Epaper_19-04-2023 ISB

Wednesday, 19 April, 2023 I 28 Ramzan, 1444

In partnership with Profit

UNCERTAINLY GROWS AS ECP TELLS SC PUNJAB POLLS ON MAY 14 ‘CAN LEAD’ TO ANARCHY

PEACEFUL POLLS NOT POSSIBLE UNDER PREVAILING ‘CHARGED POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT’, IBO IN KACHA AREAS

ISLAMABAD SALEEM JADOON

THEElection Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday confirmed to the Supreme Court it has not yet received Rs21 billion from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for holding elections to Punjab Assembly and expressed serious reservations over holding of Punjab Assembly elections on May 14.

On Tuesday in its report submitted to the Supreme Court, the ECP said it will not be possible for the ECP to ensure “free, fair and peaceful elections to the Punjab Assembly” in view of the ‘charged political environment’ and reports by relevant stakeholders including security agencies and the provincial government.

A three-judge bench – led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan – on April 4 had declared as “unconstitutional” the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to postpone the election for the Punjab Assembly to October 8 and ordered it to hold polls in the province on May 14.

On March 22, the ECP delayed the provincial assembly election in the politically-crucial Punjab province by more than five months, citing a deteriorating security situation in the cash-starved country.

The ECP report submitted in the same case on Tuesday, said: “In view of the detailed deliberation and considering the circumstances, reports, briefings and material brought before it, by the Provincial Governments, Ministries of Defense and Interior and the Intelligence Agencies, is of sanguine view that in the present charged political environment, and resultant volatile law and order situation, cross border terrorism, insurgencies, potential threats to the leaders and consequent lack of foolproof security, non-provision of troops in a static mode coupled with lack of requisite funds , it will not be possible for the Commission to ensure honest, just ,fair and peaceful

g ISI BOSS BRIEFS CHIEF JUSTICE ON SECURITY SITUATION PREVAILED IN COUNTRY, REPORTS SAY

“… the Commission is obligated to ensure that a conducive environment exists and whereby it is able to provide level playing field to the contesting candidates and the political parties besides ensuring foolproof security for the voters, being the primary stake holders and the polling staff and public at large.”

election to the provincial Assembly of Punjab,” read the ECP report.

Moreover, if the police are not supplemented by the army and other law en-

PHC takes up plea seeking KP election date today

PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has fixed the hearing of a petition seeking the date for elections to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly.

The PHC will hear the petition filed by PA speaker Mushtaq Ghani to seek date for election of KP Assembly. A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan and Justice Abdul Shakoor will hear the petition on Wednesday (today).

Yesterday, the demand for the disbursement of Rs21 billion additional funds for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) elections was rejected by the federal government.

forcing agencies in a static mode, security of life and property of voters, electoral staff and public at large will be at risk, it added.

The electoral watchdog said the timeline of 90 days provided in Article 224(2) of the Constitution is a constitutional imperative as held by the Supreme Court in the order dated 3103-2023. “However, there is another constitutional imperative in Article 218(3) of the constitution, obligating the Commission to organise and conduct the Elections to ensure that the standards of honesty, justness and fairness is fully met and not compromised on any account.

Aitzaz demands SC to seek explanation from PM, ministers over polls delay

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Senior legal expert and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan on Tuesday urged the Supreme Court (SC) to seek an explanation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other federal ministers over the delay in provincial elections.

“PM Shehbaz Sharif and the interior and law ministers would be responsible if elections not be held on the apex court-mandated date of May 14”, Aitzaz Ahsan declared while speaking to media at the Lahore High Court (LHC) here on Tuesday.

“Who are they to not conduct the elections when the SC has directed for the polls to be held on May 14,” he question.

He demanded t the apex court to summon the premier as well as Interior

Minister and Law Minister and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over their statements regarding the delay in elections to the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assemblies.

Aitzaz maintained that the country’s top court should “summon them and then must punish them under contempt charges if they admit non-compliance of the court’s orders”.

“The PM should be asked how his decision could be accepted when he himself did not obey the court’s order,” he said adding that “those responsible for the disobedience should be disqualified for five years each”.

“Imran Khan was nothing but it is the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) that has made him a popular leader amongst the public through its wrong decisions in general and registration of false and fabricated cases in particular,” he pointed out.

LHC restricts police from ‘harassing’ Imran during Eid

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued orders to the Punjab police on Tuesday, prohibiting them from “harassing” Imran Khan and instructing them to ensure the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is treated in accordance with the law.

The orders were given by a five-judge bench while hearing Khan’s petition that sought to prevent the authorities in Punjab from launching a police operation at his Zaman Park residence or arresting him based on an “undisclosed” first information report (FIR) during court closure.

The bench — comprising justices Ali Baqar Najafi, Aalia Neelum, Tariq Saleem Sheikh, Anwaar ul-Haq Pannun, and Muhammad Amjad Rafiq — heard the plea filed by Salman Safdar and Azhar Siddique. Prior to the proceedings, Khan appeared at the court, surrounded by several guards who covered his face with bulletproof shields.

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated the coalition government’s resolve to overcome the prevailing challenges “it had taken up for sake of the country’s progress”.

“The coalition parties, out of sincerity and commitment to the country, have shown unprecedented unity throughout the first year of this government, which in fact has become a matter of worry for the opposition parties”, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks while addressing a meeting of coalition parties, summoned to discuss matters related to Supreme Court (SC) decision and Punjab election.

The meeting was convened to review the ongoing political situation and to mull JI chief Sirajul Haq’s proposal for holding political dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and JUI Senator Kamran Murtaza briefed the participants.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz pointed out that in the beginning, the opposition and even the people in the coalition parties were not hopeful of the durability of the alliance. However, all of the allied parties manifested their democratic spirit and played their constructive role to maintain unity as well as in steering the country out of pervading challenges, he added.

He said opponents were troubled at the fact that the

LAHORE

DANIYAL AHMAD

Suzuki reported its Q1CY23 earnings to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on April 18, revealing a shocking turn of events. The company experienced its highest loss in 16 years, totaling a staggering Rs 12.9 billion. This represents a jaw-dropping 2706.39% YoY increase from Q1CY22. The magnitude of this loss is so significant that it can only be compared to Suzuki’s annual earnings.

coalition managed to survive. “It is worthy of utmost praise,” he added. Shehbaz Sharif said the PML-N led coalition government steered through challenges and all partners had added their share to keep the boat sailing.

“The allied government cooperated to its fullest in this regard,” he added.

“There exists a difference of opinion and respecting it is the hallmark of democracy”, he said.

Referring to the ongoing controversy regarding the court verdict on general elections in Punjab, he said nowhere in the world had ever happened that a court granted a stay on the implementation of a law even before its promulgation.

The decision of the three-member bench even prompted the bar councils to raise their voice – for sake of the rule of law, not out of love for the government –as they also believed that the decision was contrary to the norms of the justice, he added.

PM Shehbaz said the coalition parties were striving wholeheartedly to take the struggle of overcoming the challenges to a logical end, despite all odds.

AGREEMENT ABOUT TO BE INKED’ –

‘IMF

PM Shehbaz told the participants that the International Monetary Fund’s agreement was in the final phase as their last conditionality was to make deposits.

He lauded the efforts of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Army Chief General Asim Munir for the success of the process. He said that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar worked day and night for this deal.

UPCOMING TELEPHONIC CONVERSATION WITH NEW CHINESE PREMIER –

He also told the participants of his upcoming telephonic conversation with new Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the last week of April when they would discuss the matters of mutual interest. He reiterated the coalition government’s resolve to overcome the challenges it had taken up for sake of the country’s progress.

“I again assure you that you have elected me your prime minister and I will try my best to live up to your expectations,” he concluded.

During the hearing, Safdar informed the court that multiple cases were being lodged against his client, one after another. He said that in Punjab alone, 80 cases have been registered against Khan. Justice Najafi also referred to the three-day-long police action outside his residence last month, which had resulted in violent clashes between officials and PTI supporters.

The lawyer further said that his client had received credible information regarding another police operation outside Zaman Park during the Eid holidays.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government’s lawyer, Ghulam Sarwar, asked Khan to present evidence supporting his claim in court, saying that the law is equal for everyone. Sarwar also pointed out that there was nothing on record regarding an operation. Justice Sheikh asked if there was a statement that no action would be taken in old cases registered against Khan. To this, Sarwar replied that action in cases in which legal proceedings were underway would continue.

At one point during the hearing, Khan himself spoke and claimed that he hadn’t broken a single law in his life, yet hundreds of cases had been registered against him. Justice Najafi remarked the court did not think an operation would take place in the upcoming five to six days, and the proceedings have been adjourned until May 2.

lion in Q1CY22 to Rs 21.8 billion in Q1CY23. This decline is largely due to a decrease in sales, with Suzuki selling only 15,724 units across its two and four-wheeler portfolio in Q1CY23 compared to 46,379 units the previous year – a YoY decrease of approximately 66%. The reduced scale of operations also contributed to a 57.19% dip in Suzuki’s cost of goods sold, which declined from Rs 46.386 billion last year to Rs 19.856 billion.

Suzuki improved its efficiency by reducing its cost of goods as a percentage of revenue from 97% in Q1CY22 to 91% in Q1CY23. This improvement is evident in the company’s gross profit margin (GPM), which rose from 2.83% in Q1CY22 to 9.08% in Q1CY23. The increased efficiency is also reflected in Suzuki’s gross profit, which grew by 46.98% YoY from Rs 1.349 billion to Rs 1.983 billion.

The reduced sales activity did not, however, translate into reduced operating costs for Suzuki. Its distribution and marketing costs rose 19.98% YoY from Rs 732 million in Q1CY22 to Rs 878.4 million in Q1CY23. Similarly, Suzuki’s administrative expenses rose 24.29% YoY from Rs 740 million to Rs 919.8 million.

Suzuki’s cost of finance rose by 1143.38% YoY, from Rs 1.031 billion in Q1CY22 to Rs 12.82 billion in Q1CY23. This significant increase is the main reason for Suzuki’s poor results. Although Suzuki does not provide a detailed breakdown of its cost of finance, it includes costs related to mark-up on late delivery, demurrage and detention charges,

g SAYS FAIR,

MoST iniTiATeS inquiry AgAinST AcTing SecreTAry PSqcA

iSLamabad Ghulam abbaS

THEMinistry of Science and Technology (MoST) has initiated an inquiry against Shay Mureed Baloch, the acting Secretary of the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), for allegedly engaging in ‘various forms of misconduct’.

The allegations include: tampering with job advertisements, issuing unlawful NoCs, and misusing authority. The ministry has asked the PSQCA to provide details about the alleged misuse of power by Baloch, who is also the Director (Administration) at the organization. According to a letter sent to the

Director General PSQCA and others concerned, the ministry has expressed concern that Baloch did not provide relevant documents to facilitate the inquiry committee constituted to probe and fix responsibilities in the matter of tampering with job advertisements, despite repeated reminders. The letter also stated that Baloch failed to take necessary action regarding the regularization case of Mr. Sher Ali, IT Manager of PSQCA, despite clear instruction from the competent authority. The ministry further noted that Baloch authorized and issued an NOC for exPakistan leaves in favor of Ms. Ghazia Ashfaq, a Stenographer at PSQCA, beyond his mandate and in violation of relevant rules

uncertainly grows as ecP tells Sc Punjab polls on May 14 ‘can lead’ to anarchy

Continued from page 01

In the absence of conducive environment and fool proof security, one imperative of 90 days will be at the cost of another constitutional imperative which is apparently not the intention of the framers of the Constitution,” the ECP said in its response. It further said that the ECP had proposed the date of 8th October 2023, as poll date mainly on account of the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) being conducted in the Kacha areas bordering Sindh and Punjab and these IBOs have been supported by the Pakistan Army, the Punjab Rangers and Sindh Rangers.

The ECP said IBOs will require 4 -5 months at least to complete and will hopefully ensure that the TTP and other terrorist organisations are effectively neutered. The commission is mindful, as stated, that there can be no compromise on the security and safety of the voters, polling staff and the public at large. It maintained that the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan is not only to conduct elections but that such elections should be free, fair and transparent, so that the voters can cast their votes freely, without fear and peacefully. “It is reiterated that the poll date of 8th October, 2023 as announced earlier is in keeping with the ground realities and it is also believed that if this schedule is not followed, it may lead to anarchy and chaos in our country, the responsibility of which ECP cannot withstand,” it warned. Last week, the electoral watchdog had submitted a report to the Supreme Court, informing the apex court about the government’s reluctance to issue Rs21bn needed for the purpose. Subsequently, the court had directed the SBP to release funds worth Rs21bn for elections from Account No I — a principal component of the Federal Consolidated Fund worth Rs1.39 trillion — and send an “appropriate communication” to this effect to the finance ministry by April 17. Following the top court’s orders, the central bank on Monday allocated the funds and sought the finance ministry’s nod to release the amount. An approval of government is required to release the amount from the FCF while the government has to get the National Assembly’s approval for its release. But the same day, the coalition government managed through the NA the rejection of its own demand for provision of Rs21bn as a supplementary grant to the ECP for holding polls in the two provinces. Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf put the motion before the house for a voice vote after it was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on behalf of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar through a supplementary agenda. Meanwhile, military officials, including the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, met with the chief justice and two other judges late on Monday apparently to discuss security concerns related to the upcoming elections. Reports suggest the meeting lasted over three hours and Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum, the director general of the spy agency, gave a briefing on security issues facing the country. Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan also attended the meeting.

covid SoPs implementation made mandatory on eid festivities

karaCHi Staff RepoRt

The Sindh government said on Tuesday that keeping in view the emergence of new Covid variants, asymptomatic transmission of the contagion and increased human interaction related to upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, it is pertinent to follow WHO-placed pandemic SOPs with complete adherence on the part of every citizen According to a handout, as per SOPs, it is mandatory to maintain social distance and remember to wear a mask in all public and crowded areas including shopping areas. A arger Eid gatherings should ideally be avoided and hands should be regularly washed with soap. If you feel the onset of any symptoms related to flu, cough or experience difficulty in breathing you are advised to visit the nearest government hospital for due management and free of cost Coronavirus testing. People who received their last Covid vaccination dose 6 to 12 months ago are eligible and advised to get their follow up Covid vaccination dose at any of DoH established vaccination centers. This will enhance the immunity against the deadly disease.

and policies. The letter also stated that Baloch failed to convey the list of daily wagers and contract employees for consideration of regularization of their services, despite telephonic follow-ups and repeated reminders.

The ministry has called these acts of mismanagement, misuse, and abuse of authority, which fall within the ambit of misconduct. Baloch has been directed to explain his position within two days of receipt of the letter, failing which strict disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against him under the E&D, 1973.

Employees of the PSQCA recently shared a letter of complaint with the ministry’s high-ups, alleging that Baloch, an officer of the Ministry of Education in

Balochistan, who has been posted to PSQCA on deputation as Deputy Director, was promoted to Director Administration by the DG PSQCA without getting approval from the Competent Authority, the Secretary MoST. The employees further alleged that Baloch has made irregular appointments of contingent employees under the grade of BPS-1 to 10 and is involved in forged advertising for the recruitment process. They also claimed that Baloch is using operational double Cabin Official vehicles related to field inspection duties without authorization. The employees further alleged that Baloch has been involved in irregularities and misappropriation of funds in POL charges, repair and maintenance of vehicles, and building maintenance renovation

of the office. According to available documents, Baloch drew 2.5 million rupees on account of a House Building Loan from PSQCA without fulfilling the requisite formalities. As per the set rules, employees need to meet certain conditions before becoming eligible for such loans. However, Baloch has not submitted his Last Pay Certificate (LPC) in PSQCA, despite joining the organization in October 2022 on deputation.

As per documents available with this scribe, Baloch, with the approval of acting DG PSQCA Zainul Abedeen, has given Rs 118.843 million to at least 83 employees of the authority. However, the service length and various other rules set for qualifying for such loans have been violated.

Sherry Rehman urges SCO to prioritize Climate Action

iSLamabad Staff RepoRt

Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman represented Pakistan at the 4th Meeting of the Heads of the Ministers and Agencies of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states responsible for Environmental Protection organized virtually by India.

During the meeting, Minister Rehman emphasized the critical role that the SCO could play at the regional level in achieving shared goals related to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. She also highlighted the value of the SCO as a forum for member states to share their perspectives on this existential crisis that is now redefining global, regional and national priorities and responses in the 21st century.

Minister Rehman said, “The sustainability of life on earth and the overall socio-economic development of current and future generations are now under threat. We all agree that constructive cooperation on bold climate and environmental issues is critical to actively move the needle and bridge the gap between the pledges and pipelines that we all make multilaterally, as well as the gap between ambitions and actions.”

Minister Rehman drew attention to Pakistan’s unique position as one of the ten most vulnerable

countries to climate change, despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are on the front lines of climate change, braving disastrous floods, unlivable heatwaves, and fast-melting glaciers,” said the Minister.

She highlighted the catastrophic floods that occurred in Pakistan in 2022, which inundated onethird of the country, impacted 33 million people, and caused over US$30 billion in economic losses and damages.

Minister Rehman also said that for Pakistan climate change has become a high priority on all ministerial agendas, and both the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan are actively working to address climate change at the national and global levels.

“We have intensified our efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and implement large-scale nature-based interventions, as well as combat pollution. Despite the fact that our policies are aligned with SCO goals as well as by commitments made in the Paris Agreement, implementation of our collective plans fall short as the climate clock is ticking faster than we imagined,” the Minister said.

She shared details about Pakistan’s recent policies and programs, such as the National Clean Air Policy, National Hazardous Waste Management Policy, Clean Green Pakistan, Living Indus Initiative, the creation of new national parks and expansion of protected areas,

SC moved for disqualification of President Arif Alvi

iSLamabad Staff RepoRt

A plea has been filed with the Supreme Court seeking the disqualification of President Arif Alvi.

The petition, moved by citizen Chaudhry Muhammad Imtiaz, sought the disqualification of President Dr Arif Alvi under Article 41.

According to the petition, President Arif Alvi is violating his oath by working on the directions of one political party. He pleaded with the court to immediately remove Alvi from the top office.

Back in March this year, a similar disqualification plea was filed against Arif Alvi which was turned down by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Ijaz-ulAhsan heard the petition filed by a citizen, Zahoor Mehndi, under Article 62 1(F) of the Constitution.

The petitioner raised six objections to his candidature, and one of them was that at the time of the presidential election, he (Alvi) was an under-trial accused and was not eligible for the presidency.

According to Mehdi, he also submitted his

raWaLpindi

Staff RepoRt

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Tuesday the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s verdict on elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would determine the direction of the country facing economic, political and constitutional crises.

In a series of tweets, the former interior minister said the top court would make the government pay funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for polls, adding that people involved in flouting the court orders would face the music.

“Caretaker governments’ tenure has ended as 90 days have passed,” he said, adding that only the top court could drive the country out of crisis. He said parliament without lawmakers, and illegal cabinet could not face the judiciary.

He said the apex court would discharge its constitutional and legal responsibility this week, adding that the whole nation was supporting the judiciary. He said the interior and law ministers were

nomination papers to contest the election of president but his papers were rejected as he had no proposer and seconder.

The petitioner had said that the country was in crisis due to the appointment of an unqualified person as president and the political parties were at odds with each other. Subsequently, the SC dismissed the petition.

and federal-level regulations on plastics.

In her address, Minister Rehman proposed several specific actions for the forum to consider, such as establishing a technical working group to exchange information and best practices on common issues, exploring opportunities for capacity building and knowledge sharing, and developing regional mechanisms for climate financing and carbon markets.

She also emphasized that SCO members could consider building a united voice in advocating for reforming the international financial architecture to transform access pathways that remain blocked for climate finance delivery to developing countries, especially those on the frontlines of accelerated climate stress. The Minister emphasized that the SCO is a crucial multilateral forum for cooperation and collaboration, and Pakistan remains committed to engaging with it to create momentum in climate action.

She also mentioned that Pakistan has championed the cause for climate justice multilateralism at COP27 by leading the negotiations on establishing the Loss & Damage Fund as the Chair of G77+ China, which is a demonstration of goals successfully achieved when countries collaborate for joint public goals.

Additionally, she expressed her belief that SCO members can contribute to future dialogues on capitalizing the Loss & Damage Fund under the UNFCCC’s umbrella.

Local pet food: A rising industry

Continued from baCk page

“In comparison (to imported food), if we talk about local food, the ingredients are not less in it, the quality is also good and the price is also very low. I don’t know if pet food sellers have more profit in selling imported food or in selling local food but I do know that our local shopkeepers are helping us to market our products,” he said.

People used to give chicken to their pets as an alternative to imported food but that too, has become expensive now. Oatmeal, rice, vegetables, yogurt, milk, bread – everything is expensive now. Inflation has had a major impact on this business and will continue to do so in the future. In this space, new pet food manufacturing companies are quickly emerging in the country. The industry is growing bigger by the day, and eventually competition would lead to competitive prices as well. The latest PSX notification is a further affirmation of this. The export approvals would be of insurmountable value to the company, reaping huge profits for its shareholders and contributing to a developing industry in Pakistan.

APHc-AJK lauds S. Hameed’s contribution to struggle for right to self-determination

iSLamabad

Staff RepoRt

hurling threats at the judiciary and they could face treason cases over such statements.

He lamented that no meetings were being held to discuss inflation and unemployment. He said the government had suppressed the masses with record inflation, adding that petroleum prices witnessed downward trend in the international market but the situation in Pakistan was the other way round.

A condolence meeting was organised by Azad Kashmir chapter of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in Islamabad, today, to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of S. Hameed Wani and his contribution to the struggle for right to self-determination. The meeting was chaired by APHC-AJK Convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar. While paying rich tributes to great sacrifices of S.Hameed Wani on his 25th martyrdom anniversary, the APHC-AJK leaders prayed for eternal peace for the martyred leader. Wani was martyred by the Indian agents on this day in 1998. The leaders highlighted S. Hameed’s peerless contribution towards the ongoing freedom struggle and said that the martyred leader was a man of integrity who served the movement throughout his life and ultimately laid down his life for the great cause. The APHC leaders voiced grave concern over the continued bloodshed and violence in the region saying that innocent people were being killed day in and day out by the Indian occupation forces deployed in length and breadth of the territory. They appealed to the UN and world human rights organizations to take solid steps to ensure Kashmir’s demographic and cultural integrity.

CM Murad inks Rs1.6b TPSP to enhance security at entry points to Sindh

karaCHi Staff RepoRt

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday approved a Rs1.6 billion Sindh Toll Plaza Surveillance Project (TPSP) to enhance security at entry points to Sindh through the installation of CCTV Cameras on 40 Toll-Plazas.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over a meeting held at CM House in this regard, which was attended by IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Home Secretary Saeed Mangnijo, PSCM Fayaz Jatoi, Adl IG (Investigation) Munir Shaikh, Secretary Finance Sajid Jamal Abro, and other concerned officers.

The Sindh CM there was a dire need to enhance security at the entry points to the province. He added that the province has 40

Toll Plazas where high-definition CCTV cameras should be installed to ensure proper monitoring.

IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon told the CM that his department had prepared a Rs1.56 billion Sindh Toll Plaza Surveillance Project. He added that the CCTV Cameras would have Full-frame (FR) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) capabilities with centralized monitoring and alert system for blacklisted vehicles and criminals.

The CM after discussion approved the scheme and directed the IG police to launch the project at the earliest.

Investigation allowance: The meeting also discussed granting Investigation Allowance to Investigators. The CM said that the plan was to incentivize the investigators so that they make proper

investigations of the cases and win them in the court of law.

“I want to give an investigation allowance to the investigators, he said. At this, Home Secretary, Saeed Mangnijo said that the scheme was prepared and sent to the Finance department. The chief minister directed Secretary Finance to dispose of the scheme and send him for approval. Procurement of equipment: IG Police said that with the approval of the chief minister, a Rs2.7 billion scheme for the purchase of sophisticated field weapons and surveillance equipment was prepared and sent to the finance department through the Home department. At this, the CM said that he has approved the scheme and wanted the police to eradicate the menace of dacoits in the Katcha area.

This dacoit factor in the katcha area of the Sukkur and Larkana divisions had become a standing threat to the peace in the province and they operate within the katcha areas of three provinces- Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. “I want the police to purchase the necessary equipment and launch a joint operation with the police of Punjab and Balochistan to bring an end to the outlaws once and for all,” he said. RRF & Crowd Management: Another matter that came under discussion in the meeting was the expansion of the Rapid Response Force (RRF) and the establishment of the Crowd Management Unit. IG Police told the chief minister that work on the expansion of RRF and the establishment of the Crowd Management Unit was in progress. He added that some

posts of the police officers were required to be redesignated which have been sent to the finance department for approval. The chief minister directed the finance department to speed up the redesignation of the posts so that necessary transfers/postings for the expansion of RRF and operationalization of the Crowd Management Unit could be made.

Repair of Police quarters: The IG police told the chief minister that 8000 residential quarters of Sindh police have been damaged by the recent heavy rains and floods. He also added that various training barracks have also been affected badly. The chief minister approved Rs4 billion for repairing and renovating the residential quarters and Rs2 billion for repairing training barracks.

People

flouting court orders will face music: Sh Rashid

SouTH PunJAB SecreTAriAT AffAirS To Be run

THrougH e-foAS To enSure TrAnSPArency

LaHore Shahab omeR

TObringing innovation and transparency in the governance system in biggest province of the country, it has been decided that the office affairs of the South Punjab Secretariat will be carried out through e-filing and office

centre’s apathy taking toll on tribal belt’s uplift

peSHaWar aziz buneRi

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) tribal districts have been suffering from slow pace development pace for four consecutive years due to financial crisis and tussle between the Federal and Provincial governments.

At the time of merger, the federal government had committed to spend Rs1,000 billion on the development of tribal districts in 10 years or Rs100 billion every year. After the merger in 2018, the current financial year has been the worst in terms of development projects as only 11% of development funds could be spent so far, most of which were spent on employees’ salaries, offices and fuel expenditures.

After the merger of tribal districts with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, every year funds were allocated for tribal districts in the form of development funds but were never fully utilised. In the financial year 2019-20, Rs55.90bn were spent in the tribal districts. Similarly, Rs40.20bn were spent in 2020-21, in 2021-22 Rs47.30bn were spent while in the current financial, only Rs11.8bn could be utilized so far.

According to the sources, this year, the rate of spending of funds will be extremely low.

Due to the political tussle between PDM and PTI, funds release to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was stopped by the federal government, which badly affected the development program in tribal districts.

‘All parties united’: Marriyum refutes rumours about meeting of ruling alliance

iSLamabad Staff RepoRt

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum

Aurangzeb on Tuesday said all parties to the ruling alliance were “united” and there was no truth in the false reports about its meeting which was underway.

“Speculations being made in some section of the media about the meeting of ruling parties are baseless and incorrect,” she said in a news statement. The minister regretted that the media started airing news regarding the meeting by attributing to leaders of allied parties even prior to the issuance of final communiqué. She said decisions were being taken with the input of all the parties which were united.

“Consultation is underway and the information minister would issue a joint communiqué [of the meeting],” she added.

LHc disposes of Buzdar’s petition

LaHore Staff RepoRt

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday disposed of a petition filed by former chief minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar seeking details of the cases registered by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab against him. The court disposed of the petition in the light of a report filed by ACE Punjab, wherein it was apprised that 13 inquiries were in the process against the former chief minister at Dera Ghazi Khan.

The single bench comprising Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh heard the petition filed by Usman Buzdar. Usman Buzdar had approached the court against non-provision of details of cases registered by ACE against him.

automation system (e-Foas).

For this purpose, training sessions were organized by the Government Digital Services (GDS) Wing of Punjab Information Technology Board, Profit/Pakistan Today learnt here on Tuesday.

Speaking to Profit, the spokesperson of GDS informed that on the direction of Chairman PITB Faisal Yusuf, the GDS Wing has started work under

the leadership of Director General Muhammad Waseem Bhatti to run the official affairs of the South Punjab Secretariat through e-Foas.

“For this purpose, GDS Wing organized training workshops for the officers of various government departments of South Punjab and gave them a detailed briefing on the working procedures of e-filing and office automation

system. The training sessions were attended by the concerned officers of various important departments including the Services Department,” she informed.

However in a statement, DG Government Digital Services Muhammad Waseem Bhatti said that it is the need of the hour to develop the government system on modern lines to reduce problems of the people related to the government departments.

“In addition to replacing the old file system, eFoas will contribute to more transparency in government operations and a decrease in public complaints. Considering the importance of this system, not only the Punjab Government but some Federal Government departments are also using the services of PITB’s Government Digital Services Wing to put the system into place,” he concluded.

ANP invites MQM leaders to upcoming All Parties Conference

iSLamabad Staff RepoRt

A delegation of the Awami National Party on Tuesday called on MQM leaders at the Parliament Lodges and invited them in an All Parties Conference.

ANP delegation comprisING Mian Iftikhar and Zahid Khan called on MQM parliamentarians Usama Qadri, Salahuddin and others. The ANP leaders invited MQM to attend the APC being hosted by it.

“We will decide on the invitation after consultation with the MQM Rabita Committee,”

MQM members replied. Mian Iftikhar said that the situation worsening in the country, and it is upon the politicians to take initiative for improvement. “It is our thinking that political parties should take initiative for correction,” he said.

“Life has become difficult owing to worsening law

and order, political class being failed and non-political elements getting successful,” he said. “We have to resolve all problems with understanding and reconciliation,” he said.

MQM MNA Muhammad Abubakar said that the ANP has summoned the APC on May 03 and invited the MQM in the moot. The APC being summoned to steer the country out of the political, economic and other crises, MQM MNA added.

Earlier, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP) emphasised the need for dialogue among political parties to tackle the ongoing constitutional and political crises in the country.

A PPP delegation led by Senator Yousuf Raza Gillani approached ANP for dialogue among political parties to tackle the crisis. Talking to journalists, Yousuf Raza Gillani said the basic purpose of the Constitution was that all institutions should exercise

Imran Farooq case: LHC seeks reply on plea against transfer of convict

LaHore Staff RepoRt

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday sought a reply from the inspector general of prisons Punjab on a petition, against transfer of a prisoner, convicted in connection with the murder of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Imran Farooq, to another prison till May 15.

Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq heard the petition filed by Saadia Bano, wife of Muazzam Ali, convicted in Imran Farooq case.

The petitioner’s counsel Advocate Mian Dawood argued before the court that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad registered a case in connection with murder of MQM leader Imran Farooq in London. He submitted that

Muazzam Ali was lodged at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi and a trial court handed down life imprisonment to him in 2020.

He submitted that the petitioner along with his children shifted to Islamabad from Karachi for prosecution of his husband’s case. However, Muazzam Ali was shifted to Sahiwal High Security Prison during the trial, he said and added that the step made the meeting of family and the prisoner almost impossible.

He contended that the step was against the jail rules and pleaded with the court to issue directions for transfer of Muazzam Ali to Adiala jail or another suitable jail.

The court, after hearing initial arguments, issued notices to the IG Prisons and sought reply by May 15.

Kashmir gears up for celebration of Eidul Fitr

mirpur (aJk)

Staff RepoRt

Kashmiri Muslims will celebrate Eid ul Fitr simultaneously with the scheduled observance of the religious festival in Pakistan (most likely on April 22 on the sighting of Shawaal moon) with full traditional religious enthusiasm and devotion with the renewal of the resolve to continue acting upon and upholding the teachings of Islam.

The brisk preparations are afoot at both sides of the LoC to celebrate the Eid ul Fitr with traditional religious zeal and fervor.

The day will dawn with special prayers in the mosques for the stability, integrity, unity and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah, progress and prosperity of Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir, early liberation of all occupied muslim homelands including Indian-held Jammu & Kashmir and for the early success of the Kashmir freedom movement.

In Azad Jammu Kashmir, special Eid ul Fitr prayer congregations will be held at all small and major cities and towns of all ten districts of the liberated territory including the state’s metropolis Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimbher, Bagh, Sudhanoti, Rawalakot and Neelam valley, Haveili and Hattiyan Bala districts where the people will offer Eid prayer at the mosques, eid gahs and open places.

In occupied Jammu Kashmir, the Kashmiri Muslims will celebrate Eid ul Fitr with renewal of the pledge to continue the liberation struggle despite the stepped-up state terrorism by the Indian occupying forces.

The biggest Eid prayer congregations are scheduled to be held at Dargah Hazrat Bal and the Central Jamia mosque in Srinagar, according to the reports. Other big Eid congregations will also be held at Eidgahs and Jamia mosques in Baramulla, Kupwara, Islamabad , Pulwama, Jammu , Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Kargil and Leh, the report said.

nA organises exhibition of rare manuscripts of Holy Qur’an

iSLamabad app

The National Assembly Secretariat has organised the exhibition of rare manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an in collaboration with the Iranian Consulate and IranPakistan Institute of Persian Studies in connection with the golden jubilee celebration of the Constitution and the sacred day of 27th Ramadan.

Parliamentarians, media representatives, students and a large number of the public witnessed the exhibition.

Inaugurating the exhibition of rare Manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that the Holy Quran is the best guide for humanity and implementing its teaching in letter and spirit will lead all Muslim ummah out of current socio-economic challenges.

He also said that this exhibition would make the next generation familiar with rich Islamic values and traditions. He added, “Both Pakistan and Iran enjoy mutual ties based upon a shared culture of Islamic values and traditions.”

Iranian Ambassador in Pakistan Seyyed Muhammad Ali said that both Pakistan and Iran enjoy cordial mutual ties based upon shared Islamic culture and traditions. He also expressed his gratitude to Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf for extending cooperation to hold this exhibition.

Later on, in response to a query by media representatives Raja Pervez Ashraf said that improving ties between Iran and Saudia Arabia is pivotal for regional peace and progress.

Recent positive developments in relations between both Iran and Saudi Arabia are a good omen for the Muslim world.

their powers within their constitutional domain.

“The PPP wants to make a conducive environment for dialogue among the political parties as all the problems being faced by the county will be addressed through the dialogue process,” he added.

ANP Secretary General Mian Iftikhar Hussain said, “It was a good step by the PPP as the country could no longer afford unrest and chaos.”

He said the ANP was going to hold an APC in the Federal Capital on May 3, while the PPP had decided to build consensus among the coalition parties prior to holding dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf which was a positive step. The PTI and all other political parties would be invited to attend the APC, he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has also announced to convene an APC after Eidul Fitr on one-point agenda to hold simultaneous elections across the country.

over 91% construction work on SecL to Matiari 500kV transmission line completed

iSLamabad Staff RepoRt

Over 91 per cent of construction work on 220 kilometers long 500kV transmission line from Shanghai Electric Company Limited (SECL) to Matiari Converter station has already been completed. The National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited (NTDC) on the directives of the federal government has already expedited work on the transmission line and all-out efforts were being made to complete it shortly. The transmission line would connect the 1320 MW SECL coal plant in Thar to Matiari Converter station, sources told APP here on Tuesday. Currently, 54 individual crews, consisting of over 300 labourers, were working relentlessly on the project to complete it at the earliest. To monitor the pace of work on the project, a camp office of NTDC’s top management had also been established at Mithi (Thar) near the project site, the sources added. MD NTDC, Engr. Dr Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan was also regularly engaged with all stakeholders of the project besides frequently visiting the project site to personally monitor the pace and quality of work.

rain/thunderstorm likely in most parts of country today

iSLamabad Staff RepoRt

Rain wind/thunderstorm is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and Upper/Central Punjab on Wednesday. However, the Met Office predicted that heavy falls/ hailstorm is also likely in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and GilgitBaltistan during the forecast period. According to Synoptic Situation, a westerly wave is affecting the upper and central parts of the country and likely to intensify and grip the upper parts during next 24 hours. During the past 24 hour, the rain-wind-thunderstorm occurred at isolated places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, Punjab and upper Sindh. Weather remained dry in other parts of the country. Rainfall(mm):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Kalam 64, Pattan 45, Dir (Upper 51, Lower 15), Balakot 30, Chitral 28, Malam Jabba 23, Kakul 21, Drosh 09, DI Khan (City 12 A/P03), Mirkhani 13, Bacha Khan Airport, 07, Peshawar City 07, Bannu, Parachinar 05, Cherat 04, Gilgit-Baltistan: Astor 45, Bagrote 15, Chillas, Gilgit 09, Skardu 05, Gupis 04, Bunji 03, Balochistan: Zhob 12, Barkhan, Chaman. 07, Khuzdar 04, Panjgur 01, Kashmir: Muzaffarabad (City 36, Airport 34), Rawalakot 29, Garhi Dupatta 28, Kotli 13. Punjab: Murree 24, Attock 07, Mandi Bahauddin 09, Islamabad (City 06, Saidpur 05. Airport, Bokra 04, Golra 03), Bahawalpur (City 05, Airport 02), Rawalpindi (Shamsabad 06, Chaklala 04, Kachehri 03 ), Mangla 09, Gujrat 04, Sialkot (City 04, A/P 02), Jhelum 05, Bhakkar, Gujranwala, Kot Adu, Noorpur Thal, TT Singh 02, Multan (City 02, Airport 01), Faisalabad, Jhang , Narowal, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Sargodha, DG Khan City 01, Sindh: Sukkur 22, Larkana 10, Jacobabad 11, Mohenjodaro 09, Dadu, 03, Rohri 01.

Balochistan Customs recover sugar, fertilizers worth Rs500 million

Quetta Staff RepoRt

Chief Collector of Customs Balochistan Muhammad Saleem on Tuesday said that sugar worth Rs 250 million and fertilizer worth Rs 250 million were recovered by custom personnel while carrying out operations in this month.

He was addressing a press conference at the Customs Office here, Collector Customs Enforcement Quetta Sami-ul Haque also addressed the press conference.

Additional Collector Aftabullah Shah and Additional Collector

Obaidullah, Public Relations Officer Dr. Atta Bareach and Staff Officer Ahad Durrani were also present.

Chief Collector said under the supervision of Tariq Pasha, Special Assistant on Economics to the prime minister, efforts were being made to control sugar smuggling. He said in this regard, the operation was started in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies on the border to prevent the smuggling of sugars and fertilizers.

Sami-ul Haque has been instructed to conduct strict monitoring to mobilize Customs

Enforcement Quetta against smugglers, he added. He said that under the policy of zero tolerance for smuggling, no concessions have been emphasized. He said an operation has been started in full cooperation with other law enforcement agencies assigned at the border saying joint check posts and patrolling were adopted.

Chief Customs said a few days back the biggest operation in the history of the province was carried out by customs personnel with the support of FC and Levies He further informed that 59

cases of

the current month.

He said under the policy of the central government manufacturers of the respective items, FIRs would be registered against wholesalers, vehicle owners, and drivers. On the same policy, with the cooperation of other law enforcement agencies, staff have been deployed at the international border to prevent the smuggling of all kinds of essential items abroad, he said.

He urged the public to inform the customs or other law enforcement agencies against smugglers in order to control smuggling in the country.

THE Supreme Court’s three-member bench had valid reasons for receiving a briefing from the Director General Inter-Services Intelligence, the Director-General Military Intelligence and the Defence Secretary. After all, the security situation, as given in a briefing by the first two, had been given as a reason for not holding elections within the 90 days made necessary by the dissolution of the kP and Punjab Assemblies. However, the optics of having these officials in for a briefing in chamber did not make for good optics, considering the history, extending way back to the Dosso case more than six decades ago, of the judiciary giving the military what it wants. It was also noticeable that the briefing officials, like the State Bank of Pakistan team earlier, did not appear in the court, but in chamber. The optics were not good.

Parliament had rendered the State Banks’s obedience of the Court’s orders, to transfer money out of the Federal Government’s account to the State Bank to the Election Commission of Pakistan, unauthorized by Parliament, which had rejected the demand for grant for the money. It was not just covering the State Bank’s officials against a contempt notice by the Supreme Court, but also preventing any interference in the monopoly it has been given in the Constitution over financial powers. While the debate about the Court, its internal divisions, as well as its strength with respect to the Legislature and the Executive, continues, the country goes on rudderless and thus directionless. The Executive seems bent on avoiding elections, because it fears that the PTI would do well; the Judiciary seems bent on holding that election, though the reason does not seem to be merely adherence to the Constitution, so much as its yielding a particular result.

The return to the path of constitutionalism will not be knocked into anyone’s head, but will only take place if the stakeholders most directly affected, the political parties, which will contest, came together and had reached some agreement on the date for elections, which need not necessarily meet the 90-day standard, but which should not so far exceed it as to be risible. If there was some such agreement, the Supreme Court would do well to agree to such a date. One reason why the constitutional time limit is that provincial caretaker governments would become doubtful, with lawyers using that in litigation. That situation must be avoided.

Dedicated

Jesse Jackson and Arab American Empowerment

Giving Arab Americans a platform

Washington Watch

dr JameS J Zogby

FORTy years ago, I was at an Arab American dinner event with Rev. Jesse Jackson when he leaned over and said to me, “I’m running for President and I want you to join my campaign staff.” My immediate reaction was to be honored, yet conflicted.

I was in my fourth year as executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), a group I had co-founded in 1980 with former Senator James Abourezk. And so, I responded, “I have to think about this. I’ve spent the last four years organizing my community and I’m not sure I can give it up right now.” His reply, which I’ll never forget, was simple and direct: “We’ll do more for your community in the next four months than you have been able to do in the last four years.”

Our community’s relationship with Jackson had begun in the 1970s, when he, like so many other Black American civil rights leaders, embraced the cause of Palestinian rights and defended Arab American participation in political coalitions that had tried to exclude us. Our 1979 Palestine Human Rights Campaign (PHRC) convention featured two prominent leaders of Martin Luther king’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, who had just returned from Lebanon where they had met with yasser Arafat protesting the USA’s “no talk” policy with the PLO,  and Rev. Jackson who was leaving the next day also to visit Arafat. While both the PHRC and ADC had been successful in building coalitions with Black, Latino, and US peace organizations in defense of justice for Palestinians, our path to political empowerment had been blocked—principally by pro-Israel groups who saw us as a threat.

Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor

M. A. Niazi

Joint Editor Umar Aziz Executive Editor

Political candidates who had held Arab American fundraising events, when challenged for taking “Arab money,” had returned the contributions. Some campaigns were pressured to fire Arab American staff persons, and candidates and some political coalitions and parties rejected our endorsements and involvement in their efforts.

After much discussion with my wife and Jim Abourezk (who was supporting former Senator George McGovern), I decided to take the position as a Jackson ‘84 deputy campaign manager. I was able to hire a young Arab American to work in the campaign office, and travelled the country organizing events and raising funds for the campaign. Because Jackson’s 1984 race was the first-ever major presidential campaign to welcome Arab Americans by name, it generated tremendous excitement in the community. Rallies were huge and enthusiastic. And the fundraising was significant.

I remember speaking with Jackson in California, just before that state’s primary contest. He had just finished a multi-city campaign swing that featured events with Arab Americans in each location. He said to me: “I think your community has crossed the threshold of acceptance. After every fundraiser up until recently, the press would report ‘Jackson raises Arab money.’ But after the last few, there were no stories at all. It was just another fundraiser.”

We elected four Arab American delegates to the 1984 San Francisco convention, and I was tapped to deliver one of the speeches putting Jackson’s name in nomination. It was an honour to be the first Arab American to speak at a convention and I used the opportunity to discuss the history, diversity, and contributions of my community to the USA.

Months later, a small group of us launched the Arab American Institute to build on the lessons we had learned during the 1984 campaign. We decided to focus our work on voter registration, voter mobilization, supporting Arab Americans who ran for office, and bringing Arab American concerns into the political arena.

while some still face challenges because of their ethnicity, or even their political views, these challenges are almost always rejected out of hand.

is without exaggeration to say that the path to Arab American political empowerment began with Rev. Jackson’s improbable but momentous 1984 presidential campaign.

By 1988, when Jackson ran a second time, the fruits of our labour were already in evidence. We elected 55 delegates to that year’s convention, passed resolutions supporting a balanced US policy recognizing Palestinian rights in 10 states, succeeded in including planks on Lebanon and condemning negative bias against Arabs and Arab Americans in the Democratic Party platform, and held the first-ever national debate on Palestinian rights from the podium of the convention.  In the decades since then, we have seen an even more profound transformation in our community’s empowerment and political capacity to make change. In cities where we were once shunned or ignored, we’ve elected Arab American mayors who’ve joined hundreds of others who’ve been elected to local, state, and federal posts. Arab Americans now see public service as a career and

Dewigged, bothered and bewildered

Instead of solving the crisis, the Bill has created a new one

prerogative of the Chief Justice of Pakistan. All is happening at a time when the South Asian nuclear country is facing a deepening political turmoil, which is exacerbated by an ailing economy. Struggling to recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, disastrous floods, and the Russia-Ukraine war, the country is now facing decades-high inflation and critically low foreign reserves.

be a case of you scratch my back while I will scratch yours. The Apex Court is often expected to fill the gaps left by a dysfunctional system of governance. The Courts may successfully cure many of the nation’s evils only by taking a deliberate approach to addressing injustices in its society through a legal framework that respects the balance of power and can be expanded on by jurists to come.

What we’ve also discovered is that political empowerment opens other doors. We’ve learned, for example, that when you’re weak, others are able to define you and cause you to be shunned. But as you gain strength, you are respected and can define yourself. As a result, Arab Americans have come to play a leading role in civil rights, multi-ethnic, and peace and justice coalitions that once rejected us. Likewise, our input is now sought in how to portray Arabs in media and how to teach about Arab history and culture. Challenges, of course, remain, but our path to progress has been crowned this year with the president’s issuance of a first-ever formal proclamation of Arab American Heritage Month and with events that will celebrate the 80 Arab Americans who serve in this administration, an evening celebrating Arab culture, and a White Househosted policy forum with Arab American leaders.

It is without exaggeration to say that the path to Arab American political empowerment began with Rev. Jackson’s improbable but momentous 1984 presidential campaign. His slogan that year was: “Our time has come.” It was interpreted by some as being directed at Black Americans. But Arab Americans embraced it as their own call to empowerment. Four decades later, in communities across the country, we see a new generation building on the progress that has been made— still growing and prospering, and making it clear that “Our time is now.”

The writer is President of the Arab American Institute

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

Victims of poverty and exploitation

PAkISTAN is a source, transit and destination country for men, women and children subjected to human smuggling. Anyone can be a victim of migrant smuggling, but children, especially girls, and women are most vulnerable to be targeted by the culprits.

Anew constitutional crisis has emerged in Pakistan, which for months has been engulfed in another political crisis that shows no signs of abating. The Senate, weeks ago, approved the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023, to clip the discretionary powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan under Article 184(3) of the Constitution.

The proponents believe that unnecessary intrusion of the judiciary in political matters is the main cause of political instability. Article 184(3) is a rarity. An expansive and at times contentious interpretation of the criteria of public importance and fundamental rights, along with the seemingly selective and inconsistent application of suo motu powers, has made the Supreme Court’s exercise of its original jurisdiction appear arbitrary in some cases. The Supreme Court for many years interpreted its original, and only after the Supreme Court of India started challenging the rigid boundaries of its own judicial domain in the 1970s, that Pakistan also started exploring the ambit of its powers under Article 184(3).

The legislation suggests that the pendulum is indeed on its downward swing– coming on the heels of a detailed dissenting note of the two apex Court judges issued earlier this week, in which they called for revisiting the Chief Justice’s power, saying the country’s top court could not “be dependent on the solitary decision of one man.” The government is proposing to amend the rules of the Supreme Court which is the job of the apex court itself. What if the court takes up a matter of parliamentary rules and procedure tomorrow and starts dictating how the Parliament should conduct its affairs? The bill seeks to amend laws regarding the conduct of the top court and suggests setting up a three-member panel headed by the chief justice to take up suo motu cases.

Nevertheless, a simple act of Parliament to regulate the judiciary with respect to procedural and substantive law might be in conflict with the independence of judiciary which is a basic structure of our constitution. Restructuring of power is currently the sole

The legislation also aims at curbing the powers of the Chief Justice, concerning constitution of benches– an exclusive domain and prerogative of the Chief Justice not only in Pakistan but in many other countries of the world including India, where the power of constitution of benches has been given to Chief Justice through the constitutional provision but in Pakistan, this duty and prerogative for constitution of benches to hear the cases has been given to Chief Justice of Pakistan under the Supreme Court Rules, 1980, and these Rules have been made in view of the provision of Article 191 of the Constitution. This practice has continued for decades in Pakistan.

Therefore, anything that curtails the authority of the Chief Justice would intrude into the exclusive duty, functions and authority of the Chief Justice relating to constitution of benches and for allocation of cases by them. The power and prerogative for the constitution of benches can not be curtailed or regulated through ordinary legislation but would require an amendment in the Constitution of Pakistan, which requires to make or add a constitutional provision with two-thirds majority of the total membership of the Parliament as per Article 239 of the Constitution.

Nonetheless, in foresight, the bill appears to have two overarching objectives. The first is to allow the right to appeal in a landmark but highly contentious Panama decision of the Supreme Court, and the second is to clip the wings of upcoming Chief Justices. It appears to

The Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction, allowing it to act on issues of public importance relating to human rights, is an important and powerful mechanism that, if exercised judiciously and in a manner that respects the separation of powers, can be used to combat impunity, ensure effective redress, enhance protection of human rights and advance respect for the rule of law. The Chief Justice justifies judicial interventions into this area of executive policy making by using his pulpit to excoriate the federal and provincial governments for their performance and lack of coordination.

At the same time, our courts are being proffered unsolicited advice by various quarters. It appears that this section of society believes that the courts have some magic wand, and that the plight of the migrant workers and the suffering masses will come to an end if the courts were seen to be ‘proactive’, summon government officials, reprimand them for their perceived acts of omission and commission, seek weekly and fortnightly reports, and generally sermonize the Executive wing of the State.From a purely legal angle, one can say that suo motu jurisdiction is akin to a situation wherein the complainants/petitioners themselves become the judge and the jury.

This bill apparently has all the ingredients to make it an instrument of the government and the Parliament to intervene in the internal affairs of the courts which is likely to receive equal and proportionate rebuke by the court. Above all, with no opposition in the National Assembly, the bill, even if passed, will lack credibility, legitimacy, and integrity, making it an easy target for the courts to strike it down as soon as it is challenged, as has been done.The guilt trips on the floor of Parliament did nothing to establish the need and urgency of presenting this far-reaching bill, but rather created more doubts and confusions.

The ultimate purpose behind giving the authority to Chief Justice is to ensure that the apex court is able to fulfil and discharge the constitutional obligations which govern and provide the rationale for its existence, and on a mere apprehension the authority and prerogative should not be regulated or curtailed, which would not be in the interest of a judicial institution.

The writer is a lawyer based in Lahore.He tweets @SarmadSattar010

Vulnerable Pakistani migrants are most often smuggled to the Gulf states, Iran, Turkey, South Africa, Uganda, North America, Southeast Asia, Far East, Greece and other European countries. In some cases, migrants from other countries are transited through Pakistan to Iran and then onwards to Turkey so that they may attempt reaching some European country, such as Greece, Spain, Italy, etc. Those who can afford it, travel by air, many to Dubai, in the hope of transiting to other destinations in the Middle East, North America or Australia. Pakistan is also a destination country for smuggled migrants from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, India and Iran. Illegal cross-border movement of migrants through land routes is not monitored professionally in Pakistan. Therefore, the true scale of transnational migrant smuggling is not known, although Pakistani migrant smuggling victims continue to be identified and arrested in various parts of the world.

A latest example of this are the two incidents of boat wrecks in February off the Italian and Libyan coasts in which there were dozens of Pakistanis along with nationals of Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Iran; all illegal migrants who were being smuggled to Europe for seeking better life opportunities. These illegal migrants even had children and infants accompanying them. Several Pakistanis are believed to have died in the two incidents, including national athlete Shahida Raza from Quetta and a child from Peshawar. In the boat wreck incident in Italy, the local police confirmed that a Turkish and two Pakistani nationals had sailed the boat from Turkey to Italy despite the terrible weather, and one of the Pakistani nationals was a minor. These three migrant smugglers were the survivors of the tragedy and were arrested by Italian police. They had allegedly paid about $8,540 each for their deadly sea journey.

Under international law, migrant smuggling is recognised as transnational organised crime. To prevent and control migrant smuggling globally, the United Nations adopted the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air (UNSOM), supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC). It is also referred to as the ‘smuggling protocol’. Pakistan ratified the UNTOC in 2010, but has neither signed nor ratified the UNSOM protocol. In keeping with Pakistan’s international obligations, it is bound to legislate to address the issue of migrant smuggling. Until 2018, the Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance, 2002, was the only legal instrument to curb human smuggling in Pakistan. The law did not make a distinction between human trafficking and human smuggling, and ended up criminalising the victims. To overcome this problem and to fulfill Pakistan’s international obligations, in 2018 the country enacted an exclusive law, the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act (PSOM), 2018, and subsequently its rules were notified in 2020. This was a watershed moment in national history because the legislation safeguarded the rights of the smuggled migrants.

It took Pakistan 16 years to legislate and replace an ineffective ordinance on human smuggling. This also reflects the persistent lack of policy focus on this critical area of organised crime. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is the main law enforcement agency responsible for the implementation of the relevant legislation and for addressing the issue of migrant smuggling. According to FIA’s Annual Report on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, in 2021 the agency registered 69 cases under PSOM, 47 cases were under investigation, and 26 were in the courts. The number of accused identified was 144, and, of them, 57 were prosecuted. The convicts were fined a sum of Rs1.234 million. The number of smuggled migrant victims identified in these cases was 76. FIA provided legal support to 22 victims, but no psychological, financial or other support was provided to any victim.

The only way out is for the parties to talk to one another

It

Sarmad Sattar

The ultimate purpose behind giving the authority to Chief Justice is to ensure that the apex court is able to fulfil and discharge the constitutional obligations which govern and provide the rationale for its existence, and on a mere apprehension the authority and prerogative should not be regulated or curtailed, which would not be in the interest of a judicial institution

THE relationship between India and China is complex and has been a topic of much discussion and analysis over the past decade. Both countries are rising powers with regional and global ambitions, and their emergence has significant implications for the strategic order of South Asian regions and international politics. The rivalry gained traction among scholars and decision-makers in the last 60 years due to the legacy of hostilities between the two countries, especially the border skirmishes and the war of 1962. Both countries engaged in territorial disputes, had divergent political ideologies, and differing views on Tibet, nuclear non-proliferation policies and other bilateral issues.

The rise to power of China and India has been seen by some as a new “great game” in the making. This term refers to the competition for power and influence between imperial powers in Central Asia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the current context, it suggests that China and India are engaged in a struggle for dominance in Asia and beyond. The rivalry is based on several factors. Economic globalization has played a significant role, as both countries have benefited from increased economic growth and are competing for resources such as hydrocarbons and metals. In addition, as rising powers, both countries have developed a sense of entitlement. They are more protective of their assets, including water resources, which have contributed to the complexity of their relationship and the difficulty of resolving long-standing issues.

The strategies of China and India in dealing with each other have been influenced by their relative power and status. As the larger and more powerful of the two, China has sometimes been seen as “bossy” or assertive in its dealings with India. India, for its part, has sought to balance China’s power through alliances with other countries and by investing in its military capabilities. Despite efforts at border negotiations, confidence-building measures, and official dialogues, relations between China and India remain strained on several issues. These

The Asymmetric Sino - Indian Rivalry COMMENT

Apart from being part of the US-China rivalry, it also impacts the region

include the border dispute, Pakistan’s actions, the status of Tibet, and India’s admission to various international institutions. Bilateral trade and investment have also been a source of tension, as China has benefited disproportionately from these arrangements.

The factors that militate against unregulated competition between China and India include the risk of conflict, the potential for destabilizing alliances with other countries, and the need for cooperation on global issues such as climate change and humanitarian intervention. As both countries continue to rise in power and influence, it will be important for them to find ways to manage their differences and avoid escalating tensions.

The Sino-Indian rivalry has increasingly taken on a maritime dimension, with both countries building up and deploying their naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Western Pacific. India is particularly concerned about China’s expanding bluewater naval capabilities, including submarines, and its access to ports in the region. Meanwhile, China is wary of India’s growing role in the Western Pacific and its perceived alignment with the US-led containment scheme, which allows it to leverage its partners’ bluewater assets.

Even though the seas are an ambiguous international medium, naval buildup and deployments have not necessarily shaped mutual perceptions between China and India as pure security seekers. Rather, the rivalry has its roots in unresolved terrestrial political problems, notably the land boundary dispute, over which a brief war was fought in 1962. Despite numerous talks, including the Special Representative talks, headway has yet to be made in resolving this dispute.

In order to manage the dispute, confidence-building measures such as the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement were instituted in 2013. While these measures have maintained stability, they have not eliminated the recurrence of incidents along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In 2014, the Sino-Indian rivalry extended into the maritime realm when three Chinese naval ships sailed through the Lombok Strait, marking the first time a new route was charted from the South China Sea to the IOR, and conducted a drill. The war remains a remote prospect. The Sino-Indian rivalry at sea is likely to persist, given the longstanding host of unresolved problems between the two countries and their respective interests in the region. The Sino-Indian rivalry remains a significant factor in the

Asia-Pacific region and beyond, with various economic, political, and security implications. The unresolved border dispute, leading to periodic clashes between the two countries, continues to be a source of tension. Additionally, India’s concerns over China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean, particularly its access to ports, have added a maritime dimension to the rivalry.

While India has engaged with China on various bilateral issues, it has been cautious about engaging on larger regional security issues. India’s diplomacy has been focused primarily on bilateral engagement with its neighbours and major powers rather than forging broader regional partnerships to address shared challenges such as terrorism and instability in Afghanistan. The May 2020 border skirmishes and subsequent tensions have further inflamed public opinion in India and led to measures such as the banning of Chinese mobile apps and closer ties with Quad partners. The future trajectory of the Sino-Indian rivalry remains uncertain, but the rivalry will continue to shape the region’s dynamics for the foreseeable

future. This competition for influence has resulted in several challenges and opportunities for South Asian countries. On the one hand, they have been able to leverage the economic growth of China and India for their development. Still, on the other hand, they have been drawn into the strategic competition between the two powers.

China has been expanding its economic and diplomatic engagement with South Asian countries through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks to build infrastructure and deepen economic integration. However, this has also raised concerns about China’s strategic intentions, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, where China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects that some fear could be used for military purposes. India, for its part, has sought to counter China’s influence in the region through various diplomatic and economic initiatives. The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), for example, seeks to promote regional economic cooperation and maritime security. At the same time, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) aims to promote regional integration among South Asian countries.

India has also sought to deepen its military and strategic ties with South Asian countries, particularly those concerned about China’s rising power. The competition between China and India in South Asia will likely persist and significantly affect the region’s economic, political, and security landscape. The challenge for South Asian countries will be to navigate this complex strategic environment while pursuing their own economic and development goals. Indeed, the Sino-Indian relationship has implications beyond the two countries themselves. As two of the world’s most populous nations, their actions can significantly impact global politics, economics, and security. Their rivalry and competition for influence can affect the stability of the Asia-Pacific region, where both countries have a significant presence.

The Sino-Indian relationship can also impact regional integration efforts, such as SAARC, which has struggled to progress due to India-Pakistan tensions and China’s growing influence in the region. Furthermore, it can also affect global issues such as climate change, trade, and humanitarian intervention. Therefore, policymakers and scholars must continue to engage in dialogue and analysis to prevent any escalation of tensions and promote stability and cooperation in the region.

The writer is a freelance columnist. He can be reached atrashidmehmoodkayani@gmail.com

Higher gold price reflects economic fears

nomic indicator and what that means for your stock portfolio:

n Recession worries as a driver of higher gold prices.

n How should stock market investors position themselves?

n Drawbacks of investing in gold now.

RECESSION WORRIES AS A DRIVER OF HIGHER GOLD

Us news & world reporT

matt WHittaker

EVEN those investors who don’t have any gold or shares of gold mining stocks in their portfolios may want to pay attention to the precious metal, which is approaching a record high above $2,000.

In the 1920s, economist John Maynard keynes called the gold standard a “barbarous relic.” But even though the dollar hasn’t been tied to the price of gold for decades, price moves of the metal can still shed light on what investors, central bankers, analysts and economists are thinking about the greenback, inflation and the economy in general. Gold is often considered a safehaven investment along with the U.S. dollar and Treasuries, but they all compete for that status, with currency, bonds and gold alternately outshining one another.

Sometimes, when equities experience a severe short-term drop, investors may sell gold to raise cash. Other times, such as the Federal Reserve’s recent aggressive interest rate hikes, non-interest-bearing gold becomes less attractive. But Treasury yields have been on the decline since March, as investors have sought the safety of government bonds even as the dollar has lost value against a basket of major world currencies.

This flight to safety – based on lessthan-desirable economic data and concerns about the global banking industry – is also giving gold substantial tailwinds. “An attractive backdrop for gold oftentimes implies more negatives than positives in the overall macro outlook.”

– Craig Giventer, managing director of portfolio strategies at investment advisor GyL Financial Synergies.

Lower Treasury yields make the metal more attractive. A lower dollar boosts demand for gold from those holding other currencies. Inflationary worries, stemming in part from higher oil prices after a production cut announcement from OPEC and its allies, are also in the mix. But crucially, it’s the worry among investors that the economy could enter a recession that is behind gold’s rise, as that increases the likelihood of a slowdown in rate hikes and also stokes desire for gold as a safe haven.

Here are some factors to consider as you weigh the price of gold as an eco-

PRICES: “An attractive backdrop for gold oftentimes implies more negatives than positives in the overall macro outlook,” says Craig Giventer, managing director of portfolio strategies at investment advisor GyL Financial Synergies. “A litany of incrementally negative developments since Jan. 1, such as inflation still running higher than the Fed’s comfort level; stress in the U.S. and European banking sectors; ongoing geopolitical tension and armed conflict; an increasing probability of the U.S. entering recession in the 2023/2024 period; and, to top it all off, the historical indictment of a former U.S. president, have all created a favorable environment for the safe-haven asset of gold.”

On April 13, the price of gold for immediate delivery topped $2,046, its highest point since March 2022 and within spitting distance of its all-time high just above $2,070 in 2020. “Fears of recession, the recent cap on oil production and significant turmoil in the banking sector are key drivers behind this,” says Joseph Cavatoni, market strategist with the World Gold Council, an industry group. “We’re seeing investor behaviors that we tend to (see) in times of distress and recession. We see people turning to things like gold and treasuries, and that’s something that people do when they’re a lot more concerned about what’s going on in the economy.” – Michael Wagner, chief operating officer, Omnia Family Wealth.’’

Jonathan Rose, CEO of precious metals investment firm Genesis Gold Group, forecasts that gold could go as high as $2,250 by the end of this year as stubbornly high inflation slows economic growth and tips the economy into a recession. He also cites worries about the U.S. debt ceiling, supply chain issues and faltering confidence in the real estate market.

“We’re seeing investor behaviors that we tend to (see) in times of distress and recession,” says Michael Wagner, chief operating officer with Floridabased investment advisor Omnia Family Wealth, which holds gold in client portfolios. “We see people turning to things like gold and treasuries, and that’s something that people do when they’re a lot more concerned about what’s going on in the economy.”

HOW SHOULD STOCK MARKET INVESTORS POSITION THEMSELVES? While diversification is important within a portfolio, with stocks Giventer is leaning toward defensive companies with low debt that have good returns on capital, strong relative

The stakes aren’t the same and nor is the geography

growth prospects and pricing power.

Defensive stocks are less tied to economic cycles than so-called cyclical equities. Investors often buy defensive plays because they think a recession is coming in an attempt to preserve the value of their portfolios and still earn a steady return.

Defensive stocks often come from market sectors where consumers and businesses will still purchase products and services regardless of what the economy is doing. This includes sectors like health care, utilities and consumer staples.

Even though many market participants expect a U.S. recession late in 2023, there is little agreement on the depth and duration of it, says Amelia Bourdeau, market strategist for Diamond Standard, a diamond commodities company that tracks gold prices alongside the performance of the precious stones. For the moment, U.S. equities have held up relatively well despite the economic uncertainty because earnings outlooks have not been meaningfully revised lower, she says.

Still, market and U.S. economic outlook uncertainty is continuing, meaning U.S. equity trading will likely remain choppy, she says. “It would be prudent to position for a recession or growth slowdown through holding health care and consumer staples,” she says. Beyond equities, investors can consider putting money into gold in a variety of ways. One popular way is by owning physical gold in the form of bars, coins or jewelry. Investors who want exposure to physical gold without the hassle of storing and insuring it can consider physically backed gold exchange-traded funds, which have shares tied to gold stored in bank vaults. Investors can also explore gold futures and options, but these investments are often best left to the pros. Of course, investors can also buy stocks or ETFs of gold mining companies.

DRAWBACKS OF INVESTING IN

GOLD NOW: Still, there are downsides to gold that investors should consider. Robert Johnson, finance professor at Creighton University, goes so far as to recommend never considering gold as an investment if you have a long time horizon because the precious metal has underperformed stocks over the long term. “While having a small position in precious metals may dampen portfolio volatility in the short run, the trade-off between slightly dampened volatility and the lost long-term return is certainly not a prudent one,” Johnson says. Also, keep in mind that trying to time the market by making big changes in a portfolio is a risky endeavor. “Many people have been preparing for a recession for years and have exited the stock market,” Johnson says. “The opportunity cost of such a strategy is quite high. Instead, people should invest in a lowfee, diversified equity index fund and continue to invest consistently whether the market is up, down or sideways.”

IN 1964, when recognising “red” China was still career-death for a US president, Charles de Gaulle did just that. He later took France out of Nato’s integrated military command. On an epic, almost Homeric tour of Latin America, he pledged to that region his solidarity against an unnamed but not hard-to-guess hegemon. If never quite equidistant between the US and the USSR, he liked to draw a spurious equivalence between their overbearing power. Put Emmanuel Macron in some perspective, then. yes, in word and comportment, he got too close to China during his recent visit there. He has put distance between France and the rest of Europe, between Europe and the US, between the west and Taiwan. No leader in the democratic world is more in need of an editor.

It is just that any one of his predecessors or successors might have done the same, or worse. France often wants to be a “third force” in the world. (Before the cold war was quite over, François Mitterrand proposed a European Confederation that would include Russia.) It also has more diplomatic and military clout than any other EU state. Put those realities together and “Europe”, to the degree that such an actor exists in world affairs, is never going to commit wholesale to the US line on China. The issue isn’t one impetuous man.

There are reasons, beyond France, to doubt that America and Europe will ever be as one on China. First, the stakes aren’t the same. The US is defending a position as the number one power in the world. Neither Europe nor any of its constituent nations has had that status for about a century. Per se, the rise of a second power does not hit home in Berlin or Brussels quite as it does in Washington. (Though, as the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says, the way that power is wielded increasingly does.) There isn’t the same official commitment to maintaining supremacy because there isn’t the same supremacy.

Second, the US is, or could be, self-sufficient. It has the wherewithal in energy, agriculture and technology. In the art of etching billions of transistors on to a silicon chip,

it is still working to reduce its exposure to outside forces. But it can at least contemplate “decoupling” (a phrase that its leaders use much less than we commentators, by the way) from China. That’s less true of a continent whose various dependencies were mortifyingly exposed when Russia invaded Ukraine. Europe is condemned by circumstance to play a cuter and more perfidious game.

Then there is the immutable fact of distance.

If, in the end, even the most awkward nations in western Europe clung to the US during the cold war, it was because the Soviets were too near a problem to risk doing anything else. That isn’t true of China.

In his recent book, which deserves a less soppy title than How Asia Found Herself, the historian Nile Green wonders what and even where is that continent. So spread out, so varied in its civilisations, some of which were slow to contact and comprehend each other, Asia might be too capacious a thing to be defined.

Follow this thought a bit further, and you realise that even the US has a claim as an Asian country. This is not just a matter of several thousand miles of Pacific coastline. Or the demographic trends that suggest Asian-Americans will pass Hispanics as the largest immigrant group in the US by mid-century. It is sheer habit. Whether we date it from the opening of Japan (1853) or the Spanish-American War (1898), the US was a military factor in Asia long before it ever was in Europe. During the “isolationist” 1930s, it was in possession of the Philippines. Japan alone accounts for 31 per cent of active-duty US troops stationed abroad. California, the most important cultural, technological and military state, is Asiafacing in more than just the physical sense.

The US feels every power shift in Asia with the sensitivity of, if not quite a local, then something far more than a remote trading partner and security guarantor. This level of psychic investment in that “theatre” does not exist among the governing class of any European capital.

None of this means that Macron’s own vision of China will ever carry the day in Europe. There is too much mistrust of French motives. And in Britain, Germany, Poland and the Baltics, too much deference to America. But nor can Europe ever match the US view of China, either in content or in the awesome priority it is accorded. How could it? Macron counts himself a man of destiny. Geography is des-

The Sino-Indian relationship can also impact regional integration efforts, such as SAARC, which has struggled to progress due to IndiaPakistan tensions and China’s growing influence in the region. Furthermore, it can also affect global issues such as climate change, trade, and humanitarian intervention.

Why Europe and America will always think differently on China

Jonathan Rose, CEO of precious metals investment firm Genesis Gold Group, forecasts that gold could go as high as $2,250 by the end of this year

UN SAYS 34 MILLION AFGHANS IN POVERTY UNDER TALIBAN RULE

KABUL ageNcIeS

The number of Afghans in poverty nearly doubled to 34 million as the nation was racked by the collapse of the US-backed government and the Taliban takeover, the United Nations said Tuesday.

Vast foreign subsidies were halted and aid programmes dramatically cut back after the US-backed republic fell in 2021 as many countries refused to deal with the Taliban authorities in Kabul.

Those NGOs still providing vital help were dealt a further blow in December last year by a Taliban government order barring Afghan women from working for them.

The curb was extended this month to the UN’s Afghan female employees and the organisation said it faces an “appalling choice” over whether to continue its aid schemes.

The United Nations Development Pro-

gramme (UNDP) released on Tuesday a stark new assessment of 2022 data estimating 34 million Afghans were living below the poverty line. The figure is a staggering increase of 15 million on 2020, the last full year of rule

by the Western-backed government that crumbled in a matter of weeks the following summer. There is no contemporary census data for Afghanistan but the UN uses a population estimate of 40 million, meaning 85 percent

of the nation is projected to be in poverty.

“Some have been compelled to sell their homes, land, or assets that generate income,” the UNDP report said.

The UN airlifts vast sums of US dollars into Afghanistan to pay staff and operating costs — cash injections that have also been vital in shoring up the nation’s faltering economy. ‘INTO THE ABYSS’: About $1.8 billion was imported this way between December 2021 and January 2023, according to the UN’s mission in Afghanistan.

It warned at the start of the year “if the volume of assistance that the UN is able to provide diminishes the amount of cash shipped will be reduced”.

That means if the UN winnows down its work owing to the Taliban government curbs, it will have the double effect of reducing aid and cutting a crucial economic lifeline for desperate Afghans.

The UN has also warned that restrictions may turn off the aid tap at the source, with

Saudi FM meets Syria’s Assad on first Damascus trip since war

DAMASCUS, SYRIA

ageNcIeS

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat in Damascus on Tuesday, state media reported, ending more than a decade of diplomatic deep-freeze between the two countries.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s trip — the first visit to Syria’s capital by a Saudi official since the start of the country’s civil war in 2011 — marks a new era in ties between Iranbacked Damascus and Riyadh.

No let-up in military siege of Kashmir valley even in Ramadan, deplores APHC

SRINAGAR

INp

“Sound relations between Syria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should be the norm,” state news agency SANA quoted Assad as saying during the meeting.

“Such ties not only benefit the two countries, but also the Arab world and the region,” he said according to the report, commending an “outward-looking and realistic” Saudi approach.

Assad was politically isolated in the region since the conflict began, but a flurry of diplomatic activity has been underway in past weeks as a decision by

In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference while denouncing imposition of curfew-like restrictions even in the last 10 days of holy month of Ramadan said that India has kept the entire Kashmiri population under military siege. According to Kashmir Media Service, the APHC spokesman in a statement issued in Srinagar, today, said that restricting people from offering prayers even on Shab-e-Qadar in the Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid and other small and big mosques of the cities and towns is blatant violation of right to worship and interference in religious matters. The spokesman deplored that Indian troops, paramilitary and police personnel remained deployed in large number around all big mosques in Srinagar and other areas of the Kashmir valley disrupting the Shab-e-Qadar prayers. He maintained that the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir would remain deprived of practicing their religious with freedom unless the Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions. The spokesman urged the world community particularly the United Nations to play its role in this regard and put pressure on India to peacefully settle the Kashmir dispute as per aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

TRIBUTES PAID TO S HAMEED WANI

ON MARTYRDOM ANNIVERSARY: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, rich tributes were paid to the martyred resistance leader, Shaheed S Hameed Wani who was killed by the Indian occupation forces in his hometown Srinagar on 18th April, 1998. According to Kashmir Media Service, APHC leaders while paying tributes to Shaheed Wani on his martyrdom anniversary, today, said he was a legendary character whose life and sacrifices would live on eternally in the hearts of every freedom lover across the occupied region.

Saudi Arabia and Iran, a close ally of Damascus, to resume ties shifted regional relations.

Assad and Prince Faisal discussed steps to “achieve a comprehensive political settlement that… contributes to Syria’s return to the Arab fold,” the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.

The top diplomat told Assad it was important to “create the appropriate conditions for the return of refugees and the displaced” and for aid to reach all Syrian regions, according to the statement.

The meeting comes less than a week

after Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad visited Saudi Arabia, also on the first such visit since the conflict began.

Last week, diplomats from nine Arab countries met in the Saudi city of Jeddah to discuss ending Syria’s long spell in the diplomatic wilderness and its possible return to the 22-member Arab League after Damascus was suspended in 2011.

The diplomats stressed the “importance of having an Arab leadership role in efforts to end the crisis” in Syria, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry.

J-Hope of BTS to begin mandatory South Korean military service

SEOUL afp

BTS star J-Hope was set to start his mandatory South Korean military service on Tuesday, local media reported, the second member to report for duty since the K-pop juggernaut went on hiatus last year.

The septet has become a global cultural phenomenon, selling out stadiums and dominating charts while raking in billions for South Korea’s economy and building an international legion of fans known as ARMY.

But all able-bodied South Korean men must serve at least 18 months in the military, and after a years-long debate about whether BTS deserved an exemption, Jin, the oldest member of the group, began his service in December.

J-Hope — whose full name is Jung

Ho-seok — was set to begin his fiveweek basic training at an army boot camp in Gangwon province on Tuesday, Yonhap News Agency reported. The 29-year-old posted pictures of himelf with a buzzcut on the South Koreansocial media platform Weverse on Monday.

“I love you, ARMY. I’ll go and come back safely!” he said.

The post attracted thousands of comments from fans, with many expressing sorrow over the group’s ongoing hiatus.

“Be careful and stay healthy… Say hi to Jin for us, please? We will miss you so much!” one wrote.

“It suits you so well,” another wrote of J-Hope’s buzzcut. Jin left the comment “D-1” on one

of J-Hope’s Weverse posts on Monday — a nod to the fact he had one day left before the start of his service.

The septet’s agency HYBE had confirmed on April 1 that J-Hope would begin his service, but did not disclose details “to prevent any issues that might occur from crowding”.

“The entrance ceremony is a time to be observed by military personnel and their families only,” it had said. “Fans are advised to refrain from visiting the site.”

‘EXCITED’: J-Hope said during a livestream with fans last week that he was “excited” about his time in the military. “It will be a new experience, and I will be learning to fit into a new society, and I’m excited about that,” he said.

“In the meantime, what I look forward to is living each day in a normal way, which is different from my usual lifestyle. This could make me healthier.”

The band had cited exhaustion and the pressures of stratospheric success while dropping their bombshell hiatus announcement last year, saying they were taking a break to focus on their solo careers.

Analysts have questioned what the future holds for the group after all seven members complete their military service. Some male K-pop stars have struggled to resume their careers after military service in a cut-throat industry where artists are easily replaceable.

“During the absence, (BTS) could lose their public interest, and the decline in popularity will damage their business,” Lee Taek-gwang, a communications professor at Kyung Hee University, told AFP.

“It would not be easy for the boy band to reunite […] this is not only the problem of BTS but also the problem of almost all (South Korean) boy bands and male celebrities.”

donors wary of committing cash to projects that cannot be implemented.

The UN’s 2023 Afghanistan appeal has thus far raised only five percent of its $4.6 billion goal.

“If foreign aid is reduced this year, Afghanistan may fall from the cliff edge into the abyss,” the UNDP resident representative in Afghanistan, Abdallah Al Dardari, said in a statement.

Many organisations suspended their operations in protest against the December ban on NGOs employing Afghan women.

An exemption was granted to those working in the health sector following days of wrangling, but the UNDP said 150 NGOs and aid agencies “have suspended all or part of their work”.

Aid officials say they need women workers to help identify and support Afghan women beneficiaries across the country.

“The ban has very negative consequences,” Dardari told reporters during the release of the UNDP report in Kabul.

Canada public broadcaster CBC quits Twitter over ‘governmentfunded’ label

OTTAWA afp

Canada’s public broadcaster CBC and its Frenchlanguage version Radio-Canada said Monday they were effectively quitting Twitter over a new “government-funded” label it says questions its editorial independence. The exit follows that of National Public Radio in the United States over the same tag, which had also been applied to the BBC before the British broadcaster successfully petitioned to have it changed to “publiclyfunded.” In a statement, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation/Radio-Canada said Twitter had added a “government-funded media” label to its account, branding it the same way as it does major media outlets in authoritarian countries such as Russia or China. “In the case of CBC/Radio-Canada, this labeling is untrue and deceptive,” the statement said. While the broadcaster is publicly funded, it said its editorial independence is protected under Canadian broadcasting law. “Twitter can be a powerful tool for our journalists to communicate with Canadians, but it undermines the accuracy and professionalism of the work they do to allow our independence to be falsely described in this way,” it said. “Consequently, we will be pausing our activity on our corporate Twitter account and all CBC and Radio-Canada news-related accounts.” The broadcaster instead urged Canadians to follow it on other social media.

Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, who has publicly expressed disdain for the CBC and fundraised on promises to gut its funding, last week wrote to Elon Musk urging him to add a “government-funded media” label to CBC‘s Twitter accounts. He said such was “in the interest of transparency” and noted that almost twothirds of its funding in fiscal 2021-2022 was from the federal government. On Monday, Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blasted his rival for “attacking this Canadian institution, and attacking the culture and local content (that it produces) that is so important to so many Canadians.” Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, the company has relaxed its moderation of content on the network, letting back many users banned because of messages inciting hatred or spreading misinformation. Musk also slashed Twitter’s workforce from 7,500 to fewer than 2,000 employees. He has expressed deep disdain for news media for years and recently installed an automatic response of a poop emoji to emailed inquiries from journalists.

PCB to play its part in reducing carbon emissions

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan Cricket Board will use its reach to create awareness about the need to reduce carbon emissions by joining hands with Minus2Degrees (M2D).

As part of its corporate social responsibility, the PCB will promote practices that encourage recycling during cricket events with the aim of achieving net zero carbon emission. The first step towards this cause will see the PCB and M2D plant as many as a thousand trees on Lahore’s famous Canal road.

Over the course of the next two years, the PCB will benefit from the M2D’s research on bringing down the carbon emission and will adopt recommended practices for the betterment of environment that will help the sport and

Pakistan cricket fans at large.

PCB Management Committee Chairperson Mr Najam Sethi: “The climate change is a real threat to our existence and it is extremely important that we play a role in create awareness about the need to reduce carbon emission.

“Cricket is the most loved and followed sport in the country and we have signed a MoU with Minus2Degrees to use the game’s reach for a cause that will benefit this and the future generations.

“The PCB has always been a supporter of eco-friendly campaigns and we will support M2D in this cause. Together, we can make changes and contribute to our society, making it a habit to use eco-friendly, recycled, and sustainable products to reduce pollution.”

President M2D Mr Fawad Sar-

war: “It is with the utmost honor and overflowing joy that I stand before you today to announce a momentous collaboration between my company Minus2Degrees (M2D) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on their remarkable Net Zero initiatives. Aligning ourselves with the PCB is akin to joining hands with the heart and soul of the Pakistani people, and we are humbled and privileged to be able to assist them in reaching their goals.

M2D’s vision is to assist countries, industries, businesses, and sports organizations in adopting environmentally sustainable practices that are aligned with the United Nation’s (UN) net-zero goals for 2030 and 2050. Through these efforts, M2D aims to protect the Earth from the disastrous effects of global climate change.”

corporate corner

Pak-Iran bIlateral trade volume exceeds $2 bIllIon

profit report StaFF RePoRt

New route of People’s Bus Service announced

KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel

Inam Memon, who also holds the portfolio of the transport ministry, on Tuesday announced a new route of the Peoples Bus Service in Karachi. The new route No 4 of the People’s Bus Service will start from Power House Chorangi and end at Tower via Nagan chorangi, Shafiq Mor, Sohrab Goth, Shahra-ePakistan, Aisha Manzil, Laloo Khait, Teen Hati, Guru Mandir, Numaish, Civil Hospital, City court, Light House, Boltan Market and Tower. The Sindh government launched the second route of the electric bus service in Karachi under its Peoples Bus Service programme. The new route No 2 of the EV bus service starts from Baharia Town and ends at Malir Halt via M9 Toll Plaza, Baqai University, Jinnah Avenue, Malir Cantt, Tank Chowk, Model Colony. Earlier, in a tweet, the PPP leader said, “Sindh government under the direction of party’s leadership and CM Sindh is going to start new routes of buses for the people of Karachi. Three new routes will start in current month of Ramadan. The public can use now new fleet of EV buses.” It is pertinent to mention here that, this year in January the government launched the first route of electric bus service. The buses on route 1 run between Karachi Airport and Seaview. StaFF RePoRt

Federal committee formed to oversee strategic measures for food security in country

ISLAMABAD: A High-Powered Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) mandated to oversee strategic measures for ensuring food security in the country under the chairmanship of Mr. Zafar Hasan, Federal Secretary of Ministry of National Food Security & Research. Besides participations of senior officers of the Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MoNSC&R), the meeting was attended by the Provincial Agriculture Departments, State Bank of Pakistan, ZTBL, National Fertilizer Development Center (NFDC), Pakistan Meteorological Department, Indus River System Authority and member, Food Security & Climate Change of Planning Commission of Pakistan. While reviewing the performance of the Rabi crops (2022-23), the Committee observed that wheat production for 2022-23 is estimated 26.81 million tons from an area of 9.0 million hectares; the increase in production is 1.6% over the last year whereas, the potato production for 2022-23 is estimated 7.9 million tons from an area of 0.3 million hectares; the increase in production is 1.9% over the last year and tomato production for 2022-23 is estimated 563.6 thousand tons from an area of 45.7 thousand hectares; the increase in production is 1.2% over the last year.

Efforts afoot to explore new markets for manpower export: NA told

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly was informed on Tuesday that efforts were afoot to explore new markets for manpower export. Responding to a calling attention notice, Parliamentary Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Agha Rafiullah told the house that agreements with different countries were in the pipeline to enhance the manpower export. The Parliamentary Secretary said the Protectorate of Emigrant Offices will also be established in all major cities including Sukkur, Bannu and Gilgit Baltistan. He said a summary in this regard has been moved by the Ministry of Overseas and Human Resource Development. StaFF RePoRt

PAKISTANand Iran have surpassed a milestone in their economic relations with the volume of bilateral trade exceeding $2 billion for the first time in history. This was announced by the outgoing Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, Syed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, during a farewell meeting with Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at the Ministry of Economic Affairs on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the ambassador informed the minister that Iran is set to inaugurate numerous projects, including an electricity transmission project, a trial run of the border market, and other projects that are expected to be completed in the near future.

According to the ambassador, Iran is currently exporting 144 MW of electricity to Pakistan, with plans to double that figure upon completion of power projects in Pakistan. He also added that Iran has the potential to export 500 MW of electricity to Pakistan. Ambassador Hosseini expressed his gratitude for

Textile exports fall 22.6pc in March

the same month of the previous year, according to the most recent statistics provided by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The country’s textile exports fell from $14.24 billion a year earlier to $12.48 billion in the first nine months of FY23, a 12.4% decline. The South Asian economy, which is struggling with low foreign exchange reserves, is worried about the decline in the region’s main textile exports.

The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) $4.04 billion in foreign exchange reserves is not enough to cover a month’s worth of necessary imports. When compared to the $1.18 billion exported in February, textile exports increased by 6.6% on a monthly basis.

the warm hospitality and support he received during his tenure in Pakistan. He also reiterated Iran’s commitment to further enhancing economic relations between the two countries and expressed confidence that his successor would continue the positive momentum.

Despite facing pressure, Hosseini said that Iran has a strong resolve in all areas. He informed the minister that the volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran exceeded $2 billion for the first time in history, indicating the growing strength of their economic ties.

The positive development is a promising sign for the future of Pakistan-Iran relations, which have historically been characterized by both cooperation and conflict. With Iran investing in infrastructure projects in Pakistan and a growing trade volume, the two countries are poised to build a more stable and prosperous economic partnership in the coming years.

The exports of Pakistan’s textile industry had a dramatic fall of 22.6%, coming in at $1.26 billion in March 2023 as opposed to $1.63 billion reported in

According to trade figures issued by PBS earlier this month, Pakistan’s exports for July-March (202223) were registered at $21.046 billion, down from $23.350 billion during the same period the previous year. This represents a fall of about 10%.

Targeted investments, digitization indispensable for power sector security: Experts

iSLAMABAD aPP

The experts during a hybrid seminar highlighted that digitization was the future and it should be tailored towards addressing the lack of electricity transmission infrastructure to ensure price affordability and accessibility to consumers.

Targeted investments and digital transformation must go hand-in-hand with effective resource management, thoughtful policy development, governance reforms as well as innovation in system planning, highlighted experts during a hybrid seminar on “Powering Progress Investments and Digitization to Overcome Pakistan’s Power Sector Challenges,” held here at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), said a press release.

The session was chaired by Ashfaq Mahmood, former federal secretary of water & power, and was addressed by speakers including Khalid Rahman, chairman of IPS, Mirza Hamid Hassan, chairman, IPS’ steering committee for energy, water & climate change and former federal secretary, water & power, Mazhar Iqbal Ranjha, registrar, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), Sadia Dada, CMCO, K-Electric, Salahuddin Rifai, former GM NTDC, and eminent energy experts associated with IPS including Asad Mehmood, Ahmed Ammar Yasser, and Ameena Sohail.

Khalid Rahman said energy dependency was a major issue and Pakistan needed to escape the vicious cycle through out-of-the-box thinking and winwin solutions at the policy and practice levels.

The power sector must be focused on overcom-

nePra approves reduction in electricity price under Fca

iSLAMABAD StaFF RePoRt

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a reduction of 6 paise per unit in the tariff of electricity on account of fuel charges adjustment of February 2023. In a notification issued by Nepra, power distribution companies have been directed to reduce monthly fuel adjustment charges by 6 paisa per unit for February.

ing the energy dilemma revolving around the availability, accessibility, and affordability of electricity. For that, the power industry must integrate new solutions and ensure targeted investments, said Sadia Dada.

While drawing on the modeling of the power system undertaken by K-Electric (KE), she said since privatization the company has made a targeted investment of 474 billion rupees – six times more than its profit – across its value chain that has resulted in doubling its customer base from 1.8 million to 3.4 million, increasing its energy supplies from 2,200 MW to 3,380 MW, and reducing its transmission and distribution (T&D) losses from 34.2% to 15.3% which surpasses the target set by NEPRA for the year.

She said keeping in view the rising power demand in its serving territory, K-Electric plans to invest additional 484 billion rupees for the next seven years, which would add 2,172 MW in its generation capacity, including 1,182 MW of renewables.

Through its investment plan for 2030, KE aims to introduce more innovations in its distribution segment, such as Advanced Distribution Management System, mobile workforce management, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Advance Analytics & Artificial Intelligence that would translate into improved customer experience through faster resolution, fewer interruptions, and enhanced capacity.

Salahuddin Rifai said technology and digitization ideas have often been wrongly tackled by the power sector. Consequently, all the costs and expenses were borne by consumers, making the affordability goal futile.

Standard Chartered Pakistan partners with British Int’l Investment to expand microfinance lending

SCBL AND BII ENTER A $40M RISK-PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT THROUGH WHICH BII WILL COVER 50% OF BANK'S RISK ON LOCAL CURRENCY LOANS TO MICROFINANCE SECTOR

BII comes at a crucial time as the bank looks to improve its lending profile after a decline in gross advances. SCBL’s gross advances (loans) witnessed a decline of 7% in 2022, attributed to subdued economic activity, higher interest rates, and a cautious lending approach. As a result, SCBL’s gross advance-todeposit ratio (ADR) also hit a record low of 33%, which is the lowest in the last seven years for SCBL. It is also the lowest ADR recorded for the banking sector in 2022.

According to the notification, the Central Power Purchasing Authority (CPPA) had requested an increase of 85 paisa per unit, the authority had held a public hearing on Fuel Charges Adjustment (CA) on March 30, 2023.Nepra said that earlier in January, FCA was charged to consumers with an increase of 48 paise per unit which was only for one month and February FCA charged 48 paise per unit less than January. It will be applicable only for April bills.

According to the notification, the reduction will be applicable to all consumers of DISCOs, household consumers up to 300 units, agricultural consumers and electric vehicle charging stations, but it will not be applicable to K Electric and Lifeline consumers.

Iesco extends payment date for batch 1 bills till april 26

iSLAMABAD PR

Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has extended the last date to April 26 from April 25 for payment of customers billing of Batch No. 1 due to Eidul Fitr holidays. Customer related to billing batch No-1 now can pay their bill till April 26 without any late payment/fee, said a press release issued here Tuesday. In this regard, necessary instructions have been issued to IESCO field formations and banks.

profit report MaRiaM UMaR FaRooq

To expand lending, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Limited (SCBL) and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor have entered into an unfunded Risk-Participation Agreement. Under this agreement, which is subject to authorisation from the State Bank of Pakistan, the two institutions will enter into a $40 million (Rs. 11 billion) program, under which BII will cover 50% of Standard Chartered’s risk on local currency loans to the microfinance sector.

Local currency lending to microfinance institutions in Pakistan is relatively low and the sector relies on foreign currency lending

which accounts for approximately 50% of microfinance funding. The program focuses on ‘Wholesale Microfinance Lending’ offering loans to microfinance providers so they can maintain and extend more credit to customers. Through such partnerships, Standard Chartered will be able to drive financial inclusion across traditionally underbanked sectors and ensure access to financing while creating opportunities for sustainable growth. Through the program, BII will assist Standard Chartered in expanding its outreach in the microfinance sector by establishing it as a long-term local currency lender in the market, in line with the bank’s vision for broader financial inclusion. Standard Chartered’s collaboration with

Moreover, the Risk-Participation Agreement also reflects the joint vision of both companies to create a sustainable local currency lender in Pakistan, while also supporting the policy goals of the State Bank of Pakistan, including prioritising lending to sectors such as agriculture, agri-adjacent businesses, small and mediums sized enterprises (SMEs), and women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, this partnership contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including enhancing resilience to economic shocks (SDG1), ensuring economic opportunities for women (SDG5), and increasing the formalisation and growth of SMEs (SDG8). The agreement was celebrated with a signing ceremony in Karachi, commemorating BII’s 75th anniversary and its 35 years of investment worth over $350 million in Pakistan, reaffirming its commitment to financial inclusion

iSLAMABAD StaFF RePoRt