E-Paper PDF 4th January 2020 (ISB)

CMYK

Saturday, 4 January, 2020 I 7 Jamadi-ul-Awwal, 1441 I Rs 19.00 I Vol X No 185 I 16 Pages I Islamabad Edition

War fears loom over middle east as Us kills top iranian general g

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uS drone TargeTS aL-QudS Force commander maj gen QaSem SoLeImanI, IraQI mILITIa Leader aLmuhandIS In baghdad drone STrIKe

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Trump SayS SoLeImanI ShouLd have been KILLed ‘many yearS ago’

Army Act amendments approved by parliamentary panel on defence

IranIan Supreme Leader KhameneI vowS ‘Severe revenge’ BAGHDAD/TEHRAN/WASHINGTON

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AGENCIES

op Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed on Friday in a US strike on Baghdad’s international airport in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two countries.

The pentagon said US president Donald Trump ordered Soleimani’s “killing”, after a proIran mob this week laid siege to the US embassy.

In his first substantial comments on the operation, carried out earlier on Friday at Baghdad’s international airport, Trump tweeted that Soleimani “should have been taken out many years ago!” Soleimani “has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more…but got caught!” Trump said.

His only earlier comments on the dramatic news included a tweet featuring a picture of a US flag and another, cryptic tweet stating that “Iran never won a war, but never lost a negotiation!”

Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to exact “severe revenge” for Soleimani’s death.

In the wake of the assassination, the US embassy in Baghdad urged all citizens to depart Iraq immediately.

“Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, the US embassy urges American citizens to heed the January 2020 travel advisory and depart Iraq immediately.”

“US citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to other countries via land,” it said in a statement.

IRAN VOWS SEVERE REVENGE: “Martyrdom was the reward for his ceaseless efforts in all these years,” Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei said on his Twitter account in reference to Soleimani, also declaring three days of mourning.

“With him gone, God willing, his work and his path will not be stopped, but severe revenge awaits the criminals who bloodied their foul hands with his blood and other martyrs’ in last night’s incident,“ he added.

The pre-dawn developments mark the most major escalation yet in a feared proxy war between Iran and the US on Iraqi soil.

Early on Friday, a volley of missiles hit

juI-F, jI say won't support amendments in army act STORIES ON PAGE 03

Baghdad’s international airport, striking a convoy belonging to the Hashed al-Shaabi, an Iraqi paramilitary force with close ties to Iran.

Just a few hours later, Iranian state television carried a statement by the Revolutionary Guard Corps saying Soleimani “was martyred in an attack

by America on Baghdad airport this morning”.

The Hashed confirmed that both Soleimani and its deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed in what it said was a “US strike”.

“The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi alMuhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road,” it said.

The Hashed is a network of mostly-Shia armed units, many of whom have close ties to Tehran but which have been officially incorporated into Iraq’s state security forces.

The units joined forces to fight the militant Islamic State group in 2014, after many of them built up years of fighting experience during Iraq’s war years, including against the US.

According to Ap, Iraqi officials said five others were also killed.

CONTINUED ON BACK PAGE

oil prices surge, markets sit up, pSX falters after gen Soleimani’s death

Nawaz warns against 'undue haste' in passing Army Act amendments STORY ON PAGE 03

Israel braces for Iranian retaliation after Soleimani assassination

protesters besiege gurdwara nankana Sahib, threaten to expel Sikhs from city

STORIES ON PAGES 12 & 07

STORY ON BACK PAGE

Tens of thousands rally in Iran against Soleimani killing

Pompeo calls Gen Bajwa, explains why US killed Iran's Soleimani

Imran says SEZs will bring Chinese industries to Pakistan

STORIES ON BACK PAGE

pakistan warns against 'unilateral actions' after uS kills Iranian general

STORY ON PAGE 12

CMYK Saturday, 4 January, 2020

02 NEWS

IHC gIvES govT Two wEEkS To ExplAIn proMUlgATIon oF ordInAnCES ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

he Islamabad high Court (IhC) on Friday directed Federal Secretary Law Khashihur Rehman to submit a response within 15 days in a case involving the passage of nine presidential ordinances by the government in November last year. The directive came by IhC Chief Justice Athar Minallah during the hearing of a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Barrister Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha who challenged the National Assembly session held on Nov 7. During the unprecedented session, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government bulldozed 11 bills, including nine presidential

ordinances, through the Lower house.

During the hearing, Ranjha recalled that the high court had sought a reply from the federal government in 14 days but it has not complied with the court order even after the passage of 1.5 months. “New ordinances are being issued despite the fact that a case is under process in this regard,” he said, adding: “It is a clear violation of the Constitution.” he further said the Constitution allows to promulgate ordinances only in emergency circumstances.

Justice Minallah questioned whether the government has taken back its ordinances or not. he also questioned the counsel to mention the latest ordinance passed by the government. To this, Ranjha recalled the promulgation of NAB (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019. “Almost

UAE’s support for SMEs manifests strong economic ties: Firdous ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan on Friday said the allocation of $200 million to support small and mediumsized enterprises (SMe) in Pakistan by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, is a testimony to strong economic ties between the two countries. In a series of posts shared on Twitter on Friday, Awan said Pakistan is heading towards economic stability as there are enormous investment opportunities in various sectors. She welcomed the interest evinced by the UAe to invest in the country. “Crown prince’s second visit in PTI’s tenure in office is reflective of deep fraternal ties between the two countries and trust in Prime Minister Imran Khan’s leadership qualities,” she maintained.

The crown prince, who visited Pakistan along with a high-level delegation on Thursday, directed the Khalifa Fund for enterprise Development to allocate the sum to support SMes in Pakistan. During the meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, as well as the regional and global situation. STAFF REPORT

2,500 ordinances had been issued since the foundation of Pakistan in 1947 whereas the fact remains that Parliament is the de jure platform for lawmaking,” said Ranjha. After hearing the arguments, Justice Minallah nominated Makhdoom Ali Khan, Babar Awan, Raza Rabbani Khar and others to assist the court in the case. Later, the high court ordered the law secretary to submit a report within 15 days and adjourned the hearing.

THE CASE: The petitioner had prayed the court to order the government to restore the respect of the Parliament and bar it from issuing the ordinances.

“The obvious reason why the federal government rushed with these ordinances is that it did not want to meaningfully engage with the opposition in the Parliament,” the counsel of petitioner stated.

The petition requested the court to declare that the president’s power to promulgate ordinances can be used to bring about such legislation only when the government needs to respond to an emergency situation such as war, famine, epidemic or rebellion which has put the life, liberty or property of the people of Pakistan at stake. It further pleaded that such powers can be used in case of an emergency after the prorogation of the last session of Parliament or when waiting for

the commencement of the next session of either house of Parliament would cause irreparable loss of life, liberty or property to the people of Pakistan.

Ailing Nawaz gets exemption from appearance in CSM case till Jan 17 LAHORE STAFF REPORT

An accountability court on Friday granted an exemption to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from appearing in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case after his counsel informed the court that the former premier is undergoing medical treatment in London.

The accountability judge approved the exemption plea of the PML-N supremo until Jan 17 on the basis of his medical reports. Advocate Amjad Pervez

appeared on behalf of the former premier stating that Sharif is unwell. To which, the judge directed the lawyer to furnish a medical report of Nawaz Sharif, if he receives, on the next hearing.

Meanwhile, the court extended the judicial remand of Nawaz’s nephew Yousuf Abbas Sharif in the same case.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has accused the Sharif family of using the mills for money-laundering and illegal transfer of its shares. The

Bureau has mainly accused Maryam Nawaz of being involved in money laundering under the garb of sale/purchase of the sugar mills’ shares. It said she had become the largest shareholder of the mills in 2008, having over 12m shares and her assets had been found disproportionate to her income.

According to NAB, the mills was shifted from Gojra to Rahim Yar Khan in 2015 at a cost of Rs1.5bn and this amount had not so far been justified by the suspects.

Gen Soleimani’s assassination: Moot calls for safeguarding Pakistan’s military, economic interests ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

In wake of the assassination of top Iranian military commander and strategist, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US air strike in Iraq, Pakistan’s top military experts Friday urged the federal government to devise a rational, comprehensive and wellthought out strategy to safeguard its military and economic interests, keeping in view its domestic, political and economic interests.

“Keeping in view the fast deteriorating situation in the Middle east, Pakistan can no more act as a mere onlooker in the worsening situation and we need to be proactive in creating solutions as a mediator,” said top defence experts during a round-table meeting held here titled ‘emerging Dynamics in the Middle east: Implications and Options for Pakistan’, at Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).

The session was addressed by Ambassador (r) Abrar hussain, Ambassador (r) Naila Chauhan, Ambassador (r) Khalid Rahman, executive President IPS, Air Commodore (r) Khalid Banuri, Air Commodore (r) Khalid Iqbal, Dr Syed Muhammad Ali, executive director, Centre for Peace, Security and Developmental Studies (CPSP), Dr Bakare Najimdeen, director, Centre for International Peace and Stability at National Defence University and senior IPS associate and security analyst

Brigadier (r) Said Nazir Mohmand.

The speakers were unanimous in their views that the biggest threat faced by Pakistan at the moment was the military deployment at its western border by India and the worsening situation in Indian occupied Kashmir. hence it was not in the interest of Pakistan to shift its military and strategic focus from Kashmir and all policy options regarding the Middle east crisis should be weighed in in this context.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s current economic condition is not very bright and it is heavily dependent on remittances by expatriates as well as its energy requirements from the Middle east. Keeping in mind these factors, Pakistan is not in a position to take sides in the current conflict. Therefore, it will be wise and prudent for the country to stay neutral and maintain a low-key profile, they added.

Pakistan, however, can play a diplomatic role in de-escalating the situation while staying in the background, they said. historically, it has been a fundamental part of Pakistan’s foreign policy to play the role of mediator whenever there is escalation of tension between Muslim countries.

“So if tensions rise further between the US and Iran, it will be best for Pakistan to play a back-channel role, advising both sides to practice restraint and extend its apprehensions regarding the situation of

CMYK

human rights as well that of regional and global peace to all the relevant stakeholders. It should also be conveyed that if the conflict does expand, it will cause significant disturbances in the Middle east because of crisscrossing alliances in the region. The Gulf states should not participate in any escalation in the region, because ultimately they

will suffer,” the speakers said.

The experts also viewed that allout war between the US and Iran will prolong the stay of American military in Afghanistan. This will have repercussions for Pakistan as this will force the country to stay committed on the western front, rather than focusing on its eastern border, they asserted.

CMYK Saturday, 4 January, 2020

NEWS

ArMy ACT AMEndMEnTS ApprovEd by pArlIAMEnTAry pAnEl on dEFEnCE PPP CHIEF BILAWAL SAYS HIS PARTY WILL SUPPORT LEGISLATION ‘IF IT’S DONE THROUGH PARLIAMENTARY RULES’ PM IMRAN SAYS JUDICIARY INTERFERES WITH GOVT’S AUTHORITY OF FILLING KEY POSITIONS ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

he National Assembly and Senate’s standing committee on defence on Friday approved the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2020, pertaining to the tenure of the three services chiefs.

Three separate bills – pertaining to amendments to the Army Act, the Navy Act and the Air Force Act – were approved unanimously by the committee. The legislation will now be presented for approval in the National Assembly and Senate on January 6, Monday, respectively.

Prior to the development, the federal government tabled the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2020, to amend the in place Army Act and the Constitution, primarily in order to give a three-year extension to Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The legislation, which will fix 64 years as the maximum age limit of the three services chiefs — chief of army staff, chief of air staff and chief of naval staff — and the chairman of the joint chief of staff committee, was presented by Defence Minister Pervez Khattak. According to the proposed legislation, the prime minister will have the prerogative to give an extension to any of them in the future after completion of their normal tenure at the age of 60 years and the president will have the power to give the final nod. During the brief session – which was subsequently adjourned until Monday – the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed confidence that the bill will be passed with the required simple majority.

‘PPP TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION’: Speaking to reporters fol-

lowing the session, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that his party will support the legislation “if it is done through the parliamentary rules and regulations”. he said that the bills will first be sent to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and the matter will be discussed in the house, adding that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had not taken the opposition into confidence before offering the government their unconditional support on the legislation, which it did a day earlier.

“I think this should have not happened in this way. It is the responsibility of the leader of the opposition to unite the opposition and maintain consensus among ranks.”

Bilawal said it was a “small victory” for his party that the government was not bulldozing the bill through the house and was instead following parliamentary rules and regulations in this regard.

“If important bills are passed without following the parliament’s procedure it will set a bad precedent for the future,” he said.

“I am still a little confused on what the actual stance of the government is as the government has also challenged the Supreme Court’s order through its review petition which on its face looks like a contradiction to me,” the PPP chief said, adding that he hoped this contradiction will be removed after passage of this bill.

‘IMPORTANT STEP FOR CIVILIAN SUPREMACY’: Addressing a press conference outside Parliament house, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan congratulated opposition parties and their members for fulfilling the “important respon-

sibility,” adding that their patience was also worthy of recognition.

“This is an important step towards civilian supremacy and it has proven that if leadership has vision they can turn every challenge into an opportunity,” she said.

She said that the Parliament had started the democratic process to take the premier’s “democratic authority” forward. “Today a democratic process has been initiated,” she said, expressing hope that the amendments would also be accepted through the democratic process.

PM COMPLAINS OF JUDICIAL INTERFERENCE: Prime Minister Imran Khan, earlier, chaired a parliamentary party meeting during which the Pakistan hindu Council (PhC) chairman and member of the National Assembly Ramesh Kumar questioned why the government challenged the bill in Supreme Court if it was to be put for legislation.

The prime minister said the appointment of key positions is the responsibility of the government, adding that the judiciary interferes with the administration’s authority.

According to reports, the party’s parliamentary members were also briefed on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Amendment Ordinance 2019. The premier said bureaucrats and the business community had raised concerns regarding NAB and the development of the economy was stagnant due to these concerns. he said the NAB Amendment Ordinance 2019 is in the best interest of the country, and that the government committee is in talks with the opposition regarding the matter.

GOVT WOOS OPP: In a rare show of agreement, the government and the opposition reached consensus on Thursday over the proposed amendments to the Army Act. PMLN assured the government of its “unconditional” support to the bill, but PPP cautioned the government against displaying haste in the matter to ensure proper and sagacious legislation thro¬ugh the parliament.

Law Minister Farogh Naseem had said all parties and stakeholders were on the same page regarding the passage of the bill.

earlier, in an urgent meeting on Wednesday, the federal cabinet had unanimously approved proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Army Act in order to give a three-year extension to Gen Bajwa.

EXTENSION CONUNDRUM: Prime Minister Imran Khan had previously extended Gen Bajwa’s tenure through a notification in August 2019, but the top court suspended it on Nov 26, 2019, due to irregularities in the manner of extension. After three days of heightened uncertainty, the apex court, through a short order on Nov 28, 2019, had announced that Gen Bajwa would remain the COAS for another six months during which the parliament would legislate on the army chief’s extension/reappointment.

In its detailed verdict released on Dec 16, 2019, the top court had emphasised that it was up to the parliament to carry out legislation that would provide “certainty and predictability” to the post of the COAS for all times to come. “We would like to emphasise that this crucial matter of the tenure of COAS and its extension, which has a somewhat chequered history, is before the Parliament, to fix for all times to come,” wrote Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, a member of the threejudge bench which heard the case, in the court’s 43-page judgment. “It is now for the people of Pakistan and their chosen representatives in the Parliament to come up with a law that will provide certainty and predictability to the post of COAS, remembering that in strengthening institutions, nations prosper.” Both Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and Justice Asif Saeed Khosa agreed with Justice Shah’s judgment, with Justice Khosa saying in his additional note that it had been a “shocking revelation” to the bench that the terms and conditions of service of the COAS, the tenure of his office, extension in the tenure of his office or his reappointment to that office “have remained unregulated by any law so far”.In the wake of the apex court’s order, the government had decided to introduce the amendment bill in parliament on Friday after building a consensus with the opposition on the matter.

JUI-F, JI say won’t support amendments in Army Act ISLAMABAD

STAFF RePORT Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul haq on Friday separately said that their parties will not support the amendments in the Army Act. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, JUIF chief Rehman said that he does not want to make the institutions controversial, adding that the amendments in the Army Act is a matter of the parliament. The JUI-F chief said that the Supreme Court (SC) had ordered to remove weakness in terms of extension of Army Chief’s tenure but more flaws were being created.

“We will not allow a fake assembly to pass such legislation,” he said and added that his party will not become part of the legislation process for passing the Army Act amendment bill. Fazl said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) extended support for the bill but the JUI-F condemns the move. he said that both parties should have taken other political parties into confidence over the matter before reaching a decision. “Taking part in vot-

ing will be equal to supporting the fake assembly,” he added. he said in order to carry out such legislation there should be a conducive and democratic environment. he pointed out that the army chief s service extension matter should not be politicised keeping in view the dignity of the state institution.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has also said that it will not back the proposed amendments in the Army Act and will take a principled stand on the matter. JI chief Senator Sirajul haq announced this while talking to the reporters outside Parliament house on Friday. he said that the decisions being made on the basis of the prime minister’s liking or disliking were tantamount to weaken the national institutions. It would have been for the benefit of the institution, had the government introduced the amendment before November 15, he added. he expressed regret over the manner the amendments were proposed, saying the ruling party displayed undue haste in proposing changes in the act. “The entire process adopted by the government seems an attempt to prove the parliament a rubber stamp,” he said.

Siraj said that the country desperately needed to bring out of the “doctrine of necessity” as it al-

ways caused embarrassment for the entire nation before the international community.

To a question, he said that it was a good omen that two main opposition parties were backing the ruling party on the matter, adding it was the high time the three parties displayed unity to bring the country out the prevailing crisis of a bad economy, inflation, and poverty.

“If the three parties can portray unity to safeguard their interests then what is the hurdle in becoming them united to resolve the problems of the masses,” he remarked. expressing surprise over the politics of three parties, he said it was proved that they all were virtually on the same page but sometimes acted differently. The JI chief said that a powerful army was the need of the country keeping in view the regional situation. he said that India could anytime attack across the boundary to divert the world’s attention from its internal situation and human rights abuses in Kashmir.

In case of any Indian aggression, he said that his party would be at the forefront and stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave armed forces to protect the country’s sovereignty.

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03

nawaz warns against ‘undue haste’ in passing Army Act amendments PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif on Friday, in a drastic change from the course his party took a day before in the matter concerning amendments in The Pakistan Army Act 1952, said “it was not in the interest of any party to show undue haste or to bulldoze the rules and procedures”. “Such important bills cannot be passed in 24 or for that matter 48 hours,” Nawaz stated in a letter addressed to PML-N’s senior leader Khawaja Asif.

“We would like to look at the bill positively for stability in the country.” Nawaz said the PML-N couldn’t “possibly allow the dignity of the Parliament to be compromised”. he suggested to stress upon the PTI government to adopt pre-parliamentary norms and laid down a schedule. According to the schedule, the PML-N supremo stated that the bill be presented before the National Assembly on Jan 3 and referred to the concerned standing committee so that political parties could deliberate over recommendations in parliamentary meetings. The standing committee should consider the bill and send a report to the lower house on Jan 7-8. On Jan 9 and 10, NA should consider, debate and vote on the bill and forward it to Senate. On Jan 13, Senate should send the bill to its standing committee and on Jan 15, the Senate should debate and vote on the bill. Nawaz maintained that this was the ‘minimum’ possible timeframe to pass the bill with “meaningful input”. “We should also be cognizant of the fact that the Parliament should not be seen to rubber-stamp a bill of such importance,” he wrote and pointed out that the “political fallout for all parties will be substantial if parliamentary norms are not properly observed”. PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif confirmed Nawaz’s letter and said the party’s plan of action will be taken in light of the party supremo’s directions. he said the letter was drafted following a meeting of PML-N leaders in London also attended by party president Shehbaz Sharif. NEWS DESK

nA speaker signs production orders for detained opp leaders National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Friday issued production orders for politicians currently detained by law enforcement agencies so that they can participate in the parliamentary sessions. Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) leaders Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal and Khawaja Saad Rafique are among the lawmakers who will attend Saturday’s session after approval of their production orders. earlier in the day, the federal government tabled the Army Act amendment bill in the National Assembly (NA) which will pave the way for an extension to the COAS. NEWS DESK

04 ISLAMABAD

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

WEATHER UPDATES 0 MONDAY

Five killed, two injured in Firing over property dispute in s waziristan WANA: At least five persons were killed and two others injured in firing of armed men over property dispute here on Friday. The culprits also slit the throat of two persons.

According to details, the incident took place in Azam Warsak tehsil Barmal of South Waziristan where members of two groups of Zalikhel tribe which were in old dispute over ownership of a piece of exchange blows. The clash worsened after which armed men of one group opened fire at members of other group. As a result of firing five people were killed on the spot while two others critically injured.

The pitiless culprits also slit the throats of two deceased.

Heavy contingent of police cordoned off the area but due to failure to overcome the situation, heavy contingent of FC took control of the area. The police have started investigation into the incident. INP

Fire erupts in oil shop ISLAMABAD: A fire was brought under control immediately after it broke out in an oil shop in Islamabad’s G9 Markaz early on Friday morning. Residential flats above the shop were also affected by the fire which was reportedly caused by a short circuit. No injuries have been reported yet. STAFF RPEORT

Model courts disposed of 30,049 cases in 2019 RAWALPINDI APP

The 465 model courts, which have been set up across the country to provide speedy justice and to clear the massive backlog of cases, decided 30,049 cases, including 10,121 cases of murder and 19,928 of narcotics during the year 2019.

Director General Supreme Court Monitoring Cell Sohail Nasir told APP that in order to decide pending cases on priority death sentence was awarded to 541 while rigorous imprisonment was awarded to 1653 accused in a year. The fine of Rs 1,25,92,48165 was also imposed on various accused while witnesses of 183,258 were also recorded in different cases including criminal, civil and family disputes, he added.

The DG said that model courts have delivered inexpensive justice to the poor without any unnecessary delay,“ People have finally started to trust courts and legal system in the country,” he added. Sohail said that model courts were established in 2017 to provide speedy justice to the people ,adding due to extra ordinary performance of the model courts the Chief Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan had approved the setting up of 57 more model courts on June 24,2019 that were deciding pending cases on daily basis. The DG also appreciated the role of media for highlighting the performance of Model Courts.

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overFlowing trash trolleys attracting wild boars in capital ISLAMABAD

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APP

HE wild boars population has witnessed a marked increase in the federal capital mainly due to overflowing trash trolleys and piles of garbage that serve as a source of abundant feast for them.

The residents, while expressing concern, blamed the Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) for untimely cleansing of uncovered and overflowing dumpsters that eventually led to higher number of pigs in the city. “Years ago, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had placed dumpsters of different sizes to collect household waste but unfortunately now the trolleys are virtually feeding pigs,” Rub Nawaz, a resident of Sector G-6/2, said. He said those animals were roaming freely in

streets, especially during night, and creating a nuisance for children, women and senior citizens in the localities. Rub Nawaz said the departments concerned were not paying due attention to the issue that posed threat to the residents. He urged the MCI to remove the stray dogs from locality or come up with an innovative solution to resolve the issue.

Another resident of Sector F-6, Abdul Rehman said a wild boar entered his home last week and created a dramatic situation, prompting him to open fire to protect his family from the dangerous animal. “The pigs are a constant threat for motorists as they move at night and a number of accidents in the recent past have been reported on Islamabad Expressway, and Margalla Road and its adjacent sectors E and F,” Khalid Ali, a resident of Sector E-11, said. “I had a narrow escape from an accident yes-

terday on Murree Road, near Bhara Kahu where a drove of pigs came right in front of my car which were crossing the road and I could not see them due to dysfunctional lights,” a commuter Sultan Khan said. An official of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board Sikhawat said the pigs usually set up their colonies along the nullahs and remained there during day-light.

“The male wild boars escorting their females with piglets throng the urban areas at night to search for food and the odor of wasted food dumped in waste bins attracts them,” he remarked.

Sikhawat said the only solution to stop the wild boars’ movement to urban areas was to cut the supply of food. He also urged the citizens not to dump waste outside the allocated waste bins. Islamabad Zoo Deputy Director D. Bilal said the compe-

tent authorities had banned hunting of wild animals since 2010 by declaring the Federal Capital as a wildlife sanctuary that led to increase in their population. "It is true that their population has increased in the recent past but we cannot kill them due to the ban," he said.

Deputy Director Environment of the Capital Development Authority Aurangzeb Bajkani said their (boars) number had gone up in Islamabad like other parts of the country. He said that the Sanitation Department used to poison them in the past to reduce their population but no such action had been taken for long. Their population could be controlled by through use of modern methods, he added. A MCI Sanitation Department official said the department was facing shortage of funds. It could not even set up a permanent landfill site for the city, he added.

Govt committed to containing WPV virus by mid-2020: KP EOC PESHAWAR APP

Coordinator Emergency Operations Center Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Abdul Basit has said that despite all odds and challenges provincial government was fully committed to stop circulation of wild polio virus in the environment by mid -2020 through effective communications and operational strategies. In a press statement issued here Friday, Abdul Basit said that 99 percent coverage of the target children in the December round of anti-polio drive speaks volume of the commitment and ownership of the government and dedication of the front line workers.

A total of 6,648,490 children were immunized against polio against the

target of 6,747,119 children in the December campaign making it 99 percent coverage of the target children, he added.

Giving comparative analysis of the National Immunization Drivers (NIDs) in 2019, Abdul Basit said that gradual increase in the coverage 91 percent in August and 99 percent in December is indicating focused interventions by government and global partners that led to addressing the issues and fixing gaps.He said that District Polio Control Rooms (DPCRs) led by Deputy Commissioner and health department officials under the umbrella of Emergency Operations Center have been strengthened and given authority to take on spot decisions and actions to ensure maximum coverage of the target children.

HARIPUR: Tourists ride a jet ski at Khanpur Dam. ONLINE

Women empowerment key to ensuring gender equality ISLAMABAD APP

Senators here on Friday discussed the Annual Report of the National Commission on the Status of Women for the year 2017 and stressed for women empowerment to ensure gender equality.

They said change in mindset was crucial for true social, economic and political empowerment and development of women. Taking part in debate, PML-F Senator Muzaffar Hussain Shah said every possible support should be ensured for the promotion of women led business enterprises in the country.

He said the government should support potential women entrepreneurs and start-ups.PTI Senator Prof. Dr. Mehr Taj Roghani also demanded to empower women for development and ending discrimination against them.

Senators Kalsoom Peveen and Usman Khan Kakar said the mindset

against women was needed to be changed.

Senator Usman Kakar said women were not inherited their due share in properties and they became victims on the name of honor killings. He said exploitation against women should be stopped and discrimination against them should be ended.

ANP Senator Sitara Ayaz said the Annual Report of 2017 was being discussed in 2020 and demanded immediate report on reported crimes against Orphan Girls at Darul Aman in Lahore.

PPPP Senator Sassui Palijo said all the provinces had made so many legislations regarding the forced marriages.

She said Sindh province had made record legislation as the PPP was a progressive party and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s services for women right would always be remembered.The Senator said Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was acknowledged on international level which supported the women of the country and its credit

went to PPPP. She urged the government to include the 800,000 women whose name had been excluded from the program.Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum said women were an important segment of the country according to the latest census and their empowerment should be ensured.He said it was right of everybody to criticize the commission but positive suggestions should also be given by the legislators for its betterment.The lawmaker suggested the political parties sitting at treasury and opposition benches to increase the women quota from 5 percent to 10 percent for contesting general election.

Abdul Qayyum said that efforts should also be made to protect the right of women which belonged to minorities.MQM Senator Muhammad Ali Khan Saif offered to establish a legal team to contest case of a boy who was reportedly abused in Mansehra few days back.

Journalists protest against non-payment of salaries ISLAMABAD INP

A protest rally was organised at National Press Club by Media Action Force and 4th Pillar Media International .The participating journalists groups lit candles in memory of those journalists who were martyred or died under the stress due to non-payment of salaries or layoffs from media houses. A large number of journalists participated in the event. They chanted slogans against the non-payment of salaries, unjust pay cuts and layoffs by the owners of media houses. Speaking to the protesting journalist fraternity, President of 4th Pillar Media Farooq Mirza offered free legal services to journalists desiring to take file cases against the owners of media houses. He also

promised a Funding Project for Journalists in Crisis. “The suffering employees of the media houses will not be left alone in their struggle to get their rights,” he said.

4th Pillar Media is a press association of journalists based in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, USA, Pakistan and many other countries. At the protest rally, the speakers warned of a series of country-wide protests if journalists' issues were not resolved. They urged various journalistic set-ups to join hands in staging protests over the months-long delay in salaries and pay cuts, as well as forced layoffs. They emphasized that the government's silence against the exploitation of employees in Pakistan's media houses equates to criminal silence and that there is evidence this was being orchestrated in line with behindthe-scenes collusion of union leaders and owners of media houses.

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

NEWS MURAD DIRECTS COMPLETION OF ORANGE LINE IN THREE MONTHS KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday directed transport department to complete Orange Line project within next three months and get ready for tendering for Red Line for which he wanted to perform ground breaking ceremony on August 14. He issued these directives while presiding over a meeting to review the progress of BRTS, Orange Line and Red Line here at CM House. The meeting was attended by Minister Transport Awais Qadir Shah, Transport Minister Nasir Shah, Advisor to CM Murtaza Wahab, Acting chief Secretary Mohammad Waseem, PSCM Sajid Jamal Abro, Secretary Local Govt Roshan Shaikh, Secretary Law Shariq, Secretary Transport Abbas Detho, MD PPP Unit Khalid Shaikh and others. Minister Transport Awais Shah briefing the chief minister said that the on-going work on Orange Line was almost at final stage. At this the chief minister directed him to complete it within next three month and meanwhile adopt the procedure of procurement of buses, initially with a fleet of 25.

CMYK

05

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

06 WORLD VIEW

Trump is sTarTing a war wiTh iran – wheTher iT is by accidenT or design TEHRAN WILL LIKELY TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER ITS OPTIONS, WITH FEW HAVING EXPECTED THE US PRESIDENT TO GO FOR THE JUGULAR LIKE THIS

independenT

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roberT Fisk

S this war by accident or war by design? We’ve all said that a major war in the Middle East could start by accident. But no-one thought Donald Trump would go for the jugular quite like this. To kill General Qassem Soleimani is a sword at the heart of Iran, without doubt. And on whose behalf?

Trump boasts of his relationship with the Saudi king who has talked of “cutting off the head of the Iranian snake” and whose oil facilities were attacked with drone-fired missiles – which the US blamed on Iran - last year. Or Israel? Or is this just another decision with incalculable results, taken by a crackpot president in the US? Just imagine what would happen if a leading American general – or two, since Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was a leading pro-Iranian figure in Iraq – was blown up on a tour of the Middle East. There would

be airstrikes, attacks on Iran’s nuclear centres, threats by Washington to close down all traffic between Iran and the outside world. The death of an American in Baghdad on Friday and the riots outside the US embassy, while sad, scarcely justify American attacks on this scale.

Qassem Soleimani was one of the most powerful men in Iran, although the Revolutionary Guards al-Quds forces he commanded was not quite the elite army which Iran liked to pretend. Soleimani, according to his fellow commanders, would take risks at the various al-Quds front lines in Syria and his men admired him for his courage under fire. So he regularly expected to die. But Baghdad International Airport is the last place you would expect to see an American drone put him and al-Muhandis to death.

The Americans have long grown used

Hum dekhenge: If state agencies fail to follow laws citizens will follow suit.

Don’t push them to the brink

to staging attacks on pro-Iranian militia bases in Iraq and Syria. Over recent months, these strikes have become normal, regular – like Israel’s frequent raids into Syria and Lebanon. But it was a US military operation which also killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria, a Sunni Muslim who was an enemy of Tehran and whom the Iranians would have been happy to liquidate.

The Americans have been used to this sort of assassination – or ‘targeted killings’ as the Israelis call them — wiping out their enemies when they choose.

Osama bin Laden was the first. Baghdadi the second, Suleimani the third. Such rocket-based killings are regularly undertaken by Israel in Gaza, where Hamas leaders are often assassinated.

Yet it’s easy to take these men as important — as they think they are. Iran’s forces in Syria, for example, are often

grossly exaggerated by the US. Claims of the presence of 10,000 Revolutionary Guards Quds members in Syria were wildly inaccurate. Two thousand may be more accurate at any one time. True, Iranian intelligence men are scattered around the Middle East. But so are American agents.

One of Tehran’s most senior intelligence men was Ghadanfar Rokon Abadi who was Iran’s man in Beirut, and later its ambassador there. He probably knew more about Hezbollah and Syria than anyone else and returned to Tehran in 2014. This was not long after Sunni Islamists, reportedly with Saudi support, staged a suicide attack against his embassy, killing 23 embassy employees, Hezbollah guards and civilians. Rokon Abadi was spared. His top security man was killed. But in 2016, he made the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca where 2,300 people

– 464 of them Iranians — were crushed to death in panic and riots for which Iran blamed the Saudi monarchy. Rokon Abadi was among them. It was months before his remains were returned to Iran.

But in the Middle East, intelligence agents are always in danger. It was a Hezbollah satellite group called Islamic Jihad which killed CIA Beirut station chief William Buckley, and Imad Mougnieh, his reported murderer – or the man who gave the order – was killed by a car bomb in Damascus in 2008. In 1983, a suicide bomber blew up his truck bomb at the front of the US embassy in Beirut, killing 32 people and wiping out most of the CIA agents who were holding a meeting inside.

Oh yes, and one more thing. Isn’t there a US election coming up this year?

And doesn’t Trump want to win – and Soleimani as a target in Baghdad will play pretty well with Republicans. Iran has always responded to insults or attacks by waiting and delaying its own retaliation. Remember two oil tankers called the Adrian Darya and the Stena Impero? But now it’s getting personal.

BJP govt created Chief of Defence Staff post without addressing several fundamental questions WILL THE CDS AS PERMANENT CHAIRPERSON OF JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE OUTRANK THE THREE SERVICE CHIEFS EVEN THOUGH THEORETICALLY ALL ARE FOUR-STAR OFFICERS?

ouTlook Manish Tewari

Times of india The recovery notices with a stiff seven-day deadline issued by eight Uttar Pradesh districts to over 450 CAA protesters who allegedly vandalised public property raise several questions. States are justified in recovering costs from rioters and ordinarily this course would hugely boost the rule of law. After all, deterrence is sorely needed against those who get away with violence. However, there is a problem when state cannot dispel perception that laws are selectively enforced. Take for instance encounter killings, where instant justice undermines the state’s authority, mocks due process, and creates victims who are among the most marginalised or vilified.

Governments wishing to act against rioters are hamstrung by the toothless Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, which merely prescribes a jail term and fine for convicts. The political class must take the blame here but that is no excuse for ad hoc rulemaking.

UP is relying on a 2010 Allahabad high court judgment that empowered government to set up a competent authority to accept damage claims, give hearing to all parties, and pass appropriate orders within 30 days. However, this verdict diverges from 2009 Supreme Court guidelines that mandated respective HCs to appoint a sitting/ retired judge as claims commissioner to adjudicate on damages.

The need for impartial judicial adjudication is underscored by videos and testimonies exposing acts of vandalism from UP police side too.

Relatives of anti-CAA protesters point to the difficulty and fear of filing complaints before the same cops. Reports of police softpedalling FIRs on killing of protesters even as they double down on the rioting cases hint at institutional bias. Little different is IIT Kanpur setting up a probe panel to investigate iconoclastic poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s anthemic ‘Hum Dekhenge’.

Ignorance about the poet and his verses which have achieved a timeless power to speak the human condition and challenge authoritarianism, while unfortunate, is understandable given the paucity of multidisciplinary heft in Indian academia. However, to probe lyrically and peacefully protesting students on serious charges like communalism reeks of scare tactics. With judicial scrutiny beginning to kick in, two Muslim men arrested for alleged violence in Delhi’s Seelampur have secured bail after police couldn’t furnish video footage or eyewitnesses. Yogi Adityanath’s “badla” mode is bound to lead to miscarriage of justice, harassment and loss of livelihoods. Instead, UP’s goal must be truth and reconciliation to restore peace and order.

On December 30, 2019, the BJP-led NDA government announced the appointment of the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). With this appointment, a new institution has been created not only in the Ministry of Defence, but also in the Indian Republic. This may well have Constitutional implications.

In order to fully appreciate the importance of this decision one needs to look at history.

Between 1861-1947, there were 20 Commanders-in-Chief of the Army in India or the British Indian Army as it was then called. The Headquarters of the Army in India — AHQ India— shifted to Delhi in 1911 when the capital moved from Calcutta to Delhi. During summer, some components of the headquarters would further move up to Shimla, concurrently with the colonial government as the imperialists could not stomach the Delhi heat.

At the commencement of the Second World War, the AHQ was re-designated as the General Headquarters –GHQ India Command. GHQ India remained in actuality up till August 15, 1947. It was disbanded upon the partition of undivided India. A new headquarters of the Pakistan Army was formed out of the Northern Command of the Army in India, and a new headquarters of the Indian Army took over the HQ in Delhi. Field Marshal Auchinleck, the last Commander-inChief of the Army in India, was appointed as the Supreme Commander of the Army in India and Pakistan to transfer responsibilities to the new armies, and to organize the withdrawal of British Army units, former officers and men of the British Indian Army.

On August 15, 1947, both India and Pakistan assumed operational control over their respective Armed Forces. From August 15, Auchinleck was re-designated as the Supreme Commander in order to avoid abstruseness with the new Commanders-inChief of the two Dominion states. Vide the Joint Defence Council Order of August 11, 1947, Auchinleck was vested with limited authority. He had no responsibility for law and order or operational control over any units except those in transit from one Domin-

ion to another. Even in the exercise of his limited authority he was dependent on co-operation of the two Dominions. Although he represented a legally constituted authority, his position was at best tenuous.

The office of the Supreme Commander attained quietus on December 1, 1947 upon the formal retirement of Field Marshal Auchinleck.

Major General L. G. Whistler was appointed the General Officer Commanding British Troops in India in 1947 and remained in the saddle until the last British unit — the 1 Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry -Prince Albert’s —left on February 28, 1948. The 2nd Battalion — The Black Watch -Royal Highland Regiment — was the last British Army unit to leave Pakistan on February 26, 1948.

The position of the chief of the Indian Army was also known as Commander-inChief from 1947–1955. There were four officers who served in this position. However, in 1955, a conscious decision was taken by the government and this designation was renamed as the Chief of the Army Staff. General Rajendrasinhji Jadeja was the last Commander-in-Chief and the first Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army.

It may be pertinent to note that while the Army Chief was called the Commander-inChief till 1955, the designation was limited to the Indian Army and Air force and the Navy continued to be headed by their respective commanders.

Sixty-four years later, on December 24, 2019, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) put out a press release about the Cabinet clearing the appointment of a CDS. The communiqué inter-alia stated: “The following areas will be dealt by the Department of Military Affairs headed by CDS: The Armed Forces of the Union, namely, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence comprising Army Headquarters, Naval Headquarters, Air Headquarters and Defence Staff Headquarters. The Territorial Army. Works relating to the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Procurement exclusive to the Services except capital acquisitions, as per prevalent rules and procedures”.

It further read that “The Chief of Defence Staff, apart from being the head of the Department of Military Affairs, will also be the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. He will act as the Principal Military Adviser to Raksha Mantri on all tri-Services matters. The three Chiefs will continue to advise RM on matters exclusively concerning their respective services. CDS will not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, so as to be able to provide impartial advice to the political leadership”.

Herein lies the contradiction. As Secretary to Government of India (GoI), in-charge of the

Department of Military Affairs and having superintendence over the Army, Navy and Air Force, there would be an implied subordination of the three service chiefs to the CDS notwithstanding any declaration to the contrary. Moreover, the President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Article 53 (2) of the Indian Constitution declares: “Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the supreme command of the Defence Forces of the Union shall be vested in the President and the exercise thereof shall be regulated by law”. What then would the position of the CDS be qua the Supreme Commander – the President of India? There are also other questions that need to be looked at.

What implications does the nomenclature Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister qua the three service chiefs have in relation to Military advice tendered to the government?

Will the advice of the CDS override the advice of the respective Service Chiefs as he heads the newly created Department of Military Affairs?

Will the CDS as Permanent Chairperson of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee outrank the three service Chiefs even though theoretically all are four-star officers? Would the three Chiefs now report to the Defence Minister through Defence Secretary or CDS? In theory, the service chiefs report directly to the Defence Minister while in practice all files and decisions are routed through the Defence Secretary.

What will be the position of CDS qua the Defence Secretary? Would the Defence Secretary, in terms of Rule eleven of Transaction of Business Rules, continue to be the administrative head of the Defence Ministry? What is the remit/ mandate of the proposed Department of Military Affairs? Would the CDS override the Service Chiefs with regard to operational command and control of tri-service agencies and organizations. And finally, what are the implications of the appointment of a CDS for Civil Military Relations? The last part is profoundly serious, for the singular success of India going back to 1947 has been the supremacy of the civilian leadership over the military even in military matters.

For all the reasons that have been articulated by the Kargil Review Committee, Group of Ministers that went into the report of the Review Committee to make its own recommendations, and subsequently the Naresh Chandra Committee, all of whom looked at higher Defence Management issues, there still remain a lot of grey areas as far as the institution of the Chief of Defence Staff is concerned. Are we down another portentous path?

The author is a lawyer, MP, Member of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Defence, and former Information and Broadcasting Minister, GoI.

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

FOREIGN NEWS 07

IraqI pm says us kIllInG of IranIan commander wIll 'lIGhT The fuse' of war BAGHDAD

I

AGENCIES

RAQ’S prime minister condemned on Friday the U.S. killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and said it would “light the fuse” of war.

The United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran’s spreading military influence in the Middle east, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed.

“The assassination of an Iraqi military commander who holds an official position is considered aggression on Iraq … and the liquidation of leading Iraqi figures or those from a brotherly country on Iraqi soil is a massive

Lebanon's Hezbollah to continue path of Iranian commander after US strike BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday his powerful Shi’ite militia group would continue the path of Iran’s Major-General Qassem Soleimani after his death in a U.S. air strike, broadcaster Al Manar reported.

Nasrallah said the United States would not be able to achieve its goals with this “big crime” and just punishment was the responsibility of all fighters, Al Manar reported. AGENCIES

Iran names deputy Quds Force commander to replace Soleimani after killing DUBAI: Iran’s supreme leader appointed the deputy commander of the Quds Force, Brigadier General esmail Ghaani, as the replacement for Qassem Soleimani, the former head of the elite force who was killed in a U.S. air strike on Friday, state media reported. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that program of the Quds Force, the military unit responsible for projecting Iran’s influence via proxies across the Middle east, “will be unchanged from the time of his predecessor.” Ghaani became deputy commander of the Quds Force, the overseas arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in 1997 when Soleimani became the Force’s chief commander. Ghaani was quoted by Iranian media as saying in 2017 that U.S. President Donald Trump’s “threats against Iran will damage America … We have buried many … like Trump and know how to fight against America.” AGENCIES

Tens of thousands rally in Iran against Soleimani killing TEHRAN: Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Tehran and other cities to protest against America, after US strikes killed a top Iranian commander in Baghdad this morning. Chanting "Death to America" and holding up posters of the slain Iranian commander, Qasem Soleimani, the demonstrators filled streets for several blocks in central Tehran after Friday prayers. Women and men, many of them elderly, took part in the processions, some holding aloft portraits of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"The axis of any evil is America, the motto of religion and the Koran is death to America," they said in unison. "O leader of our revolution, condolences, condolences." One group of men tore holes out of a US flag before setting it on fire. Iran's supreme leader has vowed "severe revenge" after the United States killed the commander of the Islamic republic's Quds Force, General Qasem Soleimani. "Martyrdom was the reward for his ceaseless efforts in all these years," Ayatollah Khamenei said on his Farsi-language Twitter account in reference to Gen Soleimani, also declaring three days of mourning. AGENCIES

France to work for Middle East stability after US strike PARIS: France’s priority is to stabilize the Middle East, French Junior Foreign Affairs Minister Amelie de Montchalin said on Friday after a U.S. air strike killed Iran’s Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani. “What is happening is what we feared: tensions between the United States and Iran are increasing,” Montchalin told RTL radio. “The priority is to stabilize the region.”

The minister said top French officials would make high-level contacts with senior players in the region. AGENCIES

breach of sovereignty,” Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said.

Abdul Mahdi, whose government has the backing of Iran, said in a state-

ment the U.S. air strike was “a dangerous escalation that will light the fuse of a destructive war in Iraq, the region, and the world.”

The prime minister resigned in November due to anti-government protests, but remains in office in a caretaker capacity. At least 450 people have been killed in the unrest, some which was driven by anger at Iranian influence in Iraq.

The prime minister said the U.S. strike violated terms of the U.S. military presence in Iraq, adding that U.S. troops were exclusively in Iraq to train Iraqi security forces and fight Islamic State within the framework of a global coalition.

Abdul Mahdi called on parliament to convene an extraordinary session to “take legislative steps and necessary provisions to safeguard Iraq’s dignity, security and sovereignty.”

He did not specify what those provisions would entail, but some officials and parliamentarians have called for steps to

expel U.S. troops from Iraq.

Abdul Mahdi, whose government has support from Iran’s and Tehran-backed Iraqi allies, described Soleimani and Muhandis as “huge symbols of the victory against Islamic State terrorists.”

Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a grouping of mostly Iran-backed Shi’ite Muslim militias led by Muhandis, helped security forces retake a third of Iraq from Islamic State. The grouping’s troops were later incorporated into Iraq’s official armed forces. Thousands of Iraqis have taken to the streets since Oct. 1 to condemn, among other things, militias and their Iranian patrons that support Abdul Mahdi’s government.

The protesters have also demanded an overhaul of a political system they see as corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty.

Israel braces for Iranian retaliation after Soleimani assassination TEL AVIV AGENCIES

Israel’s defence minister summoned the country’s military and security chiefs to Tel Aviv on Friday in the wake of the US airstrike that killed senior Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.

As Iranian officials vowed revenge, the government of America’s closest ally in the Middle east gave no immediate public response to the deaths of Soleimani and of Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad.

But Israel Army Radio said the military had gone on heightened alert, amid fears that Iran could strike through its regional allies such as

Tehran-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah to the north, or through Palestinian militant group Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza.

“They will wait for the right moment to exact revenge, perhaps by firing into Israeli territory through Shia militias in Syria and perhaps even from Gaza,” Ron Ben-yishai, a commentator for Israeli news outlet ynet, wrote on its website.

In Gaza, Hamas — which has long enjoyed financial and military support from Tehran — condemned Soleimani’s killing and sent its “dearest condolences” to Iran.

With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting Greece, Defence Minister Naftali Bennett called senior commanders together on Friday

morning for a “situational assessment,” ministry officials said.

Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Twitter the Mount Hermon ski resort — which lies in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights close to the fortified frontier with Syria — had been closed “following an assessment of the situation.”

He added: “There are no further instructions to the residents of the Golan Heights area and routine activities continue as normal.”

Israel has long regarded Soleimani as a major threat. In August last year, the military said it had foiled a Quds Force attack, administered by Soleimani, involving multiple drones from Syria.

And Israel accused him of leading

Quds Force efforts to establish a precision-guided missiles programme for Hezbollah.

Israeli media commentators said that ministers in Netanyahu’s rightwing coalition government had been asked not to comment publicly on Soleimani’s killing.

“The goal is clear: not to unnecessarily complicate Israel and keep the message as unified as possible,” said Dana Weiss, chief political analyst for Israel’s Channel 12 news.

But yair Lapid, an opposition lawmaker, congratulated US President Donald Trump on Twitter for killing those responsible for “murderous terrorist acts from Damascus to Buenos Aires” and that Soleimani’s “blood is forfeit.”

Soleimani was Iran’s celebrity soldier, spearhead in Middle East Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, the top commander of the elite Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards, helped Iran fight proxy wars across the Middle east by inspiring militias on the battlefield and negotiating with political leaders.

His death on Friday in a U.S. air strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport marked the end of a man who was a celebrity at home and closely watched by the United States, Israel and Tehran’s regional rival Saudi Arabia.

The Pentagon said the strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans.

Soleimani was responsible for clandestine overseas operations and was often seen on battlefields guiding Iraqi Shi’ite groups in the war against Islamic State.

He was killed along with top Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Both men were seen as heroes in Iran’s fight against its enemies and state television heaped them with praise shortly after their deaths were announced.

The television showed footage of him with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and in war zones in military garb, including as a young high-school graduate commanding a unit in Iran’s war with Iraq in the 1980s.

After that, he rose rapidly through the ranks of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to become chief of the Quds Force, a post in which he helped Iran form alliances in the Middle east as it came under pressure from U.S. sanctions that have devastated the Islamic Republic’s economy.

The United States designated the Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organization in 2019, part of a cam-

paign of maximum pressure to force Iran to negotiate on its ballistic missile program and nuclear policy.

Soleimani had a pointed reply: any negotiation with the U.S. would be “complete surrender.”

Soleimani’s Quds Force shored up support for Syrian President Bashir alAssad when he looked close to defeat in the civil war raging since 2011 and also helped militiamen defeat Islamic State in Iraq.

Its successes have made Soleimani instrumental to the steady spreading of Iran’s clout in the Middle east, which the United States and Tehran’s regional foes Saudi Arabia and Israel have struggled to keep in check.

Khamenei made Soleimani head of the Quds Force in 1998, a position in which he kept a low profile for years while he strengthened Iran’s ties with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Assad’s government, and Shi’ite militia groups in Iraq.

In the past few years, he has ac-

quired a more public standing, with fighters and commanders in Iraq and Syria posting images on social media of him on the battlefield, his beard and hair always impeccably trimmed.

‘WE ARE CLOSE TO YOU’: Soleimani’s growing authority within Iran’s military establishment was apparent in 2019 when Khamenei awarded him the Order of Zolfiqar medal, Iran’s highest military honor. It was the first time any commander had received the medal since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979.

In a statement after Soleimani’s death, Khamenei said harsh revenge awaited the “criminals” who killed him. His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, the Iranian leader said.

“Soleimani is … not a man working in an office. He goes to the front to inspect the troops and see the fighting,” a former senior Iraqi official,

who asked not to be identified, said in an interview in 2014.

“His chain of command is only the Supreme Leader. He needs money, gets money. Needs munitions, gets munitions. Needs material, gets material,” the former Iraqi official said.

Soleimani was also in charge of intelligence gathering and covert military operations carried out by the Quds Force and in 2018 he publicly challenged U.S. President Donald Trump.

“I’m telling you Mr. Trump the gambler, I’m telling you, know that we are close to you in that place you don’t think we are,” said Soleimani, seen wagging an admonishing finger in a video clip distributed online. “you will start the war but we will end it,” he said, with a checkered keffiya draped across the shoulders of his olive uniform.

‘GETS WHAT HE WANTS’: Softlyspoken, Soleimani came from humble beginnings, born into an agricultural family in the town of Rabor in southeast Iran on March 11, 1957.

At 13, he traveled to the town of Kerman and got a construction job to help his father pay back loans, according to a first person account from Soleimani posted by Defa Press, a site focused on the history of Iran’s eight year war with Iraq.

When the revolution to oust the Shah began in 1978, Soleimani was working for the municipal water department in Kerman and organized demonstrations against the monarch.

He volunteered for the Revolutionary Guards and, after war with Iraq broke out in 1980, quickly rose through the ranks and went on to battle drug smugglers on the border with Afghanistan. AGENCIES

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

08 COMMENT

Geopolitics of Balochistan

A rare accord After efforts at consensus building

T

heRe are indications that the Army Act Amendment Bill will sail through the Senate and national Assembly by consensus. The haste shown by PMl-n leader Khawaja Asif to extend unconditional support to the government bill drew negative comments from a cross-section of people. PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took Kh Asif to task for issuing the statement without consulting the rest of the opposition. he maintained that it was the responsibility of the leader of the opposition to unite the components and maintain consensus among its ranks. Mr Bilawal also criticised the government for being confused over how to tackle the issue. While the government had brought a bill in parliament, it was incomprehensible why it had simultaneously moved a petition before the Supreme Court seeking suspension of its earlier judgement related to the CoAS’ service term. According to the PPP chief, had the government taken the opposition on board, the bill could have been passed much earlier without hassle. The PPP, he said, wanted the bill to be passed through due legislative process. on Friday, former prime minister nawaz Sharif also told Kh Asif in a letter that neglecting the rules of procedure on a highly vital issue would not help anyone and an undue hurry in the passage of the Army Act Amendment Bill would create an impression that parliament had become just a rubber stamp.

Sanity prevailed as the PTI agreed to pass the bill through normal legislative process. After presenting the bill in the national Assembly, the lower house was prorogued for a day. The bill was later approved by the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence and would now go to the national Assembly and Senate. This might delay the legislation by a few days, but the law would have the aura of consensus.

A similar procedure should be followed in legislation regarding the nAB law. The nAB Amendment ordinance should also be first referred to the related standing committee where the opposition’s suggestions should also be taken into account. The same pattern needs to be followed in making a law regarding the selection of the members of the election Commission and Chief election Commissioner.

It will play a central role in the New Great Game

DawooD KaKar

B

AloChISTAn has great geopolitical significance regionally and internationally in terms of geostrategy and geo-economics. Balochistan is geopolitically situated at the heart of West Asia, Central Asia and South Asia and is stretched nearest to the northern shores of Strait of hormuz in the Persian Gulf.

Geographically Balochistan is part of Spykman’s Rimland, and major powers need to have control of it. This can be seen in the new Great Game which is the heating economic armed competition of the USA and its nATo partners against the Republic of China, Russia and other SCo members in the resource-wealthy Central Asian region and the Indian ocean. The new Great Game revolves around the geopolitics of Central eurasia, where the issues related to oil and gas are the concern and priority of all states.

Central Asia, being at the centre of eurasia, is at the main focus of the new Great Game, putting the USA against China and Russia, with other players of the region like India, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, also involved. The competition in new Great Game leads the USA to show concerns over the naval maritime expansion of China through Gwadar port in the Indian ocean, while India is also concerned over the presence of China in the Indian ocean. The expansion of the project of Gwadar port at the channel of the Persian Gulf is acknowledged as one of the pieces of Chinese naval expansion on the Asian and African coast which is referred as the ‘pearl necklace’, which indicates China’s progressive geopolitical impact through application of its expansion and link from the South China Sea to

the Strait of Malacca, passing through the Indian ocean, and into the Arabian sea. Balochistan has been dragged into the vortex of the worldwide issues-particularly in context of the new Great Game because the assets of rich Central Asia may remain blocked due to the fight of major powers in the Indian ocean.

Besides, the geostrategic significance of Balochistan can be understood as being because of its geographical positioning near Iran, which has made it vital for the USA’s interests, while its connection with Afghanistan has made it a fundamental player in the global war against terrorism. The bases of Balochistan, like Turbat, Gwadar and Dalbandin, are exceptionally vital for USA if there comes any occurrence of US assault on Iran because of its alleged atomic project and other politically motivated ideological contrasts.

China is interested to recreate the old Silk Road and it has succeeded in making access to Gwadar and warm waters which may help it to hold the control of the Indian ocean. Pakistan is also broadening its horizons to expand the connections to Afghanistan through the border areas of Balochistan via Chaman to Kandahar.

Afghanistan has its regional specific engagements in Balochistan by virtue of being a country that is landlocked and needs to reach the warm waters through Balochistan. The US needs to end the presence of China near the warm water of the Arabian Sea, as was done with the former USSR. The USA is anxious about the probability that Gwadar will be converted to a Chinese naval base in the time ahead and later on the US naval bases will be

close to the naval bases of China. China will be able to use this Gwadar port as an important oceanic station in the mighty Indian ocean to have trade with India and, strategically, to check the US and Indian activities in the ocean.

Pakistan owes its geopolitical importance generally to its biggest region, Balochistan.

Balochistan is also important in the context of geo-economics as Balochistan has a tremendous amount of oil and gas reserves. As well as other minerals like coal, copper, and gold.

According to the Geological Survey of Pakistan, Balochistan has got 25 trillion cubic feet of gas and 6 trillion barrels in unexplored oil resources. The aspiration was that Gwadar port would become a regional business centre for automatic movements starting from boundaries of Central Asian Republics (CARs) to rest of the world, where the vast oil and gas reserves of the CARs may be used and transported to the rest of the world utilising the Gwadar port, as it is believed that 80 per cent of the world’s such trade passes through the Indian ocean.

Gwadar is can be termed a nodal city of the new Silk Road because it connects two landlocked CARs to the energy-hungry China.

Balochistan is also proposed for common gas pipelines that might convey gas from Iran and Turkmenistan to Pakistan and from there conceivably to India. So, Balochistan has vital geopolitical significance and the Pakistani government must reap the best out of it by making rational and effective decisions about it.

Dawood Kakar and can be reached at daudkakar17@gmail.com

The rivalry intensifies The killing of General Soleimani could move the region towards war

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he killing by a US drone strike of Maj Gen Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Iranian Guard Corps’ Quds Force, could be a Sarajevo moment unless all the world’s powers step back from the brink. The sorry tale began when a US contractor was killed by an Iran-backed militia near Kirkuk in a rocket attack. The militia was bombed mercilessly by the USA. That was followed by a 24-hour siege of the US embassy in Baghdad by pro-Iranian militias, which ended on Wednesday afternoon, when the militias withdrew. The USA, it appears, took its revenge on General Soleimani. however, the resemblance in the 1914 assassination of Austria’s heir presumptive, the Archduke Ferdinand, in Sarajevo, is unmistakable. That set off World War I. This assassination has set off alarm bells worldwide, as the USA (and Israel) prepare for retaliation by Iranian and pro-Iranian forces. As the USA and its Gulf allies on one side, and the USA on the other, are teetering on the brink in the Persian Gulf, this just could be the incident that sets off a conflict, just as much as killing of the Archduke Ferdinand set europe on the path to war.

General Soleimani’s killing is enough of a reason for Iran to go to war because he was perhaps more important than his rank suggested. The USA held him responsible for the moves being made against the USA by Iran, and it is possible that Iran may not be able to retaliate without provoking war. As Commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force, he was responsible for foreign operations, including the propping up of the Bashar Al-Assad regime in Syria, which included giving Russia r role there.

Pakistan finds itself one step closer to being drawn into the vortex of Gulf politics, which it has avoided so far.

It is danger of finding itself on the anti-Iranian side in any conflict, not just because of its increasing closeness to the Gulf, but also because of US pressure on it. Unfortunately, one reason for its ties with Iran, that it is a neighbour with a long border, makes it attractive as a military ally against Iran. Then there is a Shia population in Pakistan, which would be alienated by a conflict with it.

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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The myth of ‘liberal Punjab’ Punjab’s workplaces and courts show the reality

areeba Tayyab

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elonGInG to the liberal land of Punjab, our efforts are somewhat nullified because a widely whispered notion is that we are brought up in a “liberal culture” where perhaps we are not facing challenges at all. We present festivity, a hustle and bustle, hyperactive social gatherings and most importantly a way easy life to be a professional given that in Punjab women are more “vocal” and exercise their own rules and regulation. As an antithesis of this widely perceived notion; we are also able to see 50 per cent of cyberharassment happening in Punjab, where we also had 153 cases of workplace harassment. how is it so that women in Punjab (the socalled land of opportunity), still have an infinite amount of troubles and sufferings? Is it easy to be a liberal woman and be shamed every day? Is it a liberal region as others think it to be?

Unfortunately, the independent women are seen as a negative influence on our society. If a woman is working, or has the economic inKarachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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dependence to buy her goods, has the right to speak of what wrong is happening to her, or if she is able to reject things simply because she won’t do it, then she is definitely a wicked one. The khauf-e-khuda (fear of God) is certainly not there in her mind and she is like a devil with no strings attached. These are some of things, which many of my friends and I have to listen while we sit, relax and have a cup of coffee at a decent café. Just by providing women in Punjab a position at an office, or giving them economic independence, the Punjabi society is taking away her right to respect and her right to be understood. We place women on a pedestal, but we also decide their movement and for an inordinate amount of time, do not let them move. Where is then independence being exercised?

A widely whispered notion in Punjab is that you have to lose something in order to get something. This notion is like a malice, maligning young female workers, who are not able to understand if they want a life or want money. In some organisations and educa-

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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tional institutions, women are harassed badly but cannot break the silence because men are harassing in teams, each more lethal than the other.

The purpose is not to highlight or emphasise that it is just Punjab, these are instances happening all around Pakistan in abundance.

There are 53 cases in Sindh, 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and even four in Baluchistan. The question here arises, that in a place which offers so much to women, why majority of the women resign or shift their jobs just because of character assassinations? Molestation, provocation, 206 suicide attempts, do we still consider Punjab a liberal land?

There is no doubt that women’s struggles have gone on for centuries, and that women are strong enough to fight their own way, but the negative aspect now that one has to ponder is the very fact that the vocal women are now called the Wrong Women. The very institutions of enlightenment for young women are now being shattered in the name of associating negative

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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connotations with them. This is the very essence of this beautifully crafted catastrophe.

It is time that we must understand the reality behind this situation. Simply by stating that it is a land offering opportunity to everyone does not prove it at all. There are several instances piled up in the courts and offices, and if they were pursued to their logical conclusion, then perhaps Punjab might be one of the most conservative and limited provinces in many ways.

This is an unfortunate aspect of the problem, as we are now discussing the literate population of Pakistan. Being Pakistanis, we must understand the struggles of Punjabi women and try to understand the reality that is reflected in the very fake but strongly built notions about Punjab. Strong actions and measures should be practised in Punjab so that the empowered women can actually exercise their power with a positive energy.

Areeba Tayyab can be reached at areebasohaail@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

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

‘Quaid was right’

The impact of social media on the world You can’t get away from social media Dr rajKumar Singh

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oCIAl media is a platform for all the people around the world where they can discuss their issues and opinions. everybody is aware about the term social media. It can be defined as “the interaction between individuals and groups in which they produce and share, sometimes exchange ideas, images over virtual communities and internet”. Children are growing up surrounded by interactive social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snap chat, hangout and many others, therefore social media is a vital aspect of their life.

Social media provide health care professionals the opportunity to promote healthy behaviour, to educate the public, engage and interact with patients, colleagues and students.

Positive effects also include support for health-related causes and access to information in developing regions. negative effects can also be caused such as potential breach of privacy and incorrect self-diagnosis.

Social media promotes corporates’ business, associations and brands which influence companions, by making news, to make relations and make groups. You can better understand the customer requirement and promote the business all over the world. It provides rich customer experiences through monitoring and you can gain key information about your competitors. In business, social media isn’t totally hazard free, as negative remarks can lead to an association with disappointment. A mistake made on social media is hard to rectify, which is why negative customer reviews are harmful.

Social media has impact on education: students can easily share information or communicate through various social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, among others. It can be adopted by someone to get positive results in education. Socialising is an important part of growing up, the purpose of which is to socialise and make friends.

It allows the children to exchange ideas and learn new things. Sharing knowledge provides an easy and an effective way in which students can share knowledge and access the information. Updating oneself causes them to refresh their own particular information base.

Students can frequently get the right stage to share their feelings class wanders, group assignments or for help on homework assignments. Students are depending more on the information reachable easily on the web and social networking sites, hence it has reduced learning and research capabilities. Reduction in real human contact also occurs, because the less time they will go through associating face to face with others. This affects and decreases their relational abilities. Time wasting students, while seeking information, end up concentrating on the web and are not able to

deliver their work in the specified time frame working several cases are available where people have committed fraud and scams. as they waste their time.

Social Media also gives youngsters a platA research study carried out that shows 100 per cent youth utilise social media for site form to develop new friendships and develop surfing and 94 per cent for downloading their social circle. Social media also help demusic or movies. In blogging with social net- velop reading and writing skills when a working sites, 59 per cent youth are found to celebrity talks of his or her favourite book. be engaged. 79 per cent are utilising social Teens who use too much social media have lower scores in exams media for chatting purand are simply finding pose and 84 per cent their sexuality. To hanyouth have reported sodle the influence of social networking as their cial media check out the main purpose of usage, movies, music, games, whereas 68 per cent As the technology is TV shows and celebriyouth are reported to ties your child likes. utilise social media for developing, social Kids can be extraordichecking e-mails. networking has turned into a narily influenced. PeoIt has a massive imshare photographs pact on society. Individroutine for every individual ple which contain savagery uals easily mingle on or group, and they depend and sex, which can the Web, and that opens harm the conduct of doors for individuals to on it constantly.

Business children and youngreconnect with their old sters. It’s easy nowacompanions, mates and uses online networking to days to watch YouTube partners anywhere. It upgrade execution in videos on mobiles and has become easy for a we are unaware about person to learn from the different courses to fulfil what the child is watchexperts via the social business goals. Youths are ing. If we monitor a media. Regardless of teen’s choices, it our education backfound diverted by social doesn’t mean we must ground and location we media every day. In ban them from watchcan educate ourselves, ing media, but making without paying for it. organisations wrong them aware of the negaThrough web-based sopromotion will influence the tive influences is cial networking anyone needed. We should ask can inform himself of productivity and false data why he or she likes a the most recent happenparticular celebrity, if ings around on the can lead the training he follows him in real planet. With the help of framework to life and so on. advertising we can proAs the technology is mote our business to the disappointment, as social developing, social netlargest extent of audimedia acts as an invaluable working has turned into ence, or connect coma routine for every indimunities’ different tool for professionals. vidual or group, and religions and beliefs, so Citizens adopt the positive they depend on it conpeople of different stantly. Business uses communities can share aspects of social media online networking to related stuff. and avoid the negative upgrade execution in The increasing dedifferent courses to fulmand of social sites like effects so that we can avail fil business goals.

Facebook, linkedIn the benefits of these Youths are found diand Twitter, and other verted by social media social networks has emerging technologies every day. In organisagained attention choice tions wrong promotion for the article writers, will influence the probloggers and content ductivity and false data creators. It provides an can lead the training open opportunity for all framework to disapbloggers and writers to connect with their clients and share ideas be- pointment, as social media acts as an invaluable tool for professionals. Citizens adopt the yond geographical boundaries.

Cyber-harassing– In a report distributed positive aspects of social media and avoid the

by PewCenter.org, it was shown that young- negative effects so that we can avail the bensters have progressed toward becoming casu- efits of these emerging technologies. alties of the digital bullying of the past. Your Suhail Ahmed can be contacted at: personal information can be hacked and shared on the Internet. Through the online net- suhail.ahmed5321@gmail.com

UnDeR the frenzy hindutva agenda of BJP government, first, the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A and then the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act—blatant antiMuslims moves—India is leading towards chaos and the extremist regime of Modi seems to be hoisted with its own petard. And, this consequently is giving rebirth to the Quaid Azam’s Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s two-nation theory in India.

Those Muslims who were against Jinnah’s movement for a separate Muslim state are now realising their mistake. Briefly, he united a scattered mass into a cohesive block with one voice and one flag where they could achieve political, religious and economic freedom by ridding themselves of hindu dominance and repression. Those who realised this truth include Mehbooba Mufti, a former chief minister of Indianoccupied Jammu and Kashmir, who recently tweeted: ‘Decision of Jammu and Kashmir leadership to reject twonation theory in 1947 and align with India has backfired’.

Such faith-related malicious shenanigans to marginalise Muslims is making India an apartheid state like Israel. India’s akhand Bharat expansionism move is a vivid replication of Israel’s Zionism. In 1971, after fall of Dhaka, Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi had boasted when she said: “Today, we’ve sunk Jinnah’s two-nation theory in the Bay of Bengal”.

But, contrary to her whim, life has come full circle. Given the nationwide riots and protestations across India post-CAA and evident remorse of Indian Muslims over their opposition to Jinnah’s theory vindicate our great Quaid’s vision and theory and shrieking that ‘Quaid was right’...!

ZAhiD ALi BEhrAm Gilgit-Baltistan

Extension in winter break The climax of the winter season is almost at hand. Weather forecasters are of the opinion that a new ‘wave’ of frigidity (cold) is going to batter Pakistan on the 3rd of January.

Prospects are that this will mark the climax of the winter season. But the government is yet to make an official announcement on the extension of holidays. It sounds ridiculous that the holidays are coming to an end before the start, you may say, of the zenith of frigidity, frost, heavy rains and cold. The smog phenomenon has already made the masses susceptible to innumerable health issues.

Students going to schools/colleges/universities in this season may worsen the situation, we all know that frightful things happen when the cold penetrates into your flesh and bones. It may result in the outbreak of several health issues like flu, pneumonia, severe lung and nasal infections, cold sours and obviously common colds. Therefore, the government ought to extend the winter holidays. m A QASmi Chiniot

Complaint for load-shedding ThRoUGh your esteemed paper, I would like to draw the attention of K-electric to the troubles and losses suffered by people due to load-shedding in our area. load-shedding affects all kinds of work, whether at home, in shops, or in industries. however, students and patients are the worst-hit groups. A few months ago, the electric supply was improved. But now loadshedding is not infrequent. We often hear of the promises of improved supply. But these promises are falsely mouthed. This bane has become the way of life. This may ruin the progress and prosperity of the state and the happiness of her people. In the circumstances, I would, therefore, earnestly request the authorities concerned to put an end to this problem. hoping for a positive response by the concerned authorities.

SAnA KhAn Karachi

Problems of smoking ThRoUGh the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of your daily readers to the most widespread habit of today, smoking. It is generally believed that smoking is cool. But, we do not know that smoking moves both us and others towards death. According to the Who, a person who smokes one pack of cigarettes a day produces one cup of tar over his respiratory tract, which causes cancer and other severe diseases. A smoker does not keep the smoke to their own self, but envelops other people in it. Smoking also pollutes the environment. A good decision taken by the government was to impose tax at the rate of Rs10 per pack of 20 cigarettes but it seems to have been ignored. It’s my request to the Ministry of health that it should take some serious steps to curb the issue. mohSin SALEEm Karachi

An inspirational drama We have watched many dramas about struggle, knowledge, biographic and mostly inspirational, but this on-going drama Ehd-e-wafa containing different kind of theme for every individual. In this drama students can get to know about Inter services selection board (ISSB), which is one of competitive exams. By having inspirational theme, it attracts immense people and become the worth-watching drama. If I talk about myself, I did not know about ISSB but by watching this drama now I know each and every step of this. I suggest all students to watch every episode of Ehd-e-wafa drama on their free time.

SAmEEr UmrAni malir

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

10 FOREIGN NEWS

Greece, Israel and cyprus call Turkey's planned lIbya deploymenT 'danGerous escalaTIon' ATHENS

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AGENCIES

URKey’S bill allowing troop deployment in Libya marks a dangerous escalation in the North African country’s civil war and severely threatens stability in the region, a joint statement by Greece, Israel and Cyprus said late on Thursday.

“This decision constitutes a gross violation of the UNSC resolution…imposing an arms embargo in Libya and seriously undermines the international community’s efforts to find a peaceful, political solution to the Libyan conflict,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said in the statement.

On Thursday, Turkey’s parliament passed a bill approving a military deployment to Libya aimed at shoring up the UN-backed government in Tripoli, at a time of intensifying international tensions over the conflict.

The beleaguered Tripoli government has been under sustained attack since April by military strongman General Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by Turkey’s regional rivals — Saudi Arabia, egypt and the United Arab emirates. egypt strongly condemned the Turkish vote, saying it amounted to a “flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolutions on Libya”.

President Recep Tayyip erdogan

spoke with his US counterpart Donald Trump by phone on Thursday to discuss the situation in Libya, his office said. He is due to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin next Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, and Libya is expected to be a key topic of discussion. erdogan has repeatedly accused Russia of sending private mercenaries to support Haftar’s forces, though this has been denied by Moscow.

However, Turkey and Russia have managed to work closely on the Syrian

conflict despite supporting opposing sides, and are expected to seek a similar balancing act with regards to Libya. erdogan’s office confirmed last Friday that a request for military support had been received from the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).

No details have been given on the scale of the potential deployment, and Vice-President Fuat Oktay told state news agency Anadolu on Wednesday that no date had yet been set.

“We are ready. Our armed forces and

our defence ministry are ready,” he said, adding that parliamentary approval would be valid for a year. He described the parliament motion as a “political signal” aimed at deterring Haftar’s army.

“After it passes, if the other side changes its attitude and says, ‘OK, we are withdrawing, we are abandoning our offensive,’ then what should we go there for?” The bill passed easily through Turkey’s parliament, by 325 votes to 184.

“The Libyan motion is important for the protection of the interests of our coun-

Turkish operator says Ghosn used its jets illegally in escape from Japan

ISTANBUL/TOKYO AGENCIES

A Turkish private jet operator said on Friday that ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn used two of its planes illegally in his escape from Japan, with an employee falsifying lease records to exclude his name from the documents.

MNG Jet said it had filed a criminal complaint

over the incident, a day after Turkish police detained seven people, including four pilots, as part of an investigation into Ghosn’s passage through Istanbul en route to Lebanon.

Ghosn has become an international fugitive after he revealed on Tuesday he had fled to Lebanon to escape what he called a “rigged” justice system in Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes.

Lebanon on Thursday received an Interpol arrest warrant for Ghosn, whose surprise escape from his home in Tokyo to a separate home in Beirut has not been fully explained.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing investigative sources, said a surveillance camera captured the former Nissan Motor Co chairman leaving his Tokyo residence alone shortly before his escape.

The security footage was taken by a camera installed at his house in central Tokyo around noon on Sunday, and the camera did not show him returning home, NHK said.

By early Monday, he had touched down in Istanbul.

MNG Jet said in its statement it leased two jets to two different clients in agreements that “were seemingly not connected to each other.”

One plane flew from Osaka to Istanbul, the other from Istanbul to Beirut.

“The name of Mr Ghosn did not appear in the official documentation of any of the flights,” it said.

“After having learnt through the media that the leasing was benefiting Mr. Ghosn and not the officially declared passengers, MNG Jet launched an internal inquiry and filed a criminal complaint in Turkey,” it added.

An employee admitted to falsifying the records and confirmed he “acted in his individual capacity,” the company said.

try and for the peace and stability of the region,” Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted after the vote.

RUSSIA CONNECTION: A UN report in November said several countries were violating the arms embargo on Libya in place since the overthrow of its long-time dictator Muammar Qadhafi in 2011.

Jordan and the UAe regularly supply Haftar’s forces, it said, while Turkey supports the GNA. Turkish and emirati drones were spotted in Libyan skies during clashes over the summer.

“We’re supporting the internationally recognised legitimate government in Libya. Outside powers must stop supporting illegitimate groups against the Libyan government,” erdogan’s communications director Fahrettin Altun tweeted last week.

Turkey has used its alliance with the Tripoli government to advance other interests. It signed a military cooperation agreement with the GNA during a visit by its leader, Fayez al-Sarraj, to Istanbul in November.

But they also signed a maritime jurisdiction agreement giving Turkey rights to large swathes of the Mediterranean where gas reserves have recently been discovered. The agreement drew international criticism, particularly from Greece which says it ignores its own claims to the area.

Analysts say Ankara was responding to being frozen out of regional energy deals, notably the “east Mediterranean Gas Forum”, formed this year by Cyprus, Greece, egypt, Israel, Jordan, Italy and the Palestinian territories.

Muslim activist detained for protesting against India's controversial citizenship law gets bail A court in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Friday granted bail to Muslim human rights activist and Congress worker, Sadaf Jafar, and many others for protesting against the controversial citizenship law. According to Hindustan Times, they are thrown in jail after being arrested on Dec 19 in Lucknow for protesting against the law. Hazratganj Town police had booked Jafar and others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 and the Criminal Law (Amendment ) Act, 1932. However, when a petition was filed in the Allahabad High Court for quashing the FIR against Jafar, calling her arrest as illegal, the high court asked the state government to file its reply within two weeks.

Reacting to Jafar’s arrest, Congress’ General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had lashed out at UP government saying it has “crossed all limits of inhumanity”. “The police have put Sadaf in jail by making baseless allegations,” Gandhi tweeted on Sunday as she reached Jafar’s house to meet her family members. More than 100 people, with the majority of them belonging to Islam, were arrested after the Dec 19 protests. NEWS DESK

Australia urges people to flee as fires set to surge at weekend BATEMANS BAY/SYDNEY AGENCIES

Authorities urged Australians on Friday to evacuate parts of the eastern states of Victoria and New South Wales to escape bushfires they fear are set to burn out of control this weekend.

In a harbinger of the searing conditions expected, a number of fires burnt out of control in South Australia as temperatures topped 40 degrees C (104 F) across much of the state and strong winds fanned flames.

Victoria declared a state of disaster across areas home to about 100,000 people, with authorities urging people to evacuate before a deterioration expected on Saturday. “If they value their safety they must leave,” Michael Grainger of the state’s police emergency responders told reporters. “I’d suggest personal belongings are of very, very little value in these circumstances.

“These are dire circumstances, there is

no doubt.” At the summer holiday peak, authorities have advised tens of thousands of holidaymakers and residents to leave national parks and tourist areas on the south coast of New South Wales, where a weeklong state of emergency has been called.

A death confirmed on Friday takes the state’s toll this week to eight. Two people have died in Victoria, and 28 are unaccounted for.

In Victoria, naval vessels Choules and Sycamore started evacuations of about a quarter of the 4,000 people stranded on a beach in the isolated town of Mallacoota.

With roads blocked, sea transport and some airlifts are the only way out of the stricken town, although heavy smoke prevented flights on Friday. People in the fire-devastated New South Wales town of Cobargo angrily confronted Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a visit on Thursday, with one shouting that the leader should be “ashamed of himself” and had “left the country to burn”.

Morrison’s conservative govern-

ment has long drawn criticism for not doing enough to battle climate change as a cause of Australia’s savage drought and fires.

This season’s fires have scorched more than 5.25 million hectares (13 mil-

lion acres) of bushland, with 1,365 homes destroyed in New South Wales alone, including 449 this week on the south coast. * Weather officials on Friday rated the danger from fire “very high” to “extreme” in most districts in South Aus-

tralia, with a similar outlook for New South Wales and Victoria on Saturday. * Please click on links to see maps posted on Twitter by emergency services in both states to predict the spread of fires on Saturday: bit.ly/2QnjU9L and bit.ly/2sL7dfR * The head of the opposition Labor Party demanded a national response. “We haven’t, in my lifetime, had people on beaches waiting to be evacuated in life jackets…like it’s a peacetime version of something that we have seen during wartime,” Anthony Albanese told a news conference. * Since Monday, wildfires have killed ten people in New South Wales and Victoria, with 28 still missing in the latter. * Police and emergency officials urged tourists to leave the south coast and Snowy Mountains of New South Wales because of dangerous fire conditions, and set a Friday deadline of 10 a.m. (2300 GMT Thursday) to leave Kosciuszko National Park.

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

BUSINESS 11

GDA DEMANDS RS2BN to PAy oFF LiABiLitiES RELAtED to wAtER SuPPLy

CORPORATE CORNER

ISLAMABAD

KARACHI: Anis Naviwala, Chairman of the clothing brand Zeen, inaugurates new outlet at Dolmen Mall. PRESS RElEASE

FBR’s Benami Authority barred from taking action against Arif Habib Ltd ISLAMABAD SHAHZAD PARACHA

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday barred the Benami Transaction Adjudicating Authority of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from taking any action against Arif Habib Limited with regard to alleged shareholding in Benami companies. The court, while issuing notices to the authority, summoned its officials on January 14, 2020. FBR’s BTAA had served notices to Arif Habib Limited under the Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 2017, with regard to shareholding in four Benami companies. Arif Habib remained unavailable to comment on the issue despite repeated attempts.

Dual nationals shortlisted for SNGPL MD’s position ISLAMABAD AHMAD AHMADANI

The Petroleum Division has recommended the names of two dual nationals for the important position of managing director/chief executive officer of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Pakistan Today has learnt.

According to details, the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) has already prepared a summary, to be submitted to the prime minister, for the appointment of SNGPL MD. The important position was lying vacant for almost a year.

Documents available with this scribe disclosed that the SNGPL's Human Resource and Nomination Committee had carried out the interviews of the 15 shortlisted candidates and after due deliberations, the company's board recommended three names to the federal government. Power Minister Omar Ayub Khan and Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Petroleum Nadeem Babar had also endorsed the nominations. Out of the three shortlisted candidates, two were found to be dual nationals, while one candidate, Ali Javed Hamdani, was made chief executive officer (CEO) of National Power Parks Management Company (Private) Limited (NPPMC) by the government two months ago. The advertisement for the position of MD/CEO SNGPL was published on September 8, 2019. In order to shortlist the candidates for the position of SNGPL MD/CEO, the SNGPL board had engaged the services of Sidat Hyder Morshed Association (Pvt) Limited – an HR consultant/headhunter firm, which received a total of 115 applications against the advertised position. The headhunter firm, as per the approved criteria and as per the Public Sector Companies (Appointment of Chief Executive) Guidelines, 2015, shortlisted 15 candidates for the MD’s position. The nomination committee took interviews of 15 shortlisted candidates and subsequently recommended Amer Tufail, Ali Javed Hamdani, and Sohail Gulzar to the Petroleum Division. According to documents, Amer Tufail is an Accountant by profession and has vast experience mainly in the areas of finance and financial management. The candidate has a dual nationality, which was acquired prior to his joining SNGPL. Likewise, Sohail Gulzar is a Chemical Engineer and has 33 years of experience with SNGPL at varied positions. The candidate acquired Canadian residency permit during his service in SNGPL. As per the sources, appointment of dual nationals on important government slots was against the ruling of the apex court.

They claimed that a powerful lobby [in SNGPL] has allegedly ensured shortlisting of dual nationals for MD’s position in an apparent bid to delay the final appointment and to run the company on ad hoc basis.

A

GHUlAM ABBAS

LTHOUGH the government intends to transform Gwadar into an international trade hub under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the port city still lacks necessities like fresh water, electricity and internet.

Senate's Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was informed on Friday that in order to realise the dream of making Gwadar a smart city, the provision of electricity and high-speed internet was a prerequisite, and that neither were available at present.

Apart from electricity and internet, the availability of fresh water was also an issue in the Gwadar, which, according to the government, would soon become "an economic gateway for Pakistan" under the multibillion-dollar CPEC framework.

Giving a briefing to the committee on Gwadar Master Plan, Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Director General Shahzeb K Kakar said that at least Rs2 billion were required for the payment of liabilities and completion of the internal water distribution project (Phase-II).

The committee directed the concerned ministry to expedite its work in this regard and look into

ELECTRICITY, HIGH-SPEED INTERNET STILL A DISTANT DREAM FOR PROPOSED SMART CITY IN GWADAR the availability of funds to see if they could be reappropriated from other heads and given to GDA. During the committee meeting, which was chaired by Senator Agha Shahzaib Khan Durran, it was observed that Gwadar's connectivity with the rest of the country through road network as well as railway lines was of paramount importance. The chair directed Pakistan Railways to give a detailed briefing on the current position, impediments and long-term plans on the prospects of the same.

The GDA DG informed the meeting that the Gwadar Master Plan has two elements; Gwadar City and the Gwadar Port.

"Our effort is to ensure sustainable development in the city and recommend means and interventions to develop Gwadar as a special economic district," he said. "With the competitive advantage that Gwadar enjoys, tourism, public-private partnerships, industrial development

Uber's acquisition of Careem closes; CCP yet to approve it for Pakistan ISLAMABAD: San Francisco based ride-hailing company Uber on Friday confirmed the official close of the previously announced acquisition of Middle Eastern company Careem for $3.1 billion. Careem Networks FZ-LLC has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uber, preserving its brand.

In March 2019, Uber had announced that it has reached an agreement with Careem for Uber to acquire Careem for $3.1 billion, consisting of $1.7 billion in convertible notes and $1.4 billion in cash. This acquisition of Careem is subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

It is notable that the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is yet to decide on whether or not to allow this acquisition to proceed in the country. The initial stance by CCP was that this move will create an environment of lesser competition in the market and will, therefore, will not be suitable for the country’s ride-hailing industry.

As per a letter issued by CCP in August 2019, "…the commission finds that the proposed transaction is likely to substantially lessen competition through the creation or strengthening of a dominant position in the relevant market. Accordingly, a Phase-II is hereby initiated under Section 11 (6) of the Competition Act." CCP had also moved to phase III review for the proposed merger which only rarely happens and for cases that fail to reach a conclusion within the first review by CCP. The final verdict of the commission and therefore the consequences for the companies in Pakistan are yet to be seen.

As per the terms of the original agreement,

Careem co-founder and CEO Mudassir Sheikha will continue to lead the Careem business, which will report to a board made up of three representatives from Uber and two representatives from Careem. Careem and Uber will operate their respective regional services and independent brands. With the closing of the deal, Uber has acquired Careem’s mobility, delivery, and payments businesses across the greater Middle East region, with major markets including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The regulatory approval process in Pakistan, Qatar, and Morocco is ongoing and the transaction will not close in these territories until approvals from the legal authorities responsible are obtained.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said: “I’m looking forward to seeing even more innovation from Careem, as they continue to operate independently under their current leadership. Working in parallel, our two platforms will be able to build upon the unique strengths of each, to the benefit of drivers, riders, and the cities we serve across the greater Middle East.”

Mudassir Sheikha said: "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Careem. The journey that we started almost a decade ago to simplify the lives of people in the greater Middle East is far from over. Joining forces with Uber accelerates that journey as we become the region's everyday super app. We are excited to take Careem to new heights alongside Uber, who appreciates the significant regional opportunity, is supportive of our values and culture, and believes in the purpose that drives us." SYEDA MASOOMA

AdTech startup Screen-IT raises $250,000 in seed funding LAHORE: Digital advertising startup Screen-IT raised $250,000 in seed funding from Germanybased Coeus Solutions. Screen-IT CEO Hamza Malik told Profit that Coeus Solutions has agreed to invest $250,000 in the startup. The signing ceremony was held at the Pakistan Information Technology Board (PITB) office at Arfa Karim Tower where Coeus Solutions COO Muhammad Ahsan Naeem entered into a contract with Screen-IT owners, pledging funds for the startup.

Screen-IT, which is in incubation at the Plan9 tech-incubator of the Punjab government, is the first of its kind AdTech (advertising technology) platform providing Digital Out of Home (D-OOH) advertising through the use of remote marketing technology. The startup has been in existence for a few months only.

"We launched in July 2019 and have now reached weekly revenue of Rs200,000," said Hamza. TAIMOOR HASSAN

etc. would be facilitated to the maximum."

Elaborating further, he said under the plan, around 4,000 acres were earmarked for old town area, 22,000 acres for residential area, 19,000 acres industrial area for east bay, 10,000 acres joint cantonment area, 4,000 acres for airport, 2,000 acres for commercial area, 3,000 acres for central business district and 4,000 acres were reserved for recreational area on the western bay.

According to the DG, a technical committee and a steering committee had worked on the master plan, which was subsequently approved

by GDA, adding that the plan included inception report, diagnostic report, alternative plan report and integrated report.

"Short-term priority will be the development of IT systems, medium-term will be to address challenges in the way of sustainable development, and long-term priority will be to achieve the goal of smart city," he added.

The committee was informed that the port city would ensure long-term benefits and revenue for the country, but it has many prerequisites attached to it. "Multiple steps are needed to be taken to attract investment as well as make the population prosperous," the GD maintained.

The meeting was attended by Senators Shaheen Khalid Butt, Gianchand, Kauda Babar, Usman Khan Kakar and Mir Kabeer Shahi.

‘Efforts underway to streamline real estate, jewellery sectors’ Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi said that there were some areas in the real estate business where an effective evaluation was required. Talking to a private news channel, he said apart from the real estate sector, the documentation of gems & jewellery industry would also be ensured in the near future. On a query, he said that tax worth Rs2,080 billion was collected during the last six months of the FY20. “Out of the total, approximately Rs71 billion were collected from five export-oriented sectors.” He said the government would soon introduce a “Point of Sales” system in restaurants, as 16pc general sales tax was not being transferred to the concerned department. BUSINESS DESK

Recent tariff adjustments not entirely applicable on consumers: KE K-Electric has reiterated that media reports regarding ‘more than Rs4 hike in consumer bills’ were misleading. According to the KE spokesperson, “Some news channels and publications have ‘incorrectly’ quoted a figure of more than Rs4 hike in the consumers’ monthly bills. Only the Ministry of Energy (MoE) has the authority to notify as to how much will be passed on to the consumer and over which period of time that amount is to be billed. “As per the normal procedure, any increase is spread over a period of months so as to alleviate any burden on the end consumer.” NEPRA regulates and governs the tariff structure and sets the tariff for all distribution companies, including K-Electric, as per the Uniform Tariff Policy, under which electricity rates were the same throughout the country, the spokesperson clarified. BUSINESS DESK

Musk defies skeptics, meets Tesla delivery goal; shares hit record Tesla Inc beat Wall Street estimates for annual vehicle deliveries and met the low-end of its own target, sending shares to a record high in a vindication for Chief Executive Elon Musk after a few turbulent years.

Boosted by demand for its mass-produced Model 3 sedans as overseas sales pick up, Tesla on Friday said it delivered 112,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter, including 92,550 Model 3s and 19,450 Model S/X SUVs, which was above ex-

pectations of 104,960 vehicles, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

The Silicon Valley carmaker delivered approximately 367,500 vehicles during all of 2019, just meeting the low end of its target to deliver 360,000 to 400,000 vehicles in 2019.

Tesla shares were up as much as 5.5pc at $454, touching a record high.

The stock has had a strong run in recent months after posting a rare profit in

the latest quarter and news of China ramp up. With a market valuation of more than $80 billion, Tesla is far outstripping those of traditional carmakers General Motors Co and Ford Motor Co. The delivery results defy skeptics of Musk, whose mercurial behavior over the last two years came under close scrutiny from federal regulators and shareholders of Tesla.

Musk, who has more than 30 million

Twitter followers, has a history of firing off tweets that resulted in an investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and a defamation trial against him.

The Tesla CEO settled the SEC complaint for $20 million in 2018 and a Los Angeles jury cleared Musk in the defamation case in December. “Elon has Tesla executing right on track,” said Roth Capital Partners analyst Craig Irwin.

CHINA RAMP-UP: Tesla also provided

an update on its Shanghai factory, which has started churning out Model 3 cars. It said the plant demonstrated a production run-rate capability of more than 3,000 units per week.

The run-rate shows that the factory appears to be ramping faster than expected, Baird Equity Research analyst Ben Kallo said. “Shanghai deliveries should be the next catalyst to drive volume growth.” AGENCIES

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

12 BUSINESS

PM PERFoRMS GRouNDBREAKiNG oF ALLAMA iqBAL iNDuStRiAL City FAISALABAD

SNGPL to expand gas network in KP BUSINESS DESK In order to overcome the UFG (Unaccounted for Gas) losses in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited has planned a project to extend and rehabilitate its legal network under 14 sales meter stations which will include laying of a gas network in villages of Karak, Kohat and Hangu districts and rehabilitation of the existing network. The total distribution network would be 2,677kms and the total cost of the project would be Rs9 billion. In the first phase, the company would lay approximately 512km network which would cover 48 villages under SMS’s Chokara, Karak, Shakardara and Hangu with total perspective consumers of around 19,000.

The physical work will commence after its formal inauguration by KP chief minister and federal petroleum minister on 4th Jan. Successful completion of first phase will decide the completion of remaining project.

December uS factory activity weakest in a decade The US manufacturing sector contracted in December by the most in more than a decade with order volumes crashing to near an 11-year low and factory employment falling for a fifth straight month, according to an industry report released on Friday. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its index of national factory activity fell to 47.2 last month from 48.1 in November. It was the lowest reading since June 2009 and thwarted expectations for a leveling off in the pace of decline in a sector buffeted by the US-China trade war. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector and a reading below 50 indicates contraction. Economists polled

by Reuters had been looking for a tick up to 49.0. The manufacturing sector had been under pressure for much of the second half of 2019, as tit-for-tat tariffs between Washington and Beijing slowed the flow of goods between the world’s two largest economies and contributed to a cooling in the pace of global economic growth. Last month, the sides announced they had reached agreement on a Phase 1 deal that appears to have eased tensions for now, and Trump this week said the accord would be signed on Jan 15 in Washington. Still, the deal appears to have been reached too late in the month to have fueled the hoped-for reversal in the factory sector’s slowdown. Key sub-indexes of activity in the ISM series notched multi-year lows last month. ISM’s employment index fell to 45.1 in December from 46.6 in November, the lowest reading since January 2016. And new orders dropped to 46.8, the lowest since April 2009, from 47.2. The prices paid index, however, registered its first reading above 50 since May, rising to 51.7 from 46.7 the month before. AGENCIES

P

STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN’s special economic zones (SEZs) will provide Chinese industries with the requisite environment to relocate to Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan said after performing the groundbreaking of the Allama Iqbal Industrial City in Faisalabad on Friday.

"There are many industries that wish to relocate from China. We are yet to provide them with the ideal environment to relocate to Pakistan.

This special economic zone is the environment that China seeks," said the prime minister. "China's Premier Li had said clearly that if we provide them with the right environment, they will push Chinese industries to Pakistan."

Allama Iqbal Industrial City, meant for housing foreign and local

IMRAN KHAN SAYS SEZS WILL PROVIDE CHINESE COMPANIES REQUISITE ENVIRONMENT TO RELOCATE TO PAKISTAN investors besides giving impetus to economic activities in the country, is a mega project of the special economic zone of Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Terming industrialisation as a major source of employment generation in the country, the PM said that the pace of industrialisation in Pakistan was very fast in the 1960s, but unfortunately, this momentum was lost due to policies adopted in 1970s.

Underscoring the need to change national mindset regarding industrialisation, the PM maintained that money-making and

wealth creation were not bad things for the society.

He said Pakistan also needed to enhance its agricultural productivity as it would help the farmers gain maximum benefit of the favourable land and climate conditions in the country. Tourism is another sector which has a lot of potential that needs harnessing, he added.

PM Imran further stressed the need to impart technical skills and education to the country’s youth in order to increase their employability.

Earlier, the premier inaugurated the first shelter home in Faisalabad as part of the government's Panahgah initiative. He was accompanied by

PIAF concerned as big industry contracts for 11th consecutive month

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

The premier toured the shelter home to review the facilities being provided by the government to homeless people and received a briefing by the administration.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had last week directed the chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to take steps to provide temporary shelters and food to every person in their respective province in the wake of extreme and harsh cold weather.

“Given the extremely cold weather conditions, I have asked CMs of Punjab and KP to ensure that no person is left out without a shelter; and their administrations must take immediate action to provide temporary shelters plus food for those who cannot be accommodated in existing Panahgahs (shelter homes),” wrote the prime minister on his official Twitter account.

Cotton arrivals fall 20pc to 8.1m bales MULTAN APP

LAHORE ONlINE

Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has raised serious concerns over the continuous decline in the largescale manufacturing index (LSMI), stressing the need for a 'National Industrial Growth Strategy' in the country.

"The 7.97pc drop in October's LSM reflects overall economic slowdown across the industry in the ongoing fiscal year," PIAF said in a statement.

PIAF Chairman Mian Nauman Kabir said that the government had set LSM target of 3.1pc for the year 2019-20, which it may not be able to achieve due to the poor performance of major industries in the first four months of FY20.

Quoting the figures, he said that the LSM Index had shrunk by 6.48pc in the first four months of FY20. "It is unfortunate that LSM, which constitutes 80pc of manufacturing and about 11pc of the overall GDP, had recorded negative growth for eleven

months in a row," he lamented.

According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the growth of big industries, including food, beverages, pharmaceutical, chemical, fertilisers, leather, automobiles and steel, had declined during 4MFY20.

The overall economic slowdown in the country led to lower Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) expenditures compared to last year, deceleration in the private construction activities, and consumer spending on durable goods.

Seed cotton (Phutti) equivalent to 8.13 million bales reached ginneries across Pakistan till Jan 1, 2020, registering 20.77pc shortfall compared to corresponding period of last year. Out of the total arrivals, over 7.96 million bales have undergone the ginning process, according to a fortnightly report released to media by Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) on Friday. Arrivals in Punjab were recorded at 4.69 million bales while the same in Sindh stood at over 3.44 million bales. Total sold out bales were recorded at over 7 million, including 6.98 million bales bought by textile mills and another 54,630 bales by exporters. Over one million bales were still lying with the ginneries as unsold stock. Sanghar district of Sindh continued to remain on top with cotton arrival figures of over 1.1 million bales. The report does not include cotton arrival figures from districts of Kasur and Sargodha. Fortnightly flow or the cotton arrival in terms of bales at ginning factories in the last fortnight of Dec 2019 was recorded at 278,288 bales. As many as 304 ginning factories remained operational in the country, including 54 in Sindh and 250 in Punjab.

Oil prices surge, markets sit up, PSX falters after Gen Soleimani’s death ABDULLAH NIAZI International markets, prices of oil and gold, and trends in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) all faced a shakeup in the wake of the killing of Iran's top military leader, Major General Qassim Soleimani, in a strike authorised by the United States near Baghdad airport, causing concerns regarding regional and economic stability.

Oil prices jumped by more than 4pc on Friday, as tensions in the Middle East, which would inevitably involve Pakistan on some level or the other, have sent the price of Brent oil, the international benchmark, surging to nearly $70 a barrel in the early hours of Hong Kong trading — an increase of $3 — after the Pentagon said President Trump had authorized the strike that killed General Soleimani. West Texas Intermediate, the American oil benchmark, rose to nearly $64 a barrel, or $2.50 higher.

This has been the highest price that Brent oil has hit since September 17, as fears of even greater escalation rose after Iran’s Grand Ayatollah Khamenei swore “harsh retaliation” by the neighbouring country would retaliate against the US swiftly.

BULL-RUN ENDS AT PSX AS WORLD MARKETS REACT TO THE SIGNIFICANT ESCALATION IN MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS The Pakistani Stock Exchange (PSX), which had soared to a 14-month high on Thursday, saw a turn in fortunes after many days, closing lower by 157 points on Friday after the news of the strike.

Pakistan finds itself between a rock and a hard place after it had recently shown in the Islamic summit in Malaysia, that it was associating itself with the Saudi Arabia, a long-term, sworn enemy of Iran. However, Iran's status as a neighbouring country, trade partner, and supporter of the Kashmir and Palestine causes would make it harder for Pakistan’s foreign policy to continue to try and teeter on the edges.

Back in February 2019, the now-deceased Gen Soleimani had cautioned Pakistan against the true intentions behind Saudi Arabia’s pumping of billions of dollars into its troubled economy, saying the Riyadh regime is after breaking the Asian state apart by pitting it against its neighbours. No response has come from Pak-

istan, but sporadic protests have erupted across the country organised by members of the Shia community. It is also feared that the killing and any stance that Pakistan takes on the ensuing fallout, might stoke sectarian tensions within the country. The late general had in the course of his career in Syria, also overseen the Liwa Zainebiyoun, a pro-government brigade fighting in Syria composed of Shia Pakistanis. The voluntary brigade draws recruits from Shia Pakistanis living in Iran, and native Shia of Parachinar and KhyberPakhtunkhwa. It was formed and trained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and operates under their command.

The Economic Times also reported a similar trend in India, saying that Dalal Street had its ears up after the strike, threatens to not only derail India’s bull market but also disturb the government’s fiscal arithmetic, should it lead to a spike in crude oil prices as is being speculated.

“The news of the US strike killing

Qassem Soleimani is very significant, as he was extremely close to the Iranian Supreme Leader. Iran will certainly retaliate. Oil is likely to be on the boil. It’s bad news for large oil-importing countries, especially those like India, which run large trade and current account deficits,” said Ajay Bodke, CEO-PMS, Prabhudas Lilladher.

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that analysts have warned that the strike would be interpreted by Iran as an act of war, and increases the prospect of volatility in Iran and Iraq, two major oil producers.

By noon in Hong Kong, the price of Brent crude oil had come down from a peak to settle around a six-month high of $68.44 a barrel, however, the initial jump in prices was among the largest since an attack on a critical Saudi oil installation in September that temporarily knocked out 5pc of the world’s oil supply.

The killing of Soleimani has cut short what was supposed to be a holiday week for most traders, many of whom will be cutting the holidays short and call-in for an emergency risk meeting. Olivier Jakob, managing director of oil consult-

ants Petromatrix, has said that “the killing of Soleimani calls for a serious increase of the geopolitical risk premium.”

Meanwhile, Helima Croft, a former CIA analyst who heads up commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, said that the strikes increased risks for US oil companies such as ExxonMobil and Chevron that are active in Iraq, should Iran retaliate.

European markets are also bracing for impact, while Wall Street looks set to take the biggest hit, according to trading in the futures markets. On Thursday, Wall Street finished the first day of trading in 2020 at an all-time high. Futures trading showed that it could fall by as much as 1pc when it opens again on Friday.

In other markets, investments that are considered safe havens for parking money, such as gold or currencies like Japan’s yen, gained strength. As such, gold prices climbed to a four-month high on Friday as spot gold rose 1pc to $1,543.66 per ounce. The precious metal is typically seen as a safe investment in times of political and economic uncertainties, and the price was further supported by a decline in the US dollar index.

our ToP PiCKs froM DraMas you CaN biNGe-WaTCh eveN iN 2020 We have been struck with some amazing dramas this year. From thrilling mysteries to romantic storylines, there has been some diverse content on-air for the audiences on television.

Chances are, you had also been waiting for the holiday season to catch up on the hidden gems that you might’ve missed. So, we have gathered a list for you, with some of the best-reviewed dramas that aired throughout the year 2019, and garnered critical acclaim as well as the audience’s praises. By Rohama Riaz

bharosa Pyar Tera

Mera rab Waris

Dil-e-GuMshuDa

Making it to the top of our list, ‘Bharosa Pyar Tera’ was the most praised show of the year for its writing, performance, and emotional story.

The drama also went on to emerge as the number 1 TV show across all Pakistan towards the end of the show’s airing. Featuring Komal Aziz and Adeel Chaudhry in the lead cast, the drama portrayed how a loving couple is separated because of misunderstandings & mistrust.

Starring heartthrob Danish Taimoor and beautiful Madiha Imam in the lead roles, Mera Rab Waris had well-drawn characters and a unique storyline that kept us hooked. If you are looking for some end of the year reflection with an exciting plot, as well as the right message, Mera Rab Waris will make for the perfect watch.

This blockbuster was praised for everythingfrom its writing to performances, the tale of love and regret was rated high on charts throughout its run. Starring Hina Altaf, Agha Ali, Amar Khan, and Mirza Zain Baig, the story is so addicting that you’d be hooked in a few episodes.

Khaas

CheeKh

Kaisa hai NaseebaN

Starring Ali Rehman and Sanam Baloch, Khaas was a significant hit this year and a must-watch serial. Portraying the difficulties of being married to a narcissistic person, Khaas garnered a lot of praise for its realistic portrayal of an unhappy marriage that only brings you pain.

Highlighting the ills related to the concept and rituals of the dowry system, Kaisa Hai Naseeban, was another widely appreciated serial. The drama starring Muneeb Butt and Ramsha Khan The crime drama Cheekh featuring Saba in the lead roles also brought to light how prevaQamar, Bilal Abbas Khan, and Aijaz Aslam lent marital abuse is in our society and the mindmakes it to this list too since it was also one of set behind it. the most followed dramas of the year. A So, these were the dramas that ruled the TV thrilling show, it kept our attention throughout screen this year and garnered a lot of appreciation its run, as we saw the main lead fighting for from the viewers. Which one of these have you what is right with a passion. watched, and which ones have you missed out?

Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for voting in the 1872 election. She never paid the fine.

Canned pumpkin isn't actually pumpkin. Even purees that advertise as "100 percent pumpkin" are actually made of a range of different winter squashes.

HOLLYWOOD BOLLYWOOD

When Gene Wilder accepted the role of Willy Wonka, he had one condition: In his first appearance, Wilder wanted Wonka to limp toward the crowd with a cane in hand before falling into a perfect somersault and jumping back up. The reason? “Because from that time on, no one will know if I’m lying or telling the truth.”

Jared leto Joker Cut from 'birds of Prey' Confirms Margot robbie

Daniel Radcliffe Moon Knight Fan Art Teases Marvel's Marc Spector

Confirming what I have been reporting for a while, the Jared Leto Joker will not be a part of the Birds of Prey movie.

In an interview with Variety, the article with producer and star of Birds of Prey Margot Robbie actually goes so far as to say that the Jared Leto Joker won't appear in the film, not even as a cameo: The movie, as its subtitle implies, starts after Harley’s breakup with the Joker. Robbie confirms that Leto’s incarnation of the character doesn’t appear, not even as a cameo.

As far as that other “Joker” goes, Robbie thinks Joaquin Phoenix “did a phenomenal job.” But “Birds of Prey,” she says, isn’t at all like the Todd Phillips film: “I feel like the ‘Joker’ film was much more grounded. Ours is different.

It’s heightened.”

Earlier set images actually feature a look at the Jared Leto Joker from a distance, thought to be played by another actor, but according to this new information, that scene looks to be cut, or at the least, the Joker appearance has been removed.

Daniel Radcliffe also happens to be rumored to play Moon Knight for the Marvel Disney Plus series, with fan art hitting the net offering a possible look at what the Harry Potter actor could look like as Marc Spector.

According to the rumor, Daniel Radcliffe is claimed to be one of several actors being eyed to play Moon Knight; a separate rumor also offers up that The Mandalorian actor, Pedro Pascal, is in the running for the role. While Radcliffe is known for playing Harry Potter, he also has some rather serious roles under his belt that could lead to credence he could handle Marvel's Mark Spector, including The Woman in Black, Horns, Igor in Victor Frankenstein, and Beast of Burden.

Daniel Radcliffe's name has also come up about playing the new Wolverine in the MCU; he actually said "maybe" when questioned about potentially playing Wolverine. There are also rumors of Radcliffe returning to the Harry Potter role as rumors offer that Warner Bros. is going to adapt the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Broadway play into a feature film.

CMYK

sonali bendre, son ranveer walk the bylanes of amritsar where ‘Goldie behl’s dad grew up’ Actor Sonali Bendre, who celebrated her birthday on New Year’s day in Amritsar, visited many other places around the temple town with her family. These included a trip to Wagah border and a walk in the bylanes of the city.

Taking to Instagram, Sonali wrote how her husband Goldie Behl’s father grew up in Amritsar. She wrote: “We began the new year by embarking on an epic family trip to give thanks for everything we’ve been blessed with and to give our son a glimpse into his roots. The magnificent Golden Temple followed by a walk through the bylanes of Amritsar, where @goldiebehl’s dad grew up and finally a trip to the Wagah Border, the trip was everything we hoped it would be. Heading back home, feeling blessed and refreshed.”

Looking sweet in her short and wavy hair, wearing spectacles and staying warm in a big purple jacket and green sweater and pair of black jeans, Sonali looked relaxed and happy.

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

14 SPORTS

Rossi oPen To PeTRonAs YAMAhA Move in 2021

v

SPORTS DESK

ALENTINO Rossi admits he would be open to a move to satellite Yamaha MotoGP squad Petronas SRT if it meant he could prolong his top-line career.

Yamaha faces a potentially tough decision with regards to its factory lineup in 2021 as last year's standout rookie Fabio Quartararo eyes a promotion to the works squad, where Rossi is currently paired with Maverick Vinales.

Ducati has made little secret of its interest in poaching Vinales, while Quartararo is also sure to be hot property on the rider market in the early part of the 2020 campaign.

It's widely accepted that Rossi will always have a place within Yamaha as long as he wants one, but for the first time the Italian has admitted he could consider swapping places

with Quartararo and ride a satellite M1 in 2021, should he decide not to retire after 2020.

"I don't see all that much difference

to go to Petronas," said Rossi in a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. "I would prefer to stay where I am, but we are three riders for two places, so you

have to think of a third [place].

"And for me, even if it's Petronas, it doesn't seem like such a bad team.

But maybe Vinales will go, or Quartararo changes bike, who knows."

He added: "I will need some time to understand, around mid-season. I'll talk to [team boss Lin] Jarvis and Yamaha to see what they think.

"Unfortunately, in today's MotoGP, everything is decided at the beginning of the year."

Rossi said during last month's Gulf 12 Hours that it would be "better not to renew" his contract unless his results improved in the early part of 2020.

But he said that he felt privileged that he has essentially been granted the power to decide when to call time on his career and not risk being pushed out.

"Yamaha says it doesn't feel like a hostage, it believes in my competitiveness," he underlined. "This is important. It is a great honour and also a great luxury for a rider to quit when he decides. They usually leave you stranded."

Outlining his main hope for the 2020-spec Yamaha, the seven-time premier class champion said: “I would like an M1 that goes 10 km/h faster in a straight line, like the Honda and the Ducati. But I know it will be difficult."

FA Cup underdogs seek their moment in the sun SPORTS DESK Holders Manchester City get their FA Cup campaign underway on Saturday with their third round home tie against fourth-tier Port Vale.

The eye-catching clash of the round, where all fixtures start a minute late to highlight a mental health campaign, is Sunday's Merseyside derby as runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool host Everton, who have shown a noticeable improvement since Carlo Ancelotti took over. However, the dreamers who hold onto the idea of the 'romance of the cup' will be hopeful of giantkilling exploits by the underdogs and here AFP Sport picks out three matches to justify the tag: Sheffield United (Premier League) v Fylde (National League) -- Sunday (1401GMT kick-off) The non-league team have quite a task travelling to take on the Blades who are acquitting themselves well back in the top tier. The 'Coasters' have beaten fellow non-league outfits Nantwich and Kingstonian in the previous rounds to reach this stage of the competition for the first time but this is a huge step up for the side in the relegation zone of the fifth tier of English football. However, United lost to another National League side Barnet last season at the same stage. Several of the squad including defender Andy Taylor will be familiar with the hosts having played for them.

Taylor, who was a United regular in the Championship in 2009 but failed to win back his place after 14 months out with a serious injury, says they travel with belief they can pull off a major shock. "It's one I look back on with great fondness, playing at that level in a great stadium. There's always an upset, so you never know, we'll be confident, positive and will give a good account of ourselves," said the 33-year-old.

Rochdale (League One) v Newcastle United (Premier League) -- Saturday (1231GMT kick-off) Rochdale may be a lowly 18th in the third tier but based on their recent FA Cup record compared to Newcastle's they can entertain genuine hopes of claiming a major scalp. Rochdale have reached the fourth round of the competition in four of the last six

seasons which is one more than Newcastle have. The Magpies travel to Rochdale with their morale at a low ebb following a 3-0 home hammering by Leicester which was their fourth defeat in five matches. Adding to manager Steve Bruce's problems is an injury crisis.

Four players including captain and most impressive performer this term Jonjo Shelvey went off during the Leicester defeat taking their total of injured personnel to 11. Rochdale's young Irish manager Brian BarryMurphy has been praised for his side's style of play and victory over the old campaigner Bruce could attract more high profile clubs to the 41-year-old's qualities. The pressure is on Bruce to secure a morale boosting and much-needed win. "We have had a bad week. We have to put it right and get ready for the FA Cup at the weekend," he said.

Gillingham (League One) v West Ham United

(Premier League) -- Sunday (18:16GMT kick-off) The Gills are just three points off the play-off places and have an imposing recent home run under the experienced Steve Evans -- seven wins and a draw in their last eight matches at Priestfield Stadium. Giving the hosts extra hope of an upset is that the Hammers have been beaten by lower league opposition in cup competitions both last season -- AFC Wimbledon humbling them 4-2 in the FA Cup -- and this term, losing 4-0 to Oxford United in the League Cup. However, the London side go into the tricky tie on the back of a 4-0 thrashing of fellow Premier League strugglers Bournemouth in David Moyes's first match of his second spell. Who comes out on top may depend on whether Moyes picks a first choice team or keeps them fresh for their next league game on Friday week away at Sheffield United.

Moldova anthem blunder mars ATP Cup in Australia SPORTS DESK ATP Cup organisers were left red-faced on Friday by playing the wrong national anthem for a player from Moldova, a small landlocked country in eastern Europe. The embarrassing gaffe occurred ahead of the opening singles tie in Sydney of the heavily-promoted new team event as Moldova’s Alexander Cozbinov faced Belgium’s Steve Darcis. Tournament officials told AFP the Romanian anthem was played instead. “At the start of the Moldova v Belgium match we mistakenly played the wrong national anthem for Moldova,” the ATP admitted. “We are sincerely sorry and have apologised personally to Team Moldova.” Cozbinov, who lost in three tough sets, played down the mishap. “I think putting on the wrong anthem for us is not a big deal. But it wasn’t that hard to pick the right anthem,” he told AFP. “Moldova and Romania have the same flag so probably that’s why they made a mistake. Hopefully next time it’s going to be the right one.” His opponent Darcis said he was not aware of the mistake at the time.

“I didn’t know, I was just surprised that they were not so much into it,” he said. “I believe it’s bad.” Moldova, bordered by Romania and Ukraine, was one of the last countries to qualify for the inaugural team event being played in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. They are spearheaded by world number 46 Radu Albot, who broke new ground in 2019 by becoming his country’s first ATP Tour title winner at Delray Beach. He is joined by Cozbinov, ranked 818, Egor Matvievici and Dmitrii Baskov in a group that also features Britain, Belgium and Bulgaria. The ATP Cup has 24 nations split into six groups across the three cities, with eight teams emerging from the round-robin to compete in a knockout phase in Sydney until one country is left standing.

Five things we learned from the Premier League’s festive fixtures SPORTS DESK The Premier League’s traditional festive feast of football packed 39 games into 13 days across Christmas and new year with Liverpool the big winners as 2020 seems destined to finally be their year to win a league title.

Jurgen Klopp’s men extended their lead at the top to 13 points with a game in hand despite also winning the Club World Cup over the past two weeks. The battle to join the European champions in the Champions League next season is much more competitive, as is the struggle to avoid relegation, with a host of teams condensed in the bottom half of the table.”

AFP Sports looks at five things we learned from the festive period. The final hope for those hoping to extend Liverpool’s 30-year wait to win the title appears to have vanished in six days either side of Christmas. Firstly, Manchester City showed why they have been record-breaking champions over the past two seasons by beating second-placed Leicester 3-1, preventing the Foxes cutting the gap at the top to seven points.

Leicester were then thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool on their return from the Club World Cup on Boxing

Day, putting Brendan Rodgers’ upstarts in their place. To complete Liverpool’s perfect Christmas, 10-man City then lost a thriller 3-2 to Wolves the next day. Klopp’s men also saw off Wolves and Sheffield United at Anfield to stretch their winning run in the league to 11 games.

A persistent feature across all four rounds of games has been the growing frustration among players, managers, fans and commentators at the frequency of goals being ruled out for marginal offside calls after lengthy VAR reviews.

Last weekend saw Norwich, Brighton, Sheffield United, Wolves and Crystal Palace all have goals disallowed by narrow VAR rulings amid doubts over whether the available technology is even accurate enough to make such fractional calls.

The Premier League’s interpretation of VAR even drew criticism from the game’s law makers IFAB (The International Football Board).

“If you spend minutes trying to identify whether it is offside or not, then it’s not clear and obvious and the original decision should stand,” said Lukas Brud, general secretary of IFAB. Leicester and Manchester City still seem well set for to seal Champions League qualification, even if catching Liverpool now seems beyond them.

However, the fourth Champions League place is at least a four-way race. Three wins in nine league games for Chelsea has opened the door to Manchester United, Tottenham and Wolves to close in on the top four but all three are just as flawed themselves.

United and Wolves lost two of their last four, while Spurs took just four points from a seemingly enticing run of four fixtures.

Both United and Wolves were beaten by a reborn Watford under Nigel Pearson and the Hornets’ revival means just six points separate them in 19th from Everton in 11th.

West Ham sacked Manuel Pellegrini after falling to within a point of the drop zone and got the instant response they hoped for after rehiring David Moyes by thrashing Bournemouth 4-0 as the Cherries drop into the bottom three on a run of eight defeats in 10.

Burnley and Newcastle have also lost their last three to fall back into the dogfight.

Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti watched on from the stands as Everton and Arsenal played out a dreary 0-0 draw the weekend before Christmas to give them an insight into the huge jobs that lie ahead.

However, both have already had an impact as Ancelotti oversaw back-to-back wins over Burnley and Newcastle before running Manchester City close

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in a 2-1 defeat on Wednesday.

Arteta had to wait until his third game in charge to taste victory, but Arsenal’s performances have been transformed under Pep Guardiola’s former assistant. The Gunners outfought and outclassed Manchester United to record a first home win since October on Wednesday.

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

SPORTS 15

AusTRAliA eleCT To BAT AgAinsT nZ in finAl TesT

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SPORTS DESK

USTRALIA won the toss and chose to bat against virus-hit New Zealand in the third Sydney Test on Friday. The Black Caps, with the series already lost, were in disarray with five changes, among them skipper and star batsman Kane Williamson, who has been ill in the lead-up.

Batsman Henry Nicholls and spinner Mitchell Santner were other illness withdrawals while paceman Tim Southee lost his place to spinner Todd Astle.

Paceman Trent Boult is also missing after returning home with a broken hand suffered in the second Test in Melbourne.

Batsman Glenn Phillips, who made a late dash to Sydney Thursday as cover, was named to make his Test debut, with

opener Tom Latham to lead the side in Williamson´s absence.

Will Somerville, Matt Henry, Jeet Raval and Astle were called into the side, while the Australians were unchanged after considering Mitchell Swepson as a second spinner.

"It looks like a good wicket. Good toss to win," Australia captain Tim Paine said. "We´re going with the same XI, we wanted to stick with a winning combination." New Kiwi skipper Latham said: "It´s been a tough 48 hours for us. We´ve had a virus which has gone through the team, which is unfortunate.

"We would have liked to have had a bat but hopefully there is a bit in the wicket and we can use that this morning."

Australia have been unbeatable this season, winning all four Tests at home - two each against Pakistan and New

Zealand -- after retaining the Ashes in England.

The Test is being played against the

backdrop of one of Australia´s most devastating bushfire seasons with at least 18 people losing their lives in blazes raging

Waqar Younis hints at Rauf’s inclusion in national side SPORTS DESK Pakistan’s fast-bowler Haris Rauf has caught the attention of the national team’s bowling coach and legendary former pacer Waqar Younis, who revealed, during an interview with PakPassion.net, that he had discussed the possibility of including the pacer into the side with the current head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq. Younis revealed that the pacer’s performances during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) had caught his interest and praised the level of pace Rauf is able to generate.

“I watched him at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and was impressed by him. He possesses pace, he’s a smart bowler who is aggressive which I really like about him and I’m really glad that he has done well at the Big Bash League. I’ve spoken to Misbahul Haq about him and we are thinking about bringing

him into our pack of pace-bowlers, working with him and hopefully we can push him into the Pakistan team soon,” Younis said. The 48-year-old claimed that the presence of Twenty20 (T20) leagues around the world was a major challenge as the players had to shift focus continuously from international cricket.

“My concern and issue is that because there are three formats nowadays and there are a lot of T20 Leagues around the world, it’s very difficult even for the youngest cricketers to focus just on one format and just focus on international cricket,” he said. “It’s really difficult to deprive cricketers from earning a good living from T20 Leagues as that’s what they are entitled to do and that is their bread and butter.”

Younis however was excited about the young pace bowlers in Pakistan and claimed that he had discussed the possibility of financial assistance for players who focused on international cricket with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“It’s a very exciting time when I look at the fastbowling talent currently available, but I have spoken to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about looking after the financial side of things for the players, so that they can focus on and prioritise playing for Pakistan rather than various league around the world,” he said.

The former right-arm pacer also believes that allrounder Faheem Ashraf had the ability to help Pakistan in the Test side in the same vain as England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes. “We wanted to have him around for the recent Sri Lanka Test series, but he was injured. We would love to have the luxury of an allrounder in the Test team who can give us that fourth bowling option, especially when you have a young pace-bowling attack. Look at England with Ben Stokes who is batting at number 5 or 6 and is a complete bowling option. It’s very handy to have someone like Stokes in your Test team with both bat and ball and we are searching for that option,” he concluded.

across the country, including on the outskirts of Sydney. Play will be suspended in the match at the umpire´s discretion, should smoke significantly affect air quality or visibility.

TEAMS: AuSTrAliA: David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson NEw ZEAlANd: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Glenn Phillips, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Will Somerville, Matt Henry, Neil Wagner. uMpirES: Aleem Dar (PAK), Marais Erasmus (RSA) TV uMpirE: Nigel Llong (ENG) MATch rEfErEE: Richie Richardson (WIS)

Bangladesh tour to Pakistan expected to be finalised soon SPORTS DESK The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced that it was expecting to sign an agreement with its Bangladeshi counterpart in a few days regarding the latter's tour — scheduled later this month.

According to the proposed schedule, the PCB intended to host three T20 matches and two Test matches, which would be part of the ICC World Test Championship.

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have not been too keen about the idea and, instead, proposed that the team take part in a shorter format and play Test series on neutral ground. The BCB also did not provide any formal reason for their suggestion. On the other hand, sources said Bangladesh, like Sri Lanka, wish to spend as little time as possible in Pakistan.

Reportedly, the board maintained its original stance to prioritise Test cricket over a T20 series as it was need of the hour for Pakistan. The dates Bangladesh proposed for a Test series were not suitable as they would fall in the month of Ramadan, the sources said.

Cricket's favourite warm-up routine claims another victim SPORTS DESK In an age of sport science, expert physical conditioning and meticulous planning, watching Test cricketers clumsily kick a soccer ball around as they warm up defies belief.

Not only because they look as if they are going hurt themselves, but because that is often what happens as their child-like enthusiasm for a kick-about clashes with the tenets of professional sport.

The latest casualty is Rory Burns, England’s opening batsman who top scored in the first Test against South Africa but who will now return home with a serious ankle injury, missing out on the rest of the four-match series.

He hurt ligaments on Thursday trying to kick the ball away as his captain Joe Root bore down on him.

It came only 24 hours after Ollie Pope had taken angry exception to a crunching tackle from teammate Matt Parkinson that in a real game of football might have earned the leg spinner a red card.

"If you look at what football does, the benefits from a psychological and fun point of view are outstripped by the dangers from it, but we will discuss that. I am not coming in with an iron rod right now," said Ashley Giles — a year ago when he was appointed the new England director of cricket.

But England have now added yet another name to a growing list of soccer casualties.

Just over a year ago, Jonny Bairstow lost his place as wicketkeeper on a tour of Sri Lanka after damaging ankle ligaments in a kick-about.

A decade ago, then England coach Andy Flower banned the warm-up soccer routine after Joe Denly damaged a knee because of an unwieldy tackle before a one-day international match against Australia at The Oval.

Like Bairstow, Denly is on tour in South Africa and might have offered some caution, as might have James Anderson, who turned his ankle playing soccer on tour in New Zealand in 2008. Opponents South African can relate. Ace bowler Vernon Philander was out for eight months after he damaged his ankle in a pre-match kick-about in India.

But South Africa also still continue to play an

awkward version of a rondo, where a few players in the middle of a circle of others try to intercept a soccer ball being passed between the players on the outer ring.

Australia’s culture is reflected in their choice of touch rugby rather than soccer to get the blood flowing. But this proved even costlier. In was during such a game that Glenn McGrath stood on a stray cricket ball left on the outfield at Edgbaston and ripped the ligaments in his right ankle, changing the course of the Ashes in 2005.

Chaos, illness cost New Zealand 11,000 runs, nearly 600 wickets. If it wasn't chaos, it was close to it. The build-up to the opening day at the SCG was a guessing game of what playing XI New Zealand would put on the park. In the end, it included a debutant who was enjoying a day-off in Auckland yesterday, a batsman who had been dropped because he was in a horror rut and an offspinner who wasn't in the original squad.

There had been a major blow well before the game when Trent Boult had been forced to fly home with a broken hand. Now New Zealand lost their captain Kane Williamson due to the flu bug sweeping the team that also claimed middle-order batsman Henry Nicholls and allrounder Mitchell Santner. The latter, though, was likely to have been dropped after two poor Tests. Williamson and Nicholls came to the ground in the morning to have a net but it was soon decided they were not well enough for the rigours of a Test match.

This was just the third Test Williamson had missed since his debut in 2010 although he had been ruled out of the Christchurch match against Bangladesh last year that was subsequently cancelled after the terror attack in the city. On that occasion, it was Tim Southee who would have stepped into the captaincy, but here the leadership went to Tom Latham. Southee didn't even make the XI. You keeping up?

It was decided that Southee would be left out for the "fresh" Matt Henry after the heavy workload of the previous two Tests - 99.4 overs - which followed the two matches against England. There is a lot of cricket to come for New Zealand with a full crossformat visit by India, then a one-day series back in

Australia before T20Is against them at home.

Southee did appear on the field early in the first session when Henry took a blow on a finger from a Joe Burns straight drive. The physio was earning his corn. Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum struggled to make sense of the decision.

"It's a little odd to me. If you look at the last 24 months or so Tim Southee has been a standout bowler in world cricket, not just the New Zealand side; it staggered me a little bit," McCullum told SEN Radio. "They've made the decision, it can't be because of workload as they have two weeks off after this anyway, so it's an interesting decision.

"We look back to when New Zealand were playing Bangladesh and that Test was called off because of the horrific massacre at the mosque in Christchurch. Southee was down to captain that side, so that's a big change from being down to captain

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less than 12 months ago to being out the side when your captain isn't available."

It all meant that for the first time since December 2009, against Pakistan in Wellington, New Zealand went into a Test without either Williamson, Southee or Boult. Combined with Santner and Nicholls being absent, it equated to a loss of 262 Test caps, 11,108 runs and 594 wickets. The highest difference in Test experience for New Zealand between two consecutive XIs they fielded before today was 164 matches, in October 1990. In this Test, they lost a net experience worth 215 matches, as the count plummeted from 540 Test caps in Melbourne to 325 in Sydney.

A few minutes before the toss, Auckland batsman Glenn Phillips was presented with his cap by Ross Taylor. Phillips had been hurriedly called up yesterday and put on a plane to Sydney when it became clear that Williamson and Nicholls were struggling. In the space of three days, he had gone from playing a Super Smash T20 match to a Test debut.

There is some pedigree behind Phillips - a first-class average over 40 and a century for New Zealand A against England late last year - but it will go down as one of the more swift turnarounds to becoming a Test cricketer.

Then there was Jeet Raval's recall, filling the small matter of Williamson's shoes at No. 3, the game after he was dropped following an awful match in Perth were he made 1 and 1 to extend a six-Test run where he had averaged 9.44 The changes to the bowling were, perhaps, a little less of a patch-up job with an argument to be made in favour of the three players who came in.

Henry has been New Zealand's first reserve in the pace attack for most of his career while Todd Astle and Will Somerville brought a different dimension to the spin bowling after Santner's struggles in Perth and Melbourne.

However, it was just Astle's fifth Test in nearly eight years after his debut in 2012 - the previous four bringing four wickets - although Somerville could at least bring previous success at the SCG from his time with New South Wales. Then, having picked two spinners, Latham lost the toss. It was that sort of morning for New Zealand.

Saturday, 4 January, 2020

NEWS Pompeo calls Gen Bajwa, explains why US killed Iran's Soleimani US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday telephoned Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and informed him about the US action to kill Iran Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. During the telephonic conversation, the US Secretary of State said that they were protecting American interests in the region, adding that Iran is exacerbating the situation in the region. “Pakistan’s Chief of Staff General Bajwa and I spoke today about US defensive action to kill Qassem Soleimani. The Iran regime’s actions in the region are destabilizing and our resolve in protecting American interests, personnel, facilities, and partners will not waver,” he announced through a tweet.

Shortly after, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) via Twitter confirmed that the two had spoken. “COAS received telephone call from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Regional situation including possible implications of recent escalation in Middle East was discussed.” “COAS emphasised need for maximum restraint and constructive engagement by all concerned to de-escalate the situation in broader interest of peace and stability,” said the army’s media wing in another tweet. “COAS also reiterated the need for maintaining focus on success of Afghan Peace Process.” NEWS DESK

Imran questions world's silence over pogrom of Muslims in India Expressing severe concerns over statesponsored violence against the Muslim in India, Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked that how long the world will remain silent while the fascist Modi regime indulges in state terrorism. Taking to the social networking website, twitter, PM Imran said that Indian police were attacking Muslims across the country as part of Modi government’s ethnic cleansing policy. Sharing an article in connection with recent uprising in India over its controversial citizenship amendment act, PM Imran held New Delhi’s government responsible for rising violence against minorities in the country. Last year on December 20, at least two people were killed after police had opened fire at a demonstration, an official had said, as fresh protests erupted across India against a contentious citizenship law that critics say is anti-Muslim. The men — Abdul Jalil, 49, and Samshir Kudroli, 23 — had “died in police firing during the protests”, Qadir Shah, a spokesman for the deputy commissioner of the southern city of Mangalore, had told AFP, adding that a curfew had been imposed in the city with schools, restaurants and bars shut. Another man had taken to the King George’s Medical University Trauma Centre in Lucknow in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh with a gunshot injury died soon after, a hospital source had told AFP. NEWS DESK

Pakistan warns against 'unilateral actions' after us kills iranian general FM QURESHI TO BRIEF SENATE ABOUT PAKISTAN’S STANCE ON MIDDLE EAST ESCALATION ON MONDAY ISLAMABAD

P

STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN on Friday expressed “deep concern” over the tensions resulting from the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike, as opposition senators demanded that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi appear in the Upper House and brief them on the country’s stance on tensions developing in the Middle East.

Maj Gen Soleimani was killed on Friday in a US strike on Baghdad’s international airport, in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two countries. “Pakistan has viewed with deep concern the recent developments in the Middle East, which seriously threaten peace and stability in the region,” the Foreign Office (FO) stated in a press release.

“Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, which should be adhered to,” the statement said, adding that it is

“important to avoid unilateral actions and use of force”.

The statement urged all parties involved to “exercise maximum restraint, engage constructively to de-escalate the situation, and resolve issues through diplomatic means, in accordance with UN Charter and international law”.

The Pentagon said US President Donald Trump ordered Soleimani’s “killing”, after a pro-Iran mob this week laid siege to the US embassy in Baghdad.

Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to exact “severe revenge” for the general’s death.

SENATORS DEMAND BRIEFING: Meanwhile, during a session of the Sen-

ate today, members of the opposition demanded that Foreign Minister Qureshi appear in the Senate and brief lawmakers on the country’s stance on tensions developing in the Middle East.

While addressing the sitting, former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani said the US’s killing of Soleimani has given rise to new tensions in the region.

He said the worsening US-Iran relationship could have implications for Pakistan’s economy and national security. “The foreign minister should tell the House what is Pakistan’s stance on this and where it stands,” the PPP leader added.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Raja Zafarul Haq said the developing situation in Pakistan’s neighbour-

Protesters besiege Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, threaten to expel Sikhs from city LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Protesters staged a sit-in outside Gurdwara Nankana Sahib on Friday and threatened to drive the local Sikh population out of the city if the authorities did not release the suspects arrested in an alleged forced conversion case.

They were led by the family of a man named Ehsan, who had been detained alongside several family members earlier in the day for forcibly converting a Sikh girl, Jagjit Kaur, earlier this year.

Ehsan’s sister told the media that the police had raided their home and had tortured the women and children present inside the house.

Ehsan was scheduled to appear before the court on January 9 in the case.

His family alleged that the police tried to pressurise them ahead of the hearing.

PROTESTERS DISPERSE AFTER SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN AN ALLEGED FORCED CONVERSION CASE ARE RELEASED BY POLICE Nankana Sahib District Police Officer Ismail Kharak said that the suspects were arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by a citizen regarding a dispute. He did not, however, comment on the family’s allegations regarding the police’s attempts to pressure them ahead of the hearing.

Nankana Sahib Police Station Sub Inspector (SI) Ghulam Hussain said that a dispute between two families had escalated to the point of one family protesting in public. However, he said, the protesters did not attack the holy site.

While the official said that the protesters dispersed after the police intervened, a local media outlet reported that PTI Nankana Sahib President Pir Sar-

war Shah held talks with the protesters and ensured the release of the suspects.

Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Amir Ameer said that there was no attack on the Gurdwara and no damage was caused to the holy site.

“This is a law and order issue which was resolved by the police,” he said.

Meena Kumari, a resident of Nankana Sahib told Pakistan Today that said she has been married to a Muslim for the past 20 years but has not faced any discrimination. Commenting on the matter, she said that the locals had created an issue out of nothing. Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, also known as the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, is the site where the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak,

US assassinates top Iranian general, Tehran vows ‘severe revenge’ COuntInuED fROM pAgE 01 ‘FOOLISH ESCALATION’: Iran’s foreign minister slammed Soleimani’s killing as a dangerous escalation and warned the United States would bear responsibility for the consequences.

“The US’ act of international terrorism, targeting and assassinating General Soleimani […] is extremely dangerous and a foolish escalation,” Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter. “The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism,” he added.

Iran’s top security body called an urgent meeting on Friday over the “martyrdom” of Qasem Soleimani by the United States in Baghdad, semi-official news

hood demanded that the foreign minister brief the parliament on the issue. He said the minister should hear the Senate’s opinion on the regional tensions.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said the Iranian general’s killing could trigger a “serious crisis-like situation” in the Middle East.

“We will also have to hold discussions on this and when the parliament takes decisions it is for the country’s survival and to save governments,” she added.

“You must recall that the parliament had decided on non-interference. The country earns respect this way and the government’s dignity is also elevated.”

She said every Pakistan had questions regarding the foreign policy and regretted the absence of ministers in the house. “This house has not been taken seriously,” Rehman added.

Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani directed Foreign Minister Qureshi to appear before the House on Monday and give a policy statement on the US-Iran tensions.

In Qureshi’s absence, Leader of the House in the Senate Shibli Faraz read out the government’s response to the regional situation. He said the government is “monitoring” the US-Iran tensions while also assessing the international reaction to the developments.

Faraz said a report will be presented in the Upper House regarding the US-Iran rift.

agency ISNA reported.

“In a few hours, an extraordinary meeting of the Supreme National Security Council will be held to review the murderous attack on the vehicle of General Soleimani in Baghdad that lead to his martyrdom,” ISNA quoted its secretariat spokesman Keyvan Khosravi as saying.

‘ENEMY OF US’: US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Soleimani had been killed in a drone strike in Baghdad. The official said it was aware of the possibility of an Iranian response and US military officials were ready to defend themselves. The official did not rule out additional US troops or military assets going to the region.

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy

said while Soleimani was “an enemy of the United States”, the killing could put more Americans at risk.

“One reason we don’t generally (assassinate) foreign political officials is the belief that such action will get more, not less, Americans killed,” Murphy said on Twitter. “That should be our real, pressing and grave worry tonight,” he said.

Former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that Soleimani’s death “should be applauded by all who seek peace and justice”.

‘MAJOR CAPITATION STRIKE’: Muhandis was the Hashed’s deputy chief but widely recognised as the real shotcaller within the group.

Soleimani headed the Islamic Revo-

lutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force and also served as Iran’s pointman on Iraq, visiting the country in times of turmoil.

Both were sanctioned by the United States. The Pentagon said Soleimani had been “actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region”.

It said it took “decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani,” but did not specify how.

Phillip Smyth, a US-based specialist in Shia armed groups, told AFP the strike would have “bigger” ramifications than the 2011 US operation that killed AlQaeda chief Osama bin Laden and the 2019 American raid that killed militant Is-

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was born and is regarded as one of the holiest sites in the religion.

On August 28, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed in the Nankana police station against six people who were accused of abducting and forcefully converting the 19-year-old woman.

The police subsequently traced the suspects to Lahore and detained one of them. Later, the woman had submitted a written statement in the court, stating that she had converted to Islam and married Ehsan of her own free will. She also accused her family of “wanting to kill me”.

The woman was subsequently shifted to a Darul Aman shelter on the court’s orders after the Sikh community had demanded that the police bring her back to her parents’ house irrespective of the conversion being forced or consensual.

lamic State group Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“In terms of a decapitation strike, what just happened is the most major decapitation strike that the US has ever pulled off,” said Smyth. “There is no comparison,” he added. The developments come after an unprecedented attack on the US mission in Baghdad.

A mob of Hashed supporters surrounded the US embassy on Tuesday in outrage over American air strikes that killed 25 fighters from the network’s hardline Kataeb Hezbollah faction, which is backed by Iran.

The US had acted in response to a rocket attack days earlier that had killed an American contractor working in Iraq.

Trump had blamed Iran for a spate of rocket attacks targeting US forces as well as the siege at the embassy, saying: “They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat.”