he was in touch with the spy-women for the last one-anda-half years. Astonishingly the arrested youth is a son of a retired army havaldar and his mysterious activities were known to his father.

The investigation agencies were really shocked when they checked the Facebook friend-list of these spywomen and found a lieutenant-general, three colonels, three majors, a captain, a commander, a sergeant, an NDA trainee and a jail superintendent in Jammu and Kashmir.

‘These officers are posted in various states like Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, New Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh,’ says India Today. Certainly, further investigation would have revealed

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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linkage between the spy-women and these army officers but details were kept concealed.

Recently two Indian soldiers were taken into custody from the Jodhpur railway station a few weeks back. They were accused of sharing crucial information with a Pakistanbased woman ISI agent. According to the details the Indian army jawans were going to their village from Pokhran when intelligence officials took them into custody. They were taken to Jaipur from Jodhpur where they are still being interrogated. The Indian investigation officials confirmed that jawans were sending crucial information after falling in the honey-trap of Pakistani woman.

All such news covey three different messages to the world; the first is that Pakistan has a very strong ability of crossing the Indian borders; the second is that the defence mechanism of India is so poor and so weak that anyone could destroy it and the third is that Indian army personnel are so weak in morality that they could sell their national secrets to the hostile countries for the sake of their greed and lust.

Some analysts are of the opinion that all these incidents of women spies are nothing but intentionally concocted stories. The purpose behind them is only to give an impression to the world that Pakistan is a terrorist country which tries to disrupt and disturb the law and order situation in its neighbouring countries with the help of its intelligence

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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agencies. Though it has never succeeded, on the basis of these fishy stories, India has ever been dreaming of giving Pakistan a tough time at international forums like FATF. In all such efforts to defame Pakistan as a terrorism-exporting country, India simply turns a blind eye to agents like Kulbhushan Jadhav who is in Pakistani custody and whose case has already been decided by the ICJ in favour of Pakistan. It is not only Jadhav, there are countless other terrorists also who were sent to Pakistan by the Indian authorities to create law and order problems for Pakistan. According to a news report, in the last few months Pakistan has arrested many RAW operatives involved in anti-state activities and their cases have been sent to the courts for further legal proceedings.

However, projection of such false-news items about Pakistani women spies is a proof of Indian acceptance and admission that Pakistan has a very strong rather ‘muscular’ potential of reaching and hitting the ‘hard core’ of the Indian defence system. As far as Pakistan is concerned, this acceptance of the Indian authorities is neither false nor superfluous; Pakistan has no doubt a very competent team of patriots which has all possible talent of digging deep into the Indian civil and military domains.

But Pakistan has never used this ability and talent to cause any loss to the innocent people of India; Pakistan uses this talent only to counter the actions against its sovereignty.

Ali Sukhanver is a freelance journalist.

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Saturday, 14 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

Fake accounts case

Restoration of student unions A formidable challenge for the stakeholders FaZaL eLLahI

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OMe leading dailies of the country recently reported that the incumbent government is seriously contemplating to restore the student unions in educational institutions across the country. It must be known that student unions were proscribed about three and a half decades ago. The reason for doing so was obviously the highly undesirable role that the student unions started playing; serving their prescribed mandate trivially and playing more in the hands of their mentors (political parties and other vested groups) in the country. The fact of the matter is, dancing to the tunes of their political masters and serving their interests conscientiously, the student unions mostly undertook activities which were profoundly detrimental to the interest of the educational institutions in which they were functioning. The most unfortunate part of the whole scenario is that the students’ community who voted them to the citadel of power, to serve their interest, barely benefited from their existence.

By disregarding its prescribed mandate palpably and by becoming a tool of the political parties and other vested groups of their liking, the student unions of the yester years had become a source of despicable anarchy and vandalism, particularly in the educational institutions in which they were functioning, and in the country in general. The regrettable part of this extremely sad and repugnant situation was the role brazenly played by the political parties of this country. To attain their obnoxious political objectives, they surpassed all norms of respectability and inconsiderately manipulated the youth of Pakistan.

None could deny the facts expounded above. Had the student unions served the purpose for which they were created, they could have played a significant role in not only strengthening the institutions in which they were established, and conscientiously served the students who elected them, but also positively contributed towards national development. Universities and other institutions of learning are responsible for educating the youth of this country, equipping them with state-of-the-art knowledge and skills, and preparing them for leadership roles in the corporate world and in the affairs of the state.

Sadly enough, the role of the student unions vis-à-vis attainment of the referenced objective, particularly in our institutions of higher learning, has not been very encouraging.

Having articulated my views on the abysmal role the student unions have played in the past, I certainly wouldn’t like to give the impression that I am against the restoration of student unions in the country’s educational institutions. In a democratic setup, the significance of student unions cannot be overemphasised. Having said that, I consider it pertinent to quote 16th US President Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy: “government of the people, by the people, for the people” and accentuate that a student union should likewise be defined as “union of the students, by the students, for the students”.

Departure from this definition in any manner, unions depicted above lucidly portrays a simI am afraid, will trounce the very essence of ilar demoralising picture. May I reiterate, once again, that all the this vital student body. negative things that In view of the foregomost of the student ing fact, it must be enunions, barring a few sured at all costs that exceptions, resorted to this important student in the past was on the organ is bound by strinCharacter assassination and behest of the political gent laws to strictly forces with which they confine itself to its mud-slinging have become got themselves aligned. mandate; serve the inthe order of the day. Our In view of the foregoterest of the students’ ing facts, it must be community, and nothsocial and moral values clearly enshrined in the ing else. Contravention stand seriously challenged code of conduct the of this defined mandate government is contemshould render them illetoday. Those who are plating to frame, vis-àgal and, therefore, tosupposed to be role models vis governance of tally dysfunctional. The student unions, that any political forces in the for the present and student union found to country should, on their upcoming generations of have political affiliapart, refrain from politition of any kind, whatcising the student this country are totally soever, with any unions in the specific oblivious of this profoundly political party or for interest of the youth of that matter any other this country, and in the undesirable bearing; extraneous body, would larger interest of this be banned forthwith. nation. precluded under all norms Pakistan is passing In this context, one of civilised conduct. It through a critical phase couldn’t agree more with the opinion of wouldn’t be inappropriate to in its 73-year-old blemished political history. those in the saddle in say that this is causing Character assassination the country that before and mud-slinging have restoration of the stuserious harm to the social become the order of the dent unions, a compreand moral conduct of the day. Our social and hensive and enforceable moral values stand sericode of conduct, learnyouth of this country, and ously challenged today. ing from the best praccolossally eroding their Those who are suptices in internationally posed to be role models renowned universities sense of respectability in for the present and upacross the globe, should coming generations of be framed and put in almost all spheres of life. this country are totally place so as to enable the We, as leaders of this oblivious of this prostudent unions to play foundly undesirable their role effectively country and mentors of the bearing; precluded and positively conyouth of Pakistan, must under all norms of tribute in grooming the civilised conduct. It youth as the future leadknow that our doings, good wouldn’t be inappropriers of this country. I or bad, have an impact, ate to say that this is also fully endorse the causing serious harm to view that in the past stupositive or negative, on the the social and moral dent unions, due to their youth of this country in conduct of the youth of reckless attitude, crecountry, and colosated anarchy in the camparticular and the society in this sally eroding their sense puses of educational general. So, for heaven’s of respectability in alinstitutions in which most all spheres of life. they were functioning, sake, let us have some We, as leaders of this thus utterly destroying country and mentors of the otherwise cordial atcompassion for the youth, the youth of Pakistan, mosphere of these instithe future leaders, of this must know that our dotutions. ings, good or bad, have Some quarters, recountry; guide them to the an impact, positive or acting to the remarks of right path, and don’t let negative, on the youth the Prime Minister of of this country in particPakistan calling the stuthem go astray under any ular and the society in dent unions “violent circumstances general.

So, for battlegrounds”, proheaven’s sake, let us foundly criticised him. I have some compassion would term their reacfor the youth, the future tion to be bigoted, as leaders, of this country; the truth of the matter is guide them to the right that this exactly is what the student unions have mostly been in the path, and don’t let them go astray under any past. The scenario vis-à-vis the past student circumstances.

THIS is reference to report that NAB has arrested key suspect Ijaz Haroon, in fake accounts and money laundering case. Ijaz Haroon was Chairman Overseas Cooperative Housing Society, who has previously served as MD PIA from 2008 to 2010 and has a history of being involved in controversies, yet managed to get clearance for such executive assignments. What were the qualifications of this controversial individual that he was allowed to become Chairman of Overseas Cooperative Housing Society?

Those responsible for appointing him to head national airline PIA, in spite of never having got education beyond school i.e., O-Level are as much responsible for irregularities committed and assets beyond means that he owns in Pakistan and UK etc. From his involvement in Kidney Hill scam to investigation ordered by Ministry of Defence and conducted by Late AM Mushaf Ali Mir for gross financial misappropriation in recruitment of pilots, to allegations involving him in the case of smuggling rare artifacts abroad PIA cargo allegedly destined for Surrey Palace. All state institutions and agencies responsible for background checks need to be probed who gave his security clearance to become MD of PIA. The national airline, which was once a profitable stateowned enterprise has been driven to technical insolvency by appointment of cronies over the years by successive political and dictatorial governments. When the State chooses to overlook glaring conflicts of interest of individuals appointed to head key state-owned enterprises, then they share responsibility for losses incurred. A Catering company located in europe owned by family of Ijaz Haroon was designated as sole vendor for all flights that transit or terminate in europe.

GuLL ZAmAn Peshawar

Curse of unemployment UNeMPLOyMeNT due grave economic recession and poor governance has caused frustration and anger among educated youth. Successive government policies, instead of addressing these issues have been captive to vested interests, rehiring retired civil or uniformed officers and judges making matters worse. Can anybody justify hiring retired paid state employees receiving pension and other benefits like allotment of real estate plots etc, including free medical coverage, on contract whilst more qualified and educated youth, with specialised professional qualifications and skills, remain unemployed. This has contributed to brain drain, growing discontent and frustration. The acute economic crisis that Pakistan faces is testimony, if any is required, that unless state employs highly qualified individuals who have specialised in economics, technology, medicine and science this country will not recover from the mess. British Raj trained civil and unformed bureaucracy was to run an occupied country, for the sole benefit of HM government.

In the UK, USA etc the state employs best qualified specialists at key assignments where policies are made, whilst civil service officers are confined to administrative posts only. If Pakistan wants to develop, it must invest in development and optimum utilisation of talent to keep at pace with fast technological changes. Our Civil Service is outdated and not trained to serve people as public servants but have decadent mindset for which they were trained by the Raj to serve as agents of occupation forces. They continue to live on islands of prosperity in gated housing societies in palatial villas spread over acres, instead of modest houses at state expense, surrounded by a sea of people living in misery, denied even basic necessities like clean drinking water, with garbage dumps serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and an outdated sanitation system infected with polio virus, typhoid and blocked gutters. This is certainly not Jinnah’s Pakistan.

ALI mALIK TArIq Lahore

Kashmir solidarity IT seems that tensions between Pakistan and India may keep on escalating until the Kashmir issue is resolved. The dispute has come under International light and is being discussed and struggling to resolve the problem and reduce tensions between Pakistan and India. No one can deny the fact that India is taking no any steps to bring peace in the region. As India on August 5 unilaterally decided to revoke Article 370 of its constitution which granted special autonomy to occupied Kashmir. Undoubtedly, Pakistan has been struggling to make the region peaceful, but due to the lack of support the region has yet not been peaceful. As newly on Tuesday Combined Opposition leaders from the capital announced that they would observe October 27 as black day in protest against the ongoing repression in India-held Kashmir. Actually, the decision was taken at a multi-party conference held to discuss matters related to Kashmir Solidarity Day and the upcoming Azadi March. The conference decided that a protest demonstration would be staged outside the National Press Club on Oct 27 against the India attempts to jeopardise regional peace and stability, and express solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris.

ImrAn rAShEED Kech

Furthering peace AS the world at large knows Pakistan has opened up a “hard border” also called corridor for the Sikh community, facilitating them to perform their religious rites free of visa and harassment hassle. This has certainly won the hearts of Sikh people, if not the Indian government. Keeping this in mind, I sincerely suggest and pray to the Indian government to offer visa free travel to the Parsi community of Pakistan to perform similar religious duties at Udvada and other places of worship. This act of the Indian government will certainly be appreciated and thanked by the tiny / peace loving community of parsis of Pakistan and those living around the world.

ISPhAnyAr BhAnDArA rawalpindi

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

10 FOREIGN NEWS

Us on vErgE oF LandMarK China tradE dEaL: trUMp WASHINGTON

t

AGENCIES

HE United States was poised Thursday to announce a historic trade deal with China, days before new tariffs are due to kick in between the world’s two largest economies, easing a commercial dispute that has roiled markets for almost two years.

Reports that Washington and Beijing had struck a bargain at last — subject to approval by US President Donald Trump — sent US stocks sailing to their first record closes of December. “Getting VERY close to a BIG DEAL with China.

They want it, and so do we!” Trump tweeted in a markedly optimistic tone, although it was unclear if he would officially confirm the agreement on Thursday.

Trump’s flagging of an imminent breakthrough comes ahead of new tariffs

planned to take effect Sunday and also just as he is almost sure to become only the third US president to be impeached.

With his 2020 re-election battle heating up Trump is keen to seize the political initiative and show voters his punishing struggle with China has brought results.

The US ultimately wants China to open its vast economy to more goods and to conduct sweeping reforms of what Washington has long called systemic abuse against foreign investors.

Recently, though, White House officials have indicated they would settle for less in a so-called “phase one” deal.

The Washington Post reported that Trump had signed off on a swap of tariff reductions in return for China spending $50 billion on US farm goods, tightening its intellectual property protections and opening its financial services markets. The paper cited Michael Pillsbury, a China expert at the Washington-based Hudson In-

stitute it said had been briefed by Trump, and an unnamed senior administration official. The paper reported that plans for an official announcement had not been nailed down, adding that the administration does not intend to seek congressional approval.

China’s commerce ministry said Thursday the two sides were in “close” contact ahead of Sunday’s deadline.

DODGING NEW TARIFFS BULLET: In addition to existing tariffs, Trump had threatened to impose a 15 percent levy Sunday on around $160 billion of Chinese exports, including popular US consumer goods like electronics and clothing. China had previously said it would respond with a 25 percent tariff on US autos and a five percent tariff on auto parts — levies that were suspended earlier this year as a goodwill gesture.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the US side is offering to scrap the threatened Sunday tariffs and also cut existing

US tests ballistic missile over Pacific

WASHINGTON AGENCIES

The United States tested a mediumrange ballistic missile on Thursday, the second test in four months of an offensive missile that would have been banned by a US-Russia arms treaty that Washington exited in August.

The Air Force launched the conventionally configured missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base northwest of Los Angeles at about 8:30 am local time (1630 GMT), according to a base spokesperson.

The prototype ground-launched missile flew more than 500 kilome-

ters (300 miles) before plunging into the Pacific Ocean, the Pentagon said.

“Data collected and lessons learned from this test will inform the Department of Defense’s development of future intermediate-range capabilities,” said Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Robert Carver. Thursday’s test was the second of a ground-launched, medium-range nuclear-capable missile since Washington exited the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Moscow.

The INF would have forbidden testing of the missile, as well as a cruise missile tested in August.

he said “I have no deadline” for a resolution. The intense talks, involving multiple trips by teams from both sides to and from Washington and Beijing, were further complicated by tensions over the pro-democracy uprising in Hong Kong. Trump, somewhat reluctantly, signed a law passed with overwhelming congressional support in November that backs the Hong Kong demonstrators. Beijing responded that the law was “abominable” and “sinister,” but ultimately appeared to have little in the way of counter-measures.

Snarky Trump tells Greta Thunberg to 'chill' and see movies

Unrelated to the INF, on October 2, the Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg, delivering a test reentry vehicle to the Kwajalein Atoll 4,200 miles away in the western Pacific.

The tests could also be a signal to North Korea, which has demonstrated its own cross-Pacific nuclear threat with multiple successful short, medium and long-range ballistic missile tests.

Rejecting UN-backed sanctions, Pyongyang recently hinted that it may undertake another test as a “Christmas gift” if the US does not come up with concessions in bilateral relations by the end of the year.

On Wednesday, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, warned Pyongyang of consequences if it follows through with a major weapons test in the new year.

“Missile and nuclear testing will not bring the DPRK greater security,” Craft said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“We trust that the DPRK will turn away from further hostility and threats, and instead make a bold decision to engage with us,” she said.

Japan PM planning to cancel trip to India over security fears TOKYO AGENCIES

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is planning to scrap a visit to northeast India as the security situation there deteriorates following the passage of a controversial citizenship bill, media reported on Friday.

Abe had announced plans to visit India from Sunday to Tuesday for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to reports in the Indian press, Modi and Abe were due to meet in the northeastern city of Guwahati in Assam state — the epicentre of the protests of recent days. They were then slated to visit a new Peace Museum in Manipur — another northeastern state — dedicated to the tens of thousands of soldiers, mostly Japanese, who died at the World War II Battle of Imphal between Japanese and Allied forces.

But Abe is rethinking the visit “because security is deteriorating there,” public broadcaster NHK said, adding that Tokyo would make a formal announcement later on Friday.

A foreign ministry official in Tokyo said he was unable to confirm the reports immediately. However, a briefing for foreign media on the trip was abruptly cancelled “because we are examining the local circumstances.” An AFP reporter in Guwahati said that dozens of hoardings for the India-Japan summit were lying on the ground after protesters tore them down.

duties imposed on about $360 billion in Chinese goods. Trump’s overall goal with China, a keystone of his presidency, is to uproot what Washington says are Beijing’s predatory trade practices, including forced technology transfers and massive intellectual property theft.

Trump himself has blown hot and cold, repeatedly insisting that China needs a deal more than the United States does. At the end of November, he said he was in the “final throes” of negotiations, but days later he spooked world financial markets when

On Thursday, police in northeast India opened fire on a crowd demonstrating against a new citizenship bill, killing two people and wounding several others.

Authorities deployed thousands of paramilitaries and blocked mobile internet access in the region to counter the protesters. Local police, who joined the paramilitaries in clashes with demonstrators defying a curfew in Guwahati opened fire on the crowd with both blank and live rounds.

India’s Citizenship Amendment Bill, passed by the upper house of parliament on Wednesday, allows for the fast-tracking of citizenship applications from religious minorities from three neighbouring countries, but not Muslims. The two demonstrators killed by police were among a large group being treated for various wounds at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital.

CMYK

WASHINGTON AGENCIES

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg gave back as good as she got Thursday after President Donald Trump dismissed her Time Person of the Year award with the snarky suggestion that she “chill” and go to the movies.

Trump joined Brazilian right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro and Russian strongman President Vladimir Putin on the list of world leaders who recently patronized the 16-yearold when he reacted to her Time honor.

“So ridiculous,” 73-year-old Trump tweeted. “Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!”

Thunberg, who has shot to global fame since launching her “Fridays For Future” climate crisis protests, had a quick comeback.

“A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend,” she wrote as her new Twitter bio.

Thunberg, from Sweden, is rapidly gaining experience in fending off barbs from unfriendly world leaders. Putin described her in September as “kind,” before adding dismissively that “no one has explained to Greta that the modern world is complex.”

Thunberg soon changed her Twitter bio to: “A kind but poorly informed teenager.”

She did the same thing earlier this week after Bolsonaro’s jibe, switching her description to “Pirralha,” the word he used, which translates roughly to brat or pest.

The latest Thunberg media storm reached

France on Thursday, where President Emmanuel Macron tried to find a third way.

There’s a “Greta club and a Donald club,” he said. “There are plenty of people who want to see change, but it’s incredibly hard because it’s never fast enough for Greta, and it’s always too much for Donald.”

“I would like us to make our own club,” he told students from a program he launched two years ago to counter Trump’s announcement that he was withdrawing the United States from the global Paris climate treaty.

QUESTION OF TIME: Trump appears not to believe the overwhelming consensus of scientists that the world faces fast-growing peril from manmade climate change. Jokes about renewable energy and rising sea levels are a staple of his speeches.

He also has something of an obsession with Time magazine, whose annual cover award is an institution dating back to recordbreaking aviator Charles Lindbergh, named “man of the year” in 1927. A relentless selfpromoter through his decades in showbiz and real estate, Trump was finally selected by the magazine in 2016 after his shock upset win in the presidential election.

In 2017, Trump publicly aired his frustration with not being selected again when he said he was refusing to do an interview with Time because he’d been told only that he would “probably” be chosen.

Ultimately, it was a group of women from the “Me Too” movement against sexual harassment and abuse who were named that year.

This year’s announcement, made Wednesday, saw Trump again listed as a runner-up.

Morales arrives in argentina to seek asylum BUENOS AIRES: Bolivia’s exiled ex-president Evo Morales arrived in Buenos Aires on Thursday where Argentina’s new leftist government of President Alberto Fernandez has granted him asylum. Morales “has just landed at Ezeiza (airport). He’s coming to stay in Argentina as an asylum seeker and will then have refugee status,” Foreign Minister Felipe Sola told TN television. Morales was accompanied by a coterie of top officials from his former government: vice president Alvaro Garcia, foreign minister Diego Pary, health minister Gabriela Montano and ambassador to the Organization of American States Jose Alberto Gonzales. The remnants of his cabinet had been with Morales in Mexico, which initially granted him asylum after he fled Bolivia last month. Sola said Morales “feels more comfortable here than in Mexico.” Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous president, fled the country after nearly 14 years in power. He lost the support of the military amid weeks of violence that followed what international monitors said were deeply flawed elections. AGENCIES

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

BUSINESS 11 CORPORATE CORNER

PAkIstAN, WOrld BANk sIgN $406.6m lOAN AgreemeNt fOr kPeC ISLAMABAD

LAHORE: A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been inked between University of Management and Technology (UMT) and Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) to promote scientific and technical education. TEVTA Chairperson Ali Salman Saddique and UMT President Ibrahim Hasan Murad signed the MOU. preSS r e L e A S e

LAHORE: Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Faisal Sultan briefs the media on the hospital’s performance. p r e S S r e L e A S e

RAWALPINDI: Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL)-Rawalpindi on Friday organised a walk to raise awareness on conservation of energy. preSS reLeASe

P

STAFF repOrT

AKISTAN and the World Bank on Friday signed the financing and project agreement $406.6 million for Khyber Pass Economic Corridor Project (KPEC). "The project aims to construct a 48km-long four-lane, dual carriageway accesscontrolled motorway from Peshawar to Torkham," said a statement issued by the Economic Affairs Division. "This project will promote economic development and uplift areas adjoining expressway falling in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa."

According to the statement, the project envisages the use of public-private partnerships to develop clusters of economic zones and expressways.

The connecting transport infrastructure and economic zones would provide a strong foundation for private businesses to invest in these zones.

"The global integration of South and Central Asia is intertwined with the Khyber Pass and has served as the key node in trade for hundreds of years. The expressway between Peshawar and Kabul through the Khyber Pass represents a section of Corridors 5 and 6 of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC).

Corridor 5, which runs through Pakistan, has the potential to provide the shortest link between the landlocked countries of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the Arabian Sea. Corridor 6 provides access to Europe, Middle East and Russia.

The KPEC will finance Peshawar-Torkham expressway portion of Corridor-5.

"The Peshawar-Torkham expressway will reduce transit time and costs for regional and international trade transiting the Khyber Pass and extend till Karachi - Lahore - Islamabad - Peshawar Trans-Pakistan Expressway System. It will form as an integral part of the planned Peshawar - Kabul - Dushanbe Motorway. The improved regional connectivity through this corridor will not only facilitate the commercial traffic and expand economic activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan but also promote private sector development along the corridor. It is expected to generate up to 100,000 new jobs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," the statement read.

Speaking on the occasion, Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar said the signing of this im-

portant project indicates the World Bank’s resolve to support the development agenda of Pakistan.

World Bank Country Director Patchamuthu Illangovan, while appreciating the reform initiatives of the incumbent government, said that the bank stands committed to extending all possible facilitation and financial support to the government in its efforts to promote economic activities in the country and to put the economy back on track.

Economic Affairs Division Secretary Dr Syed

Pervaiz Abbas signed the project's loan agreement on behalf of the Pakistani government while a representative of National Highway Authority (NHA) signed the project agreement. World Bank Country Director Patchamuthu Illangovan signed the agreements on behalf of the bank.

Hammad Azhar thanked World Bank for extending its continuous support to the government in its efforts to achieve sustainable economic development in the country.

Germany to provide €12.5m for GB uplift projects ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Germany have signed the financing agreement for Hydropower and Renewable Energy Phase-II worth Rs2.14 billion. Economic Affairs Secretary Dr Syed Pervaiz Abbas and German Development Bank (KfW) Country Director Wolfgang Moellers signed the agreement. Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar was also present on the occasion. Under the agreement, KfW will provide grant assistance of €12.5 million to the Gilgit-Baltistan government and the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme. The project has two components i.e. the hydropower component that will be implemented by the GilgitBaltistan Water & Power Department; and, the Biodiversity component which will be implemented by the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme. "The implementation of HRE-II in Gilgit-Baltistan would contribute to the provision of electricity for the population of Hunza and Nagar through utilisation of its abundant water resources, which will improve living standards and livelihoods of the local population and the region," said a statement issued by Economic Affairs Division. Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar thanked the German government for the grant assistance which, according to him, would be helpful in addressing the increasing energy needs of the region. He said that these initiatives were truly commendable as they were geared to impact the lives of the common man. Speaking on the occasion, KfW Country Director Wolfgang Moellers said that the population of GilgitBaltistan would soon have access to the green and sustainable energy, which would contribute towards socio-economic uplift of the masses. "This will also help to create more jobs and promote tourism in the area." STAFF repOrT

MarKEt Daily

KSE-100 gains 402 points as bourse turns bullish KARACHI PESHAWAR: Sehat Kahani has partnered with Frontier Medical College to launch first-ever ‘Digital Health Innovation Hub’ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. p r e S S r e L e A S e

Artists urge IPO-Pakistan, NAB join hands against piracy ISLAMABAD GHULAM ABBAS

The country’s film industry has urged the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO)-Pakistan to follow the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in its drive against piracy, besides protecting the copyrights of actors, producers, writers, musician and others associated with the film, television and music industry. “Until and unless some people are sent behind the bar and there is a hue and cry in the industry over violation of copyrights, the issue of piracy will remain unresolved,” said renowned actor Shaan while expressing views during a recently held consultative meeting between representatives of film/tv industry representatives and officials of IPO-Pakistan. The meeting, chaired by IPO-Pakistan Chairman Mujeeb Ahmed Khan, was attended by renowned film director Syed Noor, actors Ali Tahir, Naeem Tahir, Umair Rana, Sangeeta and others.

IPO-Pakistan, which is an attached department of the Ministry of Commerce, has launched an awareness programme regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in the country so that action could be taken against those involved in piracy. The artists complained that they have been denied copyrights and royalties for their work in the past despite all the rules. “I think YouTube, an American video-sharing platform, cares more about our rights as compared to the concerned authorities in our country.

YouTube at least deletes a video if we register a complaint,” Shaan said. Renowned film actress Sangeeta informed the meeting that she used to receive royalty cheques in the 80s’ but no one cared about copying her work after that. “We don’t ask for the royalties of our previous work but at least our copyrights should be protected in future,” said another actor while commenting on the state of IPRs in the country.

STAFF repOrT

Bullish sentiments prevailed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday, as the indices remained positive throughout the session, helping the benchmark KSE-100 Index crossing 41,000-mark intraday.

Foreign investors continued offloading equities for the third consecutive session on Thursday. A net outflow of $1.94 million was recorded with major selling witnessed in the oil and gas exploration sector.

On the economic front, the country’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan inched up 0.34pc on a weekly basis and were recorded at $16,048 mil-

lion (Dec 6). The reserves previously stood at $ 15,993 million (Nov 29).

Crossing the 41,000-mark, the KSE-100 Index recorded its intraday high at 41,077.82 after gaining 563.65 points. It settled higher by 402.42 points at 40,916.59. The KMI-30 Index appreciated by 937.90 points to end at 65,149.89, while the KSE All Share Index increased by 278.41 points, closing at 29,320.16.

The overall trading volumes improved from 227.02 million shares in the previous session to 270.43 million shares (+19pc). Shares worth Rs11.64 bn were traded on Friday. Unity Foods Limited (UNITY +3.09pc), The Bank of Punjab (BOP +1.27pc) and Fauji Foods Limited (FFL +1.93pc) led the volume chart, exchanging 28.23 million, 14.83 million and 13.58 million

shares, respectively.

Sectors that helped the index accumulate gains included oil and gas exploration (+167.93 points), banking (+76.57 points) and oil and gas marketing (+54.66 points).

Among the companies, Pak Petroleum Limited (PPL +92.24 points), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC +76.70 points) and Habib Bank Limited (HBL +33.80 points) remained the top contributors to the index.

The oil and gas exploration sector added 3.26pc to its cumulative market capitalization.

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC +4.11pc), Pak Petroleum Limited (PPL +5.00pc) and Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL +0.31pc) closed with decent gains.

US sets China trade deal terms, sources say, but Beijing mum WASHINGTON/BEIJING AGeNCIeS

Washington has set its terms for a trade deal with China, offering to suspend some tariffs on Chinese goods and cut others in exchange for Beijing’s buying more American farm goods, US sources said.

Beijing’s silence, however, raised questions over whether the two sides can agree a truce in their trade war before a new round of titfor-tat tariffs takes effect on Sunday.

A source briefed on the status of bilateral negotiations said the United States would suspend tariffs on $160 billion in Chinese goods expected to go into effect on Sunday and roll back existing tariffs.

In return, Beijing would agree to buy $50 billion in US agricultural goods in 2020, double what it

bought in 2017, before the trade conflict began, two US-based sources briefed on the talks said.

China’s yuan jumped to a fourand-a-half-month high against the US dollar and Chinese shares rallied on Friday on hopes the two sides will avoid further escalation of the trade war. Neither Washington nor Beijing made official statements about a deal, however, raising questions about whether the terms had been agreed by both sides.

New Chinese tariffs on US goods are due to take effect at 0401 GMT Sunday and new U. tariffs on Chinese goods will apply at 0501 GMT. Both would need to make formal announcements to postpone or cancel the tariffs.

Washington had offered to cut existing tariffs on Chinese goods by as much as 50pc and suspend the

new tariffs scheduled for Sunday to secure phase one of deal first promised in October, two people familiar with the negotiations had said earlier on Thursday.

One of those people told Reuters that US President Donald Trump and his top advisers agreed on the terms for a proposal, possibly a final offer, and were now waiting for Beijing to sign off in writing.

A Beijing-based US business community official also told Reuters he viewed the reported deal more as a “final offer” that has been approved by Trump but not yet affirmed by Beijing.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked about the status of the trade talks during a daily briefing on Friday, did not comment on whether an agreement has been reached or specific terms of any

deal with the United Sates.

“China is committed to constructive dialogue to resolve and manage our differences, and believe ... the deal must be mutually beneficial,” she said.

Some analysts doubted China could deliver such a dramatic increase in agricultural purchases. For instance, demand for soybeans - a key US product used for animal feed - is down after African swine fever devastated China’s pig herd.

It also made a big increase in corn purchases unlikely, they said.

Ramping up purchases of other US farm products such as beef would be hard, too, they said.

“There’s just no logistical way that they can double imports in a year,” said Darin Friedrichs, senior Asia commodity analyst at INTL FCStone.

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

12 BUSINESS tania Aidrus, razzak dawood discuss digitalisation initiative ISLAMABAD: Tania Aidrus, head of the newly launched Digital Pakistan Initiative, held a meeting with Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood on Friday to discuss matter pertaining to the digitalisation of Pakistan. Aidrus informed the adviser about the activities she has undertaken, especially with the youth and women, for the promotion of entrepreneurship and facilitation of startups. The adviser shared the action matrix of the country's e-Commerce Policy and reemphasized its significance for enhancing youth employment through freelancing and services' exports. The commerce secretary on the occasion explained that the policy was a living document and that the ministry was holding regular stakeholder meetings for the implementation of this policy.

"The private sector remains in the driving seat and regularly provides its input. The policy will also transform public sector governance as it envisages e-procurement within three years of the policy launch," he added. The adviser appreciated Aidrus's engagement with youth through universities, as "e-Commerce Policy has very specific provisions for empowering youth and women entrepreneurs". He said the enthusiasm and positive momentum generated through the launch of Digital Pakistan needs to be maintained by adequately addressing the expectations of youth. He also informed Aidrus about the training sessions being organised by the Small And Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Trade and Development Authority (TDAP) on ecommerce, supply chain management, digital marketing, entrepreneurship etc. so as to impart practical knowledge about running a successful business, especially in exportoriented sectors. STAFF repOrT

Oil hits three-month high as trade hopes, Uk election lift sentiment

LONDON: Oil rose to its highest in nearly three months on Friday as progress in resolving the US-China trade dispute and a decisive general election result in Britain lifted investor’s appetite. US sources said on Thursday that Washington has set its terms for a trade deal with Beijing, offering to suspend some tariffs on goods and cut others in exchange for Chinese purchases of more American farm goods. Brent crude, the global benchmark LCOc1, climbed to $65.29 a barrel, the highest since Sept 23, and as of 1430 GMT was up 45 cents at $64.65. US West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 gained 21 cents to $59.39 after earlier reaching $60 for the first time since Sept 17.

The 18-month trade war has been a dampener for oil prices, while uncertainty around Brexit has also weighed.

Britain's ruling Conservative Party won a large majority in Thursday's general election, giving it the power to take the country out of the European Union. "With a large win for Boris Johnson in the UK general election and an ‘almost there’ for the US-China trade war, it's up we go for Brent crude," said Bjarne Schieldrop, an analyst at SEB. "Oil demand growth will likely rebound along with a rebound in global manufacturing." A drop in the US dollar coupled with a strong pound helped boost commodities. Sterling surged more than 2pc, supported by the overnight election result. "Risk appetite among financial investors is now likely to remain high thanks to the deal between the U.S. and China and the forthcoming end to the Brexit cliffhanger," said Eugen Weinberg, an analyst at Commerzbank. "This will also benefit the oil price." Brent has rallied by 21pc in 2019, supported by efforts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia to cut production. AGeNCIeS

PIA reCOrds rs32.7BN lOss IN fIrst hAlf Of 2019 KARACHI

P

MALIK TArIQ ALI

AKISTAN International Airline (PIA) and its subsidiary, PIA Investments Limited, continue to bleed massively due to a variety of reasons, ranging from mismanagement to lack of transparency and weak audit controls by independent auditors as well as the Auditor General of Pakistan.

Nur Khan succeeded not because of his Air Force combat experience but his self-assessment capability that he was not well versed in dynamics of running commercial aviation industry, which is subject to strict regulatory controls of countries whose airspace they flyover or land, apart from its own Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

PIA's before tax unaudited six-month loss for the period January-June 2019 stands at Rs32.746 billion, which, after taxation, is expected to be in the range of Rs38-39 billion. Although PIA revenue generation in this period has risen by 44pc in terms of Pak Rupee, it does not reflect the actual revenue since almost 55-60pc of its revenue is earned in hard foreign currency through sales at its various international outlets and travel agents.

Rupee devaluation as compared to 2018 is in the range of approximately 39-40pc, while the cost of fuel has increased by over 19pc. PIA route miles decreased as compared to 2018.

The national flag carrier registered a net loss of Rs59.685 billion in FY18, according to the year's annual report which was signed by auditors with various adverse comments. This loss was higher than that recorded between 2008-2011, when the airline was headed by controversial semiliterate cronies like Aijaz Haroon and Nadeem Yousafzai, who, other than involvement in financial controversies, had no management experience.

The auditors in 2018 Annual Report had mentioned that PIA's major revenue of almost 43pc came from the Middle East, while revenue generated from Pakistan was 37pc, Europe 14pc, UK 4pc and Canada 2pc.

After the 1971 debacle, PIA was headed by Air Vice Marshal Zafar Chaudhry with Air Commodore Khaqan Abbasi as his second in command. They advised then PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

to reduce by half airline's fleet, routes and manpower. PM ZAB chose to remove him and handed over the airline to Rafique Saigol, who managed to put it back on track. Nur Khan took over from Rafique Saigol and to his credit, he appointed a team of qualified professionals, well experienced in aviation. He did not bring a team from PAF, because he understood that commercial aviation, unlike military aviation, can survive only if it meets marketing requirements, passenger needs, comfort and international safety standards apart from a reliable schedule, ease of booking seats etc.

Since 2015, PIA Investments Limited has been incurring losses, while the management continues to get bonuses. The incumbent PIA Investments MD had initially retired in 2015 but managed to get extensions courtesy his political contacts. In violation of rules, PIA Investment, with its head office based in Karachi, has never held its Board of Directors meeting in Pakistan but instead in Paris or New York (not giving access to Auditor General of Pakistan).

When the present management took over, they were expected to restore both financial and administrative experience and reduce operating costs. But unlike Nur Khan, the Air Marshal brought a team from PAF to head almost every department and appointed a CFO on 26 April 2019, who was serving as a director in K-Electric, with no commercial aviation experience.

Instead of appointing a qualified Chartered Accountant as Chief Internal Auditor, he selected an MBA who joined PIA in 2003. This gentleman possesses a Certified Internal Controls Audit diploma, which is not equivalent to a Chartered Accountant. This practice of appointing unqualified individuals as Chief Internal Auditor started during days of Aijaz Haroon.

Transparency in acquisition of commercial aircraft by PIA through lease or hire/purchase agreements saved it from huge losses and pilferage in the past, such as cancellation of deal with SIA for used B747-300 by Benazir Government following review and objection by Parliamentary Committee as compared to non-transparent deals such as alleged DC-10-30 swap with old Boeing 747 200 by AVM Viqar Azeem.

Reports published in the media about "status of implementation of the project of MC-21 passenger medium-range aircraft" made in Russia is a cause for concern. One hopes that any such aircraft deals by PIA are subject to review by relevant parliamentary committees because most of the loans secured are on sovereign government guarantees since national liabilities exceed their total assets.

This unfamiliarity with dynamics of commercial aviation and the need to meet demands of passengers in a competitive market where PIA no longer has a monopoly is reflected in the lack of any progress in replacing and updating existing Inflight Entertainment System, which has been not functioning for over three years. For this, neither the PIA BoD and former MDs can be absolved nor the existing chairman/MD, who in spite of getting sufficient funds in the range of over Rs63 billion, has failed to rectify IFES. Inflight Entertainment System is an integrated part of aircraft systems linked with cabin call and cabin illumination systems, both controlled by same hardware/software and also caters for different flight situations like emergency warnings etc. Any company authorized to work on any aircraft system must be certified and have required approvals acceptable to EASA for certification otherwise insurance coverage will be compromised. The contract for IFES worth over Rs700 million was given in a nontransparent way to Avionics (Private) Solution Pakistan based in Main Golra Road, although they were registered with RTO on 18 March 2019 while tender floated had a closing date of 8 July 2015 and bids were to open on 15 July 2015 as per Tender PPRA Ref No (TSE) TS392390E. The auditors have expressed reservations that no meeting of the Board of Audit was conducted in the second quarter of 2019. The Board of Directors have failed to quantify outlay of service delivered by the corporation as a public service obligation. They have also noted that the board failed to establish a pricing mechanism for distinguishing an "armslength transaction from a non-arms-length transaction". It has also not quantified sixmonthly detailed summaries of accounts.

PM postpones Jalalpur Canal foundation laying till 26th ISLAMABAD AHMAD AHMADANI

Prime Minister Imran Khan has postponed till 26th Dec foundation laying of the 115.7km-long Jalalpur Canal and has directed the departments concerned to resolve all issues pertaining to land acquisition for the canal.

According to sources privy to the matter, PM Khan has ordered the concerned departments to acquire the required land for the canal, which would help irrigate the areas of Pind Dadan Khan as well as parts of Khushab. He has also directed the officials to make payments to those landowners whose lands have been acquired for the proposed canal, they added.

Earlier, the prime minister was expected to lay the foundation stone for Jalalpur Canal on December 13th and it was reported that the Punjab Irrigation Department, along with other concerned departments of the Punjab government, had made necessary arrangements to hold a grand ceremony in this regard.

However, the PM has refused to lay the foundation stone until “an amicable solution to land

acquisition issues”.

As per the documents, a total of 8,342 acres land was to be acquired for Jalalpur Irrigation Project (JIP) – 6,965 acres in Jhelum and 1,377 acres in Khushab. The total estimated cost of the required land was Rs2.98 billion, of which ap-

proximately Rs2.6 billion were released and utilised in PC-1 by June 2019.

According to sources, around 228 acres of land was to be acquired in Jhelum, roughly 6,737 acres of land in Pind Daden Khan, while some 1,767 acres of land was to be purchased in Khushab.

Energas to start Pakistan’s largest lNG import terminal in 2021 BUSNIESS DESK Energas LNG Terminal plans to start the country’s largest liquefied natural gas import terminal in 2021 to help meet soaring demand once it gets the green light to build the project, Bloomberg has reported.

“A consortium of large domestic users, Energas aims to begin construction of the $140-$160 million facility next year,” Chief Executive Officer Anser Ahmed Khan said in an interview.

The project is being supported by Exxon Mobil Corp.

Energas and Exxon first proposed the terminal to Pakistan’s previous govern-

ment in 2017, at that time aiming to complete it by this year. The venture is one of two that submitted bids in October for regulators’ permission to build terminals and tap demand that is expected to outgrow import capacity.

GROWTH SPURT: Pakistan’s LNG imports to roughly double by 2023, according to BloombergNEF. “There is a lot of demand in Pakistan and it will just grow,” said Khan, who was vice president for LNG at EDF Energy Ltd in London before taking up his current role in 2017. “The market is price sensitive so we need to play that card right.”

The Energas proposal still faces sev-

eral hurdles, including obtaining regulatory approval. It also hasn’t signed off-take deals for much of its capacity and hasn’t made a final investment decision. It has received bids for a floating storage and regasification unit that will be connected to Port Qasim terminal in Karachi, and will award the contract by March, Khan said.

Tabeer Energy, the Mitsubishi Corp unit that also applied to build an LNG terminal, couldn’t be reached for comment.

The two ventures are vying to tap into what’s expected to be one of the world’s bright spots for LNG imports, with purchases set to quadruple by 2040 amid stagnating domestic production and ro-

bust demand, BloombergNEF forecast last week in a report.

CHRONIC CYCLE: Pakistan is trying to chart a way out of a recurring economic boom-and-bust cycle. Many factories used to remain shut for months at a time as there was little gas to spare in winters when domestic heating consumption peaked, a crisis that started to ease after the nation started LNG imports four years ago.

The consortium includes the Yunus Brothers Group conglomerate and Sapphire Group, and the group alone can consume about a quarter of the terminal’s capacity of 1 billion cubic feet of gas a year, Khan said.

ENERGAS AIMS TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF THE $160M FACILITY NEXT YEAR It will compete with Tabeer and existing import plants for customers, including textile mills, power plants and compressed natural gas fuel stations, to make the terminal viable, Khan said, adding Energas plans to offer rates 25pc lower than existing terminals in order to do so. Exxon has agreed to support securing supply for the terminal.

“When we look at the Pakistani sector, we see demand only going up,” Khan said.

“That’s why we feel there is enough slack for us to flow our gas into the system.”

Anaya X Kamar Nauratan Collection LAhore: Anaya by Kiran Chaudhry with The house of Kamiar Rokhni launched their unstitched Mehendi collection Nauratan at Cosa Nostra Gulberg. The collection is perfect for the wedding season.

Junaid Khan To STar aS one of The LeadS in 'Khuda aur MohabbaT' SeaSon 3

The Naurattan Girls with Kamiar and Kiran Chaudhry Aamir Mazhar and Faiza Mudassar

Afshan, Shabana and Shireen

Amina Sibtain

Asma Tariq

Minal, Nahzat and Seher

HOLLYWOOD BOLLYWOOD

Aneela and Shehrbano

Hira Sikander

Naila Ishtiaq, Sahar Noon & Kiran

Kamiar and Tia Noon

Aden Rehan

Amna Zain

Ayesha and Rana Noman

Mischele Hira and Maisoon

Neha Maneka

Nazish and Saira Tiwana

Venom 2 Shows off Carnage orphanage Henry Cavill Black Superman Suit Teased We get a behind-the-scenes look at Venom 2 as director For 'Release The Snyder Cut'

Andy Serkis is spotted filming scenes at what looks to be the orphanage Cletus Kasady, aka Carnage, grew up.

The second pic reveals "St. Estes Orphans" and "Home for Unwanted Children."

In the comics, Cletus Kasady grew up at the St. Estes Home for Boys orphanage before going on to become a serial killer who eventually bonds with the Carnage symbiote.

Here is the history on the orphanage from the comics: This mansion estate, now in ruins, is where Cletus Kasady grew up as a child. A number of years ago, a fire gutted the institution resulting in the death of its disciplinarian administrator. Although no evidence was found, it is suspected that Cletus Kasady may have had something to do with the fire.

When Kasady became the super-villain known as Carnage, he had his first encounter with Spider-Man in this building.

The pics reveal what looks to be a rather creepy and horror-looking atmosphere, with rumors and speculation offering that since the R-rated Joker movie performed so well at the box office, that Sony may also give Venom 2 an R-rating.

Zack Snyder releases a new image of Henry Cavill wearing the black Superman suit for his version of Justice League, known to fans as the "Snyder Cut." "My Superman," teased Snyder on the Vero app. Henry Cavill actually first teased the black Superman suit way back in 2016 prior to filming Justice League as he posted an up-close image of a black Man of Steel suit.

In the comics, Superman dons the black suit following having fought and been killed by Doomsday, and upon being revived, Kal goes with a black suit instead of the classic blue.

As seen in Batman vs. Superman, Doomsday kills Superman, and then in Justice League he gets revived via the Kryptonian ship that also made Zod into a Doomsday.

Snyder actually reveals in the comments that he had plans for most of his version of Justice League for Henry Cavill to wear the black suit with the blue suit returning at a key moment towards the end of the movie. While Snyder did film Henry Cavill in the blue suit for the movie, during post-production they could simply change the color to black.

CMYK

Musician-turned-actor Junaid Khan is all set to hit our TV screens as one of the leading stars in the highly anticipated season 3 of the popular drama ‘Khuda aur Mohabbat’.

Currently garnering critical acclaim for his performance in “Mohabbat Na Kariyo”, the talented star is going to appear in this hit fan-favorite, which has been renewed for a third season.

Directed by the “Yaariyan” famed Wajahat Hussain and penned down by Hashim Nadeem, it also features Feroze Khan, and Iqra Aziz in the lead cast. Junaid Khan, while talking about this new role, said “With Khuda aur Mohabbat having such a dedicated fan following for the past years, I am really excited to be working on this project. I am sure the third season is going to be another great watch for the fans!” With multiple hit projects to his name including, “Kam Zarf”, “Hania”, “Ishq Tamasha”, and “Silsilay”, the powerhouse of talent has managed to prove his versatility and prowess in both music and acting. He is also going to make his debut on the big screen next year with Kamran Bari’s “Kahay Dil Jidhar”.

Jennifer Winget injured during shoot at a construction site Actor Jennifer Winget and her co-star Shivin Narang were injured when an action sequence went wrong at the outdoor shoot of their serial Beyhadh 2. According to a report in India Today, the actor was canning a shot inside a lift when the accident happened.

Here’s how things unfolded - for an action shot, Jennifer was inside a lift, fitted with harness. However, the lift gave way, lost control and started to fall from the top floor. As ill luck would have it, Jennifer’s harness got stuck in the lift and she was getting dragged down when Shivin had the presence of mind and pulled her out of the lift in the nick of time. While she managed to escape serious injury, both suffered minor injuries.

Talking about it, Shivin was quoted in the report as saying, “Our first shoot together was an outdoor shoot at a construction site and I was quite excited. The sequence was one where Jennifer was supposed to be in a lift. While performing such stunt sequences, the production takes utmost care of the artists and even Jennifer had her harness and other safety gear on but unfortunately her harness got stuck.

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

14 SPORTS

GreenWood StarS aS UnIted yoUtH SHIneS In eUropa LeaGUe

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SPORTS DESK

EENAGER Mason Greenwood again grabbed his chances for Manchester United, scoring twice in a 4-0 thrashing of AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday.

Earlier Arsenal came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Standard Liege and also make sure of a place in the last 32 as Group F winners.

With Wolves, who crushed Besiktas 4-0, also advancing, English clubs ended with a full house in Europe with the three Europa League entries following the Premier League’s four Champions League teams into the knockout rounds.

Spanish clubs also completed a full set when Getafe joined already-qualified Sevilla and Espanyol by scoring three times in the last 14 minutes to beat Krasnodar 3-0 in a showdown for second place in Group C. However,, Bundesliga leaders Borus-

sia Moenchengladbach and Italian power Lazio made surprising exits.

At Old Trafford, in a battle for top spot in Group L, Alkmaar matched a youthful United side until the 53rd minute when veteran Ashley Young smashed the home team ahead.

Greenwood pounced on a loose ball to snap the second into the corner of the net. After Greenwood was fouled, Juan Mata converted a penalty.

Then the Spaniard set up Greenwood for another crisp low left-footer inside the post. Alexandre Lacazette and Bukayo Saka were on target in the space of three second-half minutes as Arsenal survived a scare to win their group.

They lived on their nerves as Eintracht Frankfurt were poised to knock them off top spot when the Germans led Guimaraes 2-1. However, the Portuguese side, already eliminated, scored twice in the last five minutes to claim a 3-2 win.

With a place in the knockout round already virtually certain, Arsenal care-

taker coach Freddie LjungARSENAL berg made nine changes to BACK TO FIGHT his starting line-up in BelCLAIM EUROPA gium.

The home side took the LAST 32 LEAGUE lead just after half-time when SPOT a speculative Samuel Bastien shot took a huge deflection. The goal meant Arsenal had failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 matches in all tion. Marcus Thuram had given the Gercompetitions. It got worse after 69 min- mans a 33rd minute lead. Irfan Can utes when Selim Amallah made it 2-0 off Kahveci replied before half time and another deflection as Liege looked for the Enzo Crivelli hit the late winner after a unlikely scoreline of 5-0 which would put goalmouth scramble. them through and Arsenal out.

Basaksehir topped the pool. Roma, However, Lacazette calmed Arsenal held 2-2 at home to Austrians Wolfsberg, nerves after 78 minutes when he headed were second. In a straight shootout for in a cross from Saka. second in Group H in Razgrad, Bulgaria, Three minutes later, the impressive substitute Nikolay Signevich scored five Saka levelled with a fine finish from the minutes into added time to give Ferencedge of the box. varos a 1-1 draw with Ludogorets.

On a night of late drama, Gladbach The Hungarians finished one point conceded in the 91st minute to lose 2-1 to ahead of Ludogorets in second place beIstanbul Basaksehir and drop from first to hind Espanyol. Celtic, fresh from winthird in Group J and out of the competi- ning the Scottish League Cup last

Neymar rounding into form as Marseille give chase

SPORTS DESK Neymar’s steady return to form after an injuryplagued 2019 coincides with Paris Saint-Germain push to finish the year clear of old rivals Marseille, who are enjoying their best Ligue 1 run since 2014.

The Brazilian orchestrated a late comeback at Montpellier last weekend and then marked his first Champions League start in exactly 12 months with a goal and two assists in Wednesday’s 5-0 demolition of Galatasaray. Already assured of top spot in their group, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel opted to start Ney-

SPORTS DESK Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi drove each other's machines in a special feature for their sponsor - Monster Energy - at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia.

The long-awaited swap between Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi finally took place in Valencia on Thursday as the F1 and MotoGP legend's rode each other's machines at the the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

Rossi, who has 9 world championship titles in his kitty, gave Hamilton some tips on how to ride his 2019 Yamaha YZR-M1 bike. The duo even rode together for a few laps before Hamilton went out and set a lap time which was just 4 seconds off the MotoGP legend's best time.

Rossi then took Hamilton's 2017 championshipwinning Mercedes car - the W08 - and was just 1.5 seconds adrift off the six-time F1 champion's best time."It so awesome to see a legend like Valentino in the car. I'm excited for him, for discovering the car for the first time. Reminds me of my first time in an F1 car. When you see all the team around you, it's just a different animal," Hamilton said.

"I was a big fan of Lewis' before but now I am even more. We had a fantastic day where the two top classes of motorsports not only met but worked together. I felt like a real F1 driver for a day. I didn't want the day to end."Technically, Valencia is a hard track and today was windy so at one point I thought it would be difficult for Lewis to continue, but he was

mar and Kylian Mbappe, along with Mauro Icardi, to give the planet’s two most expensive players another chance to find their groove.

“We have to rest to get back on track in Ligue 1 but we can think about the Champions League, which is our ultimate goal,” Neymar told RMC Sport after the game. The 27-year-old has yet to fully placate the Parc des Princes faithful after a summer of uncertainty surrounding his future in the French capital.

A smattering of jeers greeted Neymar in PSG’s last home league game against Nantes, but further displays such as that in midweek should help erase any

residual bitterness.

“I know I wasn’t there last year in February. We’re going to have to think of the supporters,” Neymar said. “What makes me happy is being able to play. As long as I have a ball, a nice pitch and team-mates, I have everything I need.” PSG, who have a game in hand, travel to Saint-Etienne in Sunday’s late kick-off, by which time Marseille could have slashed the gap at the top to just two points.

Andre Villas-Boas has overseen a run of six straight wins at Marseille, a sequence that began following a 4-0 loss to PSG in late October. OM will hope to recall leading scorer Dario Benedetto for Saturday’s trip to Metz after the Argentine missed the 31 win over Bordeaux with a thigh complaint.

While Memphis Depay’s late equaliser against RB Leipzig sent Lyon through to the Champions League last 16, celebrations were cut short by angry post-match clashes between fans and players.

Lyon captain Depay confronted a fan who brandished a flag depicting a donkey with a message telling Marcelo to leave the club.

The 32-year-old Brazilian defender has had a strained relationship with Lyon ‘ultras’ since an altercation at Lisbon airport following the defeat by Benfica in October. “Marcelo has a very strong character.

He is very calm,” the player’s agent, Leonardo Scheinkman, told L’Equipe newspaper, contradicting reports he was looking to leave.

“I spoke to him and he is relaxed. It’s up to the club to talk with the supporters, not him. He feels good at Lyon. “It’s difficult to part with a player like that. He’s expensive and it’s tricky to replace him with a defender under 30 million euros.”

F1 and MotoGP legends come together: Lewis Hamilton, Valentino Rossi swap rides brilliant on the bike and his position on the M1 was great. I think he had loads of fun which is the main thing," Rossi added.But this was not the first time

Rossi drove an F1 car. The 40-year-old Italian has previously driven a Ferrari F2008 in 2010, which followed his first F1 test with Ferrari in 2004.

CMYK

weekend and already assured of making the last 32, lost 2-0 at Cluj who went through as Group E runners-up behind the Scots.

Lazio, third in Serie A, were knocked out after a 2-0 loss at Rennes in the same group. Rangers got the draw they needed with a 1-1 home draw against Young Boys of Berne in Group G. Alfredo Morelos gave the home team the lead but in the 89th minute Borna Boric put into his own goal to deprive the Glaswegians of first place in Group G. That went to Porto who beat Feyenoord 3-2 in a game in which all the goals game in the first 33 minutes.

'Maybe I'm not in my job on Monday,' says West Ham boss SPORTS DESK Under-pressure West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini says he may be out of a job if the London club do not beat fellow Premier League strugglers Southampton on Saturday.

West Ham are 16th on 16 points, a point above Southampton, who occupy 18th spot and are in the relegation zone. West Ham have collected just five points from their last 10 games and Pellegrini is the odds-on favourite with bookmakers to be the next Premier League boss to leave, ahead of Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuettl. “What I really need is to win the game but maybe I’m not in my job on Monday,” Chilean Pellegrini told a pre-match news conference. “Having just five points from this many games is not good enough.” British media had reported that the 66-year-old was on the verge of being sacked after West Ham lost 3-1 at home to London rivals Arsenal on Monday.

Baghdatis returns as Svitolina coaching consultant

SPORTS DESK Marcos Baghdatis, who ended his playing career earlier this year, is returning to tennis as a coaching consultant for Elina Svitolina, the women’s world number six has said.

“Starting now, Marcos will be part of my team in the role of consultant coach, alongside my current coach Andy Bettles,” Ukraine’s Svitolina said on Instagram. “I’m very excited to announce this news and I’m confident his strong experience will add value to my game. With such a great coaching team, I have set high objectives for 2020.” Baghdatis, who finished runnerup at the 2006 Australian Open, brought the curtain down on his career after losing in the second round at Wimbledon. The 34year-old Cypriot confirmed the collaboration on Twitter. “I am so glad to announce the next chapter of my life and look forward to coaching a great athlete and super tennis player No. 6 ranked WTA player Elina Svitolina,” he said. “I want to thank Elina for putting her trust in me. Let’s do this!”

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

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SPORTS DESK

HIRTY-TWO deliveries. That's all the cricket Rawalpindi saw on yet another frustrating, weather-affected day.

Overnight rain and a delay in removing the covers wiped out the entire first session of play - the one-hour lunch break for Friday prayers unfortunately falling during exactly the brightest, most cricket-conducive period of the day. Play did eventually begin at 1.10pm, but went on for only 26 minutes, before the umpires deemed the light too poor for cricket to continue.

In the 5.2 overs that were played, Dhananjaya de Silva stroked two confident boundaries - a checked drive through cover off Shaheen Afridi, and a pull through midwicket off Naseem Shah - and moved to 87, having begun the day on 72. On 81 he was very nearly dismissed, when he under-edged a short-of-alength delivery from Naseem, and the ball almost deflected into leg stump. Aside from that one scare, however, he appeared comfortable at the crease for the third day in a row, rarely missing out on scoring opportunities, though both Shaheen and Naseem were getting both seam movement and carry out of the pitch.

Dilruwan Perera was far tetchier, having been beaten repeatedly though he faced only 12 deliveries in the day. Sri Lanka, though, did not lose a wicket and inched ahead to 263 for 6. A result in this Test seems extremely unlikely now.

You'd think it would require at least two dramatic batting collapses in the three full innings that are remaining - though if there are two teams that can collectively produce such batting catastrophes, they are Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

dHanajaya de SILva IncHeS toWardS ton aS raIn rUInS tHIrd day SRI LANKA 282 FOR 6 (DE SILVA 87*) V PAKISTAN

Starc's late strikes leave New Zealand in trouble NEW ZEALAND 5 FOR 109 (TAYLOR 66*, STARC 4-31) TRAIL AUSTRALIA 416 (LABUSCHAGNE 143, HEAD 56, WAGNER 4-92, SOUTHEE 4-93) BY 307 RUNS

SPORTS DESK A nearby grass fire wafted the unmistakable odour of smoke across Perth Stadium early on another enervating day in the west. By the close the only fire was that being breathed by Mitchell Starc, as Australia cornered New Zealand's batsmen under lights despite the damaging loss of Josh Hazlewood to a left hamstring strain.

Two grinding sessions in daylight saw Australia eke out 416 following the loss of early wickets before the pitch and the match burst into furious life in the third, floodlit session.

Starc and Hazlewood blasted out Tom Latham and Jeet Raval in their opening overs, only for Pat Cummins to be drafted into early service when Hazlewood pulled up lame before delivering his ninth ball of the Test match.

Ross Tayor and Kane Williamson threatened to form a pivotal stand with Australia's bowling resources shorn by a quarter, only for Starc to coax an edge from New Zealand's captain that was intercepted by the flying right hand of

Steven Smith diving into where third slip might have been. Henry Nicholls and Neil Wagner were swiftly accounted for, and Starc had a hat-trick ball bunted away by Taylor before the close.

Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head had earlier looked capable of dominating for the hosts, but both were dismissed in circumstances they would have been disappointed by as part of eight wickets shared between Wagner and Tim Southee. That meant the remainder of the innings was something of a slog for the Australians, as the captain Tim Paine forged partnerships with Cummins and Starc in an effort to not only advance the scoreboard but also ensure that New Zealand's innings would commence in the harder batting conditions under lights at day's end.

Latham certainly looked to have trouble finding the Starc short ball that lobbed off the shoulder of the bat and back to a grateful bowler to the delight of a crowd of 20,018, and Raval was even further away from a Hazlewood indipper that clattered his stumps after several deliveries angled across him towards the slips.

Williamson was fortunate to survive early on when a thin edge - picked up by snicko evaded the attention of every Australian but Smith, whose strangled appeal and brief attempt to call for a review was ignored by Paine, who did not enjoy an entirely pleasant evening with a couple more painful blows to his troublesome right index finger. The early loss of Hazlewood from the attack even had Paine resorting to Matthew Wade's speculative right-arm mediums inside the first 10 overs.

Nathan Lyon's extravagant turn out of a day two pitch pushed Taylor into a thrilling counterattack, and at 2 for 77 the visitors had a toehold on the match. But Starc returned and beat Williamson with one superb delivery moving away from him, and then the New Zealand skipper fenced at a wider ball to give Smith the chance to make what is now a trademark full length dive to his right for a spectacular catch.

Nicholls, never entirely comfortable, touched one of Starc's few ordinary deliveries for the evening down the legside to Paine, and next ball Wagner was too crooked and late on a yorker that he dragged onto the stumps. Taylor and BJ Watling did well to survive the day's remaining deliveries, but they will be starting the third afternoon with a yawning deficit of 307.

Labuschagne had begun the second day with designs on a third consecutive score in advance of 150, after a fluent start, as he and Head asserted themselves. But he was left annoyed and confounded by Wagner, who found another way past an international batsman of strong repute when he angled a fullish ball into Labuschagne from around the wicket and snaked it behind the No. 3's pads and into leg stump. Wagner's celebration was prolonged, indicating that like most of his wickets, this was no accident. Head was then left with the responsibility for building the innings, but on 56 he leaned back to hammer Southee through the off side and picked out the fieldsman at cover.

SPORTS 15 'FULLy coMMItted' dWayne Bravo coMeS oUt oF t20I retIreMent SPORTS DESK Former West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo has officially come out of international retirement, making himself available for selection in the West Indies T20I side in the lead-up to their men's T20 World Cup defence in Australia next year. Bravo, however, confirmed that he didn't want to play any other format.

"I would like to announce my return to international T20s for West Indies," Bravo told ESPNcricinfo in Chennai. "Once selected I'll be fully committed to represent the region again in T20 cricket, which I think is exciting for West Indies cricket and fans, with the young talents around."

Bravo had called time on his international career in October 2018, and turned his focus to playing franchise T20 cricket around the world. The 36-year old allrounder has now made a u-turn following drastic changes in the West Indies management. Ricky Skerritt has replaced Dave Cameron as the board president and former T20 World Cup-winning coach Phil Simmons is back in the mix. As part of the revamp, Kieron Pollard had been appointed captain of both the limited-overs teams ahead of the trip to India.

Bravo said that he was impressed by the clarity of thought and transparency in selection from the new management.

"They understand and listen, they will have dialogues going back and forth, that's the difference," he said. "And that's why it was so easy for me to make a decision to come back and represent West Indies again. I speak to the captain, coach, the president, director of cricket and chairman of selectors, and I've confirmed that I'll be available for T20I selection."

Bravo's return to T20I cricket is another step from West Indies towards getting the band back together for their T20I World Cup defence in 2020. More recently, Pollard captained West Indies to their first ODI series victory in five years, against Afghanistan, and then his side challenged a fullstrength India side in a three-match T20I series. Batsman Lendl Simmons came out of nowhere and made a matchwinning half-century in Thiruvananthapuram to force the series into a decider in Mumbai. It is understood that both allrounder Andre Russell and offspinner Sunil Narine could have been in contention for selection for the India tour had they been fit enough.

tIKa SetS Up crIcKet traInInG netS For GIrLS

KARACHI: Turkey’s state aid agency Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has set up a cricket training facility for girls in Karachi. TIKA inaugurated four cricket training nets for girls at SMB Fatima Jinnah government school located in southern district of Karachi, on Friday to promote the sport among girls. Former captain of Pakistan cricket team, Sarfaraz Ahmed, TİKA’s Karachi Coordinator, Ibrahim Katırcı and, Shehzad Roy, head of Zindagi Trust, which has adopted the said school, inaugurated the training facility. Addressing the ceremony, Sarfraz Ahmed appreciated the initiative that, he observed, would provide better training opportunities to the girls cricketers. “Pakistani youths have a huge talent. The only thing we require is to explore that”, Sarfraz said appreciating the fact that the Turkish government was supporting Pakistani youths in pursuing their dreams to become professional cricketers.

Katraci, in his remarks, said that TİKA had established this facility for girls to promote cricket which was a national passion in Pakistan. “This is a gift from Turkish people to the youth of Pakistan”, he added. PRESS RELEASE

Recall Umar Akmal? Drop Mohammad Abbas? What was Misbahul Haq thinking!

SPORTS DESK Misbah-ul-Haq is many things to many people. He was much too old to be captain, and yet led the Test side for longer than any Pakistan captain in history. He was too dour in person, and yet oversaw Pakistan through a period that culminated in them rising to the top of the Test rankings, and never lost a home series during his reign. He was much too defensive as a batsman, but then smashed Pakistan's fastest century in Test cricket. He was a Test specialist, but would captain Islamabad United to two of the first three Pakistan Super League titles.

He was predictable - in that he was often conservative with selection - but also visionary; he was the first captain since Javed Miandad to really attack with spin at home rather than pace. So

when he was appointed head coach and chief selector post-haste following the departure of Mickey Arthur and his backroom staff, the decision was generally popular. The assumption was he'd continue to provide the type of leadership that brought such success in his seven years as captain, and with clearheaded decision making his strongest suit, giving Misbah both roles appeared to make theoretical sense.

And while he's experienced a difficult start to his stint results-wise, it is the decisions he's made in his role as chief selector that have set tongues wagging. We look at the most eyebrow-raising ones.

RECALLING UMAR AKMAL AND AHMED SHEHZAD: If the Misbah project doesn't work out, many will look to this moment and conclude he was doomed to fail from the moment he made this

bizarre call. In the first series as chief selector, at home against Sri Lanka, he called up Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad, a pair of batsmen frozen out under Mickey Arthur, for the T20I leg. It appeared an utterly needless risk; a radically different approach to Arthur was perhaps least necessary in the T20 format, where Pakistan had won 30 of 37 T20Is under him.

The pair, whose exile had followed several disciplinary infractions over the years, failed miserably. Akmal was dismissed for golden ducks in both matches he played, while Shehzad scored 17 runs in his two. They were both dropped for the third T20I, and Pakistan were whitewashed 3-0.

CALLING UP MOHAMMAD IRFAN AND USMAN QADIR: Fascinating and left-field for wildly different reasons.

Irfan's recall was in the mould of Akmal

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and Shehzad's, in the sense that he had been frozen out by Arthur for three years.

He was 37, offered next to nothing in the field, and was injury-prone. The first game against Australia, in which he conceded 31 in two overs, showed precisely why he'd been in the abyss for that long.

He was better in the second, with 1 for 27 in his allotted four, but what had inspired Misbah to bring him back wasn't remotely obvious.

The days surrounding Qadir's selection were just - weird. Ten days before he was chosen, Misbah had bemoaned the lack of legspinners in domestic cricket, and laughed at the idea that Qadir was a viable option. It was made all the more astonishing for the fact that Qadir had made public his disillusionment with Pakistan cricket and his desire to qualify for Australia instead.

Saturday, 14 December, 2019

NEWS

boRis Johnson on coURse to deliveR swift bRexit afteR big Poll win LONDON

U

AGENCIES

K Prime Minister Boris Johnson won a resounding election victory on Friday that will allow him to take Britain out of the European Union in matter of weeks.

For Johnson, whose 20-week tenure in power has been marked by chaotic scenes in parliament and stark division on the streets over Britain’s tortuous departure from the European Union, victory in Thursday’s contest was vindication. Educated at the country’s most elite school and recognisable by his bombastic style, the 55-year-old must not only deliver Brexit but also convince Britons that the contentious divorce, which would lead to lengthy trade talks, is worth it.

A landslide Conservative win marks the ultimate failure of opponents of Britain’s departure from the European Union who plotted to thwart a 2016 referendum vote through legislative combat in parliament and prompted some of the biggest protests in recent British history. Johnson won an outright majority in the 650-seat parliament after an exit poll showed the Conservatives on course to win a landslide 368 seats — the biggest Conservative national election win since Margaret Thatcher’s 1987 triumph.

“I think this will turn out to be a historic election that gives us now, in

this new government, the chance to respect the democratic will of the British people,” Johnson said after winning his seat of Uxbridge.

He said the Conservatives appeared to have won “a powerful new mandate to get Brexit done”. US President Donald Trump congratulated Johnson on his election victory, saying their two countries were now free to strike a “massive” new trade deal.

The pound jumped by about two percent against the dollar on hopes that Johnson would deliver his promise to “Get Brexit Done” after years of political deadlock over Britain’s future.

With a large majority of MPs, he will be able to get the divorce deal he struck with Brussels through parliament in time to meet the next Brexit deadline of January 31. Ratifying the deal would formalise the end of almost five decades of EU-UK integration, although both sides still need to thrash out a new trade and security agreement.

France’s European affairs minister, Amelie de Montchalin, was the first EU politician to welcome the indications of “a clear majority, something that has been missing in the United Kingdom for several years”. It signals a huge victory for Johnson, a former London mayor and foreign minister who helped lead the Brexit campaign to victory in the 2016 EU referendum.

Speaking as he was re-elected as an MP in west London, Johnson said: “It does look as though this One Nation

Roadside bomb blast kills 10 civilians in easteRn afghanistan KABUL: Ten civilians, including four women and a child, were killed when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan, officials said on Friday. The explosion happened in the volatile district of Jaghatu in Ghazni province after the US and Taliban paused ongoing talks on Thursday. “Unfortunately, in the explosion, 10 people, including four women and a child, were killed,” Ghazni provincial governor spokesman said on Saturday. All the victims of the blast were civilians, he added, saying six others were wounded. Marwa Amini, deputy spokeswoman for the interior ministry in Kabul, confirmed the blast and toll. There was no claim of responsibility for the explosion. Earlier this week the Taliban launched an attack near Bagram, a major American airbase. Insurgents often use roadside bombs and landmines to target Afghan security forces, however, the lethal weapons also inflict heavy casualties on civilians. The explosion comes just hours after Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said insurgent leaders had held “positive talks” with a US delegation in Doha, adding the two sides planned to restart talks after a few days. Years of conflict have left Afghanistan strewn with landmines, unexploded mortars, rockets and homemade bombs – and many are picked up by curious children. Last month, 15 civilians including eight children were killed when their vehicle hit a land mine in northern Kunduz province. AGENCIES

Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate to get Brexit done. “And not just to get Brexit done, but to unite this country and to take it forward and to focus on the priorities of the British people.”

At his own re-election for the 10th time as an MP, veteran Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, 70, admitted it had been a “very disappointing night”.

He said he would be stepping down after a period of “reflection”, and would not be leading the party into the next election, which is due by 2024. In another major upset, the leader of the antiBrexit Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson, lost her seat in western Scotland to the Scottish National Party (SNP).

LABOUR COLLAPSE: The Conservatives had been ahead in opinion polls for weeks but the scale of their victory, after a wet and windy winter election, was unexpected.

The party took a string of traditionally Labour seats in northern England and Wales that had not voted Tory for decades, many of them enticed by Johnson’s Brexit pledge. An exit poll pointed to a Conservative majority of 86, the best result since Thatcher was in Downing Street in 1987, although the final result could be lower.

By contrast Labour, under the leadership of committed socialist Corbyn, was initially projected to win just 191 seats — its worst result since 1935.

Corbyn had promised a second referendum on Brexit, in a bid to appeal to

half of the British voters who still want to stay in the EU. But he had focused Labour’s campaign on a radical programme of economic change, including re-nationalising some key industries, which failed to woo traditional voters.

Speaking in the early hours of Friday morning, Corbyn defended his “manifesto of hope” and maintained his policies were “extremely popular” during the campaign. But he said: “Brexit has so polarised and divided debate in this country, it has overridden so much of normal political debate.” Corbyn is personally unpopular and dogged by accusations of sympathising with proscribed terror groups and failing to tackle anti-Semitism within the Labour party. This is Labour’s fourth successive electoral defeat — and the second under Corbyn — which could see the party out of power for another five years.

SOFTER BREXIT? The anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats also had a tough night, losing Swinson and projected to win just 13 seats, only one more than in 2017. Swinson had already faced criticism for failing to capitalise on strong European Parliament elections earlier this year. Her campaign to reverse Brexit without even a new referendum was unpopular, while efforts to create a “Remain” alliance to stop Brexit failed.

Nigel Dodds, the British parliament leader of the Democratic Unionist Party which propped up the Tories under Johnson’s predecessor Theresa May, lost his seat in North Belfast.

US-Taliban talks to take 'brief pause' after airbase attack WASHINGTON AGENCIES

The United States announced Thursday a pause in talks with the Taliban after an attack near a US airbase in Afghanistan.

“When I met the Talibs today, I expressed outrage about yesterday’s attack on Bagram, which recklessly killed two and wounded dozens of civilians,” US special representative for Afghanistan peace talks Zalmay Khalilzad said on Twitter. “Taliban must show they are willing & able to respond to Afghan desire for peace,” he tweeted. Wednesday’s early morning assault, for which the Taliban have claimed responsibility, began when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-packed vehicle outside a hospital building near Bagram military base in Parwan province, north of the capital Kabul, according to local officials.

It came despite the resumption of talks between the US and the insurgent group just days before in Qatar, as the parties look for a path to reduce violence or even reach a cease-fire, allowing a gradual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. Negotiations began earlier this year, though US President Donald Trump unex-

pectedly suspended talks in September just as the parties were about to reach an agreement, citing a fatal attack in Kabul, in which an American soldier was killed.

He announced last month they

would start up again, insisting on the need for a cease-fire. Trump made a surprise visit to Bagram on November 28 to celebrate Thanksgiving with his troops and meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Us envoy laUds Pakistan’s Role in afghanistan Peace PRocess

ISLAMABAD: US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on Friday lauded the role played by Pakistan to establish an enduring peace in war-torn Afghanistan. Khalilzad met separately with Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi during a one-day trip here. According to the army spokesperson, Khalilzad, Gen Bajwa, and United States’ Ambassador to Pakistan Paul Wayne Jones discussed regional security and exchanged thoughts on the Afghan peace process. “Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Rep for Afg Recon called on COAS at GHQ. US Amb in Pakistan Mr. Paul W Jones was also present,” Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a statement on Twitter. “Regional security situation with particular reference to ongoing Afg recon process was discussed,” the spokesperson added. STAFF REPORT

imran congratulates Uk's Johnson on resounding victory NEWS DESK Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday joined other world leaders in congratulating Conservative Party leader Boris Johnson for his resounding victory in the United Kingdom’s general elections. In a tweet, the prime minister said that he “look(s) forward to working with him and continuing the cooperation” between Pakistan and the UK. Prime Minister Imran and UK Premier Johnson have enjoyed a friendly relationship since before they were elected into office. Johnson won an outright majority in the 650-seat parliament after an exit poll showed the Conservatives on course to win a landslide 368 seats — the biggest Conservative national election win since Margaret Thatcher’s 1987 triumph. A landslide Conservative win marks the ultimate failure of opponents of Britain’s departure from the European Union who plotted to thwart a 2016 referendum vote through legislative combat in parliament and prompted some of the biggest protests in recent British history. For Johnson, whose 20-week tenure in power has been marked by chaotic scenes in parliament and stark division on the streets over Britain’s tortuous departure from the European Union, victory in Thursday’s contest was vindication. Other world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Council President Charles Michel, also extended congratulations to Johnson.

Rising polio cases a 'matter of shame' for Pakistan, says Pm ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday urged parents to ensure that their children are administered with the anti-polio vaccine not only for the sake of their health but also for the nation. The premier pointed out that Pakistan was one of two countries in the world where polio continues to exist and termed it a “matter of shame”. “To the mothers who are watching this, I request you to go to the health workers and get your children vaccinated yourself if they haven’t been administered with polio drops,” he said, while speaking at the launching ceremony of the Nationwide Polio Eradication Campaign in Islamabad. He said that around four million children under the age of five would be vaccinated in the ongoing campaign. “This is important for your children and for our nation as well,” he said. “We all need to understand that if this disease starts spreading, it would have many repercussions on our country,” the prime minister cautioned. “It would become very hard for our workers who go abroad, for our tourists and businessmen.” He said that now that the economy was improving and the government was promoting tourism, it would be a “stain” for Pakistan if people started to believe that the country “was exporting polio”. “I am aware that our polio workers have given a lot of sacrifices, militants targetted them, they were martyred.

There was a lot of fear but still our polio workers went to remote areas where people thought no one could go […] They are the heroes of our country.” He also thanked the donors who contributed to the polio drive and urged Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza to pay special attention to the issue. STAFF REPORT

UK doctors consider Nawaz’s toxicology screening for poisoning NEWS DESK Leading doctors in London have hinted that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s toxicology screening for poisoning will be ordered if no cause or cure is found of his unstable platelets, according to a news report.

In a report submitted in the Lahore High Court on Friday by a representative of Nawaz Sharif, leading University College Hospital and Harley Street Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr David R Lawrence has written: “If the platelet count does not respond, he may be considered for possible toxicology screen.

We want to target a platelet count be-

tween 50-150 to allow safe treatment with anti-platelet therapy.”

Hussain Nawaz, the eldest son of the former prime minister, raised alarm while his father was in Pakistan that the family suspected that Nawaz may have been poisoned while in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Speaking to media in London last week, Hussain repeated that the family didn’t blame anyone but said that doctors were worried about the platelets issue and especially the fact that Nawaz’s platelets count fell sharply and radically from over 75,000 to just about 2,000 within 24 hours while he was in custody.

According to the report, Dr Lawrence

has told the court that he examined Nawaz Sharif, 69 years of age, in his clinic in London.

He wrote: “He (Nawaz Sharif) suffers from various significant ailments and comorbidities. He has been reviewed by the Hematology Team at the Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Hospital and London Bridge Hospital and has most likely ITP, the trigger and underlying cause for which is unclear, but he is having a slow response to first and second line therapies.”

In his report, Dr Lawrence has told the court that there has also been a “recent exacerbation of coronary artery disease” and “there is ongoing persistent lymphadenopathy and bilateral carotid artery

stenosis”.

The report adds: “A PET scan was arranged at London Bridge Hospital under Hematology at London Bridge, he has to be investigated for his lymphadenopathy; a lymph node biopsy has been recommended to him after the scan.

He initially did very well following his coronary artery bypass surgery but has had a troublesome circumflex vessel which has occluded on at least two occasions. The resultant effect has been persistent ischaemia in the lateral wall of his heart and NSTEMI.” The report adds that Dr Chris Baker performed an angioplasty to this on 9th October 2017 but his symptoms are now

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot No 79, Sector 24, Korangi Industrial Area Karachi. Ph: 021-35381208-9. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

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recurrent.

The report says: “Cardiac MRI is booked via Chris Baker’s office. The team at the London Bridge have also arranged that he see Professor Simon Redwood who I understand is going to repeat his coronary angiogram as a query proceed. Mr. Sharif is also due for a vascular referral to address the critical carotid artery stenosis (>80% Rt ICA, October 2019) which is a risk for stroke.

“He has to proceed with cardiac and carotid issues once he stabilises and gets clearance from the haematology team treating him. I will look to review him with the results of his cardiac scans/cath and clinical hematology consults.”