Epaper_22-11-09 ISB

Wednesday, 9 November, 2022 I 13 Rabi us Sani, 1444 I Rs 15.00 | Vol XIII No 130 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

‘Now or Never’: PM Shehbaz SayS PakiStaN NeedS fuNdS, Not debtS g

says flooDs DestroyeD 8,000km highways, 3,000km rail tracks

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says Post-Disaster assessment estimates over $30b in loss, Damage

ISLAMABAD

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staff report

rime minister shehbaz sharif on tuesday said that Pakistan needed additional funding, not debts, to rebuild a resilient and adaptive infrastructure in the face of climate change. in his national statement at the coP27 climate conference in egypt, the premier stressed that it was the duty of the global north to understand Pakistan’s plight. addressing world leaders, he said that climate change-induced catastrophic flooding in Pakistan had impacted 33 million people — the size of three european countries — with more than half being women and children.

Pm shehbaz highlighted that the floods had destroyed over 8,000 kilometers of highways, damaged more than 3,000 kilometers of railway tracks, and washed away crops over four million acres. “the Post-Disaster needs assessment estimates over $30 billion in loss and damage.” he said that Pakistan suffered the manmade disaster despite less than one percent contribution to the carbon footprint, adding that amid these disastrous conditions, flood-hit Pakistan had to import wheat, palm oil, and

“very expensive” oil and gas spending around $32 billion. he said the country had also redirected its resources to meet the basic needs of the millions of flood-affected households. “Pakistan is spending billions of dollars from its own resources to provide shelter, homes, medical aid, and food package to millions of people.

“how one can expect us to carry out this gigantic task on our own,” he asked and then thanked the international community for extending support to Pakistan for the relief of the flood survivors. highlighting Pakistan’s priorities, the prime minister emphasised prioritising the global goal on adaptation both in terms of financing and timelines. “the current financing gap is too high to sustain any real recovery needs of those on the frontlines of climate catastrophe.” secondly, he went on, loss and damage needed to be a part of the core agenda of coP27 to meet the pressing humanitarian needs of those who were trapped in a crisis of public financing fueled by debt and yet had to fund climate disasters on their own. thirdly, Pm shehbaz called for clearly defining climate finance as new, additional, and sustained resources with a transparent mechanism to meet the needs of developing and vulnerable countries with the required speed and scale. “we have been talking for years. but have failed to even agree on the basics. Pledges made at the copenhagen coP15 in 2009 for mobilizing $100 billion per annum by 2020 have still not been realised.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

Evidence confirm Arshad Sharif killed in ‘targeted attack’: Sanaullah ISLAMABAD staff report

interior minister rana sanaullah said on tuesday that journalist arshad sharif was killed in a “targeted attack” in kenya. senior anchorperson arshad sharif was shot dead on the evening of oct 23, in the kenyan capital nairobi. addressing a press confer-

ence in islamabad on tuesday, rana sanaullah said: “arshad sharif’s death is not a case of mistaken identity – i can say, and, on the evidence we have so far, this prima facie is a target killing.” “we still need to obtain more (evidence) to confirm all this and we have asked the kenyan government for more data,” he added. rana sanaullah also asked the provincial government

of Punjab and khyber Pakhtunkhwa to open up national highways for traffic by dispersing protesters. the interior minister said that 10 to 15 persons have blocked roads in different areas of kP and Punjab. “fitna march is ongoing in khyber Pakhtunkwa and Punjab which is creating problems for commuters. “it is the responsibility of provincial govts to clear roads

and i am requesting them to open highways immediately,” said sanaullah. the federal minister also apologised to the people affected by the long march and protests on behalf of the federal government. rana sanaullah also appealed to chief justices of lahore, Peshawar and islamabad to take notice of closure of roads by Pti workers in Punjab and kP.

Bilawal, Sherpao call for impartial probe into attack on Imran ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR staff report

foreign minister bilawal bhutto Zardari and another ally of the coalition government – Qaumi watan Party (QwP) chairman aftab sherpao on tuesday called for a ‘free, fair and impartial’ investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on Pti chief imran khan. in an interview to cnn with senior journalist christiana amanpour, the foreign minister reiterated his “unequivocal condemnation” of the attack and maintained that an impartial investigation would help bring facts forward. “whatever anyone thinks of mr khan domestically, this was an attack on a former prime minister. an attack on anyone should be investigated in an impartial and proper manner,” bilawal stated. commenting on imran’s visit to russia while he was still in power and his handshake with russian President vladimir Putin the day the russia-Ukraine conflict began, fm bilawal said that across the political divide in Pakistan “we agreed we want to stay neutral in this conflict”. meanwhile, Qaumi watan Party (QwP) chairman aftab ahmed khan sherpao while condemning wazirabad long march incident said that it should not be politicized and all should wait for findings of the investigation. addressing journalists at tangi in charsadda district, the veteran politician said that maintaining law and order and provision of security to imran khan’s container was the responsibility of the Punjab government that was apparently failed in its duties. he said that Pti was enjoying power in Punjab where chief minister Pervaiz elahi was its nominee and police may be allowed to perform its duties as per the law independently to probe wazirabad’s incident transparently. aftab sherpao while endorsing the Prime minister’s statement, said that investigation of the unfortunate incident through an independent commission of supreme court was the right option.

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Wednesday, 9 November, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

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IESCO SEEkS ExEmptIOn frOm taxES, ImpOrt dutIES On adB-fundEd amI prOjECtS ISLAMABAD

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Shahzad paRacha

HE Islamabad Electric Supply Co Ltd (IESCO) has requested the federal government to exempt or reduce the ADB-funded Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project from taxes and duties.

Sources in the government told Pakistan Today that IESCO has written a letter with regard to the request for exemption, reduction of taxes and duties on the AMI pilot project.

It is pertinent to mention here that IESCO awarded the AMI project to M/s KT Kaifa consortium on Sep 1, 2022. The project was previously halted in September 2019 due to a controversial bidding process to award the contract to a sole bidder.

Sources said that the notification of proof of concept was issued to the contractor for installing 500 meters with the allied system on a smaller scale within the stipulated time on its own cost to demonstrate and establish the consortium’s ability to knob the main AMI project.

During the import of equipment in PoC, the bidder has paid applicable taxes and duties on different import items to the customs authorities for clearance of imported items. Presently, 20% customs duty, 17% sales tax, 6% additional customs duty, 5.50% income tax and 9% regulatory duty are imposed on the import of equipment related to this project.

On the other side, all the local Electricity Meters Manufacturers of Pakistan wrote grievances to the government’s high power authorities for this illegal award of contracts

without considering the “Land of Law of Pakistan”.

The local Electricity Meters Manufacturers are protesting the IESCO seeking illegal exceptions from applicable taxes and customs duties to support its blue-eyed company of AMI project which they say will destroy the local engineering industries that are producing smart meters locally.

The local Electricity Meters Manufacturers are paying all the applicable taxes and duties on the import of electronic items which are used in the manufacturing of smart meters and the government never granted any exemption to local smart meter manufacturers.

Sources added that it was clearly mentioned in the bidding document of the IESCO AMI project that if the smart

meters are manufactured locally, the bidder is supposed to be responsible for all the applications of local taxes.

Whereas IESCO is seeking the exemption after the award of the contract was not a level playing field for the local industry to compete in the bidding process and have a serious violation of land law and unlawful.

Sources said that IESCO will pay all taxes and duties on import items in the project from counterpart funding as per contract agreement and ADB loan conditions which will create a huge financial impact on utility and may also lead to hold remittances of CPPA (G) for prompt payments.

It is worth mentioning here that ECNEC had approved ADB-PDEIP II Tranche-AMI project-IESCO Package 1 on November 7,

2016 following which the loan and project agreement were signed between ADB IESCO and MoE on Nov 19, 2016.

The project has faced massive delays due to the pandemic COVID 19, legal issues and re-evaluation of IESCO BoD, CCoE and CDWP/ECNEC. Subsequently, the project was finally re-approved by ECNEC on 24/11/2019 with the following directions that Power Division will implement the project in IESCO as a pilot project to evaluate all the issues such as design, technology, scope. On the basis of lessons learnt, AMI projects of other DISCOs, including LSSCO will be implemented.

Accordingly, the procurement process resumed and a contractor M/s KT- Kaifa consortium remained as the sole qualified bidder in the bidding process.

Sanaullah urges Punjab, KP to unblock highways, motorways to avoid ‘consequences’ ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

dar blames Imran for historic inflation, ravaged economy ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar has blamed the previous government of Imran Khan for soaring inflation and a damaged economy, declaring the people were fully aware of the former prime minister’s “lies, corruption, and conspiracies.” Dar who last month declared he knew how to deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and no one had to worry about anything regarding the economy anymore, on Tuesday said it was in fact Khan who was to be held accountable for the economic crises surrounding Pakistan today. He claimed the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was politicising national institutions for his vested interests and the party leadership was not sincere in resolving real issues. Talking to a TV station, he said Khan’s party was “hatching conspiracies” to entangle the people and the institutions to fight with each other. The misleading conspiracy-induced statements are linked to their bad intentions, he added. Khan and his aides diverting public attention from real issues were making hater statements in public one after the other, he said. He made it clear that Shahbaz Sharif was striving for real freedom in the country. He was leading the nation with an independent foreign policy merely focused on the betterment of its people, Dar said. He said it was ironic that Khan’s incompetence and bad economic policies were the reason behind the inflation being faced by the people, and now Khan and his party were shamelessly blaming the incumbent government for PTI’s bad governance and incompetence. He advised Khan that instead of making hue and cry, he should hold himself accountable for inflation and economic crisis.

Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan on Tuesday asked the provincial governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to unblock national highways and motorways in their jurisdictions and avoid creating trouble for people under the protection of the police.

“Both the provincial governments should fulfill their constitutional duty otherwise there would be consequences.”

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Rana Sanaullah said that it was the constitutional duty of provincial governments to protect rights of the people and the federal government was reminding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab governments of this duty.

He said that both provincial governments have been written for the restoration of traffic on national highways and motorways in their jurisdictions and to ensure peace in their limits. He also called on the chief justices of the apex and high courts of Punjab, Islamabad and Peshawar

to take notice of the protests, saying that the people causing trouble for citizens would later approach the court for relief.

He said that a handful of protesters were agitating in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkwa as well as Punjab and causing inconvenience for citizens. The nation had rejected the PTI’s “fitna march” and I apologized to the people affected by the march on behalf of the federal government, its allies and prime minister, Rana Sanaullah added.

He said that the protesters were burning tyres and blocking roads. Later, they film videos to show that a sea of citizens is protesting, he said adding that citizens were being prevented from going to the hospital, picking up their children from school and running important errands.

He said that at some sites, the protesters had blocked roads from both sides and police is assisting them by placing barriers.

Citizens have shown resentment on such attitude of PTI’s protesters and situation would be tense if people

started reacting over such protests, he added.

The minister reiterated that only a few thousand people had joined the party’s march which was intent on pushing the country toward chaos. He said that only one suspect, Naveed, had been arrested for involvement in Wazirabad incident and there was no other suspect.

He said that suspect had the same motivations as those behind the attacks on Ahsan Iqbal and the attack on Khawaja Asif.

The minister said the suspect was self-motivated and was not a part of any political or religious party. All the people he was linked to and in contact with are being investigated, and maintained.

Regarding the allegations of Imran Khan about Wazirabad incident and his wish to include three personalities in it, the minister said there must be some sort of evidence for the first information report (FIR) to be registered, otherwise, anybody would be free to lodge complaint against their opponents. By that argument, someone can ever register a case against the chief justice, the minister added.

Tehreek-e-Kashmir conducts digital campaign in UK to remember forgotten Jammu genocide LONDON Staff RepoRt

Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK conducted a digital campaign to shed light on the forgotten massacre of 400,000 Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.

TeK UK ran a digital van around the diplomatic enclave in London including around Indian High Commission besides landmark points including British parliament.

“The digital campaign was aimed at bringing to fore massacre committed on 400,000 Muslims in Jammu division of Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and

militant, masqueraded as missing person, killed in kp offensive: ISpr ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

A soldier and a suspected terrorist, who was “propagated as a missing person”, were killed in a military operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Army said on Tuesday. The security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Shakas town of the Khyber district of the province, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. “During the conduct of the operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists,” the military’s media wing statement said, adding its troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, killing an important terrorist commander on the spot. The killed terrorist was actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces, target killing and extortion, it said. Weapons and ammunition were seized from the slain terrorist. Saleem Khan, a 28-year old soldier from Swabi, was also killed in the operation after fighting “gallantly”.

Kashmir (IIoJK) in first week of November 1947,” said Fahim Kayani, leader of the TeK UK. He said the fascist Hindu Dogra autocratic Hari Singh in connivance with then Indian army massacred Muslims in Jammu division “to physically change demographics of the Muslim-majority region,” he said.

According to historical evidence, tens of thousands of people, mostly Muslims, were brutally killed, burnt alive, abducted, wounded, thrown into rivers by the autocratic Singh who held the region under forcible rule.

“The Jammu massacre was the first

case of ethnic cleansing after the 2nd World War. The scars of the brutal massacre of the Muslims of Jammu are still fresh in the memories of Kashmiris.

The Jammu massacre reminds us of the criminal face of Hindutva powers. The series of sacrifices that started in Jammu in 1947 continues in IIOJK till date.”

Kayani explained.

“Unfortunately, this chapter in history of IIoJK has not attained much attention in international academia and media,” said the TeK UK president.

Kayani said if properly probed, “India can be held responsibility for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity

Iqbal day: public holiday restored ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The federal government on Tuesday announced November 9 as a public holiday, in connection with the birth anniversary of the country’s national poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal. A notification issued by the Prime Minister’s Office dated 08.11.2022 said, “The Prime Minister has been pleased to desire that 9th November (Iqbal Day) shall henceforth be observed as a public holiday”. Following this, the Cabinet Division in a notification issued said, “In continuation of the Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-01/2021-Min-II dated 17th December 2021, it is for general information that the Prime Minister is pleased to restore the public holiday on occasion of the birthday of Allama Iqbal, i.e. 9th November. Therefore, Wednesday 9th November 2022 shall be observed as public holiday throughout the country”. The Pakistani nation would mark the 145th birth anniversary of great philosopher and poet, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal on November 9 (Wednesday). The worldfamed poet of the east was born on November 9, 1877, in a middle-class family in Kashmiri Mohallah, an ancient denselypopulated locality of Sialkot city.

in Jammu Genocide case.”

He said TeK UK will continue to highlight events that have happened in IIoJK to press international community to hold India accountable.

“The Jammu Genocide was committed because India was sacred that any plebiscite held in IIoJK will against her since the region is mostly Muslims,” he said, adding that India took it on itself to force a demographic change in IIoJK by way of massacre.

“The idea was simple to change religious demography numbers; but since it failed then and, Insha Allah, will misery fail in future attempts by fascist India.”

rewire financial system to aid climate-hit nations: un chief CAIRO afp

The world needs to rethink the international financial system to provide debt relief to countries battered by devastating and costly climate impacts like Pakistan, UN chief Antonio Guterres said. The catastrophic flooding that put a third of Pakistan under water this year displaced millions of people, swamped swathes of key farmland, and destroyed homes, roads and bridges. The disaster caused more than $30 billion of damages and economic losses, according to World Bank estimates, piling pressure on an already fragile economy. “Pakistan deserves massive support directly from the international community,” Guterres said, at a packed meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the UN COP27 climate summit in Egypt. Guterres renewed support for “loss and damage” funds to help vulnerable nations deal with the accelerating impacts of climate change. But he said the world needs to go further and rewire how countries access finance, particularly from the multilateral development banks. “It is important to review the way the international financial system works in order for Pakistan to have access to effective debt relief,” he said, as well as to access “concessional funding” needed for the “huge” levels of reconstruction.

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GIrlS’ SChOOl SEt On fIrE In GIlGIt-BaltIStan ISLAMABAD

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Ghulam abbaS

NIDENTIFIED assailants set fire to the Brogi Girls School in the Darel area of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and abducted the security guard. The police have launched an investigation to find the perpetrators.

According to Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Mohyuddin Wani, suspected arsonists set fire to the school building in the early hours of Tuesday before kidnapping the security guard.

This was not the first time the girls’ schools have been set on fire for many times in the area by similar miscreants. In August

2018, unidentified attackers burnt down at least 12 schools in GB’s Diamer area, spreading fear among people, according to villagers and authorities.

Diamer Superintendent Police (SP), Roy Ajmal, had revealed that at least half of the burnt schools were girls-only schools. He said that in some cases, books had also been thrown outside the schools and set alight, but fortunately, no student was harmed as the incidents took place at night when the schools were closed.

The schools were constructed to encourage education in the Diamer region, where the literacy rate is the lowest for both boys and girls in GB. Reports gathered from multiple sources

pm constitutes committee to highlight dr allama Iqbal’s philosophy ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

suggest the incident happened on Monday night when Brogi Girls School was set on fire by unknown miscreants.

Responding to the media queries, the Chief Secretary of Gilgit Baltistan Mohyuddin Wani said a full-fledged inquiry would be conducted and the miscreants would be brought to Justice. He said it was the right of every girl to get education, and the affected school would be restored within a week.

The Chief Secretary also announced that he would send a team of officers and engineers to visit the affected school and suggest ways and means for its quick restoration. Hours later, a case was registered against unknown miscreants for burning

NEPRA conducts hearing on plea seeking raise in power tariff for Karachi ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minster Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday constituted a high level committee to highlight work of the national poet, Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal. The prime minister desired to arrange a detailed programme, to highlight the life, work and philosophy of Dr. Allama Iqbal, may be developed for the month of November. The committee under the supervision of Senator Irfan Siddiqui, shall complete the task within three days, said a notification issued by PM office.

According to the notification, National Heritage and Culture Division shall provide secretarial support to the committee and it would finalize the events which must be befitting the stature of the towering personality of Allama Iqbal. The resources, expertise and venue of the Iqbal Academy shall also be utilized to the fullest extent. The committee headed by Senator Irfan Siddiqui is comprising of Dr. Nisar Ahmed Cheema (MNA), Dr. Nafisa Shah (MNA), Secretary, national Heritage and Culture Division, Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik , Prof. Dr. Khawaja Muhammad Zakria, Prof. Dr. Rafi Ud Din Hashmi, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ayub Sabir, Prof.

Dr . Aslam Ansari, Dr. Ehsan Akbar, Prof. Dr. Tehsin Firaqi, Dr. Abasar Ahmad, Dr. Talib Hussain sial, Khurram Alki Shafique, Dr. Maqsood Jafri, Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Prof. Dr. Abid Ali, Dr. Badshah Munir Bukhari, Dr. Khalid Iqbal Yasir, Muhammad Ikram Chughtari, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Kamran and Prof. Dr. Basera Ambreen.

ahsan Iqbal for end to politics of hate, violence ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday compared the recent attack on Imran Khan with the attack on him in the past, saying the young man who attacked him was also religiously motivated and was from a similar socio-economic background.

He was speaking in a Twitter Space titled, “How to end politics of hate and violence in the country”, organized by Naya Daur, a web-based media platform. People from different walks of life participated in the Twitter Space and later questions and answers session was also held. The minister highlighted the attacks on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz, Khawaja Asif, and several other leaders of the PML-N, saying all these attacks were under a proper campaign initiated by the PTI. Expressing his regret over Imran Khan’s response to these attacks, Ahsan Iqbal said, at that time, the PTI chief, instead of condemning the incidents, declared them an expression of public anger against the PML-N. Moreover, he added, during the election campaign in general elections of 2018, PTI tried to gain political advantage by imposing fabricated allegations against his faith.

At that time, the minister said, he had highlighted the growing extremist mindset in the society to the then National Security Committee and urged the then government to take strict action against such extremist elements. He further said when Imran Khan was attacked, the nation as a whole condemned the act but Imran Khan played politics over the incident.

Consequently, Imran khan bore the brunt of that spark of extremism in society, remarked the minister, while emphasizing to eliminate the polarization from the society which had been destroying the society and the country. Prof Iqbal further added that extremism in a society was a common threat to all and no one would be able to bear it. He also highlighted several steps taken by the PML-N government during the previous tenure, particularly to mitigate the extremist mindset from the society.

down the school.

Following the incident, students staged protest against burning of school. Thousands of students came out as a protest against the burning of school by terrorists and miscreants in Darial, district Diamer.

In this connection, Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Muhiudeen Wani said that “We will not let them down and will hunt the miscreants and bring them to justice”.

He said that we promise that we will restore and rebuild the school in next few days and this school will be the best school as far as infrastructure is concerned, adding that this school will also have additional facilities of IT lab, sports and library.

“Now the Deputy Commissioner,

In line with its regulations, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Tuesday conducted an open hearing of the Federal Government petition, seeking a 51 paisa per unit raise in power tariff for Karachi’s consumers under quarterly adjustments.

This hike was requested by the federal government to ensure that consumers across Pakistan are charged uniform rates according to their slab-wise electricity consumption. This process is underpinned by the National Power Tariff and Subsidy Policy Guidelines 2014, which have been developed by the government and apply to all electricity consumers in the country.

Earlier, the federal government in order to maintain uniform tariff policy across the country filed a motion with NEPRA and sought 51 paisa/unit raise for power consumers of K-Electric under quarterly adjustments (QA) for 3rd quarter (January – March) of Financial year (FY) 2021-2022. And, in order to arrive at a just and informed decision the NEPRA on Tuesday conducted a hearing. NEPRA is yet to determine the date from which this change will apply to consumer bills, which will be followed by a notification by the Government. The process of setting the electricity rates, and their application on consumer bills, rests with the regulatory authority and Government. Individual distribution companies cannot influence the process or modify the tariff unilaterally.

As per the federal government’s motion, the

Authority was requested to issue a separate SoT (Schedule of Electricity Tariff) with prospective application of applicable uniform rates after incorporating tariff rationalization. Such adjustment shall be applicable on the consumption of September 2022, October 2022 and November 2022 to be recovered from consumers in November 2022, December 2022 and January 2023. Respectively, said the government’s motion.

Sources in K-Electric said that this hike was requested by the GoP in order to maintain uniform tariff policy across the country. And, the recovery period is yet to be determined by NEPRA and notified by the Government. It is pertinent to mention that the authority had earlier determined periodic adjustment in tariff for the 3rd Quarter of FY 021-22 for DISCOs having uniform rate of Rs0.5087/kWh for three months period and same has been notified vide SRO No. 1587(1)72022 dated 23 August 2022.

In accordance with the National Electricity Policy, 2021, the Government may maintain a uniform consumerend tariff for K-Electric and state-owned distribution companies (even after privatization) through incorporation of direct / indirect subsidies.

Accordingly, KE applicable uniform variable charge is also required to be modified so as to recover the revenue requirements of KE, determined by the Authority consistent with the DlSCOs. The same has been approved by the Federal Government and it was decided that the same be submitted to the Authority for consideration in terms of the provisions of the Act.

Commissioner, DIG an SSP diamer and Chillas will be responsible for the protection of educational institutions of girls, CS GB added. He said that there is no room for intolerant behavior towards girls education.

“I am really happy to see that daughters of Gilgit Baltistan have come out in thousands of number to protest against the burning of school by terrorists and miscreants in Darial, district Diamer.

According to him, the Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner, DIG and SSP Diamer and Chillas will be responsible for the protection of educational institutions for girls. No room for intolerant behavior towards girls’ education.

CCpO suspension: lhC tells dogar to contest decision in service tribunal LAHORE Staff RepoRt

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday disposed of a petition filed by Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ghulam Mahmood Dogar, who has been at the centre of political wrangling between the federal government and the PTI-Punjab government, against his suspension. The court directed him to approach service tribunal, the relevant forum, for redressal of his grievance besidies turning down his request for a stay order against his suspension by the Establishment Division. He was suspended on November 5, apparently for failing to ensure security of the Governor House in Lahore during a series of protests that ensued following the gun attack on former prime minister Imran Khan last week. In his plea, Dogar told the court the federal government was targeting him over the registration of terrorism cases against two ministers in Lahore’s Green Town police station. He noted that before issuing the notification, he was never given a reason by the Establishment Division for the notice. During the hearing on Tuesday, a counsel for Dogar contended the policeman was neither sent a showcause notice nor was his stance heard. The court, however, observed that matters pertaining to services fell within the ambit of the service tribunal.

allama Iqbal’s vision way to prosperity LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Celebrations of 553rd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak begin LAHORE Staff RepoRt

The celebrations of 553rd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Jee begun at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib on Tuesday. The ceremony will conclude after Nagar Kirtan procession and final ritual at night.

Thousands of Sikhs from India and other countries have arrived in Pakistan to participate in birthday celebrations at Janumasthan Nankana Sahib. Despite tensions with India, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has made every effort to assist Sikh yatrees visiting Pakistan.

Pakistan has made it possible for the Sikh community to celebrate the birthday of their Guru Baba Nanak Dev Jee in Kartarpur Corridor, despite India’s defiant stance.

This is just another example of Islamabad’s efforts to promote peace in the area. Sikhs were able to visit their holy place during this significant ceremony because of Islamabad’s efforts. The Kartarpur corridor is a visa-free

crossing allowing Indian Sikhs to visit the temple just 4 kilometers inside Pakistan where Baba Guru Nanak died in 1539. The corridor was initially inaugurated in 2019 to celebrate Baba Nanak’s 550th birthday, however, it was later shut down due to the coronavirus epidemic. The corridor links Punjab in Pakistan and Punjab in India, which was split between the two nations after they won independence from Britain in 1947.

Punjab is the home of Sikhism. Although many of their sacred sites are still present in Religion Pakistan, Sikhs make up a very small percentage there. Since gaining independence, Pakistan and India have fought three full-scale wars over Kashmir, which is split between the two nations but is claimed by each in its entirety.

The corridor was described by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as the “Corridor of Hope” during his visit to Kartarpur Sahib in February 2020. The Kartarpur corridor was reopened on 29 June 2020 under Covid-19related protocols after its temporary closure due to the pandemic on 16 March 2020.

Supporters of Imran block roads in Islamabad in new protest ISLAMABAD ReuteRS

Supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan blocked roads near the capital on Tuesday, disrupting traffic and forcing schools to close, as they protested against a bid to assassinate their leader at a recent anti-government rally to demand early elections.

The former cricket star was shot at the rally last Thursday. He is recovering from leg wounds.

“People are finding it very hard to go to work,” said police official Yawar Ali. “Families have been stuck in the traffic for hours. We’ve even got reports that the protesters have not let ambulances pass.”

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), however, rejected the claim as “baseless” and shared videos of crowds of protestors calmly parting to allow ambulances and those in need to go through.

Khan’s unpopular successor as prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has rejected his demand for new polls and the deadlock has stoked instability in the nuclear-armed country.

The supporters of Khan began their protests on major roads around Islamabad late on Monday. They have blocked the highway to Islamabad airport, and the ones linking the capital to the cities of Lahore and Peshawar.

Television footage showed Khan’s supporters burning tyres as they set up protest camps across roads.

The government ordered all state and private schools to shut for the day, according to an order seen by Reuters.

Khan launched the long-march protest rally from Lahore to the capital on October 28. He was waving to the crowd from a container mounted on a truck in Wazirabad last Thursday when a man fired several shots at him. Khan was among 10 wounded people. One party worker was killed.

Police have arrested the suspected shooter.

Khan’s party announced late on Monday that the march would resume on Thursday at the place where Khan was attacked, and he would lead it virtually.

The political tension comes as Pakistan is grappling with economic turmoil exacerbated by recent flooding that the government estimates caused economic losses worth $30 billion.

PTI leader from NA-137 Okara, Chaudhry Aurangzeb said that everyone would have to struggle hard to transform Pakistan into a model envisioned by forefather, especially poet-philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal. In a message on Iqbal Day, the PTI leader said that what Dr Iqbal had envisaged a welfare state where Islam would rule supreme and which would be a role model for other nations of the world to replicate. Ch Aurangzeb stressed that Pakistan was envisioned by Allama Iqbal and now it is our duty to adopt his vision as a nation. He said we should strive to adopt his concept of “Khudi” which emphasizes self recognition and self reliance. Iqbal wanted youngsters to be aware of their current state of dependence and free their mind from the shackles of the world which hinder our way towards real progress, he added.

‘now or never’: pm Shehbaz says pakistan needs funds, not debts CONtINuED fROM pAgE 01 They need to be enhanced given the increased frequency and intensity of climate extreme events,” he underlined.

Moreover, the premier also called for the creation of a Global Climate Risk Index for all parties of the UNFCCC, where projects from the most vulnerable countries could be prioritised and given speedy approvals for climate finance. Prime Minister Shehbaz said the COP27 summit rang an alarm bell for humanity as it was the only platform where vulnerable countries took their case to the rich and the resourced, to build a common purpose for justice, carbon neutrality and a roadmap to crucial policy resets.

04 NEWS 9 Novermber 2022 (ISB)_Layout 1 11/9/2022 12:13 AM Page 1

Wednesday, 9 November, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

04 NEWS

ARResT wARRANTs IssueD foR HIGH-PRofILe PTI LeADeRs AHeAD of LoNG MARCH ISLAMABAD

T

Staff RepoRt

HE Islamabad police are reported to have obtained arrest warrants for several senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), two days before the party resumes its protest march on the capital to demand snap elections.

The leaders for whom the warrants have been secured include Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Zulfi Bukhari, Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Pervez Khattak, among others.

Gandapur and Khattak were already wanted by the police in other cases.

The warrants were issued after protestors, said to be affiliated with the party, blocked several highways in the wake of an assassination attempt on party chair Imran Khan. Sources said that with the permission of the federal government, the Islamabad police, Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) could open the motorway.

The capital police also wrote a letter to the interior secretary and Islamabad commissioner, seeking permission to clear Lahore-Peshawar Motorway. The police, in the letter, stated that the routes to and from the airport are of utmost importance. “Articles 97/149 and 151 give police the right to protect the airport and its routes,” the letter stated.

Minister condemns Imran’s ‘attempt to implicate’ journalists in assassination bid ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Director General Radio Pakistan and Chairman the Central Board of Film Censors Muhammad Tahir Hassan lauds the Chinese media especially FM-98 Dosti Channel for giving excellent coverage to the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Beijing. He further emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation with the Chinese film industry. He noted that the Chinese film and drama industry is considered as one of the best in the world. During a visit to the studio of FM-98 Dosti Channel in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said the Channel has proved itself true to its nomenclature.

The DG Radio Pakistan said under the dynamic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the bilateral relationship between the two countries has seen rapid progress, and Dosti Channel is an excellent manifestation of it. The Director General said Radio Pakistan has recently produced a song regarding Pakistan-China bilateral relations.

Loss and damage: Fight over human harm, huge climate costs SHARM EL-SHEIKH the aSSociated pReSS

Staff RepoRt

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb condemned the “attempt” made by former prime minister Imran Khan to “implicate” a group of pro-government journalists in the failed assassination attempt against him. In a statement, Aurangzeb advised Khan to do politics, but refrain from spreading mischief, chaos and disorder in the country. During Khan’s tenure, journalists were attacked by his government, and now were implicated by him in fake cases, she claimed, and asked the former prime minister not to endanger the lives of reporters for his “petty political gains”. The minister said Khan was doing politics on dead bodies and journalism.

He couldn’t fight a political war with political opponents, he should do political opposition with political opponents, but should not indulge in anti-national activities, the minister declared. Khan had threatened the lives of the three journalists by publicly naming them which was strongly condemnable. Entire Pakistan was a victim of foreign-funded persons who always told lies and was involved in slander and corruption, she opined. “The PTI leadership wanted to set the whole country on fire to come to power”, she lamented. “What do you want to do by setting the country on fire, shedding blood and killing people,” she asked. Aurangzeb said that if journalists ask questions, they were Khan’s enemies. FIA, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the court asking questions were also his enemies.

DG Radio Pakistan lauds Chinese media for excellent coverage of PM’s China visit

It was a total loss — the type that is usually glossed over in big impersonal statistics like $40 billion in damage from this summer’s Pakistan floods that put one-third of the nation underwater.

“We lost everything, our home and our possessions,” said Taj Mai, a mother of seven who is four months pregnant and in a flood relief camp in Punjab. “At least in a camp, our children will get food and milk.” This is the human side of a contentious issue that will likely dominate climate negotiations in Egypt this month. It’s about big bucks, justice, blame and taking responsibility. Extreme weather is worsening as the world warms, with a study calculating that human-caused climate change increased Pakistan’s flood-causing rain by up to 50 percent.

While Pakistan was flooding, six energy companies — ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP, Saudi Aramco and Total Energies — made $97.49 billion in profits from July to September. Poorer nations, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Europe’s leaders and US President Joe Biden are calling for fossil fuel firms to pay a windfall profits tax. Many want some of that money, along with additional aid from rich nations that spewed the lion’s share of heat-trapping gases, to be used to pay countries victimised by past pollution, like Pakistan. The issue of polluters paying for their climate messes is called loss and damage in international climate negotiations. It is all about reparations.

“Loss and damage is going to be the priority and the defining factor of whether or not COP27 succeeds,” said Kenyan climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti, referring to the climate talks in Egypt.

United Nations top offi-

cials say they are looking for “something meaningful in loss and damage” and were “certainly encouraged” by negotiations Friday, Saturday and Sunday that put the issue on the meeting agenda.

Money for loss and damage is different from two other financial aid systems already in place to help poorer nations develop carbon-free energy and adapt to future warming.

Since 2009, the rich nations of the world have promised to spend $100 billion in climate aid for poor nations, with most of it going toward helping wean them off coal, oil and natural gas and build greener energy systems. Officials now want as much as half of that to go to building up systems to help adapt to future climate disasters.

Neither financial pledge has been fulfilled yet, but both don’t address the issue of paying for current and past climate disasters, such as heat waves in India, floods in Pakistan and droughts in Africa.

“Our current levels of global warming at 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) have already caused dangerous and widespread losses and damages to nature and to billions of people,” said Climate Analytics scientist Adelle Thomas of the Bahamas.

“Losses and damages are unavoidable and unequally distributed” with poorer nations, the elderly, the poor and the vulnerable hit harder, she said.

After years of not wanting to talk about reparations in climate talks, US and European officials say they are willing to have loss and damage discussions. But the US — the No. 1 historic carbon polluter — won’t agree to anything that sounds like liability, special envoy John Kerry said.

US emissions that created warmer temperatures caused at least $32 billion in damage to Pakistan’s gross domestic product between 1990 and 2014, according to calculations by Dartmouth climate researchers Christopher Callahan and Justin Mankin based on past emissions. And that’s only based on temperature-oriented damage, not rainfall.

Govt establishes country’s first National Autism Center for children ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The government has established the country’s first public sector National Autism and Mental Health Centre for children in the federal capital.

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Abdul Qadir Patel will inaugurate the centre on Thursday. This state-of-the-art centre has been established at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

On the occasion, the minister said this will be the first centre in the country of such high quality. He added that in the first phase, the centre will offer diagnostic and treatment facilities at the centre’s out-patients department (OPD). He said that the patients will also avail of free medical advice on various aspects of the disease including diagnostic and treatment management at the centre. He said an estimated 0.4 million people in the country are Autism patients, adding the major issue in Pakistan is a diagnosis of the disease as there are reports of wrong diagnose of the disease. He said the issues related to the treatment and availability of facilities are also being faced by patients in Pakistan. He added that this is major progress in the health sector as the government is committed to serving the people of Pakistan. He said the present government was focusing on its health reforms agenda to make a positive change in the health sector and improve the standard of the health service delivery system.

LHC fixes for hearing plea seeking ban on use of tear gas LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Lahore High Court single bench comprising Justice Shahid Karim, heard a petition filed by a citizen Shireen Nawaz, seeking end to use of tear gas against protestors. The court issued notices to the respondents made in the plea. “Tear gas has been hazardous for the human health and made of dangerous substances that could affect lungs,” according to the petition. “An affected person could suffer from lung cancer as well as various breath diseases. Tear gas was also used as a weapon in the world wars,” petitioner argued. “The use of toxic tear gas against one’s own countrymen is cruelty.” Use of tear gas has been prohibited in wars as well as against protests and demonstrations under various international conventions and protocols,” petitioner argued. “Pakistan has been a signatory to different international conventions and despite this fact, Pakistani authorities have been using tear gas against protesters without any lawful authority,” according to the petition.

PTI suspends membership of Buland Iqbal PESHAWAR Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday suspended the membership of Buland Iqbal Tarakai, the uncle of provincial education minister, Shahram Tarakai through a show cause notice issued by the party’s provincial president here. A show cause notice served on Buland Iqbal, by the PTI provincial president, Pervaiz Khattak said Tarakai had violated the party policy and was given two days’ time to submit his reply in response to the show cause notice. It is worth mentioning here that during an inauguration ceremony of a college, Buland Iqbal Tarakai and Shahram Tarakai had exchanged some harsh words and the former was barred from attending the function.

Wednesday, 9 November, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

SNGPL, SSGCL SEEk MASSIvE HIkE IN GAS TARIFF FoR FY 2022-23 ISLAMABAD

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ahmad ahmadani

AS consumers might face an additional burden in the form of gas price hike as Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has sought Rs1,294.02 per Million British Thermal Unit (MMBTU) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) sought Rs667.44/MMBTU. According to sources, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority has received the application of both gas utilities (SNGPL & SSGCL) and decided to conduct separate hearings on these applications. The OGRA will conduct a hearing on the plea of SNGPL on November 14, in Lahore while the hearing of the tariff-hike petition of SSGCL will be held on November 21, in Karachi. The gas consumers who are already bearing heavy brunt of gas shortage would bear an additional burden if OGRA approves the proposed hike in the gas price as sought by both the sui gas companies, sources added.

As per details, SSGCL has sought Rs667.44/MMBTU hike in the gas price for its consumers for the ongoing financial year (FY) 2022-23 owing to revenue shortfall of Rs 184 billion while SNGPL sought Rs 1294.02/MMBTU also to meet the revenue requirements.

According to available document, SNGPL has projected a shortfall in revenue requirements for FY 2022-23 at Rs 178,814 million including Rs 445 million on account of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Air-mix project for FY 2022-23 seeking increase in its average prescribed price by Rs 488.08 /MMBTU effective July 01, 2022.

The SNGPL has also included Rs 295,268 million being shortfall pertaining to previous years, and sought total increase in average prescribed price by Rs 1,294.02/MMBTU with effect from 1st July, 2022 to compensate for increase in cost of gas and other components. Besides above, the SNGPL has estimated Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) cost of service at Rs 1,015.64/MMBTU

for 2022-23 including Rs 762.44/MMBTU on account of differential impact of RLNG diversion.

The cost of gas is linked to the international price of crude oil/fuel oil in accordance with the agreements between the federal government and the gas producers, said document.

SSGCL, in its petition, has projected a shortfall in revenue requirement for FY 2022-23 at Rs 184,881 million including Rs 33,787 million of un-recoup shortfall for FY 2021-2022, seeking increase in average prescribed price by Rs 667.44/MMBTU in its prescribed prices effective from July 01,2022 to compensate for increase in cost of gas and other components.

Similarly, SSGCL has estimated RLNG cost of service at Rs 26.23/MMBTU for FY 2022-23.

Sources in OGRA said that gas has become expensive following the increase in crude oil price in the international oil market while decrease in the value of Pak currency has also been causing additional burden on the gas consumers.

It is pertinent to mention here that

country’s gas consumers have been facing additional burden owing to gas shortage which is mainly due to fast and continuous depletion of domestic gas reserves and significant reduction in import of gas as a couple of global gas suppliers, in violation of long-term agreements, had cancelled the scheduled shipments over the past few months after gas prices shot up in the world market while the government has been avoiding buying expensive gas from global spot markets as gas imported under long-term agreements remained cheaper. Furthermore, exploration and production companies have failed to make a big discovery that can help overcome the crisis.

OGRA in its “State of the Regulated Petroleum Industry” Report for fiscal year 2020-21, pointed out that the indigenous gas production had declined by over six percent to 2,006 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) while gas consumption increased by over five percent which reached to 3,884 MMCFD in the financial year (FY) 2020-21.

PIA plane airlifts flood relief goods donated by Chinese entities BEIJING Staff RepoRt

Governor Tessori, PPEMF discuss issues facing journalists’ community KARACHI Staff RepoRt

A 16-member delegation of Pakistan Print and Electronic Media Foundation (PPEMF), headed by Z H. Khurram, called on Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori at Governor House on Monday.

Freedom of press, problems faced by the journalist community, welfare measures and other issues were discussed during the meeting. On the occasion, the governor said that journalism is the fourth pillar of the state and the journalistic community has rendered immense services for the continuity of democracy. He asserted that the government believes in the freedom of the press and very much aware of the problems facing the journalists’ community and he assured all possible support for the welfare of the journalists.

Z H Khurram said the government's vision of press freedom is admirable, adding that the PPEMF along with an NGO, named SRO, were engaged in various welfare projects for the journalists’ community and, in this regard, he sought the help of the government for speedy culmination of these welfare projects.

Khurram also invited Governor Tessori to participate in the three-day National Media Conference scheduled on December 9, 2022 in Karachi.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane transported relief goods donated by various business organizations and entities based in South West China, for the assistance of flood-hit people in Pakistan.

Recently, PK-871, flew out from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport for Islamabad carrying donations generously handed over by various businesses and entities based in South West China, according to official sources.

PK-871 was the first nongovernmental aid flight leaving China, carrying donations, intended to help support and assist Pakistan’s flood relief efforts.

The items being carried comprised of water purifiers, tents, blankets, etc and the total tonnage was around four tonnes.

The flight’s final destination was

Islamabad International.

Additionally, a further three tonnes of relief supplies were transported from Chengdu to the port of Guangzhou. The relief items will reach the port city of Karachi towards the end of November.

Meanwhile, a handing-over ceremony was held in Chengdu Zhongchu Logistics Warehouse, Chengdu, wherein different business organizations and entities handed over donations inkind to the Pakistan Mission, Chengdu.

They comprised of the University of Sichuan, Zhongke Industrial Development Co. Ltd, Zhongjing Supply Chain Management Co. Ltd, Nengduan Jingang, Chengdu Business Service Co. Ltd, Huawei Electromechanical Co. Ltd, and Sichuan Dongjianghai Construction.

The donations in kind comprised of up to 7 tonnes of waterproof tents, blankets, water

purifiers, solar powdered outdoor batteries and lights.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Sichuan People’s Provincial Government and Chengdu People’s Municipal Government, as well as local media and news outlets.

The representatives from the Sichuan People’s Government expressed solidarity with their Pakistani brothers and sisters and reaffirmed their commitment to always stand by Pakistan.

During the ceremony, Agha Hunain Abbas Khan, Acting Consul General, expressed sincere gratitude to the donating entities and authorities present for the generosity displayed, and, on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, conveyed an expression of profound thanks.

During the occasion, further possibilities of continuing to assist Pakistan’s flood relief efforts were discussed.

Five people injured in Khuzdar blast ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

At least five people were critically injured in a blast occurred in Khuzdar area of Balochistan on Tuesday afternoon.

The police sources said the bomb went off at the main Chamrok chowk in Khuzdar. The police said a vehicle was

targeted through a hand-held bomb , a private news channels reported. The injured were shifted to nearby hospital where an emergency was imposed .

The police and rescue reached the spot and launched an investigation into the incident. Security was tightened in and outside Khuzdar after the blast, the police said.

OGRA refutes OCAC claims about possible fuel shortage ISLAMABAD ahmad ahmadani

The oil industry has found itself in a hotly contested back and forth after the government rejected reports of a possible diesel shortage in the months ahead.

Earlier, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) had issued a letter, reporting high sales of diesel and other fuels, warning that there would be product availability challenges in many regions.

According to the letter, a number of Oil Management Companies (OMCs) experienced higher sales than they anticipated in October. The OCAC claims that as a result OMCs ended up using the oil reserves they had for the next month, essentially tying up the supply for November.

The letter was strongly refuted the very next day (Tuesday), first by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and then by the

Petroleum Ministry. In its press release, the petroleum division claimed that the country’s petrol and diesel stocks were sufficient to meet local demand. The OGRA also came out swinging, claiming that media reports about a fuel shortage were “baseless and contrary to facts.”

What is the conflict?: Essentially, the OCAC, which is a private body that represents the interests of downstream oil, claimed in their letter that there had been an increase in demand for petroleum products in the month of October. They pinned this increase in demand to the ongoing agricultural season when farmers need fuel to operate farm machinery, as well as escalating pace of infrastructure rehabilitation by the government in floodsstricken areas.

The council warned that there would be availability challenges in various pockets of the country, and that imports were inadequate.

Consequently they also asked the regulator, OGRA, to look into this matter and issue necessary directives to the importing OMCs for immediate procurement.

However, OGRA and the petroleum ministry clearly took exception to the claims, saying that the country’s fuel stocks were more than sufficient to meet demand. hoW much fuel do We have?: In an update on Pakistan’s current fuel stocks, the petroleum ministry said that Pakistan’s petrol stocks currently stand at 550,000 Metric Tons which is sufficient for 21 days, while diesel stocks stand at 438,000 Metric Tons which is adequate for 15 days, based on Oil Companies Advisory Council’s (OCAC) own stock position.

With 22 days left in the month, the ministry added that Pakistan State Oil has imported 22,000 Metric Tons of diesel, of which one cargo ship is supposed to arrive at the Karachi port this Saturday.

NEWS

05

Founder of Ashraf Group of Industries remembered on 39th death anniversary LAHORE Staff RepoRt

The 39th death anniversary of Al-Hajj Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, former Senator and renowned industrialist, founder of Ashraf Group of Industries, was observed with solemnity here on Tuesday.

Late Ch Ashraf is father of Chaudhry Muhammad Zaka Ashraf, Chairman Ashraf Group of Industries and Chairman Pakistan Sugar Mills Association.

A large number of civil and high officials, politicians, farmers, elected members of national and provincial assemblies, former Nazims and local bodies members, present local bodies members and large number of people from Sindh and Punjab along with journalists group attended the death anniversary.

On the occasion, speakers paid tribute to services of late Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf for introduction of revolutionary measures in the field of agriculture and socioeconomic development remote areas. Special prayers were offered on the occasion for eternal rest of the departed soul.

It is important to mention that late Ch Muhammad Ashraf not only actively participated in business and social activities in Sindh but also worked as an activist in Independence Movement for creation of Pakistan under the guidance of his uncle Chaudhry Rehmat Ali Khan, a close aide to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Later, he was elected as senator from Sindh during the regime of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He headed many organizations established at Hyderabad for Punjabi abadgars in Sindh. He departed from this mortal world in November 1983. His invaluable contribution in social, welfare activities, political field and industrial sector will always be remembered.

Rangers deployed at Governor House in Lahore LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Rangers deployed Tuesday at Punjab Governor House in Lahore in the wake of daily protests and storming of the building by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf workers.

The Rangers took their responsibilities at the Governor House.

The Governor House administration wrote a letter to the Punjab government and DG Rangers requesting them to provide more police force for the security of Punjab governor, his family and staff residing in the house in the aftermath of storming of the building by the PTI workers who are holding protests against the gun attack on PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

An angry mob on Friday held a protest outside the Governor House. They tried to crash the front gate on the mall, burnt tyres, attempted to climb the gate and vandalised the CCTV cameras.

Yesterday, the PTI workers again staged a protest outside the Governor House. They were demanding registration of an FIR of the Wazirabad shooting incident as per Imran Khan’s wishes.

06-07 Comments - 9th November 2022_Layout 1 11/8/2022 10:42 PM Page 1

Wednesday, 9 November, 2022

06 COMMENT

Hubris

Disingenuous letter PTI chief’s letter to President playing to the gallery

Why The USA is too proud to listen

P

Ti chief imran Khan’s letter to President arif alvi is not clear in many respects. The first is the capacity in which the letter is being written. is a party chief writing to a party member giving orders? Or a citizen to the head of state? Or just to make a political point, knowing fully well that the President cannot address any of the issues in the letter except on the binding advice of the government?

Mr Khan rails against DG iSPr for his press conferences, and against the military for favouring the government. He should be ready to accept sauce for the goose as being good for the gander. While in government, he never tired of claiming to be on the same page as the establishment, and after his fall from office himself has disclosed how he had been helped by the establishment at various junctures, in such apparently basic tasks as rounding up legislators for passing bills. if he wants to realign his ‘us versus them’ from ‘us’ being the PTi and ‘them’ being the opposition to ‘them’ being the establishment and ‘us’ being all political forces, he would do best to return to Parliament, not just because of the positive optics, but to legislate substantial if need be. Mr Khan is being disingenuous if he now wants institutions to observe their constitutional, safer years in office encouraging them to do the opposite. He is also not starting off such an enterprise felicitously if he starts with an instigation of a constitutional office bearer to go beyond his constitutional bounds.

The establishment-politician relationship is indeed of vital importance to the nation, and should be openly debated. at the same time, it is too important to be a political football, with parties supporting or opposing neutrality in the light of how much support they expect. Unfortunately, the reason Mr Khan has indulged in what can only be described as whining is because his party is no longer getting the unqualified, and frankly often improper, support it once did. So long as any party sees the establishment as a prop for itself, the latter will keep on finding itself dragged into politics, and subject to the temptation of involving itself in the business of turning pygmies into giants.

WASHINGTON WATCH Dr JAmeS J. ZOGby

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HEn future historians write about america’s Middle East foreign policy during the last quarter century, it must include a lengthy chapter entitled “american Hubris.”

Hubris is our fatal flaw. it speaks to: our arrogance and self-centered belief in our own righteousness; our inability to see others as our equals or to even care to understand how they see us; and our detachment from reality leading to flawed judgements about our capabilities.

The last decade of the 20th century was a heady time. With the collapse of the USSr and end of the Cold War, we believed that we were the world’s sole superpower. Building on this, we mobilized an international coalition to liberate Kuwait, convened the Madrid Peace Conference to resolve the israeli-Palestinian conflict, and then held the White House signing of the Oslo accords. There was the feeling that all things were now possible under our leadership. it fueled our american hubris.

Two years into the Oslo process, it became clear that peace wasn’t happening. Settlements were increasing, as was Palestinian unemployment and frustration. at Clinton’s encouragement, i sent him a memo outlining the damaging consequences of israeli behaviour. His “peace team” responded saying, in effect, “leave it to us, we know what we’re doing.” They didn’t and because of their neglect and hubris, the “peace process” died on their watch.

Clinton also mistakenly bombed a civilian target in Sudan and imposed such extensive sanctions on iraq that there were reports of hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths. The administration dismissed both and offered no expression of regret or sorrow.

Then came the George W. Bush administration’s response to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. While the world stood ready to support us in collectively addressing the scourge of terrorism, it was hubris that led the USa to embark on a crusade not only to invade and occupy afghanistan and iraq, but also to reshape them into democratic states that would “help spread democracy throughout the Middle East.”

The hubris of the neo-conservative vision, embraced by the Bush administration, blinded them to their repeated failures. When confronted by an iraqi

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

insurgency, it was dismissed as “a handful of disgruntled supporters of the former regime.” When major allies in Europe refused to support our iraqi adventurism, they were scorned as “the old Europe.” and when polling demonstrated that iraqis were furious with our occupation, the administration deliberately misrepresented the findings to conclude that we were winning the hearts and minds of the iraqi people. in their hubris, they couldn’t admit reality or failure.

During the Bush years, we polled across the arab World in order to understand what arabs thought about the USa. President Bush had suggested that arabs hated us, because they hated our values of democracy and freedom.

Our polling found that was not the case. in country after country, we learned that arabs loved our values, our products, our accomplishments, and our people. What they didn’t love was the way we treated them. it was our policies, not our values, that dragged down our favourable ratings across the region. i met with each of those whom Bush had appointed to run the US Public Diplomacy programme. When each asked me: “What should i do first?” i replied: “listen to what arabs are saying. You can’t respond to their concerns, unless you know what they are. Be respectful and listen.” invariably, they did not. instead, they went to the region delivering canned speeches promoting what they thought arabs should hear and came home frustrated that their views were challenged. not listening is born of hubris.

President Obama began his term in office determined to change direction. His Cairo speech addressed our hubris and promised to understand. The problem, of course, was that he didn’t listen or deliver on his promise to listen.

There were a few occasions when i would see him at an event, and he would ask me what our polls were saying. Despite an early bounce in the numbers, US favourable numbers once again declined to Bush levels. What caused this drop in US ratings were several factors: US backtracking on israel-Palestine, the withdrawal from iraq surrendering the country to a pro-iran coalition, and the quiet but feverish push to negotiate an iran nuclear deal that failed to address arab concerns with iran’s regional meddling. The last time he asked me about the polling, i told him about

The bottom line is that our relationships in the Arab World have been distorted by hubris. We don’t know the region, nor appear to care about its peoples, what they want, or how they perceive us and our treatment of them. We see everything through the narrow lens of our self-interest (and, because of domestic politics, that of Israel).

Exemplary friendship PM’s visit furthered an already firm friendship

mAlIk muHAmmAD ASHrAf

B

razilian lyricist, eminent literary figure and winner of several international awards Paulo Coelho de Souza describing friendship said, “Friendship is not about whom you know the longest. it is about who came and never left”. What he said is quintessential of the friendship between Pakistan and China which is far beyond and above the realm of normal diplomatic relations between two states.

The epithet of ‘iron brothers’ proudly claimed by the two countries reflects the impregnable nature of relations between the two countries which have withstood the vicissitudes of times. it indeed is an exemplary friendship.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day visit to China was reflective of the warmth, strength and depth of relations between the two iron brothers in terms of its productive outcomes. President Xi Jinpeng assured China’s continued support for sustainable economic and strategic projects including the Ml-1 rail track. He also announced an additional assistance package of rs 15.2 billion for flood relief operations in Pakistan. Finance

Minister ishaq Dar has revealed that China also gave assurances to provide an additional amount of $8.5 billion during the fiscal year 2022-3 as well to roll over commercial loans. it may be recalled that earlier China had also provided $ 2 billion to tide over the financial crisis that Pakistan faced.

Both leaders also acknowledged the need for a masstransit project in Karachi and agreed to finalize all formalities for the early launch of the Karachi Circular railway. in his interaction with Chinese companies working for building infrastructure at Gwadar international airport, Prime Minister was given the assurance of its completion by early 2023. The Prime Minister in his meeting with the leading Chinese companies was able to convince them abut investment in Pakistan government’s solar power project aimed at generating 10,000 MW of electricity, besides encouraging them to invest in alternative energy resources, including wind turbine power plants.

Both countries signed and concluded a number of agreements and MoUs, covering bilateral cooperation in areas of e-commerce, digital economy, export of agricultural products, financial cooperation, protection of cultural property, infrastructure, flood relief, post-disaster reconstruction, animal disease control, livelihood, cultural cooperation, space, geo-sciences as well as law enforcement and security.

The other hallmark of the parleys between the two sides was unanimity of views on regional and global issues including Un reforms, the need for peace in afghanistan and continued international support to the afghan regime to deal with the humanitarian crisis. Pakistan expressed its commitment to a one-China policy and support on issues of Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet. China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and promoting its socio-economic development and

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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prosperity. it also endorsed Pakistan’ stance on Kashmir, saying that the issue needed to be resolved through dialogue in accordance with the relevant Un resolution and bilateral agreements between the two countries. in fact Pakistan is greatly indebted to China for her continued unflinching support on Kashmir. it was with Chinese support that the issue of Kashmir came up for discussion in the meeting of UnSC after 50 years in the backdrop of the unilateral action by the Modi government to end the special status of indian-Occupied Kashmir.

China has played a significant role in the economic progress of Pakistan. The construction of the Karakoram Highway, the Heavy Mechanical Complex at Taxila, Pakistan aeronautical Complex (PaC) and Chashma nuclear Plants are the monuments of the ever-spiking relationship. in the backdrop of the US-india deal for transfer of civilian nuclear technology which Pakistan regarded as discriminatory, China exhibited the strength of the friendship between the two countries by agreeing to help Pakistan in building Chashma iV and V. it has also been extending support to Pakistan regarding its stance for criteria-based admission of new members to the prestigious nuclear Suppliers Group. it also helped in saving Pakistan from being pushed into the black list by FaTF. Pakistan and China also have very strong defence ties. in early March 2017, the Chinese-built low to Medium-altitude air Defence System was inducted into the air defence system of the Pakistan army that would considerably enhance its response capability to the current and emerging threats as the Chinese Mobile air Defence system is capable of tracking and destroying variety of aerial targets at longer ranges flying at low and medium altitudes. The co-production of JF-17 Thunder aircraft at PaC is yet another milestone in defence relations between the two countries.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

the sharp decline. His response was: “Their expectations were too high.” i replied, “But you were the one who set those high expectations.”

Toward the end of his presidency, he gave a long interview to Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic magazine in which he chided the arab World for not only its failures, but for his, as well. When i saw him, i took the opportunity to chide him saying that i was sorry that the story of his presidency in the Middle East would be “From Cairo to Goldberg.” it was a story of hubris.

The Donald Trump era took hubris to whole new levels, bringing his “only i can fix it” mindset to foreign policy. Trump alienated allies by unilaterally breaking treaties and international agreements. and he proposed a “take it or leave it solution” to the arab-israeli conflict, leaving arabs who still needed their relationship with the US to navigate the dizzying US-roller coaster ride he had created.

President Joseph Biden inherited the chaos left by his predecessors. He set quite minimal goals for Palestinians and the rest of the Middle East— most of which remain unfulfilled.

His animus toward Saudi arabia, which plays well with his base, couples an anti-Saudi bias with an obvious double standard— obvious, that is, to the arab World. The fact that we still claim moral and political leadership in the world, despite our disastrous legacy in iraq, our blind and uncritical defence of israel, and our muddled response to the arab Spring, can only be seen as yet another sign of our hubris.

Much more could be said about each of these US administrations and about US policy in other regions of the world as well. But the bottom line is that our relationships in the arab World have been distorted by hubris. We don’t know the region, nor appear to care about its peoples, what they want, or how they perceive us and our treatment of them. We see everything through the narrow lens of our self-interest (and, because of domestic politics, that of israel). it has caused us to blunder, to needlessly insult, and to fail. But, here again, because of hubris, we can’t understand these failures as resulting from our own behaviour and instead find fault in those whom we’ve slighted

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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The writer is President of the Arab American Institute

China fully understands the challenges being faced by Pakistan, its geopolitical relevance and its contributions towards regional peace and stability, and has repeatedly assured full spectrum support for Pakistan in grappling with those challenges. it has always appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to deal with the phenomenon of terrorism urging the world as well to acknowledge those achievements.

CPEC, a flagship project of the Belt and road initative has undoubtedly added eternity to the infallible relations between the two states and their people. By becoming part of the CPEC, Pakistan is poised not only to make up for the lost opportunities but also to become an economic powerhouse within the next two decades. apart from radically changing the dynamics of regional connectivity and trade it is going to act as a catalyst in the process of Pakistan’s transition from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy.

CPEC is a mix of infrastructure projects, energy producing units and industrial zones along the corridor routes. The development of infrastructure under the CPEC will lay a firm foundation for industrialization of Pakistan. The CPEC has been acknowledged as a perfect recipe for lifting the economic profile of the countries which are part of the initiative world-wide. Even the Un has recognized its economic potential and the collateral outcome of promoting peace through economic interdependence. CPEC is a win-win initiative for China, Pakistan and the entire region.

China has also shown remarkable flexibility by expanding the scope of CPEC to the social sectors earlier, particularly alleviation of poverty and made commitments to rectify the trade imbalance between the two countries by taking steps to enhance Pakistani exports to China, proving her credentials as a time-tested friend of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s economic and security interests are inextricably linked to the region it belongs to. Therefore its focus on recalibrating relations with the countries of the region and taking her relations with China to a higher trajectory is the right thing to do without getting involved into dynamics of the global politics and rivalry between the USa and China.

Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic. He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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COMMENT 07 Editor’s mail

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Kashmiris and Freedom

The Symbol of Pride Corruption can destroy Bangladesh’s economy

ZAIN AbbAS rIZvI

T

HE stellar economic rise of Bangladesh is hardly an enigma today.

Growing consistently at an annual rate of over 6 percent, Bangladesh ranks 20th in the world in GDP growth touted to reach the third position by 2026. according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), a renowned international lobbying organization, Bangladesh’s per capita income is expected to rise to $2860 by 2025, patently ahead of its mighty neighbour india, the fifth largest economy in the world. With a rapidly growing educated population, the country could fast become the economic frontrunner of the South asian region. The recently inaugurated Padma Bridge is totemic of Bangladesh’s economic progress and resilience. However, the project holds some underlying layers that belie the apparent concept of self-sufficiency projected by the country. The key to understanding this dilemmatic case is to avoid a monolithic focus on raw data; instead, look at the broader picture in a larger context.

Officially known as the Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project (PMBP), the construct crosses over the Padma river, a downstream arc of the Ganges in Bangladesh. The project was conceived in the late 1990s in collaboration with the Japan international Cooperation agency (JiCa). Hailed as the largest infrastructure project Bangladesh has ever undertaken, the Padma Bridge is a two-level multipurpose railroad viaduct sprawled over 6.15 kilometers (3.82 miles). it connects more than 21 districts in the southwestern periphery to far northern and eastern regions of Bangladesh. additionally, the bridge has been extolled as a gateway in South asia, facilitating trade with india, Bhutan, and nepal while significantly reducing transit time and freight costs. The economic incentives for Bangladesh are aplenty. according to a Dhaka Tribune report, the Padma Bridge would immensely facilitate bustling inland trade and commerce, contributing about 1.3-2 percent to Bangladesh’s GDP by 2025. i can offer myriad other metrics and testimonials to enthuse the construction of this megaproject. But my pivot is towards asking a simple question: is it really emblematic of the economic success claimed by the highbrows of Bangladesh?

“This bridge is a symbol of our capacity, our strength, our dignity,” proclaimed Bangladesh’s

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, addressing the inaugural ceremony of the project held in June. it was a veiled reference to her decision to selffund the multibillion-dollar construction after the World Bank backtracked from funding the project, alleging corruption by government officials. ironically, this bridge should have been symbolic of graft and embarrassment if not for the rigorous efforts by the ruling awami league to whitewash the scandal and meticulously redress its global image. in 2012, the World Bank withdrew support worth $1.2 billion, citing that a Canadian construction company SnC-lavalin conspired to nefariously gain a $50 million contract to supervise the construction of the Padma Bridge by bribing highlevel Bangladeshi government officials. While Hasina and her acolytes vociferously denied allegations, painting an elaborate narrative of an international conspiracy to besmirch Bangladesh’s economy, the weight of evidence presented by the World Bank largely effaced any explanation otherwise. in 2013, the SnC-lavalin admitted the bribery allegations despite persistent denial by Bangladeshi officials. and resultantly, the World Bank debarred the company for a decade and suspended the promised loan to Bangladesh.

The initial plan was to finance the PMBP project through external funding from multilateral lenders like the World Bank and the asian Development Bank (aDB). However, the defamatory withdrawal of the World Bank fomented the exit of other lenders as well.

Consequently, the Bangladeshi government transitioned to a skewed dependence on Chinese loans. Partnering with China Major Bridge Engineering Company, the arrangement required the Chinese government to finance 85 percent of the construction cost of $3.87 billion. at this point, i stop and ponder over the stark contradiction of the Bangladeshi narrative.

How can this project be classified as a symbol of the economic resolve of Bangladesh when almost the entire enterprise is on the bedrock of leverage? This subliminal messaging campaign to shape a story of Bangladeshi economic heyday and infrastructural prowess perfectly exemplifies the rhetorical devices exploited by the awami league to put a veneer over rampant corruption in its administrative echelons.

The World Bank revealed that due to “limited competition of tender for the award of work,” a scope of corruption is created, which makes construction costs in Bangladesh higher than in any other country around the globe. However, such corruption is not just endemic to the construction industry. according to the Transparency international (Ti) Corruption Perception index (CPi), Bangladesh ranks 147 out of 180 countries with a score of 26 - unchanged since 2020. The Berlin-

based corruption watchdog has consistently listed Bangladesh as a nation with “a concerning trend of weakening of anti-corruption institutions.” according to its recent assessment, Bangladesh is ranked in the bottom fifth of all the countries surveyed globally, ranking as the “second most corruption-riddled country in South asia,” ahead of afghanistan by a narrow margin. it is a dismal reality that an economically promising nation like Bangladesh frequently panders to corrupt practices, surpassing even the notoriously corrupt countries in its neighbourhood. Unfortunately, this trend is not novel nor without a sufficing explanation.

From 2001 to 2005, Bangladesh ranked as the most corrupt country in the world in five consecutive Ti reports. Transparency international has intermittently cited abuse of power; lack of justice; and autocratic surveillance and suppression of public expression as the fundamental reasons exacerbating corruption in Bangladesh. Hence, the awami league clearly has a deficit of credibility, not just domestically but internationally. This is further worsened by massive irregularities in general elections in 2014 and 2018, the redressal of its public image is crucial for the ruling regime to avoid a domestic backlash. Thus, the Padma Bridge project is nothing but a ruse buttressed by the electoral gimmick “less Democracy, more Development” coined by the awami league to compensate for the lack of legitimacy before heading for general elections next year, wearing the selfevinced “symbol of dignity.”

The global economic gloom is weighing heavily on asia; and signs of distress are gradually emerging in Bangladesh. inflation is skyrocketing while energy prices, compounded by the geopolitical crisis in Europe, are up by 50 percent. imports have ballooned while exports and remittances have plummeted in line with the global economic slowdown, broadening the current account deficit to a record $17 billion. it is no surprise then that the government of Bangladesh has applied for a bailout from the international Monetary Fund (iMF) to prevent a shortage of foreign exchange. admittedly, Bangladesh has an external debt of only 20 percent and enough usable forex reserves to weather the global recessionary headwinds.

However, if corruption persists at current levels, lofty construction projects would not buffer the economic collapse of Bangladesh.

The productive growth of Bangladesh is nearly outmatched by its growing population.

Eventually, the literate citizenry of Bangladesh would be disillusioned once the patina of prosperity wanes. and then the fate of Bangladesh would be no different than the reality of Sri lanka today.

The productive growth of Bangladesh is nearly outmatched by its growing population. Eventually, the literate citizenry of Bangladesh would be disillusioned once the patina of prosperity wanes.

The writer can be reached at szainabbasrizvi.14122@khi.iba.edu.pk

rECEnTlY, Kashmiris around the globe celebrated Youm-i-Tasees, or the liberation Day of azad Jammu and Kashmir (aJK), as they do every year (Oct 24). it was on this day that the aJK government was established, led by Sardar ibrahim Khan as the first president. The independence was achieved after a long history of sacrifices rendered by Kashmiris, Pakistanis and, especially, by the valiant soldiers of Pakistan army.

The Kashmiris living in the india-occupied Kashmir have a bitter history of injustice and repression. Under the terms of the Treaty of amritsar in 1846, the British government sold Kashmir for a sum of 7.5 million nanak Shahee rupees to Gulab Singh, who later acquired the title of maharaja. However, the troubles of the region have a history going even further back. One example of cruelty was seen in 1832 when there was a rebellion in Poonch by the local tribes, and Gulab Singh was sent to deal with it. This rebellion was headed by Sardar Shamas Khan and two of his close accomplices, Sardar Sabaz ali Khan and Sardar Mali Khan.

Gulab Singh first entered Poonch. His other camps were established in the villages of Mang and Bagh. He killed Sardar Mali and Sardar Sabaz and stuffed their skins with straw. He even killed innocent young children.

Sardar Shamas along with his nephew rajwali was killed by Ottam Singh. Their heads were later exhibited in two iron cages at the top of the adha Dek pass above Poonch where they remained for several years.

Talking of gory incidents and the reaction of the locals, July 21, 1924, stands out as the day when first signs of mass public awakening were noted. resham Khana was an industrial unit in Srinagar having 5,000 workers.

The workers were protesting against low wages out of which corrupt Hindu officers used to take a substantial percentage in bribe. This uprising was crushed by Dogra cavalry, which killed Muslims with both bayonets and bullets, trampling upon their bodies. Police arrested leading Muslim workers, but the unrest lasted for a while. On July 13, 1931, a large number of Kashmiris gathered in front of the central jail in Srinagar during the trial of a youth, abdul Qadeer, who was accused of leading an agitation. as the time for prayer approached, a young Kashmiri stood up for the azaan. The Dogra police opened fire and he was martyred on the spot. another young man took his place to complete the azaan. He, too, was shot dead. This way, some 20 Kashmiris embraced martyrdom one after the other. Such incidents gave impetus to the independence movement. in early 1947, an uprising started against the maharaja in Poonch, an area bordering rawalpindi. The maharaja’s government had imposed unfair taxes on the peasantry, which resulted in protests. The administration used forceful tactics to crush the protests. a large number of people, mostly retired and non-active soldiers of World War ii, rebelled against the regime and took over the control of almost the whole district.

Following this, the leaders of Muzaffar-abad, Poonch and eastern parts of Mirpur announced temporary azad government in rawalpindi on Oct 3, 1947. about 3,000 people from the erstwhile north West Frontier Province entered Jammu and Kashmir on Oct 21, and captured Muzaffar-abad and Baramulla. Three days later, the maharaja requested military assistance from india, which said it was unable to help unless the state acceded to india. accordingly, on Oct 26, 1947, the instrument of accession was signed, and the indian troops were immediately airlifted into Srinagar. Pakistan intervened subsequently, and the war resulted in the liberation of aJK as the indian army was restricted to the other side of the line of Control.

ABDUL BASIT ALVI MUZAFFARABAD

Cinematic Class THE ‘legend of Maula Jatt’ marked the introduction of Pakistani cinema to the international scene. The movie, which debuted in theatres worldwide on October 13, is a remake of the 1979 ‘Maula Jatt’. For a Pakistani film, it is shattering all box office records worldwide. The film is not just being liked by cinegoers in the country but overseas also. Bilal lashari, whose film ‘Waar’ also broke national box office records, is the director of the movie. ammara Hikmat, a first-time producer, is in charge of the film’s production.

The big budget movie is a labour of love for the directors. The film’s top-notch production value and stellar ensemble, which included top-class performers with international fan base, made sure to draw in viewers.

Fawad Khan plays Maula Jatt while Hamza ali abbasi plays noori natt. also starring in major roles are Mahira Khan, Humaima Malik, Shafqat Cheema, nayyar Ejaz and Gohar rasheed. The film is indeed a cinematic class and is being regarded as a breath of fresh air in a film industry that is struggling to find its feet back after a big period of flops and failures.

NIMRA SHAHID KARACHI

Scepticism THE need of being media literate in this age of infodemic and fifth generation warfare is being felt stupendous. We must scrutinise every bit of information before its unmonitored dissemination. But why is this use of scepticism sought only to debunk disinformation? Scepticism should be the sine qua non of our mode of thinking in every matter of life, as is also enjoined upon us time and again by the Holy Quran to employ the faculty of reasoning in observing the scheme and functioning of the universe. reasoning is the only characteristic that makes man the paragon of all creatures. We are not wired by nature to take anything for granted.

The biting reality is that we are conditioned at home and at school not to employ our faculty of reasoning. The milieu wherein questioning is snubbed and skepticism is discouraged, how can we expect people to look askance at apocryphal information? Our education system, especially the examination system, doesn’t require students to be sceptic. For them, exams just mean a game of obtaining marks and grades. Even our textbooks don’t stir their imagination. let us corroborate. as the story goes when a mother asked Einstein three times what he would suggest for the learning of her child, he prescribed only fairytales. it goes without saying that fairytales stir imagination. Contrarily, our books include moralising essays, doing moral policing. nothing is taken with a grain of salt. Our school system reminds us of Charles Dickens’ novel ‘Hard Times’ whose character Gradgrind advocates the idea of shoving cold facts down students’ throats. There is need for us to be sceptic against disinformation, but it must be applied at the school level to safeguard our children against becoming vectors of disinformation. Students must be made aware that unbitten sharing of posts at social media can increase electronic traffic and cause e-pollution.

M NADEEM NADIR KASUR

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08 WORLD VIEW

The irrelevance of The arab league GAMAL ABDUL-NASSER INSPIRED ARABS AND PROPAGATED IDEAS OF ARAB NATIONALISM AND UNITY. HE INTRODUCED NEW CONCEPTS OF DIGNITY AND PRIDE AND CALLED FOR THE REJECTION OF WESTERN COLONIALISM. WESTERN GOVERNMENTS TOOK NOTICE AND CONSPIRED AGAINST NASSER

CoNsortium NEws aS`aD abukhalil

T

HE glory days of the Arab league are long gone.

Gone are the days when Arabs awaited with great anticipation footage of Arab leaders meeting together in one big hall. That was the era when the presence of Egypt’s Gamal Abdul-nasser at a summit mesmerized Arabs throughout the region.

His speeches and movements were followed in the way people in the West follow rock stars. Today, Arabs don’t care about boring speeches delivered by semi-illiterate rulers. The ostensibly regular Arab league summit convened for the first time since 2019 last week in Algeria. Many Arab rulers didn’t attend.

The Moroccan king is in a deep conflict with the Algerian government over the Western sahara issue and the Abraham Accords. Algeria broke diplomatic relations with Morocco after Rabat opened an Israeli embassy. of course, Gulf despots had to show solidarity with the ailing Moroccan king by boycotting the summit. king Muhammad VI considers the holding of the Algerian meeting a blow to his prestige, though he has very little of that left. For instance, he indicated he’d be willing to meet with the Algerian president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, after boycotting the summit over which the Algerian president presided.

BRITISH INTRIGUE: The Arab league was founded by the British government in 1945 to thwart Arab popular efforts at Arab integration and unity. Rather than allowing Arab people to create large, all-encompassing entities that would erode the artificial lines of demarcation by British and French colonial powers, the British government wanted to control Arab officialdom and subjugate the population.

Britain was also concerned the Arab masses’ anger over Palestine would influence the behavior and policies of their rulers. The Arab league was an attempt to gather puppets of the British government together and let them speak on behalf of the oppressed Arab people but without taking any action that would disturb Israel

or the West.

The league, however, was boosted substantially with the rise of Gamal Abdul-nasser. He was the leader who inspired Arabs and propagated ideas of Arab nationalism and unity. The Egyptian leader introduced new concepts of dignity and pride and called for the rejection of Western colonialism. Western governments took notice and conspired against nasser two years after he assumed power in 1954.

(In 1956, France, the u.k. and Israel invaded Egypt to overthrow nasser. The attempt failed when the Egyptian people rallied behind nasser and President Dwight Eisenhower forced the invading armies to evacuate Egypt.)

The summits started as a convention for Arab governments to coordinate responses to the Zionist threat in Palestine. By 1945, when the Arab league was founded, the Zionist forces had made clear that their plans wouldn’t be confined to a small entity within Palestine. They were also clear they wouldn’t abide by Britain’s 1939 White Paper which promised — albeit vaguely — the creation of an Arab state and the imposition of limits on Jewish immigration to Palestine.

Arabs were angry and demanded their governments meet the challenge by offering military support for the Palestinians. But Arab rulers by then were already beholden to Western powers and few could decide independently on matters of Arab national security. As 1948 approached, Arab leaders were meeting in secret sessions and promising there was a “secret plan” by Arab governments to defeat the Zionist forces.

1948, YEAR OF THE NAKBAH: Arabs quickly discovered that the “secret plan” was nothing more than a rhetorical ploy to assuage the anger of the population. nineteen forty-eight was the year Arab governments, especially in syria, Jordan, lebanon and Egypt, lost credibility with their populations. The year of the nakbah (when Palestine was occupied by Zionist forces) was the year that inaugurated a sequence of military coup d’etats in the Arab region. Three military coups took place in syria alone in 1949 (at least one undertaken by the C.I.A). nasser’s rise to power in 1954 changed the role of the Arab league. It was no longer the vehicle of Western colonial power. Instead, nasser wanted to instill a sense

The jury is ouT on Musk’s TwiTTer Less than a quarter of U.S. adults even use Twitter, compared with 70% who are on Facebook and 81% on YouTube. The average person doesn’t know what a blue checkmark is nor why Musk thinks it might be worth $8 per month

of Arab brotherhood among the regions’ leaders.

Furthermore, he wanted to coordinate the official Arab responses to the Zionist threats. That proved an impossible task: not only because many Arab rulers were in cahoots with the West but also because infighting and competition among Arab governments was too intense for agreement to be reached. nasser himself engineered the division of Arab governments into a “reactionary camp” and a “progressive camp,” and was keen on unseating rulers in the reactionary one. That was the time (before 1967) when nasser was at the height of his self-assurance and confidence. It was the time when nasser’s speeches unsettled most rulers in Arab capitals. nasser created the institution of Arab summitry in 1964 in the face of Israel’s attempt to divert the Jordan River. Arab leaders gathered and pledged to unite in preventing Israel from imposing its plans. But in reality Israel was able to do what it wanted. It sent a private threat to the lebanese government, among others, that any obstruction of its plans would be met by military force.

It is ironic that mighty Israel, which could scare and intimidate all Arab armies, was at the time regarded in Washington, and in the West at large, as peaceful state surrounded by mighty Arab armies aimed its destruction. nasser was by far the star of those Arab summits, which were known more for photo opportunities and speeches than for collective action. But it was a chance for the Arab people to see their beloved nasser mingling not only with his allies among the leaders, but also among his bitter enemies in the “reactionary camp.” But the 1967 defeat to Israel brought nasser’s stardom in Arab summitry to an end. He could no longer abide by the division of the Arab world into two camps.

‘NO PEACE, NO RECOGNITION, NO NEGOTIATION’: nasser was severely wounded politically and he desperately needed the Gulf’s financial support to rebuild his army. The most famous Arab summit that followed was in khartoum in september 1967, which declared: no peace, no recognition and no negotiation with Israel. The statement was a victory for nasser because Western powers had hoped a weakened nasser would sound less defiant.

“SOME JOURNALISTS ARE PICKED UP AND HELD OVERNIGHT AND SOME ARE BEING HELD FOR VERY LONG DURATIONS IN PRE-TRIAL DETENTION. WE’RE ALSO VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE USE OF ANTI-TERROR LAWS AGAINST JOURNALISTS”

Seattle timeS

e

As`ad AbuKhalil is a Lebanese-American professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. He is the author of the Historical Dictionary of Lebanon (1998), Bin Laden, Islam and America’s New War on Terrorism (2002), The Battle for Saudi Arabia (2004), and ran the popular The Angry Arab blog.

india is among 12 countries where killers of journalists can get away

Editorial Board

lon Musk finally bought Twitter. Here’s hoping that his better angels inspire him to uphold democracy and a civil society on the social-media platform. Musk didn’t inspire confidence out of the gate. In just the first few days after he took over Twitter, he fired most of the executives and tweeted out a link to an article featuring false claims about the attack on House speaker nancy Pelosi’s husband. He later deleted the debunked tweet, but not before it had been retweeted 28,000 times, liked 100,000 times and seen by who knows how many of his 112 million followers. on Friday, Musk notified some of the employees of layoffs. Musk must do better.

The fear among the Twitterati and progressives is that he will transform Twitter into a hellscape of racism, bigotry and conspiracy theories. He has promised to make it a forum for a much wider array of ideas, some of which many people will find odious.

In fairness, Twitter skirted hell-adjacent neighborhoods before Musk. @Haters have been tweeting for a long time. one-in-five adult Twitter users in the united states reported to a Pew Research survey that they have experienced harassment or abusive behavior on the platform. Almost all users (91%) say they see inaccurate or misleading information tweeted.

Regular Americans might wonder what the big deal is. less than a quarter of u.s. adults even use Twitter, compared with 70% who are on Facebook and 81% on YouTube. The average person doesn’t know what a blue checkmark is nor why Musk thinks it might be worth $8 per month.

But Twitter matters a lot in modern political, cultural and social discourse. It’s where politicians, celebrities, intellectuals, journalists and other movers and shakers share ideas and find out what’s happening. A broad-based Twitter feed grants insight into the zeitgeist even as it shapes that zeitgeist.

Musk says he will create a “content moderation council” for Twitter and won’t make any major content decisions nor reinstate any accounts (like former President Donald Trump’s) until it is in place. That’s a sound move. Even if it doesn’t placate his harshest critics, it at least should earn him the benefit of the doubt until we see more. Musk has owned Twitter for only a week. Whether it excels or fails is up to him. If he implements his content moderation council well, it could keep the trolls and worse at bay.

Remember, Musk paid $44 billion for Twitter. He has a financial incentive not to run it into the ground. He has a moral one, too. The question is whether he realizes it.

It was ironic that nasser died hours after hosting the famous Cairo summit in the summer of 1970. It followed Black september, when the Jordanian regime clashed with Palestinian forces in Jordan, where the Plo had its headquarters prior to establishing it in Beirut. nasser did not — contrary to the expectations of the Palestinians — side with the Palestinian forces and seemed to identify with the Jordanian king. nasser had already agreed to the American Roger’s plan for a diplomatic process for Arab-Israeli peace. After nasser’s death in 1970, the Arab league was deeply splintered into various camps, but the saudi regime managed to maintain control of its agenda and resolutions.

Egyptian leader Anwar el-sadat’s trip to Jerusalem in 1977 all but ended the league. It was relocated from Cairo to Tunisia from 1979 to 1990, and Egypt was expelled, though the saudi regime and other Arab governments maintained secret ties with sadat at the behest of the Americans.

The final blow to the league came in 1990 when the u.s. ordered Egyptian President Husni Mubarak to assemble a summit to pass a resolution essentially allowing the u.s. to deploy troops to expel the Iraqi army from kuwait. The league never recovered from that. Even the saudi government lost interest in its activities.

By 2011 the Qatari government maneuvered to take over the Arab league and pressed for the expulsion of syria and support for Muslim Brotherhood-inspired uprisings. The summit last week paid lip service to the twostate solution, avoided the controversy over the Abraham Accords and struck a neutral position on ukraine. The summit’s communique did not produce any new policies; it merely reiterated that despite Israeli aggression and occupation, peace will remain a “strategic option.” The statement also condemned Iranian and Turkish intervention in the region. But the Arab people themselves were not paying attention.

NEws lauNdry DikSha munjal

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n August 8 this year, Chennakesavulu, a journalist with a local news channel EV-5 in Andhra Pradesh’s kurnool, was stabbed to death with a screwdriver. He was allegedly killed by a police constable and his brother for exposing the constable’s illegal activities on a show aired on the news channel.

The state police ordered an investigation into the incident, registered a case of murder, and suspended the constable, but both the accused remained absconding. There has not been an update since then indicating that they were caught.

Chennakesavulu is one of the three new names added this year to the list of unsolved murders of journalists in the Global Impunity Index 2021, prepared by the Committee to Protect Journalists. The other two names are of ABP news and ABP Ganga journalist sulabh srivastava, who was also allegedly killed for his work a day after he complained about receiving threats, and of sudarshan TV reporter Manish kumar singh.

The Global Impunity Index 2021 lists a dozen countries that fare the worst when it comes to prosecuting killers of journalists. The index forms part of a report, titled “killers of journalists still get away with murder”, released by the CPJ today. since the index was first prepared in 2008, India has invariably been on the list, and is ranked 12th – similar to its rank in 2020.

It is important to note that India, with 20 unsolved murders, finds itself in the list where the top four spots are occupied by somalia, syria,

Iraq and south sudan, where “conflict, political instability, and weak judicial mechanisms perpetuate a cycle of violence against journalists.”

At the fifth spot is Afghanistan while Pakistan ranks ninth and Bangladesh 11th.

Together, the 12 countries in the index account for 81 percent of “journalist murders in the last 10 years” where no one has been held to account. Cases without convictions in India include Gauri lankesh, who was shot dead in karnataka in 2017; shujaat Bhukhari, who was shot dead in Indian Held kashmir in 2016; and Rajdeo Ranjan, who was killed in Bihar in 2016.

The index is prepared on the basis of calculating the number of unsolved journalist murders as a percentage of the country’s total population. It only includes countries with five or more unsolved murders. The committee defines murder as the deliberate killing of a journalist in retaliation for their work and considers cases unsolved if “no convictions have been obtained even if suspects have been identified”.

A ‘NORMAL THING’ IN INDIA: While talking to newslaundry, CPJ’s Asia programme coordinator, steven Butler, said a new trend has not emerged in India in terms of impunity after journalists getting killed. However, over the years, new cases of journalists keep getting added to the list. “In India, it has sort of become a normal thing,” Butler said, “unfortunately, that a handful of journalists are murdered each year.”

Is India getting any better in bringing culprits to book? “I don’t think it is,” said Butler. “India’s justice system moves at a very slow pace in murder cases, no matter who was killed. And even in high-profile cases of journalists being killed, like shujaat Bukhari, I am not aware of any progress being made in the case.” He added, “There was some progress in the case of Gauri lankesh but we would like to see the actual perpetrators dis-

covered and brought to trial.”

In the 10 years counted in this index – from september 1, 2011 to August 31, 2021 – journalists who cover corruption in India, particularly at the local level, are most at risk, Butler said. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of independence on the part of the local police and investigative authorities. “The problem here, and the link to impunity, is that many of people that the journalists report on, who are corrupt, be it illegal sand mining or something else, tend to be wealthy and powerful individuals who have close ties to the government and are able to influence police action,” he said, adding that this is a fundamental reason why there’s so little progress in some of these cases. on recent tresspasses against journalists in Indian Held Jammu and kashmir, where multiple journalists have been raided and detained overnight, Butler called it “very worrisome” and suggested that it may even lead to self-censorship. “I think every journalist in Indian Held Jammu and kashmir, they have to ask themselves, ‘Is this going to get me arrested? Is this going to get me in trouble?’” he said, adding that uttar Pradesh is also heading in that direction. “The government has been very aggressive in moving against journalists.”

In a reference to journalist siddique kappan, who was arrested last year and has remained in jail ever since, Butler said, “some journalists are picked up and held overnight and some are being held for very long durations in pre-trial detention. We’re also very concerned about the use of anti-terror laws against journalists.”

He added, “Frankly, this really undermines India’s claim to be a democracy, because you can’t have a democracy without a free press. And if you keep putting journalists in jail, you intimidate them, making it impossible for them to continue reporting in the way they should be.”

Wednesday, 9 November, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

corporate corner

Pakistan, azerbaijan vow to exPand bilateral cooPeration ISLAMABAD

LAHORE: Punjab CM Ch Pervaiz Elahi along with Sikh and other minorities’ representatives, Adviser to CM Musarat Cheema, Amir Syed Raan, Rafaqat Gillani, Mahinder Pall Singh, Jacob Rafique, Samuel Yaqoob, David Chohan and others cuts a cake to mark the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nank. staff photo

cda to shift offices, streetlights to clean, green energy ISLAMABAD: Chairman Capital Development Authority Capt (r) Muhammad Usman Younis presided over a meeting at CDA headquarters regarding shifting all offices of CDA and Streetlights of the city on clean and green project here on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Member Engineering, Member Planning and officers electrical and mechanical Wing. Chairman Capital Development Authority Captain (R) Muhammad Usman Younis while issuing instructions in the meeting and said that considering the future needs of Islamabad city, a consultant be engaged to identify and select suitable places for installation of clean and green energy equipment so that a financial feasibility report can be prepared after selecting suitable locations. pr

cda conducts grand operation against encroachments ISLAMABAD: On the instructions of the Capital Development Authority Chairman Captain (R) Muhammad Usman Younis, the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday, with the assistance of the ICT administration and Islamabad police, conducted grand operations against illegal constructions in different areas of Islamabad. As a result of these operations, dozens of illegal constructions demolished with the help of heavy machinery.During these operations 60 kanals land was reteived and also 13 trucks encroachment material was also confiscated.

These operations were started from Mouza Kuri Dhok Balag, a suburb of Islamabad, where the land mafia was trying to occupy the government land. Revenue Department CDA carried out demarcation process. These constructions were found on the land acquired by CDA. In the light of the indications of environment department, the attempt of 60 kanals land by demolishing the vast four walls built on the CDA land was foiled. pr

Pta receives rs6.17b from Ufone ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received another deposit amounting to Rs. 6.17 Billion (equivalent to USD 27.92 Million) for spectrum assigned to Ufone through auction held in 2021. The amount has accordingly been deposited in Federal Consolidated Fund (FCF). With this deposit in FCF, the cumulative deposit by PTA in FCF during the current financial year i.e. 2022-23 has become Rs. 29.15 Billion (equivalent to USD 134 Million). pr

oGra arranges certification of drivers of lPG bowsers in collaboration with nlc ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has arranged certification program “Heavy vehicle preventive driving course” for drivers of LPG Bowsers for safe transportation of LPG being highly inflammable which can cause ignition and fatal accidents. The training has been arranged in collaboration with National Logistic Cell (NLC) at Applied Technologies Institute, NLC Headquarter Corporate Office, Rawalpindi focusing on transportation of pressurized gases/dangerous petroleum products. In the first batch, training of drivers from 19 LPG Marketing companies was completed at NLC Dina - Centre of Excellence. Muhammad Arif, Member Gas OGRA was the chief guest who informed that OGRA has recently issued licenses allowing transportation of LPG through road bowsers and advised all the LPG producers, Terminal Operators, LPG marketing companies to ensure that the bowsers owned or rented transportation of LPG are in compliance with the standards. pr

PMc chief to supervise Mdcat exam in Gilgit in person 8th November 2022 President Pakistan Medical Commission Prof. Dr. Noshad Ahmad Shaikh will personally visit Gilgit Baltistan to ensure the smooth execution of the MDCAT examination. PMC is conducting the MDCAT exam for the first time in Gilgit Baltistan. President PMC said that I will personally visit Gilgit on the 13th of this month to ensure smooth and transparent execution of the MDCAT exam. He also refuted all rumors and baseless information regarding any delay in the MDCAT exam and confirmed that the MDCAT exam will be held on the shared date 13th November 2022. pr

09

t

staff report

HE Azerbaijan Embassy on Monday observed ‘Victory Day Azerbaijan’, marking the liberation of Azeri territories from illegal Armenian occupation.

Addressing the victory day ceremony in Islamabad, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov said November 8 marks victory day in the Republic of Azerbaijan every year.

He said Armenia kept Azerbaijani territories under illegal occupation for almost three decades despite the decisions and resolutions of the leading international institutions. Armenia ignored all these decisions and resolutions and continued to illegally occupy almost 20 percent of our territory, he added.

During the occupation, more than one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs. “Our people became the subject of ethnic cleansing. The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian

troops from our territories, but these resolutions were never implemented.”

The ambassador further stated that two years ago, in 2020, under the leadership of Supreme Commander-inChief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces President Ilham Aliyev, Azeri army liberated Azerbaijan’s territories from Armenian occupation, and Armenia was forced to sign an act of capitulation, thus acknowledging Azerbaijan’s historic victory.

After the liberation, he said, Azerbaijan started large-scale restoration and reconstruction works in the liberated areas. Azerbaijan also ensured its territorial integrity, and restored the fundamental rights of nearly one million displaced Azerbaijanis, he added.

In 2021 and 2022, the Azerbaijani Government allocated nearly $3 billion to large-scale reconstruction and restoration activities in the liberated lands. “I would like to inform you that

Eight killed in four Karachi road crashes ISLAMABAD Monitoring report

At least eight people were killed on Sunday in four separate road accidents in Karachi and its surrounding towns, a rescue agency reported.

Five members of a family died when their car plunged into a ditch on Sunday night in the Bahria Town neighbourhood of Karachi.

A rescue worker said the accident possibly took place due to over-speeding as the car fell after breaking the hurdles outside the ditch.

Reportedly, all five people, including two women and two children, who were in the car had lost their lives.

Separately, a pedestrian

was killed after being hit by a car on the Super Highway on the outskirts of Karachi, the rescue workers said.

Additionally, a person riding on a motorbike died when his vehicle was hit by a car in Shah Faisal town of the city, the rescue workers said.

Moreover, one person was

killed and another injured after their motorbike fell into a ditch in Karachi’s border city of Hub in Balochistan.

Road accidents frequently happen in Pakistan, mainly due to poorly maintained vehicles, dilapidated roads and negligence of road safety measures.

Islamabad safe city installs more CCTV cameras to enhance coverage ISLAMABAD staff report

The Islamabad safe city project has been extended through the installation of 530 more cameras and repairing of 487 cameras which would ensure broader online monitoring and help curb crime in the city.

As per the vision of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, efforts are underway to secure the Capital while Islamabad Safe City Project is being made more effective and its reorganization is underway, said a release issued on Tuesday.

Following directions of Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan, DIG Safe City Romail Akram and his team have worked day and night to expand the coverage of the project.

In Islamabad Safe City, 487 cameras have been made functional again which were closed due to development works and fibre cuts. Similarly, 530 new cameras have been installed across the district, in-

cluding 50 cameras at the entrances and exits of Islamabad.

Six out of 20 LTE towers of Safe City were damaged which have been made functional while the fibre of Safe City in a radius of 100 kilometres has been also repaired.

Similarly, 48 cameras of CDA have been attached to Safe City Islamabad which will help CDA in new initiatives. Safe City has installed cameras on CDA’s green, orange and blue line bus routes.

In addition, the work of connecting the cameras of N5 Motorway toll plazas, F-10 Markaz, Shifa International Hospital, various food centres, business centres and shopping malls with Safe City is also in progress.

The Safe City Islamabad has re-launched the e-Challan system which was closed for a long time while Pucar 15, Eagle Squad and the Supervisory structure of Safe City has been came together under one roof to monitor the crime situation. The phase of linking the Safe City project with the

Punjab Excise database has been also restored which was pending for a long time.

Eagle Squad has been linked with Safe City to further improve its performance and ensure prompt response in case of any emergency.

The Safe City received 3,88,761 calls during the last five months while 570 important events were covered

by Safe City drone teams and 260 events were covered by smart cars.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has said that the Islamabad Safe City project has been made more effective and its coverage will reach every area of the federal capital shortly.

He said that all the emergency services of Islamabad are working efficiently within Safe City Islamabad Safe City Project will be the best model of Pakistan in future. IGP Islamabad appreciated DIG Safe City Rumil Akram and his entire team for working hard day and night.

two international airports, namely Fuzuli and Zangilan International Airports, were built quickly. We restore our lands”, he added.

The ambassador said, “I must also mention Pakistan’s support. Brotherly Pakistan, from the first day of the former Karabakh conflict, as well as during the Patriotic War in 2020, morally and politically supported the just position of Azerbaijan, and the Government and people of Azerbaijan have highly appreciated it.”

Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, speaking on occasion, said, “The Armenian occupation in Azerbaijan was always considered a very similar situation as we have in Kashmir.”

He further stated that the relationship of Pakistan with Azerbaijan was historical. “We have supported our brothers in Azerbaijan in their struggle on the political front or any other front available to us to support our brothers.”

The minister also urged to enhance people-to-people exchanges and to work on establishing connectivity to Central Asian countries.

ke’s ‘hara bill’ initiative estimated to conserve 265 million litres of water annually KARACHI: KE has taken another pioneering step within Pakistan’s power sector to address climate change by introducing its new “Hara bill,” an effective, smarter, and environmentally friendlier way of communicating vital billing information with its customers from the month of November.

Climate change is impacting our environment in unimaginable ways, and the need of the hour is to move from ambition to action. KE is tackling today’s challenges in Pakistan’s power sector by revisiting its core processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. We are committed to add cleaner, greener, and efficient energy into our generation mix as we look to the next decade. Innovation and digitization of services is shifting the company towards an increasingly paperless environment. The next opportunity was to integrate this sustainable mindset towards our customer base of over 3.4 million, many of whom are receiving paper bills.

The breakthrough is in the introduction of a new, environmentally friendly bill which immediately inducts KE’s entire customer base as protectors of the environment. A simple move with a big impact preventing over 92 tonnes of paper-based waste entering Karachi’s landfills, preserving over 4200 trees, and over 265 million litres of water on an annual basis.

At a time when the world prepares for COP27 and reevaluates its alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this new bill provides an opportunity for responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), takes urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (SDG 13), and protects terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15). pr

shan Foods collaborates with indus Hospital & Health network to support childhood cancer treatment KARACHI: Shan Foods joined hands with Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) as one of the key sponsors and participating team at the 2nd IHNN annual Corporate Cricket Championship to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer treatment.

The two-day Corporate Cricket Championship is an annual initiative by IHHN as a means to gather corporate community to support their mission to provide free-ofcost quality healthcare to the people of Pakistan.

Pakistan has a vulnerable position in terms of cancer treatment. About 8,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, 50% of which have no access to treatment owing to a lack of specialised oncology centres while 70% do not complete treatment. Shan Foods, in addition to sponsoring 2nd IHNN annual Corporate Championship event, also participated as a playing team at the tournament where its employees played against teams from other participating organizations in an exciting cricket match for the cause of ensuring pediatric cancer patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status, a chance at healthy life. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to ensure provision of complete treatment of pediatric cancer patients.

Maria Rashdi, Head of Corporate Communications and PR Shan Foods, said, “Shan Foods is pleased and honored to support Indus Hospital in its fight against pediatric cancer.

Easy access to affordable and quality healthcare is a right of every individual. This is very encouraging to see the entire corporate sector come together for the cause. We appreciate IHHN efforts for it. Shan Foods will always stand by the cause and is committed to contribute towards the health and wellbeing of our children.” pr

Wednesday, 9 November, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FOREIGN NEWS

ChiNA diSPlAyS Air POwEr TO ‘dETEr TAiwAN SECESSiONiSTS, ExTErNAl iNTErfErENCE fOrCES’ ISLAmABAd

A

MiAn AbRAR

S the six-day Airshow China 2022 kicked off on Tuesday in South China’s Guangdong Province, spectators were greatly amazed by the country’s most advanced J-20 fighter jets’ outstanding flight performances with challenging maneuvers of tactical significance in a very humid weather, as well as their landing before the general public for the first time.

The experts said together with flight performances of the YU-20 aerial tanker and the J-16 heavy fighter jet among others, China’s PLA constituted a confident and high-profile move that not only showed the capabilities of the aircraft, but also served as a deterrence to “Taiwan independence” secessionist and external interference forces.

After consecutive days of bad weather in Zhuhai, rainfall stopped on Tuesday, the first day of the airshow, blessing all the aircraft with a cloudy weather condition barely okay for the delivery, and maybe more importantly, the crowd’s proper audience, of flight performances.

Despite some strict COVID-19 prevention and control measures, the spectators found it all worthwhile when four J-20 fighter jets of the People’s Libera-

tion Army (PLA) Air Force appeared from afar in a diamond formation and flew across the event site.

After some circling, two J-20s faded away into the clouds, and the other two dazzled the crowd with many challenging maneuvers with high Gs that tore the air apart, with the wakes distinctly visible because of the high humidity.

While people already know that the J-20s would land on the ground for the first time at an airshow due to an earlier rehearsal, the audience still stood on their toes to get a clearer view on them. Many gathered as closely as they can to take pictures of the J-20s or have their photos taken with the J-20s, as this was their first

Swedish PM seeks to convince Erdogan on NATO membership

opportunity to do so.

“Thrilling, satisfying” are some of the words many spectators told media describing the event. When the J-20 performed its first landing at the show, many viewers shouted, “It is coming! It is like we are about to celebrate the Chinese lunar spring festival. Bravo! The Chinese PLA Air Force!”

One of the last moves in the J-20s’ performance was a rolling while ascending, with the aircraft’s nose kept changing the direction it was pointing to. This shows that the J-20 has excellent mobility and very flexible aim, which can give it advantages in air combat, Zhang Xuefeng, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Tuesday at the air-

Biden warns on risk to democracy; Trump hints at another run on eve of midterms WASHINGTON

ISTANBUL

ReuteRs

Agencies

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was due to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, in a bid to persuade Turkey to drop its opposition to Sweden joining NATO. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Sweden and Finland abandoned their long-held policy of non-alignment and applied to join the military alliance.

But Turkey has stalled ratification of their bids, accusing them of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants. Erdogan — who is seeking re-election next year — is in a position of strength, having persuaded Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to stop blockading Ukraine’s grain exports.

He and Kristersson were due to meet at the presidential palace at 14:15 GMT and then give a press conference. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Ankara last week to press the countries’ case. “Their accession will make our alliance stronger and our people safer,” he said, adding that bringing Sweden and Finland into NATO would “send a clear message to Russia”. Stoltenberg stressed the two had agreed in June to concessions to Turkey, including addressing its request for “terror suspects” to be deported or extradited.

show site.

The J-20 can perform supersonic cruise and has subsonic super maneuverability at the same time. This is realized thanks to the J-20’s unique aerodynamic design of lifting body with strakes and canards, plus domestically developed engines, Zhang said.

A four-aircraft formation of the J-20 is a large tactical unit with high combatoriented significance, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told media.

The J-20’s first static display at the airshow displayed China’s confidence in the aircraft, reflecting that many warplanes of this type are already in service and have formed complete combat and logistics support capabilities, and that this advanced stealth fighter is no longer “mysterious,” Song said.

Besides the J-20, the YU-20 aerial tanker also delivered its first flight performance to the public, as it released all three of its aerial refueling baskets, showing its capabilities to host aerial refueling for two small aircraft simultaneously or for a large aircraft.

The J-16 heavy fighter jet was another main combat aircraft of the PLA Air Force that performed at the airshow. The J-16 released flares while performing a combat roll, as the beautiful move led many on the ground to express admiration.

In a stark closing argument ahead of the US midterm elections, President Joe Biden on Monday warned that a Republican victory could weaken the country’s democratic institutions, while former President Donald Trump hinted he could announce another White House bid as soon as next week.

Biden’s comments reflected the deep political divide in the United States ahead of November 8 elections that could see Republicans win control of one or both chambers of Congress.

“Today we face an inflexion point. We know in our bones that our democracy’s at risk and we know that this is your moment to defend it,” Biden told a cheering crowd at Bowie State University, a historically Black college outside Washington. Non-partisan election forecasters predict that Republicans are likely to pick up roughly

25 seats in the 435-seat House of Representatives, more than enough to win a majority. Analysts said Republicans also could pick up the one seat they need to win control of the Senate.

Republicans have blamed Biden’s administration for rising prices and crime, two top voter concerns. But dozens of candidates also have echoed Trump’s baseless claims of fraud in his 2020 election defeat. Some of them could end up as governors or election administrators in battleground states and play a central role in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump has repeatedly hinted that he may run for president again.

At a rally to boost Republican candidates in Ohio, Trump said he would make an announcement a week after the election at his Florida estate. “I’m going to be making a very big announcement on Tuesday, November 15 at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida,” he said.

Despite delivering on cam-

paign promises to boost infrastructure and clean energy, many Americans have soured on Biden’s leadership. Only 39 percent approve of his job performance, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Monday.

Biden’s unpopularity has made him an unwelcome guest in the most competitive races. On Monday, he spoke in reliably Democratic Maryland, where the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Wes Moore, is widely expected to win back the Republican-held governorship.

If Republicans win the House or the Senate, that would spell the end of Biden’s efforts to get abortion protections and other Democratic priorities through Congress. It also would open the door to Republican-led investigations that could potentially damage the White House.

A Republican-led Senate could also block Biden’s nominations for judicial or administrative posts.

The Unique China-Pakistan Relationship

AmBASSAdOR NONG RONG A few days ago, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China was successfully concluded, and so was Prime Minister Shehbaz’s maiden official visit to China. For China and ChinaPakistan relations, these two major events came one after another, the significance is self-evident and far-reaching.

20th CPC National Congress took place at a critical time as the country embarks on a new journey to build China into a modern socialist country in

all respects and advance toward the Second Centenary Goal. It has charted the course and established the guide to action for the cause of the Party and the country. General Secretary Xi Jinping was re-elected by a unanimous vote at the first plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. That will provide the most fundamental political guarantee for China to embark on a new journey to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects.

Facing a highly uncertain world, which our times and history are changing in ways like never before, China is responding to the uncertainties with its own certainty, hedging the instability of the international situation with the stability of its domestic and foreign policies, and providing a strong and lasting impetus for the recovery of the world economies with high-quality development and high-level opening up, making unremitting efforts for the peaceful development of the region and the world with a responsible attitude. As President Xi told PM Shehbaz, China will continue its fundamental policy of openingup and provide new opportunities to Pakistan and the rest of the world through continuous development.

PM Shehbaz being the first head of government visiting China after the 20th CPC National Congress, successfully concluded his first visit to China after taking office. China received the Prime Minister with premium courtesy.

President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman Li Zhanshu of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress held talks respectively with him.

Both sides issued joint statement and signed or concluded a number of agreements/MoUs, in areas of e-commerce, digital economy, export of agricultural product, financial cooperation, protection of cultural property, infrastructure, flood relief, post-disaster reconstruction, Global Development Initiative, animal disease control, livelihood, cultural cooperation, space, geosciences as well as law enforcement and security.

President Xi met with PM Shehbaz twice in less than two months, and personally invited him to visit China immediately after the 20th National Congress, which fully demonstrates the uniqueness of China-Pakistan relations and Pakistan’s important position in China’s overall diplomacy.

This uniqueness lies in the high level of strategic coordination and political mutual trust. “Ironclad friendship” is a special term to describe the relationship between the two countries. Pakistan sees its relations with China as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. China, as President Xi told PM Shehbaz, views its relations with Pakistan from a strategic and longterm perspective, and puts it as priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy.

The uniqueness of China-Pakistan relations lies in mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests.

This year, Pakistan gave firm support to China in response to Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan region and attempts to stir up Xinjiang-related issues at the Human Rights Council. Likewise, China supports Pakistan in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and promoting its socio-economic development and prosperity. Our close coordination has gone beyond the bilateral level to the multilateral and international arena, jointly promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and work together to make the global governance more just and equitable.

Twitter takeover raises fears of climate misinfo surge PARIS AFP

Climate deniers looking to block action and “greenwashing” companies could have free rein on Twitter after Elon Musk’s takeover, analysts warned as leaders pursued anti-warming efforts at the COP27 summit. The Tesla billionaire and self-declared freespeech absolutist has fired thousands of staff — with sustainability executives Sean Boyle and Casey Junod among those signing off from the platform last week.

Musk has promised to reduce Twitter’s content restrictions and after the takeover announced plans to create a “content moderation council” to review policies.

“It’s not clear what Mr Musk really plans to do.

However… if he removes all attempts at content moderation, we can expect a surge of disinformation, as well as increases in misleading and greenwashing advertisements,” said Naomi Oreskes, a professor of the history of science at Harvard University who has authored leading studies on climate misinformation.

“Greenwashing” means companies misleading the public about their impact on the planet through messages and token gestures.

“We may also see an increase in hateful comments directed towards climate scientists and advocates, particularly women,” Oreskes said.

Following the buyout, one climate journalist tweeted that he had received death threats on the platform. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

SuStainability execS axed: Researchers and campaigners say that despite measures announced by social platforms, climate misinformation is thriving, undermining belief in climate change and the action needed to tackle it.

Twitter and other tech giants such as Facebook and Google have said they are acting to make false claims less visible.

But the Institute for Strategic Dialogue think tank said in a detailed study this year that messages aiming to “deny, deceive and delay” regarding climate action were prevalent across social media.

Under Twitter’s policy before the takeover, it said “misleading advertisements on Twitter that contradict the scientific consensus on climate change are prohibited”. “We believe that climate denialism shouldn’t be monetised on Twitter, and that misrepresentative ads shouldn’t detract from important conversations about the climate crisis,” Boyle and Junod wrote in an Earth Day post on Twitter’s blog. Both posted messages on November 4 with the hashtag “LoveWhereYouWorked”, indicating they were among those laid off after Musk’s $44-million takeover. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

ScientiStS at riSk: Beyond false information, some specialists warned that climate scientists themselves face threats if moderation falters.

A surge in hate speech drove Twitter’s head of safety and integrity Yoel Roth to respond, trying to calm concerns. He tweeted that the platform’s “core moderation capabilities remain in place”.

Musk wrote on November 4 that “Twitter’s strong commitment to content moderation remains absolutely unchanged.”

11 Sports 9 November 2022_Layout 1 11/8/2022 10:55 PM Page 1

Wednesday, 9 November, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

SPORTS 11

EriksEn namEd in prEliminary dEnmark squad for World Cup CoPENHAgEN

m

AFP

ANCHESTER United midfielder Christian Eriksen, who suffered a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020, was one of 21 players named by Kasper Hjulmand on Monday in Denmark’s World Cup squad, with the coach set to name the remaining five players in the coming days.

The full list must be presented by next Monday at the latest, the day before the team leaves for Qatar.

“There are 10 to 12 players competing for the last places,” said Hjulmand.

“A lot can happen. It’s uncertain, but it’s the right way to go. There are two games left for many players, and things could change.”

Eriksen spent eight months out of the game after collapsing in Denmark’s opening game of the European Championships against Finland in Copenhagen on June

12 last year.

He had to be resuscitated on the pitch, lying unconscious for several minutes as the stunned crowd and millions of television viewers around the world watched on in horror. Eriksen spent several days in hospital and had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted to regulate his heartbeat.

Eriksen terminated his contract with Inter Milan by mutual consent last December as Italian league rules bar players with pacemakers.

He moved to Brentford earlier this year as the Premier League has no such rules regarding pacemakers.

He then scored on his international return against the Netherlands in March and signed a three year contract with Manchester United in July.

Regulars such as capitain Simon Kjaer are on the list although there is no place yet for Leicester defender Jannik Vestergaard

and Leipzig striker Yussuf Poulsen.

In Group D, Denmark begin their World Cup campaign on November 22 against Tunisia, before meeting France, the defending champions, and Australia.

Tenth in the FIFA world rankings, Denmark has been among the countries most critical of the holding of the World Cup in Qatar.

Denmark preliminary squaD: Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Nice/FRA), Oliver Christensen (Hertha Berlin/GER) Defenders: Daniel Wass (Brondby), Rasmus Nissen Kristensen (Leeds United/ENG), Jens Stryger Larsen (Trabzonspor/TUR), Joakim Maehle (Atalanta/ITA), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona/ESP), Simon Kjaer (AC Milan/ITA), Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace/ENG), Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray/TUR) Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham/ENG), Thomas Delaney

(Sevilla/ESP), Christian Eriksen (Manchester United/ENG), Mathias Jensen (Brentford/ENG) Forwards: Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford/ENG), Andreas Skov Olsen (Club

Brugge/BEL), Jesper Lindstrom (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER), Martin Braithwaite (Espanyol/ESP), Kasper Dolberg (Sevilla/ESP), Jonas Wind (Wolfsburg/GER), Andreas Cornelius (FC Copenhagen)

Hayden warns Azam primed for ‘something special’ at T20 World Cup PERTH AFP

qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is ‘damage in mind’ BERLIN reuTers

A Qatar World Cup ambassador has told German television broadcaster ZDF that homosexuality was “damage in the mind”, as the Gulf state prepares to host the global tournament in less than two weeks. In an interview filmed in Doha and to be screened later on Tuesday, former Qatari international footballer Khalid Salman addressed the issue of homosexuality, which is illegal in the Muslim country. Some soccer players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the event, especially LGBT+ individuals and women, whom rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate against. The country expects more than one million visitors for the World Cup. “They have to accept our rules here,” Salman said, in an excerpt of the interview. “(Homosexuality) is haram. You know what haram (forbidden) means?,” he said.

When asked why it was haram, Salman said: “I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind.” The interview was then immediately stopped by an accompanying official. Qatar’s World Cup organisers, when contacted by Reuters, declined to comment.

World soccer’s ruling body FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. Organisers have repeatedly said everyone was welcome in Qatar during the World Cup. Qatar is the first Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup but the small nation has come under intense pressure in recent years for its treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws. Reuters

Pakistan’s best is yet to come and struggling skipper Babar Azam is due something “very special” in their T20 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday, team mentor Matthew Hayden warned.

The 2009 champions only scraped into the knockouts when the Netherlands unexpectedly defeated South Africa and Pakistan then beat Bangladesh to secure their second successive last-four berth.

Former Australia opener Hayden, who was batting coach for Pakistan at the last World Cup and appointed team mentor for this edition, said they planned to make the most of their second chance.

“When the Netherlands beat South

Africa it was a significant moment for us, a very significant moment for the team in general around reaching its potential,” he said on the eve of the semi-final in Sydney.

“Lots of prayers as Pakistan woke up to see that result, 232 million people can’t be wrong, and as a result of that, I feel there has been very much an uplift in tempo in our group.

“It has been a roller-coaster […] but I really believe we have yet to play our best game, which is a huge threat to oppositions.”

While Pakistan’s bowling, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, has been improving, their batting has been fragile, a concern against a top-class New Zealand attack led by Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson.

Azam’s form in particular remains a worry with the opener managing just 39 runs in five matches.

Hayden, himself a destructive opener who played 103 Tests and 161 ODIs, said the skipper was due some “fireworks” — and predicted they could come on Wednesday.

“There’s no question Babar has been under some adversity but that will only make him an even greater player,” he said.

“We know with the weather that when there’s a lull, there’s often a storm that follows, so look out rest of the world because I think we’re about to see something very special from Babar.”

New Zealand have long been a force in white-ball cricket, but have failed to turn that into world titles, in-

cluding falling at the final hurdle to Australia in 2021.

They started their campaign this year with a massive 89-run win against the defending champions, also in Sydney, and Hayden said Pakistan were wary of the Black Caps.

“They got 200 on this particular wicket against Australia […] New Zealand have some really destructive players and they can put you under pressure with the bat,” he said.

“They’ve also got a terrific, well-balanced bowling attack.

“Like New Zealand sport in general, they really punch above their weight, they believe they can win this tournament and they have the potential to do that. “So lots of threats to our camp, no question.”

Spin great Abdul Qadir inducted into ICC’s Hall of Fame ISLAMABAD The AssociATed Press

Leg-spin bowling great Abdul Qadir, former West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Charlotte Edwards of England have been inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame.

The three former players will be honoured at a special ceremony before the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

“Only the very best are honoured in this way and it is wonderful to commemorate the lasting contributions of Shivnarine, Charlotte and Abdul,” ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said in a state-

ment Tuesday.

“These three ambassadors of our great game enjoyed tremendous success on the international stage and are richly deserving of their status as ICC Hall of Famers.”

Abdul Qadir, who died in 2019 at age 63, made his debut in 1977 in Lahore and went on to play 67 Tests and 104 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), claiming a total of 368 wickets.

His wrist-spin technique and dynamic bowling action were instrumental in Pakistan’s 1983 and 1987 World Cup campaigns as he outsmarted a number of great batters with his sharp googlies and flippers.

Renowned for his fairly long run-up and a unique bowling action, Abdul

Qadir was almost unplayable on pitches in Pakistan and one of the favourites of then-captain Imran Khan. After retiring from international cricket, he turned to coaching and ran a cricket academy in Lahore. He also mentored a number of leading international leg-spinners including the late Australian great Shane Warne, Mushtaq Ahmed, Danish Kaneria, Shahid Afridi and Imran Tahir, who later played for South Africa.

His son, Usman Abdul Qadir is part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad in Australia, and he thanked the ICC for honouring his late father.

“It is a very big honour for the family to hear of this news,” Usman said in a statement. “We see it as a huge achievement, and one that my father would be

very proud of if he was still with us today.” handerpaul, widely known for his unorthodox batting stance, scored 11,867 runs in 164 Test matches at an impressive average of 51.37 during his 21-year international career. He also scored prolifically in the white-ball format, with 8,778 runs in 268 games.

“I’m grateful for the recognition and would like to enjoy the moment with family, friends and most importantly the West Indies cricket fans and fans around the world who passionately supported me throughout my career,” Chanderpaul said. Edwards, who started her international career at 16, struck a world-record unbeaten 173 against Ireland in the World Cup in India and became England captain in 2006 before

Stokes says England must shut down India’s ‘fantastic’ Suryakumar ADELAIDE AFP

Ben Stokes warned on Tuesday that England must nullify the threat of Suryakumar Yadav in their Twenty20 World Cup semi-final against India, saying the batsman has “set the world alight”.

India and England clash on Thursday at the Adelaide Oval for a place in the final at the MCG against Pakistan or New Zealand.

The top-ranked Indians have been riding high on Suryakumar’s batting exploits, with the middle-order batsman in sparkling form with three half-centuries in Australia and 225 runs.

“Suryakumar obviously came in and set the world alight. He is a fantastic player and plays some shots where you sort of just scratching the head sometimes,” England all-rounder Stokes said.

“He is in great form, but hopefully we

can try and shut him down and not allow him to get on one of his rampages.”

Suryakumar played a key part in India’s top finish in Group 2 and was at his destructive best in the final game against Zimbabwe with an unbeaten 61 of 25 balls.

The 32-year-old is known as a 360-degree player for his ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground, including the audacious scoop shot over the wicketkeeper’s head for a six.

India are up against an England side who were regarded as pre-tournament favourites by many.

But they were not always convincing in getting to the semi-finals and were beaten by Ireland.

Stokes, England’s Test captain, came under extra scrutiny for his patchy batting but he hit an unbeaten 42 against Sri Lanka to guide the Three Lions into the knockouts.

Stokes, who has been England’s go-to

player in crunch situations and led them to a 50-over World Cup title in 2019, hopes for more of the same at the business end in Australia.“We have got two more games to go hopefully […] and hopefully lift the trophy in the end,” Stokes, a left-handed batsman and a rightarm fast bowler, said.

“But we know we need to get this game done on Thursday against a very strong Indian team which no one will ever take lightly because the team they are and the players that they have in their squad.”

Virat Kohli has stood out once more for India with three unbeaten half-centuries and leads the tournament batting chart with 246 runs and an average of 123.

Kohli, 34, overcame a miserable run of batting form to hit his first international century after 1,020 days at the Asia Cup in September and silence the critics.

“I think with Virat he could have four

unbelievable years like he had and then have a not-so-loud couple of months and then for some reason plays like that and gets written off, we have got no idea why,” said Stokes.

“I think he has earned the right to never be written off.”

New Zealand and Pakistan play the first semi-final in Sydney on Wednesday.

Wednesday, 9 November, 2022

pRayeR timingS

NEWS

PM callS for judicial inquiry into Slain arShad Sharif’S Murder ISLAMABAD

P

Staff RepoRt

RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to constitute a judicial commission to hold impartial and credible inquiry into the killing of renowned journalist Arshad Sharif.

In a letter written to the top judge on Tuesday, the prime minister asked the CJP to form a commission comprising all available judges of the apex court to ascertain the facts surrounding the mysterious murder of the journalist, who was shot dead in Kenya last month.

The letter suggested that the commission may focus on five questions related to the circumstances surrounding the killing:

What procedure Arshad Sharif adopted to go abroad in August 2022 and who facilitated his departure abroad?

Was any federal or provincial agency, institution or administration aware of the threat issued to Arshad Sharif?

What circumstances and reasons forced Arshad Sharif to travel to Kenya from the United Arab Emirates?

What is the real truth behind the firing incident in which Arshad Sharif died?

Is Arshad Sharif’s death really a case of mistaken identity or is it the result of a ‘criminal game’?

PM Shehbaz has said in the letter that the formation of a commission is necessary to uphold the rule of law in the country and added that the federal government will extend full support to the panel in investigating the murder.

The premier told the chief justice that judicial inquiry into the killing was

PM confident upcoming visit of Saudi crown prince will strengthen ties

inevitable to restore the public confidence in the state institutions as doubts being raised over the alleged involvement of government officials in the gruesome murder.

The development came days after slain journalist Arshad Sharif’s mother, Riffat Ara Alvi, penned a letter on Wednesday to Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial requesting him to form a highlevel judicial commission to probe into her son’s death. Riffat urged CJ Bandial to “protect the case from controversy and political hypocrisy and provide justice to the family”.

“My shaheed son Arshad Sharif during his life, wrote a letter to your honour on 12th July 2022 to bring into your notice the threats to his life and the numerous baseless criminal cases initiated across the country by the present government (multiple FIRs) against

him on the grounds of sedition and other charges. On account of this my shaheed son was forced to leave the country on 10th August 2022 and had to take refuge in Dubai,” she wrote.

She said that when Sharif had reached Dubai, she was relieved that he was out of danger but the government “pressured” the UAE government which forced her son to flee the country.

Riffat further said that her son was “mercilessly assassinated” after two months in Kenya. She also urged the apex court to take notice of the government’s “behaviour” following the incident.

“Well before the investigation team had left for Kenya on 28th October 2022, federal ministers started airing different fabricated stories in relation to the death of my shaheed son which are available on media record,” she highlighted.

Gun attack on Imran: PTI rejects ‘coverup’ FIR against ‘unknown persons’ ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

SHARM EL-SHEIKH Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, expressed confidence that his forthcoming visit to Pakistan would further promote cooperation.

“Looking forward to the upcoming visit of the Crown Prince to Pakistan, the prime minister said that he was confident that this visit would promote bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement after the meeting. The meeting held on the sidelines of the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh reviewed the bilateral relations with a view to further enhance the ongoing cooperation in various fields.

“Both sides expressed determination to further strengthen the multilateral partnership between the two brotherly countries,” the statement added.

During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Sharif reiterated that Pakistan attached great importance to its ties with Saudi Arabia, which were deeply rooted in common faith, culture, values and an eternal tradition of mutual support.

He also appreciated the hospitality and cooperation of Saudi Arabia for the two million Pakistanis working in the Kingdom, which contributed to the development and prosperity of the two brotherly countries.

Referring to their recent meeting in Riyadh, the prime minister and the crown prince expressed satisfaction at the growing high-level ties.

The two leaders expressed their determination to further strengthen the multilateral partnership between the two countries. Sharif particularly emphasised the importance of increasing trade, investment, development and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the mutual interest of the people of the two brotherly countries.

Appreciating Saudi assistance to the flood-hit people, the prime minister said that Pakistan was one of the countries most affected by the effects of climate change. He expressed hope that COP27 would yield concrete results, especially in developing countries with regard to the financing of waste and damage caused by environmental causes. He also appreciated the efforts of the crown prince on the functioning of the integrated environmental initiative and assured the Saudi leadership of full support from Pakistan.

Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party rejected the first information report (FIR) registered against “unidentified suspects” late on Monday, no less than four days after the gun attack on former prime minister Imran Khan which he blamed on the prime minister and a top official of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The complaint — which left out Shehbaz Sharif, his minister for interior Rana Sanaullah Khan, and Maj. Gen. Faisal Naseer of the spy agency — was lodged several hours after the Supreme Court instructed Faisal Shahkar, the outgoing chief of the Punjab police, to do the same within 24 hours, and assured him of its support dur-

ing the investigation.

It was registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, and Sections 302 (punishment for murder); 324 (attempt to commit murder); and 440 (mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Sub-Inspector Amir Shahzad has been made the complainant instead of the party.

Subsequently, on Tuesday, Shahkar submitted a compliance report to the court.

Responding to the development, several members of the opposition party, through tweets and statements, rejected the report as a “mockery” of the Supreme Court’s directive, and announced to contest it.

In a thinly-veiled reference to the military, Fawad

Chaudhry, senior vice president of the party, said the people of Pakistan will never accept that a “particular group remained above the law” of the land.

The FIR of the gun attack, he said, “could not be registered because there is no rule of law in the country […] a powerful group is holding the political and judicial system of the country hostage”, he said in a series of tweets.

“The army is an established force in Pakistan, but under the leadership of Imran Khan, the people are [also] an organised force. Institutions will have to accept the people’s rights — this matter has to be settled.

“The people will not accept now that a group remains above the law. There will be justice in Arshad Sharif, Azam Khan Swati and Wazirabad attack cases.”

Imran Khan invites Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan to join PTI LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday asked senior leader of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan to join the PTI. Khan shared his desire during a meeting with Aitzaz Ahsan who called on Khan at his residence in Zaman Park Lahore to inquire about his health.

It merits mention that the PPP’s vocal leader Aitzaz Ahsan visited Khan to inquire about his health after Khan along with other party leaders and workers sustained nullet injuries in a failed gun attack near a PTI reception camp in Wazirabad’s Allahwala Chowk during the party’s long march. The former prime minister said that

it’s been his wish for 17 years that Aitzaz Ahsan may join him in his struggle for true freedom.

“I’m waiting for the day when Aitzaz Ahsan officially joins our political party,” Khan said.

Khan also met senior journalists on the sidelines of the meeting. Khan said that three people had planned to kill him. He added that he miraculously survived the assassination attempt even after receiving four bullets in his leg.

The PTI chief said he will join the long march as soon as he recovered from his injuries. He vowed to continue the struggling for real freedom till his last breath. While speaking to journalists, Aitzaz Ahsan said, “I just came here to inquire about Imran Khan’s health who is my neighbour,”, adding that he did not seek permission from his political party to visit his neighbour.

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china’s covid-restrictions may result in cheaper cooking oil ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

In a peculiarity of the international markets, the price of cooking oil may go down in Pakistan after China refused to ease covid related lockdown restrictions in the country.

Much of the world’s cooking oil, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan and India, comes from the oil seeds of the palm tree. Imported mostly from Indonesia, palm oil prices often fluctuate depending on international demand.

As the biggest importer of palm oil, China’s demand for the product often dictates prices.

However, Covid cases in China are once again at an all time high and imports are being curbed in the wake of a lockdown. So when the Chinese government did not ease lockdown restrictions on Tuesday, the prices of palm oil on the international market saw a dim future when the FCPO contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange went down by 1.6 per cent.

The contract is a benchmark on the future trade of the palm oil trade across the globe, more particularly, the Asia Pacific region. Meaning that this is the price that any buyer would eventually pay if they want to procure palm oil.

Initially, the benchmark had risen on the hopes that China would ease the lockdown despite there being no indication of this happening. It was believed that the demand for the contract would drop further, however, this week started with a sharp 1.7% increase in the contract prices. Rates eventually took a dip later in the day and the matter took its due course by the day’s end on Tuesday.

Pakistan is also a major importer of palm oil, depending on it for a large chunk of its cooking oil. Pakistan, which is highly reliant on imported palm oil to meet the country’s food needs, is very vulnerable to these price changes.

Earlier this year, the local market saw a historic increase in the price of cooking oil and Vanaspati ghee, wreaking havoc across low income households. Prices later dipped as well as the palm oil market has generally been on a downward trend for the past few months.

The prices for palm oil contracts in the international market had nosedived in the last month, owing to high production and slump in imports across the world. The price, which had gone as high as $1,800 per tonne a few months ago, is now below $1,000 per tonne. According to the director of Indian consumer goods company Godrej International, Dorab Mistry, Palm oil is expected to go as low as $737 per tonne before March 2023.

The fall in the price will, therefore, be more than welcome for Pakistanis, provided that the effect is passed on to the consumer — a process that usually takes some months given the pace of the supply chain. Equally important is the positive effect it will have on Pakistan’s import bill given fears around the external account and low reserves.

Mustafa nawaz Khokhar announces resignation as Senator ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar on Tuesday announced his resignation as senator after it emerged that the party’s leadership “wasn’t happy with his political positions.”

Taking to twitter, the PPP leader wrote: “Met a senior leader from the party today. He conveyed that the party leadership wasn’t happy with my political positions and wanted my resignation from the Senate. I gladly agreed to resign.”

Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar further said that as a political worker, he cherished the right to express his opinion on matters of public interest. “Thankful to the party leadership for giving me the senate seat from Sindh,” he added.

He noted that he would submit his resignation as a senator in person to Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani on Wednesday (today).

It is pertinent to mention here that Khokhar had previously resigned as PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s spokesman in December 2020. He has been critical of the government since its inception.

Top judge hopeful of ‘good news’ ahead of Pakistan’s World Cup semi-final clash ISLAMABAD agencieS

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial on Tuesday looked forward to “receiving good news” from the Pakistan cricket team as the top court expressed excitement over the upcoming thriller T20 World Cup semi-final between Pakistan and New Zealand.

The off-topic remark was made by the chief justice as the SC took up a petition filed by PTI chief Imran Khan challenging the recent amendments to anti-graft laws. A three-member bench comprising Justice Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, and Justice

Syed Mansoor Ali Shah heard the plea.

Towards the end of the hearing today, government counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan brought up Pakistan’s miraculous qualification to the semi-final of the T20 World Cup. “The team reaching the semi-finals is nothing less than a miracle,” he said.

He urged the court to not schedule the next hearing at 1pm on Wednesday as that is when the national cricket team has to face New Zealand in the World Cup. At that, the CJP said that he wasn’t aware of the match. According to a Dawn.com correspondent present in the court, the CJP, with a smile on his face, then enquired about the timing of the match.

“If you say, we will install a screen outside the Supreme Court for you to watch the match,” he playfully offered.

However, the government counsel’s request was turned down as Imran’s lawyer Khwaja Haris opposed it and argued that enough time had already lapsed.

“Haris sahab, just leave one day […] we know you’re a fan of cricket too,” Justice Shah said here.

Meanwhile, Justice Ahsan said that Pakistan reaching the semifinals was a “national miracle”. Justice Shah, continuing the conversation, said that the court could watch the match while the lawyer presented their argument. At this, those in attendance

burst into laughter.

“Let’s hope we receive good news tomorrow,” the chief justice remarked, adding that the hearing on Nov 9 would be wrapped up early.

Earlier in the day, Imran’s lawyer Khwaja Haris presented his arguments on the PTI chairman’s plea challenging the recent amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Haris referred to a United Nations (UN) resolution against corruption that Pakistan had previously signed. “And the recent changes to the law would be a violation of the resolution.”

Here, Justice Shah asked if an interna-

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

tional resolution could be used to stop the parliament from legislating. “Not letting the parliament legislate may also affect fundamental rights.”

Meanwhile, Justice Ahsan wondered why favoritism was shown under the new NAB laws without any explanation. “If tomorrow permission is given to take bribes, will no one stop it,” he asked.

The judge then added that there was no crime in a third party benefitting from the new amendments.

Subsequently, the CJP pointed out that Haris’ arguments made it seem like Pakistan was a “jungle” where no “rule of law” existed and adjourned the hearing till Nov 9.