Issuu

Monday, 7 November, 2022 I 11 Rabi us Sani, 1444 I Rs 40.00 | Vol XIII No 128 I 44 Pages I Lahore Edition

will urge world to deliver on climate finance, loss fund commitment: pm g

termS cop27 a waterShed in fight againSt climate change

ISLAMABAD

staff report

rime minister muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that he would urge the world, as chair of g-77, to deliver on its commitment on climate finance and loss and damage fund. on his twitter handle, the prime minister said without financial support, the developing countries would continue to remain exposed to the multifarious threats of climate change. “we are asking for climate justice,” the prime minister posted in a tweet prior to his de-

SayS journey to flood recovery could be held back by public debt

parture to egypt to participate in the “Sharm el-Sheikh climate implementation Summit” being held on november 7-8. the prime minister in a related tweet said the cop27, being held in egypt, could be a watershed in humanity’s fight against climate change and global warming. extreme climatic events in pakistan and the horn of africa this year had showcased globalization of climate change, he added. the prime minister further observed that turning a blind eye to the lethal effects of climate change would be criminal. in another tweet, the prime minister said

that their post-disaster needs assessment had shown that pakistan’s journey to recovery and rehabilitation could be held back by public debt, rising international energy, food prices and lack of access to adaption funds. earlier, minister for information and broadcasting marriyum aurangzeb on Sunday said that prime minister Shehbaz Sharif will leave for egypt on a two-day visit on Sunday. prime minister will attend the cop-27 conference starting on november 7 in Sharm elSheikh, she said in a statement. the minister said that 197 member countries were participating in the conference. pakistan attached great importance to cop-27, she said, adding the conference will consider the need for urgent action on climate change as well as climate justice issues. She said that the pm will present pakistan’s position on important issues in his address to the heads of state during the world leaders Summit. the pm will also meet united nations Secretary general antonio guterres on the occasion of the conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, she said. prime minister Shahbaz Sharif along with his norwegian counterpart will also participate in a high-level round table conference. the prime minister will also participate in the “middle east green initiative Summit” on november 7, she said. the conference is hosted by the crown prince and prime minister of Saudi arabia, mohammed bin Salman. She said that prime minister Shehbaz Sharif will also meet with several world leaders during his visit.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

In letter to Kashmiri leader, Biden says promoting ‘freedom’ integral part of US policy MIRPUR (AJK) staff report

uS president joe biden has said “defending democracy, promoting freedom, human rights, respecting the rule of law and treating everyone with dignity are the important part of core values of foreign policy of the united States and american society”. the uS president biden expressed these views in his recent letter to raja muzaffar, a washington-based veteran kashmiri leader, according to a message released to the media, here, on Sunday.

“the challenges facing our world today demonstrate how interconnected we are and how the fates of all people are bound together. from famines and climate change to wars and pandemics, no country can solve these shared problems alone, and america cannot afford to be absent from the world stage,” the uS president further added in his letter while responding to muzaffar’s recent letter inked over the foreign policy of the united States in the context of a comparative review of the occupation of ukraine and kashmir.

president biden also went on to add, “i will keep your message in mind as we work to meet the challenges of our time.” referring to problems – various parts the world are confronting, the uS president held in his twopage letter that “america cannot afford to be absent on the global stage. our political and economic leadership will remain committed to the most cherished values and stand with our friends around the world committed to strengthening international peace and stability.” president biden concluded in

his letter by asserting that his “administration has restored diplomacy to the center of our foreign policy, working in close cooperation with our allies and partners to protect liberty, sovereignty, and our shared future.” in return, raja muzaffar said that he was grateful to uS president biden for his response. “it reflects how much his administration is concerned about the situation in the internationallyacknowledged disputed jammu kashmir State,” the kashmiri leader observed in a press statement issued on Sunday.

Pakistan join India in semis after Dutch dump South Africa MELBOURNE reuters

pakistan beat bangladesh by five wickets in their final Super 12 match to join group 2 rivals india in the semifinals of the t20 world cup in adelaide on Sunday. the netherlands lit up the final day of group 2 action when they dashed South africa’s semi-final hopes by pulling off a huge upset against temba bavuma’s team. their 13-run victory sent india through to the semi-finals and injected fresh life into pakistan’s bid for a place in the last four. india, who conclude their group campaign against Zimbabwe later on Sunday in melbourne, and pakistan are level on six points, while South africa finished on five. new Zealand and england have qualified for the semi-finals from group 1. bangladesh began well after captain Shakib al hasan elected to bat and were 70-1 at the halfway stage. Shadab khan dismissed Soumya Sarkar and Shakib in successive deliveries though the lbw decision against the bangladesh skipper, who had charged down the track, looked doubtful with replays showing an edge. najmul hossain made 54 but bangladesh could not make the most of the decent start and settled for a below-par 127-8. captain babar azam (25) and deputy mohammad rizwan (32) began cautiously but could not convert the starts and departed in successive overs. mohammad haris produced a breezy 31 to calm nerves in the pakistan camp as the 2009 champions went on to win with 11 balls to spare. earlier, South africa, chasing 159 for a place in the semifinals, managed 145-8 to crash out.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 in today’s issue

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Defiant Imran says will resume march from Wazirabad tomorrow LAHORE staff report

former prime minister imran khan said he would resume his protest march to islamabad to force early elections on tuesday “from the same point in wazirabad district” where he survived an assassination attempt last week. he was shot in the leg on thursday as he waved to crowds from a container mounted on a truck from where he was leading a protest march on the capital. the following day he said he “will give a call to march on islamabad once i get better”. addressing the nation on Sunday from Shaukat khanum memorial cancer hospital in lahore where he was receiving treatment, khan said his party has decided that “our march will resume on tuesday from the same [point] in wazirabad where i and 11 others were shot, and where moazzam was martyred.” khan was discharged from the hos-

pital on Sunday evening after making a good recovery from 1.5-hour long surgery, his doctors said. khan said he “will address the march from here [in lahore], and our march, within the next 10 to 14 days, depending on the speed, will reach rawalpindi.” “once the march reaches rawalpindi, i’d then join it and lead it myself.” in the meantime, Shah mahmood Qureshi, vice chairman of the pakistan tehreek-i-insaf (pti) party, will lead the caravan. khan was discharged hours after the splinters of one of the bullets he received during an unsuccessful assassination bid were removed from the right leg of the former prime minister, the hospital said. he was seen off by a medical team at the facility, ary news reported, before leaving for his residence in the Zaman park neighbourhood of the provincial metropolis. the bullet shards — received after the

pakistan tehreek-i-insaf (pti) chairman was shot at a rally in the wazirabad district of punjab — were removed in a surgery. “there were four fragments of bullet in imran khan’s body and shards from the right leg were removed,” the hospital said in a statement. “a splinter of the

bullet was not removed from his left leg,” it said. “the surgery was conducted to remove bullet particles from his body,” the hospital stated. “his condition is rapidly improving,” according to the statement. continuing his address, khan said he

welcomed the decision of prime minister Shehbaz Sharif to ask the Supreme court to form a judicial commission on the attack but also said that a free and fair probe cannot take place as those he held responsible control the government. “Shehbaz Sharif spoke of the judicial commission and i welcome this but my first point is that would it do? when all the agencies come under the three people i’ve named, who will investigate? “how can we have an impartial and fair investigation? it cant happen. that’s why i asked them to resign so the investigation can be fair.” khan was shot on thursday when his anti-government protest convoy came under attack in the east of the province, in what his aides said was a clear assassination attempt. he wasn’t seriously injured but the incident underlined once again how politics in pakistan is inseparable from violence. khan’s protest march and rallies, which started a week before the attack, were peaceful until the incident.

02-03 NEWS 7 NOVEMBER_Layout 1 11/7/2022 2:28 AM Page 1

Monday, 7 November, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

DozenS oF SmuggleD SeIzeD veHIcleS DISaPPear From cuSTomS’ wareHouSe ISLAMABAD

Shahzad paRaCha

OzENS of seized vehicles have reportedly disappeared from Pakistan Customs’ State warehouse, Islamabad. Sources said that more than 5 dozen smuggled and seized vehicles have disappeared from the customs state warehouse during the last two years. This has been disclosed in an interim audit report prepared by Customs directorate Islamabad.

According to details, The customs department has poorly maintained the detention as well as seizure registers besides performance of the Investigation & Prosecution (1&P) wing of the Islamabad customs collectorate has also been found unsatisfactory in that certain basic information regarding current FIR cases registered, their follow-up and outcome has been found missing in record, sources added. Interestingly, Collector Customs has immediately placed “off duty” the Superintendent Incharge of ASO, I&P and State Warehouse who had been posted a few

months ago but the collector did not question those blue eyed officials including inspector customs who had been posted at customs warehouse for the last few years. It is pertinent to note that Junaid Jalil, who served as collector Islamabad during this period, did not pay any heed to such matters due to which such events have become common occurrences in the collectorate of customs Islamabad. It has been learned reliably that custom officers across the country have allegedly been involved in massive revenue losses. They have formed a tightly woven chain

who allegedly collude with the importers and clearing agents. This tightly woven chain of custom officers with the patronage of officials serving in collectorates allegedly entertains false and fabricated locally made invoices for imported goods. Moreover, this chain of collusive officers entertain vague and incomplete declarations of imported goods from importers and clearing agents thereby facilitating valuation and classification frauds and the resulting heavy revenue losses. Sources said that customs high ups most of the time ignore these systematic fiscal

Prudent decisions being taken to address economic challenges, Dar tells lord wajid Khan

‘Hakeem’ Sanaullah prepared effective remedy to deal with PTI marchers: Fazl ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Member House of Lords Lord Wajid Khan, along with a delegation of prominent businessmen from UK, called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar here on Sunday and discussed matters of mutual interests. The business delegation comprised of: zuber Issa, CBE, head of EG Group ASDA, Mohammad Asim, Mohammad Tayyab and Shakoor Ahmed, Directors of EG Group, Mohammad Younas and Jaffar Iqbal. SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha, Secretary Finance and other senior officers also attended the meeting. Ishaq Dar welcomed the delegation and apprised them the current overall macroeconomic outlook of the country. The finance minister further shared about policies and measures being undertaken by the present government for dealing with the challenges to the national economy and putting it in right direction. He further said that through prudent policy decisions, the challenges to Pakistan’s economy were being effectively addressed. The present government was placing high priority on facilitating the business community and highlighting the potential investment avenues available in Pakistan. The delegation expressed gratitude to the finance minister and shared their business profile and business vision. The delegation appreciated business-friendly policies of the government and showed their keen interest in making investment in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy. The finance minister assured full cooperation and support of the Government of Pakistan to the delegation for making investments in Pakistan. PAKISTAN’S AMBASSADOR TO KSA CALLS ON DAR: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ameer Khurram Rathore on Sunday paid a courtesy call on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, here, and discussed matters of mutual interests. The finance minister and ambassador discussed long-standing deeprooted bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which are strengthening with each passing day.

Karachi gas explosion kills two, injures 14 ISLAMABAD

frauds in field formations and the resulting revenue losses for a reason. It has been reported that scores of customs scams have taken place but hardly any custom official has been ever punished. Sources disclosed that this was a typical life cycle of revenue loss scams in FBR and the present scam of the disappearance of smuggled and seized vehicles from custom collectorate Islamabad was no exception. Meanwhile, Collector Customs Islamabad Hasan Saqib claimed that the Audit of the Warehouse has not been completed and hopefully will be completed in the coming week So it would be pure conjecture to say if vehicles are missing or not. He further stated that vehicles cannot go missing in Customs as once seized and Warehoused their particulars are documented at multiple stages and the Superintendent anti-smuggling, who also held the charge of Investigation & Prosecution, and Warehouse, has been placed off duty.

LAHORE: Traffic jam on Saggian Bridge due to repair to one side of the bridge. photo by zubaiR Mehfooz

Financial crisis renders KP unable to fund 28 projects in tribal belt PESHAWAR aziz buNeRi

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government failed to fund 28 development projects of the Industries department under the ADP [Annual Development Program] in the tribal belt because of the ongoing financial crisis. The provincial government has allocated Rs1.3bn for projects of the industry department in seven tribal districts in the ADP of the current financial year, of which the department has only utilises just Rs216mn in the first quarter of the year. The KP government had included 50 ongoing and new projects for the department in the ADP of which no funds could be released for two of the three projects of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic zones Development and Management Company (KPEzMDC). Similarly, no fund was released for the other three projects of the industry department included in the ADP. The documents show that three projects launched under the Public-Private Partnership (PPPs) were also not provided funds. According to documents of the provincial finance department, the provincial government also could not

release any fund to 16 out of seventeen projects of the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), while fund could only be provided to one project. Sources in the KP Finance Department said these projects were launched under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) which also includes Insaf Rozgar Scheme, Economic zones in tribal Districts, Free Microfinance Scheme, and development of small Industry in the tribal belt, for which most of funds were released by the federal government. According to sources, the provincial government was supposed to release funds to most of these schemes, but the federal government has stopped funds transfer to the province as a result it is facing severe financial crisis. Acting Governor and Speaker KP Assembly, Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, has made it clear that the financial situation of the province is deteriorating since the federal government has stopped funding to the province. Sources of the Planning and Development (P&D) Department said that currently more than 70% of projects included in the ADP of the province have been stopped. The sources said that because of financial difficulties most of important schemes have been excluded from the current ADP of the province.

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) head who also chairman of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Sunday that the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) marchers would never be allowed reach the federal capital. “Hakeem Sanaullah has prepared an effective tonic for the marchers and they would be treated accordingly”, JUI-F Chief Fazlur Rehman while addressing a presser here on Sunday. He termed the PTI long march a complete flop show and made it clear that nobody would be allowed to play with Pakistan at all costs. He said Pakistan was being pushed towards difficulties, which made it lag behind in the comity of nations economically. Taking jibe at the PTI chief, Fazl said that a joint investigation team (JIT) should be constituted against Imran Khan, saying the PTI chairman’s bullet injuries in the Wazirabad firing incident was a ‘drama’. The JUI-F chief equated Imran Khan with Indian top stars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, saying the PTI chief had surpassed the Bollywood’s actors in the field of acting. He, expressing his astonishment, said the PTI chief’s bullet injuries were being treated in a cancer hospital, adding that there were contradictions in his medical reports. “We have heard bomb fragments but heard of bullet fragments for the first time.” He urged the federal government not to show leniency to Imran Khan as he was trying to create chaos in the country under the guise of firing accident and making false accusations against the most important personalities, including the prime minister, interior minister and an officer of the national security institution that was not acceptable at all. He asked the quarters concerned to launch a thorough probe on the matter so that Imran’s heinous face could be unmasked before the public. Condemning Azam Swati’s incident, he said, “We wanted peace and harmony in the country and the citizens should lead their lives as per law and the Constitution with respect and dignity.” The JUI-F chief said in case of Arshad Sharif, the commission should also investigate the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government that issued life threat alert to the senior journalist. He said during the PTI government, restrictions were imposed on media. He categorically stated that the decision of army chief’s appointment would be made by the prime minister in accordance with the Constitution and law as it was his discretion.

MoNitoRiNg RepoRt

Two people were killed and 14 others injured in an explosion inside a residential building in Karachi, reports said. The incident happened late Saturday night after a gas cylinder exploded in a residential building in the city, the reports said. The injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital where several of them are in critical condition after suffering serious burn injuries. The deceased and four of the wounded are family members living in the apartment where the explosion happened, while the others were living in neighbouring apartments. Police are probing the incident.

Imran’s long march temporarily halted not over yet, says Rashid ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid said on Sunday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s Haqeeqi Azadi long march has been halted temporarily and is not over yet. The former interior minister and the PTI’s close ally made the comment in a

Shootout at Wazirabad City NoteS M a Niazi Imran Khan’s shooting was not a one-off, but a sort of culmination, as the Long March had been spattered with blood, if not quite bloodstained. As a matter of fact, I’m not all that sure that Imran was shot at all, For a start, he has not had a medicolegal examination conducted. That means there’s no piece of paper which would tell any court of his injuries. Then there was his appearance on television, reclining on a sort of bed, with his leg in plaster. Shouldn’t his leg have been encased in bloodstained

bandages? As a matter of fact, he should have had his head wrapped up in bandages. Also, throughout his TV appearance, he didn’t cough even once. Now if you’ve been shot in the leg, why should you cough? Perhaps for the same reason they put plaster on a leg when there was no bone broken. The problem with his not having an MLE done, and thus a case registered, is that the murder case of the PTI worker who was killed in the firing, has also not been registered. That case can’t be registered, even after the autopsy on the body would show that there was indeed a death by shooting, but it would be inextricably linked with the FIR registered against Imran’s attackers.

tweet adding that it has been three days since the assassination attempt on the PTI chief and a first information report (FIR) is yet to be registered. He also maintained that there has been “no drop in the political temperature”. “Judges are highly respected but not investigative. Incompetent unpopular government has failed completely,” he added. Referring to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (PEMRA)

Imran said three people were responsible: PM Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and ISI DG-‘C’ Maj-Gen Faisal Naseer. I know he meant they had planned it, but the image is irresistible of Shehbaz crawling by the side of the bus, handing Rana Sanaullah the weapon with which the shooting was done, all under the general supervision of General Faisal, who would run up and down the container shouting encouraging remarks through a bullhorn. There’s a problem with naming one’s political opponents. It all goes back to a discovery made by the Raj. It had imported in its Evidence Act the common-law assumption that someone would not lie on his deathbed. Thus the dying declaration was taken as conclusive evidence. But then British found that natives, even when under the shadow of death, would lie through their

recent ban on Imran’s live speeches and press conferences, which was lifted after hours by the federal government, Rashid said that the PEMRA’s “failed censorship is a conspiracy against the media”. The deposed prime minister had suffered a bullet wound to his leg on November 3 after a gunman opened fire on his container as Imran was leading the PTI’s “Haqeeqi Azadi March”. One person had died in the incident, while several members of the PTI chairman’s close circle, including Senator Faisal Javed, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, Ahmad Chattha and Imran Yousaf, were injured.

teeth, and name their enemies with gusto as being personally responsible for stabbing them. It was only after people thus named produced witnesses placing them miles away from the murder that the British realised that the natives were exploiting this loophole to get at their enemies. Thus the dying declaration was downgraded by being taken as conclusive evidence, to simple presumptive evidence, which needed other evidence to confirm it. Besides, neither Imran nor anyone in the PTI has died. But even though Imran has survived, the spirit of nominating everyone he can seems to alive, with the result that Shehbaz and Rana Sana are in the exalted company of a lieutenant-general. Even before the attempt on him, the Long March was claiming victims. A woman journalist was run over one day, a young passerby the other, not to forget that

a cop died of a heart attack while on duty. Before the March, telejournalist Arshad Sharif was murdered in Kenya, then there was the audioclip released of former PTI minister Ali Amin Gandapur talking about bringing in arms and people to Islamabad. Unreliable sources have confirmed that he has been seen in the overcoat and full boots compulsory to all such talk. It’s been a bad time for Imran, and not because the Long March has not drawn the expected crowds. Corruption is making a comeback. Lula da Silva beat Jair Bolsonaro, the sitting President, for the Brazilian Presidency. Lula had recently been in jail for corruption. Then the Israeli electorate, after its fourth election in five years, has returned Benjamin Netanyahu to power, after bringing him down. Netanyahu still faces the corruption charges that have dogged him for years now.

02-03 NEWS 7 NOVEMBER_Layout 1 11/7/2022 2:28 AM Page 2

Monday, 7 November, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

worlD PowerS muST FocuS on Human SurvIval, SecurITy InSTeaD oF warS, Say FaITH leaDerS ISLAMABAD

ageNCieS

HE world powers must focus on the survival and security of human beings and resolve the issues with dialogues instead of opting the option of wars. These views were expressed by the leaders of faith at a three-day global interfaith conference, titled ‘Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence’, hosted under the patronage of Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Al-Fida’ Square of Sakhir Royal Palace in Manama. Besides the holy father Pope Francis, Sheikh Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb and other world-renowned religious leaders and scholars, Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Interfaith Harmony and Middle

East Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor, Council of Islamic Ideology Chairman Dr. Qibla Ayaz participated in the moot. They were of the view that Russia and Ukraine should stop the war and initiate the process of negotiation to settle down all the issues for the survival and security of the humanity in the region. “Prosperity and development are possible only through inter-sects and inter-religious dialogues in the world,” they opined. They said western countries must play their significant role in coping with climate change challenges and increasing poverty across the world. They believed that all religions on earth taught love and peace. After the conclusion of global

interfaith forum, Ashrafi who is also the chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) told APP on Sunday that the leadership of Bahrain had taken the step in the right direction and it would help bring the people of various faith closer and remove their differences. Expressing gratitude on the active participation of Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and religious scholars of other religion and sects in the forum, he said it had given a strong message of love, peace and brotherhood to the world. He said the same great message was also delivered by the Haramain Sharifain, Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him adding that the endeavors of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and other countries for the promotion religious pluralism were

valuable. Ashrafi said it was duty of the Ummah to raise the status of Muslims and protect their interests and rights worldwide. “We appreciate the efforts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and followers of other religions and civilizations to open the doors of

dialogue as such initiatives would help expand the areas of dialogue, exchange ideas, discuss measures for joint strategy to deal with the persistent social menaces of violence and extremism and provide an ample opportunity to sit together at the same table,” he added.

3,000 Sikh yatrees arrive in city through Wahga LAHORE Staff RepoRt

About 3,000 Sikh yatrees from India arrived here on Sunday via Wahga Border to participate in the 553rd birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak at Nankana Sahib. Additional Secretary (Shrines) Rana Shahid Saleem along with Pradhan Sardar Amir Singh, Sardar Satwant Singh and others received the

pilgrims. Speaking on the occasion, Sikh leaders including Sardar Preet Singh, Sardar Diljeet Singh, Sardar Manjeet Singh and Sardar Jagjeet Sing expressed their happiness after reaching in Pakistan. They said that they had received special love from the land of their ‘Gurus’. Additional Secretary Shrines Rana Shahid told the media that Janumasthan had been decorated

aJK Pm apprises eu Parliamentary delegation of IIoJK situation ISLAMABAD

tastefully. The ETPB had made foolproof security arrangements besides accommodation and travelling facilities for Sikh yatrees. Special marquees have also been installed for them, he added. On the directions of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Abdul Rehman Ghilani, the officers and employees of the Board would remain busy day and

night to serve the guests. Pradhan Sardar Amir Singh and Sardar Satwant Singh said the Trust Board had completed all the arrangements in consultation with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC). The main ceremony will be held at Janumasthan Nankana Sahib on November 8 (Tuesday) in which, leaders from various religion and political parties would participate.

Azam Swati never stayed in SC Judges’ Rest House in Quetta: SC PRO ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

A delegation of the European Parliament met the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan in Muzaffarabad. The delegation included Mr Herve Juvin and Mrs Virginie Joron. Senior most minister of the government of Azad Kashmir, Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan, Forest Minister Akmal Sargala, Chairman Inspection Commission Raja Mansoor Khan, Chief Secretary Muhammad Usman Chachad, Secretary Presidential Affairs Dr Syed Asif Hussain, Principal Secretary Ehsan Khalid Kayani and others were also present on this occasion. The delegation was briefed on the Kashmir dispute, human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the historical background of the Kashmir issue. Talking to the European delegation, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan said India is involved in serious violations of human rights in IIOJK. He said on August 5, 2019, India abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A and violated the fundamental rights of the people of Kashmir. India is trying to turn the Muslim majority into a minority by issuing domicile to millions of nonstate residents, he added. The Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir said that the process of construction and development has been going on rapidly in Azad Kashmir for the past seven decades.

The Supreme Court on Sunday clarified that Muhammad Azam Swati never used/stayed in Supreme Court Judges’ Rest House at Quetta. However, according to Special Branch, Balochistan, Mr. Azam Swati during the aforesaid visit stayed at Balochistan Judicial Academy (Judicial Complex Quetta), which is not under the control of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. According to a press release issued by the SC PRO, a press conference of Senator Mr Muhammad Azam Khan Swati has been circulated in electronic/social media whereby it is alleged that during his stay at Supreme Court Judicial Lodges, Quetta, some objectionable video was recorded. “Supreme Court Judges Rest House, Quetta is being managed and supervised by the Registrar Office

He said the Muslim World League, Muslim World’s leadership and Pakistan’s Ulema had disseminated the message of Islam in its true context all over the world in the shape of Charter of Pakistan, Charter of Human Coexistence and Message of Pakistan documents. He said the PUC and its affiliated organizations endorsed the decisions taken in the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue in its letter and spirit and reiterated the world powers to adopt the peaceful way of dialogue instead of wars to resolve their issues. He said the tendencies spreading hatred between countries and people should be removed. “Such forums can help bring out the facts and causes of extremism, prevent extremism and terrorism, and counter and expose sectarian groups, he maintained.

Pakistan join India in semis after Dutch dump South africa COntInuED fROM PAgE 01 The Netherlands’ top four batters made useful contributions to power the Dutch side to 158-4 after being put into bat at the Adelaide Oval. Stephan Myburgh (37) and Max O’Dowd (29) gave them a decent start adding 58 runs for the opening stand. Tom Cooper made 35 and Colin Ackermann chipped in with an unbeaten 41 to take them past the 150-mark. South Africa struggled to get going in their reply losing both their openers — Quinton de Kock and Bavuma — inside the powerplay. Brandon Glover, who claimed three wickets for nine runs, then scythed South Africa’s middle order to set up a memorable victory for the Dutch side.

anF nabs 6 drug-peddler with 94kg narcotics in 10 raids RAWALPInDI Staff RepoRt

Supreme Court of Pakistan Islamabad and is meant for the use of Hon’ble serving and former Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” it added.

Will urge world to deliver on climate finance, loss fund commitment: pm COntInuED fROM PAgE 01 COP-27 was being held at a time when millions of people in different parts of the world, including Pakistan, were facing the negative effects of climate change, she maintained. Pakistan will continue to play a positive role in discussions, negotiations and collective action on

global climate change, Marriyum Aurangzeb opined. The delegation accompanied by the Prime Minister will represent Pakistan in all important committees of COP-27. The delegation will also discuss the threat faced by low-carbon countries in these committees, she added. Marriyum said Pakistan will also chair the Group of 77 China in this conference.

Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has seized over 94 kg of narcotics in 10 operations conducted in different areas of the country and arrested six accused during 48 hours. According to ANF Headquarters spokesman, ANF and ASF in a joint operation at Islamabad International Airport managed to recover 1098 grams heroin from trolley bag of a passenger, resident of Buner, going to Sharjah via flight no PK-181. In another operation, ANF recovered 4480 intoxicated tablets weighing 1100 grams from a suspected parcel being sent to abroad through Islamabad Airport cargo. An accused resident of Lahore was also rounded up. In third operation, ANF seized 38.400 kg charras from secret cavities of a car in Peshawar and arrested two drug pushers who were trying to smuggle drugs from Khyber to Punjab. The spokesman informed that ANF and FC in a joint operation recovered 10 kg charras from Khyber area. ANF Punjab, in a raid at Lahore International Mail Office seized over one kg Ice drug being sent to Australia through a parcel of bed sheets and blankets. ANF recovered 70 heroin-filled capsules from the possession of a passenger, going to Sharjah via flight no PK-181, resident of Swat at Islamabad International Airport. In a raid near Jhelum Toll Plaza on G.T.Road, ANF seized over 20 kg charras and over seven kg opium from secret cavities of a car and arrested an accused, resident of Peshawar. He informed that ANF and FC in an operation in Khyber recovered over 16 kg charras. 90 grams weed was also recovered from a parcel received here from Quetta at a private courier office in Bahria Town Phase-4.

COP27: What is ‘Loss and Damage’ compensation, and who should pay? ISLAMABAD ReuteRS

Nearly 200 countries, including Pakistan, gathering for the UN climate conference in Egypt are expected to lock horns over whether rich nations should pay compensation to vulnerable states hit by climate-fuelled disasters. The COP27 summit follows a year of such disasters, from floods that killed more than 1,700 people in Pakistan to drought-withering crops in China, Africa and the US West. That has intensified developing country demands for a special “Loss and Damage” fund. But with rich countries resisting such calls, the issue has been stalled for years. Here’s where things stand ahead of COP27. WHAT IS “LOSS AND DAMAGE”? In UN climate talks, the phrase “Loss

and Damage” refers to costs already being incurred from climate-fuelled weather extremes or impacts, like rising sea levels. Climate funding so far has focused on cutting carbon dioxide emissions in an effort to curb climate change, while about a third of it has gone toward projects to help communities adapt to future impacts. Loss and damage funding would be different, in compensating costs that countries can’t avoid or “adapt” to. But there is no agreement yet over what should count as “loss and damage” in climate disasters — which can include damaged infrastructure and property, as well as harder-to-value natural ecosystems or cultural assets like burial grounds. A June report by 55 vulnerable countries estimated their combined climate-linked losses over the last two decades totalled

about $525 billion, or about 20 percent of their collective GDP. Some research suggests that by 2030, such losses could reach $580 billion per year. WHO PAYS? WHO GETS PAID? These questions are extremely contentious. Vulnerable countries and campaigners have argued that rich countries that caused the bulk of climate change with their historical emissions should now pay. The United States and European Union have resisted the argument, fearing spiralling liabilities. If countries do agree to launch a fund, they would need to thrash out details such as where the money should come from, how much wealthy countries should pay, and which countries or disasters qualify for compensation. The EU and the United States blocked a proposal at last year’s UN climate talks to

establish a fund, agreeing instead to a “dialogue” without a clear end goal. Over the last month, they have signaled more openness to discussing compensation at COP27, but remain wary of creating a fund. Only a few governments have made small, symbolic funding commitments for loss and damage: Denmark and Scotland, plus the Belgian region of Wallonia. Some existing UN and development bank funding does help states facing loss and damage, though it is not officially earmarked for that goal. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT COP27? Developing countries have proposed putting loss and damage on the summit agenda, which must be adopted unanimously before the talks get underway. Frustrated by difficulties and delays in securing climate finance, developing and

emerging economies are now united in demanding that a loss and damage fund be established at COP27. Among them are island states like the Maldives and Jamaica, and China, itself the world’s biggest CO2 emitter, which has rankled some European officials who say China should be providing climate finance, not demanding it. Countries have made different proposals for what the fund should look like. Even if COP27 yields a deal to form a fund, it could still take a couple years before it is ready to disperse money. Some diplomats have suggested a “mosaic” of funding sources be organised, rather than one central fund. Another proposal from the Alliance of Small Island States suggests COP27 agree to form a UN-hosted “response fund” to collect cash from various sources for countries struck by disasters.

04 NEWS 7 NOVEMBER_Layout 1 11/6/2022 11:58 PM Page 1

Monday, 7 November, 2022 | LAHORE

04 NEWS

APHC-AJK vowS to CoNtiNueS mArtyrS’ miSSioN AfreSH ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

A roundtable conference was held at the office of All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter in Islamabad, today, in connection with the martyrdom anniversary of Jammu martyrs. APHC-AJK chapter Convener Mahmood Ahmed Saghar chaired the conference while AJK Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Rasheed Tarabi was chief guest. Farzana Yaqoob, Raja

Najabat Hussain, Ghulam Nabi Butt, Raja Parvez, Raja Bashir Usmani and a delegation of Occupied Kashmir Journalists Association (OKJA) also participated in the function. The speakers on the occasion paid tributes to the Jammu martyrs and said the Kashmiri people are observing the day with a renewed resolve to continue the martyrs’ mission until their inalienable right, the right to self-determination, is secured. Speakers and Hurriyat leaders said that the brutal army of India and the cruel sol-

diers of Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh had committed atrocities to deprive the Kashmiri people of their right. They said that the Jammu martyrs sacrificed their lives for a great cause and their unprecedented sacrifices would never be forgotten. Meanwhile, a seminar and rally were organized by Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu Kashmir in Muzaffarabad, today, to pay tributes to the Jammu martyrs of November 6, 1947. A large number of people, including leaders of various political and religious par-

ties and elders of civil society participated in the seminar and rally. Former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Chairman of Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir Uzair Ahmed Ghazali, freedom-loving leaders Mushtaqul-Islam, Usman Ali Hashim, Dr Muhammad Manzoor, political leaders Shaukat Javed Mir, Javed Ahmed Mughal, refugee leaders Bilal Ahmad Farooqui, Muhammad Aslam Ingilabi Chaudhry Muhammad Mushtaq, Raja Sajeed Khan, Muhammad

Sadiq Butt, Chaudhry Nazir Ahmad Saani, Raja Gulzarin, Parvez Durrani, Liaquat Ali Rana and Tanveer Ahmad Durrani addressing the seminar said that in November 1947, Dogra and Indian soldiers and RSS extremists brutally killed tens of thousands of Muslims in Jammu They said that the massacre of Jammu people after the Second World War was the worst act in human history in which nearly two and a half lakh Muslims were killed and thousands of children and women were abducted.

Kashmiris will carry forward martyrs’ mission at all costs, says Mushaal ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Snowfall continues on second day in Naran KAGHAN Staff RepoRt

Snowfall continues intermittently for a second consecutive on Sunday at many places in Kaghan Valley. Tourist resorts including Naran, Batta Kundi, Bhisar, Lake Saif Al Muluk, Lake Lulosar and mountains received up to 6 inches of snow since yesterday. Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) staff is present at various locations with machinery and to help and evacuate the vehicles of tourists. The first spell of snowfall in the upper parts of the Hazara division started yesterday. After continuous snowfall on the second consecutive day, Mansehra Naran Jalkhad (MNJ) road has also been closed to all sorts of traffic and the commuters of Northern areas were directed to use Karakorum Highway (KKH). According to the details, Babusar Top received more than ten inches and Naran six inches snow while on the hills four inches snowfall was recorded last night. Temperatures in the Kaghan and Naran valley dropped to minus and it is expected that after more snow during the current week which has been forecast by the Meteorological Department temperatures would more be decreased

Dengue onslaught continues on KP as one more dies PESHAWAR Staff RepoRt

Dengue onslaught continue on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Peshawar as the deadly dengue virus had claimed another life in the province with the death toll reached to 16, an official of the Health Department, KP told media men here on Sunday. The official disclosed that the person who died due to dengue belonged to Peshawar. In the last 24 hours, 188 new dengue cases were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said, adding the number of dengue patients in the province had reached 19,908. He said 2 more dengue patients had been admitted to different hospitals in KP, increasing the number of admitted patients to 51. He informed that the highest number of 123 new dengue cases were reported in Peshawar, raising the number of cases in the provincial capital to 8,264, 12 cases had been reported in Khyber, pushing the number up to 1,173. When asked about the situation in other districts, he replied, 17 dengue cases were reported from Bannu, 16 from Dera Ismail Khan and 19 from Malakand. Currently, the number of active cases in the province was 1,407, the official said.

Chairperson Peace and Culture Organisation, Mushaal Mullick while paying rich tributes to the martyrs of Jammu massacre on their martyrdom anniversary, said that the brave Kashmiri people would carry on the martyrs’ mission till they achieve their inalienable right to self-determination. Mushaal, wife of detained senior Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, in a statement on ‘Jammu Martyrs’ Day’ observed on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world on Sunday, reiterated that Kashmiris would accomplish the mission of their martyrs at all costs. She said that the Jammu massacre was the reminder

of the criminal face of Hindutva forces, as scars of the gruesome massacre of Jammu Muslims are still fresh in the memory of Kashmiri people. The Chairperson stated that on November 6, Jammu Muslims in huge numbers, including men, women and children were seemingly dispatched towards Pakistan in trucks but before they could reach their destination, they were attacked by Hindu extremists, Indian army and forces of Maharaja at Samba, Reasi and other places and martyred in a gruesome manner. The Hurriyat leader narrated that in 1947, the antiMuslim violence started in August and continued till November engulfing the then princely State of Jammu and Kashmir’s eastern districts of Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi and Kathua.

AIOU research reveals most social media fake identities created to ‘seek pleasure’

Karachiites rally against rising street crime in megacity

ISLAMABAD

KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

A scholar of Allama Iqbal Open University has conducted a PhD research to find out the reasons behind social media users creating fake identities. Talking to APP, Chairman Department of Mass Communication AIOU, Prof Dr Saqib Riaz said that PhD scholar Sohail Taj studied the phenomenon of fake identity creation on social media and the “findings confirmed” that most fake identities were created to “seek pleasure”. He said it was a quality research dissertation, evaluated by two international reviewers Yaqin Lu, Associate Professor at Bowling Green State University Ohio, USA, and Edward Carter, a professor at The Brigham Young University School of Communications Utah, USA. Sharing details about his research, Sohail Taj said that “people have a lot of imagination”, which they were unable to fulfil in real life, therefore they create a false identity on social media to “quench their desires”. He said university students were surveyed to analyze how users of social media construct their identities. It was found that several social media users lie about their relationship status, political views, about their personalities and also use unreal photos. He informed that 18 indicators were defined in the research to observe the motives for fake identities creation. He further said the research would not only help the policymakers in the legislative process but it would also help consumers of social media to understand the behaviours of others. RE-ELECTED AS MEMBER EXECUTIVE BOARD AAOU: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has been elected as a member of Executive Board of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) for the third consecutive time for a span of three years (2023-2025). Elections are held after three years to elect the Board members, said a press release issued here Sunday. It is to mention here that the Association was

The youth of Karachi are now fed up with the growing lawlessness in the megacity and they would put a strong resistance if the authorities concerned failed to improve the law and order, threatened speakers at protest staged by the youth against the street crime. The demo was organized by Alternate, a youth organization, in front of Karachi Press Club (KPC) and was led by Alternate organizer Aqib Hussain and Shaima Baloch. The speakers including National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) General Secretary Nasir Mansoor, SITE Labour Forum leader Riaz Abbasi, Progressive Writers Association Joint Secretary Comrade Sajjad Zaheer and Home Based Women Workers Federation HBWWF leaders Zehra Khan and Saira Feroze Khuhro, Qazi Khizar from HRCP, and Saeed Baloch form PFF asked the government to get returned all snatched cars, bikes and mobile phones or their compensation. They said an independent commission comprising respectable citizens should be formed to review the performance of law enforcers and forward recommendations regarding their future course of action. They asked for better training of police and raising awareness amongst them for human rights. They said citizens committees should be formed at police station level to help improving law and order. Aqib Hussain said that the provincial government has left the millions of Karachiites at the mercy of criminals and killers. He said powerful mafias have been targeting citizens’ life and property. He said roads and streets of Karachi have virtually become killing fields for the Karachiites. He said the law enforcement agencies being paid from the taxpayers money have become powerless before the criminals. He said the citizens are compelled to think that the criminals are being patronized by the law enforcers.

formed in 1987 and the AIOU was among its five founding members. The Association’s elections were held yesterday in which an 8-member cabinet was elected. The AIOU’s recent initiatives such as digitization, e-registration of tutors and collaborative projects with known international universities have provided it a high position in the world, especially among the open universities of Asian countries. The AAOU has highly appreciated these initiatives and expressed their desire to follow the footsteps of AIOU specially in digitization. Not a single Vote was casted against the AIOU. Director, International Collaboration and Exchange, Dr Zahid Majeed represented the Vice Chancellor, Allama Iqbal Open University, Prof Dr Ziaul Qayyum on this occasion.

LFK in-house session discusses how Jammu genocide converted Muslim majority into minority ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Legal Forum for Kashmir (LFK) hosted an in-house discussion titled “75 Years of Horrendous Genocide in IIOJK” to connection with the November 1947 massacre, also known as the ‘Jammu Genocide,’ which was carried out by armed forces under the command of Dogra ruler Hari Singh in Jammu. During the in-house discussion, the panelists elaborated on the horrifying planned genocide of Muslims that resulted in the conversion of Jammu’s Muslim majority into a minority. One of the panelists cited a report from The Times of London dated August 10, 1948, which detailed the Jammu Genocide, “237,000 Muslims were systematically ex-

terminated … by the forces of the Dogra State headed by the Maharaja in person and aided by Hindus and Sikhs. Another panelist emphasised how Indian Hindu extremists were complicit with the Dogra ruler, and how a convoy of 70 trucks loaded with Jammu city Muslims left for Suchetgarh on November 6, with the Dogra ruler promising safe deportation to Pakistan. However, a few miles outside of town, the trucks were stopped, attacked and burned by armed jathas of Sikhs and Dogra state forces, leaving all the people burned beyond recognition. After 75 years of mass genocide in Jammu, the Indian government is executing a similar patter by settler colonial machination in IOJK. Since Aug 05, 2019 when

India repealed the special status of the territory, they have normalized the settler colonial project by bringing a massive change in constitution and other laws which paved the way for non-Kashmiris to settle and seek job in Muslim majority region. Online Speakers from IIOJK said India is doing similar thing in Kashmir to change the demographic status of Muslim majority into minority. The participants agreed unanimously that India’s atrocity crimes in IIOJK, such as the Jammu genocide, necessitate an independent and impartial international investigation to reveal the actual amount of lives lost, the number of rapes, the extent of torture, and the multitude of plundered properties.

Monday, 7 November, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

KaIRa aSKS woRld coMMunIty to taKE cognIzancE of gEnocIdE In IIoJK ISLAMABAD

staff report

DVISER to Prime Minister on Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Affairs Qamar-uZaman Kaira has said that India was engaged in planned genocide of Muslims in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and demanded the world community to take cognizance of the act. In a statement issued here on Sunday on the eve of Jammu Martyrs Day, he recalled that on this day in 1947, Dogra forces and Hindu extremists turned the Muslim majority of Jammu into minority by killing more than hundred thousand people and forcing millions to migrate to Pakistan. He said that the darkest night of oppression and atrocities by the Indian forces were continuing for the last 75

years in IIOJK and the oppressor was making nefarious efforts to alter the demography of the Muslim majority valley of Kashmir. Kaira further said that in a bid to

BISP utilized Rs59b of Rs70b allocated for relief, rehab of flood affectees: Kundi DI KHAN staff report

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Faisal Karim Khan Kundi has said that a new survey across the country would be launched by the start of next month to expand the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). While talking to media at Kundi Model Farm here Sunday, he said an agreement has also been made with NADRA for the purpose. He said that during the PTI era, the cards of 0.8 million deserving people were blocked however the present government has so far restored 40,000 to 45,000 blocked cards while work was in progress for remaining cards. The cards of government employees or those going abroad will not be restored, he clarified. He urged upon the citizens living below the poverty line to must participate in the new survey. Kundi informed that Rs70 billion were allocated for the help and rehabilitation of flood affected people under the BISP, out of which Rs59 billion had been spent so far. Similarly, for provision of healthcare facilities to pregnant women, the Program is also going to be started. Moreover, he informed that under the BISP, one lac students were provided with educational scholarships so far across the country. Commenting on the firing incident on PTI chairman Imran Khan in Wazirabad, he said many questions arose in the minds after the incident. He was of the view that instead of demanding action against the Prime Minister, Interior Minister and officer of national institution, the PTI should demand action against Punjab government and Punjab Police where the incident was happened. Imran Khan always claimed that his party has provided best healthcare facilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab during their rule then why he preferred to go Shaukat Khanum Hospital instead of any local hospital after the Wazirabad incident. Will ordinary citizens also get such facilities and protocols in the Cancer Hospital, he questioned.

strengthen its illegal occupation, India unilaterally and illegally repealed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 05, 2019 and more than hundred thousand of domiciles had

been issued to non Kashmiris. Besides this, he said that through delimitation and increase in special seats, India was trying to turn Muslims into minority in the assembly and other representative forums which he said was a clear violation of international laws, UN resolutions on Kashmir and 4th Geneva convention. He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were determined to achieve the goal of right to self-determination and India despite oppression, killing uncountable people and unprecedented atrocities, could not let down the Kashmiri people from the demand of right to self determination. Kaira renewed the pledge that Pakistan would continue full support to the demand of right to self-determination of Kashmiri people and their voice was being raised effectively at all international forums.

AJK PM lays foundation stone of housing project for poor families MIRpuR (AJK) staff report

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan said that it was for the first time that the government, in collaboration with Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT), launched a mega project to provide free-of-cost housing facilities to heirs of martyrs, poor and deserving families. He expressed these views while addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of the project in Mirpur on Sunday. Former AJK PM Sardar Atique Ahmad Khan, government ministers, advisors, former corps commander Lt-Gen Raja Sher Afgan, former corps commander Lt. Gen. Ikram ul Haq, government secretaries, and top bureaucrats were present on the occasion. The AJK PM said, “Under this project, separate colonies of 500 houses will be built in the

four districts of Azad Kashmir: Neelam, Bagh, Kotli and Mirpur.” He said the KORT and government would contribute equally (fifty-fifty) in what he termed a masterpiece housing project. The objective of the project, he said, was to serve the humanity. The purpose of building colonies for the families of martyrs, he said, was not just to earn praise, fame or political gains but the initiative was solely taken for the good of humanity. The government would provide all possible facilities to accomplish the project, he said while hailing the KORT chief Chaudhary Akhtar for his service to humanity. AJK PM said concrete bunkers would be built for the protection of the people living in the areas adjacent to the LoC. With the support of Shaheen Foundation, the PM said, Air Ambulance service was also being started so that timely med-

ical assistance could be provided to those injured on the LoC due to Indian firing. Hailing the sacrifices of the people living along the LoC, Tanveer Ilyas said the people living on the LoC were Pakistan’s first defense line. He, during his visit to the lake view city, also attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust Chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Akhtar. Meanwhile, Tanveer Ilyas while talking to media representatives said the AJK government guarantee the public that the upcoming local government elections would not be postponed under any circumstances. He said people should not pay heed to rumours. “Our promise to the people was to hold local elections. This promise is now being fulfilled. All the arrangements regarding the LG elections are complete”, he added.

12 die, 1,154 injured in road accidents across Punjab LAHORE staff report

At least 12 persons were killed and 1,154 others injured in 1,111 road traffic crashes in Punjab during the last 24 hours. As many as 658 seriously injured people were shifted to different hospitals, while 496 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams. The data analysis showed that 521 drivers, 36 underage drivers, 139 pedestrians and 506 passen-

gers were among victims of the road accidents. The statistics show that 261 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 272 persons, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by 71 in Multan with 78 victims, and at third Faisalabad with 69 accidents and 74 victims. According to the data, 902 motorbikes, 82 auto-rickshaws, 122 motorcars, 19 vans, five passenger buses, 24 trucks and 151 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road accidents.

Education Minister offers 80 fully funded scholarships to Syrian students ISLAMABAD staff report

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain has offered 80 fully funded scholarships (Undergraduate & Graduate) to Syrian students under various programs and mainly in the fields including medicine, dentistry, engineering, physical, natural & applied sciences, agriculture, education and etc. He offered these scholarships during his visit to Arab Republic of Syria on invitation of Dr Darem Tabba, Minister of Education, Syria, a press release issued on Sunday said. Rana Tanveer Hussain’s visit was a follow up visit to Syrian Education Minister to Pakistan last year. During his visit, Rana Tanveer Hussain held meetings with Hussein Arnous, Prime Minister of Arab Republic of Syria, Mr. Bassam Bashir Ibrahim, Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Namir Habib Makhlouf, Governor Homs and Mr. Mahmoud Zanubua, Governor Hama, Syria. The Syrian prime minister while conveying his felicitations and best wishes for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that Pakistan is a brotherly country which stood by Syria in its hard times. Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain also conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s best wishes to the Syrian premier and People of Syria. During the meeting, also attended by Syrian Education Minister and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Syria, both sides agreed to further strengthen collaborations in the field of Education, Skills and Scientific research. Besides, his visit to Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain also visited the Pakistan International School Damascus, which is considered as one of the top ranked educational institute in Syria. He, accompanied by the Syrian Education Minister and Governor Homs, also visited the National Center for Distinguished (NCD), Homs, where he was received and briefed by Dr Hala Al Dakkak, President of the Distinction & Creative Agency, Syria. The Federal Minister appreciated the NCD residential model aimed at selecting & nurturing best talent and assured that Pakistan will provide teachers in basic sciences to serve in NCD for one year in response to the request made by Dr Hala. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer also visited the Hama Education Platform (HEP) meant to deal with distance educational learning operations, where he witnessed live lectures being broadcasted on Syrian Education channel. Following HEP, the delegation also visited Industrial High School of Hama, which is a TVET sector training institute. Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain accompanied by his counterpart Syrian Education Minister also attended the launching ceremony of educational initiative “Iqra (read)” at the Basic Education School in Qatana City, Damascus. During the delegation level talks at the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education, Federal Minister, Rana Tanveer Hussain offered 80 fully funded scholarships (Undergraduate & Graduate) to Syrian side under various programs and mainly in the fields including medicine, dentistry, engineering, physical, natural & applied sciences, agriculture, education and etc. He also mentioned that out 20 slots out of 80 shall be offered at Pakistan’s top ranked Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) with preference to students from NCD, Homs. He also mentioned that six months fully funded (local hospitality) research fellowships at QAU were on offer for Syrian students and faculty members. While understanding the importance of agriculture sector in both countries, Federal Minister proposed for consortium of agriculture and livestock universities between Pakistani and Syrian universities which will encourage MSc & PhD students/scholars to carry out joint research relevant to common agriculture & livestock issues of both sides. The consortium will nominate faculty for exchanger visits between Pakistan & Syria as well as to provide research facilities for joint research endeavours. Federal Minister informed that Pakistan will be represented by Agriculture Universities in Faisalabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Tandojam and Multan as well as by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. The Pakistani side also offered a capacity development program for Syrian school and university teachers at the National Academy of Higher Education at HEC in various modules focusing on teachers’ development and leadership qualities for which the duration and need assessment will be agreed by both sides.

Jammu Martyrs Day observed with due solemnity, reverence ISLAMABAD staff report

Jammu Martyrs Day was observed on both sides of the line of control in Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of the world over on Sunday with due solemnity and reverence to commemorate the supreme sacrifices rendered by the Muslim inhabitants of Jammu city this day in 1947 while migrating to the then newly-carved homeland Pakistan. The day is observed every year by the Kashmiris to remember the great sacrifices of lives rendered by those over 2.50 lakh inmates of Jammu including men, women, children and elderly Muslims who were mercilessly slaughtered by the armed Hindu gangsters including the Indian occupying and the Dogra military troops near Jammu-Sialkot working boundary under a nefarious pre-planned conspiracy while they were proceeding for mi-

grating to their beloved homeland Pakistan. Like all previous years, the martyrs’ day commemorated the renewal of the pledge to continue the mission of Kashmiri martyrs to bring the Kashmir freedom struggle to its logical end. Jammu Kashmir people by observing the day will renew the resolve this year too to continue the ongoing struggle for freedom of occupied Jammu Kashmir from the Indian clutches till the achievement of the last victory. Despite the weekly holiday on November 06, there would be gazetted holiday across the AJK-liberated territory on this occasion. Special ceremonies including seminars and symposiums were held in all small and major towns of all 10 districts of AJK including the capital city of Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimbher, Bagh, Rawalakot, Palandri, Havaili, Hattiyan and Neelam valley as well as in various parts of Pakistan – dwelled with

Jammu Kashmir refugees, to pay glorious tributes to the Jammu martyrs, gunned down by the armed Hindu fanatics including Indian occupying and Dogra military hooligans, this day (November 6) 75 years ago in 1947. Various Jammuwal organizations held a special prayer meeting to mark Jammu Martyrs Day in the morning in Mirpur on Sunday. Participants offered Fateha for the up gradation of the departed souls of all the martyrs including the martyrs of Jammu & Kashmir who gave supreme sacrifices of their lives in the struggle for the liberation of the motherland from the forced and unlawful Indian occupation of a bulk part of the Jammu and Kashmir state. Similar special prayers meetings to mark the Jammu martyrs day, an icon of great significance in the history of the struggle for freedom of Kashmir, are held under the auspices of various social, political, religious,

and other public representative organizations to pay glorious tributes to the martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir. The day began with special prayers, at Fajr, in all the prominent mosques for the early liberation of occupied Jammu Kashmir from the Indian yoke through the success of the Kashmir freedom movement, progress, prosperity, and stability of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Quran Khawani was held at various places for Kashmiri martyrs under the auspices of various social, political, and public representative organizations. At least 0.7 million Muslim inmates of Jammu city and adjoining areas were mercilessly killed during a week-long ruthless genocide maneuvered and executed by the despotic Dogra ruler’s force and gangsters besides the armed Hindu fanatics in the first and second week of November 1947. These martyrs included 2.50 Muslim in-

mates of Jammu city and adjoining areas who were martyred by the Dogra forces and their armed gangsters 6th of November 1947 while they were moving for migrating to the adjoining Sialkot city of the newly-born separate homeland of the Muslims of the subcontinent – Pakistan. This year too, the Jammu Martyrs day was observed at the time when Kashmir freedom reached its climax following the massive continued anti-India protests by the people of the bleeding Indian-occupied state of Jammu and Kashmir state for the last over three years complete information and communication blocked by the Indian occupational forces – since furious Kashmiris were constantly adamant to fully reject and resist the forced August 5, 2019, Indian sinister action of scrapping special status of the disputed Jammu Kashmir State abrogating article 370 and 35-A of her constitution.

06-07 Comments - 7th November 2022_Layout 1 11/6/2022 11:47 PM Page 1

Monday, 7 November, 2022

06 COMMENT The FIR dispute

The immense significance of COP27 Summit

The controversy over Imran Khan’s shooting threatens all

He Pti’s insistence on nominating a serving major-general in the First information Report (FiR) of party chairman imran Khan’s assassination attempt has created an impasse which has led to the FiR not being registered even on sunday, three days after the occurrence of the incident in Wazirabad. it is no coincidence that the DG isPR had reacted specifically to the allegation made by Mr Khan in his address to the nation, made from a hospital bed, and had called them unacceptable and uncalled-for. though a complainant has every right to register an FiR according to his wishes, there must be some semblance of evidence other than the victim’s say-so. Mr Khan claims to have recorded a video detailing his evidence; that would be useful to the police investigations. if indeed the Pti thinks the major-general is involved, it should provide the police some information, such as when the conspiracy is alleged to have taken place. if the perpetrator had named anyone, he could have been arrested, the way those who sold the weapon have been, but as he says he acted on his own, some other evidence is required. One of the defects of not filing the FiR is that the defence will make great play with this at the future trial. that is another practical reason to leave out the namw od alleged conspirators, for their acquittal will heighten the chances of the attacker being released. the failure to register an FiR may even mean the police may have to turn loose the accused, because the absence of an FiR means they have not been able to present him before a magistrate. the police is further hampered by Mr Khan’s refusal to report to s government hospital for the medicolegal examination necessary for the FiR. One casualty that has already occurred is that crime scene has been neither preserved nor recorded. even a moderately competent defence lawyer will have a field day with these delays. the long March is due to resume on tuesday, and to take 10 to 14 days to reach Rawalpindi. Mr Khan will not be with it, but the security measures sao glaringly missing, because of which Mr Khan was attacke, will now be taken. it does not reflect well on the Punjab government, that while it is composed of Pti ministers, the chief Minister belongs to the PMl(Q), not only is the Pti chief attacked with a firearm, but ,has not been able to register an FiR so far.

The World Bank and IMF must also do their bit

Dr Omer JaveD

ecent years continue to indicate the fastunfolding nature of the climate change crisis– unprecedented heatwaves in south asia and europe this year, to a ‘monsoon on steroids’ and catastrophic floods in Pakistan. this makes the cOP27– the 27th conference of the Parties to the united nations Framework convention on climate change– meetings in egypt– which would have started today– an exceedingly important event given the huge importance of the climate change crisis, and the urgent need to both come up with detailed and meaningfully ambitious plans by countries in terms of their efforts towards reaching net-zero carbon target, and for developed countries to come true on their climate related commitments towards providing climate finance to developing countries. as things stand, sadly the efforts to deal with the climate change crisis by countries– especially the developed countries, with their relatively much higher carbon footprint– and multilateral institutions are far below where they should be. Reaching this milestone at the earliest possible is indeed important to limit average global temperature below the 1.5°c mark to avoid the irreversible consequences of the climate change crisis, and as soon as possible, since even at 1.2°c currently, the world is seeing more frequent and deeper disaster events than only a few years ago. so, basically the window of climate action is closing quite rapidly, it strongly appears. a recent The Guardian published article ‘Goal of limiting global heating to 1.5°c “more fragile” than ever, says cop27 chair’ highlighted the comments of cOP27 chair– egyptian foreign minister sameh shoukry– as follows: ‘“it is more fragile, because of the impact of the current global situation,” he told The Guardian in an interview. He said the agreement won at cop26 in Glasgow last year had been overshadowed by events since. “[the cir-

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cumstances for cop27 are] quite challenging. they exceed the circumstances that existed in Paris or in Glasgow in terms of the challenge and impacts, economic or geopolitical. but we have to remain hopeful and focused and try to isolate and insulate the negotiating process from some of the external circumstances.” He warned that rich countries were losing the trust of the developing world, because they were falling behind on their commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions and provide climate finance to poor nations.’ if only the climate-related events are any indicator, the fast-unfolding climate change crisis in terms of its consequences in 2022 up till now– from heatwaves to heavy rainfall, to floods to hurricanes– and the much quicker and more intense pace that a number of these events have happened over the last few years alone, it should indeed be clear that the efforts on reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be increased a lot more rapidly. in this regard, a recent united nations environment Programme (uneP) published report ‘emissions gap report 2022’ highlighted the need to pick up efforts to meet goals set in 2015 Paris agreement (cOP21), as follows: ‘this thirteenth edition of the emissions Gap Report is testimony to inadequate action on the global climate crisis, and is a call for the rapid transformation of societies. since the 26th united nations climate change conference of the Parties (cOP 26), there has been very limited progress in reducing the immense emissions gap for 2030, the gap between the emissions reductions promised and the emissions reductions needed to achieve the temperature goal of the Paris agreement.’ the Report pointed out that the G20 group of countries were falling well short, especially given the high level of carbon footprint of these rich, advanced countries. in this regard, the Report indicated ‘Most of the G20 members that have submitted stronger nDc [nationally determined contributions] targets since 2020 have just started the implementation of policies and actions to meet their new targets. those that are

currently projected to meet their nDc targets are countries that have either not updated their original nDcs, or did not strengthen or only moderately strengthened their target levels in their updated nDcs. all other G20 members will need additional policies to achieve their nDcs. …collectively, the G20 members are not on track to achieve their new or updated nDcs. based on current policies scenario projections in independent studies, there is an implementation gap, defined as the difference between projected emissions under current policies and projected emissions under full implementation of the nDcs.’ in addition to greenhouse gas emissions commitments by developed countries, both these countries and multilateral institutions need to make a lot more effort in terms of providing appropriate levels of climate finance to developing countries. to start with, developed countries overall should come true on their promise providing $100 billion climate finance annually to developing countries. in addition, while the World bank should make much more effort in providing a lot more climate conscious financing, the international Monetary Fund (iMF) should provide an urgently needed enhanced special drawing rights (sDRs) allocation at $650 billion globally (and with a distribution formula of this allocation, based on just ‘quota’), along with cancelling their policy of putting a ‘surcharge’ on programme countries that are late on their repayments. Moreover, there have also been suggestions to the iMF to provide an appropriate level of sDR allocations annually to countries that are at high climate vulnerable levels.

In addition to greenhouse gas emissions commitments by developed countries, both these countries and multilateral institutions need to make a lot more effort in terms of providing appropriate levels of climate finance to developing countries. To start with, developed countries overall should come true on their promise providing $100 billion climate finance annually to developing countries.

The writer holds PhD in Economics degree from the University of Barcelona, and previously worked at International Monetary Fund.Prior to this, he did MSc. in Economics from the University of York (United Kingdom), and worked at the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Statistics (Pakistan), among other places. He is author of Springer published book (2016) ‘The economic impact of International Monetary Fund programmes: institutional quality, macroeconomic stabilization and economic growth’.He tweets @omerjaved7

Strengthening the agriculture sector Not just the floods, but old farmers’ issues tackled

muhammsaD ZahiD rifat

ustainable growth of the agriculture sector is vital for ensuring food security and rural development in the country. it is a major contributor to the employment and foreign exchange earnings. additionally, it also provides industrial raw material, hence growth in this sector l obviously has multiple linkages with the overall economy. it contributes 22.7 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment to around 37.4 per cent of the country’s labour force, is manager of rural landscape and environmental shield in protecting and upgrading the climate resilient production and ecosystem. improvement in the agricultural production systems will certainly and surely go a long way to increase farm income, reduce consumer prices and enhance diverse food supplies besides generating an exportable surplus. During the post covid-19 period, the steep rise in the price of various commodities has obviously further enhanced the importance of this sector, especially for the countries which are net importers of food items. the recent unprecedented flash floods caused by historically the heaviest rains had not only massively dam-

aged and destroyed roads, infrastructure, bridges and affected more than 33 million people, but also completely washed away standing crops over four million acres in different parts of the country. in view of this massive devastation and realising the fact that the country’s progress, development and prosperity was directly linked to the agricultural sector of Pakistan, Prime Minister shehbaz sharif has only the other day announced a massive package of incentives and initiatives, amounting to as much as Rs 1800 billion during the ongoing financial year which was quite appreciable, being four times more than the farming community was getting during the preceding year, while addressing a press conference in islamabad flanked by the federal ministers and members of his coalition government’s economic team. Highlighting the salient features of the much needed package for the farmers, the Prime Minister was reported to having said that the commercial banks avoid giving loans to the small farmers and entrepreneurs and instead look for safe investments, the mark-up on the loans by the farmers belonging to the flood-affected areas has been waived, the centre and the provinces would also be providing more than Rs eight billion to the small farmers in the flood-hit areas, furthermore the government would also provide loans worth Rs 50 billion to the youngsters living in the rural areas on ,markup less than the market rate and Rs 6.5 billion had been earmarked for this purpose; following tough negotiations between the federal government and the fertilizer plants price of DaP per bag has been slashed down by more than 2500 and it would now be available at Rs 11250 instead of Rs 14000. additionally, it is also worth appreciation that the centre in collaboration with the provinces will be pro-

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viding as many as 1.2 million bags of certified wheat seeds to the farmers in the flood ravaged ares free of cost and an amount of Rs 13.20 stands allocated for this purpose. the federal government is also importing 500,000 tons of urea,out of which 200,000 tons have already arrived in the country, in order to strengthen the important agriculture sector of the country, subsidy amounting to hefty Rs 30 billion will be provided on urea so that the small farmers coulod get the fertilizer as per their requirements at comparatively cheaper rates, to facilitate the farmers who cannot afford rather heavy prices of locally manufactured tractors the government has also decided to import five-year-old secondhand tractors . ther-e is a lot more in the farmers package announced by the Prime Minister in pursuance of the demands being made by the farming community from time to time. these incentives, it is worth mentioning her,e include provision of electricity at fixed rate of Rs 13 per unit, provision of gas at cheaper rate to the fertilizer factories, interest-free loans for transferring 300,000 tubewells to solar energy, duty on tractor parts reduced to 15 percent and interest-free loans of Rs 5 billion to landless haris also figure prominently in the kissan package of Rs 1800 billion agricultural loans. the federal government has in most cases of provision of facilities and incentives, as also mentioned above, ensured that the farmers in the flood affected areas of the country are targeted to ensure their early rehabilitation and normalization of agricultural production activities at the earliest, as the farmers prosperity means progress and development of Pakistan which is the dire need of the hour. the Prime Minister has announced the package of initiatives and incentives for the farming community,

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fully appreciating the bitter fact that farmers in floodand rain-hit areas of the country have been very badly hit financially and unless they are assisted and helped at the earliest, they may not be able to cultivate fresh crops and this may cause food insecurity in the country in the coming months. if the massive kissan package so announced is implemented in letter and spirit sincerely, dedicatedly and determinedly by all those concerned down the line and the facilities so provided are availed by the farmers mainly in the flood-hit areas, then one can easily say that this package is going to prove the best possible and great in all respects as indicated by none else but the Prime Minister himself. it is also worth mentioning here that the farming community representatives have welcomed and appreciated the packages of incentives and initiatives announced by the Prime Minister, saying that all their demands have been fully met. the farmers from over the country had quite recently staged a sit-in islamabad in support of their demands, their demands and grievances were conveyed by the federal ministers concerned to the Prime Minister who had assured them that all their demands would be given due consideration sympathetically and appropriate measures announced in due course of time as the farming community role in boosting the national economy and ensuring food security cannot be undermined at all. the package for the farming community indeed augurs well for strengthening and boosting the important agriculture sector of the country. the federal government through the Prime Minister has done its duty in this regard. now it is for all those down the line to ensure proper implementation and for the farmers to fully avail the facilities and incentives so offered and set the cropping pattern in order at the earliest. The writer be reached at zahidriffat @gmail.com

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COMMENT 07 Editor’s mail

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Strange reactions WHen those responsible for maintaining law and order are not able to manage the worsening overall situation in Karachi, the residents should prepare themselves for more bad days to come. a provincial minister recently accused the citizens of Karachi for all the ills, such as clogged drains, broken water pipes and non-functioning streetlights. to his credit, he did not blame the citizens for the rising number of street crimes that the city has been witnessing for the last several months. He could have easily claimed that such crimes were nothing but staged ‘dramas’ in which ‘artists’ pretend to be muggers and looters to blame the government. Otherwise the city is quite peaceful, he could have said. that he chose not to should be taken as an act of mercy on his part for which we should all be grateful. a little while earlier, the city police chief had also said disturbing things to the effect that the crime rate in Karachi was still lower than the other cities of Pakistan and even some in the united states and other european countries. even if he was right, which he was not, what did he want us to do … to wait for things to go further south? MALIK UL QUDDOOS KARACHI

Western racial bias

What a man dares to do, he should dare to confess Society needs a cleanse

a Letter from Prometheus agha iqrar harOOn

n my article titled “Haqeeqi March: Nothing for you to fear, no punishment to come” i expressed my worries that ‘the dirty, brutal, and ruthless game has entered into a deadly phase where spreading corpses in streets is very much likely.’ alas, the dead body of innocent Muazam ali lying in Wazirabad bazaar complained to me, why was he a victim of this game of corpses? i have no answer to respond to him. alas, i could have been brave enough to find one and share it with his three under-aged sons covering his bloodsoaked body. the assassination attack on former Prime Minister imran Khan in Wazirabad on thursday was followed by his “address to nation” on Friday evening that was followed by a statement from inter-service Public Relations (isPR) of the Pakistan army. imran Khan in his address blamed interior Minister Rana sanaullah Khan, one serving Maj General (name withheld for national cause because we must not name our sons in uniforms serving sensitive intelligence agencies) and Prime Minister Mian shabaz sharif planned his assassination. imran Khan claimed that he is in contact with “insiders”. a number of journalists like me had been thinking that imran Khan must have support or contact with insiders but we are afraid to write about this though imran Khan himself now has indicated this. the isPR statement said that the baseless and irresponsible allegations by chairman Pti (imran Khan) against the institution and particularly a senior army officer are absolutely unacceptable and uncalled for. the statement claimed that no one will be allowed to defame the institution (army) or its soldiers with impunity. imran Khan had never and would never ask permission from the army before defaming it. He had been allowed in the past to abuse anybody he wished to. since he was voted out in april 2022 from the PM Office, he had been slurring the Pakistan army and its head but no action whatsoever has ever been taken against him. i believe that imran Khan has a long history of abusing all state institutions but in past, his

targets were Parliament, constitution, and Democracy and now he has changed the “butts” while the firing range and the rifle are the same. Who would confiscate this rifle provided to him in past? that question needs an answer. He had been behaving larger than the state, above any institution and he was portrayed as the sole honest and truthful person in Pakistan while everybody that questions him is a liar, infidel, and traitor. Just six months ago, questioning his conduct was a “state crime” so it will take time to change the psychological state of his followers as there is no “off and on” switch in the human mind. Whatever happened in Peshawar where Pti followers jumped on a tank installed as a symbol of the armed power of the Pakistan army near corps commander House and were kicking commander’s Hatch was one of the most painful scenes a defence correspondent like me could have watched in videos appearing on the screens of indian television channels. When imran Khan was coining dictions like “neutral”, and “Janwar” (animals), a number of independent sane writers and political analysts were foreseeing that soon or later, the direct target of imran Khan would be the institution of the army because a number of former federal ministers of his cabinet were slowly but surely initiating the argument that the military is a privileged class, they live in separate colonies, they take special treatment in hospitals, they run separate educational institutions on the cost of public exchequer while a common Pakistani has no access to such social and administrative systems. this discourse had been established to create hatred among the masses against the Pakistan army and to expand the fault line in the civilmilitary relationship. unfortunately, the majority sitting in cosy offices could be of the view “let him do it, he shall be handled as many had been in past”. now we see that the enemies of Pakistan are already using Khan’s discourse. an article i read in May 2022 titled “The Court of Public Opinion and Loaded Statements of Imran Khan” indicated that imran Khan is (was) delivering a massive number of speeches containing objectionable discourse which in the actual legal system has no place but in the court of public opinion, he is not only rejecting all norms of authenticity and sincerity but by repeating these figurative linguistics he is altering the mind of youth that are the most vulnerable to unauthentic catchy phrases miles away from reasoning and evaluation. the writer indicated that theatrical performances (imran’s public meetings) have all the sources of meaning-making, all

forms of communication, communication with music, communication with exaggerated moments, communication with different intonations and a narrative structure having empathy, misery, valour, grandeur, and mischief. today, i believe the writer was absolutely right and the results now we see from the Peshawar incident can spread everywhere in the country. Whatever has happened, it has happened and there is no reverse gear in history, so the question is what to do now? i am not a pessimist nor am i pragmatic because i am a follower of a realistic approach in life. things are not as simple as we consider sitting in our offices and things are not as bad as the Pti is portraying. there is still hope that damage can be mitigated though it has already been done. However, the mechanism of mitigation is tiresome, treacherous, and has a high-risk factor. it is like defusing a live bomb and mine sweeping in marshland. Moreover, the process has no shortcuts and no firefighting techniques. the youth (from age 14 to 45) has been the main target group of Pti as it was demanded to make the youth disgruntled against politicians, parliament, the constitution, and democracy, so the mitigating process must target this age group. i teach in universities so i know that both the academicians and students were deliberately prepared to follow “project imran Khan”. that is why the state has to work on both components of our educational system. Our youth must be taught how propaganda tools had polluted their innocent minds. the rehabilitation from the consequences of the social drug that was injected among youth to get the result of hating opponents, dividing society, encouraging intolerance, and abusing everybody that can question imran Khan, is needed. to save the country from further social and economic disasters, we need to cease everything that can allow further divisions in our society. We need to cease the project that has resulted in unimaginable negative consequences we are facing today. nothing is impossible if there is a will to rectify what has gone out of control. We all need the courage to accept the truth and we all need to admit we are no angels. Rafael sabatini in his novel Scaramouche published in 1921, said that what a man dares to do, he should dare to confess unless he is a coward. I hate that man like the very Gates of Death who says one thing but hides another in his heart.– Homer

To save the country from further social and economic disasters, we need to cease everything that can allow further divisions in our society. We need to cease the project that has resulted in unimaginable negative consequences we are facing today. Nothing is impossible if there is a will to rectify what has gone out of control

The writer is an international award winning journalist who has been in the field since 1988 and appears in national and international media as analyst and political scientist.

tHe united nation’s General assembly (unGa) has vehemently rejected Russia’s military intervention in parts of ukraine, terming it an act of forced occupation. this tug-of-war between Russia and the West, has reminded one some past annexations by india and israel that have been largely ignored by the West. israel has annexed syria’s Golan Heights, Palestinian east Jerusalem, and the whole of West bank. india, on its part, has annexed Jammu and Kashmir, which had been under its occupation since 1948, unilaterally revoking article 370 of its own constitution illegally on aug 5, 2019, which is in violation of relevant un security council (unsc) resolutions. igor sutyagin, a senior research fellow at the Royal united services institute for Defence and security studies, has drawn quite interesting parallels between india-occupied Kashmir and ukraine. “We have another Kashmir in the middle of europe … this european Kashmir will lead to several years of conflicts. there will be clashes from time to time,” he told delegates at a global security seminar organised by the thomson Reuters Foundation, while referring to the occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir. the strong and ‘vehement’ rejection by unGa makes one think, and quite logically, why the unGa never rejected the annexations of Kashmir by india and syrian and Palestinian territories by israel. is it because ukraine’s population has blond hair and blue eyes, whereas Kashmiris and Palestinians do not have them? is it not racism on the part of the united nations that is lorded over by the Western ‘civilised’ powers? looks like it pretty much is the case. ABID MAHMUD ANSARI ISLAMABAD

Out of cash ATMs WHat Paulo coelho wrote in one of his famous novels makes a lot of sense. “anything that happens once may never happen again, but anything that happens twice will surely happen for the third time,” he wrote in the alchemist. this is true of so many things in life, especially of life in Pakistan, but every now and then something happens that brings this Paulo coelho line to mind. islamabad, the capital of the country, is considered the most organised, disciplined and functional city in Pakistan. usually when we rate cities based on the facilities available, everybody marks islamabad ahead of the rest. Reality might suggest otherwise. a few months ago — three, to be precise — i was in the Karachi company area on a sunday, and went to withdraw cash from the atM. i visited the atMs of three commercial banks, one after the other, but all of them were out of cash. i tried the atMs of two other banks nearby, and they, too, were out of order. i left the area thinking what a strange coincidence it was. about a little over a month later — late september — i happened to be in the same area and needed to withdraw some cash, but had to go through the same experience. trust me, i did. Out of curiosity, and with the alchemist line in mind, i went to the area again recently — Oct 30 — and there was no change in status. Well, Paulo coelho stands vindicated. the state bank of Pakistan (sbP), the regulatory authority, should advise the banks concerned to sort out whatever the issue is. SALMAN AJAB CHITRALI ISLAMABAD

Unemployed Engineers enGineeRs in Pakistan are facing a grave situation owing to lack of employment opportunities in the country. according to a report by the Pakistan engineering council (Pec), published in March 2021, over 100,000 engineers were jobless in the country. in some cases, graduates of the year 2015 are seen looking for jobs, but to no avail. the Pec is solely responsible for providing jobs to engineers and regulating the industry. However, it has failed miserably in stopping unethical practices, such as the selling of engineering licences and ignoring low wages of engineers. thousands of engineers are forced to sell their engineering licences at a throwaway price. For example, an engineer told me he sold his licence for one year at a ‘market price’ of Rs80,000. the reason, he said, was the poor condition of the job market. Mafias and agents are actively involved in these unethical practices mostly conducted through social media groups. However, the Pec has turned a blind eye towards this malice. it has neither taken any concrete steps towards curbing such malpractices nor has it facilitated engineers in finding jobs. another issue with the engineering profession, specifically in the case of civil engineers, is low salary. the average salary that contractors pay to engineers is about Rs20,000, which is less than even the minimum wage (Rs25,000 per month) of an unskilled worker. However, contractors in their documentation to the Pec show the salary as Rs60,000 or even higher that is being supposedly paid to engineers. those who raise a voice against this injustice, lose their job without any fuss. the Pec really needs to wake up, step in and fulfil its responsibilities of providing and creating jobs for engineers in Pakistan. it should demand monthly bank statements from the contractors to confirm whether or not they are paying the stated salaries to the engineers. ENGR AHMAD MUKHTAR SWABI

08 WORLD VIEW 7th November 22_Layout 1 11/6/2022 9:14 PM Page 1

Monday, 7 November, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

COmrAdeS-in-SAnCtiOnS: CAn irAn help ruSSiA WeAther the eCOnOmiC StOrm? WITH THE RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN MOSCOW AND TEHRAN SHOWING NO SIGN OF ENDING ANY TIME SOON, THE POTENTIAL FOR COOPERATION IN CERTAIN AREAS, LIKE MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, MAY LOOK PROMISING. BUT IRAN CANNOT BE COUNTED UPON TO HELP THE RUSSIAN ECONOMY WITHSTAND THE IMPACT OF SANCTIONS IN ANY SIGNIFICANT WAY CarNegie eNdowmeNt for iNterNatioNal PeaCe NiKita SmagiN

InCE the start of the war in Ukraine, relations between Russia and Iran have flourished. Having been hit by a new raft of tough Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow set about looking for alternative partners among other traditionally anti-Western countries — including to bypass trade restrictions — and Iran looks set to be one of the most promising. The aspect of their relationship that has attracted the most attention recently is Russia’s use of Iranian drones to terrorize Ukrainian cities. Both the Russian and Iranian governments have denied that the kamikaze drones the Russian army is using in Ukraine are Iranian, but all the evidence suggests that they are. Ukraine’s military intelligence services said at the end of October that Iran was also about to start supplying Russia with missiles. This is far from the extent of their joint projects, however. This year has seen a record number of meetings between senior Russian officials and their Iranian counterparts, including a visit to Tehran by Russian President Vladimir Putin. There was much discussion at these meetings of how to circumvent Western sanctions with

Iran’s help. They were also aimed at showing Russian domestic audiences that Russia is not isolated on the international stage, despite Western efforts. The meetings did yield concrete agreements, too. Gazprom, for example, has promised to invest $40 billion in Iran’s oil and gas sector, while Iranian spare parts for both motor vehicles and airplanes, as well as vehicles themselves, will be exported to Russia. There has also been a surge in the number of flights between the two countries, while their trade turnover, which stood at $4 billion in 2021, could reach $6 billion “in the near future,” according to Tehran. This is not to say, however, that Iran will be able to compensate the Russian economy for the losses incurred as a result of Western sanctions. Even if those forecasts for the growth in trade turnover are accurate, that is still less than 1% of Russia’s total foreign trade. There is a huge gap between Iran and countries like Turkey, whose trade with Russia is worth about $30 billion a year. Even the new agreements have raised more doubts than optimism. Iran’s civil aviation industry has been in crisis for many years (also due to Western sanctions), and certainly will not be salvaged by the sale of individual parts to Russia. The Iranian automobile industry has also seen better days. This year, the government decided to stop manufacturing a range of models due to their excessive fuel consumption, poor safety and ecological standards, and high cost compared with similar models made elsewhere. It will make up for the deficit by importing foreign cars. There are areas in which Iran could fill a niche on

When will impunity for crimes against journalists end?

Star Kamal ahmed

n november 2, 2022, as the world observes the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists for the ninth year, it’s only proper to remind our readers a sad but glaring fact about how Bangladesh is doing in this regard. Just two days before, a Dhaka court, for the 93rd time, granted the Rapid Action Battalion’s (Rab) request for more time to complete their investigation into the killings of journalist couple Sagar-Runi. Though no one should ever foretell any judicial action, in this case, people’s presumption that the investigating official would certainly hit a century in seeking time extensions should be forgiven. It is also the 10th anniversary of the Un Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. Ironically, more than 10 years have passed since those ghastly double murders took place on February 11, 2012. It’s not just the murders of Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi that remain unsolved; according to the Unesco Observatory of Killed Journalists, there are 13 unresolved cases of murdered journalists in Bangladesh. The observatory statistics lists a total of 26 journalists killed between 2004 and July 2022. Even worse is the government’s inaction and disregard to engage and cooperate with international organisations on the issue of ending this impunity. A summary of the Unesco director-general’s report, published marking the day, shows that the Un body sought information from 65 countries, and Bangladesh is among the 23 nonresponsive ones. It didn’t even acknowledge receiving the requests about 13 unsolved cases of journalist murder. The Unesco Observatory lists show four new entries, two each for the years 2021 and 2022, of journalists killed in Bangladesh. All these four victims were local journalists. Another disturbing fact is that, since 2016, the proportion of journalist killings have been on the rise in countries that are not in armed conflicts. Another data that should worry us more is that the situation is the worst in the Asia Pacific region – almost 42 percent of journalist killings registered worldwide occurred in this part of the globe. In its report, Unesco says that, in the

past, TV journalists were the top targets, but with the changing nature of journalism, journalists working for cross-platforms have become the most vulnerable. The latest two victims in Bangladesh were local journalists, too, and they were working on local stories. Hashibur Rahaman Rubel was the acting editor of Dainik Kushtiar Khabar, whose decomposed body was found in Kumarkhali upazila, Kushtia on July 7, a day after he disappeared. His family and colleagues alleged that had the law enforcement agencies acted immediately after his missing report was filed, he could have been recovered alive. The other victim was Mohiuddin Sarkar nayem, a reporter for the local newspaper Dainik Cumillar Dak in Cumilla district. Reports suggest that narcotics dealers shot and killed nayeem as he had unveiled their narcotics trafficking business. There’s little doubt that the alleged perpetrators of these killings have taken advantage of the existing intimidating environment for free media and journalism, and the history of impunity in attacking journalists. Reports compiled by various rights groups, including Reporters Sans Frontier (RSF), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and International Press Institute (IPI), have consistently shown that violence against working journalists shot up alarmingly during the pandemic. Continued weakening of democratic institutions and the increasing tendency of authoritarianism have also contributed to creating a culture of fear in the media industry. Introduction of draconian regulations such as the Digital Security Act (DSA) and their widespread abuse have caused immense suffering for the freedom-loving professional journalists. The Global Press Freedom Index, compiled by the RSF in association with Unesco, ranks Bangladesh 162nd among the 180 countries it assessed. The Impunity Index 2021, prepared by the CPJ, however, showed one notch improvement for Bangladesh “due to convictions in February in the 2015 murders of secular blogger Avijit Roy and his publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan.” Since then, there has been no visible progress in any other cases of journalist murder. There’s allegations of political motives, too, from some critics, including Avijit’s wife, about the trial. Understandably, expediting trials of the murdered bloggers helps build a secular profile of the ruling party and the government. Similar emphasis on trying the killers of journalists is clearly not in their mind. Hence, a perception has emerged that violence against journalists and the press does not count as a crime in Bangladesh. Polarisation and divisions within the media industry have also made things difficult; as a result, justice remains elusive in Bangladesh. We can only hope that when there is a democratic revival, rule of law will return and that will bring an end to the impunity for the crimes against journalists in this country. Kamal Ahmed is an independent journalist. His Twitter handle is @ahmedka1

the Russian market, such as pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and cosmetics. But the potential for development is hardly unlimited. Implementing large-scale Russian state projects in Iran and making them cost-effective won’t be plain sailing either. Tehran has a deficit of hard currency and has been battling a budget deficit for years. This has created problems for Moscow in the past: Iran has still not paid off its debts to Russia for building the Bushehr nuclear plant. As of 2021, it still owed over $500 million. The new initiatives, such as the construction of the Sirik power plant and the electrification of Iran’s railways, are due to be financed with the help of a Russian loan for $5 billion. If Moscow’s mission is to increase its political influence in Iran using these projects, then its approach can perhaps be justified. But it certainly won’t help to save the Russian economy at a time of sanctions. Any project may be further complicated by the various and growing waves of protests Iran has been seeing for the last 18 months. The outbursts of unrest are becoming increasingly massive, protracted, and uncompromising in their criticism of the country’s political regime. The authorities’ harsh response—closing down public places and limiting internet access—is only making matters worse. If the government loses control of the situation in the country overall, or even in individual regions, Iran could be plunged into a severe, Venezuela-style crisis, leading to increased crime, taxation problems, and difficulties maintaining critical infrastructure. This level of instability is creating serious investment risks and getting in

the way of implementing any agreements. Another major obstacle to cooperation is that in Iran, Russia is still widely seen for historical reasons as a colonial power seeking to gain control over local resources. Polling shows that public opinion of Russia nosedived in Iran following the invasion of Ukraine. In February and March, there were even small-scale protests in Tehran against Moscow’s actions. It will not be easy, therefore, for the Iranian authorities to present the rapprochement with Russia as an achievement to the public. Major deals with Moscow could themselves spark further protests: just last year, there were mass demonstrations in Tehran following the signing of a longterm strategic cooperation agreement with China. Iran could teach Russia plenty about living under sanctions: this is really the area with the most potential for experience-sharing. Iran’s example shows, however, that while the negative impact of sanctions can be mitigated, it cannot be negated entirely. Iran’s GDP in absolute terms is today roughly what it was back in 2010–2011, when the main sanctions package against Tehran was introduced, while per capita it’s at the level it was back in 2004–2005. The Iranian experience is hardly an inspiring one. With the rapprochement between Moscow and Tehran showing no sign of ending any time soon, the potential for cooperation in certain areas, like military technology, may look promising. But Iran cannot be counted upon to help the Russian economy withstand the impact of sanctions in any significant way.

Summits in Asia are being shaped by geopolitical angst arab NewS aNdReW hammONd

HIlE much of the world’s attention this month is on the Un Climate Change Conference, COP 27, in Egypt, there are also important summits taking place in Asia that will help shape the international order into 2023 and beyond. While the G20 summit in Indonesia on nov. 15 and 16 is a global forum that will attract significant publicity, there is also the regional ASEAn/East Asia Summit in Cambodia (nov. 10-13), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leadership meeting in Thailand (nov. 18 and 19). These events come against the backdrop of a local landscape that is still recovering from a pandemic that new Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the host of last year’s APEC leadership meeting described as a “once-in-a-century crisis” and the biggest economic and political shock since the Second World War. Small wonder, then, that the key theme of the APEC gathering in Thailand this month, which will include private-sector executives, will be the rehabilitation of economies. The stated goals are deeper economic cooperation, an improved environment for trade and investment, and the adoption and sharing of innovation. Yet as many leaders seek to promote an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery from the shock of the pandemic, geopolitical fissures are complicating this. The most recent divisions are the result of the conflict in Ukraine which has split the region. last month, for example, the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and new Zealand pledged during the APEC meeting of finance ministers to double down on support for Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian invasion, along with stepping up their efforts to address food, energy and inflation shocks caused by the conflict. Yet the Ukraine issue is far from the only one to cause fragmentation within the huge APEC club which includes not only the aforementioned countries but also China, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, Papua new Guinea, Chile, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Peru. Collectively, APEC states account for about 60 percent of global gross domestic product. On top of the Russia-Ukraine issue there is the longer-simmering fissure between Washington and Beijing, which has been a recurring cause of tension during recent summits in Asia in which the two nations have been involved. Given that the US and China are by far the two most powerful states in the world today, this has strained the consensus-driven approach that previously prevailed within APEC and other regional multilateral forums. In this context of geopolitical angst,

Thailand hopes to be able to conclude some key pieces of business at APEC this month, including a reported four-year action plan to try to deliver the socalled Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific agreement. While the FTAAP is an economic proposal, it has a heavy geopolitical aspect to it. The initiative has been under discussion at APEC since at least 2008 and has assumed higher importance for China, in particular, since the inception of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was originally the brainchild of the Obama administration in the US, though the Trump team withdrew US from the agreement. Chinese President Xi Jinping has previously said that the FTAAP does not “go against existing freetrade arrangements.” At the heart of the debate, however, are contrasting visions of the regional order. Beijing’s push for projects such as its Belt and Road Initiative, alongside projects such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, plus its desire for APEC to deliver on FTAAP, provides a model for economic integration conducive to its national interests (not least because it would be explicitly part of the new economic agreements and help shape their design, unlike the case of the CPTPP). US President Joe Biden’s team is well aware of this and is beginning to set out its own stall for shaping the regional order, although some allies are already disappointed that the president will skip this year’s APEC event, with his deputy, Kamala Harris, taking his place. It is likely that over the next 12 months, in advance of the US hosting APEC in 2023, there will be more announcements from the White House about its emerging regional strategy in an effort to demonstrate commitment to what it describes as a free and open Asia-Pacific. Many US regional allies would dearly welcome Biden’s development of a comprehensive and wellfunded grand strategy to embed US influence, as Obama intended, with CPTPP at its heart. In the postwar period, the US has undertaken a global institutionbuilding project to encourage the growth of democracy and open markets across the world, including the founding of APEC itself. Yet, with Donald Trump pulling the plug on US participation in CPTPP, and his disparaging comments about other institutions, such as the World Trade Organization, a vacuum in US influence exists that still has not been fully filled by Biden. The danger for Washington is that unless the president acts decisively during his remaining time in office, momentum could build for a regional architecture, including RCEP and Belt and Road, that allows Beijing to assume the upper hand, damaging US influence not only among local allies but potentially in regions beyond, too. Andrew Hammond is an associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics.

Monday, 7 November, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

PakiStan’S COmmERCE miniStER ELECtED PRESiDEnt PaRLiamEntaRianS fOR GLObaL aCtiOn

corporate corner

isLAMABAD

LAHORE: Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman and President FPCCI Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, present Platinum Award to Hamdard Laboratories (Waqf) Pakistan’s Ms Rabia Butt, Deputy Director International Business, on outstanding performance in Export Marketing (Syrup Rooh Afza & Herbal Medicines) during 10th FPCCI Achievement Awards Ceremony at Governor House. pR

PR evolves foolproof plan for security of Sikh Yatrees

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways has adopted elaborated measures for security of Sikh yatrees arrived here to participate in the celebrations of 553rd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The Sikh yatree reached Pakistan via Wagah border from India will be transported to Nankana Sahib and Hasan Abdal through special trains under foolproof security. Railways Police DIG (North) Dr Mohammad Waqar Abbasi has issued special instruction to Railway Police officials to ensure best security measures for the visiting yatrees. Under the security plan, more than 120 railway police personnel have been deployed for security of three special trains for Sikh Yatrees, besides senior inspector has been appointed in charge of each train. Moreover in view of the situation in the country, commandos have also been deployed in railways stations and trains under the direction of DIG North. pR

ghulam abbaS

OR the first time Pakistan’s minister for Commerce and Investments Syed Naveed Qamar on Sunday was elected as President of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA). Naveed Qamar defeated Dip. Margarita Stobilzer, a very senior Member Parliament of the host county, Argentina by an overwhelming majority of over 90% of the votes, in the election held in Buenos Aires Argentina, said a message received here on Sunday. According to officials at the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), in the election 133 elected members exercised their right to vote, out of 140 parliaments around the globe and elected Syed Naveed Qamar as its new President. It is important to mention here that Syed Naveed Qamar is the first Pakistani Member of the Parliament who is elected as president of PGA for the term of two years (2023-2024). He is a longest serving parliamentarian who had joined in 1991 along

with former prime minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and some other PPP members. Naveed Qamar is also a Nishan-e-Pakistan recipient. A number of local and foreign parliamentarians, including Speaker National Assembly, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani congratulated the Minister for holding such an important International position and hoped that Naveed Qamar would play his role for promot-

Pakistani products attract customers at 5th CIIE in Shanghai

Sharjeel announces electric bus service for karachi KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday announced electric bus service for Karachi, saying test drive of the bus service will start on Monday (today). Talking to his twitter handle, the minister said that the Sindh government of Pakistan People’s Party had fulfilled another promise made with the citizens of Karachi. The world's most modern electric buses will now be seen lying roads of Karachi. He said that the Sindh Transport Department was going to launch this new bus service in Karachi, which will be the first electric bus service in Pakistan and will be completely eco-friendly. pR

Elimination of power pilferage top priority: iESCO CE ISLAMABAD: Electricity theft definitely is an immoral act and a national crime and elimination of this malpractice from IESCO region is the top priority of the management. By continuing the same a very comprehensive and indiscriminate anti-power theft campaign in all operations circles of IESCO is in full swing. IESCO Chief Executive Dr Muhammad Amjad Khan briefed that during the month of October 2022, 3093 power theft cases identified by the field staff, 3012 meters were found slow and direct power supply was taken from 39 meters, on the basis of slow meters and power theft Rs33.3 million fine imposed on consumers concerned and for legal proceeding applications have been submitted to the local police stations. pR

ing and protecting human rights, democracy and peace in the world. Former member PGA and leader of PPP, in his tweet said “Heartiest congratulations on your election. Hope during your presidency the Parliamentarians for Global Action will further strengthen parliamentary platforms for climate action and revisiting death penalty”. PGA, is a non-profit, non-partisan international network of approximately 1,300 legislators in over 140 elected

BeiJiNG agencieS

Pakistani products like jewellery, salt lamps, blankets and marble have attracted a large number of customers at the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) being held in Shanghai. “Of the consumers who buy our products, the percentage of re-purchase within a year is as high as 60%, and another 30% of customers make a third or more purchase within a year,” said Li Long proudly, a four-time Pakistani jewellery exhibitor at CIIE. On the booth stands out a girly pink gemstone with the largest size. “This pink morganite originates from Pakistan. This is the first of its kind exhibited at CIIE and it is part of the Mughal series. 150-carat pink morganite is very rare even in Pakistan.” In this year’s CIIE, Li Long brings emeralds, morganites, tourmalines and chrysoprase, which originate from the northern mountains of Pakistan. He said expectantly, “This year, our booth is specially decorated for brand image display, and we hope to meet more quality buyers.” Large exhibitions such as CIIE are the major means of product promotion as Pakistani exhibitors make their foray into the Chinese market. However,

such exhibitions only last a few days each year, and there are no suitable sales channels for most of the year. Their greatest wish is to open a store of their own in China where they could sell all year round and establish a firm foothold in the country. At the first CIIE in 2019, Li Long told CEN journalist that Pakistan was his IP. Now he set up a shop on East Nanjing Road in Shanghai. Focusing on high-end jewelry strategy, he has fulfilled his dream and to some extent reversed the stereotype that Pakistani products are cheaper. “To create high-quality products, our offline stores are open 365 days a year, and sales are considerable.” Li Long said. Coincidentally, Pakistani exhibitor Habib and his brothers, who became famous for selling salt lamps in the 4th CIIE, have opened 3 stores in different areas of Shanghai and sold products through online and offline platforms simultaneously, showing the “spillover effect” of CIIE. Data from the General Administration of Customs China shows that in the first nine months of this year, China’s import of pink salt (other salt HS:25010019) from Pakistan reached $4.356 million, more than double that of the whole year of 2018, which was $1.948 million. It can be seen that Chinese consumers are increasingly fond of powdered salt. Over the past five years, China has opened its door even wider to the outside world. Under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, 313 new Pakistani products will enjoy zero tariffs when exported to China. Pakistani Onions, buffalo embryos and tiger’s tail plants have been approved for export to China. Exports of Pakistani cherries to China are not far off. Over the past five years, Pakistan’s exports to China have reached a record high of $3.6 billion in 2021. “The value of Pakistan’s exports to China will double in the next few years.” In an interview with China Economic Net, Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin Haque expressed great expectations for China-Pakistan trade.

parliaments around the globe. Which contributes to creating an enabling environment for positive changes, especially through activities that facilitate connections between civil society and parliamentarians, as well as building bridges between domestic and international policy-makers. It was established in 1978 in Washington, D.C., by a group of concerned parliamentarians from around the world to take collective, coordinated and cohesive actions on global problems. PGA operates under the political direction of the Executive Committee and the International Council, with the technical and legal assistance of the Secretariat based in New York and The Hague. Naveed Qamar, while commenting on the election said it was a “great honor” for him to be elected as the President of the PGA and that it was also an outcome of the current government’s diplomatic efforts. Naveed Qamar pledged to promote peace, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality, climate and population issues by informing, convening, and mobilizing parliamentarians to realize these goals.

Larkana millers decry highhandedness of HESCO, SEPCO, other PDCs LARKANA Staff RepoRt

The annual meeting of Sindh Balochistan Rice Millers and Traders Association was held here on Sunday under the chairmanship of President Qamaruddin Gopang, in which rice millers of Sindh and Balochistan participated in large numbers. In the meeting, the millers discussed in detail the problems faced by them due to highhandedness of HESCO, SEPCO and other PDCs, Food Department, Environment Protection and other departments of SEPA, looting of traders, increased tax imposed on mills after the flood devastation and other issues. The commitment to resolve the issues was reiterated by the participants. Addressing the meeting, Central President Haji Qamaruddin Gopang said that I am a rice miller and a grower as well as a political leader. So I will try my best to solve each and every problem of rice mill owners as he himself feels their pain. Central General Secretary Asad Ali Tunio said that the misbehavior of HESCO, SEPCO and other PDCs, food departments and institutions related to the business community will not be tolerated anymore as the things have changed now and they should also change their attitude. He said we inform the government that instead of redressing any loss, heavy bills with increased taxes have been imposed on rice millers which is unjust and uncalled for which they strongly condemned. They demanded loans should be given without interest so that we can put this big industry, which is the second source of foreign exchange earning, to be able to stand on its own feet, otherwise we will be closing our mills and the extra bills with heavy taxes must also be waived off.

Aman Exercise: Developing Naval Cooperation for Maritime Peace ALiyA NAseeR) The end of Cold War witnessed the emergence of non-traditional security challenges in international political arena. Globalization enhanced interdependence on one hand and on other raise multinational and international threats, which emerged the significance of security policies and strategies to secure national interests. Blue diplomacy shifts the dynamics of politics toward ocean, making ocean as a source of economy. With this realization, states develop its maritime security strategies and took different initiatives for protection from miscellaneous threats of illegal activities like piracy, human trafficking, drug trafficking and smuggling of drugs and armaments. Historically seen the main purpose of establishing navies, is to exert influence beyond their shores entails with additional responsibility to further strategic stability and peace at sea. Despite remained vigilant

to defend its sea borders, Pakistan Navy has constantly been engaged in contributing its share at regional and international maritime realm to comply by the international obligations for collaboration. It has been a part of many UN peacekeeping mission and UNmandated Combined Maritime Task Force 150(maritime security and counter-terrorism) and 151(counter piracy). The main objectives of these Task Forces wereto counter terrorism, prevent piracy, reduce illegal activities, and secure maritime environment. Since 2006, piracy incidents enhance around the world and its peak witnessed in 2009 to 2011 (410 in 2009, 445 in 2010 and 439 in 2011) respectively in Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden and Somalia Basin. Enhancing these initiatives further, Pakistan Navy instituted Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP), an initiative to continue support to uphold international efforts in the region. The main purpose to establish RSMP, is to ensure maritime security

at sea for protection of domestic and international trade. Thus, contribution at large is the manifest projection of Pakistan as a state shouldering regional and international maritime commitments. In order to strengthen interoperability and global efforts of maritime forces, Pakistan Navy started off multinational naval exercise ‘AMAN’ in North Arabian Sea in 2007. This was marked as a blue diplomacy move by the Pakistan Navy bringing together Maritime Nations in the IOR and calling for galvanizing efforts to maintain strong correlations at sea. The exercise has been aptly named “AMAN”, which is the Urdu term for “PEACE”. It signifies Pakistan’s endeavor for peace while remaining fully prepared to ensure peace in the region. Pakistan Navy till to date had conducted seven AMAN exercises. The next year’s exercise is the 8th in number, which have been held biennially since 2007. All previous naval exercises of the AMAN series have been

highly successful and not only were participated wholeheartedly by navies of friendly countries, ushering goodwill to Pakistan, but have also resulted in all participants including the host Pakistan Navy, gaining tremendous professional experience. The main objective of AMAN series of multinational exercises is to promote regional cooperation and stability, greater interoperability and to display a united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain including piracy. Whereas in sea phase, the participating navies attend the military drills with their surface and air assets, special operation forces, and maritime teams. They are involved in various activities, including maneuvers, weapon firing drills, maritime interdiction operations, flying operations, search and rescue exercises, and international fleet review-- all of this improves Pakistan Navy’s capability to combat nontraditional threats and improve the country’s soft image in the international community.

Moreover, this time alongside AMAN23, an important maritime conference is going to be held for the first time at Karachi expo center. Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) is an initiative of Pakistan Navy which is being organized under the patronage of Ministry of Maritime Affairs in order to jump start development of maritime sector in Pakistan and spur Blue Economy. PIMEC is scheduled from 10 to 12 Feb, 2023 and the exhibition will bring together stakeholders and companies from diverse maritime fields to exploit and explore the potential of Blue Economy. It is actually to venture new chapter where we explore the true potential of much more that is to follow. Not only it will give us livelihood and vibrancy to our economy but also provide endeavors to mitigate climate change effects. AliyaNaseer, Lecturer at Peace and Conflict Studies Department, at National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Monday, 7 November, 2022 | LAHORE

10 FOREIGN NEWS

UN clImate sUmmIt opeNs wIth waRNINg agaINst ‘backslIdINg’ SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT

agencies

HE UN’s COP27 climate summit kicked off Sunday in Egypt with warnings against backsliding on efforts to cut emissions and calls for rich nations to compensate poor countries after a year of extreme weather disasters. Just in the past few months, climate-induced catastrophes have killed thousands, displaced millions and cost billions in damages across the world. Massive floods devastated swaths of Pakistan and Nigeria, droughts worsened in Africa and the western United States, cyclones whipped the Caribbean, and unprecedented heatwaves seared three continents. The conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh comes in a fraught year marked by Russia’s war on Ukraine, an energy crunch, soaring inflation and the lingering effects from the Covid pandemic. But Simon Stiell, the UN’s climate change executive secretary, said he would not be a “custodian of backsliding” on the goal of slashing greenhouse emissions 45 percent by 2030 to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above late-19th-century levels. “We will be holding people to account, be they presidents, prime min-

isters, CEOs,” Stiell said as the 13-day summit opened. “The heart of implementation is everybody everywhere in the world every single day doing everything they possibly can to address the climate crisis,” he said. Current trends would see carbon pollution increase 10 percent by the end of the decade and Earth’s surface heat up 2.8C, according to findings unveiled last week. Promises made under the 2015 Paris Agreement would, if kept, only shave off a few tenths of a degree. “Whilst I do understand that leaders around the world have faced competing priorities this year, we must be clear: as challenging as our current moment is, inaction is myopic and can only defer climate catastrophe,” said Alok Sharma, British president of the previous COP26 as he handed over the chairmanship to Egypt. “How many more wake-up calls does the world — and world leaders — actually need?”, he said. – Money focus – The COP27 summit will focus like never before on money — a major sticking point that has soured relations between countries that got rich burning fossil fuels and the poorer ones suffering from the worst consequences of climate change.

Iran says it shipped drones to Russia before Ukraine war

The United States and the European Union — fearful of creating an open-ended reparations framework — have dragged their feet and challenged the need for a separate funding stream. Delegates agreed on Sunday to put the “loss and damage” issue on the COP27 agenda, a first step toward what are sure to be fraught discussions. Inclusion of the agenda item “reflects a sense of solidarity and empathy for the suffering of the victims of climate induced disasters,” said COP27 president Sameh Shoukry of Egypt. “We all owe a debt of gratitude to activists and civil society organisations who have persistently demanded the space to discuss funding for loss and damage,” he said to applause. Shoukry also noted that rich nations have not fulfilled a separate pledge to deliver $100 billion per year to help developing countries green their economies and build resilience against future climate change. He also lamented that most climate financing is based on loans. “We do not have the luxury to continue this way. We have to change our approaches to this existential threat,” he said, calling for solutions that “prove we are serious about not leaving anyone behind.” – US-China tensions – After the first day of talks, more

than 120 world leaders will join the summit on Monday and Tuesday. The most conspicuous no-show will be China’s Xi Jinping, whose leadership was renewed last month at a Communist Party Congress. US President Joe Biden has said he will come, but only after legislative elections on Tuesday that could see either or both houses of Congress fall into the hands of Republicans hostile to international action on climate change. Cooperation between the United States and China — the world’s two largest economies and carbon polluters — has been crucial to rare breakthroughs in the nearly 30-year saga of UN climate talks, including the 2015 Paris Agreement. But Sino-US relations have sunk to a 40-year low after a visit to Taiwan by House leader Nancy Pelosi and a US ban on the sale of high-level chip technology to China, leaving the outcome of COP27 in doubt. A meeting between Xi and Biden at the G20 summit in Bali days before the UN climate meeting ends, if it happens, could be decisive. One bright spot at COP27 will be the arrival of Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose campaign vowed to protect the Amazon and reverse the extractive policies of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro.

Biden quip offends Afghans WASHINGTON agencies

TEHRAN ReuteRs

Iran acknowledged for the first time on Saturday that it had supplied Moscow with drones but said they were sent before the war in Ukraine, where Russia has used them to target power stations and civilian infrastructure. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said a “small number” of drones had been shipped a few months before Russia’s February 24 invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Tehran of lying, saying Kyiv’s forces were downing at least 10 of the unmanned aerial vehicles every day. In Iran’s most detailed response to date, Amirabdollahian denied Tehran was continuing to supply drones to Moscow. “This fuss made by some Western countries that Iran has provided missiles and drones to Russia to help the war in Ukraine — the missile part is completely wrong,” the official IRNA news agency quoted him as saying. “The drone part is true and we provided Russia with a small number of drones months before the Ukraine war,” he said. In recent weeks, Ukraine has reported a surge in drone attacks on civilian infrastructure, notably targeting power stations and dams, using Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. Russia denies its forces have used Iranian drones to attack Ukraine. In a video address, Zelenskiy dismissed talk of limited Iranian supplies to Russia, saying Ukraine had downed 11 drones on Friday alone. “If Iran continues to lie about the obvious, it means the world will make even more efforts to investigate the terrorist cooperation between the Russian and Iranian regimes and what Russia pays Iran for such cooperation,” he said. Separately, US Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley tweeted it was untrue that Iran had sent a few drones. “They transferred dozens just this summer and have military personnel in occupied Ukraine helping Russia use them,” he said.

US President Joe Biden has now irked Afghans by repeatedly disparaging their country as a “Godforsaken place,” causing Kabul’s Taliban rulers to claim that the American leader was doing so out of frustration. Last month, President Biden annoyed Pakistanis when he described their country as “one of the most dangerous nations in the world” that possessed nuclear weapons without any ‘cohesion’. On Friday, he targeted Afghanistan. “A lot of you have been to Afghanistan. I’ve been to every part of it. It’s a Godforsaken place — it’s a Godforsaken place,” said the US president while addressing war veterans at an election rally in

San Diego. He recounted his several trips to the Afghan war zone as a senator and vice president of the United States, including the one in 2008 when he got stranded in the snow. Zabiullah Mujahid describes remarks as result of his frustration over losing midterm elections On Saturday, Chief Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid responded to Mr Biden’s remarks at a news conference in Kabul, claiming that the US leader was doing so in frustration because his party was losing the midterm elections in the US. “Those making such remarks are doing so out of their frustration and envy for Afghanistan,” he said, adding that since the Taliban takeover in August 2022, peace and stability had returned to Afghanistan and

the Afghans were “going about with their daily lives normally.” President Biden withdrew US troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, after two decades of war with the Taliban, and the withdrawal led to an immediate collapse of the US-backed government in Kabul. The Costs of War Project at Brown University estimates the longest military intervention in US history cost Washington about $2 trillion and took the lives of more than 2,400 American soldiers since 2001. The United States and its Western partners suspended financial assistance to Kabul after the collapse while the Biden administration also imposed banking sector sanctions and froze billions of dollars in Afghan central bank’s foreign reserves.

New season of ‘the crown’ set to air after backlash LONDON afp

The latest season of “The Crown” hits the small screen next week, with streaming giant Netflix adding a disclaimer after a furore over untrue storylines. Series Five, which airs on Wednesday just over two months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of her son King Charles III, sees the action move to the 1990s. Princess Diana’s bombshell television interview, emotional turmoil and divorce from Charles are all documented, along with his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles and tensions with his mother. It was not clear, however, how the series deals with the death of Diana in a car crash in Paris in 1997 or if a disclaimer would be added before each episode. Following outrage from prominent figures including Oscarwinning actor Judi Dench and Britain’s former prime minister John Major last month, Netflix added a description of the show as “inspired by real events” to its programme page. Dench blasted Netflix for “crude sensationalism” after reports of scenes showing Charles manoeuvring to force his mother’s abdication. “No-one is a greater believer in artistic freedom than I, but this cannot go unchallenged,” wrote Dench, who won an Academy Award for playing Queen Elizabeth I in “Shakespeare in Love” and was nominated for her portrayal of Queen Victoria in “Mrs Brown”. The strength of the criticism has forced Netflix to defend both itself and screenwriter Peter Morgan. It said the series was not meant to be taken as fact but as an imagining of “what could have happened behind closed doors”. Its stars too have rallied to its defence, with Diana actress Elizabeth Debicki calling for people to move on “now the disclaimer is up there”. ‘Good drama’ “There’s a huge amount of room for interpretation,” the Australian actress said. “That’s good drama to me.” Jonathan Pryce, who plays the queen’s husband Prince Philip, even went as far as to criticise his fellow actors. Pryce said he was “hugely disappointed by my fellow artistes” after acting powerhouses Eileen Atkins and Harriet Walter, both of whom have appeared in “The Crown”, expressed reservations. “The vast majority of people know it’s a drama. They’ve been watching it for four seasons,” Pryce said. But with most of the royals depicted still alive and an apparent upping of the creative licence, even a disclaimer may be too little for critics who accuse Morgan of an undeclared anti-monarchist agenda. Television reviewer Christopher Stevens, who saw an eightand-a-half-hour preview, wrote this week that “the sheer virulence” of the latest storylines was becoming “shockingly clear”. The show, he said, was now unrecognisable compared to the first series in 2016. “The Crown” was now “a nakedly republican polemic, using embarrassment as its chief weapon against the monarchy”, he wrote in the Daily Mail. ‘Treasured’ Writer and royal biographer William Shawcross said the plotlines were deliberately hurtful attempts to damage the institution of the monarchy — “something that millions of ordinary people treasure”. “I think a lot of people do (believe them), why would they not? They see this beautifully produced thing… Most people in the world don’t have any other yardstick. It’s terribly dishonest,” he told AFP. He said Netflix had taken advantage of the unique position in which the royal family found themselves. “Almost any other living family is in a position to complain or stop or sue.

Thousands march in Peru calling for president’s removal LIMA afp

Thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Lima on Saturday to call for the removal of President Pedro Castillo, the subject of an unprecedented six investigations for corruption. Opponents of Castillo’s government marched through the capital’s centre until dozens of riot police used tear gas to prevent them from reaching Parliament and the government palace. “I come to the march to get that cor-

rupt man out. Castillo must leave, that’s what this march is for, to get him out,” protester Nancy Huarcaya told AFP. “We are here representing millions of Peruvians. Peru can’t take it anymore. We are on the edge of the precipice, economically everything has stagnated,” Carola Suarez, holding a Peruvian flag, told AFP. Similar demonstrations called by political groups and civil associations took place in other cities around the country, two weeks before the arrival of a delegation from the Organization of American States to “analyze” the polit-

ical crisis. At the same time, a mobilization of collectives and unions marched in support of the president in Lima’s San Martin square. Castillo, a former rural school teacher, has been under nonstop fire since unexpectedly taking power from Peru’s traditional political elite in elections last year. He has survived two impeachment attempts since taking office in July 2021 and is the target of six criminal investigations for alleged graft and plagiarizing his university thesis. In addition to these, Peru’s attorney

general last month filed a constitutional complaint accusing Castillo of heading a criminal organization involving his family and allies. Castillo, serving a five-year term that ends in 2026, cannot be criminally tried while in office. “They will have me until the last day of my term because my people have decided so,” Castillo said Saturday morning at the government palace. He denies that his family has committed crimes and says he is the victim of a campaign to remove him from power.

Twitter starts rolling out new paid subscription SAN FRANcIScO agencies

Twitter began rolling out a controversial new paid subscription system on Saturday that the social network’s unpredictable new owner, billionaire Elon Musk, ordered staff to build after taking over last week. Days into the Tesla boss’s stewardship of one of the world’s leading platforms for discourse and activism, his promises and provocations are prompting a wave of reactions — including warnings from the United Nations and an apology from Twitter’s co-founder. His plan to dial back content moderation

on the site is causing such concern that UN rights chief Volker Turk on Saturday urged him to make respect for human rights central to the social network. “Twitter has a responsibility to avoid amplifying content that results in harms to people’s rights,” Turk said in his open letter. Reports of Musk laying off the platform’s entire human rights team were “not, from my perspective, an encouraging start,” he said. Jack Dorsey, who co-founded Twitter in 2006 and stepped down as CEO last year, tweeted to apologize for growing the site too quickly a day after roughly half the com-

pany’s 7,500 employees were fired by Musk. “I realize many are angry with me,” he wrote. The remaining employees are witnessing an upheaval in their company’s culture. As early as last Friday, Musk launched his first flagship project, the redesign of the Twitter Blue subscription option. He has reportedly told his team the redesign must be ready for potential activation by November 7 — the day before the US midterm elections — or their jobs will be on the line. On Saturday the platform’s mobile app began offering an update that will allow users to sign up for the new version of Twitter Blue, which Musk has said will cost $8 a

month, and is set to grant users a blue checkmark and perks such as less advertising in their feeds. “Starting today, we’re adding great new features to Twitter Blue,” says the update, only on iPhones for now. “Get Twitter Blue for $7.99 a month if you sign up now.” In a tweet, the California-based company’s director of product development Esther Crawford specified that the new service had yet to go live. “The new Blue isn’t live yet — the sprint to our launch continues but some folks may see us making updates because we are testing and pushing changes in real-

time,” she posted. The current version of the service, which costs $5, contains premium features, such as a more comfortable reading mode. Musk wants to add a blue tick that until now has symbolized account verification, though he has not explained how the paying accounts will be verified. Verification has been free and serves as proof of authenticity for the accounts of users such as governments, journalists, celebrities and sports figures — a system put in place to prevent misinformation, but which Musk has derided as “lords & peasants.”

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Monday, 7 November, 2022 | LAHORE

SPORTS 11

Yadav STarS aS IndIa SeT uP engLand T20 WorLd CuP SemI-FInaL MELBOURNE

agencieS

URyAKUMAR yadav hit a blazing unbeaten 61 as India set up a Twenty20 World Cup semi-final against England by crushing Zimbabwe by 71 runs at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. India were flying at 87-1 but the loss of three quick wickets slowed them down before yadav set the proceedings alight, smashing six sixes in his 25-ball blitz to steer them to 186-5, with 79 coming off the last five overs. Zimbabwe lost two wickets for two runs in reply and were never in the hunt, capitulating in the 17th over in front of 82,507 fans. Ravichandran Ashwin took 3-22 for a rampant India. The number one-ranked Indians, the 2007 champions, were already through to the semi-finals after the Netherlands upset South Africa earlier in the day. Victory over Zimbabwe confirmed their

position at the top of Group 2 to tee up a lastfour clash with Jos Buttler’s England, who finished second in Group 1. The two sides face off at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. Group 1 winners New Zealand will play Group 2 runners-up Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground a day earlier. India won the toss and batted in the final group game of the Super 12 stage, with a disciplined Zimbabwe — whose semi-final hopes were already over — opening with nine dot balls. But the runs started flowing with Rohit Sharma slapping a boundary off Tendai Chatara and then KL Rahul lashing a huge six from Richard Ngarava. Rohit was just getting in the groove when he misjudged a pull shot going for the ropes again and was out for 15, caught in the deep by Wellington Masakadza. That brought Virat Kohli to the crease and he and Rahul reached 79-1 after 10 overs. Kohli became the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history last week and had hit three half-centuries during the tournament.

But there would be no explosive fourth, with the master batsman holing out on 26 to Ryan Burl, undone by the spin of Sean Williams. Rahul brought up an entertaining 50 with a six off Sikandar Raza but departed next ball trying for another, taken on the boundary by Masakadza for 51. Williams and Burl combined again to remove Rishabh Pant (3) before yadav and Hardik Pandya (18) powered India home. Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a horror start with Wesley Madhevere out first ball, flashing Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the covers, where Kohli hung on. It went from bad to worse when Regis Chakabva also fell without scoring, bowled by Arshdeep Singh to leave them on 2-2. Williams and skipper Craig Ervine put on 26 for the third wicket before both departed in the space of six balls — Williams caught off Mohammed Shami for 11 and Ervine caught and bowled by Hardik Pandya for 13. Raza and Burl came to the rescue, with

spinner Axar Patel coming in for particular punishment. They put on 60 runs before Burl was

Jamaica see off Barbados thanks to Powell’s power JAMAICA Staff RepoRt

Captain Shai composed half-century kept Barbados Pride dreaming before fast bowlers Nicholson Gordon and Odean Smith wiped out the lower order to hand Jamaica Scorpions an emphatic 64-run victory in the CG United Super50 Cup. Asked to chase a challenging 278 under lights in the Zone B contest at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Pride recovered from a shaky start to be in command at 139-2 in the 29th over courtesy of Hope’s 86 and 57 from all-rounder Roston Chase. The pendulum swung when left-arm chinaman specialist Dennis Bulli (2-57) triggered a slide to leave Pride on 167-5 in the 34th over but Hope remained entrenched, once again leading a recovery in an innings lasting 103 balls and including seven fours and a six.

Together with Roshon Primus (15), Hope had ground out a 39-run sixth wicket stand to push Pride past the 200-run mark when Gordon (3-21) and Smith (2-24) produced incisive bursts to send the last five wickets tumbling for seven runs in the space of 19 runs, leaving the innings 213 all out at the start of the 45th over. Earlier, captain Rovman Powell had blasted 80 from 54 balls and Nkrumah Bonner, 59 from 82 balls, as Scorpions rallied to 277-6 off 50 overs after opting to bat first. When Chase pulled back the innings in a 10-over spell which brought excellent returns of 3-33, Smith then arrived and smashed 44 from 35 balls, to give Scorpions late momentum. The victory was the first for Scorpions following a defeat in their opening match to Leeward Islands Hurricanes while for Pride, the loss was also their first following an opening win over West Indies Academy.

Sri Lankan cricketer arrested over sexual charges SYDNEY Staff RepoRt

Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka, who was with the national squad for T20 World Cup in Australia, has been arrested on charges of sexual assault in Sydney. The 31-year-old Gunathilaka was arrested and taken to Sydney City police station in the wee hours of Sunday following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a woman on November 2. The left-handed batter played against Namibia in the first-round match of the ongoing T20 World Cup and was out for a duck. Later, he was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury even as the team qualified for the Super 12 stage. The Lankan team finished fourth in Group 1. The New South Wales police, on its website, has also mentioned about the arrest of an unnamed Sri Lankan national. “Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Sri Lankan national following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a woman in Sydney’s east last week,” the report said.

LONDON An India-based computer hacking gang targeted critics of the Qatar World Cup, an investigation by British journalists said on Sunday, as the Qatari government furiously denied it had played any part in commissioning the eavesdropping. A database leaked to Britain’s Sunday Times and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism revealed the hacking of a dozen lawyers, journalists and famous people from 2019 “commissioned by one particular client”, the newspaper and the bureau said in a statement. “This investigation points strongly to this client being the host of (the) World Cup: Qatar,” it said, prompting the Qatari authorities to describe the allegation as “patently false and without merit”. Among those targeted was Michel Platini, the former head of European football. Platini, who was hacked ahead of talks with French police about World Cup related graft claims, told AFP he was “surprised and deeply shocked” by the report. He said he would be exploring all possible legal avenues over what appeared to be a serious “violation” of his privacy. London-based consultant Ghanem Nuseibeh whose company Cornerstone produced a report on corruption relating to the World Cup was also targeted, the Sunday Times said in its report based on the joint investigation. Others included Nathalie Goulet, a French senator and vocal critic of Qatar for allegedly financing “Is-

Pakistan u-19 dominates on 3rd day of 1st test match MULTAN Staff RepoRt

Hacking gang targeted Qatar World Cup critics agencieS

bowled by Ashwin for a 22-ball 35. The wickets kept tumbling with Raza the penultimate batsman, out for 34.

lamic terrorism” and Mark Somos, a Germany-based lawyer, who had made a complaint about the Qatari royal family to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Over 100 targeted: The controversy comes two weeks before the World Cup is due to kick off in the conservative Gulf state on November 20. The newspaper alleged that the hacking was masterminded by a 31-year-old accountancy firm employee, who denies the claims. Based in a suburb of the Indian tech city of Gurugram near Delhi, his network of computer hackers allegedly ensnared their targets using “phishing” techniques to gain access to their email inboxes, sometimes also deploying malicious software to take control of their computer cameras and microphones. Hacking attacks were not limited, however, to those with an interest in the Qatar World Cup. In total more than 100 victims had their private email accounts targeted by the gang “on behalf of investigators working for autocratic states, British lawyers and their wealthy clients”, the report said. These included politicians dealing with issues relating to Russia such as Britain’s former finance minister Philip Hammond. He was targeted during a period when he was dealing with the aftermath of the 2018 Novichok attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal which the UK has blamed on Russia. The Swiss president and his deputy were also hacked days after the president met then British prime minister Boris Johnson to discuss Russian sanctions.

Pakistan under-19 batting line dominated on thirdday of four-day first and the only test match against Bangladesh at Multan Cricket Stadium. Centuries by Pakistan Captain Saad Baig and Wahaj Riaz brought the team in strong position of victory by scoring 117 runs each in the second inning of the match. The Pakistan set a target of 411 runs to rival team. Pakistan started the 3rd day at 54/2 in the second inning and contributed 347 runs in the total. Pakistan’s Haseeb Nazam was at 53 and Muhammad Ibtesaam at 23 runs. Shahaab James of Bangladesh took four wickets, Rohaant Borsan and Mehfooz-Ul-Rehman two each while Maroof Murida and Jeshaan Alam took one wicket each. Bangladesh was at 60/1 after dismissal of Chaudhry Rizwan at 10 runs while Muhammad Sohaag and Shehryar Saqib playing at 19 and 29 respectively till end of the third day. Bangladesh need 351 more runs to defeat Pakistan having nine wickets in hand.

PTF announces 11th culligan throwball tournament draws KARACHI Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Throwball Federation (PTF) announced the draws of 11th Culligan Boys and Girls Throwball Tournament. The Tournament will be played from November 8-12, here at City School, according to a communique on Sunday. All arrangements for the tournament has been finalized in the Organizing Committee meeting, which was held under the championship of Secretary General, Pakistan Throwball Federation, Maqbool Arain. About 120 school teams will take part in the various age categories event. The Semi-finals and finals will be played on November 11 and 12, respectively. The concluding ceremony of the tournament will be held on November 12, at 4.30 pm, in which trophies, medals and certificates will be delivered to winning and runner-up teams.

Teenager Rune upsets Djokovic to win Paris Masters PARIS agencieS

Danish teenager Holger Rune shocked six-time champion Novak Djokovic to clinch his first Masters title in Paris on Sunday after coming from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. Rune, 19, became the youngest winner of the Paris tournament since Boris Becker in 1986 after beating five top-10 players in as many days. He is the fifth first-time Masters winner this season and will be the first Danish man to break into the top 10 on Monday. Djokovic had not lost at Bercy since his defeat to Karen Khachanov in the 2018 final, although he did not play at the tournament two years ago. The former world number one came into Sunday’s final having won 21 of 22 matches since the start of Wimbledon, which he won for the seventh time in July to match Pete Sampras. The Serb broke for a 3-1 lead as Rune served backto-back double faults in what was his fourth successive final, but first at the Masters level.

Djokovic comfortably held out to pocket the opening set and looked to have Rune on the ropes when he surged 40-0 ahead on his opponent’s serve in the first game of the second set. But Rune battled back superbly to thwart Djokovic and then swung the momentum in his favour by immediately breaking to go 2-0 up the following game, which proved enough to force a decider. The 16-year age gap between the pair was the biggest in a Masters final since Rafael Nadal, then 19, defeated 35-year-old Andre Agassi in Montreal in 2005. Rune’s inexperience resurfaced when he doublefaulted attempting a big second serve to hand Djokovic a 3-1 edge, but the Dane showed his remarkable character to break back straight away. Instead it was Djokovic who cracked when the pressure was highest, spearing a forehand wide to present Rune with the chance to serve for the trophy. Rune withstood six break points in a marathon final game before securing the title after two hours and 34 minutes to complete an incredible week in the French capital.

Monday, 7 november, 2022

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IMrAN ATTAckINg NATIoNAL INsTITuTIoNs To regAIN Power sAys sANAuLLAh ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

INISTER for Interior Rana Sanaullah on Sunday urged the higher authorities to arrest the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for the “stability of Pakistan”. “Imran Khan is attacking the national institutions to regain power via an unconstitutional manner,” he said while talking to a private television channel. “The PTI chief is working for “vested interest” in Pakistan”, Rana Sanaullah alleged and said the PTI chairman cannot get succeed in fulfill-

ing his “sinister design.” The prime minister, he said would write a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial for taking notice of the PTI Chief. He added that a full-court bench should be formed to proceed the case. In reply to a question, he said registration of cases against the [officer] of institution could be harmful for the country. To another question regarding the attack on Imran Khan, he said the PTI leader had given “unnecessary and controversial statements” in the past. He added that the statements had promoted an “environment of extremism”. He was of the opinion that a case

PML-N’s Tarar booked under ATA, another held over hurling life threats at Imran LAHORE Staff RepoRt

PML-N leaders including PM’s aide Attaullah Tarar wwere booked on Sunday under terrorism charges for allegedly directing a party leader to issue death threat to PTI Chairman Imran Khan during a public meeting. According to FIR registered in Hafizabad district, PML-N leader Rai Qamar hurled life threats at the PTI chairman at a public gathering on the instructions of the party leaders including Attaullah Tarar and former federal minister Saira Afzal Tarar. Earlier in the day, the police arrested PML-N Hafizabad chapter President Rai Qamar who during a public rally threatened to murder former prime minister Imran Khan, while trying to flee, said an aide to the Punjab chief minister. A first information report (FIR) was also registered against Qamar who said he would be willing to assassinate Khan if “by the grace of God” ordered by the party leadership, Azhar Mashwani confirmed in a series of tweets Sunday. The suspect was “arrested and booked for hurling serious threats at the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman”, tweeted Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the chief minister. “Legal action will be taken against anyone who threatens Imran Khan,” Elahi added. “No one will be allowed to take the law into their hands.” The development was also confirmed by Elahi’s son and party leader Moonis Elahi. The matter came to the fore on Friday when social media users raised concerns after the video showing Qamar speaking at the rally surfaced on social media platforms. Senior party leaders, including Minister Attaullah Tarar, are also seen in the video. “Imran Khan fitna [mischief], the watch thief that has been verified by the courts, claims his assassination bid was sanctioned by Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif,” Qamar said, before adding: “By the grace of God, if he [Sharif] orders me, I will show you [Khan] how a fire is shot and I dare you to survive that.” At this point in the recording, he is seen to be stopped by party leader Saira Afzal Tarar while others are heard laughing in the background. It may also be noted that social media users had raised concerns after video footage of Rai Qamar had surfaced on various platforms where he can be heard threatening Imran while addressing a public event. Reacting to the FIR, PML-N leader Saira Afzal said she had strongly condemned Qamar’s threatening remarks.

of terrorism, that had motivated the person to attack Imran Khan, should be registered. Commenting on the resignation of the Punjab Inspector General Police, he said the Center had made a request to IGP to continue official work following the law of this country. He said IGP had refused to work some days back due to unavoidable circumstances. To a question about security institutions, he said Imran Khan had a habit to use “objectionable remarks” against the security institutions. He said that the security institutions were symbols for the defence of the country. He added that Imran Khan had also made the appointment of army chief

controversial. “I have made the request to competent authorities to arrest PTI Chief but no action was taken so far, “he said. “The PTI chairman is trying to adopt “unconstitutional manners to regain power, but Imran Khan must realize that this “unlawful activities” are harmful to the country’s interest”, the interior minister asserted. To a question, he said the PTI leaders had no respect for the members of opposition parties. The interior minister said that Imran Khan was playing “gimmicks” with the nation and “pressurizing the institutions to make way for him in assuming power once again”.

PM arrives in Egypt to attend Climate Implementation Summit SHARM EL-SHEIKH Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday arrived here in Egypt to participate in the “Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit” being held on November 7-8. The high level officers of the government of Egypt and officers of Pakistan embassy received the prime minister who was accompanied by cabinet members and other senior officials. This summit is taking place as part of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP-27). At the invitation of the Egyptian Presidency of COP-27, the prime minister would also cochair, along with his Norwegian counterpart, a high-level roundtable discussion on “Climate Change and the sustainability of vulnerable communities” on 8th November, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. The prime minister will also participate in other high-level events as a speaker, including the

UN Secretary General’s roundtable to launch the ‘Early Warning Systems for Executive Action Plan’, and the ‘Middle East Green Initiative Summit’ on November 7, being hosted by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman. The prime minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the margins of the summit. COP-27 is taking place at a time when millions of people in Pakistan, and millions more in other parts of the world, are facing severe adverse impacts of climate change, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a related press release. As a developing country most affected by this phenomenon, Pakistan would make a robust call, inter alia, for urgency of climate solidarity and climate justice, based on the established principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. “In its capacity as the in-

cumbent Chair of the Group of 77 & China, which is the largest negotiating bloc of developing countries within the UN system, Pakistan would also lead the Group in the climate change negotiations; including in thematic areas such as climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, and capacity building,” it was added. The COP is the supreme decision-making body under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which meets on annual basis to review and advance collective efforts to address climate change. As a main stakeholder, Pakistan would continue to, proactively, make positive contributions to the global climate change debate, negotiations and collective action, the spokesperson added. Earlier, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday left for Egypt to participate in the “Sharm ElSheikh Climate Implementation Summit” being held on November 7-8.

Arshad Sharif murder: Justice Paracha excuses from heading JC ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Retired Justice Shakoor Paracha on Sunday excused himself to heading the Judicial Commission (JC) set up for a probe into the murder of known anchorperson and journalist Arshad Sharif. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed the commission to inquire into the murder of Arshad Sharif in Nairobi. “I have informed the federal government about my decision that the mother of the martyred journalist had expressed dissatisfaction over the commission,” Justice Paracha said. The mother of Arshad Sharif, in a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial,

had requested the formation of a high-powered judicial commission to investigate her son’s murder. “A member, nominated in the commission, has already visited Nairobi. A person who become part of a prior investigation should not become member of the commission as per the law,” Justice Paracha pointed out. Justice Shakoor Paracha also said that no representative of media was included in the inquiry commission. “It is necessary that a representative from media should be taken into the loop,” he further said. Justice Paracha also said that he was agreed with the Prime Minister of Pakistan that the Chief Justice should form a commission for investigation into the murder of Arshad Sharif.

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Proposed Jc needs to probe Arshad sharif’s killing, swati’s issue as well: Fawad LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Fawad Chaudhry has demanded the proposed judicial commission to also probe the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif and the matter of Azam Swati. Talking to media here on Sunday, he expressed reservations over “unwarranted” delay in registration of FIR of assassination attempt on PTI Chairman Imran Khan, saying it needs to be determined whether Pakistan will run as per the constitution or not. Commenting over the PTI long march, Fawad Ch said that the march will reach Rawalpindi within 14 days, from where the PTI chief will lead the march. It is good news that Imran Khan has left for the house after being discharged from the hospital, he said, adding that the PTI’s march will resume from Allahwala Chowk in Wazirabad where assassination attempt was made on the party chief. He said that now let the masses take a decision as the “ghost of the conciseness” has come out of the bottle, which will not return now. Fawad Ch said that the PTI has accepted the proposal of PM Shehbaz Sharif on the formation of a judicial commission. However, the transparent investigation could not be held till the resignation of the three persons named by Imran Khan, he said therefore, before the investigation gets started, the mentioned people should tender their resignation. Claiming that the Punjab CM and his cabinet could not do anything because of “they” have held hostage the system, Fawad said with the captivation of different groups, the masses could not get their rights.

Punjab police chief steps down LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Faisal Shahkar, the chief of Punjab police, has informed the federal government of his decision to step down from his office, citing personal reasons. In his resignation letter submitted to the Establishment Division, Shahkar said he was unable to continue discharging his duties. The central government has yet not accepted the resignation. It merits a mention here that Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuaid (PML-Q) leader Moonis Elahi held an important meeting with former prime minister Imran Khan at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital in Lahore. During the meeting, matters pertaining to the registration of a complaint following the attack on Khan. According to sources privy to the matter, the former prime minister also directed Moonis Elahi, the chief minister’s son, to remove Faisal Shahkar. He reportedly accepted the demand and assured him of the removal of cooperation.

At coP27, Pakistan to lead push for climate change compensation WASHINGTON Staff RepoRt

Flood-hit Pakistan, which heads an influential bloc of nations at the United Nations, is set to lead the demand for rich countries to pay compensation for losses inflicted on the world’s poorest people by climate change at the upcoming summit in Egypt. ramp up demands for rich countries to pay compensation for losses inflicted on the world’s poorest people by climate change “To the developing countries that are suffering these impacts because of the policies of industrialized countries over the past 150 years, this is a matter of climate justice,” Ambassador Munir Akram, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN and chairman of the Group of 77 and China, said in an interview with The Washington Post.

DSP among five policemen martyred in Ghotki gun battle GHOTKI/LARKANA/KARACHI Staff RepoRt

Five policemen, including the district superintendent of police and two SHOs, were martyred in a gun battle with dacoits in Katcha area of Ghotki in Sindh in the wee of Sunday. According to a police spokesman, police team led by Ubauro DSP Abdul Malik Bhutto, SHO Deen Muhammad Leghari and SHO Abdul Malik Kamangar conducted raid in Katcha area of Ronti for recovery of three persons kidnapped from Ronti Road area of Ubauro Taluka of the district last week. However, the bandits stormed a police

camp set up as base camp for operation in Ronti, and amid the gun battle, five police officials embraced martyrdom including DSP Abdul Malik Bhutto and two Station House Officers while several policemen including SHO Ronti Police were injured who were shifted to Taluka Hospital Ubauro from where they were later referred to Sukkur hospital. The dacoits also held 20 policemen hostage in the camp and took control of 10 police vehicles. Following the attack, policemen from across the district and Sindh Rangers personnel were called in for operation against the dacoits. The police camp was set up in Katcha

area to recover the hostages from Ronti area, said Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Javed Jiskani. The DIG said that a gang of over 150 dacoits attacked the police camp, killing five officers including a DSP and two SHO. DSP burieD with full honor in larkana: Martyred DSP Abdul Malik Bhutto was laid to rest with full honor at his ancestral graveyard Abu Bakr in Larkana city on Sunday evening. A smartly-turned-out contingent of the Sindh Police presented guard of honor and last respects to the martyr. He left behind two widows (wives), three daughters, five sons and two brothers, to recall his sweet memories.

The funeral prayers were offered at Eid Gah Lahori Muhallah in Larkana city. Wing Commander Shahbaz Rangers Larkana, Lt-Col Deerem Muhammad Baig, DIG Police Larkana Range Mazhar Nawaz Sheikh, SSP Dr Muhammad Imran Khan, SSP Jacobabad, SP Headquarters Asif Raza Baloch, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Political Secretary Jameel Ahmed Soomro, PPP Leader Tariq Anwar Sial, former Mayor Muhammad Aslam Sheikh, Khair Muhammad Sheikh, PPP District General Secretary Ejaz Ahmed Laghari, JUI Leader Nasir Khalid Mehmood Soomro, police officials, officials of Rangers, relatives of the martyred police officer and area peo-

ple attended his last rites. funeral PraYerS of MartYreD fiVe PoliCeMen: The funeral prayers of martyred five policemen including a DSP, two SHOs and two constables who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty yesterday night in Ghotki was offered at Police Headquarters Mirpur Mathelo here Sunday afternoon. A large number of people including MNA Sardar Mohammad Bux Mahar, Pakistan Rangers Wing Commander Brig Ajmal Khan, SSP Ghotki, journalists, advocates, social activists, local citizens and family members and relatives of martyred policemen and other police officials attended the funeral.

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