Epaper_22-12-15 ISB

PM vows to coMPlete $7b extended fund facility PrograMMe with iMf

g DIrECTS AuTHorITIES CoNCErNED To TAKE NECESSAry STEPS To CoNTroL FISCAL AND CurrENT ACCouNT DEFICIT

g STrESSES EFForTS To

INCrEASE

LoCAL ProDuCTIoN oF ENErgy To END DEPENDENCE oN ImPorTED FuEL

seas Pakistanis should be encouraged to send remittances through banking channels. regarding the energy sector, Shehbaz stressed that reforms should be implemented with “full attention and diligence”.

“reducing circular debt is a top priority. Along with increasing power generation, we also have to deal with circular debt. We have to make efforts to increase the local production of energy so that dependence on imported fuel can gradually end,” the press release quoted him as saying.

The prime minister said that the common man was burdened due to expensive imported fuel. “We have to relieve our people from these sufferings,” he added.

Pm Shehbaz instructed that a campaign should also be initiated to improve general attitudes towards energy saving, stressing that people needed to be informed that saving energy was a “national need at this time”.

The statement said that the meeting expressed concern about the state of the economy over the last four years, saying that it suffered the “worst disorder and destruction”.

ISLAMABAD staff report

PrImEminister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed the coalition government’s resolve to complete the current $7bn Extended Fund Facility programme with the International monetary Fund (ImF).

Pakistan entered a $6bn ImF programme in 2019, which was increased to $7bn earlier this year. The programme’s ninth review is currently pending with remote talks being held between ImF officials and the government for the release of $1.18bn.

Earlier on Wednesday, ImF resident representative for Pakistan Esther Perez ruiz told media that discussions between Islamabad and the international moneylender on the ninth review had been “productive” so far.

Addressing a high-level meeting in the Prime minster’s House regarding the overall economic situation, the premier reaffirmed the commitment towards completing the ImF programme.

“The ninth review of the ImF was discussed

while various measures to control the current account deficit were discussed. reiterating his determination to complete the ImF programme, the prime minister directed all concerned authorities to take necessary steps to control the fiscal and current account deficit,” a press release issued by the information ministry stated.

During the meeting, Pm Shehbaz said that the government would focus on all “necessary policy and administrative reforms” with respect to controlling the deficits as he reviewed the present economic situation in detail and deliberated on a number of areas.

The prime minister said that help and all possible facilities, including necessary facilities at ports, identification of new markets, and aid in importing raw materials and machinery, should be provided to exporters to support them in increasing their output

Focusing on IT exports, in particular, Pm Shehbaz said their volume could be increased to $5bn from the current $2bn by supporting entrepreneurs and new business start-ups and providing them with facilities.

The prime minister also stressed that over-

The meeting noted that gDP growth was 6.1 per cent when the previous government took over but “instead of improving the economic situation, poor governance and economic mismanagement made the economy stagnate.”

“The meeting stated that public debt was rs25 trillion in 2018, which has increased to rs44.5tr in 42 months by march 2022. Similarly, other economic indicators also found the present government in a very bad condition. The current government has managed the situation in very difficult circumstances and has given economic stability to the country,” the press release reads.

The meeting declared that due to the situation after the catastrophic floods, the process of economic recovery suffered a setback, but the incumbent government did not let economic difficulties hinder it in helping 33 million flood affectees.

“The determination was reiterated that despite the flood situation, just as the current government did not allow a shortage of food grains and other essential items in the country, in the same way, the country will be gradually brought out of the vortex of economic difficulties.”

Pm Shehbaz directed all ministries under the federal administration to save energy and control expenses by “adopting frugality”.

Imran says will give assemblies’ dissolution date in Liberty meeting

LAHORE staff report

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said Wednesday that he will announce date for the dissolution of the Punjab and KP assemblies in Lahore’s Liberty Chowk public meeting on –December 17.

“It’s is time to act as lengthy consultations have taken place and mere consultation can’t produce anything. I have completed consultations with the party and we have decided that in a gathering at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk, I will give my nation the date for the dissolution of the KP and Punjab assemblies,” PTI Chairman Imran Khan said in an address to the nation on Wednesday.

The dissolution of assemblies would pave the way for elections. The law says that as soon as assemblies are dissolved, elections should be held within 90 days. So on Dec 17, I will give the date and after that 70 per cent of the country will go into election,” Imran Khan elaborated.

“Logically, if elections are held in 70pc of the country […] then they might just hold general elections. But it is our misfortune that criminals are sitting [in the government] and they don’t care about the country,” he said.

Imran claimed that the government was waiting for “round three of looting the

KSA proposes new measures, asks for policy incentives for oil refinery setup in Pakistan

pROfIt REpORt

ahmad ahmadani

Saudi Arabia has proposed fresh measures for setting up a new refinery in the Hub area of the Balochistan province on Wednesday. It has also asked for policy incentives for the life of the proposed refinery.

According to sources, Saudi Arabia has proposed these measures to ensure the viability of the project, and along with policy incentives, it has also proposed third-party investment in critical infrastructure to reduce capex. They said that Pakistan has suggested 10 years for setting it up but no consensus has been reached so far and the ministry of Energy (moE) will soon revert on the incentives/measures proposed by Saudi Aramco. State-owned oil giant Pakistan State oil (PSo) in coordination with the Petroleum Division has

been preparing counter proposals/offers to address the concerns and requirements of the Saudi investors, added the sources.

It is pertinent to remember that a memorandum of understanding (mou) was signed between the government of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on February 17, 2019 for exploring investment opportunities in the refining and petrochemical sector. Soon after, a joint ministerial delegation visited Saudi Arabia during which a confidentiality agreement was signed between PSo and Saudi Aramco Aramco on April 23, 2019.

The project was stalled due to CoVID-19 but in February this year, negotiation with Saudi Arabia kicked off again, and a meeting was held on February 16, 2022 between the then finance minister Shaukat Fayaz Ahmed with Khalid A. Al-Falih, minister for Investment, KSA, Chairman Board of Investment (BoI) and Chief Executive officer

(CEo) National Companies Promotion Program, KSA. resumption of work on the project was decided on.

Later, PSo and Aramco exchanged letters to discuss feasibility and a virtual meeting was held on July 25 between the representatives of PSo, Aramco and the ministry of Energy of both sides, to work on improving the economics of the project, a plan which was then communicated formally to PSo.

Inside sources say, the Saudi-side is insistent on long-term commitment and assurances for measures as proposed in their August 1, 2022 letter. However, no consensus has been reached so far but Pakistan’s Energy ministry is supposed to respond soon with feedback.

A study that was conducted by HIS markit and reviewed in August 2019 shows that gasoline and diesel demand in Pakistan will reach 17.1 and 17.8 mmT per year by 2050. Consider-

ing the local production of these products, that is 2.6 and 5.8 mmT per year, a strong potential exists for a new fuel refinery. Effects of electric vehicles on total fuel demand will be minimal.

A pre-feasibility study of a new refinery was also carried out by Advisian. This was to evaluate a refinery project with a capacity of 200-400 kbpd (Thousand Barrels Per Day). A gasolineoriented refinery configuration was considered, one with a capacity of 320-385 kbpd of 100% Arab Light crude. The capital cost was estimated to be around $ 10.5 billion with the project’s post-tax Irr (internal rate of return) of 9.2-9.3 pc (using IPP prices). moreover, out of two refinery locations, Hub was selected based on close proximity to the demand centre, shorter crude import distance and established local infrastructure – all of which will contribute to a significant reduction in capex.

country” and was “in no mood for elections” due to the fear of losing. “Their interests and the nation’s interests are on opposing ends.”

Imran Khan said that he has received opinions from all party leaders. He added that he will not announce his decision as the time of consultation has concluded. Imran Khan announced that the assemblies will be dissolved in December. The session also discussed the legal aspects of the assemblies’ dissolution. Dr Babar Awan briefed the constitutional and legal grounds of the upcoming move. The PTI is likely to announce the same date for dissolving the KP and Punjab assemblies.

After chairing the session, Imran Khan made the announcement to unveil the date for dissolving the provincial assemblies in Punjab and KP on December 17. He said that PTI will organise a gathering at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk on December 17 in which he will make the announcement.

Elaborating on the future strategy, Khan said that around 125 PTI lawmakers will appear in the National Assembly (NA) to announce their resignations. In his address, Imran Khan said that concrete action is inevitable to avoid more losses. Slamming the acquittal of the top politicians in corruption cases, he said that cases against ‘big dacoits’ are being dissolved in a shameful manner.

Currently, there are five players operating in the oil refining sector in Pakistan; Pak-Arab refinery Limited (PArCo), Attock refinery Limited (ArL), National refinery Limited (NrL), Pakistan refinery Limited (PrL) and Cnergyico Pk Limited (CPL). All of the refineries are hydro-skimming refineries, except for PArCo which is a mild-conversion refinery.

Pakistan’s oil refining capacity is about 450,000 barrels per day (bpd), equivalent to 20 million tonnes per annum.

The product slate typically comprises of energy products such as Naphtha, motor gasoline (mS), High Speed Diesel (HSD), Furnace oil (Fo), Kerosene, Jet fuel (JP-1&JP-8), High-octane Blending Component (HoBC), Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPg), Light Diesel oil (LDo) and non-energy products. Historically, local refineries have supplied about 60% of the country’s requirements of Diesel, 30% of motor gasoline and 100% of Jet fuel for defense. The rest is imported as refined products. Pakistan has been importing significant volumes of petrochemicals, worth more than $ 2 billion annually, as there is no primary petrochemical production facility in Pakistan.

FLoods deteriorate PakistaNi 2022-23 growtH outLook: adB rePort

ISLAMABAD staff report

tHeAsian Development Bank (ADB), in its latest report, said that the Pakistani outlook for the fiscal year 2023 (ending 30 June 2023) has deteriorated under heavy flooding that began in mid-June this year.

According to Asian Development Outlook (Supplement December 2022), the economy was already struggling to regain macroeconomic and fiscal stability before the floods, which adversely affected cotton, rice, and other important crops.

As wheat is usually planted from midOctober, flood damage threatens the upcoming agricultural season as well, it adds.

Further, the flooding is expected to have spillover effects on the industry, notably textiles and food processing, and on services, in particular wholesale trade and transportation.

Flood disruption and damage are expected to slow real GDP growth in combination with a tight monetary stance, high inflation, and an unconducive global environment.

According to the report, the South Asian forecast for 2022 is maintained at 6.5

percent but revised down marginally for 2023 from 6.5 percent to 6.3 percent following a slowdown in Bangladesh and flooding in Pakistan.

In Bangladesh, recovery is hampered by external imbalances and unexpectedly high inflation while in Pakistan, floods that began in mid-June have dampened economic activity already affected by stabilization efforts to tackle sizable fiscal and external imbalances and double-digit inflation.

The 2022 forecast for Southeast Asia has been upgraded from 5.1 percent to 5.5 percent on robust consumption and tourism

recovery in Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, however, the 2023 forecast has been revised down to 4.7 percent as global demand weakens.

The inflation projection for South Asia has increased marginally for 2022 from 8.1 percent to 8.2 percent and more substantially for 2023 from 7.4 percent to 7.9 percent.

The sub-regional revision for 2023 largely reflects higher inflation forecasts for Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Inflation forecasts for elsewhere in the subregion in 2023 remain unchanged.

Former KP minister’s house comes under another grenade attack

staff report

Another hand grenade was hurled at the residence of former provincial minister and businessman Haji Mohammad Javed, Gulbahar police informed on Wednesday.

“This was the second attack of its kind on the house of the former minister in the last two days”, said an official of the capital city police. He said no casualty or damage was reported in the attack on Javed’s house, which is under construction in Gulbahar. Senior police officials visited the crime scene while the bomb disposal experts collected evidence from the spot, he added.

The Tablighi Jamaat’s senior member’s house was attacked with a grenade a couple of days back while no casualty or damage in that incident was reported. His house was also attacked many months ago.

It merits mention that in the last few months, a number of incidents occurred in which grenades were lobbed into houses, hujras and factories in Peshawar and other districts of the province. Not all, but most of the victims were those who had received calls for extortion on WhatsApp numbers from unknown groups.

After calls to a large number of industrialists, traders, politicians, contractors and other well-off people, houses are being attacked more frequently

for the past few months.

The police are on high alert across the province after the recent spike in attacks in areas, including Peshawar, southern districts, and the Mardan region.

On the last Sunday, provincial spokesperson of the Awami National Party (ANP) Samar Bilour said ANP’s provincial president Aimal Wali Khan had received a call about a plan of attack on his life. “Apart from Aimal, Sardar Hussain Babak and others have also received threats while the house of MPA Faisal Zeb was attacked twice in the last few weeks,” Bilour added.

In September, a hand grenade was thrown at former federal minister Shehryar Afridi’s house in Kohat, while PTI MPA

Aghaz Khan Gandapur’s residence was attacked by armed men in Dera Ismail Khan, leaving one policeman dead. Apart from the attack on the house of ANP MPA Faisal Zeb in Shangla, a grenade was also hurled at the house of party Senator Hidayatullah in Peshawar in July.

PTI MPA Malik Liaqat was also wounded in an attack on his vehicle in Lower Dir in August, while four others, including his brother and nephew, lost their lives in the attack.

Businessmen and political workers have been receiving extortion calls in the past few months. The majority of these incidents were not even reported to the police.

Imran making desperate attempts to get NRO: Marriyum

staff report

Hamza reaches London to meet Nawaz

LONDON staff report

Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reached London. During his tour, the former Punjab chief minister is due to hold meetings with Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. Hamza Shahbaz is expected to stay in London for a week and meet other leaders of the PML-N as well. Hamza’s London visit comes at a time when the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has threatened to dissolve the Punjab Assembly with PTI Chairman Imran Khan expected to announce a date for the dissolution of the provincial assemblies in the end of this month.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday said that Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s mayhem, whining, and shrieking were meant to get a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) like a concession to save his skin in the corruption cases.

“The people know what the two parties (PML-N and PPP) have done, and what the PTI has done for them and the country. It all has been fully exposed before the nation,” she said in a news statement while reacting to the PTI chief’s remarks.

The minister asked Imran Khan why he did not prove even a single allegation of corruption levelled by him against political opponents. “Why did he fail to produce evidence before the courts to justify his allegations?” she questioned.

Marriyum dared Imran Khan to tell

the people how he had pushed the country into the economic quagmire while looting the national exchequer with impunity. It was a question mark as to why he was in a hurry or so much worried (for election).

She said the PTI leader seemed to be ‘mentally disturbed’ as he was naming his opponents as thieves and also calling

upon his workers to strive for the ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ (real freedom). The real freedom would only be achieved when the country would get rid of the “conspiratorial Fitna”, she added “Old habits do not die so easily,” she said while referring to Imran Khan’s failure to decide the date for the dissolution of provincial assemblies.

NitB holds great importance for country, says aminul Haque

ISLAMABAD app

Federal Minister for Information and technology Syed Amin Ul Haque on Wednesday said that National Information Technology Board (NITB) had great importance for the country, stressing the need for more transparency in its affairs. Chairing the Board of Governors’ meeting of NITB, he said all the decisions should be taken on merit and no compromise would be made on transparency. He said the NITB had become an autonomous institution and now it was the responsibility of all CeOs to implement the proposals and recommendations of BoG. Following the footsteps of the federal cabinet, the meeting was conducted with the help of tablets which approved the formation of the executive Committee, HR & Administration Committee, Audit & Finance Committee, and Technical/Procurement Committees. The meeting also deliberated upon NITB rules, management, consultancy and other relevant matters. The NITB Board of Governors comprises of Additional Secretary MoITT, Secretary Finance, Secretary Science and Technology, Member IT, Director General Technical, Secretary NTISB, and CeO NITB.

Court orders bank accounts forensic of rs3.2b pension scam accused

An Accountability Court has ordered forensic of bank accounts of an accused in massive Rs3.2 billion pension scandal. Seventeen accused had filed petitions in court for forensic test of their bank accounts in the pension scandal. The court adjourned further hearing of the NAB reference until January 04. The court earlier ordered forensic test of the bank accounts of those accused who had submitted affidavits in this respect. “The accounts were opened in our name without our information,” accused pleaded. The TLTP learnt that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) told the court that accused Aamir Isran was arrested on his return from the United States. He was posted at the Planning and Development department. The accused has been allegedly involved in the pension scandal. The accused have allegedly inflicted 3.2 billion rupees losses to the national exchequer. In an investigation into alleged corruption, the accountability watchdog had traced nine more fake bank accounts used for embezzlement of pension funds by officials. Besides detecting the new fake bank accounts, the NAB had also traced the system for embezzlement of government funds worth billions through ‘fake pension (commutation) bills’.

Peace, tranquility in Malakand Division top priority: RPO

of proclaimed offenders and other accused were arrested and suspects interrogated.

Despite the fact challenges keep cropping up in different shape and magnitude, the police force always ready to tackle and come up to these challenge in a befitting manner. All out resources will be utilized to protect life, property and honor of the common in all districts of Malakand region.

“No efforts will be spared to ensure peace and tranquility in Malakand division and the police will never hesitate to render any sacrifice in this regard.”

Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan expressed the views while talking to the media here. The RPO informed that the police carried out several intelligence-based and search (IBOs), strike operations, snap checking, night patrolling and other operational activities across Malakand division whereas, a large number

Moreover, police have also seized a high number of illegal weapons, timber and drugs in various districts of the region.

According to RPO Sajjad Khan, the police in all districts of the division including: Swat, Bunir, Shangla, Dir Lower, Dir Upper, Chitral Upper, Chitral Lower and Bajaur, carried out successful operations wherein a total of 191 proclaim offenders(POs) have arrested, adding that as many as 1,621 suspects have also been interrogated during these operation. He informed the police seized 40 SMG guns, 19 rifles, 77 shotguns, 397 pistols and 7024 rounds during the campaign.

Moreover, 17 daggers, 101 magazines, 1.5kg of explosives, 87 safety fuses and 205 dynamite have also been recovered. About a crackdown on drug-peddlers, he said the

police had seized at least 183.697kg of hashish, 9.105kg opium, 5.148kg heroin, 2.68kg of ice and 312 liters of alcohol, besides around 269 timber logs were also confiscated. Moreover, police have recovered an amount worth Rs14,86000, snatched in various incidents.

About tourists facilitation, the RPO said police had been extending full cooperation for protection and facilitation of tourists at all tourism spots of the region, especially in Swat. The police, in this connection, performed their duty to facilitate tourists with full devotion during winter festivals, especially at Fizaghat and Malam Jabba areas.

RPO Sajjad Khan, while commenting regarding police performance, said that police force actions against anti-social elements, drug peddlers and perpetrators of social evils in the society would continue without any interruption and no one would

KARACHI staff report

PESHAWAR

SWAT syed shahabuddin

be allowed to take law into their hands. He added that all the DPOs have been directed to maintain law and order and take stern action without any delay against

proclaimed offenders, accused involved in other crimes, illegal weapons, land grabbers, drug dealers and elements involved in underplay and usurers.

ISLAMABAD

Coas aPPoiNtmeNt made witH Nawaz's CoNseNt, CLaims dar

ISLAMABAD staff report

FeDeRALMinister for Finance

Ishaq Dar on Tuesday said the process of appointment of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir went smooth and the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif okayed the nomination of Gen Asim Munir by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During an interview to a private news channel, he said government had plan B if president Dr Arif Alvi did not approve the summary.

Talking about Nawaz’s return to Pakistan, he said it was not possible to give an indication of his date of return, adding the PML-N and its allies were desirous to see him back.

Commenting on general elections, he said general elections would be held in October 2023 adding the constitution needed to be amended to conduct elections in time.

Speaking about cheap petrol deal

with Russia, he said the ban on buying cheap oil from Russia was revoked and the government would try its level best to buy oil at 30pc discount adding the price of petrol would not be increased.

He said the country needed $16 billion to put the economy back on track, adding the government was meeting the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He further said Saudi Arabia and China had assured financial support to Pakistan to help with economic challenges.

Ishaq Dar says he supports FBr’s track anD trace system: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Wednesday said the government is making efforts to revive the economy.

Speaking at the second Pakistan

Prosperity Forum in Islamabad today, Ishaq Dar said we have recently launched operations to check to smuggle of foreign currency and other commodities. The minister said he supports the FBR’s track and trace system.

Terming the tax collection history a big issue, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan facing problems due to a lack of stability in the economic policies.

Steps are being taken to boost exports of the country. There is no other way rather than increasing tax to the GDP rate.

The Finance Minister said during the last twenty-four hours our customs department arrested a person at the Chaman border who was trying to smuggle one hundred thousand dollars across the border.

Strongly criticizing the policies of the previous government, Ishaq Dar said there was an unbearable increase in the country’s debt during its tenure.

He again reiterated his resolve for the charter of the economy to steer the country out of the present crisis.

Cabinet regularise heated tobacco products

ISLAMABAD staff report

The Federal Cabinet on the request of the Ministry of Health has regularized heated tobacco products.

As per the details, the Federal Cabinet in the last meeting ratified the decisions of Cabinet Committee on legislative cases.

The CCLC on December 1, 2022 had approved five agenda items including the Ministry of Health summary with regard to approval of SRO on Heated Tobacco Products.

Meanwhile, the Anti- Tobacco activists have claimed that regularization

of heated tobacco products will put Pakistani children in grave danger.

Country Head Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Malik Imran Ahmed stated that this decision will play as a gateway to legalize other tobacco products such as ecigarettes and nicotine pouches.

This decision will also encourage more females and children between the ages of 13-15 to initiate tobacco use because of easy availability, in result it will cause more diseases and deaths.

About 170,000 people die annually because of tobacco-induced diseases in Pakistan.

Tobacco use has become a pandemic in Pakistan with over 31

million people consuming tobacco in some form. More Pakistani children will be exposed to tobacco and be hooked on if no steps are taken against this industry which is trying to destroy the future of our children.

Dr. Zia Uddin Islam country lead, Vital Strategies, expressed that modern forms of nicotine based products launched by tobacco industry are addictive and can cause long-term health hazards to young users.

These products attract the attention of children because of their vast online presence and promotion. He mentioned that the health burden has increased because of tobacco induced non-

communicable diseases and allowing modern products will only jack up national healthcare costs which is devastating for the economy.

Khalil Ahmed Dogar, Program Manager (SPARC), said that securing the health and future of Pakistani children should be the top priority for the government at times like these when our economy and health system is struggling.

Pakistan can learn from the example of New Zealand which has become the first country to implement an annually rising legal age of smoking. This longterm planning is required to ensure that our future generations remain protected from the harms of tobacco.

scene of horrifying arson attack: demolition of Baldia town factory begins

KARACHI staff report

The demolition of a factory building, the scene of horrifying arson attack on September 11, 2012, which claimed 264 lives of factory workers in Baldia Town, started on Wednesday. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had declared the factory building as dangerous after the fire incident and ordered its demolition. An anti-terrorism court in Karachi had awarded death sentence to two MQM accused Abdul Rehman alias Bhola and Zubair aka Charya in Baldia factory fire case. The anti-terrorism court, in its verdict, acquitted Muttahida Qaumi MovementPakistan (MQM-P) leader Rauf Siddiqui. The verdict was announced after eight years of the terrorism incident in 2020. Three gatekeepers of the factory, Fazal Mehmood, Arshad Mehmood, Ali Mohammad, and manager Shahrukh were handed life imprisonment for abetment. Former in-charge of MQM’s Karachi Tanzeemi Committee Hammad Siddiqui and Ali Hassan Qadri were declared proclaimed offenders in the case. The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) had earlier stated in its conclusive report that the Baldia Town factory inferno was an “act of terrorism”. The investigators had revealed in the 27-page report that the factory had been torched by assailants over non-payment of Rs200 million extortion. The death sentence of two convicts is yet to be implemented as their appeals against the conviction have been pending with the Sindh High Court. The factory building was handed over to the owners. The families of the victims have lamented that the factory owners didn’t help them despite promises.

sibbi-Harnai railway track to be completed by end of next month

ISLAMABAD staff report

Police quash cases against Pti senator in Larkana

LARKANA staff report

The Sindh police submitted its report before a local court stating that it has quashed all cases registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Azam Swati in Larkana division. The incarcerated PTI leader was arrested by the Sindh Police from Quetta on Saturday, and presented in front of a judicial magistrate in Qambar on Sunday. The court handed over Swati to police on three-day physical remand. During the proceedings, Abdul Rauf Korai, counsel for Swati, presented a report before Qambar judicial magistrate and civil judge Ali Bakhsh Mashori. The TLTP learnt that he informed the local court that police have withdrawn cases registered against his client in three districts of Larkana division. Korai said that Swati’s three-day physical remand has also expired but his client is still under the custody of Qambar police. earlier, Sindh High Court (SHC) barred the provincial police from arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Senator Azam Swati in cases registered against him. As per details, the divisional bench comprised of justice Adnan Karim and justice Mehmood A Khan heard the case. The Swati counsel said that there are several cases registered against the PTI senator in the same case which is also a violation of supreme court orders.

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Pakistan on Wednesday called upon the international community and the United Nations to hold India accountable for perpetrating terrorism in Pakistan with “undeniable and indisputable” evidence available.

Minister of State (MoS) for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar at a press briefing on the dossier regarding India’s involvement in terrorism in Pakistan said repeated terror incidents reflected India’s persistent hostility and the use of terrorist proxies against Pakistan.

Khar was referring to the evidence of India’s involvement in the Johar Town blast in Lahore last year, that killed three people and injured 24 others.

The MoS said no other country had used terrorism better than India that played the victim card despite being the “biggest perpetrator of terrorism”.

She mentioned that Pakistan had submitted the Lahore blast-specific dossier with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and would soon be sharing with the UN Secretary General, which she said was a “clear evidence of India’s planned and perpetrated attack against civilians’.

She said Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and added that India as the mastermind and facilitator of the incident remained at large. Khar said where perpetrators of terrorism were acting as victims of terrorism, she wished to talk about the economic development of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) rather than the “state-sponsored terrorism”.

She said India fits the definition of a rogue state and mentioned that the country had blocked the listing of four individuals at the UNSC.

“The more terrorism it [India] perpetrates, the more victim card it plays,” she said.

She said may it the Samjhota train incident or blatant support to Baloch militants, India’s objective was to undermine the peace and security of Pakistan.

She mentioned that 211 individuals of law enforcement agencies suffered the RAW-sponsored attacks including the attack on Chinese nationals, at PC hotel Gwadar, and Frontier Corps camp in Punjgur.

Contrary to India, she said, Pakistan always remained at the forefront of fighting terrorism.

To a question, she dismissed the step to be called as

the ‘dossier diplomacy’ and said with hard facts available about agents being caught red-handed, “I would call it an evidence-based intelligence sharing”.

Khar pointed out that India blatantly violated the human rights laws in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and continued to follow the rogue policies.

She stressed that India had “mastered” the art of using international organizations for its political gains.

To a question if she was denied meeting by a certain minister during her recent visit to Afghanistan, she dismissed such notion, saying that no such meeting was asked to be held from Pakistan side.

“I was very well received [in Kabul] and in the meetings, and we exactly achieved what we wanted to achieve,” he said.

Khar said she believed in “useful diplomacy without theatrics” where the focus was to protect the interests of Pakistan instead of mere countering the social media disinformation campaign.

She said on managing the border areas, Pakistan would never compromise on its red lines.

“We are in a process of engaging very deeply with all entities. Whether it is the security of diplomats or civilians, we have to make sure that such incident never happen again as we take it very strongly and seriously,” she said.

Asked if the Foreign Office continued previous policies of the government, she said the good steps were being pursued acknowledging that “some good work was done on Islamophobia”.

Pakistan Railways is likely to complete reconstruction and rehabilitation work on the strategic Sibbi-Harnai railway track by end of January 2023 with the help of National Logistics Cell (NLC). “The railway track was made dysfunctional after a series of bomb blasts damaged as many as 22 steel bridges in the highly rugged and inaccessible area,” sources in the Ministry of Railways told APP. They said the track was badly damaged in 2006 and so far about 95 percent of the reconstruction work of the project was completed and the remaining would be completed soon. The sources said that Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique had also taken a keen interest in the projects and directed the concerned official to complete the project at the earliest. They said 10 railways stations were rendered dysfunctional for lack of proper maintenance over a long period of time. In March 2016, they said that a contract for rehabilitation and restoration of the Sibbi-Harnai railway track along with the upgradation of railway stations was awarded to the NLC as no other construction firm agreed to undertake the project due to the prevalent security situation and enormity of the task. During the initial survey of the track, they said it was found that 22 steel bridges of different sizes were completely destroyed and required replacement. They said in addition, massive river protection work was to be undertaken to save the infrastructure. The quantum of work, non-availability of road access, and requisite resources made the project a formidable challenge. The sources said undertaking the project with the sincerity of purpose and utmost sense of duty, NLC officers, engineers, and construction workers faced harsh weather conditions and a hostile security environment, and subsequently completed 95% of the rehabilitation works in record time. The major task was the fabrication of steel bridges. The steel bridges were fabricated in Karachi and were transported all the way to the project site after being painstakingly assembled by NLC engineers in a befitting manner, they added. They said a total of nine railway stations along with tracks have been upgraded by NLC engineers including the reconstruction of Harnai Railway Station and a complete renovation of Sibbi Railways Station, which can be regarded as the finest railway station in Balochistan.

Pakistan asks int’l community, UN to hold India accountable as ‘terrorist state’

PM, GatEs rEitEratE Polio EraDiCation FroM Pakistan

ISLAMABAD Staff report

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated that the government remained committed to ending all forms of polio in the country.

The prime minister had a telephonic conversation with Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Bill Gates and discussed the ongoing public health and social sector programmes supported by BMGF in Pakistan, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. While expressing concern overreporting of new cases in 2022 after one year without any polio case, the prime minister noted that there had been a pause in polio cases since September 2022.

In light of the recent flooding which had adversely affected the ongoing polio vaccination efforts due to large-scale displacements and destruction of healthcare infrastructure, the prime minister reaffirmed that the government was actively implementing the special emergency response plan and would continue to adapt and find

Danish envoy vows to strengthen trade ties

SIALKOT Staff report

Danish Ambassador to Pakistan Jakob Linulf expressed his resolve to make sincere efforts for cementing mutual trade ties between Denmark and Pakistan. He stated this while addressing a meeting at Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) here on Wednesday. SCCI President Abdul Ghafoor Malik, Senior Vice President Wahub Jahangir, Vice President Amer Majeed Sheikh and local business community were present on the occasion. Addressing the meeting, he urged the Sialkot exporters to come forward and explore untapped international trade markets of Denmark with an aim to strengthen bilateral trade between Pakistan and Denmark. He assured of all possible assistance and said that businessmen would be facilitated. He said that bilateral trade and business relations among two countries should be further improved with the exchange of trade delegations. He said that farmers were producing high quality food items in Pakistan, therefore, collective efforts were needed to cope with the impacts of climate change. He evinced keen interest in SCCI’s documentary ‘Sialkot, the City of Progressive People’ which was screened during the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, SCCI President Abdul Ghafoor Malik said that Denmark, known as the land of free, happiest and smartest people of the world, emerged as the most stable economies in the world. He said the growth and sustainability of Denmark which was powered by one of the most robust employment generating SME sectors, a commonality that was found in the economy of Sialkot.

ECP turns down plea seeking Faryal’s disqualification

ISLAMABAD Staff report

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday turned down a petition seeking disqualification of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Faryal Talpur as a member of Sindh Assembly. The ECP announced the verdict, reserved on October 27 in a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) Sindh chapter leaders for PPP MPA Talpur disqualification. The PTI Sindh chapter leaders had moved the petition in the ECP, seeking disqualification of Talpur as a member of the provincial assembly over allegedly concealing her assets. The petitioners contended that the PPP leader should be disqualified under Article 62 of the Constitution as she failed to declare details of her assets before the ECP, which means she is no longer ‘Sadiq and Ameen’. Faryal Talpur owned property in Larkana and Shahdadkot, the petitioner stated, adding Talpur had been nominated in a case pertaining to billions of rupees corruption through fake bank accounts.

ways to reach out to children in these challenging times. He also appreciated the valuable support extended by the BMGF to Pakistan in polio eradication and improving immunisation, nutrition and financial inclusion in the country.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen the fruitful partnership with the Foundation in all the ongoing areas of cooperation.

Gates deeply regretted the loss of lives in the recent flooding in Pakistan. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and reiterated his Foundation’s continued support to Pakistan for ensuring that no child was at risk of paralysis due to poliovirus.

Various other government-led programmes supported by the BMGF aimed at addressing malnutrition and stunting, essential immunisation services, micropayment gateway RAAST, and digitization of the National Savings Programme were also discussed.The prime minister and Gates agreed to continue working together on the shared objectives and in the areas of mutual cooperation.

Sustainable, heat protecting houses to be build on RUDA’s land

LAHORE Staff report

A meeting with British construction and management companies Altair Management Company and Trellis Housing Finance limited on sustainable housing society took place at RUDA head office on Wednesday. According to the details, RUDA will provide 300 acres of land upon which sustainable, environment friendly housing society.

Executive Director Smart Cities Usman Naeem briefed about the RUDA projects like WWTP, W2E and River Training Works including different investment opportunities During the meeting, Trellis company Director Ms Emma Ahmad briefed about the Modern Method of Construction (MMC) that provides heat protecting houses using renewable energy.

“These houses are going to be suitable for middle and lower income public with renewable energy facilities like solar panels and water recycling mech-

anism,” said Emma. The CEO RUDA said, “We are focusing on providing people with affordable housing structures that comprises of 60% of our population.”

“People need to understand the Climate Change issues and how severely urbanisation is putting our lives

at risk. This MMC concept is going to be a massive change to our environment,” he added.

The meeting was chaired by CEO RUDA Imran Amin. Senior officials from RUDA and Altair, Trellis companies were also present during the meeting.

lHC orders closure of markets by 10pm due to smog

LAHORE Staff report

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday ordered the closure of all markets and restaurants in the provincial capital by 10 pm on weekdays as well as sealing any schools that opened on Fridays as part of measures to reduce smog. The order was announced by Justice Shahid Karim as the LHC took up public interest petitions on remedying the ongoing smog situation. Last week, the high court directed the provincial government to keep schools closed for three days a week in Lahore after an environmental emergency was imposed. During today’s hearing, the LHC stated that smog had reduced to some extent after the court orders. Justice Karim maintained that the implementation of the court orders had to be monitored. He furthered that schools that were not closed on Friday should be sealed and that the education department should strictly implement the court directives. The LHC ordered markets to remain open on Sundays from 2 pm to 10 pm and that restaurants would close at 11 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi imposed an environmental emergency in Lahore and other cities after declaring the smog a calamity. Along with the ban on burning crop residues across the province, the CM ordered the effective implementation of a plan prepared to reduce smog. According to an official statement, the chief minister said action should be taken to control the factors that cause smog. He said officers of the environment, transport and industries departments as well as district administration should be active in the field to implement the plan. He said failure to implement the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reduce smog would not be tolerated.

Pakistan to introduce China’s seed iD technology

ISLAMABAD Staff report

New skills required by students, teachers major educational challenge of century: Prof Dr Abbas

SARGODHA Staff report

The 3rd International Conference on Educational Sciences and Research (ICESR) 2022 began at the University of Sargodha (UoS) on Wednesday to highlight the prevailing issues in education and recommend workable solutions to lead towards a better future.

A two-day conference and symposium are being organized under the theme of “Transforming Education for Future: Practices and Projections” in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission Islamabad, Punjab Higher Education Commission, and ORIC and a continuation of the ventures put forth by Sargodha University to contribute to the national academia.

The conference is aimed at promoting research culture in Pakistan through sharing practices and projections to suggest quality of curricular offerings, research, innovations in teaching and learning as well as spreading awareness about transformation of education for future.

The event’s themes include assessment practices, creative and performing arts and craft, curriculum adaptation and innovation, early childhood care and education (ECCE), education for sustainable de-

velopment, culture & diversity financial and entrepreneurial education, global citizenship education, health education, leadership and management, learning for justice, life skills and languages.

The opening session was chaired by UoS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas while Dr HM Lalitha Kumari from Sri Lanka, former VC Dr Munawar Sultana Mirza, former VC Dr Riazul Haq Tariq, Deans, Directors, in-charges, faculty members and students were also present there.

Addressing the conference, Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas said that the major educational challenge of this century is the acquisition of new sets of skills required by students and teachers alike.

“To cope with this challenge, we need to take stock of the prevailing paradigms of learning in Pakistan. There is a need to reset educational goals for transformative education by bridging the gap between latest research and practices, instill commitment and inculcate values among teachers and students for establishing a sustainable society.

In addition to an inaugural and concluding session, around ten concurrent academic sessions were arranged in which scholars presented about 150 research papers with an attempt to generate a scholarly debate and a productive deliberation on revamping education

for a sustainable future.

Dr HM Lalitha Kumari expressed her views on enhancing the quality of teaching – learning through effective management practices: focusing on transforming education for the future. The main challenge is paucity of research and evidence-based decision making for successful quality design of teaching, learning and management, she said.

Dr Abigail Akande shared her thoughts about disability principles in post-secondary education. Socio-cultural and legislative changes can support post-secondary education and future employment endeavors of students with disability, she added.

Dr Munawar Sultana Mirza discussed the transformation of education from its core and stressed on equipping the higher level of cognitive skills such as reflecting and creativity; inter human skills such as collaboration, cooperation and interaction backed up with empathy, resilience and morality.

Dr Riazul Haq Tariq presented his study on ingredients of educational transformation and our readiness to reform. “Technology is becoming the best tool for transforming teaching and learning in the world. Online and digital learning have begun to change the way schools and our education system work” he said.

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) signed a letter of intent with Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Co., Ltd. this month on promoting MNP marker technology in Pakistan, a method to identify plant varieties, Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday. The method, developed by Jianghan University, China, can identify seed varieties at the molecular level and construct the DNA database of seeds, thus helping better protect owners’ Intellectual Property Right and reducing counterfeit and adulteration of seeds. According to Mr. Zhou Xusheng, Director of Pakistan Business of the company, fake, low-quality seeds have been undermining Pakistan’s crop production. With MNP marker method, the authenticity of seeds will be detected more easily and efficiently. For imported germ plasm resources, the technology can quickly clarify the intellectual property owners, distinguish essentially derived varieties from counterfeits, and encourage innovation in the seed industry. This MNP technology can be applied to multiple crops, be it vegetative or generative propagation, such as potato, sugar cane?rice, maize, soybean, cotton, peanut, millet, and vegetable cropsetc. Moreover, according to Mr. Zhou, it will facilitate new variety approval, guide seed breeding, and promote seed quality and protection.

SBP reCordS 14PC deCLIne In exPatS’ remIttanCeS In novemBer

Staff report

aMIDscathing economic turmoil, overseas Pakistani workers remittances continued to decline and down to $2.108 billion in November 2022, showing a 14.3 percent decline on a yearon-year basis, informed State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday.

According to the data provided by

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the inflow of overseas Pakistani workers’ remittances remained $2.108 billion in November 2022 against $2.460 billion in the same month last year.

The inflow in November also showed the third successive month-onmonth decline. Meanwhile, the remittances fell 4.8% on a month-on-month basis, as they amounted to $ 2.215 billion in October 2022.

“On a cumulative basis, the inflow of

remittances during the July to November period of the fiscal year 2022-23 stood at $12 billion, 9.6% lower than $13.28 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year,” the SBP added.

As per SBP data, overseas Pakistanis workers in Saudi Arabia remitted the single largest amount in November 2022 as they sent $498 million during the month. This was 20% lower than the $622 million in the same month of the previous year.

Meanwhile, remittances from the

United Arab Emirates amounted to $378 million, a decline of 20% compared to $475 million in November 2021. Inflows from the United Kingdom fell 5% as they declined from $314 million in November 2021 to $299 million in October 2022.

Moreover, remittances from the European Union countries dropped 8% as they amounted to $245 million in November 2022. Overseas Pakistanis in the US sent $229.4 million in November 2022, registering a year-on-year decline of 6%.

Pakistan exports 120,000 mobile phone sets

iSLamaBad Ghulam abbaS

IHC fixes for hearing plea seeking Imran’s disqualification on 20th

iSLamaBad Staff report

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) fixed for hearing a petition seeking disqualification of former premier Imran Khan as a lawmaker for “concealing” his alleged daughter in his nomination papers.

The IHC’s Registrar Office has issued cause-list showing that the date of hearing of aforementioned case is December 20. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has issued a pre-admission notice to the PTI chief and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on December 9 in the petition of a citizen Sajid Mehmood, asking their counsels to help the court decide if the petition is maintainable.

The petitioner is seeking the disqualification of the PTI chief, an MNA from the NA-95 Mianwali-I constituency, contending that all candidates contesting elections for either national or provincial assemblies are required to furnish an affidavit with respect of their credentials and assets.

He said one such information is about the children who are dependent on a candidate, and in this regard, Imran had wrongly mentioned two children — “Qasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan” — and had omitted the third. “The respondent no. 1 [Imran Khan] has deliberately and willfully failed to declare his daughter Tyrian White in the relevant columns of the nomination papers and the affidavit appended therewith, hence he is not sagacious, righteous, honest and a man of good character in terms of Article 62 of the Constitution,” according to the petition.

It continued that “Article 62 of the Constitution, as interpreted by various judgments of the superior courts, prescribes that a candidate shall only qualify to be elected as a member of the National Assembly if he is of good character and is not commonly known as one who violates Islamic Injunctions; and he has adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings and practices; obligatory duties prescribed by Islam as well as abstaining from major sins.”

After establishing manufacturing/ assembly units in the country, Pakistan has exported 120,000 mobile phone sets in the current month to various markets in the middle east and Africa.

The export ceremony of locally manufactured mobile phones was held here Wednesday at PTA headquarters to mark Inovi Telecom’s achievement of exporting 120,000 “Manufactured in Pakistan” mobile phones to United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Addressing the ceremony Member (Finance) PTA, Muhammad Naveed and Member (Compliance & Enforcement) PTA, Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar extended their support for the development of a mobile device manufacturing ecosystem in Pakistan.

It may be mentioned here that this is the second consignment exported by Inovi Telecom Pvt. Ltd since the company was granted mobile device manufacturing license in April, 2021, it is also the only Pakistani company to export mobile sets from Pakistan.

According to the company the current order was received in October this year and the deliveries were made in December, to be sold in the middle east as well in the African markets.

However, CEO Inovi Telecom Zeeshan Mian Noor, expressed concerns that the export in piecemeal will not benefit the mobile manufacturing sector of the country and a regular export orders was essential for the growth of the industry.

He highlighted several issues faced by the mobile manufacturers and among the top of them was the quota restriction set by state bank

for import of raw material.

“The mobile industry has been given a quota of LCs amounting to $83 mn per annum to import key components for mobile phone set assembly, but the fact raw material worth $185 mn is required to meet the demand of mobile sets for Pakistani market.” Mr Noor said.

He added that when the manufacturers were not able to meet the demand from the Pakistani buyers how can mobile phones be exported?

As per a mobile manufacturer/assembler the government was not even paying the three percent R&D allowance to mobile manufacturers that has been assured to them.

As per details currently there are 31 mobile phone licence holders in the country, including Samsung, Nokia, Xiaomi and other famous Chinese brands.

corporate corner

Expat moves LHC seeking voting right to overseas Pakistanis

LaHore Staff report

A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking voting rights for overseas Pakistanis in the upcoming local government (LG) elections in Punjab.

In the petition, Mohammad Nadeem Yusuf, an overseas Pakistani has requested the Lahore High Court to grant the right to vote in local elections to overseas Pakistanis. The petition has made the federal and provincial governments, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and NADRA as respondents in the case.

The petitioner contended that overseas Pakistanis are present in large numbers in different countries of the world and they have a major role in the country’s economy. He requested that overseas Pakistanis be given the right to vote in the upcoming local elections in Punjab.

It is important to mention that during the regime of

former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the bill for the right to vote for overseas Pakistanis was approved. However, the current PDM government led by Shehbaz Sharif withdrew this right as soon as it came to power and the National Assembly approved amendment, depriving overseas Pakistanis of their right to vote.

Imran says will give assemblies’ dissolution date in Liberty meeting

continued from page 01

He said that those nations see disastrous outcomes where the law discriminates against elites and poor people. “We are on the brink of disaster as our country is destroying with its sinking economy.”

‘NRO 2’ Imran Khan said that those politicians who had been given NRO by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf are now given NRO 2. “They are returning one by one and their cases are being dissolved.” He criticised the warm welcome given to the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Salman Shehbaz Shehbaz over his return. Khan said that Salman Shehbaz should tell the nation how Rs16 billion came to the bank accounts of sugar mills’ employees.” He cast doubts over the deaths of witnesses and the investigation officer in the case.

‘Political stability required in country’

The former premier said that political stability is crucial for economic stability and investors would never pay attention to those countries hit by political turmoil. He said that the growth rate has now declined to zero which was left at 6% by the PTI government. “Unemployment and inflation are increasing in Pakistan, factories are closing and export is destroyed. How can we repay our debts? The incumbent government has no plan to cope with the economic challenges.”

‘Not seeking help from establishment’

Imran Khan rejected the impression of seeking assistance from the establishment. “I am not seeking help from the establishment. I want the establishment to stay neutral so confidence of the nation is increased.” “I don’t want to weaken our armed forces and our independence is compromised. Pakistan’s establishment will become strong after being neutral.” He said that PTI loyalists and supporters were given threats via unknown numbers. Khan said that everyone witnessed the actions against Arshad Sharif, Azam Swati, Ayaz Amir and Shahbaz Gill. The PTI chief alleged that attempts were made to weaken and divide his political party on the federal level. Khan said that he knew who carried out the assassination attempt on him but he could not ever register a First Information Report (FIR) independently. He clarified that the criticism against former military ruler General Musharraf was not meant to criticise the whole institution. He added that the nation loves the armed forces.

He said that the assassination attempt on him was made to suppress his voice. Imran Khan said that he will continue his struggle for real independence.

MNAs and MPAs directed to run a well-crafted doorto-door campaign

Fair polls possible through consensus among politicians: Mushahid

LaHore Staff report

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said on Wednesday that the process for fair elections could easily be carried out if there was an agreement amongst the political parties.

“Political leaders have the ability to get united on national matters, like everyone was on the same page over the appointment of the army chief.”

While addressing a ceremony, held in connection with the 100th birthday of his father, Col (retd) Amjad Hussain Syed, at Nazria Pakistan Trust here, he said that the opposition and the government should jointly decide the rules and regulations for conducting free and fair elections. He stressed the political leaders should be mature enough to get together for resolution of national matters.

“We should not repeat the mistakes of the past of treating each other as enemies,” he said, adding that “we must move forward for betterment of the country”.

He said that Pakistan was a blessing from the Allah Almighty, and it should be further strengthened. He said: “our forefathers rendered many sacrifices for an independent homeland”, adding that efforts should be continued for making the country great and strong as per vision of Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

To a question, he said that the economic challenges would be overcome soon, adding that the government was making all-out efforts for the purpose.

Nazria Pakistan Trust Chairman chief justice (retd) Ejaz Nisar appreciated the services, rendered by renowned worker of Pakistan Movement, Col (retd) Amjad Hussain Syed, for creation of Pakistan. He said that Amjad Hussain took part in the independence

movement from the platform of Muslim Student Federation during his student life. “Allama Muhammad Iqbal nominated Col (retd) Amjad Hussain to represent the Muslim Student Federation at the historic meeting of All India Muslim League, held at Lucknow, in 1937,” he added. He said that Col (retd) Amjad Hussain was a great patriot and he joined the Pakistan Army for the reason.

Chaudhry Javed Elahi, Naheed Imran Gill, Muhammad Saifullah and others also addressed the ceremony, which was attended by a large number of people.

Earlier, speakers at seminar organized by Nazriya Pakistan Trust stressed the nation must honor its heroes’ while remembering the role, contribution and services in the freedom movement of student leader Col Amjad Hussain Sayed on his centennial birthday here.

The seminar, held at Nazriya Pakistan Trust (NPT), which is dedicated to promoting

KaracHi

the vision and ideology of the Quaid-i-Azam, was chaired by NPT Chairman of Chief Justice (r) Ejaz Nisar and featured a keynote speech by NPT Senior Vice-Chairman Mian Altaf Farooq. A diverse and distinguished audience of 200 persons also complimented Senator Mushahid Hussain on his election as Vice Chairman of Nazriya Pakistan Trust.

Ms Tahseen Sayed, daughter of Col Amjad Hussain, who recently retired as the senior most Pakistani in the World Bank, spoke of her father’s strong commitment to women education and inculcating values of ‘Rizq-e-Halal’ & ‘Kalima-e-Haq’. Chaudhry Javed Ellahi termed him as an extraordinary example of Pakistani nationalism.

Khushhali Microfinance Bank has entered into a strategic partnership with Ufone (PTML). According to this agreement, Khushhali Bank will outsource its collection call center to Ufone. Ahmad Kamal, Group Chief Customer Care Officer (Ufone) and Ghalib Nishtar, President & CEO (Khushhali Microfinance Bank) were present at the Signing Ceremony along with other senior officials. The ceremony was held at Khushhali Microfinance Bank Corporate Office, Islamabad. pr

The Indian threat

Disasters of Sandhurst Military Academy

INTErIor Minister rana Sanaullah’s revelation that not only was there clear evidence that India was behind last year’s blast in Johar Town, Lahore, near the house of Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, but that seven people had been arrested, indicates that it is more than high time that thisevidence is taken to the international community. Many of the details seemed more to do with some spy thriller than with the normal interaction of two states. At her press conference a day after rana Sana’s, on Wednesday, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina rabbani Khar said that the arrests showed that India was fomenting terrorism in the region, and said that the Foreign Secretary was presenting all foreign missions a dossier detailing what India was doing, and that the dossier would also be presented to the UN Secretary General. She noted that India was presiding over UN Security Council meetings on terrorism while practising it herself. Ms Khar’s Ministry is going to be responsible for taking the case to international forums, and must be ready to build upa case so convincing that it will not only convince the other country, but overcome the deliberate blind eye that is shown by states which have commercial interests in India.

Pakistan must devote its efforts to ensuring that other countries also accept that such behaviour is unacceptable. Pakistan might also do well to get FATF to look at how India finances the terrorist operations, and to stop being used by India using it against other states, as it did while Pakistan was on the FATF grey list. If Pakistan takes the route of litigation, such as at the International Court of Justice or the International Criminal Court, it must ensure that its case is rock-solid. Pakistan should also notice that there seems to be an upsurge in Indian activity, which is why the Johar Town case has followed so soon after the Kulbhushan Jhadav case. rAW could also be bad at this, which is why its agents get caught. It could also be because of increased activity. However, now that the Army has decided to stay out of politics, its agencies should have resources freed up, which would be fruitfully deployed on anti-enemy counterintelligence. This would be an unexpected benefit of the agencies getting out of domestic politics.

ISKANDEr Mirza and Ayub Khan, the first President and Desi Sipah-e-Salar respectively, were both graduates of the famous royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK. Together they connived to lay siege to the Islamic republic of Pakistan in october 1958. Instead of holding elections under the unanimous 1956 constitution, they abrogated it.

Since then, civilian authority has been an enemy of the state. Yahya Khan and Ziaul Haq were trained at the Indian Military Academy Dehradun while Pervaiz Musharraf and Qamar Javed Bajwa were graduates of the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul. The current Sipah-e-Salar Gen Asim Munir was trained at the now defunct officers Training School at Mangla. The oTS was established in 1982 to train officers to meet the shortfall after the two wars (1965, 1971). The period of training was shorter here (one year) compared to two at PMA.

The first 16 Sipah-e-Salars were all products of UK-style Military Academies. Amongst them there were many disasters (Ayub, Yahya, Zia, Pervaiz, Qamar). It is time to revisit the structure and curriculum of our military academies to avoid future adventurism. Every graduating cadet takes oath to defend the Constitution, which they have never read or understood.

When the 1956 document was abrogated there was no resistance from within the institution. Again, when the 1973 unanimously agreed Constitution was disfigured in 1977 and 1999, no voices were raised. Most recently when the 16th chief decided to cross the line, he faced no resistance. For the nation to move forward this siege has to end. Civilian authority has to be restored. The men in uniform have to be confined to the barracks where they rightfully belong.

Mustafa Kamal Pasha was the last Muslim General to win a war against an external enemy. He was able to defeat the Allied Forces at Gallipoli in 1916. Ataturk as he was trained in the ottoman Military Academy in Istanbul. He defended his country against the combined thrust of Britain, France and russia.

Although he was unable to save the ottoman Empire, he built a modern republic instead. Turkish

armed forces are the pride of the Islamic Ummah. Today the republic under civilian leadership has grown by leaps and bounds. once the sickman of Europe, today the country is flourishing. The role of the armed forces in running the country has been redefined, and they have been confined to the barracks.

Colonized nations have to carefully tread their march towards freedom. Issues of continuity and discontinuity have to be understood and handled. In the USA a fresh start was made, British imperialism was totally rejected and wiped out. Despite being a former colony of the Crown, the country never joined the ‘Commonwealth of Nations’. There was a total disconnect from the past. Heroes and Zeroes were clearly identified and then cornered. A new education system was developed with freedom in mind. In Iran after the revolution in 1979 there was a total revamp of the academic structure. Universities and military academies were shut down to upgrade their curricula to serve not rule. The Shah’s generals were sent to the gallows. Imperialism has been buried for all times to come in the Islamic republic of Iran.

In the 1970s, \a delegation from UK visited PMA. They were surprised to see the continuity of old ways. Even the Military Boots (Ammo Shoes) had not been changed. Spontaneously someone remarked, “ You are still using our boots “? Prompt came the reply, “Yes, under our feet “. Which was far from true. Colonialism continues to dominate our minds till today.

commented; “ But hey have the guns”. The guns have to be directed towards the borders, not the boardrooms of civilian authority. A few rogue generals cannot be allowed to play with the future of the nation and its coming generations.

Air Marshal Asghar Khan was the first Desi Air Chief while Ayub Khan managed to become the Sipah-e-Salar against merit. Asghar Khan was an able and honest leader who built the Air Force with dedication. The PAF has served the nation well with outstanding performance. Leaders who followed were also world-class, like Air Marshal Nur Khan, Air Marshal Zulfiqar Ali Khan, and Air Commodore M.M. Alam, to name a few stars.

After over 75 years our march towards freedom remains off the track, it is time to end this derailment that was started in October 1958 by the Sandhurst trained first Sipah-e-Salar of the republic who was promoted against merit, perhaps under external pressure from the imperial powers. By promoting him against merit, the first PM dug his own grave.

A few years back I read an article about the ‘ Slab Guard Duty ‘ at the Scouts Mess in Chitral. About a hundred years ago a cement slab was poured in the yard of the officers mess. To protect the freshly poured slab, a guard was instructed to stand there. Since then he has not been removed. It has now been turned into a regular duty. In the year 2004, I personally visited the site after which I wrote an article titled; “ The Slab Guard is still there “. Infact they are everywhere, and as a nation we have not been able to free ourselves from the past. The ‘ Guards ‘ are no longer required to misguide us, they have to be removed for the nation to move forward.

A major institutional overhaul is needed. on August 14, 1973 after the enactment of the unanimously agreed constitution Pakistan emerged as a constitutional democracy. All Government of India Acts should have been nullified but unfortunately they were not. The resistance to change is mindboggling. Guns overrule laws. Asif Zardari as President shook hands with the Presidential Guards on duty. He was advised to follow protocal and keep distance, but he

India’s Tendency to Betray Afghans

“For us (officials of the previous regime), we don’t have any complaints against other countries, as we had no expectations, but we have a complaint with our friends. After August 15 (2021), even those who were friends of India, and those who had diplomatic passports and visas, [were turned away], and India revoked visas,” these were the words of former Afghan spymaster rahmatullah Nabil during the Herat Security Dialogue in Tajikistan on 29 November.

This was not the first time India deceived Afghans when they were looking toward India for help. This happens every time Indian statecraft follows Chanakya’s Arthashastra, which advocates ‘radical Machiavellianism’. Thereby, Indian policymakers and strategic thinkers never hesitate to dispose of people after using them for their interests.

History, however, is thus full of incidents where India betrayed the Afghans. In 1973, when Zahir Shah was forced out through a coup by his cousin, Daud Khan, the letter started chanting the slogans of Pushtoonistan and acting anti-Pakistan. India welcomed Daud and hailed him as a “fine” leader who would enhance the “sovereignty and “independence” of the Afghan people because of his anti-Pakistan rhetoric.

Daud suggested that New Delhi engage

Pakistan militarily in the east while Afghanistan fought in the west and that they could “sandwich” Pakistan by working together. Therefore, Afghan forces had begun building a colossal military force along the Pakistan border by November 1974, with the promise of additional Soviet military assistance. Among the equipment that Kabul had acquired were; 1170 tanks (including the T62, T-54, and T-55 tanks, as well as bridgelaying tanks), over 6000 pieces of artillery, including 500 missiles SAM-7 and SAM-2, transport vehicles, infantry equipment, radar systems, Mig-21s and Mig-27s, as well as combat helicopters.

Indira Gandhi visited Kabul in 1976 to strengthen ties and offer more economic assistance. Nonetheless, their plans were foiled by the bloody coup d’etat, which took place in 1978 and was led by militants of the Afghan Communist Party (PDPA) in collaboration with the KGB. The Soviets invaded Afghanistan within a year. India was the only major non-communist country not to condemn this invasion of a sovereign country.

Later on, during the Afghan war, the Indian security establishment openly supported Dr Najibullah, a KGB operative working under the code name of PoCoMo. Nevertheless, in the early 1990s, Comrade Najib sought help from the New Delhi government.

At that time, despite UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali’s request during an unscheduled visit to India, the then government of Prime Minister Narasimha rao did not exfiltrate Najibullah from Kabul.

Moreover, during the US invasion of Afghanistan, India collaborated with Amrul-

Additionally, in 2021, the Anti-Corruption Commission surfaced fake education degrees to 3,000 Afghan students by a private Indian educational institute, the Indian Institute of Business Management and Administration (IIBMA). And, about 2,500 Afghan students who are yearning to return to India to finish their higher education are barred from so out of the 14,000 who are now enrolled in 73 Indian universities.

Notably, India was one of the nations most willing to close its missions in Afghanistan, discontinue flights between

By contrast Ayub crossed the line. He weakened civilian institutions. Instead of the nation, empire-building started under his mis-rule. For the motherland, perhaps he was the biggest disaster that came out of the Military Academy of the imperial power. In 1962, Pakistan could have liberated Kashmir but the opportunity was lost as the leader was compromised. The 1965 war was a total misadventure. Pakistan was saved by the valour of junior officers like Major Aziz Bhatti, Captain Abid Majid, Sqn Ldr M.M. Alam etc. The strategy and planning were seriously flawed. While the advanceat Akhnoor was slowed down by the sudden change of command, there were no reinforcements to defend Lahore and Sialkot which came under attack.

Iqbal talked about ‘Academic Manipulation of thought’, “ Gala to ghont dia ahle-madrassa nay tera” (Your throat has been choked by the learning institution you attended ). Every institution has to be aligned with the needs of the nation with freedom at the core. Sandhurst may be good for the UK but its curriculum has not been aligned to serve the Islamic republic of Pakistan which is a constitutional democracy not an imperial monarchy. our heroes and zeroes are not the same.

After over 75 years our march towards freedom remains off the track, it is time to end this derailment that was started in october 1958 by the Sandhurst trained first Sipah-e-Salar of the republic who was promoted against merit, perhaps under external pressure from the imperial powers. By promoting him against merit, the first PM dug his own grave. While Asghar Khan emerged to be a hero, Ayub Khan proved to be a zero to be followed by four more of his kind.

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

New Delhi and Kabul, and stop bank transfers to the Afghan government after the regime changeover.

Presently, the strategic thinking in the ranks and file of Modi-led India obeys ‘realism’ religiously. For instance, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, penned his book, The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World in 2020. In this book, he says there are no permanent friends and foes in international relations but ‘frenemies’. Further, for Jay Shankar, it is necessary to exploit the conflicts. This is to say that the war serves the Indians, not the peace.

Keeping the above book in view, one could easily gauge that India has manipulated the perpetual wars of Afghanistan for its interests. For India, the war in Afghanistan was a cash cow. India mothered

Now, it is the right time for the Afghans to recognize their real enemy and ally with true sympathizers who have stood with their Afghan brethren in every uphill situation. On the contrary, a peaceful Afghanistan is not favourable for India, but a wartorn Afghanistan is, as Indian strategic thinkers are prone to exploit the conflicts and wars.

BLA and TTP in the last two decades using Afghan soil.

Ironically, it is also noteworthy that, on the one hand, Indian intellectuals and historians link India to Afghans, whereas on the other hand, they portray Afghan leaders negatively. Panipat: The Great Betrayal, which has been playing in Indian theatres since December 2019, is the most recent Bollywood film to include Afghans as arch-villains.

In this film, Ahmad Shah Durrani, often referred to as the father of the current Afghan state, is portrayed. Ahmad Shah’s representation in the movie is such a flimsy travesty that it has no basis in historical fact. This Ahmad Shah behaves like an ill-tempered gorilla, a terrifying foe, or a monster of cunning throughout the movie.

Now, it is the right time for the Afghans to recognize their real enemy and ally with true sympathizers who have stood with their Afghan brethren in every uphill situation. on the contrary, a peaceful Afghanistan is not favourable for India, but a war-torn Afghanistan is, as Indian strategic thinkers are prone to exploit the conflicts and wars.

The writer can be reached at Deedarkarim09@gmail.com

The revelations by the Interior Minister mean that matters must be dealt with seriously

lah Saleh and rahmatullah Nabil to launch cross-border terrorism from eastern Afghanistan into the FATA region. And, when these erstwhile Afghan officials were seeking Indian assistance to hightail from Afghanistan, India refused to give visas.

Dr FariD a. maliK

Yousaf Nizami Editor

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

M. A. Niazi Joint Editor

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

Our curricula needs to be revised

DeeDar Karim

Pakistan’s political instability worsens economic crisis

against the Army.

regrettably, under the cover of so-called democracy, some irresponsible leaders of the PTI and those of the ruling parties have changed their political differences into political enmity.

At this critical hour, Pakistan’s armed forces have been coping with internal and external challenges of grave nature in order to maintain the security of the country; while, in one way or the other, Indian fanatic rulers are also escalating tensions with Pakistan. Undoubtedly, these forces have been fighting a different war. In this respect, General Javed Bajwa had repeatedly stated that Pakistan is facing the challenge of hybrid war.

Now, the deposed PM and the PTI’s workers have been distorting the Army’s image in such a way that the general masses have forgotten the sacrifices and services of the armed forces.

of dollars and so on, and continued dependence upon the US-led developed countries, IMF and World Bank for financial aid. And the foreign exchange reserves of the State Bank of Pakistan have fallen to around $6.7 billion– the lowest since 25 June 2021.

Particularly, Imran Khan who has repeatedly stated that he wants to save the country from the coming default and economic crisis is himself creating such a drastic situation, as his intermittent protest calls, public rallies, and online video addresses to his supporters have shown.

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The victim should be the favourite of law

NoTHING has caused more damage to the criminal justice system than the maxim ‘accused is the favourite child of law’. There can be little debate that the ‘victim’, and not the ‘accused’, should be the favourite child in such a scenario.

In a system where the accused is the favourite, criminals tend to dominate society. In Pakistan, for instance, the law and order situation has been on a downward slide for long because criminals know there is hardly any probability of them getting convicted. The criminals involved in narcotics have a panel of their own expert lawyers who manage their cases even from the remand stage. In murder cases, paid shooters are available. And if nothing else works, just prolong the case, let the memory of the prosecution. Even a single dent is sufficient to give benefit of doubt to the accused. In rape cases, there are usually no witnesses.

The medical examination, or DNA test, is only a corroborative piece of evidence. In most such cases, the victim prefers to exonerate the accused instead of going through the tedious and usually unfruitful process of law. The accused, the victim, the police, the prosecution and even the court knows that the crime has been committed, but it is the ‘due process of law’ which comes to the aid of the accused just as a father comes to the aid of his favourite child.

The ‘due process of law’ has to be above and beyond the technicalities. If a crime has been committed, the law should have the capacity to acknowledge it. Legal mechanisms should be strong enough to crush the spirit of misusing the ‘due process of law’. What we see in the courtrooms on a daily basis may rightly be called the ‘misuse of the process of the court’, which has become the order of the day. Though relevant sections of both civil and criminal codes provide remedy against misuse of the process of the court, practically speaking, the accused, being the favourite child, somehow manages to use the process to his advantage.

Unless procedural laws are regulated, especially codes of criminal and civil procedures, new laws will limp along only on one leg. It is time for all the relevant stakeholders to think long and hard about devising a mechanism which should work both for the victim and the accused. If the accused has constitutional rights, as envisaged in the Constitution, the victim, too, has some, or so I would like to believe. Playing favourite is being unjust. Justice should not only be done, but should seem to have been done as well. Just as no one is above the law, no one should be the favourite of the law.

MUHAMMAD ZEESHAN GULZAR LAHORE

Climate change can’t be brushed aside

PoLITICAL instability and economic instability are interrelated, while same is the case of stability, in relation to any country. Since April 9, when PTI Chairman Imran Khan was ousted as Prime Minister through a vote of no-confidence motion, passed in the National Assembly by the then joint opposition, following the order of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the country has been facing political instability with a rapidly worsening economic crisis.

This year, Imran Khan’s public rallies in various cities, “Haqeeqi Azadi March” (real Freedom March) on May 25, his return from Islamabad without taking the date of elections, threatening the government for another Long March, reached rawalpindi on November 26his first public appearance since being wounded in a murder attempt earlier that month, called off his protest march to Islamabad, saying, he feared it would cause havoc in the country, announced that his party would resign from the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in a new bid to push for early elections.

In his various public rallies and statements, former Premier Imran Khan has almost repeated a similar contradictory approach. Criticising his rival politicians, while targeting the Pakistan Army and its former chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, using terms ‘establishment’ or ‘neutrals’, He allegedly stated: “A major international conspiracy was carried out against his regime’s removal and this country”, through the USA’s threatening diplomatic cypher.

referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he elaborated: “one Mir Jaffer has been imposed on us via a conspiracy. Sometimes, ex-PM Khan appreciated the Army and sometimes, targeted it indirectly.

Khan also held the neutrals responsible for present political instability and severe economic crisis, and accused the ruling coalition of pitting him against the Pakistan Army.

The military spokesperson, the DG ISPr, Maj Gen (now Lt Gen) Babar Iftikhar indicated that no ‘conspiracy’ was made by a foreign country, as pointed out by PM Khan.

PDM parties’ leaders also challenged the authenticity of the ‘threat letter’ and repeatedly said that the letter was a ploy of Mr Khan to misguide the people to increase his vote bank. They added that Khan was inciting the people

recall the armed forces’ innumerable services and sacrifices, especially of the Army, such as the resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons during the Swat and Malakand military operations, counter-insurgency operations and restoration of law and order on many occasions; during catastrophic periods— floods, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic, locust attacks, among others— also giving matching response to Indian shelling at the Line of Control and stopping infiltration of terrorists inside Pakistan from Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s armed forces and premier intelligence agency, the ISI, have successfully broken the backbone of the foreign-backed terrorists. Peace has been restored in the provinces of Balochistan, KP and in Karachi, including other vulnerable regions. The Pakistan Army has not only been successful in uprooting the separatist elements from Balochistan, but also contributed a lot in socio-economic development of the province.

regarding Pakistan’s present deteriorated situation, Ian Bremmer wrote in Time Magazine on November 15: “Pakistan’s politics were plenty toxic…When Khan [government] was removed…he claimed Pakistan’s military and its friends in Washington wanted to silence him. He then kicked off a series of protest marches that have drawn massive crowds. In october, Khan insinuated that the army had killed a journalist [Arshad Sharif], an uncharacteristically blunt frontal assault on Pakistan’s army, and the country’s head of military intelligence felt compelled to call an unprecedented public press conference to deny the charge. officials in the current government, led by Shehbaz Sharif, accused Khan of terrorism, illegally receiving money from foreigners, and other forms of financial fraud.”

Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former federal finance minister Miftah Ismail on November 27, this year pointed out: “Pakistan is on the verge of default…the No.1 priority of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar shouldn’t be to make imports cheaper and exports harder…even after paying the December Sukuk bonds, the risk of bankruptcy does not lessen. PTI government did not follow the agreement with IMF, which is why the risk of default increased…exports, fell by 38 percent between 2013 and 2018 led to the second largest current account deficit”.

In fact, Pakistan is facing multifaceted crises and challenges like corruption, inflation, soaring prices of commodities, energy shortage, lack of investment, upsurge of the US dollar, increase in oil prices, load shedding, inability of the importers to open letters of credit (LCs) due to lack

Notably, in an interview with a private TV channel, President Dr Arif Alvi on November 7 disclosed: “Since the Army leadership has distanced itself from political affairs, the responsibility of politicians has increased to hold talks and help stabilize the country. I have also conveyed this to Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar in my meeting to help initiate talks for the possibility of early elections. I gave him some suggestions.”

Meanwhile, Imran Khan and some analysts opine that Pakistan will become Sri Lanka. Hopefully, this civil war-like phenomenon must not happen. These rival politicians and especially the new Chief of Army Staff, Gen Asim Munir, must play their due role in defusing the present situation, and to avoid making Pakistan another Myanmar where Gen. Min Aung Hlaing who seized power on February 1, 2021 after the military toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar’s military junta is now facing fierce resistance from various ethnic groups.

But in case of Pakistan, some third elements such as Indian intelligence agency rAW or some anti-Pakistan foreign entities which are manipulating the country’s chaotic circumstances can again make an assassination attempt on Imran Khan to widen the gulf between Army and PDM on one side and the PTI supporters on the other. These external elements also want to create a drastic situation so that martial law may be imposed and civil war may start in many cities of the country, particularly in the KP where in former tribal areas, people possess heavy weapons and arms. In fact, it is the only nuclear country in the Islamic World. Hence, these agencies want to destabilize it.

So, serious talks must be held between the government led by PM Shehbaz and the PTI, while the ruling alliance must also announce early elections after settling various issues with the PTI such as the caretaker setup, Khan’s demand to change the chief election commissioner and so. Khan also needs to compromise.

Here, the question also arises that after the general elections; defeated political entity can accuse the winning entity of rigging in the polls and can launch a movement against the newly elected government across the country or on provincial level. Therefore, the current extreme situation can be created again.

At this critical hour, the leaders of government and the opposition, including media owners, must sign a charter of unity which is essential to pull the country out of the ongoing serious crises which are rapidly creating political instability, giving a greater setback to the country’s fragile economy.

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

GLoBAL warming is a widely discussed and highly politicised issue of the modern era. The change in global temperatures has wrecked havoc and claimed thousands of lives across the globe. However, it is amazing, almost unbelievable, that there is still a difference of opinion on the matter of global warming, with some insisting on calling it a myth.

Global warming refers to a gradual increase in atmospheric temperature. In simple words, it means the atmosphere of the earth is becoming hotter by the day. Those calling it a myth believe that it is nothing but fiction. For instance, according to Jerry Falwell, global warming “is a fiction that does not have connection to reality”.

But the real debate emerged when former United States (US) president Donald Trump called global warming a hoax. He further added that in different locations the concept of global warming was created by the Chinese in order to make the US manufacturing non-competitive. He urged that the people of America do not have to believe in global warming and, under him, the US withdrew from the Paris agreement.

Ironically, China, too, denies the existence of global warming or climate change. The reason behind such stands is that the powerful countries have industries across the world that produce heavy amounts of air pollutants that raise the atmospheric temperature. For their own interest, these countries prefer to call global warming a myth.

There are saner elements as well who consider global warming to be a hardcore reality that has an astounding impact on human life. Former United Nations (UN)secretary-general Ban Ki-moon emphasised that it was necessary to take critical action against global warming. Former US president Barack obama also said it was the obligation of every country, including the US, to do something about it. To determine whether global warming is a myth or reality, we have to observe its signs and effects. The most important sign of global warming is the depletion of the ozone layer which clearly indicates that it is true. Scientists have found that due to the depletion of ozone, the ultraviolet rays impinge on the atmosphere and raise the temperature of the planet. Greenhouse effect is another metric to measure the surface temperature on earth.

MUJEEB-UR-RAHMAN KARACHI

Hosting foreigners

PAKISTAN is the biggest victim of terrorism and thousands of people have lost their lives in terrorist acts. The current situation in Swat is not a secret and there is a dire need for implementing the National Action Plan. Can Pakistan afford to settle foreigners who directly or indirectly indulge in terrorism, drugs, smuggling, human trafficking and many more major crimes in Pakistan? We already have been witnessing a surge in crimes in the country, and hosting criminal elements from abroad will only aggravate the situation.

Let us have a look at countries around us and see how they handle the issue of immigration. Iran gives citizenship to a person only if his/her father by birth is from Iran. Afghanistan itself has some regulations. If anyone wants to get citizenship, some elder of his family must have Afghan nationality by birth. India introduced new rules from Dec 3, 2004, wherein both parents of the child must have Indian nationality. Even Arab countries never give citizenship, and, as per their rules, they only give residence visa to foreigners.

In the existing situation in which local people are striving hard for survival and one-third of the country is affected by floods, it is time to give priority to issues of the natives, not of the foreigners. There may well be far-reaching reper-cussions in case the priority is reversed.

SHEERAZ ALI SUBH

SajjaD ShauKat

Japan prepareS for a new era In defenSe

DefeNSe & Security MoNitor, forecaSt iNterNatioNal DanIEL DaRLInG

fOr nearly half a century, the one constant in Japan’s defense approach remained its budgeting. Year-in, year-out, regardless of government, Japan has earmarked no more than 1 percent of its GDP for defense.

This informal cap – put into place under Prime Minister Takeo Miki in 1976 to deflect domestic criticism over military spending by placing limitations on the country’s defense outlays – has since outlived its usefulness in the eyes of Japan’s current leadership.

Confronted by an increasingly polarized global environment further splintered by the russian invasion of Ukraine, Tokyo is opting to reexamine its defense funding model. A revision of how Japan approached defense had already begun during the previous administration of Shinzo Abe (December 2012 through September 2020).

Abe’s time in office saw the easing of a constitutional ban on Japan’s ability to engage in collective selfdefense, the loosening of the country’s self-imposed weapons export restrictions, deepening military-to-military relations with the United States under the April 2015 revised bilateral defense guidelines, and making the formation of a new marine amphibious brigade a focus of national security policy. In total, the Abe era saw a massive shift in Japan’s defense approach.

But despite this, the annual price tag remained cemented in place: 1 percent of annual GDP allocated to the defense budget.

Now Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is preparing to chart a bolder course for Japanese defense, using the foundation laid by Shinzo Abe to upgrade the Japan SelfDefense Forces (JSDF) and preparing to improve their

capabilities beyond a mere defensive posture.

During the run-up to the October 2021 general election, Kishida and his center-right Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vowed to double defense spending in a bid to accelerate the modernization of the SDF.

Since then, he and his government have held firm to that outlook, with events in Ukraine and Japan’s immediate threat perception (including North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and China’s increasingly aggressive posture and improved military capabilities) serving to underpin this goal.

The prime minister has asked his cabinet to find the funding to bring the level of annual Japanese defense allocations up to 2 percent of GDP (the NATO Alliance minimum standard and one targeted by Japan’s partner, Australia) by 2027, which would place the topline defense budget around $70-$75 billion.

The current topline figure – factoring the rise of the U.S. dollar versus the Japanese yen – amounts to $39.6 billion (¥5.41 trillion). The aim is to benchmark spending over the coming five years at around ¥43 trillion, or $315 billion – or roughly $63 billion per year from 2023 to 2027.

Such a steep increase in a compressed period will require the government to comb through its ledgers to find any extra revenues or other areas of state spending that could be trimmed to meet its ambitious funding target. Kishida has already stated to his cabinet that in order to fund his defense ambitions the government must secure an additional ¥1 trillion ($7.3 billion) through tax hikes.

The missile acquisition and the growing defense budget have the support of the Biden administration. Administration officials see a deepening alliance with Japan as part of a broader strategy of regional cooperation to enhance security.

More importantly, however, it would represent a titanic shift in Japan’s traditional post-Second World War approach towards national defense. The obvious ques-

Journalism is under threat, now more than ever

IN COUNTRIES WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN PUBLIC UPRISINGS AGAINST REPRESSIVE GOVERNMENTS, JOURNALISTS HAVE BEEN TARGETED QUITE BLATANTLY. SINCE THE US TROOPS LEFT AFGHANISTAN AND THE TALIBAN REGIME TOOK OVER, JOURNALISTS IN BOTH ELECTRONIC AND PRINT MEDIA HAVE BEEN ARRESTED, SOME EVEN KILLED

a proliferation of newspapers and TV channels, but does it mean we have total press freedom?

tion is where would some of this extra money go?

Consideration in Japan to bolstering its own domestic defense production capabilities and development of cutting-edge technologies has been building for years. Manufacture of advanced missiles and development of a new fighter jet (now being pursued through a tri-national engagement referred to as the Global Air Combat Program (GACP) announced with Britain and Italy on December 9) and hypersonic missile defense technology are areas of focus. Therefore, an increase of the share of government-sponsored research in defense will no doubt be on the table.

Under its fiscal year 2022 defense budget, electronic warfare capabilities investments such as continued development of a standoff electronic warfare aircraft, plus research and demonstration of high-Power Microwave (hPM) radiation technology and procurement of combat aircraft with electronic protection capability (8 F-35As and 4 F-35Bs) are noted. It should be expected that funding research into these key areas will again be pushed forward, but now with greater financial backing.

The ever-important space and cyber domains will remain key focal points as Japan seeks to keep pace with advancing trends. Finally, creating a counter-strike capability by procuring new and greater quantities of missiles (including the U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile) will be atop any acquisition strategy.

The Kishida government is currently working on updating the three key policy documents that shape Japan’s security outlook: the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Program Guidelines, and the MediumTerm Defense Program. each document serves as a key component within the larger security framework.

The National Security Strategy, first approved by the Abe government in December 2013, outlines Japan’s strategic environment and presents the guiding principles

and objectives for the nation’s security policy.

The National Defense Program Guidelines are intended to cover a roughly 10-year period. They outline a defense capability target policy that serves as a guide for the Mid-Term Defense Program, essentially Japan’s military acquisition plan. Both the National Defense Program Guidelines and the latest Mid-Term Defense Program were issued in December 2018.

All three updated documents are to be released by the end of the year. At that point, a clearer picture of future policy will emerge.

In the meantime, the push by the government to double annual expenditure within five years tells a tale unto itself, which is that the “proactive pacifism” as labeled by the Abe administration in the 2013 strategic document is giving way to something bolder.

Indeed, Japan is preparing for its most dangerous security environment since the early 1950s by, in boxing parlance, shifting from a protective crouch to a more balanced stance that will enable it to land punches with greater reach and more power when it feels an imminent threat. The aim is to be able to stand alone in the ring and not require a tag-team partner (the United States) to fight on its behalf.

Though still reflexively defensive to conform with the national constitution, this new stance will offer the ability to strike and, LDP policy-makers hope, in turn provide an invaluable deterrent capability.

At its heart this shifting stance will force Japanese politicians to reconsider the meaning of senshu boei –the country’s guiding policy of strictly defensive national defense – and sell any changes in the court of public opinion. Neither of those will be likely to prove easy –particularly as it pertains to the LDP’s junior coalition partner, the Buddhist, pacifist Komeito. But then again, first steps rarely are.

Bigoted new Israeli government poised to alienate US Jews

than America’s Jews.

relations between Israel, which is a product of the Zionist movement, and the Jewish diaspora has always been, by definition, paradoxical. Zionism represents an ideology that, first and foremost, has always negated diaspora life and sanctified the gathering of Jewish people in a national home — what it describes as a “normal” existence as a nation among nations. Nevertheless, from the early days of constructing an independent life in Palestine before independence, and in Israel in its aftermath, the support of those whose way of life Zionism utterly derides was essential to guarantee the fulfillment of the dream of being recognized as a state and subsequently ensuring its security and well-being.

tive rating to Netanyahu, while 63 percent say they think a way can be found for Israel to coexist peacefully with an independent Palestinian state.

In light of the antidemocratic, racist, homophobic and misogynist ideology that defines many members of the expected Netanyahu government, there is not only revulsion in large parts of the US diaspora, but also the fear that advocating and actively supporting an Israeli administration that holds to this worldview might end up reflecting on themselves and open them to accusations of having double standards when it comes to politics at home versus politics in Israel.

The killings of 67 journalists and media workers around the world so far this year, as reported by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) recently, are a reminder of the threats to press freedom and freedom of expression as well as the impunity surrounding these murders. This year’s death toll, which is significantly higher than in 2021, when it was 47, also represents an alarming deterioration of the situation, requiring urgent interventions.

According to the IFJ, the war in Ukraine has taken the lives of 12, mostly Ukrainian journalists. While covering a war always carries the risk of casualties, there have been many cases where states have been directly involved in silencing journalists. The shocking shooting of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by Israeli forces in May is a prime example of the risks journalists face when they expose truths that contradict the state narrative. In Mexico, 11 journalists were killed, highlighting the terror of organised crime.

In countries where there have been public uprisings against repressive governments, journalists have been targeted quite blatantly. Since the US troops left Afghanistan and the Taliban regime took over, journalists in both electronic and print media have been arrested, some even killed. Women journalists in radio and TV channels were forced to give up their jobs and even flee the country to save their lives. The IFJ recorded at least 375 media professionals currently in prison; most of them are in China, Myanmar, Turkey, Iran and Belarus. But what about democratic states? Are journalists safe from arbitrary arrests and physical harm here? In Bangladesh, for example, there has been

The Digital Security Act (DSA) has become the greatest obstacle to independent journalism in the country, as it gives carte blanche to law enforcement agencies to randomly arrest people for publishing/sharing digital content that may be construed as being “seditious” or “hurting religious sentiments” or some other vaguely defined offense. The DSA and other laws related to the media have resulted in self-censorship, which is the first symptom of an ailing democracy. Moreover, the ownership of media is being dominated by individuals or groups connected to political power which leads to further compromises in objective, authentic journalism. This is quite alarming.

Meanwhile, in many democracies, social media has been used as a tool to spread misinformation as well as discredit, humiliate and intimidate journalists who have been critical of governments or have exposed uncomfortable truths. Women journalists especially have been targeted for relentless misogynistic trolling and incriminating rumours. The IFJ has also criticised the new form of mass surveillance, Pegasus, used to spy on people including journalists.

All these constitute major threats to the rights of journalists to pursue their careers freely and independently. Governments around the world are failing to realise that apart from providing the public with objective, authentic information, the media also helps governments to keep track of anomalies in their institutions which need to be corrected. It will, therefore, be in their own interest to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists, so that they can do their job without their lives and livelihoods being threatened.

There is hardly anything that leaves room for optimism about the Israeli government that is currently being formed. however, if one stretches optimism to the very maximum, one can say that it is bound to be an administration that demarcates the lines of the discourse in society more clearly than ever and will no longer leave anyone with the option of sitting on the fence regarding their stand on its ideology and policies.

A government whose prime ministerdesignate Benjamin Netanyahu, despite doing well in the recent general election, is weak and held to ransom by far-right elements in his government because of his ongoing corruption trial is one that is destined to be divisive at home and aggressively confrontational abroad.

But there is an additional, crucial element in Israeli politics and that is its relations with the Jewish diaspora around the world and especially the largest, in the US. A government such as the next Israeli one is expected to be one that will conduct an assault on the very foundations of the democratic system; represent solely the Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox strands of Judaism; and destroy whatever likelihood remains of a just and fair peace agreement with the Palestinians.

As a consequence, it will most probably lead to discord with large parts of the international community and is also a recipe for friction with Jewish communities across the world. It will make the majority of Jewish communities, most notably the more liberalprogressive elements among them, very uncomfortable for both moral and practical reasons, and none will be more discomfited

For many Jews residing beyond this nation state, Israel has been a source of pride and also an insurance policy “for a rainy day” — should they ever need a safe haven. That said, and especially since 1967, the rise of the right, of the ultra-Orthodox and religious messianism that led to the building of illegal settlements in the West Bank and the entrenchment of the occupation, led many among Jewish communities around the world to develop a duality in their relations with Israel. The occupation and oppression of another people and the attack on the democratic system clashes with the values held by so many in the Jewish community and can also, unfortunately, be linked to a despicable and unjustifiable rise in anti-Semitism.

American Jewry is the second-largest in the world after Israel and is estimated at about 7.5 million people. Through the years, it has lent Israel support in all possible ways, whether in terms of financial aid, lobbying politicians in order to garner support for Israel or by investing heavily in the country’s economy. But their love and devotion to their brethren in the Middle east does not always translate to sharing the same political views.

A survey by the Pew research Center revealed that American Jewry is less religious than most other Americans and holds liberal views; hence, unsurprisingly, more than 70 percent of them identify as Democrats. And while a large majority — 82 percent — say that caring about Israel is either “essential” or “important,” to their Jewish identity, many of them think the US is too supportive of Israel. This sentiment is especially expressed by those leaning toward the Democrats. And it should encourage the Biden administration to be more critical of the new Israeli government, especially as more than half of US Jews also give a nega-

Most offensive to American Jews is that Netanyahu has agreed, by changing the Law of return, to grant exclusive power to farright Orthodox politicians to define who is recognized as a Jew and thus qualified to emigrate to Israel. As Israeli law stands, the grandchildren of Jews are qualified to take up Israeli citizenship and a change in this law is more likely to affect Jews in russia and Ukraine, for instance, who are more likely to currently be looking for a safe haven. But for US Jewry it is a matter of principle. Moreover, a change in the law agreed between Netanyahu and his political partners to no longer recognize non-Orthodox conversion will alienate the majority of American Jews, who belong to reform, Conservative or reconstructionist Judaism.

America’s Jews, along with all other Jewish communities worldwide, will very soon have a decision to make about how to approach a country they love and cherish but whose government pursues policies that go against their core beliefs and puts them at risk. Wavering is no longer an option. however, this situation also offers a welcome opportunity for Jewish communities around the world to remove the shackles of their selfimposed obligation to provide blanket support for Israeli policies.

Supporting Israel as Jewish and democratic, even as a cultural and spiritual home, is one thing, but endorsing a bigoted government that offends so many, in so many Jewish communities worldwide, questions their Judaism, asks them to compromise their values and beliefs and also puts them in harm’s way is something completely different.

JAPAN IS PREPARING FOR ITS MOST DANGEROUS SECURITY ENVIRONMENT SINCE THE EARLY 1950S BY, IN BOXING PARLANCE, SHIFTING FROM A PROTECTIVE CROUCH TO A MORE BALANCED STANCE THAT WILL ENABLE IT TO LAND PUNCHES WITH GREATER REACH AND MORE POWER WHEN IT FEELS AN IMMINENT THREAT. THE AIM IS TO BE ABLE TO STAND ALONE IN THE RING AND NOT REQUIRE A TAG-TEAM PARTNER (THE UNITED STATES) TO FIGHT ON ITS BEHALF

arab NewS YOSSI MEKELBERG

Yossi Mekelberg is professor of international relations and an associate fellow of the MENA Program at Chatham House. He is a regular contributor to the international written and electronic media.

Star

corporate corner MOOT DIsCUssEs REAsOns, REMEDY FOR PAkIsTAn’s DEPLETIng FOssIL FUEL REsERvEs

islamabad staff report

IslamabadPolicy Research Institute and lUms Energy Institute organized a media event on “Radical solutions to the Energy Challenges of Pakistan” on Wednesday.

The event had sheheryar OmerCEO of Petroleum Institute of Pakistan, Naz Khan- strategic division Head at K-Electric, and Fiaz ahmad Chaudhry- director lUms Energy Institute as speakers. matters pertaining to figuring out the reasons of fossil fuels import bill standing at $26 billion were discussed. depletion of all the indigenous energy resources discovered so far also came into discussion.

Faysal Bank President & CEO Recognized as IRBA Transformational Leader of Year 2022

Mr. Yousaf Hussain, President & CEO of Faysal Bank has been recognized as IRBA Transformational Leader of the Year 2022 at the 8th Islamic Retail Banking Awards (IRBA) held in Jakarta, Indonesia. These prestigious international awards honor individuals and institutions who have demonstrated great commitment and made significant contribution to the development, growth and success of Islamic Banking. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Hussain said, “Alhamdulillah, I am humbled to be selected for the IRBA Transformational Leader Award for 2022. In a very short span of time, and by the grace of Allah subhana-wa-talaa, Faysal Bank has taken long strides towards its transition to being a fully modern, contemporary and Shariah compliant bank in Pakistan. I am grateful for the support and guidance extended by our Board, employees and customers without whom this accolade would not have been possible. I take this opportunity to also congratulate all the other winners at this ceremony and wish them continued success. pr

UW hosts 7th multidisciplinary student research international conference

The speakers also spoke about how the energy demands are being met by importing fossil fuels. With the growing economy, the demand for energy fuels is also increasing. also, due to inflated price of dollar, the import bill is high.

The speakers also discussed that although K-Electric is privatized, but it still has to face a lot of regulations and

therefore, it can’t set its own tariff. despite many regulatory challenges, the company has improved its customer service, reduced losses by half and improved bill recovery since its privatization. K-Electric is planning on adding renewables up to 30% of its power generation mix by 2030. Nearly all of the public dIsCOs are incurring losses be-

Engro Digitally Transforms Procurement

cause of their poor governance and recovery mechanism. and therefore, investors are reluctant to invest in them. adding to that, the speakers also discussed that excess installed capacity is the driving factor behind growing circular debt in the power sector. We have failed to increase our base load in the last two decades as industry hasn’t

shown any growth. In the last two decades our base load has increased from 7000 mW to 8000mV only.

In order to cater the energy challenges faced by Pakistan, the speakers recommended that there should be twopart tariff for the consumers. One should be related to the capacity payment and the other one should be related to energy payments. adding to that, the refinery policy needs to be updated.

moreover, the speakers recommended that there is a dire need to discover more oil reserves, move towards renewables, and convert the gas-based appliances into electric.

Furthermore, it has also been recommended by the speakers that the demand side management should be emphasized in order to decreased the peak load. measures like energy efficient housing, and high-rise buildings can lower the peak demand.

lastly, they recommended that at the moment, gas is being supplied at $2 per mmbtu to urban consumers, whereas the imported gas costs around $15 dollars per mmbtu. Therefore, gas prices should be rationalized.

Islamabad: Engro Corporation, Pakistan’s premier conglomerate, has adopted the SAP Ariba Strategic Sourcing suite to enhance efficiencies and transparency across all business units. Integration Xperts partnered with Bloom IT to deliver the Engro Strategic Sourcing integration with S/4HANA, aligned with the vision of Intelligent Spend Management Networks (ISBN) to improve business efficiencies and accelerate the pace of innovation. Launched in April 2022, the project was completed in October 2022, thus, making it the quickest go-live in Pakistan with this scope Multiple SAP solutions in over 29 business entities of Engro Corporation have now been combined into a single SAP instance called One SAP, which encompasses all tech-driven requirements of the company. “Engro Corporation has always been keen to adopt latest technologies and become more datacentric to stay on top of the game. This go-live is another step in our digital transformation journey. We are grateful to the teams of SAP Pakistan, Bloom IT, and Integration Xperts for helping execute this milestone project”, said Eram Hasan, Chief Information & Transformation Officer at Engro Corporation Limited. With the implementation of SAP Ariba, Engro will be able to implement Supplier Lifecycle & Performance, Sourcing and Contract Management to drive standard processes for procurement. By combining sourcing and negotiation technology with access to a global network of suppliers and category expertise, SAP Ariba Strategic Sourcing Suite enables companies of any industry. pr

UoE, UvAs and FrieslandCampina announce research results of school Milk Program

Forman Christian College wins APICTA Award 2022

Turkcell,

Jazz

announce strategic partnership for BiP

4th meeting of census monitoring committee held

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday directed Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and Provincial governments to ensure the effective coordination for the timely completion of the country's first-ever 7th Digital Population & Housing Census The Minister made these directions while chairing a fourth Meeting of Census Monitoring Committee (CMC) to review progress on the 7th Digital Population & Housing Census held on 14th December, 2022 under the chair of Professor. Ahsan Iqbal, M/o PD&SI, at National Census Coordination Center (N3C), PBS, Islamabad.at 1.30 pm. pr

Frontiers of Information Technology concludes in Islamabad

Islamabad:

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan

of

While addressing the gathering, he informed that Higher Education Institutions need to focus on improving quality education and impart skills to our youth to enable them to take on the challenges of the era.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid,T.I., Director CUI Wah Campus and Chair of the Conference in his closing remarks thanked the participants, speakers and sponsors of the conference for bringing a rich program for the benefit of IT students, experts and entrepreneurs. He lauded the support rendered by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, National Testing Service, Pakistan Science Foundation and

lahore: University of Education (UoE), University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) and FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan (FCEPL) announced research results of their collaborative project of School Milk Program (SMP) at a ceremony in Lahore. Attendees included Food Minister Sardar Hasnain Bahadur, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Minister, Raja Humayun Sarfaraz, Minister for Higher Education Punjab, VC UoE, Talat Pasha, VC UVAS, Nasim Ahmad, DG PFA Mudassir Riaz Malik, World Food Program Ms Amara Khan, govt officials, academia, development & UN agencies, and media. pr

A team of BS Computer Science students comprising of Hassan Shakoor Rana, Ahmed Yasser and Rifa Salman under supervision of Dr Aasia Khanum, Dr Sidra

Minhas and Dr Haroon Shakeel were declared ‘Winner’ in tertiary student category at 21st Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2022 held in Islamabad. The students pitched their project ‘Sunno’ in front of a panel of experienced international judges and proved to be the best application in terms of uniqueness, technology, scalability and other factors. ‘Sunno’ is an android application aimed at converting spoken, written or verbal input into Pakistan sign Lan. pr

Islamabad: University of Wah (UW) hosted its 7th MultiDisciplinary Student Research International Conference (MDSRIC), jointly sponsored by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and Pakistan Science Foundation. The key areas of the Conference included Basic Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering Sciences and Social Sciences & Humanities. Mr Hamza Sarosh, Senior Vice President, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, graced the opening ceremony as Chief Guest. The Conference was attended by a galaxy of renowned national and international speakers. Literary delegates from Turkey including Prof Dr Mahmut Boyukata, Kirikkale University; Prof Dr Tuncay Bayram, Karadeniz Technical University; Prof Dr Necla Cakmal, Karabuk University and Mr Faheem Abbasi from Buraq Geo Services, Norway presented keynote speeches in physical mode. pr

The 19th International Conference on Frontiers of Information Technology 2022 concluded in a graceful ceremony organized by COMSATS University Islamabad on December 13, 2022 at COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad.

was Chief Guest

the ceremony.

technical co-sponsors IEEE Islamabad Chapter. pr

Islamabad Police, IRP to cooperate for sensitization towards PWDs, women rights

Islamabad: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Islamabad Capital Police and Islamic Relief Pakistan for mutual cooperation and providing internship to young students, a police public relations officer said. He said that, a total of 57 male and female students belonging to different departments are already doing research work in different divisions of Islamabad Capital Police. To take this trend forward, internship programs will be provided to the young students to familiarize them with the field affairs and increase their skills. pr

Ambassador of Morocco to Pakistan H.E Mr Mohamed Karmoune visited Naval headquarters, Islamabad and called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi. Matters of mutual interest, regional maritime security and bilateral collaboration were discussed during the meeting. The dignitaries agreed upon enhanced maritime cooperation and collobaration between the brotherly countries. pr

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada inaugurates Orthopaedic Workshop at National Special Education Center for Physically Handicapped Children. pr

Mohsin Mushtaq, Federal Secretary MoITT, performs groundbreaking of Pakistan’s first Jazz 5G innovation lab at NUST accompanied by Shiza Fatima, PM’s special assistant on Youth Affairs, Muhammad Naveed, Member Finance PTA, Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO, Augie K Fabela, Co-founder VEON, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz. pr

Islamabad: Turkey and Pakistan's leading digital operators, Turkcell and Jazz, part of VEON Group, collaborated to spread the latter’s instant free communication and life platform BiP in Pakistan. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed today by Aamer Ejaz, Chief Digital Officer, Jazz and Gökhan Yüksektepe, BiP CEO. BiP is an easy-to-use instant communication app that offers fast and secure messaging, high quality voice and video calls, secret messages, and instant translation. Designed to be an allin-one super app, BiP also allows users the ease of discovering channels like food, sports, entertainment, and fashion. It is actively used in 192 countries and has reached nearly 99 million downloads. pr

CHina Calls Us ‘destroyer’ oF global trading system at Wto

GEnEvA MiAn AbrAr

CHINAaccused Washington on Wednesday of using subsidies to prop up national industries and refusing to abide by the rules of the World Trade Organization.

China’s ambassador to the WTO Li Chenggang said in a speech that he was disappointed in the U.S. trading record, saying it had not lived up to President Joe Biden s inaugural pledge to lead “by the power of our example”.

“The United States puts America First by prevailing its domestic laws over international rules and (the) laws of others, disregarding WTO rules and concerns of other members,” he told a closed-door U.S. trade policy review at the Geneva-based WTO.

“Clearly, the United States is a destroyer to the multilateral trading system,” he added, according to the text of his speech which was released in English by China s WTO delegation.

Hindutva outfits oppose green paint on walls of railway station in Karnataka

BEnGALURU Agencies

The Hindutva organisations have opposed the painting of the walls of the Kalaburagi railway station in the Indian state of Karnataka in green colour and given a deadline to the authorities to remove it. The Hindutva organisations have warned that if the green colour was not removed within 15 days, the total railway station would be painted in BJP-RSS saffron colour.

The authorities have taken up the painting work of the front portion of the railway station. Currently, two walls of the railway station have been painted in green colour.

The activists of Hindutva group, Jagaran Vedike, staged a protest in the premises of the railway station and raised slogans against the authorities. They maintained that the police station was being painted in green colour to appease the Muslim community.

Lakshmikantha Sadhwi, a Hindutva member, stated that the railway station “building must be painted with any colour other than green”. She said, the yellow and red colours of the Kannada flag could also be used. Otherwise, the railway building will be painted with saffron colour”. The railway authorities have stopped the painting work following the opposition and protest. They have also got another layer painted on the present green colour.

The administration of the police station maintained that the painting work was taken up on the orders of higher authorities. The painting was done based on the suggestion of architects. A staffer at the Kalaburagi railway station, Satyanarayana Desai, said they will discuss getting the railway station painted in another colour and then make a decision.

by

China’s remarks came days after it filed a WTO trade complaint against U.S. curbs on chip exports.

The United States has previously said China s industrial policies were skewed against imported goods and services. It has also called on the world s second-largest economy to carry out further liberalisation and open its vast markets.

The WTO s system for settling global trade disputes has been only partially functional since Dec. 2019 when Washington s repeated blockage of judge appointments under former President Donald Trump paralysed its top court. That means that any member, including the United States, can and has appealed decisions made by a lower court into a legal limbo.

Four dead, dozens rescued from capsized migrant boat in Channel

London APP

Four people died when a small boat packed with migrants capsized in freezing temperatures in the Channel overnight, Britain said on Wednesday.

The

Ambassador Li called Washington a “capricious rule-breaker” for not implementing rulings. The U.S. has repeatedly criticised the WTO dispute settlement system for overreach and is currently leading a consultation process with members on how to reform it.

Kyiv says 64 Ukrainians, US citizen released in prisoner swap with Russia

Ukraine said Wednesday that it had secured the release of a US citizen as well as 64 Ukrainian members of the military in its latest prisoner swap with Russian forces.

“Sixty-four soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who fought in Donetsk and Lugansk — in particular participated in the defence of the city of Bakhmut — are going home,” the Ukraine presidency’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media.

“It was also possible to free a US citizen who helped our people — Suedi Murekezi.”

Russia’s state-run TASS news agency has reported that Murekezi was arrested in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine in June and charged with attending anti-Russian protests and inciting “ethnic hatred”.

Citing his lawyer, TASS said Murekezi was born in Rwanda and moved to the United States with his family in 1994. The lawyer said Murekezi worked in a nightclub in Kherson city and denied his client was a combatant.

Russian forces captured Kherson city soon after they invaded Ukraine in February, but

Ukrainian

UN urges de-escalation of tensions following border clashes between Indian, Chinese troops

UnITEd nATIonS APP

“We

sions along the border in that area

According

Turkiye continue talks with Russia, Ukraine to end war

kered agreements between the two sides.

Türkiye continues its talks with both Russia and Ukraine to end the ongoing war, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

“We witnessed, along with the grain agreement and exchange of prisoners, the way to peace can be paved if diplomacy is given an opportunity,” Erdogan told a trilateral summit between Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, mentioning Turkish-bro-

“We continue our talks with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy in this direction. Hopefully, we will first achieve a ceasefire and then lasting peace in our region.”

Erdogan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Turkmen leader Serdar Berdimuhamedov met on Wednesday in the western Turkmen city of Awaza to address steps to further deepen cooperation between the three countries in various areas, particu-

larly trade, energy, and transportation.

The Turkish leader also said the trio needs to start working on transporting Turkmen natural gas to Western markets.

“We are ready to work on transferring electricity from Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan to our country,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan also said Turkmenistan’s full membership in the Organization of Turkic States would strengthen the group. Since 2021, Turkmenistan has had observer status in the group.

not grow,”

Dozens of others were plucked from the waters of one of the world's busiest shipping lanes in a large-scale rescue operation involving UK and French emergency services.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is trying to tighten rules to prevent record numbers of migrants from attempting the crossing, called the capsize a "tragic loss of human life".

Interior minister Suella Braverman said the fatalities -and the loss of 27 lives in November last year -- were "the most sobering reminder" of the need to cut off the route.

"Crossing the Channel in unseaworthy vessels is lethally dangerous," the immigration hardliner told parliament, promising closer cooperation with the French authorities.

"It is for this reason above all that we are trying to destroy the business model of the people smugglers."

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union which counts Border Force and Coastguard staff involved in the rescue as members said Braverman "should resign in disgrace".

The charity Refugee Action said the deaths were "predictable and avoidable", while the Care4Calais group called the UK's failure to make safe routes available "utterly shameful".

But Sunak's spokesman dismissed such criticisms as inappropriate. "The government is firmly fixed on resolving this issue," he told reporters.

Ministers were acting to end "vulnerable people being exploited" and the UK has accepted hundreds of thousands of individuals through safe routes for years, he added.

Government sources said earlier that 43 people were rescued, including more than 30 who had fallen overboard, with fears the death toll will rise. - Screams -

A fisherman told Sky News he was awoken by his crew reporting screams for help from migrants in the nearfreezing water next to their trawler.

The crew spent several hours plucking dozens to safety, sharing footage of the dramatic scene with the UK broadcaster, and comparing it to scenes from a war movie.

"Adrenaline kicks in and you find the strength to get these guys safe," the fisherman, named only as Raymond, said.

Nikolai Posner, from the Utopia 56 group helping migrants in northern France, said it received a voice message and location notification from a boat in distress at 2:53 am local time (0153 GMT).

"We forwarded it to the French and British coastguard by phone. At 3:40 am (0240 GMT), the French coastguard told us the British were handling it," he told AFP.

"The location that was sent to us was in French waters. At 2:59 am the person who contacted us was no longer receiving messages on WhatsApp."

Utopia 56 said later in a statement: "Although it is impossible to state with certainty that the messages came from the sunken boat, all the elements... tend to suggest they did."

The organisation said it received five calls overnight from boats attempting the Channel crossing.

The message suspected to have been made from the stricken boat said children and families were onboard and it was taking on water from the stern, submerging its occupants.

"Please help us," it said. "We're in the water."

The U.S. ambassador to the WTO, Maria Pagán, defended U.S. policies, saying it was one of the most open and competitive economies in the world with some of the lowest tariffs. “For many decades, the United States has led

maintaining a fundamentally open economy,” she said.

U.S. trade policy review occurs every few years and allows members of the 164-member body to give feedback on Washington s track record.

AnKARA Agencies

KyIv Agencies

Ukrainian troops retook it this autumn. It has been subjected to frequent bouts of Russian shelling since.

officials say the epicentre of fighting since Kherson’s recapture has been the Donetsk region where Russian forces have for months been trying to capture Bakhmut.

The United Nations Tuesday called for easing of tensions along the Sino-Indian disputed Himalayan border, after India claimed its troops clashed with Chinese troops last week.

call for de-escalation to ensure that the ten-

do

the Secretary-General’s Spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing in New York.

to the Indian army, the clash took in the Tawang sector of the disputed border last Friday, and a few soldiers on both sides suffered minor injuries.

Pujara, IyEr PuT IndIa In Command aGaInST BanGladESh

CHittAgOng Agencies

CHETESHWARPujara and Shreyas Iyer powered India to a strong 278-6 on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Wednesday. Pujara hit 90 while Iyer remained unbeaten on 82, with both riding their luck. Axar Patel was out on the last ball of the day for 14, trapped leg-before as the second of off-spinner Mehidy Hasan’s two wickets.

Taijul Islam, the most successful bowler for Bangladesh with 3-84, bowled Pujara to end a dogged innings that featured 11 fours.

Pujara and Iyer came together after India lost their fourth wicket on 112, with signs of spin in the first-day track at the Zahur

Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Left-arm spinner Taijul had opener Shubman Gill out for 20 in the opening session before he trapped India’s danger-man Virat Kohli leg-before for one.

In between, KL Rahul dragged a Khaled Ahmed delivery onto his stumps after making 22. ishabh Pant launched a counter-attack, hitting six fours and two sixes to put India back in the driving seat after being 48-3.

Mehidy ended his attacking innings in the post-lunch session when he bowled Pant for 46.

Wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan dropped Pujara off Ebadot Hossain on 12 in the second ball of the second session. Pujara and Iyer then took on the Bangladeshi bowlers before the hosts fought their way back into the contest with two late strikes.

India had made a brisk start, reaching 41

runs in 13 overs after stand-in skipper Rahul won the toss and elected to bat first.

Gill attempted a paddle sweep but topedged to Yasir Ali at leg slip. Taijul got the big wicket of Kohli after Rahul fell to Khaled.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan passed a fitness test to lead the home side, with opening batsman Zakir Hasan making his Test debut.

India have been hit by injuries, with captain Rohit Sharma out for at least the first match and fast bowler Mohammed Shami and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja playing no part in the series.

The two-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. India are fourth, having won six of their 12 matches. Bangladesh are in last place with eight defeats from 10 matches.

Babar Azam to lead Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 8

Virat Kohli blown away by Bangladesh spinner

in first Test

CHAttOgRAM stAff RepoRt

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan lost the toss and was asked to field by his Indian captain KL Rahul in the first Test match in Chattogram. He said that at this location, wickets often fall more frequently in the first session of Day 1 and then at the end of the third, fourth, and fifth sessions. With 85 on the board, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam proved Shakib correct as India headed to lunch three down. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli were two of the crucial wickets that Taijul took. While Gill’s shot was disappointing, Taijul’s pass to Kohli was outstanding. Taijul totally outsmarted Kohli, who had just came in to bat after India lost Rahul, who is leading the team in place of the injured Rohit Sharma. In the third delivery of the 20th over, the left-arm spinner got one to just drift and turn to avoid Kohli’s bat and hit his pads right in front of the stumps. In fact, Kohli would have done better if he had played the ball with his front foot. “Kohli was completely bamboozled by Taijul,” said former Australia spinner Brad Hogg during commentary. Reminder for all is that India already lost the ODI series against the Bangal Tigers 2-0.

Saud climbs in Test rankings after impressive show against England

StAff REpORt

Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel has moved to 61st place in the Test batters rankings after the latest update by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 27-year-old jumped 32 places after impressive performances against England in the ongoing Test series. He made three consecutive fifties in Test cricket. He fell six runs short of scoring his maiden Test century after third umpire Joel Wilson gave a controversial catch dismissal. On the other hand, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam retained third spot while and Abdullah Shafique dropped three spots to 18. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan has also lost four places and now sits at the 21st position. Shaheen Afridi, who is currently in fifth place, is the only Pakistan bowler in the top 10 positions of the Test rankings.

Pakistani batting ace Babar Azam will captain Peshawar Zalmi in the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the franchise announced Wednesday.

Babar, who is Pakistan’s all-format captain and the most successful batter in the history of the league, left Karachi Kings recently.

Last month, in one of the biggest trades of the tournament, Zalmi snapped Babar in the Platinum category and the first pick in the supplementary round for Haider Ali and Shoaib Malik, who moved to Karachi Kings in the Platinum and Diamond categories, respectively, before the trade and retention window closed.

Babar had played for the Kings since 2017 after leaving Islamabad United. The prolific right-hander is the all-time highest scorer of PSL, with 2,413 runs under his belt in 68 matches.

During the last season, the Kings, led by Azam, became the first team to lose nine matches in a single edition of PSL. The players’ draft for PSL season 8 will take place in Karachi on December 15. The announcement has been made after consulting with all franchises, said PCB.

The tournament’s director Usman Wahla said PSL 8 will be bigger with the induction of some prominent names.

“Some big cricketers’ availability

ensures a bigger and better PSL season this time around,” he said.

The PCB has already revealed the pick order for the draft, where defending champions Lahore Qalandars will make the first pick.

Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans will have second and third picks. The fourth and fifth picks will

be done by Karachi Kings and Islamabad United. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi will make the sixth pick. The next 17 rounds were decided through a special statistical tool.

PSL 8 is scheduled from February 9 to March 19 in Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Lahore Qalandars will defend their title.

Cricket great Flintoff ‘lucky to be alive’ after Top Gear accident

LOndOn Agencies

England cricket legend Andrew Flintoff is “lucky to be alive” after he was injured in an accident while filming the popular BBC television show Top Gear. Flintoff was hurt at Top Gear’s test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, southern England, with the BBC confirming he was taken to hospital for treatment. Flintoff’s 16-year-old son Corey told the Daily Mail that his father was fortunate to have survived the incident. “He’s OK. I’m not too sure what happened but he is lucky to be alive,” he said. “It was a pretty nasty crash. It is shocking. We are all shocked but just hope he’s going to be OK.” Flintoff, a celebrated all-rounder better known as “Freddie”, played 79 Tests and 148 one-day internationals for England before retiring from cricket aged 32. The 45year-old has gone on to have a successful career in television, including co-presenting the hit motoring show Top Gear. During his cricket career, Flintoff played a pivotal role in England winning the Ashes in 2005 and 2009. It was his influential performances during the unforgettable Test series victory against Australia in 2005 that transformed Flintoff into one of the sport’s biggest stars. Former England captain Nasser Hussain, said the current national team, at present on tour in Pakistan, had been keeping Flintoff in their thoughts since the accident. “We have been following it out here and trying to get in touch with Freddie’s agent and people around Freddie,” Hussain told Sky Sports News. “The England team are in their team room and they’re a little bit concerned. Fingers crossed that Freddie is OK. He is a larger than life character. Hopefully good news will follow.”

Jaffna Kings thrash Colombo

Stars by 6 runs in a thriller

COLOMBO Agencies

Jaffna Kings beat Colombo Stars by 6 runs in a thrilling match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday in the Lanka Premier League 2022. Batting first, Jaffna Kings posted a big total of 178 for the loss of 5 wickets.

Chasing a big target, Colombo Stars started their innings on the wrong foot as they lost the first two wickets for just five runs. Dinesh Chandimal tried to stabilize his team’s innings but he couldn’t manage to stay on the crease for a long time. The batter scored 19 runs off 18 balls including three boundaries. Captain Angelo Mathews hit the most runs for his team as he played an innings of 73 not out laced with eight boundaries and three sixes and made a strong partnership with Benny Howell who scored 43 runs off 20 balls

including five boundaries and two sixes. However, they couldn’t manage to take Colombo Stars to victory. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and James Fuller were the picks of the bowlers for Jaffna Kings as they scalped two wickets each.

Earlier, Jaffna Kings were forced to bat first after losing the toss. For Jaffna Kings, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Avishka Fernando opened the innings. Fernando played a brilliant knock. He scored 32 runs from 31 balls including four boundaries. Shoaib Malik stayed not out for 35 runs. Towards the end of the innings, captain Thisara Perera made a blistering 29 from 13 balls, which included three boundaries and a six.

For Colombo Stars, Benny Howell was the pick of the bowler, as he took two wickets from his allotted four overs. Naveen-ul-Haq and Dominic Drakes picked one wicket each.

LAHORE stAff RepoRt

KohiNooR SpiNNiNG MillS teMpoRaRily ShUtS dowN aMid ‘woRSt CRiSiS FaCed by textile iNdUStRy’

KOHINOORSpinning Mills Limited (KOSM) have temporarily shut down their operations due to economic downturn, the company announced to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the company notification, “Due to prevailing global and economic downturn, overdue plant maintenance, high cost of production and low price and demand, it is not feasible to operate the production facility. Therefore, the management of the Company has decided to temporarily close/stop the production activities of the Company with immediate effect.

The management is hopeful that the current situation will improve in the first quarter of 2023 enabling the Company to restart its operations.”

Govt borrows Rs1.67tr against maturity of Rs1.39tr

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised Rs 1.67 trillion against a target of Rs 1.35 trillion. This is against debt maturity of Rs 1.39 trillion.

Participation in the auction remained large with bids cumulating Rs 2.286 trillion.

Cut-off yields, however, have remained largely flat. The 3-month cut-off yields for Market Treasury Bills (MTB) at 16.9999%.

The yields for the 6-month MTBs rose 10bps to 16.8999%; while the 12-month MTB yields fell 4bps to 16.8%.

“Huge participation was seen today as total amount stood at Rs2.3trn where participation was skewed towards 3months,” says Topline Research in a T-Bill Auction Alert.

“This indicates that money market participants are still eyeing a possibility of interest rate hike going forward and are reluctant to take exposure in longer tenor,” adds the alert.

JPMorgan, in its ‘Asia Pacific Economic Research’ on December 5, 2022, had said it was penciling “in another 400bps of hikes, bringing the policy rate to 20% by endFY23”.

Earlier in November during the last MTB auction; the government raised Rs 215 billion against the participation of Rs 646 billion. Debt of Rs 855 billion matured while the government eyed a target of Rs 850 billion.

KOSM’s stock price opened at Rs 3 per share which declined by 6.67% to close at Rs. 2.80 per share by the end of trading session. The share volume traded of the company was the eighth highest in the Wednesday trading session with a total volume of 4,318,000 shares being bought or sold.

History and financials

Kohinoor Spinning Mills Limited was incorporated on 23rd July, 1970 as a public limited company in Pakistan. The company is engaged in the business of textile spinning. The principal activity of the company is the manufacturing and sale of yarn. The announcement of shutdown was no big shock given the recent tough times the company had been experiencing in light of economic hardships faced by businesses in general and the textile sector in particular.

The textile sector is the largest export-oriented sector of Pakistan.

The shutdown was also expected in the directors’ report for the quarter end-

ing September 2022 which said that global recession, non-existent demand for fabric, floods and political turmoil in the country, Russia-Ukraine war, and food and energy inflation have all resulted in a significant decline in sales.

The report continues, “In our opinion, this is the worst crisis being faced by the textile industry in recent times with no recipe in sight. We can hope for the best in this scenario. If this crisis continues, it would be difficult for us to run our mills despite all out financial support from the directors.”

In the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of KOSM in April this year, the company increased its authorized share capital from Rs. 1,500,000,000 to Rs. 2,200,000,000 in an attempt to raise more liquidity for the cash starved company. Moreover, the company has also been unable to pay off its bank loans or director loans.

KOSM has a significant amount of borrowings from banks and other finan-

cial institutions amounting to Rs. 2.299 billion for which the banks have filed recovery cases in the Lahore High Court. The quarterly report states that the company is “vigorously and diligently” contesting these cases and expect that there are good chances of a favorable result.

It should also be noted that corporate insiders of the company including the directors and higher management have sold 22,016,000 shares worth a net of Rs. 65,146,680 since the beginning of the year.

The company has been incurring losses since 2015. It has a total negative equity of Rs. 1,640,349,560 as of 30th September, 2022, after it incurred a quarterly negative loss after tax of Rs. 112,737,431. KOSM reported a last annual loss after tax for the year ended 30 June 2022 of Rs. 433,908,135.

In spite of the unfavorable conditions faced by the company, the company expects the economy to become stable in the first quarter of next year after which they plan to resume operations.

Pakistan eyes energy, rail, road connectivity with CARs: PM

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that Pakistan wanted the establishment of energy, rail and road connectivity with the diverse energy resources rich Central Asian Republics (CARs) for the development and prosperity of the entire region.

During a joint press stakeout with President of Tajikistan Emamoli Rahmon, the prime minister said Pakistan desired early completion of the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000) power project to meet its energy needs.

He said Pakistan had been the first country that established ties with Tajikistan some 31 years back. Since then both countries had been enjoying excellent cordial and friendly ties.

Pakistan wanted to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation and ties in all fields including energy, trade, joint ventures in agriculture and food etc, he added.

The Prime Minister further said Pakistan attached immense importance to its bilateral ties with Tajikistan as it was a gateway to the CARs.

He informed that they held very productive meetings to further strengthen the bilateral relations and promote trade, investment and culture between the people of two brotherly nations.

The prime minister expressed the hope that Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s visit to Pakistan ‘would

usher in new era of cooperation and development between the two countries.

He also welcomed the Tajik president and his delegation and said that the people of Pakistan were overwhelmed with joy and pleasure over their visit.

President Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, reciprocating the warm feelings for the government and people of Pakistan, said that his country attached high priority to its ties with Pakistan.

He said both countries had been making joint efforts to further promote friendly ties and expressed the optimism that the MoUs signed between the two countries would give new impetus to these relations.

He said during their delegationlevel deliberations, they had discussed government-to-government level contacts, security, economic situation, global economic decay, energy and connectivity activities and linking of port city of Karachi.

He said they also had useful exchange of views on CASA-1000, cooperation in agriculture, energy connectivity, joint ventures in food technology, trade, science and technology and cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

President Rahmon further said that both countries shared commonalities which served to further strengthen these ties.

The two sides also expressed satisfaction over cooperation in security and reaffirmed to face contemporary

challenges jointly like extremism, terrorism and radicalism, he added.

He said that they also acknowledged the significance of concerted global efforts for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, adding Tajikistan and Pakistan were also closely cooperating at the global level including UN, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and other multilateral foras. He also wished for progress and prosperity of Pakistan and its people.

Earlier, Tajik President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan witnessed the inking of a number of MoUs and agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

These MoUs and agreements included MoU for establishment of Sister Cities Relations between Dushanbe and Islamabad, Agreement over cooperation in industries and technology, Agreement over Transit Trade, Agreement between Tajik Drug Control Agency and Anti-Narcotics Force Pakistan to control illicit trade of narcotics drugs, and psychotropic material etc; agreement for cooperation between Tajikistan Agency of Standardization, Meteorology, Certification and Trade Inspection and Pakistan’s Standards and Quality Control Authority, MoU between Customs Service of Tajikistan and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) over establishment of electronic data interchange.

Govt likely to slash petroleum prices by Rs15 per litre

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The government is likely to slash petroleum prices by up to Rs15 per litre for second fortnight of December in the wake of fluctuation in the international market.

Media reports said the Oil and Gas Regulator Authority (Ogra) had prepared a working paper about the new petroleum prices and would send a summary to the Ministry of Finance today. The Brent crude oil prices witnessed a dip in last 15 days as it hovers around $76 per barrel in the international market.

Reports further said the Ogra would recommend Rs12 per litre cut in petrol price and Rs10 in diesel price. It would also suggest the government to decrease the price of light diesel oil by Rs15 and kerosene oil by Rs13 per litre. Meanwhile, the regulatory body has also prepared another summary that recommends no change in the petroleum prices as the government is attempting to boost revenue collections in a bid to reach a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to get ninth tranche of loan under the $7 billion bailout package. Sources said the Ogra would suggest increase in the general sales tax, which has currently been kept at zero percent. However, the levy on petroleum prices could not be increased further as it is already at the record level of Rs50. A final decision about the petroleum prices will be taken by the ministry after consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

FM urges UNSC to implement resolutions on Kashmir issue

NEW YORK app

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday stressed upon the United Nations Security Council to implement its resolutions over the Kashmir issue and deliver upon its commitment to peace in the region and ‘prove that multilateralism can succeed.

Speaking on “International peace and security “Reformed Multilateralism” in the Security Council, the foreign minister said that there was an agenda item left unaddressed by the UNSC, the issue of Kashmir.

“We believe it a multinational agenda, an agenda of this UNSC and if you want to see the success of the multilateral institution or multilateralism and the success of this very Council, surely you can aid in this process; allow the implementation of the resolutions of the UNSC, when it comes to the question of Kashmir, prove the multilateralism can succeed, prove that the UNSC can succeed and deliver peace in the region,” he added. He said that Pakistan believed that further democratization of the UN and the UNSC and the General Assembly would empower this institution and provide it a moral authority to act. “It would serve the institution to further democratize and to allow the sovereign quality of all and not the superiority of some.”

“It does not serve the purposes of the UN to add more members to its elitist club and to expand the tyrannical power of veto,” he said.

The foreign minister said the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Multilateral solutions, under the umbrella of the Security Council, offered the most effective approach to promoting peace and resolving conflicts, he added.

PTI govt did nothing except to rename Nawaz Sharif’s era projects: Marriyum

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday said Imran Khan-led government had closed down several projects of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s previous government and even renamed some of them which were inaugurated by the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

“The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf regime changed the name of the PML-N’s era Youth Programme with Kamyab Jawan Programme and shelved 80 percent of its projects,” she said while addressing a news conference flanked by Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

Nawaz Sharif, as the prime minister, had launched the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in 2013 to provide employment opportunities to young people, she claimed.

“No ruler can achieve the objective of development by affixing their own nameplates on the existing projects,” the minister said sarcastically. The projects became successful if the same were launched with a focus on people’s welfare, she added.

Marriyum said the PTI government would

not have sent its political opponents to death cells in jails by filing fake cases if it had anything to do with political norms and values.

She said the nation fully knew how the PTI government ruined the national economy during its four-year tenure. It would have been better for the country had Imran Khan invited the heads of international firms to the Prime Minister’s House instead of (Daily Mail’s) David Rose to hatch a conspiracy against PM Shehbaz Sharif.

The minister said the PTI’s “propaganda group” was imposed on the country in 2018, which did not launch even a single new project for the country’s development and people’s welfare. Now, the same people were out to create chaos and political instability in the country to divert people’s attention from their four-year misrule marred by incompetency, inefficiency, theft, and corruption.

They were the people, who had tried to make the Youth Programme controversial at its launch by describing it as a political gimmick, Marriyum recalled.

She said PM Shehbaz Sharif revived the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme after taking charge of the office, with Shaza Fatima Khawaja assigned its responsibility as SAPM. It was being restarted while keeping

in view the problems being faced by the youth in different sectors, she added.

Under the programme, small and large loans were also being revived, which were closed by the previous government, and the step would help provide job opportunities to over 50 million youth, between the age of 15 to 29 years, the minister said.

Marriyum said there was also a plan to give innovation awards under the Prime

Minister’s Youth Programme. Sports opportunities were also being created which would not only generate employment for the youth but also ensure their skill development, she maintained.

It was a positive programme for 68 percent of the population – the youth who could avail its facilities through its website pmyp.gov.pk, she said.

Marriyum recalled that Shehbaz Sharif as Punjab chief minister had launched the laptop scheme in the province.

She said the projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Health Card Scheme and Youth Programme were started during the Nawaz Sharif government, which were aimed at the country’s development, besides the provision of jobs to people.

To a query, she said in 2010, the thenprime minister issued orders to renovate two Pakistani buildings in Washington.

One of them had been completely renovated and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working to rent it out, while the renovation of the second one could not be done as the United States government had terminated its diplomatic status in 2018.

She said Pakistan had paid some 1.3 million dollars as taxes for the two buildings

since 2019. “If the second building is not sold then we will have to pay $ 100,000 per month,” the minister noted.

She said an inter-ministerial committee had decided to sell the building and the bidding had been done in a transparent manner which was higher than the previous one. The Federal Cabinet had decided to sell the building immediately so as to avoid payment of more taxes.

Had such decisions been made in time, many things would have been different today, she remarked.

To another question, she said in 2013, the youth had voted for the PML-N in droves. However, during the past four years, the younger generation had been persistently incited by the PTI leaders towards chaos, anarchy and divisions in the country, she added.

The minister said the PTI did not sign any contract for the purchase of the liquefied natural gas though it was available at cheap prices during its four-year rule.

Marriyum said the visit of the Tajikistan president to Pakistan was of sheer importance during which agreements would be signed in various sectors, including IT and trade, whose details would be shared with the media.

pROfIt REpORt MuhaMMad Raafay Khan

pROfIt REpORt

aRiba Shahid