Epaper_22-11-10 ISB

clinical Pakistan crush new Zealand to make it to t20 world cuP final

sYdNEY agencies

mOHAMMADRizwan and Babar Azam slammed half centuries as Pakistan powered past New Zealand by seven wickets and into the Twenty20 World Cup final Wednesday, moving within one win of a second title.

Half-centuries from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan helped Pakistan beat New Zealand in dominant fashion to book its place in the T20 World Cup final.

Rizwan scored 57 runs and Azam added 53 as Pakistan made easy work of a 153-run chase on a placid Sydney wicket. It finished with 153-3 in 19.1 overs.

That came after Shaheen Afridi took 2-24 to help restrict New Zealand to a sub-par 152-4 from its 20 overs.

Pakistan awaits the winner of Thursday’s semi-final between India and England in Adelaide. The final will be played in Melbourne on Sunday.

“Luckily the half-century came in the semi-final. It was a tricky pitch,” Rizwan, who was named player of the match, said. “We decided to attack against the

new ball. Our start to the tournament wasn’t good, but we kept believing.”

Opting to bat after winning the toss, New Zealand got off to a poor but eventful start.

Finn Allen hit a boundary off the first ball and survived a close leg-beforewicket shout off the second via review. He was then immediately out lbw off the next delivery.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and Devon Conway (21) put on 34 runs for the second wicket before the latter was run out at the end of a powerplay.

The Black Caps were then reduced to 49-3 in eight overs as Mohammad Nawaz sent back Glenn Phillips (6).

Williamson scored 46 off 42 balls, including a four and a six, and anchored the New Zealand innings. He put on 68 runs off 50 balls with Daryl Mitchell for the fourth wicket.

Afridi returned to dismiss Williamson in the 17th over. Mitchell hit three fours and a six in completing his half-century off 32 balls.

Pakistan’s excellent ground fielding and the wicket’s slow nature then denied

New Zealand the chance to launch any type of attack in the final overs.

In reply, Azam and Rizwan belied their poor form to put on a century stand for the first wicket.

They scored 50 off 34 balls and reached 100 off 70 deliveries. In all, they put on 105 runs off 76 balls to set Pakistan on course for an easy win.

Azam was out shortly after reaching his half-century off 38 balls. Meanwhile, Rizwan scored 50 off 36 balls before being dismissed in the 17th over.

By then only 21 runs were needed off 18 balls and Pakistan closed it out with five balls to spare, as Mohammad Haris finished with 30 from 26 balls.

Powerplay performance was the difference between the two sides. While New Zealand was restricted to 38-2 in its first six overs, Pakistan scored 55-0 in the powerplay.

“We were put under pressure early. Pakistan bowled very well,” Williamson said. “ We were able to wrestle back momentum with an unbelievable knock from Mitchell. We felt it was a competitive total. Babar and Rizwan were outstanding and we were outplayed.”

Dar announces Riba-free banking system, withdrawal of appeal filed with Shariah court

islamabad staff report

The finance minister, on Wednesday in a video statement, revealed that the coalition government in consultation with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to withdraw both appeals filed in the Supreme court against the Shariat court order to end the Riba system. The finance minister announces a Riba (interest) free banking system for the country in the coming years.

Dar said that the Shariat court had given the orders keeping in view the Quran and Sunnah therefore the government should do so too.

“We have discussed the future of Islamic banking roadmap with the Governor State Bank of Pakistan and Insha’Allah, we will implement the Islamic system with the help of Allah,” the Finance minister added.

In the past, former finance minister Miftah Ismail also stated that he instructed National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to withdraw its appeal against the Federal Shariat Court and that he will discuss the issue with the SBP.

The finance minister also claimed that in his previous tenure as finance governor in 2013 to 2018, there had been considerable work on developing the Islamic banking system in the country, including a special committee established consisting of Mufti Taqi Usmani and other scholars.

He also said that although there are challenges with converting the conventional system immediately to Islamic banking system, the current government will try its best to imple-

ment Islamic banking system in the country.

On April 28, the Shariat Court announced a verdict in a long-pending, declaring the prevailing interestbased banking system as against the Shariah and directed the government to facilitate all loans under an interestfree system. The court had instructed the government to make laws within five years with regard to the implementation of Islamic banking within the country.

However SBP and NBP had challenged the decision in SC.

On Saturday June 26, the SBP filed an appeal under Article 203D of the Constitution through Advocate Salman Akram Raja against certain discrepancies in the FSC judgment. The SBP, through the appeal, sought clarifications.

The SBP explained that it had already begun the transformation of the banking system into a Shariah compliant one at the start of the millennium and that Islamic and Conventional banking were both allowed to operate simultaneously.

Moreover, in the appeal, the SBP further explained that while Islamic modes of finance were a growing area of interest for foreign providers, the central bank could not enforce adoption.

The Jamaat-e-Islami has run campaigns to boycott banks that have challenged the Shariah court’s decision.

Others that have filed an appeal include United Bank Limited (UBL), Allied Bank Limited, MCB Bank, in addition to NBP and SBP.

Will name ‘second officer’ monitoring assassination plot: Imran

was sitting with Maj General Faisal in the control room from around 12 noon to 5 pm monitoring the execution of the plot”

Former

minister

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Khan has said that he will disclose the name of the second officer who was also in the control room monitoring the “execution of the plot” – the apparent reference to the assassination attempt on him in Punjab’s Wazirabad city last week.

Imran Khan was wounded by gunfire aimed at his open-top container truck as he led a political party convoy through thick crowds in the eastern city of Wazirabad on November 3.

In asnother tweet, Khan shared clips of his speeches made almost two months back wherein he had revealed the plot of assassination bid being made at his life.

One person died in the incident while several members of the PTI chair-

man’s close circle, including Senator Faisal Javed, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, Ahmad Chattha and Imran Yousaf, were injured.

A suspect identified as Naveed was arrested from the crime scene. The suspect admitted to opening fire on the container but did not point out to anyone during the initial investigations.

The former premier, who was removed from power through a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly in April this year, also claimed that he had discovered the assassination plot hatched against him almost two months ago and exposed it in Rahim Yar Khan on September 24 and Mianwali on October 7 during public rallies.

“Wazirabad assassination attempt followed the script,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle on Wednesday.

He further stated that, “ I will also disclose the name of the second officer who

The investigators and the federal government are adamant that the attacker acted alone. However, the PTI leadership including Imran said Naveed was only a pawn who executed the assassination plot hatched by three powerful personalities of the country.

The government and military have dismissed Imran’s claims as lies and fabrications, and threatened to sue the PTI chief for defamation.

Imran Khan launched what is known as a long-march protest rally from Lahore to the capital on October 28, which the former ruling party said will resume on Thursday (tomorrow) at the same place where he was attacked.

Imran’s supporters blocked roads near Islamabad on Tuesday, disrupting traffic and forcing schools to close.

laHORE staff report

prime

and

(PTI) Chairman Imran

InITIal PRobe Reveals Two susPecTs Involved In ImRan’s assassInaTIon bId: cheema

Adviser to Punjab’s chief minister on home affairs Omar Sarfraz Cheema on Wednesday revealed that at least two people were involved in assassination attempt on former prime minister Imran Khan last Thursday.

Imran Khan, 70, was wounded by gunfire aimed at his open-top container truck as he led a political party convoy through thick crowds in Wazirabad on November 3.

One person died in the incident while several members of the PTI chairman’s close circle, including Senator Faisal Javed, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, Ahmad Chattha and Imran Yousaf, were injured.

A suspect identified as Naveed was arrested from the crime scene. The suspect admitted to opening fire on the container but did not point out to anyone during the initial investigations.

During a press briefing today, Cheema said that at least two people were involved in the attack, citing initial investigation by law enforcement agencies.

He rejected the religious angle given to the attack. “In fact, religious hatred is being spread against Imran Khan. After the Wazirabad incident, an attempt has been made to spew poison against Imran Khan in Hafizabad as well,” he added.

Cheema said that the Centre can exercise its authority, however, appointing an IG is the responsibility of the provincial government. “There is only public’s rule here [in Punjab]… there won’t be any governor’s rule [in the province],” he added.

PTI leader Farrukh Habib said that the attackers could be more than two. “In the initial investigation, it has been proved that there was a planned assassination attempt on Imran Khan,” he claimed.

He said that those who were making a narrative against Imran Khan non-stop have been exposed. “[Interior Minister] Rana Sanaullah should be ashamed of his statement while accusing Imran Khan,” he added.

He further said that the assassination bid on Imran Khan was an attack on entire 220 million people of Pakistan.

Road blockades by PTI protestors enter third day, risk economic damage

Staff rePort

Blockades on the highways linking Islamabad with Rawalpindi and Peshawar entered their third day on Wednesday, as local traders warned the protest organised by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters could have a serious impact on already struggling businesses, causing immense losses.

The protesters have paralysed traffic and forced schools to close in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as they step up their efforts to topple the government following an assassination attempt on Imran Khan, the former prime minister.

Long queues of vehicles were seen stuck on M-1 and M-2 highways, one of the main arteries into Islamabad, as people were unable to reach their places of work and education.

Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi, the deputy speaker in the Punjab Assembly, has asked the protesters to continue the demonstration against the assassination attempt on former prime minister leader Imran Khan.

In a statement on Wednesday, the traffic police said that Old Airport Road was blocked by protesters. Due to the blockade, the traffic was diverted to alternative routes. It further said that Murree Road was blocked near Iqbal Park, while Pirwadhai Mor towards I.J.P. Road was also closed to traffic.

The traffic police said that a section of the Grand Trunk Road near Margalla Hills and Sarai Kala Chowk was also blocked.

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

On Tuesday, the government accused the PTI of deliberately making life difficult

Saudi crown prince expected to arrive in Pakistan Nov 21

ISLAMABAD anadolu agency

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman is expected to arrive in Pakistan later this month, an official said.

“He is expected to visit on November 21,” the official told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity as the date of the visit is yet to be announced officially.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the crown prince on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP27, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. There, he expressed his determination to further strengthen the multilateral partnership between the two countries, said a statement issued by Sharif’s office.

Sharif is in Egypt along with his delegation to attend the COP27 summit.

“Looking forward to the upcoming visit of the (Saudi) Crown Prince to Pakistan,” Sharif said, adding that he was confident that this visit would promote bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

The prime minister emphasised the importance of increasing trade, investment, development and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said last week that Islamabad was in negotiations

with Riyadh for $4.2 billion of financial support as the country faces financial and political crises.

“Saudi Arabia had also agreed to revive the $10-12 billion petrochemical refining project at Gwadar,” a report quoted Dar as saying.

During his Tuesday meeting with bin Salman, Sharif also praised Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and cooperation towards the two million people working in the kingdom, according to the statement.

Imran says lawyers to give position on ‘farcical’ FIR

LAHORE Staff rePort

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has asserted that his lawyers would give his position on first information report (FIR) registered against Wazirabad incident. Taking to Twitter, the former premier wrote: “All my life I dreamt of seeing my country as a prospering welfare state [and] my struggle throughout has been to make this dream a reality for my nation.” “Today the nation has awakened, understood [and] risen in support of my message of justice, freedom [and] national sovereignty. When we are so close to our goal no fear or threat of death can stop my struggle,” he added. Imran Khan noted that his ‘peaceful’ protests and dialogue were only for Pakistan’s Haqeeqi Azadi.

The former prime minister noted said that his party’s doors were open to “all democratic loving forces”. “For the future of Pakistan, the doors of PTI are open to all democratic loving forces to join our struggle for Justice, rule of law and freedom from foreign subservience – our goal of Haqeeqi Azadi,” he said, while calling the FIR ‘farcical’.

for the public by blockading roads. “Imran Khan wants chaos and sedition in Pakistan,” said Hamza Shahbaz, vice president of the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N).

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.

He was among 10 wounded people. One party worker was killed.

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.

Popular anger over the shooting and the increasingly poisonous tone of public discourse were reaching alarming levels, analysts said. “You are set to see only chaos and incoherence in Pakistani politics,” Hasan Askari Rizvi, a political analyst, told Financial Times.

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.

Top Pakistan, France diplomats plan to tackle climate change

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and his French counterpart Catherine Colonna have expressed a desire to collaborate on addressing the challenge of climate change, the Foreign Office said Wednesday. In a meeting held on the sidelines of the COP27 summit in Egypt, the two foreign ministers agreed to strengthen ties between their two nations in diverse fields, the statement issued by the Foreign Office said. Zardari lauded the measures taken by French President Emmanuel Macron as part of a global campaign to mitigate the effects of climate change. He also thanked Paris for extending assistance to the flood victims in Pakistan.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar was present at the meeting.

Govt to appoint President NBP soon

ISLAMABAD Shahzad Paracha

The Federal government is likely to appoint the President National Bank of Pakistan soon. Source privy to the development informed that a seven members panel, headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday conducted interviews for the appointment of President National Bank of Pakistan.

The Ministry of Finance has shortlisted 14 candidates for President NBP position. The candidates included: SEVP CIBG Samba Bank Syed Ghazanfar, GH Bank of Punjab Mustafa Hamdani, Chief RBG ABL Tariq Javed Ghumman, SEVP Meezan Bank Muhammad Abdullah, Group Executive Chief & Chief Risk Officer UBL Imran Sarwar, CEO BoP Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, CEO FWBL Farrukh Iqbal, COO Askari Bank Khurshid Zafar, GH Silk Bank Hassan Raza, Ex CEO ABL Tahir Hassan Qureshi and ED Citibank Javed Kureshi.

Reportedly, Abdul Ghani, Abdul Razaq and Naheed Sultana have also given interviews for the President NBP position.

Earlier on August 13, the Ministry of Finance had postponed interviews at the last moment due to differences between the former finance minister, high ups of PML-N and the ruling PDM alliance.

It may be recalled that the government

on May 11 had assigned the look-after charge for the post of President NBP to group chief CIBG Rehmat Ali Hasnie for disposing of day to day affairs of the bank. It is worth mentioning here that ISI and IB as a special vetting agency is also doing the verification and screening of public office holders for induction, important posting and promotions and they will vet the recommended candidates in President NBP position also.

Bin Salman’s visit is slated to take place as the South Asian country grapples with a political crisis after former prime minister Imran Khan announced to resume the anti-government long march to the capital on Thursday.

Khan had earlier called off the march following a failed attempt on his life in the Wazirabad district of Punjab. He was wounded in the leg when shots were fired at him and other officials standing on a modified container truck.

LAHORE Staff rePort

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

ISLAMABAD

hybRId model oF subsIdIes beIng Followed To PRovIde RelIeF To PublIc: daR

Staff rePort

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar expressed the resolve of the incumbent government to provide maximum relief to the poor strata of society and support them.

“The present government is well aware of the problems being faced by the masses and striving to provide maximum support to ameliorate public lives.”

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar expressed the views while chairing a follow-up meeting on PM’s relief package through Utility Stores Corporation (USC) at Finance Division here on Wednesday.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha, Secretary Finance, Secretary Industries & Production, MD

USC and senior officers attended the meeting.

On the occasion, the finance minister was briefed on the Prime Minister’s relief package and subsidy being provided on five essential items (Pulses, flour, sugar, rice and ghee) through Utility Stores Corporation (USC) to facilitate the masses of the country.

The meeting discussed a comprehensive hybrid model consisting of targeted and un-targeted elements to provide maximum relief to the lower strata of the society. The financial implications of the subsidy were also discussed in the meeting.

Finance Minister Mr. Ishaq Dar expressed the resolve of the present government to provide maximum relief to the poor and support them. He further emphasized that the present government is aware of the issues of the masses and providing maximum support is the top priority of the present government.

Key decisions of election, selection to be taken this month: Sheikh Rashid

Staff rePort

Awami Muslim League Pakistan (AMLP) leader Sheikh Rashid on Wednesday said that the Rawalpindi meeting and the meeting in London are the final round of important decisions.

Taking to Twitter, former interior minister wrote that all important decisions from election to selection will be made in Pindi this month. He added that the incompetent and unpopular government is a threat to

economic, political and national security.

He also called out the government for the international visits, saying that Pakistan did not receive as much aid as the government has spent on foreign trips. The former federal minister further said that Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s delay in coming to Rawalpindi is part of the important strategy. While he claimed those who are making fun of the registration of FIR against

attack on Imran Khan will be politically vanished.

He also said that he nation will be on the streets, while they [Sharif family] will be celebrating new years in London.

He said that the Supreme Court is the last hope.

Rashid said that Pakistan Muslim Leaue-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari’s desires are dying.

While he also claimed that the elections will soon be held.

President approves elevation of three high court judges to sc

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

President Arif Alvi on Wednesday approved elevation of three judges of High courts including Chief Justice Islamabad High Court (IHC) Athar Minallah, Justice Shahid Waheed and Justice Syed Azhar Rizvi to the Supreme Court (SC).

According to details, President Arif Alvi has signed the cabinet’s summary recommending to elevate three judges to the Supreme Court. The President also approved the appointment of Justice Amir Farooq as Chief Justice Islamabad High Court (IHC). Justice Athar Minallah has been elevated to the SC, along with Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed.

On November 4, the parliamentary committee for the appointment of judges, in their emergency session, approved the Judicial Commission of Pakistan’s (JCP) recommendation to elevate IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah to the Supreme Court. President Alvi also approved Justice Aamer Farooq’s appointment as the IHC chief justice.

The eight-member panel, headed by Senator Farooq H. Naek, had examined the Judicial Commission of Pakis tan’s (JCP) recommendations for elevating the two judges.

aamir Zulfiqar Khan favourite in race for Punjab IgP slot

LAHORE Staff rePort

Aamir Zulfiqar Khan, a senior officer of Pakistan Police Service (PSP), is favourite in race for the post of Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP). It is to be noted here that Aamir Zulfiqar Khan has also been the staff officer of Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. Another senior police officer, Fayyaz Ahmed Dev, is second favourite in the race for the Punjab IGP. It also merits a mention here that former IGP Faisal Shahkar had refused to work under the Punjab government, and he had requested the establishment division to let him serve under the federal government. He had written a letter to the establishment division and requested immediate transfer. In his letter, the IGP had stated that it was difficult for him to continue his current assignments under the Punjab government. He had cited personal reason behind his decision.

Punjab decides on JIT constitution to probe attack on Imran

LAHORE Staff rePort

The Punjab government on Wednesday decided on the constitution of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the assassination attempt on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan.

The decision to form the JIT was taken in a meeting of the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order held with its Chairman Raja Basharat in the chair, through a video link from Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, it was decided that the Joint Investigation Team will be headed by Additional IG Highways Patrol Riaz Nazir, other members of the JIT will include representatives of the relevant agencies.

The Punjab Cabinet Committee also decided to provide special security to Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf Imran Khan and in the second phase of the long march, strict security arrangements have been made for the container. Committee Chairman Raja Basharat said that the police and district administration should keep in

LAHORE Staff rePort

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have said that PDM government has become a serious threat to economic, political and national security.

During an informal meeting with journalists and anchors in Lahore on Wednesday, Vice Chairman PTI Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Spokesperson to Punjab Government and Chief Minister Musarrat Jamshed Cheema and Leader of Tehreek-eInsaf Jamshed Iqbal Cheema discussed the political situation and the plan of action of Haqiqi Azadi march.

Speaking on the occasion, Shah Mehmood said that the Haqiqi Azadi March will start again from Wazirabad on Thursday. PDM government has become a serious threat to economic, political and national security. He said that very soon the wishes

of Zardari and Nawaz Sharif will die. The FIR filed against Imran Khan is not acceptable, he added. The FIR should be based on the wish of the victims. On the direction of Imran Khan, the FIR will be challenged in the court.

He said that we want an independent investigation into the murderous attack on Chairman PTI. He said that the only way forward is to let the people choose the government they want. The Long March will reach its destination in any case and will come back with an election date, he added.

Spokesperson of Chief Minister and Government of Punjab, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema said that everything including regime change operation, cipher, imported government, buying and selling of votes, shameful defeat in the by-elections, have all turned against them. Now what force will come that can fight 22 crore people.

She said that we have not even come to

Islamabad yet and Rana Sana is very nervous. She said that by connecting all the links, it became clear that the ground was being set for a big conspiracy. The conspiracy that was planned behind closed doors had already been exposed by Chairman PTI.

Now some people are trying to create a narrative that the murderous attack on Imran Khan was an individual act. She said that they tried to scare us but Imran Khan and PTI workers both are brave. Freedom does not come easily, blood and sweat are required, she added. No one except Chairman Imran Khan can take Pakistan out of this difficult time.

Earlier Vice Chairman Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf Shah Mehmood Qureshi visited Directorate General Public Relations Punjab. Musarrat Jamshed Cheema welcomed Shah Mahmood Qureshi and briefed him about the working of the department.

President,

Pm,

others laud green shirts on semi-final victory against new Zealand

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

A nerve-wrecking semi-final game against New Zealand Wednesday has brought Pakistan to the finals with the Green Shirts claiming victory. The Babar Azam-led squad is now receiving appreciation for its hard work and encouragement for its journey into the final match. Among the admirers of team green on Twitter today was President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who has lauded the cricketers for their A-game. President Dr Arif Alvi appreciated the Pakistan cricket team over their victory in the semifinal against New Zealand to reach the final contest of the T20 World Cup. “Well played Pakistan,” President Alvi also tweeted and particularly eulogized the “excellent performances” by Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Muhamamd Rizwan and Haris. “Green shirts you make us proud. On to the finals,” President Alvi said and conveyed his best wishes for the final match expressing hope for their win. “Inshallah you will win,” the president hoped. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the ‘incredible come back’ of the ‘Green Shirts’ Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan is all praises for the gentlemen’s game. PTI Chairman Imran Khan congratulated the skipper and his squad. The Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations also conveyed his wishes for the finals to the Men in Green. PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz also lauded the victory of the Pakistan team. PTI’s senior leaders Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar also lauded the team’s performance. Jamat-e-Islami chief Siraj ul Haq exclaimed “Pakistan Zindabad” on Twitter. PPP’s leader Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also congratulated the team.

PTI leaders term PDM govt threat to economy, national security

RAWALPINDI

touch with the local leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaaf, bullet-proof rostrum and glass will be installed on the container, deployment of snipers and other security arrangements should not be neglected.

The meeting participants also decided to talk to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership to unblock the motorways soon and give way to the judges.

ISLAMABAD

Abu DhAbI to host WoRlD IslAmIc EconomIc FoRum In 2024

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

ABUDhabi will host the World Islamic Economic Forum in 2024, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added) has announced.

The forum, launched in 2005, was created to promote and discuss the latest economic developments and trends while inciting Islamic ethics of peace,

fairness and equality.

“Hosting the World Islamic Economic Forum reflects our efforts to encourage dialogue between relevant stakeholders to further develop Shariah-compliant economic activities and enhance trade and business,” said Mohamed Al Shorafa, chairman of Added.

“In recent years, halal food, Islamic finance, including FinTech, have moved up the agenda in several parts of the

world. Our initiatives and efforts to nurture businesses across all sectors offer ample opportunities for major players in these sectors, and we encourage entrepreneurs to benefit from the business-supportive environment in Abu Dhabi to reach their full potential.”

An agreement was signed by Mr Al Shorafa and Syed Hamid Albar, chairman of the World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation, for the event to be hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Cen-

tre from January 15 to January 17, 2024, the National reported .

About 3,000 participants from over 80 countries are expected to attend the forum in Abu Dhabi, Added said.

The $2.2 trillion global Islamic finance industry is expected to grow 10 per cent to 12 per cent over 2021-2022 due to increased Islamic bond issuance and economic recovery in the main Islamic finance markets, S&P Global Ratings said.

Pakistan, China strengthen youth exchange

BEIJING Xinhua

As part of a training course, 16 kinds of advanced scientific research equipment were introduced to a group of Chinese and Pakistani students at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB).

“It is quite rare for us students to be able to see these advanced devices up close. The activity has deepened my knowledge in the materials science field,” said Muhammad Zeeshan Naeem, a PhD student at USTB.

The activity was part of the “ChinaPakistan Youth Forum for People-to-People Exchanges on Science” held in Beijing, jointly hosted by the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange under the Ministry of Education of China and the USTB.

The forum was held to advance the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through scientific and technological innovation, and youth exchange.

Pak Iran joint border commission meeting kicks off in Zahedan

QUETTA Staff RepoRt

It attracted more than 100 representatives from 19 Chinese and Pakistani universities and other educational and scientific sectors, who exchanged views on the promotion of youth exchanges and development, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation, and the role of youth in the Belt and Road.

Data released by the Ministry of Education showed that around 21,000 Pakistani students are studying in Chinese universities.

USTB began to recruit Pakistani students in 1977 and has cultivated 226 Pakistani students so far, according to Yang Renshu, president of USTB. The majority

of them have devoted themselves to the construction of the CPEC and exchanges on science and technology and culture between the two sides.

“China has become the top education destination for Pakistani students,” said Afifa Shazia Awais, education attache of the Embassy of Pakistan in China.

About 20,000 Pakistani graduates from China are now engaged in diverse fields in Pakistan, including engineering, social sciences, agriculture and healthcare, according to Awais.

Muhammad Arif Mughal, a Pakistani teacher at the Institute of Artificial Intelligence at USTB, has been in Beijing for more than 10 years.

“I’m a beneficiary of the Belt and Road, and the construction of CPEC has brought great changes to my hometown,” said Mughal.

Du Kewei, director of the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange, said young people play an important role in China-Pakistan peopleto-people exchanges and the bilateral relationship.

SC takes up Vawda’s appeal against disqualification

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Pakistan and Iran joint border commission meeting started in the Iranian city of Zahedan on Wednesday. Chief Secretary Balochistan, Abdul Aziz Uqaili, deputy commissioners of the bordering districts with Iran, law enforcement agencies officials, and members of chambers of commerce and industries in Balochistan are participating in the meeting. According to official source, Chief Secretary Balochistan Abdul Aziz Uqaili is leading the Pakistani delegation. Governor Sistan-Balochistan, Madras Khayabani leading the Iranian side. The two-day joint border commission meeting is discussing the movement of people at the Pak-Iran border, bilateral trade, drug traffic, and other issues relating to the more than 900 kms border between the two countries. Delegations between the two countries have forwarded various proposals about boosting bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran and the way forward. The two countries always hold the border commission meeting after every quarter. The two countries would issue a joint declaration at the end of the commission meeting about the issues and boosting the bilateral trade.

Reeling from floods, Pakistan seeks climate compensation, debt relief

SHARM EL-SHEIKH ReuteRS

The prime minister said Pakistan would need debt relief and would seek compensation for climate damage as it recovers from catastrophic floods that cost the country some $30 billion. Speaking at the COP27 climate conference alongside UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s escalating public debt was hampering its recovery. “Millions of people are going into winter without shelter or livelihood,” Sharif said. “Women and children are still looking to us to protect their basic needs.”

Pakistan and other climate-vulnerable countries are demanding that the UN climate talks this year in Egypt take steps to mobilise “loss and damage” funds for disaster-hit nations, and some say rich nations have a duty to pay these costs because their historical emissions are mostly responsible for global warming today. “We have mobilised every available resource toward the national relief effort,” but it is not enough, Sharif said — describing hundreds of broken bridges across the country, as well as stagnant lake water now fouling Pakistan’s southern agricultural landscape.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard a petition moved by Faisal Vawda, a former Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf (PTI) leader, against lifetime disqualification over the holding of dual nationality.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ayesha A. Malik heard the case. Vawda was disqualified for life by

the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). During the course of proceedings, Justice Bandial said that two questions were asked at the previous hearing: one as to whether the declaration of the IHC under Article 62(1)(f) was maintainable or not, and the second was why not let courts exercise the power of Article 187 to meet the requirements of complete justice in the light of the facts.

Barrister Waseem Sajjad, counsel for Vawda, said he had submitted written responses to court

questions. Upon this, the chief justice appreciated the counsel’s response for submission of written replies to court queries and said that the bench would review them later.

He said that there was a shortage of time and this bench would not be available next week due to the formation of new benches.

He said that the office would try to fix the case to a bench that had a member of the existing bench.

Subsequently, the hearing of the case was adjourned.

Petitioners contesting deseating asked to make new Punjab mPs party in case

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

During the hearing of petitions filed by renegade PTI lawmakers challenging the decision of their deseating by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the chief justice of Pakistan on Wednesday remarked that it was only appropriate to make the newly elected members of the House party in this case. A three-judge bench headed by CJP Umar Ata Bandial heard the pleas of the renegade PTI members of the Punjab Assembly who were de-seated by the ECP following the reference sent by PTI chairman Imran Khan which stated that these party MPs violated the party discipline by giving a vote in favour of PML-N candidate during the election for the office of chief minister in April. The disgruntled PTI members changed their lawyer and their new counsel Umar Aslam appeared before the court today. Aslam requested the court to adjourn the hearing of the case as he took up the case only last night and he had to study it. The CJP accepted his request. But he also remarked there was another interesting question related to this case, “isn’t it appropriate to make the newly-appointed members of the Punjab Assembly respondents in this case”. The court also allowed the de-seated member, Mohsin Atta Khan Khosa, to withdraw his appeal. After this, the court adjourned the hearing of the case for an indefinite period.

sc asked to stop PtI rallies from entering Islamabad

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has been approached to stop the long march of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from entering the federal capital. In a petition filed before the apex court, it was urge that PTI should be to follow the law during the protest. The petitioner also requested that any PTI rally in Islamabad should not be prolonged. Further, the Supreme Court has been requested to direct the federal and provincial governments to halt the PTI rally outside the remits of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Earlier on October 20, the Supreme Court had turned down the government’s plea to stop former prime minister Imran Khan from staging a long march in Islamabad saying the court will only come into action if a law is violated. A contempt of court petition against PTI Chairman Imran Khan is underway for violating the top court’s order of May 25. It is being heard by a five-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial.

Leaders pledge to achieve Iqbal’s Pakistan

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the nation to make a pledge to achieve the version of Pakistan as dreamed by national poet Muhammad Iqbal which featured peace, political forbearance and brotherhood.

The prime minister, in his message on the birth anniversary of Iqbal observed on November 9, said the poet had a vision for Pakistan where the youth should have the thinking capability for taking the country to unprecedented heights. He said the characteristics of Iqbal’s Pakistan should also include respect for elders and a mature debate on ideological differences without losing sobriety. It should also mark the strong institutions, pragmatic people, and a stable national economy free from the debt burden.

He said the whole nation was observing the anniversary with great fervour as the great poet had acquainted the Muslim youth with the sacrifices of their sages and their lost grandeur.

The prime minister said Iqbal had likened the Muslim youth to an eagle who is unique among the birds for its courage, self-confidence, and humility. Iqbal also urged the youth to learn from the glorious past of the Muslims to explore new avenues in research and education.

He said Iqbal’s philosophy of self-esteem had provided such a recipe for success in the world as well as the life hereafter which still had its impact not only in the subcontinent but also across the world.

He said the research was being carried out on Iqbal’s teaching not only in this region but also at modern universities throughout the world. Highlighting his services to the religion, the prime minister said Iqbal had introduced modernity to the Muslim world and always encour-

aged research. Besides, he had an unprecedented love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and devotion to Quran. Prime Minister Sharif said Iqbal had united the Muslims of the subcontinent by awakening them to their fundamental right to freedom.

He said Iqbal had dreamed of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent which was realised by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his Muslim League through their untiring struggle.

However, unfortunately, the great poet died before the accomplishment of his dream. He urged the nation to carry out self-accountability whether they succeeded to safeguard Iqbal’s Pakistan which came into being consequent to the remarkable struggle and sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of people. He urged the nation to make a pledge to achieve Iqbal’s Pakistan and expressed confidence that they could make it once resolved.

LIBERTY AND JUSTICE: Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi, in his message, urged the nation to re-align itself in accordance with the teachings of Iqbal of strengthening brotherhood and upholding the cherished values of liberty, justice and equality. The president said following Iqbal’s teachings also focused on gaining modern knowledge of science and arts, and embracing innovation and creation without compromising religious, social and cultural values and preferences.

He said that on this day, the nation paid tribute to one of the greatest thinker, philosopher, and poet of the east whose ideas, values and out-of-the-box thinking had inspired generations of writers and philosophers the world over. He paid tribute to the great poet for giving the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent, where they could lead their lives in accordance with their religious, social and cultural values and without fear and intimidation of the majority segment of the society.

This idea was finally materialized under the dynamic leadership of Jinnah on August 14, 1947, he added.

President Alvi said the great philosopher and poet persistently gave a message in his poetry, prose and speeches of attaining knowledge and applying it in everyday life to understand life, the perception of reality and to attain a higher level of both spiritual fulfilment and happiness, and progress and prosperity.

“He taught us to strengthen our belief in our abilities and potential to achieve self-reliance in every facet of life with self-confidence, hard work and innovations and continue our quest to find new solutions and bring innovation and creativity in life without compromising our self-respect, dignity and honour, religious, social and cultural values,” the president remarked.

Referring to Iqbal’s great affection for the youth, the president said he had urged them to aspire for greatness, and be fearless and continue their quest for bigger and unseen possibilities like a soaring eagle that knows no bounds.

He said Iqbal’s concept of Khudi would continue to enlighten the way toward attaining inspiration in our quest to develop our country and attain our rightful place in the comity of nations.

CHANGE OF GUARD: A change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of poet Muhammad Iqbal on the occasion of his 145th birth anniversary on Wednesday. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Navy clad in immaculate whites, assumed ceremonial guard duties with traditional spirit and enthusiasm, says a press statement.

Punjab Governor Baligh ur-Rehman and General Officer Commanding (GOC) Maj. Gen. Shahbaz Khan also visited the mausoleum, and offered prayer and laid wreaths.

PunjAb CM reviews seCurity

ArrAngeMents for long MArCH

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

PUNJABChief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Wednesday reviewed security arrangements of the PTI long march caravan from Toba Tek Singh (TT Singh).

Chairing a meeting here, the Chief Minister directed the police and the administrative officials with regard to making best security arrangements of the long march caravan to be led by Asad Umer for the Toba Tek Singh route.

The meeting was briefed that starting its journey from TT Singh, the long march caravan would reach Rawalpindi after passing through Jhang, Faisalabad, Jaranwala, Chiniot and other cities. The long march being restarted from Wazirabad tomorrow (Thursday) would reach Rawalpindi through its fixed route, while PTI Chairman Imran Khan would address the participants of the long march via video link, the meeting told.

The Chief Minister directed the authorities concerned to put in order foolproof security arrangements for long march. He said that long march route would be monitored through the drone and CCTV cameras and police commandos would be deployed on the roof tops of buildings along sides the route to maintain law and order, asserting

that security plan would be implemented in letter and spirit.

Chaudhry Parvez Elahi directed for making adequate food arrangements for security personnel and other officials to be deputed on the route, asserting that police control room would work 24 hours. Focal persons had been appointed in every district of the route in consultation with the PTI leadership and high-level security would be provided to political leaders and the participants of the long march, he maintained. The CM also directed to ensure the use of bullet proof rostrum and bullet proof shields on the long march container.

He directed that the police and respective administration, through excellent coordination, should leave no stone un-turned to safeguard the lives and property of the people, and alternate arrangements should also be made to maintain the traffic flow. He directed the coordination committee to hold meetings on daily basis and steps should be taken according to the situation.

PTI central leader Asad Umar, Provincial Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Umar Ayub, Provincial Advisor on Home Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Shaukat Bhatti, Punjab Chief Secretary Abdullah Khan Sumbal, Additional Chief Secretary Home Captain (R) Asadullah Khan, Principal Secretary to CM Muhammad Khan Bhatti, Additional IG (Operations), Addl. IG CTD, Addl.

IG (Special Branch), CCPO Lahore, DIG (Operations), Secretary SH&ME (Secondary Health and Medical Education Department), DG Rescue 1122, Commissioner Faisalabad Division. Commissioner Sargodha Division, RPOs of Faisalabad and Sargodha divisions, Deputy Commissioners and DPOs of Chiniot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh and Jhang attended the meeting while Deputy Commissioner and DPO Chakwal attended the meeting via video Link.

Meanwhile, an important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Provincial Health Minister and PTI Central Punjab President Dr. Yasmin Rashid and Vice Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Shah Mehmood Qureshi to review the arrangements for long march.

The meeting was attended by Hammad Azhar, Dr. Azim ud din Zahid, Nosheen Hamid, Sadia Sohail, Raja Shakeel Zaman, Dr. Atif ud din, Shanila Ali, Amna Janjua, Zubair Khan Niazi, Tariq Hameed, Tariq Sana Bajwa and other leaders.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Doctor Yasmin Rashid reviewed the arrangements for the Haqiqi Azadi march in detail during the meeting. Zubair Khan Niazi and other leaders gave a detailed briefing about the arrangements for the Haqiqi Azadi march.

Vice Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-

e-Insaf Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed his opinion and said that tomorrow, Thursday, November 10, we will start the Haqiqi Azadi march from Wazirabad again. He said, “Imran Khan has taken a clear stand for the stability of Pakistan.

Imran Khan is waging jihad against the politics of personal interests. Imran Khan considers politics as worship. Imran Khan is marching for Haqiqi Azadi to restore the honor of Pakistan in the world.”

Provincial Health Minister and PTI Central Punjab President Dr. Yasmin Rashid while expressing her views said that Imran Khan is the name of a successful change against traditional politics in Pakistan. Today the whole world is aware of the mis deeds of the imported government. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has rejected the FIR of the murderous attack on Imran Khan, she stated.

Dr Yasmin Rashid said that the murderous attack on former Prime Minister Imran Khan is not a small matter. The whole world has expressed deep concern over the murderous attack on Imran Khan. Imran Khan has come out against the imperialist system for the sake of honoring the Pakistani passport. Today, the eyes of the entire Pakistani nation are only on Imran Khan. Workers and people from Wazirabad will participate in the haqiqi azadi march with full enthusiasm, she added.

ECP fixes for hearing PML-N’s plea seeking to stop Imran’s victory notification

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

China donates 100,000 doses of Hepatitis A vaccines to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Minister of Health Abdul Qadir Patel on Wednesday told that China has donated one hundred thousand doses of Hepatitis A vaccines to Pakistan. According to details, speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad on Wednesday, Minister for National Health Services Abdul Qadir Patel said that China had donated 100,000 doses of Hepatitis A vaccines to Pakistan. The Health Minister thanked the Chinese gesture saying this is timely support and the vaccines will reach vulnerable people whose livelihoods have been affected by the recent floods. The Minister said China has always supported Pakistan during difficult times. He said both countries will work together in the health sector. Staff RepoRt

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday fixed for hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to stop the victory notification of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the by-elections.

The ECP will hear PML-N MNA Ali Gohar Baloch’s petition next week. In the petition, the PML-N lawmaker has pleaded with the ECP to stop the victory notification of Imran Khan in the by-elections on the basis of his disqualification in Toshakhana reference.

The ECP declared Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan disqualified in its verdict in the Toshakhana reference, last month.

“Imran Khan being declared disqualified and unseated

from his National Assembly seat,” the ECP said.” He has been disqualified under Article 63, 1(P), over submitting a false statement and declaration”.

The judgment added that the former premier was found to be indulged in corrupt practices under sections 167 and

173 of the constitution. “A criminal proceeding will be initiated against him over filing a false statement.”

“His disqualification under Article 63, 1(P) has been for his current parliament membership”, the ECP said in its 36-page detailed judgment of the reference.

strategy, micro-plan for upcoming anti-polio drive fine-tuned

BADIN Staff RepoRt

All departments must wage a war on polio virus with sincere intentions so that the country can be freed from the crippling disease. The success of the anti-polio campaign is dependent on an effective micro-planning and work as a team. This was expressed by Agha Shahnawaz Khan, Deputy Commissioner Badin, while presiding over an important meeting held to review anti-polio campaign scheduled to be started from November 24 and continue till Nov 30. On the occasion, he emphasized that parents should cooperate with the polio teams to protect their children from disability and ensure that each and every child is vaccinated. He stressed that it should be the prime responsibility everyone to protect future of children, adding that success of the anti-polio campaign is the only option and all institutions should play the part in the fight against polio. The Badin DC directed the District Health Officer to take action against those who shown their negligence during the campaign, adding the micro-plan should be fully implemented to ensure effective coverage during the campaign. On the occasion, Mujeeb Rehman, ADC-I, Waqar Ahmed, ADC-II, Dr Sher Muhammad Nohrio, District Health Officer, Dr Karim Bakhsh Gadahi, N Staff, Assistant Commissioners of all Talukas, doctors & other officers concerned also attended the meeting.

us urges all Pakistani parties to exercise restraint amid escalating tensions

The United States Wednesday urged all political parties in Pakistan to refrain from violence and respect the rule of law amid rising tensions following the assassination attempt on Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf Chairman Imran Khan and the violence at protest marches by his supporters as well as the threat to resume the long march.

Responding to a question from a private Pakistani TV reporter at his daily press briefing, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price again condemned the shooting of Imran Khan, adding that “violence has no place in politics.

“We are concerned about these reports of violence,” Price said, adding, “We call on all parties to refrain from violence, harassment, intimidation, and to respect the rule of law.

”“We are deeply committed to a democratic and peaceful Pakistan, and we stand with the people of Pakistan.”

When asked what would be US message for the heads of political parties amid the situation in Pakistan, he said: “We are concerned about what has happened in Pakistan in recent days. All parties should never resort to violence. They should express their disagreements peacefully, employing universal rights – freedom of expression, freedom of assembly – but violence is never the answer,” he added. When asked about cases registered against a private TV owner Salman Iqbal, Price said the “US routinely raises press freedom concerns with Pakistan and other countries around the world.” “We will continue to have those conversations with Pakistani authorities,” he added.

UN to examine India’s HR record as stakeholders blow away its smoke screen

ISLAMABAD Staff CoRReSpondent

The United Nations is set to examine the human rights record of India on November 10 as the human rights organizations, in their reports, have already exposed its ruse of a secular polity with “serious regression” in human rights and constitutional protections under the BJP-led government.

The UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group would examine India’s human rights record for the fourth time in its session taking place from November 7-18 which marks the beginning of the UPR fourth cycle.

India’s first, second and third UPR reviews took place in April 2008, May 2012 and May 2017, respectively.

The URP is a unique process involving a review of the human rights records of all UN member states which provides the opportunity for each state to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries.

In its report submitted to the UN, the In-

dian government claimed it to being firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights with its constitution guaranteeing civil and political rights, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity and individual dignity within a secular democracy.

However, the joint submissions of reports by around 70 human rights organizations across different countries challenged the Indian official position by highlighting the human rights abuses by India including the escalated crackdown on independent and democratic institutions, and using draconian sedition, counterterrorism, and national security laws to prosecute and harass human rights activists and journalists besides growing attacks, discrimination, and incitement against religious minorities.

Among those who submitted their reports to the UN included, among others, ActionAid Association, Amnesty International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, Human Rights Watch, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, International Commission of Jurists, Islamic

Human Rights Commission, Kashmir Institute of International Relations and National Campaign Against Torture.

In their statements, the human rights bodies called for the Indian government to enact a national anti-torture law, adopt legislation to criminalize hate speech and prevent communal violence, besides formulating rigorous anti-discrimination law and policies.

They recommended that the Narendra Modi-led government enact a national law to recognise and protect human rights defenders in compliance with the UN declaration on human rights defenders.

In its report, the European Centre for Law and Justice stated that despite its abolishment, the caste system was still very much prevalent, especially in rural areas and states that had anti-conversion laws.

The joint submission by Forum for UPR in Tamil Nadu; People’s Watch, Madurai (India) and Human Rights Defender’s Alert stated that the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes were economically deprived and socially marginalized, and lacked resources, access to education, employment and other

income-generating opportunities.

The Kashmir Institute of International Relations stated that Jammu and Kashmir remained a blind side in the universal periodic review as under the Public Safety Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Armed Forces Special Power Act, Indian armed forces and police were continuously committing grave human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir with impunity.

The HRW also stated that Kashmiris were facing repression after the government had revoked the state’s special constitutional status, with many detained.

“The government regularly shut down the internet in the region. There were growing restrictions on media, a number of journalists and human rights defenders had been arrested on spurious terrorism charges, and authorities regularly harassed critics, including through the use of counterterrorism raids,” the HRW observed.

The human rights organizations observed that the Dalit communities were subjected to violent search and seizure operations, falsified charges, caste-based

verbal abuse, severe beatings, inhuman torture, and sexual abuse following arrest.

The world body was told that many Adivasi/Tribal women in the custody of the police or other authorities were raped or sexually abused and during the UPR cycle, there had been a rampant misuse of counterterrorism legislation to persecute human rights defenders, journalists and persons critical of the government, such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the National Security Act and the Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act.

The UN’s attention was also drawn towards mob violence or lynching by Hindu nationalist vigilante groups targeting minorities with the Amnesty calling for the accountability of public officials who advocated religious hatred. The lawyers’ bodies, in their submission, told the UN that human rights lawyers were the subject of physical attacks in connection to their professional activities.

Amnesty stated that independent media outlets, journalists and human rights activists were threatened and intimidated through the misuse of over-broad financial laws and censorship of dissenting reportage.

WASHINGTON agenCieS

Knocking at creditors’ doors

ALTHoUgH the Pak rupee rebounded slightly yesterday on the news of $1.5 billion expected inflows after Pakistan signed a deal with the AdB for budgetary support, such small victories against the dollar will be short-lived. Since his return, Finance Minister ishaq dar has mostly used the power of fear to bring the scce the dollar down against the rupee, making exported and hoarders liquidate their long dollar positions to avoid losses. But that too has started to wane, as witnessed in the past two weeks, the greenback rebounding against the rupee and reaching rs220 levels yet again.

The last major inflow of dollars was the iMF’s $1.2 billion tranche that came in last month has been mostly consumed and the foreign exchange reserves with SBP are at a worryingly low $7.5 billion as of last week. Eventually Pakistan will be looking to either secure fresh loans from ‘friendly countries’ or attempt to rollover existing facilities. china and Saudi Arabia have already been approached with requests for a rollover of their respective loans. As for new debt, there aren’t many places the Finance Minister can go. Attempts were made to get flood relief from the USA but only a meagre $130 million or so were raised and the other day US Secretary of State Antony Blinken categorically said, “go ask china for debt relief”. china too has its restrictions and concerns. its economy is headed towards a recession as it is set to miss all its gdP growth targets and President Xi may have been selected for another term, but there are concerns over his regime’s handling of the economy during and post- covid. china therefore does not look at Pakistan the same way it did when cPEc began; an opportunity to make oBor a success. it must now protect its own interests and understands that if it continues to be Pakistan’s lifeline in such times of economic trouble, other countries will expect the same from it and the capacity is simply not there. Sri Lanka being turned down is one example. Saudi Arabia too has been kind but has its limits. They attach certain conditions with their loans that Pakistan fails to fulfill after receiving the funds. it will be a difficult task convincing them this time around. ishaq dar is perhaps then only banking on the perception that Pakistan is ‘too big to fail’ and will therefore be bailed out one way or another by bilateral donors, the iMF or the Paris club. This however is neither a plan nor a sound strategy to run a country of 230 million. Better is expected from the economic leadership.

Fighting on the internal fronts

was achieved but at the cost of academics. Several professors refused to work under the ex-soldiers and left.

wise calm and tranquility prevailed.

Whenever we crossed the bridge, my late father nazir Ahmed Malik, a worker of the Pakistan Movement who was struggling in the new land to re-establish his business, was always surprised to see the calm that prevailed on the other side.

Young recruits in khaki shorts and vests were seen doing PT (physical training). As everyone was trying to do his best in the formative years of Pakistan, my old man would ask, ‘“ What are they upto “? My standard reply was “ Preparing to liberate Kashmir “and we would drive ahead to the parking lot of the stadium to watch the parade.

By the mid-1980s, most soldiers of the internal fronts were either retired or perished leaving the field open to vested interests and mafias who started to rely on the men in uniform who were responsible for looking after the borders. Those who did not understand the complexities of civilan life started to dabble in uncharted waters with disastrous consequences.

Yousaf Nizami Editor

M. A. Niazi Joint Editor Umar Aziz Executive Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad Joint Editor

THE recent murder of investigative journalist Arshad Sharif has highlighted the hazards of fighting on internal fronts. Unfortunately, Pakistan has been a security state with a focus on borders instead of strengthening the basic fibre of the nation. over the years we have been externally fortified while becoming internally weak. The common human good or nation building has lost its importance. Most civilian institutions are in disarray and close to collapse. Mafias have taken over. The day-to-day existence of the common man is seriously impaired. Those who rule over us, over run our interests. Exploitation of the weak is the order of the day. According to imran Khan (iK) who is currently leading a ‘Long March’ to the capital, during his days of imprisonment during the Lawyers Movement he only found petty criminals behind bars while the big fish went scot-free.

The founding fathers of Pakistan built institutions with their sweat and blood to sustain the republic. My late father-in-law, Shehzad Ahmed Khan, was one of the founders of Pakistan railways. To keep the trains running they had to burn the midnight oil. According to him there were no engine drivers or technicians, as most of them had left. The banks lost their staff. Against all odds the country survived. While the armed forces were deployed on the borders, the internal fronts were well fortified by the civilians. on the appeal of Jinnah, Muslim businessmen from all over india came to Karachi to establish industries. As a child growing up on the Mall road, i remember our March 23 trips every year to watch the parade in the Fortress Stadium across the Mian Mir Bridge. We lived on the other end of the Mall. it was a seven or eight kilometre journey from a buzzing civilization to open green spaces where no commercial activity took place. For the entertainment of troops the globe cinema was there on the corner of Tufail road and a wine shop run by a Parsi family, other-

Almost everyone in those days was fighting on internal fronts. railway men were building the railways, teachers were focused on the coming generation, engineers were tasked to build WAPdA (Water and Power development Authority). institution building was taken seriously. The men in uniform were taking care of the border areas or the external fronts for which they were experienced and trained.

Then the onslaught started to push out the warriors of the internal fronts.

Ayub Khan, the first usurper, wanted to hold a public meeting at the University grounds near the old campus. The Vice chancellor, Prof Hameed Ahmed Khan, asked for a hefty deposit to protect the cricket pitch. The President was mad at the refusal of the Vc, and as a punishment he was denied extension in his term.

Unless the internal frontiers are strengthened, the external areas cannot be fortified. The journey that was started in 1947 by the founding fathers has to be revisited and revived with honest and able warriors at the helm. ‘Azadi March’ has to be taken to its logical conclusion by rebuilding and restoring civilian institutions. Let the crusade start with free and fair elections without ado

during the term of the third dictator, the Minister of communications Lt gen Saeed Qadir was sent to fix Pakistan railways as there were complaints of slow movement of goods while the passenger service was fully functional. instead of facilitation the Minister used derogatory language against the board. The reaction was serious, the chairman Engr Abul Kalam and Secretary Shehzad Ahmed Khan tendered their resignations. The board was disbanded, the Ministry of railways was created, nLc (national Logistics cell) was launched for transportation of goods. Since then the entire service has been in decline.

it did not end here; even the universities were handed over to retired generals to improve the law and order situation on the campuses. Peace

it did not end here, the Political cell within the iSi started keeping files on politicians which were mostly used to blackmail them. Manipulated elections resulted in powerless legislatures. representatives of the people who were required to fight for their causes started to rely on the support of the men in uniform. recent legislation has been carried out to bail out the corrupt.

The recent ‘ Azadi March ‘ of imran Khan seeks civilian control of their fronts including free choice to elect their leaders. iK ‘s ‘ Long March ‘ came under attack at Wazirabad. despite security threats, the administration failed to protect the most popular leader of his time. With its numbers and resources the Punjab Police needs a major shake-up as was carried out in KPK under the late inspector general nasir durrani.

The men in uniform have to return to the barracks where they rightfully belong, but there has to be a planned transition. The islamic republic of Pakistan cannot be left at the mercy of the unscrupulous who were nurtured to weaken the internal frontiers. The internal warriors like Prof. Hameed Ahmed Khan and Engr Abul Kalam are long gone, having been replaced by incompetent sycophants who have been trained to surrender without a fight

Unless the internal frontiers are strengthened, the external areas cannot be fortified. The journey that was started in 1947 by the founding fathers has to be revisited and revived with honest and able warriors at the helm. ‘ Azadi March ‘ has to be taken to its logical conclusion by rebuilding and restoring civilian institutions. Let the crusade start with free and fair elections without ado.

The writer is ex-Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: fmaliks@hotmail.com.

Myanmar and Bangladesh’s growing trade

enue for the two countries and curb inflation in border areas. Myanmar’s border export with Bangladesh amounted to $10.733 million in the past seven months this FY. The surplus of trade can increase the interest of the entrepreneurs, fish farmers and growers,” U Thet oo, head of the rakhine State Fisheries department, said.

The Maungtaw border post in rakhine State has been suspended since the end of September. The export is flowing out of the Sittway border post to Bangladesh. Trade via the Maungtaw border saves time and trade flow is smooth. it takes about five hours to reach the Bangladesh border through Sittway.

and instant noodle to Bangladesh. Meanwhile, apparel, consumer goods, PVc pipes, plastic water storage tanks and hand-drawn pumps are imported into the country.

Myanmar started the export of 21,300 tonnes of high-grade rice to Bangladesh by MV VTC Ocean, which docked at Sule Port of Yangon under the agreement of the two countries.

The Myanmar rice Federation and Bangladesh Food department inked a contract to export 250,000 tonnes of high-grade rice this year, and the export cargoes will be carried by MV VTc ocean according to the implementation of the contract.

rohu and other dried commodities such as onion, tamarind, ginger, and dried plum are shipped to Bangladesh through rakhine State, while wide striped longyi for men (Palaykat Pasoe– cotton sarong for men), plastic gallon containers, footwear and construction materials are imported from Myanmar. Exports surpass imports in cross-border trade between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The value of border trade between Myanmar and Bangladesh amounted to $16.229 million in the first half of the current FY, comprising exports worth $16 million and imports worth $0.03 million, as per the statistics released by the Bangladesh Ministry of commerce.

According to reports of the pro-government media outlet of Myanmar, Global New Light of Myanmar, Myanmar’s exports have been surpassing imports in the cross-border trade with Bangladesh and 8,620.7 tonnes of exports to Bangladesh was estimated valued at $10.733 million between April and october in the 2022-2023 financial year.

Myanmar’s fishery export accounted for 65 per cent and dried groceries constituted 35 per cent in Myanmar’s two border posts with Bangladesh; Sittway and Maungtaw border posts. The fishery products include farmed rohu, hilsa, mackerel, dried anchovy and dried fish powder. Tamarind, onion, ginger, dried jujube powder, jaggery, longyi and clothes are also exported.

The values of fishery products to Bangladesh via two border posts stood at $6.318 million (7093.413 tonnes) in 2019-2020, $4.76 million (5010.7 tonnes) in 20202021 and $13.987 million (11362.97 tonnes) in the 20212022 six-month mini-budget period (october-March).

“Bangladesh increasingly purchases locally farmed rohu. Myanmar’s border trade with Bangladesh sees a trade surplus. The import is extremely less. The traders called for a legitimate trade of cattle as well. There are many steps to do if that normal trade can generate rev-

Myanmar bagged a total of $10.733 million from exports of 8,620 tonnes to Bangladesh in the past seven months. The State also received revenue of $24,100 from licence fees of 26 vessels plying to Bangladesh.

Myanmar shipped goods worth $1.88 million to Bangladesh through the Sittway border post and goods valued at $0.23 million via Maungtaw.

As transport to Maungtaw was suspended, trade via Maungtaw decreased. Approximately 1,129 tonnes of fisheries products worth $1.42 million were exported via the Sittway border post, which accounts for 75 per cent of overall exports to Bangladesh in September.

The rakhine State chambers of commerce and industry stated that weather conditions and transport difficulties damaged the trade at the Maungtaw border post. The traders cannot deliver the goods to Maungtaw through Sittway amid the transport barriers and erratic weather conditions so the trade volume via Sittway significantly increased. The cross-border trade between Myanmar and Bangladesh saw only exports, showing a total trade surplus. The fisheries products are the major export items in the trade.

Myanmar sent areca nut, coconut, jengkol, silver pomfret, anchovy, dried fish, broom, mushroom, ginger, onion, chickpea, dried plum, tamarind seed, footwear, lower garment (longyi), Thanaka, instant coffee mix, sunflower seed

Myanmar conveyed 5,160 tonnes of rohu to Bangladesh through two cross-border posts in the first five months (April-August) of the current financial year 2022-2023, according to the Ministry of commerce.

However, the border trade has come to a halt since September amid transport security concerns, according to the Maungtaw border post. rohu is processed in Yangon and then sent to the Sittway border post by cold-storage trucks or ships after pre-shipment inspection. Then, they are shipped to Bangladesh by motorboats. Myanmar has ben exporting rohu to Bangladesh through Sittway and Maungtaw border posts since 2016.

Agriculture and livestock are the backbones of Myanmar’s economy. commercial fish farming businesses are found in some townships in Yangon, Bago and Ayeyawady regions. Two-year-old rohu grows two to five kilogrammes at the farming ponds. Those rohu weighing below two kg are sent to domestic markets. The large ones are exported. As rohu has grasped market shares in the international markets, farmershave expanded rohu farming more than before. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of rohu from Yangon city are delivered to the Sittway and Maungtaw border posts in rakhine State with Bangladesh. rohu from the other two cities is also sent to the border via sea route and road transport.

Myanmar delivered 319 tonnes of coconuts to Bangladesh through the Maungtaw border trade post in the first half of the current financial year 2022-2023, with an estimated value of US$0.128 million. it is commonly used in religious events beyond health benefits. That being so, there is a steady demand from Bangladesh for Myanmar’s coconut.

There are three types of coconuts cultivated in the southern rakhine State, delta and coastal regions of Myanmar; tall, dwarf and orange coconut. They can be grown where temperatures are at least 27 °c and under rainfall ranging from 30 to 70 inches. yields coME between seven and ten years for tall coconuts, while coconuts can be harvested within three to five years from dwarf coconut trees and orange coconuts produce fruits within five to seven years. A tree can produce about 100 coconuts on average.

coconut’s health benefits are quick digestion, good cholesterol level, anti-ageing, rich in copper and iron, killing bacteria and viruses, hormone balancing, nutritional facts, better memory, bone health and metabolism. The coconut water content is around 200-1,000 ml in one coconut. coconut water boosts the immune system and has other benefits. it is widely used in making traditional snacks. The coconuts produced from Yangon region and Manaung, Kyaukpyu and Thandwe in rakhine State are sent to Bangladesh through the Maungtaw border trade post.

The writer is a freelance columnist

SaMina akhter

Dr FariD a Malik

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

The consequences have been unforeseen, if becoming a security state Though trading posts have been closed, trade is growing

Complications about Assassination attempt on Imran Khan

on PTi chairman Khan’s long march.

Some PTi leaders also revealed that multiple gunmen also targeted ex-PM imran Khan from some height and he was hit by four bullets, while some mentioned two or three bullets. The hospital administration disclosed that the medical board operated on imran Khan’s right leg, who suffered four injuries on the leg, and there was no bone damage.

Khan on november 6 was discharged, while the medical board advised him rest for ten days.

Maulana Fazlur rehman, the chief of the PdM remarked that he had his doubts over the attack, ballng the incident a “drama”, while some PdM leaders stated that Khan and PTi orchestrated this drama by themselves.

Terming it a conspiracy, PTi leaders, including Fawad chaudhry said that it was “a wellplanned assassination attempt on imran Khan.”

hours but Fir has not been registered”—“the delay in Fir means evidence is being lost”.

But, the igP informed the court that the provincial government was not allowing him to register the Fir.

Earlier, the PTi chief has allegedly said that three persons, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, interior Minister rana Sanaullah and a senior military officer, were behind the failed assassination attempt on his life. He added that the Fir should be lodged against them.

And hinting towards the Punjab government, Khan stated: “despite there being a coalition government, we have been unable to register the Fir of the (Wazirabad) attack for three days.”

Editor’s mail

Overcoming lacunae to deliver justice

LAW is a complex subject. Because people have superfluous understanding of complexities and technicalities of law, any judgement that does not resonate with common reasoning is deemed unjust.

in the resultant mist of confusion and resentment, public levels up its criticism on judicial procedures. What goes unnoticed is the question of what if the law in itself provides loopholes to the powerful and, hence, requires mending. This is what happens in most murder cases in Pakistan.

What a layman does not know is that the judge, any judge, can only interpret laws that have been laid down by parliament. The judges have little jurisdiction or authority beyond what has already been provided in the statutes or the basis of precedents that also derive legitimacy from either statutes or ordinances; both are not areas under their ambit of power. Judges do not make laws. Period. With regards to law on murder cases in Pakistan, the greatest loophole for the manipulator is its compoundable nature. Murder is a compoundable offence which can be compromised by paying certain amount of money to the heirs of the victim i.e., diyat, or by any compromise between the two parties. it is perfectly legal in islamic law as well as the Pakistani law.

Although the Holy Quran lays emphasis on qisas — death penalty — as the preferred form of justice if order is to be maintained in society, room has been provided for settlement in case the murderers ‘correct’ themselves or the heirs of victims enter into a voluntary financial closure.

nevertheless, there are occasions where this law has been used by culprits as an escape route. There are two most frequently used ways to escape the claws of justice in such cases. The murderer, being a relative of the victim, is forgiven by the heirs who may also be abettors in some cases. in the other scenario, the murderer is often an influential person who pays compensation or uses coercion on the victim’s family to enter into a settlement. That being so, one may wonder about the function of the state if such heinous acts against individuals and society are committed and then settled outside court using money or influence. Any criminal offence is an offence against the state whereby the state is duty bound under social contract and the constitution to safeguard life, liberty and dignity of its citizens.

in cases where the matter is resolved through money or influence, three of these rights are violated; life of the person who was killed, liberty of the person who is forced to enter into agreement, and the dignity of those who are forced to close the case for certain amount of money. The state must go to all lengths to provide justice and should not let its prerogative to be abused by individuals. There is an alternative law where murder is noncompoundable, but its application has been limited. in a recent high-profile murder case, the attorney general has written for the review of the decision of the Supreme court. His argument is based on the basis of Fasad Fil Arz to be dealt as an act of terrorism. Although this may resolve this particular case, it does not give any long-term solution to the misuse of the doctrine of compensation or compoundability in other numerous cases.

An assassination attempt was made on the former Prime Minister and PTi chairman imran Khan on november 3, this year when the party’s ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ [real Freedom] March reached Wazirabad’s Allahwala chowk. A suspect, standing in front of the container carrying the PTi chairman and senior party leaders, showered a volley of bullets with an automatic pistol. in the incident, PTi supporter Muazzam nawaz had lost his life, while 14 party leaders and workers were injured.

imran Khan, who sustained multiple injuries in his leg, shifted to Shaukat Khanum cancer Hospital in Lahore.

in a bizarre turn of events, the leaked video of the shooter who was identified as naveed Ahmed was arrested along with a pistol from the spot. replying to police officers’ questions, the shooter said that he had only tried to kill imran Khan who was misguiding people, citing that during the Long March, no break was observed for Azan.

regarding another question— when he devised a plan to kill the PTi chief, he replied that he thought of it in the morning, and later changed his statement to “from the date this long march had set off from Lahore”. The culprit also claimed that he acted alone and planned the conspiracy himself. Legal experts pointed out that offender’s video statements may affect the course of the investigation.

Punjab cM ch Pervez Elahi took strict measures, including the suspension of the SHo and the whole police staff of the relevant police station for leaking the statement of the accused.

Former advocate general Ahmad Awais stated that releasing of the video to the media indicated “a deep conspiracy— this video was aimed at building a certain narrative in the minds of the masses— this was meant to give it a religious colour”.

Former ig Sarmad Saeed pointed out that the act would add confusion to this case.

Meanwhile, despite the strict action by the cM, police released another video of the assailant in which the shooter made fabricated allegations to justify his attack on imran Khan.

While, after initial inquiry from the killer naveed, police arrested two more suspects namely Waqas and Faisal, related to the firing

Although various contradictions have been pointed out in this incident, which shows complications, yet reality remains that a murder attempt was made on imran Khan. it raises various questions about the security lapse which needs attention.

Since former PM Khan started addressing anti-government public rallies after his ouster, various official and non-official entities had issued threat alerts. Khan was repeatedly intimated about the threat to his life by the federal government.

in this regard, a private TV channel pointed out on May 20 that high-profile security officials have informed imran Khan’s chief of Staff Shehbaz gill about a possible attack on Khan.

imran Khan had said in a public gathering in Sialkot on May 14 that a conspiracy was being hatched to kill him and that he has recorded a video statement which will be released if he was murdered.

According to a spokesman of the interior Ministry, police and law enforcement agencies had already been directed to ensure security for him.

A newspaper report on June 21 said the Provincial counter Terrorism department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had issued a threat alert about possible attack on imran Khan.

Another private TV channel indicated on november 3 that in a classified letter, the ccPo gujranwala expressed concerns regarding security issues overshadowing the Haqeeqi Azadi March two days earlier nd also warned of possible terrorist activity during the PTi political activities. The letter was forwarded to chief Security officer to imran Khan, Lt gen (retd) Asim and Security coordinator to imran Khan Shaneela Ali on november 1.

Besides, the threat alerts were issued also by Punjab Home department, intelligence Agencies, and Punjab igP.

The ccPo asked Khan to use a bulletproof shield and bulletproof-shielded rostrum, during his address in gujranwala. Former PM Khan revealed on november 4: “i had already learned that there was a plan in place to kill me somewhere between Wazirabad and gujrat”.

Meanwhile, chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr Justice Umar Ata Bandial on november 7 ordered igP Faisal Shahkar to register a Fir of a gun attack on PTi chairman imran Khan within 24 hours. during the hearing, chief Justice Bandial said to the igP, “it’s been more than 90

now, the report of Fir registration was submitted by the Punjab igP to the Supreme court. PTi leaders have rejected the Fir because it is without the names of the three people nominated by imran Khan about the Wazirabad gun attack and decided to challenge it in the Supreme court.

notably, imran Khan has directed his party workers to continue protesting against the failed murder attempt until the three “accused” resigned.

recently, PM Shehbaz Sharif has sought constitution of a ‘full court commission’ of the apex court to probe into PTi chairman imran Khan’s allegations for the assassination attempt on him.

Later, in a meeting presided over by the Premier, it was decided that in light of the statement of the iSPr given on november 4, the federal government would initiate legal action against imran Khan and other PTi leaders for issuing false statements against the state and its institutions. The iSPr had rejected the baseless and irresponsible accusations by the PTi chairman against the military.

PM Shehbaz and some other leaders of the PML(n) and those of the PPP said that imran Khan is inciting the people for violence in wake of murder attempt, provoking his party’s workers and general masses against the Army, and that he wants civil war in the country.

now, PTi workers have been distorting the Army’s image in such a way that general masses should forget the armed forces’ sacrifices and services rendered for the country.

PTi Vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated that his party’s long march for early elections from Wazirabad will now commence on november 10. And PTi chief imran Khan said that he would not join in person, while he recovered from his wounds, would do so when the convoy reaches rawalpindi, which is expected in the next 10-14 days.

nonetheless, some third elements such as indian intelligence agency rAW or some antiPakistan foreign entities can again target the long march by further widening the gulf between the Army and the PdM on one side, and the PTi supporters on the other, as it is the only nuclear country in the islamic World. Hence, these agencies want to destabilize it. So, provision of foolproof security is mainly the responsibility of the Punjab government.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations and can be reached at: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

The concept of Fasad Fil Arz is very narrow and applies to very specific conditions, such as mass killings of Muslims or disproportionate use of force in fight between two parties where the victim was disarmed. it may not provide any solution to many cases of murder, honour killing and other criminal homicide offences. it is high time parliament amended the laws relating to compromise in murder cases. This can be done by narrowing down the availability of this award of compromise. it must not be made a cup of tea for any influential to end a human life and then walk freely just because they were richer or because of having good relations with the heirs of the victim. The investigating team must also take into consideration the possibility of the victim’s family being forced by the culprit.

MUHAMMAD SHARIF OTHO KARACHI

Structural flaws

i want to talk about the acquittal of Shahrukh Jatoi, which is a travesty of justice. While the common man believes justice has not been done by the courts, the larger picture gets largely ignored. Since the inception of Pakistan, the elite class has continuously struggled to accumulate power at the expense of the other social classes. This constant struggle has led to the creation of extractive institutions that limit the possibility of the middle and lower classes to excel, achieve and materialise their dreams.

The criminal justice system is one such domain. it is purportedly designed for the welfare of the public to protect their rights and liberty, but in reality it is just a philosophical idea that bears no resemblance to the ground reality. Justice delayed is justice denied, but why did it take 10 years to acquit Jatoi? The prosecution was unable to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt due to a variety of causes that diminished the possibility of justice, leading to the acquittal. Judges are bound by the law. They cannot extend the law to give expression to their emotions or biases. it is the duty of the prosecution to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. So, instead of putting the blame elsewhere, we should critically analyse the inherent structural flaws in our criminal justice system and see what we need to do about them. Being a human, i, too, have some inherent biases, like everyone else, that compel me to quote a line from george orwell’s famed novel Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”.

AHMAD VIRK LAHORE

In the name of uplift

For the last few months, Karachi has been in the grip of some so-called development projects, probably as part of an election campaign related to the local government polls. These projects have made the city of Quaid even uglier and even more painful for the commuters. Five or six months before any sort of elections, such development work gets started, making the people think their fortunes are about to change. But the reality is different. People with the ‘right’ connections mint money through such projects, and the politicians get votes on election day. As for the people, they are left high and dry as the ‘development projects’ are stopped midway almost as soon as the elections are over, leaving a mess for the common man to bear. or, if the projects ever get completed, some utility service or the other dig up roads for one reason or the other, destroying whatever ‘development’ had taken place. The solution is that all development work should be done by the municipality so that they may work sustainably, and the responsibilities may also be determined when things go wrong as they often do.

SYED HASNAIN MOSIVI KARACHI

SajjaD Shaukat

iran turmoil: thE nuclEar dEal must bE savEd and bold rEforms EnactEd

sued more aggressively since President ebrahim Raisi took office, with obvious signs of the state’s robust shift towards Russia and China.

“The world is approaching a new order in which the US will be isolated and Asia will rise to power,” Khamenei told a group of students this month. “The signs of the US’s decline are obvious. They have economic, social and moral problems inside the US. There are discords and bloody divisions.”

ent analysis of the political landscape before adopting policies toward the Islamic Republic.

Why EuropE’s EnErgy crisis is a disastEr for EmErging EconomiEs

neGOTIATIONS between Iran and world powers to revive the nuclear deal have turned into a lengthy and fraught process, with no tangible results thus far. Robert Malley, the US envoy for Iran, recently declared that the Biden administration was not going to “waste time” on trying to revive the deal while Tehran was cracking down on protesters at home and supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

As the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iranian morality police has fuelled protests across the country, the european Union last month imposed new sanctions on Iran. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the eU would not close its eyes to the crackdown in Iran and was mulling further sanctions, while exploring whether to classify the Revolutionary Guards as a “terrorist organisation”.

When I was the Iranian ambassador in Germany (1990-1997), as the US pushed an agenda to further isolate Iran through sanctions, Germany advocated for dialogue and engagement policies. Things are very different today.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State has not missed the opportunity to terrorise ordinary Iranians: last week, at least 15 people were killed when the group attacked a Shia shrine in the historic city of Shiraz.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed western powers for the current unrest in his country, noting: “These riots and insecurities were designed by America and the Zionist regime, and their employees.” Iran’s eastward pivot has been pur-

AGREEMENT IN LIMBO: In the Ukraine war, Iran has been accused of supplying Russia with drones, allegations Tehran initially denied as “unfounded and unsubstantiated”. however, last week, for the first time, Iran acknowledged that it had supplied Moscow with drones but said they were sent before the war in Ukraine. Iranian Foreign Minister hossein Amirabdollahian said a “small number” of drones had been supplied to Russia a few months before Moscow’s forces invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Also, last week witnessed a stronger tone by US President Joe Biden who told supporters at a campaign rally: “Don’t worry, we’re gonna free Iran.” Biden’s statement is a clear violation of international rules and regulations undermining the noninterference principle enshrined in Article No 7 of the United Nations Charter. In response, Raisi said: “Iran was liberated 43 years ago and is determined not to be taken hostage by you (America) again.”

Meanwhile, as thousands of Iranian expats in western capitals have taken to the streets in support of the ongoing protests, the revival of the nuclear deal remains in limbo.

If western powers try to corner Iran and reinstate UN-led sanctions, Tehran would likely withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Any military strike by Israel or the US would likely then push Iran towards building a nuclear weapon.

Contrary to the West’s characterisation of recent political developments in Iran, the ongoing social movement does not exhibit the characteristics of a “revolution” that would overthrow the Iranian government, as is often claimed by western media outlets.

A sizeable segment of the Iranian populationparticularly the youth - has a whole range of economic, political and social grievances, which have been aggravated by the reimposition of sanctions after the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal. But their grievances and expressions of frustration do not suggest that the Iranian government will be overthrown. The West should obtain a coher-

INCLUSIVE POLICIES: Given these trends, there are no easy winners. The best route - one that could ultimately alleviate the current crisis - is the revival of the Iran nuclear deal. This remains the best possible mechanism to ensure that Iran does not divert its energies towards building a nuclear bomb. Revival of the deal would deescalate tensions between the West and Iran, and facilitate the international community’s agenda for a Middle east zone free of weapons of mass destruction.

To address the internal dissatisfaction of the Iranian people, the government must revive the nuclear deal and make bold decisions on economic reforms and more inclusive social policies.

There are about six million Iranians living overseas constituting 7 percent of the total population of the country. Many of them have family and assets in Iran but are too afraid to visit the country.

This has caused the ire of thousands of Iranian expats and constitutes a major reason for protesting and calling for change. In 2018, over 70 members of Iran’s parliament signed a draft law to declare a general amnesty and judicial immunity for diaspora Iranians.

When I led the foreign relations committee of Iran’s National Security Council (1997-2005), I proposed a state decree on “general amnesty for Iranians abroad”, which I believe could increase social solidarity. It never came to fruition, but the government today would do well to consider it.

In tandem with more inclusive social policies at home and Iranian neutrality with regards to the Ukraine war, a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia would be vital to ensuring peace, stability and security in the Gulf and the broader Middle east.

Five rounds of talks in Iraq between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been hailed as a “positive” development. The next round could be carried out via foreign ministers, in order to finalise the resumption of diplomatic relations. Iran-Saudi cooperation could not only facilitate a collective security system in the Gulf, but also help to end the crises in Yemen, Syria and Iraq.

Seyed Hossein Mousavian is Middle East Security and Nuclear Policy Specialist at Princeton University, and a former Chief of Iran’s National Security Foreign Relations Committee.

Russia is only too happy to step in and supply LNG to Pakistan, which is only too happy to take it. As the Pakistani ambassador to Russia told TASS news agency recently, “If

Oilprice.cOm IrIna Slav

the surge in natural gas demand from europe has led to a surge in prices that has devastated emerging economies in other parts of the world and this devastation could drag on for years, Bloomberg reports. “energy security concerns in europe are driving energy poverty in the emerging world,” Saul Kavonic, Credit Suisse energy analyst, told Bloomberg. “europe is sucking gas away from other countries whatever the cost.”

The fact is that european countries can afford to pay a premium for natural gas while poorer nations such as Pakistan or Bangladesh don’t have the money to afford such a premium. Pakistan, by the way, is already suffering blackouts for most of the day and there is little chance of that changing anytime soon because of exorbitant LNG prices. “Suppliers don’t need to focus on securing their LNG to low affordability markets,” Wood Mackenzie analyst Raghav Mathur told Bloomberg. What’s more, the spot market is so lucrative at the moment that producers can breach their long-term contracts and afford to pay the penalties with money made on that market.

The situation is unlikely to change in the observable future. On the contrary, europe is building LNG import terminals, meaning the current level of demand might extend over a longer period of time despite the eU’s bold emission-cutting ambitions.

And this means emerging economies’ energy supply troubles may well extend over a longer period of time as well as they are forced to compete for the limited supply of LNG with some of the wealthiest economies in the world. Russia, meanwhile, is only too happy to step in and supply LNG to Pakistan, which is only too happy to take it. As the Pakistani ambassador to Russia told TASS news agency recently, “If the rich countries take away all the LNG, what is going to happen to us?”

truth commissions are lessons for societies in transition

THE MANDATE OF TRUTH COMMISSIONS BRINGS AN OFFICIAL NARRATIVE OF THE WRONGDOINGS, WHETHER MADE BY STATE OFFICERS OR REBELS AND SOME WAYS TO OVERCOME THE USE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE

mandate.

The relevance of truth commissions relies on understanding how citizens in those transitional contexts can move forward to reach sustainable peace as a collective goal.

BonIlla-aranzaleS

sOCIeTIeS in political transitions experience vivid debates; one of the most vivid focuses on the creation of institutions that guarantee that peace and justice aims are accomplished.

Some nations, such as South Africa, start the process by uncovering the truth to ensure collective reconciliation. This premise works based on the assumption that understanding and getting to know the “big picture” of past wrongdoings facilitates and makes possible a genuine reconciliation between different groups of society.

Conversely, other nations prioritise the goal of achieving justice first to reach peace and address the wrongdoings of the past. Nevertheless, truth is a crucial element – but not a mandatory one – in achieving reconciliation.

Many Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia have adopted the latter model to move from an autocratic regime towards a democratic one or to stop violence after a civil war. Considering that Latin America and the African region are the world leaders in setting up truth commissions, the model of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) undoubtedly provided some valuable lessons that the Colombian Truth Commission considered in its institutional design and

As an alternative to punitive trials and lengthy court proceedings, truth commissions are temporary fact-finding institutions with no prosecutorial power, mainly in charge of unveiling, recording and documenting human rights violations in transitional contexts.

Additionally, through their truth-telling function, these mandate-oriented institutions provide analytical elements to understand the causes of human rights violations. Through public hearings, they allow victims to make their voices heard and reclaim their dignity as human beings. Truth commissions also provide reports with recommendations to avoid the future repetition of those violations and atrocities.

In sum, the mandate of truth commissions brings an official narrative of the wrongdoings, whether made by state officers or rebels and some ways to overcome the use of political violence.

In that regard, it is relevant to consider that transitional contexts and peace negotiations shape the mandate of the truth commission. In the South African case, one could argue that the establishment of the TRC emerged from a political compromise of the warring parties, which sought to reach reconciliation and forgiveness of the atrocities committed during the rule and the struggle to end the apartheid system. One can track the seed of this transitional institution from the previous work done by the Goldstone Commission. Later, the Government of National Unity in 1995 created a unique man-

date to enable South Africans to deal publicly with the human rights violations committed under apartheid to advance in terms of social reconciliation.

The retributive justice innovation adopted by the South African TRC relies on the work done by the amnesty committee. Individual amnesty is assessed by the quality of the contribution of the warring parties to the amnesty committee, which fosters the reconciliation process to guarantee trust among South African society to turn the page on violence and enter a new chapter of a peaceful future.

The Colombian Truth Commission has a similar mandate with a limited scope of action. The Colombian peace accord, signed in 2016 between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (Farc in Spanish) established a comprehensive system for truth, reparation, and a guarantee of non-repetition. This transitional judicial system includes the creation of three temporal institutions: the unit for the search for missing persons within the context of the armed conflict; the special jurisdiction for peace, which is in charge of providing punitive or restorative sanctions; and the commission for the clarification of truth.

In that sense, the special jurisdiction for peace is the only institution in charge of providing amnesty for deeds made within the framework of the internal armed conflict, considering the limitations stipulated by international humanitarian law. Thus, the mandate of the Colombian Truth Commission offers an official narrative about the causes and consequences of the most protracted armed conflict in the Western hemisphere. Both truth commissions shared similari-

THE SOUTH AFRICAN TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION’S FOOTPRINT IN TERMS OF RECONCILIATION IS NOT A HUMBLE EXAMPLE OF HOW TO RECORD AND DOCUMENT HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS – IT IS A LANDMARK LESSON FOR HUMANITY TO CONSIDER WITHIN TRANSITIONAL CONTEXTS

ties, and also faced similar challenges linked to the execution of their duties. One remarkable similarity is related to the leadership assumed in both institutions. In the South African TRC, the role of the anti-apartheid leader and Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a pivotal element in facilitating the public’s trust in the mandate of the TRC.

equally, Francisco de Roux, the president of Colombia’s Truth Commission, is a highly respected Jesuit priest who has worked with Colombia’s armed conflict victims for decades. In both cases, the chosen leadership recognised not only the historical legacy that religion has played in the social life of both countries, but also provided high ethical standards concerning the mandate of unveiling the truth as a way of reconciliation.

Another similarity is linked to the inclusion of the victims as pivotal actors in the reconciliation process. Undoubtedly, the interaction between perpetrators and victims in the South African TRC served to unveil a social truth, which is established through interaction, discussion and debate.

Following this example but considering the particular context, the Colombian transitional justice guarantees the participation of victims to confront the wrongdoings of the warring parties prior to the judgment – such as in the case of kidnapping, in which Farc rebels admitted their role, or in the execution of civilians by army forces.

In sum, the interaction between the transitional institutions, victims and perpetrators provides impartial evidence concerning the events, causes and consequences of the in-

ternal conflict in both nations.

Among the challenges faced by both truth commissions, one could find several issues related to the design of the mandate, the limitations of the contribution by the perpetrators, and the lack of political will to implement the recommendations provided in the final reports. One could argue that in both nations, the recommendations were not legally binding – and their implementations depended on the political leadership at the highest level. Still, the success of the implementation of the peace accords relies heavily on the trust and attitudes that societies assume when the findings of truth commissions are made public.

If there is a sincere will among members of society to contribute to collective reconciliation aims, there is no inconvenient truth in transitional contexts. Truth commissions are a significant component of non-retributive justice in transitional societies to reach sustainable peace over time, promote nationbuilding, and move forward.

The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s footprint in terms of reconciliation is not a humble example of how to record and document human rights violations – it is a landmark lesson for humanity to consider within transitional contexts.

John Bonilla-Aranzales is a doctoral candidate in political science at the Harry S Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, Columbia. He is a research intern at the FW de Klerk Foundation.

middle east eye

Seyed hoSSeIn MouSavIan

mail and Guardian John

the rich countries take away all the LNG, what is going to happen to us?”

corporate corner

Pakistan Navy assumes guard duty at mausoleum of allama Muhammad iqbal

ChiNa’S SiChuaN doNateS RMB 500,000 flood Relief goodS to PakiStaN

islamabad staff report

aSPakistan has entered the post-flood rehabilitation stage and keeping in view that the winter months are fast approaching, business entities and individuals of Sichuan, a province in southwestern China, donated goods worth approximately RMB 500,000.

According to China Economic Net (CEN) on We, the donated goods comprise much-needed items such as warm blankets, tents, water-resistant camp lights, water purification units, leather boots, etc. In collaboration with the Pakistan Studies Centre of Sichuan University, donations in kind of up to seven tones were received by the Consulate General of Pakistan.

The companies which donated included, but were not limited to, Sichuan University, Sichuan K.cen Enterprise Group, Zhongke Industrial Development (Pakistan) Co. Ltd,

Pakistan Navy Ships participated in international fleet review at Japan

The Consulate General has arranged the first non-governmental arranged flight, PK871, which flew out of Chengdu where representatives

from NDMA received the cargo.

Agha Hunain Abbas Khan, Acting Consul General, said that the rains have finally stopped and the flood waters have started to recede. However, the true scale of the damage has just begun to reveal its ugly head. Initial es-

dha education Systems marks iqbal day with fervor

timates have put the total cost to Pakistan at around $30 billion.

The government has now started its second phase of relief operations, where rehabilitation of the people will be focused on.

“China, Pakistanís all-weather strategic cooperative partner and an iron-clad friend, has exemplified what it means to be a true friend, a true brother. China is the biggest country when it comes to international assistance to Pakistan, having donated over US$ 70m in aid, including funds and donations in-kind. Chinese enterprises have also stepped up and have shown their generosity”, he stated.

Agha Hunain further said that Pakistan is facing a difficult time. The recent once-in-a-generation climate-induced floods of biblical proportions have swept the country, inundating one-third of the entire land area, affecting over 33 million people, most of them women and children, and unfortunately, claiming the lives of over 1,700 people.

laHORE: Sitara-o-Hilal Foundation (SHF) organized an event "Bazam-Iqbal" to pay tribute to the Muffakkir-e-Pakistan Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore. Flag hoisting and cake-cutting ceremony were also held along with the recitation of Iqbal’s poetry. Founder Sitarao-Hilal Foundation Ibrahim Hasan Murad, Mr. Orya Maqbool Jan, Mr. Ahmad Hammad (Poet) and students participated in the ceremony. Founder SHF, Ibrahim Hasan Murad paid homage to Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal and said that our nation needs to take inspiration from the message of Iqbal’s poetry to strengthen as a nation. Without Iqbal, the vision of Pakistan could never have been comprehended, he added.

Mr. Murad emphasized that now it is our individual and shared duty to play our role in the transformation of the nation with quality education and character development as per Iqbal’s teachings.

Mr. Murad further expressed that by following the footsteps of Allama Iqbal’s. pr

laHORE: Nation today marks the 145th birth anniversary of Poet of East Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who envisioned separate a homeland for the Muslims of India, which led to the creation of our beloved home, Pakistan. Following the tradition, the DHA Education Systems Lahore arranged a declamation competition on Iqbal Day where students from various renowned colleges for Boys and Girls from all over the country participated. Recalling the contribution of Iqbal's poetry and writings that founded the desire for liberty in the minds of all Muslims, young and old. Students paid homage to Dr Iqbal intellectual thinking and his philosophy, that won him the title of Hakimul Ummat (the sage of the ummah). Administrator DHA Lahore, Brigadier Waheed Gul Satti was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He also distributed prizes amongst the the position holders. First prize in English went to Muhammed Harism Second prize in English speech competition was won by Awwab Hussain First Prize in Urdu speech competition went to M Tayyab And Aimen Won second prize in Urdu speech competition went to GCU Lahore. pr

Delay in climate justice death sentence for vulnerable countries, says Sherry Rehman

“There is a race against time now for adapting to the climate crisis, and those with better resources will adapt faster, whereas for others, it will be delayed. In every country the vulnerable will be the first to go down, and we are here to serve the reminder that delaying climate justice for the vulnerable is subjecting them to a death sentence,” stated Senator Sherry Rehman, Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator at the Pakistan Pavilion at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The Senator was speaking at a panel discussion titled ‘The Lost & the Damaged: Pakistan’s Climate Catastrophe’, and was joined by Vicente Paolo, Thematic Coordinator Loss and Damage G77, Liane Schalatek, Associate Director, Heinrich Bol Stiftung, Amb. Shafqat Kakakhel, Chairperson Sustainable Development Policy Institute, and Paul V. Desanker, Manager Adaptation Program, UNFCCC. The panel was moderated by environmental lawyer and activist Ahmad Rafay Alam.

Senator Sherry Rehman stated that her agenda at COP27 was to ensure that

Loss & Damage moves beyond a ‘bumper sticker’ catchphrase for the Global South, and some bargain is broken with parties from the Global North.

In response to a question on expectations from the loss and damage negotiations, Senator Rehman stated that these were political decisions waiting to be taken by the negotiating parties, and not based on financial or economic convenience.

“This is the time now to ask for clarity and timelines. We can’t be making the entire COP27 pivot on an adversarial

ask, which is why we haven’t gone into the business of reparations. We are seeking to build consensus because the whole system hinges on it as every country has a veto. Without prejudice to longer goals, our ask is there should be enough appetite to hear us from the Global South, who are literally on the edge of a perilous new frontline to climate risk. It is time for us also to get our act together where we don’t have to wait for somebody else to define it for us,” she said. Former Pakistani Ambassador and Chairperson

SDPI, Shafqat Kakahel highlighted obstacles in the path to Loss & Damage that needed to be addressed. “The first obstacle will be how we define Loss & damage; some of the losses are irretrievable and irreplaceable such as loss of lives, land and livelihoods, whereas damage is what can be brought back. There has never been a comprehensive definition that will encompass all areas, because only after such a definition, can we see how the international community deals with Loss & Damage,” he explained. Amb. Kakakhel observed that the principal reason for no definition is a lack political will in developed countries to formulate commitments, and whose focus has instead been to ensure that developing countries lower their carbon emissions. On the invitation of Mr. Md. Shahab Uddin, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for Bangladesh, and Chairman of the Governing Council of South Asia Cooperation Environment Programme (SACEP), Senator Sherry Rehman also attended the South Asia Environmental Ministers Meeting ‘One Voice South Asia’.

in its data Cloud

NuSt ascends 7 positions to stand at #67 in asia | Ranked #1 in Pakistan in QS asian university Rankings 2023

Maintaining its upward trajectory among Asian universities, the #NUST has retained its No. 1 position among the Pakistani Higher Education Institutions for the 6th consecutive year, as per QS Asia University Rankings 2023. NUST has ascended 7 positions from the last year’s Ranking of #74, thereby landing amongst the top 9% of universities in Asia. In addition, the university has taken a leap of 24 positions in the last six years, from #91 in the 2018 Asian rankings to the present #67 in the 2023 rankings, which is the fastest elevation by any Pakistani university during this period. As many as 760 Asian universities are ranked in the latest edition of Asian Rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds, one of the most highly cited International University rankings in the world. QS Rankings are carried out based on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, citation per paper, paper per faculty, staff with PhD, and internationalisation. pr

Zhongjing Supply Chain Management Co. Ltd, Trunk Public Welfare Group, Chengdu Prige Business Service.

laHORE: An impressive Change of Guard Ceremony was held at mausoleum of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal as the nation celebrates 145th birth anniversary of National Poet, who with the vision of independent state inspired the creation of Pakistan. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy assumed ceremonial guard duties with traditional spirit and enthusiasm. The outgoing Pakistan Rangers Punjab ceremoniously handed over the guard duties to Pakistan Navy. Pakistan Navy Station Commander at Lahore, Commodore Sajid Hussain graced the occasion as Chief Guest who presented mark of respect at Allama Iqbal mausoleum. The ceremonial Guard mounting was followed by floral wreath laying at the mausoleum by Chief Guest on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, Officers, Sailors and Navy Civilians of Pakistan Navy. Later on, Station Commander offered Fateha and recorded his remarks in the visitor book paying rich tribute to the National Poet. The ceremony was attended by civil & military dignitaries and large number of general public. pr

We must utilise all energies to strengthen ourselves as nation: ibrahim

Islamabad: Pakistan Navy Ships comprising PNS NASR and PNS SHAMSHEER Port-called Yokosuka, Japan and participated in International Fleet Review (IFR) organized to commemorate 70th anniversary of founding of Japan Maritime Self Defence Forces (JMSDF). The IFR formation comprised of 38 units including 18 ships and submarines from different navies. The visit of PN Ships to Japan and participation in IFR is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing interoperability between navies and to explore new vistas of defence cooperation. Concurrent to visit of PN Ships; Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi is also on official visit to Japan. Admiral attended the 18th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) organized with aim to strengthen mutual naval cooperation and discuss global & regional maritime issues among navies of the world. pr

SAP has been awarded ‘Great Place to Work’ certification for SAP Pakistan. The prestigious certificate was awarded upon completion of Trust Index Employee Survey and Culture Audit Workplace Analysis. pr

DESanTiS winS FloriDa in lanDSliDE, MiDTErMS oFFEr BiDEn hopE in DEFEaT

WASHINGTON Agencies

FLORIDAGovernor Ron DeSantis won a landslide election victory over his Democratic rival, securing a second term, cementing his status as a Republican presidential contender, and confirming the one-time swing state’s tilt to the right.

Although neither he nor his erstwhile backer Donald Trump have announced their candidacy for the White House, the race for the 2024 Republican nomination may well have unofficially begun with Tuesday’s midterms.

“We’ve got so much more to do and I have only begun to fight,” the 44-yearold DeSantis — who emerged as perhaps the biggest winner of Election Day 2022 — said in his victory speech.

According to unofficial results, the man who ran an incendiary campaign against President Joe Biden’s administration and turned Florida into a laboratory for right-wing policies won nearly 60 percent of the vote against Democrat Charlie Crist. “I believe the survival of the American experiment requires a revival of true American principles. Florida has proved that it can be done,” DeSantis said to cheers from his supporters.

He did not mention Trump, whose support gave DeSantis a boost in his first race for the governor’s mansion in 2018. The former president seems both aware and visibly annoyed by the threat posed by the rise of Florida’s popular leader. Trump gave a brief speech Tuesday night in which he congratulated himself on some Republican victories in the hotly contested midterm elections, but was careful not to mention the win by the politician who is already seen as his primary rival.

On Monday, Trump sought to discourage DeSantis from entering the race for the White House in 2024.

“I think he would be making a mistake, I think the base would not like it,” Fox News quoted Trump as saying. “I don’t think it would be good for the party.” As he often does with his opponents, Trump has branded DeSantis with a derogatory moniker: Ron DeSanctimonious. The resounding DeSantis victory also confirms a clear shift to the right in Florida, long considered a swing state that could go to either Democrats or Republicans. The governor was not mistaken when he said on Tuesday that “we not only won election, we have rewritten the political map.”

“It’s clearly apparent that this election we will have garnered a significant

Elon Musk sells nearly $4 billion in Tesla stock

NEW YORK Agencies

Tesla chief Elon Musk sold nearly $4 billion worth of shares in the electric car company, SEC filings showed Tuesday, more than a week after he closed his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter.

Musk has been pushing for ways to pay for the massive deal, for which he took on billions of dollars in debt and earlier sold $15.5 billion worth of shares in Tesla.

On Tuesday, documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) indicated that he had disposed of more than another 19 million shares, worth in excess of $3.9 billion.

Musk took control of Twitter and fired its top executives in late October, after a drawn-out backand-forth between the world’s richest person and the influential social media company.

The billionaire initially tried to step back from the deal after his unsolicited offer was accepted in April. He said in July that he was canceling the contract because he had been misled by Twitter over the number of fake “bot” accounts, allegations rejected by the company.

After Musk sought to terminate the sale, Twitter filed a lawsuit to hold the entrepreneur to the agreement. With a trial looming, he revived his takeover plan. On Friday, Twitter sacked half of its 7,500-strong staff as its new owner launched an overhaul of the company.

number of votes from people who may not have voted for me four years ago,” DeSantis said. In a result that would have been all but unthinkable a few years ago, DeSantis won the predominantly Hispanic county of Miami-Dade, which no Republican gubernatorial candidate had carried in two decades.

Democrats are concerned that while Hispanics have traditionally voted for their party, more and more are now being drawn to the other side, with many in the Cuban and Venezuelan communities especially sensitive to Republicans’ anti-socialist rhetoric.

DeSantis’ handling of the Covid-19 pandemic may have also boosted his appeal and contributed to his decisive victory. The governor, who fiercely opposed mandatory vaccination and masks, allowed Florida businesses and schools to reopen well before many other areas of the country. He also recently caused controversy — and delighted many Republicans — by sending dozens of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in the Democraticled state of Massachusetts.

And he is one of the loudest voices in the culture wars that divide the country, signing the so-called “Don’t say gay” bill, which prohibits discussing LGBTQ topics in classrooms, into law earlier this year. In recent days, a video tweeted by

his wife Casey has also garnered extensive attention: the short black-and-white clip presents the governor as being invested with a divine mission.

Meanwhile, Joe Biden’s Democrats seem to have escaped a feared drubbing in Tuesday’s midterm elections, but it remains to be seen whether that will revive the US president’s flagging fortunes until 2024 — or beyond.

The 79-year-old, who framed the race as a clash between defenders of democracy and the “extremist” camp of Donald Trump, spent election night in back-to-back calls with Democrats savoring their wins in Senate, House and gubernatorial races around the country.

“Just got off the phone with some of tonight’s winners — including some folks I saw on the road this year,” Biden tweeted as the results came in — alongside a picture of himself in a turtle neck and baseball cap, seeming happy to take at least some of the credit.

White House staff, according to the former press secretary Jen Psaki, were “giddy and gleeful” as results came in.

The outcome taking shape was far from ideal for Democrats, who stand to lose the House of Representatives in what Biden has admitted will make his life much more “difficult” — likely hobbling parts of his agenda.

Russia, US to hold first talks under nuclear treaty since Ukraine conflict

The United States and Russia have agreed to resume holding meetings under the New Start nuclear arms reduction treaty that have been paused since February, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Tuesday.

Price said the Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC), the mechanism for implementation of the treaty – the last remaining arms control agreement between the world’s two largest nuclear powers – will meet “in the near future.”

Russia in August suspended cooperation with inspections under the treaty, blaming travel restrictions imposed by Washington and its allies over the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but said it was still committed to complying with the provisions of the treaty.

Noting those restrictions don’t prevent Russian inspectors from conducting inspections, Price said that we hope that the meeting of the BCC will allow us to continue with those inspections.

New START, which took effect in 2011, caps the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the United States and Russia can deploy, and the deployment of land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers to deliver them.

In January 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to extend the treaty for five years, until 2026.

Until now, Moscow and Washington were each allowed to conduct just under 20 mutual inspections per year under the treaty.

The BCC, which is meant to meet twice a year, last met in October 2021, shortly before Russia began moving forces to its border with Ukraine.

Price said Washington hoped for “a constructive session,” but did not specify the date or location for the meeting.

Russian newspaper Kommersant said earlier on Tuesday the resumed talks may take place in the Middle East, adding that Moscow no longer saw Switzerland, the traditional venue, as sufficiently neutral after it imposed sanctions on Russia over Ukraine.

house of hordes: UK’s parliament swells after pM upheaval

LONDON AFP

Britain’s House of Lords shares some characteristics with the Chinese National People’s Congress: their signature colours are red, and neither is elected by popular vote. They are also the world’s two largest legislatures. After the rapid-fire departures this year of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss from 10 Downing Street, the House of Lords is set to grow even bigger, despite demands for a reduction. With around 800 members, the upper chamber of the UK parliament lags behind the nearly 3,000 delegates that make up China’s unicameral congress. But the House of Lords is comfortably larger than any other chamber in a democracy. India, with a population of 1.4 billion, caps the membership of its upper house at 250.

The Lords has long been subject to demands for reform to make it more representative and less “a chamber festering with grotesques and has beens”, in the words of a parliamentary writer in The Times newspaper. However, by convention, departing prime ministers are entitled to nominate a “resignation honour’s list” — typically allies, aides and associates who are elevated to peerages. Johnson’s 20-strong resignation list is being reviewed by a vetting committee, and some of his picks are likely to prove controversial.

Truss has the same entitlement to reward her followers, despite serving only 49 days.

Her successor Rishi Sunak will respect the convention and not meddle in their selections, his official spokesman told reporters on Tuesday.

Baron of SiBeria: Before resigning, Johnson had already elevated about 90 peers during his three years in office, including his brother Jo, flouting an official recommendation to scale back the chamber.

In 2020, Johnson installed his Moscow-born friend Evgeny Lebedev as “Baron Lebedev of Hampton in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and of Siberia in the Russian Federation”, despite the reported objections of UK intelligence chiefs to the newspaper tycoon. Once dominated by hereditary peers, the chamber today is composed of lifetime political appointees along with people nominated after serving in prominent public or private-sector roles, and Church of England clerics. Many have been donors to the ruling Conservatives including Peter Cruddas, who was made a peer by Johnson against the advice of the Lords vetting body following a “cash for access” political scandal.

A reform commission including senior Tory Lords recommended in 2017 that the chamber be reduced to 600 members, only allowing one entrant for every two departures. The report has languished since, with successive governments proving reluctant to dispense with their powers of patronage, especially when the House of Lords is busy frustrating their legislative agenda.

Xi inspects CMC joint command center; stresses for combat preparedness

more profound changes unseen in a century, China’s national security is facing increased instability and uncertainty, and its military tasks remain arduous.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has inspected the joint operations command center of the Central Military Commission (CMC), during which he stressed that the entire military should devote all its energy to and carry out all its work for combat readiness, enhance its capability to fight and win, and effectively fulfill its missions and tasks in the new era.

Analysts commented on Wednesday that the inspection of the highest operational command of the Chinese armed forces signals China’s firm determination to protect its national security and interests in the face of provocation and pressure from others in a more chaotic situation. However, work for combat readiness does not mean to be belligerent, as the way to ensure that there is no war is to have the strength to win a war.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chairman of the CMC, and commander-in-chief of the CMC joint operations command center, met with representatives of officers and soldiers of the command center and conveyed sincere greetings to all of its members.

Xi said that as the world is undergoing

He demanded that the entire armed forces implement the Party’s thinking on strengthening the military for the new era, follow the military strategy for the new era and adhere to combat effectiveness as the sole criterion.

Xi also instructed them to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and successfully complete various tasks entrusted by the Party and the people.

The command center, which provides vital support to the strategic command of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, is of great importance and shoulders heavy responsibilities, Xi said. He noted that the center should make new and greater contributions to boosting military training and combat preparedness, effectively fulfilling all missions and tasks in the new era

The CMC joint operations command center was established in 2016 to partially replace the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Staff Department. As the highest operational command of the Chinese armed forces, the command center is responsible

for directing the joint operations of all the armed forces.

Reports and public documents show that Xi visited the command center for the first time on April 20, 2016, and again in 2017. Military strength, combat preparedness and national security were all mentioned during his three inspections.

The form of joint operations will be the mainstream in future military conflicts, so it is necessary to strengthen the cohesion and seamless connection of all arms and services to form a strong combat effectiveness, Chinese military expert Song Zhongping told media on Wednesday.

Echoing Song, Beijing-based military expert Li Jie said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows the importance of building a complete combat system and joint command. “It is necessary to lay a solid foundation for military preparedness in all areas of land, sea, air and space.”

Experts believed that the greatest security threats are from the US, which targets China as “most consequential geopolitical challenge” in the Biden administration’s first formal national security strategy released October, with the result of the midterm elections possibly leading to a tougher China policy.

The US threat is growing in both tradi-

tional and non-traditional security fields, and no matter whether it is in the Taiwan Straits or the South China Sea, the US is no longer hiding its efforts to step up provocations that directly target China, Song said.

When it comes to some Western media’s hype over the alleged “China threat” on military development, experts stressed that China’s military development is to protect its own interests from hegemonism.

“Working for combat readiness does not

mean being belligerent,” Li said. “All countries prepare for the situation in their neighborhood, and China is no exception, especially in today’s increasingly tense situation.”

“The only way to ensure that there is no war is to have the strength to win a war,” Song said. When the US hegemony continues to bully, provoke and even split China, only through strength can we safeguard national security and regional peace and stability, Song said.

BEIJING

Agencies

WASHINGTON Agencies

IndIA-PAkIstAn World CuP fInAl Is BAd dreAm for Jos Buttler

ADElAiDE stAFF RePoRt

eNGLANDteam led by Jos Buttler, will face Team India in the second semifinal of the T20 World Cup on Thursday at the Adelaide Oval. The winner of this game will face the winner of Pakistan’s first semi-final against New Zealand.

England captain Jos Buttler spoke to the media ahead of the match against India about his team’s preparations, an injury update on Dawid Malan and Mark Wood, and how highly he regards Suryakumar Yadav.

Buttler also said he would do everything possible to overcome the T20 World Cup final between India and Pakistan.

“Look, we certainly don’t want to see an India and Pakistan final. So we will try and do everything we can to ensure that doesn’t happen,” said Buttler in a pre-match press conference.

“India is a very, very strong team. Indian

teams have been consistent for a very long time. Naturally, so, with the amount of depth and talent they have. There are fantastic players in their lineup,” added Buttler.

Suryakumar Yadav has been in excellent form in the tournament, scoring three half-centuries at a high strike rate.

Buttler said about the right-handed batter: “He has been great to watch. He is someone who has been the batter of the tournament so far. His biggest strength looks to be the amount of freedom he plays his cricket with. He has all the shots; he allows himself to play those shots. As for any batter, it takes just one chance to create the wicket. We desperately need to find a way to do that.”

When asked if he’s surprised Yuzvendra Chahal has not played in any World Cup games, Buttler said no.: “Yuzi is a great bowler; I have enjoyed playing with him in the IPL. He is a great bowler; he is very keen to take wickets. If he is called in to play, I am sure he is a great bowler.”

Pakistan repeats historic scenes of 1992 World Cup After semi-final win, Babar takes a dig at ‘critics’

SYDNEY stAFF RePoRt

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup today at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), November 9, in Sydney, to recapture the spirit of their 1992 triumph.

The uncanny similarities between Pakistan’s run in the T20 World Cup 2022 and the mega event in 1992 have been widely discussed in cricketing circles during the semi-final run-up.

Pakistan’s hopes for the 1992 World Cup were hanging by a thread after they lost their first three matches, similar to what happened in this T20 World Cup, but they recovered to reach the semi-finals.

In 1992, the Imran Khan-led team also faced New Zealand in the semi-fi-

nals. When asked about parallels with the 1992 World Cup, Pakistan team coach Matthew Hayden could not avoid the subject. “It hasn’t been a direct influence, but we all understand the importance and significance,” the former Australian opener said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“It was also a tournament plagued by the nuances of Pakistan cricket; that is, there’s no dominant performance. There’s a performance that gets challenged, and then Pakistan suddenly turn up, and they’re dangerous and formidable,” he added. New Zealand will face Pakistan in a World Cup semi-final for the fourth time, having been defeated in the previous three.

The winner of the first semi-final will face either England or India in Sunday’s final, which will be played in Adelaide on Thursday.

England to give Malan, Wood maximum time to make World Cup semi

PERTH AFP

England will make last-minute calls on the fitness of Dawid Malan and Mark Wood as they look to spoil the party in Thursday’s T20 World Cup semi-final against India, Jos Buttler said.

The world’s two top-ranked teams will clash at the Adelaide Oval for a place in Sunday’s final at the MCG against Pakistan or New Zealand. England are sweating on the availability of batsman Malan and pace spearhead Wood.

“We will see how they pull up. We are trying to give them as long as possible,” skipper Buttler said on Wednesday.

“Dawid was out the other day with a small niggle, Woody has had a bit of stiffness. We trust the medical team, we trust the two guys as well.” Number three Malan injured his groin in England’s final Super 12 match against Sri Lanka and could be re-

placed by Phil Salt.

Buttler knows that an India side which has batsmen Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav in sparkling form will have strong backing in Adelaide, as they have done throughout the World Cup.

“We are all really excited about the match, in my opinion, one of the best stadiums in the world against a brilliant Indian team which I am sure will be well supported tomorrow,” Buttler said.

“It’s going to be a great occasion and these are the times you want to be involved as a player.” Buttler also knows that those Indian fans will be hoping for a victory to set up a blockbuster final against arch-rivals Pakistan. “We certainly don’t want an IndiaPakistan final,” added the batsman-wicketkeeper, who took over the England white-ball captaincy earlier this year from Eoin Morgan.

“So trying to do what we can to make sure that it doesn’t happen.”

SYDNEY stAFF RePoRt

Pakistan captain Babar Azam took a dig at the team’s critics and asked them to “enjoy” now as the team had made it to the T20 World Cup final. Former cricketers and media had scrutinized the Men in Green for their decisions, including going with the same opening batting pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. After the semi-final win over New Zealand, the 28-yearold accepted Pakistan didn’t have a great start, but he believed his boys would make a comeback. “There are ups and downs in cricket, but I believed that we would stage a comeback. I have my team management to thank as they kept my morale high,” Babar said. Babar, who scored 42ball 53, stated Pakistan would give it their 100 percent in the final regardless of the opposition. Meanwhile, Babar delivered a message to critics. “If the captain is being criticized, it means that the team is also being criticized.” “You can indeed criticize, but refrain from getting personal. Critics should now enjoy as the team has reached the final,” he added.

Celebrations ensue as Pakistan walks into T20 World Cup final

Pakistan’s miraculous approach to the T20 World Cup finals has the nation awestruck with excitement and celebrations were witnessed at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney The stadium was packed with fans of Green Shirts rejoicing victory clinched from New Zealand by the Babar Azam-led team that won the semi-finals by seven wickets. Here are some of the best visual snapshots following Pakistan’s win where emotions, happiness, and excitement can be seen simultaneously.

SYDNEY Agencies

Sydney:Pakistan fans had a lot to cheer about as their team dominated from start to finish, new Zealand vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup, 1st semi-final.—AFP

Monopoly of private firMs on DDp risking agriculture exports

INQUIRY REVEALS HOW PRIVATE FIRMS ‘RUNNING’ AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT REGULATORY BODY

ISLAMABAD

Ghulam abbas

iNsurprising revelations, an inquiry committee of Ministry of Food Security and Research (MoFS&R), constituted to investigate ‘hegemony’ of private firms in one of the ministry’s important department, Department of Plant Protection (DPP), has shown the ugliest picture of how a government regulatory body is being influenced and run by a group of private companies and mafia.

The 15-page report, prepared by a committee on the directives of Prime Minister secretariat and submitted to the Secretary MoFS&R, reveals how a powerful mafia is practically runs the DDP affairs, especially the major role of the department, the fumigation process of all imported and exported agriculture items.

The committee headed by Rashid Mahmood, former Additional SecretaryII of MoFS&R (currently serving as secretary power) was assigned to investigate the controversy over the import of Methyl Bromide (MB), used for fumigation and the monopoly in this sphere.

After hearing the complaints about the monopoly of a company in DPP, the PM office in December 2021 had directed the food ministry to address the issues and fix responsibility for any wrongdoing that may have occurred in the past.

The committee, which also included Syed Ahsan Mumtaz (Joint Secretary) and Mr. Shahid Abdullah (Director DPP) as its members, had later submitted the report to secretary MoFS&R early this year but the ministry kept the same secretly without any further action apparently after the change of government in the center.

As per the report, “Inquiry Report on Methyl – Bromide Registration and Import for Phytosanitary Fumigation,” a copy of which is exclusively available with this scribe, the committee has made it clear that for all practical purposes, it appears that DPP is no more a federal entity as far as the issuance of biosecurity and phytosanitary certificates is concerned.

Instead, it is influenced and practically run by the fumigators who virtually control the entire value chain of the business. Such regulatory capture is generally associated with a high level of corruption. The majority of the

department officers are compromised and/or afraid of doing anything against the mafia for fear of repercussions, says the report.

In its findings, the committee has revealed that current leadership positions at DPP are not manned by scientists/entomologists who have any knack for enforcement nor have the ability to sustain extraneous pressure while executing their regulatory powers. Therefore, the current organogram and recruitment criteria cannot serve the purpose of regulatory enforcement with high stakes.

According to the document, there is a subculture of corruption, backbiting, infighting, and responsibilityshirking that has seeped into the very roots of the organization. The Director General (DG), all directors, and deputy directors are part of the problem rather than the solution, even if some of them may not be financially corrupt.

The committee has informed that interestingly, the importer of Methyl Bromide and fumigating companies were all one party due to which not only there is a monopoly but also higher cost being charged to importers/exporters by the fumigators. The decision about the right price of fumigation cannot be left to private actors if the volume of private actors’ business is a result of regulatory action.

Government can neither let noncompliant shipments unchecked nor allow inspectors to declare compliant shipments as non-compliant. The first will serve the interest of agro-traders, and the second will serve the fumigators’ interest. In case agro-traders collude with the department, it would compromise Pakistan’s bio-security reputation and safety of its own agroecology at home.

If fumigators collude with the department, it will increase the cost of imports and exports and lead to unreasonable profits. The fumigators have successfully maneuvered and practically taken over DPP’s regulatory functions.

“It is a classic case of regulatory capture by the private sector. An organization with regulatory power to either stop a ship from sailing or stop one from unloading can play havoc if it does not maintain a high level of organizational integrity,” the report says. It says DPP’s current lot of employees have, as a class, lost the fundamental

ethos of integrity which is so crucial for performing its functions properly,” says the report.

“Its own employees at the senior level have admitted that they have been getting monetary gains from the fumigators at the institutional level (office space, operational expenses, etc.). Their behavior illustrates a clear propensity to benefit fumigation business, which cannot happen without incentive for personal financial gain. The fact that even some of class-IV employees own personal cars, which they regularly use as stated by senior officers in their statements, goes to explain DPP’s institutional decadence. This state of affairs indicates management’s total surrender to the fumigation mafia and acceptance of corrupt practices as a mode of operation,” says the report.

The committee has further revealed that M/s Adeel Pesticides and Manufacturing is the sole distributor of MB on behalf of M/s National Chemicals. Notably, this distributor of MB is also a fumigator. Although 50 fumigators are registered with DPP, MB was distributed to only three fumigators, namely M/s Pentagon Fumigation, M/s Pest Management Services, and M/s Tahir Fumigation Services. Although 50 fumigators are registered with DPP, only six consumed 98% of MB during 2021.

Furthermore, M/s Pest Management Services and M/s Pak Pansy Fumigation operate from the same physical address. Similarly, M/s Progressive Fumigation and M/s Pentagon Fumigation Services are also registered at one address. Therefore, the committee concluded that primarily four fumigators control 98% of the fumigation business in Karachi.

In addition, the fact that the sole distributor is also a fumigator and supplies MB to only three major fumigators, thus crowding the rest from the market indicates the existence of strong market power in the hands of a cartel. It adds that M/s Ahmad and Kamran traders, which tried to import MB, were punished by the group to serve the interest of the monopoly.

While suggesting to immediately end the cartel and create a fair and competitive environment in DPP, the committee has recommended the concerned authority to review all the laws and rules with a view to enable itself to register as many importers of MB as are required to break the monopoly.

It suggests all directors and deputy directors should be removed forthwith and should not be posted in any organization that has regulatory powers with financial stakes. They might be used in pure technical roles in organizations without significant regulatory functions.

The Organogram of DPP should be modified to include at least two directors who will head the enforcement teams and shall not necessarily be entomologists/scientists.

Ideally, such officers can be hired from amongst the retired officers of the Pakistan army at the rank of lieutenant colonel with a clean reputation and having served for at least two years in any law enforcement agency in Karachi. The committee has recommended a formal disciplinary proceeding to be initiated against the chain of officers who canceled various IPCs for the import of MB. Given the increasing trend in fumigation vis-a-via total fumigation of oilseed vessels during 2021, a showcause notice was issued to DG who was posted during that period.

As per the committee no DG should be posted from amongst DPP officers. Each DG will closely observe the presence or otherwise of monopolistic prices and shall furnish a certificate to the Secretary that monopoly does not exist. In case of his failure to do so, he should be relieved of his duties forthwith.

To enable DG to ensure non-monopolistic pricing, laws and rules shall be suitably amended to empower the DG to get any data/information from fumigators and to fix price of fumigation per cubic meter periodically. An assets-beyond-means inquiry must be initiated against all Directors and Deputy Directors of the Department.

It may be added here that the mandate of DPP is to enhance phytosanitary capabilities of the country and check pest and disease spread on crops. Anything grows from earth and any subsequent derivatives need phytosanitary and biosecurity clearance before being traded internationally. In other words, no agricultural products can be imported in or exported from Pakistan without being certified as safe from pests and diseases. Fumigation is a tool to ensure the biosecurity of suspected consignments. The fumigation market in Pakistan is a multibillion rupee industry, and MB is the primary fumigant.

COAS lauds restoration of peace in KP, merged districts

RAWALPINDI staff report

Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has lauded the monumental efforts of Peshawar Corps in establishing peace and stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged districts.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Peshawar on Wednesday. On arrival at Corps Headquarters, the COAS laid floral wreath at Shuhada monument, said a statement issued by the ISPR Wednesday.

Later, the COAS addressed officers and men

of Peshawar Corps.. The COAS appreciated the formation for monumental efforts in achieving peace and stability.

“We owe it to the sacrifices of our Shuhada for providing secure and enabling environment for socio-economic development in the newly-merged districts in particular and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in general,” the COAS said.

He urged the troops: “Always stay focused on your professional duties in the service of nation.” Earlier, on arrival at the Corps Headquarters, the COAS was received by Lieutenant General Hassan Azhar Hayat, Commander Peshawar Corps.

some benchmarks against corruption should be maintained in society, cJ observes

ISLAMABAD staff report

Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday observed that some benchmarks with regard to corruption should be maintained in the society, saying presently the UAE was also on the FATF Gray List owing to weak laws on money laundering Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial made the observation during hearing of a petition filed by former prime minister Imran Khan, challenging amendments to the National Accountability (NAB) Ordinance by the government. A three-member SC bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, is comprised of Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah. During the course of proceedings, petitioner’s counsel Khawaja Haris submitted references of the anti-corruption conventions of the United Nations, the European Union and the African Union. Upon this, the Chief Justice asked Kh Haris to talk on fundamental rights in the case. Kh Haris replied that corruption affected the basic rights and the rights of fair trial and equality. Justice Ijaz said the misuse of public money also affected people’s confidence. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said the counsel’s contentions were good and the PTI should debate on these laws in the parliament. Kh Haris said that no one was hearing in the parliament, they were doing what they want to do. Justice Mansoor said that one should be in the parliament for hearing. He said that the political party could bring its amendments if win elections. Kh Haris said that every country of the world talking about strict laws and punishments over corruption.

Upon this, the Chief Justice said “Kh Haris thinks that it will be difficult to catch those who have been acquitted.”

The counsel said that Swiss Accounts case record vanished after winding up of the case. He said that the accused had also been acquitted in NAB cases due to absence of the original documents. Ishaq Dar could not return if the Article 31-A was not deleted,” he added.

Justice Ijaz asked could people afford it as a nation that petitions were daily being filed for acquittal. Justice Mansoor said that people would not vote, if someone did it. He asked should the court stop the Parliament from bringing amendments. He said that the whole system was being paralyzed. Justice Ijaz asked if the courts’ rulings would end with the deletion of amendments. Kh Haris said that the Supreme Court could restore the laws. Subsequently, hearing of the case was adjourned till Thursday (today).

pti resumes long march today, says fawad ch

LAHORE staff report

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said that PTI’s long march will resume from tomorrow. According to details, former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry said in his tweet that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Haqiqi Azadi March will start again tomorrow. The PTI leader further said there will be a meeting of the officials of the Gujranwala and Lahore divisions today, after which a senior leadership meeting of the party will be held. He said Imran Khan will be in Rawalpindi to lead the march in the third week of November.

Arshad Sharif tortured before being shot in head, lunge, autopsy reveals

ISLAMABAD staff report

The post-mortem reports of Arshad Sharif revealed that Arshad Sharif’s killing was not an incident of “mistaken identity” rather he was tortured for almost three hours before being shot in the head and right lung from a point-blank range.

According to Dunya TV report, quoting the autopsy reports, senior anchorperson Arshad Sharif was not fired upon in the moving car, rather he was forced down off the car, tortured for almost three hours. His three fin-

gernails were removed while his two fingers were also broken during the course of torture”, the report informed. It said that there were also severe torture marks on the writs of Arshad Sharif.

The TV report said the autopsy revealed that Arshad Sharif was forced on bended knees on road before being shot in the head from the rear and in the right lunge from the front side from a point-blank range.

The report said that forensic and angle of the gunshots fired on the car clearly pinpointed that the car had stopped.

Later, he was taken back to the car seat

to portray the shooting had taken place in the car, the TV channel said.

The report said all the reports of Arshad Sharif’s post-mortem had come except for one. The report of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) confirmed that the post-mortem of Arshad Sharif was carried out in Kenya too. The mark of post-mortem in Kenya was present on the body of Arshad Sharif. It may take one more week for the last report to come.

The reports also said that samples from Arshad Sharif’s body had been sent for a forensic test.