Epaper_22-07-09 LHR by Pakistan Today

saturday, 9 July, 2022 I 9 Zil Hajj, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 370 I 12 Pages I lahore Edition

DIPLOMATIC OVERTURE

PM Shehbaz PhoneS toP leaderS of Uae, Qatar ISLAMABAD

staff report

N a major diplomatic overture, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday phoned the President of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Emir of the State of Qatar and discussed with them on regional and global matters. The prime minister also invited the President of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Pakistan which the latter accepted with “great pleasure”. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said that the invitation was extended by PM Shehbaz during a telephone call to the UAE president. He had called the UAE leader to extend greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Azha. “The prime minister also extended best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of the UAE. Reaffirming the fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE, the two

leaders reiterated their mutual commitment to further expand and diversify special bilateral relations,” said the PMO. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reciprocated the PM’s greetings and extended best wishes to the Pak-

istani people on Eid. “Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close fraternal ties for five decades that are rooted firmly in common belief and shared values and culture. The UAE is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East

and a major source of investments,” said the PMO. The Prime Minister also called Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and extended greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to the people of Qatar. The Amir of Qatar warmly reciprocated the greetings and extended best wishes to the people of Pakistan. Both the leaders expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations and resolved to carry forward the robust political and economic cooperation that existed between the two countries. The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact and work together on all issues of common interest. Qatar and Pakistan enjoy close and cordial relations rooted firmly in shared faith, mutual understanding and commonality of interests. Qatar is home to 200,000 Pakistani diaspora that is playing a positive role in the development of the State of Qatar.

Will bury PTI politics in Punjab by-polls: Maryam Nawaz SHEIKHUPURA staff report

photo by zubair mahfooz

PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz has said that her party will “bury” Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) politically in the upcoming by-elections in Punjab and accused the former ruling party of economic mismanagement and bad governance. “People know who is responsible for inflation..he [Imran Khan] did not build even a single development project during his four years in power,” Maryam said while addressing a rally in Punjab’s Sheikhupura district on Friday. Maryam’s rally was a part of the campaign for upcoming by-elections scheduled to be held on July

former Japanese PM Shinzo abe dies after being shot while campaigning Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe, the country’s longest-serving leader, was pronounced dead on Friday afternoon, the hospital treating him confirmed, after he was shot at a campaign event. “Shinzo Abe was transported to (the hospital) at 12:20pm. He was in a state of cardiac arrest upon arrival. Resuscitation was administered. However, unfortunately he died at 5:03pm,” said Hidetada Fukushima, professor of emergency medicine at Nara Medical University hospital. Abe, 67, was delivering a stump speech with security present, but spectators were able to approach him fairly easily. NHK quoted the suspect, identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, as telling police he was dissatisfied with Abe and wanted to kill him. He has since been taken into custody. The suspect opened fire on Abe from behind with an apparently homemade gun as he spoke at a drab traffic island in the western city of Nara, Japanese media showed earlier. Footage broadcast by NHK showed Abe standing on a stage when a loud blast was heard with smoke visible in the air. agencies

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17 on 20 Punjab Assembly seats. Speaking about the ECP’s decision to suspend the Punjab government’s free electricity scheme for lifeline consumers, Maryam said Imran approached the court and halted the scheme due to “enmity against Punjab”. “People would get relief but this man has approached the court to stop it from happening… we will provide free electricity to people consuming less than 100 units.” Maryam said amid a slump in global prices, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will soon announce a major-relief package for inflationhit masses.

President, PM terms Abe’s death ‘great loss’ IslaMabad: Pakistani President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday extended condolences to the government and people of Japan on the demise of their former premier Shinzo Abe. “I extend my profound condolences over the sad demise of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” the prime minister said in a tweet. PM Sharif recalled that Abe made invaluable contributions to the Pakistan-Japan relationship. “Our prayers are with bereaved family. At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the people of Japan,” he said. staff report

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Getting threats from ‘number can’t be identified’: Imran KHOSHAB staff report

Without naming anyone, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Friday alleged that they were receiving “threat calls” from a number “which cannot be identified”. “They are trying to instil fear in people. A person sitting in Lahore has one mission that somehow these thieves win [by]election. I say to him if you rig the elections people will say bad things about you. No matter how much rigging you do, you will not be able to win elections,” Khan said while addressing a rally on Friday in Khoshab in connection with the by-polls in Punjab to be held on July 17. Imran Khan alleged that a person sitting in Lahore, whom he called Mr X, is on a “mission” to make the “imported” government win the upcoming by-elections in Punjab. “Mr X is sitting in Lahore to rig the byelections. I will not reveal his name as

you are already familiar with him. Earlier, the imported government bestowed the person with a highly influential rank in exchange for rigging in the 2013 elections,” Imran said. The PTI chief also said that the nation will never accept the “imported government no matter how many FIRs are registered against him and his team’s name. They beat [journalists] Ayaz Amir and arrested Imran Riaz and threw him in jail. But no matter what you do, we will not leave them [the unity government] alone,” he added. Calling the by-elections jihad, Imran said that they are going to decide the future of Pakistan. “They will decide whether they will be governed by thieves or not.” He said that apart from Mr X in Lahore, the chief election commissioner is also bent on supporting the incumbent government. “The CEC is trying to rig elections to make them win. They will rig elections but we will defeat them even

if they do massive rigging.” Calling the current rulers “dacoits”, the former premier said that they were imposed upon a nation of 220 million people via a “foreign conspiracy”. “I know the West the best. Those who are even on bail cannot get a job as peons. But here we made someone who was on bail our prime minister,” he added. He said that the current regime is trying to terrorise people and journalists. “Pakistanis will never accept Shehbaz, Hamza, Zardari and Fazl. We will never accept US slavery.” The ex-PM further said that Shehbaz, Nawaz and Zardari worship money as they were slaves of it and will never take a stand for Pakistan’s interest due to their own interests. “I have seen many poor countries and I’ve seen countries such as Switzerland that have limited resources but are among the richest. Nations are destroyed when only the poor are punished and the wealthy get away with anything.:

“Allah has ordered us to support good and oppose evil. When someone as corrupt as Shehbaz, Nawaz, Zardari and Fazl govern, the country gets on the path of destruction.”

Imran said that the US conducted 400 drone attacks during Nawaz and Zardari’s tenure but they never condemned it. “These thieves cannot take a stand against the US because of their interests.”

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Saturday, 9 July, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

ECP CoNdEMNS aLLEgaTIoNS LEvELEd By PTI ChaIrMaN

News Desk

HE Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday condemned ‘baseless allegations’ being levelled by former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan against the commission and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. In a message from its Twitter handle, the ECP said that no institution could be declared a traitor if people starts labeling them as traitors. “We want to clarify that the election commission will not be provoked or pressurized and will continue to make decisions as per the constitution and law,” the ECP said.

ECP takes notice of election code violation by Sindh police

Imran Khan has alleged the election commission and CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja to be biased and has demanded that he should resign from his slot. On Thursday, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan alleged Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) working with Hamza to ensure the victory of turncoats in the Punjab by-elections. Addressing a mammoth public gathering in Sheikhupura, Imran Khan claimed ECP is biased and working with Hamza Shahbaz Sharif. “Hamza Kukri listen, do whatever you want but turncoats cannot win the by-elections,” he was quoted as saying. He said the nation has rejected ‘imported government’.

Islami Tehreek-ePakistan to support PML-N in by-elections, says Khurram News Desk Minister for Power Engineer Khurram Dastgir on Friday said Islami Tehreek-e-Pakistan (ITP) would support Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates in by-elections on 20 constituencies of Punjab Assembly scheduled for July 17. Addressing a press conference along with ITP Secretary General Allama Dr Shabbir Hassan Meesami, the minister said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the Interior Minister and ITP yesterday and it would fully support PML-N in forthcoming by-elections in Punjab. The MoU would not only be beneficial for the PML-N but also a positive development for the country. He said they were thankful to ITP for being a part of democratic ‘Carvan’. PML-N and ITP alliance would also remain intact in next general elections to be held in 2023. Ulemas had decided to support PML-N for strengthening and development of Pakistan, he added. The minister said it was need of the hour to include people of all schools of thought in mainstream for larger interests of the country. Speaking on the occasion, Allama Dr Shabbir Hassan Meesami said that under the reconciliation process, ITP would fully support PML-N in the coming by-elections. He expressed the hope that now the problems pf the people would address in a better way.

Weekly inflation soars by 1.32%, PBS data shows

LAHORE: Railway Station jam-packed with passengers moving towards their hometowns to celebrate Eidul Azha. Photo by zubair Mehfooz

PM terms Burhan Wani ‘an icon of Kashmiris’ struggle against India’s oppression’ News Desk Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday termed martyred Kashmiri youth Burhan Muzaffar Wani as a symbol of Kashmiris’ courageous resistance against the Indian occupation. On the sixth martyrdom anniversary of Wani, the prime minister paid tribute to him and said the Indian troops in Occupied Kashmir unjustifiably tortured Wani and forced him to pick guns instead of education. PM Sharif said Burhan Wani was the dear son of a Kashmiri mother who used to teach Holy Quran and of a teacher father who taught students.He said Wani had written a chapter of great sacrifice against the illegal

occupation of India and added that even 0.9 million troops could not deter the commitment of such brave sons of soil. The prime minister said for over 70 years, the courageous Kashmiri people were struggling for their right to self-determination. He urged the international community, particularly the United Nations to ensure implementation of the resolutions of the Security Council by holding a plebiscite in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He vowed Pakistan’s continued support to the just struggle of the Kashmiri people and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs including Burhan Wani.

kARACHI News Desk

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of the violation of the election code by Sindh police after a senior officer from Kashmore was transferred to Hyderabad. The provincial election commission took notice of a violation of the code ahead of the second phase of Sindh local government (LG) polls, ordering Inspector General (IG) Sindh Police to stop the transfer of a senior officer. The provincial police department issued an order to transfer Superintendent Police (SP) Kashmore Amjad Shaikh to Hyderbad despite the ECP ban on transfers and postings on the government officers due to the upcoming Sindh LG polls. In a letter sent to IG Sindh, the provincial ECP wrote that the second phase of LG polls will be held soon and the recent posting will influence the elections. As per the announcement of the commission, the position of any government officials could not be changed till the issuance of election results. The commission ordered the IG Sindh to withdraw the transfer orders of SP Kashmore Amjad Shaikh. The transfer should be withheld till the announcement of election results. Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) banned the organization of political rallies during electioneering for the second phase of local government (LG) polls under the revised election code. After witnessing large-scale mismanagement during by-elections, the election commission has toughened enforcement of the election code of conduct for the upcoming second phase of LG polls.

Marriyum unveils schedule for Maryam Nawaz public meetings IsLAMABAD staff rePort

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday issued schedule for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Vice President Maryam Nawaz visits and address to public meetings in various districts of Punjab ahead of by-election to 20 seats of Punjab Assembly. In a tweet, she said that Maryam Nawaz will address public meetings in different districts of the province from July 11 to July 15. She said that Maryam Nawaz will address a public rally in Sahiwal on July 11 whereas she will address public meetings in Jhang and Layyah on July 12 and 13 respectively. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the PML-N vice president would address a rally in Khushab and Rawalpindi on July 14. Maryam Nawaz will visit Lahore and Multan on July 15 and address public meetings, said Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Fawad Ch clarifies statement on Sanaullah case as Imran Khan takes notice IsLAMABAD MiaN abrar

News Desk The weekly inflation report shows an increase of 1.32% in the last week, taking the overall inflation rate to 33.66%. According to details, the inflation rate in the county reaches 33.66% as the weekly inflation report shows an increase of 1.32%. Data issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) show that the price of 30 essential items increased, dropping for five items while the price for 16 items remained stationary. The price for petrol increased by 6.36%, diesel soared by 5.06 % while the price for Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) increased by 2.33%. The rates for a 2.5 kg box of Ghee increased by 1.64%, while potatoes gained by 2.57%, the data shows. PBS data shows that Garlic prices increased by 5.06% while prices for eggs, Yogurt, Rice, Sugar, Milk, flour and pulses also increased. While the prices for tomatoes, onion and daal mash decreased in the last week. Last week, the weekly inflation increased by 3.63 per cent during the week ended on June 30. The SPI-based weekly inflation went up for the week ended on June 30, 2022, after registering an increase of 3.63 per cent and 32.1 per cent on-year to year basis. Out of 51 items, prices of 28 (54.91%) items increased, 06 (11.76%) items decreased and 17 (33.33%) items remained stable.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday took notice of the statement of former federal minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry to retract his statement about the case of heroin recovery from PMLN leader Rana Sanaullah and clarify his misplaced statement about the subjudice matter. A day earlier, Fawad Chaudhry had claimed during a talk show that the alleged narcotics case pursued against incumbent interior minister Rana Sanaullah was “rubbish”. An informed source in the PTI told Pakistan Today that soon after the footage of Fawad Chaudhry’s interview started taking rounds on social media, Imran Khan got alarmed and called Fawad Chaudhry and directed him to clarify his [mis]statement about the sub-judice case and clarify his claim. Following Imran Khan interaction with Khan, Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter saying that in successive briefings, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Narcotics Control Minister

Shehryar Afridi were informed that heroin was recovered from [the possession of] Rana Sanaullah and that all evidence in this regard is available [with the ANF]. “Shehryar Afridi was speaking on behalf of the ANF and he still believes that the case was bonafide and based on facts,” he added. During an interview with a private

news channel on Thursday, the PTI leader said, “when this case was brought before the cabinet and I spoke up about it, the concerned officer left”. In response to who the “concerned officer” was, Chaudhry’s response was vague. However, he stated that he never believed the case had merit, “when I asked questions regarding the case, I knew the case was just

rubbish.” Referring to former state minister for narcotics control Shehryar Afridi’s oath which had taken regarding the case’s veracity, Chaudhry remarked, “what he did was wrong”. Sanaullah was arrested by the AntiNarcotics Force (ANF) on July 1, 2019, from the Islamabad-Lahore motorway. The ANF claimed to have recovered 15 kilogrammes of heroin and other drugs from his possession during the operation conducted on a tip-off. The PML-N leader insisted he had been implicated in a false case and was being politically victimised. Afridi during a national assembly session stated, “If you [Sanaullah] are speaking the truth then you must face the trial and do not use the delaying tactics.” Furthermore, the ANF had accused Sanaullah of drug trafficking, stating that the minister admitted to being involved in practice for the last few years. “Rana Sanaullah used to take drugs from Afghans in Faisalabad and supply them abroad. He said his vehicle was not checked so he used to smuggle drugs in his personal vehicle,” the challan said.

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Saturday, 9 July, 2022 | LAHORE

BuyINg SaCrIfICIaL aNIMaLS a hErCuLEaN TaSK ahEad of EIduL azha PesHAwAR aPP

LEANING his perspirations with a white handkerchief, Khurshid Khan (38), an officer of a public sector corporation, was engaged in hectic arguments with cattle traders one after another, hoping to buy a sacrificial animal at reasonable price to commemorate the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS). Engaged with arguments with cattle traders at Lala Kala, the biggest market of sacrificial animals at Chamkani Peshawar, the Assistant Manager of Pakistan Mineral Department Corporation (PMDC) was seen using his argument skills besides making determined efforts to convince the cattle dealers after they declined his Rs50,000 offer for a goat. “I came from Nowshera to Lala Kala cattle market at morning with a hope to buy a goat or a sheep on reasonable price but prices of sacrificial animals was also sky high here and performing “Qurbani” was merely a dream for many government employees this year,” said Khurshid while cleaning his perspiration from his face and hands with his long white handkerchief on his head to avoid heatstroke. Spending almost an entire day to buy a suitable sacrificial animal at Peshawar and Nowshera cattle markets, the determined official said that he would come again to Peshawar on Saturday with the hope that prices of the animals would become down. “Definitely, I will go for collective Qurbani with my family members if prices of goat or sheep did not

Break in Covid-19 spike as no fatality reported across Pakistan IsLAMABAD

come down by Saturday evening,” he said. Besides skyrocketing prices, he said poor sanitation, waste management and lumpy skin disease fear have added the difficulties of buyers. Like, Khurshid Khan, many government officials were seen at cattle markets of Lala Kala, Ring Road, Hazar Khwani, Hayatabad and Charsadda Road in Peshawar, Amangarh, Akora Khattak, Risalpur and Pabbi in Nowshera district flooded with sacrificial animals on eve of Eidul Azha. During a market survey conduced by APP on Friday, it was found in different cattle markets that the visitors especially government employees were more in number than buyers as most of them came to the markets to have an idea about the prices, however traders are expecting that the sale of cattle would reach to its peak on Saturday and all their stock would be sold out as per their price demand. “Since last Wednesday, I have sold only 20 oxens out of 50 available with me in Pabbi cattle market. Till Friday, buyers mostly government employees comes to cattle markets to take an idea about the prices and then most of them return empty hands,” said Mosa Khan, an inter provincial cattle trader of Pabbi said. “I have brought 10 trucks having five buffaloes and oxen from Punjab to lucrative market of Nowshera and Peshawar and only 20 were sold so far due to price hike and inflation,” said Mosa Khan. He said increase of transportation and fodder charges have increased prices of sacrificial animals this year. ‘The dealers suffer great economic losses in case death of an animal due to heatstroke or lumpy skin disease,” he added.

Apart from domestic traders of KP, inter-provincial businessmen of Punjab, Sindh and Blochistan have also brought their stocks to Peshawar from where sacrificial animals were being transported to the seven merged tribal districts and possibly to Afghanistan. “I have so far brought eight trucks of cattle from Sahiwal and my brother were sending three more trucks to Peshawar that would reach here by Saturday night,” Sohail Khan, an inter-provincial exporter said. Refused an offer of Rs 300,000 for his ox ‘ Sona’ last Thursday, he said that any offer less than Rs. 350,000 would not be accepted. Dr Aftab Ahmad, Director Livestock and Dairy Development KP told APP that around 100,000 to 150,000 cattle are being sacrificed only in KP on occasion of Eidul Azha. He said KP have no viable choice but to import cattle from Punjab to ensure availability of sacrificial animals on reasonable rates to the people, adding that around 70 to 80 percent cattle are being brought form Punjab. Faud Ishaq, former President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) said that tripartiteexport agreement between Pakistan, India and Afghanistan would immensely help meet people requirements of beef, milk and sacrificial animals. He said transportation of sacrificial animals to Afghanistan were major reason behind hike of sacrificial animals prices in KP that needed to be regulated. Dr Aftab said that several checkpoints were established with the assistance of provincial government at various places on highways connecting KP with merged areas to control the menace of cattle smuggling.

Pakistan pays glowing tribute to Edhi on 6th death anniversary

staff rePort

kARACHI

Pakistan has reported another 693 coronavirus infections and no death during the past 24 hours, according to statistics released by the National Institute of Health Pakistan on Friday. As per the NIH data, the death toll in Pakistan remained the same at 30,413 whereas the number of total infections now stood at 1,541,645 after 693 fresh cases. During the past 24 hours, 21,137 tests were conducted throughout Pakistan whereas the positivity ratio stood at 3.28 percent. The number of patients in critical care was recorded at 165. Most cases 441 were reported in Sindh, followed by 142 in Punjab and 45 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During the last 24 hours, another 379 patients recovered from the Covid-19 in Pakistan and the number of total recoveries now stood at 1,501,886. As of Friday, the total count of active cases in the country was recorded at 9,346. As many as 584,802 coronavirus cases have so far been confirmed in Sindh, 509,269 in Punjab, 220,253 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 136,513 in Islamabad, 35,611 in Balochistan, 43,428 in Azad Kashmir and 11,769 in Gilgit-Baltistan. As many as 13,579 individuals have lost their lives to the pandemic in Punjab so far, 8,122 in Sindh, 6,324 in KP, 1,026 in Islamabad, 793 in Azad Kashmir, 378 in Balochistan and 191 in Gilgit Baltistan.

staff rePort

The 6th death anniversary of prominent philanthropist and humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi was observed on Friday. Abdul Sattar Edhi was born on February 28, 1928, in Gujarat before partition of the sub-continent. He started welfare services in Pakistan in 1951. He established World s largest volunteer ambulance network along with shelters for homeless people and animals and orphanages across the country. Many international and national awards, including Asian Noble, the Lenin Peace Prize and Nishan-e-Imtiaz were bestowed upon him in recognition of his services for humanity. Edhi’s foundation has provided relief in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Croatia, Indonesia and the United States after Hurricane Katrina.

He breathed his last on this day in 2016 at the age of 88 in Karachi. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday paid tribute to renowned social activist Abdul Sattar Edhi on his death anniversary, terming him the ‘pride of Pakistan’. In a statement, the prime minister said Edhi was a great man who spent all his life in rendering

sincere services for humanity. He said Edhi became the patron of orphans and the needy and sheltered them with love and care. He recalled the selfless contribution of Edhi and his late wife Bilquis for their long journey of service for humanity. The prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty to grant Edhi the elevated ranks in heavens.

NEWS

Bodies of coalminers died in Sindh reach hometown swAT syeD shahabuDDiN

The dead bodies of eight coalminers killed in coalmine in Jhimpir area of Thatta district were brought to their hometowns in Swat and Shangla Districts. The tragic incident occurred when rainwater flooded a coalmine in Jhimpir area, leaving all the eight miners drowned besides one miner is still missing. The deceased were identified as Sajjad Ali, son of Amir Rehman, resident of Sar Sardaray; Abu Bakr, son of Afzal, resident of Nimcha Bishbanr; Azeem Khan, son of Amir Nawab, resident of Sor Banr Kadoona and Ataullah, son of Rozi Rehman, resident of Wadana Gortai of Swat District, while Jehan wali Khan, son of Amanullah Khan; Mian Sher, son of Namus Khan; Perwaiz, son of Khairati and Gul Chaman, son of Yaras, resident of Amanwi, Shangla District. Moving scenes were witnessed when the bodies reached their hometowns and people were seen to be in great shock. They blamed the Federal as well as Sindh governments for this tragic incident and demanded compensation for the bereaved families. Gulab Khan Shahpuri, President Coal Mines Workers Welfare Association (CMWA), said the tragic incident occurred due to negligence on the part of the contractor and the mine owner. “The local administration, as well as the mine contractors and owners, had been warned in advance by the Sindh Government that there will be heavy rain, but they did not take any precautionary measures.” He said that due to the breakage of the water channel in the coalmine three days ago, rainwater flooded mines, leading to the drowning of workers inside the coalmine.

Punjab set to purge rajanpur Kacha area of criminals LAHORe/RAJANPUR staff rePort

Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Sardar Ali Khan said on Friday that concrete steps should be taken under short and long term plan for permanent eradication of criminal elements from kachha areas in South Punjab. “All organized gangs including Lund Gang, Sukhani Gang and their facilitators should be brought to book at the earliest.” According to details, the Punjab government has decided to rehabilitate Rajanpur Kacha area and eliminate all criminal gangs. The high-ups of Punjab Government including Chief Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal and IG Police Rao Sardar Ali Khan visited areas of Rojhan and Kachha. The two officers visited Rojhan Picket, Bihar Machhi and Picket Basti Dolani on the front line and reviewed the ongoing measures in the field whereas DPO Rajanpur briefed the CS and the IGP on the law and order situation in Kachha. The IGP was briefed on the establishment of 17 new police pickets in Kacha area and the activities of criminal elements. The IG Police also met the Jawans posted in Kachha area and encouraged them. The IG Police ordered to intensify search and intelligence based operations against criminal gangs operating in Kachha area, adding that coordination with police and administration of Sindh and Balochistan would be further improved so that criminals of these hardened gangs could not escape. Rao Sardar Ali said that police pickets in Kachha area would be given the status of permanent police posts and new roads and bridges would be constructed in this area to further improve police access. The IGP said that conditions of concession/ relaxation in age and education were being considered for providing employment to people of Kachha area. He said that the police Jawans fighting on the frontline are real heroes and a special package will be announced for welfare of the police force deployed in Kachha areas. He also presided over a meeting along with the Punjab Chief Secretary on the occasion.

China-Pak medical AI cooperation to boost chronic disease screening IsLAMABAD News Desk

China-Pakistan medical AI cooperation to boost local chronic disease screening, Gwadar Pro reported on Friday. Lately, at the first international “Medical Conference and Exhibition for Next Generation Healthcare” held in Islamabad, Chinese medical AI leader Airdoc Technology and Pakistan’s well-known medical device import and distribution company Dynamic Medical Company (DMC) officially signed a cooperation agreement to work together to promote the application of Airdoc retinal imaging AI products in Pakistan. Special Technology Zones Authority Chairman Amer Hashmi, ex-Surgeon General of Pak Army, Lt-Gen (r) Asif Mumtaz Sukhera, Health Services Academy VC Prof Dr Shahzad Ali Khan, former Ambassador to China Ms Naghmana A Hashmi, Advisor to GoP on Health Dr Ghazna Khalid, and

numerous other professionals from public health sector attended the conference. One of the major objectives of this conference was sensitizing the participants, the general public and

the government to hereditary or genetic disorders, its timely diagnosis and available treatments. In his speech HAS VC Dr Khan said that Pakistan is ranked among the countries having high alert of

genetic disorders, adding that majorly the increased incidence and prevalence of the genetic disorders are associated with lack of pre-natal testing facilities in the country. “Faced with the increasingly serious disease burden in Pakistan, advanced medical technology is an inevitable solution at present.” Experts such as Ms Hashmi, former Pakistani ambassador to China, agreed that pre-marital testing and counseling in Pakistan’s health care system will effectively relieve the heavy burden of genetic diseases through technological intervention. Initiating research evidencebased interventions for genetic diseases in Pakistan will open another dimension of trade i.e. PakChina Health Corridor. At the meeting, Yang Yaquan, representative of Airdoc’s overseas business department, gave a keynote speech on “Artificial Intelligence Solutions for Early Screening of Chronic Diseases”, introducing that a series of chronic diseases such as high blood

pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease has a genetic predisposition. The retina is the only part of the human body that can directly observe blood vessels and nerves non-invasively, thus by observing the subtle changes of blood vessels and nerves on the retina, people can glimpse the clues of more than 200 common chronic diseases. The application of AI technology has made this test, which has a solid medical theoretical foundation, more efficient and accessible, making large-scale early screening of chronic diseases possible. The reporter learned that Airdoc will promote a portable fundus camera in Pakistan, which looks like a VR glasses, is very convenient to carry, and can be driven by ordinary power banks. After the user completes retinal photography according to the voice prompt, it only takes about 1 minute to receive an assessment report containing dozens of health risks.

The product has been applied to domestic and foreign medical, general health, eye health management and other scenarios, serving over 10 million users. If the product can be promoted to the medical and health system of Pakistan, it will be beneficial for the early prevention of local related diseases It is worth mentioning that DMC in institutional collaboration with the Health Services Academy (HSA) and their Chinese partners plans to set up a Genetic Reference Laboratory and Research Center for genetic disorders in Islamabad. CEO, DMC, Mr. Owais Mir mentioned during the closing remarks that this conference will create an enabling environment for all medical technology-based research and innovation in Pakistan and this is only the beginning. More awareness on mass level coupled with federal govt.’s support will bring plan to action in the form of genetic labs, DNA sequencing interventions, data mining and more.

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04 newS

Hajj SeRMon: MuSliMS uRged to Maintain unity, bRotHeRHood and CoopeRation

NewS DeSk

HEIKH Muhammad AlIssa, member of the Council of Senior Scholars and secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), delivered the Hajj sermon at Masjid-e-Nimra. Delivering the wide-ranging ser-

mon from Masjid-e-Nimra, he said that Islam is a religion of peace and there is only one Allah and Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH) is the last prophet. “Allah is the only one who deserves to be worshipped by the inhabitants of the heavens and the inhabitants of the Earth. He has complete knowledge of everything you

CM Hamza Shehbaz announces remission in prisoners’ sentences NewS DeSk Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced one-month remission in the sentences of the prisoners across the province. According to the notification, the government has given one remission to convicted prisoners in their jail terms. The remission does not apply to those convicted for murder, espionage, anti-state activities, sectarianism, adultery, robbery, dacoity, kidnapping, culpable homicide and terrorists acts and also those undergoing sentences under the Foreigners Act, 1946. The chief minister Hamza Shahbaz congratulated the prisoners and their families over remission in their sentences and expressed hope that the relief in jail term will improve their lives. Hundreds of prisoners will get relief and several of them will be released from jails after the announcement of relief.

Renowned poet, religious scholar Mushtaq Kashmiri passes away in Srinagar

conceal and everything you reveal.” “Respecting and valuing humanity is compulsory for all Muslims,” he further said and added that success lies in fear of Allah Almighty and following his orders. “The combination of the testimony that only Allah is to be worshipped, along with the testimony that Muhammad (PBUH) is Allah’s mes-

senger.” He said that Muslims should exhibit best of the manners as only those who will have good manners will be close to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) on the Day of Judgment. In his Hajj sermon, Sheikh Bandar urged the Muslims to worship in such a way that Almighty Allah is seeing them. Hundreds of thousands of Mus-

Domestic, international flights to be increased for Multan: Saad Rafique NewS DeSk Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Friday that domestic and international flights would be increased at Multan International Airport. During his visit of Multan International Airport, the minister said that he was excited to visit the international airport. He said that his government was striving hard to strengthen all institutions of the country. He said that country was facing hardships but government would overcome the issues. He visited different departments of the airport and also presided over a meeting. The Manager Airport Raja

Azhar Mahmood briefed the minister about the facilities being offered to masses at the airport. The minister expressed satisfaction on the available facilities. Earlier, federal minister visited Pakistan Railways headquarters and chaired a meeting of divisional officers. Addressing the meeting, Khawaja Saad Rafique said that protection of passengers and best facilities for them was top priority and no negligence would be tolerated in this context. He directed officers concerned to extend facility of clean drinking water at all railways stations. He added that Pakistan Railways be stabilized soon. The federal minister planted a sapling at railways headquarters.

Austerity measures: Govt decides to abolish vacant posts

NewS DeSk A renowned poet and religious scholar, Mushtaq Kashmiri passed away in Srinagar, today. The Kashmiri poet, Mushtaq Kashmiri was among religious scholars, social reformers and pro-freedom activists and was an uncompromising campaigner against Indian illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, said a press release. He had been ill for several months. His funeral was held at Saida Kadal in Srinagar, where his martyred son, Rajabul-Islam is buried in the Martyrs’ Graveyard, who also laid his life for the just cause of Kashmir. He was also a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Jamaat-e-Islami and remained in jails for several years after 1965. The family has a great sacrifice on the Kashmiris right to self-determination movement. APHC leaders in IIOJK and AJK chapter in their statements expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Mushtaq Kashmiri. They paid rich tributes to him for his services towards the freedom movement with full sincerity and dedication. He and his family had dedicated his life to the freedom movement and his entire life is full of sacrifices. They offered sincere condolences to the family and well-wishers of Mushtaq Kashmiri.

lim pilgrims from around the world converged in Maidan-e-Arafat on Friday to perform the Rukn-e-Azam of Hajj “Waqoof-e-Arafat” which marks climax of the Hajj. The worshippers, capped at one million including 850,000 from abroad, spent the night at camps in the valley of Mina. The pilgrims after listening to the Hajj Sermon at Masjid-e-Nimrah will

pray and recite the holy Quran for several hours at the mountain and sleep nearby. After Azaan-e-Maghrib, the pilgrims will leave for Muzdalifah where they will offer Maghrib and Isha prayers together and spend the night under open sky. From Muzdalifah, pilgrims will also collect pebbles to throw at Satin the next morning. After offering Fajr Prayer at Muzdalifah, they will leave for Mina for remaining Hajj rituals. This year’s hajj is taking place against the backdrop of a resurgence of Covid-19 in the region. All participants were required to submit proof of full vaccination and negative PCR tests.

ISLAMABAD shahzaD Paracha

The Federal government has decided to abolish vacant /redundant/non-produc-

UK envoy wishes happy Eid with message of environment protection In a video message uploaded Friday on his Twitter handle, British High Commissioner in Pakistan Christian Turner wished happy Eid to Muslims all over the world with a message to protect environment and fight climate change. “Assalam-u-Alaikum friends! Today, I am very happy that I am back in the Northern Areas, in the beautiful mountains. I am absolutely delighted to be back here in the Northern Areas—one of the most beautiful landscapes in Pakistan where I am trekking with my family and friends and enjoying all that it has to offer,” he said. “But as I see the rising flood waters, the melting glaciers, I know we must work ever hard to protect our environment, to fight climate change and protect our communities. Our world is our responsibility. Wherever you are this Eid, happy Eid to you from me,” he wished happy Eid. News Desk

tive posts. As per details, the Finance Ministry on Thursday issued austerity measures for financial year 2022-23. In pursuance of the decision taken

by the Federal Cabinet, in case No. 147/15/2022, in its meeting held on June 7, 2022, it was directed that keeping in view the extraordinary financial constraints being faced by the country at present and to conserve resources, extraordinary measures are required to be taken for ensuring rational utilization of public money besides curtailing expenditure to reduce fiscal deficit. There shall be complete ban on purchase of all types of vehicles from current and development budget except utility vehicles such as ambulances, busses for educational institutions and solid waste vehicles. In addition, government has also banned creation of new posts except those required for development projects besides treatment abroad at government expenses; appointment of contingent paid / daily wagers staff except for development projects; purchase of office furniture except for development projects; purchase of machinery & equipment including air conditioners, microwave, fridge, photocopier, official visits abroad by

government functionaries where GoP funding is involved except obligatory visits, official lunches / dinners / hi-tea except for foreign delegations; periodical, magazines, news papers have also been declared banned. Principal Accounting Officers shall ensure that consumption of utilities be reduced by 10%, existing entitlement for POL for government functionaries be reduced by 30%; avoidable travel be curtailed by promoting use of zoom (video links) and vacant / redundant / nonproductive posts be abolished. In addition to above, Federal Government has further decided that POL usage of Ministers’ vehicles would be slashed by 40% and security vehicles of Cabinet members would be reduced by 50%, VVIP cavalcades’ expense would be reduced without compromising security. All ministries/divisions are requested to disseminate the above instructions to all their concerned departments / organizations / autonomous bodies / corporations / authorities, etc for strict compliance.

Illegal cattle markets, sale points abound in provincial capital LAHORe shahab Omer

Despite tall claims by the district administration and the Walton Cantonment Board, illegal cattle markets in the provincial capital could not be stopped, Profit learnt here on Friday. According to details, 13 big cattle markets were set up in different parts of the city for Eidul-Adha this time in Lahore, but despite this, traders have spread in the city with cattle. The survey conducted by Profit found that illegal cattle markets were set up on more than one hundred points of city including Shadman, Ichhra, Sanda Road, Lawrence Road, Multan Road, Garden Town, Johar Town, Burki Road, Rifle Range Road, Township, Nishtar Colony, Kahna. Speaking to Profit, an official of the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department revealed that illegal markets increase the risk of lumpy virus and other diseases in animals. “Almost all the animals of traders who bring sacrificial animals from other cities for sale in Lahore are allowed to enter the city

after proper checking and these traders are allowed to set up stalls in the markets set up by the administration. But it can be difficult to say anything about the health of the animals of traders who are selling animals in illegally established markets,” he said. Citizens in different parts of the city also complained that illegal cattle markets in their areas were not only affecting traffic but also endangering healthy animals. When contacted, CCPO Lahore DIG Bilal Siddique Kamyana informed that Lahore Police was taking full action against the illegal cattle market sale points set up in the city in connection with Eid-ul-Adha. He added that it was strictly forbidden to set up illegal cattle markets and sale points at any place in the city, including streets and roadside. “I have also directed the police officers to take non-discriminatory action against the offenders under section 144,” he said. However, according to the data obtained from the CCPO office, Lahore police registered 559 cases for setting up illegal cattle mar-

kets and sale points and arrested 561 outlaws. “Similarly, Cantt Division registered 175 cases, Sadar Division 165, City Division 75, Iqbal Town Division 63, Civil Lines 47 while Model Town Division registered 34 cases. Moreover, Lahore police have also arrested 176 traders from Cantt Division, 165 from Saddar, 76 from City Division, 63 from Iqbal Town Division, 47 from Civil Lines and 34 from Model Town Division for setting up illegal cattle markets and sale points,” documents stated.

Saturday, 9 July, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

Will bury PTI politics in Punjab by-polls: Maryam Nawaz continued from page 01 “Shehbaz Sharif did not only reduce flour prices for Punjab but for the entire country including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa because this is not politics but a service to the people,” she added. “People will bury PTI’s politics in Punjab by-polls as they know who is responsible for inflation,” he said, adding, “The PML-N will lift people out of problems and soon steer the country out of crisis.” The ruling party leader while speaking about the former NAB chairman’s scandal, said Tayyaba Gull had approached the then prime minister Imran to get justice. “But instead of providing her justice, she was forcefully kept in the PM House and Imran took videos from her to blackmail NAB chairman..” Gull has alleged that NAB officials stripped her naked, made videos and filed cases when she refused to comply with then anti-corruption chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal’s “demands”. “He had promised to turn the PM House into university but instead it was turned into a hub of blackmailing.” Maryam said NAB closed down all cases against PTI leaders and stepped up investigations against PML-N leaders after former PM Imran “blackmailed” the then NAB chairman.

President House completely running on solar energy: Arif Alvi

WANI’s MArTyrdoM ANNIversAry beING observed As resIsTANCe dAy isLamaBad

stAff report

ASHMIRIS, living both sides of the Line of Control and across the work, are observing the 6th martyrdom anniversary of popular youth leader Burhan Muzaffar Wani as Resistance Day. Burhan Wani, along with two other associates, was killed by Indian troops during a fake encounter in Kokernag area of Islamabad district on this day in 2016. According to Kashmir Media Service (KMS), Burhan Wani is the face of Kashmiris’ resistance against India’s illegal occupation and the people of Kashmir will continue his mission as he lives in the hearts of Kashmiri people. The KMS report said that India martyred Burhan Wani but thousands of Burhans emerged, adding that India could eliminate Burhan physically, but it can’t kill the freedom sentiment of the Kashmiri people. It said Burhans will keep on coming till Kashmiris achieve freedom from Indian tyranny and the people of

news desk President Arif Alvi on Friday said that the Presidency has been completely converted to solar energy, a day after the government announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to announce the national solar energy policy on August 01. The president shared the details in a meeting to save energy today where the participants expressed their satisfaction over measures to conserve electricity, water and gas resources under the ‘Green Presidency’ project. “The Presidency saved Rs108 million in terms of energy conservation during the last two years,” Arif Alvi said and termed the project as one of the best for the entire country. He said that the Presidency is being run through a solarpowered 1MW project and has also contributed 112,000 additional units to the national grid. It is pertinent to mention here that the federal government will announce the national solar energy policy on August 01 with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying that it would drastically cut fuel imports, bring down the cost of electricity and provide clean energy. The prime minister chaired a meeting of the energy task force where it was decided that the national solar energy policy will be announced on August 01 and would be implemented after approval from the Council of Common Interest (CCI). The Prime Minister House and Prime Minister Office (PM0) will be shifted to solar energy in a month. Taking to Twitter to share details of the initiative from his personal handle, Shehbaz Sharif said that he was briefed about the key solar energy initiatives earlier today. He said that the coalition government will soon introduce the country’s first comprehensive solar policy after the approval of the CCI. “Solar energy will drastically cut fuel imports, bring down cost of electricity & provide clean energy.”

Teen boy raped, killed in Gujrat guJarat News Desk

A 13-year-old student allegedly raped and murdered in Gujrat district of Punjab on Friday. Police sources claimed that Ali Hamza was kidnapped, raped, and then murdered. According to police sources, the boy’s naked body was discovered in the fields. Ali Hamza was kidnapped from near his home, four days back. A kidnapping case was registered on the complaint of his uncle. According to police, they have nabbed two suspects.

Kashmir will keep on treading martyr Burhan Wani’s path till freedom from India. The report maintained that Burhan Wani will continue to inspire the Kashmiris in their struggle against occupation. Burhan Wani was an ardent supporter of J&K’s accession to Pakistan, it said. The Kashmiri people love their heroes and will not let martyrs’ blood go in vain, the report said, adding that India must read the writing on the wall as it cannot subdue the Kashmiris’ passion for freedom. Meanwhile, The All Parties Hur-

Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe dies after being shot while campaigning continued from page 01 Security officials were then seen tackling a man in a grey T-shirt and beige trousers. t was the first assassination of a sitting or former Japanese premier since the days of prewar militarism in the 1930s. Nara emergency services said he had been wounded on the right side of his neck and left clavicle. His brother, Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi, had said earlier that Abe was getting blood transfusions. Speaking before Abe’s death was announced, incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the shooting in the “strongest terms” while Japanese people and world leaders expressed shock at the violence in a country in which political violence is rare and guns are tightly controlled. “Former prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot in Nara and I have been informed he is in a very grave condition,” PM Kishida had told reporters after arriving in Tokyo by helicopter from the campaign trail.

riyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter organized a protest demonstration at Press Club in Islamabad, on the 6th martyrdom anniversary of popular Kashmiri youth leader, Burhan Muzaffar Wani. The protesters were holding portraits of Burhan Wani and placards with pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. They also raised high-pitched slogans in favour of Kashmiri martyrs and against the Indian brutalities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the demonstration, the Hurriyat leaders paid rich tributes to

President, PM terms Abe’s death ‘great loss’ continued from page 01 Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead this morning while campaigning for a parliamentary election in the Nara region. Shinzo Abe served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020. President Dr Arif Alvi also expressed profound grief over the death of Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe. “I would like to express my deep condolences to the family of ex PM and to people of Japan on the sad demise of the very respected Mr Shinzo Abe,” the president said in a tweet. Dr. Alvi recalled with fondness his meeting with Shinzo Abe during his visit to Japan. “I recall with great fondness, my meetings with him, [he was ]always smiling,” he said. The president also mentioned the sincere friendship of Shinzo Abe with the people of Pakistan. He termed the death of Shinzo Abe as a “great loss”.

Shehbaz’ family behind solar agency conundrum: Sheikh Rashid While denouncing recent increase in electricity tariff by Rs9 per unit, former interior minister and Awami Muslim League Chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said that the government has fully entrapped in the IMF web harbingering that country is heading towards default. The former minister was of the view that the real face behind the solar agency commission was the Shehbaz Sharif family. He held that Pakistan had become the most expensive country of the world. In his tweets posted on Friday, Sh Rashid said:

“The government has entrapped in the IMF web. 400 textile mills have been shut down. The country is going to default. Electricity has become more expensive with Rs9 per unit hike in its price. The real face behind the commission of solar agency is that of Shahbaz Sharif family. Their agenda is: trade with India, friendship with Israel and giving permission for drone bases. “Inflation has risen by 31% and interest rate has gone up by 15%. Who will invest here now? Ministries are on sale nowadays. News Desk

Pakistani pilgrims to undergo Covid test upon return Pakistan’s health ministry has decided to conduct a rapid antigen test at the airports to detect COVID-19 in the Hajj pilgrims upon their return to the country. The national health ministry has directed the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to submit details of the pilgrims. The DG CAA has been asked to appoint its officials along with the personnel of the Airport Security Force (ASF) to conduct rapid antigen tests at the airports. Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims from around the world converged in Maidan-e-Arafat on Friday to perform the Rukn-e-Azam of Hajj “Waqoof-e-Arafat” which marks climax of the Hajj.

The worshippers, capped at one million including 850,000 from abroad, spent the night at camps in the valley of Mina.

On Friday comes the highlight of the Hajj: ascending Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon

Him) delivered his final sermon. The pilgrims will listen the Hajj Sermon at Masjid-e-Nimrah while staying in Arafat on Friday. Dr Al Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al Issa will deliver the sermon. Worshippers will pray and recite the holy Quran for several hours at the mountain and sleep nearby. After Azaan-eMaghrib, the pilgrims will leave for Muzdalifah where they will offer Maghrib and Isha prayers together and spend the night under open sky. From Muzdalifah, pilgrims will also collect pebbles to throw at Satin the next morning. After offering Fajr Prayer at Muzdalifah, they will leave for Mina for remaining Hajj rituals. News Desk

Burhan Wani and other martyrs. They said that the Kashmiri martyrs had rendered their lives for a sacred cause and their sacrifices would definitely bring positive results soon. They said that Burhan Wani’s sacrifice gave a new impetus to the Kashmir freedom movement, adding that the world was fully aware of the situation in IIOJK. The Hurriyat leaders deplored that the Indian troops were using brute force to suppress the Kashmiris’ indigenous freedom movement but would never succeed in its nefarious designs and the people of Kashmir would continue their struggle for right to self-determination till complete success. They said Burhan Wani passed the freedom movement of Kashmir to the younger generation by embracing martyrdom and today every youth of Kashmir in the form of Burhan Wani stands like a rock against the illegal occupation of India over Kashmir. Meanwhile, the rallies were also held in Shaheed Chowk, Muzaffarabad, Kotli,Rawala Kote and other parts of AJK. People from all walks of life, including political leaders and students, participated in the rallies.

Pilgrims pack Mount Arafat for climax of biggest Covid-era hajj mount arafat, saudi araBia AgeNcies

Huge crowds of robed Muslim pilgrims prayed on Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat on Friday, the climax of the biggest hajj pilgrimage since the pandemic forced drastic cuts in numbers two years in a row. Groups of worshippers, many holding umbrellas against the fierce sun, recited verses from the Quran on the rocky rise, where the Prophet Mohammed SAWW is believed to have given his final sermon. Prayers on Mount Arafat are the highlight of the pilgrimage, capped this year at one million people including 850,000 from abroad. Pilgrims, many in white robes, chanted “Oh God, here I am” as they reached Mount Arafat on foot or in buses from their nearby tents. After sunset, they will travel the short distance to Muzdalifah, where they will sleep under the stars before performing the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ceremony on Saturday. “I am so happy to be here… This is the biggest hajj in the coronavirus era, but it isn’t big enough yet,” Egyptian pilgrim Saad Farhat Khalil, 49, told AFP. “There are one million here today, but if the Saudis allowed more, 10 million would have come,” he added. Entry roads were packed with worshippers as helicopters buzzed overhead and volunteers handed out bottles of water and collected rubbish in green plastic bags. The hajj, usually one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, is among the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken by all Muslims with the means at least once in their lives. In 2019, as in previous years, some 2.5 million Muslims from around the world took part, a figure that dropped to a few thousand in 2020 and 60,000 in 2021. A number of world leaders have participated this year, including Mauritania’s president and Indonesia’s vice president. State media on Friday reported that Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov had arrived in the kingdom to perform the hajj.

06-07 Comments - 9th July 2022_Layout 1 7/9/2022 12:50 AM Page 1

Saturday, 9 July, 2022

06 COMMENT

A question of freedom of speech

Putting CPEC projects on track

Imran Riaz made important revelation before his arrest

A test of government’s commitment

T is heartening to learn that after the departure of the PTI government, key CPeC projects are back on track. We are told that confidence between the two countries was restored after Pakistan’s security forces successfully smashed a terrorist cell behind the killing of three Chinese teachers at Karachi University. Realistically speaking, much more needs to be done to speed up the ongoing CPeC projects and reach agreement on those which despite being crucial continue to face hurdles. The PTI leadership lacked the motivation to speed up a project initiated by its much-maligned predecessors. There were complaints that government departments left the majority of directives given by the Pak-China Relations Steering Committee unimplemented, despite federal minister Asad Umar chairing the committee. That even warnings failed to con gvince the bureaucracy to show progress indicates the lack of inclination in the PTI leadership. There were delays in the implementation of projects when then PM Imran Khan’s advisers were under IMF influence, Power and Petroleum SAPM Tabish Gohar being one, questioned the terms and conditions agreed with the Chinese power companies. The government approached not only the Chinese government but also Chinese companies individually, asking them to sit with the Power Division’s top brass for review of Power Purchase Agreements and rate of return. Will the present government defy the IMF pressure? . The most significant project facing delays is the Main Line 1 (ML-1) upgradation project. We are being told it has been revived. But has it? The highly ambitious ML-1 project includes dualisation and upgrading of the 1,872km railway track from Peshawar to Karachi which would revolutionise the railways system. The hindrance that lies in its way is its estimated cost, which was $7.2 billion in 2020, and which is likely to have gone up on account of rise in cost due to inflation. Pakistan had sought over $6billion Chinese loan. There were however questions about the country’s ability to pay back the loan. Pakistan was also required to seek relaxations from the IMF, as under the existing IMF deal Pakistan does not have space to provide sovereign guarantees above a certain level. The World Bank had meanwhile warned that the project’s debt servicing was not sustainable. Does the govt have a strategy to overcome all these hurdles in the way of ML-1?

Dr QAisAr rAshiD

n late night of July 5, the Punjab Police arrested senior journalist and Express News anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan from Islamabad Toll Plaza. Reportedly, across the country, over a dozen First Investigation Reports (FIRs) had been registered against him on charges of mutiny and treason. The police arrested him in one such case against which he could not secure pre-arrest bail. On 30 June 2022, belonging to Islamabad Bar Association, at a local hotel, lawyers of the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) arranged a seminar on the topic of “Regime change: Fallout on Pakistan.” On the occasion, Imran Riaz Khan delivered a speech revealing that he was asked by certain (Army) officers to stand against the then government of nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Further, the Army officers, as insinuated in the speech, showed him (and anchorperson Moeed Pirzada, who was also in attendance) certain files which were evidence of corruption done by, as the name implied, nawaz Sharif. By saying so, Imran Riaz Khan issued a statement publicly publicizing what happened in the run-up to the general elections of 2018. In fact, the statement itself divulged the reality of regime change in 2018: the way a section of the media was brought to sway the minds of the masses in favour of the PTI. The disclosure was disquieting not only because it laid bare the ploy to bring down Sharif’s government but also because it exposed the players who were functional behind the scene. By extension, Imran Riaz Khan and Moeed Pirzada are not the only journalists (or anchorpersons) who were engaged to ensure the fall of the Sharif government, there must be more sim-

Fatal coal mines

OA lmining is supposed to be a macho occupation the world over. It is supposed to have been the basis of the Industrial Revolution in europe, and there isv a mystique attached to it. But surely it is not supposed to be fatal. The recent flooding of a mine in Jhimpir, Thatta district, Sindh after flooding by rainwater trapped 40 miners, killing eight. not so long ago, four miners in Quetta district had been killed because of the spread of poisonous gas after an explosion. The pity is that these are all needless deaths. More the pity, coal mining in particular has been studied and its problems and difficulties are well known. It needs not be said that a careful safety and labour inspection regime should be followed. They are already present, and implementation is supposed to be part of the conditions of granting a lease. As all minerals are supposed to be the property of the provincial governments, they are only mined after the grant of leases for this purpose. health and safety rules exist on paper, but can be ignored for a consideration. Mining is considered a lucrative business precisely becqause mine-owners can cut corns, with the fatal results that follow. Coal mining has a msytique of its own, but it is vlearly in need of the kind of regulation that its operators are managing to avoid by methods as black and dirty as the mineral they mine. It could bbe argued that coal mining as a path to industrialization is not going to be very helpful in the present day and age, but there is still a need. Polluting as they are, coal-powered thermal generation plants have only now been set up, making this ancient mineral still the key to the country’s industrialization.

Inflation is really hurting people

AttiyA MunAwer

he coalition government claimed that everything would change as soon as it came to power but now we hear the same statement from it that difficult decisions will have to be made. how are these difficult decisions that have no effect on the aristocracy at all while the people have to bear everything? The lives of the people are already indigestible with increasing difficulties, the anti-people decisions of the government are becoming unbearable. On the one hand, the government is increasing inflation and on the other hand, it is demanding sacrifices from the people. even before this, the sovereignty has been asking for sacrifices from the people, but this time the government seems to be bent on debilitating the people. The rulers themselves are neither ready to relinquish power nor want to give up their privileges but want to snatch the last morsel out of the mouths of the people. There is no doubt that the contradiction between the words and deeds of the coalition government has started to come to light very soon. All the claims that were made before they came to power have fallen on

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Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

Instead of telling the countrymen the developmental work it performed during the stint, the PTI has been playing on the foreign conspiracy narrative.

The writer can qaisarrashid@yahoo.com

reached

There will be no change or revolution

Coal mining should not be fatal

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

ilar persons hired for performing the horrid odious task. The confession-cum-exposé is a reflection of the way politics has become a sleazy affair in Pakistan. With their pliable minds, the youth were the worst victims, who were motivated by various cards (a religious, ethnic, or nationalist card), whichever could serve the purpose. In fact, the youth were misguided. They were made sentimental to decide on a matter as serious as voting for a candidate. From 2018 onward, what the youth could do with blinded rationale: heat up the streets and resort to vandalism. The daily life got choked and the economy of the country plunged. On one ruse or the other, this is what Pakistan has been experiencing since 2018. The address of anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan indicates that the experiment of installing a hybrid government is over. The experiment cost Pakistan in terms of financial losses. The economy has plummeted and prices of commodities have soared. Before 2018, the Sharif’s government initiated and finished on time a number of developmental projects, which have still been nourishing the economy. After 2018, even colossal foreign loans sought could not be translated into developmental projects, making the country stripped of progress eventually. The question is this: Who is responsible for the downturn and the loss? Certainly, the scientists who performed the hybrid experiment. Further, those who colluded with the scientists. Anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan is now a torchbearer of the freedom of speech despite the fact that he subjugated his own freedom of thought to the diktat craving regime change in 2018. At that time, he relied blindly on the files presented to him, and acquiesced in thoughtlessly to the urgings extended to him. he shied away from applying his own mind. he resorted not to double check what was being presented. Instead, he preferred to submit. The expected reason was some gain– might be fame. Unfortunately, failing to contribute substantially, the hybrid regime collapsed, and the dream of running the country for two terms got shattered. Consequently, homecoming for colluding journalists and anchorpersons is chastening owing to scathing censure expected to emanate from fellow journalists, who had stood their ground. The alternative is to stick to the position of foreign conspiracy and espouse it as a principle. Contrived

scrupulousness is a time tested retreat. Generally speaking, the media started earning notoriety when the video clips of the off-camera conversation between anchorpersons Mubashir Luqman and Meher Bukhari and the property tycoon Malik Riaz hussain were leaked. The anchorpersons also discussed and negotiated monetary returns with the participant. It was a pre-planned interview being conducted jointly by the anchorpersons at the platform of Dunya News on 13 June 2012. The manufactured dialogue was an attempt to tarnish the image of the then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. After two days, the clips made the rounds on Youtube revealing the shame Pakistan’s media garnered. The sordid revealing episode was called the Mediagate (or the Anchorgate). Though the Mediagate was hushed up, it became successful in peddling the idea that anchorpersons could be approached to do favourable talk shows. Further, arranging such talk shows could line the pockets of actors masquerading as anchorpersons with additional funds. The idea moved a section of Pakistan’s media, especially the electronic one, which is a source of airing instant news and prompt analysis. For a malleable mind, not to say unenlightened, it is hard to differentiate between what is gossip and what is news, what is a campaign and what is an analysis. This is where the clandestinely paid content and surreptitiously doled out narratives gain ground. even the idea of regime change induced by foreign powers in 2022 is a last-ditch effort of the PTI to stay relevant politically. Further, the idea is an attempt to seek facesaving and make a way back to mainstream politics. One of the reasons for overreliance is the underperforming of the PTI’s government after it somehow reached the corridors of power in 2018. Instead of telling the countrymen the developmental work it performed during the stint, the PTI has been playing on the foreign conspiracy narrative. The party is trying to play the victim card dipped in nationalism– the refuge to salvage a wrecked reputation in the public. Ask the cost of speaking the unadulterated truth and submitting to consciousness to renowned credible journalists such as Absar Alam and Matiullah Jan, the real torchbearer of the freedom of speech.

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

deaf ears. The country is in danger of going bankrupt and inflation is on the rise instead of declining while it is worth seeing generosity rather than austerity as soon as the coalition leadership takes over the government. The people in power performed Umrah with a large number of friends along with going on foreign tours. On the other hand, apart from the Prime Minister’s house, their private homes are being declared as camp offices and the burden of their security is being shifted to Pakistan. The official privileges of the advisers and special assistants and the royal protocol have negated all the allegations that the country is heavily indebted. The fact is that the rulers of this country have no idea what role they are playing or have been playing in the instability of Pakistan. This country has been ruled by two families for a long time and has become hollow and these looters have become some of the richest people in the world in respect of opposition claims. There is a rumour about the country going bankrupt and unfortunately due to corrupt leadership, Pakistan has become the poorest country in the world even though nature has endowed it with innumerable resources and a brave selfless people. Despite the economic crises, survival and its independence and sovereignty remain in question, but no one, from government MPs to top officials, is willing to give up his privileges and protocols. In this country, it seems that the privileged classes have conquered and they are ruling a subjugated nation instead of a free nation. They do not care about the country and the nation. They are only interested in their own interests. The people are sobbing and the country is eroding but the luxury and privileges of the ruling class are not diminishing. The politics of impeachment has already tarnished the image of the country so the national interest should take precedence over any other type of accusation. If someone is accused of corruption then such cases should be dealt with 100 percent evidence. how long will the Pakistani rulers continue to play the game of accusations of corruption and send a

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

message to the world that not a single ruler here is honest? If all Pakistani rulers are corrupt then how will others believe? We advertise corrupt leadership on the one hand and cry on the other that there is no foreign investment or aid, as long as we support throwing mud at each other no one will trust or help. The country’s economic problems are getting worse than ever and the government has not spared any effort to contain the tsunami of inflation on the people while fulfilling the demands of the IMF to do more. If the present government does not take any practical steps to appease the people after the storm of inflation and again midnight petroleum price hike of Rs 15 makes it soar of Rs 248.74 a litre, then the people will not be satisfied with any verbal statement of the Prime Minister. The opposition will benefit from the growing frustration of the people while the ruling coalition can do the same thing that they did in overthrowing the previous government. It is very unfortunate that those who came to power in the name of people are responsible for the destruction of the people, and have protected themselves in every way but the people are becoming insecure with each passing day. Institutions have become silent and authoritarian on this, so it seems that the situation will remain unchanged in the future. hence, there will be no change here and no revolution is coming. We used to chant a bit of slogans of change and revolution but practically no one is ready to bring any change or revolution. If the people were fed up with poverty and could hold on the banner of revolution, the situation might be very different but the people here have become so accustomed to enduring every oppression of the rulers that they are ready to make sacrifices at the behest of the rulers but to change their lives, they are not ready to make any sacrifice for this cause and no change will ever come with this slavish thinking or revolution be brought about.

We used to chant a bit of slogans of change and revolution but practically no one is ready to bring any change or revolution.

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

The writer tweets @AttiyaMunawer

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

06-07 Comments - 9th July 2022_Layout 1 7/9/2022 12:50 AM Page 2

Saturday, 9 July, 2022

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

Islamophobia

Indo-Pacific region: Developmental challenges ahead There is much potent

Dr rAjkuMAr singh

he Indo-Pacific region. which is also called the Indo-West-Pacific and IndoPacific Asia, is a part of the earth’s sea compial in the regionrising the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the central portion of Pacific Ocean. In comparison to its surroundings, the part of Indo-Pacific is exceptionally rich in species which mainly attract the countries of the region and outside to have a fair influence in the area and motivate them to be benefited from the richness of the region al large. The famous term, ‘Indo-Pacific’, got prominence in the 1920s as a result of the multiple works on geography and geopolitics under the leadership of German geopolitician Karl haushofer who pleaded strongly in favour of integration of above two oceans and make an anti-colonial force with the help of India, China and Germany against the maritime monopoly of Great Britain, the USA, and Western europe. The entire area of the Indo-Pacific has been divided in three distinct regions known as the Central Indo Pacific, the eastern Indo-Pacific, and the Western Indo-Pacific but of them the Central Indo-Pacific is considered as the most important part of the region because of its richness and the diversity of its marine organisms, specially within the Coral Triangle which has a store of 76 percent of all known coral species of the world. On the whole it covers the area stretching from the west coast of the USA to the west coast of India and in addition touches the boundaries of 24 different countries with dissimilar sociopolitical set-ups and natures of government. Apart from geographical location and species richness, recently the region has become a hot cake due to increased Chinese interest as well activities in the area for more than a decade and the coming of the USA with its allies for the rescue of the people of the area. These all have made the region a global strategic spot of world politics. It is undeniable that the People’s Republic of China has developed dramatically in all spheres since the 1990s and gradually became in a position to challenge the regional as well as global powers including the USA. Chinese expansionist policy in regard to its neighbours and in its surroundings, including Taiwan, made all of them security conscious on the one hand, while on the other keeping in view the strategic

significance of the region the PRC increased its activities as a symbol of its capability, particularly in the South China Sea. In the following years the whole Indo-Pacific region became an arena of regional and global competition as well as intense rivalry on a larger scale. Almost 15 years ago, in August 2007, the issue of the Indo-Pacific region was raised by Shinzo Abe, the then Prime Minister of Japan, in his speech to the Indian Parliament and he underlined its importance as the seas of freedom and prosperity in broader Asia. In the speech he also referred to its security challenges and focused on sea lanes which link the two oceans. Years after from 2010-2011, the term came frequently in use of analysts in reference to strategic considerations and as a result, the Indian top leadership too became active making it a part of their strategy against the PRC. especially, in context of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, an informal group of nations which include four likeminded nations-Australia, Japan, India and the USA, in short, known as Quad, IndoPacific rim or littoral states, members of Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASeAn), China, and South Korea, the region gained enormous political, economic and strategic importance for the emerging Asian order in years to come. Two essential factorsthe rise of China with low credentials and the decline of US powers and influence in the region have contributed to its emerging significance along with fear psychosis among the states of the area, particularly, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan. Although, the region became famous in ntworld politics due to the rise of China and decline of US power and influence in the area, it was envisioned primarily as an excellent centre of maritime trade and commerce on a large scale. It has a vast potential for prosperity for the countries of the region and beyond as it accounts for 65 percent of the world’s population, 63 percent of the world’s GDP and 46 percent of its merchandise trade. In addition, the concept of geopolitics has made its scope wider and covers the nations and islands surrounding either the Indian Ocean or the Pacific Ocean along with Atlantic offshore islands, are also considered politically part of the Indo-Pacific region. At the time of Weimar Germany or the prenazi German Republic, the idea of economic zone was conceived and compared it with indus-

trialisation of europe at an early age. now, with the direct involvement of the USA, it was hoped that the region would grow in a new form and content as emerged with the idea of Indo-Pacific economic Corridor during the US-India Strategic Dialogue of 2013. The new idea and approach will be able to transform the economies of South and Southeast Asia into the Indo-Pacific economic corridor as a centre of development and investment with trade and transit. Strategy apart to downsize the People’s Republic of China, most countries of the region including the USA have focused on its economic dimensions and laid emphasis on mutual co-operation in the larger interest of nations. In the context, on 23 May, US President Joe Biden has initiated a new scheme called the Indo-Pacific economic Framework (IPeF) which includes a large number of nations such as, Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, new Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Together all countries represent about 40 percent of the world’s GDP. The main purpose of this programme is to create a resilient economy through better supply chains, commitments to clean energy, de-carbonization and green infrastructure which will also help strengthen efforts to crack down on corruption, and for effective tax implementation and anti-bribery regimes. If not countries of the region, the USA and Japan, in particular, have kept strategic considerations side by side to minimize Chinese influence in the region and want a helping hand of others who don’t have the capacity to face China directly. As a result, the situation has deteriorated much in the recent three or four years on account of the trade war between Washington and Beijing during the presidency of Donald Trump. however, despite US differences with China on economic issues, other countries, India ,Japan, Australia, and the USA, shared a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific which gives priority to infrastructure development in the larger interest of the region and the globe.

The situation has deteriorated much in the recent three or four years on account of the trade war between Washington and Beijing during the presidency of Donald Trump. However, despite US differences with China on economic issues, other countries, India, Japan, Australia, and the USA, shared a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific which gives priority to infrastructure development in the larger interest of the region and the globe

The writer is presently Professor and Head, Department of Political Science and Dean of Social Sciences at B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura (Bihar), India. His 21 books published in addition to 900 articles in national and international journals and daily newspapers from 25 foreign countries.

The blasphemous remarks by the BJP leader, last month sparked worldwide controversy while reflecting the growing Islamophobia under the Modi regime. needless to say, from legitimised destruction of the Babri masjid in India to the terrorist mass shooting at Christchurch mosque in new Zealand, Muslims are constantly being oppressed, targeted and subjugated worldwide. however, India’s hijab controversy cannot be seen in isolation. It is part and parcel of the anti-Muslim rhetoric that the chauvinist BJP government has been pushing since narendra Modi took power. Discriminatory citizenship laws, the lynching of Muslims on suspicions of consuming or transporting beef, and bans on communal prayers are all part of this sinister anti-Muslim action that the BJP has been pushing. Islamophobia has emerged as the most threatened phenomenon in recent years. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the number of antiMuslim hate crime incidents has increased to 257 yearly. Thankfully, Muslims have a unanimous platform in the form of the Organisation of Islamic Council (OIC). That is to say, the organisation can play a pivotal role in overcoming the challenge of Islamophobia. In the recent past, the efforts of the OIC to convince the United nations about Islamophobia and acknowledge the 15th March as an international day against the phenomenon are symbolic. however, the Muslim world must react proactively to misconceptions and stereotypes that breed Islamophobia. Moreover, the platform of the United nations and foreign policy are valuable tools in fighting the threat. The organisation comprises more than fifty countries and a plethora of financial and human resources to combat this threat. Likewise, awareness campaigns, documentaries, and films can play an influential role in diminishing the Islamophobic thoughts of people worldwide. SAIF UR REHMAN LAHORE

PayPal: Need of the hour PAYPAL is first and foremost the entail of Pakistani freelancers. Prior to a couple of days, there had been a slant on social media regarding the initiation of PayPal in Pakistan. The app offers online payment services in most countries that support online money transfers and provide an electronic substitute to traditional paper systems, namely cheques and money orders. Furthermore, the freelancers for whom online earning is the only source of income have been longing for access to PayPal since its creation. Subsequently, it is lamenting that the organisation has not affirmed Pakistan on its line of enrolled nations after the entry of the top-of-the-line exchanging medium named Amazon in Pakistan. A report uncovered by a private institute claimed that PayPal is providing its services in several countries which are economically diminished, including Somalia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe as well. how astonishing and ridiculous is that Sri Lanka, a bankrupted country, is getting facilitated by PayPal services while Pakistan, which was successful in notching the fourth spot on the list that assessed the nations in terms of freelancing, is deprived of these services. Agonizing is the situation of those online workers who work hard without considering day and night to make bread and butter and are compelled by international finance-based organisations to pay booming taxes to be remunerated for their backbreaking work. All things considered, the government of Pakistan ought to consider this grave matter. The Ministry of Information and Technology should take firm stands and steps to make PayPal accessible in Pakistan. MOHSIN MUMTAZ CHINIOT

Neuro-rehab TRAUMATIC brain injury is an under-recognised but significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Pakistan. The annual incidence of head injuries in Pakistan has been estimated as 50 per 100,000 population per year based on the data collected from public-sector hospitals. The most common causes are reported to be road traffic accidents (RTAs) and falls. Pakistan is reported to have the highest road traffic mortality rates in South Asian countries. Although ambulance services and acute care are readily available to patients, there is very limited availability of rehabilitation services. There is no patient registry to plan any sort of follow-up of individuals with brain injuries. Moreover, there is a lack of resources, specialitytrained clinicians and general awareness regarding traumatic brain injuries and rehabilitation. All tertiary care hospitals and neuro-surgical centres in the country must endeavour to establish neuro-rehabilitative multidisciplinary services in order to manage all sorts of short- and longterm consequences of brain injuries, and in order to reduce their impact on the patient’s quality of life which is crtitical. DR AAISHA KHAN IRELAND

Trains and solar energy The Orange Line project was devised and executed under the ambit of China-Pakistan economic Corridor (CPeC) during the last tenure of PMLn government, and was portrayed in the media as the poster-child of the government’s progressive approach. however, the upcoming years have proven Orange Line to be a white elephant as billions of rupees are being spent on an annual basis to keep it moving. It is an eye-opener as a lot of money is being spent on projects that are not self-sustainable and are milking a lot of revenue from the treasury. In order to turn the table, the possibility of running Orange Line on solar energy may be explored. There is ample space available on the roofs of the stations for the installation of solar panels on them. If the stations are covered with solar panels, it is highly expected that most of the energy needed to run the trains can be easily met. This will not only help bring down electricity expenditure and make the project self-sustainable, but also relieve the national grid of considerable load. The electricity thus saved may be provided to other domestic or commercial consumers. Besides, the generated solar energy will have a good impact on the environment as it is a clean and green energy source. M Z JAvED LAHORE

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Saturday, 9 July, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

Who Would replace Boris Johnson? BOBBY GHOSH SPOKE TO BLOOMBERG OPINION COLUMNISTS ADRIAN WOOLDRIDGE AND CLIVE CROOK ON TWITTER SPACES

BloomBerg Bobby Ghosh: Betting shops have the former Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt as the joint favorites to be Boris Johnson’s successor. Do you think either of them have the ability to bring the Conservative Party together and provide the leadership that Johnson seems unable to? Adrian Wooldridge: Whoever wins would get a big boost, simply because they’re not Boris Johnson and come without the baggage and the reputation for lying. I think Rishi Sunak is extremely good. He’s very bright, personable and well-organized. One of Boris’s many problems is that he’s a very chaotic administrator, so having somebody in Number 10 who can just keep the trains running on time would be an enormous boost. However, he’s a pretty traditional thatcherite, which means that he’s very uncomfortable with “levelling up,” particularly when it involves spending a lot of money. there are a lot of tories, particularly on the right of the party, who would be very nervous about having a fiscally responsible leader who thinks that the most important thing to do is to put the country’s economic situation in order before they start cutting taxes. Plus, by resigning slightly after Health Secretary Sajid Javid, he painted himself as more of a follower

than a leader — which is a gibe people already use against him. there is quite a lot of hostility within the party towards Rishi now. Six months ago, he was in the perfect position, but he’s fallen a bit since then. Penny Mordaunt is an extraordinary figure, and I’m slightly surprised that she is so popular because she’s not in the Cabinet. She represents a seat in Portsmouth, which is a long-standing Labour seat, which she’s shifted to the tory column and has built her majority. So she’s quite good at representing the sentiments of the White British working class, without being particularly right-wing. BG: It’s worth mentioning that some of the other contenders are Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, and new Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi. Clive Crook: they’re all plausible candidates. I do think Rishi Sunak is right on the issues and it’s a sign of the times to see the right wing of the tory Party being the anti-thatcherite wing. the fiscal discipline that Sunak stands for is undeniably going to be necessary as part of this adjustment to post-Covid fiscal control. It’s a very difficult message for him to sell. I also think he deserves to be commended for what he said in his resignation letter, that people want to be told the truth and he’s willing to tell them the truth — whether it will get him the party leadership is another question altogether. I’m a bit startled to see Penny Mordaunt though. I hadn’t thought of her as a policy heavyweight in the way some of the other candidates are.

AW: She’s been running a behind-thescenes campaign for quite a long time and has published a book called Greater Britain, which is an attempt to cast an optimistic eye to the future. So she has been campaigning, but she’s not one of the big beasts of the party. Ben Wallace would probably have quite a good chance because he’s sort of a bland, sensible, ex-Army person that people could get behind. BG: To pull the lens back from Britain and take a look at the larger context of Europe and the wider world, how much does it matter who takes over from Boris Johnson? CC: Fixing the relationship with Europe is a challenge for the UK, and Johnson has been irresponsible across the board — picking needless fights, reversing himself, threatening escalation on certain quarrels, which he ought to know Britain can’t win. the UK needs someone who’s much more positive about developing a fruitful postBrexit relationship with the European Union. It’s interesting to me that the other leading figures in the party have not been conspicuous on this subject. there’s no way to make the best of Brexit without cooperating with the EU, but a narrative along those lines hasn’t really emerged yet. BG: Why not? Are the potential candidates worried about how that might play with their voters? AW: Well the basic Conservative vote was a vote against Europe. A lot of Brexiters

are very hostile to Europe either because they regard it as a restraint on a truly global trade policy, or because they regard it as just a lot of pernickety regulations. the Conservative Party hasn’t got beyond that anti-European mindset. Again, I would look to somebody like Rishi Sunak, who was a Brexiter but would be much more mature because he’s economically literate about what sort of realistic relationship we could have with the EU. In comparison, Boris doesn’t care about economic policy. He’s never thought seriously about how wealth is created or how trade operates. the one person we haven’t focused on yet is the person who, in many ways, is the most likely to replace Johnson: Liz truss. She’s not top of that league table but she’s foreign secretary, has been very involved in trade policy and has support among the grassroots of the Conservative Party. In lots of ways, she’s more hardline in her contempt for social democratic European policies and I think she would see herself as a person who had to take a very hard line with Europe, which I think would be very foolish. BG: Clive, does Liz Truss do it for you in terms of a potential leader? CC: No, not really. One hesitates to say she might be worse than Johnson — what could be worse? — but in terms of the relationship with Europe, she is very much a hardliner who takes euro-skepticism to a self-destructive extreme. I think it would be poisonous for the relationship between the

UK and the EU to have her as a leader. Someone like Rishi Sunak is more plausible. He has a more technocratic demeanor, he’d want to do deals and I can’t imagine him making grandstanding pro-British, antiEU speeches. Post-Covid, fixing the relationship with Europe is absolutely the most important thing that the UK government needs to do. the evidence of the cost of Brexit continues to mount: It’s complicating Britain’s efforts to get inflation down, it’s going to complicate efforts to restore fiscal control. Brexit is looming in the background of all these big policy issues and getting the relationship back towards some kind of cooperative mode is crucial. BG: Both of you clearly think Rishi Sunak has it in him to govern in this very difficult moment. Does he have the credibility with the party base? Does he have the charisma to lead the party in an election or is that too far out for the party to care about right now? AW: He has lost some of his credibility with the base over the Partygate fines and his wife’s non-dom tax status. Just before that happened, he was clearly the most popular person. But I think he’s very personable, he’s a technocrat, he’s not a chancer in the way that Johnson is. He negates all of Johnson’s bad features. He’s MP for a constituency in North Yorkshire. His parents were also immigrants who have made their own way in the world, which gives him an appeal to the immigrant community, which is quite an important swing vote in the UK. He also has the ability to appeal to the technocratic elites in Europe and the United States at the time when we need to have some credibility with the financial world because the UK economy is very shaky. Bobby Ghosh is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering foreign affairs.

Why many in india’s legal world are expressing disappointment about the judiciary MANY LAWYERS, ACADEMIC AND EVEN FORMER JUDGES FEEL THAT THE COURTS ARE NOT UPHOLDING THE RULE OF LAW AND GIVING LEEWAY TO EXECUTIVE ACTION

Scroll Umang Poddar

“i

t is unfortunate that I have lost faith in an institution to which I owe my existence.” On July 1, Bilal Nazki, former chief justice of the Orissa High Court and presently a senior advocate, posted this dispiriting message on twitter. Nazki is not alone. While critiques of the judiciary’s role is not new, the intensity of it seems to have increased recently. Moreover, lawyers, legal academics and even former judges are increasingly making public statements that make it clear that they think the courts are not doing enough to protect citizens’ rights and uphold the law. CONSTANT DECLINE: In recent years, several legal commentators have expressed dismay over the functioning of the courts, even the highest court. “Since Modi’s election in 2014...there has been a general sense of disappointment with the Supreme Court,” writes legal scholar Anuj Bhuwania. One of the biggest reasons for this disappointment is that the court is seen by some to be failing in its function of keeping a check on the Union government’s actions. Wrote legal commentator Gautam Bhatia in 2020, “there is little doubt in my mind that…the [Supreme Court’s] collapse into the ‘executive court’ [a court favouring the executive’s actions] has intensified.” On several occasions, the court’s actions have bolstered the Union government’s cause, the critics claim. For instance, in 2018, based on a sealed cover report submitted by the Centre, which was not available to the other side, the court dismissed peti-

tions alleging corruption by the government in procuring Rafale jet fighter planes. On other occasions, it has not listed important cases for years. Among these is the constitutionality of electoral bonds, which allow political parties to receive donations anonymously. Amidst this, many in the legal community have strongly expressed disappointment at how the courts have handled a clutch of high-profile cases in the past few weeks. Several lawyers and former judges have criticised the Supreme Court for targeting litigants in a case questioning the clean chit given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others in the 2002 Gujarat riots. the court’s judgment was heavily relied on to register a first information report and arrest activist teesta Setalvad and former cop RB Sreekumar for allegedly fabricating evidence about the riots. Many have also questioned why bail has not been given to Mohammed Zubair, the co-founder of fact-checking website Alt News, who was arrested on June 27 for a four-year tweet of a still from a 1983 film. Additionally, on July 2, about five hours before the order was pronounced by the court, it was communicated to the media by the Delhi Police. that the police knew of an order even before it had been delivered alarmed lawyers and civil rights bodies. While most of the criticism of the court stems from its perceived lack of action in cases involving critics of the government, the trend is so strong as to even involve supporters of the BJP. On July 1, for example, many lawyers criticised the Supreme Court for not allowing several first information reports against now-suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma to be clubbed. Some lawyers also claim that the Supreme Court recently made the anti-defection law redundant and dealt a blow to federalism with how it handled the Maharashtra political battle. On June 27, the Supreme Court delayed disqualification notices given to 16 Shiv Sena MLAs. then, on June 29, it allowed a floor test to proceed. this led to the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance falling and a coalition government with the BJP being sworn in.

these events have led to many in the legal community arguing that the legal system might have reached its lowest point since Independence. “It’s the worst [time for courts] we have seen,” Bhuwania claimed. “the courts’ functioning can now hardly be called ‘judicial’, as it is devoid of all norms – substantive or procedural.” CHANGING PERCEPTION: Several lawyers have also commented that the perception of the courts being politically nonpartisan is being lost. Explaining why the perception is important, legal scholar tarunabh Khaitan said: “But the perception of the higher judiciary, unlike say the police which is seen as being controlled by the government was that it was non-partisan, except for a brief period during the Emergency. the legally inexplicable manner in which some cases have been dealt with in recent years, however, raise a suspicion that the non-partisan character of the higher judiciary may be under pressure.” APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES: Several lawyers and former judges have questioned the increasing trend of the Centre sitting on judicial appointments and elevation of those who have questioned its actions, saying that this hampers judicial independence. Much of this perception of political partisanship stems from the Centre increasingly playing a role in appointments, promotions and transfers of judges. Sanjay Ghose pointed to the example of Aditya Sondhi, a senior advocate from Karnataka whose appointment to the High Court had been pending for more than a year purportedly as he attended a seminar against the Citizenship Amendment Act. In February, Sondhi withdrew his consent to be elevated. DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THE JUDICIARY: Along with the higher judiciary, lawyers are also dismayed that lower courts have not stepped forward to protect rights in the face of government excesses. the lower courts, said Supreme Court advocate-on-record Anas tanwir, are the first line of defence for rights. “However, magistrates are applying the

law in a mechanical manner,” he said. Said Sanjay Hegde, “Wherever there is a controversial case, lower court tends to err on the side of caution and not pass orders in favour of the citizen for fear that it will be perceived to be driven by bad motive.” At the end of the day, as a result, critics still hold the higher courts responsible for the judiciary’s perceived shortcomings. “Whatever happens in the judicial system, the buck stops with the Supreme Court,” tanwir said. NEW CRITICS: It is not just lawyers and academics but even former judges who have become more critical of the judiciary. “Some judges, depending on their personalities, were speaking out earlier as well,” Khaitan said. “But now it seems that the number of former judges calling into question the very credibility of the judiciary has increased.” In 2018, four of the senior-most Supreme Court judges held a press conference for the first time where they alleged that Dipak Misra, then the chief justice of India, was violating judicial norms in the way he was allocating cases to benches. Since then, several former judges have also been speaking out more. For example, Setalvad’s and Zubair’s arrests were “classic examples as to how the judiciary has stooped to such low levels [that] people have started losing faith in them,” former Madras High Court judge K Chandru told the Wire. Former judges have also criticised the fact that journalist Mohammed Zubair has not been granted bail. Instead, the court had allowed the police access to his electronic devices. In the Nupur Sharma case, 15 retired judges have written to the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana claiming that the court’s oral comments contravened notions of “judicial propriety and fairness”. SPEECHES BY JUDGES: this critique of the court has been exacerbated by the fact that judges have, ironically, continued to make public statements around judicial propriety at the same time as judicial standards

are perceived to have declined. In the past few weeks, several Supreme Court judges, such as NV Ramana, DY Chandrachud and JB Pardiwala, have given speeches extolling the judiciary’s role in protecting the rights of Indians. “You can trust the Indian judiciary for its absolute independence,” Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana claimed while speaking at the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce on June 22. these speeches “add salt to the wound,” Ghose told Scroll.in: “Many judges are going to seminars talking about rights. there is some incongruity.” JUDGE’S DEFENCE: Criticism of the courts has reached a point where sitting judges now feel the need to respond in public. “Very often, the media or the social media, does not highlight cases that come before us almost with routine regularity but does not provide fodder to the media,” Chandrachud said on June 20 at a seminar in King’s College in London. On July 3, another judge, JB Pardiwala, pointed out that there was an increase in personal attacks against judges on social media “this is where the digital and social media needs to be mandatorily regulated in the country to preserve the rule of law,” he said. NOT DISAPPOINTED: However, not all lawyers subscribe to the view that judicial conduct has declined precipitously under this government. “I am not disappointed or surprised,” Sanjay Hegde said. “the judiciary, especially the higher judiciary has always been a conformist institution, which gets more conformist when there is a government with a powerful majority.” Some lawyers argue that criticism may be driven by politics rather than law. “Depending on their political ideology, people may find the Supreme Court to have been the worst at different points,” advocate Nikhil Mehra said. “While there are disappointing judgments and disappointing days, I have seen the system work in cases which may not be covered by the news.” He added: “When people say they are losing faith, they might mean the big-ticket items are not working in ways which they want. the Supreme Court has always been pro-government. But it is not like my faith is shaking.”

Saturday, 9 July, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

corporate corner Comsats University Islamabad holds art & Design Thesis show at Islamabad Campus Thesis show of Department of Art and Design was inaugurated at COMSATS University Islamabad Art Gallery by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tabassum Afzal, Rector, COMSATS University Islamabad. 10th batch of the of Department of Art and Design was presented its thesis show. Students presented their thesis projects in subjects ranging from visual communication design, illustration, game design, graphic novel and animation projects. Speaking at the occasion the Coordinator for Thesis 2022 Mr. Meezan Ali Mir congratulated the graduating students and said that this is the most crucial phase of a student’s life. This year’s student has set a higher benchmark for the students to come. Head of Department Art and Design Amna Hashmi said that the B. Design program at COMSATS University Islamabad has come a long way since its inception, purely on the virtues and strengths of the teachers and the students who have defined the department’s aesthetics and direction through their works. Ex- Dean Department of Art and Design Dr. Samra Mohsin praised efforts of the faculty in bringing forth the best out of the students and setting a higher benchmark for the coming students. Speaking at the occasion Rector COMSATS University Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tabassum Afzal praised the work of students and said that the significance of four years of individual research and creative studio practice reflect through the students work on a particular design narrative. We expect our young graduates to become active leaders and responsible professionals in a competitive global industry, committed to achieving their career milestones. He called on the industry to visit the show and give patronage to the design work of the students which were at par with the leading universities of the World. He also said that visual arts hold the remedy to various stress and mental illness through stimulative work of art. He said that designers make the world around us more beautiful and meaningful. Thanking all the participants at the event, Ms. Farrah Mahmood, Chairperson, Department of Art and Design said that Bachelors in Design Thesis is the conclusion of four years of study which focuses on extensive research and practice in the fields of visual Arts and Design. She wished the graduates of 2022, their teachers and their parents and wished them best of luck for their future endeavors. Pr

Sussex’s wicketkeeping-coach Sarah Taylor praises ‘hardworking’ Mohammad Rizwan Former England women’s cricketer Sarah Taylor, who is also the wicketkeeping coach of Sussex men’s county cricket team shared her experience of working with Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan represented Sussex in the 2022 County Championship and T20 Blast games before joining national squad for Sri Lanka Test series. In a video shared on Twitter, Sarah can be seen having a training session at Hove with Rizwan. While sharing his experience about this interaction, Sarah called Rizwan ‘one of the hardest workers’. “One of the hardest workers I know. An honour to work with. Thank you brother,” she wrote. It must be noted Sarah retired from international cricket at the age of 30 only. She has been associated with Sussex since last season. In October 2021, Taylor was appointed as an assistant coach at Team Abu Dhabi in T10 League. She will work as an assistant coach at Manchester Originals for the upcoming season of The Hundred, working with both the men’s and the women’s sides, and had not yet ruled out returning to playing. Agencies

No DaMageD Pole or WIre INvolveD IN karaChI UNforTUNaTe INCIDeNTs: ke sPokePersoN KARACHI Pr

POKESPERSON, K-Electric while expressing sympathies over the unfortunate incidents across Karachi, categorically stated there was no utility infrastructure involved in these regretful accidents. KE teams immediately reached the vicinity upon receiving a complaint and secured the area as per safety protocols. No broken wires or damage to KE infrastructure was observed. Initial investigations into an incident reported on social media about a motorcyclist in Dhoraji, con-

firmed by eye-witness accounts and representatives of the locality revealed that the mishap occurred due to a streetlight pole situated on a green belt. The installation, operation, repair, and maintenance of streetlight poles is outside of KE’s domain. Similar investigation of another unfortunate incident reported in the Dawood Chali area of Landhi involving a minor girl showed that all KE infrastructure in the area was safe and compliant with standard safety protocols. In addition to complete grounding of KE’s poles, Aerial Bundled Cabling has also been installed in the area. No traces of broken wires nor current leakages were detected in KE’s poles at the site of the incident.

KP govt allocates Rs8.42b for TMAs, cantt boards PESHAWAR Aziz Buneri

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government allocated more than Rs8.42 billion to Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) and cantonment boards this year as against Rs10.88b allocated previous year. According to finance department sources, a total of Rs5.90 billion has been allocated to tehsil councils. The details show that Rs47.18 million has been set aside for TMA Abbottabad, Rs22.57 million for Havelian, Rs1.83 million for Cantonment Board Abbottabad, Rs5.177 million for TMA Dagar, Rs6.03 million for Batgram, Rs4.021m for Alai, Rs30 million for TMA Bannu, Rs9.2 million for Cantonment Board Bannu, Rs50.9m for TMA Charsadda, Rs80 million for Tangi, Rs1.8 million for Shabqadar, Rs2.3 million for Cantonment Board Murree Galyat, Rs1 million for Cantonment Board Hawlian, Rs7.9 for TMA Lower Tanawal, 2.5m for Tutalai, 4.4m for Ghagra, 2.5 for Khudukhel, 2.5m for Chagarzai, 5.5m for Gadzai. Batgram 30m, TMA Domail 10 million, 7 million for Bakakhel, 83.78 million for Tehsil Councils Bannu, 95.28 million for Charsadda, 85.13 million for TMA Darosh, Rs 54.016 million has been earmarked for Upper Chitral, Rs2 million for Mastuj and Rs30 million for Malkho. The provincial government has approved Rs 5.4mn for Adenzai, Rs 3.3 mn for Lal Qila, Rs 4.039 mn for Balumbat, Rs 3.367mn for Manda, Rs 3.367 mn for Khaal, Rs 3.66 mn for Lower

Dir Councils, Rs 7.61mn for DI Khan, Rs 6.71mn for Barawal, Sheringal Rs1.8mn, Larjam 1.9 million, for Upper Dir councils 4.7mn, for Hangu councils Rs5.5mn, for Haripur Rs 270 million, for TMA Khanpur 240 million, TMA Kundi 2.2mn, Rs1.67 million for Upper Kohistan Tehsils, Rs1.46 million for Karak, Rs4.46 million for Lower Kohistan, Rs1.117 million for Lower Kohistan, Rs5.0 million for TMA Ranolia, Rs2.35 million for Gambat, 7.17 million for Kohat Tehsil Councils, 94.225 million for TMA Kohat, Rs11.517 million for Lachi, Rs5.5 million for Ghazni Khel, Rs47.727 million for Tehsil Councils of Lakki Marwat, Rs23.4 million for TMA Bafa, Rs1.2 mn for Daraband, Rs 4.9mn for Mansehra tehsils and Rs 6.9mn for Malakand. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has provided Rs108 million for Mardan, Rs 58 million

for TMA Bezai, Rs 5 million for Garhi Kapura, Rs 25 million for Katlang, Rs 298 million for Rustam, Rs 312 million for Cantonment Board Nowshera, Rs40 million for Tehsil Pabbi, Rs358.55 million for Jahangira, Rs249.16 million for Tehsil Councils of Nowshera, Rs14.516 million for Kolai Palas, Rs5 million for TMA Kolai, Rs83 million for Chamkani, Rs72.743 million for Shah Alam, Rs71 million for Badhaber and Rs80 million for Pishtakhara. Rs77.7 million for Mathra, Rs316 million for Peshawar City, Rs343.62 million for Tehsil Councils of Peshawar, Rs34.4 million for Shangla, 152.32 million for Swabi, 17.95 million for TMA Besham, Rs5.5 million for Martung, 25.499 million for Rajar and 14 million for TMA Topi, Rs 14 million for TMA Lahor, Rs2.4 for Barikot, 2.5mn for Kabal, 2.5mn for Charbagh, Rs2.5 mn for Bahrain.

Usage of water motors inside homes during rains also led to at least 3 reported accidents in Korangi 100 quarters area as well as Azam Basti. Urging caution, Spokesperson KE stated “Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences are with the affected families during this difficult time. Safety is a core priority for K-Electric and we request our valued customers to keep a safe distance from all electricity infrastructure at all times and especially during the rains. Emergency electricity complaints may be routed to our call center 118 which tackles such matters on a priority basis against a prescribed protocol. We request that citizens use this service judiciously.

100-Day countdown begins to ICC Men’s T20 CWC 2022 ISLAMABAD: The countdown to ‘The Big Time’ has officially begun with Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River the backdrop for a city centre cricketing arena created to celebrate 100-days-to-go until Australia hosts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time. Melbourne Cricket Ground’s hallowed turf took centre stage with the pitch relocated into the centre of Melbourne to mark 100 days to go until the world’s best cricketers from 16 teams compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket, said a press release. Australian International stars Aaron Finch, Georgia Wareham and Tayla Vlaeminck along with cricket legends Shane Watson, Waqar Younis and Morne Morkel teamed up with other Australian personalities to launch the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan. The Trophy Tour was set to visit 35 locations in 13 countries across four continents, more than ever before. The Men’s T20 World Cup trophy would make stops in Fiji, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Namibia, Nepal, Singapore and Vanuatu for the first time, taking the sport to more fans in different countries to get a glimpse of T20 cricket’s ultimate prize. The Trophy Tour that was designed for anyone, anywhere at any time will enable fans to get involved from home with a 3D augmented reality filter, housed on the official T20 World Cup Facebook and Instagram channels. Fans are encouraged to get creative and show the world where you play cricket using the trophy filter. The best of the fan-generated images will be celebrated weekly and a lucky few will be rewarded with ICC Men’s T20 World Cup themed prizes. Beginning in Melbourne and circling the globe, the Trophy Tour would make its final stop in Geelong on October 16 for the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 between 2014 Champions Sri Lanka and Namibia. Over 800,000 fans were anticipated to attend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 with additional tickets to all matches released on Friday, with the exception of the India and Pakistan match on October 23. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said, “With just 100 days to go until the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup there is a real sense of excitement ahead of the 16 teams coming together in Australia to compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. Agencies

ICTP chalks out comprehensive security plan for Eidul Azha ISLAMABAD Pr

The capital police has chalked out a comprehensive security plan to maintain peace and tranquility in the district on the eve of Eidul-Azha, a police public relations office said. He said that following special orders of the IGP Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan a

comprehensive security plan for Eid Ul Azha prayer has been issued. According to the security plan, more than 1000 police personnel including 4 SPs, 11 ASP/DSPs will shield Eid prayers to be offered in 1032 mosques and 28 imam bargahas which have been categorized according to their sensitivity. Likewise, more than 100 police personnel will be deployed at Faisal Mosque to provide secu-

rity cover to the devotees. All the mosques, imam bargahs, religious places, public parks and other important places would be provided maximum security on Eid adding that DIG Operations Sohail Zafar Chatha will monitor all the security arrangements in the city while all security will also be monitored through safe city cameras and special police squads. Likewise, 800 personnel of Eagle squad will be deputed in the city for patrolling at all public and sensitive places while more than 150 personnel of special branch will do their duties during Eid prayer. Similarly, 278 traffic officials including one SP and 04 DSPs are deployed to maintain traffic flow in the city. SSP Traffic will monitor all the traffic arrangements. One wheeling will not be allowed and those violating traffic rules will be dealt with iron hands while public places, parks, play grounds will be kept under strict vigilance and security cover. IGP Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan has strictly directed all the zonal officers that a large number of people will gather for Eid prayer and the concerned zonal officers would be responsible of the security around

worship places in their respective areas adding that the SPs, SDPOs and SHOs will physically remain in their respective areas. He said that the eagles, falcons and police station vehicles will patrol around worship places, public as well as important places and buildings while special police teams of CTD will be deployed at Bhara Kahu areas to avert any untoward incident. Personnel of special branch will collect important advance intelligence information and will convey immediately to the concerned officer and police control. Bomb disposal squad will do technical sweeping before Eid prayer. District Magistrate will contact CDA and hospital administration for providing fire brigade, ambulances and para-medical staff to deal with any emergency situation. Islamabad police chief maintained that the purpose of all the security arrangements is to ensure the safety of congregations, to avert any terrorism activity and to maintain peace and tranquility in the city. SpecIAL DutIeS AgAInSt onewheeLerS on eID:Prioritising service to people and accomplishment of their responsibilities, cops of Islamabad capital po-

lice (ICTP)will perform special duties on Eid day to maintain traffic discipline in the city especially to check stunts of one-wheelers, bikers riding without silencers and ensure crackdown against those misbehaving with families during travel on roads. In a meeting presided over by SSP (Traffic) Syed Mustafa Tanweer, special traffic enforcement plan has been chalked out by following directions of IGP Islamabad, Dr.Akbar Nasir Khan. Special squads have been constituted and ICTP cops will perform their duties at main avenues and public places to ensure smooth flow of traffic there. SSP (Traffic) has also constituted special teams to check one-wheeling and driving motorbikes without silencers by youngsters on the boulevards of the city. He said special vigilance would be maintained against those involved in road stunts and no such activities will be tolerated. ICTP would ensure action as per law against the violators. The SSP (Traffic) has congratulated the citizens on the occasion of Eid and appealed them to cooperate with police by following traffic rules so that an exemplary traffic system could be maintained in the city.

Saturday, 9 July, 2022 | LAHORE

10 FOREIGN NEWS

LAVroV wALKS oUT oF G20 TALKS AS wEST PrESSES MoSCow on UKrAInE

USSIA’s top diplomat stormed out of talks with G20 foreign ministers meeting in Indonesia on Friday as Western powers criticised Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Washington and allies condemned Russia’s assault ahead of the meeting before Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov faced what US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called a barrage of Western criticism at the closed-door talks. “What we’ve heard today already is a strong chorus from around the world… about the need for the aggression to end,” Blinken said from the meeting on the resort island of Bali. Blinken and Lavrov had joined colleagues for day-long talks in their first meeting since the outbreak of war, with the host immediately telling them the conflict must end through negotiations. But Lavrov walked out of a morning session as German counterpart Annalena Baerbock criticised Moscow over its invasion, diplomats said. He also left an afternoon session before Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed the ministers virtually and was not present as Blinken condemned Russia. “Our Western partners are trying to avoid talking about global economic issues,” Lavrov told reporters outside the Mulia hotel. “From the moment they speak, they launch into fevered criticism of Russia.” Blinken shunned a meeting with

Lavrov and instead accused Russia of triggering a global food crisis, demanding Moscow allow grain shipments out of war-battered Ukraine. “To our Russian colleagues: Ukraine is not your country. Its grain is not your grain. Why are you blocking the ports? You should let the grain out,” Blinken said in the closed-door talks, according to a Western official present. Lavrov earlier told reporters he would not “go running” after Washington for talks. “It was not us who abandoned contact, it was the United States,” he said. – Abe killing overshadows meet – Before the meeting, Blinken met his French and German counterparts and a senior British official to discuss “Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifi-

Pakistani-American Khizr Khan gets Medal of Freedom from US president ISLAMABAD

able war of choice” in Ukraine, the State Department said in a statement. But the gathering was soon overshadowed by the killing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a campaign event on Friday. After news of his death, Blinken mourned the longtime ally of Washington as a “leader with great vision” who boosted US-Japan relations. “It is a shock. It’s profoundly disturbing,” he said. Before the news of the attack emerged, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi addressed the Ukraine war in a speech to the ministers including Lavrov. “It is our responsibility to end the war sooner than later and settle our differences at the negotiating table, not

China calls for practicing true multilateralism at G20 meeting BLI, INDONESIA

News Desk

US President Joe Biden on Thursday presented the Medal of Freedom to Khizr Khan, the Pakistani-American father of an Iraq War veteran killed in action who criticised Donald Trump over his proposed “Muslim ban”. Mr Khan was one of 17 people to receive America’s highest civilian honour. The others included gymnast Simone Biles; the late John McCain, the Arizona Republican with whom Mr Biden served in the Senate; and gun-control advocate Gabby Giffords, a former congresswoman who was shot in the head in 2011. “The Fourth of July week reminds us what brought us together long ago and still binds us, binds us at our best,” Mr Biden said. Mr Khan’s son, US Army Capt Humayun Khan, was killed in Iraq in 2004 while defending his squad from a car bomb attack. He spoke out against Mr Trump in 2016 over his proposal to limit immigration from Muslim-majority countries. Before moving to the US, Mr Khan had reportedly lived in the UAE. Olympian gymnast Biles, 25, is the youngest ever Medal of Freedom recipient, Mr Biden said. She publicly fought against sexual abuse in the US Olympic team and advocated for mental health at the Tokyo Games. Women’s football star Megan Rapinoe is the first US soccer player to receive the honour, which is given to Americans who made “significant societal, public or private endeavours” in the US or globally. Ms Rapinoe has fought for equal pay when she called out the gender disparity compared with the men’s team. Sandra Lindsay, who received the first Covid-19 vaccine in the US and served as a nurse in New York City in the pandemic, was also awarded the Medal of Freedom.

the battlefield,” Marsudi said. In closing remarks, she said “participants expressed deep concern about the humanitarian impacts of the war” and “some members expressed condemnation” of the invasion. She did not comment on Lavrov walking out of the sessions. – No family photo – A US official indicated Washington did not want to embarrass Indonesia at the meeting by walking out on Lavrov, who last met Blinken in July. But there will be no family photo of the G20 ministers as is customary, an Indonesian government official told AFP. The hosts have addressed US concerns about Lavrov attending in part by inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the G20 summit in November. In his address, Kuleba told ministers to “remember about 344 families who have lost their children when listening to Russian lies”. “The minister of the country responsible for their deaths appears in front of you today to share his thoughts on how Russia views cooperation in our globalised world,” he added. – British FM leaves – Blinken’s efforts to have a powerful Western stance against Russia at the meeting were diluted after British Foreign Minister Liz Truss pulled out following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation as leader of his party on Thursday. AgeNcies

AgeNcies

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called on members of the Group of 20 (G20) to practice true multilateralism and treat each other as partners as the world faces major challenges. Wang made the remarks when attending the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bali, Indonesia. The G20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 leading economies and the European Union. G20 members should be partners committed to mutual respect and consultation on the basis of equality, he said. International affairs should be addressed through joint consultation by all countries, and international rules should be jointly made and obeyed by all countries, he said. “In the world, there is only one system – the international system with the United Nations at its core; there is only one order – the international order underpinned by international law,” he said. G20 members should be partners committed to peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, Wang said. He urged countries to attach importance to other countries’ security and safeguard the security of all, calling it the only way to achieve one’s own security. Putting one’s own security above that of other countries and strengthening military blocs will only lead to divisions in the international community and make itself less secure, he warned. G20 members should also be partners committed openness, inclusiveness and interconnec-

tivity, Wang said. Countries can engage in fair competition but should not compete in a malicious manner or even engage in vicious confrontation, he said. Attempts to build a closed and exclusive “small courtyard with high walls” are against the trend of the times and doomed to failure, he said. He called for joint efforts to strengthen coordination of macroeconomic policy and promote inclusive recovery and growth of the world economy. ‘China always stands on the side of peace’ China will continue to promote peace talks on the Ukraine issue, Wang said, stressing that the country “always stands on the side of peace.” China hopes that dialogue and consultation will lead to peace and that a ceasefire will be realized as soon as possible, he said, calling for efforts to prevent the conflict from being prolonged and magnified. China encourages efforts to conduct serious and comprehensive dialogue and build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture in Europe, he said. China will implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative and work with all parties to build a world committed to peace, development, cooperation and win-win, he said. China calls on strengthening the UN’s role in international cooperation on grain security, Wang said. Efforts should be made to facilitate agricultural products from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus to enter the international market, he added.

Pakistan participates in Investment, Trade Fair in Lanzhou, China BEIJING: The Pakistani businessmen and traders participated in the 28th China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair kicked off in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China’s Gansu Province. The five-day event that will feature business negotiations and forums aims to boost economic and trade cooperation among countries along the Belt and Road. Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates have been invited as the guests of honor at this year’s fair, and the representatives of business associations and commercial establishment from countries including Australia, Spain, Thailand and Indonesia are also attending the event, China.org.cn reported on Friday. First held in 1993, the fair has become an important platform for the opening up of northwest China and a major event for Belt and Road economic and trade cooperation. Gansu saw rapid growth in trade revenue with countries along the Belt and Road this year, rising 24 percent year on year in the first five months and accounting for nearly half of the province’s total foreign trade revenue during the period. AgeNcies

Indonesian Ambassador vows to implement “Vision East Asia” policy Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan, Adam Mulawarman Tugio, has said that Indonesia can play a significant role in providing economic and trade opportunities to Pakistan and connectivity with ASEAN’s potential market. “There is the need for mutual trade expansion with Pakistan beyond traditional products and focus on other sectors, and simultaneously for Pakistan to expand its presence into the ASEAN market”, the Indonesian Ambassador said during a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was chaired by LCCI President Mian Nauman Kabir. Ambassador Tugio further stated that trade connectivity and regional economy are vital for the global economy through which the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will bring benefit to improve the economy growth of their member countries. “Including exploring the potential of Islamic Economy since one-quarter of the world’s population is Muslim, and therefore actions must be taken to capitalize on the benefits of D-8 cooperation between eight Muslim countries where Indonesia and Pakistan are proud members together with Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Turkiye” The envoy claimed that there are significant opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade between Indonesia and Pakistan. Along with the import of palm oil, he emphasized that we should also improve our mutual trade cooperation in the textile, pharmaceutical, herbal medicine, spices, and other important areas. Speaking about Indonesia’s ban on the export of palm oil, Tugio stated that his nation temporarily imposed restrictions due to the price spike that made palm oil unavailable on the domestic market and made it extremely difficult for locals to purchase cocking oil. e said, “The restriction was lifted, and palm oil export to the entire world has resumed, including the immediate supply of 10 containers of palm oil to Pakistan.” In his remarks, Mian Nauman Kabir, President of the LCCI, urged the two Islamic nations to further develop their trade and commercial ties, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals and surgical equipment. He stressed the need for cooperative ventures between Pakistan and Indonesia to develop bilateral trade. Kabir said the Pakistan-Indonesia bilateral trade and economic relations can be further strengthened by the exchange of business-tobusiness delegations, organizing of joint trade exhibitions, and taking equal benefits from each other’s experiences. Ambassador Tugio further added that the first “Indonesia Corner” will be established at the University of Peshawar, with a subsequent location expected in Lahore to strengthen cultural ties and collaboration in the education sector. The envoy also stated that the Indonesian Embassy, in partnership with the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), will host “A Night at Museum” cultural exhibition to showcase the confluence of civilization between Indonesia and Pakistan. Ambassador Tugio informed the president of the LCCI that every effort would be made to assist the business sector in fostering closer trade and economic ties. AgeNcies

World leaders condemn as former Japan PM Abe assassinated KASHIHARA, JAPAN AgeNcies

Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated on Friday by a gunman who opened fire at close range as the hugely influential politician delivered a campaign speech. The murder of the 67-year-old, who had been Japan’s longest-serving leader, stunned the nation and prompted an international outpouring of grief and condemnation. It was all the more shocking given Japan’s strict gun laws and low rates of violent crime, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida describing it as a “barbaric act” that was “absolutely unforgivable.” Abe was shot shortly before noon while campaigning in the western region of Nara ahead of weekend upper house elections. He was flown by helicopter to the Nara Medical University hospital

where he was pronounced dead several hours later. “Shinzo Abe was transported to (the hospital) at 12:20 pm. He was in a state of cardiac arrest upon arrival,” said Hidetada Fukushima, professor of emergency medicine at the hospital. “Resuscitation was administered. However, unfortunately he died at 5:03 pm.” Fukushima said Abe had suffered two gunshot wounds to the neck and died of massive blood loss, despite being administered enormous transfusions. A visibly emotional Kishida told reporters after Abe’s death was confirmed that he was “lost for words”. He earlier abandoned the campaign trail and flew to Tokyo by helicopter where in a quivering voice he condemned “a barbaric act during election campaigning, which is the foundation of democracy.” “It is absolutely unforgivable. I condemn this act in the strongest terms.”

The attack occurred as Abe delivered a stump speech with security present, but spectators able to approach him easily. Footage broadcast by NHK showed him standing on a stage when a man dressed in a grey shirt and brown trousers approached from behind, before drawing a weapon from a bag and firing. At least two shots appear to be fired, each producing a cloud of smoke. WORLD LEADERS CONDEMN ABE ASSASSINATION: World leaders condemned Friday’s assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while paying tribute to him as a “great” leader. Here are some key comments: – Britain – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the leadership role taken by the former premier, saying the UK stands with Japan “at this dark and sad time”.

11 Sports 9 JULY_Layout 1 7/8/2022 11:38 PM Page 1

Saturday, 9 July, 2022 | LAHORE

PeSHAWAr STun DerA ISMAIL KHAn To WIn InTer DIvISIonAL WoMen TCHouKBALL CHAMPIonSHIP

neWs Desk

TRONG Peshawar led by superstar players Maliaka and Sadaf Riaz guided Peshawar to 13-9 victory in the final of the Inter-Divisional Women Tchoukball Championship played at hilly resort Batakindi Youth Hostel here on Friday. Both Maliaka and Sana along with other supporting players including Iqra, Ayseha, Muneeba, Alveena, Sadia, Sana and Asiya played a key role against strong Dera Ismail

Khan team in the thrilling final played on hotly note wherein both teams played attacking game. There were four quarters, 10-minute of each quarter both Peshawar and Dera Ismil Khan players exhibited an attacking display which was largely enjoyed by the sitting spectators of other teams with their cheering hands. Regional Sports Officer Hazara Ahmad Zaman, Chairman Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tchoukball Association Wajid ul Hassan, President Muhammad Iqbal, Secretary Abur Rasheed Anwar, team coaches Najma Qazi

of Peshawar and Miss Saeeda of Dera Ismail Khan were also there and witnessed the thrilling final. Peshawar was leading the first quarter but failed to click in the second and third quarters led by Dera Ismial Khan players with their attacking game. The Dera Ismail Khan team including Rana, Saba, Bakhtawar, Aamina, Sadaf Riaz, Zubia and Huraira played well and gave a tough resistance to the strong Peshawar team. Dera Ismail Khan led the second and third quarters but later on Peshawar staged a

strong comeback with some fine combined passes and not only tied the tally 9-9, 12-12 but also won the match by 16-12. Maliaka and Sana played very well and were the main shooters. On the other hand Dera Ismail Khan’s Rana and Sadaf Riaz, the two main shooters with Iqra and Zubia tried their hardest to level the tally but they were not allowed by the tightly marking Peshawar team to shoot. In the third position match Hazara defeated Malakand by 13-9 in another thrilling match. For Hazara international Sadia and

Blatter, Platini cleared in FIFA fraud trial Agencies Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, once the chiefs of world and European football, were cleared Friday over a suspected fraudulent payment that shook the sport and torpedoed their time at the top. Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court in the southern city of Bellinzona acquitted the pair in a trial following a mammoth investigation that began in 2015 and lasted six years. Former FIFA president Blatter, 86, and Platini, 67, listened in silence as the clerk read out the judgement which rejected the prosecution’s request for a suspended prison sentence of a year and eight months. “A neutral court has finally found that no offence has been committed in this case. My client is completely cleared and relieved as a result,” said Platini’s lawer Dominic Nellen.

Labuschagne, Smith guide Australia to 298-5 in second Test

Former French football great Platini released a short statement claiming to have “won the first round”, while alluding to alleged political and judicial manipulation intended to remove him from power.

“In this case, there are culprits who did not appear during this trial. Let them count on me: we will find one other,” he said. Platini was employed as an adviser to Blatter between 1998 and 2002. Blatter told the court that when he took over as FIFA president in 1998, world football’s governing body had a bad record and he thought someone who had been a top figure in playing the game could help. He turned to Platini for advice, which involved political trips, reforming the international calendar and helping the national federations financially. They signed a contract in 1999 for an annual remuneration of 300,000 Swiss francs, which was paid in full by FIFA. But the pair were tried over a two million Swiss franc ($2.05 million) payment in 2011 to Platini, who was then in charge of European football’s governing body UEFA.

Mountaineers set world record by hoisting giant national flag at Godar Pass

Agencies

sWAT

Galle, Sri Lanka: Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith hit centuries to give Australia opening day honours against a Covid-hit Sri Lanka in the second Test on Friday. The tourists reached 298 for five at stumps after electing to bat first in their bid to clinch the twomatch series in Galle. Smith, on 109, and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey, on 16, were batting at close of play after debutant left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya took three wickets. Smith smashed fast bowler Kasun Rajitha for a cracking cover drive to bring up his 28th Test hundred as he raised his bat to an applauding dressing room. It was the former captain’s first hundred since January last year during the third Test against India in Sydney. Labuschagne, who made 104, and Smith put on 134 runs for the third wicket to take the attack to the opposition bowlers after Australia lost their openers in the first session. Labuschagne recorded his seventh Test century and his first away from home in an attacking knock before Jayasuriya got him stumped at the stroke of tea. Jayasuriya took his spin charge into the final session to get Travis Head bowled for 12, and Cameron Green trapped lbw for four. But Smith and the left-handed Carey anchored the innings from there to deny any more wickets to the hosts. Carey, who made 45 in Australia’s crushing opening win last week, once again made his intent clear early in his knock with a reverse sweep for four off Jayasuriya. Earlier, Sri Lanka struck with their lone pace bowler Kasun Rajitha, sending back David Warner for five in the fifth over of the day. Off-spinner Ramesh Mendis cleaned up Usman Khawaja for 37 before lunch but Labuschagne stood firm and hit back with boundaries.

Syed Shahabuddin

Pakistan’s eight-member mountaineers, team set a new world record by hoisting a 200-feet-long and 20feet-wide national flag on a hilltop at Godar Pass, located at an altitude of 14,500 feet between Bahrain and Kalam in the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The climbers also captured the view of the natural glacier tunnel in the eye of the camera. The mountaineering team members completed this important mission in four days by trekking from Kedam along rocky and difficult trails led by Mohammad Rahim, a local mountaineer from Swat and Saqib Rehman, a mountaineer from Multan. Apart from Swat, the trekkers also included from Punjab and Islamabad as well. “His team hoisted the 200×20 square feet national flag on the snow-capped peak of Godar Pass and made Pakistan’s name known all over the world.” Saqib Rehman claimed. “These young mountaineers also climbed the highest peak of the mountain range near Godar pass which is 16000 feet above sea level and named their success after the martyrs of Pak Army including Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed.” Saqib added. Earlier, the Kuwaiti volunteer team “K Flag” in February 2019 had the national flag of Kuwait measuring 2,742 square meters and hoisted the highest mountain in the Arab world, Jabal Shams, in Oman, and the height of this mountain was 3,028 meters above sea level.

While Pakistani mountaineer Saqib Rehman claimed that we broke the world record of Kuwait by hoisting the highest peak of Swat at an altitude of 4450 meters above sea level by hoisting the national flag on the ice.

SPORTS 11 Rimsha played attacking games and were the main shooters. Both played well along with other team-mates including Areesha, Rabia, Saba, Salma. Hazara is on the card a very good team but in the semi-final Dera Ismail Khan upset them and thus Hazara playing for the third position match against Malakand. Malakand also played well in the Championship and recorded victories against Mardan, Bannu and Kohat teams. Malakand players including Rania, Farishta, Arfa, Jannatul Mawa and Mariyum and Areesha played well and contributed some good attacking game with some fine shooting were also witnessed. Right from the outset of the third position match, Hazara was leading the score tally. Malakand got a lead in the third quarter and raced up to 7-9 but it was the last quarter in which Hazara played well and not only tied the tally 9-9 but also won the match by 13-9.

PCB provides financial assistance to Zulqarnain Haider following his surgery The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has financially supported erstwhile Test cricketer Zulqarnain Haider to cover his medical expenses. PCB’s director National High-Performance Centre (NHPC), Nadeem Khan and GM Domestic Cricket Junaid Zia visited the ex-Pakistan cricketer and reiterated that they would fully support him in this need of the hour. A cheque was presented to Haider, who expressed his gratitude to the PCB for visiting him and lending him a helping hand. The 36-year-old recently underwent gastric surgery after suffering from food poisoning during the Oman Cricket League (OCL). He consumed stale food and spent the day in excruciating pain. The former Pakistan cricketer underwent surgery on his return to Pakistan in Lahore and is feeling better. “The surgery was successful and I have moved back to my home. Compared to before, I am feeling much better now,” said Zulqarnain. The 36-year-old also shared that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was in touch with him when he was admitted to the hospital. “When I was in the hospital, I had contact with the PCB. Their team visited me in the hospital and took the bills. Hopefully, they will be paid soon,” added the wicketkeeper. agencieS

Much-awaited World Games declared open at an impressive ceremony The 11th edition of The World Games 2022 was declared open by Mayor Randall Woodfin in front of around 27,000 spectators at the Protective Stadium on Thursday night. “Tonight, we make history together. In the name of unity,” Mayor Woodfin said in his welcome message. José Perurena, President of the International World Games Association (IWGA) said in his speech: “Our athletes will be a beacon of hope in a world often torn apart by intolerance and hatred.” The impressive opening ceremony referring to the history of the city and its expectations for the future was the perfect start for the biggest international sport event ever held in Alabama. It is the first world-wide multisport event since the start of the pandemic that has spectators in the stands. During the next ten days, they will witness 3,600 athletes from 104 countries competing in 34 sports to become The World Games Champion in one of 223 medal events. However, Thursday was the day to celebrate the unity of The World Games Family. IWGA President José Perurena spoke in his speech of the special challenges for the organizers, but also for the athletes, to celebrate this family reunion: “The global pandemic has affected us all, and continues to affect us. We have had to delay the Games by a year and put in place many additional measures. The Organizing Committee, the public authorities, the medical staff and the people of Birmingham have risen to the challenge, enabling us all to be here today.” He addressed the athletes in his speech directly: “You are the lucky ones who have overcome all the challenges and endured so much uncertainty to get here. agencieS

Melbourne’s cricket takeover as T20 World Cup draws closer Agencies The hallowed turf of the MCG was dropped into Melbourne’s city centre, as excitement builds for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, starting in just 100 days. The upcoming tournament was launched with the Yarra River as the backdrop, blessed by former and current international stars and a number of eager fans who will no doubt be watching on across October and November. Australian international stars Aaron Finch, Georgia Wareham and Tayla Vlaeminck along with cricket legends Shane Watson, Waqar Younis and Morne Morkel teamed up with other Australian personalities to launch the ICC Men’s T20 World

Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan. The tournament will feature the world’s best men’s cricketers from 16 countries, with an Australian side captained by Aaron Finch determined to defend their title on home soil. It’s the first time the men’s tournament has been hosted in Australia, with the women’s equivalent seeing mammoth crowds back in 2020. Finch welcomes the challenge of the 15 other teams coming to Australia, and insists the months of tournament lead-up is crucial for his side’s chances. “It’s an exciting time for cricket with so many world class teams coming out to play all around the country. Now that there’s just 100 days to go, you can feel the excitement building among the team about

the prospect of playing in a home World Cup in front of our fans. “In a World Cup every game is a tough game, and anyone can beat anyone on their day so the white ball cricket we’ve got coming up over the next couple of months is going to be crucial to make sure we are ready come the first ball of the World Cup in October.” On top of the event in Melbourne, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan has been launched, with the iconic trophy travelling across four continents before returning to Geelong on 16 October, when the tournament gets underway. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice says the tour and the T20I format breaks new ground for the international game.

“Celebrating the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan, is another important milestone in taking the Trophy to ten countries for the first time ever, once again showing our commitment to using the T20 format as vehicle to grow the game and to engage new fans across the world. “With just 100 days to go until the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup there is a real sense of excitement ahead of the 16 teams coming together in Australia to compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket.” The Trophy Tour is set to visit 35 locations in 13 countries across four continents, more than ever before. The men’s T20 World Cup trophy will make stops in Fiji, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan,

Namibia, Nepal, Singapore and Vanuatu for the first time, taking the sport to more fans in different countries to get a glimpse of T20 cricket’s ultimate prize. The Trophy Tour will enable fans to get involved from home with a 3D augmented reality filter, housed on the official T20 World Cup Facebook and Instagram channels. Fans are encouraged to show the world

where they play cricket by using the trophy filter. The best of the fan-generated images will be celebrated weekly and a lucky few will be rewarded with ICC Men’s T20 World Cup themed prizes. Fans can follow the trophy’s journey around the world on the T20 World Cup’s social media channels or via the dedicated Trophy Tour section on the T20 World Cup website.

Saturday, 9 July, 2022

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ASAd wArnS ECP oF rEPErCuSSionS iF PunJAb by-PollS riGGEd ISLAMABAD

staff rePort

TI Secretary General Asad Umar warned on Friday that the country would move towards a “difficult situation” if the public perceived the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was “not doing justice or becoming a silent spectator when the law is violated” during the upcoming by-elections in Punjab. He was addressing a press conference in Islamabad in connection with the by-elections that will be held on July 17. The PTI has alleged that “interference” is afoot to change the results of the upcoming by-polls. It has blamed the government for allegedly changing voters’ lists and using state machinery to benefit ex-PTI candidates the ruling parties are backing. In his press conference today, Umar asked party workers to fully prepare for the upcoming elections. “Whatever they do, the PTI will win with a big majority on July 17. Once Punjab goes out of their (the government’s) hands, what will the imported prime minister do in Islamabad? We are heading towards new elections.” He also criticised the electoral watchdog and “advised” it to allot itself an election symbol as well since it was “behaving like a political party”. Umar went on to say claim that it was clear that PTI was “leading prominently” in all constituencies they had vis-

ited, as he cited polls. “And it is not surprising, especially with the extraordinary increase in Imran Khan’s popularity in the last few months,” he added. “And the most welcome aspect is that all the different societal sectors, from the lowest-earning ones to the most educated, we are seeing the nation uniting.” He said it was evident and the “fake” government could also see that. “Elections will be held on the 17th and then chief minister’s election will be held on 22, after which this story will be concluded,” Umar said. “But they are not ready to go away so easily.” He lamented the manner in which the law and the Constitution were “being violated” and the people were being “harassed and terrorised”. The former minister claimed that “direct calls” were being made from assistant commissioners and district commissioners to officials in Punjab. “Our people are being threatened and FIRs registered,” he added. ‘IllegAlly RegIsteRIng votes’: “The most dangerous thing is illegally registering votes. We have filed a petition. Individual petitions have already been filed but ECP has not taken any action.” Umar added that the law “clearly says votes cannot be changed once election date is announced”, but claimed that new votes had been registered in electoral rolls issued. “They are mostly those whose temporary or permanent addresses do not

fall in that constituency […] It is a test for the ECP and courts.” In response to a question, the PTI secretary-general said the party’s fight was against injustice, undemocratic attitudes and foreign interference. It is not against one individual, it is an ideological battle, he emphasised. Meanwhile, the ECP issued a clarification on the matter, saying media reports regarding the registration of votes were “unfounded and based on propaganda to mislead the masses”. The ECP statement said no change could be made to voter list once the election schedule was announced. “The ECP is resolved to conduct transparent and peaceful election on the 20 seats of the Punjab Assembly,” the electoral watchdog added. ‘ImRAn RIAz wIll Come bACK A HeRo’: He also spoke about the arrest of journalist Imran Riaz Khan. He pointed out that it had not yet been established which court had the jurisdiction to deal with the case. “Can people not see this is a part of tactics being used to create terror?” he asked. “Imran Riaz Khan is not losing anything, he will come back as a hero. The damage [rendered] is to the public’s trust in the system. “You cannot suppress thoughts with handcuffs,” Umar said. During his press conference, the PTI leader reiterated the party’s claims that their supporters were receiving calls from “unknown numbers”.

Umar alleged that housewives who supported the party were now receiving phone calls from “unknown numbers” warning them to stop posting on social media. Men in plainclothes came to the house of an 80-year-old widow and alleged that she had kidnapped a two-yearold girl, he claimed. The more that such tactics are used, the more passionate people will become, he added. ImRAn gIves ‘tRAItoR’ tAg to CeC: Umar’s comments come a day after PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan lambasted the civil administration as well as the Election Commission for helping ‘turncoats’ win the by-election scheduled for July 17. He said Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja would be considered a ‘traitor’ in times to come and added that the CEC did not utter a word on the massive use of state power and rigging in local government elections in Sindh. He also regretted that the ‘thieves and dacoits’ in connivance with the chief election commissioner did not let the electronic voting machines be introduced in elections. Meanwhile, the ECP rejected Imran’s tirade. “The PTI chief’s allegations against the commission and its head are baseless. The ECP will continue its work according to law and will resist pressure,” a statement by the commission spokesman said.

NTDC to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Eidul Azha LAHORE news desk

Matters sorted: Farooq Sattar to return to MQM-P fold after Eid KARACHI: Former Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Farooq Sattar is likely to return to the party’s fold after reportedly matters have been sorted out with Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. According to sources privy to the development, a meeting took place between Farooq Sattar and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui at a residential complex in Gulistan-eJauhar, which was also attended by Mooed Anwar and Furqan Attayab from MQM-P side and Kamran Farooqui, Faisal Rafiq and Nighat Shakil represented Sattar group. “A formula has been finalized between the two for appointment of office bearers and adjustment of independent local government candidates,” they said, adding that members of the Sattar group will be accommodated in Karachi and Hyderabad. They said that Farooq Sattar will return to the MQM-P fold after Eidul Azha and a general workers’ meeting will be organized at the KMC Stadium in the PIB where Sattar would be welcomed back to the party along with his associates. “Farooq Sattar will announce to quit the race for NA-245 by-election while local government candidates will also be announced during the gathering,” they said. Recently, Sattar invited all factions of the MQM to unite and said that Khalid Maqbool, Afaq Ahmed, Mustafa Kamal should sit together. “They should sit together for the interest of the urban centers of the province,” he said. news desk

The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has said that in compliance of directions of Ministry of Energy, NTDC will ensure uninterrupted power supply to distribution companies (DISCOs) during Eidul Adha. In this regard, MD NTDC Engr. Dr. Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan conveyed a meeting of NTDC senior officers here at WAPDA House Lahore on Friday wherein he assured the same. “NTDC teams will remain alert at NPCC and at all grid stations across the country, surprise visits will also be paid by the management in this regard,” Dr. Rana said. It may be mentioned here that in pursuance of the Ministry of Energy (Power Division),

Engr. Dr. Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan has taken over as acting managing director NTDC on a stop gap arrangement on July 7, 2022. Dr Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan has done his BSc/BE from the University of Engineering & Technology Pakistan, MS Engineering from University of Wollongong Australia and PhD. from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) Australia. He rendered service over 30 years of extensive experience of power sector. He has served in the power sector, including NTDC on key appointments like deputy managing director (AD&M), GM (Project Delivery/GSC) North, GM (Technical), GM (TSG) and GM Asset Management North. He has also served as CEO FESCO, CEO IESCO, COO Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park and CEO AEDB.

FAJR SUNRISE

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Govt halts payments under PM’s Kamyab Jawan Program ISLAMABAD InP

The government on Friday stopped the payments under the Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan programme till July 15. The State Bank of Pakistan issued directions to all commercial banks to halt payments under the PM Kamyab Jawan Entrepreneurship Scheme till July 15. According to the notification, the federal government is reviewing all aspects of the scheme. Sources in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance ministry revealed that the banks have halted payments on the SBP order. They said that several banks including Bank of Khyber were giving loans up to Rs1 million to young people. So far, the Bank of Khyber has given more than 1,200 unemployed youth under this scheme enunciated during the previous PTI government, sources said adding that thousands of young people had applied for the loans.

Two missing during flashflood in Karachi NEwS DESk Three people were swept away in Karachi’s Gadap Town as heavy rains continued to batter the metropolis on Thursday. Two of them remained missing while the third was rescued, it was reported on Friday. The accidents occurred around the Lath river in Gadap after water levels rose due to the rain. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malir Irfan Bahadur said that the three people were were travelling on motorcycles. According to the SSP, one of the three missing individuals was rescued while the search for the other two continued. However, the rescue operation was hampered due to darkness. The two missing persons were reported to be father and son. The Malir river in the Memon Goth region also flooded, causing a flash flood on Link Road and subsequently leading to the police closing the Link Road that connected the National Highway with the Superhighway. With the closure of the road, traffic pressure increased, resulting in a gridlock. Meanwhile, several vehicles got stuck on inundated roads near the Northern Bypass. Edhi officials said that as soon as the incident was reported their volunteers rushed to the spot and evacuated the citizens to a safe place after struggling with the conditions. Rescue officials said several vehicles were also submerged in the water while the Superhighway road from Karachi to Hyderabad was closed for traffic due to the current situation. According to Express News, Gadap Town, Surjani Town, North Karachi, North Nazimabad, Gulshan-eMaymar, Jinnah Old Terminal, Tariq Road, Defence View, FC Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Saddar, Guru Mandir, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Nazimabad and other areas received downpour for several hours. The city plunged into darkness due to power outages in the different areas of the city. According to KElectric (K-E), the power company’s staff was resolving the faults reported by the people.

Households in 28 districts report losing income, higher living cost ISLAMABAD Ghulam abbas

Households in 28 districts of Pakistan has revealed that more than half of the surveyed households reported a reduction in income, high food and fuel prices, and sickness or death in their household. As per results of a survey carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 28 districts, households reported a drop in agricultural income, particularly from the

sale of staple crops, but also from agricultural trade and casual farm labour. Agricultural shocks were less frequent than economic shocks, but some districts had prevalence rates that were much higher than the aggregate average. FAO carried out the survey through the data in emergencies monitoring system to monitor agricultural livelihoods and food security in the three provinces. Results of the survey were made available on Friday. The survey targeted Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh, and was conducted from

March to April 2022. Face-to-face interviews were carried out in seven districts of KP (Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, Orakzai and South Waziristan); twelve districts in Balochistan (Chagai, Gwadar, Harnai, Kech, Kharan, Killa Abdullah, Loralai, Nushki, Panjgur, Pishin, Washuk, and Zhob); and nine districts in Sindh (Badin, Dadu, Jamshoro, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Sujawal, Tharparkar, Thatta and Umerkot. This third-round survey utilized a random sample of 6990 rural households representative at district level.

Sri Lanka police impose curfew, fire tear gas as unrest escalates Police in Sri Lanka’s commercial capital Colombo imposed a curfew after firing tear gas and using a water cannon on student protesters on Friday ahead of a planned weekend rally, as public discontent escalates over the worst economic crisis in seven decades. The island nation has been crippled by a shortage of foreign exchange that has left it struggling to pay for essential imports of fuel, food and medicine. Its 22 million people have been bearing the brunt of record inflation, currency depreciation and rolling power cuts for months. Many blame President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the swift slide in living conditions, the worst since independence in 1948, which has sparked widespread protests that

have sometimes turned violent. “People are dying in fuel queues and can barely manage three meals a day. This is what the president and his government have done to this country,” said Wasantha Mudalige, a member of the Inter University Students’ Federation that organised a march to the president’s house on Friday. “We will not give up until this president and prime minister go home,” Mudalige said, referring to Ranil Wickremesinghe who was appointed as prime minister in May to replace Rajapaksa’s elder brother after he stepped down. In a statement, Rajapaksa said the public were being misled and said essential supplies were scheduled to be delivered soon.

“At a time when successful solutions have been achieved to the existing problematic situation, the programme of the opposition political groups to mislead the people is very sad and unpleasant,” the statement said. “This will lead to set the country back once again.” The students will stage a sit-in overnight, with other protesters including healthcare workers, clergy, trade unions and opposition supporters joining them on Saturday, organisers said. Starting 9 pm local time on Friday, a curfew will be imposed in Colombo and several suburbs, police said in a statement. It did not say when restrictions will be lifted. “People living in the areas under curfew

should remain at home. Breaking of police curfew will be seen as a disruption of public order and strict legal action will be taken,” a police notice said. Security was tightened in Colombo with about 3,000 police and paramilitary deployed, along with reinforced barricades around major public buildings, police spokesperson Nalin Thalduwa said. A spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said there were concerns over Saturday’s protest turning violent. “With security forces we have seen the use of lethal weapons in protests. This is why we are putting out this preventive call because we are very concerned about what might happen tomorrow,” Ravina Sham-

dasani told reporters. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung called for the military and police to allow peaceful protests. “Violence is not an answer… Chaos & force will not fix the economy or bring the political stability that Sri Lankans need right now,” she said in a tweet. Political instability could potentially undermine Sri Lanka’s ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a potential $3 billion bailout. The country hopes to submit a debt restructuring plan to the global lender by August and raise additional funding via a donor conference after reaching a staff level agreement. aGencIes

Published by Arif Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk