Epaper_22-12-12 KHI

theeconomic coordination committee (ecc) of the cabinet on sunday authorized finance division to direct government holding private limited (ghpl), ogdcl and ppl to

deposit late payment interest amount of $22.7 million in escrow account jointly operated by Antofagasta plc and government of pakistan in connection with reko diq project dispute settlement.

sources said that the ministry of energy has asked the ecc to authorize the finance division to direct ghpl (for its own as well as gob’s share), ogdcl and ppl to deposit the aggregate

amount of interest amounting to $22.7 million in the escrow account. this represents the interest payable of $16.8 million at us prime rate plus 2% from october 1, 2022 to december 15, 2022 and the interest earned from march 31, 2022 to september 30, 2022 amounting to $5.8 million. the interest payable is based on prevailing us prime rate, however, the actual deposit will be

based on the updated calculations due to any change in interest rates to be informed by the financial advisors of soes and gop if required.

presently, the soes including ogdcl have to pay $4.7 million interest, ppl $4.7 million, ghpl $4.7 million while the government of balochistan share in interest payment is $8.5 million.

rAWALpiNDi

six persons were killed and 17 others sustained injuries on sunday when Afghan border forces resorted to “unprovoked and indiscriminate fire” across the border on civilian population in chaman district of balochistan, the ispr – the army’s media wing said.

pakistan army’s media wing, the inter-services public relation (ispr) confirmed in a statement on sunday that Afghan border forces opened “unprovoked and indiscriminate” fire with heavy weapons including ar-

tillery and mortar onto civilian population in chaman area of balochistan.

According to the inter-services public relations (ispr), heavy weapons including artillery and mortars were used in the firing by Afghan forces.

“pakistani border troops have given befitting albeit measured response against the uncalled for aggression but avoided targeting innocent civilians in the area,” the statement said.

it added that pakistani authorities have approached their counterparts in kabul to highlight the “severity” of the situation, demanding “strict action to obvi-

ate any such recurrence of the incident in future.”

EMERgENcy IMPoSED IN chAMAN, QuEttA hoSPItAlS: the chaman district administration imposed an emergency in all hospitals to treat injured persons. while levies balochistan officials said that the Afghan taliban made a target of the civilian area of pakistan in which many innocent people were killed and injured badly.

the levies balochistan officials said the Afghan taliban hit the pakistani residential area with mortar shells.

chaman district police officer (dpo) Abdullah Ali kasi informed that the firing began after a mortar shell was fired into pakistani territory. “All the injured were moved to dhQ hospital chaman except four critically injured have been transferred to Quetta”, he added.

An emergency was imposed in Quetta civil hospital on the directions of health secretary saleh muhammad nasir. the secretary has called doctors, pharmacists, staff nurses, and paramedical staff of the civil sandman hospital, Quetta, bolan medical hospital, Quetta, and trauma center to their respective duty wards.

balochistan chief minister Abdul Quddus bizenjo expressed concern over the incident. “i hope the federal government will ensure an immediate and effective solution to this problem at the diplomatic level.”

he ordered the district administration of chaman to provide full support to the people affected. on november 13, the chaman border was closed for an indefinite period after an armed suspect from the Afghan side opened fire on pakistani security personnel at friendship gate, resulting in the martyrdom of one soldier and injuries to two.

Staff rePort

profit report

Shahzad Paracha

Sindh CouRt SendS SWati on thRee-day ReMand in tWeetS CaSe

LARKANA/ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt

tHEQambar judicial magistrate on Sunday handed over PTI Senator Azam Swati in police custody on a three days remand in two cases registered him over his controversial tweets about senior military leadership.

Earlier, the police produced Swati in the court of judicial magistrate Qambar with a request for a three days remand in two cases registered with Warah and Qambar police.

The development comes two days after the Balochistan High Court (BHC) ordered the quashing of all five FIRs initially registered against him in the province over his controversial tweets.

But the same day, two new criminal

cases were lodged against the PTI senator in Bela and Winder areas of Balochistan for using “offensive language” against senior military officials.

Swati, however, was flown to Sindh the same day after his custody was handed over to Sindh police.

It is to be noted that Swati was arrested over a “highly obnoxious campaign of intimidating tweets […] against state institutions” by the Federal Investigation Agency on November 27 and has been in detention since and continues to face legal action.

The FIA booked him under Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (Peca), which deals with offences against the dignity of a person, while multiple first information reports (FIRs)

Ministry plans swoop on fraudsters luring people into jobs in Saudi arabia

ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has decided to launch a massive crackdown on fraudsters using the name of ministry for the employment purposes in Saudi Arabia particularly on social media. Ministry’s Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, in an exclusive talk with APP, informed that Secretary of Religious Affairs Ministry Aftab Akbar Durrani had decided to keep Federal Investigation Agency’s Cyber Crime Wing, Bureau of Immigration, Overseas Employment Corporation and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority on board to get rid of this criminal activity and take the responsible to their logical conclusion.

He categorically stated that the ministry had no concern with such fake advertisements hiring people for Khuddamul Hujjaj, Kaadmeen-e-Hajj, Emam, Naib Emam, Moazan, Khaadm-e-Masjid and other purposes alerting the innocent people seeking job opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia not to approach such recruiting agencies or individuals allegedly involved in fraudulent activities on social media. He mentioned that these cheaters used WhatsApp numbers which were usually issued on someone else names. Mostly they suggested for medical tests from some particular laboratories which charged them on highly expensive rates, he added.

Giving the example of Aysha Lab which is situated in Chandni Chowk Rawalpindi, Umar Butt said when an applicant went there for some particular laboratory test on behalf of the fake recruiting agency, it cost him Rs12,500 while the test’s original rate was Rs 2,500 in the market.

He said the recruiting agencies or individuals, in collusion with such laboratories, minted huge money from the aspiring candidates seeking job opportunities in Saudi Arabia. “These laboratories are equally involved in this criminal activity as they are also helping the fraudsters by generating a huge revenue for them,” he added.

To overcome this social menace, he said the religious affairs ministry had launched awareness campaigns to educate the people through print, electronic and social networking applications from time to time.

He said the ministry had also proposed the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment Corporation to start public awareness drive at their end as the subject of hiring for foreign countries pertained to them.

Jumping off the roof

I’ve heard one description of Imran Khan that I must share. It’s about his threat to dissolve the KP and Punjab Assemblies. One wag described like the youth who climbs on the roof his house and threatens to jump unless his parents agree to marry him. I’m not sure if the protest is over the delay in his marriage in general, or if he has a particular bride in mind, but the threat has got the young man stuck. If he jumps, he might make his parents very sad, but he’ll be dead. If he comes down without getting his demands met, he’ll be a laughingstock.

Imran did end his Long March with the

barred from arresting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s son, Suleman Shehbaz, upon his return to the country.

were registered against him for using “derogatory language” and “provoking the people against the army” in Sindh and Balochistan as well.

Cases in sindh: Qambar Shahdadkot SSP Sadam Hussain Khaskheli told Dawn on Saturday that two cases were registered against Swati at Nasirabad and Warah police stations in the district.

The FIR at the Nasirabad police station was registered on a complaint of Zameer Hussain Khoso under Sections 131 (abetting mutiny or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty), 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 504 (intentional insult with the intent to provoke breach of peace) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The complainants in the FIRs were different, but the sections are almost identical, he added.

In addition to these two cases registered in Qambar Shahdadkot, the PTI leader is also booked in similar cases at Saddar police station in Jacobabad, Usman Essani police station in Shikarpur and Civil Lines police station in Larkana.

‘ToTal violaTion of all laws, human righTs’: After Swati’s remand was approved on Sunday, PTI chief Imran Khan condemned the treatment meted out to the senior senator.

“If anyone wants to understand why Pakistan’s economy is now a disaster, just two incidents provide the answer,” he said on Twitter, drawing a comparison between Swati’s detention and authorities being

“Seventy-five-year-old Senator Azam Swati has been subjected to custodial torture, beaten up in front of his grandchildren, his house vandalised and sealed, and he is being dragged from one province to another under multiple false FIRs against him in total violation of all laws and basic human rights enshrined in our Constitution.

“In contrast, an absconder responsible for billions in corruption and money laundering, Salman Shahbaz, is drycleaned and returns to Pakistan,” he said. aCTion againsT swaTi: Swati was first arrested by the FIA on charges of posting controversial tweets about the armed forces in October and was later released on bail.

The senator has alleged since that he was tortured in custody and demanded the removal of two military officials, one of whom he used foul language against in his tweet on November 26.

On November 27, the FIA arrested Swati for the second time over a “highly obnoxious campaign of intimidating tweets […] against state institutions”.

Robbers take away Rs20m valuables in Morgah bungalow heist

RAWALPINDI stAff RepoRt

Three armed robbers barged into a house in Morgah area of the garrison city and made off with valuables including foreign and local currency and gold ornaments worth amounting to Rs20 million. According to the Rawalpindi Police spokesperson, the robbers barged into the house, held the family members hostage and locked them in a room at gunpoint. The accused searched the house for valuables including Rs7.5 million, 9,000 Euros, 500 Dollars and 80 tolas of gold ornaments and made off with the loot. The police spokesperson said they also took passports, and a 9 mm pistol with them. City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari took notice of the incident and directed the police to trace the accused and recover the stolen goods. However, the police team reached the spot on the information of the incident. SSP Operations and other officers inspected the spot and instructed the investigation team. Forensic teams collected evidence from the scene and started working on technical evidence and human intelligence. The accused would be arrested and brought to justice, said SSP Operations Wasim Riaz Khan.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, the speaker of the National Assembly, refused to accept the resignations of parliamentarians from the opposition PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who resigned en masse in April following the change of guard in the prime minister’s office (PMO) in April, “without making sure” they were not tendered under any pressure.

More than 120 MPs loyal to Imran Khan resigned on April 11, two days after he was removed from the PMO contentious vote of no-confidence marred by unprobed allegations of military support.

Former deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Qasim Suri — who was performing his duties as acting speaker after then-incumbent Asad Qaiser’s resignation — accepted the resignation letters on April 15.

However, once Ashraf was elected as the speaker, he decided to verify the resignations by interviewing lawmakers individually, but instead decided in favour of stalling the entire process by blaming it on the lawmakers’ reluctance to step down.

“The law dictates that even if a member says in [speaker’s] presence they want to resign but I have information that they are under pressure [sic], I should not accept their resignation,” he claimed, while speaking to the press in Lahore.

Such situations require a lot of thought process,

threat of dissolution, but now the CMs who have to sign the actual advices to the respective Governors are apparently having doubts. KP CM Mahmood Khan seems quite clear in his district of Punjab CM Parvez Elahi. Mahmood will dissolve only after Ch Parvez does. I don’t if Mahmood’s sending Ch Parvez frantic secret messages not to dissolve if he values his life, but he has come out and said that the members want their development funds to bear fruit before going to the polls.

He doesn’t want to dissolve before March. At that time, the pressure will then be on not to dissolve, but to pass a Budget first. Punjab and KP wait for the federal budget to be presented first, but the groundwork is done before, so if the provinces can violate the same-day

the former prime minister said, declaring he will not accept the resignation letters until he was completely satisfied they were not stepping down under pressure.

He also alleged that even after the announcement of resignations, some party MPs continued to occupy official residences and avail perks given to lawmakers. “They also send me messages requesting not to accept their resignations,” he said, without clarifying how the government intended to address the matter. Speaking about the political situation prevailing in the country, Ashraf expressed hope the lawmakers will return to the National Assembly and represent their constituencies. He said he wanted the House to complete its constitutional five-year tenure scheduled to end in October next year.

Ashraf said the Parliament is a place for legislation, law and order, and election reforms. He said it was time to put the matters aside and come together for a larger purpose. “We cannot move forward by ignoring the Parliament,” he added.

In reply to a question about “backdoor contacts” between the government and the opposition, he stressed that all political leaders and political parties should “address matters with consensus”.

“The government will be stable if a country has a strong Parliament,” he stressed. Talking about the elections, he said the election will be fair and transparent only if the legislation is made better. “There is no time left for the elections as the fifth year has started,” he added.

election convention, thry can probably violate the convention of the federal government presenting its budget first. That means the budgets would be presented by mid-May at the earliest. Presenting it won’t be enough. It has to be passed. And then there’s the supplementary budget. That has to be presented and passed. All in all, we’re looking at June.

And if we get to June, we’ll have a chorus of voices saying that the tenure of the assemblies end in July, so why not wait a bit and have same-day elections after all? Besides, dissolution would mean that the CM and the Leader of the Opposition have to agree on the caretaker CM. As the Opposition Leaders are corrupt elements, Imran won\t allow the CMs to sully their purity by talking to them. The decision on the caretaker CM will have to be taken by the Election Commission.

Minister applauds Qatar for ‘incredible’ WC hosting

ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt

Sajid Hussain Turi, minister for overseas Pakistanis and human resource development, appreciated Qatar for hosting the World Cup, soccer’s biggest event, and thanked the oil- and gas-rich Gulf nation for providing employment opportunities to workers from Pakistan.

“Profound gratitude and appreciation for Qatar for hosting #FIFAWorldCup and making incredible security and other arrangements for visitors,” the minister tweeted. “It has not only engaged the world in healthy activities but also created employment opportunities for thousands of workers of poor countries.” The World Cup kicked off in Qatar on November 20 in a high-stakes event for the tiny nation which has faced a barrage of criticism and staked its reputation on delivering a smooth tournament, the first held in the Middle East and most expensive in history.

The tournament marks a culmination of Qatar’s soft power push on the global stage and a show of strength after emerging from a 3-1/2 year boycott by Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies, which ended in 2021. Events like the World Cup “promote peace, unite nations and bring cultural diversity under one umbrella,” Turi noted.

Now Imran knows (especially after the decisions in the foreign funding and Toshakhana cases) that the CEC is a corrupt element. So the caretaker CMs, instead of giving positive results, might even be hostile. The same CEC will conduct the elections.So far, in the byelections since July, Imran has been sweeping all before him, but that has not let the CEC off the hook. A|nyway, even if there is no early dissolution, the CEC will remain. So dissolving the Punjab and KP assemblies will hace the same problem.

If you ask me, the CEC is Imran’s fallback. If he loses the election, he can always tell his supporters that he lost because the CEC rigged the elections against the PTI.

While there has been much ink spilt in praise of the new COAS, Gen Asim Munir, the pages of history do not give ground for reassurance. Not that there’s anything

wrong with General Munir, but the last time someone named Asim became head of the Army, it didn’t end all that well.

Kh Asim, better known to history as Samsamud Daulah, was the son of a religious scholar, but grew close to the Mughal prince who would become the Emperor Farrukh Siyar because of his skills in wrestling and archery. When the Syed brothers made Farrukh Siyar Emperor, he became commander of the Army. He was one of those Mughal generals who got beaten by Nadir Shah when he invaded India and sacked Delhi.

He was one of the men who was supposed to confront the Syed brothers. He failed miserably. His patron, Farrukh-Siyar, has been called physically the most impressive of the Mughals. The Syed brothers ultimately killed him after holding him captive. But Samsamud Daulah retained office, and went on to serve the next Emperor.

LAHORE: Citizens throng stalls of second-hand woollies and warm clothes at Boharwala Chowk near Railways Station. photo by zubAiR Mehfooz

ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt

‘Unsatisfied’ speaker won’t accept resignations of PTI MPs ‘sans confirmation’

Like MuShaRRaf, Gen BajWa GRanted ‘nRo-2 to thieveS’: iMRan

LAHoRe stAff RepoRt

fORMERprime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday accused former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa of giving “NRO-2” to the cabal of thieves and imposing them on the nation and country.

“Gen (r) Musharraf granted the first and now the second one was given by the one who was in power,” he said while addressing a press conference in Lahore.

He regretted on the one hand, one by one all thieves were getting relief in corruption cases and getting themselves exonerated from corruption charges while on the other hand, a 70 years old Senator is being victimized for a tweet against army chief. “You will never find such an example of injustice in the world.”

Speaking about the return of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s son Suleman Shehbaz, Imran Khan said: “one by one all thieves will get relief in corruption cases and get themselves exonerated from corruption charges”. “After Ishaq Dar, now he [Suleman Shehbaz] will be dry-cleaned.”

Imran condemned the treatment being meted out to Azam Swati over his controversial tweets against the state institutions and military officials.

“He [Swati] was arrested just for saying General Bajwa gave NRO to thieves… the entire Pakistan knows that he [Gen Bajwa] gave NRO-2,” he remarked.

The PTI chief said in civilised societies a sitting senator cannot be “tortured or stripped naked” just for sharing his opinion. “You can deny his [Swati’s] claim,” he added. defaulT risk, media oblivion: The PTI chairman assailed the PDM government for bringing the country to the cusp of default, and accused the media of turning a blind eye towards economic matters and instead focusing on the Toshakhana wrist watch, which he said was rightfully his to

“sell or do whatever I want to with it”.

He made these remarks at a press conference in Lahore where he began by comparing his government’s performance with that of the incumbent PDM setup, whom he blamed for the looming threat of default.

“The reason of my media talk today is to make the people aware of the direction that our country is heading in,” he said. “If we don’t raise our voice then Pakistan will experience something it has never before and we are going to default. All the funding from abroad will be stopped.

“A default would mean the country’s income in dollars has stopped, and then the rupee will devalue further. The cabal of crooks imposed on us don’t care about any of this. They have been stealing money for the last 30 years. They have stashed huge amounts of money abroad.”

Imran said that the ruling elite does not “care if the country defaults because their money is stashed abroad in the form of dollars”. “But the circumstance of a default is worrying for the common man,” he added.

“A default will be a very big loss for Pakistan. No investment will come back into Pakistan. No overseas Pakistani will be willing to invest in Pakistan.”

He recalled that dollar rate was Rs178 when he was ousted as the prime minister.

“Today we cant even purchase dollar for Rs250.” The PTI chief claimed that when he came into power in 2018, he had inherited a fragile economy but had turned it around, only to see his work undone by the present setup.

“When we got Pakistan [government] in 2018, we had the largest current account deficit,” he said. “When our government was ousted, the GDP growth was at six per cent.

These figures are usually only seen during martial laws of Ayub, Zia and Musharraf.

This was because [during their eras] we were receiving dollars from the US.

“They didn’t make any dams but we made six dams, out of which two were massive. We launched the health card that was praised by foreign magazines. Our

Ehsaas programme was internationally acknowledged. The billion tree tsunami was praised around the world. UK prime minister Boris Johnson mentioned my name and our climate change programme at the UN.” media quieT on inflaTion, more foCused on ‘my waTCh’: Imran accused the media of looking the other way on important matters and instead focusing on what he implied were trivial issues, such as his Toshakhana watch.

“The channels that used to bash the PTI government for inflation, those channels are quiet now and are instead focused on a watch,” he said. “It’s my watch. I can sell it, and I can do whatever I want. No one is talking about the economical murder being committed now.

“Today, the inflation is double and at a 50-year high. Where are those media houses now? No one cares about the inflation now. When we used to say the inflation is due to global reasons, no one believed us. When these cabal of crooks say the same thing, no one is questioning.”

It is pertinent to mention that Imran has been accused by a Dubai-based businessman of selling him an expensive Graff wristwatch — gifted to PTI chief by Saudi Crown

Prince Mohammad Bin Salman — for $2 million, worth approximately Rs280m at the time of sale in 2019.

Pdm running away from eleCTions as iT knows PTi would win: The former prime minister said that the PDM government does not have a roadmap to drag the country out of the economic crisis. “The economic situation will keep worsening if this government stays in power because there will be no political stability. The economy only grows when there is certainty.”

Imran claimed that his victory in the next elections was so certain that the government was running away from polls. “They are only trying to delay elections as much as they can,” he said. Nawaz Sharif will do anything but he won’t go for elections. They are scared that the cases will be revived when they lose power after the elections.”

In the question and answers session, Imran was asked if he had noticed any change in the military’s policy towards him and his party. To this, he replied: “I haven’t seen any change so far. The new army chief is here, and he should be given time. We have heard good things about him. We have a lot of expectations of him.”

Reko Diq Project dispute settlement: ECC directs SOEs to deposit $22.7m interest in Escrow account

CoNtINueD fRoM PAge 01

The Energy division has also asked ECC to authorize the finance division to arrange the interest payable for GoBs share amounting to $8.5 million from the loan of Rs65 billion already raised by the GHPL with GoP guarantee.

Meanwhile, it also requested ECC to direct and authorize the concerned division of GoP and the SORS to act in such a manner to ensure that the deposited amount ($900) alongside any interest in US dollar without exception to the SOEs should the Reko Diq Project fail to commence. In the event that the Reko Diq Project meterializes, direct and authorize the concerned divisions of GoP and the SOEs to act in such a manner to ensure that the deposited amount along with interest deposited by the SOEs in the escrow account to form part of the consideration for share purchase of Reko Diq Mining company limited such that its shares are transferred to Pakistan Minerals private limited.

It is pertinent to mention here that the government of Pakistan and provincial government of Balochistan have entered into an out of court dispute settlement with Ms Tethyan Copper Company limited Australia

(jointly owned by Barrick Gold Corporation of Canada and Ms Antofagasta PLC of Chile) in respect of Reko Diq Copper Gold Project, Chagai District (Balochistan) after the adverse arbitral awards of the international center for settlement of investment disputes and expected similar award from international chamber of commerce against the federation and Balochistan province.

These arrangements include development of the aforesaid resources under a constituted Reko Diq Project by a joint venture comprising 50% Barrick Gold Corporation, 25% GoB and 25% GoP.

The clause 2.1 (a) of the Antofagasta Exit Deed signed March 20, 2022 that the GoP shall deposit $900 in the escrow account and clause 2.1(c) provides that in case the final settlement occurs between June 30 and December 15, 2022, the GoP shall pay a late payment interest of US Prime Rate plus two percentage points compounded on ,monthly basis.

Meanwhile, the deed clause 3.2 provides that the amount in Escrow ‘together with all interest earned on the credit balance in the escrow account since it was opened’ is to be paid to Antofagasta.

As per the Finance ministry handout, ECC

allowed Finance Division to direct GHPL (for its own as well as GoB’s share), OGDCL and PPL to deposit the aggregate amount of interest to the sum of US$ 22,718,173/- in the escrow account from March 31, 2022 to December 15, 2022.

The ECC further allowed the Finance Division to arrange the interest payable for GoB’s share amounting to US$ 8,519,314 /- from the loan of Rs65 billion already raised by the GHPL with the GoP guarantee.

Further, the ECC allowed the concerned Divisions of GoP and the SOEs to act in such a manner to ensure that the deposited amount along with interest deposited by the SOEs in the escrow account to form part of the consideration for share purchase of Reko Diq Mining Company Limited.

The ECC also considered and approved a proposal of the Finance Division through a summary on the funding plan of the Government of Pakistan for the share of the Government of Balochistan in the Reko Diq Project.

As per proposal, overall funding commitment of US$ 717 million over the period of 6 years by GoP in respect of GoB SPV Project Capital Commitment to be provided by the Government of Pakistan.

GB marks World Mountains Day with fervor

ISLAMABAD GhulAM AbbAs

While the International Mountains Day passed largely unnoticed in the country, the day was celebrated in Gilgit-Baltistan by some mountaineers and those associated with the tourism industry.

As the global community observed International Mountain Day on Sunday to increase public awareness about the value of mountains to life and climate, domestic mountaineers in GB celebrated the day while organizing an awareness rally and launching a cleaning drive of mountains in Skardu.

A ceremony was organized by UNDP in Ghanche district in which the students of Baltistan University and members of civil society and locals had participated. During the ceremony, the experts of Rescue 1122 Ghanche gave different training to the children, including first aid, rock climbing and other rescue techniques. As per the UNDP in-charge Mr Rashid the purpose of celebrating this day was to improve the living conditions of the people living in the mountains and mountainous areas and to maintain their natural environment.

Meanwhile a group of mountaineers also

organized a rally in Skardu city to create awareness about mountains and preservation of the ecosystem in the area.

Another group of civil society also organized a cleaning drive of mountains in the city to show the importance of a clean environment in the area.

Earlier on Saturday an institute to train budding mountaineers was inaugurated in Skardu’s Satpara village on the eve of World Mountains Day.

Commander Force Command Northern Areas Maj Gen Kashif Khalil performed the groundbreaking of Sadpara Mountaineering and Adventure Institute, named after famed mountaineer Ali Sadpara.

GB Tourism Minister Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Baltistan commissioner, Baltistan DIG and a large number of local mountaineers, porters, students and international tourists participated in the ceremony.

According to the minister the institute will be the best mountaineering and adventure school in Pakistan, the minister said. He said internationally renowned climbers will train local people voluntarily at the institute and added that three mountaineering schools were also being established in the region.

GB is a preferred destination of locals and

foreign climbers as it was home to boasts five of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders, including the world’s second-highest peak K2 (8,611 meters), followed by Nanga Parbat (ranked ninth at 8,126 meters), Gasherbrum-I (11th at 8,080 meters), Broad Peak (12th at 8,051 meters), and Gasherbrum-II (13th at 8,035m).

As many as 1,400 mountaineers from around the globe arrived to scale different peaks in the region this year. The United Nations General Assembly established International Mountain Day to recognise the importance of mountains. Every year, this Day is observed with a specific theme and the theme of this year is ‘Women Move Mountains.’

Most of the highest peaks in Pakistan lie in the Karakoram mountain range (which lies almost entirely in the Gilgit–Baltistan region of Pakistan, and is considered to be a separate range from Himalayan range) but some peaks above 7,000 m are included in the Himalayan and Hindu Kush ranges. Moreover, Pakistan is home to over 7,000 glaciers, more than anywhere except the polar regions. According to the United Nations, the theme of this year’s International Mountain Day (IMD) on 11 December will be Women move mountains.

him in collusion with the chief election commissioner.

For this reason, Imran said he was pressing institutions to pave way for early elections in the country to avert the default risk and save the country from economic collapse. “What would happen If China and IMF do not bail us out? If country defaults, it will be a big loss for all of us,” he added.

Comparing his tenure with the incumbent government, Imran said he revived the economy despite unprecedented challenges of Covid-19 and Kashmir dispute.

“We inherited biggest current account deficit in the country’s history… GDP was 6 per cent during our last year in power before the ‘regime-change operation’… today dollar is not even available for Rs250.”

Earlier, a tweet former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan lambasted the federal government over ‘economic failure’ and injustice with PTI senator Azam Swati.

Taking to Twitter, the former premier pointed out two incidents, which according to him are the reasons behind ‘disaster’ of Pakistan’s economy. “Seventy five-year-old Senator Azam Swati has been subjected to custodial torture, beaten up in front of his grandchildren, his house vandalised and sealed, and he is being dragged from one [province] to another under multiple false FIRs against him in total violation of all laws and basic human rights enshrined in our Constitution,” he noted.

The PTI Chairman added in contrast, “an absconder responsible for billions in corruption and money laundering, Sulman Shahbaz, is dry-cleaned and returns to Pakistan”.

‘Made-in-Sialkot’ adidas ball puts Pakistan in the World Cup

SIALKot ReuteRs

Even though it is a cricket-mad nation, Pakistan is playing a big part in the soccer World Cup by making the balls used on the training fields in Qatar and the replicas sold to fans worldwide. Forward Sports, a multinational sports equipment company in Sialkot, has been working with Adidas AG for almost 20 years. It is one of two manufacturers of Adidas’ Al Rihla, the official World Cup ball. Forward Sports Director Hassan Masood Khawaja said his company had made 5.5 million Al Rihla balls, including 60,000 high-quality replicas of the balls used in matches, only without the real-time technology helping referees with offside and line calls. They are used by the teams as they train in Qatar, and sold as a premium product to football enthusiasts across the globe, with the rest sold as lowerpriced leisure and souvenir balls. The match balls are made in China. Adidas declined to identify the manufacturer. For the company, the contract is a source of pride. “More than business, it is a matter of prestige and honour for us to make the World Cup ball,” Khawaja said. “How do we do it? It’s the skill of the people, and our love for the sport,” he said. While soccer is popular among fans, the national side is ranked 194 out of 211 countries by FIFA. Cricket reigns supreme. Sialkot has a rich history of making soccer balls and other sporting equipment dating back to colonial times. Pakistan remains one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of soccer balls, along with China and India. The local chamber of commerce said more than 43 million balls valued at $191 million were made in Sialkot in the 2021-22 financial year. About 8 percent of Sialkot’s population of around one million people work in the industry, but many say they have little time to actually see their product in action. “We work all day,” said Forward Sports quality control inspector Amna, when asked if she watched soccer. “At night, when we go home, we need to rest.”

‘disqualifiCaTion PloT’: The PTI chief reiterated his allegations that the “two thieves” — Nawaz and Zardari — would go to any extent to delay elections in the country “because they don’t want to waste what they have achieved by ending their corruption cases during the last seven months”. Moreover, Imran said the incumbent rulers were buying time to lodge cases and disqualify

DaILy MaIL’S apoLoGy to pM, SaNauLLah acquIttaL ExpoSE vIctIMIzatIoN of pML-N: MuqaM

MARDAN staff report

aDvISERto the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs and National Heritage Engr Amir Muqam here on Sunday said certain developments over the past week, including the Daily Mail’s apology to Shehbaz Sharif and acquittal of Rana Sanaullah in the false narcotics case, exposed the ugly faces of those, who had been filing fake cases against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders.

Addressing the PML-N workers’ convention at Sher Garh here, he termed the Daily Mail’s apology to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over false allegations of corruption against him a victory of truth.

He reiterated that the elements, who had been implicating the PML-N leadership in false cases were exposed before the masses after Daily Mail’s apology and acquittal of Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

He said even courts and investigations agencies in foreign countries have endorsed that all members of the Sharif family, including Nawaz Sharif, were “Sadiq and Ameen”. Despite two years-long investigations, he said the UK National Crimes Agency did not prove a single penny of corruption against any member of the Sharif family.

He said Imran Khan was a certified lair as his cor-

rupt practices and lies-based politics were exposed in Toshakhana and PTI foreign funding cases.

He said when Imran Khan’s loot and plunder were exposed before the public, he tried to drag state institutions into politics by levelling baseless allegations against their leadership.

He said Imran Khan had deceived the masses, especially youth through hallow catchy slogans, as neither could he deliver during his time in the government, nor could lead the PTI during his flopped long march.

He said Imran’s announcement of dissolving

provincial assemblies was also proved to be a lie.

He gave credit to CM Punjab for foiling the ill designs of Imran Khan.

Amir Muqam questioned that if a three-times prime minister could be disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 for not charging salary from his son, then why not Imran, who was found guilty of corrupt practices in Toshakhana case, could be disqualified under the same articles?

He said the billion trees project was taken over by the NAB which was a big question mark on its transparency.

He said Imran’s act of contesting by-elections from different constituencies signified that he did not trust other leaders of his party. “I am afraid, Imran Khan will likely present his name for the seats reserved for women and minorities in the next general election.”

Muqam said Imran Khan had made tall claims to sue the Financial Times for publishing a story against him but, he never did so as he knew he would never win that case.

Muqam said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had faced all the problems and hardships with bravery, and under his leadership, all the problems of Pakistan would be resolved.

He said Nawaz Sharif made Pakistan an atomic power, established a network of motorways, added 12,000 MW of electricity to the national grid, and restored the dignity and prestige of the country abroad.

Raja Pervaiz invites PTI back to Parliament

tion to challenges facing the country lies there.

Green Line passenger train likely to start operation from 20th

ISLAMABAD staff report

Pakistan Railways is most likely to start operating the Green Line Passenger Train from December 20 as a superior service to facilitate the passengers besides generating revenues for the department.

“The train is comprised of two AC Parlor, five AC Business, six AC Standards, and four to five economy class coaches,” an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP. He said the decision was taken on the directives of Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, who wanted the best arrangements for the Green Line Train for the travelers.

The official said that the minister also directed the official concerned for reducing the travel time of the Green Line from Lahore to Karachi to less than 20 hours which would restore the confidence of the passengers. “It is also decided to provide the best travel facilities in the Green Line train, including the provision of high-quality food and keeping the ticket price at an affordable level. Besides, a separate LCD will be installed on each seat of the AC Parlor to let passengers enjoy favourite videos through headphones,” he added.

To a question, he said Pakistan Railways was also going to expedite work to improve services in the passenger trains as well as at the major railway stations by involving the private sector which would help address growing issues, especially related to cleanliness. “The department was of the view that the cleanliness-related services in trains and at major stations, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, Khanewal, Sukkur, Sahiwal, Multan, and Bahawalpur were not satisfactory,” he added. He said that if services of the private sector were hired under a fast-track policy, the hygiene conditions at stations and in trains could be improved which would also restore the confidence of passengers in the department.

National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has invited Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to return to Parliament, saying they cannot move forward by ignoring parliamentarians.

While speaking to the media in Lahore on Sunday, Raja Pervaiz appealed to the parties to return to the Parliament for the sake of economic stability because the solu-

He cannot de-seat any member of the assembly until he is satisfied, therefore he asked the PTI members to come back to the assembly and participate.

He added the opposition is as important as the government in the assembly. “Being a speaker I would like that every assembly completes its tenure.” he reiterated.

Earlier Raja Pervaiz Ashraf in-

augurated Benazir Shaheed Hall and office of the Pakistan Peoples Party Central Punjab Secretariat Incharge here at Model Town.

PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza accompanied him.

The Speaker lauded Hassan Murtaza for his dedication, efforts and work for the beautification of PPP Punjab Secretariat and said that his services would bealways remembered. Several party workers were also present on the occasion.

Interfaith dialogue ultimate solution to extremism, terrorism: Ashrafi

ISLAMABAD staff report

Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Interfaith Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said the interfaith dialogue was the need of the hour as it was the ultimate solution to the global issue of extremism and terrorism.

Ashrafi, who is on a visit to Russia these days to address the World Islamic Forum in Moscow, said Islam commanded interfaith dialogue.

He said Pakistan’s Ulema, Mashaykh, and religious scholars were giving the message of peace, security, and moderation in the light of ‘Message of Pakistan’ and ‘Charter of Makkah-tul-Mukarrama’ to the world.

He said Ulama, Mashaykh, and the government of Pakistan supported inter-religious dialogue at all levels and they had given the message to the entire world through ‘Message of Pakistan’ that peace and security could be achieved through mutual dialogue.

He said extremism and terrorism were being associated with Islam in order to mislead the Muslim youth, adding that Islam was free from all such crimes.

On the occasion, Ashrafi, who is also the chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, urged the world to give justice to Palestinians and Kashmiris.

He said the way innocent people of Kashmir and Palestine were being oppressed for many decades, it must draw the world’s attention towards Islam as it is the religion of peace, harmony, and tolerance.

He said today, the inhuman treatment of Muslims in Palestine and Kashmir had become unbearable, adding that the powerful countries should come forward to end this cycle of persecution through dialogue.

He said all heavenly religions and books conveyed the message of respect and love.

The Charter of Makkah-ut-Mukarrama, the Charter of Brotherhood of Humanity, and recent gatherings in Bahrain were evidence that Muslims were making all-out efforts to spread the message of Islam – peace – at every forum of the world.

He urged Ulema and Mashaykh to promote peace, uphold supremacy of justice, and counter hatred as there is a dire need to protect our generation from the forces that spread violence and extremism in society.

On the sideline of the conference, Ashrafi also held a meeting with Russia’s Mufti Azam and discussed the issues of mutual concern, including Pakistan-Russia relations, Muslim Ummah’s unity and intersect and interfaith dialogue from various aspects.

He also invited him to visit Pakistan which Mufti Azam accepted.

Electioneering in full swing for Islamabad LG polls

ISLAMABAD staff report

Candidates of major political parties as well as independents, contesting the local government (LG) in the federal capital, have kickstarted vigorous campaign to garner support of voters.

With local government (LG) elections in the capital just a few weeks away, leaders of major political parties – the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – are running a rousing election campaign. In 2015, elections were held in 50 union councils (UCs). This time, the government increased the number of UCs from 50 to 101.

In the upcoming elections, over 984,477 voters including 518,193 male and 466,284 female voters would cast their votes to elect their local representatives for the next five years. A total of 1,773 nomination papers out of some 4,403 aspirants were accepted by the relevant Returning Officers (ROs) for local government elections in the federal capital.

The statistics shared by the Election Commission of Pakistan said 1,074 individuals as joint candidates filed nomination papers for chairman and vicechairman for a total of 101 union councils, while 1,945 submitted nominations for 606 general seats, six each for every union council.

The ECP has appointed 15 Monitoring Officers (MOs), including a District Monitoring Officer (DMO) to ensure complete compliance with the code of conduct by keeping a close vigil on the canvassing of all candidates and taking necessary action against the violators. District Commissioner Gujranwala Tanveerul Hassan has already been appointed as the DMO to monitor the campaign.

While 14 monitoring officers are also closely monitor the election campaign of political parties and candidates in local bodies polls in Islamabad.

No one can deny importance of media: Sindh governor

KARACHI staff report

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori has said that no one can deny the importance of media, as it is the eyes and ears of the society.

The media draws attention towards correcting the problems by identifying them, he expressed these views while speaking at a reception hosted at the Governor’s House in honor of the Bureau Chiefs of Electronic Media. Administrator Karachi Dr Syed Saifur Rehman was also present on this occasion.

In the meeting, the overall political situation, construction and development measures in the Sindh province, health and sanitation situation in Karachi and expectations from the new administrator were discussed. The meeting also discussed relations between the federal and Sindh governments, the responsibilities of the governor as the representative of the federation, and the role of the media in spreading awareness among the people.

The Governor Sindh said that Karachi belongs to all of us and we have to take steps together for its improvement. He said that Alladin Park would soon provide recreational facilities to the citizens with new name as Jinnah Park.

The Governor Sindh said that orders had been issued to the Additional IGP to control street crimes. Bureau Chiefs of Electronic Media welcomed the views of Sindh Governor and assured him of full cooperation.

KP establishes model of sustainable uplift for financial self-sufficiency: CM

PESHAWAR staff report

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan Sunday said the provincial government has established a model of sustainable development in the province to make it financially self-sustainable and enable it to contribute to the national exchequer.

In a statement issued here from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Mahmood Khan stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has worked tirelessly for promotion of

tourism as an industry which has made the province a tourist destination not only at national but also at international level.

In order to exploit the natural resources available in the province, various initiatives have been undertaken in which the wheeling model deserves special attention. Provision of cheap electricity has made Khyber Pakhtunkhwa an attractive spot for national and international investors seeking establishment of small and large industrial units.

The chief minister maintained that despite various constraints and challenges, the

provincial government has successfully completed the integration of erstwhile FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which was a daunting task. He added that a number of initiatives have been undertaken in newly merged districts under a well-planned strategy with the sole purpose of addressing their longstanding deprivations.

He clarified that the incumbent government has also invested significantly on preservation of our moral, cultural and Islamic values adding that these initiatives will strengthen our national identity among the

international community.

The introduction of Islamic teaching by translation of the Holy Quran in schools and provision of honorarium to Aima Masajid and religious leaders of minorities, deserve special mentioning here which has ensured their financial independence.

Regarding initiatives taken in education and health sectors, the Chief Minister said that deficiencies of staff and other resources in government schools and hospitals has been addressed due to which services delivery has improved significantly.

Some initiatives in these sectors include recruitment of new doctors and paramedical staff, extension of Sehat card scheme, revamping and upgrading health care facilities across the province, establishment of new medical colleges, recruitment of thousands of new teachers, launching second shift in selected schools, launching education card, provision of scholarships to students, establishment and up-gradation of schools and colleges, establishment of Pak-Austria Fachhochschule institute of Applied Sciences, establishment of Shangla University and many more.

LAHORE staff report

Govt Should foCuS on innovative SolutionS to ReSolve houSinG ShoRtaGe: aleeM Khan

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

CHAIRMANVision

Group Abdul Aleem Khan has said that the government needs innovative and creative housing solutions to bridge the gap of rising housing shortage and stressed that the government should amend building byelaws to encourage innovative constructions as current building laws were a major hurdle in vertical growth, which is the future need of the country.

He said that the condition of real estate is the yardstick to judge the growth of a country as when real estate grows the country grows and when the real estate is in slump, it means that the economy is in trouble.

Abdul Aleem Khan stated this while addressing as Chief Guest at

the Awards Distribution ceremony of the 1st International Housing EXPO 22 organized by Ministry of Housing & Works in collaboration with Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad from December 8-11, 2022, which ended on a high note.

The Chairman Vision Group said that Dubai has achieved historic development in the last 20 years by encouraging vertical growth in construction and said that Dubai should be the role model for Pakistan.

Aleem Khan said that Abu Dhabi, Sharja, Qatar etc. have achieved great economic growth by focusing on the construction industry and said that Pakistan needs a vision to promote the construction industry to revive its economy as this industry boosts the growth of roughly 100 allied industries.

He appreciated the Ministry of

Country’s first ever literature-based museum on cards

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) is working on the novel idea of establishing the country’s first-ever literature-based museum on Pakistani languages with the aim to protect and promote the unique literary asset of all the regional languages of Pakistan. The “Literary Museum of Pakistani Languages” will provide information about all the regional languages being spoken in the length and breadth of the country in form of scripts, booklets, audios and video documentary display, said AsimButt, Director PAL while talking to APP. He said that the Literary Museum will not only highlight the unnoticed narratives and history of multi-layered local norms and values of the country but would attract the scholars and foreign guests to explore local culture and linguistics. Besides preservation and promotion of the unique linguistic taste of Pakistani culture and linguistics, this museum will provide an opportunity for the visitors to seek information about scripts, history, alphabetical information, folk tales and prominent literature of the regional languages of Pakistan, he added. He said that the museum is being established in the premises of PAL and the initial work on the project has been started. The funds for the project have been released and hopefully, the project will be completed by next year. He said that the academy has engaged linguists and literary experts from across the country for the project.

Housing & Works and ICCI for organizing such a wonderful housing expo.

Speaking at the occasion, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that many big players of the housing and construction sector are developing good housing projects and the purpose of organizing the Expo was to provide them a good platform to market their projects. He said that the Expo has also provided the people an excellent opportunity to see the housing products of latest trends that help them in building smart and energy efficient houses.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that the Expo has come up with very good recommendations during breakout sessions to provide shelter to all and hoped that the government would consider implementing them to provide affordable housing op-

tions to low-income people. He thanked the platinum, diamond and gold partners and all the exhibitors for making the Expo a successful event.

He also thanked the Ministry of Housing & Works for partnering with ICCI to organize the 1st International Housing Expo in these

tough economic conditions.

Secretary Ministry of Housing & Works, Iftikhar Ali Shallwani said that organizing the 1st International Housing Expo in the current difficult economic times was a great challenge and thanked ICCI for joining hands to make it a successful venture. He said that the housing

15 die, 1,098 injured 1,088 road crashes across Punjab

Whereas, 513 minor injured victims were treated at the incident site by Rescue Medical Teams thus reducing the burden of Hospitals.

The majority (71%) involved Motorbikes, therefore effective enforcement of traffic laws and lane discipline are essential to reduce this increasing the number of Road Traffic Crashes.

Further, the analysis showed that 563 drivers, 42 underage drivers, 130 pedestrians, and 420 passengers were among the victims of these road traffic crashes.

The statistics show that 243 RTCs were reported in Lahore which affected 235 persons placing the Provincial Capital at top of the list followed by 86 in Faisalabad with 88 victims and at third Multan 81 with 85 victims.

and construction industry has a vital role in the development of the economy and vowed that this Expo would be made an annual feature of the Ministry.

The first exclusive award was given to Ch. Abdul Rauf, Chairman, Fair Group.

From the platinum partners, the top five awards recipients included Grana.com, Gandhara City, Star World, Star Marketing, Fair Deal Marketing.

From diamond partners, the top five award recipients included Taj Residencia, Movida, KK Enterprises, Property Enclave and Crescent Lake Tower. From gold partners, the top five award recipients included AMS Group, Amar Builders, Gulberg Mall, R. Power, Chawla Aluminum. The awards were given to various other categories including exhibitors and universities.

State land worth Rs15m recovered on Punjab ombudsman’s intervention

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

As many as 15 persons died, whereas 1,098 were injured in 1,088 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) the Punjab Emergency Services responded in all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours.

According to Rescue 1122, out of the total injured persons, 585 people were seriously injured who were shifted to different hospitals.

The details further reveal that 1098 victims were affected by road traffic crashes including 908 males & 205 females, while the age group of the victims shows that 214 were under 18 years of age, 562 were between 18 and 40 years and rest of the 337 victims were reported above 40 years of age. According to the data 934 motorbikes, 60 auto-rickshaws, 126 motorcars, 30 vans, 09 passenger buses, 24 trucks and 109 other types of auto vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in aforesaid road traffic accidents.

CEO MEPCO seeks explanation from officials over poor performance during first quarter

MULTAN Staff RepoRt

Executive Officer (CEO) MEPCO, Engineer

Mahar Allah Yar Bharwana, has sought explanations from officials over poor performance during the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2022-23.

He warned that strict departmental action will be taken over nonsatisfactory answer from the officers of circles, divisions and sub-divisions with poor and ineffective performance and added that officers who didn’t achieve the targets will be punished as well as their promotions will be stopped.

CEO MEPCO expressed these views while addressing a meeting of Superintending Engineers through a video link at MEPCO headquarters here on Sunday.

He gave task to General Managers/Chief Engineers of Operation Circles to improve the performance of underperforming Circles, divisions and subdivisions and ordered to replace all distribution transformers running on two phases and damaged/burnt meters across the region by January 15, 2023.

He also directed to complete the upgradation of the distribution system projects by 31st January adding that distribution system was being prepared to ensure unin-

terrupted power supply with better voltages to the consumers during Ramadan and that any negligence will not be tolerated.

He directed all the Superintending Engineers of the region to send burnt and damaged distribution transformers to MEPCO’s reclamation workshops for repairing and to keep transformer trolleys ready to deal any emergency like situation.

On this occasion, General Manager Operation MEPCO Nasir Ayaz Gurmani, GM Customer Services Jam Gul Muhammad Zahid, GM Technical Zafar Iqbal Gill, Chief Engineer O&M Rana Muhammad Ayub Khan and other officials were also present.

On the direction of the Office of Punjab ombudsman, the Bhakkar administration has retrieved 17 residential units from illegal occupants in Chak No.36/ML of Kaloorkot tehsil. The market value of the retrieved eight kanal and 10 marla land is Rs2.9 million. In a statement issued on Sunday, a spokesman of the Office of the Ombudsman informed this action has been taken after investigating the illegal sale of 52 kanal and two marla land to various individuals by declaring it as a colony land without the permission of the competent authority. Meanwhile, the revenue department has also launched a departmental enquiry against field staff guilty of irregularities under the PEEDA Act, 2006, the spokesman added. As a result of a separate action taken on the application of one Ghulam Jafar of Jhang, which he submitted to the ombudsman office, the Jhang administration has recovered 31 kanal and three marlas of government pastureland in Chak No.461/JB of Jhang. The total market value of this land is Rs7.7 million, the spokesman noted. Alongside this, the spokesman said that a total of 8 kanal and 10 marla government lands have also been got vacated in Gujranwala, Vehari and Muzaffargarh districts having a total market value of Rs4.45 million.

Man suffers heart arrest over son’s kidnapping

HAfIzABAD Staff RepoRt

Man died of heart attack Sunday over his son’s kidnapping in Hafizabad. A government school principal Ahsan was kidnapped by unidentified persons in Hafizabad. As his his father came to know about the abduction of his son he couldn’t bear the trauma and died of a heart attack. Police have registered a case but the abducted school principal has not been recovered so far. The family of the school principal said that Ahsan has been kidnapped for ransom and the police are not doing any effort for his safe recovery. They requested Police IG to take notice of the incident. The abducted principal is the nephew of Kissan Board Pakistan’s central leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Hafizabad Vice Ameer Amaan Ullah.

Sindh Bahali March reaches Larkana after walking on foot for 100km

roads and embankments.

Sindh Bahali (Rehabilitation) March taken out by Awami Workers Party from Khairpur Nathan Shah on foot was warmly welcomed by the activists of various political and social welfare organizations here on Sunday which was led by Comrade Bakhshal Thalho, Comrade Zia Bhatti, Abida Noonari and others after walking for over 100 kilometers while holding red flags throughout.

While addressing the participants at Jinnah Bagh, these leaders said that the working people of Sindh, who were already suffering from devastating inflation, record unemploy-

ment and hunger, were over burdened with various diseases and poverty due to the floods.

They said that the government indifference also contributed to such a massive disaster which is highly condemned. They said that Sindh has neither rain nor river water these days. The truth is that on the right side of Sindh (Jacobabad, Qamber-Shahdad Kot, Dadu and Jamshoro districts) the water of Balochistan (whose Sindh government did not even touch it) and on the left side (Khairpur Mirs, Noushehro Feroze, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar and Badin districts) have been filled with encroachments and culverts on the old passage of the river.

They said that our rulers did not learn

anything from the mega floods of 2010 and 2011 and now the result is in front of us in 2022, when the federal and Sindh governments were practically lost in such a huge disaster. The state and the government of Sindh, if there is one, only take taxes to increase inflation, to loot the resources of the nation and to kill the resisting political workers.

They said we saw that in the first step, people were not evacuated from the flooded areas, people left their belongings somewhere and went out on their own to save themselves. On the other hand, there is no help for these flood-affected people in the government and private camps along the

In the government camps, it is not good if you get a Biryani in one of the government camps, but the government entirely failed to provide tents and mosquito nets to the people in other places. Malaria, dengue, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and skin diseases were brought out and there were no medicines.

Thousands of people died in floods and diseases, and millions of property were lost, but there was no relief goods by those who collect indirect taxes from them. The relief materials were either landed at the premises of landlords, elected representatives, elites or in a wealthy peoples warehouses which are still filled without

distribution among the needy.

They demanded to make public reports of SIDA, international institutes of mega floods of 2010 and 2011, judicial committee be formed to fix responsibility of 2022 floods and rain devastation and punishing them openly, make public relief goods received through international community, removal of all encroachment on Indus River, repair of embankments, retrieval of all Sindh government lands, end of all cuts and dams on Indus River, proper agriculture reforms policy and spent on environmentally friendly development projects, solar, wind and water sources should be emphasized instead of coal and oil.

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

LARKANA Staff RepoRt

Chief

Resignations and dissolutions

nATionAl Assembly speaker raja Pervaiz Ashraf has spilled the beans behind PTi chief imran Khan’s brand of politics by disclosing that he has been contacted by PTi MnAs who had resigned, but who told him that they had resigned under pressure, and that he should not accept their resignations. The scorched-earth brand of politics by Mr Khan, ever since he responded to the vote of noconfidence against him by mass resignations by PTi MnAs, seems to be coming unstuck. raja Pervaiz, while talking to the press on saturday, disclosed that those MnAs who had resigned had not yet vacated the Parliamentary lodges, and they still used their memberships to apply for foreign visas. Apart from the PTi’s problems with the MnAs’ resignations, the party’s MPAs in KP and Punjab do not seem to have responded enthusiastically to Mr Khan’s announcement that he would dissolve the Punjab and KP Assemblies.

While KP CM Mahmood Khan has laid the condition that Punjab CM Ch Pervez Elahi must advise dissolution first, the latter has hinted that there will be no dissolution till March. Mr Khan has tried two long Marches, a series of public rallies, and has even appealed to the establishment to intervene, so as to get early elections, all without success. now all that is left is for him, like samson, to pull all down upon him, no matter what the cost. The backchannel that seems to have developed between President Arif Alvi and Finance Minister ishaq Dar needs conversion into Mr Khan taking more ownership of talks, with his being ready to talk. That might require him to give up his narrative of his opponents being thieves and dacoits, but that remains the only possible, but not guaranteed, path to fresh elections.

Mr Khan should also realize that time is against him. The closer the date for elections at full term comes, the less sense will his demand for a premature dissolution make.Even his supporters may well feel that waiting a couple of months is an option. Mr Khan may find that he has even less time than he thinks, as the present government looks to passing the next Budget. if he does not get a dissolution very soon, he will find that he is not going to get one at all. The only path of an early dissolution is through talks, and that will only be possible if he gets off his high horse and talks to his opponents.

PrEsiDEnT Xi Jinping’s visit to saudi Arabia is aimed at deepening China’s decades-old relationship with the Gulf region. particularly saudi Arabia. The tour is an effort to secure oil, arms sales, and technology transfers. A complex relationship involving infrastructure projects is developing as well. According to Gedaliah Afterman, director of the Asia Policy Program at the Abba Eban institute for Diplomacy and international relations at reichman University in israel “When Gulf countries think about their future, they see China as their partner.” The common economic interests of China and saudi Arabia are clear: both the countries are each other’s largest trading partner. saudi Arabia is one of China’s largest oil suppliers while Chinese companies have deep ties with saudi Arabia to build mega projects, set up 5G infrastructure and develop military drones. regardless of Us President Joe Biden’s visit in mid-July to saudi Arabia to strengthen their mutual relations, President Xi’s visit to saudi Arabia is intended to advance the interests of both riyadh and Beijing. First, the Chinese leader’s expected visit to saudi Arabia on the occasion of Biden’s visit will boost saudi Arabia’s image as an emerging and important player in regional and global political affairs, as well as a beneficiary of global alignment. it will help to stabilize and strengthen its ties with the saudis and it will also help enhance its “strategic policy” in the Gulf region.

China is exploring new land routes that can re-

Saudi and Chinese flags flew in Riyadh

duce reliance on access to sea lanes by road and rail through the Belt and road initiative. on the economic front, bilateral trade between China and saudi Arabia has been expanding rapidly in recent years, currently running at an annual rate of about $70 billion. Beyond its traditional exports of telecommunications and other electronics, China is looking for growth opportunities in other fields, particularly in defense, which has traditionally been dominated by the UsA and its allies.

on the other hand, saudi exports are based almost entirely on oil and oil products. But those volumes for China have declined in recent months as the Chinese have taken advantage of heavy discounts on russian petroleum, which have made Moscow the biggest supplier to Beijing. The saudis will certainly want to explore opportunities to regain Chinese market share, especially in the face of increasingly gloomy and unfavorable forecasts of the coming global economic downturn. while cash-rich Chinese investors are eyeing saudi Arabia for investment, and saudi Chinese industrialists are seen as future partners for the Gulf states’ aggressive economic diversification programme. The mega city project is the largest project of the Vision 2030 strategy in the north-west of the country

The approximately 26,500 square kilometer city, once completed in 2025, is expected to become the largest city fully managed by artificial intelligence. All transportation will be autonomous, and electricity will come from renewable energies. The plan, unveiled in october 2017, reflects Mohammed bin salman’s ambitions to transform his country and diversify the saudi economy by promoting new activities.

The city will become an important hub for the entire Middle East. Under this project, there is also a plan to build a bridge between Egypt and neom. in March 2018, Egypt and saudi Arabia launched a $10 billion joint fund to finance the Egyptian border re-

gion of neom. The project will also benefit Jordan. Mohammed bin salman has visited China to try to attract Chinese investors to his modern city project and entice Chinese high-tech leaders to develop projects in neom. The project is estimated at $500 billion and it can only be achieved if the international community, including China, supports it. The participation of Chinese companies is very important for the development of neom so that the new city can attract goods, capital and people, and be fully integrated with the flow.

As a result, neom could be an integral part of the Bri. iMF experts have also pointed out that the new city of neom could be a laboratory for cutting-edge innovations for high-tech companies, and especially Chinese companies can work there.

Despite Choma’s economic ties to saudi Arabia, Chinese officials appear relatively uninterested in adopting the kind of strategic defense role that the UsA has played in the region. it would be “reasonable” to think that saudi Arabia could replace the UsA with China today. China’s role is still growing in the Persian Gulf. it is disappointing for saudi Arabia when it sees America’s strategic power diminishing for political reasons. The policymakers have to think about the UsA’s threats to withdraw from the region or realign relations with the regional states and a postUs Middle East, or world order, might look like.

Nizami Editor

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

Despite Choma’s economic ties to Saudi Arabia, Chinese officials appear relatively uninterested in adopting the kind of strategic defense role that the USA has played in the region. It would be “reasonable” to think that Saudi Arabia could replace the USA with China today. China’s role is still growing in the Persian Gulf. It is disappointing for Saudi Arabia when it sees America’s strategic power diminishing for political reasons.

Managing our prisons

it is a fact that due to the overcrowded inmate population in Pakistani prisons, a number of problems are arising.some of the most important challenges are congestion in barracks, poor diet and health care management, unhygienic and poor sanitation security and administrative issues. Furthermore, in prisons, individuals face a loss of self-worth, loneliness, high levels of uncertainty and fear, and idleness for a long period of time. Being sentenced to imprisonment can be traumatic. it can further lead to mental health disorders and can create difficulty in rejoining society.

saudi Arabia’s official news agency says tens of billions of dollars’ worth of deals are expected to be signed at the summit, and they were. Washington will be watching closely to see if any of them touch on more sensitive areas such as defense or nuclear energy.

Us Under secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Cahill has stated during a briefing in Bahrain that “across certain lines, if they are deeply engaged with China in terms of military infrastructure and military equipment, it’s more likely to work with us.” Consequently it will be difficult. “The more intertwined their military and intelligence systems are with Beijing, the more direct the challenge is to Us forces in the region because the geopolitical landscape of the region is changing.

The writer can be reached at akramzaheer86@yahoo.com

Prison management is a key pillar of the criminal justice system of any country. Efficacy of the criminal justice system is linked with effective prison governance. Crime prevention is a holistic project which involves what we call the correctional process. Efficient prison management is the cornerstone of that correctional process. The prison system of Pakistan is perceived to be overcrowded. According to World Prison Brief 2021, Pakistan has the 38th largest prison population in the world. There are 85,670 prisoners including pre-trial detainees, and remand prisoners. Pakistani prisons have seen a meteoric rise in inmates’ population from 78,938 in 2000 to 8,5670 in 2022.

in order to improve the conditions of prisons, recently, the government of Punjab has taken a commendable step to appoint Malik Mubashar Ahmad as an inspector General of Prisons Punjab. Malik Mubashar Ahmed has a vast experience of serving the people in a remarkable way. He is a proponent of the modern philosophy of prisons which focuses on the rehabilitation of criminals. Furthermore, after assuming charge he has taken several steps to reform the prisons system of Punjab. He issued a circular order for enhancing the respect of teachers. if any teachers visit any prison across the Punjab, the prison management would deal with him in an honourable way.

similarly, special attention has been paid by the iG Prisons to the education of prisoners. in prisons of Punjab, the teachings of Quran and modern education are being provided in a meticulous manner. TheiG Prisons has also come to an agreement with TEVTA to inculcate useful skills in prisoners.

There are separate ways established for the elders and women in prison to facilitate them during their visit to prison. Moreover, for the provision of health facilities to prisoners, there are 729 free health medical camps set up in prisons. Additionally, to save the prisoners from the winter season, 101,872 blankets have been provided

to prisoners. Palpably, medical officers have been entrusted with the responsibility to monitor the quality of food. The iG Prisons clearly issued directions to all the officers of the Prison Department that there will be zero tolerance policy for discriminatory behavior against prisoners.

The United nations office on Drugs and Crime (UnoDC) held a conference to develop cooperation among the various actors working in the prison system of Pakistan. Pakistani prisons are massively overcrowded, adding to the challenges.Furthermore, prison security, staff capacity building, development of prison registry software, as well as the need to change outdated legislation and rules were also discussed during this conference.

The judiciary should play its due role in containing the pendency of the cases. In the superior courts, there are 51,581 cases pending. Similarly, the numbers of pending cases in subordinate courts is about 2.6 million

to education but also the betterment of the country. needless to say, the judiciary should play its due role in containing the pendency of the cases. in the superior courts, there are 51,581 cases pending. similarly, the numbers of pending cases in subordinate courts is about 2.6 million. The media and civil society should play its vibrant role to educate and reform the prisoners. There is a dire need of trained-staff for reviving the self-esteem of the prisoners. rehabilitation of criminals is the need of hour and jam-packed prisons must be improved. The overcrowding of prisons can only be controlled by having more parole and probation officers. it is hoped that the government would take certain steps to consolidate the prison system of Pakistan.

Currently, some educational institutions like Allama iqbal open University are providing prisoners with education. not only will this ensure their fundamental right

The writer is a lawyer, and can be reached atsajjadnekokara786@yahoo.com

PTI chief Imran Khan will do anything, but not talk to the government

SajjaD

huSSain nekokara

Dr MuhaMMaD akraM Zaheer

Both countries prepare for the USA to wind down in the world

Yousaf

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

Fake News and Media ethics

online portal after three and half years but you can find this story at hundreds of different places in online newspapers that carried the story from The Daily Mail when it was published. David rose’s article was used by opponents of the sharif family as “base material” for thousands of articles, YouTube discussions, and mainstream media Current Affairs programming for over three and half years. Former Prime Minister imran Khan and his party constructed an upsidedown pyramid of propaganda in which fabricated base material was used for producing thousands of news items by citing base material as a reference. now The Daily Mail has dropped this article from its website but hard copies of the story would remain a part of “reference material” in thousands of online and physical libraries the world over.

THE British media has been a role model for journalists of former colonies like south Asia. Following media ethics, impartial treatment of the story, and maintaining objectivity are the main ingredients for a journalist and people like me learned a lot from British media in the past. Alas the basic concept of cross-checking and avoiding the usage of adjectives in news items is no more important in the new kind of journalism we find today and British journalism is not an exception. in March 2019, BBC paid damages to former Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko for publishing an untrue report against him; generating a serious discussion that media ethics are being flouted excessively even by media outlets that have been role models in the past.

in July 2022, the BBC released a public apology to Prince Charles and his sons William and Harry over the 1995 BBC Princess Diana “Panorama” interview. The BBC took almost 27 years for this apology. According to the BBC, an independent investigation into the programme, conducted by lord Dyson, found that the BBC “fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark.” The damage that was done to victims for 27 years was legally washed away with just an apology from the BBC.

i do not question the credibility of BBC but i can fairly presume that the chances of manipulation of facts and ill motives behind the content we can find everywhere today is a new norm and practitioners as well as media users cannot ignore this reality.

A recent example is the apology of The Daily Mail for publishing an article by David rose in 2019 against former then Punjab Chief Minister (now Prime Minister) Mian shehbaz sharif.The headline of the article was “Did the family of Pakistani politician who has become the poster boy for British overseas aid STEAL funds meant for earthquake victims? in apology The Daily Mail stated that We are pleased to make this clear and apologise to Mr. sharif for this error’ i do not know whether the newspaper has called “error” for using “poster boy” and for using capital sTEAl in the headline or for the story in general. such an adjective-loaded headline was enough to raise the brows of readers. no doubt the story was dropped from the

imagine the apology of The Daily Mail came after three and half years in the post-november 29 scenarios when many of the characters of the alleged “Project imran” are no more on the scene and have faded away, at least for the time being. it took just 10 days in the postnovember 29 scenarios for The Daily Mail to tender the apology.

Many of us believe the terminology of “Fake news” is a child of 21st-century journalism but we know that Fake news was born the very first day newspapers started printing. We used to call it madeup, concocted, cooked, fabricated, and untrue news/facts. Top western newspapers and media outlets had allegedly been involved in using fake news to destabilize weak democracies in the Third World. However, the Western media, particularly the British media, always denies its alleged role in regime changes; nevertheless circumstantial evidence always proves that the soft power of media is being used wherever and whenever the wWstern world wants regime change.

Like many countries, Pakistan has been a victim of the soft power of the Western media but our colonial mindset accepts anything that is published in the Western media as a “Biblical statement”. If anybody ever contests fabricated material published in the Western media, his or her viewpoint is portrayed as a “conspiracy theory” by Western experts. You can find at least one story a week against China, North Korea, and Iran in leading North American and European media outlets.

The soft power of media sometimes is followed by the hard power of guns and we see this design in iraq, syria, Afghanistan, and libya.

interestingly the majority of Fake news always comes from governments and state institutions. The prime example can be found in hundreds of government statements published during PTi rule in Pakistan, the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) of iraq, the dirty bomb of Afghanistan, and the historical statement Bush Junior gave in october 2001 that “We have dismantled Taliban’s infrastructures”.

nowadays we have Fake news every day coming out from the russia-Ukraine conflict.

There is a saying that the first victim in war is truth. Today we find different kinds of wars around us; their natures are military wars, economic wars, political wars, social wars, and propaganda wars. The world has itself become a War Zone. like many countries, Pakistan has been a victim of the soft power of the Western media but our colonial mindset accepts anything that is published in the Western media as a “Biblical statement”. if anybody ever contests fabricated material published in the Western media, his or her viewpoint is portrayed as a “conspiracy theory” by Western experts. You can find at least one story a week against China, north Korea, and iran in leading north American and European media outlets. After establishing iran as the biggest threat to humanity and north Korea as a devil in the Far East, China is being painted as the new imperialism that would replace Democracy in countries under Chinese influence. The Western media mostly uses philosophical theories to create and fabricate new heroes and to discredit real national heroes by portraying them as villains and rogues. History testifies that crafting heroes and villains was the most popular job of poets, historians, and philosophers of the Greeks and the roman empire, but in our era that is done by media czars. The reputational approach is used to influence the collective memory of society and rhetoric is used to establish the claim. i believe anchorpersons sitting in revolving chairs in current affairs shows to play the same role Homer, Herodotus, Ptolemy, and Arrian of nicomedia had been playing in the past for artfully crafting heroes and villains.

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

Editor’s mail

Girls’ education

PAKisTAn is a clear example of a country that has been struggling to achieve gender equality in education. According to an estimate, about 13 million girls in Pakistan are out of school; this may be the total population of some countries.

only 68 per cent of girls aged 15-23 years can read and write, compared to 83pc of boys of the same age. Girls make up only 42pc of secondary school students, and only 10pc of them complete secondary education. in many regions of Pakistan, girls go to primary school, but they cannot pursue secondary education owing to the non-availability of secondary schools in their areas. Why is there a crisis in the domain of girls’ education in Pakistan? The answer is quite complicated. Historically, the girls have never been encouraged to seek education in south Asia, especially in Pakistan, due to cultural taboos and barriers.

Things have changed in the last two decades to some extent and people have started thinking more rationally. Many parents have begun to support their daughters for education. However, there are other issues to tackle. Unfortunately, girls living in rural areas face challenges in accessing educational facilities and in many cases they are victims of poverty. The challenges to girls’ education are not limited to rural areas, however, and metropolitan cities like lahore have no dearth of such challenges. Approximately 150,000 girls are out of school in lahore alone.

some of the main challenges that impede girls’ access to education are lack of hygiene facilities at schools, lack of transport, growing poverty, wrong perceptions, gender discrimination, early marriages, lack of educational infra-structure, absence of safe environment, and physical disabilities. Where education is available and accessible, the biggest challenge is that of the quality of education. The policymakers and relevant government bodies need to revisit the policies related to girls’ education.

There is a strong need for launching awareness initiatives on the matter, especially, but not exclusively, in rural areas. Better awareness is one way to curb the discrimination against girls’ education. The government needs to provide incentives to poor families in the form of financial assistance and monthly scholarships to send their girls to schools.

M FAHEEM ISLAMABAD

Timely diagnosis

AlTHoUGH breast cancer is not gender-specific, it has higher ratio in women than men. According to the World Health organisation (WHo), 17 people die every minute from cancer around the world, making it the second leading cause of death.

Cancer grows unnoticed till its symptoms appear. it can only be detected by screening tests, which can help in its identification before it spreads in the body. Unfortunately, Pakistan is experiencing high mortality rate due to low access to diagnosis and early screening. Many women die every day from breast cancer owing to the lack of awareness or due to the nature of introversion or shyness. According to relevant professionals, about 90,000 women are diagnosed in the country with invasive breast cancer every year, and half of them die due to late diagnosis. To deal with the high mortality of breast cancer, we need to focus on screening and early diagnosis which is possible only through public awareness. if it is detected and treated well in time, the affectees can survive. According to doctors, chances of survival are more than 90pc if the breast cancer is detected at an early stage. The earlier doctors detect it, the higher is the chance of its cure. in rural and backward areas, men can play a crucial role in the eradication of breast cancer by allowing their wives, sisters, mothers and aunts to go for proper physical examination. Every man should help them know about the disease. We should de-stigmatise it, and encourage breast examination. We can manage the menace if we break social and cultural taboos and encourage timely examination and screening. it is our ethical, social and religious responsibility to inform, motivate and encourage our women and to spread awareness about breast cancer.

MUHAMMAD AMIR PESHAWAR

Riba-free society

THis is with reference to the report “‘seismic shift’ to take interest out of banking sector” (nov 10) which referred to the pledge by the government to take interest out of the banking system, and the editorial ‘interest-free economy’ (nov 11) which raised a few pertinent questions. i have often wondered how the concept of riba applies in the age of fiat currency, which is inherently inflationary.

inflation transfers wealth from the creditor to the debtor if inflation happens to be higher than the nominal interest rate, which, to me, is complete opposite of the concept of riba. if inflation, let us say, is 20 per cent, and the nominal interest rate is 15pc in real terms, it is a negative interest rate. The decision of the Federal shariat Court (FsC), as i understand, assumes zero inflation, which hardly has any basis in today’s reality.

For example, if i borrow from someone today rs10,000 and pay him back only principal amount after five years, unless inflation has remained zero, my creditor would be in loss, while i, being the borrower, will get a free ride as the purchasing power of rs10,000 would be severely less in five years. Today, let us suppose, i can buy four goats for rs10,000, but after five years, i will be able to buy only one with that amount. Where has the value of the three remaining goats disappeared? That value has been consumed by me, the borrower. And who has lost it? The lender, of course. This is how inflation transfers wealth from the creditor to the debtor.

Many governments use it as tool to transfer wealth to themselves if their loan is denominated in local currency.

now, let us take a look at the above example from another angle. The lender, rather than giving me rs10,000, gives me four goats and asks me to pay him back four goats at the end of five years. With the increase in the price of a goat, i will end up spending rs40,000 to buy the four goats that i, the borrower, have to give back to the lender.

Apparently, i would be paying back my creditor four times the money, but in terms of value i would be returning the same amount.

riba is wrong, and there can be no doubt or debate on the matter. Period. Defining it in the age of fiat currency, however, is not as straightforward as many would like to believe. Bringing the inflation down to zero by replacing fiat currency with another mode of exchange that does not inflate or deflate is the key to keeping the definition intact.

SHAKEEL NIZAMANI ALBERTA, CANADA

a Letter from Prometheus agha iqrar haroon

The case of The Daily Mail

russIan resIlIenCe, us overConfIdenCe and ChInese Calm: the west versus the rest

it includes all the countries that do not automatically subscribe to the Global West’s views and narratives - or, at least, would prefer not to be forced to adopt them.

The Global Rest is something of a re-edition of the non-aligned Movement of the 1960s and ‘70s, except that back then, the world system had a bipolar configuration: Us versus UssR. The 21st-century situation is more kaleidoscopic; frequently, Russian and Chinese views are shared by the Global Rest, to say the least.

Much of the Global Rest is assessing the war in Ukraine differently. it deplored (not condemned) the Russian invasion at the Un General assembly. it also did not join western sanctions against Moscow. There is enough, then, to induce the two shores of the atlantic to review some of their assumptions.

acknowledged a miscalculation on Ukraine, and asserted that Moscow has taken a conscious decision to self-isolate as “Fortress Russia”, away from the Global West, for at least the next decade.

“w

E continue to rely on the United states for our security, but we would also like to have normal economic and trade relations with all other countries.” This is, in essence, the key message that anwar Gargash, senior adviser to Emirati leader Mohammed bin Zayed, conveyed during the recent abu Dhabi strategic Debate.

The debate is an annual strategic forum organised by the Emirates Policy Center. The latest edition had two main merits: highlighting the dynamics at play concerning a new global order that should replace, or at least integrate, the current Us-led one; and framing the debate away from the usual western intellectual terms of reference.

it was thus possible to discuss the war in Ukraine; the Us vision for the world; the roles of Europe, China and Middle Eastern countries; the geoeconomics of strategic competition focused on food and climate change; the geostrategy of energy transitions; and the race to hegemony in the digital sphere, with the contribution of experts from any continent.

The message conveyed by the host country perfectly encapsulated the ongoing dialectic of a new world order, which, oversimplifying, could be seen as a Global West versus Global Rest affair.

The first encompasses the western democracies aligned with the Us, and organised within the wellknown triad of the G7, nato and the EU. The second is a narrowed variation of the better-known Global south.

Petrodollar vs Petroyuan: Is ChIna set to overthrow us In oIl market?

COGNITIVE GAP: The Global West perceives the current moment as an inflection point in history, where democracies must be mobilised to resist the assault of autocracies, with Russia and China playing the role of the main villains. There is a frantic attempt to align as many countries as possible behind a policy that aims to isolate the first and compete with, and/or restrain, the second. This policy, so far, has been unsuccessful.

The Global Rest fears military escalation in Ukraine and Taiwan, along with the widespread economic consequences of these tensions that could compromise global growth, especially after the heavy disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This attitude is not built upon hostility towards the Global West, but simply upon a desire not to be sucked into what appears to be an increasingly uncontrolled spiral.

From the Global Rest’s perspective, the Global West does not wish to give up its centuries-old primacy, making it highly skeptical towards a multipolar world order. For its part, the Global West still struggles to understand (or to accept) the Global Rest’s position. This might be an innocent cognitive gap, but it could have a severe impact on global power dynamics.

Firstly, it can no longer be taken for granted that most of what the Global West perceives as problems or challenges should be shared as such by the Global Rest. For six decades, the disentanglement of many asian and african countries from western colonialism remained conditioned by an attitude that still assessed the world through western intellectual prisms. no more.

secondly, there is no doubt that human rights protections and respect for international law must be top global priorities. Yet, a large part of the Global Rest views the first issue as a topic weaponised by western states for specific political interests, and the second as a vivid example of how often the Global West shows a gap between its principles and practices.

Thirdly, Global West financial domination is perceived with increasing resentment. The repeated preference to weaponise the dollar and shut certain countries out of the global financial circuit are considered unfair. alternatives to the western-controlled swift system for financial transactions, and to the Us dollar for trade exchanges, are being considered. While these attempts are still embryonic, and it is far from certain that they will succeed, they signal a widespread and increasing uneasiness. it could be easy to conclude that such positions conceal a lack of empathy towards the Ukrainian people’s suffering, embarrassing human rights records at home, egoism, indifference, or a general anti-americanism or anti-westernism. such a conclusion would be wrong.

MENTAL LIBERATION: The Global Rest wants to maintain good relations with every nation. it does not like to be embroiled in confrontations, and above all, it wishes to shrug off what it sees as western intellectual domination over international politics. This juncture in history is also a sort of liberation from a mental cage. The latest abu Dhabi strategic Debate reflected this mood, as well as Russian resilience, american overconfidence, Chinese calm, European bewilderment, and, above all, an alleged miscalculation on energy transitions. scholars considered to be close to President Vladimir Putin emphasised Russia’s resilience, but also

american panellists were visibly relieved by the Us midterm election results, showing renewed confidence. The widely anticipated red wave did not materialise, and thus, the message followed that Us foreign policy should not change. One panellist proudly confirmed that unipolarity and exceptionalism would continue to be the polar stars of Washington’s foreign policy.

European panellists represented the hard dilemma between the heavy economic pain imposed by the consequences of sanctions against Russia, and the necessity to honour Euro-atlantic shared values, which requires punishing Moscow and supporting Kyiv. This dilemma is charging a huge price to the European economy.

Chinese experts, meanwhile, showed calm and confidence. They gave the clear impression that time was on their side, considering the country’s sheer numbers with regards to the world economy and its relative supply chains, not to mention military improvements.

The most worrisome message, however, came from some energy experts, who maintained that the energy crisis started a year before the war in Ukraine and has been fuelled by hasty policies to accelerate the green transition. De-investing excessively from fossil fuels will create a gap that renewable energies cannot promptly fill. The war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia further complicate this crisis, and the cap on oil prices will only exacerbate that.

The sad conclusion is that Putin’s reckless move has delayed Europe’s energy transition for years - and that oil and gas, at least for a while, will continue to accompany the birth pangs of a new world order.

Marco Carnelos is a former Italian diplomat. He has been assigned to Somalia, Australia and the United Nations. He served in the foreign policy staff of three Italian prime ministers between 1995 and 2011.

the us is a rogue state leading the world towards ecological collapse

Through its undemocratic dominance of global governance, the Us makes the rules, to a greater extent than any other state. it also does more than any other to prevent both their implementation and their enforcement. its refusal to ratify treaties such as the convention on biological diversity provides other nations with a permanent excuse to participate in name only. Like all imperial powers, its hegemony is expressed in the assertion of its right not to care.

themes, spreading ever more extreme conspiracy fictions, which might have helped to fuel an escalation of violence.

Tehran Times Ebrahim Fallahi

China’s President Xi Jinping has called on arab leaders to use yuan in their oil and gas trades with the country, a move that would support Beijing’s goal to establish its currency internationally and end the U.s. dominance in the global energy market. Xi made the remarks on Friday in Riyadh where Crown Prince Mohammed bin salman hosted two arab summits with the Chinese leader to make a new milestone in China-arab relations. as the world’s biggest oil exporter and consumer, saudi arabia and China both sent strong messages during Xi’s visit on “non-interference” at a time when Riyadh’s relationship with Washington has been tested over human rights, energy policy, and Russia. The shift from dollar to yuan is deemed necessary by both countries in light of the “increasing weaponization of the dollar-dominated financial system,” they said, hoping the move to inject certainty into bilateral trade and dent the U.s. dollar’s hegemony of the global oil market. any move by saudi arabia to ditch the dollar in its oil trade would be a seismic political move, which Riyadh had previously threatened in the face of possible U.s. legislation exposing OPEC members to antitrust lawsuits. as the world’s second-largest economy, China has been looking to grow its presence in West asia, and replacing the dollar in the global energy scene would be a great advantage for the asian giant in pursuing the mentioned agenda. in line with the country’s political discourse, China has also expanded energy ties with Russia and iran, as the country sees Russia as a major power with huge economic, defense, military, and technological potential and iran is also a large economically developed country, which has made huge progress in its defense industry. a possible coalition of East nations including iran, Russia, China, and saudi arabia would have harsh consequences for the West and especially for the U.s.

Guardian GEorGE monbiot

thERE are two extraordinary facts about the convention on biological diversity, whose members are meeting in Montreal now to discuss the global ecological crisis. The first is that, of the world’s 198 states, 196 are party to it. The second is the identity of those that aren’t. Take a guess. north Korea? Russia? Wrong. Both ratified the convention years ago. One is the holy see (the Vatican). The other is the United states of america.

This is one of several major international treaties the Us has refused to ratify. among the others are crucial instruments such as the Rome statute on international crimes, the treaties banning cluster bombs and landmines, the convention on discrimination against women, the Basel convention on hazardous waste, the convention on the law of the sea, the nuclear test ban treaty, the employment policy convention and the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. in some cases, it is one of only a small number to refuse: the others are generally either impoverished states with little administrative capacity or vicious dictatorships. it is the only independent nation on Earth not to ratify the convention on the rights of the child. Perhaps this is because it is the only nation to sentence children to life imprisonment without parole, among many other brutal policies. While others play by the rules, the most powerful nation refuses. if this country were a person, we’d call it a psychopath. as it is not a person, we should call it what it is: a rogue state.

The question that assails those who strive for a kinder world is always the same but endlessly surprising: how do we persuade others to care? The lack of interest in resolving our existential crises, expressed by the Us senate in particular, is not a passive exceptionalism. it is an active, proud and furious refusal to care about the lives of others. This refusal has become the motive force of the old-new politics now sweeping the world. it appears to be driving a deadly, self-reinforcing political cycle.

Take the nitrogen crisis in the netherlands. scientists there have been warning since the 1980s that the excessive release of nitrogen compounds – primarily by agriculture – exceed the land and water’s capacity to absorb them, killing rivers, polluting groundwater, damaging soil, wiping out wild plants and causing a severe but seldom-discussed air pollution crisis. But successive governments could not be persuaded to care. Their repeated failure to act on these warnings allowed the problem to mount until it reached catastrophic levels. in 2019, a ruling by the Dutch council of state that the pollution levels breached European law obliged the government to do suddenly what its predecessors had failed to do gradually: shut down some of the major sources of this pollution.

This has triggered a furious reaction from the industries most affected, primarily livestock farming. The farmers’ protests have, like the Ottawa truckers’ strike, now become a cause célèbre for the far right all over the world. Rightwing politicians claim that the nitrogen crisis is being used as a pretext to seize land from farmers, in whom, they claim, true Dutch identity is vested, and hand it to asylum seekers and other immigrants, at the behest of “globalist” forces such as the World Economic Forum. in other words, the issue has been co-opted by “great reset” and “great replacement” conspiracy theorists, who claim that there are deliberate policies to replace local, white people with “other cultures”. some Dutch farmers have now adopted these

These themes are a reworking of long-established tropes. The notion that farming represents a “rooted” and “authentic” national identity that must be defended from “cosmopolitan” and “alien” forces was a mainstay of European fascist thought in the first half of the 20th century. never mind that nitrogen fertilisers are now imported from Russia and livestock feed from the Us and Brazil, never mind that the model of intensive livestock farming is the same all over the world: Dutch meat, eggs and milk are promoted as “local” and sometimes even “sovereign”, and said to be threatened by the forces of “globalism”.

Thanks to such failures of care over many years, we now approach multiple drastic decision points, at which governments must either implement changes in months that should have happened over decades, or watch crucial components of civic life collapse, including the most important component of all: a habitable planet. in either case, it’s a cliff edge.

as we rush towards these precipices, we are likely to see an ever more violent refusal to care. For example, if we in the rich nations are to meet our twin duties of care and responsibility, we must be prepared to accept many more refugees, who will be driven from their homes by the climate and ecological breakdown caused disproportionately by our economies. But as this displacement crisis (that could be greater than any dispossession the world has ever seen) looms, it could trigger a new wave of reactive, far-right politics, furiously rejecting the obligations accumulated by our previous failures to act. in turn, a resurgence of far-right politics would cut off meaningful environmental action. in other words, we face the threat of a self-perpetuating escalation of collapse.

This is the spiral we must seek to break. With every missed opportunity – and the signs suggest that the Montreal summit might be another grave disappointment – the scope for gentle action diminishes and the rush towards drastic decisions accelerates. some of us have campaigned for years for soft landings. But that time has now passed. We are in the era of hard landings. We must counter the rise of indifference with an overt and conspicuous politics of care.

George Monbiot is a Guardian columnist.

middle easT eye marco carnElos

THE RECENT ABU DHABI SUMMIT CONFIRMS THE EMERGENCE OF A NEW WORLD ORDER, WITH MASSIVE GEOSTRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

IT CAN NO LONGER BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED THAT MOST OF WHAT THE GLOBAL WEST PERCEIVES AS PROBLEMS OR CHALLENGES ARE SHARED BY THE GLOBAL REST

A possible coalition of East nations including Iran, Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia would have harsh consequences for the West and especially for the US

Gardezi, Syngenta delegation discuss agriculture uplift

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Head of Business Stability, Asia Pacific Syngenta Company Chris Argent called on Punjab Minister of Agriculture Syed Hussain Jahania Gardezi here on Sunday and discussed various matters of mutual interest. Company Head of Business Stability and Crop Production Development Tausaful Haq, Regulatory Manager Faisal Bashir and Assistant Manager Business Stability and Communication Afzan Munir were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Hussain Jahania Gardezi appreciated Syngenta contribution in the provision of quality seed and crop protection products to the farmers of Punjab, which is giving farmers better price for their crops.

He added that the Punjab government has given a relief package to the flood-affected farmers of South Punjab from its own resources. Apart from the construction of their houses, the loss of crops has also been compensated. On the occasion, Chris Argent assured the provincial minister that their company will continue its efforts for availability of soil’s fertility and conducive environment for cultivation of major crops, which is yielding substantial results.

Non-custom paid goods worth Rs 9.8m seized at Khutti check-post

D.I.KHAN Staff RepoRt

The district police claimed to have recovered non-custom paid goods worth Rs 9.8 million at the Khutti check post in the limits of Dera Town Police Station. According to a police spokesman, the police team foiled a bid to smuggle non-custom paid items being smuggled to Islamabad from Balochistan in a container. The police stopped a container at the Khutti check post and during checking found non-custom paid products, including 200 sacks of dry milk, 29 sacks of almonds, 47 bundles of tyres, 87 bundles of small tyres, and 477 bundles of rope. The worth of these recovered goods was estimated as Rs 9.8 million. The container’s driver hailed from Quetta was also arrested. The recovered goods were handed over to the Customs authorities.

Bid to smuggle crystal meth foiled

KARACHI Staff RepoRt

The Anti-Narcotic Force (ANF) on Sunday foiled an attempt to smuggle crystal meth to Australia and London via a local carrier company located in Korangi. An ANF spokesperson told that the total weight of the parcels was 27 kg, and the drug was soaked into clothes. The parcels were booked for London and Australia. Anti-Narcotic Force has filed a case against the smuggler under the anti-narcotics act and started an investigation into the matter. Earlier on August 3, the ANF seized three kg of crystal ice from an Afghan national at the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman. The Anti-Narcotic Force during a routine checking at the Pak-Afghan border recovered three kg of crystal ice from an Afghan national named Imaruddin. The accused was trying to smuggle narcotics to Pakistan from Afghanistan via the Chaman border, the Anti-Narcotic Force officials said. A case was registered against the Afghan national under the anti-narcotics act.

PaK-ChiNa SEZ CollaBoRatioN to BooSt PaKiStaN’S ECoNomy: SEZa ChiEF

ISLAMABAD INp

aT the critical moment when Pakistan’s economy is passing through an era of stagflation, SEZs are significant for shaping Pakistan’s new ‘industrial identity’, under which Pakistan is supposed to stand side by side with Chinese companies to embark on contemporary economic projects.

This was stated by SM Naveed, Chairman, Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) Punjab, in a interview with China Economic Net (CEN).

The global experience suggests that SEZs are an important source for diversification of the economy, reduction in regional disparities, clustering of economic activities for complementarity generation with local industries, skill development of local labour force, transfer of technology and dissemination of know-how, attraction of local and foreign direct investment especially in the under-privileged regions, he said.

The chairman added that nine SEZs under CPEC would be a life-time opportunity for Pakistani companies to collaborate with Chinese companies for the development of export-oriented

manufacturing sectors.

It will also enable firms to cluster and tap the benefits of external economies, and will thus provide an opportunity to put domestic industries on a higher learning curve.

He believes that SEZs under CPEC have the potential to enhance productivity, integrate Pakistan with global value chains and revive its manufacturing industry in the long run.

“The development of SEZs must be aimed at improving the overall busi-

ness climate in the country. This can be done through improved infrastructure and trade facilitation to attract investment from foreign and domestic firms in the zones.” he further mentioned, “it is also important to note that Pakistan has a weak legal regime, which is also a major hurdle to attract foreign investment in the country. In this regard, Pakistan can learn from China to strengthen its security legislation.”

Over the past few decades, China has experienced the largest economic

CPEC to take trade cooperation to optimal level: SCCI president

galleries of the center and expressed deep interest, especially in the gallery related to CPEC.

Muhammad Ishaq signed the friendship wall and also recorded his comments in the guest book. Speaking to the media, the SCCI President said the businessmen of the province have seen very difficult times, but if the provincial and federal governments provide facilities, the business community of Peshawar and KP would continue to play a positive role in the development of the country.

expansion of any country in history, largely as a result of its efforts to launch and develop SEZs.

“China has made an incredible triumph in establishing SEZs to achieve remarkable economic growth. It is worth mentioning that China employed 30 million workforce in SEZs that have brought down inequalities and alleviated poverty.” underscored S.M. Naveed.

China’s SEZs have grown rapidly in cultural, economic and trade terms. The products from the SEZs are mainly sold to foreign countries.

By improving and promoting their own economic conditions and preferential policies, they attract foreign investment to set up factories in China to produce those products. S.M. Naveed said that Pakistan should focus on cluster-based industrialization, which is a key factor in China’s progress.

Regarding the interaction between Pakistani and Chinese SEZs, the chairman concluded that they are contemplating arranging roadshows, conferences, and single-product exhibitions in China to impart firsthand knowledge about the special incentives given to SEZs in Punjab coupled with a peaceful and harmonious environment.

Furniture exports witnesses 93.61pc surge in first quarter

Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)

President Muhammad Ishaq has said that CPEC is an important agreement between Pakistan and China that would take bilateral trade and cooperation to the optimal level. Similarly, it will help the population of China and Pakistan to upgrade their lives by taking advantage of the project.

He expressed these views during his visit to China Window, a Chinese cultural and information center established in Peshawar. He visited various

Muhammad Ishaq said the CPEC would start a new era of development and prosperity in the country, but Chinese investors have to prioritize investments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Peshawar. He said that Peshawar is the gateway to Central Asia. He believes that Rashakai Economic Zone not only would provide employment to the local people but also help Pakistan get valuable foreign exchange through exports.

Muhammad Ishaq expected that a delegation of businessmen from Peshawar would soon meet Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong and invite him to visit the SCCI. He also expressed his belief that the China Window will play a positive and constructive role in strengthening the people-to-people contact between the two brotherly countries.

Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Mian Kashif Ashfaq Sunday said that furniture exports from the country during first three months of current financial year witnessed about 93.61 percent growth as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year. Talking to a delegation of women furniture designers and manufacturers led by Ms Nida Ejaz he said now the volume of furniture exports has touched the figure of US$ 5.386million compared to US$ 2.782 million in the same period of corresponding year. He said furniture industry had big potential to dominate global markets with innovative designs and could significantly contribute to exports. However, a package of incentives and facilitation was direly needed for further boosting exports, he added. He said if the government extended full support, the volume of furniture exports could touch the figure of $5 billion for the next five years. Speaking on the occasion, Ms Nida Ejaz hoped the furniture sector would grow and flourish in the days to come. He said the business community had pinned high hopes on government for firm commitment to providing all facilities to businessmen to enhance the volume of exports.

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Pakistan’s leading online marketplace Daraz and global card payment service Visa pooled their resources to provide relief goods to 4,000 flood-hit families.

According to Gwadar Pro on Sunday, the ecommerce company said that “Daraz and Visa leveraged their long-term partnership by actively participating in flood relief efforts in Pakistan”.

The two companies pooled their resources to assist flood victims through the Daraz platform.

As part of the collaboration, Visa allocated Rs 22 million to procure items from the Daraz marketplace. Daraz managed logistical operations to arrange items at the cost price from its seller network.

It handled the logistics quickly, ensuring that all procured items were gathered from respective warehouses and delivered on time, Daraz said.

In addition, Daraz worked with various human-

itarian organisations, leading flood relief drives across Pakistan to distribute these items to over 4,000 families, it said.

Daraz is owned by China’s Alibaba Group.

The company operates in a number of South Asian countries. Pakistan recently experienced severe flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains, which washed away villages and left millions in need of immediate life-saving assistance, as well as an increased risk of infections and drowning, Daraz said.

TEVTA, MG JW Automobile sign accord to reinforce local industry

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Muhammad Mamoon Jaffar Tarar, Chairperson of the Technical Educational and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and Zhang Jianmin, CEO of MG JW Automobile Pakistan Ltd signed a strategic cooperation agreement, which marks a new chapter in the development of Pakistan’s automotive industry and automotive professional training, Gwadar Pro reported on Sunday.

On the occasion, Tarar lauded and thanked MG for bringing new

high-tech products and new growth momentum to the Pakistani automotive industry.

He highlighted that the cooperation between the two parties would inevitably contribute greatly to the development of automotive technology, vocational training and employment in Punjab and the country as a whole.

Zhang said that the MG plant has been completed and has obtained the production qualification issued by the government, and will soon enter formal production, which requires a large number of

skilled workers.

He expressed his pleasure at reaching a strategic cooperation agreement with TEVTA at this juncture and receiving timely support in the recruitment of staff, which lays an important manpower foundation for the subsequent mass production of the plant.

“MG could use its expertise in the automotive sector, especially in electric vehicles, to help TEVTA develop new education and training courses in electric vehicles. It can be predicted that the cooperation between both sides will be a win-win

situation,” added Zhang.

With a century-long history, MG Automobile established a joint venture with local enterprise JW Group in September 2020 and started selling the HS CBU model in Pakistan in January 2021, becoming the market leader in the local market segment.

TEVTA is the largest vocational and technical education institution in Pakistan, with 450 training facilities and 150 permanent courses. The strategic cooperation between the two sides will inject fresh momentum into Pakistan’s automotive development.

PESHAWAR Staff RepoRt

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Daraz, Visa collaborate to provide relief goods to 4,000 flood-hit families

‘All Bets off’ if irAn gets nucleAr weAPon: sAuDi fM

RIYADH Agencies

sAUDIArabia’s foreign minister said on Sunday that Iran’s Gulf Arab neighbours would act to shore up their security if Tehran were to obtain nuclear weapons.

Indirect US-Iranian talks to salvage a 2015 nuclear pact between global powers and Iran, which Washington exited in 2018, stalled in September. The UN nuclear chief has voiced concern over a recent announcement by Tehran that it was boosting enrichment capacity.

“If Iran gets an operational nuclear weapon, all bets are off,” Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said in an on-stage interview at the World Policy Conference in Abu Dhabi when asked about such a scenario.

“We are in a very dangerous space in the region … you can expect that regional states will certainly look towards how they can ensure their own security.”

The nuclear talks have stalled with

Pioneering Black feminist Dorothy Pitman Hughes dies at 84

NEW YORK The AssociATed Press

She was 84.

Hughes died December 1 in Tampa, Florida, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, said Maurice Sconiers of the Sconiers Funeral Home in Columbus, Georgia. Her daughter, Delethia Ridley Malmsten, said the cause was old age.

Though they came to feminism from different places — Hughes from community activism and Steinem from journalism — the two forged a powerful speaking partnership in the early 1970s, touring the country at a time when feminism was seen as predominantly white and middle-class, a divide dating back to the origins of the American women’s movement. Steinem credited Hughes with helping her become comfortable speaking in public.

In one of the most famous images of the era, taken in October 1971, the two raised their right arms in the Black Power salute. The photo is now in the National Portrait Gallery. Hughes, her work always rooted in community activism, organised the first shelter for battered women in New York City and co-founded the New York City Agency for Child Development to broaden childcare services in the city. But she was perhaps best known for her work helping countless families through the community centre she established on Manhattan’s West Side, offering daycare, job training, advocacy training and much more.

“She took families off the street and gave them jobs,” Malmsten, her daughter, told The Associated Press on Sunday, reflecting on what she felt was her mother’s most important work.

Laura L. Lovett, whose biography of Hughes, “With Her Fist Raised,” came out last year, said in Ms. magazine (of which Pitman was a co-founder along with Steinem) that Hughes “defined herself as a feminist, but rooted her feminism in her experience and in more fundamental needs for safety, food, shelter and child care.”

cal” about the Iran nuclear deal, Prince Faisal said it supported efforts to revive the pact “on condition that it be a starting point, not an end point” for a stronger deal with Tehran.

Gulf Arab states have pressed for a stronger agreement that addresses their concerns about Iran’s missiles, drones programme and network of regional proxies. “The signs right now are not very positive, unfortunately,” Prince Faisal said.

“We hear from the Iranians that they have no interest in a nuclear weapons programme, it would be very comforting to be able to believe that. We need more assurance on that level.”

Iran says its nuclear technology is solely for civil purposes.

A senior Emirati official said on Saturday that there was an opportunity to revisit “the whole concept” of the nuclear pact given the current spotlight on Tehran’s weapons with Western states accusing Russia of using Iranian drones to attack targets in Ukraine. Iran and Russia deny the charges.

Erdogan tells Putin to ‘clear’ Kurdish forces from northern Syria

ISTANBUL Agencies

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Sunday that it was imperative the Kremlin “clear” Kurdish forces from northern Syria.

Erdogan has been threatening to launch a new incursion into northern Syria to push out Kurdish forces he blames for a November bomb blast that killed six people in Istanbul.

A 2019 agreement between Moscow and Ankara ended another offensive by setting up a 30kilometre (19-mile) “safe zone” to protect Turkey against cross-bor-

der attacks from Syrian territory.

Erdogan accuses Russia — a key player in the Syria conflict which backs President Bashar alAssad — of failing to follow through on the deal.

Erdogan told Putin in a phone call it was “important to clear the (Kurdish fighters) from the border to a depth of at least 30 kilometres,” his office said. Erdogan stated it was a “priority”, the Turkish presidency said.

Some of the Kurdish forces are stationed in areas under Russian military control.

Others have been fighting with the United States against jihadists from the Islamic State group. The Kremlin confirmed

the 2019 agreement was discussed in the call.

“The two countries’ defence and foreign services will maintain close contacts in this regard,” a Kremlin statement said. Both Moscow and Washington have been putting diplomatic pressure on Ankara not to launch a new ground campaign.

Turkey has been pummelling Kurdish positions near the border with artillery fire and drone strikes since November 20 in response to the bomb blast.

But it has not yet poured in any major forces to support ones it already has stationed in the area. Kurdish groups deny involvement in the Istanbul attack.

Russia drones smash power network in Ukraine’s Odesa

ODESA, UKRAINE Agencies

All non-critical infrastructure in the Ukrainian port of Odesa was without power after Russia used Iranian-made drones to hit two energy facilities, leaving 1.5 million people without power, officials said.

“The situation in the Odesa region is very difficult,” President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

“Unfortunately, the hits were critical, so it takes more than just

time to restore electricity … It doesn’t take hours, but a few days, unfortunately.” Since October, Moscow has been targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with large waves of missile and drone strikes.

Norway was sending $100 million to help restore Ukraine’s energy system, Zelenskiy said.

Serhiy Bratchuk, the spokesperson for Odesa’s regional administration, said electricity for the city’s population will be restored “in the coming days”, while complete

restoration of the networks may take two to three months.

Bratchuk said an earlier Facebook post by the region’s administration, advising some people to consider evacuating, was being investigated by Ukraine’s security services as “an element of the hybrid war” by Russia.

That post has since been deleted. “Not a single representative of the authorities in the region made any calls for the evacuation of the inhabitants of Odesa and the region,” Bratchuk said.

Afghan academic rebuilds life in italy; dreams of returning

ROME The AssociATed Press

Batool Haidari used to be a prominent professor of sexology at a Kabul university before the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. She taught mixed classes of male and female students, and helped patients struggling with gender identity issues.

Her husband owned a carpet factory, and together they did their best to provide a good education for their 18year-old son and two daughters aged 13 and eight. That comfortable life came to an abrupt halt on Aug. 15, 2021, when the former insurgents who adhere to a strict interpretation of Islam swept back into power following a costly two-decade U.S.-led campaign to remake the country. Haidari, 37, was among the many women who fled the Taliban, fearing a return to the practices of their previous rule in the late 1990s, including largely barring girls and women from education and work. She reached Rome at the end of 2021, after a daring escape through Pakistan aided by Italian volunteers who arranged for her and her family to be hosted in the Italian capital’s suburbs. She is among thousands of Afghani women seeking to maintain an active social role in the countries that have taken them in. Haidari and her husband are studying Italian while being financially supported by various associations. She keeps in touch with feminist organizations back home and tries to maintain contact with some of her patients via the internet.

“Being alive is already a form of resistance,” she said, adding that she wants her children to contribute to the future of Afghanistan, where she is sure her family will return one day.

“When my son passed the exam to access the faculty of Medicine at a university in Rome, for me it was good news,” she said, during a commute to her Italian classes in central Rome. “Because if I came to a European country, it was mainly for the future of my children.”

After they overran Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban initially promised to respect women’s and minorities’ rights. Instead, they gradually imposed a ban on girls’ education beyond sixth grade, kept women away from most fields of employment, and forced them to wear head-to-toe clothing in public.

Haidari tried to stay in Kabul with her family after the Taliban took over. She became an outspoken activist of the Afghanistan Women’s Political Participation Network to fight for women’s education, work and political involvement.

But the risks soon became too high. Haidari was not only an educated female activist, but also a member of the Hazara ethnic group.

The Hazara minority has been a frequent target of violence since the Taliban takeover. Most are Shi’ite Muslims, despised and targeted by Sunni militants like the Islamic State group, and discriminated against by many in the Sunni-majority country.

Haidari received death threats for her research on the sexual abuse of children in Afghan society, and in December 2021 decided to leave. She crossed to Pakistan with her family, and an Italian journalist, Maria Grazia Mazzola, helped her get on a plane from Pakistan to Italy.

“We heard that Taliban were shooting and searching houses very close to their hiding place,” Mazzola said. “We were frantically in touch with the Italian embassy in Pakistan, with confidential contacts in Afghanistan, and we decided together that they had to change their hiding place every three days.”

Activists warn a toothless UN nature pact will fail

MONTREAL

AfP

The world’s next global pact for nature is doomed without clear mechanisms for implementing targets, conservation groups said Saturday on the sidelines of UN talks, as hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Montreal demanding greater action.

Similar factors were widely blamed for the failure of the last 10-year biodiversity deal, adopted in 2010 in Aichi, Japan, which was unable to achieve nearly any of its objectives.

“Strong text that commits countries to review progress against global targets and ratchet up action over time is essential to hold govern-

ments accountable,” said Guido Broekhoven of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), adding he was “very worried” about the current state of negotiations on this point.

Implementation mechanisms are at the heart of the Paris agreement on the fight against global warming, in the form of “nationally determined contributions.”

However, the current text on biodiversity only “urges” countries to take into account the conclusions of a global review in four years’ time — without committing them to enhance action if the review finds targets aren’t on track.

“So what we have on the table is barely an encouragement to maybe do better,”

“And there is no compliance mechanism being discussed that could help organize this necessary conversation between governments, on how they could cooperate better.”

The UN meeting, called COP15, running from December 7 to 19, bringing together nearly 5,000 delegates from 193 countries to try to finalize “a pact of peace with nature,” with key goals to preserve Earth’s forests, oceans and species. On a freezing Saturday, people young and old, including a large contingent of Indigenous Canadians, braved the biting cold to make their voices heard in Canada’s second city.

Some wore costumes, dressed as birds, trees, and even caribou — an emblem of Canada’s boreal forests that are now threatened.

“The people are trying to speak, trying to say you can’t just talk, you have got to act,” said Sheila Laursen, part of the group Raging Grannies.

“Let’s not forget that… to protect biodiversity we need to protect Indigenous people first, Indigenous people are protecting biodiversity,” Helena Gualinga, who belongs to a tribe in the Ecuadoran Amazon.

‘Missing critical elements’

Saturday was supposed to be the last day for delegates to work on the implementation text, before their environment ministers ar-

rive on December 15 for the home stretch of the negotiations. Under pressure, an additional meeting day next week was approved.

“If biodiversity targets are the compass, implementation is the actual vessel to take us there,” Li Shuo of Greenpeace told AFP.

“The implementation negotiations are missing critical elements that will ensure countries to ramp up their action over time: this is like a bicycle without gears.”

“There has been some progress,” Juliette Landry, a researcher at French think tank IDDRI added, pointing out that the countries have for the first time adopted common planning and reporting templates, making crosscomparison possible.

Western powers accusing Iran of raising unreasonable demands and focus shifting to the Russia-Ukraine war as well as

domestic unrest in Iran over the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Though Riyadh remained “scepti-

Aleksandar Rankovic, of the US nonprofit Avaaz, told AFP.

Dorothy Pitman Hughes, a pioneering Black feminist, child welfare advocate and lifelong community activist who toured the country speaking with Gloria Steinem in the 1970s and appears with her in one of the most iconic photos of the second-wave feminist movement, has died.

Shakeel, haq help pakiStan fight back after england Set Stiff Second teSt target

MULTAN Staff RepoRt

SaudShakeel and Imamul Haq hit fighting half-centuries on Sunday to foil England’s seam and pace attack and set up an exciting finish to the second Test in Multan. Set a challenging 355 runs for victory, Pakistan ended the third day at 198-4, needing another 157 with two full days remaining.

With reverse swing helping the fast bowlers, England derailed Pakistan’s start of 66 without loss with three wickets for just 17 runs.

But Haq (60) and Shakeel (54 not out) led a remarkable 156-minute fightback during their stand of 108 for the fourth wicket before Jack Leach had the former caught at slip three overs before stumps.

Haq, who came in at number five instead of opening the innings following hamstring treatment, hit seven boundaries.

allrounder Faheem ashraf, promoted to number six, was three not out as Pakistan chased a series-levelling win after losing the first of three Tests by 74 runs in Rawalpindi.

no need to play defensive cricket, says Yousaf

MULTAN Staff RepoRt

Batting Coach Pakistan Cricket Team

England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick said he thought Haq’s wicket shifted the balance in his team’s favour.

“I think it was a really important wicket because with the partnership they put together they were building to a nice place,” he said.

“Hopefully we put ourselves in a position to win the game.” Still, Pakistan batting coach Mohammad Yousuf saw the balance at 50-50. “Players are confident that they can win this match,” he said.

Pakistan can take heart from the fact that their highest successful chase was

377 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele in 2015, and they beat the same opponents after being set 342 in Galle in July.

No team has ever successfully chased more than 314 in Pakistan, a target reached by the home team against australia in Karachi in 1994.

after Pakistan’s solid start, veteran pacer James anderson bowled Mohammad Rizwan with the fifth ball after lunch for 30, before Ollie Robinson dismissed skipper Babar azam for one. azam was left shell-shocked as he tried to leave a ball which came in

sharply to hit the stumps. It became 83-3 when Mark Wood bowled abdullah Shafique for 45 with a ball that reverse-swung to hit the stump and beat a forward push.

Earlier, spinner abrar ahmed took 11 wickets for 234 across the two innings — the second best by a bowler on debut for Pakistan, behind Mohammad Zahid’s 11130 against New Zealand in Rawalpindi 26 years ago.

Harry Brook top-scored with 108 in England’s 275 all out.

He smashed spinner Mohammad Nawaz for his 14th boundary to complete his second century of the series, having notched 153 runs in the first Test.

He also struck a six before being caught off spinner Zahid Mahmood, who took 3-52.

England resumed at 202-5 and added 73 runs before folding an hour before lunch.

Ben Stokes made 41 and added 101 for the sixth wicket with Brook before England lost their last five wickets for just 19 runs.

ahmed’s second innings figures were 4-120.

The final Test is in Karachi from december 17.

Virat Kohli surpasses Ricky Ponting with 72nd international century

CHITTAGONG agencieS

Muhammad Yousaf said that Pakistan playing the second inning brilliantly and no need to play defensively as two days were still remaining to finish the game with desired results.

Holding a press conference after the third-day game of the second test match between Pakistan and England at Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Muhammad Yousaf said that there were equal chances for winning for both teams in the current situation but the Pakistan squad was confident. He said test matches were always judgmental in which patience, body language and performance can be judged. He said that test cricket strategies depend on the situation as it changed after every session.

He said the partnership between Imam and Saud brought the visitor under pressure.

after the dismissal of Imam-ul-Haq, the match enters into equal chances of winning for both teams otherwise, Pakistan had a strong grip on the match, Yousaf said. The batting coach said that it was a good pitch that brought the match into a thrilling and decisive position. He said the pitch was not prepared to benefit the home side only otherwise the match would have had a different result.

Responding to a question, he said that the England team was more experienced than the host squad as Muhammad ali was playing his second test and Faheem ashraf also returned after a long time. He said that England bowlers doing well and bringing good results for their team. To another question, Yousaf said the team has not played defensive cricket and the batsmen have not missed any chance of boundary, adding that no need to play defensive as there were still two days remaining.

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli surpassed former australian captain Ricky Ponting in the list of batters with the most international centuries, courtesy of his magnificent 113 against Bangladesh in the third OdI.

Following his 85-ball century, Kohli joined a legendary list of batters with the most international centuries, led by India’s batting great Sachin Tendulkar (100), followed by Kohli (72*) and Ponting (71).

Kohli, who came out to bat when India were dealing with a de-

plorable start; losing their opener Shikhar dhawan at a mere score of five runs and turned things around with Ishan Kishan, who went on to score the fastest double century in men’s OdIs.

The former Indian captain put on an astounding 290-run partnership with Kishan, during which he also brought up his 44th OdI century.

Notably, Kohli’s 44th ton came after a prolonged drought of three years with his last hundred in 50 overs format was against West Indies in 2019.

Following his century, Kohli

also became the first batter to score thousand or more runs against Bangladesh in OdIs.

It is pertinent to mention that Kohli had a frustrating wait for his 71st international century as he failed to amass the feat for almost three years before finally breaking the drought against afghanistan in the recently-held ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

Meanwhile, Kishan’s double century and Kohli’s ton propelled India to hammer Bangladesh by a massive margin of 227 runs as the hosts bundled out for a mere 182 in response to India’s mammoth 409/8.

Australia complete West Indies sweep to close in on Test Championship final

ADELAIDE agencieS

australia have moved one step closer to cementing their spot at next year’s ICC World Test Championship final with a dominant 419-run victory over the West Indies in the second Test in adelaide on Sunday.

The World Test Championship pacesetters wrapped up the 2-0 series sweep late in the first session on the fourth day of the clash, with pacer Michael Neser completing proceedings by dismissing Marquino Mindley for a duck. It means australia moves further ahead at the head of the World Test Championship standings, with the aussies now boasting an impressive 75 percent winpercentage for the current period.

Pat Cummins’ side can increase their lead at the top

when they host South africa in a three-match series that commences in Brisbane later this week, before they embark on a difficult four-Test series in India during February and March that may decide which two teams qualify for next year’s final. Cummins himself missed the demolition in adelaide due to a quad injury, but is expected to recover in time to lead australia in the first Test against the Proteas that starts at the Gabba on Saturday.

Fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood is in doubt for the clash with his side strain, with Scott Boland and Neser both performing well against the West Indies and a chance to retain their place in australia’s XI.

The series was bitterly disappointing for the West Indies, who now slip out of the race for next year’s World Test Championship final as a result of the two disappointing losses.

8th benazir bhutto national tennis c’ship to begin today

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The 8th Benazir Bhutto Shaheed National Tennis Championship will roll into action at Islamabad Tennis Complex on Monday. Talking to media, chief organizer of the championship, Fazal-e-Subhan, said that all arrangements to hold the event had been finalized in the organizing committee meeting.

Senator Taj Haider, who is the chairman of the committee, chaired the meeting.

“The championship is taking place under the supervision of Islamabad Tennis Complex and in collaboration with Sindh Sports Board,” he said.

“around 300 men and women players will participate in 13 different categories, including Men Singles, Men doubles, Ladies Singles, Boys u18, Girls u18, Boys u14, Girls u14, Boys and Girls u12, Boys and Girls u10, Special Children, Senior doubles 45 plus, Senior doubles 60 plus and media open event,” he added. The draws of the championship have been opened in the draws committee under the championship of Kamran Khalil.

The qualifying rounds will be played on Monday, semi- finals will be held on december 17, while finals will take place on december 18.

as Mbappe takes back seat, old guard drives france on

DOHA ReuteRS

as Kylian Mbappe was being muzzled by the England defence, it was France’s old guard who took the defending champions through to the World Cup semi-finals in a nerve-racking 2-1 victory on Saturday. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, midfielder antoine Griezmann and striker Olivier Giroud were all influential in a thrilling match, playing their roles close to perfection to see off an England team who were left thinking they deserved better.

Lloris, identified as the weak link by British media, pulled off superb saves to deny his Tottenham Hotspur team mate Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham either side of the interval.

The 35-year-old Lloris was celebrating a record 143rd cap and just like in 2018, he showed he was reliable in the big moments. against one of the top midfields in the tournament, France needed Griezmann to find the right balance between defence and attack and the atletico Madrid player excelled.

His relentless harassment broke England’s fast transitions in the first half and his calm under pressure gave Les Bleus much-needed breathing space at times.

Griezmann capped his performance with two assists, the first for aurelien Tchouameni’s first-half thunderbolt, and the second for Giroud’s 78th-minute winner.

Griezmann has now set up 28 France goals, more than any other player, on his record 72nd consecutive appearance.The second goal came as Marc Thuram was about to replace Giroud, but he was left to jump into coach didier deschamps’s arms to celebrate his team mate’s winning header.

Giroud, who owes his place in the starting lineup to Karim Benzema being ruled out injured before the tournament, seized his chance, scoring four goals in Qatar after failing to manage a shot on target in Russia four years ago and being relegated to the bench at the European Championship.

Mbappe had stolen the limelight from him in France’s 3-1 win over Poland, adding a spectacular late double to Giroud’s opener, but on Saturday the 23-year-old happily took a back seat and was seen slapping his team mate’s face in sheer excitement after the decisive goal.

Ronaldo departs with World Cup dream in tatters

DOHA agencieS

Cristiano Ronaldo left the World Cup in tears, walking off down the tunnel with his dreams of winning the trophy in tatters.

Morocco earned a shock 1-0 quarter-final victory over Portugal, the north africans’ joy the stark opposite of Ronaldo’s misery.

The Portuguese forward, 37, may never have another chance to win the game’s biggest trophy, and his World Cup exit was especially bitter as he started the game as a substitute.

With another result Ronaldo might have celebrated levelling the all-time men’s international appearance record with his 196th Portugal cap, but his final minutes were desperate.

as soon as the final whistle blew, Ronaldo left, heading down the tunnel with tears streaming down his face, ignoring the Morocco players rushing to their fans to celebrate.

“If you take two people that are the most upset perhaps it was Cristiano Ronaldo and

myself,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.

“Of course we are upset, of course it affects us, that’s part of the game, that’s part of the job.” Ronaldo won Euro 2016 with his country, albeit being taken off injured during the win over France in the final and watching from the sidelines as Eder became his country’s hero.

The World Cup remained a dream for both Ronaldo and his country but they fell short against surprise package Morocco.

In a surprise decision, Ronaldo had been relegated to the bench against Switzerland as Portugal romped to a 6-1 victory in the last 16 and Santos maintained that plan.

However, shortly after half-time, with his team trailing to Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal, Santos threw on Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo, looking to their all-time leading scorer to bail them out.

Ronaldo struggled to get involved in the game, with Morocco swarming him whenever the ball was close.

The striker had only one sniff at goal, but Moroccan stopper Yassine Bounou got down quickly to deny him.

asked if he regretted starting with Ronaldo on the bench, the coach maintained he was content with his choice.

“I have no regrets, I think this was a team that played very well against Switzerland,” added Santos.

“Cristiano is a great player, he came in when I thought that was necessary, so no, I have no regrets.”

after picking himself up from World Cup disappointment, Ronaldo will have to decide his future in the game at club level.

The forward and Manchester united parted ways with a bitter divorce at the start of the tournament and Ronaldo is currently without a club.

That saga overshadowed Portugal’s start to the tournament, after Ronaldo gave an explosive interview in which he blasted his former employers and coach Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo netted a penalty in Portugal’s opening game of the tournament against Ghana to become the first player to score at five men’s World Cups.

against uruguay he thought he had scored again when he tried to head in a curling Bruno Fernandes ball, but the goal was awarded to his former united team-mate.

GovT likely To PromoTe blue-eyed offiCers To Grade 22 ‘soon’

pROfit REpORt shahzad paracha

THEfederal government is likely to soon promote its blue-eyed officers of grade 21 to grade 22. Sources said that a meeting of the high powered selection board (HPSB) will be held soon to consider the cases of officers of different cadres now working in grade 21 for their promotion to grade 22.

This will be the second HPSB in one year as prime minister had in May this year promoted to BS 22 several officers including SPM Dr Touqeer Shah, Secretary Finance Hamid Yaqoob Shiekh, Special Secretary Cabinet Division Aizaz Aslam Dar, Special Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Sara Saeed, Secretary Industries Imdad Bosal and others.

Sources said that HPSB is likely to consider Additional Secretary incharge Capt (R) Muhammad Mahmood, Additional Secretary Incharge Power Division Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Chairman NHA

Interestingly, the Establishment Division has yet to notify the promotions recommended by the Central Selection Board in its meeting held in August this year reportedly due to some reservations raised by the PM office.

However, the same PM office seems ready to hold HPSB meetings and to disregard such reservations, the reservations likely being the same arising from the same flawed and merit killing promotion system but the aspirant for promotion being a different grade 21 category and more influential officers for whom any similar reservations may not seem to count.

It is pertinent to mention here that CSB had recommended the promotion of approximately 400 officers of twelve occupational groups and many ex-cadre officers to grade 20 and 21 but the PM office is reportedly examining each case so recommended by CSB minutely and carefully and has reportedly found in the CSB’s recommendations many flaws and deficiencies which the PM office has rightly asked the CSB to review and rectify.

Interestingly, CSB’s promotion recom-

mendations under examination in PM office are alleged to be, as a whole, in contravention of rule 8-A of the Civil Servants (Appointment, Promotion and Transfer) Rules, 1973 which lays down three requirements for promotion of any officer to next higher grade including minimum length of service in the existing grade, merit in trainings and merit in departmental examination for promotions to be held by the FPSC.

Sources said that promotions without departmental examination are unlawful as rule 8-A leaves to Establishment Division no choice of not prescribing such departmental examination for promotions to BS 17 to 22 and instead leaving 30 marks which should be earned through performance in departmental examination in the hands of CSB to be awarded by CSB on the basis of no objective criteria but on the basis of their sweet will and arbitrary discretion.

Sources disclosed that some officers who feel that they have fallen victim to the well planned destruction of merit in promotions caused by giving unlawfully 30 marks in the hands of CSB, may soon approach the superior courts of the country to allege that 30 marks for promotion to the next higher

Absconding Suleman Shehbaz ends four-year exile

iSLAMABAD staff report

Suleman Shehbaz, one of the two sons of the prime minister, returned home Sunday after four years in London in self-imposed exile to face investigation in a money laundering case which began in 2018.

Shahbaz reached Islamabad early Sunday and then took a flight to his hometown of Lahore after meeting with his father, Shahbaz Sharif, at the prime minister’s residence, said Attaullah Tarar, a spokesman for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

The Twitter account of the party shared a video of the absconding son of the prime minister returning home and meeting Sharif deferentially before giving him a hug. Sharif is also seen putting a garland on his son in the video.

Since 2018, Shahbaz had been residing in the British capital with his family apparently to escape multiple corruption and financial em-

bezzlement investigations launched against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ahead of that year’s general elections.

He was declared proclaimed offender the following year after he refused to appear before the dirty money watchdog in the Rs16 billion scandal involving members of his family, including Sharif, despite repeated summons, and issued a nonbailable arrest warrant against him.

Following his designation as an offender, the watchdog agency made repeated attempts to bring him back but remained unsuccessful for one reason or the other.

Last week, Shahbaz’s lawyers obtained protective bail for him from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that will be in effect until Tuesday. It bars Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from arresting him until then so that he can surrender before the accountability court.

The reference mainly accused Sharif of being a beneficiary of assets held in the name of his family members and benamidars, who had

no sources to acquire such assets.

It said the members and benamidars of his family received fake foreign remittances of billions in their personal bank accounts. In addition to these remittances, the bureau said, billions of rupees were laundered by way of foreign pay orders, which were deposited in the personal bank accounts of Sharif’s two sons.

The reference further said the Sharif family failed to justify the sources of funds used for the acquisition of assets.

It said the suspects committed offences of corruption and corrupt practices as envisaged under the provisions of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, and money laundering as delineated in the AntiMoney Laundering Act, 2010.

The agency also asked the trial court to try the suspects and punish them under the law.

Sharif and his other son, Hamza Shahbaz, were acquitted of the charges by a court in October but Shahbaz could not be tried after he fled to London.

‘Political terrorist’ Imran symbol of country’s degradation: Marriyum

RAWALpiNDi staff report

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, while terming PTI chairman Imran Khan ‘a political terrorist’ said he was a symbol of the country’s degradation.

Addressing the Muslim LeagueNawaz workers’ convention here, the minister said all the allegations levelled by the ‘Toshakhana thief’ against the PML-N leadership proved wrong.

She said it was ironic that a person, who did not start a single development project while in power, was blaming those who brought investments worth billions of rupees to the country.

The minister said the Daily Mail’s apology to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was actually an apology to the 220 million people of Pakistan. Imran Khan, in animosity of Shehbaz Sharif, used David Rose to publish a baseless news story against the PM, she added.

She said that in 2016 when Nawaz Sharif was holding office, Pakistan’s GDP growth rate was 6.2

percent whereas inflation was only 2.3 percent. During Nawaz’s era, she added, the IMF programme was rolled back, CPEC projects were started, employment opportunities were provided to the youth, and 14,000 megawatts of electricity were added to the national grid.

The minister said at that time, a conspirator, incompetent, inefficient and ‘Toshkhana thief’ was waiting for the finger of the umpire and holding sit-ins.

She said Nawaz Sharif made the country a nuclear power but Imran Khan ruined the development process.

Marriyum said Nawaz Sharif, in his tenure, eradicated the scourge of terrorism, but when Imran Khan came to power, terrorism rose its head again.

She said ‘the Toshakhana thief’ alleged that the PML-N leadership was involved in money laundering, but he could not give any evidence in the courts of Pakistan and the United Kingdom. On the contrary, he himself was caught doing money laundering. Marriyum Aurangzeb asked when will Imran Khan give an

account of his theft?

Imran Khan made the country’s treasury a “retail shop” during his time, whereas Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was striving for the betterment of the people.

She congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal for emerging victorious in the court cases.

She said Hanif Abbasi was sentenced to 25-years imprisonment in Imran’s tenure but he stood firm and even now standing firm like a lion. Imran took false oaths and put a heroin case on Rana Sanaullah, who stood strong like a rock and still standing like a lion with Nawaz Sharif.

She said Imran embezzled the BRT money and abused the Chief Election Commissioner when it decided the case against him on merit.

He used to offer an extension to the army chief in closed rooms but campaigned against the martyrs outside.

Imran Khan, she said, appointed an incompetent and inefficient person as the chief minister of Punjab who damaged the province.

grade actually belong the objectively assessable performance in departmental examination but have been illegally left by the government at the discretion of CSB to promote cronyism and favouritism and to pick the officers of government’s liking for promotion and these 30 marks are therefore fatal to the objective of merit based promotions envisaged in section 9(2) of the Civil Servants Act, 1973 which envisages promotions on the basis of merit while 30 marks placed in the hands of CSB envisage promotions on the basis of discretion.

Sources said the reservations raised on the CSB’s recommendations for promotion to BS 20 and 21 and similar reservations which can be rightly and lawfully raised on the prospective high powered board recommendations for promotions to grade 22 are one and the same in kind and species. The promotion recommendations as such are not the root cause of miserable defeat of rule of law in Pakistan. The root cause is rather an open and continued contravention of the clear and unambiguous promotion law committed by both CSBs and HPSBs over the years which have fatally wounded and killed the merit in promotions.

Punjab cabinet slams centre for not signing Thal Canal agreement

LAHORE staff report

The Punjab Cabinet on Sunday slammed the federal government for not signing the Greater Thal Canal (GTC) agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) before the expiry of the deadline. Punjab CM Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi chaired the fifth provincial cabinet meeting in which the cabinet recorded a protest against the federal government. The Punjab government blamed the Centre for failing to secure loan for the next phase of the Greater Thal Canal (GTC) project before the deadline, hence the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has declined to extend the loan signing time. Addressing the cabinet Pervaiz Elahi bashed the federal government for its incompetence, which is costing the country one billion dollars in lost foreign exchange. The federal government demonstrated enmity toward the nation, Punjab, and economically destroying farmers. “If there was an agreement on the Greater Thal Canal (GTC), the farmers would have received water and would have been self-sufficient in wheat.” He further added.

Momin Agha, Chief Secretary Punjab Muhammad Abdullah Khan Sumbal, CS

Gilgat Baltistan Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Muhammad Mujtaba Piracha and others in HPSB meeting.