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Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 I 6 Zil Hajj, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 367 I 12 Pages I Lahore Edition

Parliament’s national security committee gives thumbs uP to talks with ttP ISLAMABAD

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HE Parliamentary Committee on National Security on Tuesday gave formal approval to the government for holding talks with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) besides forming a parliamentary oversight committee to ensure the process moved within the constitution’s ambit. The committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscored the importance of the national grand reconciliation dialogue and called Tuesday’s meeting the first step in that direction. It was told that for the stability of regional and internal peace, a government committee was holding talks with the TTP with the Afghan government’s cooperation and led by the civil and military leadership while observing the

constitutional limits. The committee said that the final outcomes of the talks would be imple-

mented after the government’s approval and the fulfillment of the formalities within the ambit of the constitution.

The participants of the meeting reiterated that Pakistan had achieved unprecedented successes against extremism and terrorism which were also acknowledged globally. The committee also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the nation as well as the security forces which led to the establishment of state’s writ across the country. The parliamentary body reiterated that the powers for the use of force rested only with the government. While acknowledging the sacrifices of the victims of terrorism including those of the Peshawar ’s Army Public School attack, the meeting made it clear that the state had been and would remain the protector of sacrifices of the martyrs as well as the victim families. The parliamentary committee also paid tribute to the brave people from tribal areas who rendered huge sacri-

fices and faced immense difficulties to achieve peace and stability. It was told that the effective and practical measures by the security forces were part of a strategy comprising the components of clear, hold, construction and devolution of powers to the civil administration. The participants resolved that the government was committed to the empowerment and prosperity of the said areas, in accordance with the people’s desires. The meeting was attended by the national parliamentar y and political leadership, Senate chairman, members of the National Assembly and Senate standing committee related to the Parliamentar y Committee on National Security, and defence, federal ministers, chief ministers of provinces and Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister and the militar y leadership.

Imran threatens to blow lid off ‘regime change conspiracy’ characters

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday declared that he was tight-lipped about “regime change conspiracy,” and all its characters as he knows his revelations could harm the national interests. “I don’t want my country to suffer any damage that’s why I am silent about this [conspiracy] and all those elements involved in it,” he said while addressing the media in

Islamabad on Tuesday. Referring to registration of cases against PTI leaders and journalists, Imran said if his party continued to be pushed against the wall through intimidation and harassment he will be compelled to expose all “conspirators” involved in toppling his government. “I am respectfully asking my judiciary that our fundamental rights have been suspended in this country.. journalists are being threatened and FIRs have been registered against our senior leaders to si-

lence them,” he remarked. The PTI chairman reiterated that he has recorded a video and kept it in a secured place, which would be released if anything happened to him “to expose all those who had committed treason against the country”. Imran, who was ousted from power in April through opposition’s vote of no-confidence in parliament, has accused the US of hatching a conspiracy by colluding with local abettors to topple his government. Imran said the “fascists tactics” were being used to impose thieves on the country and all state institutions had been “destroyed” as well to support the incumbent rulers. “This is not a democracy as we are moving towards fascism… first you hatched a conspiracy and then you imposed thieves on the country and now destroying all institutions,” he remarked without naming anyone. Imran also alleged that the entire administration along with Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was plotting to manipulate the upcoming Punjab by-elections in favour of PML-N.

“This is a decisive moment… if you surrender before the idol of fear then they [coalition government] will cause further destruction in the country,” he said while urging people to vote for PTI candidates in the by-elections as the fate of CM Hamza-led Punjab government hinges on it. “Despite their rigging attempts we have to defeat them and win this elections.” Separately in a tweet, the PTI chairman said the nation continued to suffer crushing economic at the cost of “imported government brought in through US regime change conspiracy” at a time when his government had stabilised the economy. “Exports, which stagnated in previous PML-N Govt at $25 billion, crossed $30 billion for the first time this year to $31.76 billion,” he added. “This was despite the sharp slow down after regime change conspiracy operationalised. In July ’21-March ’22, under PTI Govt exports grew 27%. In June under cabal of crooks export growth slowed to 5.8%,” the former premier wrote in a follow-up tweet.

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Defiant journalist Imran Riaz Khan arrested ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Journalist Imran Riaz Khan was arrested on Tuesday near Islamabad Toll Plaza at the outskirts of the federal capital. Talking to media, the consul for Imran Riaz, Mian Ali Ashfaq said Imran Riaz Khan was heading to Islamabad for appearing in the Islamabad High Court when he was arrested in connection with a treason case registered against him in Attock. Ashfaq said his client was named in 17 treason cases across Punjab, adding that he was filing a contempt of court petition against the police. Before his arrest, Imran Riaz through a video message said that he was being targeted but he had recorded a video carrying the names of all the conspirators be-

hind his arrest. He said that the video message would be posted on his social media accounts soon wherein he had mentioned all details about the conspiracy hatched against him. Social media reports suggested that Imran Riaz’s consul had moved Islamabad High Court (IHC) and journalists had started gathering outside the IHC amid reports of likely opening of the courtroom late Tuesday night. Top journalists, politicians and activists condemned the arrest of Imran Riaz. Those posted messages in support of Imran Riaz Khan were PTI Secretary General Asad Umar who condemned the arrest. He said expression of opinions should be met with counterarguments instead of arrests. PTI Vice President Fawad Chaudhry strongly condemned the

arrest and hope that the courts would take action. PTI Central Secretary Information Farrukh Habib shared a video regarding the journalist’s apprehension by law enforcement agencies. PTI leader Ali Haider Zaidi also condemned the incident and said the nation stood with Khan. In a recent video on his Youtube channel, the journalist had

directly addressed Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and alleged that he was threatened after asking questions from military sources about the country’s current political and economic situation. Several cases have been lodged against senior journalists and anchors, including Khan, Sabir Shakir, Arshad Sharif, Sami Ibrahim and Moeed Pirzada, for allegedly spreading hate against army and state institutions. The registration of cases against the above, who are seen to favour the PTI, was condemned by PTI Chairman Imran Khan earlier today in a video address. In May, the Lahore High Court had accepted Khan’s plea for protective bail after multiple sedition cases were registered against him.

ECC allows one-time special release of ‘luxury’ goods stuck at ports ISLAMABAD Shahzad paRacha

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday granted a one-time special permission for the release of consignments stuck at ports and airports of the country. The meeting was held under the chair of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail during which the Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary seeking permission for a one-time release of consignments of items banned on May 19, 2022, which landed at ports or airports on or before June 30, 2022. The ministry also presented a summary on the suspension of import conditions in the import policy order 2022 with regard to the import of timber. The meeting was apprised that consignments were supplied against contracts months ago and the shipments have arrived. The meeting decided that date of implementation of IPO 2022 regarding import of timber and wood falling under HS Codes 4401 to 4409 may be suspended till August 31, 2022, I-e for the bills issued till August 31. In order to safeguard the local industry, the import of raw materials, intermediate goods and industrial equipment required for industrial operations and foreign grant-in-aid projects were exempted. The ECC also approved another summary of Ministry of Commerce to amend paragraph 3(1) of the import policy order 2022 to allow import of goods of Afghan origin against Pak rupee and without the requirement of EIF forms for a period of one year, subject to the condition that Afghan exporters will provide a certificate of origin issued by Afghan Customs proving that the goods have originated from their country. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research submitted a summary of urgent advice relating to the award of the second international wheat tender 2022 opened on July 1 for 500,000 MT. The ECC considering the lower trend of wheat in the international market approved the lowest bid offer of M/s Cargill Int. PTE /Cargill Agro Foods Pakistan @ US$ 439.40/MT for 110,000 MT +/- 5% MOLSO to the extent of 500,000 MT. The Ministry of National Food Security & Research submitted a summary on WPF operation- purchase of 120,000 metric tons of wheat for Afghanistan in the year 2022-23.

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02-03 NEWS 6 JULY_Layout 1 7/6/2022 1:04 AM Page 1

Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

SBP to rEviSE PoLiCy rAtE oN JuLy 7 KARACHI

aPP

HE State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday will announce its revised monetary policy rate following the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting that will review the economic indicators and their future

trend on the same day. At present, the interest rate it is 13.75 percent after a 150 basis points raise on May 23, which took the total increase to 400 bps so far this year. The central bank usually announces its monetary policy for the next two months, but since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2019, it has come up with before-schedule

PHC bars SNGPL from suspending gas supply to textile mills PESHAWAR: A Peshawar High Court (PHC) bench stopped the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Company (SNGPL) from suspending gas supply to three different textile mills for not paying the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC). The order was issued by a two-member bench comprising Justice Shakeel Ahmed and Justice Syed Arshad Ali while hearing a petition filed by Kohat Textile Mills and Saif Textiles etc. which then directed the SNGPL to submit response to the case before the next hearing of the case. During the hearing, counsels for the petitioners told the court that the federal government and SNGPL have notified the mills that the gas supply will be stopped if the GIDC arrears weren’t paid. The lawyers said that the GIDC arrears are to be received under the GIDC Act 2015 but there are ambiguities in the Act as to how these arrears will be collected. “The rules are yet to be made under the Act. Thus gas supply cannot be cut off till the rules are formulated,” The petitioners argued. The petitioners argued that industries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are already affected by a long spell of militancy and such actions will further discourage the investors. Therefore, SNGPL authorities should be restrained from cutting off the gas supply and the arrears should not be collected till the rules are made under the GIDC Rules Act-2015. The court stayed action against the said textile and sought response from the federal government, oil and gas regulatory authority, and SNGPL before adjourning the hearing. aziz buneri

MPs to intervene in emerging economic conditions at the domestic and global level. The present world scenario, especially inflationary pressures, also warrants the central bank to remain extra vigilant and responsive with corrective measures. To make the process of monetary policy formulation predictable and transparent, the State Bank had earlier announced a half-

yearly schedule of Monetary Policy Committee meetings on a rolling basis. A year ago, in July 2021, the policy rate was 7.25 after increase of 25 bps. At the current policy rate of 13.75, SBP has fixed 14.75 percent per annum as overnight reverse repo (ceiling) rate and 12,75 percent for overnight repo (floor) rate. It may be recalled that representative

Traders ask govt to limit purchase of oﬃcial cars to 1000CC LAHORE daniyal ahMad

The Traders Welfare Association of Super Market on Tuesday urged the government to limit official use cars to a 1000cc ceiling in addition to banning the import of cars by government officials entirely.

In this regard, president of the association Sarfraz Mughal while recalling the austerity drives by Mohammad Khan Junejo (1985) and Nawaz Sharif (1990s), said that the move could be a means to curb fuel imports and ameliorate the current account deficit (CAD). The efficacy of Mughal’s suggestion

cannot be commented upon as the government does not provide a complete record of all vehicles used for official use. The Cabinet Division currently regulates the use of official vehicles under Rules for the Use of Staff Cars (1980). Staff cars are currently allocated to government officials BPS-16 and above for official business. Personal cars are

allocated as follows: Officials with vehicles above the aforementioned ceiling are provided vehicles on an ad-hoc basis and will continue to use the vehicle until it is due for replacement. Furthermore, government officials BPS-20 and above are also allocated petrol and CNG ceilings as follows

Enforced Disappearances: Lawmakers sanguine about fixing issue ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

Punjab CM election: Speaker summons PA session LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi has summoned a session of the provincial assembly on July 22 in light of the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling on reelection for the Punjab chief minister’s slot. The Supreme Court on last Friday ruled that re-election for the Punjab chief minister’s slot will be held on July 22 after the rival parties — PML-N, PML-Q and PTI — reached consensus on the matter. A three-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan comprising Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan and Justice Jamal Mandokhel issued the order on PTI’s plea. Staff rePort

bodies of the business community of the country were un-welcoming to the last increase in the policy rate. Meanwhile, local media reports claim that “SBP looks set to raise its key policy rate by 125 basis points at its review on Thursday, as it attempts to tackle 13-year high inflation, according to the median estimate in a snap poll of 10 economists and market watchers.”

LAHORE: A vendor arranges wooden blocks, use for meat cutting, to attract customer at a roadside stall in Dharampura. Photo by zubair Mehfooz

Capt Mahmood likely to get coveted slot in Federal Capital ISLAMABAD Shahzad Paracha

The federal government is likely to give an important slot to former Commissioner Rawalpindi Capt (retd) Muhammad Mahmood, who was recently exonerated by the government from the Rawalpindi Ring road scam. Sources said that former Commissioner Rawalpindi is the hot favourite for the highest position in Islamabad administration as close aides to Prime Minister recommended him for this position. Currently, Amir Ali Ahmad holds the positions of Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Chairman Capital Development Authority. Recently, Capt (retd) Muhammad Mahmood was exonerated by the government from the Rawalpindi Ring road scam.

Consequent upon finalization of the denovo disciplinary proceedings initiated in terms of Rule 9 of the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, vide Order of Inquiry of even number dated 20.04.2022, the Prime Minister, as Authority within the meaning 0762k 2(I)(c) of the Rules ibid read with Rule 6 of Civil Servants (Appointment, Promotion and Transfer) Rules, 1973, has been pleased to exonerate Capt (Retd) Muhammad Mahmood from the charges/allegations levelled against him in Charge Sheet/Statement of Allegations of even number dated 20.04.2022, in terms of Rule 16(5) of Servants (Efficiency and Discipline Rules, 2020, the document added. It is pertinent to note that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a re-investigation of the allegations against Mahmood and 12 other officials involved in the Rawalpindi Ring Road scam.

The cabinet’s sub-committee on missing persons on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to resolve the issue of missing persons as soon as possible, keeping in view the seriousness of the issue. The second meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on Enforced Disappearances and Missing Persons was held here under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazir Tarar. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Sabzwari, Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation Shazia Mari and Interior Ministry officials. Former Senator Farhatullah Babar participated in the meeting on special invitation and put forward his suggestions to the committee to resolve the issue of missing persons. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Sabzwari also put his suggestions before the committee. The committee once again expressed its commitment to resolve the issue of missing persons as soon as possible. According to a press release issued after the meeting, it was agreed to ensure the participation of all stakeholders in the forthcoming meetings of the committee. Human rights activists working on missing persons, representatives of human rights organizations and representatives of state institutions would also be invited to attend future meetings. Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Chairperson Rights Group Defense of Human Rights Pakistan Amna Masood Janjua, Senator Tahir Bizenjo and Ameer Haider Khan Hoti from Awami National Party would also be invited to attend the next meeting of the committee. The next meeting of the committee would be held on July 14.

Terrorist outfits, neighbouring country involved in suicide attack on Chinese teachers: Sindh Minister KARACHI agencieS

Two banned outfits – the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) – and a neighbouring country were involved in Karachi University suicide attack that killed four people including three Chinese nationals, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said on Tuesday. In April this year, four people – three Chinese teachers and a Pakistani driver – were killed in the attack by a female suicide bomber identified as Shari Baloch outside the Chinese language centre inside the Karachi University. “With the efforts of Counter Terrorism Department [CTD] and intelligence team, the main accused has been arrested. This was done with

the help of a neighbouring country, which has been supporting the terrorist groups in several ways,” Memon said. He announced this while addressing a press conference along with Karachi Administrator Barrister Murtafa Wahab in Karachi. The presser was held following a meeting between the Chinese delegation and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday where Karachi police chief informed the meeting that the main commander of the banned outfit involved in the attack has been arrested. “A team of intelligence agencies and CTD after collecting the cellular communication data through the geofencing and conducting DNA with other relevant information arrested BLA commander Dad Bux aka Shoaib from Hawke’s Bay, Maripur area on

Monday,” he said, adding that the suspect who was in-charge of the sleeper cell of the outlawed BLA has disclosed important information about the incident. “He on the directives of Khalil Baloch aka Mosa who happens to be BLA commander used to conduct the surveillance of different places including Karachi University and other government installations before targeting them.” Memon while divulging the details of the investigation said that before the KU attack, the suspect held a meeting with suicide bomber Shari Baloch and her husband and another terrorist of the banned outfit namely Zeb in Karachi. “Zeb is the mastermind of the KU attack who entered Pakistan via neighbouring country and started living in a flat located in Dehli

Colony with Shari Balcoh and her husband. He was an expert at making IEDs.” A day before the incident, the mastermind left for Balochistan and he was in touch with Khalif aka Mosa via telegram, the minister added. According to Murtaza Wahab, the female attacker was not alone at the time of the suicide bombing. A man wearing a mask could be seen in one of the footage of the blast. He was the man who has now been arrested. “The four characters involved in the attack have now been identified that is a big achievement,” he said sharing the names of the characters and saying: “Shari Baloch, her husband Habitan Bashir Baloch, BLA sleeper cell in-charge in Karachi Dad Bux and commander Zeb have now been identified.”

02-03 NEWS 6 JULY_Layout 1 7/6/2022 1:04 AM Page 2

Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

MorE MoNSooN rAiNS LikELy to CAuSE urBAN FLooDiNG, LANDSLiDES tHiS wEEk ISLAMABAD

Staff rePort

AKISTAN Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more monsoon rains in the country during this week that may trigger landslides and flash flooding in vulnerable areas. The monsoon currents penetrating in the country may continue during the next 24-48 hours. The monsoon currents are likely to further strengthen from the weekend.

Rain-wind/thundershower is expected in Islamabad, Kashmir, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Okara from July 05-07 (night). Heavy falls are also expected in Kashmir, Peshawar, Mardan, Kurram, Dir, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Islamabad, Potohar

Pro-poor initiatives like free electricity to continue: CM Hamza

region, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and Sargodha on July 05 (night) and July 06. Rain-wind/thundershower with isolated heavy falls is expected in Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Loralai, Kohlu, Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Naseerabad, Sibbi, Panjgur, Turbat, Pasni, Gwadar, Ormara, Kech, Awaran, Kharan, Mirpurkhas, Dadu, Karachi, Thatta and Badin from July 05-07. About the possible impacts, the met office warned that heavy falls may generate urban flooding in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Faisalabad,

Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot on July 05 (night) and July 6. Flash flooding is also expected in local Nullahs of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Kashmir, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Naseerabad, Gwadar, Awaran, Barkhan, Bolan and Kohlu during the forecast period. The rainfall may trigger landslides in Kashmir, Galliyat, Murree, Chillas, Diamir, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore and Skardu. Travellers and tourists are advised to remain extra cautious during the forecast period. All concerned authorities are advised to remain alert during the forecast period.

Malankand Div remains shut in protest against power outages, inflation

LAHORE

During the last 24 hours, rainwind/thundershower occurred in Punjab, Kashmir, Sindh, Balochistan and Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Hot and humid weather prevailed in other parts of the country. The rainfall recorded during the period was Punjab: Rawalpindi (Chaklala 86 mm, Shamsabad 56), Islamabad (Airport 81, Zero Point 75, Saidpur 61, Golra 57, Bokra 38), Chakwal 63, Joharabad 35, Murree 27, Gujarat 14, Sialkot (Airport 05, City 01). Okara 03, Lahore (City 02, Airport 01), Rahim Yar Khan, Hafizabad 01, Kashmir: Kotli 80, Rawalpindi 29, Garhi Dupatta 08, Muzaffarabad (City 06, Airport 03), Sindh: Mirpur Khas 56, Padidan 33, Karachi (Sir Ja Ni Town One 27, Jami tur Rashid 23, Kemari 17, Gulshan Hadid 16, DHA Phase II 14, North Karachi 13, Quaidabad 12, Orangi Town, Saadi Town 08, Faisal Base, Masroor Base 16 , Nazimabad, Airport 06, Jinnah Terminal 04, University Road 01).

iHC serves notices in plea against amendments in NAB law ISLAMABAD

Staff rePort

SWAT

Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif has said that provision of free electricity, after free medicines and subsidised flour, is another pro-poor initiative of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz-led government, adding that many more steps will also be taken in the same direction. Talking to parliamentarians, who called on him here on Tuesday, the CM said the government was fully aware of the plight of people and it was giving relief to them on priority. He said the government was making sincere efforts to alleviate the sufferings of people and it was hoped that the facility of free electricity would bring great relief to them. He said that politics would continue, but it was an issue of working for the state, as the PML-N’s objective was to mitigate sufferings of the common man. Hamza Shehbaz said that the Punjab government would pay the bills of those using up to 100 units of electricity monthly. He said that 55 million people in the province would be provided free electricity from the month of July. The chief minister said that ‘Roshan Gharana Program’ had been launched and every effort was being made to take care of the economy and provide relief to the common man. The CM said that the government was not chanting slogans, but fulfilling its promises by providing solid relief to people. The parliamentarians appreciated the historic free electricity initiative of Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz. PML-N MPA from Gujranwala Ashraf Ansari called on the chief minister while Younas Ansari and others were also present. Earlier, a delegation of Kisan Ittehad also called on CM Hamza Shehbaz and discussed proposals for solving problems of farmers. The CM sought workable proposals from the delegation members. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chief secretary and officials of the agriculture and irrigation departments were also present.

Syed Shahabuddin

The business community across Swat and other districts of Malakand Division observed a shutdown against the ever-rising inflation and prolonged power load-shedding here on Tuesday. The shutdown was announced by the Malakand Division Traders Federations last Friday. All major commercial business centres, markets and shops in Mingora city, Khwaza Khela, Matta, Charbagh and Kalam valley remained shut throughout Tuesday. Marble factories, power looms and other business centres also remained closed across Malakand region. The traders led by Swat Traders Federation President Abdur Rahim said that the current government failed to address the issues of common people, adding that instead mitigating public miseries, it is crushing the masses under its tyrant policies of price hike, unscheduled and prolonged power load-shedding. “We are shocked to observe the unjust policies of the current government, which was showing its incompetency to run the country. The rulers do not

realize public miseries but are constantly increasing prices of the daily-use items, petrol and utility bills,” added Abdur Rahim. He regretted that the poor people and middle-class were not even able to purchase flour and other staple food items, adding the constant rise in the prices of food items, unemployment and prolonged loadshedding have now become unbearable. The business community said that the government had completely failed to understand public issues as the worst loadshedding, ever-increasing unemployment and price hike on a daily basis have deprived the common man of their right to live. They said that the situation reached an alarming point as many people started begging due to unemployment and price hike. “This is our duty to resist the oppressive policies of the government and we will not allow it to further crush the poor masses with its inhuman policies,” they added. On the other hand, some commercial and business centres in Kabal Tehsil and Barikot Tehsil remained open. Medical stores and restaurants also remained open in Mingora city due to the decision of traders.

aPP

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday served notices to respondents, including the Ministry of Law and Justice and Cabinet Division in a petition challenging the amendments in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Ordinance. Justice Aamer Farooq heard the case filed by Islamabad High Court Bar Association President Barrister Shoaib Shaheen. The petitioner’s counsel Hamid Khan said the plea had been moved under Article 199 of the Constitution, and prayed the court to set aside the fresh amendments in NAB law by declaring them illegal. The court served notices to the respondents and adjourned the case till August 16.

Five deer hunter caught-red handed by locals in tharparkar THARPARKAR inP

IHC adjourns Baloch students’ plea till July-end ISLAMABAD aPP

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday adjourned hearing till end of July in a case against the alleged harassment of Baloch students. Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case filed by the Baloch students. Deputy Attorney General appeared before the court and adopted the stance that

China ready to assist Pakistan in diagnosis, treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis BEIJING aPP

China has expressed readiness to help Pakistan in diagnosis and treatment of Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis (HCE). “We are willing to assist Pakistan in diagnosis and treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE),” said Peng Xinyu, a top expert from the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. HCE is a highly endemic and neglected global disease. Its clinical treatment is very complex. Though surgery plays a vital role in its treatment, the high recurrence and residual cavity complications bother both the doctors and the patients, CEN reported. Nearly four decades of dedication to HCE enables Peng and his teammates to handle this challenge with a

disruptive method. They have managed to develop a radical procedure, called Sub-adventitia Closed Total Cystectomy. It consists of cyst resection along a cleavage plane between the inner layer of the host’s reaction facing towards the parasite and the outer layer, or adventitia, described by Peng and co-workers. The Sub-adventitia Closed Total Cystectomy can limit the damage to liver parenchyma when dissecting around the cyst and allow safer removal of the cyst. So our operation can not only minimize surgery’s damage to liver, but also significantly decrease recurrence and postoperative complications, said Peng. This is a medical advantage in the world. Peng’s operation has been adopted by the WHO Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis (WHOIWGE) as diagnosis and treatment guideline. As a parasitic disease, HEC also seriously affects human health in Pakistan.

Pakistan embassy organises Mango Festival in Ankara ISLAMABAD aPP

A mango festival was arranged at the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara on Tuesday in which the guests enjoyed the sweet taste of the world famous Pakistani mangoes. The mango festival was a part of the series of activities and events being organised to commemorate 75 years of Pakistan’s Independence. Pakistan Ambassador to Turkiye Syrus Sajjad Qazi said that mangoes known as the king of fruits was not only a notional fruit but also an integral part of Pakistan’s history and rich culture, as it had been cultivated since

ancient times. The ambassador said Pakistan was the 6th largest producer and 4th largest exporter of mangoes in the world. There were over 200 varieties of high quality mangoes including Sindhri, Anwar Ratol, Langra, Maldah, Dusehri, Fajri and others. The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries, members of diplomatic corps, Pakistani community and media, a press release said. In the festival, the guests were served with the freshly cut Chaunsa, the most popular mango variety and a widerange of other mango delicacies such as ice cream, milkshake, lassi, salads, pickles and desserts made of freshly-arrived mangoes from Pakistan.

the commission was formed headed by Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani to look into the matter. He said that the chairman senate had left for Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and he would hold the commission’s meeting after his return. The DAG prayed the court to adjourn the case until the return of chairman senate. The court accepted the request and adjourned the case till the end of July.

Locals on Tuesday caught five deer hunters from the forest near Mithi in Sindh’s Tharparkar district. Despite a ban on the hunting of rare animals, the Sindh Wildlife department has failed in controlling the situation. The enraged locals caught five hunters red-handed who shot eight deer in the area. The locals tied their hands and tortured them in the hunting of deer. Getting information of the incident, the police reached the spot and shifted them to the Mithi police station. The case of the incident has been registered against the five hunters, who are said to be residents of Umerkot. Meanwhile, the Sindh government after taking notice of the matter has suspended three officers of the Wildlife department over failing to control the hunting of deer. According to the notification, deputy conservator Mirpurkhas, Riaz Ahmed Rind, game officer, Abdul Ghaffor Sarhandi and game watcher, Basheer Khaskhli have been suspended.

04 NEWS 6 LAHORE_Layout 1 7/5/2022 11:31 PM Page 1

Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 | LAHORE

04 NEWS

ATC rEMANds MQM LEAdEr BABAr GHAuri iN PoLiCE CusTody KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

N anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi on Tuesday handed over Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Babar Khan Ghauri to police on 7-day physical remand. Babar Khan Ghauri was arrested by police on Monday night minutes after he

NHA gears up to link CPEC M-14 with Pak-Afghan border ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The federal government has decided to connect Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan with Motorway 14 (M-14), a project of the western alignment route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) via a 184km-long Motorway. According to Gwadar Pro on Tuesday, the National Highway Authority (NHA) on Monday issued a request for proposal (RFP) of consultancy services for the Feasibility Study and Detailed Design for the Construction of the Motorway from Ghulam Khan to Esa Khel Interchange (184km approx). The project will be financed by the Federal Government through PSDP 2022-23 through separate head/allocation. In this regard, a pre-proposal conference on the project will be held on July 19, 2022, at NHA headquarters in Islamabad while procurement will be carried out by adopting the “Single Stage Two Envelops” procedure. The proposals complete in all respects in accordance with the instructions provided in the RFP document in sealed envelopes, which should reach on or before August 10, 2022.

LHC issues detailed judgment on five PA reserved seats LAHORE

landed at Karachi airport while returning from the United States ending his seven-year self-exile. Amid strict security arrangements, the police on Tuesday produced former federal minister and leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Babar Khan Ghauri in an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC). During the court hearing, the police informed the court that the former federal minister was arrested in a terrorism case

registered in 2015. Ghauri rejected the allegations levelled against him by Saulat Mirza. He also pleaded with the court to order the police to provide him with medicines. To this, the An anti-terrorism court (ATC) ordered police to provide medical facilities to MQM leader. Later, the An anti-terrorism court (ATC) handed over Babar Ghauri to police on seven-day physical remand and adjourned further proceedings till July 12. The Sindh

High Court (SHC) Tuesday extended protective bail to Ghauri till July 14 in two separate cases related to corruption reference and money laundering. The court accepted his application and extended protective bail. The SHC also sought details of ongoing inquiries and cases against MQM leader. The court also issued notices to the Sindh IG Police, NAB, FIA and other respondents in the case.

IGP alerts Rawalpindi police to deluge in Nala Lai LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rao Sardar Ali Khan has issued instructions to Rawalpindi police to remain alert in view of flood threat in Nala Lai due to continuous rains in twin cities. The IG Police directed that special teams should be formed to provide timely assistance to citizens and protect their lives and property during monsoon season, adding additional teams should also be kept ready for the protection of precious human lives in any emergency. Punjab IG Police Rao Sardar Ali Khan issued the instructions to RPO

Rawalpindi, CPO, DPOs of Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal during a meeting at RPO office during his visit to Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Rao Sardar Ali said that Rawalpindi police would provide all possible assistance to the district administration and rescue agencies in relief work. The IGP said that special arrangements should be made to keep traffic flow moving during rains, adding traffic police high-ups should ensure smooth flow of traffic by conducting field visits during rains. He said that concrete steps should be taken for security of Eid congregations in all districts of Rawalpindi region on the occasion of Eidul Azha,

adding all resources should be utilized for the security of mosques, Imambargahs and open spaces. Rao Sardar Ali said that an effective system should be set up to maintain traffic on the eve of Eidul Azha and patrolling around cattle markets. He directed that additional teams should be deployed on highways for the protection of traders and passengers. The IGP said that Murree Tourism Police should be made more active and special measures should be taken to guide tourists during Eid holidays besides maintaining traffic flow. He directed that the Murree Tourism Police and Traffic Police should work out a special plan for the convenience, assistance and protection of citizens during

President, PM pay homage to Kargil war hero on 23rd martyrdom anniversary

Staff RepoRt

ISLAMABAD

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday issued its detailed judgment over the PTI five reserved seats of the Punjab Assembly. In its 13-page verdict, the high court ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan to notify the PTI members on reserved seats of the Punjab Assembly. The LHC directed the Additional Registrar to dispatch the high court order to the election commission forthwith. Ali Zafar Advocate had filed a petition on behalf of PTI MPA Samuel Yaqoob and others seeking an order over the reserved seats from the high court. Another PTI MPA Zainab Umair, through Advocate Azhar Siddique, had also filed a petition against the delay in notification of five PTI members on reserved seats of the Punjab Assembly.

Staff RepoRt

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan for his valour and bravery on the 23rd anniversary of his martyrdom. In their separate messages, the president and the prime minister said the sacrifice of the national hero, also the recipient of the highest gallantry award Nishan-eHaider, would always be remembered. President Dr Arif Alvi said the nation was indebted to the immense sacrifices rendered by the martyred soldiers for the sovereignty of their motherland. PM Sharif said the nation paid rich tribute to Kargil war hero Captain Karnal Sher Khan on his

the Eid holidays and weekends. The IG Police directed that intelligence-based operations should be carried out in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum to root out criminals and ensure that supervisory officers take steps under personal supervision to prevent serious crimes and bring the accused to justice. He directed that capacity building courses should be conducted to enhance investigative capabilities of the investigation officers. The meeting was attended by RPO Rawalpindi Imran Ahmar, CPO Rawalpindi Syed Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari, DPO Attock, DPO Chakwal, DPO Jhelum and Officers of Special Branch, CTD and Traffic Police.

Police introduce whatsApp number for reporting lost, missing items ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

23rd martyrdom anniversary. “The mountains of Kargil may not have seen such an act of valour

when he led his troops to clear a vital position as the enemy bullets rained.” he tweeted.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Police (ICTP) have introduced a WhatsApp number for lodging immediately report about loss of any item of citizens and expedite efforts for it’s recovery. According to police public relations officer, Islamabad Police IG Dr Akbar Nasir Khan took this important step for the convenience of citizens, adding that a “Lost and Found whatsApp number” (0331-1114287) has been introduced for immediate reporting of lost or found items and handing over them to the owners. The IGP appealed the citizens to immediately report at Pucar-15 in case any of their belongings is lost during travels or found. The details of these items along with photos can be forwarded to the WhatsApp number so that the missing items can be returned to the actual owner. He said that ICTP were trying its best to provide facilities to the citizens at their doorsteps. He further said that all the emergency services had also been integrated in Safe City adding that all possible measures were being taken to save the lives and property of the citizens.

Two decades on, legacy of ‘Lion of Kargil’ continues to inspire many ISLAMABAD NewS DeSk

Over two decades have passed since Capt Karnal Sher Khan laid down his life in the service of his country in the icy, inhospitable peaks in India-occupied Kashmir, but his legacy continues to breathe life into the nation’s soul. While many lone survivors faced the dilemma of keeping the fighting on, the ‘Lion of Kargil’ dashed alone into the Indian camp, killing several Indian soldiers before embracing martyrdom. When his body was being returned to Pakistan, even the Indians talked of his valour; of how the young officer on a mission impossible did the honourable thing: fight to the very end. Pakistan awarded its son of soil the Nishan-i-Haider. The pages of the nation’s history are lush with tales of his militarist agility and his faith in God. The 23rd martyrdom anniversary of Sher Khan will be observed today across the country. Captain Karnal Sher Khan was a crusader from the very beginning and a very fearless officer. Born, in 1970, the young man from Swabi first joined Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as an Airman but later joined Pakistan Army as a commissioned officer in 1992. On 14 October 1994, Khan was commissioned in the 27th Sindh Regiment of the Pakistan army – also known as the ‘Lion of Haider’ because of its bravery. He was named Karnal Sher Khan by his grandfather who as a volunteer went to

Kashmir and fought against the Indian aggressors under a commander called Colonel Sher Khan. On November 8, 1992, when Sher arrived at the Pakistan Military Academy for training, he was no stranger to the rugged and testing training, but the harsher days and nights were going to – in the hindsight – going to prepare him for his final moments in the nation’s war against the enemy. His colleagues reminisce about their company with him and generously offer countless anecdotes about how he was always in the good graces of his seniors and had earned admiration for his courage, perseverance, professional competence and devout piety from almost everyone. But that was not sufficient to satisfy his appetite for goals that slowly turned his military career into a pure enthusiasm for the defence of the country. A few years later, Sher expressed his desire to be sent to the infantry. “The infantry has the highest chance of fighting the enemy directly,” he once intimated. Karnal Sher was the first officer to be posted directly in the 27th Sindh Regiment from the academy. Lt Col Iqbal Mahmood welcomed the new officers as second in command. He explains: “Being a second-in-command, I was given the responsibility of developing Karnal Sher’s professionalism and personality.” “I found Karnal Sher very serious and confident in his professional duties,” he said. “Joining the Pakistan Army was

my biggest dream that came true today,” Sher told Iqbal who immediately guessed that the young man wanted to do something special. “He was not only wise but also brave, courageous and forward in every task during training. Whether it was a field of study or philosophy of warfare, a playground or a shooting competition, Sher used to receive awards for his unit everywhere. He would greatly participate in physical training, assault courses and other unit competitions,” the lieutenant colonel shared. Deputy subedar Qasim was posted in the 27th Sindh Regiment on the same day when Captain Karnal Sher arrived at the unit. Qasim recounts that as a junior soldier, I came across a role model like Karnal Sher Khan. “It was a great honour for me to see him active and busy in the unit at all times. This young officer on a bicycle was at the forefront of every unit.” Qasim, who spent much of the time with Sher during physical labours, explains that, “Karnal Sher Khan was accustomed to physical exertion. He was unmatched in PT, drill and various activities. He would take the unit’s shooting team to practice at the firing range, explain various techniques to them, and encourage them. He would be seen riding a bicycle or a motorcycle all the time and would play his part in every unity activity”. On October 17, 1996, he was promoted to the rank of captain. A ceremony was held to celebrate his rank. At the ceremony, Karnal Sher also presented a model of a G3

rifle to his unit. That model is still preserved in the 27th Sindh Regiment and is a milestone for its soldiers and officers. Karnal Sher Khan would spend the entire day in the sweltering sun during the firing range. While he was preparing his team, several others were practising their shooting skills at the firing range. Karnal Sher Khan would have rushed to the target as soon as the fire was ended, even though it goes against security protocols. But he always said, “I won’t be killed by the bullet that didn’t belong to me, and the bullet that has my name written on it will kill me.” During the Kargil conflict, he was assigned to clear a vital position. He and his fellow soldiers ignored the firepower of the opponents and bravely managed to push them back. Captain Karnal Sher Khan led the charge and was able to inflict heavy losses on the enemy. While serving in NLI On the 5th of July 1999, the enemy forces launched a furious attack to recapture the post with the support of artillery. Despite having insignificant power compared to the numerical strength of Indian ground forces, Captain Sher repulsed the attack. He was successful but received multiple bullet wounds that resulted in his shahadat. In recognition of his valour and determination and gallantry, Captain Karnal Sher was awarded Nisha-e-Haider, the highest military award. 27 Sind Regiment was later named Sher Haidri on Aug 20, 1999, after Shaheed Karnal Sher Khan.

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NEWS

CHInA tO FuRtHER StREnGtHEn ECOnOMIC, tRADE, InvEStMEnt COOPERAtIOn wItH PAkIStAn: ZHAO LIjIAn BeiJing

Staff RepoRt

HINA is ready to further strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation with Pakistan to achieve mutually beneficial results and common development, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday. We are ready to continuously strengthen economic trade and investment cooperation with Pakistani side and to achieve mutually beneficial results and common development, he said during his regular briefing while re-

vestment during his interview said that the government of Pakistan will announce more facilities for the Chinese investors in the coming days to further cement the longstanding friendship. We (the government) have a policy of facilitating investors and for China we have a special regard. In days to come, we will announce more facilities for the Chinese investors who are generously investing in Pakistan. The minister maintained that his recent meetings with Chinese investors were very positive and he was optimistic about the massive investments coming from the ‘Iron Brother’.

sponding to remarks of federal minister for Board of Investment (BOI) regarding Chinese investment in Pakistan. The minister in an interview with the Chinese media noted that Chinese investments had increased ever since the new government took over in April. We have noted the relevant reports and we appreciate the remarks of the Pakistani side,ť Zhao Lijian said. The spokesperson said that China and Pakistan were all whether strategic cooperative partners, adding, We have broad and indepth cooperation across the board. The federal minister for board and in-

BISE-RWP notifies rescheduling of matriculation, Intermediate exams raWalpindi Staff RepoRt

CIA foils terror bid in Gwadar Quetta NewS DeSk

The CIA Police Gwadar on Tuesday thwarted a terror bid and recovered huge cache of arms including rocket launchers and RPG. SSP Gwadar Tariq Mastoi told APP that upon receiving a tip-off, a team of CIA police conducted an operation in the mountainous Grok area of Gwadar and recovered a large quantity of rocket launchers, RPGs and other weapons. “The weapons were hidden in a mountainous area which could have been used in a possible terrorist operation,” he maintained. SSP Maston praised the performance of ASP Talha Wali, CIA incharge Khalid Hussain Mengal and the entire team who participated in the operation.

FFC MM Plant Shuts Down Due to Eruption of Fire KaracHi NewS DeSk

On 3rd July 2022, around 11 pm fire erupted at FFC Mirpur Mathelo Plantsite which was extinguished immediately by adopting safety and emergency procedures (SOP). No personnel were affected during this event. As per initial report, fire occurred in the gas vessel of ammonia unit. The plant was immediately shutdown to investigate the matter in detail and plan the maintenance works to put the plant back in operation.

British HC delegation calls on Law Minister islamaBad

The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi (BISERWP) on Tuesday announced that as per the notification of the Punjab Boards Committee of Chairpersons (PBCC), the annual Intermediate (Part-I) and Practical Matriculation examinations would be held on July 16. According to details, the examinations to be held on Saturday and Monday, July 16 and July 18 respectively have been postponed due to Eidul Azha and by-elections. History of Muslim India, History of Pakistan, History of Modern World, History of Culture and Evening Geography, Elementary Anatomy and Microtechnics

A delegation of the British High Commission on Tuesday called on Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar. According to the spokesman for the ministry, the issues of mutual interest and further promotion of cooperation in the field of law were discussed during the meeting. Discussions were held on cooperation agreements between the two countries in the field of law, which would benefit both the countries, he added. The agreements were reached between the two governments on legal education.

The examinations of Business Mathematics and Evening Philosophy would now be on Wednesday, July 27, accord-

Shaukat Khanum prepares for collection of animal hides ahead of Eid press release Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) collects hides of sacrificial animals on Eid-ul-Azha to supplement the financially supported treatment of deserving cancer patients. Preparations are underway to organise this year’s nation-wide hide collection campaign. Hide collection camps will be set up in all the major cities of Pakistan

including Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Islamabad , Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot. All citizens can easily donate hides of sacrificial animals at these camps and support the noble life-saving mission of SKMCH&RC. It is important to donate hides in a timely manner because heat and improper storage in plastic bags can significantly reduce the quality of the hide as well as its market value. Hides

can be dropped off at the nearest designated collection point to conserve resources and time. All proceeds from the sale of animal hides will be utilised for treatment of deserving cancer patients of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centres located in Lahore and in Peshawar. Additional information, including locations of hide collection camps, can be obtained by calling 0800 11 555 or via our website www.shaukatkhanum.org.pk.

Imran threatens to blow lid oﬀ ‘regime change conspiracy’ characters continued from page 01

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and Basic Medical Sciences would now be held on Friday 29th July as per the new schedule.

UK SHOULD TAKE ACTION AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING: Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday emphasised the need for curbing money laundering during a meeting with British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner. A PTI statement said that party leaders Fawad Chaudhry and Amir Mahmood Kayani were part of the meeting that took place in the federal

capital, where bilateral matters and issues of mutual interest came under discussion. During the meeting, the former prime minister highlighted that developed nations must take special measures to ensure that money is not laundered from poor to rich states. “The illicit transfer of money is a big issue for the developing world [… ]. This illegal transfer of wealth promotes global economic inequality,” Khan said. Khan noted that the UN Secretary-General’s fact-finding panel

has highlighted the nuances of the issue in its report as well. The PTI chairman added that the illicit transfer of money forces people residing in poor states to migrate to developed nations, which in turn, becomes an issue for the rich countries — creating further challenges for them. Justice demands that governments take steps to effectively curb money laundering globally and the British government can play a crucial role to achieve this goal, the PTI chairman said.

ECC allows one-time special release of ‘luxury’ goods stuck at ports continued from page 01 In view of the situation in Afghanistan and on humanitarian grounds, the ECC approved the WFP’s request for purchase from the imported wheat stock of PASSCO at the latest import price. The amount of supplied wheat along with cost and incidentals would be charged in US dollars. The wheat will be locally grinded into

wheat flour and will be supplied to Afghanistan by WFP, subject to relaxation of ban on the export of flour. The Ministry of National Food Security & Research also presented another summary on the declaration of National Disease Emergency on account of the emergence of lumpy skin disease in Pakistan. After a detailed discussion, the meeting directed the ministry to prepare a cost sharing plan after convening

a meeting with concerned provincial secretaries and NDMA. Furthermore, the Ministry of Industries and Production submitted a summary on continuation of PM’s relief package, 2020, Sasta Atta initiative for KPK & expansion of Utility Stores network across Pakistan. The ECC decided to continue subsidies on five essential commodities with direction to M/o I & P to work out feasible proposals

cmYK

on subsidy programmes keeping in mind the financial implications.The ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication on the constitution of the Auction Advisory Committee to oversee spectrum auction(s) for next generation mobile services (NGMS) in Pakistan. The Committee will be headed by the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue.

ing to the new schedule, English exam would now be scheduled for July 28, whereas the annual practical matriculation exam which would be on Practical in Chemistry (All Groups) scheduled for July 8 (Friday) will now be held on July 19 (Tuesday). The practicals will now be on Wednesday, July 20 according to the new date and the practicals with the subject chemistry (all groups) on Monday, July 18 will be on Thursday, July 21 according to the new date, the Board spokesperson said. “The students in case of any difficulty, are advised that the Controller of Examinations can be contacted on 0515450917-0515450918 or visit the Board’s website www.biserawalpindi.edu.pk”, he said.

Honda Aims to Reduce Road Accidents by Collaboration with Govt, Rescue 1122 & Other Stakeholders Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is aiming to anchor better road safety for everyone sharing the road, through advanced future safety technologies. The goal is to reduce 50% traffic collision fatalities by 2030 and Zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050. Honda intends to achieve this goal with the development of 4E Scenario in each country E-Evaluation, E-Engineering, E-Education, E-External Affairs. This ‘Road Safety for Everyone’ initiative is proactively being applied in Pakistan, and as per Pakistan’s Safety Strategy the government plans to save 6,000 lives by 2030 against 18,700 fatalities build on projection of fatalities under the ongoing scenario. Honda already introduced Global Safety Technology "Honda SENSING" in Pakistan along with created awareness in the market through diverse campaigns, training modules and other activities. Such advanced technology is an innovation in Pakistan Market to help the driver to achieve safe driving and avoid collisions. Furthermore, to achieve the target of 50% and then 100% reduction in road accident fatalities by 2030 and 2050, Honda will persistently focus on the 4E Scenario with support from the authorized dealers and respective Government Departments. In addition, following significant collaborations and measures will be directed for Honda to make progress and strive in this initiative: n Road accident investigation at Punjab, Pakistan with Rescue 1122, Dealers and Insurance companies. n KYT, RT training and PDSA at dealerships. n Direct training to HACPL, AHL, Supplier, Dealer, Corporate and Educational institutes. n Road safety CSR activity with Law Enforcement. n Propose the GOVT. for strengthening vehicle regulations, license system and police crackdowns etc. n Strengthen the communication mode regarding Honda safety technology. Introduce Hi-Tech related to safety in order to counter road accident.

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Wednesday, 6 July, 2022

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Effective crisis management

The government vs the PTI Rivalries must not lead to violence

HE outcome of the July 17 by-elections in Punjab will have far reaching consequences for both the PmL(N)-led coalition and the PTiPmL(Q) alliance. in case the PmL(N) manages to win the majority of seats, it will ensure the re-election of Hamza Sharif as Cm Punjab on July 22 and further strengthening of the PmL(N) hold on Punjab. This will be demoralize the PTi rank and file. in case the PTi wins most of the 20 seats being contested, the party would once again control the largest province of the country and freely use its economic and manpower resources to win the next general elections. This explains why imran Khan on one side and maryam Nawaz on the other have decided to address rallies in all the 20 constituencies in support of each other’s candidates. mr Khan is confident of victory despite a perception on his part that the umpire is this time supporting the other side. While continuing to appeal to the establishment not to stand by the avowedly corrupt politicians, mr Khan has to express confidence in his victory to keep up the morale of the PTi’s rank and file. meanwhile the PTi’s social media network has been directly accusing the iSi officials of providing help to the PmL(N) candidates. To set the record straight, the iSi chief has issued a directive to intelligence officers to stay away from political activities while pledging zero tolerance for anyone found violating the orders. One wonders if this time the PTi will abstain from looking for scapegoats in case it lost the elections. Election rules do not allow candidates to announce any new scheme for the benefit of the voters in the constituency where elections have been announced. Hamza Shehbaz has however promised free electricity for households consuming up to 100 units. While the scheme is not specific to the constituencies where elections are being held but will benefit the entire province, it would have been safer to publicize it before the elections were announced. in case the PTi loses the election it might take the issue to the courts.

Let the people be the judge, not the political parties

MUHAMMAD ALI ALVI

mid the worsening economic crisis, the Sri Lankan government last week announced that the country has run out of fuel. it forced the government to suspend the sale of fuel for two weeks. Rising inflation coupled with a shortage of essential and daily life items for example food, medicine, and now fuel has left the country with no option but to look for foreign aid and help. Fuel is suspended in Sri Lanka because it cannot pay for the import of fuel. it cannot pay for fuel because its foreign exchange reserves have depleted amidst the crisis. There are numerous reasons for the decline in foreign exchange reserves. For example, Covid-19’s impact on the economy, especially on the tourism industry, steep tax cuts, and the mishandling and mismanagement of the economy. Among the various reasons decoded by the experts which led to the crisis in Sri Lanka, the most important is the failure of the government in anticipating the crisis and the mismanagement of the economy. That is why crisis management is important. The outbreak of a pandemic or a war is not in the hands of a country but what steps it takes to mitigate the impact of these disasters is in its hands and it is the prime responsibility of a state as well. The decline in tourism, which was the thirdlargest source of foreign reserves in the country and contributed about 12 percent to its GdP, as a result of the pandemic and the soaring inflation as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, could only be managed well as their outbreak was beyond the control of the Sri Lankan government. But, it could have been man-

Defanged Not as good as dead

HE NAB Ordinance has been amended yet again. if in its previous iteration, the anticorruption watchdog was defanged, it is now toothless. This would, of course, feed into the narrative of the current opposition regarding the intentions with which the current government has come into power. The PTi was already in overdrive in its allegations that all the current dispensation cares about is quashing the corruption cases against it; this would work towards that. Counterintuitively, the best way to go about this would be to go for the scorched earth policy of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Perhaps one of the worst affected by the NAB in what are widely believed to be flimsy charges, the former Pm says that NAB should be done away with in its entirety. Let the courts and earlier anti-corruption laws take their course. The Bureau is now a completely toxic entity, with a cadre that is incompetent, vicious, and ironically, corrupt. By now, it is clear to let sane voice in the country that the Ordinance was the work of a dictator whose only intention was to use it as a political tool to punish opponents and leverage it to get some of them over to the then King’s Party. Subsequent politicking - and behind the scenes maneuvering by the usual suspects - made it impossible to do away with the Ordinance. Though that isn’t any excuse for the collective failure of the political class. To make matters worse, the Bureau has ballooned out of proportion. The number of its officers above BPS-17 is now more than those of the entire diplomatic corps of the nation. This is clearly a monster. The time is right to slay it. Not just for the good of a clean political but also, ironically, for the actual fight against corruption in the country.

Resolving the Kashmir conflict

SAIMA AfzAL

AmmU and Kashmir is situated in the heart of Asia that connects South and Central Asia. it is the only state in the world that shares its border with three nuclear states; Pakistan, india, and China. Kashmir, termed a nuclear flashpoint, has endangered regional as well as international peace and security The resolution of this dispute can unlock the true potential of regional development and cooperation, as well as address the looming challenges faced by the South Asian masses. For more than seven decades, the Kashmiri people have struggled to achieve the absolute right of self-determination assured to them by the UN Security Council, the international community, and both india and Pakistan, the parties to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Unfortunately, india resiles from its commitment to hold a free and fair plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations to let the Kashmiris decide their future. The main objective of UN formation was to ensure world peace, so if the Kashmir issue is not resolved it can have a grave threat to world peace especially because of non-action by the United Nations. moreover, india has been changing its policy objectives and tactics over time according to periodic developments. Undoubtedly, the Kashmir dispute has

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

The political parties in Pakistan should not only try to assume power but also should offer crisis management plans. The government should work in its tenure and show the public what they have done. The opposition should act as a check but should not always try to overthrow the government and be in power

The writer is freelance columnist

Negotiation is the way forward

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

aged in a better way. But, the sweeping tax cuts in 2019 by the new president, as a fulfillment of his pre-election promise, which some analysts describe as the reason for the current economic crisis could have been avoided and the matter could have been dealt with in a better way. The current Sri Lankan economic crisis, which is also said to be a man-made crisis, could have been prevented had the new government taken steps in the right direction instead of making wrong decisions. Crisis management is the formulation of plans and strategies to deal with unforeseen unfavourable events. The better the management of the crisis, the better the result. The new government’s misstep to revamp the economic situation of the country backfired and Sri Lanka is on the verge of ending up as a failed state in a couple of years. The Rajapaksa government did not have any concrete plan to tackle the economy but it came to power on a promise that proved to be detrimental to the economy. it sheds light on the importance of a road map, a concrete plan, a party should have before coming to power. in Pakistan, it is not new for the contesting parties to offer unrealistic solutions to the problems of the country. People select parties on their pre-election promises and they never see those promises fulfilled. Pakistan has been and is facing several challenges and crises since its inception. Every party offers crisis management plans in their manifestos. And people elect parties on their election manifestos. But, once selected, those promises are never fulfilled and if implemented, they never give desired results. People should re-elect the parties based on their performance and implementation of their crisis management plans. did the Pdm government have a definite plan to get the country out of the economic crisis? did it have the required skill set needed to solve the problems the country was facing?

Only time will tell how effective the steps taken by the Pdm government are in fixing the economic problems of the country. But for now, it is the common man who is suffering and bearing the burden. Governments come and go but Pakistan’s perennial economic problems stay. Every government comes with a miraculous plan to take the country out of the crisis. But, leaves behind a plethora of problems for the new government. This has something to do with the role of the opposition in the country as well. The only purpose left of the opposition is to criticize the government’s initiatives rather than acting as a check on the government. What happens as a result is that under this blame game the actual picture gets blurred. Take the current example of regime change in Pakistan. The Pdm government was criticizing the previous government for soaring inflation not long before it took over the reins of the country. The PTi was not believed to win a considerable number of seats in the upcoming elections because of this. But. things changed rather quickly. The Pdm came to power in a not-socommon way of reaching the corridors of power. And the soaring inflation and rising fuel prices tested it badly. What will happen as a result is something that should be looked at seriously. if the government is somehow able to complete its term, it will still go to the public with a claim that it could not accomplish its goals because it did not get an ample amount of time. The PTi government will also go to the public with an almost similar narrative that it also did not get enough time to see its initiatives bear fruit. The political parties in Pakistan should not only try to assume power but also should offer crisis management plans. The government should work in its tenure and show the public what they have done. The opposition should act as a check but should not always try to overthrow the government and be in power. Let the people be the judge, not the political parties.

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

become a complicated issue due to india which has exercised overwhelming influence over its policies since Partition. The world has witnessed that india’s unilateral and illegal action to revoke Articles 370 and 35A of the indian Constitution not only violate the UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir but also the bilateral Simla Agreement and the Lahore declaration between Pakistan and india. Furthermore, india has deployed nearly one million troops to impose a military siege on eight million Kashmiris, imprisoned the Kashmiri political leadership, and detained thousands of Kashmiri youth. india has banned international media and observers on reporting which has created an environment of fear and chaos. The right to selfdetermination is a most fundamental human right, from which all other rights flow and it is sad to say that this right has denied to Kashmiris for too many generations. However, despite the restriction, communications blackout, and denial of access, much has been written and reported regarding the human rights conditions in indian-Occupied Kashmir. World leaders have spoken out on human rights violations there. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has extensively documented this in its 2018 and 2019 reports. The violations have been taken up by various Special Rapporteurs of the Human Rights Council, besides civil society and leading human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty international. Besides this, Pakistan unveiled a comprehensive “dossier on indian Human Rights Violations in indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (iiOJK)” on 12 September 2021. Therefore, the world is observing india’s descent into hate. For the second time in less than two months, the USA has directly expressed uneasiness about a rising trend in human rights violations in india. The US Secretary of State, at the release of the

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

State department’s annual report on international religious freedom on 2 June 2021, highlighted the inhuman and dark face of the indian track record. Thus, the only solution for regional peace is settlement of Kashmir issue according to the wishes of Kashmiri people. Likewise, various methods of negotiations including bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral exist, but they are unlikely to work if any party refuses to cooperate. The Kashmir issue is a political dispute that requires a political approach based on continuous negotiations. Hence, both states, india and Pakistan, need to come to the negotiation table for a comprehensive discussion with the view to resolving the Kashmir dispute once and for all. The international community, particularly the United Nations, should come forward and pursue india and Pakistan for a permanent settlement of the Kashmir issue, as it is a crucial time when the war has ended in Afghanistan and non-states actors can spoil the existing environment and further widen mistrust between india and Pakistan. Keeping the Kashmir issue lingering cannot be fruitful for these two nations in any case. A dedicated voice is the need of the hour which may lead this problematic issue to its logical end. Sufferings of innocent Kashmiris must be kept in view for a permanent and humanitarian resolution of the Kashmir dispute so that the whole population of the Subcontinent may breathe in peace and no threat to humanity may find a way to proceed. india, as well as Pakistan, has to estimate the importance of a peaceful negotiation on Kashmir, then this battlefield may act as a bridge of friendship between them, which is a hindrance in smooth relations between the both states.

Likewise, various methods of negotiations including bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral exist, but they are unlikely to work if any party refuses to cooperate. The Kashmir issue is a political dispute that requires a political approach based on continuous negotiations

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

The author is an Islamabad-based analyst and holds MPhil in Peace and Conflict Studies and can be reached at sarahamidkhan21@gamil.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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COMMENT 07 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

IESCO’s mismanagement and incompetence THE plan to build a separate feeder for the city to address the growing problems of power tripping and load in the city of daultala failed due to the incompetence and mismanagement of iESCO officials. On paper, the project was completed a year ago, but in reality, more than 20 percent of the work remains to be done. ignored by iESCO construction and iESCO operations, this huge project has gone unnoticed by consumers instead of meeting its targets. it should be noted that this project has cost a whopping Rs. 27.5 million. instead of building a city feeder, the city has been connected to three different feeders, adding to the power problems. disregarding the rules and regulations of the project, iSCO officials have connected only the middle population of the city to the city feeder. While the northern population of the city is connected to the Ahdi feeder and the southern population to the dera muslim feeder. Both the feeders are spread over a wide area, they have a lot of load and line faults due to which power outages have increased. The Chief Executive Officer of iESCO should immediately take notice of this mismanagement and incompetence and rectify the situation. QASIM ALI QASIM RAWALPINDI

Intensifying quagmire

A double standard on bigotry

wASHIngton wAtcH Dr JAMeS J zogby

RESidENT Biden’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and the involvement of a Saudi investment fund in a new start-up golf association have provoked a rash of harsh commentary. While it is appropriate for analysts and politicians to air their policy differences with the Kingdom, the tone and content of the comments and political cartoons about Saudi Arabia are of a different sort, filling the pages of the press with what can only be described as racist diatribe masking as political commentary. While some have justified the wrath they direct at Saudi Arabia pointing to the unconscionable murder of exiled journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, the cause is deeper as this same bigotry has long marred the way Americans discuss Arabs, in general, and Gulf Arabs, in particular. Since it was first announced that the White House was considering this visit, Biden has been excoriated for betraying American values by daring to go to the Kingdom and shaking hands with its leadership. Further, he has been accused of selling out his commitment to human rights in order to secure “Saudi oil.” Similarly, golf professionals who signed up with the new league have been charged with dirtying a good clean game by accepting Saudi “blood money.” While the print op-eds are ugly, the daily political cartoons are even more vile. The Arab caricatures are racist and the storylines conveyed by the imagery used are even more so— depicting Biden prostrate before a fat robed Arab, or Biden’s hand or those of professional golfers being grasped by an Arab hand dripping with blood. None of this is new, as this hostility has been with us for generations. What is new is how it has become publicly accepted liberal discourse. Over four decades ago i wrote a paper, together with a Pakistani-American scholar, mowahid Shah, comparing Czarist Russian and pre-Nazi German anti-Semitic cartoons with anti-Arab cartoons being published in major US papers in the 1970s and 1980s. The fat Jewish banker was replicated by the fat oil sheikh and the blood-thirsty Jewish subversive/anarchist was replaced by the equally demonic-looking Arab terrorist. it was striking how they were so similar in content and form. Greedy, dark, sinister, hook-nosed men who had taken advantage of us, absconded with “our wealth,” and were now holding us hostage to their evil intent.

my former colleague, Senator James Abourezk once said, “When you look at statements about or depictions of Arabs, substitute ‘Jews,’ and if you find it disgusting and racist, then it’s anti-Arab and should be protested.” Using this yardstick, over the years, we challenged those who complained about the sinister intent of “Arab money” being used to influence universities or politicians (remember ABSCAm), or movies or cartoons that depicted Arabs in a degrading or threatening manner. in the 1980s, working with the former Senator at the American-Arab Anti-discrimination Committee we co-founded, we were kept busy protesting many such instances of this antiArab bigotry in films, political cartoons, and commentary. Flash forward to the 2008 democratic Convention, when in speech after speech the issue of dependence on oil was an applause line. As the night wore on, however, subtle but revealing differences became clear in how the issue was raised. When speakers referred to “ending our dependence on fossil fuel” (a legitimate environmental concern), there would be applause. And when they would decry “our dependence on foreign oil” (a legitimate concern about trade deficits), there would also be applause. But when a few speakers denounced “our dependence on Arab (or Saudi) oil,” the rafters shook with thunderous applause. The difference with the last example was that by giving the fuel an ethnicity or identifying it with a country, the speakers were exploiting a deeply held anti-Arab bias. in reality, as the oil market is fungible, there is no way to sort out “Saudi oil” from any other. Around this same time, a respected liberal Washington-based think tank sponsored a TV ad featuring a Gulf Arab in the foreground against a backdrop of oil wells. As Arabic music played, an announcer, in ominous tones, warned about the dangers that fossil fuels posed to the environment. We complained noting that if global warming was the target, why the music or the Arab? Why not target American oil companies? To make that matter clearer, one of the offending speakers at the 2008 democratic convention, a Western state governor, was quoted afterwards telling a group of visiting Canadians that when he railed against “imported oil” he didn’t mean Canadian or mexican oil. He meant Saudi oil. We’ve learned to be mindful of anti-Semitic

tropes. The same must apply to how we talk about Arabs, Gulf Arabs, in particular. it is legitimate to raise serious policy concerns about the environment, or trade, the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, or other human rights abuses. But it unacceptable to use racist caricatures or bigoted stereotypes in making those legitimate points. On the issue of human rights, political pundits have spent weeks arguing that President Biden shouldn’t go to Saudi Arabia because of its human rights record. After it became clear that he was going, they shifted their advice to listing all of the demands he should make of the Saudi leadership regarding its human rights behaviour. meanwhile, there has not been a single serious question raised as to whether the President should go to israel or the demands he should make of the israeli leadership about the killing of American citizens, including an American citizen journalist, the humiliating treatment received by Arab Americans seeking to enter israel or the occupied Palestinian territories, or the many other outrageous israeli actions that have made the administration’s goal of a two-state solution well-nigh impossible. in the current political discourse suggesting that holding israel to a standard that is different from the way we treat other countries is itself a form of antiSemitism, so shouldn’t the same metric be used when the victim group are Arabs? And shouldn’t we be able to acknowledge that after the recent release of photos from Guantanamo, and recalling the horrors of Abu Ghraib, the Bush administration torture memos, the rendition of prisoners to “black sites” where they could be tortured, and the substantial civilian casualties resulting from errant US drone strikes, that the moral outrage we express is marred by our own past and present actions— lest we be accused of “the pot calling the kettle black.” it is therefore incumbent on us all to check our bigotry at the door when we write. There is a legitimate way to criticize US, israeli, and Saudi policies. Sadly, from what i’ve seen in recent weeks, while American political commentators have become sensitive to the first two, they fall far short of the goal of fairness when it comes to dealing with Arabs. Calling a country “depraved” or using racist stereotypes to depict its people is wrong and should be rejected in our discourse.

Over four decades ago I wrote a paper, together with a PakistaniAmerican scholar, Mowahid Shah, comparing Czarist Russian and pre-Nazi German anti-Semitic cartoons with anti-Arab cartoons being published in major US papers in the 1970s and 1980s. The fat Jewish banker was replicated by the fat oil sheikh and the blood-thirsty Jewish subversive/anarchist was replaced by the equally demonic-looking Arab terrorist.

The writer is president of the Arab American Institute

CURRENTLy, Pakistan finds itself in a political and economic quagmire, which is intensifying because of the conflicts of interests of those at the helm. This blind pursuit of power is increasing political instability and damaging the economy. mediocre politicians holding constitutional offices are using different tactics to prolong this impasse. in a democracy, there is no concept of a ruling family because individuals and political parties are voted into and out of power. This is what democracy is all about, where sovereignty rests with the will of the people. There is no place for cults in a democracy or an islamic society. it is the collective interest and welfare of the majority that must precede the insatiable greed for power. Otherwise, we may soon approach the same fate as Sri Lanka and our political leaders will receive the same backlash as the Rajapaksa family. in 2017, when PTi came to power, the total external debt was $86 billion, which swelled to $93 billion in 2018. By 2021, it escalated to $116 billion, which demonstrates an increase of $36 billion in under 4 years. However, the PTi alone cannot be blamed for this, all the past regimes are equally responsible for the present socio-economic turmoil. despite a severe economic crisis, no attempts have been made to reduce the import of luxury items. instead of importing luxury SUVs, there should be a total ban on the import of all foreign cars, mobile phones, and luxury items for at least a year. Unfortunately, it seems that the government has failed to gauge the seriousness of the matter and is oblivious to the ensuing crisis. MALIK TARIQ LAHORE

Load-shedding PRimE miNiSTER Shehbaz Sharif had promised to end load shedding in the country by may 1. Unfortunately, citizens were given no respite even during the Eid holidays as many areas suffered from 10 to 12 hours of load-shedding. Officials claim that the reason for the shortage of electricity has to do with the unavailability of required fuel for power generation and the non-maintenance of some power plants. But what are the true facts? during 2013 to 2018, without necessity, a large number of thermal power stations were built, taking the installed capacity to 35,735mW when the maximum demand was 23,000mW. This capacity could not be utilised because the needed transmission infrastructure was not built. What people don’t realise is that this is a very serious shortcoming that is constantly being undermined by the authorities. When we, WAPdA engineers, were building the country’s power system back in 1958, we built and completed the transmission lines and grid stations before commissioning the Warsak and multan power stations. The same procedure was carried out for the mangla and the Tarbela power stations. The other major problem in the power sector is circular debt. Approximately 17,276mW is being produced by independent power producers. They have to be paid the capacity charges even if their power is not utilised. Under the PPP government’s 1984 Power Policy, these independent producers have been given extraordinarily generous terms. Billions of rupees are constantly being lost because of this. The only solution to the load-shedding conundrum is to construct transmission infrastructure without further delay. This will also enable expanding the power sector to neglected and underdeveloped areas. IMTIAZ ALI QAZILBASH ISLAMABAD

E-governance RECENTLy, the islamabad High Court (iHC) decided to live-stream judicial proceedings and constituted an e-committee to propose rules for such proceedings. This is a monumental step because it will improve the public’s accessibility to the court and allow the people to scrutinise the proceedings, which can increase transparency and impartiality. Given that iHC has already tested the procedure, the federal government should also consider introducing information technology in the different government bodies. Since most people now have access to digital devices and WiFi services, e-governance will provide ordinary citizens with easy access to government policies and political procedures, which will empower citizens and make them feel included. Also, the traditional paperwork system is time-consuming, which can be avoided with e-governance as a seamless iT infrastructure will be set up. importantly, e-governance can reduce costs because the government can collect data and seek people’s opinions through digital modes of interaction. This will save the money spent on the different resources and avoid maintenance costs. Therefore, the government should closely follow the progress of iHC’s use of iT equipment and formulate a strategy to transition towards e-governance. SYEDA HADIA BAKHTAWAR NANAKANA SAHIB

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08 WORLD VIEW

RUssIan mIlITaRy docTRIne

The United Kingdom is broken. It’s time for a new British federation WALES WAS FORCED TO JOIN IN 1536, SCOTLAND IN 1707 AND IRELAND IN 1801

THE RUSSIAN DOCTRINE DEFINED AFTER THE FALL OF THE SOVIET UNION IS CALLED DEEP BATTLE. IT ANTICIPATES RUSSIAN COMBAT AT ANY LEVEL OF WARFARE. THE GOAL IS TO GO AS DEEPLY AND QUICKLY INTO THE ENEMY AS POSSIBLE

GeOpOliTical FuTureS GeorGe Friedman

he city of Lysychansk has fallen to Russia, giving it full control of Ukraine’s breakaway Luhansk region. Russian forces also occupy nearly all of neighboring Donetsk, the other region that the Kremlin recognized as independent two days before launching its invasion. Russia has the choice of accepting this victory as the culmination of the war or seeking total victory by seizing all of Ukraine. Before considering that option, we need to understand the conceptual framework that defined Russia’s initial plan. All military forces have a doctrine. Doctrine defines how wars are to be fought. In the United States during the late Cold War, the doctrine was called AirLand Battle, which envisioned a combined arms system for offense and defense operating as a single force under unified command. The Chinese had a doctrine called active defense, which envisioned the enemy constantly on the attack while Chinese forces both contained them in most sectors and carried out attacks as opportunities arose. There are many concepts in any military, and most are of little account. The basic combat model defines the type of weapons to be procured, the proper blend of forces, the training they receive and so on. Doctrines exist for an entire theater and for much smaller units. All must be blended in a single battle force in the event of war. The Russian doctrine defined after the fall of the Soviet Union is called Deep Battle. It anticipates Russian combat at any level of warfare. The goal is to go as deeply and quickly into the enemy as possible. To do this, there must be intense coordination at all levels of the battle and also between levels. So in Ukraine, Deep Battle was to coordinate the general operations in each theater. Theaters were needed to manage the battle at components as small as battalions. The depth of the doctrine is determined not only by how far the enemy can be penetrated but also by how deeply command and control can be carried out. Deep Battle holds great promise when information flows rapidly to the next highest level of command. The Russian army is a sledgehammer. When that coordination, consultation and command breaks

down – and the key is communication, which is notoriously late or wrong in a battle – the hammer hits the army at its knees. Deep Battle turns into a centralized command system, where senior command cannot see realities at the lower level. The concept for the initial attack on Ukraine followed the Deep Battle concept. It organized the force into three thrusts built around armor and striking from the north toward Kyiv, from the south toward Odesa and a short distance into the Donbas in the east. The initial orders seemed to be in place regardless of events. The northern force got bogged down on a road and remained there for days, with no correction to its orders. That force was likely intended to support the force coming from the east. Tanks burn fuel fast, even when idling, and logistics didn’t have new orders or couldn’t execute them. Out of the single Deep Battle, there emerged three separate theaters of operations with no integrated battle plan. Clearly, the flow of information broke as infantry entered heavily defended cities and failed to understand the force it was facing. Senior command was unaware of battle intelligence on the enemy, logistical reality or battle reports and, instead of devolving more command, kept the reins tight. It was Deep Battle at its worst. It improved quickly. First, the three zones were treated differently. The northern battle group coming out of Belarus was told to withdraw and possibly send forces to the main battle in the east. The same for the southern thrust. All resources went to the third group, the one that took Luhansk. Deep Battle applied to the single decisive group that defeated the Ukrainians in Luhansk. Rather than fighting the war as a single battle, it took the initial concept and broke it into three theaters taking one area, likely redeploying all but an occupation force and the rest to the southern thrust, which if it succeeds makes the northern thrust irrelevant. Deep Battle did not fail as a concept but in the execution. The battle now to be fought is simpler. The move toward Odesa will have the orderliness of a successful battle. Senior command is more likely to understand the condition of the battle and give orders as needed, while keeping a careful eye on a single theater, rather than three. It is far from clear that Russia can win. The concentration on the Donbas has given Ukrainian forces a great deal of badly needed rest, as well as new weapons and training on using those weapons. Soldiers who have experienced the battlefield are far more trainable than the novices who first faced Russia. Russia is now moving toward its next theater of operations, with its troops bloodied and officers who have tasted defeat and victory. They are facing a large, motivated and bloodied Ukrainian army with powerful new weapons. Deep Battle failed the first test, but it gets a second bite against an enemy that fights in small groups with strategic direction but whose tactics reside at far lower levels, a doctrine of diffused authority. except for the blood that will be shed, it will be interesting to see what happens. George Friedman is an internationally recognized geopolitical forecaster and strategist on international affairs and the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures.

JSTOr daily Julia métraux

N 2007, the Karnataka Sex Workers Union was formed in India to advocate for legal rights and labor protections for sex workers. Because sex work is partly criminalized in India (sex work is technically legal, but solicitation and brothels, for instance, are against the law), KSWU advocates for better working conditions. Gowri Vijayakumar, Shubha Chacko, and Subadra Panchanadeswar explain that this focus on labor, including legal rights and trade union structure, makes KSWU different from many internationally funded organizations, which approach sex work almost exclusively with a focus on hIV/AIDs prevention. The goal of supporting sex workers, separate from hIV prevention, was a key motivation behind KSWU’s formation. “In addition to organizing around working conditions and legal reform and eschewing hIV prevention activities, KSWU has also directly challenged abuses of sex workers within hIV prevention programs,” they write. For example, KSWU led a flash protest on World AIDS Day to “draw attention to the ways in which the state AIDS program compromised sex workers’ confidentiality and autonomy, sometimes even forcibly testing

Guardian Simon JenkinS

he legendary Welsh rugby star Phil Bennett, who died last month, would rouse his team against england, calling them “b******* … taking our coal, our water, our steel … They exploited, raped, controlled and punished us – that’s who you are playing.” It was fighting talk, only half in jest. It was Celts against the english. In British history and politics, the Celts have grievances that wax and wane, but they never heal. They have erupted once more over Brexit and Ireland and in a revived demand for Scottish independence, a process Boris Johnson and latterly Keir Starmer have vowed to resist. The result of this relentless nagging pressure has been to make the boundaries of the United Kingdom among the most unstable in europe. That a once-imperial nation on a small archipelago in the Atlantic cannot hold its domestic union in place is astonishing. Partly underlying its disunity is a notional split of the population into “Celts” and “Anglo-Saxons”, based on a fanciful conquest of one by the other supposedly in the fifth century. Modern genetics has shown the divide to be meaningless, yet it is embedded in the politics of the socalled Celtic fringe – or at least in england’s reaction to it. Traditional histories maintained that some time in the late bronze or iron ages a group of european tribes called Celts invaded and overwhelmed the ancient Britons, spreading their disparate but related languages over the entire population. They survived the Roman occupation intact but tradition again holds that, on the Roman retreat, they were overwhelmed in turn by invading Saxons. These invaders reputedly drove the Celts westwards and created an english empire of the British Isles. No trace of the preceding Celtic remained in its language. The details of both these invasions have long been challenged by scholars. In the 1960s, the historian JRR Tolkien dismissed the Celtic age as a “fabulous twilight … a magic bag”. The archaeologist Grahame Clark protested against “invasion neurosis”, the idea that all social change required a conquest. Since the 1990s, DNA archaeology has indicated that the diverse peoples of the British Isles were many and various, their settlement dating back to the stone age. As the prehistorian Barry Cunliffe has argued, today’s Celtic speakers probably migrated up the Atlantic littoral from Iberia long before anyone knew of Celts. This might be of no account were it not for the manner in which the eastern Britons asserted supremacy over their western neighbours and maintained it ever since. From the Normans onwards, the rulers of the half of the British Isles called england created one of the most centralised states in europe. Medieval wars against the Welsh and Scots and later conflicts with the Irish duly bred a passionate western and northern aversion towards the english. In the 19th century this was reciprocated by an english invention of a “Celtic” stereotype. Matthew Arnold dismissed Celts as “romantic and sentimental … lacking the temperament to form a political entity”, so unlike the “disciplined and

steadily obedient” Anglo-Saxons. It is significant that this collective abuse of the Welsh, Scottish and Irish never met a collective response. There was no Celtic solidarity, never one nation, language or culture, let alone a military or political alliance. To the english these peoples should see themselves as what amounted to english counties, like Yorkshire or Kent, to be assimilated into a “great British” union. Wales was forced to join in 1536, Scotland in 1707 and Ireland in 1801. Wales came into union peacefully, Scotland grudgingly and Ireland never. Irish rebellions followed one after another until it won its independence in 1922. Thereafter a rump United Kingdom did cohere. It was sustained by a Tory unionist obsession and by a Labour party that saw it as embodying Aneurin Bevan’s “unity of the British working class”. Celts were for fairy tales and antiquarians. This makes the more extraordinary what happened at the end of the 20th century. Infuriated by Thatcher’s centralism, in 1989 a majority of Scottish MPs demanded the return of a Scottish parliament. Seizing the moment, Labour’s Tony Blair would later deliver a modest devolution to new Scottish and Welsh assemblies. These assemblies sparked a sudden outbreak of regional identity politics. Nationalism surged back to life. In Scotland, the Tory party all but vanished. In 2007, Scottish nationalists took power in edinburgh and have never lost it. Though the popularity of independence among the Scots has risen and fallen, voters under the age of 50 are overwhelmingly in favour. The odds at present are on Scottish independence one day. Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, Brexit chaos has fuelled an expectation of a vote for reunion with the south in the future. even in Wales, the nationalist Plaid Cymru has acquired new vigour, with support for an “independent” Wales at between a quarter and a third of voters. The response of england to this burst of dissent has been inert. Across europe, nation-building has been long been a vexed art. Violently in Yugoslavia and Ukraine, and relatively peacefully in Spain and Italy, central governments have struggled ceaselessly to hold the loyalty of their component peoples. As the political historian Linda Colley has shown, this has required respect for identity and ingenuity in devolution. German Länder enjoy considerable autonomy. Spain’s Basques and Catalans have degrees of economic, fiscal and judicial sovereignty. Swiss cantons even have differing definitions of democracy. Britain’s Boris Johnson really could not care less. The prime minister has called devolution in Scotland “a disaster”. After Brexit, he insisted that all eU powers and subsidies be repatriated not to the devolved governments but to London. On trade, he appeases the wildest Northern Ireland unionism. A mere one in five of voters in england now profess to care if Scotland goes independent, yet Johnson fights to retain this first english empire with all the fervour of edward I. If I were Northern Irish, I would vote to rejoin the prospering south. If I were Scottish, I would wonder why I was once richer than Ireland and Denmark but am now poorer, and would opt for independence, whatever the pain. Yet I am neither of these things. I believe that a federated United Kingdom of england, Scotland and Wales benefits greatly from its diversity. Lumping Celts together as one people and one problem that can be swept under a unionist carpet is demeaning to the ambitions of Irish, Scots and Welsh. It will not silence them. It will not help the search for what is now critical, a bespoke autonomy for each nation in a new British federation. Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist. His book The Celts: A Sceptical History is published this month by Profile.

Fighting for sex workers’ rights in India “THE CHALLENGES SEX WORKERS FACE—CRIMINALIZATION, HARASSMENT, POVERTY, LACK OF ACCESS TO SOCIAL SERVICES, VIOLENCE, PRECARITY—REQUIRE HYBRID ORGANIZATIONAL APPROACHES” them for hIV.” The authors see the advocacy of KSWU as better aligned with LGBTQ+, Dalit, and feminist movements. The issues faced by the latter groups, including mistreatment by state-led and NGO programs, often resonate with sex workers. “KSWU’s strongest support has come from local LGBTI organizations,” they point out, “partly because of the major overlap in membership—many members are same-gender-loving men or transgender people— and partly because of shared experiences in hIV prevention programs.” One of KSWU’s long-term goals is to see sex work fully decriminalized in India. “The union also engages in day-to-day activities that seek to improve working conditions, addressing violence, supporting civil rights, and providing emotional support,” write the authors.

“One strategy KSWU uses for day-to-day support is a 24/7 helpline.” KSWU advocates to stop sexual harassment in other fields as well, showing solidarity with other workers in the labor movement. For instance, KSWU has “successfully intervened in cases of sexual harassment in medical settings, human trafficking, and violations of confidentiality by the TV media.” Despite its advocacy, not everyone in the Indian labor movement has shown solidarity with KSWU or sex workers due to the partial criminalization and stigma of sex work. Sex workers may also face problems with which other laborers are simply not familiar. “The challenges sex workers face—criminalization, harassment, poverty, lack of access to social services, violence, precarity—require hybrid organizational approaches,” the authors explain. “Unionizing requires

sex workers to…appeal to the idea of the trade union for recognition.” Like many organizations around the world working toward the decriminalization of and rights for sex workers, KSWU is also fighting for its members to be seen as legitimate laborers. “Sex workers’ organizing shows how sexuality, gender, and caste dynamics can infuse labor organizing with new energy,” the authors write. “Despite the challenges of aligning with the labor movement, KSWU members’ positioning as workers allows them to both demand rights as citizens and redefine ‘work.’” Sex Workers Join the Indian Labor Movement by Gowri Vijayakumar, Shubha Chacko and Subadra Panchanadeswaran, New Labor Forum, Vol. 24, No. 2 (Spring 2015), pp. 90–96, Sage Publications, Inc.

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Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS CORPORATE CORNER

PAKistAn’s sesAme seed exPort to ChinA uP Around 48 PerCent in JAn-mAy 2022 BEIJING

Askari Bank inaugurates PWd model branch at dhA-ii islamabad Mr. Waqar Ahmed Malik, Chairman, Fauji Foundation (FF), inaugurated Askari Bank’s Model Branch for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) located near Jacaranda Family Club, DHA-II, Islamabad. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Atif Riaz Bokhari, President & CEO, AKBL, Mr Khurshid Zafar, COO, AKBL, Dr. Nadeem Inayat, BoD, FF, Syed Bakhtiyar Kazmi, BoD, FF, along with senior executives and valued customers of the Bank. The branch features a state-of-the-art ‘Talking’ ATM – an ATM that uses speech interpretation software to provide instructions and options to users through voice guidance. The branch entrance / exit, counters, washrooms, ATM Cabin and locker room have been specifically designed as per needs of PWDs. All stationery items including, documents, forms, etc. are available in Braile for visually impaired persons. The branch is equipped with specially trained staff to serve PWDs and provide preferential/priority assistance based on each PWD’s unique needs. Commenting on the occasion Mr. Malik said, “PWDs have been an overlooked segment of our society with limited opportunities.

K-electric ensures smooth power supply during continued monsoon rains in Karachi KARACHI: KE ensured uninterrupted power supply to major parts of the city during the ongoing monsoon spells in Karachi. Utility teams remained vigilant while monitoring the situation throughout intermittent weather conditions and maintained the stability of KE’s power supply network around the clock. During the current spell, the maximum number of feeders affected due to rain were approximately 100 of more than 1900 feeders within KE’s network, the majority of which were temporarily powered down out of an abundance of caution in areas where prevalence of kundas or standing water could pose a safety hazard. These areas were also immediately restored upon receiving clearance from ground teams. With the Met Department forecasting more rain spells in the upcoming weeks, the Spokesperson further added, “Citizens are advised to continue observing precautionary measures and continue to maintain a safe distance from all electricity infrastructure. Avoid using electrical appliances exposed to rains such as water motors as well. With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, we urge citizens to take special care of their sacrificial animals and avoid tethering them to any electrical infrastructure.” Advising customers on KE’s emergency protocols, Spokesperson KE stated “Emergency electricity complaints creating safety hazards should be reported to call center 118, which tackles them on priority against a prescribed protocol.

Power suspension schedules for today ISLAMABAD: According to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)’s spokesman, System Maintenance/Development Work is in process. Therefore power supply of below mentioned feeders/areas will be temporary suspended as per given schedule: On 06 th July, From 04:30 AM to 10:30 AM Baloch, Jundali, Phuljari TKL, Hajira, Abbaspur, Mandhol, Bhangu, Sarrari, New Mandhol, Forward Kahuta Feeders, From 07:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Muslimabad , Gulzar Shaheed, Quaidabad, Ahsanabad, Dhok Hasso, Bagh Sardaran, Pirwadhai Feeders, From 06:00 am to 14:00 pm, Beirut Gala Darbar Mai, Khoi Ratta, Charhoi, Dana Bhayal, Charhoi Dhongi, Siri, City, Kariala Jandroot, Dudot, Mojan, Charhoi Feeders, From 07:00 am to 12:00 noon, Jhanda, State Bank, Pir Sohawa, Patwali, Pind Pran, Sangjani, Shah Allah Dutta, Sarai Kharboza, Valley, AWT 1,2,3 & 4 , Gulshan Sehat, MPCHS (B-17), Paswal Feeders and surroundings will be closed. IESCO management apologizes to its

esteemed customers for the power outage.

Wildlife management Board raids bird shop, seizes several illegal wild birds ISLAMABAD: Rescue team of Islamabad Wildlife Management Board raided Alpha Bird Shop Islamabad in E-11 where illegal purchase and sale of birds was going on. The birds rescued during the raid included six chakurs, seven rosary ring parakeets and a gray franklin. All the birds have been kept in the Marghzar Rescue Center. Completely healthy birds will be released into their natural habitat while birds in need of any kind of treatment will be released after full care.

aPP

AKISTAN’S sesame seed export to China surged to $50.32 million in the first five months of the current year 2022, showing a growth of 47.41 percent on a year-on-year basis, said Badar-uz-Zaman, Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan in China. He said that according to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), China imported 33846.15 tons of sesame seed, an increase of 21.35% by volume worth USD 50.32 million. In the same period last year it was 27890.873 tons worth 34.07 million USD. The Commercial Counsellor told China Economic Net that normally there is a trend of cultivating traditional crops like wheat and rice, but now the Pakistani farmers are also getting knowledge of high-end and high-price

products like sesame seed. They are also learning cultivation methods , so hopefully Pakistan is going to be the top exporter of sesame seeds to China in coming years. Badar said that Pakistan’s sesame seeds export to China achieved a historical figure of 92516.55 tons, $120.44 million in 2021, making China

one of the main destinations of sesame seeds export from Pakistan. “In Pakistan, sesame oil is not used habitually. It is usually used in bakery products or blowouts on naan. However, it has never stopped the market demand for sesame products. The majority of sesames have been exported to the world”, Badar stated.

He further said that the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) data showed that China imported overall 615510.43 tons of sesame seeds worth around $918 million from different parts of the world. Niger, with 150037.512 tons sesame seeds worth $225.34 million, making the country the largest seller to China in the first five months of 2022, followed by Togo with $156.12 million and Sudan with $144.33 million. Pakistan ranked seven and by worth sharing around 5.47 percent of total exports to China in the first five months of this year. Â It is to be noted that Pakistan’s exports to China crossed $1.605 billion in the first five months of this year, up 5.42 percent year on year. The total volume of trade between China and Pakistan increased nearly 19 percent, amounting to $12.06billion as compared to 2021, which was $10.14 billion due to COVID-19.

Ajman University delegation visits COMSATS University to finalize cooperation agreement ISLAMABAD Press release

A senior level delegation comprising of Prof. Khaled Assaleh, Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Ajman University, UAE and Prof. Kamran Arshad, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, Ajman University, UAE visited COMSATS University Islamabad. The delegation held meetings with counterparts led by Prof. Muhammad T Afzal, Rector, COMSATS University Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Sajjad A. Madani, Registrar CUI, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid, Director, CUI Wah Campus, Prof. Dr. Shahzad A. Malik, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr Sajid Qamar, Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Saqib Gulzar, Dean, Faculty of Business Administration and Mr. Ali Tawab Baloch, Head, International Office. Prof. Assaleh briefed the participants of the meeting about Ajman Uni-

versity. He further discussed his objective of the visit to CUI was a strong desire to establish and further strength long term academic and research partnership between the two institutions. Prof. Sajjad Madani, Registrar CUI gave a brief presentation about CUI. He said that COMSATS University was a

fast-growing public sector university having 7 campuses, 6 faculties with over 2,700 faculty members wherein CUI has the largest pool of PhD degree holders in Pakistan. Various modes of collaboration and partnership between two universities were discussed at the level of students and faculty members

between the delegates and it was agreed to formalize the arrangements through an institutional agreement. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid, Director, Wah Campus was assigned as Focal Person from COMSATS University for establishing research collaboration between research centers of both universities.

Passing out parade of aero apprentices held at PAF Airmen academy Korangi creek Chie of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Niazi exchanging views with Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki at Naval headquarters.

Hashoo Group becomes Title Sponsor of World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan 2022 ISLAMABAD: Hashoo Group, in collaboration with Loco Services, will be hosting Hashoo Group World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan 2022. In this regard a memorandum of understanding was signed by Mr. Haseeb Gardezi, Chief Operating Officer, Hospitality and Education Division, Hashoo Group and Wing Commander (Retd.) I N Khokhar, Chairman, Loco Services in Islamabad. This will be the 6th edition of the World Corporate Golf Challenge (WCGC) in Pakistan and Hashoo Group is proud to be the Title Sponsor of this prestigious event. Following the success of tournaments over the last many years, Hashoo Group and Loco Services will host a total of three events in

Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore this year. The series of events will kick off in Karachi during the third week of August 2022 and will conclude with the finals in Lahore during the third week of September 2022.

KARACHI: The passing out parade of Aero Apprentices was held at PAF Airmen Academy, Korangi Creek, Karachi today. Air Marshal Waqas Ahmed Sulehri, Chief Project Director JF-17, Pakistan Air Force, was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Earlier on his arrival, Air Vice Marshal Zubair Hassan Khan, Air Officer Commanding, PAAK received the Chief Guest. A total of 1601 Aero Apprentices including trainees from allied countries and Pakistan Navy successfully completed their training. While addressing the ceremony, the Chief Guest said, “Modern warfare is an exceedingly vast and complex domain, which demands thorough knowledge and inventiveness. We are facing complex and unusual challenges involving inventions and innovations offered by science and technology. We must prepare ourselves to face all such challenges being professionally focused and technically accurate”. Felicitating the trainees for this singular honour, the Chief Guest wished them a bright future and success in their professional assignments. He also commended the Academy instructional staff for their sincere endeavours and commitment to the cause of training. The Chief Guest also awarded trophies to high achievers.

CDA Hospital recognized by College of Physicians & Surgeons of Pakistan for specialization ISLAMABAD: Department of Endocrinology of CDA Hospital has been formally recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan for specialization. CDA Hospital has been honored to be first recognized super institute for endocrinology specialization. Earlier, specializations were

being conducted in CDA Hospital in various fields including Dermatology, Radiology, General Medicine, ENT, PEDs etc. However, specializations were added in two more fields upon the directions of the incumbent management of CDA. Including gyencology and super specialty in endocrinology. The depart-

ment has been set up in the recently constructed block at CDA Hospital. This department was started six months ago. The department is supervised by renowned endocrinologist Dr. Sarwar Malik. Dr. Sarwar Malik is the only endocrinologist in the city who is deputed at CDA Hospital.

Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti and Managing Director Pakistan Baitul Maal Amir Fida Paracha discussing various initiatives to support poor people in Balochishtan during a meeting.

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Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 | LAHORE

10 FOREIGN NEWS

ChIna tOuts afghan trade and InvestMent Plans after quaKe KABuL

Agencies

HINA’S ambassador touted trade and investment plans for Afghanistan on Tuesday, a public endorsement for doing business in the Taliban-controlled country after an earthquake drew attention to the humanitarian consequences of Western sanctions. At a rare press conference alongside the Taliban administration’s acting minister for disaster management, Ambassador Wang Yu announced $8 million in aid for relief from the June 22 earthquake that killed more than 1,000 people. “Besides emergency humanitarian aid, after the political changes last year and after the earthquake, we also have long-term eco-

nomic reconstruction plans,” he said. The priority would be trade, followed by investment, as well as agriculture. No country has formally recognised the Taliban, who seized power last year after the United States and its allies abruptly withdrew troops following 20 years of war. Western countries say the sanctions, which include freezing billions of dollars in Afghan reserves, can be lifted only if the country’s new rulers meet conditions such as lifting restrictions on participation in public life for women and girls. Some aid agencies complained that sanctions curtailed their ability to assist after last month’s earthquake. China, which shares a remote border with Afghanistan and derives influence among its neighbours from its huge “Belt and Road” investment initiative, has consistently called for sanctions to be lifted.

The ambassador said negotiations were going on for two major mining projects, including Mes Aynak, a copper mine in southern Afghanistan that a Chinese state-owned company has rights to under an arrangement brokered with the previous Afghan government. Afghanistan’s largely untapped mineral reserves include large deposits of iron ore and copper. Taliban administration officials, including the group’s supreme leader in a speech at a gathering last week, have said the country needs to become less dependent on aid and encourage business. Speaking of Afghan reserves frozen in Western banks, Wang said: “China always thinks that money belongs to the Afghan people … China has always called on the international community…for the release of the funds.”

Taliban dig-up Mullah Omar’s vehicle NEwS DESK Mullah Omer, the elusive and reclusive one-eyed founder of the Taliban, once hid his personal vehicle by burying it when the US forces invaded Afghanistan in 2001 in retaliation for 9/11 attacks. According to a media report, the Taliban dug out the vehicle of their founder in Zabul province, where it was buried 21 years ago. The Toyota vehicle was buried by Mullah Omar when he arrived from Kandahar in the Zabul province of southern Afghanistan. The car was found wrapped in plastic and mostly undamaged. The front mirror was broken however, a local said. The vehicle will soon be displayed at the Afghan National Museum. Born in 1960 in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, Mullah Omar fought with the Afghan fight-

ers against the Soviet army in the 1980s and lost his right eye in battle. Some reports suggest the Taliban leader had himself cut out his wounded eye, while others suggest he was treated at a hospital in one of the neighbouring countries. After the Soviets pulled out in 1989, Omar is said to have returned to his native area as a prayer leader and teacher. He gathered a band of students which is later said to have become the Taliban. The Taliban took power in Kabul under Omar’s leadership in 1996 but were later on toppled by a USled invasion, in 2001. Omar was known as a unifying force among the Taliban during the group’s insurgency against the Afghan government and foreign troops. His death in 2013, reportedly due to an illness, was not revealed by the group until July 2015.

Disputed Russian cargo ship still stranded off Turkish coast KARASu, TuRKEy: Agencies

A Russian-flagged cargo ship at the centre of a fight over grain between Kyiv and Moscow remained anchored Tuesday off Turkey’s Black Sea coast — a full four days after its unexpected arrival. Ukraine alleges that the Zhibek Zholy had set off from its Kremlin-occupied port of Berdyansk after picking up confiscated wheat. Moscow concedes that the 7,000-tonne vessel was sailing under the Russian flag but denies any wrongdoing. And NATO-member Turkey has said nothing official in public as it tries to

maintain open relations with both Moscow and Kyiv while facing Ukrainian pressure to seize the ship. The saga started when a Kremlin-installed leader in southeastern Ukraine last Thursday announced the launch of the first official grain shipments across the Black Sea since Russia invaded its neighbour in February. Russia claims to have “nationalised” Ukrainian state assets and to be buying crops from local farmers. Ukraine says its grain is being stolen and used to fund Russia’s war effort. Marine traffic websites then showed the Zhibek Zholy reaching Turkey’s

Black Sea port of Karasu and stopping about a kilometre (half a mile) off shore. The ship’s arrival was announced by Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey — one of the most vocal officials in the entire dispute. He asked Turkey on Twitter to take “corresponding measures” and then told Ukrainian state television the vessel had been impounded by local coastguards. Turkish officials still offered no comment even though the 140-metre (460-foot) ship was now clearly visible by holidaymakers lounging on Karasu’s sandy beach. ‘It never moved’ Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conceded to re-

porters on Monday that the Zhibek Zholy had not reached its intended destination. But he also played down Moscow’s role or the ship’s importance to Russia’s efforts to resume marine traffic from parts of Ukraine now under its control. “We have to look into this situation,” said Lavrov. “The ship really does appear to be Russian, sailing under the Russian flag. I think it belongs to Kazakhstan, while the cargo was being shipped under contract between Estonia and Turkey.” Kazakhstan said the ship was controlled by its national rail company but insisted it should bear no blame.

‘Militant’ arrested from IIOJK turns out to be BJP member SRINAGAR Agencies

A “militant” arrested in India, who was earlier touted as an activist of Lashkar-e-Taiba, turned out to be a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), BBC Urdu reported. The news comes on heels of the news of arrest of a Muslim killer of a Hindu tailor in India who later turned out to be a BJP worker. Activists blames that BJP was involved in communal violence through such covert attacks through its sleeper activists impersonating as Muslims. Police officials claimed that Talib Hussain was caught by locals and handed over to police on Sunday. BJP IIOJK unit spokesperson Altaf Thakur refuted claims that Talib was a member of the BJP. However, he admitted that he had an “online membership” of the ruling party. BJP IIOJK minority group official Sheikh Bashir said that Talib was designated as social media in-charge of the party two months ago but was removed from the position shortly. Fazal Dar has also been arrested along with Talib Hussain from IIOJK’s Pulwama district and police claimed that he was also a militant. Police also claimed to have recovered weapons and ammunition from Talib and Fazal, saying that they have recovered six bombs, three magazines, two pistols, one launcher, three hand grenades, a pistol, 47 rounds of AK-47 and remote antennas from the militants. Who is Talib Hussain? According to BBC Urdu, Talib was appointed as IT and social media cell in-charge two months ago. He is a resident of IIOJK’s Rajouri district and used to work as a carpenter before the appointment. Talib’s family members say Talib has three brothers and he’s the eldest. He got married in 2008 and had become a father only a day before his arrest. They said that Talib joined BJP in 2017 and has worked on different designations in the ruling party.

Attempts to challenge one-China principle doomed to fail: Chinese spokesperson BEIJING Agencies

China on Tuesday criticized a U.S. expert for using invalid historical documents to call black white, warning that attempts to challenge the widely recognized one-China principle are doomed to fail. In an opinion piece, Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, claimed the “one-China policy is a lie.” He cited the so-called San Francisco Peace Treaty, saying the treaty only mentioned that Japan renounced all rights, titles and claims to Taiwan and the Penghu Islands but did not cede sovereignty to any other state. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian responded at a regular press conference, saying the article itself is a lie that attempts to obscure and hollow

out the one-China principle and use the Taiwan question to contain China. He spread rumours in the name of

scholars and research institutions under the cloak of academia, and the content of his articles clearly contradicts the com-

mon sense of history and law, Zhao said, referring to Rubin. The United States had excluded China and the Soviet Union when reaching the socalled San Francisco Peace Treaty after World War II, Zhao said. He said the treaty violated relevant regulations in the Declaration by United Nations, signed in 1942 by 26 countries, including the United States, the Soviet Union and China, as well as the UN Charter and basic norms of international law. “The treaty’s regulations on the sovereignty and territory of China, which was not a signatory, were illegal and invalid,” Zhao said. He noted that the Chinese government has solemnly stated from the very beginning that the so-called San Francisco Peace Treaty is null and void, as it was prepared, drafted and signed without the

participation of the People’s Republic of China and that it will never be recognized by the Chinese government. Countries, including the Soviet Union, Poland, Czechoslovakia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia and Vietnam, also refused to recognize the validity of the “peace treaty,” according to Zhao. There is only one China, and Taiwan is part of it, Zhao reiterated, adding that a number of international legal documents, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, acknowledged China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. “Although the two sides of the Taiwan Straits have not yet been completely reunified, the fact that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China has never changed, and China’s sovereignty and territory have never been divided,” Zhao said.

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Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 | LAHORE

SPORTS 11

EngLand puLL Off REcORd chasE tO LEvEL sERIEs agaInst IndIa BIrMInghAM

Agencies

NGLAND rode unbeaten hundreds by Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow to pull off their highest successful chase, coasting to a serieslevelling seven-wicket victory in the rearranged fifth test against India at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Chasing 378 for victory, England went into the final day needing 119 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Root went on to smash a masterly 142 not out, his 28th test century, forging a mammoth 269-run partnership for the unbroken fourth wicket with Bairstow. Root’s elegant hundred was studded with 19 boundaries and a six. Bairstow’s unbeaten 114, which included 15 fours and a six, was his second hundred of the match as England triumphed with two sessions to spare. England’s previous highest successful run chase came in 2019 when they reached a 359-run target

in an Ashes test against Australia on the back of Stokes’s brilliant unbeaten century. It was a tremendous turnaround by England who had been on the back foot after conceding a significant first-innings lead of 132. Root and Bairstow showed the kind of sustained aggression which is quickly becoming the hallmark of this England test team since Brendon McCullum took over as the head coach and Ben Stokes assumed captaincy. Root grew so much in confidence that he treated Shardul Thakur like a spinner, stepping out against the seamer and then playing an audacious reverse-scoop against him that sailed over for a six.

Bairstow brought up his fourth hundred in five innings with a tight single before hitting Mohammed Siraj for three successive boundaries. Pundits slam ‘timid’ india: Meanwhile, cricketers and pundits slammed India’s batting as England batsmen Bairstow and Root hit hundreds to thrash the tourists. “Special win by England to level the series. Joe Root & Jonny Bairstow have been in sublime form and made batting look very easy,” batting great Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter. “Congratulations to England on a convincing victory.” Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle hit out at India. “The 8th largest run-chase in

history has been a stroll in the park. Bat hasn’t faced a challenge from the ball for the last 200 runs,” he tweeted. Former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan tweeted: “This victory of team England should hurt Team India. That was too easy.” Former coach Ravi Shastri hit out at the batsmen for their defensive approach. “They needed to bat two sessions and I thought they were defensive, they were timid today, especially after lunch,” Shastri, who was coach when India led the series 2-1 last year, said after Monday’s day four. “Even after they had lost those wickets, they could have taken some chances. Runs were important at that

stage of the game and I thought they just went into a shell, lost those wickets too quickly, and gave enough time for England to bat today.” Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag said India needed to do some thinking after the loss. “India have quite a few issues to address, only Pujara & Pant from the top 6 scoring runs and Jadeja batting brilliantly, but need batsman to be in form,” Sehwag tweeted. “Bowling in the fourth innings was absolutely listless,” the former opening batsman said. The five-match series against India could not be completed last year following Covid-19 cases in the India camp ahead of the final match at Old Trafford.

Humna, Yashal shine in Egyptian Amateur Open 2022 LAhore sAleem JADoon

Golf Championships – The Egyptian Amateur Open 2022 concluded at Somabay Golf Club Hurghada. Dexterous Yashal Khan secured 5th position, bringing honour to Pakistan. This is one of the oldest amateur open championships, running for the last 101 years. It brings together top players from the Middle East and other countries like France, England and Canada, which are home to hundreds of pro golfers and thousands of Amateur golfers. Their participation made the Championship more competitive and thrilling. The 4 days intense competition, between 49 players of 18 countries, posed a very challenging environment for all golfers as they were neck to neck in terms of their personal handicaps. Somabay Golf Club, located on the Red Sea Coast, is known for its strong winds that require a variety of innovative shots to combat the difficulties of its peculiar environment. Pakistan was repre-

sented by 17 years old Yashal Khan from KGC Karachi with 1.2 handicap and Umer Khokhar from IGCG Islamabad with handicap of 1.7. While both the players are ardent golfers who have won many titles at home, this course brought out the best of Yashal Khan who, having mastered the winds of Karachi, found Somabay suited to his style of play. From the start of the event, Yashal was in the contention for winning the

Root joins elite company with 737 runs in India series BIrMInghAM, UnIteD KIngDoM Agencies

Joe Root has joined a select group of England players after making 737 runs in England’s drawn Test series against India. The former England captain rounded off the campaign with a majestic 142 not out as, alongside Yorkshire team-mate Jonny Bairstow (114 not out), he guided England to their highest fourth-innings winning chase of 378-3 during a seven-wicket victory in the Covid-delayed fifth Test at Edgbaston on Tuesday. The win saw England level the five-match series at 2-2. Only four other England batsmen have scored more runs in a series during the 145-year history of Test cricket than Root’s tally in this campaign. Walter Hammond’s 905 runs away to Australia in the 1928/29 Ashes remains the most by any England batsman. But Graham Gooch’s 752 runs against India in 1990 was achieved in just three Tests, with the outstanding opener scoring 456 runs in one match at Lord’s alone thanks to innings of 333 and 123 at the ‘Home of Cricket’.

Championship. His score of 74 gave him 6th position in the 1st Round that he maintained till the end. In Round 2, with a score of 75, he was still at 6th position behind the Morrocon, Tunisian and Egyptian players. On 3rd Day, he played his best round of 70, i.e. 2 under par, and improved his position by 2 places. The Final Round started with stiff competition between two Moroccan players, a Tunisian golfer and Pakistan’s Yashal Khan fighting for the Trophy. Al-

though Yashal played 6 over in the first 9 holes, he then gathered his spirit fought back with a score of 38 on the back nine to finish at 5th position. Unfortunately, other Pakistani golfer Umer Khokhar, who had posted a respectable score of 75 on first Day, could not combat the difficult windy conditions and finished tied at 28th position. Earlier, in May this year, our Humna Amjad, a 17 Years old with handicap 1.2 from Airmen Golf Club Karachi, performed exceptionally well in the Egyptian Ladies Amateur Golf Championship Nefertiti Cup, held in the same Egyptian city. She mastered the difficult weather conditions and applied crafty strategy to win the Runner Up position with a score of 226 in the 3 days event. This qualified her for participating in the Ladies European Tour and she will participate in a championship to be held in Aramco, Saudi Arabia later this year. Humna Amjad has indeed brought great honor to Pakistan by becoming the first Pakistani lady golfer to qualify for the prestigious European Tour.

Origi joins Italian champions Milan after Liverpool exit MILAn

Shehroz youngest climber to summit Nanga Parbat ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt

Mountaineer Shehroz Kashif made the nation proud when on Tuesday he summited Nanga Parbat (8,126m), becoming the youngest climber to scale the world’s ninth highest mountain. The 20-year-old Shehroz, who is also known as the Broad Boy, has now ascended eight mountains above 8,000 metres. He was accompanied by Fazal Ali from Shimshal. The mountaineer, who aims to reach atop the world’s all 14 peaks of above 8,000 metres, took to Twitter to announce his feat stating that he had summited Nanga Parbat at 8:45 am on Tuesday. The Lahore-born climber became the world’s youngest mountaineer to ascend K2 on July 27 last year. He also became the youngest Pakistani to scale Everest on May 11 the same year. “Congratulations, Shehroz Kashif. We are proud of you. You made another world record by scaling the Nanga Parbat,” Karrar Haidri, Secretary Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said in a statement. “Our prayers and support for you. May Allah Almighty help you achieve your target to become the youngest in the world to climb 14 peaks above 8,000 me-

tres,” he added. Only 44 people in history have summited all the 14 peaks. Five of the 14 above 8,000m peaks in the world, including the world’s second highest peak K2 (8,611m), Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I (8,080m), Broad Peak (8,051m), Gasherbrum II (8,035m) are located in Pakistan.

Agencies

Divock Origi has signed for AC Milan after being let go by Liverpool at the end of last season, the Serie A champions confirmed on Tuesday. In a statement Milan said the 27-year-old Belgian international has “signed a contract with the club until 30 June 2026” worth a reported four million euros ($4.23 million dollars) a season. Origi arrives at the Serie A team after not having played enough matches to trigger an extension to his contract with Liverpool. He was largely a bit-part player at the Reds but scored vital goals over his eight years on Merseyside which made him a favourite of fans and manager Jurgen Klopp. Those strikes include two in an astonishing comeback against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, and the second is that year’s final as Liverpool lifted their sixth European Cup against Tottenham. Origi made 176 appearances for Liverpool after arriving in 2014, scoring 41 times. He has been capped 32 times for his country, but all three of his international goals came in 2014. Milan have brought in Origi to bolster a forward line which struggled for goals despite winning last season’s thrilling Serie A title race. Coach Stefano Pioli’s two veteran centre-forwards — Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic — netted just 19 times between them in the league. Last month Ibrahimovic was ruled out for up to eight months following knee surgery, having missed large chunks of Milan’s title charge with injury.

Malik available for Pakistan selection despite being named Junior League mentor ISLAMABAD Web Desk

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik, despite being the mentor of the Pakistan Junior League (PJL), is also available for the selection of the Pakistan men’s team for the T20 World Cup in Australia. According to details, PJL and World Cup will take place in October 2022. The 40-year-old has not retired yet and is available for selection in Pakistan cricket team as well. If Malik is picked in the World Cup squad, PCB will look to appoint another mentor as Malik’s replacement. As per mutual understanding with skipper Babar Azam, Malik can be called up for the national team whenever needed.

Recently, the PCB announced appointing him as the PJL mentor along with Javed Miandad, Shahid Afridi and Daren Sammy. This led to speculation that Shoaib Malik may have become disillusioned with his future as a cricketer and will now pursue a coaching career. However, the facts are the opposite and he still wants to play international cricket. When contacted in this regard, PCB Media Director Samiul Hassan Burney said that Shoaib Malik has not retired from international cricket yet, so he is available for the selection of the national team. PCB will appoint another mentor as his replacement if he is picked for the world cup. Malik last represented Pakistan against Bangladesh in November 2021. Since then, he is

not been part of the side. Malik last featured for Peshawar Zalmi in season seven of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), being the fourth-highest run-getter, scoring 401 runs. He has not played competitive cricket since PSL; however, he is training and taking part in a net session. It must be noted that the World Cup will start on October 16, while the proposed dates of the Pakistan Junior League (PJL) are from October 1 to 15. Due to the mega-event clashing with PJL, it was not possible to hire some big foreign players as mentors as they will be busy with commentary and other media engagements.

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Pakistan, iran oPerationalise barter trade ISLAMABAD

Ghulam abbaS

AKISTAN and Iran on Tuesday operationalised the trade mechanism across their shared border, Profit has learnt. In this regard, while addressing a press conference, Minister of National Food Security and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema claimed that full-fledged barter trade will resume in December. “The minister said that all barriers on the transit trade have been abolished,” he added. As an experimental trial, an apple from Iran will hit the market soon. Through the trade mechanism Pakistan will export one million tonnes of rice to Iran. Pakistan also exports kinnow and other products to Iran. Due to various US/ international sanctions imposed on Iran, Pakistani banks have been reluctant in opening letters of credit (LC) for export to Iran despite the repeated appeal on the part of exporters

FORMAL TRADE REMAINS SUSPENDED AS PAKISTANI BANKS REMAIN RELUCTANT IN OPENING LCS FOR IRAN

and traders of the country. The absence of a credible payment mechanism remains the major irritant in the way of Pakistan-Iran trade. International sanctions, particularly those imposed by the US and European Union in 2010, targeted Iran’s banks. The sanctions prevented Pakistani banks from doing business with their Iranian counterparts including the opening of LCs, which is the most credible method for carrying out international trade transactions. Trade was conducted through alternative payment mechanisms of limited scope, such as cash and to a certain extent through barter. Earlier, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during his visit to Tehran had claimed that the two countries have come closer to resolve one of the major obstacles in the expansion of bilateral

trade through operationalising the barter trade mechanism. Speaking at a joint news conference with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Bilawal emphasised the need for formalisation of the cross-border exchanges through opening of new border crossings. As per the minister the promotion of trade through border marketplaces were the measures of their shared commitment to provide opportunities for enhanced economic and commercial activities. It may be added here that Pakistan has a narrow export basket to Iran, as 63 percent of the exports comprised rice alone. A preferential trade agreement (PTA) was signed with Iran in 2006. Tariff concessions were granted to Iran on 309 tariff lines whereas Pakistan was given conces-

sions on 338 tariff lines. Major sectors covered under the PTA include rice, fruits, cotton, cotton yarn, pharmaceutical products and cutlery. In 2017, both sides decided to finalise the proposed FTA by November that year. The trade negotiating committee of both countries held two rounds of discussions on the FTA when it was projected that the agreement would increase bilateral trade from $300 million in 2016 to $5 billion by 2021. However, unavailability of a payment mechanism casts a shadow on the viability of a muchawaited agreement. While Iran has about 959 joint border crossings with Pakistan, it remains to be seen how many border crossings will be declared for trade. Under the existing trade regime, bilateral trade, as per statistics, is slightly in favor of Tehran.

Govt approves Rs7.91/unit hike in power tariﬀ: sources

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turkish Commander calls on Coas, lauds Pakistan’s armed Forces’ professionalism rAWALPINDI Staff RepoRt

Commander Turkish Land Forces General Musa Avsever on Tuesday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa here at GHQ and acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces. During the meeting, matters of mutual and professional interest with special emphasis on defence and security collaboration between the two brotherly countries, were discussed, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release. The COAS said, “We highly value our brotherly relations with Turkiye which are deeply rooted in history and entrenched in our cultural and religious affinities.” Both the sides agreed to further optimize military to military ties particularly in training and counter-terrorism domains. The visiting dignitary vowed to enhance cooperation in various fields and also pledged to play his role for further improvements in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

ELECTRIC BILLS WILL INCREASE IN PHASES FROM JULY ONWARDS ISLAMABAD ahmad ahmadani

lawyers move PHC against judicial powers of executive magistrates SWAT Syed Shahabuddin

A divisional bench of the Peshawar High Court Mingora bench on Tuesday accepted a writ petition of the lawyers against judicial powers delegated executive magistrates and issued notices to the federal and provincial governments. The divisional bench of PHC Mingora bench comprising Justice Muhammad Naeem Anwar and Justice Muhammad Ijaz Khan approved the petition filed by the Peshawar High Court Mingora Bench Bar Association against the judicial powers of Executive Magistrates in Malakand Division (former PATA). Barrister Adnan Khan appeared before the court on behalf of the Bar Association and appealed to revoke the judicial powers of the executive magistrates. The Divisional Bench approved the writ petition for regular hearing and issued notices to the Federal and Provincial Governments. Mujahid Farooq, President the Peshawar High Court Mingora Bench Bar Association, told this scribe that executive magistrates in Malakand Division have been exercising their judicial powers unconstitutionally and illegally due to which people are facing immense difficulties. “A double burden has been placed on the magistrates, on the one hand, administrative officers have been assigned the responsibility of magistrates while on the other hand, they have been given judicial powers which have impacted their performance negatively,” Mujahid Farooq claimed.

The government has approved a massive Rs7.91per unit gradual hike in the base power price and asked the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to take further steps in this regard. According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday granted his approval on a summary of The Energy Ministry in this regard. They said that the first hike of Rs3.50/unit in the base electricity tariff will be passed onto consumers in July while the second one will be done in August and the third in September. Sources said NEPRA is likely to take a decision on whether to conduct a public hearing on the matter or take a direct decision without conducting a hearing by Wednesday. Earlier, NEPRA, after conducting a hearing, had forwarded its decision to the energy ministry and asked the government to issue notification in this regard. The authority has reportedly said that the increase of Rs7.9078 per unit was mainly due to an increase in fuel prices, capacity cost, and impact of rupee devaluation. The tariff hike was determined for the financial year (FY) 2022-23, which on the national average came out to be Rs24.82 per kilowatt hour (kWh), higher by Rs7.9078 per kWh than the earlier determined national average tariff

of Rs16.91 per kWh, said NEPRA. As per NEPRA, power distribution companies (DISCOs) including Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), Peshawar Electric Power Company (PESCO) & Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO) filed multi-year tariff petitions for the FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 while Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) & Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) filed annual adjustment/indexation request under the already allowed multi-year tariff. Energy Purchase Price was projected as Rs1,152 billion, while capacity charges including NTDC and HVDC cost was projected as Rs1,366 billion and total revenue requirement of DISCOs including DISCOs margin and Prior Year Adjustment (PYA) was projected as Rs2,805 billion with projected sales of 113,001 GWh. Profit also learnt that MEPCO, GEPCO, HESCO, SEPCO, QESCO, PESCO & TESCO were earlier allowed an investment of around Rs406 billion for their distribution investment program for a five years period while DISCOs allowed T&D losses were reduced from 13.46% to 11.70% for FY23.

SBP injects Rs1.371tr through OMO, second OMO this week ArIBA ShAhID The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted a back to back Open Market Operation (OMO) injection on Tuesday, the second in two days. On Monday the SBP announced a 74-day OMO injection and rejected all 28 bids. On Tuesday, another 73-day OMO injection, expected to mature on the same date, September 18 2022. This OMO offered commercial banks with Rs1.371 trillion of liquidity. Market watchers interpreted this as a sign that the State

Bank is struggling to create the conditions to avert another rate hike in tomorrow’s Monetary Policy decision. Twenty bids were placed ranging from 14.07 percent to 13.87 percent. The SBP offered Rs1.371 trillion but only accepted nine bids worth Rs1.186 trillion at a 13.97 percent annual rate of return. On Monday, the SBP announced a 74 day OMO. Twenty-eight bids that were placed by participants ranging between 13.97 percent to 13.84 percent to raise Rs1.91 trillion were rejected by the SBP.

Maryam urges Pti to provide free electricity to kP instead of dragging matters to court LAhOrE newS deSk

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz has criticised the PTI for approaching the Supreme Court after Punjab’s Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz announced to give free electricity to people consuming up to 100 units per month. The new announcement is expected to provide electricity to an estimated nine million poor families across the province. In a statement on Twitter, Maryam said that free electricity has been provided to the poor in Punjab. So, instead of moving the Supreme Court against the Punjab CM’s decision, the PTI should provide free electricity to the needy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The PML-N vice president said in order to provide free electricity to the needy in KP, one should work hard, instead of being jealous. Earlier today, terming the announcement about the provision of free electricity to the masses ahead of the by-elections a “violation of the court orders and an attempt to gain political mileage”, PTI’s senior leader Fawad Chaudhry had written a letter to the apex court against the “relief package” of the chief minister.

Govt plans to switch 1.2 million tube-wells to solar energy ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Minister for National Food Security and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema Tuesday said over 1.2 million agriculture tubewells would be switched to solar energy to reduce input cost and enhance farm income, particularly that of the small land holders. Addressing a press conference, the minister said that a task force was being formed to finalize modalities and engage commercial banks to finance the facility. Under the facility, the farmers would have to repay the loans in installments up to three years. He said the initiative has been taken on the directives of Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who has also asked for formulating short and long term policies to ensure tangi-

ble results in shortest possible time with focus on reviving agriculture sector for maintaining food safety and security as well as prosperity of farming communities. While reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensure proper rate of return to the farmers for their produces as well as enhancing the output of all major and minor crops, he said that recommendation for cotton intervention price was finalized and put on agenda of next meeting of Cabinet for approval. He said that the initiative was aiming at encouraging the farmers to bring maximum areas under cultivation of this crop of vital importance, adding that area under crop sowing during last season reduced by 37 percent, which was replaced by rice, maize and sugarcane.

The minister further informed that government was also keen to announce minimum support price for wheat before the start of the sowing season in order to encourage farmers to sow more wheat for attaining selfsufficiency in staple grains production and reduce reliance on imported wheat and edible oil that were enhancing pressure on much needed foreign exchange reserves. The minister said that government was aware of rising inflation and the problems being faced by the common man in the country, adding that steps were taken to protect them from the inflationary pressures. He said that government through its Utility Stores Corporation network was ensuring provision of essential commodities on controlled rates and provided wheat, flour and other commodities during the holy month of

Ramzan. In order to avert any possible shortage on food grains by the emerging RussiaUkrine conflict, the government had beefed up its strategic reserves and enhance wheat procurement targets of all provincial governments and PASSCO, adding that it was also decided to import about 3 million tons of wheat to ensure smooth supply throughout the year. Highlighting the relief measures introduced by the incumbent government for agriculture sector, he said that sales tax on tractors was withdrawn, where as seed cotton and canola were exempted from sales tax, adding no tax was levied on fertilizers to facilitate the growers. He said that government was paying special focus on small scale growers as they were about 92 percent of total farming community having less then 12 acres of land,

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adding that measures would be introduced to ensure their access to credit facility and saving them from the exploitation of middle man. Tariq Bashir said that despite the tough condition agreed by the last government with International Monetary Fund, the coalition partners had decided to take tough decision to save the country from default and also decided to take masses into confidence by sharing the facts with them. The minister said that government was taking other measures to benefit from the Chines experience and expertise in agriculture and livestock, adding that agreement for the buffalo breed improvement with China was finalized. He said that China was the biggest importer of beef and it was asked to establish farms in Pakistan that would help to develop the local livestock sector as well.