Epaper_22-11-15 ISB

Govt assails imran for ‘backtrackinG’ on reGime chanGe narrative

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

PRIMEMinister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that PTI chairman Imran Khan’s rebuttal of the foreign conspiracy narrative was a reminder of the “vicious role he played to harm Pakistan’s external relations while pursuing his own petty politics”.

The premier was referring to Imran’s recent interview with the Financial Times, wherein Khan said he had left the regime change claim was ‘behind’ him now.

Khan, who has repeatedly claimed that an American conspiracy was behind his removal from office in April, said he now wanted a “dignified” relation-

ship if re-elected.

“As far as I’m concerned it’s over, it’s behind me,” he said of the alleged conspiracy. “The Pakistan I want to lead must have good relationships with everyone, especially the United States,” asserted Khan.

In a tweet today, the premier said that the nation was shocked by Imran’s “deceit and treachery inflicting irreparable damage on Pakistan”.

Meanwhile, other government mouthpieces on Monday threatened former premier and PTI chief Imran Khan for consequences over what they called backtracking on his ‘false narrative’ of regime change in Pakistan.

Speaking on a point of order in the National Assembly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said PTI Chief Imran Khan

have to pay the political price for his lies and changing narrative regarding foreign conspiracy behind his ouster from power.

Asif quoting Imran’s interview with Financial Times, said Imran took an other U-turn expressing the desire to mend relations with the United States despite accusing it of treating Paksitan as a ‘slave’.

Imran has buried his narrative of Haqiqi Azadi and imported government. He said Imran’s politics revolves around fake narratives and lies which compromised national interests.

Khawaja Asif said Imran Khan’s political rhetoric in the past and the recent one regarding cipher are based on local political consumption.

Imran’s accusations against the US had embarrassed the entire country.

PTI urges Supreme Court to launch probe into assassination attempt on Imran Khan

quest.

In the Lahore registry of the Supreme Court, the petition was filed by Qureshi, former Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar, who is also the applicant, and other lawmakers. Buzdar handed the petition to Ejaz Goraya, a deputy registrar of the court.

Now he was saying to forget that narrative which already damaged country’s relations abroad. Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI) should sit home instead of disturbing routine life of the people through its long march.

Imran did not stand over his narrative more than a few weeks. He has compromised the honour and dignity of the country. He wrongly termed the constitutional process of his ouster from power by tabling a confidence motion as foreign conspiracy. He urged the august House to ponder over it as Imran Khan must not go scot-free. He should have to pay the price of his persistent lies.

Separately, Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said the former prime minister would have to answer for the purported change in his narrative of

the vote of no-confidence against him being a foreign conspiracy.

“The narrative upon which chaos and lies were spread throughout the country. It will not be over without an answer to that,” she declared in a series of tweets.Implying that Khan backed off his claims, the minister said: “Today is a question mark for all those who believed what Imran said.

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has requested the Supreme Court to investigate the “various aspects” of the November 3 assassination attempt on former prime minister Imran Khan which left the nation in shock.

The party said it has submitted a set of petitions to nationwide sub-offices of the apex court seeking the constitution of a trustworthy judicial commission to probe several “important matters” now in the public domain, including the attempt on Khan’s life. Speaking to the press in Lahore, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, vice chairperson of the

party, said the court has been requested through these petitions to probe the gun attack on the caravan carrying Khan; the purported refusal of police to nominate the prime minister, his minister for interior, and a senior intelligence official in the complaint; the leaked recording of moments of intimate closeness between party Senator Azam Khan Swati and his spouse; and the grisly murder of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya.

The petitions were filed in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta.

The former foreign minister expressed hope that Umar Ata Bandial, the chief justice of Pakistan, would consider the re-

The petition requested the formation of a judicial commission. It implored the court to take action on its complaint by taking suo motu notice.

In Karachi, two identical pleas were submitted by 26 party lawmakers, whereas in Peshawar, Deputy Speaker Mehmood Jan, Atif Khan, Shaukat Yousufzai, Kamran Bangash, and Senator Usman Tarkai, among others, filed the petition.

Petitioners in the application filed in Islamabad were several PTI MPs and senators, including Shibli Faraz and Shahzad Waseem. In Karachi, the president of the Sindh chapter of PTI, Ali Zaidi, and Imran Ismail, former governor, were among those who reached the court registry to file the petition.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

No consultation held on COAS appointment yet: Khawaja Asif

should be revoked: Sana

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday said that appointment of next army chief is the prerogative of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and no consultation has taken place in this regard thus far.

The statement comes following PTI chief Imran Khan accused premier Shehbaz Sharif of violating the Official Secret Act by consulting with Nawaz Sharif who he said was an absconder and a convict and vowed to move court against the consultation. Speaking to the journalists at Parliament House here, the minister clarified that a decision about the army chief’s appointment has not been made yet. The extended stay of Prime Minister Shehbaz along with his key advisers in London purportedly to discuss the key appointment and other issues of national importance with his elder brother Nawaz Sharif heightened confusion and sparked rumours about the issue.

“Holding consolations on the appointment of the army chief is the prerogative of the prime minister. However, no consultation has been held on the matter so far,” the minister added.

Legislation to extend army chief’s tenure

In a bid to avoid conflicts and politics over the appointment of the army chief, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Monday suggested that the legislation introduced during PTI’s government to extend the tenure of the army chief should be abolished. In an interview with a private TV channel, Sanaullah said that the legislation will keep disturbing every army chief in the future as well.

Referring to the procedure for the appointment of the chief justice of Pakistan, the interior minister underscored the need for devising a formula for the appointment of COAS. He was of the view that the senior-most officer should be appointed as the next army chief through a judiciary-like system.

“The prime minister has discretion regarding the army chief’s appointment,” he said, adding that the prime minister should consult with all the stakeholders about the appointment.

The interior minister said that the prime minister will announce the name of the new COAS in the next few days. Responding to a question about the differences between Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz over the name of the next army chief, the interior minister termed the reports as rumours.

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

SC queStionS link Between fundAmentAl riGhtS BreACh And nAB AmendmentS

ISLAMABAD APP

tHESupreme Court on Monday heard Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)

Chairman Imran Khan’s petition challenging amendments in the National Accountability (NAB) Ordinance by the government.

A three-member SC bench comprising of Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah heard the case.

During the course of proceedings, Justice Ijaz remarked that the NAB amendments made the trial so difficult that corruption could not be proved.

PTI’s lawyer Khawaja Haris contended that if all NAB cases were sent to accountability courts, several suspects would be acquitted of all charges. The acquittal of corrupt persons had directly affected the fundamental rights of the people, he asserted.

Upon this, Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial, while addressing Imran Khan’s lawyer, said that he “finds” a new point in the case after every weekend.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah inquired how fundamental human rights were being directly violated by the NAB amendments. He asked whether any person could file a petition against the passage of budget by the Assembly. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah asked if the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had given tax exemption to someone, would it be a violation of basic human rights.

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that there was a benchmark of (acceptable) law, below which there was lawlessness, adding that they all agree that there should be a law of accountability.

He said the United Nations’ AntiCorruption convention was very clear in this regard. He asked could Pakistan “transpose” UN conventions into its laws.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that the United Nations Convention on Persons with

Bilawal fumes at Sindh govt for its slow post-flood efforts

KARACHI StAff rePort

Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday expressed his ire over the slow pace of post-flood relief efforts by the Sindh government. The PPP chairman whose party is ruling in Sindh called an emergency meeting today at 12 noon at CM House. He will preside over the meeting which will be attended by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Works and Services Minister Zia Abbas Shah, Agriculture Advisor Manzoor Hussain Wasan, Sindh chief secretary, PDMA DG, irrigation and agriculture secretaries, and other officials. The meeting will mull over providing financial assistance to farmers whose crops have been destroyed by floods. It will also consider building houses for homeless people, besides pondering over reconstruction of basic infrastructure of the province.

Pakistan will be among first to receive G7 ‘Global Shield’ climate funding

SHARM EL-SHEIKH reuterS

Pakistan, Ghana and Bangladesh will be among the first recipients of funding from a G7 ‘Global Shield’ initiative to provide funding to countries suffering climate disasters, the programme announced on Monday at the COP27 summit in Egypt. The Global Shield, coordinated by G7 president Germany, aims to provide rapid access for climate-vulnerable countries to insurance and disaster protection funding after floods or drought. It is being developed in collaboration with the ‘V20’ group of 58 climate-vulnerable economies. A statement issued by Germany on Monday listed Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Fiji, Ghana, Pakistan, the Philippines and Senegal as some of the initial recipients of Global Shield packages. Those packages would be developed in the coming months, Germany said.

Disabilities was not part of the Constitution of Pakistan. He asked should the court start ordering Parliament to legislate on international conventions? In this way, the international convention itself would be called the Constitution of Pakistan, he added.

He said that courts could interfere with laws made by the executive when they conflict with the constitution.

Justice Ijaz said that the rights of the people would be affected due to corruption of public money.

Khawaja Haris said that many cases of FIA were transferred to NAB without any legal procedure.

Justice Ijaz said that laws should be in accordance with international standards. There was no country in the world that supported corruption, he added.

He said that he did not find any solid reason for the amendments in the old NAB’s act. It was the function of the court to determine the standard of law, he added.

Justice Ijaz remarked that even keeping an extra buffalo was an accountable act in Hazrat Umar’s (R.A) time. Corruption should be made such a painful crime that no one dares to commit it, he added.

He said that this could be proved that the NAB amendments were made maliciously and to benefit certain individuals.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that he did not agree that the court set the legal standard. The legal standard was determined by the constitution, not the court, he added.

He asked if there were no laws on

corruption, then the court could ask to create them. He asked how could it be that the recent NAB amendments were null and void and the old law came into force automatically?

Imran Khan’s lawyer said that the corrupt accused were sitting happily at home after being acquitted with the current NAB amendments. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that here people were sitting in their houses even after sabotaging the constitution.

He asked was any proven corrupt criminal acquitted after NAB amendments?

Justice Ijaz remarked that corruption charges were now being waived off with the NAB amendments. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah asked when it was not proved after the trial whether a person was corrupt or not, how the fundamental rights were affected.

Justice Ijaz said that after the NAB amendments, the trial had been made so difficult that corruption could not be proved.

Subsequently, the court adjourned further hearing of the case till November 17.

KP faces shortfall of Rs81bn for flood-hit areas rehabilitation program

PESHAWAR Aziz Buneri

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is facing a shortage of more than Rs81 billion – half of the funds – required for the rehabilitation of the flood-affected districts and the reconstruction of infrastructure.

Overall, the province needs Rs162b but so far, the provincial government has arranged Rs80.50bn. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may face financial constraints for next several years due to shortfall of such a high amount of fund. The provincial government has been advised to take the support from well-wishers of the province including the federal government and international aid agencies.

The KP Planning and Development (P&D)

Department has prepared a plan for the rehabilitation of flood affected districts and sent it to relevant forum for approval. According to the P&D sources, the KP government needs Rs162bn for the post-disaster rehabilitation program, in which a total of Rs120bn will be required for the infrastructure development program.

The report sent by the P&D for the approval of the rehabilitation plan, said that a two-year plan has been prepared for the restoration of the total damages of Rs162 billion. The phase one of the plan will needs Rs31bn, while phase two will require Rs46.60bn.

The provincial government has arranged Rs19 billion by re-allocating funds within the administrative departments for the phase one. The international aid agencies have assured to provide assistance of

Push for climate justice, loss and damage: COP27 termed ‘huge achievement’ for Pakistan

ISLAMABAD APP

As Pakistan has been leading the call for developed nations to compensate their developing counterparts for a crisis they did not cause, the experts believed the mere inclusion of loss and damage onto the agenda at the COP27 climate conference in Egypt was a diplomatic achievement for Islamabad.

Pakistan, which has been battered by climate catastrophes for the past decade, is responsible for less than one percent of global carbon emissions but is among the most vulnerable to extreme weather events, Foreign Policy magazine said in an article.

The publication said that summer’s monsoon rains and floods inundated one-third of the country, destroying farmland, displacing millions of people, and killing nearly 2,000. Economic losses have been estimated at up to $40 billion.

The author also referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the conference in Egypt last week. Sharif noted Pakistan is a “victim of something with which we had nothing to do […] a man-made disaster.”

As a vice chair of COP27, Sharif pressed the case for a “loss and damage” financial mechanism that would oblige developed countries to help “victim” countries pay for the impact of climate change and to prevent energypoor countries from becoming part of the problem by transitioning to cleaner sources of energy.

The idea of rich countries helping to cover less developed countries’ costs of coping with climate change has been around in force since at least 2009, effectively dividing the world between the haves and the have-nots.

But for Pakistan, this year’s carnage wasn’t its first rodeo: It also suffered devastating floods in 2010, which caused similar amounts of damage and loss of life.

The magazine said climate finance is meant to help prepare countries to adapt to coming climate shocks and to take steps to mitigate their own emissions.

It quoted climate activist Afia Salam saying that due diligence and stringent monitoring were key to overcoming any trust issues about the disbursement of funds. To a question by the author, she said: “Political instability cannot stop the track of recovery and development. Most fund disbursement is tied to milestones and transparency mechanisms.”

At COP27, the question of how richer countries can help underwrite the climate challenges of poorer countries has dominated much of the first week. As always, the debate has centred on the details of distributing any aid money, and the question of financing short-term fixes versus longer-term investments in mitigation and adaptation measures.

Rs61.50bn to eight administrative departments for the flood affected areas. However, despite this, the provincial government is facing a shortfall of Rs7.70 billion for the phase one of the two year program.

According to proposed plan, 13 KP administrative departments of will be part of the infrastructure development program during phase one. Five departments, including local government, higher education, food, multi-sector development and the finance department have not attracted any international aid to restore its flood affected infrastructure.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 309 people were killed while 369 were injured, 94, 464 houses were affected, while 674318 people displaced by thr climate change induced devastating floods.

Cross-border attack prompts Pakistan to close Chaman border with Afghanistan

PESHAWAR AnAdolu Agency

Tensions are running high between the border forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan after Islamabad shut one of the main crossings with Kabul for cross-border movement for an “indefinite period,” people familiar with the development said on Monday. Also known as Friendship Gate, the Chaman border — which connects Balochistan province to southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan — was closed afteran armed Afghan reportedly crossed into Pakistan and opened fire on the troops, killing a soldier and wounding another two on Sunday, according to Abdul Hameed Zehri, deputy commissioner of Chaman. The crossing is a major transit point for truckers moving fruit exports from around the southern Afghan city of Kandahar and its closure comes at a high cost for farmers unable to get their produce to market. The attack was followed by hours-long firing between the two border troops, prompting the closure of the key trade border between the neighbours. Zehri said the border will remain closed until the handing over of the suspected attacker. The two security forces, he added, are holding restraint since the firing was halted on Sunday night. “The two sides are holding another round of flagship meeting today (Monday) to resolve the issue as we stick to our demand of handing over of the attacker,” a security official from Pakistan told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity as he was not permitted to speak on the record.

for importing OMCs

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) Monday allowed premium on HSD subject to maximum capping at $16.75/BBL for importing OMCs other than PSO for the month of November, 2022.

Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar presided over the meeting of the ECC. The Ministry of Energy, Petroleum Division submitted a summary on High Speed Diesel (HSD)/Gas Oil premium and shared that the demand for HSD has

been substantially increased due to ongoing sowing season and rehabilitation efforts after the floods in the country.

With regard to premium reimbursement to importers for smooth and sustainable supply of HSD in the country, the ECC allowed premium on HSD subject to maximum capping at US$ 16.75/BBL for importing OMCs other than PSO for the months of November, 2022.

The ECC also considered the summary of the Ministry of Energy, Power Division on standardized security package agreements for large-scale solar PV projects

for substitution of expensive imported fossil fuels based power generation under the framework and approved the summary except special payment mechanism and quarterly indexation as was proposed in the Summary. Further the ECC authorized Boards of AEDB and CPPA-G to approve any amendments in the IA (Implementation Agreement) and EPA (Energy Purchase Agreement), as the case may be, that are project specific and may be required to comply with NEPRA’s Tariff Approval and/or Generation License for specific projects, subject to the condition that such

amendments will not increase GOP obligations as contemplated and stipulated in the standard Security Package Documents.

It was shared that GoP plans to develop large scale solar PV projects for substitution of existing imported fossil fuel based thermal power plants within their technical and contractual limits through the private sector on Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis.

The ECC discussed the summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research on Kissan Package2022 and approved the package as proposed

in the Summary. The package includes, enhancement of agriculture loan disbursement from 1,419 billion to 1,802 billion, reduction in DAP price to Rs. 11,250/- per bag from Rs. 13,750/- and Interest free loans to convert 3 lac tube wells to solar.

The ECC after detailed discussion approved proposal of Finance Division for revision and renaming of Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan – Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (PMKJ-YES) as Prime Minister’s Youth Business & Agriculture Loan Scheme (PMYB & ALS) with a view to make it more purposeful and beneficial for small businesses and agriculture. New components of interest free microloans and agriculture loans have been added in the new scheme.

ISLAMABAD

StAff rePort

PAkiStAn CondemnS deAdly iStAnBul BlASt

ISLAMABAD Monitoring rePort

PAKISTANstrongly condemns a bombing in a busy Istanbul street in Turkey that killed six people and wounded scores, the Foreign Office said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” the Foreign Office said in a statement issued late on Sunday. Pakistan firmly stands with the people of Turkey in the fight against the scourge of terrorism, it added.

The explosion tore through Istiklal Avenue, a popular shopping destination for locals and tourists, on Sunday afternoon. No individual or group has claimed the attack

fm hails removal of Pakistan from uk’s high-risk countries’ list

ISLAMABAD APP

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said the United Kingdom had officially removed Pakistan from its list of ‘High-Risk Third Countries’ following its early completion of Financial Action Task Force action plans, which was a good news. On his Twitter handle, the foreign minister termed the development as ‘some good news’ and shared a note verbale of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK. “The amendment removes Pakistan from the list in accordance with the decision taken by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on 21 October 2022. The FCDO recognizes the progress Pakistan has made to improve money laundering and terrorist financing controls,” the note said.

nAB zeroing in on former accountability czar Shahzad Akbar

ISLAMABAD StAff rePort

The National Accountability Bureau is zeroing in on former accountability Czar Shahzad Akbar in an assets beyond meanscase on Monday. Former SAPM on accountability Shahzad Akbar has come on the NAB radar as the anti-graft watchdog has started an investigation against him in a corruption case. The ex-PM aide has been directed to present the record of all moveable and immoveable property in his name to the bureau by Nov 15. The watchdog has also summoned record of property that is in the name of his family members. The NAB has issued orders to the FDA, LDA and RDA to look into his assets.

The anti-corruption watchdog has received complaints of irregularity against Akbar while remitting money recovered from England. In this case, the NAB requested the FIA to put his name on the Exit Control List. Earlier, the bureau has sent a questionnaire consisting of 22 queries to Akbar.

but the nation’s interior minister accused the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a militant organisation.

“I have learned with deep anguish about the explosion at Istiklal Avenue in the heart of Istanbul,” Shehbaz Sharif tweeted.

“(The) government and the people of Pakistan express deepest condolences to the brotherly people of Türkiye at the loss of precious lives and send prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the prime minister added.

I have learnt with deep anguish about the explosion at popular Istiklal avenue in the heart of Istanbul. Govt & people of Pakistan express deepest condolences to the brotherly people of Turkiye at the loss of precious lives & send prayers for the speedy recovery

Dar working on plan for effective, result-driven visit to Afghanistan

Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar has directed various ministries to prepare a comprehensive plan for making an effective and result-driven visit to Afghanistan in the near future.

The Finance minister on Monday held a preparatory meeting on visit to Afghanistan with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar at the

Finance Division here on Monday. SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa and senior officers from the Finance Division and Foreign Office attended the meeting.

In this preparatory meeting, a comprehensive agenda was discussed for carrying out decisive discussions with the Afghan leadership. Various bilateral initiatives for deepening the cooperation through enhancing the trade and regional connectivity between Pakistan and Afghanistan were discussed during the

meeting. The Finance Minister was also briefed about the economic and regional peace and stability issues. The Finance Minister shared that Pakistan has always been determined to support the Afghan people and asked for a framework to help out our neighboring country, Afghanistan, in these challenging times.

In conclusion, the Finance Minister directed to prepare a comprehensive plan for making an effective and result-driven visit to Afghanistan in the near future.

CropLife launches stewardship programs on safe use of agrochemical products

ISLAMABAD StAff rePort

CropLife Pakistan Association launched Pesticide Container Management Program to create awareness in line with the CropLife International awareness campaign on Container Disposal Awareness, to protect both environment and operators from exposure, appropriate handling, and safe disposal of the used pesticides containers, reducing waste, and maximizing recycling.

The inauguration of the project was arranged at Corteva Research Center Renala, chaired by Director General Research Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI) Dr. Nawaz Khan Maikan.

While addressing the event, Director General Research AARI, Dr. Nawaz Khan Maikan has said that environmental stewardship is a life cycle approach to the agrochemical product management which is the responsible and ethical way to manage products from their discovery and development to their use and the final disposal of any waste. He stressed the stakeholders to follow the guidelines for the sake of the environment and the community.

Executive Director CropLife Pakistan, Rashid Ahmad while highlighting the efforts being made by

CropLife Pakistan Association in the plant science industry, explained the international developments in crop protection, seed and agricultural biotechnology, with the aim to provide transparent information to its stakeholders and welcomes open dialogue with parties interested in the future of food and farming.

The speakers appreciated that CropLife Pakistan Association is committed towards promoting effective stewardship in and beyond the field and believes that the appropriate management and use of agrochemical products can help underpin sustainable agriculture and safeguard the environment and public health.

CropLife Pakistan Association is taking the lead to ensure the appropriate disposal and recycling of empty crop protection containers to protect the health of farmers and their communities as well as the environment. The overall aim of the stewardship approach in the agrochemical industry is to maximize the benefits, and minimize any risk, from using crop protection products.

The event was attended by the local agriculture department officials, academia, farmers, dealers and CropLife member company’s representatives. This is a pilot project and will be expanded in other geographies for the awareness of the farming community.

Dar gets permanent exemption from court appearance in assets case

ISLAMABAD StAff rePort

In an accountability court on Monday granted permanent exemption from court appearance to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in an assets case.

Federal Minister Dar appeared before an accountability court in Islamabad on Monday in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference where he filed for

permanent exemption from court appearance. Court accepted Ishaq Dar’s plea for permanent exemption from appearance while the court also sought a reply on the assets de-attachment and acquittal applications at the next hearing.

Earlier in September, an accountability court suspended Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s chronic arrest warrants until October 7, saying the court would scrap the arrest warrants when the accused presents himself before the court.

of the injured.

A suspect was arrested by the early hours of Monday. “The person who planted the bomb has been arrested,” Suleyman Soylu, the interior minister, said in a statement broadcast by the Anadolu Agency.

“According to our findings, the PKK terrorist organisation is responsible,” he said.

The PKK, blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara as well as its Western allies, has kept up a deadly insurgency for Kurdish selfrule in southeastern Turkey since the 1980s.

Regularly targeted by Turkish military operations, the group is also at the heart of a tussle between Sweden and Turkey, which has been blocking Stockholm’s entry into NATO since May, accusing it of leniency towards the PKK.

Cloudy weather expected across country

Mainly partly cloudy weather is expected in most upper parts of the country, while rain-wind with thunderstorm and snow over the hills is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north-Balochistan, Islamabad, Potohar region, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during evening and night during the next twelve hours. Temperatures of some major cities recorded this morning: Islamabad four degree centigrade, Murree seven, Quetta ten, Lahore sixteen, Karachi twenty-two, Peshawar eleven, Gilgit zero and Muzaffarabad nine degree centigrade. According to Met Office forecast for Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, cloudy weather with chances of rain and wind thunderstorm in evening and night is expected in Srinagar and Leh, partly cloudy in Jammu while cloudy weather with chances of rain thunderstorm in likely to prevail in Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, and Baramulla. On the other hand the districts of Swat, Der Upper, and Khyber received the first snowfall of the winter, bringing down the mercury further and blanketing the hilly areas with white snow. Light snowfall continues in the Kukikhel and Maidan areas of the Tirah area of ??the Khyber district, while mercury has decreased further due to last night’s snowfall in the Malam Jabba and Kalam areas of Swat. Light rain continued for hours in urban areas in Upper Dir. On the contrary, snowfall continues in the upper areas of the district including Oshirai Dara, Kumrat, Lowari Tunnel, Dog Dara Top, Jaaz Banda. In Kaghan, Naran and Babusar top, the mercury dropped below zero due to intermittent snowfall.

Chinese embassy adjusts to Covid-19 testing requirements for inbound travelers

ISLAMABAD StAff rePort

Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has relaxed its conditions for travellers visiting China by requesting all passengers visiting China from Pakistan to submit a negative report of one nucleic acid test from a testing facility approved by the local health department around 48 hours before boarding the plane.

The move comes under a new policy regulation of the government of China under which a number of Chinese

embassies, including the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, have adjusted COVID-19 testing requirements for inbound travelers to China, requiring one negative nucleic acid test result within the past 48 hours before boarding.

The negative test report nucleic acid test should be submitted with verifiable content, according to a notice issued on the official WeChat account of the embassy which is effective from Sunday.

Previously, all passengers were required to undergo double nucleic acid testing within 48 hours before boarding

the plane.

The two nucleic acid tests were to be conducted in different testing institutions with two different reagents, and an interval period of more than 24 hours, according to a notice issued by the embassy in June, Global Times reported on Monday.

The adjustments came after China released 20 optimized measures in a latest move in scientific and precise epidemic control and prevention work on Friday. Passengers travelling to China only need to provide one negative nucleic acid test

result within the past 48 hours instead of two, according to the latest measures.

The embassy notice said that for passengers traveling to China through transit, the nucleic acid test can be carried out at either the place of departure or the transition destination within 48 hours before boarding the flight to China.

If passengers already have the health code of the place of origin, they can use the health code within the validity period to check in at the transfer point and there is no need to go through a second test and second application at the transfer point,

according to the notice.

The notice also canceled additional requirements for people with a history of infection, being close contacts, having suspected symptoms, or inconclusive test results, as they now can apply for a health code based on a negative nucleic acid test within 48 hours before boarding the plane.

As of press time multiple Chinese embassies, including the Chinese Embassy in the US, the Chinese Embassy in Singapore and the Chinese Embassy in Canada all released notices to adjust the COVID-19 testing requirements.

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HeydAy for PAK-CHINA tIes After 20tH CPC CoNgress

LAHORE Staff RePoRt

Afirst of its kind gathering of league of Pakistani scholars and Chinese diplomats jointly subscribed the outcomes of recently concluded 20th CPC national congress and underlined the need to tap new diversity into Pak-China relations as well as CPEC hailing new induction of fresh corridors including health corridor, industrial corridor, digital corridor, and green corridor in next phase of CPEC.

The Pak-China fraternity held the consensus at a seminar titled 20th CPC congress; party, policy, prospects and impacts on China-Pak Relations organized by Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR) at local hotel here on Sunday.

Shedding light on the sense of

new opportunities, new cooperation and new development while discussing impacts of 20th CPC congress on Pak-China relations, Chinese consul general Lahore Zhao Shiren said that China terms people of Pakistan real stakeholder besides government and Chinese leadership is ready to work jointly with every segment of society to let CPEC fortunes to trickle down to grass route level.

On CPEC dismal activity and future momentum he said that it is not appropriate to blame anybody for CPEC slowdown because now CPEC has bounced back with its natural form and pace and all projects will be executed on fast-track to make CPEC a full-on successful story, he added.

At the time of conclusion of 20th Congress that has put the new leadership in place and solidified the party self-innovation outlining major policy initiatives both at domestic and foreign fronts, Mr Zhao an-

IHC take up traders’ plea against sit-in, road blockades

ISLAMABAD Staff RePoRt

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) summoned the chief of Islamabad police over a petition moved by traders against proposed sit-ins and roadblocks in the capital. Aamer Farooq, chief judge at the high court, while hearing the petition on Monday, ordered Akbar Nasir Khan to submit a report on the protests by November 17. Shabbir Khattak, joint secretary at the Ministry of Interior, appeared in the court hearing. “Motorway is a federal subject, why is the government not opening the highway for the public,” the judge questioned. “The law and order is the provincial government’s matter […] it is blocked [by the provinces],” Munawar Iqbal Duggal, an additional attorney general representing the government, responded. “Protests are also staged before the Parliament, why do you block roads then,” Justice Farooque asked. “Containers are placed in Islamabad as if these are unusual circumstances,” he remarked. “Why you are placing containers instead of constituting an efficient anti-riot force,” he further questioned. “Why don’t you take some other steps instead of placing containers on roads.” Barrister Sardar Umar Aslam represented traders in the court. Traders pleaded to the court that during the protests, students have been unable to attend schools and colleges, people unable to attend their offices and the worst is happening with daily wagers as they have been deprived of their right to earn a livelihood.

nounced that 2023 is to be marked as a year of China-Pakistan Year of Tourism and Exchange. In this regard, he said the Gandhara Art Exhibition will be held at the Palace Museum in Beijing to showcase Pakistan’s diverse culture and long history of interaction with China.

With the gradual resumption of direct flights operation with more frequency, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries will surely become more active, he added As 20th CPC Congress reaffirmed the commitments of the Party and the country to world peace and common development, with dedication to promoting a human community with a shared future through the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese consul general said that CPEC is going to be more mature and mulitadimensional after induction of new concepts like health corridor, industrial corridor, digital corridor, and

green corridor in the next phase.

He termed Congress impacts positive on the development of China-Pak relations, saying recent Prime Minister Shehbaz successful maiden official visit to China right after the Party Congress as first head of government speaks volumes about the great importance attached to by the new Chinese leadership on China-Pakistan relations.

“During the PM’s visit, both sides issued a joint statement and signed or concluded several agreements/MoUs in wide areas. Leaders of the two countries reached an important consensus on the ML-1 project for its early implementation. China also agreed to actively advance the Karachi Circular Railway and encourage Chinese companies to participate in solar and other renewable energy projects,” he added.

China also announced, he said, to Pakistan an extra 500 million

yuan in emergency assistance for post-disaster reconstruction, making the total aid of 1.16 billion yuan (36 billion rupees), ranking first among the helping countries.

IIRMR chairman Muhammad Mehdi said that all countries definitely accepts influence from the surrounding conditions and when it comes to China, this situation is always pleasant.

“While the recent 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has expressed the preferences of the Chinese people in front of the world. After Communist Revolution under the leadership of its great leader, Chairman Mao, poverty elimination and Chinese journey to become moderate prosperous country were another milestones achieved in the leadership of President Xi Jinping,” he added

“Pakistan should understand well that the importance of CPEC

Pak-EU agree to launch comprehensive dialogue on migration, mobility

ISLAMABAD Staff RePoRt

Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to launch a comprehensive dialogue on migration and mobility.

The agreement was reached during a two-day visit of European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson to Pakistan. The commissioner held meetings with law enforcement bodies and UN agencies on a broader spectrum of bilateral questions on migration and security.

Pakistan and the EU wish to strengthen mutual cooperation in all areas relating to migration ranging from a regional point of view to international, said a news release on Monday.

“The European Union (EU) and Pakistan agreed to launch a comprehensive dialogue on migration and mobility. This will encompass all relevant aspects of migration management including legal pathways for migration to Europe and addressing irregular migration and human smuggling. The two sides agreed to continue enhanced cooperation on return, readmission and reintegration through the full and effective implementation of the Pakistan-EU readmission agreement, the release said.

Commissioner Johansson and Minister of State

for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar agreed to intensify preparations for the launch of a Talent Partnership with Pakistan to facilitate working and living in interested EU Member States for suitably qualified Pakistani nationals.

Commissioner Johansson thanked Pakistani Government for their generosity in hosting 3 million Afghans, 1.3 million of whom are refugees.

The Commissioner held discussions with Federal Ministers and Secretaries of Interior; Overseas and Human Resource Development, Education and Professional Training about possibilities for legal and safe pathways of migration to Europe.

With Minister Rabbani Khar, Commissioner Johansson agreed to intensify the concrete bilateral cooperation in security, including counter-terrorism and fighting criminal networks including the fight against the smuggling of migrants.

The Commissioner visited Peshawar where she exchanged views with the Frontier Corps and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

She was briefed about the fight against terrorism and organised crime and on border management.

Commissioner Johansson agreed with the Minister of State that the first EU-Pakistan counter-terrorism dialogue since 2018 will be held in the beginning of 2023 in Islamabad.

No respite for Karachi residents as street crimes continue unabated

KARACHI INP

A video showed street criminals on separate motorcycles looting people fearlessly on a street in the Nazimabad No. 3 neighbourhood of Karachi. The footage revealed two street criminals looting pedestrians on a Nazimabad street. It also showed the criminals riding on separate motorcycles searching the clothes of two people. After snatching the valuables from the citizens, the criminals fled from the scene. The footage also showed the faces of the criminals. It was worth mentioning that Karachi has witnessed an “alarming increase” in street crime after the flash floods in parts of the country. In a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior held three days earlier, the police officials said that half of the criminals caught by them belong to other parts of the country. The meeting of the Senate body was held under the chair of Senator Mohsin Aziz. Expressing concern over the sharp rise in street crimes in Karachi, the body directed the Sindh police and other relevant departments to crack down on criminal elements.

which also should be reflected in foreign and economic policies. Therefore, Pakistan should have a permanent definite policy regarding CPEC, just as Pakistan has a permanent definite policy regarding friendship with China, and whatever political changes may take place in Pakistan in the future, there should be no negative impact on this project,” he said.

IIRMR President Yasir Habib Khan said that restoration of CPEC momentum at full throttle is another watershed moment in the history of Pakistan China relations hoping that with induction of new joint working groups (JWGs), CPEC is going to get positioned to anchor Pakistan economy. He urged for early implantation of use of RMB for trading transection between Pakistan and China that will open a brand new chapter of tenacious and resilient economic trajectory between both countries.

Punjab govt declines funds for electronic voting in LB polls

LAHORE Staff RePoRt

The Punjab Finance Department has refused to release funds for electronic voting mechanism in local body elections on Monday. According to details, the Finance Department decided to grant only Rs10 billion for manual voting though the Local Government Department had demanded Rs45 billion for electronic voting. However, the Finance Department has sent the case to the Cabinet because only cabinet has the authority to release these funds by making a cut on some development scheme. The Finance Department claimed that because the national exchequer is empty and there is a budget deficit, it is impossible to disburse such a large sum of money. Moreover, only Rs10 billion will be granted for the manual local body elections. The local government department will pay Rs10 billion to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

PIA flight skids off at Peshawar airport after landing

KARACHI Staff RePoRt

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight skidded off at Peshawar airport after landing due to bad weather on Monday. As per details, the PIA flight narrowly escaped disaster due to the intelligence of the pilot, who controlled the flight with his presence of mind after it slipped in landing. The plane got stuck near Taxi Way. The passengers were shifted to the lounge of the airport. Meanwhile, the Karachi-bound flight from Peshawar PK-351 has been delayed for more than two hours. The passengers are protesting against the authorities over the delay and complained for not providing any facilities.

Separately, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane made a landing at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore after being hit by a bird. According to sources, a PIA flight from Jeddah, PK-860, had to land at the Lahore airport after being hit by a bird. “The engine of the Boeing-777 miraculously survived damage from the hit,” they said adding that the plane was later allowed to leave for Damam after an inspection from engineers.

GPA invites tenders for parametric security system at Gwadar Port

ISLAMABAD Staff RePoRt

To make the city safe and secure for local and foreign investors, Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), Ministry of Maritime Affairs, is introducing the latest security system at Gwadar Port.

In this regard, according to Gwadar Pro on Monday, the GPA has issued a notice inviting tenders for Perimatric Security System at Gwadar Port.

The Public Procurement Regu-

latory Authority (PPRA), Pakistan, who is responsible for prescribing regulations and procedures for public procurement, later invited firms and contractors who have sufficient experience in the relevant field, qualified personnel and are financially to join the project, titled “Perimatric Security System Gwadar Port” and released the required prescribed tender document.

The tender documents containing detailed specifications, terms, and conditions may be obtained from the office of the Project Director at

GPA Head office Gwadar as well as from GPA Camp Office Karachi.

In the presence of bidders or their representatives, the bidding will be hosted on November 29, 2022, at Gwadar Port Authority Head Office, Pak -China Friendship Avenue, Gwadar.

The method of Procurement will be following the ‘Single Stage Two Envelope procedure under Rule 36 (b)’ of ‘the Public Procurement Rules-2004’ while the GPA may reject all bids or proposals as per PPRA Rule No. 33.

Punjab aSSembly reSoluTIonS Seek judICIal Probe

InTo arShad SharIf’S murder, SwaTI’S TorTure

LaHore Staff RepoRt

THEPunjab Assembly (PA) after receiving no response from the federal government on its previous resolution, passed two new resolutions on Monday seeking ‘judicial inquiry’ into the alleged assassination attempt on Imran Khan, the ”illegal’ arrest and torture of Senator Azam Swati and the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya.

The PA had already passed separate resolutions pertaining to each matter. However, the assembly remained dissatisfied with the Centre over ‘inaction’ on said resolutions.

The provincial assembly in its resolution today complained that although the PA had already passed the resolutions addressing the federal government with solid demands, it deemed it highly regrettable that no response

Police starts search, strike operation in bajaur

peSHaWar Staff RepoRt

was given to these resolutions.

The resolutions were presented by PTI’s Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Muhammad Raja Basharat.

The first resolution, which was passed with majority, highlighted the murder attempt on Imran Khan and the alleged illegal arrest and torture of Azam Swati.

The second resolution pertained to the murder of senior anchor-person and journalist Arshad Sharif, which was unanimously passed.

In first resolution, the PTI’s lawmakers expressed grave concern over the federal government’s “non-seriousness” as they stressed that similar resolutions had been passed earlier, but no action was taken till date.

The House had also previously strongly condemned Senator Azam Swati’s illegal arrest and torture during custody “at the behest

of the imported government”. The lawmakers once again demanded strict action against those allegedly involved in the said crimes. The resolution was passed with a majority.

In the second resolution, the provincial assembly “demanded'” once again that the federal government constitute a judicial commission to probe into the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif. This resolution was passed unanimously.

The House had previously declared the incident a case of “targeted killing” and demanded the federal government to form a judicial commission but claimed today that it had been all in vain. Therefore, the PA once again urged the federal government to constitute a judicial inquiry into the killing.

After the completion of agenda items, the Speaker Punjab Assembly Sibtain Khan adjourned the House until November 28 at 3pm.

IHC orders fixing missing persons cases before division bench

iSLamaBad agencieS

The district police on Monday started night search and strike operations in the district against antistate and criminal elements to ensure security in the district. A police handout issued here said that on the directives of Sector Brigadier Rao Imran and District Police Officer Abdul Samad Khan, the district police and Bajaur Scout would carry out night time operations across the district for which they urged masses to extend cooperation. It said that during the operation, which would continue for an indefinite period, the security forces will continue to check vehicles, motor bikes and pedestrians. The police advise masses to remain at their homes and not to come out unnecessarily so that the security forces could easily take action against the criminal and anti state elements.

ShC reserves verdict on petitions against delay in lG polls in karachi, hyderabad

KaraCHi Staff RepoRt

Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday rejected MQM-P’s application for becoming a respondent in the hearing of petitions against delay in the Sindh Local Government (LG) polls and reserved its verdict on those already under adjudication. Separate petitions against the postponement of second phase of local bodies’ polls in Sindh were filed by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI). During the hearing, MQM’s lawyer Advocate Tariq Mansoor pleaded with the court to include them as a respondent in the petition as the adjudication on the matter was underway. However, the court refused to entertain the plea and remarked that it could not be done immediately. MQM-P’s lawyer said that the election commission told them that the polls have been delayed due to the defence exhibition. The court asked the election commission officials about the time frame they required to conduct the elections. The provincial election commissioner replied that they required only 15 days. The court asked MQM-P’s counsel what their real issue was. He expressed doubt that free and fair elections could not take place without amendment in the LG Act.

Displeased with Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal’s responses during the hearing of cases pertaining to the recovery of journalist Mudassar Naaru and other missing persons on Monday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) questioned if the AAG was “even qualified to investigate the case”.

The court, led by newly appointed IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq, ordered to fix the cases of missing persons for hearing before a divisional bench.

During the hearing today, the court maintained that it was unsure whether to “laugh or cry” after the AAG stated that the committee formed to investigate the matter became dysfunctional after previous law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar resigned. The AAG informed the court that the committee constituted by the cabinet was investigating the matter and held eight meetings with the families of the missing persons. The AAG’s response regarding the committee being inactive came after the court questioned what the committee’s results were now that Tarar had resigned. The court maintained that the new law minister could have overseen the matter. “Will the committee cease to exist if the government changed tomorrow,” Justice Farooq asked. “Should the case also end

now that the former chief justice of the IHC has ascended to the Supreme court?” he further stated.

“There are no results, even if there have been efforts,” Justice Farooq remarked.

He stated that if the AAG wants to do nothing then the court should be informed, and the cases would be disposed of. Advocate Imaan Mazari appeared before the court as counsel for missing journalist Mudassar Naaru’s mother. She said the prime minister had appeared before this court and given several assurances. “A report on behalf of he prime minister was supposed to be submitted to the court today,” she stated.

AAG Duggal reiterated that meetings were held with

Govt assails Imran for ‘backtracking’ on regime change narrative

Continued from page 01

The question is for those who listened to the foreignfunded mischief who kept playing with the interests of the country.”

Aurangzeb further said the former prime minister labeled the parliament, the Pakistan Army and the institutions as traitors, and now wanted to start afresh. But “it won’t be over just by saying ‘it’s behind me and it’s over’,” she said.

“To peddle a lie, you violated the Constitution […] now you have distanced yourself from the conspiracy narrative after playing havoc with the state,” Aurangzeb said.

Commenting on the nature of the relationship between Washington and Islamabad, the former prime minister said it has been “as of a master-servant relationship, or a master-slave relationship, and we’ve been used like a hired gun.”

“But for that, I blame my own governments more than the US.” But Aurangzeb said Khan considered his support-

ers “crazy and a herd of sheep” for saying what he said. He has distanced himself from the “narrative of conspiracy, imported government and regime change because it never existed in the first place,” she added.

“Today, Imran Khan has given up the false narrative of imported government and regime change. Today, the true face of the so-called ‘real freedom’ has been exposed completely,” the minister declared.

“To reclaim office, Khan put the foreign relations of Pakistan at grave risk. He played a dangerous game with the interests of the country in his lust for power. He put the country and the nation at risk in his lust for power.

“After teaching lies to the nation, he now says that the US conspiracy narrative is over? He kept appealing to the Supreme Court, and now he says the US conspiracy is over.

“Imran Khan not only threatened national security with his lies but also conspired to destroy the foreign relations of Pakistan. He played a dangerous game with the interest of the country for his political interests,” she said.

the relatives of the missing persons and that more action had to be taken. He maintained that the committee needed more time. The court questioned how much more time was needed for these cases, which have already been pending for two years.

Lawyer colonel (retd) Inam-ul-Rahim argued that the AAG had repeatedly asked for additional time, calling on the prime minister to release executive orders regarding the matter. He further added that production orders for 450 people had been issued; they should be followed through.

The court directed the AAG to “not act like the bureaucracy”, and asked him to leave the position of power behind and think as a human being about what happens when a family member goes missing. “It is in the interest of the country that these issues are resolved,” the IHC chief justice said as he questioned the official how they would feel if someone close to them went missing.

“We are human beings first. Lawyer, judge and IG (inspector general) later,” he added. A father of two missing brothers stated that his sons went missing from outside the International Islamic University Islamabad, and had still not been recovered. The chief justice questioned what the investigating officer (IO) findings were regarding this case as he expressed indignation at the IO of the Sabzi Mandi police station.

PTI urges Supreme Court to launch probe into assassination attempt on Imran

Continued from page 01

it”. He said his party was “working to restore the constitution and the respect of institutions”.

Chaudhry claimed that the institutions had caused themselves “great loss by taking wrong decisions” and that the

party

the institutions to “stand up on their own feet”.

PM to inaugurate International Housing Expo next month

ing Expo in Convention Centre, Islamabad.

make positive progress towards this goal.

First International Housing Expo to be jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Works and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry from December 08 to 12 this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the even as Chief Guest.

A delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) led by its President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari held a meeting with Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, Secretary Ministry of Housing and Works here Monday.

The tow sides discuss and agreed to finalize the arrangements for organizing the first International Hous-

Speaking at the occasion, Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is keen to promote affordable housing in Pakistan and he will inaugurate the Expo as Chief Guest.

He said that all the major international and national developers, builders and real estate enterprises would be invited to display their projects in the Expo. He said that the Expo will help in attracting local and foreign investment to Pakistan and revive the economic activities in the country.

He said that the government plans to provide affordable housing to low income people and the Expo will

He said that sessions on housing needs (realities, options, action), low cost housing, funding and financing frameworks for housing, regulation for housing sector, rehabilitation, climate resilient housing, public-private partnership and other topics will also be organized on the sidelines of the Expo.

He hoped that the collaboration between the Ministry and the ICCI for the forthcoming IHE-2022 would be helpful in making the Expo a landmark event.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad of Commerce and Industry in his remarks said that the housing and construction sector stimulates the business activities of over 50 allied industries and organizing the

Housing Expo will boost business activities in all sectors of the construction industry. It would also generate a lot of employment and improve the economy.0

He said that many investors are interested in construction of high rise buildings in Islamabad and urged the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to amend its building bylaws to encourage vertical constructions, which would offer the best solution to tackling the affordable housing options in the federal capital and across the country.

He urged that FBR to give at least one-year extension to the ongoing construction projects under the amnesty scheme of the previous government for their smooth completion.

iSLamaBad Staff RepoRt

Meanwhile, former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Khan Suri, MP Munawara Bibi Baloch and Balochistan Assembly lawmaker Muhammad Mubeen Khan Khilji moved the plea in Quetta. Fawad Chaudhry, senior vice president of the party, who spoke alongside Qureshi in Lahore, urged the top judge “not to weaken the institution of Supreme Court to the extent that people stop approaching

opposition

wanted

Losing the final

Learning from mistakes and moving forward

PAkIstAN’s t20 World Cup fairytale came to an end after losing the final to england at Melbourne Cricket Ground where the same sides clashed thirty years ago with Pakistan winning its first and only 50-over world cup in spectacular fashion. Batting first and setting a below par total of just 137, with just 18 being scored in the last four overs, it seemed the game was lost even before the second innings began. However, Pakistan’s formidable pace attack proved its worth by taking out the deadly Butler-Hales opening duo within the first 6 overs, and putting the pressure back on the english by the 12th over choking them at 84-4 on a seaming wicket.

Luck had played a crucial role in getting Pakistan to the final but not much was available on sunday, when we needed just a tad more. shaheen shah Afridi had some runs to bowl at in his remaining two overs that would make or break the match, but an awkward fall while successfully taking a catch put pressure on his knee and took him out of the attack. Despite trying to continue, he simply couldn’t bowl, managing only one delivery in visible pain and discomfort. While credit goes to Captain Babar Azam and the team of physiotherapists present on the spot to take the wise decision of taking him off to avoid any permanent damage, questions do arise about his fitness and whether or not he should have been allowed to join the squad in the first place, straight from rehabilitation into the tournament without any prior match practice.

there are some key takeaways from this campaign that Pakistan should be proud of but also many mistakes it must learn from. there is no denying that we are one of the best bowling sides in world t20 cricket at the moment with a lethal and effective pace attack paired with quality leg spin with shadab. With two world class openers back in form, focus must shift to developing a sound dependable middle order. It will be near impossible to be contenders in the upcoming 50-over World Cup if our batting lineup continues to struggle in pressure situations, losing early wickets rather than putting runs on the board.

Most of all, it was heartening to see that the entire nation cheered the team on until the very end and even after the loss, did not resort to the usual hateful angry finger pointing and undue criticism. this can be attributed to the way the unit fought as a team behind a captain who leads from the front and conveys an encouraging apolitical demeanor off the field as well, with none of the typical murmurs of intrigue, in-fighting and grouping in the dressing room. this team has a long way to go but it has proven to the world that you cannot write off Pakistan from any tournament or bilateral series; they are a world class squad that is just a little rough around the edges and in time will be world champions.

Urdu

THe other day at a gathering, an acquaintance was complaining about her daughters’ predicament while they tried to cope with the challenge of having to study primaryschool Islamic studies (Islamyat) in Urdu. she was agitated because with their ineptitude in Urdu (a common enough failing among the newer generations), she felt it grossly unfair to expect her daughters to study another subject via that medium, especially when they had been forced to make the switch from english to Urdu overnight.

some explanation is in order. In the upper tier of private schools, up until the implementation of the single National Curriculum (sNC) last year, Urdu had long been relegated to the status of a mere language, which nobody took very seriously. english was the sole medium of instruction for all other subjects. to the perturbation of many parents (including the aforementioned lady), the sNC had insisted that Islamic studies be taught in Urdu. While I am not privy to the thought process behind the decision, it is hard to differ with their conclusion.

the broader sNC debate is a complicated one and I do not propose to deal with it here. Neither do I intend in any way to defend all the Islamic studies course contents. they are far from ideal, and there is a lot of room for improvement. Also, our ministries and departments are hardly renowned for meticulous homework behind their decisions and smooth implementation of the same; and I certainly hold no brief for any of them. For the purpose of this article therefore, I will be content to focus on the narrower question of the medium of instruction for Islamic studies. I am inclined to think that in the long haul the sNC may have done the students a big favour, if only their parents find it in themselves to be willing to put in some effort.

I told the lady so much. I added that instead of feeling frustrated, she should utilize this opportunity to help her daughters develop the requisite competence in Urdu, which happens to be one of the languages most suitable to learn about Islam. Because

Cyber Warfare

Weaponization of social media

It’s said that the first and primaryvictim of battle, is truth. Methodically analyzing both state and nonstate actors on how they utilize social media to distort the truth, significant political repercussions both at nationaland transnational levels can be observed.

the struggle for “likes” on social media and the parallels between the political effects of social media and military battles has created a race and ultimately have made the social media a weapon to prevail toxic narratives. the political efforts made by authoritarian governments to censor political messaging on social media, notably those of China, Russia, and syria are clear examples of social media weaponization. these concepts will be familiar to anyone who has participated in a political debate on social media, demonstrating the success of these initiatives in influencing American political discourse. Brexit and trump administration are clear examples and provide evidence of how people are being manipulated and security forces are utilizing social media in their operations, fostering their desired molded society.

the war of likes, the popularity of certain narrative, and the extent of disinformation to gain the upper notch by manipulation and algorithmic strategies is common knowledge. Modern politics is prone to be using such tactics and alter public opinion even when the public is unaware of their gradual narrative reshaping. this way the social media has become weaponized with the war of likes, tolls and followers.

the internet, more specifically social media, has preferably erased the difference between a journalist, and a common social media user, as they both can use the platform and spread their perspective regardless of

its factual basis and that has become a serious hazard to the liberal democracy and that to truth. Before we all benefit from the whirlwind, the digital corporations that created these platforms and made money from them must wrestle with the politics of their tools.

With the billions of people connected by computer networks and smartphones, ideas can spread more quickly than ever before in history. Although there are many negative aspects, the outcomes can occasionally be amazing. Anger is the emotion that spreads the fastest when people interact. And most of the time the things we believe in are not really worth believing and probably are results of manipulating

with that competence in place, it can realistically be hoped that should they decide to delve deeper into their religion at a later stage of life, at least language will not get in the way. true, many children are likely to find the task impossible at first. It will certainly be challenging for their parents too, but surely not harder than the challenge faced by those expats who fight gamely to teach their children their mother-tongue against all odds.

Languages are strange creatures. While it is true that no field of inquiry is confined to any one language or a set of languages; it so happens that certain languages come to be associated with certain fields on account of having become the vehicle for most of the representative work done in those fields. science, for example, in our times is so inextricably linked with english that ignorance of english makes the quest of keeping abreast of scientific developments much harder than it needs to be. (till some centuries ago, Latin used to enjoy this status.) similarly, on account of the quality of work on Islam done, and continuing to be done, in Arabic, Urdu and Persian; one will be indifferent to these languages to one’s own detriment. the untranslatability of the Quran is an extensive theme comprising multiple aspects. What is directly relevant to the discussion at hand is that no english

word conveys the subtleties of many of the key Quranic terms: ‘rasool’, ‘salaat’, ‘zakaat’, ‘kitaab’, ‘hikmah’, ‘kaafir’, ‘khair’ and ‘shar’, to name a few. What is more, many of these same words occur in the Quran in their non-terminological sense as well, sometimes having different meanings in different contexts. By letting the translator use the original word with all its range of meanings and inherent subtleties, Urdu thus removes at least one major difficulty in the way of the accurate translation (and therefore understanding) of Quranic verses. this merit of Urdu cannot be emphasised enough. Moreover, Urdu not only shares its script and many of its roots and formulas with Arabic, it also borrows profusely from its vocabulary. Urdu prowess therefore translates directly into Arabic prowess.

Urdu has the added distinction that the quality of work that has been done on Islam in this language is unmatched even in Arabic. so, while it would be unreasonable to expect Muslims from other backgrounds to all go out of their ways to learn Urdu (or Arabic for that matter), it would be such a waste if those fortunate enough to inherit it allow it to slip through their fingers on account of apathy on their part or on the part of their elders.

Urdu is in bad shape in its own backyard and if it goes the way of Punjabi much more than merely a language will have been lost. Our future generations missing out on Ghalib, Iqbal and Faraz is a bleak enough prospect. Infinitely more lamentable would be the fact that a crucial link to their religion will have been severed if it comes to pass.

The author is a connoisseur of music, literature, and food (but not drinks). He can be reached at www.facebook.com/hasanaftabsaeed

campaign to build certain narrative amongst masses. Five times as quickly as the truth, lies spread.

IsIs has used social media to reach out and brainwash innocent Muslim youth in the name of Jehad throughout the world, much as musicians may use it to communicate directly with their fans. social networks group like-minded individuals into filter bubbles made up of varied inhabitants. then there is the issue of information warfare, which liberal democracies still don’t fully comprehend even today, despite years of offensive cyber operations. Major platforms like twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are riddled with bots, and hostile propaganda finds its way into Western news networks.

People exist in their little information silos. social media has become a vector to spread its propaganda, and directly or indirectly undermines the truth. social media has essentially become a battleground for weaponized disinformation for the purpose

of dismantling the reality throughout the world. Also, social media is not the place where you get the truth, it’s the place that specifically takes information and algorithmically tailors it to conform to your cognitive biases so the user stays in his little isolated reality bubble and unaware of the reality bubble of the person sitting next. Also, the information at social media is not information anymore it has become more emotionally sticky that it pulls our emotional heartstrings and controls the narrative and the consumer just disseminates this huge viral misinformation bomb that affects people’s beliefs and opinions which can affect elections, policies, fashion, and so on. social media is like the toothpaste came out of tube or a Gennie out of its bottle that does not go back to original and no one is safe from the consequences. It’s a place of deception, it’s like the hall of mirrors and this whole misinformation is purposely designed to erode ideas and thoughts.

the prospects of futureappearto be getting bleak with every new social media invention, because when something is free the product is you. the development of machine learning and AI has made it possible to create ever more convincing bots, create Deep Fakes where a political leader and their campaignscan be designed to say anything, and target respective audiencewith propaganda that they are most likely to believe in. We only have a couple years before a digital blitzkrieg would be upon us.

Also, for the matter-of-fact people are so very much indulged in social media entertainment and weaponized biases by political parties that in near future it will only prevail. However, the development in this area cannot be denied yet these networks hold so very much information about everyone that it is almost impossible for a person to believe in the ideas as his/her own. It will take long for people to understand that their ideas are the products of some big tech companies but even if they know it the narratives would always be prone to the sources that are controlled and managed after learning deep about human behaviors. More powerful tools might come up yet with the capability to

draw biases and reshape public opinions as per their conveniences.

The

RABiA RiAz MugHAl

Moreover, Urdu not only shares its script and many of its roots and formulas with Arabic, it also borrows profusely from its vocabulary. Urdu prowess therefore translates directly into Arabic prowess.

It’s a place of deception, it’s like the hall of mirrors and this whole misinformation is purposely designed to erode ideas and thoughts.

HASAN AFTAB SAEED

Much more than merely a language

Yousaf Nizami Editor

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

M. A. Niazi Joint Editor

Umar Aziz Executive Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad Joint Editor

Mending the US-Saudi relationship

critical role on several fronts:

tic affairs, which they attribute to the Us’ arrogance and divorce from reality.

From the saudis’ perspective, the Us misperception about the country manifests itself in several areas:

Arms sAles: When high-ranking Democrats make bold foreign policy statements, as when senator Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Ro khanna introduced abillto “immediately pause all Us arms sale to saudi Arabia” in the wake of the oil production cut, it demonstrates where the party’s position as a whole generally lies. Furthermore, Biden has yet to speak against this bill, which shows how flawed the administration’s views are on the entire enterprise of arms sales to saudi Arabia.

As A peAce mAker: In a recent meeting between the Us and Israeli presidents, Biden and Herzog, the latter expressedthat“I truly believe that saudi Arabia is a very important player in the region and also a very central pillar in the Muslim world.” Indeed, without saudi Arabia’s agreement, the Abraham Accords, which have created in thewordsof Herzog “a strategic paradigm shift, something we have dreamt of for ages,” would not exist.

Poet of the East —Allama Iqbal

It is sad to note that as we celebrate the 145th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Poet of the east, we face despondency, social and political upheaval and despair around us. that is obviously because our young generation has either forgotten the message and the national spirit given to us by Iqbal, or they are simply not even aware of our history and the fact that there once existed such a great philosopher who gave us the idea of Pakistan.

known as the poet-philosopher of the east, Iqbal was born on Nov 9, 1877, in sialkot. After getting his basic education in Lahore, he earned a degree in philosophy from University of Cambridge, did his bar-at-law in London and received his doctorate from the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany. While Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s political struggle resulted in Pakistan, it was actually Iqbal who presented the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. While talking about pan-Islamism, he called for Muslim unity and reform, presenting the religion as a social and political ideal, as outlined in the Reconstruction of Religious thought in Islam. Above all, his concept of khudi, or selfhood, was an inspiration for the subcontinent’s Muslim youth of the time, which also motivated the young generation to work for the cause of a separate state under the leadership of the Quaid. today, considering the current chaos in the country, we find ourselves up the creek without a paddle. Our country is entrapped in social, economic and political upheavals. there is political instability, economic crisis, and civil unrest, but the most dangerous element is that of polarisation in society. It seems like we have reached the brink of collapse. the problems are getting out of hand instead of being taken care of. the reason behind such unbearable circumstances lies in the fact that our future leaders, the young among us, have become ignorant of their values and their national leaders. this lack of awareness of issues, rights and duties is the prime contributor to the troubles of our country. In his poetic output, Iqbal repeatedly advised the young to never lose hope.

EveN a cursory review of the Us-saudi Arabia relationship over the past several years suggests that the Us has generally misperceived its bilateral relations with saudi Arabia. the prevailing notion is that the saudis need the Us much more than the reverse, which presumably puts the Us in a position to make demands on Riyadh rather than work closely as allies with a shared geostrategic interest. I maintain that the current heightened tension between the two countries would not have reached its nadir had President Biden been given sounder advice about the nature of Ussaudi relations, both during his campaign for president and since he entered the White House nearly two years ago.

While running for president, hecalledsaudi Arabia a “pariah,” whose leadership had “very little redeeming value.” And when OPeC decided to cut oil production by two million barrel a day, he threatened the saudis bystatingthat “… when the House and the senate comes back, there’s going to be some consequences for what [saudi Arabia has] done with Russia.” He added insult to injury when he vowed to never talk to Crown Prince Mohammed bin salman, known as MBs, the de facto king. And perhaps worst of all, he took over a year from taking office to appoint an ambassador to Riyadh, whose nomination is still pending, which the saudis view as the most glaring disrespect that the Us could possibly demonstrate.

One would think that once he decided to visit the kingdom, primarily to ask for an increase in oil production in the wake of the energy crisis precipitated by the war in the Ukraine, he would make an effort to mend the relationship. In fact, the precise opposite happened. He insulted MBs by refusing to shake his hand, and lectured the saudis on their human rights violations. Furthermore, MBs is a new and inexperienced leader who does not necessarily appreciate the importance of the alliance, which further rattled the foundation of the Us-saudi relationship. to be sure, it was an ill-fated visit. Biden should have undertaken the trip with the intent of mending the relationship between the two countries; the result of the trip without that intent simply made matters worse, especially because of his disdain for the saudi monarchy which was on display for the past two years.

Moreover, the saudis interpreted the Us’ steps to reduce its reliance on saudi oil, and its pivot toward Asia to contain China’s growing influence, as a sign of the Us’ abridged interest in safeguarding their geostrategic partnership and its implication on their national security. And finally, Biden’s continuing public criticism of the saudis’ human right violations further alienated MBs, who views himself as a reformer and rejected off-hand the Us’ meddling in their domes-

to begin with, selling arms to the saudis is not a charitable contribution. they pay tens of billions of dollars to buy arms, from which the Us military industry greatly benefits financially. It allows the Us to have a solid foothold in saudi Arabia through trainers, logistical support, and military personnel, which serve the Us strategic interest throughout the Middle east, all while strengthening the ties between the two countries which yields billions in economic benefits.

NAtioNAl iNterests: As the saudis see it, the Us policy approach toward them is based on the premise of what is best for the Us as the superior power in their bilateral relations. that is, the Us has been rather categorical in its demands in terms of saudi loyalty, posing to the saudis essentially two options, as saudi energy minister Prince Abdulaziz kept hearing: “are you with us or against us?”

the Us has minimized the saudis’ political interests and often economic considerations, as was manifested by Riyadh’s decision to support OPeC’s oil cut. In particular, the saudis wanted to keep the price stable especially because of their concern over an impending global recession, and in addition they want to prepare for the increased oil demands of an uncertain winter. By viewing the relationship in black and white, the saudis feel shortchanged and constrained which they are no longer willing to tolerate.

HumAN rigHts violAtioNs: this issue is one the saudis fervently resent as they despise being lectured at and criticized publicly. Although there are human rights violations in saudi Arabia, the question is, if the Us wants the saudis to end or significantly curtail their human rights abuses, would that be achieved through public chiding or through behind the scenes discussions? the answer is clear; denouncing and humiliating the saudis publicly about their human rights record serves the opposite of the Us’ ultimate goal. Instead, the Us can point out in private settings how much the monarchy can benefit if the people feel freer and more creative, and not subject to arbitrary detentions, disproportionate penalties, gender inequality, etc.

What is needed now is the opening of a new chapter in the relations between the two countries, specifically by recognizing saudi Arabia’s

the saudis, who introduced the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002, remain committed to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while tacitly cooperating with Israel on a host of issues, including intelligence sharing, the purchase of advanced Israeli technology, and certainly exchanging views and risk assessment in connection with the Iranian threat. In addition, the saudis voted to condemn Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories and is continuing its efforts to assist Ukraine, among many other efforts.

oil productioN: Regardless of the Ussaudi conflict, Riyadh remains the largest oil producer and given the global energy crisis, the saudis can make a significant difference. true, the saudis still want to calibrate the supply and demand for oil and protect its national interest. Nevertheless, the Biden administration should work with the saudis in addressing the global oil crisis through quiet negotiations, for two reasons. First, on December 5, the eU oil embargo on seaborne Russian crude oil will begin, which can precipitate a new crisis as the winter cold approaches. second, on December 4, the next OPeC meeting will be held, where the Us and the saudis should reach in advance a mutually beneficial understanding about oil production.

meNdiNg relAtioNs: Certainly, there are many other areas where the Us and saudi Arabia can and should fully cooperate. this includes full collaboration in dealing with the Iranian regional threat and its ambition to become the region’s hegemon, potentially equipped with nuclear weapons; working together to bring the war in Yemen to an end and stopping the horrifying death and destruction; helping mitigate the ongoing civil war in sudan where thousands of innocent people are dying without any relief in sight; continuing to promote peace between Israel and other Arab states, and together push for settling the more than seven-decades-old IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

In spite of the ups and downs in Us-saudi relations, their alliance has lasted seven decades and proven its resiliency and far-reaching geostrategic importance for both countries. Now is the time to revisit their relationship and renew their commitment to an alliance and friendship, which is pivotal for regional peace and stability at a historic juncture of global turmoil.

Dr Alon Ben-Meir is a professor of international relations at the Centre for Global Affairs at NYU. He teaches courses on international negotiation and Middle Eastern studies.alon@alonben-meir.com

Unfortunately, our youth has forgotten this message of Iqbal and has instead become despondent. Youngsters rue the existing problems instead of fixing them. A pessimist young generation is no less than a disaster for a nation. A hopeless youth fails to utilise his potential for the wellbeing of the country. they waste their energy in combating despair while indulging in negativity. this is what our youth today is doing. It is time our young generation got up from its deep slumber and followed leaders like Iqbal, instead of running blindly behind political demagogues who have been spreading despondency and despair, and creating a divisive society. today, we need Iqbal’s shaheens more than ever before.

KASHISH ALI KASHMORE

University politics

PUNJAB University, the country’s oldest university, is in a seriously dismal condition these days. Petty politics that has been the hallmark of university administration, especially when it comes to matters related to the appointments on top slots, is only hurting students on the campus.

Recently, the campus witnessed two student factions settle their mutual scores as the administration looked as helpless as ever. there has been an environment of fear on the campus, with students facing problems in leaving or entering the premises. the chairman of a student group was arrested from the campus without any formal first information report (FIR), and three leaders of another group were also arrested. this made their supporters furious and they rushed to close canteens and gates of the university, which, as could be expected, only added to the misery of the rest of the students. the two student factions accuse each other of being backed by probable candidates for the top academic post at the university.

Meanwhile, the administrative functions on the campus have been stopped with no one ready to take responsibility for anything. All official work remains in a limbo, putting the future of thousands of students at risk. If this is the situation in one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the country, there can be little optimism about the other such institutions existing in the land. the mainstream media is also responsible for the current crisis since there has been no mention in its content regarding the prevailing situation at the university. It remains preoccupied with politics, which is understandable, but what is not understandable is; why just politics? the students of the prestigious university want the administrative chaos to be taken care of without delay. Once that is done, the rest of the things can be sorted out by any efficient management. It is the only university in the city within the reach of students from middle class families, and no student wants it to fall prey to the ugly elitist politics.

MUHAMMAD ISHAQ LAHORE

Breakthrough

tHIs year, the Nobel prize in physics has been awarded jointly to three scientists — Alain Aspect of France, John F. Clauser of the United states and Anton Zeilinger of Austria — for their pioneering experimental work on entanglement.

Just like a ballet originating from different dancers performing together, the connection between particles, such as a pair of photons or electrons, gives rise to an interesting phenomenon called quantum entanglement. the entangled particles remain linked even when detached by considerably larger distances. entanglement is considered primary for future quantum technologies, such as quantum computing, with the ultimate goal of achieving an enormous speed compared to any up-to-date computer. the question of entangled pair was answered by the presence of hidden variables that instruct the particles for connectedness. some six decades ago, a mathematical inequality — the Bell inequality —stated that experimentation has certain limitations. Nevertheless, the experiments by the three latest Nobel scientists have established the violation of Bell inequalities, and thus the dream of ‘thinking and happening’ may be realised soon.

there is a strong need to highlight these aspects among relevant university students to update them with the latest development in such a hi-tech field. A special focus on curriculum revision is also needed, as the basic sciences are badly ignored in many engineering institutions. engineering and technology are the craftsmanship of basic science. the technological revolution is possible with a better understanding of physics and chemistry learned/taught logically and rationally.

DR INTIKHAB ULFAT KARACHI

DR AloN BEN MEiR

Necessary for their mutual geostrategic interest

The US’ misperception of its bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia on a number of fronts has contributed dramatically to the present heightened tension between them.

Why IndIa’s ‘secular’ partIes are strugglIng to mobIlIse muslIms

HAS TRADITIONALLY

IndIa In tranSItIon Asim ALi

IN 2018, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi addressed a media conclave and outlined the reasons behind the party’s drubbing in the 2014 elections.

Among other factors, she emphasised the ability of the Bharatiya Janata Party “to convince people, to persuade people that the Congress party is a Muslim party”. The speech reflected the Congress leadership’s acceptance of the diagnosis of the AK Antony report, which had first espoused the view that perceived minority appeasement was behind the Congress’ electoral decline.

The Congress has certainly not been the only party grappling with this apparent need to correct for a “Muslim bias”. Many other secular parties, particularly in northern India, have internalised the notion that any visible presence of Muslims or “Muslimness” in their political platforms has become a toxic commodity in the prevailing political culture.

however, secular parties still imagine the Muslims as a homogenous community with clear political interests, and do not forswear their claim on this Muslim “votebank”. Nevertheless, the rise of the BJP dominant system has destabilised the pattern of relationships of these parties with their Muslim constituents.

POLITICS OF MUSLIM ISSUES: Secular parties have moved away from mobilising Muslims on the traditional package of Muslim issues. As hilal Ahmed has argued in his book Siyasi Muslims, the imagination of a Muslim vote-bank has traditionally rested on a particular formulation of Muslim issues. These issues included Babri Masjid, personal laws, Urdu, and the minority character of Jamia Milia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim universities. Secular parties and the Muslim elites had constructed these Muslim issues as the primary instrument of gathering the votes of the community.

All these issues shared one common denominator: they were essentially “negative issues” entailing the protection of certain existing “privileges” for Muslims. even though

all these issues (personal laws, Babri, Aligarh Muslim University, etc.) still form a key part of the hindu majoritarian discourse, secular parties stay clear of articulating their views on these issues. This discursive distancing from “Muslim issues” has been driven by a fear of “hindu consolidation”.

The passage of the triple talaq legislation, as well as the Ram Temple judgement, was received with either passivity or muted acceptance. Therefore, instead of claiming to protect certain policy preferences of Muslims (personal laws, Urdu, Aligarh Muslim University, etc), secular parties now talk about protecting Muslims per se.

The community is implored to vote en bloc against this undefined threat posed by the BJP. In states where Muslims have multiple non-BJP options, parties compete amongst themselves to show that they are the primary opponent of the BJP. This is reflected in the proliferating “B team” rhetoric, where the “B team of the BJP” is sought by any party accused of cutting into the Muslim votes of the primary opponent of the saffron party.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, as well as other secular parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) have had to recently contend with the “B team” tag. Therefore, the essential purpose of the “Muslim vote bank” is presented in terms of defeating the BJP.

Secondly, the discursive space of Muslim empowerment has been ceded by the secular parties to Muslim identity-centric parties. In the post-Sachar Committee phase, secular parties had taken a renewed interest in minority empowerment, particularly the issue of minority quotas. In the 2012 Uttar Pradesh elections, for instance, the Congress and the Samajwadi Party had both floated demands for minority reservation in jobs.

The trope of Muslim “economic backwardness,” popularised as well as legitimised by the studies conducted under the United Progressive Alliance governments, was also deployed by the Trinamool Congress in Bengal in its attacks against the Left. A decade on, the only party employing the narrative of Muslim “backwardness” in the Uttar Pradesh elections was the all India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.

THE RELEVANCE OF THE MUSLIM RELIGIOUS ELITE IN THE ELECTORAL ARENA HAS BEEN SHRINKING FOR A LONG TIME, AS HAS BEEN POINTED OUT BY NUMEROUS STUDIES

In Bengal, Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress was also emphasising the “politics of security,” cautioning the Muslims that Indian Secular Front’s Abbas Siddiqui has “taken money from the BJP to divide Muslim votes…you will face the biggest danger if BJP comes to office”. Meanwhile, it was the Indian Secular Front, which (apart from its religious rhetoric) was making use of the “economic backwardness” vocabulary to frame the Trinamool Congress’s relationship with Muslims as one of “betrayal”.

For the secular parties, the spread of hindu majoritarianism among the electorate has left them little room to articulate the traditional issues of Muslim identity as well as the relatively recent issue of Muslim empowerment. While the politics of security did help the primary opponent of the BJP – the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, the Trinamool Congress in Bengal, the Rashtriya Janata DalCongress combination in Bihar – to corner upwards of three-quarters of the votes of the Muslims in each of their states, the long-term reliability of such a strategy remains unclear.

Indeed, the evidence of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen’s breakthrough in the Seemanchal region of Bihar or the All India United Democratic Front’s continuing hold over Lower Assam and Barak Valley might point to the conclusion that secular parties struggle in Muslim-majority regions where the politics of aspiration outweighs the politics of security.

POLITICS OF REPRESENTATION: Accompanying this discursive shift on Muslim issues, secular parties have also reformulated their idea of Muslim representation. Since “Muslim issues” are no longer the primary axis of electoral Muslim mobilisation, there is a corresponding decline in the functional utility of the Muslim religious and political elites in constructing and leveraging these Muslim issues. Secular parties are now less dependent on these Muslim intermediaries, and have sought to fashion a more direct relationship with their Muslim constituents.

The relevance of the Muslim religious elite in the electoral arena has been shrinking for a long time, as has been pointed out by numerous studies. The anti-Citizenship Amend-

ment Act agitation – led by a middle class of students, activists, and intellectuals in a secularised idiom – gave way to the removal of any remnants of political influence that the ulema might have retained amongst Muslims.

The recent Uttar Pradesh elections witnessed little of the customary courting of the clergy. In fact, the only party that made a pronounced attempt in this regard – the Uttar Pradesh Congress, with its cultivation of the cleric Tauqeer Raza of the Ittihad-eMillat Council – was rejected comprehensively by Muslim voters, much in line with the wider population.

Similarly, the Congress-Left partnership with the firebrand cleric Abbas Siddiqui in West Bengal fetched it few Muslim votes. It must be noted that the tactic of pursuing religious leaders is now used by parties languishing at third or fourth places in the electoral fray as a last-gasp attempt to influence Muslims, rather than being the default mechanism it had been in an earlier era.

There has also been an analogous decline in the emphasis given to Muslim faces of secular parties. It is true that the Muslim MPs and MLAs have historically taken the party line in secular parties and had not been afforded a distinctive voice of their own. But these parties had tended to develop prominent Muslim faces, which had a state-wide/nation-wide recall value and could forcefully articulate the party’s stand on “Muslim issues” (Azam Khan in the Samajwadi Party, Mohammed Ashraf Fatmi in the Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Salman Khurshid in Congress). The need for such tokenism has declined.

The Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal campaigned without projecting a prominent Muslim face and still managed to get the bulk of the Muslim vote. In fact, the Samajwadi Party had spent the two years before the elections subtly distancing itself from a legally embattled Azam Khan. The Muslim political representatives of secular parties dutifully follow the party line of largely remaining silent on issues deemed to be “polarising” by their parties.

Moreover, Muslims are also seen to set little store by symbolic representation. In Uttar Pradesh, the Bahujan Samaj Party fielded a large number of Muslim candidates (91 out of

a new journey for china

its 403 candidates) but none of them managed to win. Secular parties are trying to forge direct linkages with Muslim voters without needing the presence of visible Muslim faces that tend to become the focal points of the BJP’s charges of “Muslim appeasement”.

REDEFINING MUSLIMS, POLITICALLY: Admittedly, the picture is more complex if one makes a state-by-state analysis. The stand of the secular parties toward Muslims also depends on the structure of political competition in states – whether they are locked in a bipolar contest with the BJP or in a triangular fight. For instance, the Congress chief in Telangana, Revanth Reddy, has asserted that Muslims are more backward than Dalits and has cornered the Telangana Rashtra Samithi government over its failure to implement the promised 12% quota for Muslims.

The Congress leadership in Karnataka, especially former chief minister Siddaramaiah, has taken an assertive stand against the restriction on the hijab in school. This discourse of Muslim empowerment and Muslim identity would be hard to imagine coming from a Congress unit in a state like Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, where they face the BJP in a direct contest. Likewise, the shift in positioning of the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Trinamoool Congress is also driven by the increasing bipolarity in political competition in their states, which, in turn, owes itself to the rise of the BJP.

There is also certain space provided for creative contradictions within the party platforms. For instance, in the Congress, discursive distancing from “Muslim issues” has coincided with a growing willingness to partner with Muslim identity-centric parties such as the Indian Secular Front in Bengal and the All India United Democratic Front in Assam.

These ambiguities have also provoked a debate within the party. Former Congress leader Kapil Sibal criticised these tie ups and asserted that “minority and majority communalism are equally dangerous for the country”. In response, Salman Khurshid defended the party’s moves and quoted Jawaharlal Nehru’s warning that the “communalism of the majority is far more dangerous than the communalism of the minority”.

The rise of the BJP’s dominant system has exposed the glaring weaknesses in the secular parties’ approach to Muslims, frozen in an anachronistic view of Muslim identity and anchored to an exploitative conception of a Muslim vote bank. The response of the secular parties has been to tamp down on the Muslim visibility or “Muslimness” of their political platforms.

They have, however, stuck to the dominant paradigm of a “politics of protection” in their electoral mobilisation of Muslims, even as the terms of the protection offered have drastically changed. One can only hope that the present phase represents a transitional period before secular parties undergo a more creative reconceptualisation of their Muslim imagination.

Asim Ali is an independent political researcher.

Star Li Jiming

the Communist Party of China (CPC) convened its 20th National Congress from Oct 16 to Oct 22, 2022. Out of 96 million members of the world’s largest political party, 2,296 CPC representatives gathered in Beijing for this solemn and historic occasion. The Congress, held at a critical moment in the process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, presents major and far-reaching significance for both China and the world at large.

The congress elects new leadership with Mr Xi Jinping continuing to serve as the General Secretary of CPC Central Committee. It is further established that Comrade Xi Jinping stands as the core of the Party and its Central Committee. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New era, incorporated in the CPC constitution, is set as guidance for the Party to follow.

In his working report to the congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping comprehensively summarised China’s achievements made under the leadership of CPC in the past decade, in particular during the five years since the last national congress of the CPC. Most notably, CPC embraced its founding centenary, socialism with Chinese characteristics entered a new era, China eradicated ab-

solute poverty and finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, thus completing the First Centenary Goal.

The success of CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics is fundamentally attributed to Marxism, especially when it is adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Based on insights into governance by communist parties, development of socialism, and evolution of human society, CPC has made continuous exploration and theoretical innovation to trail the way of its own. The Congress urges the entire Party to always put the people first, to maintain self-confidence and stand on China’s own feet, to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, to adopt a problem-oriented approach, to apply systems thinking, and to maintain a global vision.

Gearing up for a new journey, the congress burdens the Party with the central task to lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in a concerted effort to realise the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects, and to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation. It contains elements common to the modernisation processes of all countries, but is more characterised by features unique to the Chinese context. To specify, it will be a peaceful process of modernisation in harmony with nature, with both material and culturalethical advancement for many and for all.

To achieve the aforementioned task, the congress vows to promote high quality development in the context

of a new development pattern that focuses on China’s domestic economy on the one hand, and features positive interplay between internal and international economic flows on the other hand. The roles of education, sci-tech, and talent are underscored. Innovation is deemed to be at the heart of China’s modernisation drive. By strengthening whole-process people’s democracy, the rule of law and cultural confidence-building, the people’s wellbeing will be further improved. In line with the Beautiful China Initiative, the country will work toward carbon goals actively and prudently. The “one country, two systems” will be upheld, and CPC will unswervingly advance the cause of national reunification. Like always, China will dedicate itself to promoting the human community with a shared future. China never seeks hegemony or engages in expansionism.

As true Marxists, Chinese communists always keep clear-headed to the historical cycles of rise and fall, and have been consistently seeking ways to break through it. Besides “people’s scrutiny” offered by Mao Zedong in 1947, CPC finds “self-reform” as the second solution to discipline the governing power. Applauding the resolute fight against corruption, the Congress reminds all Party members that full and rigorous self-governance is an unceasing endeavor and that self-reform is a journey to which there is no end. Only by doing so would it be ensured that the Party will never change its nature, its conviction, or its character.

The agenda fixed by the congress, in particular the expounded Chinese path to modernisation, brings opportunities for global growth, promotes world peace, and

provides an alternative for civilisation advancement. The propositions are warmly echoed around the globe, especially in Bangladesh. In her congratulatory message to General Secretary Xi Jinping, the hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh hasina, also the hon’ble President of Bangladesh Awami League, commends China’s plan to build a modern socialist country through a new development philosophy and paradigm, appreciates China’s continued support of the socioeconomic development aspirations of developing countries, and welcomes China’s endeavors to build a human community with a shared future.

China and Bangladesh are strategic partners of cooperation and staunch supporters of multilateralism and an open world economy. The two countries have kept expanding common understanding and cooperation on a wide range of scopes. I am convinced that the 20th National Congress of CPC and its resolutions will inject fresh impetus into China-Bangladesh relations and bring new opportunities to Bangladesh’s development. China is ready to work with Bangladesh to expand common interests and to pursue cooperation of higher quality at a higher level, thereby making our joint contribution to the advancement of the entire humanity.

HE Li Jiming is the ambassador of China to Bangladesh

THE IMAGINATION OF A MUSLIM VOTE-BANK

RESTED ON A PARTICULAR FORMULATION OF MUSLIM ISSUES, WHICH HAS BEEN DISRUPTED BY THE BJP

CEO Aga Khan Agency of Habitat calls on Chairman NDMA

PakiSTan launcheS firST indigenouS anTi - ShiP cruiSe MiSSile harbah - ng for exPorTS

Karachi Staff report

indigenous Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Harbah-NG for exports on the 1st day of IDEAS-2022 in Karachi Expo Center.

Both discussed various aspects of collaboration pertaining to

planning and disaster risk mitigation at community level especially in mountainous region of Pakistan. Miss Nasab apprised the Chairman of AKAH's network to help communities with pre-disaster education and emergency plans to respond natural disasters and effects of climate change. She told that currently AKAH is working with over 100 villages, towns and cities on habitat planning initiatives. She briefed about the flood donation of $10 million for affectees in flood-hit areas with exclusive mention of AKAH's flood relief efforts mainly in GB & Chitral and construction of 3000 prefab houses in GB. Chairman NDMA acknowledged the humanitarian efforts by AKAH. While delivering his remarks on NDMA’s vision to adapt a remodelled structure, he underscored the need of an effective framework for geo-monitoring and implementation of response and evacuation plans within scope of Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessment (HVRA) in GLOF-prone areas due to prevalence of intense heatwaves in region. He also underlined the importance of disaster mitigation and adaptation as well as evacuation plans for mountaineers and tourists in case of any natural disaster. While discussing the avenues of mutual coordination with AKAH, the Chairman suggested to hold a workshop or seminar on disaster mitigation encompassing pre-disaster awareness with technological interface, community level response strategy and AI-based simulation exercises for disaster management. pr

Smoking increases risk of diabetes

November 14th is marked as World

Diabetes Day. According to the recent estimates by International Diabetes Federation Atlas, there are 33 million people living with type 2 diabetes in Pakistan while approximately 9 million people with diabetes remain undiagnosed. Diabetes has wide-ranging impact on health, which includes increased risk of heart attacks, nerve damage in the feet, blindness, and kidney failure. The focus of the World Diabetes Day 2021-2023 campaign is Access to Diabetes Care and the theme for second year of the campaign in 2022 is “Education to protect tomorrow.”

An important aspect of education about diabetes is to learn about prevention of type 2 diabetes, as more than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. According to Dr Hira Irfan, Consultant Endocrinologist and Hospitalist at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, “People should visit their doctor as soon as possible if they experience symptoms of diabetes such as feeling very thirsty, frequent urination, blurred vision, weight loss, and slow healing of wounds." Commenting on prevention, Dr Hira said, "Maintaining a healthy body weight and staying physically active is important in prevention of diabetes. People should make healthy lifestyle choices by eating a healthy diet, which is low in sugars and saturated fats. Moreover, smoking and use of tobacco in any form increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.” According to an estimate, people who smoke cigarettes are 30-40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. November is also lung cancer awareness month and people should remember that nearly 90% of deaths from lung cancer are linked with smoking cigarettes. pr

OGRA conducts public hearing in Lahore

Islamabad: A Public Hearing was held by OGRA for review the petition filed by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) (petitioner). The petition was filed on October 14, 2022 before the Authority under Section 8(2) of the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002 read with Rule 4(3) of Natural Gas Tariff Rules, 2002 for Review of its Estimated Revenue Requirement / Prescribed Prices for F.Y. 2022-23. All the stakeholders, consumers and general public were invited to attend the public hearing and present their point of view over SNGPL’s petition. All the stake holders attended the hearing and presented their point of view. In the instant petition, SNGPL has projected a shortfall in revenue requirement at Rs.178,814 million, including Rs.445 million on account of LPG Air-mix project for FY 2022-23 seeking increase in its average prescribed price by Rs. 488.08 per MMBTU effective July 01, 2022. The petitioner has also included Rs. 295,268 million, being shortfall pertaining to previous years, thereby seeking total increase in average pre-scribed price by Rs. 1,294.02/mmbtu w.e.f. 1st July, 2022. Besides above, the petitioner has estimated RLNG cost of service at Rs. 1,015.64/MMBTU for 2022-23 including Rs. 762.44/MMBTU on account of differential impact of RLNG diversion. pr

PAKISTAN’Sdefence industry has been making diligent efforts in maintaining strong foothold through the best high-end systems to confront different warfare challenges. GIDS is Pakistan’s elite & largest state-owned defence conglomerate engaged in the R&D and production of conventional as well as high-tech systems in the domains of Air, Land & Sea.

Recently, Pakistan has achieved another major milestone for self-sufficiency as GIDS launched its first

HARBAH-NG is an all-weather, ship-launched Subsonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile with a range of 290 km that can target enemy’s ships and landbased installations with the accuracy of less than 10m radius.

It has been designed to maintain a low‐altitude, terrain‐following flight profile which makes it capable of successfully evading enemy’s countermeasures during the operational mode. The missile has an exceptional modular design, facilitating variations to the warhead, guidance &

range capabilities. It is offered in both Air & Ground launched variants. This recent launch has brought Pakistan into the list of few elite countries in the world capable of selling cruise missile technology in the international market.

It is pertinent to mention that GIDS is a state-owned organization operating under the patronage of Joint Staff Headquarters mandated for the exports of defence products in the international market. GIDS has already been successfully exporting Bombs, Missiles, Drones and other Security Systems to multiple countries from all major regions including Middile-East,

Faysal Bank appreciates Government’s intent to make Pakistan interest-free

Karachi pr

The announcement from the Ministry of Finance last week that it will advise the State Bank of Pakistan and National Bank to withdraw their appeal against the Federal Shariat Court’s decree to convert to an Islamic financial system comes as a welcome step. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, announced that the government will be moving ahead to ensure the conversion to Islamic instruments by 2027 and has already initiated the process.

The Federal Shariat Court, in April 2022, had taken Faysal Bank’s example of a smooth transition to Islamic Financial Instruments (IFIs) as a strong model to follow and asked all banks in Pakistan to switch from the conventional model to the Islamic instruments to make Pakistan’s economy Riba-free. The following weeks saw many appeals being filed in the Supreme Court to stall or delay the process. The recent decision of the GoP to withdraw the appeal ensures the expedition of this journey towards a unified Islamic financial system in the country.

While appreciating the decision by the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, as potentially

conducive to a better and stronger economy and Pakistan’s financial future, Yousaf Hussain, President & CEO, Faysal Bank Limited, stated, “Faysal Bank, having embarked on and now being on the verge conversion from a conventional to an Islamic Bank, is poised to assume the lead role within Pakistan’s banking and financial sector to facilitate the complete conversion from interest-based banking to a Shariah-compliant banking system.”

He further added that the national-level conversion, though a challenge, will be a game changer for Pakistan in enabling Riba-free economic progress. It has worked well, he said, in enabling Faysal Bank the expansion to almost 700 branches, including new customers, from previously unbanked segments of the population. A proud fact to note was the continuity of work, as throughout the process, not a single branch was closed, and neither was any day marked off. And all this while ensuring ongoing training and development to equip the FBL team with the requisite qualifications and skills. With this transformation, Faysal Bank has created a blueprint that can now be shared by the State Bank of Pakistan as a reference index. He expressed his gratitude to the Board, Senior Management, and employees of the bank for their resolve and commitment to this noble journey.

Shan Foods partners with Allah Walay Trust to provide meals for school children

Karachi pr

Global food brand, Shan Foods, has partnered with Allah Walay Trust (AWT), a non-profit organization, working on preventing hunger in Pakistan, to provide free of cost meals to the school children of Government Primary School located in Shora Kothi, Lahore.

Under its initiative, School Khana Program (SKP), Allah Walay Trust provides healthy & nutritious free lunch to the school students on a regular basis. Shan Foods, being one of the leading names in food industry and working to achieve the goal of zero hunger in Pakistan, has

joined hands with Allah Walay Trust to support the programme and provide free meals to school children for a whole year.

Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, Maria Rashdi, Head of Corporate Communications and PR at Shan Foods, said “At Shan Foods, upholding quality is the base of what we stand for, be it quality of our products or of our values. We have forged this alliance to make sure that school-going children get healthy diet along with quality education, further reinforcing our vision of ensuring nutrition and healthy food for all. We aim to play our part in securing the wellbeing of our future generation through more such initiatives.”

Central Asia, Latin America & Africa. The International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) brings together international manufacturers and suppliers of products and services to explore the opportunities for cooperation in the field of defence production through joint ventures, outsourcing, and collaboration. Over a period of time, IDEAS has turned out to be the region’s major platform of the region for the defence systems promotion as it exhibits a wide variety of defence products, ranging from equipment used in the third world countries to the most sophisticated technology from the west.

Minister Sajid Turi to explore new employment opportunities for Pakistanis in different countries

iSLaMaBaD Staff report

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Mr. Sajid Hussain Turi left on a tenday official visit abroad. He will visit Switzerland, Romania, Greece and Portugal where he will meet with the concerned authorities and the Pakistani community. The purpose of the foreign visit is to create new employment opportunities for Pakistanis in different countries, to discuss the problems of the Pakistani community with the authorities of the respective countries and to promote bilateral relations. Federal Minister, Mr. Sajid Hussain Turi will also meet the Director General of the International Labor Organization in Geneva and discuss with him the rehabilitation and relief of the workers affected by the recent floods in Pakistan. It should be noted that the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, with the support of ILO, has already started a cash-for-work program for the rehabilitation of flood-affected workers in Balochistan and Sindh, which will be extended to all affected areas of the country. Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi said in his statement before the departure that Romania, Portugal, Italy, Greece and other western countries are in need of large-scale manpower and we are ready to sign agreements to send Pakistani workers and professionals to these countries. He further said that he will talk to the authorities of the respective countries to facilitate the process of obtaining visas and immigration so that maximum Pakistani labor force and professionals can be sent to these countries in the shortest possible time. He added that due to overseas Pakistanis, Pakistan received record remittances of more than 31 billion dollars in FY22, which is a major part of the country’s economy. He informed that his first priority is to provide maximum facilities to overseas Pakistanis and solve their problems immediately and in this regard he has issued orders to the community welfare attachés of respective countries to facilitate the people of Pakistan in best possible way.

SSGC not suspending regular gas supplies to industries

Karachi pr

SSGC would like to categorically clarify on the misguiding news circulating in media with regard to the suspension of gas supplies to the industrial sector through below given statement.

At the outset it may be clearly noted that SSGC is not at all suspending regular gas supplies to the industries.

Our letters to the industrial customers have been misinterpreted by the industrial and trade organisations through their media statements that need to be clarified.

It may be noted that SSGC has written letters to each industrial customer that has been using gas for POWER GENERATION for suspen-

sion of gas supplies only for power generation and not for their regular usage.

In view of the widening demand and supply gap especially with the drop in mercury, the Company implements Government of Pakistan's Gas Load Management Plan whereby it gives top most priority to the domestic and commercial sector for supplying gas, especially those living in Balochistan where demand for gas increases manifolds due to space and water heating needs.

This situation is further compounded by the fact that gas reserves are being fast depleted at an annual rate of 10% that further places pressure on the Company's line pack system.

As part of this plan, gas supplies to all local industrial customers for their use for power generation are

being suspended for three and a half months, i.e. from November 15, 2022 to February 28, 2023.

Moreover 50% reductions in supplies of Export industrial units for their power generation shall also be suspended for the same period.

These closures are in line with the contract already signed between SSGC and each individual industrial customer that clearly states that, "Gas supply will be provided by the Company on 'as and when available basis' only during the period from March to November each year. The Consumer will make dual firing arrangements to avoid loss of production as and when gas is not available during March to November and also during December to February when the Company will keep the Con-

sumer's Gas supply disconnected at his cost, each year."

Volume of gas curtailed from this arrangement would be diverted to domestic customers for them to cater their enhanced gas loads in context of the winter season.

It may be noted that gas thus saved (approximately 160 mmcfd gas) will then be diverted to Balochistan where supply of additional gas is a must for the survival of human lives, as gas serves as lifeline for the majority of the population.

SSGC looks forward to all industrial customers for their understanding on the matter and expects their cooperation for serving the domestic customers better through uninterrupted gas supplies.

Islamabad: Ms Nusrat Nasab, CEO Aga Khan Agency of Habitat (AKAH) Pakistan, called on Chairman NDMA Lt General Inam Haider Malik in his office on Monday.

habitat

Xi TellS Biden: We mUST pUT China, US TieS BaCk on RighT TRaCk

BALI Agencies

CHINeSePresident Xi Jinping, during meeting with US President Joe Biden on Monday in Bali, Indonesia, said they should chart the right course for the development of bilateral relations and push bilateral ties back to the track of healthy and stable development.

Xi said during the meeting that China and the US have braced winds and rains in their more than 50 years of engagement, from the establishment of diplomatic relations until today. There have been gains and losses, experience and lessons. History is the best textbook and China and the US should take history as a reference and look to the future.

The current situation of China-US relations does not conform to the interests of the two countries and their peoples, now does it conform to the expectations of the international community, Xi said.

As leaders of two major countries, we

should hold the helm and find the right direction for the development of bilateral relations and push ties to improve. Politicians should think about both their own country’s development path and how to get along with other countries and the world, said Xi.

As leaders of two major countries, we should find the right way. Politicians should think about both their own country’s development path and how to get along with other countries and the world, said Xi.

Xi noted the changes of the times are unfolding in an unprecedented way and human society is facing unprecedented challenges, and the world is at a crossroads. We care, and all countries in the world care about where they are going.

The international community expects China and the US to handle our relations well. Our meeting today has attracted worldwide attention. We should work together with other countries to inject hope for world peace, confidence in global stability and momentum for collective development, Xi said.

He expressed willingness to continue candid and in-depth exchanges with the US

Xi said he looks forward to working

Afghan supreme leader orders full enforcement of Islamic law

KABUL AFP

Afghanistan’s supreme leader has ordered judges to fully enforce aspects of the Islamic law that include public executions, stonings and floggings, and the amputation of limbs for thieves, the Taliban’s chief spokesman said.

Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted late Sunday that the “obligatory” command by Hibatullah Akhundzada came after the secretive leader met with a group of judges. Akhundzada, who has not been filmed or photographed in public since the Taliban returned to power in August last year, rules by decree from Kandahar, the movement’s birthplace and spiritual heartland.

The Taliban promised a softer version of the harsh rule that characterised their first stint in power, from 1996-2001, but have gradually clamped down on rights and freedoms.

“Carefully examine the files of thieves, kidnappers and seditionists,” Mujahid quoted Akhundzada as saying.

“Those files in which all the sharia (Islamic law) conditions of hudud and qisas have been fulfilled, you are obliged to implement.

“This is the ruling of sharia, and my command, which is obligatory.”

Mujahid was not available Monday to expand on his tweet.

Hudud refers to offences which, under Islamic law, certain types of punishment are mandated, while qisas translates as “retaliation in kind” — effectively an eye for an eye.

Hudud crimes include adultery — and falsely accusing someone of it — drinking alcohol, theft, kidnapping and highway robbery, apostasy and rebellion.

Qisas covers murder and deliberate injury, among other things, but also allows for the families of victims to accept compensation in lieu of punishment.

Islamic scholars say crimes leading to hudud punishment require a very high degree of proof, including — in the case of adultery — confession, or being witnessed by four adult male Muslims.

SummaRy floggingS

Social media has been awash for over a year — and even recently — with videos and pictures of Taliban fighters meting out summary floggings to people accused of various offences.

The Taliban have also several times displayed in public the bodies of kidnappers they said were killed in shootouts.

There have also been reports of adul-

terers being flogged in rural areas after Friday prayers, but independent verification is difficult to obtain.

Rahima Popalzai, a legal and political analyst, said the edict could be an attempt by the Taliban to harden a reputation they may feel has softened since they returned to power.

“If they really start to implement hudud and qisas, they will be aiming to create the fear society has gradually lost,” she told AFP. She added the Taliban also wanted to burnish their Islamic credentials. “As a theocratic setup, the Taliban want to strengthen their religious identity among Muslim countries.”

Women in particular have seen hardwon rights evaporate in the past 15 months, and they are increasingly being squeezed out of public life.

Most female government workers have lost their jobs — or are being paid a pittance to stay at home — while women are also barred from travelling without a male relative and must cover up with a burqa or hijab when out of the home.

In the past week, the Taliban also banned women from entering parks, funfairs, gyms and public baths.

During their first rule, the Taliban regularly carried out punishments in public — including floggings and executions at the national stadium.

Trump set to officially launch 2024 comeback bid

Former US president Donald Trump is expected to officially launch another White House bid on Tuesday, refusing calls from within his own Republican party to fade away after his loyalists underperformed in this year’s midterm elections.

The 76-year-old billionaire, whose 2016 win shocked America and the world, has summoned the press to his Florida mansion for a “very big announcement” at 9:00 PM Tuesday (0200 GMT Wednesday).

“President Trump is going to announce on Tuesday that he’s running for president,” said one of his advisors, Jason Miller, who predicts the speech will be “very professional, very buttoned up.”

Known for his unpredictability, Trump could still change his mind at the last minute, but for months he has barely hidden his desire to vie for the presidency again in 2024. Delaying the announcement now, as some of his advisors have reportedly suggested to him, would be highly awkward for Trump because he has billed it as “perhaps be the most important speech given in the history of the USA.”

‘Red wave’ crashes

A 2024 White House bid would be Trump’s third presidential campaign and

— if he wins his party’s nomination — the fifth national election with him as the Republican Party standard-bearer.

In 2016, Trump and the Republicans swept into power, taking control of the White House and maintaining their majorities in both chambers of Congress.

But Democrats won back the House of Representatives in a 2018 landslide after campaigning largely against Trump’s caustic style.

Trump then lost reelection in 2020 to Democrat Joe Biden — he still refuses to accept defeat — while Democrats won control of the 100-seat Senate with a defacto majority due to Vice President Ka-

mala Harris’s tie-breaking vote in the chamber split 50-50. After leaving Washington in chaos shortly after his partisans stormed the US Capitol, Trump chose to remain in the political arena, continuing to fund-raise and hold rallies around the country. Leading up to the 2022 midterm vote, in which Biden’s Democrats had been expected to lose handily, Trump made denial of the 2020 election results a key litmus test for candidates to win his influential political endorsement.

But the predicted Republican “red wave” failed to materialize, and Democrats will maintain their control of the Senate. In the still-undecided House,

Republicans seem likely to eke out only a razor-thin majority. The results have emboldened Trump’s Republican detractors and sapped most of his political momentum heading into the Tuesday campaign launch.

‘Three strikes’

“It’s basically the third election in a row that Donald Trump has cost us the race, and it’s like, three strikes and you’re out,” said Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a vocal Trump critic, Sunday on CNN. Trump’s response has been to double down on unfounded claims of ballot rigging in the midterms, posting on his Truth Social platform that the results were a “scam” — and pointing a finger of blame at Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

“It’s Mitch McConnell’s fault,” he posted, saying the Kentuckian had badly allocated campaign funds and pursued a flawed legislative agenda. “He blew the Midterms, and everyone despises him,” said Trump, who has long been at loggerheads with McConnell. Tuesday’s announcement is widely seen as a way to take the wind out of the sails of potential Republican rivals, namely Ron DeSantis, the freshly-reelected Florida governor and rising star who has also won the backing of Rupert Murdoch’s conservative media empire.

rela-

tions back on the track of healthy and stable development so as to benefit both countries and the world.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 summit to be held in Indonesia on Tuesday and Wednesday. Xi told Biden that though the two leaders have remained in communication via video-conferences, phone calls and letters, none of these can really take the place of face-to-face exchanges.

President Xi arrived at the island of Bali on Monday afternoon. As a guard of honor paid salutes alongside the red carpet, some local youths in national costume played traditional Indonesian musical instruments, while others performed a traditional Bali dance. Young students cheered in Chinese “Welcome! Welcome!” while waving the Chinese and Indonesian flags, CCTV reported.

According to CCTV, local people also gathered along the roads from the airport to the hotel where Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were going to stay, waving the Chinese and Indonesian flags to express their warmest welcome on their arrival.

Russian, US officials hold unannounced talks in Turkey: report

ANKARA Agencies

Russian and US officials were holding unannounced talks in the Turkish capital Ankara on Monday, the Russian newspaper Kommersant reported, citing an unnamed source, amid high tension between Moscow and Washington over the war in Ukraine. A Turkish official declined to comment, while the Kremlin said it could neither confirm nor deny the report. Flighttracking data showed that a Russian government airliner had arrived in Ankara from Moscow at around 0830 GMT. Yoruk Isik, a geopolitical analyst at the Bosphorus Observer consultancy in Istanbul, said that aircraft was typically used only by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, currently attending a summit in Bali, and Sergei Naryshkin, head of the SVR foreign intelligence service. Kommersant provided no details on the purpose of the talks. Turkey has often presented itself as an arbiter between Moscow and the West since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In July, it helped the United Nations broker an agreement between Russia and Ukraine on exporting grain from blockaded Black Sea ports. The report comes as the United Nations seeks to ensure the deal will roll over on Nov. 19, and as Washington presses Moscow to release US basketball star Brittney Griner and former US Marine Paul Whelan from jail in a prisoner swap. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Thursday that Moscow had not shown a willingness so far to engage in productive talks. Ukraine’s Zelensky visits Kherson after Russian retreat. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the city of Kherson on Monday, following the withdrawal of Russian forces from the region, a source in Zelensky’s office told AFP. The visit came just days after Ukrainian troops entered the city — the Kherson region’s administrative centre — after Russia pulled back its forces on Friday. The city of Kherson was the first major urban hub to fall after Russia invaded in February. Its full recapture opens a gateway for Ukraine to the entire Kherson region, with access to both the Black Sea in the west and the Sea of Azov in the east.

Three dead in shooting on University of Virginia campus

CHARLOTTESVILLE The AssociATed Press

Three people have been killed and two others were wounded in a shooting at a parking garage at the University of Virginia, according to the school’s president, and police searched Monday for a student who was a suspect. The shooting around 10:30 pm Sunday “resulted in three fatalities; two additional victims were injured and are receiving medical care,” President Jim Ryan said in a letter to the university community posted on social media. He identified the suspect as Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. The university’s emergency management issued an alert on Sunday night notifying the campus community of an “active attacker firearm.” The message warned students to shelter in place following a report of shots fired on Culbreth Road on the northern outskirts of campus. Classes were canceled Monday. The UVA Police Department posted a notice online saying multiple police agencies including the state police were searching for a suspect who was considered “armed and dangerous.”

president on strategic issues in China-US ties and key global and regional issues.

with the US president to push bilateral

FLORIDA AFP

World CuP CounTdoWn enTers FInAl WeeK As FoCus shArPens on QATAr

DOHA agencieS

THE week-long countdown to the World Cup in Qatar began on Monday as the world’s leading footballers focused their attention on one of the most controversial tournaments in history.

After a last weekend of action, domestic leagues paused for six weeks to allow the tournament to take place, but preparation time is short for the teams.

The first World Cup to be held in the Arab world will kick off on Sunday when the host nation face Ecuador.

Holding football’s showpiece event in a desert state has necessitated an unprecedented reorganisation of the international football calendar, shifting the World Cup from its normal slot in the northern hemisphere summer to avoid the Gulf´s scorching heat. Three players expected to be the tournament´s biggest names — Lionel Messi, neymar and Kylian Mbappe — emerged unscathed from Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 victory against Auxerre in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Mbappe, who will spearhead France’s defence of their title in Qatar, signed off in style by scoring PSG’s opening goal.

Teams must submit their final squad lists on Monday. Iran named Sardar Azmoun their star player in the final 25-man squad. Azmoun also plays for German club Bayer Leverkusen.

ACRIMONIOUS DISPUTE: Sunday’s

kickoff marks the culmination of Qatar’s extraordinary campaign to first win the vote to land the tournament and then embark on a spending spree of tens of billions of dollars to build stadiums and infrastructure.

FIFA’s pleas to “focus on the football” have struggled to be heard as the countdown to kick-off has only increased scrutiny of the Gulf state’s treatment of migrant workers, women, and other marginsalised communities.

Labourers from South Asia have been at the centre of an often acrimonious dispute over deaths, injuries, and their working conditions since Qatar was awarded the World Cup in 2010.

Amnesty International on Friday made

Qatar

Sophia Stone, a Briton who lives in Doha, said the negative press was unfair.

“I wouldn’t listen to everything you hear on the news,” she toldAFP. “If you really want to have an opinion about it then come to Qatar and see for yourself. From what I am reading, it isn’t like that at all. It is very open-minded and welcoming.”

The country of barely three million people, one of the world’s biggest produc-

ers of natural gas, has spent lavishly. new stadiums cost more than $6.5 billion and a driverless metro system with a price tag of $36 billion serves five of the eight venues. Some estimates put total infrastructure spending over the past decade at $200 billion.

Organisers have predicted more than one million fans will travel to Qatar and they have responded to concerns about a lack of accommodation by using three cruise ships as floating hotels. They are fully booked for the first two weeks of the tournament. Organisers say that 2.9 million of the 3.1 million tickets have been sold and fans have been waiting outside the FIFA ticketing centre hoping scarce tickets become available for top games.

Qatar announced its first arrests of World Cup ticket touts on Monday, with three foreign men detained outside official ticketing centres in Doha. no details were given of their nationality.

In Europe, unease at a country with virtually no tradition of football hosting the tournament is keenly felt.

Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm said on Sunday that Qatar should never have been allowed to host the World Cup because of rights abuses. “Awarding the World Cup to Qatar was a mistake,” Lahm wrote in a column for Die Zeit newspaper. “It doesn’t belong there.” Lufthansa said an aircraft bearing the sign “#DiversityWins!” will fly Germany’s team to their World Cup campaign.

Pakistan thrash Ireland, level T20I series 1-1

KARACHI Staff RepoRt

Former players highlight turning point of Pakistan’s defeat in World Cup final

ISLAMABAD:

responded to the buzzing question

Green

the three lions defeated the Men

win their second ICC T20 World Cup title on Sunday at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Pakistan hoped to stage a late comeback when pacer Shaheen took a stunning catch to dismiss England’s Harry Brook in the 13th over at the MCG. When asked about the turning point of the World Cup final, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said Pakistan was already 15-20 runs behind England. “I don’t think so because they didn’t put up enough runs.” They were approximately 15-20 runs short. They would have had a better chance if they had reached 150-155, and their bowlers would have had a bit of a cushion,” Gavaskar told. “But I don’t think the ten deliveries that Shaheen didn’t bowl would have made that much of a difference. Maybe Pakistan would have got another wicket, but England would still have won,” Gavaskar added. Speaking to reporters after the match, Pakistan captain Babar admitted that his side was 20 runs short with the bat in the final. The Pakistan skipper also asserted that Shaheen’s injury shifted the match in England’s favor. Former players like Michael Vaughan and Sachin Tendulkar also reacted over the match’s turning point after Shaheen suffered a significant knee injury during an allimportant mega-event final. Former cricketer Michael Vaughan stated after the game that the fast bowler’s injury “had a major impact on the outcome of the game.” “Have to say the Shaheen’s injury had a major impact on the outcome of the game. Sachin Tendulkar congratulated England for winning the megaevent final and spoke about the match’s turning point. “Congratulations, England, on winning your 2nd @T20WorldCup. Fantastic achievement. It was a closely fought final and would’ve been even more interesting had Afridi not been injured. What a roller coaster of a World Cup,” posted Tendulkar on Twitter. It is to be noted that Shaheen suffered a major knee injury while taking the catch of Henry Brook.

PAKISTAn have defeated Ireland by six wickets to level the three-match women’s T20I series 1-1 in Lahore on Monday.

The match was reduced to 17 overs per side due to rain. Chasing a target of 119 runs, Pakistan reached home in 16 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Opener Javeria Khan top-scored with 35 runs in 39 balls, while nida Dar scored 28 runs in 25 balls. Ayesha naseem played a quick-fire unbeaten cameo of 25 runs in 12 balls, with the help of a four and two sixes, to get her team over the line.

Arlene Kelly was the only successful bowler, 1-18 in three overs, for Ireland with three Pakistan batters getting run out over the course of the run-chase. Earlier, after deciding to bowl first, Pakistan had restricted Ireland to 118-7 in 17 overs. Amy Hunter was the highest run-scorer for Ireland with 36 runs in 39 balls, with included three boundaries.

For Pakistan, nida Dar and nashra Sandhu bagged two wickets each. nida Dar bagged the award for player of the match due to her all-round performance. Ireland had defeated Pakistan by six wickets during the first women’s T20I of the series in Lahore on Saturday.

The third T20I will be played on 16 november at the same venue. It must be noted that, before the T20I series, Pakistan clean swept the ODI series 3-0.

Afridi, Khan in ICC’s T20 XI with champions Buttler, Curran

MELBOURNE: Four players from England’s T20 World Cup-winning team were picked in the honorary team of the tournament Monday, with victorious skipper Jos Buttler selected as captain of the ICC XI and Sam Curran the nominal leader of its attack. Curran took three wickets for 12 runs in four overs in England’s five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final on Sunday and was already voted player of the final and of the tournament before the ICC XI was announced. Leftarm paceman Curran took 13 wickets at an average of 11.38 runs apiece for the event, including figures of 5-10 against Afghanistan. The ICC XI also contains star India batter Virat Kohli, who posted a tournament-high 296 runs at an average of 98.66, as well as leg-spinning allrounder Shadab Khan and left-arm pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi from the Pakistan lineup that lost the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar raza and South African bowler Anrich nortje were the only players picked from teams that didn’t reach the semifinals. Australia had three representatives in the 2021 team of the tournament after winning the title last year, but didn’t get a single player selected after slumping out of contention in the group stage while hosting the showpiece event. England openers Buttler and Alex Hales sealed their spots in the ICC XI with a record, unbroken opening stand in the 10wicket semifinal win over India, chasing down the 170-run target with ease.

ICC TEAM Of ThE TOURNAMENT: Alex Hales (England), Jos Buttler, captain and wicketkeeper (England), Virat Kohli (India), Suryakumar Yadav (India), Glenn Phillips (new Zealand), Sikandar raza (Zimbabwe), Shadab Khan (Pakistan), Sam Curran (England), Anrich nortje (South Africa), Mark Wood (England), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Hardik Pandya (India). the aSSociated pReSS

Guyana back to winning ways, thanks to Imlach’s 75

JAMAICA: Guyana Harpy Eagles wasted little time in regaining their winning momentum in the cg United Super50 Cup by thumping Combined Campuses and Colleges by 129 runs. In a one-sided Zone A encounter at Queen’s Park Oval, the in-form Tevin Imlach struck 75 from 88 balls while Kemol Savory weighed in with 69 from 101 balls, to propel Harpy Eagles to 266 all out in the 48th over. CCC offered very little in reply and were dismissed for 137 at the start of the 37th over, captain Denesh ramdin again top-scoring with an unbeaten 32 and Kirstan Kallicharan also getting 32. Seamer nial Smith (3-21) and off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (325) both claimed three-wicket hauls as CCC declined from 90-2 in the 21st over, losing their last eight wickets for 47 runs. Coming off a defeat to defending champions Trinidad and Tobago red Force in their last game, Harpy Eagles ensured there were no major gaffes this time. They lost Anthony Bramble (18) cheaply in the seventh over at 26-1, edging behind a cross-batted heave at seamer Matthew Forde (2-41) but recovered through a 133-run, second wicket stand between Imlach and Savory. Imlach struck a four and two sixes to push his tally for the campaign to 248 runs while Savory, like Imlach a wicket-keeper, in only his eighth List A match, struck six boundaries. Staff RepoRt

Cristiano Ronaldo accuses Manchester United of betrayal

MANCHESTER agencieS

MAnCHESTEr United’s Cristiano ronaldo stated that the club have betrayed him and that he is being forced out, while he has no respect for manager Erik ten Hag. ronaldo rejoined United from Juventus for a second spell at Old Trafford in August 2021 on a two-year deal, returning to the club where he won eight major trophies from 2003-2009. In an interview, ronaldo was asked whether United’s hierarchy were trying to push him out of the club. “Yes, not only the coach (Ten Hag), but another two or three guys around the

club. I felt betrayed,” he said. “Yes I feel betrayed, and I felt some people don’t want me here, not just this year, but last year too.” Last month, Ten Hag said ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur when the forward walked down the tunnel with a few minutes of the match remaining after being left on the bench.

The 37-year-old forward, who will captain Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar, said of Ten Hag: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me. If you don’t respect me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”

After the Tottenham game, Ten Hag

said that ronaldo remained “an important player in the squad”. ronaldo said Manchester United did not support him when his daughter was taken to hospital in July. He said the club doubted him and showed a lack of empathy when he did not arrive on time for pre-season training. I think the fans should know the truth, he said.

“I want the best for the club. This is why I came to Manchester United. “But you have some things inside that don’t help (us) reach the top level as City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal … a club with this dimension should be top of the tree in my opinion and they are not, unfortunately.”

an urgent plea for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to commit to a compensation package for the workers who built the tournament’s gleaming stadiums.

has angrily rebuffed most of the attacks and local media have blasted the “arrogance” of some Western countries.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s injury to blame for Pakistan’s loss to England in the T20 World Cup final? Former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has

after

in

to

Squad

Pakistan: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin and Umm-e-Hani.

ireland: Laura Delany (c), Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson, Gaby Lewis, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Mary Waldron, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Shauna Kavanagh and Sophie MacMahon.

FRiendship with all, slaveRy OF nOne, says imRan Khan

ISLAMABAD StAff RepoRt

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Monday commented on his stance on diplomatic relations with the US, stating that he wanted Pakistan to be on friendly terms with all countries but would not accept slavery at any cost.

The deposed premier’s remarks came amid the hullabaloo in government quarters over his Financial Times interview in which he stated that he had put the ‘US conspiracy’ matter “behind him”.

“No sane man wants to have enemies. But we don’t want to be anyone’s slaves,” the PTI chief said at the march today.

“We can even be friends with India if the Kashmir issue is solved. But we won’t be slaves of anyone,” the former premier said in an address to the long march participants

via video link. Imran said that he always wanted an independent foreign policy for Pakistan. “The foreign policy we have right now does not protect the people of Pakistan. It instead saves the interest of other countries. We don’t want enmity with anyone … We want good relations with everyone, but not slavery at all,” he reiterated.

“A propaganda cell is feeding journalists. They pick up things that I say and purposely misinterpret them,” Imran said, adding that the cipher was in the NSC, parliament as well as with the president.

“What is the issue in this? When we say that we are moving forward, it means we want good relationships,” he made it clear.

“Our journalism has reached a point where even foreign journalists have to clarify their stories,” Imran added.

Earlier, speaking of rule of law, the PTI chief said the country could not progress until there was rule of law.

“Today, if you see the global index … countries where rule of law exists, you will see that all countries on the top slots are the most prosperous. Pakistan, on the other hand, ranks 129 on the rule of law index. How then do we think that this country will prosper? It can’t,” he asserted.

He said rule of law will not only help the country progress but also give the people ‘real freedom’, for which this movement stands, the party chief added referring to the PTI’s long march.

“We want rule of law in this country. If an ex-PM can’t get an FIR registered as per his claim … It is my right as per the Constitution to file an FIR. But I was unable to register it,” he said as he spoke about the FIR registered in the Wazirabad attack case.

“If this how I was treated then what will happen to the common citizen of this country,” he argued. Commenting over the appointment of new army chief, Imran again

criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his brother Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, and questioned how PM Shehbaz could consult with “a convict” on the appointment of the new army chief.

“This is a violation of the Official Secrets Act. We will consult our lawyers […]

Dasu attack verdict proves hostile forces can’t undermine ironclad Sino-Pakistan ties: FO

ISLAMABAD miAn AbRAR

The Foreign Office (FO) on Monday said that the verdict in 2021 Dasu Hydro Power Project (DHPP) terrorist attack case has once again demonstrated the fact that Pakistan’s commitment to the ironclad Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership can never be undermined by hostile forces.

On Friday, a special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) handed over death sentence on 13 counts to each of the two accused, and ordered for the release of the four other accused after finding them not guilty.

The court also imposed Rs40 million fine on the two convicted terrorists, besides awarding them a total of around 800 years of imprisonment; including life imprisonments. All the sentences shall run concurrently. However, the court extended benefits of the Section 382–B of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in favour of the accused.

ATC Special Court Judge Sajjad

Ahmed Jan delivered the verdict at a camp court, established in the Central Jail Haripur (CJH) after the completion of the case, where the two were found guilty and sentenced 801-year imprisonment. The court also issued orders for the release the four other accused for not being guilty.

The ATC sentenced accused Muhammad Hussain, alias Syed Muhammad alias Zawan alias Mama, son of Abdul Rahim age 49, a resident of Sabin Burat, Tehsil, Matta, Swat, and Muhammad Ayaz, alias Jan, 42, a resident of Zurai Balu Jabril Tehsil, Matta Swat.

The court ordered for hanging each convict on 13 counts for the crime under section 302 PPC and 7(A) of the AntiTerrorist Act (ATA). They were also imposed Rs1.5 million fine per victim, which the heirs of the deceased, would receive and ordered one-year additional imprisonment in case of non-payment of the fine by the convicts.

The ATC awarded 10-year imprisonment each convict for attempt to murder under Section 324 PPC, two-year imprisonment under Section 337 PPC,

two-year imprisonment under Section 427 PPC, and a fine of Rs1 million, six months imprisonment under Terrorist Act, Section 11-F (2) ATA, 1996, six months imprisonment under 120/B PPC, life imprisonment under 3/4 EXP for use of explosives.

The other punishments that were awarded to both convicts were under section 21 (I) ATA 1997 – sentenced to life imprisonment and six months in prison in 202 PPC. The court acquitted both the accused of the charge in Section 353 PPC and section 21-J ATA.

“We have noted the judgment passed by the relevant court and details released by the local police. While specific queries may be directed to the relevant authorities, the proactive investigation, prosecution and judgment in this case have once again demonstrated Pakistan’s abiding commitment to counterterrorism,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a statement.

“We again extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and remain committed to the safety and

Remedial work on Neelum-Jhelum Project may complete by Feb 2023

Remedial work on 969MW Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP), which has been non-operational since July 06, is likely to be completed by the end of February 2023, it was learnt on Monday.

According to documents available with Pakistan Today/Profit, the restoration work on the 969-megawatt (MW) Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project is going on day and night. And, the remedial work on NJHP is likely to be completed by the end of February 2023. The NJHP has been non-operational since July 06, 2022 due to blockage in its Tail Race Tunnel (TRT).

On July 04, 2022, when the plant was running at its full capacity (969MW), an abnormal increase in water leakage was observed in the powerhouse which was controlled through continuous drainage pumps. Upon investigation, high water pressure in the Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) was observed.

Accordingly, on July 05, 2022, it was concluded by the project consultants that abnormal increase in TRT pressure and water leakages/seepage in power house are due to blockage in TRT. Considering safety of the power structure and all other equipment/machinery, units were shut down gradually. Resultantly, the powerhouse was shut down on July 05, 2022.

Immediately after this incident M/s China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC), the contractor for construction of civil works was engaged for carrying out remedial works. The firm immediately mobilized to the site and a contract agreement was signed with it on August 5, 2022 and the work commenced from August 27, 2022.

As per the directives of the Prime Minister, a five members Independent Panel of Experts (IPOE) has been engaged for escorting the causes of the blockage. And, IPOE has submitted its initial report in which a number of reasons have attributed to the cause of the blockage.

As per available documents, NJHP is insured with NICL; accordingly, upon occurrence of the incident on July 06, 2022, the insurance company has been informed on July 07, 2022. NICL, loss adjuster and its

security of Chinese workers, projects and institutions in Pakistan. The ironclad Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership will never be undermined by hostile forces,” the statement issued by the foreign office further read. The FO statement added that the verdict also demonstrate Pakistan’s abiding commitment to counterterrorism.

On July 14, 2021, 10 Chinese engineers and three Pakistanis workers were traveling to the Dasu Hydro Power Project construction site when their bus plunged into a deep ravine after an explosion on board.

The incident led to the death of at least 13 people, including Chinese engineers, two FC officers, and two labourers.

CTD Hazara Region Abbottabad registered case No 08 on July 14, 2021 and arrested the accused, who were later transferred to Abbottabad and Central Jail Haripur. The trial of the accused was conducted by Special Anti-Terrorism Judge Sajjad Ahmad Jan at the camp court at Central Jail Haripur.

How can he consult with an absconder and a convict regarding such an important decision,” he wondered.

The PTI chief said that Nawaz had no stake in the country as he and his children were all living abroad, adding that Nawaz was no one to give his opinion on such an important matter.

mCB out of the msCi Frontier market pakistan index; moved into small cap index

re-insurers have already visited the site for several times.

The Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Project has an installed capacity of 969MW and can generate 4.663 billion units of electricity annually. The dam at the river Neelum, is at Nauseri, 41 kilometer north-east of Muzaffarabad, diverts the water into the headrace tunnel.

About 19.6 stretch of the Headrace Tunnel (HRT) is a twin tunnel having diameter of 8.5 m each. The remaining 8.93 km tunnel is a single tunnel of diameter 9.6 m. The total lengths of the tunnels including Headrace, Tailrace and access tunnels is 68.5 km.

The powerhouse of the project is located near Chattar Kalas, 22 km south of Muzaffarabad. Water release from the powerhouse out fall in Jhelum River after passing through a 3.5km tailrace tunnel.

The total approved cost as per approved PC-I was Rs 506.808 billion. Foreign component has been financed by China Exim Bank, Saudi Fund Development, Islamic Development Bank and Kuwait Fund for Development as a loan.

The project (NJHP) was substantially completed in 2018 and started generating power since April 2018 and so far it has generated 18.28 billion units. Construction of the project began in 2008 after a Chinese consortium was awarded the construction contract in July 2007.

provider, Lucky Cement (LUCK) and Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC) have retained their spot in the MSCI FM Pakistan Index.

The MSCI Market classification framework for the month of November requires firms to have a full market capitalization of $883 million, a free-float market capitalization of $73 million, and an ATVR of 2.5 per cent to be classified as a frontier market. Last year, in November Pakistan was reclassified from MSCI FM Index from Emerging Markets (EM) as a result of a lack of liquidity and not meeting the standards for size. Earlier in May, the MSCI added OGDC to the main FM index and removed HBL from the main index.

Oil refineries asked to deposit Rs1307m pointed out by audit

ISLAMABAD AhmAd AhmAdAni

The Ministry of Energy’s Directorate General (Oil) has asked the refineries to justify or deposit an amount of Rs1307.578 million pointed out by the audit into the government’s relevant account immediately. In a letter with subject Audit & Inspection Report in Respect of Compliance with Authority Audit of Non-Tax Receipts Maintained by (PARCO, BYCO, NRL, PRL) Karachi for the Financial Year 2021-22 (Audit Year 2022-23) on November 14, 2022, Directorate General (Oil) (Petroleum Division-Policy Wing) of Ministry of Energy has requested to justify the position or deposit the amount pointed out by Audit into Government relevant account immediately and get verified the same from Audit Office Karachi under intimation to this office. According to the paras of the Audit and Inspection Report, the refineries have not paid the discount retained on local crude oil price worth Rs 285.383 million. Similarly, the refineries did not pay windfall levy retained on local crude oil worth Rs 1022.195 million. When contacted with Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), he said this is a very routine audit observation made every year. He said that normally refineries pay the retained windfall levy etc after a lag of 1-2 months. He said this retained money has already been paid back to the government and challans have been shared. For PRL, the amount was only Rs 3.2 million which has already been paid, said Zahid Mir, MD & CEO, PRL. He added that the outstanding amount relating to PRL Rs 3.2 million paid subsequently while no outstanding amount is pending relating to PRL. Sources in the oil industry said that BYCO is not getting local crude oil so non-payment of discount retained on local crude oil prices and non-payment of windfall levy retained on local crude oil prices is out of the question. It is relevant to note here that no one from Pak Arab Refinery Company Limited (PARCO) has appeared to respond despite repeated efforts. Moreover, National Refinery Limited (NRL) was approached and all efforts to obtain official words remained in vain as no one appeared to respond.

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

ArIBA ShAhID

Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) has removed MCB Bank from their Frontier Markets (FM) Pakistan Index, moving it into the MSCI FM Pakistan small cap Index. This change was announced in the MSCI Semi-Annual Review and will be effective as of November 30, 2022. As per the MSCI, a leading investment research firm and stock markets index

ISLAMABAD

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