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Saturday, 8 February, 2020 I 13 Jamadi-ul-Sani, 1441 I Rs 19.00 I Vol X No 220 I 16 Pages I Islamabad Edition
NA pAsses resolutioN for public hANgiNg of child sexuAl Abusers g
All MEMbErS oF houSE, ExCEPT PPP’S, voTE in FAvour oF rESoluTion
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PPP’S AShrAF SAyS PubliC hAnging violATES un lAwS, PTi’S MAzAri And FAwAd oPPoSE rESoluTion MovEd by PArTy CollEAguE
TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan breaks free
ISLAMABAD staff report
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hE national Assembly (nA) on Friday passed a resolution moved by a member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTi) calling for the public hanging of offenders convicted for sexually abusing and murdering children. The resolution, moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, referred to the “brutal killing of 8-year-old iwaz noor in nowshera”. “Strongly condemning” the death, the signatories wrote: “This house […] demands that to stop these shameful and brutal killings of children and give a strong deterrent effect, the killers and rapists should not only be given death penalty by hanging but they should be hanged publicly.” The resolution was passed by all lawmakers apart from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Addressing the house, PPP senior leader raja Pervez Ashraf said that ramping up the severity of punishments does not result in a reduction in crime. “we cannot put public hanging into practice as it violates the laws of the united nations,” he added, reminding members of the parliament that Pakistan is a signatory to the un Convention on the rights of the Child. Ashraf was not the only one to raise his voice against the passing of the resolution. Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry also “strongly condemned” it. “This is just another grave act in line with brutal civilisation practices. Societies act in a balanced way. barbarism is not the answer to crimes […] this is another expression of extremism,” he wrote on Twitter. Meanwhile, human rights Minister Shireen Mazari clarified that the resolution “was not government-sponsored but an individual act”. “Many of us oppose it — our Mohr (Ministry of human rights) strongly opposes this. unfortunately i was in a meeting and wasn’t able to go to nA,” she said, in a
STORY ON BACK PAGE
post on Twitter. According to a report released by child rights organisation Sahil in September last year, 1,304 cases of sexual abuse of children were reported by the media in the country from January to June. This means that at least seven children are abused every day. with the issue continuing to remain widely prevalent, the government has been met with criticism for not taking any concrete measures to address flaws in the investigation of such cases or the implementation of the relevant laws. Presently, multiple laws are available in the country for dealing with child-related offences. Punjab was the first province where a law on child protection was enacted in 2004. The Punjab destitute and neglected Children Act, 2004, deals with a variety of issues related to child protection. The law gives a definition of ‘destitute and neglected child.’ under this law, a child protection and welfare bureau has to be set up with wideranging functions. The bureau has also to set up child protection institutions in different areas. The KP Child Protection and welfare Act (CPwA) was enacted in 2010. This law is
more comprehensive than that of Punjab. The KP law included several offences against children with prescribed punishments. The offences incorporated in the Act include: child pornography, sexual abuse, sale in child organs, corporal punishment and child begging and trafficking. The KP Act provides for setting up of child protection bodies, including child protection courts, the Child Protection and welfare Commission, child protection units on district level, child protection institute, etc. The Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011, was enacted in June 2011. This law makes it binding on the provincial government to establish Sindh Child Protection Authority, which is chaired by minister for social welfare. The authority has to set up child protection units and also appoint child protection officers. however, this law is not as comprehensive as that of KP and Punjab. balochistan Child Protection Act, 2016, was enacted in november 2016. This law includes definitions of different categories of violence against children, including mental violence, physical violence, sexual abuse and exploitation, etc. it provides for setting up of a child protection commission on provincial level and child protection units on district level.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 05
FBR chief Shabbar Zaidi to be replaced if health doesn’t improve STORY ON PAGE 02
Pakistan imposes ban on import of zoonotic animals STORY ON PAGE 11
Amid tall govt claims, exports fall 3.17pc in Jan STORY ON PAGE 11
PM approves summary to ban sugar export STORY ON PAGE 12
SC orders govt to raze illegally constructed buildings in Karachi
ISI DG calls on PM Imran, discusses security issues
STORY ON PAGE 03
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Fake degree holders not eligible for govt jobs, SC rules STORIES ON PAGES 02 & 03
Saturday, 8 February, 2020
02 NEWS
FBR chIeF ShABBAR ZAIdI To Be RePlAced IF heAlTh doeSn'T IMPRove
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News Desk
DvISER to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has hinted that the federal government may remove Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi from his position if he does not recover from ill health soon. Talking to a private news channel, Shaikh said that the government may decide to change the FBR chairman if he does not recover quickly as the government is planning to introduce a minibudget. “The chairman FBR is ill and we hope he recovers quickly,” Shaikh said in the interview. Last month, it was reported that FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi is on an
indefinite leave from his official duties on grounds of ill health. Earlier, Zaidi had gone on a sick
Mushtaq Mahar to head Sindh police: report News Desk The federal government has decided to appoint Mushtaq Mahar as the police chief of Sindh on the insistence of the Sindh government, according to a media report on Friday. Mahar was one of the five police officers recommended by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government for the post of the Inspector General of Police. Even though Prime Minister Imran Khan had agreed to replace Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Kaleem Imam with Mahar, the federal cabinet later decided against appointing Mushtaq Mahar as the police chief. “After consultation between the prime minister and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Mushtaq Mahar’s name had been suggested [in the cabinet] for the Sindh IGP position but cabinet members from the province strongly opposed the idea,” said government spokesperson following the meeting last month. “Keeping in mind the majority view, the prime minister has asked the Sindh governor to discuss the matter with the province’s chief minister. The matter has been a bone of contention between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led federal government and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government in Sindh for weeks, with the provincial government earlier recommending Imam’s removal claiming he had failed to perform satisfactorily. However, the Centre had categorically told the Sindh government that it would not unilaterally repatriate or transfer IG Imam, adding that Imam would continue to serve as IGP until further notice.
leave from January 6 to January 19. This had led to rumours that there was a rift in the government’s economic
team. However, those rumours were rejected by the FBR. The adviser also stated that the word mini-budget has become controversial when asked about the details of the government’s plan to introduce a bill to address the missed tax target. Shaikh told the host that economic management is necessary and is a continuous process. He added that it’s possible that a finance act can be changed once it has been presented. The government is reportedly planning to introduce fiscal adjustments in the form of a mini-budget through which it will adopt additional taxation measures that will be implemented by the FBR. The government is also holding talks with a delegation of the International Monetary Fund in this regard.
Fake degree holders not eligible for govt jobs, SC rules COURT SAYS IF MATRICULATION DEGREE IS BOGUS, ALL SUBSEQUENT DEGREES ARE ALSO RENDERED FORGED
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) central leader Jahangir Khan Tareen called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday and discussed matters related to coordination with the coalition partners of the PTI-led federal government. According to reports, Tareen, who had recently returned from vacations, shared his concerns with PM Imran after he was not included in the three new committees formed by the government to resolve differences with coalition partners — the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNPM). On Wednesday, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak met with Tareen and discussed with him the overall political situation and party affairs .Tareen reportedly complained that he was sidelined without any reason even though he had tried his best to keep the ruling alliance intact. On Jan 23, Tareen had expressed hope that the coalition partners of the federal government will rejoin the cabinet soon as talks with them remained successful. Staff RepoRt
Ahsan Iqbal’s remand extended till Feb 28
IsLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday ruled that people holding fake degrees are not eligible for government jobs, let alone promotion, and if the matriculation degree is bogus, all subsequent degrees are also rendered forged. A two-member bench of the Supreme Court – headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial – was hearing a petition challenging the promotion of employees of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). During the hearing, Justice Bandial asked, “What does PIA have to say about the employees who got promoted.” A PIA representative told the court that everyone is doing their job well. “We don’t have objections.” Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri told the court that timebarred degrees were issued by the Al-Khair University before 2009 and were declared acceptable. “The ones who obtained degrees after 2009 have been asked to re-sit examinations,” Dr Banuri said. Justice Bandial asked, “On what basis did you declare the time-barred degrees acceptable.” The HEC chairman replied, “In 2009, the AlKhair University was issued a notice. And from 2009 to 2011, the university was closed.”
Tareen meets PM Imran, discusses coalition issues
He said that only the degrees of Al-Khair University, AJK, Bhimber Campus, were acceptable. Justice Bandial remarked that a list of 146 PIA employees holding fake degrees was given to the court. Justice Bandial asked whether the PIA conducted investigation into the fake degree matter on its own or on the orders of the court. The PIA representative stated that PIA conducted the investigation on the orders of the apex court. Deputy Attorney General Sohail Mehmood said, “Fake degree holders are still working with the PIA.” He said, “They have obtained stay orders [for the purpose].” Justice Bandial remarked, “We are giving PIA a chance to submit suggestions recommending future course of action against the degree holders of Al-Khair and Preston universities.” The court sought a report regarding the fake degree holders and remarked that the court should be informed about the employees with fake degrees who have obtained stay orders. The court also sought details of the courts from where the stay orders were obtained. Later, the case was adjourned indefinitely.
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Friday extended the judicial remand of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal till Feb 28, in the Narowal Sports City case. During the hearing, the court directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigators to complete the inquiry as early as possible. Last month, Iqbal had moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek bail in the case. The former interior minister is facing charges of financial irregularities during the building of the complex. He is accused of using funds of the federal government and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for building a sports city in Narowal. He had already filed a reply to a questionnaire given to him by the bureau previously. NAB had announced to initiate a probe into alleged violation of rules in the construction of the National Sports City project – a day after its inauguration by the then-president of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain. The anti-graft watchdog in a statement said it had received a complaint that the Narowal Sports City was constructed at a cost of approximately Rs6 billion, which is a violation of rules and had resulted in heavy losses to the national exchequer. Staff RepoRt
Pakistan's forceful campaign has revived Kashmir dispute at UN: Munir Akram New YORk agencieS
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram believes that Islamabad’s “forceful and determined campaign” on Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir has revived the decades-old dispute at the global forum. “For the first time in 50 years, the Jammu Kashmir issue is now fully alive at the UN,” Ambassador Munir Akram told a large gathering in New York on Thursday while addressing a speech at the meeting arranged by Pakistan’s Consulate General to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day. “The entire world has seen how the nation has come together to raise voice for our Kashmir brethren after the illegal actions taken by India on August 5,” Ambassador Akram said. The envoy was referring to the day when India annexed the disputed valley and placed a communications lockdown in the region. As a result of the efforts of Pakistani mission’s, the Pakistani envoy said, the UN Security Council (UNSC) has discussed the Kashmir dispute three times in less than six months. ‘KASHMIR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY’:
Akram noted that the the 15-member body voiced extreme concern over the human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and called for an end to abuses against Kashmiris in its last meeting, held on January 15. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, and other high-ranking UN official have repeatedly condemned the Indian actions and reiterated Jammu and Kashmir’s disputed status. “Kashmir is now our number one priority,” the Pakistani envoy said, while urging the Pakistani community to work together and become ambassadors of Kashmir. Akram noted that New Delhi’s strategy was to instill fear among the people of Kashmir by unleashing a reign of terror through hundreds and thousands of Indian troops, forcing Kashmiris to abandon their struggle for freedom. The envoy reiterated that Prime Minister Imran Khan and the people of Pakistan would stand by the Kashmiris and not allow India to break their will. Akram stated that PM Imran’s “momentous speech” to the UN General Assembly in September last year had a positive impact on the inter-
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national community. He added that the premier spoke from his heart to voice his determination to pursue a peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute. Ambassador Akram also revealed that Islamabad was now working on a three-track approach in the UN to further advance the case on Kashmir. The track will focus on highlighting dire human rights situation in IoK; reaffirm the legitimacy of the freedom struggle of Kashmiri people based on their UN-pledged right to self-determination; and to reassert that Pakistan stood for peace and sought a political settlement, not through use of force. Akram shared that Pakistan was also exposing the rise of fascist and supremacist ideology in India. “Whatever is happening in Kashmir and in rest of India is manifestation of this hate-filled exclusionary ideology,” said the Pakistani envoy.
Saturday, 8 February, 2020
NEWS
Sc oRdeRS govT To RAZe IllegAlly conSTRucTed BuIldIngS In KARAchI kARACHI
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Staff RepoRt
HE Supreme Court (SC) on Friday, while hearing a case on illegal constructions and encroachments in Karachi, directed officials to demolish all illegally-constructed buildings in Punjab Colony, Delhi Colony, PNT Colony and Gizri Road neighborhoods of the metropolis. The directions were given by a threejudge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Faisal Arab and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, at the apex court’s Karachi registry. Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Anwar Mansoor Khan, Sindh Advocate General Salman Talibuddin, Sindh Chief Secretary Mumtaz Shah and officials from the Clifton Cantonment Board appeared before the court. During the proceedings, the court grilled cantonment officials, persistently questioning “who gave the orders
for constructing such tall buildings in colonies”. This prompted the counsel for the cantonment board to say: “There is permission to construct ground-plusone buildings in Delhi Colony.” “Who said Delhi Colony is a residential area? Clearly you have not gone to the place in question. You cannot satisfy us by speaking in English,” remarked Justice Ahmed. Taking the Clifton Cantonment Board land director to the task, the CJP said: “You sold flats for Rs50 million each and now you are saying that this construction is illegal. Do you walk with your eyes closed, do you even know the meaning of cantonment?” “If you conduct an inquiry into leasing in Defence Housing Authority (DHA), the entire authority will be dismissed and then so will I,” the CJP remarked. Justice Ahmed told the attorney general to raze the illegal buildings in the aforementioned areas to the ground. Addressing the attorney general, the CJP again questioned who gave permis-
sion for constructing the buildings. “It’s not as if the cantonment board can go around doing as they please,” he said. To which, officials from the Clifton Cantonment Board said that they have taken action against illegally-constructed buildings on several occasions. “We have given orders for razing unlawful constructions,” stated an official, adding that the laws allowed for constructing ground-plus-two buildings on residential plots and five-storey buildings on commercial plots. “What world are you living in,” remarked the CJP. “Do you think we are unaware of the reality,” he questioned before proceeding to grill the Clifton Cantonment Board land director. “How are such massive buildings next to Kausar Medico being given the green signal? You were trusted with government land. What exactly is going on [in the board],” the court remarked. “The district administration, the Sindh government and the federal government have all been unsuccessful.
The situation in Karachi has now become dire,” said Justice Ahmed. He remarked that katchi abadis in Lines Area should be removed and the residents transferred to multi-storey buildings. “They [katchi abadis] hang from Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum like a decorative piece of jewelry. A flyover should not have been constructed in the area,” he observed. The attorney general replied that officials can sit down with the Sindh government and the cantonment board to draw up a plan for this. This prompted Justice Arab to question officials about the land allotment. “Why didn’t you keep land aside for playgrounds and parks when you were allotting land for Bahria Town and other [housing schemes],” he questioned. “It saddens us greatly that you yourself are not thinking about this,” he said. Addressing the Sindh advocate general, the CJP said: “Why are you not legislating, Should we make the laws for you? We will not form a committee or any commission, you will have to act upon the law.”
Bill tabled in NA for protection of journalists, media workers IsLAMABAD
PMl-n to launch campaign against soaring inflation LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) has decided to launch an awareness movement inside and outside of the parliament against the soaring inflation in the country. The decision was taken at a meeting of the party’s Economic Advisory Council. The meeting also resolved to highlight the poor economic performance of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. In this regard, the PML-N has decided to stage a protest during the National Assembly session on Monday and to set up a camp outside the House on Tuesday. PML-N will also hold seminars with businessmen and traders across the country along with organising talk shows, news conferences and other means to accentuate the incumbent government’s economic policies. Staff RepoRt
nAB to investigate Zardari, Talpur in Jv opal case The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated an investigation against former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur and son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in the Joint venture (Jv) Opal 255 corruption case. According to reports, NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal has approved formal investigation into the alleged financial irregularities through Jv Opal 255 after the completion of an inquiry. It is pertinent to mention here that NAB’s Rawalpindi chapter had recommended the headquarters to convert the inquiry into an investigation. Bilawal is also shareholder int the joint venture Opal 255. newS DeSk
Staff RepoRt
The Human Rights Ministry said on Friday it had forwarded to the National Assembly (NA) a bill seeking protection for journalists and people employed by the media. According to Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, the proposed legislation — titled “Protection of Journalists & Media professionals Bill 2020” — was presented after due process and consultations with media personnel. “The Ministry of Human Rights has sent the Protection of Journalists & Media Professionals Bill 2020 forward in accordance with the government procedures and after getting inputs from various
journalists/bodies,” Mazari wrote on Twitter, sharing a copy of the proposed legislation. She added that the bill had been initiated by Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry earlier when he was minister of information and broadcasting. As per the copy shared by Mazari, the bill seeks to “promote, protect and effectively ensure the independence, impartiality, safety and freedom of expression of journalists and media professionals”. It further mentions that it was “the responsibility of the State to safeguard the right to freedom of expression”, in line with Article 19 of the Constitution and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as per the proposed legislation, “includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media”. It further notes that the safety and independence of journalists was “the requirement of any democratic society” in light of the “specific attacks on journalists and media professionals”. The proposed legislation also underscores the need “to establish a legal and institutional framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of journalists and media professionals”.
ISI DG calls on PM Imran, discusses security issues IsLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Inter-Services-Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt General Faiz Hameed on Friday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and briefed him about the law and order situation in the country.
During the meeting, matters pertaining to security issues, especially about the national security came under discussion. It is pertinent here to mention that the last meeting between PM Imran and the ISI chief was held in November last year in which they discussed security matters of the country.
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Firdous questions delay in nawaz's admittance to hospital Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan on Friday said that former premier Nawaz Sharif went to London for medical treatment claiming illness but has not been admitted to any hospital yet. Taking to Twitter, Awan said: “Nawaz’s medical reports are also not being sent to the government as they have been made conditional with his admission to hospital.” She said the government will ensure rule of law in the country at every cost. Awan added that law cannot be driven by desires and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders cannot change facts. Hamza’s bail does not translate into his acquittal, she said while adding that we will not let escape those who want to flee the truth. People can no more be misled and the truth will have to be brought before the nation, the SAPM remarked. newS DeSk
FIA gets go-ahead to fill 1,257 posts ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been given the go-ahead to fill as many as 1,257 new posts. Sources privy to the development said the Ministry of Finance has issued a notification in this regard. The government had imposed a ban on new recruitment in 2013. After assuming office, FIA Director General Wajid Zia wrote a letter to the government on Jan 22, seeking permission to make new appointments to make the organisation more efficient. One additional director general, seven directors, 97 inspectors, 121 sub-inspectors, 252 assistant sub-inspectors, 159 head constables and 373 constables will be recruited to the FIA. The recruitment process will begin soon and complete before the next budget, wherein funds for the new posts will be earmarked. Staff RepoRt
Aviation minister touts PIA revenues ISLAMABAD: Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan on Friday said that the income of PIA has increased, adding that the expenses have recorded a sharp decrease. During question hour in the Senate, Sarwar said an audit of the national flag carrier in between business years 2015 and 2018 has been completed. Referring to a reported loss of Rs11 billion in 2019, he said the figures were not certified and nor were detected in the audit. The PIA was once placed in a list of bankrupt companies by the SECP but now it has come out due to the positive policies of the incumbent government, the minister added. Sarwar further said rules of transparency were kept in mind while auctioning the inner entertainment system of the PIA. In September last year, former PIA CEO Air Marshal Arshad Mahmood Malik had said that PIA’s revenue increased by 41 percent between March and September last year. Staff RepoRt
Karachi's ranking improves on World Crime Index News Desk The ranking of Karachi has seen an improvement in terms of crime rate, as per the International survey-based organisation Numbeo. Numbeo, which provides data on cities and various indicators of living conditions around the world, put the city at the 93rd spot on its current crime index. Last month, Karachi was listed at the 88th spot, while the list showed a
gradual decrease in the ratio of crime in the city in the past three years. The ratio of crime index is 55.15 (moderate), while the safety index ratio is 44.85 for Karachi. In 2019, the city was ranked at 61st spot in the crime index by city list. In its current ranking, Karachi is ranked 93rd among 386 cities, listed having lower crime rate than Las vegas, Washington, Marseille, Delhi and Birmingham. The website basis its data on surveys, according to which it divides
them into three categories; ranking, crime index, and safety index. “Crime Index is an estimation of overall level of crime in a given city or a country. We consider crime levels lower than 20 as very low, crime levels between 20 and 40 as being low, crime levels between 40 and 60 as being moderate, crime levels between 60 and 80 as being high and finally crime levels higher than 80 as being very high,” stated the website’s description.
The safety index is, on the other way, quite opposite of crime index. If the city has a high safety index, it is considered very safe, it further said. In 2014, Karachi ranked 6th on the World Crime Index. On the whole, 1888 people were killed the same year, including 117 officers and personnel of law enforcement agencies. The city stood at 68th on the index in December 2018, improving further to 70th position in 2019.
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Saturday, 8 February, 2020
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KP approves development projects worth Rs90bn PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved 24 development projects for multiple districts which will cost Rs90 billion. According to details, Rs70bn have been fixed for the Swat Motorway, which will be extended to Fateh Pur. Kohat will receive more funds, Rs15bn, as compared to other districts over gas royalty. Around Rs15bn will be spent on different projects while seven projects have been forwarded to the federal government for final approval. The development projects also include construction of roads in tribal districts. Other undertakings comprise development of schools, hospitals, rescue services and energy sector. Staff RepoRt
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan witnessing the photographic exhibition in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day. INP
Child abuse Cases in islamabad deCline, na told ISLAMABAD
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Staff RepoRt
n overall 777,251 cases of criminal activities were recorded across the country in 2019 with more than half of the crimes committed in the Punjab province. The figures were quoted from a report submitted by the Interior Ministry during the question and answer session of the national Assembly. It said that the total number of cases registered in Pakistan’s biggest province– Punjab — are 490,155 while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) witnessed second major crime incidents in the country with 178,131 registered cases. A total number of 85676 cases were registered in Sindh province. Peshawar topped in the crime rate
among the cities in the country, with 38,926 cases registered during 2019. On the other hand, Kohistan, an administrative district within KP province, witnessed the least crime incidents with just only 222 cases registered in a year. The report also detailed the incidents of sexual harassment of children in Islamabad, claiming that it had witnessed a decrease with 60 cases registered in 2019 as compared to 66 cases in the previous year-2018. The report tabled in the lower house of the Parliament said that 80 people accused of committing the act were held during 2018 while 75 were nabbed in 2019. The report, however, once again shed a light on dismal prosecution of the criminals, saying that only one of the accused was convicted during 2019 as other cases are ongoing.
KP governor directs hed to submit audit report of universities PESHAWAR Staff RepoRt
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman on Friday directed the Higher Education Department (HED) to submit an audit report of all the universities in the province. Talking to journalists, Shah Farman said that financial irregularities in the universities will not be tolerated. The governor said that he will not compromise on financial discipline in the educational institutions. Sources said that financial irregularities worth Rs40mn reported in different universities from 2014 to 2016. While Bacha Khan University leased out 407 kanals of government land and forgot to recover Rs1.89 million. Last year on August 27, Higher Education Commission (HEC) had imposed a ban on recruitments in all universities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province due to severe financial crisis. The commission had issued copies of the notification to all vice-chancellors (VCs) of the varsities which reasoned the occurrence of the financial crisis. The notification had also stated that the administration of the varsities will have to get no-objection certification (nOC) from HEC.
Pm decides to set up shelter homes across country ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday taking care of helpless, poor and vulnerable segments of the society is the responsibility of the state. Talking to the focal person for shelters, naseem-ur-Rehman here on Friday, he said the cooperation of the private sector in the government’s shelter homes program reflects the positive values of our society. During the meeting, the Prime Minister discussed the proposed improvements in the management of shelter homes established throughout the country and their further expansion in the next twelve months. For the next twelve months, a comprehensive program is being launched in major cities of the country for shelter homes. In this context, shelter homes will be improved to meet the best practices and sustainable development goals. Staff RepoRt
Govt taking steps to ensure public safety from coronavirus: Pm's aide
Govt moves against Laal Masjid’s Maulana Aziz ISLAMABAD tehzeeb haSnain
Islamabad District Administration on Friday barred former Laal Masjid preacher Maulana Abdul Aziz from entering the mosque as he stands accused of contempt of court and provoking female students at Jamia Hafsa against the state. Maulana and his followers are taking law into their hand," DC Islamabad told Pakistan Today while talking about the ban. The protesting female students outside the Laal Masjid alleged that the government was against Islam and wanted to make this country secular, says protesters outside Laal Masjid.
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza on Friday said that all necessary measures are being taken for the safety of Pakistani citizens from coronavirus. Chairing a review meeting, Mirza said that steps are being taken on an emergency basis to provide protection to people from the disease. He said the national Institute of Health (nIH) has received samples of twenty-five cases, and all have been found negative. “There is, so far, no patient of coronavirus in Pakistan,” he confirmed Staff RepoRt
Islamabad administration on Friday took a strict action against the current administration of Laal Masjid, stopping Molana Abdul Aziz from entering the mosque. It also ordered the administration of Laal Masjid to clear the building of Jamia Hafsa in G7 as soon as possible. It has also placed barbed wires and completely locked down the mosque to control any chaotic situation. Meanwhile, the mosque management gathered in front of the masjid against the action of the Islamabad administration. Protestors said the government was not allowing the Aziz to lead the Friday prayer which was “absolutely not fair”. The protestors said that administration wanted us to simply clear the building of Jamia Hafsa even though we spent Rs30m on the building.
Legislation underway to establish rehab centers: minister ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Launching the awareness campaign on drugs in universities, Minister for narcotics Control Shehryar Khan Afridi Friday said that the ministry has started legislation process to rehabilitate the drug addicts and all resources would be used to bring them back to the mainstream and transform them into productive citizens. Addressing the students and faculty members at Iqra University Islamabad Campus, the minister said that those drugs addicts lying under bridges, nullahs and jungle areas would be taken
care of now. “Drugs addicts have been abandoned by the society and even by their own family members. The addicts have further been pushed into isolation and drug peddlers clutch them more. The society has a responsibility towards the drugs victims. We need to hate drugs not drugs victims. State would take care of the drug victims now,” the minister said. He said Pakistan’s biggest asset is youth and the government would safeguard them from menace of drugs. “Over 65 percent of our population that is youth who need to be prepared to take social responsibilities. Education which had to civilise us has unfortunately divided and isolated us.
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Personal ambitions and personal targets should not be making youth anti-social, self- centered and irresponsible,” the minister maintained. He said elite schools and colleges are major targets of drug barons. “Drugs have penetrated our youth and they don’t know the challenge we are faced with. Peer pressure and competition are major reasons for spread of drugs. In this age of information, the world is at your doorsteps. Drugs is a major source of easy money which is then used in subversive activities including terrorism,” he said. “Synthetic drugs are major challenge for the colleges and universities. Private sector drug rehabilitation cen-
tres have become a lavish business and rich families are being fleeced by the rehabilitation centres”. The minister the youth need to be aware of the drugs menace as well as their parents and that is why we have developed this Zindagi application for cellular phones. He said Pakistan has developed a databank of criminals involved in drugs, terrorism and money laundering. He urged all the universities to make it mandatory for each student and parents to download this Zindagi application and use it to be aware of this challenge so as awareness on drugs may help save youth from the drugs menace.
Saturday, 8 February, 2020
KaRachI belongs to PtI, not MQM-P, says asad UMaR KARACHI
F
Staff RepoRt
EDERAL Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said on Friday that Karachi does not “belong” to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQMP) but to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as the latter gained more votes from the metropolis in the general elections of 2018 than any other party. “We [the PTI] are working for the people of Karachi with MQM as a partner,” he said while talking to reporters. After an earlier meeting with MQM-Pakistan leaders, Asad Umar had claimed that progress had
Urdu novelist Nisar Aziz Butt passes away LAHORE: Urdu’s acclaimed novelist Nisar Aziz Butt passed away on Friday. She was the sister of Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) leader Sartaj Aziz. Nisar wrote four novels in Urdu and also an autobiography. Her work includes ‘Karwan-e-Wajood’, Nagri Nagri Phira Musaafir’, Nay Chirag Nay Gulay’, ‘Darya Kay Sang’ (novels) and autobiography ‘Gaiy Dinoon Ka Suraag’. She also used to write columns under the title of “Literary Scene’. Nisar had bagged first position in the matriculation examination in the then North West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and was also a gold medal-holder in MSc Mathematics from Punjab University. NewS deSk
NA passes resolution for public hanging of child sexual abusers
been made in talks with the key ally. “Both PTI and MQM-P are striving for development projects for Karachi and it is a stark reality
that what the mega-city deserves is not being given to it,” he told the media. The ruling PTI is making hectic efforts to persuade the disgruntled MQM-P to rejoin the federal cabinet. MQM-P had in January announced it would quit the cabinet over ‘unfulfilled promises’. Umar, who has previously led the finance ministry, also said that he had met with International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials during his visit to Karachi. “The IMF team emphasised on entirely utilising the federal development budget,” said Umar. Speaking on the prevalent coronavirus issue, the federal minister said that it was too early to comment on the impact of the virus on the pace of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
IMF asks govt to ‘fully utilize’ PSDP budget ISLAMABAD Shahzad paRacha
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked the federal government to fully utilize the current fiscal year development budget under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). Sources told Pakistan Today that the fund’s delegation met with the officials of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives on Friday and was briefed over the development budget. Officials told the IMF team that the government had utilized around
Rs300 billion out of Rs701 billion annual allocation in the first half of FY20. The team asked the Planning and Development Minister to take special initiative to fully utilize the current year’s development budget under PSDP. Minister Asad Umar assured the delegates that his ministry was determined to utilise the entire development budget. Separately, the IMF team met with Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Khusro Bukhtiyar. The minister informed the IMF staff mission that the gov-
ernment was taking all necessary measures to control food inflation. The mission was further apprised that a bumper wheat crop was expected this year, which would prevent any wheat supply crisis in the months to come. Furthermore, the provincial finance secretaries briefed the visiting delegation on the tax collection and fiscal policies. Sources said the secretaries also gave a detailed briefing to the delegates about their provinces’ budget, tax collection, debt situation and factors behind decline in revenue collection.
PAF jet on routine training mission crashes near Shorkot SHORKOT Staff RepoRt
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Mirage aircraft crashed on Friday while on a routine operational training mission near Shorkot city. According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spokesperson, the pilot safely ejected and no
loss of life or property had been reported on the ground. Additionally, a board of inquiry has been ordered by the Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the accident. Last month, a PAF aircraft, a PAF FT-7, crashed while on a routine operational training mission crashed near Mianwali. Both pilots, Squadron Leader Haris bin Khalid and Flying Officer Ibaadur Rehman, aboard the aircraft lost their lives in the crash.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 01 Several important amendments were made in Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) through the Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act, 2016, which was enacted in March 2016. Some of the provisions included in PPC are similar to the one available in KP CPWA, including offences related to exposure to seduction, child pornography, sexual abuse, etc. Similarly, new sections 377A and 377B were incorporated in PPC in which a detailed definition of sexual abuse and its punishment are given. In 2018, an amendment was made in Section 377B of the PPC to make the punishment for sexual abuse more stringent. It now provides imprisonment which shall not be less than 14 years and may extend to 20 years with minimum fine of Rs1 million. Similarly, in the 2016 amendments the offence of child pornography was made punishable to minimum two years imprisonment and maximum seven years besides fine. However, through amendments in 2018, the said offence was made punishable with at least 14 years imprisonment and maximum 20 years imprisonment with minimum fine of Rs1 million. Moreover, in 2016 death penalty was introduced for raping a minor.
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NEWS
05
lhc bans PlastIc bags In PUnjab LAHORE Staff RepoRt
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday restrained departmental stores across the province from using plastic shopping bags for sale of essential commodities. Justice Shahid Kareem of the high court gave this restraining order on a petition moved by Advocate Salman Khan Niazi. Noting that plastic bags have been contributing to pollution, the bench stopped departmental stores from using them and summoned an implementation report from the authorities concerned in this regard within 15 days’ time. The petitioner complained to the court that the Punjab government has failed to take measures against the use of plastic shopping bags and pleaded with the bench to impose a ban on their use. He further requested the court to direct the provincial government to enact laws banning single-use plastic bags.
People are unhappy with PM Imran over rising inflation: Rasheed ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed has admitted that people are displeased with the government of Prime Minster Imran Khan owing to rising inflation. Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Awami Muslim League (AML) chief said that his party has no reservations against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government and the party is supporting the government ‘unconditionally’. He maintained that he has no demands from the prime minister and Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar as both are ‘cooperating’ with him, adding that issues facing the AML are also getting resolved. The Railways minister said two universities have already been set up in Rawalpindi while the third would also be setup in the garrison city soon. The work on Ring Road and Leh Expressway would also be started within a next few months, he added. As per the Supreme Court’s directives, most of the encroached land of Karachi Circular Railways (KCR) has been retrieved and only five kilometer stretch of route is yet to be cleared of the encroachments. Rashid said he has already met with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and both the federal and provincial governments are at one page over the KCR issue. Corruption in Pakistan Railways has already been reduced but not yet eradicated completely, said the minister. Staff RepoRt
Saturday, 8 February, 2020
06 WORLD VIEW
Can we bomb afghanistan into peaCe?
Preventing the 'Japanification' of East Asia's economies
DROPPING MORE BOMBS IS NOT FORCING TALIBAN CONCESSIONS AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. IT IS SIMPLY MAKING AFGHANISTAN BLOODIER AND PROLONGING THE CONFLICT rcW
i
BONNiE KristiAN
F President Trump is delivering on his promise to end the “endless war” in Afghanistan, he has chosen an awfully circuitous route to do so. U.S. troop levels in the country have increased on Trump’s watch, and the tentative plan to reduce them by about 4,000 in 2020 would only return us to where we were at the start of his tenure. Per new data released by U.S. Central Command, the United States dropped a record number of bombs and other ordnance on Afghanistan last year -- 7,423. This surpassed the previous high set in 2018, and it reveals a marked contrast with the decline in munitions releases in Afghanistan toward the end of the Obama administration. Civilian casualties are up, too. Complete data for 2019 has yet to be released, but preliminary numbers suggest Afghanistan saw its most bloodshed in a decade. Further, it seems pro-government forces were responsible for nearly as many civilian deaths as the Taliban. Speaking of the Taliban, they control or contest Kabul’s control of at least half the country. A more precise figure is difficult to give, because last summer the Pentagon decided to just stop counting. This mix of static deployment rates, increased violence and casualties, and a deliberate refusal to collect data that shows evidence of failure is not how you end a war. It’s how you stay at war forever, perpetually cycling through tactics and troops, wasting blood and treasure. It is the opposite of what Trump promised to do. Washington is “very explicitly hoping to use the ramped-up strikes to gain leverage in the ongoing talks with the Taliban,” Frances Brown, who served as a senior official on the National Security Council for the Trump and Obama administrations, told The Guardian. In theory, that might make sense. But in practice, Brown continued, the “Taliban side is also using their own ramped-up violence to gain leverage.” Dropping more bombs is not forcing Taliban concessions at the negotiat-
ing table. It is simply making Afghanistan bloodier and prolonging the conflict. This escalated bombing campaign is not only failing to achieve its stated goal. It is hurting ordinary Afghan people and fostering anti-American sentiment. It is making conditions in Afghanistan worse while contributing nothing to U.S. security or vital interests. It is not working, and nearly two decades of overwhelming evidence show that it will never work. To dub this war a “stalemate” is too generous. If Trump is serious about wanting to end this war, he must turn off this destructive autopilot. Instead of fiddling with troop numbers, intensifying violence, and ignoring key metrics, he should bring U.S. soldiers home. To end the war, Trump should actually end the war. As for an exit deal with the Taliban, by all means let diplomacy continue, but it can no longer be used as an excuse for prolonging this conflict. Extending this war in hopes of coercing Taliban concessions would be an indefensible self-delusion. We don’t need another year of record bombing. We need to get out of Afghanistan once and for all. This is not to suggest that U.S. departure could magically bring peace to Afghanistan. Though every effort should be made to design a withdrawal as responsible as it is swift, even in the best scenario Afghanistan will remain impoverished and in turmoil after the United States departs. The Taliban will not disappear, nor will terrorism. But there is no credible argument that prolonging U.S. occupation and intensifying our air war is improving these grim realities. U.S. military intervention cannot solve Afghanistan’s political, religious, and economic problems. No matter the scale, it is the wrong tool for the job. We cannot bomb Afghanistan into peace. Bonnie Kristian is a fellow at Defense Priorities and contributing editor at The Week. Her writing has also appeared at CNN, Politico, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, Defense One, and The American Conservative, among other outlets.
Project Syndicate LEE JONG-WHA
At the annual meeting of the American Economic Association in early January, former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen, former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and eminent economists warned that Western economies risked “Japanification”: a future of sluggish growth, low inflation and perpetually low interest rates. Yet, surprising as it may seem, this malaise also threatens East Asia. Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, once called the “Asian tigers,” now face slow growth and disinflationary pressures. Last year, Hong Kong’s economy contracted by 1.2 percent, while the other three grew only modestly — Singapore by 0.6 percent, and South Korea and Taiwan by about 2 percent each. Inflation in each of these three countries was about 0.6 percent. East Asia’s economies suffered from weaker external demand — a result of slow growth in major industrialized countries and China — as well as domestic structural and supply factors. Moreover, their growth potential is trending downward. Economically and demographically, these East Asian countries seem to be tracking Japan. For starters, Japan is the world’s most rapidly aging society, with 28 percent of its population aged 65 and above, up from 14 percent in 1994. This age cohort’s share of the population in Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan now averages about 14 percent and is forecast to increase rapidly in the coming decades. A shrinking workforce will in turn reverse the demographic dividends that previously supported strong regional growth. In South Korea, for example, average annual GDP growth between 2020 and 2040 is forecast to be about 1 percentage point lower than now. Moreover, like Japan in recent decades, these four economies are experiencing slowing productivity growth. Their export industries have encountered fierce competition from
low-cost Chinese firms, while low service-sector productivity hampers overall productivity improvements. And because these countries are already at the high-tech frontier, they may find it harder to develop new technologies in the future. How East Asia’s policymakers respond to these challenges will be crucial. Many economists believe that the Bank of Japan’s timid response to the collapse of the country’s real estate bubble 30 years ago aggravated the economy’s woes, leading to the lost decades that followed. Mindful of this precedent, the Fed and the ECB have aggressively cut interest rates and injected large amounts of liquidity since the 2008 financial crisis — as has the BOJ under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration. Speaking at the AEA meeting, former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke expressed confidence in central banks’ ability to provide further economic stimulus using new policy tools such as quantitative easing and forward guidance. But many economists are skeptical. As former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Lawrence Summers has noted, leading central banks have failed to meet their inflation targets despite massive monetary expansion. And with interest rates already at record lows, it will be difficult to resolve the next crisis with further aggressive rate cuts. Furthermore, monetary easing alone cannot tackle major structural economic weaknesses. Summers, for example, argues that excessive saving and low investment in industrialized economies could result in “secular stagnation.” Mohamed ElErian emphasizes “structural disinflationary forces” such as aging, rising inequality and a loss of trust in institutions, while economists including Robert J. Gordon highlight slower productivity growth. Given their significant structural problems, therefore, East Asia’s economies cannot avoid Japanification solely by loosening monetary policy. In fact, such measures might even do more harm than good over time. Although these economies have not experienced an asset-bubble collapse like Japan, continued monetary easing could pose such a risk. Over the last year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Bank of Korea have cut their policy rates several times, to 2 percent and 1.25 percent, respectively. Benchmark interest rates in Singapore and Taiwan also remain low, at 1.64 percent and 1.375 percent, respectively.
Why Iraq remains ripe for a US-Iran confrontation
Stratfor WorldvieW OmAr LAmrANi & EmiLy HAWtHOrNE
In Iraq, a mix of violent militias and volatile politics could provide the spark that sends Iran and the United States spiraling into an armed conflict — and with it, any remaining shreds of stability in Baghdad. In June, the United States declared that the killing of any U.S. military personnel and other American citizens in Iraq would warrant retaliation. Washington then proved its willingness to enforce that red line in a series of raids and strikes following a rocket attack that killed an American contractor in December. In the aftermath of the Jan. 3 assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, it can be argued that a potential trigger for a full conflict between the two countries was narrowly avoided when an Iranian counterstrike with ballistic missiles didn't kill any U.S. troops in Iraq. But there is no guarantee that a follow-up round of clashes arising from another deadly attack wouldn't push the two countries back to the brink. And indeed — rife with militias, weapons and unrest — Iraq offers the perfect site for such a scenario to unfold in the months ahead. SETTING THE SCENE: The fact that both Iran and the United States are prepared to use violent action against each other following the recent surge in ten-
sions is further inflamed by the nature of the Iraqi theatre itself. Iraq remains highly unstable and awash with weaponry, with the Iraqi government unable to exercise its will on the vast array of disparate militias operating in the country. Of the dozens of militias in Iraq that don't fall under direct state control, there are three broad factions: those closely allied with Iran, those closely allied with Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr and those under the leadership of the more mainline Shiite clerical authorities in the holy Shiite cities of Najaf and Karbala. All of these militias are all largely comprised of Shiite Iraqi fighters. Many also assisted and worked alongside Iraqi federal forces and, in some cases, even U.S.-led coalition forces to fight the Islamic State. And while none fall directly under the state's command and control, most Iraqi militias also fall under an umbrella organization, the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), which has become a formal component of the Iraqi state's security forces. While the Iran-allied militias logically fall the closest under Tehran's command and control, they remain independent actors. This distance provides Iran some plausible deniability about its culpability when an armed group attacks a U.S. or civilian target in Iraq. But the United States is increasingly willing to directly blame Iran even when a proxy group is the culprit of an attack, which could prompt retaliatory attacks from militias and spark a cycle of escalation. Already, U.S. forces in Iraq are increasingly targeting heavyweight Iranian proxies such as Kataeb Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Shortly after the assassination of Soleimani, Iran hosted a series of meetings with Iraqi militia leaders. And as this U.S.-Iran pressure intensifies, there will be more efforts between Tehran and its Iraqi proxies to coordinate retaliation against the United States. But of the plethora of armed groups in Iraq, many are also already hostile to U.S. troops in the
country without necessarily being loyal to Iran. This means that some Iraqi militia forces — regardless of whether they're closely allied with Tehran — have both the motivation and the means for further mortar, rocket or improvised explosive device attacks on nearby U.S. forces. So while it's often assumed that most of the militia attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq are somehow tied back to Iran (including the latest attack on the U.S. Embassy on Jan. 26), a strike that results in U.S. casualties could thus also conceivably originate from different armed factions on the ground, only to be misconstrued by Washington as an Iranian-led or -directed operation. ENDURING IRAQI INSTABILITY: The intensifying competition between various militia groups, as well as Baghdad's long-standing inability to exert command and control over any of them, further deepens the likelihood of greater overall instability in Iraq. In the same airstrike that killed Soleimani on Jan. 3, the United States also killed the prominent Iran-allied militia leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. A powerful consolidator, al-Muhandis was increasingly the center of gravity within the PMU umbrella organization. His absence will thus eventually open up space for even greater competition among Iraqi militias, further weakening what little control Baghdad had over the country's militias as they jockey for more power. This will increase the risk for violence, inhibiting cooperation between external actors such as the United States and Iraq's central government and federal security forces on counterterrorism operations. In Iraq, a mix of violent militias and volatile politics could provide the spark that sends Iran and the United States spiraling into an armed conflict in the months ahead. Compounding this chaos for Baghdad is also an emboldened anti-government, nationalist protest movement that has been demanding govern-
As the experience of Japan has shown, expansionary monetary policy can keep the economy afloat, but with asset price bubbles and many zombie-like firms. To stave off Japanification, the four economies should adopt a comprehensive set of policies to overcome their structural weaknesses. First, governments should spend more on productivity-enhancing infrastructure, technologies and education to boost potential growth. Such public investment in productive sectors could complement weak private demand and expand supply capacity. Governments could finance this increased spending by issuing low interest rate bonds, but they must avoid an excessive build-up of public debt — especially the share owed to foreign investors. Without an international reserve currency, too much debt could trigger a default and foreign exchange crisis. Second, East Asian governments must address the issues of population aging and a shrinking workforce. They need to encourage higher labor force participation among women and seniors, boost worker productivity through lifelong education and skills training and allow active migrant inflows. Expanding access to child care and providing flexible working arrangements would help to raise fertility rates. And governments must tackle inefficiencies in both the financial sector and regulatory policies to improve productivity growth. Finally, East Asia’s governments must focus on increasing economic and social equality and bolstering public trust in institutions. Despite Japan’s prolonged economic stagnation, its society has remained harmonious and stable, providing a solid foundation for managing stable growth. In East Asia, however, rising economic inequality amid weak growth is eroding public confidence in political institutions. The civil disturbances that have rocked Hong Kong and South Korea over the last year are evidence of this. Without strong public trust and confidence, the next economic calamity, whether a Japanstyle slowdown or another financial crisis, could prove difficult to overcome. The risk of Japanification is clear and not only in Western Europe. Faced with this threat, East Asia’s aging tigers must take urgent steps to regain their vitality. Lee Jong-Wha is an economics professor and director of the Asiatic Research Institute at Korea University.
ment reforms since October. There already have been violent crackdowns by federal security forces on protesters, who managed to prompt the resignation of former Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi in November. And the unrest is likely to intensify as different political factions in Iraq attempt to manipulate the movement, including the one led by al-Sadr. Al-Sadr's recent decision to switch from supporting the protests to opposing the movement reflects his desire to maintain his political power, which over the years has grown in tandem with the central government's weakening authority. The move also appears to show some coordination between al-Sadr, Iran-allied militias and the federal government who otherwise have fundamentally opposing visions for Iraq's political future. Rather than a larger political alignment, however, al-Sadr's decision to reverse his position is more reflective of a shared desire among Iraq's political elites to avoid disrupting a status quo that has allowed them to flourish in Baghdad. But the appearance of a more coordinated front against the anti-government movement is likely only to inflame protesters' frustration with the powers that be in Iraq — raising the risk for even more unrest and, in turn, more destabilizing crackdowns in the near term. Amid the recent surge of tensions between Washington and Tehran, there remains a fair chance that the red line of U.S. casualties will be crossed in the coming months. And with even less control over both its armed militia groups and angry citizens, there's little the Iraqi government will be able to do to keep a bloody proxy war from breaking out on its turf. Iraq — as an activated front between Iran and the United States — will, therefore, remain one of the likeliest flashpoints for another confrontation for the foreseeable future. Omar Lamrani focuses on air power, naval strategy, technology, logistics and military doctrine for a number of regions, including the Middle East and Asia. Emily Hawthorne is a Middle East and North Africa analyst at Stratfor.
Saturday, 8 Febuary, 2020
FOREIGN NEWS 07
CoronavIrus CasEs on Japan CruIsE shIp trEblE to 61 osaka
a
Agencies
T least 61 people on board a cruise ship off Japan have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the government said Friday, as thousands of passengers and crew face a two-week quarantine. An additional 41 passengers were found to have contracted the virus, which has killed hundreds of people, most of them in China, and infected more than 30,000 on the mainland. Japanese authorities have so far tested 273 people on board the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined after a former passenger, who disembarked in Hong Kong last month, was diagnosed with the virus. “The results of the remaining 171 tests came out and 41 tested positive,” Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told reporters. “Today they will be sent to
hospitals in several prefectures, and we are now preparing for that.” The newly diagnosed include 21 Japanese, as well as Americans, Canadians, Australians, an Argentine and a Briton. There were more than 3,700
Macron says 'Europeans cannot remain spectators' in new arms race Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron warned Friday that European nations “cannot remain spectators” in the face of a potential nuclear arms race and urged them to push an “international arms control agenda”. “Europeans must realise collectively that in the absence of a legal framework, they could rapidly face a new race for conventional weapons, even nuclear weapons, on their own soil,” Macron said in a speech laying out France’s post-Brexit strategy for its nuclear arsenal. He added that France had already reduced the number of its warheads to under 300, providing “the legitimacy to demand concrete moves from other nuclear powers toward global disarmament that is gradual, credible and can be verified”. After Brexit, France is the only nuclear power within EU borders, at a time when long-standing accords on limiting the growth of nuclear stockpiles appear increasingly at risk. The United States has suggested it will not extend New START, an arms reduction treaty signed in 2010, and both Washington and Moscow have abandoned the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Macron said France remains convinced that Europe’s long-term security depends on a strong alliance with the US, its key partner in the NATO alliance. “But our security also depends, inevitably, on a greater capacity for autonomous action by Europeans,” he said in the speech to military officers in Paris. Agencies
passengers and crew on the ship when it arrived off Japan’s coast on Monday evening. It docked in Yokohama on Thursday to resupply for a quarantine that could last until February 19. Twenty people who were earlier di-
agnosed with the virus have already been removed from the vessel, including one in serious condition, a health ministry official said, without providing further details. Testing was initially carried out on those who displayed symptoms or had come into close contact with the former passenger diagnosed with the virus. But Kato suggested testing would now be expanded to those “who are susceptible to illness, including elderly people and those with other ailments, as well as those who had close contact with the people newly diagnosed with the virus.” There were no immediate details on how many people would meet those criteria or when the testing might take place. Japan has already reported at least 25 cases of coronavirus aside from the infections on board the ship, and evacuated hundreds of citizens from Wuhan, the Chinese city where the virus emerged, including on a fourth flight Friday.
Russia blacklists over 200 Jehovah's Witnesses Moscow Agencies
Russian authorities have added over 200 Jehovah’s Witnesses to a register of extremists and terrorists, the organisation said in a statement on Friday. The latest move in a crackdown on the religious group effectively cuts the believers off from the country’s financial system, as being on list leads to one’s bank accounts being frozen and to severe restrictions on any financial transactions. Russia officially banned Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2017 and declared the group an extremist organisation. The Kremlin has actively used vaguely worded laws to crack down on opposition activists and religious minorities. Since then, hundreds of members have been subjected to raids, arrests and prosecution. Twenty four members of the organisation have been convicted, nine of whom have been sentenced to prison, and more than 300 people are currently under criminal investigation. “Most of the blacklisted believers have not been convicted yet but are under investigation,” the Jehovah’s Witnesses said. Jarrod Lopes, a spokesman for
the Jehovah’s Witnesses world headquarters in the United States, said on Friday that Russian authorities are vilifying the organisation, crippling them from caring for their basic needs. “Clearly, Russia has effectively reinstated its darkest period of history by relentlessly persecuting Jehovah’s Witnesses, as did its intolerant Soviet predecessors, Lopes said. The register, available on the website of Rosfinmonitoring, Russia’s financial intelligence agency, currently contains more than 9,500 names. It doesn’t state a person’s affiliation with an organisation. The Associated Press was able
to identify at least two dozen Jehovah’s Witnesses on the list. Rosfinmonitoring officials would neither confirm nor deny blacklisting Jehovah’s Witnesses to The Associated Press, saying that they add people to the register based on the information law enforcement provides them with. The crackdown on members of the group continues despite a promise by Russian President Vladimir Putin to look into the matter. “Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians, too, so I don’t quite understand why persecute them,” Putin said at a meeting with the Presidential Council for Human Rights in 2018.
shamima begum loses appeal over citizenship removal A British woman who as a teenager ran away to join the ISIL (ISIS) group has lost a legal challenge aimed at restoring her citizenship. The Special Immigration Appeals Commission in London ruled on Friday that Shamima Begum was not improperly deprived of her nationality, meaning she cannot return to London. Begum, one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria in 2015, resurfaced at a refugee camp in Syria last year and told reporters she wanted to return home. But her apparent lack of remorse has triggered criticism in the United Kingdom. Former Home Secretary Sajid Javid revoked her citizenship on national security grounds, but she challenged the decision. British media reported that the action was taken on the grounds that she could obtain another passport because of her Bangladeshi heritage. While Begum’s parents are of Bangladeshi origin, she does not hold a Bangladeshi passport. Some legal experts criticised Javid’s move to strip her nationality, saying it left Begum stateless. “Shamima Begum was 15 when she was groomed online, was born and grew up in Britain and has never been to Bangladesh,” said Omar Khan, director of Runnymede Trust, a race equality think-tank. “If she was called Sarah Brown she would never have had her citizenship stripped. She obviously remains British and not Bangladeshi, however Orwellian citizenship law and policy is.” Agencies
russia claims Israel used civilian flight as shield in syria strike MOsCOW: The Russian army on Friday accused Israel of using a civilian plane carrying 172 passengers as a shield against Syrian anti-aircraft fire while carrying out air strikes near Damascus. Israel’s air force hit targets in the capital area at dawn on Thursday sparking a Syrian riposte, Russia’s defence ministry said in a statement. “At the time of the attack by Israeli planes… an Airbus-320 airliner was on approach to landing… in the death zone of air strikes and artillery,” it said. The “quick reaction” of air traffic controllers at Damascus airport enabled the A320 to leave the zone “which was in the firing line of Syrian anti-aircraft defence systems.” The Airbus arriving from Tehran landed safely at the Hmeimim airbase operated by Russia in the Syrian coastal province of Latakia, the ministry added, without naming the airline. “The recourse to civilian aircraft as cover or to block a riposte by Syrian forces during military air operations has become characteristic of the Israeli air force,” the ministry charged. Israeli radars have “a clear view of the situation in the skies around Damascus airport,” the Russian army said, accusing Israel of “making a total mockery of the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians”. The accusations were made less than a month after Iranian forces admitted mistakenly shooting down a Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737, killing all 176 people on board, just after take-off from Tehran. Agencies
India quarantines 150 people over coronovirus symptoms
In sickness and in health: mass wedding defies virus fears
India’s Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said Friday the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has referred at least 150 passengers to be quarantined after they exhibited symptoms of the novel coronavirus. Addressing the Indian parliament’s upper house, Vardhan said the passengers “identified with symptoms of coronavirus [were] referred to isolation facilities”, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI). The Indian minister stressed that current visas were no longer available for any foreigner flying in from China and those travelling to Beijing “henceforth will be quarantined on return”, as per News Nation. India initiated screening of all incoming passengers at 21 airports last month, with universal thermal screening being made obligatory for those arriving from Singapore and Hong Kong too. Vardhan added that the Indian government had set up a team to monitor the coronavirus situation. news Desk
Thousands of couples — some in facemasks — tied the knot in a mass Unification Church wedding Friday, despite concerns in South Korea over the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. The church founded by Sun Myung Moon — revered as a messiah by his followers — distributed face coverings to the 30,000 crowd, but only some donned them. “I am overwhelmed that I am getting married today,” said Choi Ji-young, who met her husband — matched by the church — only two months ago. “It would be a lie if I said I was not concerned at all about the infection,” said the 21-year-old university student. “But I feel like I will be protected from the virus today.” South Korea has recorded 24 cases of the novel coronavirus outbreak that emerged in neighbouring China, where more than 30,000 cases have been confirmed, and Seoul has barred entry to
seoul Agencies
foreigners who have recently been in Wuhan, the epidemic’s centre. Festivals, graduation ceremonies, and K-pop concerts have been cancelled over fears large events could facilitate virus transmission, and authorities have asked religious groups to co-operate in preventing it spreading. The church went ahead with the event because it had been “four years in the making” as part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Moon’s birth, said official Jang Young-chul. But followers from China were asked not to come, he added. Nearly 6,000 identical-dressed couples from 64 countries — many of whom met for the first time in recent weeks — married in Gapyeong, a festive mood filling the venue as newlyweds took group photos and were congratulated by friends and relatives. Mass weddings, often held in giant sports stadiums with tens of thousands of couples, have long been a signature feature of the church, whose followers
have been dubbed “Moonies” after its founder, who died in 2012. They began in the early 1960s, involving just a few dozen couples at first but with numbers mushrooming over the years. In 1997, 30,000 couples took part in a joint wedding in Washington,
and two years later around 21,000 filled the Olympic Stadium in Seoul. Those who choose to be matched by the church must confirm under oath that they are virgins, and after their wedding the couple must refrain from sexual relations for a minimum of 40 days.
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Saturday, 8 February, 2020
08 COMMENT Economy under PTI government Enough is enough!
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He vast majority of the people are fed up with the government’s incompetence in managing the economy. they have been tormented and harassed by the rise in prices of essential items as well as the phenomenal increase in power and gas charges. to rub salt into the wound, Prime Minister imran Khan continues to make promises that he knows he cannot deliver on like job creation, poverty reduction and uplift of the poor in the year 2020. Many had hoped that the government would expand the tax net to make large sections of the defaulting well to-do and super rich pay their dues. What the Pti government has ended up with, is putting the major burden of indirect taxes on the common man. this has led to a steep shortfall in tax revenues. Failure to contain line losses and control corruption are behind the ever-expanding circular debt. Facing a potentially volatile situation the government had to tell the iMF that it could not impose new taxes. the government should have reduced its expenses and used carefully the foreign exchange acquired through loans. However, instead of having a lean and mean administration the Pti went for an extra-large cabinet along with a huge contingent of ministers of state, advisers and special assistants. there are over 40 Divisions in the federal cabinet which could have been reduced through mergers. the government opted to waste dollars on the import of non-essential goods ranging from luxury cars to shampoos and foods for pets. in its debt policy statement laid before Parliament last week the government conceded committing major violations of the Fiscal responsibility and Debt Limitation Act by massively exceeding debt acquisition limits. Failing to raise taxes and curb expenditures, the government is looking for non-tax revenues to help meet its target in the remaining months of the fiscal year. these include onetime gains like sales of Lng plants, telecom license renewals and privatisation proceeds. instead of bringing the loss-generating public enterprises under the hammer first, the government is putting up for sale some of the family silver. How influential lobbies in collusion with the government are exploiting the megapublic enterprises is exposed in the report on PiA by the Dg commercial audit and evaluation.
Is the threat returning? Strange things are happening
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He world of islamic militancy, and thus of the tehrik-i-taliban Pakistan (ttP), is a little strange, a little too full of violence, even apart from the spectacular bomb blasts which have become its signature. However, the mysterious alleged escape from custody of ttP spokesman ehsanullah ehsan along with his family as well as the murky killing of Sheikh Khalid Haqqani, mark a turmoil within islamic militancy that might see a re-emergence of militancy, though under a new guise. One of the most tumultuous developments, was the defeat of both iSiS in iraq and Syria, as well as of the ttP itself in Waziristan. that has created circumstances which might be resolved only by a resurgence of militancy. it is more than a possibility that the official relief that militancy had been defeated may be premature. islamic militants have shown before the ability to re-emerge, under a new name, but with the same agenda, and methods improved by the previous experience of being defeated. it is because previous foundations of new militant groups have often carried over that Mr ehsan’s alleged escape gains in significance. More puzzling is the lack of the version of the authorities. Mr ehsan announced his escape himself, saying that he had been in custody since surrendering in 2017. His claim to have escaped from prison, and to have taken along his family, raises many questions, which have been met by a wall of silence. is Mr ehsan positioning himself for membership of a new militant group? His presence in turkey does not indicate anything for the time being. However, with the collapse of the iSiL Caliphate, turkey’s fight with the Kurds of iraq and Syria has made it a happening place for militants. Whether Mr ehsan went there because his escape forced him, or he went there in search of opportunities, is anybody’s guess, at least until more details of his alleged escape are provided. there is no apparent connection between Mr Haqqani’s death, and the subsequent return of his corpse, and Mr ehsan’s escape, but in the world of islamic militancy, events do not just occur randomly. it also should not be forgotten that Mr Haqqani’s brother nasiruddin was killed in islamabad in 2013.
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Salafi Islam and its incarnations The roots of Salafi Islam go back to 11th century Cordoba Rehan Khan
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riting in the 11th century, ibn Hazm of Cordoba expressed his concerns about the blind imitation of legal schools. islam, according to ibn Hazm, did not enjoin Muslims, especially the scholarly elite to restrict themselves to a single school of law and theology. in his Al-Muhalla, he undertook a major task of reinterpreting the tradition of islam with an aim to foster the spirit of creativity. He made an attempt to identify the roots of intellectual decay that had already crept into islamic scholasticism. the guilds of theology and the schools of law, in the assessment of ibn Hazm, had lost the creative impulse to generate answers to emerging problems. He further argued that the formal legalism and the systematic theology of medieval schools were rooted in ancient schools of greek syllogism and iranian gnosis, and lacked an islamic orientation. these greco-iranian strands of thought had drained the intellectual energies of Muslims. ibn Hazm pressed for the need to break free from the obsolete interpretive models of reasoning espoused by the medieval schools. He proposed that an innovative system of reasoning be adopted that should be solely grounded in the Quranic text and the normative practice of the Prophet. the medieval schools already sprawled across the islamic world were neither creative nor legitimately islamic in their orientation. this resulted in a repetition of a series of ideas that were merely a regurgitation of obsolete creedal formulations. the call of ibn Hazm towards an epistemology that was both rationalist and islamic in its orientation paved the way for the emergence of Salafi islam. though still in its early stages, Salafi islam transformed into a comprehensive system of interpretation with its own principles and reasoning in the centuries to come. Salafi islam in its most basic philosophy is a religious thought, or an interpretation that urges for the need to locate morality, ethics, politics, and theology in the practice of early islamic community. islam as a religious dispensation was revealed to the Prophet in seventh-century Arabia. this religion was propagated and disseminated by the Prophet (PBUH). After a long arduous campaign aimed at proselytization, scores of people gravitated towards the Prophet (PBUH) and became Muslims. this early islamic community remained under the supervision of the Prophet (PBUH). the companionship
of the Prophet (PBUH) enabled Muslims to re- the advent of the 18th century heralded an isfine their moral character and helped them be- lamic awakening leading to the emergence of multiple Salafi strands. this was the third reincome role models for the generations to come. the Salafi tradition maintains that islam is carnation of Salafi islam, but in a series of to be understood through the collective conduct strands. the revivalist project of Muhammad of the early islamic community, for it remained bin Abdul Wahab was the traditionalist version under the religious tutelage of the Prophet of Salafi islam. it preached a rigid interpretation (PBUH). islam, according to its scholars, is ex- of islam that was geared towards stripping islam pressed in its original form through the moral be- of historical accretions. Simultaneously in Muslim india, Shah Waliullah also launched a sociohaviour of the early islamic community. the Salafi tradition posits that the later gener- political reformist project that was both sufi and ations, after their encounter with the Hellenic and salafi in orientation. Himself a sufi, Shah Waliiranian sciences, developed a system of knowledge ullah embraced a salafi tradition that was that was out of keeping with the original under- steeped in mysticism. His work The Conclusive Argument from God exstanding of islam. the pressed a salafi bent in a schools of law, theology, sufi idiom. this excellent ethics, and morality were combination of salafism based on the pre-islamic and sufism culminated in notions of reality, and Salafi Islam has a long the writings of his grandlacked an islamic content complex history and has son Shah ismail. His work and orientation. Hellenic Abaqat is a classic examphilosophic ideation and underwent major ple of salafi-sufi blend. the iranian illuminative the third strand of 18thgnosticism had crept deep transformations and into islamic scholasticism century salafi islam was incarnations over the by the 11th century. Against represented by Shawkani this intellectual backdrop, in Yemen. it was strictly course of centuries. It is ibn Hazm undertook his rerationalist in orientation; important to remember that as a result, it placed a formist project. Salafi islam was at its embryonic stage much greater emphasis on it is neither a monolithic of growth in the works of the role of reason in re-asibn Hazm. it underwent a sessing islamic teachings. entity nor a modern number of reincarnations, the last incarnation of phenomenon and every birth had its own salafi islam had a colonial context and intellectual context of 19th century. it flavour, but all of them inexpressed itself in two sisted on the need to return strands. the first was repback to the roots of islam in the early islamic com- resented by Jamal ud-din Afghani and Mufti munity for the attainment of moral perfection. Muhammad Abduh. their reformist project was Salafi islam had its second reincarnation in called salafiyah, as Qasim Zaman established in the 14th century in the reformist project of ibn his work Modern Islamic Thought in a Radical taymiyah and his student ibn Qayyim. Both of Age. this movement of salafiyah was rationalist, these scholars redefined ethics, law and espe- philosophic, and progressive. the second strand cially systemic theology, in a bid to buttress them was represented by Shaykh rashid rida. it was with islamic underpinnings. ibn taymiyah is traditionalist in its vision, and was later on cocredited to have revived the spirit of islamic cre- opted by Wahabite scholarly elite of Saudi Araativity. He held in his book Refutation of the lo- bia. it reached its zenith in the works of Shaykh gicians that the greek logic had its own fallacies. nasir-ud-din Albani. the Salafi interpretation of ibn taymiyah and As established, Salafi islam has a long comibn Qayyim had a traditionalist bent with a re- plex history and has underwent major transforformist agenda. islam had to be reformed from mations and incarnations over the course of within. this reformation was only possible centuries. it is important to remember that it is through dismantling the greco-iranian architec- neither a monolithic entity nor a modern pheture of knowledge-system(s). nomenon. Soon after the death of ibn taymiyah and his student ibn Qayyim, Salafi islam did not exRehan Khan can be reached at perience a resurgence up until the 18th century. rehanbinnazeem@gmail.com
Falling Standards of C.S.S.
them to the lucrative positions, not to serve the public, but their interests, and in retrun they are given freedom to swallow the public exchequer ruthlessly. Politicians are now so shrewd and cunning that one cannot expect even an iota of shame in them, which might lead them to shirk the obnoxious practice of looting and causing today the third generation of the same un- havoc to the public exchequer. it is worth mentioning that talented and merited clique has made its stranglehold clench harder on the throat of the country and is sapping gifted youth have played a pivotal role in the struggle of the Pakistan the blood of the nation in tehrik insaf (Pti), with what amounts to a desperthe hope that as soon the ate bid to make the econPti would assume power, omy of the nation much I personally witnessed that they would see a totally weaker. it is due to their changed horizon and malign efforts that, despite the youth were greatly change would be ushered being a nuclear nation, Pakistan is still standing enthused by the victory of in, to change their fortune and they will benefit out holding out its bowl to get the PTI because they of their skills, and observsome coins from the affluing the merit will be the ent nations and the iMF, dreamt that their future sole parameter or criterion World Bank, ADB and would be bright after the for impartial selection. other world institutions, to i personally witnessed run the state affairs. it is assumption of office by that the youth were greatly astonishing to believe that enthused by the victory of Pakistan has meagre reImran Khan. With the the Pti because they sources to depend and conpassage of time their dreamt that their future tinue its existences. Due to would be bright after the unfettered plundering the dreams could not assumption of office by country’s resources have materialize due to the imran Khan. With the passeen utter deplete and now sage of time their dreams we are paying rs 3500 bilpolicy of the PTI in being in could not materialize due lion as mark-up on the borrowed money. consonance with that of its to the policy of the Pti in being in consonance with CSS candidates are predecessors. that of its predecessors. now cramming parrots they are now bewildered and, without imbibing the at the joke the Pti which true spirit of knowledge, played with them. now manage to get themselves passed and elevated to the highest positions, they are standing at the crossroads, being astonwhich they do not deserve and where they do not ished at what would be their future in the counhave the capability to deliver. they can deliver try, which came into being in the name of islam well only to cater to the unreplenished thirst of but where islamic Principles are flouted fearwealth which they harbour and have inherited lessly. from their predecessors. Malik Aslam Awan can be reached at that is why the civil servants have become stooges in the hands of politicians, who elevate mlkaslamawan@gmail.com
Moving to workplaces that retain the best people MaliK aslaM awan
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He indian Civil service was the premier institution from which the idea of the Central Superior Services was derived and adopted to bequeath the country an intelligent, devoted, dedicated, sincere, patriotic chain of civil servants, having unprecedented characteristics to deliver to the nation. in the early days of the Federal Public Service Commission some renowned ex-generals such as Lt gen (retd) Attiq-ur-rehman and other talented and honest persons were appointed as chairmen, and the same was the case in Provincial Public Service Commission. talented and god-gifted candidates were selected for different key posts and as they reached the executive and decision-making positions they served the country memorably and dedicatedly. that situation did not continue for long. With the start of a new generation, moral and ethical values went into oblivion and the concept of speedy progress to overcome society and attain fabulous wealth, by fair means or foul, grew prodigiously. Some disgruntled segments of society, shorn of religious values and ethical norms, having an insatiable lust for wealth and power, came to the front and they, with nefarious designs, adopted underhanded tactics to let the intelligent and meritorious candidates lag behind. to further their condemnable motives the higher echelons of the FPSC and PPSC made a compromise with them, and became their accomplices, and resultantly under-merited persons were selected to decide the nation’s destiny. An undeserving clique coming to top positions made their grip stronger and supported their offspring to step into their positions.
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Saturday, 8 February, 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
Symbol of change
Trump’s and Netanyahu’s folly The ‘Deal’ means opponents of Israel will have no option but violence have an impeached president and a prime minis- does not nullify their right to a state of their own ter who is indicted and facing trial—two crooks that lives in peace with israel. the Deal has only justified the claim of exfacing new elections. trump will drag himself through any gutter to be re-elected, and pleasing tremist Palestinian groups, including Hamas his evangelical constituency is vital to that goal. and islamic Jihad, and countries like iran and others, that israel has had thus, releasing his deciall along no intention of sively pro-israel Deal at allowing the Palestinians this particular juncture to have an independent was meant to serve his imPreventing the state, and that only conmediate goal and that of tinued violent resistance netanyahu, who is also establishment of a will force israel’s hand. seen as the conduit for the this will be the net messianic mission of the Palestinian state and outcome of the Deal. As evangelicals. enshrining the dream of the Palestinians lose hope netanyahu, whose and have little left to lose, zealotry and obscene lust Greater Israel that violence and more viofor power matches only Netanyahu championed will lence will be the order of that of trump, gladly emthe day, which is prebraced the Deal because be the nightmare of the dR alon Ben-MeiR cisely what israel wants it boosts his re-election prospects, realizes his right-wing Israelis, as the to avoid and the Deal was presumably supposed to life-long aspiration for a “deal of the century” will prevent. inCe the Second intifada in 2000, greater israel, and allows this also begs the the israelis have been steadily mov- him to emerge as israel’s blow up in their faces. question as to who, in fact, ing to the right-of-centre. Successive saviour who restored Trump and Netanyahu will can pose an existential israeli governments have made na- much of the Jews’ biblical to israel. Certainly tional security central to israel’s very “land of israel” to its be remembered as the two threat not the Palestinians, who survival, and linking it to the presumed existen- rightful owners. to understand why tial threat posed by the Palestinians has become leaders who betrayed Israel know only too well that is a formidable milthe national mantra. thus, controlling the Pales- the Deal puts israel’s fuand subjected its citizens to israel itary power that can at will tinians’ lives and their territory became synony- ture at risk, one need not take any security measure mous with israel’s national security. israel has, go too far to find the anlive and die by the gun deemed necessary to profor all intents and purposes, given itself the li- swer. even before the Deal tect itself. Moreover, there cense to do whatever it pleases in the Palestin- was disclosed, the Palesis not a single country in ian territories, including building settlements, tinian Authority rejected it the Middle east, including erecting barriers and fences, demolishing Pales- on the grounds that it detinian homes, and restricting their movement, nies the Palestinian right to statehood, legitimizes iran, that can challenge israel militarily without and was poised to annex the Jordan Valley, all the settlements, allows for the annexation of sustaining horrifyingly unacceptable damage. nearly 30 percent of Palestinian land, and permits tehran especially knows that well. in the name of national security. What trump and netanyahu have cooked the unveiling of trump’s “deal of the cen- israel to annex the Jordan Valley. this shatters tury” (Deal) was framed to fully support the is- any prospect of establishing a viable Palestinian up is a recipe for perpetual violent conflict, and while israel will always have the upper hand, it raeli scheme, yet it tragically condemned the state, regardless of what the deal stipulates. By what logic then will the Palestinians ac- will not enjoy a day of rest. israel will have to next generation of israelis and Palestinians to years, if not decades, of violence and wars while cept such a deal that robs them of a more than station thousands of additional troops and spend dangerously destabilizing the region, which is 70-year-old dream to establish an independent hundreds of millions of dollars more annually state? Whether or not they missed several op- on security to protect the jigsaw puzzle of setalready plagued with widespread turmoil. Do trump and netanyahu understand the portunities in the past to realize their dream, tlements scattered throughout the West Bank. implications of what they have done? Here we their initial rejection of israel’s right to exist the resentment and resistance of the Palestinians will only worsen, and any incident can trigger deadly violence. Preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state and enshrining the dream of greater The Deal has only justified the claim of extremist israel that netanyahu championed will be the nightmare of the right-wing israelis, as the “deal Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, of the century” will blow up in their faces. trump and netanyahu will be remembered as and countries like Iran and others, that Israel has had all the two leaders who betrayed israel and subalong no intention of allowing the Palestinians to have an jected its citizens to live and die by the gun.
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independent state, and that only continued violent resistance will force Israel’s hand.
Dr Alon Ben-Meir is a professor of international relations at the Centre for Global Affairs at NYU. He teaches courses on international negotiation and Middle Eastern studies. alon@alonben-meir.com
ALi BAnAt (Feb 16,1982- May 29,2018) was an Australian businessman, later a humanitarian philanthropist, from the Sydney suburb of greenacre. He owned a security and electrical company before getting diagnosed with Cancer in October of 2015. After the diagnosis, he found the charity ‘Muslims Around the World; also known as MAtW.in October 2015, Ali Banat was diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer and was given 7 months to live. Up on releasing this, he began to release himself from all the material things he owned from his luxury cars to designer clothes are nothing and that all the matters is returning to Allah with a clean slate. So he sold his successful business and started his charity MAtW project that focused on building mosque and schools in togo Africa.the Millionaire turned humanitarian then tried through his charity and social media to influence people through his story in the hopes to shift our focus on the hereafter rather than this meaningless Dunya(Worldly Life)Many people reach out to him and tell him he’s guaranteed paradise for all the hard work he has done to the community to that he said; Subha Allah this, this is not worth just a simple blessing that Allah has given us. Ali Banat was grate for having the chance from Allah to know that his life will be ending soon and although he lasted much longer than the doctors had predicted earlier, he still was constantly reminded by constant setbacks in his health, keeping focused on pleasing Allah SWt. Ali Banat said,” try to have a goal, a plan, even try to have a project that you work towards. even if it’s not your personal doing it and you are funding someone else’s projects. Just do something cause you are going to be needing it on the day of Judgement.”Ali Banat remembered death because of his illness but we should all remember death no matter what our condition is because we never know when we will meet our creator and we should want to meet him in the best condition and with the cleanest heart. So let’s take a moment and reflect on Ali’s story and try to change our lives and prepare for the hereafter, our real and permanent home! May Allah have mercy on his Soul and make us all meet in the highest levels of Paradise. MAHNAAz HoTH Turbat
Succession of Dalai Lama tHe current Dalai Lama has been in service for quite a long period of time. in fact, i have been seeing him through the media right from my late 1990s college days in tuticorin and tiruchendur in tamil nadu. Having been the face of Buddhism and serenity, he has been in the news for various good reasons with the international media houses having talked much about him and having written numerous inspiring articles about him to date. incidentally, the forthcoming succession plan [successor to the Dalai Lama] has been a hot topic now. Added to this, the USA has now uttered some nuances in the matter of succeeding the current Dalai Lama. in numerous instances so far, the Dalai Lama has himself dwelt at length on his pending succession plan, giving some interesting ideas as well. Originating from Asian region, Buddhism preachings have been much-admired across the globe, having been acting as sources of inspiration to many Asian countries and still a magnet for the West and many westerners. in my native areas like Korkai, tiruchendur, tirunelveli, tuticorin and Kanyakumari in tamil nadu, pep talks and inspiring preachings have been common among the people, sending positive vibes across the board. P SENTHIL SARAvANA DURAI Mumbai
Patriotism tO fight the mysterious virus, China has built a hospital, facilitate with 1,000 beds in the capital-city Wuhan within 10 days. the construction began on 24th January and the hospital was constructed on 3rd February making it a record. the Chinese engineers worked day in and day out, compromising their comfort and sacrificing their sleep. A 15,000 bed hospital is still under construction. A senior Chinese doctor died due to treating a coronavirus infected patient. the Chinese Doctors have knotted a shroud on their head by treating the patients. though the terms “Unity” and “Discipline” are our motto, they are being followed by our neighbors. AFRoz MJ Turbat,Kech
Population concerns PAKiStAn is the second most populated Muslim country after indonesia and 6th in the world. the population of Pakistan is increasing day by day and social issues are burning immediately. One of the most horrifying issues in Pakistan is poverty. it is important to note that half of Pakistan is under poverty. Due to the high rate of population, the problems for the government is increasing and it is not able enough to handle such rapid growth of population. On the other hand it is full of resources but unfortunately the government has failed to utilize the resources for the country’s economy. Due to lack of well management, the ratio of poverty is being above. if we judge the development rate so poorly. Several individuals belong to poor families. in Pakistan, the rate of increasing day by day. Poverty rate observed since 2002 was 64.3% in 2017. it somehow decreased but now it crossed the history of poverty in Pakistan. it is the responsibility of the government to plan different ways to control population and poverty because they are putting the country in deep threat for the time. GANJI NAEEM Turbat
Saturday, 8 Febuary, 2020
10 FOREIGN NEWS
China mOUrnS, ragES OvEr DEaTh Of DOCTOr WhO raiSED Early alarm On COrOnavirUS BEIJING
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Agencies
Chinese doctor who issued an early warning about the coronavirus outbreak before it was officially recognised died of the virus on Friday, triggering a wave of public mourning and rare expressions of anger towards the government online. Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist at a hospital in Wuhan, the city at the epicentre of the outbreak, became one of the
Trump takes impeachment victory lap over 'vicious' Democrats WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump celebrated his impeachment acquittal Thursday in a rambling, emotional speech raging against the investigations that have overshadowed his entire administration. Trump gathered scores of loyal Republican legislators, his legal team, wife Melania and White House aides in the ceremonial East Room and brandished the front page of The Washington Post reading: “Trump acquitted.” “This is what the end result is,” he said to a standing ovation. Trump is on a victory lap after Wednesday’s Senate vote clearing him of abusing his office and obstructing Congress. But the event in the White House was an unusual mixture of Trump bitterly recounting Democratic-led investigations of his alleged corruption, and joking and praise for those who stood by him. It was “not a news conference, not a speech, it’s not anything,” Trump said to whoops, cheers and whistling. “It’s a celebration.” Trump said he’d been “through hell” but we ended up “winning” against “vicious” Democrats. Then at times, he veered off into long anecdotes about friends and enemies, turning what had been billed by officials as a “statement” into a more than hour-long monologue on live television. He referred to former FBI head James Comey, whom he abruptly fired in 2017, as a “sleazebag.” Agencies
most visible figures in the crisis after he publicly revealed that he was one of eight people reprimanded by Wuhan police last month for “spreading rumours” about the coronavirus. News of Li’s death became the top top-read topic on China’s microblogging site Weibo overnight on Friday, with over 1.5 billion views, and was also heavily discussed in private WeChat messaging groups, where people expressed outrage and sadness. Some Chinese media outlets described him as a “hero who was willing to speak the truth” while other commen-
tators posted poems, photos and drawings saluting him. The World Health Organisation said on Twitter that it was “deeply saddened” by news of his death. “Light a candle and pay tribute to the hero,” said one Weibo commentator. “You were the beam of light in the night.” An image also posted on Weibo showed a message, “farewell Li Wenliang”, carved into the snow on a riverbank in Beijing But there were also signs that discussions of his death are being censored, especially ones that blamed the
government. The topics “the Wuhan government owes doctor Li Wenliang an apology” and “we want free speech” briefly trended on Weibo late on Thursday, but yielded no search results on Friday. Reports of Li’s death had surfaced before midnight local time in China on state media but were deleted later.
Pangolin identified as potential link for coronavirus spread BEIJING Agencies
The endangered pangolin may be the link that facilitated the spread of the novel coronavirus across China, Chinese scientists said on Friday. Researchers have long suspected that the virus, which has now killed more than 630 people and infected some 31,000, was passed from an animal to a human at a market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. Researchers at the South China Agricultural University have identified the scaly mammal as a “potential intermediate host”, the university said in a statement, without providing further details. The new virus is believed to have originated in bats, but researchers have suggested there could have been an “intermediate host” in the transmission to humans. After testing more than 1,000 samples from wild animals, scientists from the university found the genome sequences of viruses found on pangolins to be 99 per cent identical to those on coronavirus patients, the official Xinhua news agency reported. The pangolin is considered the most trafficked animal on the planet and more than one million have been snatched from Asian and African forests in the past decade, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are destined for markets in China and Vietnam, where their scales are used in traditional medicine — despite having no medical benefits — and their meat is bought on the black market. SHAdOWy WIldlIfe TRAde:Experts on Friday called for the Chinese scientists to release more data from their research. Simply reporting the similarity between the genome sequences of viruses is “not sufficient”, said James
Wood, a veterinary medicine professor at the University of Cambridge. Wood said the results could have been caused by “contamination from a highly infected environment”. “We would need to see all of the genetic data to get a feel for how related the human and pangolin viruses are,” Jonathan Bell, a professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said. China in January ordered a temporary ban on the trade in wild animals until the epidemic is under control. The country has long been accused by conservationists of tolerating a shadowy trade in endangered animals for food or as ingredients in traditional medicines. “If we want to do everything in our power to prevent deadly disease outbreaks such as coronavirus, then a permanent ban on wildlife trade, in China, and around the world, is the only solution,” said Neil D’Cruze, global head of wildlife research at World Animal Protection. A price list that circulated on China’s internet for a business at the Wuhan market showed a menagerie of animals or animal-based products including live foxes, crocodiles, wolf puppies, giant salamanders, snakes, rats, peacocks, porcupines, camel meat and other game — 112 items in all.
Rains 'breaking the back' of Australia bushfire crisis Heavy rain was raising hopes Friday for an end to Australia’s unprecedented bushfire crisis, as downpours douse blazes that have burned out of control for months. The devastating fires, fuelled by prolonged drought and record-high temperatures, have raged since September, burning more than 10 million hectares (25 million acres) and killing 33 people. An estimated billion animals have perished in the fires that destroyed more than 2,500 homes. The rains in New South Wales (NSW), which began earlier in the week in some areas and are forecast to extend into next week, are expected to drench a number of the remaining fires and help contain others. “It’s breaking the back of this bushfire season, there’s no doubt about it,” said Shane Fitzsimmons, the head of rural firefighters in NSW, the state worst hit by the crisis. By Friday afternoon there were no bushfires burning in NSW at the most dangerous emergency or “watch and act” levels — a situation virtually unseen in almost half a year. Beleaguered volunteer firefighters who have fought the blazes day-in-day-out declared themselves “over the moon” at the rain. Even Fitzsimmons — who became the public face of the crisis through stoic daily TV briefings and consoling children who, like him, lost their firefighting fathers in bushfires — expressed joy at listening to the rain fall overnight and driving with windscreen wipers on. “Obviously we don’t want to see lots of widespread damage and destruction from flooding, but it is certainly a welcome change to the relentless campaign of hot, dry weather” he told public broadcaster ABC. As the bushfire crisis abates, authorities are now
bracing for possible flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a string of flood warnings and said some parts of NSW will see their highest rainfall totals in four years. Bushfires are an annual problem during the southern summer, but flared far more widely and earlier than usual following months of severe drought and high temperatures linked to climate change. “Even if we get a return to hot, dry weather, which has the potential as we go through the balance of February and into March, of course, we’re certainly not going to have the underlying conditions of such profound moisture deficit and drought” of past months,
Fitzsimmons said. Australia’s central bank governor on Friday said the fires would likely trim 0.2 percentage points off GDP growth in the December and March quarters. “The fires have had a devastating personal and economic impact on the areas affected, and the whole country has been affected by these fires,” Philip Lowe told lawmakers. He added that “there has been extensive damage to farms, businesses and public infrastructure”, but said spending on rebuilding would likely cancel out the economic impact over the course of the year. Agencies
Zhan Jian, a professor of international journalism and Communication at Beijing Foreign Studies University, called on his Weibo account for a law shielding people like Li. It would “protect people who have the inborn sense of right and wrong in telling faithful words to the public, and reveal the truth,” he said in his post.
Credit Suisse CEO Thiam toppled by espionage scandal ZURICH: Tidjane Thiam has quit as Credit Suisse chief executive after a spying scandal that has hit the reputation of Switzerland’s second-biggest bank and shocked the country’s financial community. Thomas Gottstein, who is head of the Swiss business at Credit Suisse, will take over from Thiam, the Zurich-based lender said on Friday. His departure ends a conflict with Chairman Urs Rohner after revelations that the bank had snooped on former executives raised questions over its culture. The espionage involving Credit Suisse surfaced in September when former star wealth manager Iqbal Khan, after defecting to rival UBS, confronted a private detective who was following him and his wife through Zurich. A spokesman for Switzerland’s market supervisor FINMA said it was important that calm was restored to the bank. It said it was continuing its investigations into the scandal. Thiam’s exit, ending a near five-year run as Credit Suisse CEO, runs the risk of irking international investors who had backed him, not Rohner. “A period of instability will ensue as Mr Gottstein attempts to lay the foundations for further growth. We would assume investor discontent following the change, with any fall-out unknown at this stage,” KBW analysts said. This was reflected in a 5% drop in the bank’s share price in early trade. It was down about 0.7% by 1320 GMT after recouping much of the earlier losses. Agencies
Uber's new roadmap to profitability draws Wall Street praise Shares of Uber Technologies Inc (UBER.N) rose on Friday after the ride-hailing company laid out an ambitious plan to be profitable by the end of 2020, a year ahead of its previous target as it tries to squash Wall Street doubts over its long-term viability. Uber shares, which were down almost 50% percent at the end of last year from its public launch, jumped 7% in trade before the bell as investors were also smitten by the company’s aggressive plan to cut costs. Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi is also aiming to bring in more repeat-customer business and try to increase use of premium ride services. “We give Uber (and its board) major credit for finally listening to investors and putting the brakes on its 1980’s Rock Star-like spending habits,” brokerage Wedbush Securities said. Khosrowshahi has been trying to change the company’s image since replacing co-founder Travis Kalanick in 2017 after a series of complaints over his behavior. “(We) believe the focus on quality bookings shows discipline as Uber emphasized the era of growth at all costs is over,” analysts at JP Morgan said. At least 10 brokerages raised price targets after Uber posted quarterly results that beat estimates. Shares are up at $39.51 in premarket trading. Still, some analysts remained skeptical about Uber’s investments in the highly competitive food delivery market, which it moved into just a few years ago. Agencies
Saturday, 8 February, 2020
BUSINESS 11 CORPORATE CORNER indus motor signs mou with Civil hospital KARACHI: Indus Motor Company (IMC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dr Ruth K M Pfau Civil Hospital, commonly known as Civil Hospital, with an objective to innovate and realize better shelter options in the premises for the attendants of hospitalized patients. It will provide the framework for a partnership between the Civil Hospital and IMC for undertaking fabrication of a number of shelters inside the hospital as per the design approved by IMC. Expressing his views, IMC Chief Executive Officer Ali Asghar Jamali said, “We are elated to have an opportunity to do our part in fostering a responsible society. We at IMC, take utmost pride in always striving to lead the way and setting an example through our corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Through the MoU today, we proudly reaffirm our commitment to the people of Pakistan and will continue to do everything possible to improve our environment.” PRESS RE L E A S E
Suzuki considers China supply options, thirdquarter profit falls 11pc
'CeRtifiCAte Condition' foR new gAS Supply SChemeS AppRoved ISLAMABAD
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AHMAD AHMADANI
HE government has imposed a new condition, making it mandatory the provision of ‘natural gas availability certificate’ for new gas supply schemes across the country. The decision was taken keeping in mind the ongoing gas crisis in the country. According to documents available with this scribe, the Petroleum Division on Jan 28 had sought the federal cabinet's approval to impose a condition – provision of natural gas availability certificate, duly signed by the division, for the execution of new gas supply schemes. Currently, there existed a persistent gap in the demand and supply of natural gas in the country, which was partly being filled through imported Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG). The government, while considering this deficit, had already imposed a moratorium on new gas connections for commercial and industrial consumers.
Earlier on August 9, 2019, the cabinet had approved the execution of new gas supply schemes in the country under the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) and enhanced the cost limit for undertaking a gas supply scheme to Rs300 million from Rs50 million ostensibly to appease the ‘parliamentarians’ and gain the public sympathies. Similarly, in order to execute gas schemes, the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) were given exemption from the requirement of preparation of PC-1 for release of funds under SAP. Likewise, the steering committee on SAP was given authority to approve the gasification schemes for execution by the gas utility companies. Moreover, the concerned deputy commissioner or district coordination officer was mandated to fulfill the codal/procedural formalities while forwarding the gas scheme(s) to the Cabinet Division for approval of the steering committee. It is relevant to note that the cabinet in its meeting on Feb 21, 2019, had approved the con-
stitution of a steering committee on SAP, besides approving guidelines with specific focus on the schemes of education, health, clean drinking water, farm to market roads, gas (missing gas infrastructure subject to the availability of gas duly certified by the petroleum division), electricity and interventions leading to SDGs (sustainable development goals). And, the steering committee on SAP in its 7th and 8th meetings while discussing gas development schemes had directed to form a five member sub-committee for according approval to gas schemes. As per the document, the cabinet in its meeting held on Jan 28 this year had also approved the constitution of a sub-committee as recommended by the steering committee on SAP. It is also learnt from the documents that the 8th SAP meeting also directed the Petroleum Division to move a summary to the Prime Minister/federal cabinet for waiving off condition of certification regarding missing infrastructure and availability of gas for schemes under SAP. However, the cabinet had declined to waive off the condition of certificate for gas schemes.
Pakistan imposes ban on import of zoonotic animals ISLAMABAD SHAHZAD PARACHA
TOKYO AGENCIES
Suzuki Motor Corp said on Friday it was considering sourcing vehicle components from outside China, as the spread of a new coronavirus in the country threatens to disrupt vehicle production in its biggest market, India. The Japanese firm is the latest auto maker bracing for disruption in production and supply chains, as the epidemic spreads fast, killing almost 640 people. Its bigger rival Toyota Motor Corp said on Friday production at all of its China plants would remain suspended through Feb 16, while Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said a European plant could close within two weeks if Chinese parts suppliers cannot get back to work soon. Suzuki does not produce or sell any cars in China, but procures some components there for its plants in India, where it controls around half of the passenger vehicle market via its local unit Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. Its global car production has not been impacted yet, but Suzuki is looking at the possibility of procuring “made in China” car parts from other regions if it cannot access parts due to ongoing stoppages, managing officer Masahiko Nagao told reporters. Japan’s fourth-largest automaker said its December quarter operating profit fell 11pc to 51.8 billion yen ($471 million), its lowest since the March 2016 quarter and below an average forecast of 58.4 billion by nine analysts. Global vehicle sales slipped 3.7pc to 752,000 units due largely to a 7.9pc fall in sales at home. Sales in India rose slightly to 407,000 units. Yet it expects its India sales to slide by a fifth this business year, as the industry battles a steep sales contraction following decades of strong demand growth, hit by tighter credit and higher insurance costs. Suzuki said sales during the Indian Diwali holiday season improved, but it would take much more time for demand to recover. The company kept its forecast for full-year operating profit to drop 40pc to 200 billion yen, a four-year low.
In the wake of coronavirus outbreak that has so far claimed the lives over 600 people worldwide, Pakistan has imposed a ban on import of zoonotic animals and birds with immediate effect. “On the recommendations of the Ministry of National Health, Services, Regulations and Coordination (MNHSR&C), the Ministry of Commerce has imposed a ban on the import of any zoonotic (animals and birds), with immediate effect
and until further orders,” the commerce ministry said in an office memorandum issued on Friday. According to NHSR&C, the origin of the recent outbreak of ‘novel type of coronavirus (2019-nCoV)’ has been traced to be zoonotic in nature, which may potentially undermine the government’s efforts to prevent the spread of said disease in Pakistan. “In view of the above, it is requested to take immediate steps to implement the said ban on import of zoonotic (animals and birds) in Pakistan,” it suggested. Following the decision,
there would be a complete ban on the import of poultry feed. In addition, Pakistan would also not be able to import meat and skimmed milk. On the other hand, an official of the Animal Quarantine Department said that there was a confusion in the letter and that the Ministry of Commerce should explain as to what kind of edible items (milk, poultry) would be banned. Zoonotic diseases associated with birds included avian tuberculosis, erysipelas, ornithosis, cryptococcosis, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis and campylobacteriosis.
IMF to replace Lipton as first deputy managing director WASHINGTON AGENCIES
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Friday made her first major personnel move since taking over the institution last October, announcing that her top deputy, David Lipton, will leave at the end of February. The IMF said Lipton’s departure as first deputy managing director was “in the context of changes she will be making to the leadership team.” Lipton, a 66-year-old American economist, had held the position since September 2011, longer than any other first deputy managing director. But his departure comes 19 months before his official term expires in September 2021. Often critical of US President Donald Trump’s trade policies and tariff actions, Lipton began his professional career as an economist at the IMF in 1981, working to help stabilize poor
countries. He also served as the US Treasury’s undersecretary for international affairs from 1993 to 1998 under President Bill Clinton and later worked in private sector finance. “I believe in the work of the Fund. It has been an honor to work here, first for eight years at the start of my professional career in 1981 and then as FDMD since 2011,” Lipton said in a statement. “The Fund is an institution providing invaluable service to its members and the global economy writ large, and I am pleased to have served it for so long.” Georgieva praised Lipton’s “outstanding economic experience and expertise” and said his policy maker’s perspective had improved the rigor of the IMF’s analytical work. The IMF said a search for Lipton’s successor would begin shortly. Traditionally, the IMF has been headed by a European, while the No. 2 spot has been held by an American, reflecting the U.S. status as the fund’s largest shareholder.
Allied Bank’s profit after tax grows 11.2pc to Rs14.5bn LAHORE MEIRYUM ALI
The Board of Directors of Allied Bank met on Friday to review the bank’s performance and announce its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019. The bank declared a final cash dividend of Rs2 per share, or 20pc. This is in addition to the interim dividend already paid at Rs6 per share, or 60pc. This brings the cumulative divided to Rs8 per share. The bank reported profit after tax of Rs14.489 billion for the year ending December 31, 2019, as compared to Rs13.032 billion for the corresponding period last year, showing a growth of 11.2pc. The bank’s earnings per share (EPS) were recorded at Rs12.65, an increase from Rs11.38 during the same period last year. This was above analysts’ expectations. The bank’s profit before tax was Rs24.702 billion, an increase of 16.3pc YoY. Profit before provisions and tax increased by 25.9pc. The bank’s net interest income (or income minus expenses) stood at 41.506 billion, or an increase of 29.2pc. The non-interest income, however, decreased by 1% YoY, to Rs11.757 billion. The fee and commission income, which is earned mainly through trade business and general banking services, showed an increase of 14.49pc over the corresponding period of last year. The bank’s foreign exchange income increased by 32.44pc. Its dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2019, was recorded at Rs1.9 billion. Earnings during the fourth quarter of the year ending December 31, 2019 stood at Rs4.8 billion, or a 42.9pc increase QoQ. Meanwhile, gross yield in the quarter stood at 35.7pc, compared to 28.7pc in the previous quarter.
Amid tall govt claims, exports fall 3.17pc in Jan ISLAMABAD GHULAM ABBAS
The country's exports registered a 3.17 per cent decline in January this year as compared to the corresponding month of last year. This is the second consecutive month that the country has witnessed a fall in its exports; it had dropped by 3.8pc in December 2019. According to the data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), exports for January 2020 stood at $1.973 billion as compared to $2.03 billion registered in January 2019, a decline of $61 million. On a month-on-month basis, there was a decline of 1.15pc ($23 million), as
the exports in December 2019 were recorded at $1.99 billion as compared to $1.97 billion in January this year. During the first seven months of FY20, the growth of exports' proceeds lowered to 2.14pc, from $13.49 billion in 7MFY19 to $13.21 billion in 7MFY20. According to sources, the abovementioned numbers were discouraging for the country as exports, which should have grown over the last few months owing to regular depreciation in the currency, have failed to pick up. The government has projected exports during the ongoing fiscal year to reach $26.187 billion, up from $24.656 billion in FY19. In the annual budget for FY20, the
government had reduced the cost of raw materials and semi-finished products used in exportable products by exempting them from all customs' duties. The government had also promised to provide sales tax refunds to export-oriented sectors. On the external side, Pakistan's imports were still dropping, providing some breathing space to the country's trade deficit, which dropped by 28.4pc in the first seven months of the current fiscal year. In absolute terms, the trade gap narrowed to $13.75 billion in July-January 2019-20 from $19.2bn during the corresponding months of last year. On a month-on-month basis, the deficit fell by 15.03pc to $2.06 billion in January this year from $2.43 billion in the
corresponding month of last year. The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) estimates that the annual trade deficit may decrease by $12 billion to $19 billion in the ongoing fiscal year from $31 billion in the last fiscal year. According to PBS, the imports during the first seven months of FY20 clocked in at $27.24 billion, down 15.95pc from $32.42bn over the corresponding period of last year. The decline in value of imported goods in January was 9.63pc to $4.03 billion as against $4.46 billion over the corresponding month of last year. But the trend shows that the quantum of decline in imports is reducing with each passing month. This shows that the imports will stagnate around $4 billion
per month in the next few months. Though the MoC had issued the data last month even before finalizing it by the PBS, there was no word from the ministry’s officials. Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood has also not yet explained the reasons for a decline in the exports’ proceeds from the country. The Commerce Division's main focus was on negotiating and seeking preferential market access but the same has not been linked with the domestic production line. The large scale manufacturing sector is already in negative growth since July 2019 but still the ministry’s focus is on international trade agreements and negotiations besides market access.
Saturday, 8 February, 2020
12 BUSINESS MARKET DAILY
Bears keep control as index sheds 580 points kSe-100’S weekLy return cLockS In at -3.57pc KARACHI STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) was once again hijacked by bears, as the indices that opened on a positive note soon took a dip and headed south thereon to close in the red. The one-week return of the benchmark KSE-100 Index was recorded at -3.57pc. Foreign investors closed the preceding session (on Thursday) as net sellers with a net outflow of $7.39 million. According to media reports, the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Finance recommended the government to revisit the new stock market brokers' regime, which, in its current form, "could result in the monopoly of some big brokers" over the bourse. Meanwhile, Pakistan's liquid foreign exchange reserves increased by 1.54pc to $18,645 million (as on 31st January 2020). Net reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan appreciated by 3.01pc while reserves with commercial banks declined by 1.19pc. Also, domestic cement sales witnessed an increase of 6pc in the first seven months of FY20, with exports surging by 39.49pc. However, on a month-on-month basis, domestic sales declined by 7.76pc whereas exports rose by 4.9pc. The benchmark KSE-100 Index, which opened at 40,869.49, slid by 677.93 points to record its intraday low at 40,046.48. Amid lack of triggers, the index closed lower by 580.78 points at 40,143.63. Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index declining by 1,137.24 points or -1.75pc to settle at 63,911.66, while the KSE All Share Index fell by 355.56 points, ending at 28,042.82. The overall market volumes were recorded at 193.35 million. Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (MLCF -5.34pc), Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited (LOTCHEM -6.07pc) and Unity Foods Limited (UNITY -6.91pc) remained the volume leaders of the day, exchanging 21.47 million, 17.39 million and 14.37 million shares, respectively. Sectors that drove the 100 Index south included banking (-131.64 points), oil and gas marketing (-71.24 points) and oil & gas exploration (-64.63 points). Among the companies, Habib Bank Limited (HBL -42.70 points), Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO -41.432 points) and Hub Power Company Limited (HUBC -29.48 points) dented the index the most. On the market front, Sazgar Engineering Works Limited (SAZEW -4.27pc) declared its financial performance for the second quarter of FY20. The company recorded a growth of 2.24pc in its sales and 22.7pc in its gross profit. Despite a 197pc increase in financial cost, the company's earnings per share rose from Rs0.15 in 2QFY19 to Rs0.24.
no mini-budget in the offing, says minister BUSINESS DESK Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar has categorically dispelled the impression that the incumbent government has any plan to introduce a mini budget. Talking to a private news channel, the minister said sugarcane and other crops were damage due to issues pertaining to climate change. “This was one of the major reasons behind recent food inflation.” However, he said, the government has made comprehensive efforts to overcome the challenges. The minister admitted that there was a need to review the policy on sugar. “The government is well-aware of the problems being confronted by the people due to price hike, but it has taken tangible steps against hoarding and mafias,” he maintained. Earlier on Wednesday, a private media outlet had reported that Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have discussed additional tax measures for the mini-budget amid questions over realism of the revenue potential due to lower-than-expected receipts against Rs735 billion budgetary measures. As per the report, FBR authorities were resisting the IMF demand for a mini-budget and were looking for a steep cut of nearly Rs800 billion in its original target of Rs5.5 trillion.
At leASt RS35Bn to Be ReleASed foR KARAChi’S development: ASAd umAR ‘the IMpreSSIon that Govt IS FaSt-trackInG karachI projectS under MQM’S preSSure IS coMpLeteLy wronG’ ISLAMABAD
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GHULAM ABBAS
LANNING, Development and Special Initiative Minister Asad Umar has said the federal government would soon release at least Rs35 billion for the development of Karachi. Talking to journalists on Friday, he said Karachi was PTI's city and the impression that the government was fast-tracking the projects in Karachi under MQM's pressure was completely wrong. Earlier on February 6, another round of talks between the ruling PTI and its disgruntled ally MQM had concluded with both sides seemingly agreeing on resolving the civic issues troubling the port city. "No doubt that MQM is PTI’s ally but we are much more concerned about the socio-economic development of the people of Karachi, where hundreds of thousands of PTI voters live," the minister said. According to Asad Umar, at least eight mega projects were being initiated or were near completion in the port city. "These included Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme, Greenline Bus Transit System, Greenline BRTS Operations Project, Karachi Circular Railway Project, recon-
‘Govt chaLkInG out a three-year natIonaL Growth StrateGy to enSure InvoLveMent oF prIvate Sector In decISIon-MakInG proceSS’
struction of Nishtar Road & Manghopir Road, reconstruction of Manghopir Road from Jam Chakro to Banaras, construction of Flyover at Sakhi Hassan and a roundabout along Sher Shah Suri Road." On a query, the minister stated that Prime Minister Imran was completely focused on the facilitation of the masses through a reduction in the inflation rate. "As a result of the premier's personal interference in dealing with the issue, inflation is likely to be reduced in the next few weeks." Talking about the mega railway project, MLI, the minister said the CPEC railway project was of extreme importance but owing to the involvement of a huge amount of around $9 billion, the project got delayed as various factors of the project were being closely reviewed. "I have suggested Railway Minister Shaikh Rasheed wait as the World Bank is evaluating the feasibility study of the project. We should not be in a hurry to move on the project," he added. However, he hoped that during the upcoming meeting of Pak-China Joint Coordination Committee on CPEC in April this year, a breakthrough was expected after which physical work on the project might start. Briefing about the special initiatives being taken by the planning ministry, Asad Umar said
pM approves summary to ban sugar export FoLLowInG the decISIon, export oF 350,000 tonneS oF SuGar wILL be haLted
‘five-year trade policy being prepared to boost exports’ ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday approved a summary to ban the export of sugar. The move comes in the wake of the prevalent shortfall between the demand and supply of sugar in the country. With this decision, the export of 350,000 tonnes of sugar would be halted. The summary, after approval of from the prime minister, has been forwarded to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). The price of sugar, an essential ingredient in Pakistani cuisine, witnessed Rs10 per kilogram hike during the recent weeks; the wholesale rate of the commodity rose from Rs64 to Rs74 per kg, causing an acute shortage across the country. Earlier, a petition was
that the ministry was planning to embark on a three-year National Growth Strategy 2021-2023. Explaining about the withdrawal of the government’s five-year plan, the minister said that the strategy had become obsolete and was not applicable in the 21st century. “Under the [new] growth strategy, the area of focus will be the private sector, which will be fully involved in the government’s growth policies.” With respect to CPEC, the minister pointed out that the ministry would constitute a new Joint Working Group on Science and Technology while it was also planning to establish Gwadar Expo 2020 to highlight the development works, done under the CPEC. He said that work on Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act was also underway to provide incentive packages to the industrialists. Talking about the release of development funds and rate of expenditure, he said the federal government was fully committed to meeting the target of expenditures of development funds under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20. “The target of spending Rs701 billion on the development projects will be met at any cost as the PM has issued a clear direction in this regard…I have also conveyed my clear direction to the ministry to meet the target.”
filed in the Lahore High Court seeking a forensic audit of sugar stocks in the mills. “The sugar mills have failed to submit details of their stocks in court, despite the court order,” the petition read. “The Punjab government has so far failed to act against the sugar mafia.” The petitioner had also pleaded the court to issue an order to the government for action against the mills selling sugar on exorbitant rates. ‘SOFTWARE CITY’: Separately, PM Imran Khan on Friday chaired a meeting on the information technology sector, wherein it was decided that the government
would try to boost software exports to $10 billion. To achieve this target, the meeting decided that a 40-acre software city would be constructed in Islamabad. "All Pakistani organizations will use locally developed software." According to details, the government would be putting together a relief package for small software exporters, besides abolishing double tax being levied on exporters by both the provincial and federal governments. It was further decided that exporters would be given foreign currency at better rates than what was available in the market.
Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood on Friday apprised the Senate that the commerce ministry was in the process of finalising a Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2020-25, which would be aimed at addressing capacity constraints of competitiveness and productivity-related issues that were hampering the growth of small-scale entrepreneurs. Responding to various supplementary questions during the question hour, he said the country’s exports witnessed two per cent increase during the first seven months (July 2019-Jan 2020) of the current fiscal year (FY20). Giving a break-up of the figures, he said the exports of textile sector witnessed 25pc increase, while that of poultry sector surged 50pc and fisheries sector soared 28 per cent during the period under review. “Although the country’s exports registered an upward trend in quantitative terms, they struggled in terms of value owing to the prevailing recession at the international level.” To another question, Dawood said the special focus was being given to boost the export of IT, chemical and engineering products. Gas and electricity tariffs were also fixed for export-oriented sectors, he added. “The federal cabinet had approved the National Tariff Policy (2019-24) on November 19, 2019, to make the tariff structure truly reflect trade policy priorities, improve competitiveness through duty-free access to imported inputs, rationalize the tariff structure to enhance efficiencies and reduce the relative “disincentive” for the exporting activities.” To a separate question, Dawood said as many as 43 commercial counsellors were selected and 35 had already joined their duties. “Proper training was given to them before posting them abroad,” he maintained.
PSX suspends trading of two Diamond Group companies LAHORE HASSAN NAQVI
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday suspended trading in the shares of Diamond Industries Limited (DIIL) and Shaffi Chemical Industries Limited (SHCI). According to a notice issued by the exchange, "Trading in the shares of DIIL was suspended due to 'adverse opinion' in the audit report, whereas trading in the shares of SHCI was suspended owing to 'suspension of its production and operations, non-payment of dues to the exchange and winding up of petition that was filed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan (SECP) against the company'." As per the PSX, despite repeated notices on the subject matter, the DIIL and SHCI, both owned by Iftikhar Shaffi, have so far failed to rectify or remove the cause of suspension of trading in the shares. "In view of above, PSX has decided that trading in shares of both DIIL and SHCI would remain suspended until the cause of suspension has been rectified or another period of 60 days effective from February 7, 2020." The decision has been taken in exercise of the powers vested in the exchange under Sub-Section (7) of Section 19 of
the Securities Act, 2015 and clause 5.11 of the PSX regulations, the notice stated. The financial statements of DIIL audited by the independent auditors don't give a true and fair view of the company’s affairs as of June 30, 2019. BASIS FOR ADVERSE OPINION: The independent auditors mentioned in the report that they would like to draw attention to note 2 of the financial statements, which states: "The company is no longer a concern, therefore, these financial statements have been prepared on the basis of estimated realisable value." The DIIL management has estimated the realisable value equivalent to histori-
cal cost. The management is of the view that the fixed assets valued on December 31, 2014, need no further revaluation. The independent auditors were of the opinion that the DIIL management's estimates may need revision as changes occur in the circumstances on which the estimates are based or as a result of new information. Hence, the value declared at which the assets will be realised and liabilities will be settled may be different from those carried in the financial statements of DIIL. The independent auditors also mentioned that the company has not complied with the requirements of section
(244) of the Companies Act, 2017 regarding unclaimed dividend amounting to Rs0.433 million. As per the independent auditors, another reason for adverse opinion is that the company has classified the financial liabilities, written off, amounting to Rs0.17 billion in year ended June 30, 2018, in “statement of comprehensive income” rather than charging the same in the “statement of profit or loss” in compliance to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted in Pakistan. “The management has not rectified the error in the current year,” the independent auditors mentioned.
Re-inventing the childRen's maRket Inspired by the unique baby products she’d seen abroad Mehak Sharif decided to help mothers design their own custom baby products. Completely personalized and with products available for age groups all the way from tots to toddlers this online venture has taken off with flying colors. Adding a fun and fashionable twist to young mothers’ lives along the way.
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Personally what is your favorite item that you make? My personal favorites are the portable sofas and the teepees! The sofas are loved by my little customers because it gives them their own little safe space and so do the teepees.
How did the inspiration to start your business venture come about? Traveling abroad I always used to admire the adorable stuff made for babies and children; and would also wonder why these things were never available in Pakistan. Then, when I got pregnant, I figured the only option left to buy quality baby products was to shop abroad! However, I decided to be a bit crafty, and took advantage of my husband’s already established textiles setup. I got some custom products made and they came out perfectly! Coincidentally where ever I would go moms would inquire about the products and that’s how Little People came to be.
What are your top tips for anyone setting up their own online store? Just believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible, I believe women can achieve anything they want to if they have conviction, Allah has blessed us with prolific qualities.
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What are some of the challenges unique to setting up an online store? Initially setting up my own website was a bit difficult. Making a 100% customizable website was next to impossible, but I finally now offer a website that makes for complete customization. We operate on three major online forums: Instagram, Facebook and our website. However, in my opinion all the setup is still relatively easy. The real challenge lies in gaining the customers trust.
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What are some of your most popular items? Our most loved products are our sofas, diaper bags, teepees & storage boxes.
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Do you plan on expanding onto other items and physical stores? LPS had expanded and opened an outlet in Y block DHA. Unfortunately it became difficult for me to manage time between work and family when that happened. Hence, I decided the time wasn’t right for me, inshaAllah I do have plans to reopen at the right time.
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What makes your store unique? I can guarantee that there is no store in Pakistan that offers such a wide variety of 100% customized and personalized products.
What is the best part about your job? I love the creativity involved in this job; and how it helps to evolve products that have never been seen before. I also have an amazing team that lets me manage my time well between work and family.
MIRAGE RELEASES THE JAZZ-FUNK SONG PAGLI
HOLLYWOOD BOLLYWOOD
Pakistani pop-rock band MIRAGE [#MirageTheBand] has just dropped the jazz-funk track, Pagli, from their second album, Doosri Dastak. Pagli is a jazz-funk heartbreak anthem for when one is reminiscing about the relationship they once had. “Our sixth track from the album Doosri Dastak, Pagli, is about a boy who wants to get back with his ex-girlfriend but the girl has moved on and is not interested anymore. He's trying to remind her of the good times they've spent together but to no avail.” said Rehan Nazim. Pagli, recorded live, mixed and mastered at Saad Hayat Music Studio, features the talented Lenny Massey on saxophone along with band members Rehan Nazim on vocals, Saad Hayat on backing vocals and keys, Mohsin Raza Shah and Hasan Mah-
The Treble: SANIA MASKATIYA All SeT To ShowcASe AT New YorK FAShIoN weeK F/w 2020
mud on guitars, Shane Kerr on bass and Ajay Harri on drums. “It’s really exciting to be experimenting with & bringing back jazz! Pagli features super awesome Lenny Massey on Saxophone. It’s our pleasure and honor to be working with him and we are
also looking forward to share the stage with him at our upcoming album launch show in March 2020.” said Saad Hayat. Indeed, Pagli marks the sixth release from Doosri Dasktak, having previously released ‘Barhe Chalo’, ‘Befiker’, 'Panchi' featuring Alycia Dias, 'Pyar Hua', and ‘Zara Suniye Tou’ featuring Natasha Khan. The music video for Pagli has been conceptualized and co-directed by Saad Hayat with cinematography and direction by Asghar Ali Ghanchi, art direction by Hasan Ahmed, styling by Aafreen Shahab, hair and makeup by Sikander Khan, line production by Azeer Arif and Adnan Yunus, edit and post by Bilal A. Mughal with support from by Shahrukh Hayat, J.F. Irani, Kashif Ahmed Khan and Shakir Ali.
The multi-award winning fashion design house Sania Maskatiya is all set to return to the prestigious New York Fashion Week platform with its RESORT 2020 collection as part of The Council of Aspiring American Fashion Designers’ (CAAFD) showcase. NYFW F/W 2020 is scheduled to take place from the 5th to the 12th of February 2020. Symphonic with what is both comfortable and chic, RESORT 2020 epitomises SANIA MASKATIYA’s signature femininity in both versatility and verve. Featuring breezy hand-woven fabrics, delicately cut and layered, embroidered with geometric and pastoral motifs, it lends ‘white-on-white’ a freshly fanciful energy. The collection boasts silhouettes from fairy tale to avantgarde, making the SM RESORT 2020 woman ever classic and always à la mode. Indeed, this marks the third consecutive year for Sania Maskatiya, the first and only Pakistani Designer and Design House, to officially participate at one of the big four main global fashion events, New York Fashion Week. Sania Maskatiya has been hand-picked and invited by CAAFD for the 2020 edition having previously showcase at NYFW S/S 19 in 2018 and NYW F/W 19 in 2019.
Aries: The first step in obtaining more money, influence, or free time today is to precisely define what it is that you want. Taurus: Narrowed concentration focused like a laser beam makes some amazing things happen. Gemini: Big energy is generated when coworkers, teammates, or family members bounce ideas around today. Cancer: Your creativity may be put to the test and having an extra pair of eyes in the back of your head can come in handy today. Leo: Your moods may be changing so quickly today that it takes extra time to get your bearings. Virgo: You may be called in voices loud and clear today to perform several duties simultaneously. Libra: Confidence surges when you are buoyed by the knowledge that many others believe in the same high ideals as you. Scorpio: The compulsion to ferret out a guarantee can cause you to look long and hard at another’s motivations today. Sagittarius: Imagination thrives when you are free to mix and match ideas as you go along. If your creativity feels stifled now, it could be your thinking is too closely aligned with that of a corporation, organization, or social body to which you belong. Capricorn: Chasing your dreams requires a substantial amount of faith in your own abilities. Aquarius: Expressing yourself within the warm circle of a congenial group is the most natural thing in the world today. Pisces: There are countless paths leading to the same destination. It’s useful to study or observe the methods of others who are striving to reach a similar goal.
oscars 2020: once Upon A Time In hollywood is a memory piece for Quentin Tarantino
When Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan actor Jitendra Kumar had to kiss 4 boys during his college days
Dharmendra recalls living in a garage, working in drilling firm: ‘I would do overtime for extra money’
Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino says his film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is the most personal film of his career, his love letter to Los Angeles of 1969. The film has won commercial success and critical acclaim all over the world. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is a fictional story of fading stardom told through aging star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Tarantino has woven real life stories into the plot with the infamous Charles Manson murders, including actress Sharon Tate, as a backdrop to make it more intriguing. “The first spark happened somewhere after Death Proof actually, and I was making a movie, and I look across the set and I see the actor and the stunt guy sitting in directors chairs, talking to each other, and I thought, wow, that’s a really, god that’s a fascinating relationship and I know other relationships out there as Steve McQueen had that relationship with his stunt guy.
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has opened up about the time he kissed a boy in the past. “I have kissed a boy in the past. During MTV Roadies, we were playing truth and dare. I got the dare (to kiss a boy) and so I did it,” said the actor, who is seen playing a gay character in his upcoming film Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, and who is seen kissing his co-star Jitendra Kumar in the Gabru song of the film. Ayushmann added: “If I can do it for a dare then why can’t I do it for a film? This kind of film is happening in India in 2020. I feel a boy can fall in love with a boy, or a girl can fall in love with a girl. It doesn’t matter because at end of the day. Love should be treated as love.” Did his co-star Jitendra Kumar also have the experience of kissing a guy in the past? “Before shooting the kissing scene, I asked Jitu if he had ever kissed a boy. He told me he had done it in the past. He told me that ragging takes place in engineering colleges, and he was given a task to kiss four boys.
Senior Bollywood actor Dharmendra recently appeared on singing reality show Indian Idol 11 and looked back fondly at the time when he lived in a garage and worked in a drilling firm. The veteran actor became nostalgic after contestants on the show performed the song Kal Ki Haseen Mulaqat Ke Liye from the actor’s 1976 film, Charas. Sharing memories of his struggling days, Dharmendra said, “In my earlier days, I used to live in a garage because I didn’t have a proper home in Mumbai. To survive in Mumbai, I worked in a drilling firm where I was paid Rs 200, and to earn some extra money I used to do overtime.” Dharmendra had earlier turned emotional during his appearance on another reality show, Superstar Singer. A video depicting his journey was played on the show. Talking about a bridge where the actor used to go after school, an emotional Dharmendra said, “Yahi mai khwab dekhta tha yahan aane ke.
CMYK
Saturday, 8 February, 2020
14 SPORTS
Basque douBLe dumPs BarCeLona and reaL madrId out of CoPa deL reY MADRID
B
Agencies
ARCELONA and Real Madrid both crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad pulled off a shock Basque double to reach the semi-finals. Barca were beaten 1-0 by Bilbao at San Mames, where Inaki Williams headed in a dramatic 93rd-minute winner, after La Real had seen off Madrid 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller at the Santiago Bernabeu. Two sensational upsets added another layer of excitement to a competition that has been full of surprises this season, with Bilbao and Real Sociedad joining Granada and second division Mirandes in an unfamiliar lineup for the draw on Friday. “There have been some surprise results,” said Williams. “Sometimes you just have to have faith and heart.” For Barca, defeat was particularly painful, coming at the end of a turbulent week that saw Lionel Messi engage in a public spat with the club’s sporting director Eric Abidal and Ousmane Dembele ruled out, probably for the rest of the season, with another hamstring tear. To make matters worse, Gerard Pique hobbled off with his own injury problem in the second half against Bilbao and looks doubtful to face Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday. Messi’s riposte that “everyone should take responsibility for their own decisions” after Abidal suggested
Ernesto Valverde was sacked last month because of the players, means Barcelona are in political turmoil off the pitch. And the fear is Messi could even leave in the summer by activating a clause in his contract that allows him to walk away from the club for free. Defeat in the Copa del Rey, a distant third in Barca’s list of priorities this season, will not dictate Messi’s thinking but another setback certainly adds to the sense of a club currently in a state of crisis. Quique Setien has lost two of his opening six games in charge, with a Champions League tie against Napoli fast-approaching. The fall-out from another failure in Europe would prove longer-lasting. “We deserved to go through,” said Barca president
Premier League clubs to extend bans for fan abuse
Josep Maria Bartomeu. “But the ambition and attitude I saw on the field encourages me for the league and the Champions League. Success can come.” For a rotated Madrid side, who sit top of La Liga, the loss against Real Sociedad was perhaps less damaging, even if they conceded as many goals in 69 minutes as they had in their last 11 matches put together. Martin Odegaard, on loan at la Real but allowed to face his parent club, found the opener before the superb Alexander Isak hit two to give Real Sociedad a remarkable 3-0 lead. Marcelo and Rodrygo both scored late in the second half and while Mikel Merino added a fourth for the visitors, a Nacho Fernandez header set up a wild
final three minutes, in which Andoni Gorosabel was also sent off. Ten-man Real Sociedad held on for a superb win to progress to the last four while Madrid’s run without success in Spain’s domestic cup extends to six years. “It hurts, we have to be honest, nobody likes a defeat,” said Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane. One consolation might have been the display of the 21year-old Odegaard, who is beginning to live up to the hype after signing for Madrid aged 15. On loan at Sociedad, the plan was for Odegaard to stay one more year at Anoeta but this glittering display, that earned him a standing ovation from the home fans when he went off, may well persuade Madrid to recall him early. Their 21-game unbeaten streak comes to an end after an uncharacteristically careless performance in which a rotated side highlighted the importance of the likes of Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Thibaut Courtois. Courtois’ replacement Alphonse Areola was at fault for at least one of the goals while Marcelo was typically unpredictable at left-back, a position the more dependable Ferland Mendy has made his own in recent weeks. Eden Hazard is training again but the wait for his return goes on while Gareth Bale was again left out of the squad completely. Yet Zidane’s changes should take nothing away from Real Sociedad, who showed why they were pushing for a place in La Liga’s top four earlier this season, before a dip in form has seen them slip to eighth.
Kyrgyzstan's first female ice hockey team shatters stereotypes
LONDON: Premier League clubs have agreed to extend bans imposed on supporters for abusive behaviour to every stadium in the top-flight. There have been several incidents of Premier League stars being subjected to racist abuse from the stands this season. The Professional Footballers’ Association have called on the British Government to set up an inquiry and its chief executive Gordon Taylor wants custodial sentences for those found guilty. FA seeks government help to stamp out racism in football A statement following the Premier League shareholders’ meeting on Thursday said the clubs were “united against all forms of violent, threatening and abusive behaviour”. The statement added: “Following recent events, the 20 clubs committed to introducing a league-wide ban for anyone banned by their club for discriminatory, abusive or violent acts. “Unacceptable conduct towards players, fans, club employees or referees will not be tolerated by the Premier League or its clubs.” Earlier on Thursday, Bournemouth issued a lifetime ban to a 17-year-old fan who pleaded guilty to chanting racist abuse during a match against Tottenham last year. British Police said that the teenager, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to indecent/racial chanting during a Premier League match against Tottenham on November 30 when he appeared at a London Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Agencies
LONDON Agencies
A group of girls from a remote village in Kyrgyzstan have come together to form the central Asian country’s first all-female ice hockey team — Shapak. Based in the northern village of Otradnoe, 400km (249 miles) east of the capital Bishkek, the team of some 15 schoolgirls began training three years ago on a plot of farmland belonging to their coach with whatever equipment they could muster. “In the winter, I create an ice rink. This is already the sixth year I’ve done it, I use my allotment all year round,” the team’s coach Salamat Abdyrakhmanov told Reuters TV. News of the team reached as far as Switzerland and they soon had professional hockey pads thanks to donations from the Kyrgyz community living there. With no other female teams to play against, Shapak honed their skills against male teams and the injuries suffered by some of the players left parents concerned. “I was against it at the beginning, only recently I forbade her from playing,” Aynura Zhasyrkeeva,
Younis Khan lashes out at PCB SPORTS DESK Pakistan’s legendary former batsman Younis Khan, while talking to the media at an event organised by NED University in Karachi on Friday, lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for having no clue on how to improve the cricket infrastructure in the country. The 45-year-old believed that the young players rising through the ranks in Pakistan needed safety and confidence in order to thrive at the international stage. “We need to improve Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure. PCB has no clue what needs to be done. We need to provide safety and gain the confidence of the new generation. Pakistan’s defeat at the hands of India in the Under-19 (U19) Cricket World Cup was saddening. I believe that the rival team played with maturity and confidence,” Khan said. The legendary former batsman claimed that India’s victory against Pakistan in the semifinal of the U19 Cricket World Cup was because of their confidence. “Pakistan’s young cricketers need to be trained to be betterrounded rather than just working on their skills. India’s success was because of their confidence. Our rising stars should be given more chances to play abroad and their encounters should be televised,” he said. Khan praised the franchises participating in the upcoming Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) while expressing hope of a Lahore Qalandars tournament victory.
India handed third consecutive fine for slow over rate SPORTS DESK
the mother of one of the players, said. “A puck hit her in the eye and she received a concussion, but she’s better now. Now she’s come to play again.” Having shattered gender stereotypes in the country where the sport is dominated by men, the female team is now a firm fixture in local leagues. “My classmate, the coach’s daughter, suggested I come and try to play,” goalkeeper Zarina Karabaeva said. “I tried going in goal and because I was good at it and they made me goalkeeper … it never even occurred to me that I would ever play hockey.”
India's players were fined 80 per cent of their match fees after Wednesday's first one-day international against New Zealand for a slow over rate, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced. It was the third consecutive match that Virat Kohli's side had been fined for the offence, having been deducted 40 percent following the fourth T20 international against the Black Caps, and 20 percent after the fifth T20I last Sunday, when Rohit Sharma stood in for Kohli as skipper. Kohli accepted the charge after India's four-wicket defeat in Hamilton on Wednesday. ICC rules state that teams are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over they fall short of bowling in a specified time. India failed to bowl four overs before the cut-off point as New Zealand chased down 348 to win thanks to Ross Taylor's unbeaten century.
Alba joins Abidal criticism but urges Barca to move on BILBAO Agencies
Barcelona defender Jordi Alba joined captain Lionel Messi in criticising the club’s sporting director Eric Abidal after the team were knocked out of the Copa del Rey with a 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. The quarter-final loss was the latest blow in a dark week for Barca after winger Ousmane Dembele suffered a serious injury and Messi caused a stir by hitting back at Abidal for appearing to blame the players for last month’s sacking of coach Ernesto Valverde. Abidal, a former team mate of Messi and Alba, had told newspaper Sport that he felt some Barca players were not working hard enough under Valverde, which led to him advising club president Josep Maria Bartomeu to sack the coach. Quique Setien was chosen as Valverde’s successor but has lost twice in six games in charge of the Spanish champions. “This club gets enough shit thrown at it from the outside so we shouldn’t be throwing shit at ourselves,” Alba told reporters. “Abidal was a player, he is loved by the fans and
that’s why he should know what it’s like inside the dressing room and how players feel.” Barca have won the Cup a record 30 times and reached the last six finals but were left reflecting on their earliest exit in a decade after Inaki Williams scored the only goal deep in added time. Alba said the team had played well and proved they were not affected by the events of the past week. “We showed that we are a team and that’s what we need to keep on doing,” he added. “I think we put in a great performance, one of the best of the season. It’s a real shame we conceded the goal so late but that’s what football is like. I’m very proud of the team because of how well we played.” Barca defender Gerard Pique also said the team needed to move on from the club’s internal struggles. “Everyone knows what they have done well and what they have not and now we must keep working. We need to stop biting our nose to spite our face because that won’t help us,” he said. “We built this club on victories and we must do that again. We are working towards doing that, we are playing better, we’re adapting to the ideas of the coach and the dressing room is as united as ever.
CM YK
Saturday, 8 February, 2020
SPORTS 15
PaKIstan restrICt BangLadesh to 233 on daY one RAWALPINDI
t
Agencies
HE return of Tests has proven to be a good omen for Pakistan as they started the first match against Bangladesh with a dominant bowling performance on day one at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Hosts, under the leadership of Azhar Ali, opted to send in Bangladesh to bat in the first of the two-match Test series and the captain’s decision paid dividends as Pakistan’s young pace attack was on point from the word go. Bangladesh were struck two early blows when opener Saif Hasan was caught behind by Pakistan wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan off Shaheen Shah Afridi on the third ball of the very first over of the day. Saif was out for a two-ball duck as he tried to defend a full delivery which was angled into his pads. Bangladesh’s premier opener Tamim Iqbal (3 off 5 balls) was the next victim, who promised form for the visitors after scoring a triple ton just last week. Muhammad Abbas, in the second over of the match, caught the veteran left-hander LBW. The umpire said no, but Pakistan
reviewed the decision and earned the prized scalp. With Bangladesh against the wall, incoming duo of Najmul Hossain Shanto (44 off 110) and
Mominul Haque (30 off 59) towed the innings forward with a 59-run partnership. However, Shaheen was once again the hero for Pakistan as he
found an edge off Mominul to send him back to the pavilion. Shanto was Abbas’ second wicket of the day as the batsman was caught-behind while chasing an
out-going delivery. Another Bangladesh veteran Mahmudullah added 25 to Bangladesh’s total before becoming Shaheen’s third victim of the day. The wicket’s credit was deserved more by Asad Shafiq rather than the bowler as the fielder nearly flew to his right in the slips cordon to cup a twohanded stunner. With half the team back in the pavilion and only 107 runs on the board, Muhammad Mithun (63 off 140) partnered first with Liton Das (33 off 46) and then with Taijul Islam (24 off 72) for two 50-plus partnerships to add some decency to Bangladesh’s total. Liton was caught LBW by Haris Sohail, while Taijul also lost his wicket to Haris in trying to smash the left-arm part-time spinner out of the park, but instead being caught at long on by Yasir Shah. Rubel Hossain was the next man to be dismissed. He was clean bowled by Shaheen as the left-arm pacer made it four for the day. Bangladesh’s player of the day Mithun was caught behind after another DRS review. Rizwan bagged the catch behind the stumps but Azhar had to review the decision to ascertain if the Pakistan wicketkeeper had cupped the catch perfectly. With nine wickets down, Bangladesh’s last man to be dismissed was from a run out, thus ended a day of dominance for Pakistan in both the field and with the ball. Pakistan’s pacer made sure the hosts were smiling at the end of day one of the first Test against Bangladesh as they dismissed the whole team for 233.
German Cup: Bayern Munich cruise into quarter-finals
BERLIN Agencies
Thomas Mueller weighed in with a goal and an assist as holders Bayern Munich squeezed past Hoffenheim 4-3 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the German Cup. Mueller's golden run continued at the Allianz Arena to leave him with seven goals and nine assists
in the 14 games since Hansi Flick replaced Niko Kovac as coach last November. Not to be outdone, Mueller's forward partner Robert Lewandowski claimed two goals in the third round tie. However, Hoffenheim's Israeli forward Munas Dabbur caused Bayern a few nervous moments with two late goals as the visitors came back from 4-1 down. It was Mueller who had calmed Bayern's early
nerves, forcing an own goal from Benjamin Huebner to equalise after Bayern defender Jerome Boateng had turned the ball into his own net. Mueller then gave Bayern a 2-1 lead before Lewandowski netted either side of half-time to extend their lead before Hoffenheim's late fight back. Bayern are the biggest name into the last eight after RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund both crashed out on Tuesday to Eintracht Frankfurt and Werder Bremen respectively. After Lewandowski had an early goal disallowed for offside, Hoffenheim threatened an upset when Boateng turned a shot by Hoffenheim winger Ihlas Bebou into his own net on eight minutes. However, the lead lasted just five minutes. Canadian winger Alphonso Davies crossed to Mueller in the middle, but the ball clipped the knee of Huebner and looped into the net. Bayern were 2-1 up on 20 minutes when David Alaba's cross found Mueller and the Germany star fired home from close range. Lewandowski then pounced when Hoffenheim goalkeeper Philipp Pentke failed to claim a high ball under pressure from Mueller. The Poland striker was on hand to head the stray ball into an empty net on 36 minutes and settled the matter with a well-taken fourth goal after the break. Lewandowski has scored in all four of Bayern's matches so far in 2020 and leaves him with a season tally of 35 goals in 29 games in all competitions.
anthony Joshua set for bout at tottenham LONDON Agencies
Could Neymar, Mbappe antics derail PSG as season enters crunch time? PARIS Agencies
While Neymar has been partying with an injured rib, and Kylian Mbappe has been making no attempt to hide his displeasure with his coach, Paris Saint-Germain supporters could be forgiven for having that sinking feeling. This has been the time of year when the French club’s season has tended to implode in recent years, with three successive eliminations in the first knockout round of the Champions League. They are currently unbeaten in 20 games in all competitions after Tuesday’s 2-1 success at Nantes, and sit 12 points clear at the top of Ligue 1. However, everything is gearing up towards their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund, with the first leg in Germany on February 18. PSG have not made it beyond the last 16 in four years, with the nature of defeats against Barcelona in 2017 and Manchester United last season helping make them something of a laughing stock around Europe. Injuries to Neymar at this stage in each of the last two years proved crucial, so fans of a nervous disposition will be hoping the rib injury suffered by the Brazilian against Montpellier last weekend is nothing more than a short-term problem. The injury did not prevent the world’s most expensive player from staging a lavish party at a Parisian nightclub for his 28th birthday last Sunday, but it did
keep him out of the Nantes game. With the Dortmund first leg coming into view, he could be rested for this Sunday’s visit of Lyon. “I hope he can play on Sunday,” said coach Thomas Tuchel. “He was in pain at half-time against Montpellier. He is in exceptional form, but we will decide later. He needs to manage the pain.” Meanwhile, Mbappe seems certain to play, just as he did in midweek despite an angry reaction to being
substituted against Montpellier which has brought back the rumours that the 21-year-old — regularly linked with Real Madrid — may not stick around in Paris too much longer. “He was decisive for us. There was no need for him to show a reaction,” Tuchel said of Mbappe’s midweek performance. The France star is PSG’s leading scorer this season with 22 goals. The days when Lyon were the most feared opponents in the country are long gone, and they have taken just two points from their last 11 visits to Paris. Rudi Garcia’s side are also struggling in sixth place just now after a soporific 0-0 draw with Amiens in midweek. With or without Neymar, PSG will surely be too strong for them. It is the Dortmund tie that really matters though, and Tuchel needs his two biggest stars fully fit and focused in time for the trip to Germany. One of that rare breed of English players trying his luck abroad, the 21-year-old, Derby-born forward Mavididi is currently a regular in a Dijon team battling to avoid relegation. Mavididi left Arsenal without playing a top-team game and last year he joined Juventus — becoming their first English player since David Platt in 1992 — after being scouted by Giorgio Chiellini’s brother. After one appearance for Juve last season, he was allowed to move to France on loan and he has already scored three times for the Burgundy side, who host Nantes this weekend.
CM YK
Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is close to agreeing a deal to fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later this year, promoter Eddie Hearn said on Thursday. Britain’s Joshua beat Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia last year to regain the WBA, IBF and WBO titles. Now the 30-year-old is set to fight Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev, the IBF mandatory challenger, in June at the north London home of Premier League club Tottenham. The plush 62,000-capacity stadium, which opened last April, is believed to have beaten competition from venues including Twickenham and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. “We’re very close. I had a meeting with AJ last night. We’ve had offers in from the Far East, Middle East, Africa, America, Turkey,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “He’s made it very clear to me ‘I want to come home. I want to box in London next. I’ve been to Madison Square Garden. I’ve been to Saudi Arabia. Bring me home! Forget the other offers! Bring me home!’ “He wants to fight in London in June. We’re on the verge of making that happen now. Spurs is the front runner and that’s what he’s asked me to do. We’ll be delivering that for him.” Joshua was last in action in London back in September 2018 when he beat Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium.
Saturday, 8 February, 2020
NEWS
Notorious talibaN leader ehsaNullah ehsaN flees custody
f
NEWS DESk
ORMER spokesperson of proscribed terrorist outfit Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Ehsanullah Ehsan has escaped from the custody of security agencies during a “sensitive operation”. Ehsan had made the announcement regarding his escape in a video clip shared on the social media on Thursday. The claim was confirmed by security officials after one day. Sources privy to the development said that Ehsan had voluntarily surrendered himself before the intelligence agencies on Feb 5, 2017. However, he started sharing sensitive information even before his arrest, they added. After initial interrogation, Ehsan recorded his confessional statement on April 26, 2017. He revealed details pertaining to his handlers and facilitators during his captivity. He shared extremely sensitive and important information during the interrogation, which led security forces to break Jamaatul Ahrar’s national and international terror networks, they said. Several terrorists belonging to the proscribed outfit were also arrested as a result of intel provided by him, they
added. Ehsanullah was to be taken to book, but extracting information to take all ongoing anti-terrorism operations to their logical conclusion was necessary. “Some operations are still underway based on information shared by Ehsanullah,” said the sources, adding that during such an operation, he escaped from his captivity. All terrorists and extremists, including Ehsanullah, would be taken to the task, said the sources. ‘SECURITY AGENCIES BROKE PROMISES’: In the video, the TTP spokesperson said that he “surrendered” before the security forces and made a signed agreement that guaranteed certain rights to him. However, the security forces allegedly didn’t keep the promises and subsequently detained his family as well. “My name is Ehsan and I am former member of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Jamaatul Ahrar. On Feb 5, 2017, I handed myself into the hands of Pakistan’s security officials under an agreement and I kept that agreement on my part but I along with my family was detained by the security officials. We faced jail at least three years with patience but we made a plan to escape and
finally, we successfully escaped on Jan 11, 2020,” the former spokesperson of the terrorist organisation claimed. He also threatened the Pakistan Army that he would “disclose the details of the [alleged] agreement, its architect, and whatever transpired during his time in the jail”. Ehsan went on to claim that he had escaped from custody on January 11, 2020, adding that he will “make clear” his future strategy after deciding it “soon”. Former PPP senator Farhatullah Babar took to Twitter to voice his concern. “Reports that TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan fled from custody highly disturbing. One of the two explanations possible; Complicity or sheer incompetence. What about massacred APS children? Jailing HR defenders and freeing self confessed terrorists. Demand explanation,” he tweeted. Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement leader and MNA Mohsin Dawar echoed Babar’s thoughts. “Worrying news coming in that TTP’s Ehsanullah Ehsan has escaped. In no way can this be a result of incompetence. @OfficialDGISPR should confirm or deny this news. We demand a thorough investigation into this incident.
No one is listening to our warnings about regrouping Taliban,” he tweeted. In 2012, Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed responsibility for the gun attack on then 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai. She later went on to become the joint winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. She was shot for defying Taliban diktats and pursuing her education and highlighting atrocities of the militant outfit. Ehsanullah is also a prime accused in the 2014 Army Public School (APS) Peshawar attack in which 134 school children and 15 staff members were killed. He was also involved in the suicide bombing of Shiites in Rawalpindi and Karachi, killing nine foreign tourists and their guide in Gilgit-Baltistan area. Besides, the twin blasts targeting peace committee volunteers in Mohmand agency; suicide attack near the Wagah border and the 2016 bombing of an Easter gathering in a Lahore park that killed at least 75 people and injured more than 300. Senior Journalist Hamid Mir made a comment on his video, asking him to explain as to why he accepted the responsibility for attacking Malala Yousafzai and why did he claim the responsibility for planting a bomb under his car.
uK jails Nasir Jamshed over spot-fixing SportS DESk Pakistan international batsman Nasir Jamshed has been jailed for his part in a spot-fixing scandal. He was arrested with Yousef Anwar and Mohammed Ijaz last February in a National Crime Agency probe. Jamshed encouraged other players to fix a Pakistan Super League (PSL) game in February 2018 by getting batsmen to avoid scoring runs from certain balls in return for a share of £30,000. The three defendants were jailed after admitting bribery offences. An attempt to fix a Bangladesh Premier League match towards the end of 2016, and an actual fix in the PSL, were uncovered by an police officer who posed as a member of a corrupt betting syndicate.
us kills chief of al Qaeda in arabian Peninsula WASHINGtoN D.C. Agencies
China will defeat coronavirus, Xi tells Trump, as doctor's death sparks outcry Chinese President Xi Jinping assured his US counterpart on Friday that China was doing all it can to contain a new coronavirus that has killed almost 640 people, including a doctor who sounded the alarm only to be threatened by police. China was gradually achieving results and was confident it could defeat the epidemic with no longterm consequences for economic development, Xi told President Donald Trump in a telephone call, according to state television. Trump, after the phone conversation with the Chinese president said that Beijing is showing “great discipline” in tackling the coronavirus outbreak. “Nothing is easy, but he will be successful, especially as the weather starts to warm & the virus hopefully becomes weaker, and then gone,” Trump said on Twitter. “Great discipline is taking place in China, as President Xi strongly leads what will be a very successful operation. We are working closely with China to help!” The call to the White House, which China has accused of scaremongering over the epidemic, came as China’s central bank vowed to step up support for the economy to cushion the blow of the outbreak. First-quarter growth in the world’s second-biggest economy could slow by 2 percentage points or more, from 6 per cent, in the last quarter, analysts say, but could rebound sharply if the outbreak peaked soon. Chinese stocks were heading for their worst week since May while elsewhere in Asia, financial markets slipped after several days of gains. Xi had earlier declared a “people’s war” on the
virus, saying China had responded with all its strength and “the most thorough and strict prevention and control measures”, state media said. The rallying cry came amid an outpouring of grief and anger on social media over the death of ophthalmologist Li Wenliang. Li, 34, was one of eight people reprimanded by police in the central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the contagion, last month for spreading “illegal and false” information about the flu-like virus. His social media messages warning of a new “SARS-like” coronavirus — a reference to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which originated in China and killed almost 800 people around the world in 2002-2003 — triggered the wrath of police. China was accused of trying to cover up SARS. Li was forced to sign a letter on January 3 saying he had “severely disrupted social order” and was threatened with charges. “We deeply mourn the death of Wuhan doctor Li Wenliang … After all-effort rescue, Li passed away on 2:58am,” the ruling Communist Party’s People’s Daily said on Twitter. Data watch: Many social media users described Li as a hero, accusing authorities of incompetence in the early stages of an outbreak that has now claimed more than 400 lives in Wuhan. “Light a candle and pay tribute to the hero,” one person posted on the Weibo platform. Some media outlets described Li as a hero “willing to speak the truth” but there were signs that discussion
of his death was being censored. The death toll in mainland China reached 636 with 73 more deaths recorded as of Thursday, and 3,143 new confirmed infections, taking the total to 31,161 cases, the National Health Commission said. The 3,143 new infections were down from Wednesday’s figure of 3,694 and 3,887 on Tuesday, but experts warned it was too early to say if the data represented a trend. The virus has spread around the world, with 320 cases in 27 countries and regions outside mainland China, according to a Reuters tally of official statements. Two deaths have been reported outside China, in Hong Kong and the Philippines, but uncertainty about how deadly and contagious the virus is has prompted countries to quarantine hundreds of people and cut travel links with China. At sea: There were 41 new cases among about 3,700 people quarantined in a cruise ship moored off Japan, for a total of 61 cases on board. In Hong Kong, a cruise ship with 3,600 passengers and crew was quarantined for a third day after three people who had been on board were found to be infected. Taiwan, which has 16 cases, banned international cruise ships from docking. Britain confirmed a third case in which the coronavirus was contracted after the individual concerned visited an Asian country other than China. The government did not identify the country but issued a list of places from which travellers who developed symptoms should isolate themselves, it said. Agencies
President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that the US had killed the leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula — days after the militant group claimed responsibility for a mass shooting at a US naval base. The US “conducted a counterterrorism operation in Yemen that successfully eliminated Qassim Al Rimi, a founder and the leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP),” Trump said in a White House statement. AQAP claimed responsibility on Sunday for a December 6 shooting at US Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, in which a Saudi Air Force officer killed three American sailors. The announcement came with Trump touting the US resolve following the killings of Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi in October last year and top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani three months later. The militant group has thrived in the chaos of years of civil war between Yemen’s Saudibacked government and rebels who control the capital. “Under Rimi, AQAP committed unconscionable violence against civilians in Yemen and sought to conduct and inspire numerous attacks against the United States and our forces,” Trump said. “His death further degrades AQAP and the global Al Qaeda movement, and it brings us closer to eliminating the threats these groups pose to our national security.” ‘Eliminating terrorists’ Trump did not give any details about the circumstances or the timing of the operation. But it follows the killing of Al Rimi’s predecessor Nasir Al Wuhayshi in June 2015, as part of the US’s long-running drone campaign in Yemen. The following year top regional AQAP emir Jalal Belaidi, alias Abu Hamza, was also killed in a drone strike in the war-torn country.
India extends detention of ex-CMs of occupied Kashmir under draconian law NEW DELHI Agencies
India has extended the detention of four political leaders in occupied Kashmir, including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, who have been held by authorities since August of last year after the Indian government scrapped Article 370 of the Indian constitution that granted special status to the occupied region. The latest detention order was issued under the draconian Public Safety Act, which allows detention without charges for up to two years, officials in Srinagar told Reuters. The officials said the detained include Abdullah, Mufti and regional party leaders — Ali Mohmmad Sagar and Sartaj Madni. Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija
Mufti confirmed her mother’s detention under the law on Twitter. “Slapping the draconian PSA […] is expected from an autocratic regime that
books nine-year-olds for ‘seditious remarks’. Question is how much longer will we act as bystanders as they desecrate what this nation stands for?” she said.
In a subsequent tweet, she said that the two former chief ministers of occupied Kashmir weren’t jailed for “provocative comments” rather “their crime was to question GOI [Government of India] for its illegal actions in J&K”. “Just because BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] intentionally conflates itself with India doesn’t mean it is India. The message is clear. Criticise BJP at your own peril.” The occupied Kashmir politicians were originally held under a law that allowed a maximum of six months in prison and their detention was about to expire. “The law does not allow preventive detention beyond six months. So they had to be either released or booked under PSA,” said one government official on condition of anonymity. “Several other regional leaders who have also completed six months under pre-
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ventive detention are likely to be booked under PSA,” a second official said. The officials requested anonymity due to the sensitivity over security matters. Reuters sought a response from the Indian home ministry, but its spokesman was unavailable for comment. The home ministry in a reply before the parliament on Thursday said 389 people in occupied Kashmir were already booked under PSA since August last year. Some of those detained have been put under house arrest, while others have been taken elsewhere. Rights group Amnesty International has described the PSA as a “lawless law”. A strict lockdown and communications blackout has been in place in occupied Kashmir since August 5, 2019, when the Indian government unilaterally stripped the region of its special status.