PM waives off faC for uP to 300 units of Power ConsuMPtion
g Premier ProPoses
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ISLAMABAD Ghulam abbas increased cost of fuel, and energy along with the devaluation of local currency has resulted in a 27.26% rise in inflation during august as compared to the same month of last year, taking it to a historic high of 47 years, data released by the Pakistan bureau of statistics (Pbs) showed on thursday.theinflation measured by the consumer Price index (cPi) in august on a year-on-year (yoy) basis was the highest fiscal year since 1974-1975. the cPi based inflation was registered at 8.4% in augustPakistan2021.had earlier recorded the highest inflation of 26.66% in 1974 when there was a global oil crisis. the index has since mostly remained below 15pc with a few exceptions in november 2008, when the cPi was recorded at 24.3% and then 24.93% in July 2022 on a yoy basis. the average inflation between July and august increased by 26.10% this year against 8.38% over the same period last year. the spike comes as fuel prices began rising in the last week of may after the new coalition government scrapped costly fuel subsidies in an attempt to tame the surging fiscal deficit and revive the stalled international monetary fund (imf) loan programme. on a yoy basis, the transport index saw the biggest rise of 63.08% in the month under review, followed by perishable food items that increased by 33.85%, non-perishable food items by 28.85%, housing and utilities 27.57%, restaurants and hotels 27.43%, alcoholic beverages and tobacco 25.78%, and furniture and household equipment maintenance by 21.86%. in other categories, clothing and footwear saw an increase of 21.86% in prices, recreation and culture 21.78%, health 11.89%, education 9.99% and restaurants and hotels 7.41%. official data shows that food inflation remained on the higher side in august, as it shot up by 28.8% yoy and 1.6% mom in urban areas, whereas the respective growth in prices in rural areas was 30.2% and 1.2% — a reversal of the trend wherein urban areas usually experience higher food non-foodprices.inflation in urban centers increased to 24.7% yoy and 3.3% mom, whereas in rural areas it rose to 27.5% and 3.1%, respectively. the increase in non-food inflation was mainly driven by unprecedented rising oil prices. the core inflation in urban areas was 13.8% in august against 12% the previous month. in rural areas, the increase was 16.5% against 14.6%. this shows that the increase in interest rates has not been able to stop the upward trend in core inflation. on a month-on-month basis, cPibased inflation increased by 2.4% in august 2022 as compared to 4.3% in the previous month.
August inflation hits 27.3pc, highest in 47 years to exemPt farmers from Paying charges on croP irrigation, waive off in flood hit areas
Friday, 2 September, 2022 I 5 Safar, 1444 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XIII No 64 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition
ISLAMABAD staff report P rimeminister shehbaz sharif on thursday waived off the fuel adjustment charges (fac) for power consumers who consume up to 300 units of electricity in a month. the premier made this announcement while addressing a meeting of Pakistan muslim league-nawaz (Pml-n) lawmakers in waiver is being given with the aim to facilitate the common man who is bearing the brunt of inflation, adding that the relief will cover 75 percent of electricity consumers across the country. the Pm said that initially, the exemption was given to consumers who use up to 200 units with the government having to bear an estimated burden of PKr 21 billion for offering the exemption. however, broadening the scope of the relief to those who use up to 300 units in a month will have a wider impact. furthermore, Pm shehbaz also proposed to waive off the electricity bills of power consumers of flood-hit areas and also suggested to exempt the farmers from water charges on crop irrigation in calamity-hit areas of the hecountry.also announced the launch of a solar programme for the production of cheap electricity in the country in the near future. he said this programme will generate electricity at the rate of PKr 9 per unit which will save billions of rupees. “my economic and energy teams are making all-out efforts to materialise the mega solar project, which is aimed at benefiting schools, hospitals, agri tube-wells etc.,” he added.
monsoon floods washed away 45pc
Friday, 2 September, 2022 | KARACHI 02 NEWS
President Dr Arif Alvi Thursday stressed the need to improve flood warning system and highlighted the importance of building big dams to control floods and enhance water storage capacity. President Alvi expressed the views during a visit to flood-hit areas of Dera Ghazi Khan where district administration briefed him on floods and the trail of destruction it left behind, according to a statement issued by media wing of the President House.
A total of 21 representatives of Markazi Tanzeem-eTajiraan Pakistan attended the meeting while a few participants joined through a video link. It may be recalled that the government had withdrawn the fixed tax on retailers through a recently promulgated ordinance.
The president expressed grave concerns over the loss of life, damages to standings crops spread over more than 300,000 acre area, thousands of buildings, homes destroyed and cattle heads killed in floods. The president said that compensating the affected people should be the top most priority of the government.
He said that Rs. 100 million to Deputy Commissioner DG Khan, 80 million to DC Rajanpur and 65 million to Deputy Commissioner Mianwali had been immediately released. “Any additional funds required will be provided,” he added. He said that as usual overseas Pakistanis were leading in helping their brothers facing difficult times. Raja Basharat said that along with the government, welfare organizations were also helping their affected brothers and sisters.
The chairman FBR invited proposals regarding the features of the proposed tax scheme that will serve the purpose of facilitating filing of income tax returns as well as ensuring revenue for the country. The traders appreciated the initiative of active consultative approach taken by the FBR and put forth various suggestions on the issue. Earlier on August 25, a meeting with the representatives of traders from all across Pakistan was also held by the FBR in Islamabad. The financial watchdog resolved to keep follow-up meetings at the FBR headquarters and also at the regional level so that, through consultation and consensus, a feasible and workable scheme of taxation for retailers & traders is evolved. The traders were requested to make in-house deliberations amongst themselves and firm up their suggestions for the future tax scheme to be rolled out next month.
“Our folklore and songs had been on monsoon season which used to be of 2-3 spells but this is monster flood. Our helicopters could not get of the grounds due to persistent rainfall and inclement weather.”Sheadded that the 2005 earthquake response was active and prompt as it had a coordinated effort that helped expedite response and rescue measures. But this time, she said the disaster magnitude was incalculable as the floodwater was stagnant and not receding or evaporating for instance Sindh had become a huge oceanic lake and it was heavy downpour in the south which was a flat region and also lashed by hill torrents. The Minister mentioned that there was need to create new tools and utilise resources, military, civil disaster management machinery and others for proactive and coordinated response. “It’s a Humanitarian disaster that’s why UN came with a flash appeal. However, the UN secretary general will visit Pakistan soon. This is the largest hydromet disaster in the history of Pakistan. Young people need to be mobilised and in 2005 we did it faster because the civilian side was faster catching up with the pace of armed forces and media.”
She underscored that she had briefed the federal cabinet prior to floods that climate change represents a national security threat as it impacted 9.1% of its GDP. A lot more than 33 million are effected due to floods, she said, adding, “We will be late in our response because no one expected over a high monsoon spell which was predicted high.”
Dr Alvi said that attention should be paid to building delay action dams to store water from hill torrents in DG Khan. He said that building bigger dams was vital to control floods and enhance water storage capacity.
SouthwardistributedchequestoaffecteesinWaziristan:
app Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman on Thursday said the monster monsoon floods had washed away 45% of country’s cropland that was mainly in Sindh inundated under floodwater and incurred cumulative damages of $10 billion. Addressing the COP In My City summit jointly held by the Ministry of Climate Change and UNICEF here, the Ministry briefed the young leaders on the vulnerability of the country due to climate change and cataclysmic climatic faced by the country. Sherry said, “We are standing at the precipice of a very fragile time linked to climate change as there is no match to the natural catastrophe that covered 70% of the country under water which is equal to the size of the United Kingdom.” She said Sindh province was the food basket of the country and its 45% areas was washed away due to heavy flooding in the area which would bring economic shocks in the future.
Imran’s plea against NAB Law amends
more effective and functional to help in rescue and relief activities carried out by the government and armedHeforces.saidfloods played havoc in all the provinces. He said that Punjab government had provided Rs 800,000 to heirs of each person who died in floods in DG Khan and Rajanpur. President advised officials to remain alert as there was the possibility of disease outbreak in post-flood scenario and bring improvement in their health care systems to provide heath care facilities to the Commissionerpeople.DG Khan informed the president that there were seven hill torrents that usually support water flow in case of rains on mountains. However, this year, unusual water flow in four hill torrents caused destruction which was more than what people had suffered in 2010 floods.
National Assembly Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Thursday told that so far 47,240 cheques distributed to the affectees whose houses were damaged during the war against terrorism in South Waziristan. The committee met here under the chair of Muhammad Jamal ul Din that was attended by Muhammad Afzal Khokhar, Naveed Ameer Jeeva, Afreen Khan, Nuzhat Pathan and Mohsin Dawar. The body expressed dismay over the absence of Deputy Commissioner North Waziristan in the meeting and directed the concerned authorities to complete the survey of remaining damaged houses without any further delay. The committee also urged the Finance Division to release the funds as soon as possible to mitigate the problems of the victims. The Additional Deputy Commissioner South Waziristan informed the body that out of the total 47,395 cheques, the authority had so far distributed 47,240 cheques among the affectees. While discussing the matter of funds distribution among the traders and shopkeepers, Mohsin Dawar said the funds were not disbursed according to the SOPs agreed by all the stakeholders. He further pointed that instead of distributing funds through serial number, the funds had distributed on pick and choose policy which was totally wrong. The committee directed the Deputy Commissioner North Waziristan to attend the next meeting in person with all relevant records.
ISLaMaBaD Staff RepoRt
NA Staff RepoRt
He said the Chairman high powered ministerial committee said that 184 relief camps were established in the affected areas. A total of 33,478 tents, 4,400 bags of flour, 68,637 food hampers, more than 3,000 pots and thousands of water bottles had been distributed in three tehsils of Rajanpur, four tehsils of DG Khan and one tehsil of Mianwali, he maintained.
Senator Sherry Rehman said the Pakistani youth was integrated and pertinent to change their future and it was time to shake their conscience. “My generation had the carbon intensive life style and you will have to define at one level that what we have to change in our life.” The minister underlined that the country was facing the 9th monsoon spell and crossed the devastation of 2010 floods having no precedent to it. “No such environmental and humanitarian crisis has occurred before and we should consider this as the decade’s major climate event. 70% of Pakistan is underwater because of a climate catastrophe. Made no mistake it’s all man made disaster and it will not go back automatically.”
The president said that efforts should be made to ensure compensation is paid to the affected people soonest. He said that farmers should be encouraged to opt for crop insurance which, he added, could be helpful in getting their losses compensated in natural disasters.President Dr Arif Alvi also visited a relief camp where he met the flood affected people, sympathized with them and asked them about the level of difficulties being faced by them. He said that he was in DG Khan to meet them, to make them feel they were not alone in these testing times and that government was there to help them out. He said that the first phase largely focused on saving lives which was more important than anything else. The administration made untiring efforts in saving lives and making basic facilities available to people, he said adding that rehabilitation process should begin soon. Dr. Arif Alvi said that hill torrents from Suleman Mountain Range witnessed extraordinarily high level of water this year that caused deaths, and destruction of infrastructure and buildings. He underlined the need for making boys scouts and girls guides organizations
DeRa GHaZI KHaN Staff RepoRt
LaHoRe Staff RepoRt C
HAIRMANMinisterial Disaster Management Committee, Provincial Minister for Cooperatives, Environmental Protection & Parliamentary Affairs Muhammad Basharat Raja on Thursday assured that every flood-affected family would resettle in their homes soon. The reconstruction work of the houses would start as soon as the water receded, he said and added the Punjab government would leave no stone unturned to provide sufficient financial resources to affected people. Addressing a press conference at DGPR here, he said that Punjab received a total of 364 mm of rain this year, which was 85 percent more than normal. “Although premonsoon flood warnings and all necessary preparations were made by the concerned departments, however preparations did not prove to be effective against the unprecedented heavy rains”, the minister added. Basharat Raja said that 188 deaths occurred as a result of rains and floods in the entire province. “Apart from this, 3,256 people were injured while 25,315 houses were damaged,” he said. Raja said that districts of Rajanpur, DG Khan and Mianwali were the worst affected, adding that 644,339 people were affected by rains and floods while more than two lakh cattle were also perished. The minister said that Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi himself was supervising all the relief activities. “Floodaffected areas have already been declared a calamity hit. At present, the relief work is in the final stages, then the most crucial phase of rehabilitation will begin”, he briefed the media. Basharat Raja said that a relief package had been approved by the Chief Minister for the affected people. “Compensation of one million rupees will be given to the next of kin of each deceased person. Earlier, aid was not given for the construction of kacha houses, but this time the government will also provide aid for the reconstruction of kacha houses” he announced”.
Govt to implement new tax scheme for traders
ISLaMaBaD Staff RepoRt
EvEry flooD - AffECtED fAmIly to bE rESEttlED IN tHEIr HomES SooN: bASHArAt rAJA 47,240
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will plan and implement a new tax scheme in consultation with traders from all over the country, it emerged on Thursday. According to the details, chairman FBR held a detailed meeting with the representatives of traders from all across the country at the FBR House here in the federal capital.
Monster cropland,
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The Government of Denmark has announced 10 million Danish Krone (DKK) in immediate humanitarian aid to Pakistan’s flood victims. According to a tweet shared by Denmark Embassy in Islamabad, this announcement was made by the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Flemming Møller Mortensen on Thursday. Minister stated that Pakistan was under water due to devastating floods and underlined Denmark’s deep concerns about the climate crisis in Pakistan.
Petitioner not affected party: Govt asks SC to dismiss
The federal government on Thursday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to dismiss a petition filed by former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan against the recent amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)Accordinglaws. to details, the federal government has submitted a reply on Imran Khan’s petition challenging the amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance. Raising objections over Imran Khan’s petition, the federal government argued that the former premier was not the affected party not the application based on good faith. “The Supreme Court had declared it will not interfere in political matters”, the written reply stated.The reply further noted that Imran Khan had also made such amendments during his tenure through ordinances. “The PTI Chairman has challenged the amendments to NAB laws on Islamic grounds,” it stated, noting that the Shariat Court can declare amendments against the Shariat. The federal government maintained that NAB amendments cannot be declared null and void on allegations of a general nature. “The National Accountability Bureau has been the root cause of all conflicts since its formation,” it added. The reply also stated that amendments to the NAB ordinance were made in accordance with the Court orders. “The petition – filed by Imran Khan -cannot clarify how the amendments conflict with fundamental rights,” the replyEarlierconcluded.inthe day, the Supreme Court issued notice to the federal government on a petition filed by former prime minister against the recent amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws.
Chief Justice Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Athar Minallah on Thursday said that it was the responsibility of the state to introduce reforms for rapid provision of justice to the litigants. He was addressing a seminar titled ‘rapid provision of justice’. The chief justice said that our civil and criminal courts system was hundred years old, adding that the world had changed but we had the same laws. He said that the biggest problem was delay in the provision of justice, adding that corruption was also another factor. The executive was also responsible for the problems in the judicial system, he added. The chief justice said that the district courts and police system were not properly functional in the country, adding that there was no prosecution system in district courts for last sixty years. There was urgent need of judicial reforms to ensure timely justice to the public, he said, adding that the state had never given priority to the district judiciary. The chief justice said that they had initiated reforms project in IHC that would be helpful to improve the public confidence in judiciary. He further said that the IHC also took measures with regard to the dispute management and also engaged the stakeholders. Speaking on the occasion, Justice Miangul Hassan said that it was necessary to take measures towards dispute resolve system. He said that there were millions of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centers in Turkiye, adding that it would reduce the burden on judiciary.
incurred $10b losses: Sherry President Alvi underscores modern warning system, big dams to counter floods Denmark announces 10 million DKK emergency assistance for flood victims Staff RepoRt
Urgent reforms required for early provision of justice to litigants: CJ IHC Staff RepoRt
The Ambassador of the United States to Pakistan Donald Blome on Thursday called on Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal to extend his support to Pakistan during this difficult time after recent floods in the country. During the meeting the US Ambassador expressed his deep condolence over the loss of lives during the devastated floods and showed solidarity with the government of Pakistan. The minister said that the recent flood had not only claimed human lives, but also affected infrastructure and livelihood at a mega scale. The damages caused to crops and livelihood will certainly pose challenges for food insecurity in months to come, he added. He further noted that the most critical challenge lies beyond initial relief & rescue efforts and revolves around rebuilding livelihoods of flood affected people & infrastructure that has been destroyed. The recent floods are deviant from all previous such natural calamities as they are not from rivers but rain inflicted, said the Minister, while urging the international community to continue to support Pakistan as the scale of the floods are beyond the resources. The Minister informed the Ambassador the rescue and rehabilitation operations have been continued while the government is focusing to bring the economy on track. The government is making all out efforts for the floodaffected people while enhancing its social protection programs through Benazir Income Support Programme BISP and others.
The Accountant General said that not providing the details is a serious violation of the rules and regulations, so the provincial government should immediately the details of the financial year 2021-22 while details of expenditure for the current financial year should also be provided on monthly basis. According to sources, the KP Planning and development department has issued instructions to all the concerned administrative departments to submit the details of monthly expenditure as soon as possible.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday summoned officials of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) in a case against the ban on ARY. The IHC, in its order, said the employees of TV channel had approached the high court against the channels’ closure. It said the ban had affected the rights of employees. The petitioner’s lawyer had attracted the attention of court towards the decision of Sindh High Court (SHC) for re-opening of the channel. The court instructed the Authority to clarify that why the transmission of the channel were not restored. ISLaMaBaD Staff RepoRt Pakistan on Thursday conveyed strong demarche to India and expressed solidarity with Kashmiris on the first anniversary of the martyrdom of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. “Pakistan joins the Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) in paying tribute to iconic Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on the first anniversary of his martyrdom, today. Syed Ali Shah Geelani breathed his last in long-drawn illegal Indian custody on 1st September 2021,” Foreign Office said in a statement issued here. According to the statement, the Indian Charge d’Affaires (Cd’A) in Islamabad was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a strong demarche was made over India’s continued obstinacy and refusal to accept Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s right to a burial in accordance with his will. The Cd’A was conveyed Pakistan’s deep regret that despite the passage of one year since Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s demise in Indian custody, the Government of India had persisted in its intransigence and denied him a dignified burial in the “Cemetery of Martyrs” as per his desire.“More ominously, Kashmiris were not even allowed to pay respects to the revered leader at the graveyard in Hyderpora, Srinagar, where he was hurriedly buried by the Indian occupation forces in the absence of his family and followers,” it added. The Cd’A was urged to convey to the Government of India that the mortal remains of the late Syed Ali Shah Geelani must be interred at the “Cemetery of Martyrs” as per his will, and unhindered access be given to his family and followers to pay reverence to the great leader, the statement said. Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s unflinching commitment to the Kashmir cause, in the face of persistent persecution and tremendous personal hardship, was unparalleled, it added. “He will be remembered for his unconditional love for Kashmir and Pakistan. May his legacy continue to inspire those carrying his mission forward to bring an end to the illegal Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement concluded.
fooD fortIfICAtIoN
The country has been struggling with high inflation for the last few months. Despite rising global oil prices, ex-prime minister Imran Khan went ahead with fuel and power subsidies in March as he faced mounting discontent over his handling of the economy and inflation. Rising inflation has emerged as a key concern for Pakistan’s economy, already in the midst of depleting foreign exchange reserves. Experts have warned that the country will see prices of food items rise further in the wake of ongoing flash floods that have caused at least 1,100 casualties, widespread destruction, and displaced millions of people.
KEy to rESolvE bAloCHIStAN’S mAlNUtrItIoN ISSUE: ExPErtS
US envoy blome condoles loss of lives during devastating floods in Pakistan
03NEWS Friday, 2 September, 2022 KARACHI app President Dr Arif Alvi said that being an independent country, Pakistan neither wanted to be a toy in anyone’s hands nor looked for polarization. “Pakistan doesn’t want to be a toy in anybody’s hands. Pakistan is an independent country. Pakistan wants good relations with everybody, particularly at the time when we are going through economic turmoil (and) the world is going through economic turmoil. Türkiye is going through economic turmoil,” the president said in an interview with Turkish Anadolu Agency published on Thursday. He said that Pakistan wanted good ties with everyone as the world was going through the economic turmoil. “Pakistan is not looking for any polarization and does not want to be in any camp,” he said. On Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Pakistan in September, he said Islamabad would welcome him. He said Pakistan and Türkiye had a very deep, long-lasting relationship. On Ukraine war, he said Pakistan wanted peace and the role and lauded the President Erdogan’s role in this regard. “The strategic understanding of what is happening around Türkiye, as well as around Pakistan, is important. The fact that the thinking of the Muslim Ummah should be together that will always be on the agenda. The fact that our ties are demonstrated to become closer is important for the people of Pakistan and Türkiye,” he commented. Asked to comment on Pakistan’s plan to purchase oil and grain from Russia, he said it was the government to decide on the matter. He said Pakistan was looking for good relationships with our long-term friends, which was the United States of America. And similarly, the country also wanted to continue and further establish its ties with China, he added.
IHC summons Pemra officials in case against ban on tv channel ISLaMaBaD Staff RepoRt
Pakistan conveys strong demarche to India on first martyrdom anniversary of Geelani
August inflation hits 27.3pc, highest in 47 years
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CoNtINueD fRoM paGe 01
IRECTORTechnical of Balochistan Food Authority Shakeel Ahmed has said that food fortification is an important strategy to address the issue of malnutrition in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and in this noble cause the oil and ghee mills are fully cooperating with the government, ensuring fortification of their products.Heexpressed these views on behalf of Director General Balochistan Food Authority during a progress review meeting ‘Digitizing Pakistan’s Vitamin A Oil Program to Drive Sustainability’, organized by the Nutrition International. He congratulated the participants on the approval of the Balochistan Food Fortification Act 2021 from the provincial assembly, and said the act was much needed and a huge milestone to ensure production and supply of fortified foods to the people. He said the Nutrition International was playing a vital role in the process. Not only was it supporting millers, but also the provincial Food Safety Authorities in the form of capacity building and provision of testingDirectorequipment.Legal of Balochistan Food Authority Muhammad Isaq said loose oil in the market was a serious health concern for public health, which is mostly used by the underprivileged class who already suffers from malnutrition. He said the Balochistan Food Authority was taking strict action against those involved in selling of loose oil, and in coming days would further intensify the operation.Director General of Implementation, Planning and Development Department Ghulam Mustafa said there was a need to raise awareness among the masses, who used loose oil on daily basis, and to sensitize them to know how injurious it was to their health.
ISLaMaBaD Staff RepoRt Federal Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah has launched NADRA Biker Service for carrying out all the processes of CNIC applied in renewal and modification categories at the door-step of the applicant. The inauguration ceremony was held at NADRA Headquarters, Islamabad. During his visit to NADRA Headquarters, Chairman NADRA briefed the Interior Minister about NADRA operations in Sindh, Baluchistan and South Punjab which have been badly affected by devastating floods and heavy rains. The minister was informed that the monsoon rains and floods have caused heavy losses to the most of buildings of NRCs which are inundated under water; however, the equipment has been saved and evacuated. Houses of 150 NADRA employees in those areas have been damaged, the chairman informed. Moreover, during the briefing Chairman NADRA informed the Minister that more than 37 million people have been terribly affected due to on-going floods and continuous rain pour. He told that the heavy rains and flooding situation in certain areas had led to the loss of CNICs of affected people which would be needed to have an access to governments’ relief disbursement and other relief activities. With regard to Biker service, Mr. Malik informed that initially the pilot phase of the service would be started in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. By the end of December this year, NADRA Biker service would be extended to all the districts of the country, he added. Chairman NADRA told the minister that after rolling out digital online services for the citizens, a home-based NADRA’s Biker service is basically a portable NADRA Centre that will walk into the peoples’ lounges and register them in their premises saving them from the hassle of visiting NADRA centre. Through this service the female registration officers using scooties will also carry out the registration of women only. Mr. Malik apprised the minister that he had been working on outof-box solutions with a prime focus on creating hand-on facilitation and hassle-free registration for general public in a bid to accommodate more than 125000 footfall daily at 771 NADRA centres across the country. He informed that the long queues at NADRA registration centers, especially in big and densely populated cities led him to go an extra mile by successfullyestablishing 97 new NRCs and adding more than 100 new MRVs in the existing fleet within past 10 months.
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ISLaMaBaD Staff RepoRt
PM postpones UAE visit to focus on flood relief activities
NADRA launches ‘Bike Service’ Accountant General urges KP govt to submit details of monthly expenditure aZIZ BuNeRI
The Accountant General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) expressed concern that the provincial government hasn’t submitted the details of direct monthly expenditure of the financial year 2021-22 The Accountant General (AG) office said that it’ll be a source of embarrassment for the provincial government if such details weren’t made part of the the AG’s annual report, so all the provincial departments should immediately send details of the previous financial year and ensure that such details are sent to the AG office on monthly basis during the ongoing financial year. The letter sent by the AG office to the Department of planning and development also said that the details of monthly payments of international aid and loans in the annual financial accounts have also not been provided to the Accountant General.
Chief of Section Nutrition Planning and Development Department Dr Sattar Essazai said that the department was committed to implement the Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy of Balochistan through reestablishment of SUN Secretariat. Director Nutrition of Health Department Shabir Mengal said Pakistan was facing a triple burden of malnutrition, it resulted in stunting, Vitamin A and D deficiencies, anemia, and lower IQ among other complications. Programme Manager of Edible Oil Fortification, Nutrition International, Zameer Haider said food fortification was cost effective and it resulted in massive returns.
Pakistan, which was already in the grip of high inflation, has witnessed catastrophic monsoon floods this season that have caused widespread destruction and sent food prices soaring, putting many staples out of the reach of the poor. The floods have submerged a third of the country, killing more than 1,100 people and affecting over 33 million. The rains which began in June, and whose unusual intensity has been blamed on climate change, have also damaged vast swathes of rich agricultural land and crops. Parts of the mountainous north and bread basket south have been cut off as roads and bridges have been washed away. With millions of acres of farmland still under water and certain roads inaccessible, prices are expected to climb further.
Pakistan doesn’t want to be a toy in anyone’s hands: President Staff RepoRt
ISLaMaBaD Staff RepoRt Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced postponement of his visit to the United Arab Emirates scheduled for September 3, with a view to focus on the ongoing rescue and relief activities in the flood-ravaged areas of the country. “I was set to visit the UAE on Sept 3 on the invitation of HH the President. We mutually decided to postpone the visit so that I could focus on the ongoing rescue & relief activities,” the prime minister wrote on Twitter. He said Pakistan would forever be indebted to “our brothers and sisters who have stood by us in this challenge.” The prime minister said that the UAE had started delivering the first tranche of relief goods worth $50 million for the flood victims in Pakistan.Hesaid that in his telephonic conversation with the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan last night, the latter assured that the UAE would continue to help flood affected people of Pakistan.
ISlAmAbAd Staff RepoRt Pakistan on Thursday strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of five more innocent Kashmiris by Indian Occupation Forces in two separate incidents in the last two days. “These incidents include three killings during an orchestrated ‘cordonand-search’ operation in the Nagbal area of Shopian district, while last night a separate fake encounter led to the extra-judicial killing of two more Kashmiris in Sopore area of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” the Foreign Office statement issued here said. “In a brazen continuation of atrocities, Indian forces have once again left a trail of blood after carrying-out so-called ‘cordon-and-search’ operations in the IIOJK. Such operations are nothing but a hideous cover-up for rounding up and gruesomely killing innocent Kashmiris.
India has extra-judicially murdered at least 666 Kashmiris since its unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, including around 144 this year,” it added. “No quantum of brutality would, however, break the will, perseverance and courage of the Kashmiris,” the statementPakistanstressed.called upon India to immediately cease its systematic campaign of human rights violations in the IIOJK, abjure its policy of state-terrorism, scrap the draconian laws in place in the IIOJK, and let the Kashmiris exercise their legitimate right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant UNSC resolution. “Pakistan also renews its call for an impartial investigation of the relentless killings by the Indian forces in IIOJK, as recommended by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its Kashmir reports of 2018 and 2019,” the statement concluded.
PESHAWAR Staff RepoRt Commissioner Dera Division Amir Afaq on Thursday vowed to ensure that each flood victim receives relief items timely and warned that strict action would be taken against officials if found involved in unfair distribution of relief consignments among flood victims in the district. He expressed these views while visiting several flood affected areas of the district along with Provincial Minister for Provincial Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Faisal Amin Gandapur. He said that relief items were only meant for the flood affected people who should be extended relief at all costs by delivering them relief items timely. He said the district administration was committed to providing all kind assistance to the displaced people and observed that any negligence on the part of any official to ensure fair distribution of relief goods would not be tolerated. Besides reviewing rescue and relief activities, the Commissioner also directed for early opening of access roads and was informed that restoration work was smoothly continuing with help of heavy machinery on the N-55 Highway from Prova to Mahra. The provincial minister said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was taking various measures to provide immediate assistance to flood victims and directed the officials concerned to ensure that flood affected people in remote areas received relief items.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education, Kamran Bangash Thursday informed that the recent flood had badly damaged three degree colleges while the others were partially damaged. Sharing details in a statement issued here, the minister said that ground floors of Govt. Post Graduate Degree College Nowshera and Govt. Girls Degree College Nowshera were badly damaged while the boundary wall and drainage system of Govt. Degree College No. 3 D I Khan had collapsed. He informed that boundary walls of Govt. Degree College Kulaci, Govt. Degree College Upper Dir, Govt. Degree College Kohi and Maraghzar were partially damaged in floods. He said that relief centers had been established in 22 colleges situated in Charsadda, DI Khan, Nowshera, Manshera and Tank. He said that teaching and non-teaching staff had been mobilised for the assistance of stranded people while welfare and nongovernmental organizations were also being assisted in carrying out relief activities. He said that the damage assessment report and a plan to rehabilitate colleges would be completed very soon.
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Rich tRibuteS Paid to Syed ali Geelani on hiS FiRSt maRtyRdom anniveRSaRy
The government has issued permits for import of 13,000 tonnes of tomato and onion from different countries to stabilize the price of commodities in Pakistan, which shot up after devastating floods damaged crops and communication“Today,links. government has issued permits for import of 13000 tonnes of tomato and onion and more permits are expected to be granted,” said Waheed Ahmad, Patron-in-Chief All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association. In a video message shared on Thursday, Waheed Ahmad said vegetable dealers would import on urgent basis both of these items from Turkey, Egypt, China and Dubai. Import of tomato and onion from Afghanistan and Iran was already in progress and it was expected that stability in prices of these items will come soon, he hoped.He said the transit period of goods from different countries varied from each other and hopefully the new import will reach in markets in a period of around two weeks after which visible reduction in prices was hoped.
Pakistan strongly condemns extra-judicial killing of 5 more Kashmiris in IIOJK: FO KP govt warns officials of strict action against unfair distribution of relief items
Friday, 2 September, 2022 | KARACHI 04 NEWS ISlAmAbAd Staff
The Patron-in-Chief appreciated the decision taken by government to reduce taxes and levies on import of tomato and onion to zero from August 31 to December 31, 2022 and said the order would benefit general masses in purchase of essential commodities at affordable prices.
Punjab striving to come up against colossal damage caused by floods: Dr Yasmeen
lAHoRE Staff RepoRt Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said on Thursday that Pakistan was going through a very difficult time as flood had affected the entire country in an unusual way. Addressing a press conference here, she said: “torrential rains have badly affected areas of Mianwali, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab.” As many as 346 villages in DG Khan, 176 in Rajanpur and 16 villages in Mianwali had been affected by floods badly, she Dradded.Yasmin said 463,403 people had been affected in the flood-hit areas and there was an urgent need for relief activities in these areas. She said 1120,000 acres of land had been affected by floods, and the number of households affected stood at 43,000. She said 60 relief camps had been set up by the Punjab government in affected areas. The minister said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Punjab had sent 22 truckloads of relief goods for the flood victims. PTI Chairman Imran Khan had received five-and-a-half billion rupees of donation for the relief of the floodaffected families through a telethon within a few hours. She said, “We want maximum people to contribute to the fund so that the process of rehabilitation of the affected families could be started.”DrYasmin said the Health Facilitation Card was a big project of the government and with the grace of Allah Almighty, 2,016,000 people had received free treatment in Punjab through the Sehat Sahulat Card.She said that Ghurki Hospital was also going to provide the facility of cyber knife treatment in Lahore.Sania Nishtar had been made in charge of Sehat Sahulat programme and now more facilities would be provided to the people of Punjab through Sehat Sahulat card, she added.She said that amount would be increased from Rs 1 million in case of any emergency. In Punjab, 816 government and private hospitals had been empaneled for the Sehat Sahulat card and more than 83,700 beds had been increased in the empaneled hospitals for patients, she said. Yasmin Rashid said that 97 per cent people of Punjab had expressed satisfaction about health facility card. She said that cancer patients were also being given facilities through Sehat Sahulat card. She said that on Sept 30, the emergency and intensive care unit of the under-construction Mother and Child block in Gangaram Hospital Lahore would be opened.Theproblem of dengue was increasing in Rawalpindi and more than 500 beds had been allocated for dengue patients in government hospitals, she said and added that at present, 100 dengue patients were admitted to ProvincialRawalpindi.HealthMinister Dr Yasmin said that teams of doctors of
StAff REPoRt
RepoRt R
ICHtributes were paid to iconic freedom leader, Syed Ali Geelani on his first martyrdom anniversary on Thursday across Line of Control (LoC) and world over. However, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), strict restrictions were imposed, particularly at the grave of the deceased leader to stop people from visiting the place and offering Fateha. The veteran leader had breathed his last at 10:30 p.m. on September 1 last year (2021). His body was forcibly taken away by the occupation forces and buried at 4:30 a.m. on September 2, even before the relatives living outside Srinagar could have arrived.
The Pakistan Strategic Forum in its message on the martyrdom anniversary paid rich tributes to Geelani for his epic struggle and resistance against the illegal Indian occupation. In a tweet, the forum said Geelani throughout his life championed the right to self-determination of Kashmiris and advocated the settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with the United Nations resolutions and the Kashmiris’ Meanwhile,aspirations.APHCleader Imtiaz Wani in his twitter message said that late Gilani had correctly predicted about Indian plans to settle non-locals from mainland India in IIOJK. “Syed Ali Gilani had foretold that Hindus would never accept Muslims as an entity in India & a majority in IIOJK.,” he tweeted while paying tributes to the great leader. In Islamabad, the APHC Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter took out a rally from National Press Club to Blue Area to pay homage to the iconic freedom leader. It was participated by political, religious and social figures. The participants carried banners with pictures of their beloved martyred leader and raised slogans in favor of Kashmiri martyrs and against illegal Indian occupation. It is pertinent to mention here that the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) had given a call for a complete shutdown across the occupied region and had asked people to march towards grave of SA Gilani in Hyderpora, Srinagar to pay tribute to the iconic leader. President Dr. Arif Alvi on Thursday said that martyred Kashmir Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani was and will remain an icon of the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination. “His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and justice will be a clarion call for Azadi for generations to come,” the President said in a message on the occasion of first death anniversary of Syed Ali Gilani. He said, “Pakistan joins the Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) in paying tribute to iconic Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani on the first anniversary of his martyrdom, today.”
Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik’s wife Mushaal Hussein Mullick said in her twitter message that the grave of the martyred leader was made sub-jail. “India is trembling, India is weakened. History will witness the sacrifices that Syed Ali Geelani gave for nation, for Islam and for humanity,” she said while saluting the Meanwhile,martyr.
Senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference Leader, Shamim Shawl while paying rich tributes to SA Geelani tweeted that the late leader was kept under continued house arrest for over a decade by Indian forces but they failed to snatch the thought of freedom and resistance from him.
National Health Card or to file a complaint, the public could contact on 0800-09009, 042-99205765 and 042-99203694, 042-99333604 and 042-99333605.
ISlAmAbAd Staff RepoRt
Several colleges in KP damaged in recent floods
Flood survivor gives birth to newborn ‘Sailab Khan’ lARKANA Staff RepoRt
The rains that began in June have unleashed powerful floods across the country that have washed away swathes of vital crops and damaged or destroyed more than a million homes. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are in urgent need of shelter, food and clean water, with the threat of more flooding hitting parts of country in coming days, especially Sindh. Sindh is badly affected by the catastrophic floods as over 400 have died in the province since June this year. Deluges from swollen rivers are heading for lowerlying areas, threatening more misery for millions in Pakistan’s second largest province. Among the displaced families, a woman, a resident of district Larkana, has given birth to a newborn in a flood relief camp. The father of the baby boy told the media that the newborn has been named “Sailab Khan” [flood] as he was born in the flood-hit area of Larkana. He complained that the provincial government did not provide any help to flood affectees.
Only close relatives and neighbors were allowed to participate in the funeral at a local graveyard in Hyderpora area that was completely sealed. The family was denied to bury him at the Martyrs’ Graveyard in accordance with his will. Even after the passage of one year, Kashmiris were not allowed to visit his grave on his martyrdom anniversary, clearly indicating the fear India has been experiencing that if it allowed Kashmiris to go on grave, it would be beginning of another uprising.
two medical universities of Punjab were performing their duties for medical assistance of victims in the flood affected areas. To get any kind of guidance related to New Pakistan
Permits issued for import of 13000 tonnes of tomato, onion
Karachi: Agha Steel Industries Ltd. a renowned Steel manufacturing company in Pakistan has signed an accord with Gulberg Mall and Signature Living to solely supply Green Electric Arc Furnace Technology steel rebars to their mega project, making it Islamabad’s first eco-friendly Green Structure Project. Speaking at the event, Mr Zeeshan Ahmed (CEO Gulberg Mall and Signature Living) said “this is our dream project and we are fully committed to go green as this aligns with our long-term goal of becoming an eco-friendly company, providing our customers with solutions that are in line with the utmost stringent global sustainability standards “ pr
PASHA,
MyCard feature on Silkbank VISA Credit Cards
Islamabad pr e xTENDINGa winning legacy that spans over a decade, Pakistan’s largest digital bank, Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) has been awarded the title of “Most Innovative Microfinance Bank – Pakistan 2022” by the prestigious Global Business Outlook (GBO) Awards 2022. The award highlights MMBL’s continuous efforts to enhance access to innovative digital and financial solutions across Pakistan.GBO is a UK-based publication dedicated to covering vital industry sectors such as banking, insurance, brokerage, finance, and disruptive technologies by celebrating individuals and organizations around the world that have made significant impacts in their respective markets with an emphasis on value addition and innovation. Being presented with this accolade cements MMBL’s key role in transforming the banking ecosystem in Pakistan by building smarter, more effective financial solutions for its growing clientele. Addressing this recent achievement, President & CEO MMBL, Ghazanfar Azzam said, “We are honored to receive this distinguished recognition from GBO that corroborates our innovative efforts to provide customer-centric, affordable, and simplified digital financial solutions. Pakistan’s rising smartphone and internet penetration has indeed opened new avenues for digitization and we are committed to utilizing these to help revolutionize banking and enable increased access to seamless services.” Also sharing his thoughts, Chief Finance & Digital Officer MMBL, Sardar Mohammad Abubakr stated, “Being internationally recognized as the 'Most Innovative Microfinance Bank' in Pakistan is a testament to our success. The Bank's efforts, for the last decade, have been concentrated on uplifting the unbanked and underserved segments of society, especially women entrepreneurs and Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (SMEs). MMBL not only offers an array of innovative solutions through its expansive digital financial ecosystem but is also dedicated to training its borrowers through specialized training and skills development workshops under the Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program. We are determined to serve all underserved and unserved people through equal and ample opportunities for financialWithindependence.over40million registered users, including 15+ million monthly active mobile wallets and a network of 196,000+ branchless banking agents, MMBL is dedicated to harnessing the power of technology and encouraging innovation in the banking sector. The Bank’s specialized products and services, such as Women Inspirational Network (WIN) and DOST App facilitate individuals, especially women-owned businesses, to grow financially. MMBL recognizes that a substantial proportion of Pakistan's economy is built on the efforts of small businesses and is confident in the ability of the microfinance sector to serve as an engine for their growth.
MMBL wINS ‘MoST INNoVATIVe MICroFINANCe BANk AwArD’ AT GLoBAL BuSINeSS ouTLook 2022
Karachi: After the successful implementation of Google CS First in selected cities, Sindh Information, Science & Technology Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tech Valley Pakistan, a local country partner of Google for Education, to launch CS First Phase 4, with the support of Google and Ministry of IT & Telecom, in Pakistan’s one of the biggest metropolitan cities, Karachi now. pr
Silkbank credit cards are the most innovative credit cards in the market with unique offers. Silkbank has attained a leadership position in the credit card market in a very short span of time, and is one of the fastest growing credit card in the market today. Silkbank credit cards aim to deliver best-in-class customer service and a seamless product experience. The product value proposition is continuously enhanced via market research and by incorporating customers’ feedback to provide cardholders the best product features and most innovative offers in the market. In line with this strategy, Silkbank has introduced a unique feature “MyCard” for its Silkbank VISA credit card customers which enables them to design their card complementing their lifestyle.
Commercial – AICL, said, “We believe that this partnership will benefit Pakistan's dairy farmers by enhancing their protection. The integration of Personal Accident Coverage of farmers in the Livestock Insurance is a benefitting value addition that actively enhances the agricultural landscape of Pakistan while adding to the stability and sustainability of farmers”
The Digital Nations Award encompasses the contribution of mobile technology in driving the digital transformation of nations. Videos from 11 countries were received, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.Sharing his thoughts Asif Aziz, Chief Commercial Officer, Jazz said, “We believe in developing an inclusive digital ecosystem where connectivity benefits are equally distributed regardless of gender, race or any other division. The #SuperForChange campaign showcases how digital enablement can positively impact the lives of a marginalized community. We are also thankful to GSMA for this recognition.” Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA, said, "The Digital Nation Video Creativity Award recognises how mobile technology delivers digital transformation for societal.
Jazz shines at GSMA Mobile 360 Asia Pacific
Karach: A conference on the economic scope of the gaming industry in Pakistan organized by the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA), with support from Tencent, took place in Islamabad. Conference panelists discussed the viability and potential of gaming and animation contributing to the overall IT and ITeS exports of Pakistan and, thus, facilitating the economic growth of the country. pr
Commenting on the ceremony, Syed Ahmer Shoaib, Deputy Executive Director
Islamabad pr Pakistan’s leading digital operator has won the Digital Nation Video Creativity Award at the GSMA Mobile 360 Asia Pacific organized recently in Singapore.
pr KarachI pr HBL and Adamjee Insurance Company Limited (AICL) have collaborated for providing livestock insurance to clients. The insurance arrangement will provide coverage of animal mortality in addition to covering the accidental death of the client. This partnership brings a unique Insurance product to the industry i.e., “Working Capital Livestock Insurance Scheme”. This product further strengthens the HBL agriculture portfolio by mitigating significant risks and promoting greater financial empowerment for the dairy and livestock farming sector of Pakistan. Commenting on the ceremony, Habib Shah, Acting Head Agriculture Banking – HBL, said, “Pakistan is the fourth largest milk producing country in the world. The agreement with AICL will facilitate in improvement of the dairy and livestock ecosystem through the provision of insurance protection to dairy farmers towards animal mortality. HBL is the leading farmer financing provider in the country and is committed to enhancing financial inclusion in rural Pakistan through such partnerships.”
Agha Steel's green steel to make Gulberg Mall, Islamabad’s first eco-friendly Green Structure Project
NdcTech exhibited its offerings at ITCN Asia, one of the biggest IT conferences in Pakistan. Mr Asif Peer (CEO and Managing Director & Member of the Board of Systems Limited), Mr Alay Raza (Head of Digital Practice) and Mr Fawadur Rehman, (Chief Enterprise Architect, Enabling Modernisation) amongst the NdcTech team contributed to the discussion on stage. pr corporate corner
Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Syed Aminul Haque inaugurates ITCN Asia 2022 exhibition in Karachi, along with senior members of Pakistan Software Houses Association. pr
HBL, Adamjee Insurance team up to offer Dairy and Livestock Loan Insurance
Cnergyico supports flood victims in Balochistan
Google CS First Phase 4 to be launched in collaboration with Sindh Info & Tech Dept
Cnergyico Pk Limited (formerly Byco Petroleum), Pakistan’s largest vertically integrated oil refining company, is supporting relief efforts to assist the people who have been affected by the catastrophic floods in Balochistan. The recent spell of torrential rains has taken a heavy toll on the country, particularly on parts of Balochistan where thousands of precious lives have been lost while people’s homes, businesses, and public infrastructure have been badly damaged. “Cnergyico is guided by its long-standing principle of supporting humanitarian efforts and uplifting communities during times of crisis,” Cnergyico’s Vice President for Information Mr. Azfar Saeed Baig said “To ease the burden of the victims of the flood, Cnergyico has embarked on Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and seeks to provide critical support to the vulnerable families. Through the ongoing and future CSR programmes, Cnergyico will take measures to alleviate the suffering and protect the dignity and integrity of our countrymen affected by this natural Cnergyico’sdisaster.”employees have voluntarily contributed at least one day’s salary to a fund created to help the flood victims. The company matched the total contributions, thereby doubling the size of the donation. These funds have been forwarded to the LCCI (Lasbela Chamber of Commerce) who will ensure appropriate utilization, particularly for meeting the most urgent needs of the people of the Lasbela District. Cnergyico is also planning to take a range of other measures to support relief operations in the flood-hit regions of Balochistan as well as Sindh. pr
05NEWS Friday, 2 September, 2022 KARACHI
Nestlé Pakistan to donate 250,000 liters water, 10,000 liters milk to flood-hit vulnerable communities
LahOrE: Nestlé Pakistan has committed to donating 250,000 liters of clean drinking water and 10,000 liters of milk, in the second phase to support vulnerable communities affected by the devastating floods following National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) calls for flood relief efforts across Pakistan. The company has already sent 60,000 liters of water to NDMA for flood relief efforts in Balochistan earlier last month. Highlighting the efforts, Samer Chedid, CEO Nestlé Pakistan said, “Access to clean drinking water is the biggest concern for communities displaced by flooding across Pakistan and that’s where we are focusing the bulk of our efforts.” He added that the company had invited its employees to make voluntary donations for the affected communities. The donation intimations by employees will be matched 1:1 by Nestlé Pakistan. Nestlé will be mobilizing relief supplies, in the form of 250,000 liters of water and 10,000 liters of milk, through the federal and provincial governments. Nestlé Pakistan will be working closely with national and provincial disaster management authorities to support them in relief work for the people and the communities affected by natural calamities. The company is working tirelessly to ensure that muchneeded food and beverage products are available for our consumers across Pakistan. At Nestlé, we care deeply for people and for the communities in which we operate, and we believe we have an essential role to play during times of crisis. pr Tencent Games organize session on economic potential of gaming industry in Pakistan
Vegetables from India
Former US President Donald Trump, who shared that retrogressive thinking, called the concept of global warming a conspiracy to make US manufacturing uncompetitive. The Kyoto Protocol (1997) committed state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and called upon the developed countries to assume a greater responsibility.
Water over the bridge
AhteshAM KAtIKhel
T HE G20 climate talks at Bali ended without a communiqué indicating any progress. The talks had assumed special significance after extreme weather events̶— fires, floods and heat waves— pummeled several parts of the world while Pakistan was lashed by climate-induced torrential rains and floods, that have so far killed over 1000 and affected over 30 million, with 6.4 million surround by water in urgent need of shelter, food, water and medical help. The G20 comprises developed countries, some of whom are responsible for the massive emission of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels during the Industrial Revolution and after. They need therefore to bear a greater responsibility for combating climate change. as scientists raised their voice against the catastrophic impact of global warming, the powerful carbon lobby in these countries denied there was a continuing rise in global temperature.
Dedicated
The writer is a science teacher. He can be reached at ahteshamkhan@live.com
At MPenpointANIAZI
The G20 meeting got mired in Russia-bashing, a subject that is nearer the heart of the USa and its allies, forgetting the climate issue, the main item on its agenda and the human suffering in Pakistan. Indonesia’s Environment Minister had started the meeting by urging countries to cut emissions and prevent the planet from being pushed to a point “where no future will be sustainable.” That the G20 ignored the elephant in the room goes to its discredit. The G20 leaders are highly mistaken if they think that the suffering undergone by millions caused by the greed of the developed world’s industrial giants can be mitigated by peanuts in aid. What is needed immediately is to rescue and shelter the huge chunk of population stranded over hundreds of square kilometres in all four provinces of Pakistan. Unless there is an agreement at the earliest to slow down the rate and limit the amount of global warming by reducing human emissions of heat-trapping gases, extreme weather events of the type witnessed in Pakistan will increase in severity and frequency as the globe edges closer to the warming threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
After Bali climate talks failure
The problem seems to be that Pakistan cannot solve the problems posed by the floods on its own. It certainly cannot solve the problem of climate change on its own (it won’t go away even if Pakistan was to achieve 100 percent forest cover), and for both it is dependent on Western countries, even as the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South africa)press for more pollution and who deny climate change so that they can pursue the existing highcarbon development model to become superpowers. Is there some unifying power that can bring this about? The Un. with its COPs (Conferences of Parties) is trying to fill the gap, but it only achieves something like the Paris agreement, which was thrown out the window by US President Trump. He is a climate change denier, who says the idea has been invented by China to stop the USa becoming great again. Will mankind accept the challenge, and seek leadership away from the West and the BRICS states? no existing state can provide the leadership necessary. Is a new state waiting to be born?
C an a hungry student focus on learning? First he or she needs to cope with hunger and then engage in academic learning. The same goes for a neglected or terrified student. Maslow before Bloom means that basic human needs must be satisfied before learning can take Pakistanplace.has an estimated 22.8 million out-ofschool children. and, unfortunately, of those fortunate children who can attend school, many have to struggle with learning in the classroom. There may be a variety of reasons for their predicament. However, in Maslow’s view, to open the brain of a student to learn new things, they must first have their most basic needs Benjaminmet.Bloom and abraham Maslow were two 20th-century american psychologists. Bloom is famous for developing Bloom’s taxonomy, a classification of educational objectives into different learning domains. Teachers frequently use Bloom’s taxonomy for lesson planning and creating goals and objectives.
Maslow is remembered for his well-known theory of the hierarchy of needs that influences a person’s motivation to succeed. The hierarchy places human needs on five ascending levels: physiological needs, needs for safety and security, belongingness needs, esteem needs, and the need for self-actualization. Maslow believed that basic needs must be met before higherlevel needs can be addressed. The hierarchy of needs begins with physiological needs. These are priority needs and refer to the most urgent essential elements needed for biological survival. Physiological needs include food, drink, sleep, shelter, optimal temperature, and the like. a learner cannot focus on learning if their physiological needs are not satisfied. a sleepless student would fall asleep in the classroom. and a thirsty student would naturally prioritize thirst over education. Once physiological needs are met, students go to the next level of the hierarchy, known as safety needs. Safety needs mean security, freedom from harm, and protection from potentially dangerous objects and situations. Learning cannot occur if a classroom or school environment is fearful and threatening. On the other hand, a secure and inviting environment enhances student engagement in learning. Moreover, if the teacher does not accept a student or they are mocked or bullied at school, their primary focus will not be on education but on acquiring safety. Belonging needs constitute the third level of Maslow’s hierarchical ladder of needs. The needs for affection, love, trust, and acceptance are called belongingness needs. This level emphasizes a person’s need to be identified as part of a family, clan, community, and so on. Loneliness and isolation may hinder learners from achieving learning gains. However, a sense of belongingness, affection, and trust can do miracles. The secure attachment of students with teachers and peers has been observed to yield higher academic performance, reduced problem behaviour, and better Esteemattendance.needsrepresent the fourth level in the hierarchy. There are two aspects of esteem needs. One set of needs represents self-respect and feeling about the self. The second set is concerned with the need for respect from others. For a student, esteem needs refer to positive classroom culture. If esteem needs are not satisfied, the students may suffer from disengagement and poor focus and show changes in behavioural patterns. They will feel unimportant and incompetent. The teachers should regard their students as unique individuals, provide positive feedback, and genuinely appreciate and acknowledge theirSelf-actualization,achievements. the fifth and the highest level, is the pinnacle of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This level concerns a person’s motivation to attain full potential as a human being. Maslow initially believed that very few people could achieve self-actualization, but later, he expanded the concept to encompass everyday people. It is pertinent to note that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has not remained static. It has evolved from five levels to seven or eight levels over time. The hierarchy’s lower four levels (also known as deficiency needs) must be the primary focus of school teachers as these play a decisive role in a student’s academic success. It is unfair and discriminating to label students as apathetic or unintelligent when they arrive at school unprepared for learning. They may have problems at home. They may have certain basic needs unsatisfied. The teachers should see beyond the classroom to seek detailed answers and reasons for the student’s lack of interest and poor performance. Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs has its strengths and weaknesses. However, one thing is for sure it has immensely influenced educators’ thinking worldwide, which is why it is prevalent in education spheres. It is a motivation theory and accurately tells us how the students are motivated to learn. It gives us a universal understanding of the complexity of human needs. Moreover, we can get a view of the whole student thanks to Maslow. In short, teachers need to gain insight from Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs. They should make space for cognitive availability for learning, create ample opportunities, and adapt instruction to meet students’ needs. and lastly and most importantly, teachers must understand that students’ basic needs must be met before they can climb Bloom’s taxonomy for critical thinking and learning.
The floods have highlighted the country’s vulnerabilities Maslow before Bloom
Yousaf
Buying from India should not be unthinkable in this situation
Short term and long term tasks EditorNizami to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami Arif
Nizami (Late) Founding Editor M. A. Niazi Joint Editor Umar ExecutiveAzizEditorAziz-ud-Din Ahmad Joint Editor
A prerequisite for learning
Is there some unifying power that can bring this about? Will mankind accept the challenge, and seek leadership away from the West and the BRICS states?
T HE current floods are said to be the worst in decades, and where previous floods have been said to have been caused by the monsoon causing the Indus and its tributaries to overflow their banks, the present floods are the result of rain. One of the first dimensions that has been raised, is that it is punishment from the almighty. While it is true that all, good or bad, comes from the almighty, causes should be looked at. This intensity of the present flooding is a symptom of global warming and climate change, and must be seen in that context. If this flood is to be seen as punishment from the almighty, it needs to be asked what the punishment is for. There can be a myriad answers, ranging from the go-to response of laxity in morals to the more political failure to bring back the PTI. Somewhere in between would be the proliferation of video games. It is perhaps more appropriate to examine one’s response. Was a person able to help? Did he or she? If caught in the flood, losing one’s animals, house, loved ones even, did one display patience? These questions will be asked on the Day of Judgement. What answers will be rewarded and what excuses accepted, the almighty knows best. Even if the current floods are not because of the wrath of the almighty, they are not that far off. Divine punishment is indiscriminate, with the guilty and innocent falling victim alike. It is relatively sudden. The only thing making the present floods different is that there used to be no survivors. Perhaps most poignant, this was an expected disaster. Its intensity might have reached scriptural proportions, but it hardly occurring unseasonally. One of the most striking features of these floods is the apparent absence of government. Despite the indefatigable efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the media is not getting much of the annual counter-narrative of army and navy personnel rescuing people. apart from those who are rescued, there is the problem of the survivors. There is apparently little or nothing to eat, and the administration does not seem to have moved up food supplies. Would the PTI have done better if Imran had been in office? It is interesting that that question has noy been asked, which perhaps indicate that the PTI does not want that question asked. PTI chief Imran Khan has not allowed the floods to interrupt his rally programme, which is very tightly packed before the September 29 by-elections. There is a clear sense of all parties looking to get political capital out of the floods, but not really getting a handle on them. KP Finance Minister Taimur Jhagra’s letter to the federal government telling it KP would not be able to meet the IMF targets does seem to be politics as usual, not to forget the Tarin-Lehari-Jhagra audio leak, but Jhagra (perhaps for partisan reasons) has raised a pertinent point: how can a country undergoing such widespread devastation hope to stick to an IMF programme, not to mention the multilateral and bilateral agreements that will accompany it?. This is so particularly as the predictions are that the monsoons are not yet over, and there will be more rain in Sindh this month. This is perhaps not the time to show politics is going on as usual. However, Jhagra has a point, to which all finance ministers, including the federal, Dr Miftah Ismail, with whom he was in touch, should devote attention to. COaS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that the worst of the floods is over, and after rescue, the phase of rehabilitation now begins. It is not just a matter of keeping homeless refugees alive, but also relatively disease-free. That is the task for which the government is raising funds abroad. It is doing so with a certain sense of entitlement, because the excessive rains are blamed on the climate change taking place, with Pakistan the 10th most affected country by it. It could even be argued that no country of comparative size or population, except Bangladesh, is as vulnerable. Because it is likely to face repeated weather emergencies, and because it is likely to lose coastal areas to flooding (including its largest city, Karachi), Pakistan should regard these floods as the first in a series, rather than a one-off. apart from houses and lives, crops and livestock have also been lost. not only will farm incomes shrink, but cities will face shortages, which will lead to inflation being added to that already occurring, which is the highest in years. There is a huge debate in the West, especially the USa, about whether climate change is taking place. The division seems to be along a right-left line. Luckily, in Pakistan, no party seems to be a denier, but the problem is somehow seen as something which the Western countries should pay for. True, it is they who developed themselves by destroying the entire world’s climate, but the ex-colonies do not want the problem not only fixed, but in a way that will allow them to follow that same polluting method of development. nobody seems to ask what is wrong with that model of development, what makes it unsustainable. Pakistan’s vulnerability is because it has reduced its forest cover from 33 percent at Partition to four percent today. The billion-tree tsunami in KP was succeeded by a ten-billion-tree tsunami when the PTI came to office in 2018, but remains incomplete. Planting trees, and thus increasing our oxygen emissions, as well as our carbon dioxide absorption, will not be enough. Pakistan must work out how it will cut carbon emissions, and move to a non-carbonbased development model. That implies either getting people to accept a different, less frenetic, pace of life, or working out new technologies, particularly ones involving non-carbonbased electricity generation. That implies the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydel or wind. The call for more hydel power is likely to cause bad blood among the provinces. There have already been voices raised in favour of building the Kalabagh Dam, extolling the power it would have generated and the water it would have stored. This has immediately been met by opposing voices. It may be interesting to see how the PTI reacts, for it controls one antiDam provincial government (KP), one pro–Dam (Punjab), while its head sits for a constituency which contains the Dam site, and a very strong pro-Dam lobby (which looks forward to the enhanced economic activity construction would bring).
W HILE Pakistan is undergoing its worst ever floods, an immediate problem arising, even before all affectees are brought of danger, is that food shortages are beginning in the cities. Matters have not yet reached that pass, but the steady rising of prices of perishable items is a sign that matters are about to get out of control. all cities in Pakistan are under strain. all face a flood of the displaced. People are reeling under high inflation already, with rising fuel prices and power bills merely symbols of the generalized price hike making them miserable. There is no escape but to import. In principle, this decision should be made on purely commercial considerations. However, there is apparently a powerful lobby which is arguing that extraneous considerations be applied, and India should not be imported from. Those making this argument should perhaps realize that Indian iniquities, plentiful as they are, should not become a consideration at a time like this. It should be realized that while imports from Iran and afghanistan are useful for Balochistan and KP respectively, they are just a little too far from Punjab to be of any use in supplying perishable items. It should not be forgotten that means of communication have been washed away, so any scheme which involves long road or rail journeys is probably a bad idea. Ideally, Pakistan should use the Wagah route for the Punjab, while imports from Kashmir can supply aJK, itself severely flood affected, north Punjab and KP. Everyone, all institutions, must realize that the new reality of climate does not allow the luxury of maintaining old rivalries. Unless the desire to avoid any benefit to Indian traders is not submerged by the desire to keep the inhabitants of Pakistan’s cities fed, we could end up cutting off our nose to spite our face, and that too at a time of national crisis.
06-07 Comments - 2nd September 2022_Layout 1 9/1/2022 10:42 PM Page 1
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06 Friday, 2 September, 2022 COMMENT
The writer is a member of staff
Streets of Karachi
Thousands of people are facing shortage of food and drinking water. Diseases, from diarrhoea to malaria, have spread widely, and the situation is getting worse by the day. The devastating monsoons this year has affected the agriculture sector badly, with more than 200,000 acres of agriculture land having suffered a huge loss. The production of dates and other seasonal crops looks like a distant dream right now. The federal government should ensure that the relief grants do reach all the affectees, and the rebuilding process gets started on the required scale without delay.
DR ZAFFARHYDERABADJUNEJO
K-ELECTRIC (KE) has been ruthlessly conducting load shedding for the last three months. Even in zero load shedding areas where there are no illegal connections and no defaulters, there is no electricity for 5-6 hours every day. apparently no one in Pakistan is able to control the KE management. Political parties have their own interests to protect; their statements are mere eyewash. The people at the helm of affairs should take notice of the misery of the people before it gets too late and creates some law and order situation.
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T HE forthcoming 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) will be held on October 16, and the entire western media is keeping an eye on it to eee if Xi Jinping will get his third term as General Secretary with more powers to steer the country according to his vision. Western media always gives a western version of the rise of China and the iron grip of President Xi Jinping over the system and deep down negativity is part of anything that is published or broadcast in western media. nonetheless, the interest of western media in the forthcoming CPC Congress indicates this event is taken as important and Lastsignificant.weekI attended a dialogue on august 29 organized by the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) on the upcoming 20th national Congress of the CPC under the flagship ‘Friends of Silk Road’ initiative where Minister of State for Foreign affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Senate Foreign affairs CommitteeChairmanSenator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chinese ambassador in Pakistan nong Rong and a number of Foreign affairs experts explained the importance of the forthcoming CPC Congress in relation to Pakistan-China relationship, BRI, and CPEC and my brief talk with ambassador nong Rong triggered my interest to understand why the world is looking at this Congress that is a routine event that takes place after every five years.The foremost question one can ask is how this week-long event will determine the future course of Chinese politics, economy, and social growth. The answer needs an understanding of the importance of the event within the Chinese political system. around 2,300 delegates, representing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) having 90 million members, will be part of the event and will elect the Central Committee, which in turn will approve the members of the Political Bureau and its Standing Committee, the party’s most powerful decision-making body. The 25-member Bureau is the highest policy-making body in China. Everybody is sure that President Xi will be elected for his third term and would continue his policies that have taken out more than 800 million people trapped in poverty. There have also been significant improvements in access to health, education, and other services under the last two terms of President Xi. Even the World Bank accepts that China is now an upper-middle-income country and President Xi is now working to uplift the standard of living of a large number of people still considered poor by the standards of middle-income countries, including those living in urban areas. Since I am not an economist and my core area of work is the philosophy of communication, therefore my central interest is how China is tangibly articulating its policies and the impact of these policies in my region and in the world. Here I find two important developments that took place under the leadership of President Xi. One is the overall well-being of the population that I indicated above (poverty alleviation) and the second is media reach abroad. Sitting in Europe I can find every important news and decision of the Chinese government through Chinese state-run televisions, news agencies, and online newspapers and can research social uplift if I go deep into the online content available. a report by Think Tank “aHK Greater China” indicates that with a population of 1.3 billion people, China is rapidly moving into the information age and has an immense range of communication channels. China is characterized by its fast transformation from rigid government-owned structures into new business models, from the traditional press into new media and innovative forms of news making (immersive media), while Michael Keane who is a Professor of Chinese Media and Director of the Digital asia Research node in the Centre for Culture and Technology at Curtin University, Perth, australia writes that private media industry has become economically successful China’s television industry has grown into a complete system with high-tech programme production, transmission, and coverage. altogether there are about 3,000 television stations across the country. CCTV (China Central Television) is the major state television station in the Chinese Mainland, with a network of 20 channels and accessibility to over one billion viewers. China has the most television viewers worldwide as well as being the largest market. In Europe, one can watch CCTV-4 International, CCTV-9 International (in English, targeting an English-speaking audience), CCTV-E (in Spanish), and CCTV-F (in French). These channels are showing the beauty and culture of China and attract foreigners to visit the mysterious land of the East. These channels not only report important news and events that happen in China and around the world, but also give introductions to China’s history, culture, landscape, and social developments. Online Chinese newspapers and news agencies accessible in Europe are also very important tools to spread the Chinese vision and culture. Xinhua news agency, China Daily, and China news Service are the major sources of information about China in Europe, and thousands of smaller media groups in Europe benefit from these online materials. Covid-19 and the western campaign against China for its alleged involvement actually boosted the readership of Chinese news agencies in Europe as people tried to get the other side of the version. Chinese media (newspapers, news agencies, magazines, and online portals) have diversified rapidly over recent years. Unconfirmed information suggests that around 2,300 newspapers and over 7,000 magazines and journals are in the local market in China. Whenever you read any research report about media written by western researchers/writers or funded by the western world, you will find loaded dictions like “statecontrolled”, “censorship”, “absences of free media” and so on. Channel 4, BBC, Cnn, VOa, aBC and many more will tell you that Chinese media is state-funded or state-controlled but they would not tell you that they are also directly or indirectly state-funded. UK Culture Secretary nadine Dorries in one of her interviews stated that the UK government is looking very seriously at how the UK funds the BBC and a new style of funding would be decided well ahead of the BBC Charter renewal in 2027’. “We are ready to implement a new way of funding the BBC,’ she says. ‘We’re going to be looking at how Ofcom holds the BBC to account and then very shortly after that we will be announcing other measures that we are going to put into place to start looking at how the BBC will be funded in the future,” she commented. I am confident that Chinese media is strongly fighting out western propaganda against Chinese economic and social growth and is mature enough to protect the national interest.
I have only one suggestion, that China should sync its private as well as public media in a way Russia had already done as can be seen by how RT ((formerly Russia Today or Rossiya Segodnya) has become the biggest threat to Western powers. This led to its being banned in Europe after the Ukraine-Russia conflict while setting aside all so-called European norms of freedom of expression and free media. Chinese media provides important information and state narrative but still lacks a strong impression on the user’s mind as the RT does. I believe this is the perfect time to align all resources of Chinese state-run media to mitigate the expected negative media campaign that will emerge in the Western media against Chinese President Xi and the CPC well before the 20th Congress will take place in October. although decisions made inside the Congress are internal working of the Party, the Western media will connect all decisions to the external world. The foremost targets of Western media in the last 10 years have been BRI, Chinese exports, the strong grip of President Xi over his party, CPEC, and China’s engrossment in eastern Europe and africa. I trust that Chinese media in a simpler but stronger way will leave an impression on western users before, during, and after the 20th Congress of CPC.
China
THE recent monsoon rains have caused death and destruction across the country. Millions of people in Sindh, Southern Punjab and Balochistan are without shelter. The horrible destruction demands rigorous research to find out why we cannot prevent predictable catastrophes every year. Religious narratives have been embedded so deep in the fabric of our society that we find a safe refuge under them to avoid accountability for our wrongdoings.
DESPITE being rich in natural resources, the woes of the people of Balochistan continue unabated. The monsoon rains that started in July have caused widespread destruction, claiming human lives and leaving thousands homeless. Major highways, including the Quetta-Karachi highway, have been damaged and many bridges connecting major cities have been broken and washed away. Washuk and Lasbela districts are among the most affected areas where people are is a desperate need of emergency relief of every possible kind.
Hyderabad-Jamshoro Bridge
The writer Shazia Cheema is an analyst writing for national and international media outlets. She heads the DND Thought Center. She did her MA in Cognitive Semiotics from Aarhus University Denmark and is currently registered as a Ph.D. Scholar of Semiotics and Philosophy of Communication at Charles University Prague
Traumatic monsoon
Immersive Media in China and forthcoming 20th Communist Party Congress
needs to project the Congress right shAZIA ANwer CheeMA 06-07 Comments - 2nd September 2022_Layout 1 9/3/2022 12:08 AM Page 2
Climate Change or Wrath of God
The ruling elite and powerful clergy term excessive rains as divine punishment for our sins, and they do so to escape the blame for their inaction in averting the crisis. There is enough scientific evidence to prove that the flawed and greeddriven economic development model is exacerbating climate change. The heavy injection of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere manifests in increased atmospheric temperatures, resulting in increased water-carrying capacity of clouds. The consequent heavy downpour leads to floods, playing havoc with fragile infrastructure. The country’s poor urban planning has resulted in a lack of proper water-flood channels that can direct excessive rainwater to its intended destination. The excessive water inundates sewage pathways and spreads everywhere, destroying communication networks and residential homes. The desperate situation calls to step up efforts to provide immediate relief to the affectees in the form of shelter and food. Various nGOs and volunteers are working tirelessly to collect funds and provide relief. However, political parties seem apathetic to the miseries of the ordinary people while the media is equally worthy of blame for not providing the requisite coverage in vulnerable areas.
SHAHZAIN JAFFERYLAHORE
Power Outage in Karachi
07 Friday, 2 September, 2022
COMMENT
ASIF HAMEEDBULEDA
CITIES around the world keep their downtowns and financial centres in excellent functional condition. It is a matter of economy, after all. However, the situation in Karachi is completely different. I.I. Chundrigar Road, also known as Pakistan’s ‘Wall Street’ narrates a sad tale of neglect. To be honest, it is a shame to compare it with the famed Wall Street. The recent monsoon spells damaged the important road, as seen in the picture above, but the authorities concerned have not taken any action to start the repair work. Those in power are least bothered about the difficulty people face every day while commuting to and from the I.I. Chundrigar Road. Similarly, Mumtaz Hassan Road, adjacent to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), is dominated by parking mafia that makes huge amount of money through charged parking while the condition of the road remains embarrassingly pathetic. Such loot and plunder happen right under the nose of SBP and Sindh Police headquarters that is located at a stone’s throw. The residents of Karachi pay innumerable taxes, but are forced to live in a miserable condition with broken roads, rundown transport, stagnant rain and sewage water, and heaps of garbage. For how long do the authorities think the situation will continue unchanged? after collecting so much money in the name of this tax or that, the government takes no civic responsibility whatsoever. This must end.
THE Hyderabad-Jamshoro Bridge over the Indus is in a dilapidated condition. The recent rains have damaged it rather badly. The bridge facilitates passenger vehicles, freight lorries and trucks moving to and from Karachi Port. It is a critical link between Karachi and the rest of the country, especially in terms of cargo movement.
In addition, the majority of staff members and students of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Sindh University, the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Shaheed allah Buksh Soomro University of art, Design and Heritage and employees of the thermal power house use it for their daily commute. I am afraid that a delay in its repairs may lead to disaster and tragedy without much of a warning. Considering the urgency and importance, the authorities concerned should start the process on an emergency basis.
ANWAR KARACHIHUSSAIN
SYED SADAQAT KARACHIHUSSAIN
Friday, 2 September, 2022 08 WORLD VIEW project
THE TASK OF FUTURE GENERATIONS IS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO BECOME AS GOOD AT SLICING AND TASTING THE ECONOMIC PIE AS PREVIOUS GENERATIONS WERE AT MAKING IT BIGGER
SynDicate J BradFord dElonG
O
The first is the Austrian-born economist Joseph Schumpeter, who explained how modern technology generates immense wealth through a process of “creative destruction.” Technological and economic progress requires that old industries, occupations, and societal patterns be regularly destroyed to make way for new creations. This process can undoubtedly be painful. But it is also why there has been more technological change since 1870 than there was between 6000 BC and 1869.
Daily Star Editorial T hecommerce ministry's decision to fix the prices of nine commodities has, perhaps justifiably, met with guarded optimism. While some consider it a step in the right direction, given constant fluctuations in prices and their uncontrollably upward movement over the last few months, others have cast doubt over the rationality and effectiveness of such a move. But there is no doubt that existing strategies are not working. A stronger intervention is needed. Whether artificially setting prices is the right way to go is the Accordingquestion.tomedia reports, the ministry has cited price manipulation by unscrupulous traders as the reason for choosing to determine the prices of nine commodities – including rice, lentil, flour, atta and onion as well as mild steel products and cement – within 15 days. Already, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) fixes the prices of edible oil and sugar after periodic market reviews. It will follow the same pricing method for the remaining commodities. Anyone charging more than the fixed prices will reportedly not only be fined but also sued. Credible doubts, however, remain over the ability of the government to monitor the market for potential breaches of the pricecap regulation or to impose said punishment. Our experience with previous attempts to check hoarding and overpricing or fine dishonest traders leaves little room for hope. Such raids were too few and too uncoordinated to have an impact on prices. Also, unlike some imported goods such as edible oil and sugar, it will be difficult to fix the prices of commodities like rice "because of wide varieties of the staple and the fact that the government does not have the exact data on its production and stock," as per an expert. This, he said, could lead to a supply crunch, causing further problems. he suggested that the government should rather strengthen market monitoring to keep prices stable. however, stability will mean nothing if the bar at which prices are presently set remains high. The latest decision comes amid concerns that people are not getting the benefit of reduced prices of some goods in the global market, and are being charged exorbitantly high even for a miniscule increase in international prices. According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, in the past one month, the prices of rice have increased by up to 15.13 percent, the price of atta increased by up to 28 percent, and the price of sugar rose by nearly 10 percent. All other commodities have also seen a similar pattern of price increase, despite various efforts from the government to bring it down. Clearly, we need drastic action. But the government must also be judicious, proactive and firm in pursuing its policies and ensure that all relevant agencies and ministries work in collaboration for a bigger impact.
More bad news for the eco-radicals 08 WORLD VIEW 2 September 22_Layout 1 9/1/2022 10:23 PM Page 1
All four thinkers enable us to understand why we have been unable to use our technological prowess to construct an equitable and happy world. But diagnosis is of course only half the battle (and probably less). The task of future generations is to figure out how to become as good at slicing and tasting the economic pie as previous generations were at making it bigger.
George Friedman is an internationally recognized geopolitical forecaster and strategist on international affairs and the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures.
Will fixing prices of daily essentials work?
Orthe first time in more than 80 years, the Atlantic Ocean hasn’t produced a named storm between July 3 and Aug. 31. So the Climatistas will have to celebrate Labor Day this year for its marxist roots rather than the weather destruction they’re constantly rooting for so they can blame it on man. The Atlantic’s failure to form a tempest is a rarity. It “has had no #hurricanes yet this year,” Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach tweeted Thursday. 2022’s calm spell happens to be only the seventh time since 1950 that the Atlantic “has gone through August without a #hurricane. Other years are: 1967, 1984, 1988, 2001, 2002, 2013.” In a separate tweet, Klotzbach acknowledged something that Democrats, the know-it-all media, and the agenda-driven extremists will likely never admit: “Forecasting the weather and climate keeps you humble!” The Atlantic storms will eventually arrive. And the alarmists will blame them on human greenhouse gas emissions. It’s the blueprint. But for now, their taste for disaster has to go unsated as their narrative fails again. Of course this is merely a single point of reality. There are others. For instance, Arctic ice is at a decadehigh level. Wasn’t supposed to disappear altogether by now due to our miserable fossil fuel addiction? Then there’s the Great Barrier reef, which “set new records for extent this year.” This, only a few months after the Washington Post, acting as a mouthpiece for the entire global warming racket, said “climate warming has dealt yet another blow to the Great Barrier reef,” as it had just suffered its “sixth massive bleaching event.” have we left out any recent news? Oh, yes, there was the release of the World Climate Declaration, which calmly points out “there is no climate emergency.” more than 1,100 scientists and related professionals signed the document, including physics nobel Prize laureate Ivar Giaever of norway, and more than 235 professors. yet the nonsense persists. The Associated Press reported earlier this week that “Zombie ice from Greenland will raise sea level 10 inches.” Zombie? haven’t the climate fanatics continually told us that they’re all about science? Anyway, it’s “hokum,” according to Anthony Watts, who sends readers to a 1989 Associated Press story in which a senior United nations “environmental official says entire nations could be wiped off the face of the earth by rising sea levels if the global warming trend is not reversed by the year 2000.” “That claim voiced by the U.n. official was based on computer models projecting future sea levels,” says Watts. “Obviously, the models were wrong, because that claim never happened. Today, 22 years past the due date, not one country, not even a city, has been ‘wiped off the face of the earth by rising sea levels.'” We’ve had enough of the lies, the exaggerations, the fearmongering, and the hypocrisy. We’d like to see a little honesty, even just a touch, and some humility. Otherwise, we’ll have no other choice but to believe that the climate crowd, which is roughly the entire left side of the political spectrum, is invested in establishing an authoritarian government that it controls.
It is dangerous to be rich and weak
Geopolitical FutureS GEorGE FriEdman G ermAny’Sforeign minister suggested this week that Germany cannot send more of its own weapons to Ukraine because it has deficient supplies. If this story is true, it means that Germany, with the largest economy in europe, does not have the facilities to rapidly produce more weapons – despite pledging money for the production of weapons for Ukraine. The money matters, but only to an extent. The capacity of other nATO countries to provide weapons to Ukraine has production limits as well. Although the German problem was anticipated from almost the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and Germany has provided cash in place of weapons, there are several considerations. First, as is widely known, europe and Germany are facing a very cold winter as russian energy exports decline. It’s possible that the German weapons “deficit” is a concession to russia, but it’s highly unlikely: Berlin could not do this without it being widely known in nATO, where member states’ weapons capacities are known and production is tracked. This would get out to the Ukrainians, Poles and Americans. We would have heard about this by now. more important is what this tells us about nATO. nATO is supposedly the guarantor of europe’s national sovereignties. Germany, europe’s premier economy, had enough weapons to provide a small degree of support to Ukraine. But the hard truth is that the Ukraine war is a relatively minor, if tragic, conflict in the overall european picture. If russia were to take Ukraine, including its far western border, it would theoretically be in a position to move farther west into nATO countries. The United States, the United Kingdom, Poland and potentially France have significant force capabilities, but the United States would shoulder, by treaty, the main burden. If this situation came to pass, another Cold War and potentially another U.S.-confrontation would follow. Therefore, Germany’s failure to create a defense industry commensurate to the size of its economy is inappropriate and raises questions about the rest of europe’s production capacity. This problem arose from the european myth that war is obsolete and that the primary purpose of europe is to build perpetual prosperity. The eU motto, after all, is peace and prosperity. The former was regarded as obvious, and the latter followed. europe compounded this myth by constructing a quasi-state, in the form of the european Union, that was solely focused on economic well-being, with the added purpose of creating a european identity. military affairs were left to individual states. Since the United States was a member of nATO and, as such, anchored europe’s military security, Washington became the de facto guarantor of european security. Germany’s weapons deficit reveals as much. Given its position as the largest european economy and as a nATO member, it is reasonable to have expected Germany to maintain or build weapons production facilities out of a sense of responsibility. It could have also led the eU writ large in creating weapons production capacity or fostering the growth of a european military. Since the eU’s annual gross domestic product is roughly the same as America’s, that would have allowed the europeans to absorb the risk of waging a Ukrainian war with european weapons and forces. Since a war in europe was farfetched when the eU really got rolling, no one wanted to fund such an undertaking, leaving it to nATO, and therefore the United States – a most cost-effective measure. But the underlying truth is that the eU consists of members who don’t much trust each other. The command structure of a european military would be hotly contested, and the growing power of some countries would surely be discussed. It is dangerous to be rich and weak. Such nations are frequently seen as a tasty meal. That is how europe appears to global predators. The United States, which is both rich and strong, has to defend europe because the wealth, technology and knowledge of europe in the hands of other states might imperil the United States. The europeans have for centuries mastered the art of using weakness effectively. I do not regard the German production shortfall as a cause for real concern. But in the long run, the european belief that the Continent faces no threats, or that the U.S. will assume the risk and cost of defending europe from whatever risks do exist, can last only so long. It is better perhaps that europe remain militarily weak. history shows that a well-armed, divided continent is savage beyond imagination. Armament and disarmament are both troubling. Something that is not an issue now always becomes a frightening issue in europe eventually.
THE LATEST DECISION COMES AMID CONCERNS THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT GETTING THE BENEFIT OF REDUCED PRICES OF SOME GOODS IN THE GLOBAL MARKET, AND ARE BEING CHARGED EXORBITANTLY HIGH EVEN FOR A MINISCULE INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL PRICES
nSeptember 6, Basic Books is publishing Slouching Towards Utopia, my economic history of the “long twentieth century” from 1870 to 2010. It is past time, I argue, that we shift our understanding of where the hinge of global economic history lies. Some might put it in 1076, when the european Investiture Controversy cemented the idea that law should constrain even the most powerful, rather than being merely a tool at their disposal. Another big year is 1450, when the arrival of the Gutenberg moveabletype printing press and the renaissance set the stage for the enlightenment. And then, of course, there is 1770, when the Industrial revolution really got into swing. There can be no disputing the importance of what these dates represent. But I chose 1870 because it matters even more. It is when the industrial research lab, the modern corporation, and full globalization fell into place. These were the institutions that would supercharge technological progress to the point of doubling the size of the global economy every generation – which is generally what it did from 1870 to 2010. That unprecedented pace of technological advance gave humanity the power finally to banish the devil of malthus. no longer would population growth cancel out productivity gains to keep the world poor. Innovations in technology, method, and organization made it possible to expand the economic pie so that everyone could have enough. This meant that governance would no longer function primarily as a resourceextraction machine by which the elite could grab “enough” of the insufficiently sized pie for themselves. Instead, government and politics could finally be directed toward making a truly human world. The post-1870 technological trajectory rapidly surpassed anything that humanity had previously imagined would be necessary for achieving utopia. With the problem of baking a sufficiently large economic pie having been solved, it seemed that the hard part was over. All humanity had to do next was to figure out how to slice and then taste the pie – that is, how to convert our technological prowess into happy, healthy, safe, and secure lives for all. These problems would be solved even faster, right? In fact, the problems of slicing and tasting the rapidly growing economic pie have consistently flummoxed us. To understand why we have collectively been unable to get it right, I would point to four thinkers.
Why can'T We all be rIch?
J. Bradford DeLong is professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. He was deputy assistant U.S. Treasury secretary during the Clinton administration, where he was heavily involved in budget and trade negotiations.
The third thinker is another Austrianborn economist, Friedrich von hayek. his magnificent insight was that the market economy is an unrivaled mechanism for crowdsourcing innovation and mobilizing human brainpower to make the world richer (provided that property rights are enforced). But hayek warned that these benefits come at a terrible price: the market cannot be expected to provide any form of social justice. he believed in his bones that any attempt to manage or tweak the market with such goals in mind not only would fail, but also would undermine the market’s ability to do what it does best. his doctrine thus amounted to, “The market giveth, the market taketh away: blessed be the name of the market.” Anything else would put us on “the road to Finally,serfdom.”thehungarian economic anthropologist Karl Polanyi saw that hayek’s vision of a market-bestowed utopia was unsustainable by dint of being inhuman. People want a say in how their society’s resources are used. They will demand that their – and others’ – incomes reach some minimum dignified level, and they will expect a certain degree of stability. People tend to resist the idea that their pattern of life can be singlehandedly destroyed by some rootless profit-maximizing cosmopolite half a world away. For better or worse, that is how people are. If property rights really are the only rights that matter, politics and society eventually will unravel.
iSSueS & inSiGhtS Editorial Board
F
U.S. WILL ASSUME THE RISK AND COST OF DEFENDING EUROPE FROM WHATEVER RISKS DO EXIST, CAN LAST ONLY SO LONG. IT IS BETTER PERHAPS THAT EUROPE REMAIN MILITARILY WEAK. HISTORY SHOWS THAT A WELL-ARMED, DIVIDED CONTINENT IS SAVAGE BEYOND IMAGINATION
The second thinker is Friedrich engels, who worked out the marxist base-superstructure model of political economy (this is, of course, marx’s framework, but I believe it owes more to his “Superstructure”collaborator).describesall of society, with its personal networks, sociological patterns, and political, cultural, and – crucially – economic institutions. As important as these things are, they all rest on and must conform to the underlying technological “base” of production. At every moment since 1870, whatever sociological software a society was running would inevitably become obsolete and crash within the space of 50 years, owing to changes in the underlying hardware, which in turn were driven by Schumpeterian creative destruction.
According to Mr. Sajid Baloch, NAVTTC is contributing to national human resource development and has generated a large number of employments for the skilled youth, overseas and nationally, benefitting the individuals as well as the national economy. The government is focusing on imparting quality and demand driven skills among youth and NAVTTC under the guidance of Minister for Education and Professional Training, Mr. Rana Tanveer hussain, NAVTTC has taken numerous steps to organize Skills and TVET system of the country on modern lines, and is delivering premium trainings, as per international standards. NAVTTC has trained 379,350 youth as certified skilled professionals with 71% employed in the labor market. 40,361 youth have been trained in high-Tech skills e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security & IT. NAVTTC developed National Skills Information System (NSIS) to ensure data management of the skilled trainees. NAVTTC also established National Employment Exchange Tool (NEXT) & Job Portal with Databank of 4,00,000 certified skilled youth and 3,00,000 jobs from 700 employers available in real-time . 46725 skilled workers have been certified and mainstreamed through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) and Under National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) NAVTTC has developed 200 Qualifications. The Executive Director said that NAVTTC is making all-out efforts to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled workforce in Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan intends to take full advantage of learning through the rich experience of developing countries like China in all spheres of economy, especially in the Technical and Vocational Education & skills sector. pr
hEC chairman calls on IIUI President Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) called on Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, President, International Islamic University, Islamabad ( IIUI) on Thursday here at the new campus. During the meeting, issues of mutual interest including initiatives for promotion of quality education and role of universities in society building were discussed. The meeting was also attended by Dr. N.B. Jumani, Vice President, Administration and Finance, IIUI. IIUI President briefed Dr. Mukhtar on IIUI’s vision, future plans and strategy for academic excellence. IIUI President vowed that he will be in the leading ranks for cooperation with the HEC chief as per his aspirations for improvements in the education sector. Dr. Hathal said that IIUI will be keen to enhance its bilateral ties with the universities across the world. Dr. Hathal also apprised him that university after the transitional period, now all set for a new journey of success as it has completed its new strategic plan. pr
Climate discussions will prime youth to endeavor for sustainable, green future: Sherry
IESCO sign contract with KT Kaifa for implementation of AMI project
SKIllEd YOUTh KEY FOr ENhANCINg PrOdUCTIvITY, ExPOrT: ExPErTS
islamabad: The contract signing ceremony between IESCO and KT Kaifa for Design, supply, installation, commissioning of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project in Rawalpindi Circle, Customer information system and new billing system for Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) was held at IESCO Head Office, Islamabad. The long awaited project is part of the second power distribution enhancement investment program under ADB financing and is expected to significantly contribute towards improved information collection for asset management, while providing tools to reduce routine operations and maintenance (O&M) costs of distribution companies by eliminating the need for manual meter reading and related field staffing and operations. The AMI project will enhance customer support, as better measurements, more accurate billing and a degree of control of consumption are expected to improve customers payment of electricity bills. pr
FBr issues two more SrOs to exempt Onion, Tomatoes import from taxes/duties Islamabad pr Recent floods have brought unprecedented crop damage. As a result, the prices of onion and tomatoe have sky-rocketed in the local markets. In order to alleviate the sufferings of the people due to abnormal price hike, the Prime Minister of Pakistan ordered urgent relief measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of onion and tomatoe in the local markets. Elimination of all taxes and duties in procuring the two vegetables by import will help reduce their prices. In line with the vision of the Prime Minister, and on the directions of the Federal Government, the FBR has exempted all duties and taxes on import of onion and tomatoe. Such imports were already exempt from Customs duty but were chargeable to 17% sales tax, 3% additional sales tax and 1% income tax. Now these can be imported duty / taxes free till 31.12.2022.
PAF relief
Pakistan Navy steps up rescue & relief operation in flood-hit areas
Islamabad pr Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman, during her concluding remarks at the COP in My City Summit organized by the Ministry of Climate Change in collaboration with UNICEF, stressed that climate discussions and discourse among the youth will prove fruitful in priming the future generations to endeavor for a sustainable, green future. Appreciating the efforts of youth partaking in climate debate, Federal Minister remarked, “It is so exciting to see the youth geared up for upcoming COP27 where the issues of reducing emissions, loss and damage and addressing the triple planetary crisis which is pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate change will be discussed. Youth must be integrated in activities that address all of these issues that pertain to their future. It is very important for them to be involved and to have a voice in shaping core agendas by bringing the environment and climate change to the fore. We hope you have a strong and well-articulated core climate agenda for yourselves to advance at such forums. Our generation had carbon-intensive lifestyle and you are paying for it. Youth are the future and they can define at what level we need to change our lifestyles and our carbon-intensive footprint in not just the present but also your potential future. We are standing at the precipice of a very fragile time for Pakistan and it is linked to the climate change and the way it affects our Discussingworld.”thecurrent flood situation in the country, Minister Rehman said, “Our fellow Pakistanis are mired down in the greatest floods Pakistan ever saw. These floods are unprecedented and have adversely impacted a huge number of populations. The ‘Monster Monsoon’ has inundated 70% of our country. Our helicopter sorties could not land due to lack of dry land and we eventually had to send in the Navy. The 2010 floods, and 2005 earthquake created humanitarian disasters that we could respond to and provided relief very quickly. But the level of inundation has submerged our dry lands to 10 feet deep floodwaters. This is a humanitarian disaster of epic proportions. This is a national security challenge for Pakistan because it impacts 9.1% of our GDP. The recent floods have cleared away the land equivalent to the size of the country of UK. A large population is seeking shelter and food, but we were late in our response since such unprecedented rainfalls were not expected. We are using all of our resources but they are not enough in the face of this crisis.” Minister Rehman further stressed, “We need to do disaster risk mapping since our risks have changed overnight. We need to map the country for new risks and new shocks. Right now, we are looking at short term relief efforts. But to reconstruct for a climate resilient topography, we will have economic shocks. We have repurposed our climate grants for immediate relief.
C
Emergency Response teams of Pakistan Air Force are assisting civil administration in rescue and relief efforts in the flood affected areas of Naltar Valley, KPK, Sindh, Balochistan and South Punjab. Air Vice Marshal Zafar Aslam, SI(M), Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command, inspected the PAF Flood Relief Camp at Rajanpur district and expressed satisfaction on the relief efforts being provided by PAF teams. In the last 24 hours, PAF teams have distributed 5570 Cooked Food Packs, 1260 water bottles and 2314 Ration Packs consisting of basic food commodities amongst the needy families. Moreover, in addition to provision of free food and shelter, 787 patients were also attended by the medical teams of Pakistan Air Force in field medical camps of PAF. Relief and Rehabilitation operations are in progress. pr
09NEWS Friday, 2 September, 2022 KARACHI corporate corner
Islamabad pr Pakistan Navy flood relief operations continue in different areas. Pakistan Navy personnel are participating in relief operations in various areas of Sindh including Sanghar, Tehsil Mehr, Sultankot, Shah Bandar, Kodario, Dolatpur, Chuhar Jamali, Sajawal and Thatta. Pakistan Navy has extended the scope of relief operations to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa besides flood-affected areas of Sindh. Pakistan Navy personnel rescued the locals stranded inside flooded homes and shifted them to safer locations by using helicopters and boats. The troops distributed dry ration, cooked food, fresh drinking water, and other household items to affected populace. Apart from medical camps at Rajanpur, Jamshoro, Sanghar and DI Khan, Pakistan Navy mobile medical teams are also working in various flood-affected areas. With continued efforts Pakistan Navy troops along with civil administration opened the Chashma Road in Dera Ismail Khan for normal traffic after temporary repair. Pakistan Navy is etermined to continue the rescue and relief operation till the rehabilitation of all distressed countrymen.
hINA-Pakistan TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Cooperation and Development seminar and the launching Ceremony of China-Pakistan TVET Exchange and Cooperation series activities were launched at Pakistan Embassy China. The Executive Director, NAVTTC, Mr. Sajid Baloch addressed the International Seminar on Skills Training and Technical Vocational Education & Training (TVET). he emphasized on the role and importance of skills sector for employment, income generation, and empowerment. Technical and Vocational Education and skill development are globally proved as the key to alleviating poverty, achieving sustainable economic development, peace, and prosperity. The government of Pakistan is fully committed to human resource development and skills development. The biggest initiative of “Prime Minster Youth Skills Development Program” is being executed through National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). The main focus is on hi-Tech skills, IT skills like Artificial Intelligence, E-Commerce, graphic designing, Robotics, Cyber Security, hospitality etc. he said. In addition, the government has just approved a new project for setting up 250 VTIs Vocational Training Institutes all over Pakistan. Many of these new VTIs will also serve as joint testing and certification centers for the NAVTTC - TAKAMOL Saudi Arabia Skill verification programme to test and certify the Pakistani skilled potential emigrants for Saudi Arabia. The government is committed to provide employment to over a million skilled workforces, for local and international job market and uplift socio-economic status of 1.67 million family members through provision of in demand income generating skills, Baloch said.
Earlier, FBR issued 5 SROs which exempted from duties and taxes all goods that are needed for flood relief operations as certified by NDMA or a PDMA. Furthermore, the receipt of donations and relief aid has also been exempted.
PunjabBalochistanvalley,underwayoperationsinNaltarKPK,Sindh,and
islamabad:
NUST flood relief campaign in full swing In the wake of heavy floods that have wreaked havoc across many parts of Pakistan, National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) has joined the relief and rehabilitation efforts at the national level. NUST along with its vibrant alumni network has constituted teams of volunteers to provide relief goods to affectees of flood-hit areas in all provinces of Pakistan. Over 500 households have so far been provided with relief items in Nowshera and Risalpur, while other teams have started reaching out to people in the affected areas of South Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Volunteer students, faculty and staff are vigorously taking part in the campaign. NUST and Rawalpindi Medical University have also jointly set up a Free Medical Camp in Risalpur; more such camps will be set up in other far-flung areas. NUST has opened a dedicated Bank Account to receive flood donations. Funds can now be transferred to: Account Title: NUST Flood Relief Fund Account Number: 2292 7917 3412 01 IBAN: PK82 HABB 0022 9279 1734 1201 Bank: HBL, H-12 Branch For contributions in kind, relief items, especially for Winters (e.g. Clothing, Shawls, Blankets, tentage, etc) and food items (e.g. Flour, Rice, Ghee, Pulses, Sugar, Tea, Milk, etc) may be delivered at Relief Camps established at Gate # 1 & 2 of NUST Campus, Sector H-12, Islamabad. pr
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the funeral of the last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev due to scheduling issues, his spokesman said on Thursday.
In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Indian troops in their unabated acts of state terrorism martyred nineteen Kashmiris in the last month of August.
The Council’s Arria-Formula meeting was convened by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kenya. The format is named after a former Venezuelan Ambassador to the UN, Diego Arriva. It is a consultation process which affords members of the Security Council the opportunity to hear persons in an informal setting. Pakistan, he said, was one of the biggest victims of terrorism, having sacrificed more than 80,000 lives and sustained enormous damage to fight and defeat the scourge. “Let there be no doubt that we will continue to effectively counter these attempts as we have done in the past,” Ajmal, a first secretary at the Pakistan Mission to the UN, told the meeting.
Gorbachev’s death triggered an outpouring of tributes from the West but reaction was muted in Russia, where many blamed him for the loss of the country’s status as a global Insuperpower.aletterof condolences published by the Kremlin, Putin said Gorbachev “was a politician and statesman who had a huge impact on the course of world history”. “He led our country during a period of complex, dramatic changes, large-scale foreign policy, economic and social challenges,” Putin added.
China opposes US ‘abuse’ of export control measures with latest chips ban
Putin will not attend Mikhail Gorbachev funeral: Kremlin MOSCOW Agencies
BEIJING MiAn AbrAr China on Thursday rejected a report by the UN human rights office over Xinjiang, reiterating that its issuance has been opposed by nearly a hundred countries, and is not the mainstream view of the international community.
UNITED NATIONS Agencies
A spokesperson from Advanced Micro Devices Inc., known as AMD, told Reuters on Wednesday that U.S. officials have told the company to stop exporting its MI250 chips to China. A new license will be required to ship the artificial intelligence chip, but the company added it expects little impact on its business. On August 9, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a $52.7 billion chip act to boost domestic chip production. The law included a caveat: companies that receive subsidies shall not increase their production of advanced chips in China for 10 years, or else they need to pay back the funding in full. As the semiconductor supply chain is highly global, with Chinese and American enterprises being deeply integrated, the restrictions will disrupt the global semiconductor supply chain and “hurt others without benefiting oneself,” the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said a day after the CHIPS Act 2022 was signed.
10 FOREIGN NEWS Friday, 2 September, 2022 | KARACHI
“The farewell ceremony and funeral will take place on September 3 but unfortunately the president’s work schedule will not allow him (to attend),” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
BEIJING Agencies China is resolutely opposed to recent U.S. actions of “abusing” trade control measures to restrict exports of semiconductor-related items into the country, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson Shu Jueting said at a news conference on Thursday. Chip designer Nvidia Corp. said on Wednesday that U.S. officials have asked the company to stop exporting two advanced computing chips to China on alleged risks of military adoption. The ban covers its A100 and the forthcoming flagship H100 chips, which are powerful enough to facilitate artificial intelligence processing. Such moves have violated international trade rules and have taken a toll on the stability of global supply chains and global economic recovery, Shu said. In a filing to the U.S. securities regulator, Nvidia flagged a $400 million loss in sales resulting from the U.S. government restriction, adding that the requirement may force the company to certain operations out of China.
realiTies in xinjiang: Regarding the human rights in Xinjiang, Wang said no one has a better say than the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. He pointed out that Xinjiang’s residents of different ethnic groups and of different religious beliefs, occupations, those who have graduated from vocational education and training centers and others, have all voluntarily written to the High Commissioner to tell the realities of Xinjiang from their own experiences.Inrecent years, Xinjiang has achieved economic development, social harmony and stability, continuous improvement in people’s livelihood, and religious harmony, the spokespersonInternationalnoted.friends who have been to Xinjiang said that what they saw with their own eyes was completely different from what the Western media reported and what the anti-China forces portrayed, Wang said. real human righTs violaTions commiTTed by u.s. and WesT: What the OHCHR should really be concerned about is the genocide and cultural extermination of the indigenous by the U.S. and some other Western forces, Wang said. China urges the OHCHR to pay more attention to human rights violations committed by them, such as systematic racial discrimination against minorities, gun violence causing civilian deaths and injuries, torture and abuse in illegal jails overseas, overseas military operations and indiscriminate killing of civilians, Wang said. The OHCHR should publish reports on these issues and be responsible for the international community and the victims, he added. According to historical records and media reports, since its founding, the U.S. has systematically deprived native Indians of their rights to life and basic political, economic, and cultural rights through killings, displacements, and forced assimilation, in an attempt to physically and culturally eradicate this group. Even today, native Indians still face a serious existential crisis, according to The American Genocide of the Indians –Historical Facts and Real Evidence, a report released by China in March.
IndIA ActIvely ProMotInG terrorIsM In PAKIstAn: Un PAnel told
Peskov said that Putin had paid his last respects to Gorbachev at the hospital where he died on Tuesday, aged 91.
According to the data issued by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service, today, among the victims, eight youth were martyred in different fake encounters while four women were widowed and fourteen children were orphaned. During the period, the personnel of Indian army, police, Special Investigation Agency (SIA) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested 150 civilians, mostly political activists, youth and students and several of them were booked under black laws including Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and Public Safety Act during 171 cordon and search operations. At least eighteen youth were injured in firing of pellets and teargas shells by Indian police and paramilitary troops on peaceful demonstrators in the occupied territory. Indian troops destroyed and damaged three houses during the month.
OHCHR Xinjiang report: China says it lacks support from mainstream int’l community
SRINAGAR Agencies
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), disregarding China’s solemn representation, released the so-called “assessment” on Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Wednesday. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a daily press briefing that the report was purely plotted by the United States and some other antiChina forces in the West. “It’s totally illegal and invalid,” said Wang. “The report is a hodgepodge of misinformation, a political tool used by the West to push its strategy of ‘using Xinjiang to contain China.'” More than 60 countries sent a joint letter to the OHCHR to make it clear that they opposed the release of this false report, Wang said, adding that nearly 100 non-governmental organizations have done the same. Nearly 100 countries, including Muslim countries, have continuously spoken up at the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly to support China’s legitimate position on Xinjiang and oppose interference in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of Xinjiang-related issues, he said. “This is the mainstream of the international community,” Wang said, adding that the West’s unpopular political attempts on Xinjiang were doomed to fail.
Putin bowed his head, briefly laid his hand on the casket then made the sign of the cross.
He said the “same country” had no regard for human life, suffering and fundamental“Withfreedoms.its900,000 troops stationed in the largest prisons of the world, terrorizing innocent women and children, vulnerable people in the illegally occupied territories of Jammu and Kashmir this august gathering should have no doubt about this country’s ill-will, propaganda machinery and hate inspired ideology that poses a threat to my country and the region,” the Pakistani delegate added. Pakistan, he added, will continue to work closely with the international community to address the global threats arising out of terrorism and transnational activities. “We must carry out the necessary reform in the existing global counter-terrorism architecture for enhancing its effectiveness by encompassing the entire array of individuals and entities involved in terrorist activity.”
Meanwhile, over four thousand Hurriyat leaders and activists including APHC Chairman, Masarrat Aalam Butt, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Syeda Aasiya Andrabi, Naheeda Nasreen, Fehmeeda Sufi, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Ghulam Ahmad Gulzar, Altaf Ahmed Shah, Ayaz Akbar, Pir Saifullah, Merajuddin Kalwal, Shahidul Islam, Farooq Ahmed Dar, Syed Shahid Shah, Syed Shakeel Ahmad, Mushtaqul Islam, Muhammad Yousuf Falahi, Dr Muhammad Qasim Fakhtoo, Dr Muhammad Shafi Shariati, Dr Ghulam Muhammad Butt, Ghulam Qadir Butt, Muhammad Yousuf Mir, Rafiq Ahmad Ganai.
‘The lie of The cenTury’ exposed: Wang said the OHCHR, by compiling the report based on political attempts of some anti-China forces outside China, seriously violates its own responsibilities, and gravely breaks the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-politicization.“Ithasbeen proved again that the OHCHR has completely reduced itself into a hitman and accomplice of the U.S. and the West at large to punish the vast developing countries,” said the Chinese Foreign MinistryThespokesperson.report,though as illegal and incredible as it is, has stopped short of pushing such fallacies as genocide, forced labor, religious repression and forced sterilization, Wang continued. “So it can be seen that ‘the lie of the century’ made by the U.S. and the West has been exposed.”
AKISTANhas told a UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting that India was “actively” sponsoring terrorism against it, but warned that Islamabad would continue to counter those terrorist threats effectively. Speaking in a debate on ‘Threats to International Peace and Security caused by Transnational Activities of Terrorist Groups’, Pakistani delegate Muhammad Jawad Ajmal said that the “country concerned” – without naming India –had also politicized all international forums at the multilateral level to carry out a “venomous and malicious campaign” against its adversaries.
Gorbachev’s funeral ceremony will be held on Saturday in the Moscow Hall of Columns, historically used for funeral services of high officials, including Joseph Stalin in 1953. The same day, Gorbachev will be buried at the prestigious Novodevichy cemetery in Moscow next to his wife Raisa, who died in 1999.
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The company said it is seeking exemptions to the new rule to continue delivering the said products to Chinese customers, but has “no assurances” that U.S. officials will grant them or answer the request in time.
Russian state TV showed Putin placing a bouquet of red roses near Gorbachev’s open casket in a big empty hall before pausing for a moment of silence.
Indian troops martyr 19 Kashmiris in August alone
Peskov said that there will be “elements of a state funeral” for Gorbachev, including a guard of honour, and that the ceremony will be organised with the help of the state.
Gorbachev changed the course of history by triggering the demise of the Soviet Union and was one of the great figures of the 20th century. His reforms as Soviet leader transformed his country and allowed Eastern Europe to free itself from Soviet rule. While the changes he set in motion saw him lionised in the West, they earned him the scorn of many Russians after the country was plunged into economic chaos and saw its international influence decline.
A Nvidia booth at the Hangzhou Computing Conference in east China’s Zhejiang Province, October 20, 2021. /CFP
Putin, who called the Soviet collapse the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century, has spent much of his more than 20-year rule reversing parts of Gorbachev’s legacy. By cracking down on independent media and political opposition, critics say, Putin has worked to undo Gorbachev’s efforts to bring “glasnost”, or openness, to the Soviet system. And with the launch earlier this year of a military campaign in Ukraine, he has sought to reassert Russian influence in one of the countries that won its independence when the Soviet Union fell apart.
An Indian cricket fan has received death threats for wearing Pakistan team jersey during the Asia Cup 2022 match at Dubai International Stadium on August 28. The video of the fan, who was identified as Sanyam Jaiswal from Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, went viral on social media after he was recorded by someone in the crowd. It has been reported that Jaiswal’s family has been receiving death threats after the video surfaced on the internet. Some fans requested the CM Uttar Pradesh and the police to file a case against the him. The 42year-old wore Pakistan’s jersey during the game and stepped into the stands. He further went on to tease the Pakistan fans by chanting “Hindustan Zindabad.”
AKISTANplayers are not part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to political tension between the two countries. They only played in the first edition in 2008 and there have been numerous calls to add them as the Men in Green have top players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi. According to India’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, the 22-year-old Shaheen would have fetched a very lucrative contract had he been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.
The cost of living crisis in England has passed Premier League clubs by with the all-time record for an entire season, £1.86 billion ($2.15 billion) from 2017-18, under threat of being broken come the closing of the transfer window later on Thursday.
LONDON Agencies
Indian fan receives death threats for wearing Pakistani jersey in asia cup match
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 37-year-old legs and sky-high wages have deterred Europe’s aristocracy from signing him from Manchester United and granting his wish for Champions League football. However, in contrast United and their domestic rivals have found no outlandish fee or wage demands beyond them. As of last Thursday, gross spending by the 20 Premier League teams stood at £1.5 billion, surpassing the 2017 record of £1.43 billion spent by English clubs in the closeseason window. It was also more than the £1.44 billion spent in the whole of last season. Manchester United helped reduce the gap further early on Thursday as Erik ten Hag was reunited with another of his former Ajax proteges, Antony. The 22-year-old was prised away for a reported 95 million euros, making the Brazilian forward the fourth most expensive player in Premier League history. “This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world,” Antony said in a statement on United’s website. His fee is a record for an Eredivisie player, demoting former Ajax team-mate Frenkie de Jong’s 86-million-euro move to Barcelona to second. Ironically, United have pursued the latter throughout the close season without success. Antony is likely to be United’s last big money signing of this window, with a reported £60 million for 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder Casemiro their other eye-catching capture.
LONDON Agencies Opener Jason Roy will not be part of England’s squad for their tour of Pakistan and then the T20 World Cup in Australia in October, the Telegraph reported. The 32-year-old has been an integral tool in England’s white-ball revamping under Eoin Morgan since 2015. His presence in the opening slot has seen some blistering knocks by the SurreyRoyplayer.has had different opening partners in Jos Buttler (in T20Is) and Jonny Bairstow (in ODIs). Roy’s tieup with Bairstow has been a blessing for the Three Lion’s success in the 2019 World However,Cup.Roy is enduring a flattening form with a lack of runs and cannot live up to the expectations. In 2022, Roy scored 206 runs in 11 innings with just one half-century to his name.The England opener could manage just 78 runs in six combined T20I matches against India and South Africa this Roy’ssummer.loss of form could cost him a place in England’s T20I squad for seven-match series against Pakistan, starting on September 20. The report also mentioned that the 32-year-old is likely to miss England’s T20 World Cup squad in Australia during OnOctober-November.theotherhand,England will be fielding a depleted squad against Pakistan as the selectors plan to rest allformat players like Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow. Regular skipper Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone are also suffering from All-rounderinjuries.Moeen Ali is set to be named captain of England’s T20I team for the Pakistan tour. It will also mark the return of England’s men’s team to Pakistan after 17 years. England will play seven T20Is on their first tour of Pakistan in 17 years. Karachi will stage matches on 20, 22, 23 and 25 September, while Lahore will be the venue for the remaining three matches on 28 and 30 September and 2 EnglandOctober.will return in late November for three Tests, which will be played in Rawalpindi (1-5 December), Multan (9-13 December) and Karachi (17-21 December). clubs eye all-time transfer record despite cost of living crisis again as 2023
overseas player for
ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt Worcestershire have re-signed veteran Pakistan batter Azhar Ali as an overseas player for the 2023 season after making a positive impact in his first year at the club. Azhar, 37, has scored 607 runs from eight matches at an average of 46.69 in the County Championship this season so far, as well as hitting a brilliant 130 against Northants in the Royal London Cup. But of equal importance has been his influence on the other players in the squad in terms of passing on knowledge and giving Chairman,CricketWorcestershireadvice.SteeringGroupPaulPridgeon,
ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt
Shaheen may have gone for 14-15 crore had he been there at IPL auctIon: aShwIn
Worcestershire signs Azhar Ali
Friday, 2 September, 2022 KARACHI 11SPORTS naseem’s fit to play against hong Kong, says nawaz
season Jason Roy dropped for England tour of Pakistan AZHAR, 37, HAS SCORED 607 RUNS FROM EIGHT MATCHES AT AN AVERAGE OF 46.69 IN THE CHAMPIONSHIPCOUNTYTHISSEASONSOFAR 11 Sports 2 SEPTEMBER_Layout 1 9/1/2022 11:45 PM Page 1
confirmed: “Azhar has loved it here and wants to come back and do a job for us again next season, and we are delighted he has signed for another year. “Azhar has done really well for us. We think he is a brilliant cricketer, he has fitted into our dressing room, and the players love him. “To get someone who is available for most of, if not the entire season, again is another bonus with your overseas player because I think it is going to be harder and harder to do that. “He has had interest from other first class counties as well, but he has indicated he has really loved being at Worcestershire, and his family are settled Pridgeonhere.” added: “Azhar has really helped some of the other lads, and the most significant influence has been on Jack“JackHaynes.isa talented cricketer, but with the time he has spent batting with Azhar at the crease, he has looked much more reassured, calmer, and more patient. “I think Azhar has been a great influence with him on and off the field.” AzhAr sAid: “Being part of the Worcestershire setup has been such an enjoyable experience for me, and I’m delighted to be coming back for another year. “There is so much potential in this squad, and, as well as being glad that I’ve been able to play my part with the bat, I’ve been happy to pass on my knowledge and experience to other“Thepeople.team have played a lot of good cricket in the Championship this year and could easily have picked up another two or three wins, and I hope I can help the team to kick on next year. “We have already strengthened for next season by signing Adam Hose and Matthew Waite, and I think the future is very bright for the Club.”
Premier League
“I have thought a lot about how crazy it would have been if Shaheen Afridi had been there in an IPL auction. A tall left-arm seamer who sets the game with the new ball and also unleashes yorkers at the death. He might have gone for 14-15 crore had he been there at the IPL auction,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Pakistan are without Shaheen due to knee injury in the Asia Cup but Ashwin highlighted that despite Shaheen Afridi’s absence, Pakistan have a lot of impressive fast bowlers in their lineup. “All Pakistani fast bowlers clock 140145 kph consistently. I don’t think any team in world cricket has such a rich backup of fast bowlers. Pakistan have always been a side with so much raw talent on display.”Meanwhile, Ashwin also spoke about Imad Wasim’s absence from the Pakistan squad for the continental event. “Imad Wasim is a notable exclusion from Pakistan’s squad. He has been a regular feature for them in the T20 format. But he is not there this time. Instead, they have gone for Mohammad Nawaz, who is very much like Ravindra Jadeja.” It must be noted that Ashwin is part of the India’s squad for Asia Cup 2022, however, he was not preferred for the first two games against Pakistan and Hong Kong.
StAff RepORt Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz said that fast bowler Naseem Shah was fully fit and would take part in the next match against Hong Kong in the T20 Asia Cup 22 at the Dubai Cricket Stadium on Friday. Responding to the media men at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai on Thursday, he said Naseem Shah was not injured but he crumpled in the penultimate over of the Indian innings due to severe heat cramps during the match against India last Sunday. Nawaz said, “It is not easy for a spinner to bowl last over of the innings but he was confident to bowl the last over in the match against India,” adding that he was forced by circumstances to bowl last over of the match. Muhammad Nawaz said morale of the team was high and they were confident to do well in the remaining matches of the event.
StAff RepORt P
According to a letter that the utility company’s sent to KE on April 23, 2018, the company was to manage the load according to available volumes which is currently up to 130 MMCFD maximum natural gas for power generation carried out by K-Electric. Any additional volumes required by KE over and above these volumes will be met through RLNG. Another issue pointed out by TIP is that export industries in Punjab are supplied RLNG at USD 9/MMBTU which is PKR 1,980/MMBTU (at PKR 220 conversion rate), whereas industries in Karachi are supplied natural gas at PKR 857/MMBTU, which is a big revenue loss. This too has been going on in connivance with the owners of the export industry and SSGCL, the corruption watchdog said in the letter. Based on the authenticity of the submitted documents, it appears that prima facie SSGCL is violating the gas priority list, the price of which is being paid by consumers of the Karachi Electric, the letter adds.
An Anti-Terrorism Court here on Thursday extended the interim bail of PTI Chairman Imran Khan till September 12 in a case registered following his alleged threatening remarks about a female judge and police high ups. The court accepted the further bail of Imran Khan against surety bonds worth Rs100,000 in FIR registered by Kohsar Police Station under clauses of AntiTerrorism Act (ATA). ATC Judge Raja Jawad Abbas Hassan heard the pre-arrest bail case filed by former prime minister Imran Khan. As the hearing began, accused Imran Khan’s lawyer Babar Awan submitted written application to the court, requesting the judge to grant bail to his client as he couldn’t appear. At this, the court replied that there was no such example, adding that it was compulsory for any accused to appear in person to get bail. The judge remarked that the petitioner had to appear before the court in personal capacity to get bail. Babar Awan Advocate said that his client was in Islamabad and police had written a letter to him in Banigala, stating that there was a threat to his life. He also produced the said letter before the court. He, however, said Imran Khan would appear at 12:00pm in compliance of the court orders. The judge asked the public prosecutor that whether the 7-ATA had ever been registered without a crime. The court sought the case record and also asked the prosecutor to read out the statements of other two officers who were given threats. The court remarked that Imran Khan have to appear before it today so that arguments could be delivered. As the hearing resumed at 12pm, PTI Chairman Imran Khan appeared before the court. Babar Awan argued that his client had appeared in compliance of this court’s order. He questioned that whether Imran Khan had threatened to kill anyone or set fire somewhere. The court said that it was granting bail to Imran Khan in even new sections included in the FIR. The judge noted that the police was adding new section in FIR after every ten days. After listening arguments, the court extended Imran Khan’s interim bail till September 12. The judge asked the prosecutor to explain how section 506 was applied in this case. Babar Awan said that all sections except ATA clauses were bailable. The court directed the lawyers to give final arguments at the next hearing and adjourned the hearing. On the previous appearance, the court had granted pre-arrest bail to the PTI chairman till today (September 1).
ISLAMABAD app & Monitoring report Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday gave the go-ahead for the execution of 10,000 megawatts solar energy project to reduce the import bill of costly diesel and furnace oil. The prime minister made the decision during a meeting called to discuss measures for providing “major relief to the masses”, the state-run wire service reported. The prime minister stressed upon the authorities that the electricity should be generated through solar instead of imported fuel. The meeting was informed that the solar plan would help save billions of dollars. In the first phase, the solar energy would be supplied to the government buildings, tube wells operating on electricity and diesel and domestic consumers with low consumption.
The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure the early installation of solar plants to provide relief to the people before the next summer season. He asked the authorities concerned to immediately start the execution of the project.
Pakistan Army to help flood affectees in difficult times: Gen Bajwa
Pakistan’s goods and services trade with the United States (US) witnessed a surplus of 23.21 percent during first month of current financial year (1MFY23) as compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. The trade surplus during the period under review was recorded at $335.091 million against $271.952 million last year, showing 23.21 percent growth. The exports to the US were recorded at $499.686 million during July this year against $503.118 million during the same month last year, showing a nominal decline of 0.68 percent, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data revealed. Similarly, on a month-on-month (MoM) basis, exports to the US also witnessed a decrease of 22.03 percent during July this year as compared to US $640.935 million in June the same year. However, Pakistan’s overall exports showed an increase of 2.68 percent in first month, from $2235.039 million to $2295.027 million, the data showed.
PrOdUCTIOn OF exPenSIve eleCTrICITy
“The more you try to subdue me, the more I will fight harder,” he added. “I have been tolerating this for the last months but don’t push me to the point where I expose all faces who created all this mess for their vested interests,” he added. “The more you try to subdue me, the more I will fightSpeakingharder.” about rising inflation and electricity prices, Imran said the country was
The government might consider asking the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an emergency loan to mitigate the damage caused by the recent floods. Initial assessment reports have claimed that the economic loss due to the catastrophic floods are estimated to be over Rs2.5 trillion.
prayer tiMings FAJR SUNRISE ZUHR ASR MAGHRIB ISHA 4:10 5:00 1:30 5:15 7:08 9:15 Friday, 2 September, 2022 NEWS
On the other hand, the imports from the US this year were recorded at $164.595 million against $231.166 million of last year, witnessing a decrease of 22.78 percent in July.
On MoM basis, the imports from the US dropped by 51.29 percent during July this year as compared to US $337.964 million in June this year, the data further revealed.
Hawkins along with First Secretary Ashleigh Light had called on the minister in the federal capital.
Talking to a delegation of the Pakistan America Business Forum in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz had said the government was committed to ensuring favourable conditions for foreign investors with the aim to strengthen the national economy.
PM UrGed TO InveSTIGATe SSGC, Ke FOr
SARGODHA agencies
Imran threatens to expose those behind plot to oust him
TIP’s letter states that SSGC is supplying a total of 210 MMCFD natural gas to captive power plants at the rate of PKR 857/MMBTU and PKR1,087/MMBTU to captive general industries which is at third priority order, while the power sector which is supposed to be on second priority is supplied 70 MMCFD expensive RLNG at the rate of PKR4,656/MMBTU instead of natural gas in violation the priority list. Currently, due to power generation using RLNG, electricity consumers are compelled to pay approximately PKR 17.5/unit additional charges including taxes, FCA and line losses compared to power that is being generated through natural gas. This means that if a consumer consumes 500 units a month on average, 2.5 million consumers are paying approximately PKR 131 billion extra per year.
ISLAMABAD shahzad paracha T HETransparency International Pakistan (TIP) has asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to investigate a complaint against KE according to which the utility company charged electricity at Rs35 per unit against Rs17.5 per unit due to SSGC’s violation of the gas priority list. Profit has learnt that TIP has written a letter to PM Shahbaz Sharif with regard to a complaint it received against KE charging more due to Sui Southern Gas Company’s (SSGC) violation of the Gas Priority List notified by the Ministry of Energy in 2018. The letter states that the utility company stopped supplying natural gas to KE from October 2021 in connivance with the owners of Captive Power Plants (CPPs) which means that those who receive their electric bills from KE are being charged an additional PKR 131 billion annually. The notification in question states that according to the Natural Gas Allocation and Management Policy 2005-Revision in the priority order, domestic and commercial consumers are supposed to get natural gas on first priority, power sector on second, general industrial, fertiliser and captive power on third, cement sector including its CPPs on the forth and the CNG sector on the fifth. However, SSGC, without any approval from the Ministry of Energy or Cabinet, put CPPs on second priority and eliminated the power sector from the list altogether. Instead, KE is being supplied RLNG w.e.f. October 2021. This costs PKR 4,656/MMBTU whereas natural gas is for PKR 857/MMBTU.
He also called for holding a conference of all stakeholders by next week before the bidding process. Last month, the premier had said the government would soon launch 6,000MW to 7,000MW solar energy projects to cut dependence on imported fuel.
Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan Thursday warned his detractors against exposing those behind the plot to oust him, asking them not to push him against the Addressingwall.a mammoth public rally, Khan said while the country’s economic growth was upward and institutions like Moodys and Fitch were issuing positive reports, why did you conspire and installed these crooks upon the nation who have unleashed high inflation and price hike on poor Pakistanis. “I am being pushed against the wall through bogus FIRs of terrorism and others … journalists who speak in our favour are being subjected to victimisation. The more you suppress my party, the more we will rise,” he Khansaid.said he will reveal the names of all those allegedly involved in intimidating him and his supporters. He said that detractors were trying to stop him from winning with a two-thirds majority. Imran, the ousted prime minister, said his opponents have already “lost the match” against him and whatever they do next to defeat will only harm the country’s interests. “Don’t think about your petty vested interest… think about the country… the people are not ready to see their future in leaders like Zardari and Nawaz.” He said, “I have been tolerating this for the last months but don’t push me to the point where I expose all faces who created all this mess for their vested interests.”
In a separate development, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail while meeting with Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkin stressed the need to enhance the bilateral trade level between both the countries. He regretted that trade between the countries currently stands at sub-optimal level, adding that and a lot of potential needs to be explored.
Govt considers taking emergency loan from IMF to mitigate flood damage ISLAMABAD staff report
PM okays 10,000MW solar project to cut imported fuel use
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa reached flood affected areas of Rojhan, Distt Rajanpur, Punjab, and Saggu Bridge near Dera Islamil Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Rajanpur, the COAS visited flood relief camp and met flood victims. During visit to Rohjan, the COAS assured flood affectees that Pakistan Army will help them to overcome their problems in these difficult times. The COAS directed ground troops to take this responsibility as a noble cause and spare no effort to lessen the burden of flood affected brothers and sisters. Later, the COAS visited flood affected areas of DI Khan. While interacting with flood victims, COAS consoled them over their loss and lauded the resilience of local residents in the face of unprecedented natural calamity.
RAWALPINDI staff report
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Miftah also apprised the High Commissioner about the latest economic developments and policies of the incumbent government aiming to promote trade and investment for facilitation of domestic as well as international investors.
The PTI chief said the coalition government led by the PML-N suffered a shock defeat in Punjab by-elections despite all “riggingAfterattempts”.by-polls results, they got scared that if early elections are held I will secure two-third majority, he said. “So they started a conspiracy to disqualify me and the decision was taken behind a closed door to ‘completely eliminate’ me… that’s why I have recorded a video in which I had named four persons who will not be spared by the nation if anything happens to me.” Imran said he was booked for terrorism charges for merely saying vowing legal action against those were involved in the torture on Shahbaz Gill. He also asked the ruling PML-N not to compare him with its supremo Nawaz Sharif, saying he earned money through hard work in abroad.
It’s too early to calculate the economic cost of the devastation, but according to the government’s estimation, the country would be needing more than $10 billion to rebuild. A weak economy cannot bear such colossal losses. With millions of acres of crops lost, the country may also face acute food shortages in the coming months. It will make it extremely difficult for the government to contain the spiraling inflation which is already running over 40 percent. In this situation, it would be a monumental challenge for the government to keep IMF conditionalities on track. There will be growing political pressure on the government both from the opposition and from within the ruling coalition itself to restore some of the subsidies, particularly on petroleum products and power tariffs that constitute the major part of the Fund’s stabilization programme. In April 2020, IMF had approved $1.4 billion emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to help the country deal with the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic.
The COAS also directed FC South KP troops to ensure timely assistance and help to brave people of KP in this hour of need .
Both sides discussed on matters of enhancing mutual interest and cooperation as the Minister Finance assured the High Commissioner of full support and cooperation.
moving in the right direction and all economic indicators were positive when his government was toppled through a “foreign conspiracy”. “Now, I want to ask who is responsible for imposing the thieves on the country and creating this mess.”
Over 23pc witnessedsurplusinPak-US trade
However, the overall imports rose by 0.26 percent, from $5371.040 million to $5385.016 million.
According to a report by the Express Tribune, the IMF has recently released $1.17 billion in funds to the government of Pakistan as the country deals with a spiraling death toll and widespread destruction from floods. This money was originally part of a government bailout loan from 2019, but the final payments had been held up. Millions have been displaced across the country. People have lost their livelihoods with hundreds of thousands of acres of crops destroyed and livestock perishing in the floodwaters. Roads and dams have been destroyed causing massive damage to the infrastructure. With the forecast of more floods, the situation remains dire.
“Economy is sinking, remittances are declining… now the only way to come out of this quagmire is to hold free and fair elections,” he ‘Scaredadded.oftwo-third majority’
Imran’s bail extended: Court questions whether 7-ATA ever registered without a crime ISLAMABAD staff report
