Epaper_22-6-19 ISB

Sunday, 19 June, 2022 I 19 Dhul-Qadah, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 350 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

PM showers Gen Bajwa with Praise over FatF achieveMent

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RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday congratulated Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa after Pakistan completed the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) action plans.

The anti-money laundering watchdog announced Friday that Pakistan has “substantially completed its two action plans” — of the total 34 items on the list — and would be removed from the grey list after it passes the on-site visit.

During a telephonic conversation, the prime minister appreciated the “core cell” established in the General Headquarters (GHQ) for its efforts in the completion of the anti-money laundering watchdog’s item list.

“I applaud the civil and military leadership that worked with the core cell,” the prime minister said.

In its statement released after the four-day plenary in Berlin, the watchdog acknowledged that the necessary political commitment remains in place to sustain implementation and improvement in the future.

The army chief, a day earlier, had termed the FATF’s announcement a “great achievement” for Pakistan.

“Completion of FATF AML/CFT (anti-

money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism) action plans by Pakistan is a great achievement,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement, quoting the army chief.

PM alSo coNgRatulatES FM BIlawal, MIFtah ISMaIl: Meanwhile, in separate telephonic conversations, the prime minister also appreciated Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Finance Minister Miftah Ismail for their efforts in this regard.

Shehbaz Sharif said that the return of Pakistan to the whitelist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is a big success. He also felicitated the nation and welcomed the announcement of the FATF that Pakistan had met all its conditions for exclusion from the grey list.

In a statement issued here, the premier said, “Praise be to Allah, return of Pakistan to the whitelist is a big success of Pakistan.”

He congratulated the government institutions, personalities and relevant team and said their joint efforts brought fruit, the state news agency reported Friday.

He appreciated the performance of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and the team of the Foreign Ministry.

The PM said the efforts of the basic cell related to FATF and of military and civil leadership included in it, were

praiseworthy and credit went to them for their work in this national endeavour.

“I pay tribute to the whole team working for the success of Pakistan,” he said adding the statement of FATF was a recognition of the restoration of the international reputation of Pakistan.

“More such good news will be the destiny of Pakistan in future,” he said adding the return of Pakistan to the white list would help in improving the economic and financial situation of Pakistan.

“We are working with the same determination for the economic revival of Pakistan,” he concluded.

FatF acKNowlEDgES PaKIStaN: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has acknowledged that Pakistan has “substantially completed its two action plans”, saying that the watchdog will now schedule an on-site visit to verify the implementation of the measures.

However, Pakistan has not been formally removed from the FATF’s grey list.

In a statement, the watchdog acknowledged that Pakistan has completed both its action plans, covering 34 items and said this showed the necessary political commitment was in place to sustain implementation and improvement in the future. “The FATF will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation and conduct an on-site visit at the earliest possible date to verify the implementation and sustainability of the country’s money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures,” it added.

The FATF also acknowledged Pakistan continued political commitment to combating both terrorist financing and money laundering, which it said had led to significant progress.

“Pakistan demonstrated that terror financing investigations and prosecutions target senior leaders and commanders of UN designated terrorist groups and that there is a positive upwards trend in the number of money laundering investigations and prosecutions being pursued in Pakistan, in line with Pakistan’s risk profile,” it added.

The financial watchdog noted that Pakistan has also largely addressed its 2021 action plan ahead of the set times.

Power tariff may go up further by Rs7.96 per unit islamabad AhmAd AhmAdAni

Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has asked the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to approve a hike of Rs7.96 per unit in the power tariff on account of fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for the month of May 2022.

As per details, CPPA on behalf of power distribution companies (DISCOs) has submitted an application with NEPRA and sought hike in power tariff

by Rs7.96 per unit under FCA of May, 2022. And, NEPRA will conduct a hearing on CPPA plea for power tariff hike on June 27.

The CPPA in its plea informed that 22.89 per cent of the electricity has been generated with Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) at a cost of Rs27.92 per kilowatt hour (kWh), while 13.77 percent of electricity has been produced with coal at a cost of Rs18.01 per kWh, and 12.90 per cent of electricity has been generated with nuclear at a cost of Rs1.05 per unit in the month of May 2022. Similarly, 8.80 percent of the power has been produced with furnace oil at a cost of Rs33.67 paisa per unit, while 9.99 percent of electricity has been generated with the gas at a cost of Rs10.12 per unit, 0.37 percent of electricity with imported Iran at a cost of Rs18.95 per

unit, 0.11 percent of the electricity has been generated with mixed fuel at cost of Rs4.68 per unit and 0.53 percent of the electricity has been produced with bagasse at a cost of Rs5.98 per unit. Furthermore, 24.5 percent of electricity out of the total power generated in May 2022 has been generated with hydel source, 5.32 percent of electricity with wind and 0.61 percent with solar source in the month of May 2022.

It is also learnt from CPP plea that total 14,656.89 Gigawatt hour of electricity was produced while net delivered to DISCOs was 14,264.95GWh in the month of May 2022.

According to NEPRA, CPPA has sought Rs7.9647 per kilowatt hour (kWh) hike in the power tariff for the month of May 2022 over the reference fuel charges of Rs5.9322 per kWh for the DISCOs. And, NEPRA is scheduled to conduct a hearing to consider the proposed adjustment on June 27, 2022.

It is pertinent to mention here that already burdened masses would find a severe blow if the NEPRA approves the proposed hike in the power tariff which in result would add salt to their injuries in the form of additional burden of billions of rupees through electricity bills.

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Sunday, 19 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

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PAKISTAn CAllS for CrImInAlIZInG HATe SPeeCH mAnIfeSTATIonS lIKe ISlAmoPHobIA Among other Actions, the PAkistAni envoy ProPosed were: To build consensus on the imperative to strengthen education, a powerful tool, to counter hate speech and set out concrete recommendations in this regards, and, Social media companies urgently review their policies, and to effectively regulate hate speech and disinformation online, an effort that would require governments and relevant technological companies to work together.

Meanwhile, at a briefing in connection with the Day, the UN Special Adviser on Genocide, Ms. Alice Nderitu, was asked by a Pakistani correspondent about rising Islamophobia in India.

“We have quite a number of situations of concern, and, of course, that’s that’s one of them,” she said.

In a message issued to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said hate speech incites violence, undermines diversity and social cohesion and “threatens the common values and principles that bind us together.”

He added, “It promotes racism, xenophobia and misogyny; it dehumanizes individuals and communities; and it has a serious impact on our efforts to promote peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.

“The internet and social media have turbocharged hate speech, enabling it to spread like wildfire across borders.”

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OICING serious concern over growing hate speech worldwide, Pakistan has called for a collective effort to counter its manifestation such as Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia and incitement to violence.

“Hate is a threat to everyone; Combating it must be a collective effort,” Ambassador Aamir Khan, deputy permanent representatives of Pakistan to the UN, said in a remarks at an event organized by Morocco in connection with the first-ever International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Among the priority actions proposed by the Pakistani envoy was for government interventions to “domestically criminalize certain manifestations of hate speech, such as racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and incitement to violence.”

“Hate speech is on the rise worldwide, with the potential to incite violence, undermine social cohesion and tolerance based on xenophobia, racism, Islamophobia, hatred and other forms of intolerance and discrimination,” Ambassador Aamir Khan warned.

“History has shown us that genocide and other atrocity crimes begin with words – there is a collective responsibility to address hate speech in the present day to

Dua Zehra’s father files petition in SC against SHC’s verdict

prevent further violence in the future.”

He hoped that, under the umbrella of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, bold actions twill be taken to respond to intolerant, inflammatory and prejudiced narratives that are stoking and intensify racial and religious fears, hostility and hatred.

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Dua Zehra’s father on Saturday field petition in the Supreme Court against the decision given by the High Court, while the Sindh High Court (SHC) had ordered on June 8 for Dua Zehra to decide on her own that whether she wants to go with her parents or husband. Dua Zehra’s father took stance in the petition that the verdict given by the SHC is faulty or inaccurate. The decision was announced on the basis of the medical test and his daughter’s statement. The medical report stated that Dua is 17 years old, while his daughter is 14 years old as per the National Advanced Database Registration Authority (NADRA) record and also her educational credentials, he added. The petitioner further filed request for an immediate hearing to be held on the matter. The hearing on the petition by Dua Zehra’s father is expected to be held in the coming week.

PIA stopped from using new A-320 aircraft for flight operation KARACHI Staff RepoRt

The national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been stopped from using recently acquired new plane for flight operation due to a tax dispute with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). A dispute emerged between PIA and FBR over the payment of duty on recently acquired new planes. The tax dispute has been causing a massive financial loss worth millions of dollars to the national airline. PIA had acquired four Airbus A-320 aircraft through tenders and the first plane landed in Islamabad on April 29. The revenue institution imposed a sales tax worth Rs410 million on the national airline for acquiring the plane on lease. The PIA management is facing difficulties with a lump-sum payment of the massive tax to the FBR as the airline is already paying $0.5 million in lease money for each aircraft. The airline will be granted permission for using the recently acquired aircraft for the flight operation after the sales tax payment.

KP govt ignores backward districts in development program PESHAWAR aziz buneRi

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will spend lowest development fund of Rs2.5 million in Kolai Palas district while in tribal districts the lowest fund of Rs1.4 billion has been earmarked for Kurram district. It has been proposed to set aside Rs134.44 billion for 653 projects at provincial level and Rs38.3 billion for 349 projects in tribal districts.

Under the annual development program, a high amount of Rs20.52 billion has been proposed for 120 projects in Chief Minister Mahmood Khan’s home district, Swat, and Rs13.45 billion for 139 projects in provincial capital, Peshawar. Similarly, according to sources in the Planning and Development Department, KP government has proposed most of the funds for projects in the constituencies of government members, including projects worth Rs20 billion in Swat district. Similarly, Rs6.44 billion for 46 projects in Bannu, Rs5.95 billion for 59 projects in Nowshera, Rs4.22 billion for 28 projects in Kohat, Rs3.73 billion for 64 projects in Mardan, Rs3.58 billion for 50 projects in Swabi, Rs3.49 billion for 31 projects in Buner and Rs3.49 billion for 32 projects Mansehra, Rs3.31 billion for 43 projects in Abbottabad, Rs2.73 billion for 17 projects in Karak, Rs2.55 billion for 31 projects in Haripur, Rs2.24 billion for 45 projects in Dera Ismail Khan, Rs1.96 billion for 25 projects in Lakki Marwat and Rs1.96 billion 25 projects in Hangu. The provincial government has allocated Rs1.56 billion for 24 projects in Malakand, Rs1.41 billion for 31 projects in Lower Dir, Rs1.37 billion for 32 projects in Upper Dir, Rs1.28 billion for 10 projects in Turghar and Rs1.27 billion for 28 projects in Charsadda, Rs1.2 Billion for 19 projects in Tank. Similarity, Rs818 million for 14 projects of Upper Chitral, Rs681 for 11 projects of Upper Kohistan, Rs422 million for 11 projects of Shangla, Rs334 million for 10 projects of Batagram, Rs287 million for four projects in Lower Chitral, Rs20 million for three projects in Lower Kohistan and . Rs2.5 million for the two projects in Kolai Palas district. In tribal districts, the government has proposed, Rs5.2 billion for 93 projects in South Waziristan, Rs3.98 billion for 53 projects of Khyber, Rs3.1 billion for 24 projects in Mohmand, Rs2.17 billion for 42 projects of North Waziristan, Rs1.86 billion for 32 projects of Bajaur, Rs1.81 billion for 22 projects of Orakzai and Rs1.40 for 32 projects of Kurram tribal district.

LAHORE: A beautiful view of cloud patches, hover in sky over historic Shahi Qila in provincial metropolis. photo by zubaiR Mehfooz

Tidal waves flood 12 villages along Gharo creek, leave people stranded

PP-07 by-polls: PPP, PML-N team up to face PTI RAWALPINDI Staff RepoRt

The People’s Party candidate withdrew his nomination papers in favour of the PML-N ticket-holder in the byelection to PP-07.

PPP candidate Chaudhry Zaheer withdrew from the contest in favour of the PML-N candidate Raja Sagheer Ahmed after a meeting of the leaders of the two parties held at People’s Party Central Secretariat.

Sharing details about the development, PPP leader Sibtul Haider Bukhari, said: “It is the first seat adjustment between the PPP and PML-N in byelections. Both the parties will contest the by-election

against PTI jointly in PP-07.”

Raja Sagheer Ahmed was one of the 20 Punjab Assembly members of the PTI, who had been de-seated by the election commission for casting vote to Hamza Shehbaz in the election of the chief minister.

Raja Sagheer had joined the PML-N after being deseated and the party had awarded him ticket for the vacant PP-07 constituency of Kahuta-Kalar Sayedan.

Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi had sent reference against 25 dissident members of the PTI including five members on reserved seats.

The by-election to 20 general seats of the provincial assembly, vacated after the ECP decision, will be held on July 17.

PTI to contest NA-245 Karachi by-election KARACHI Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced to contest by election on NA-245 seat that fell vacant after the death of PTI lawmaker Dr Amir Liaquat Hussain.

Addressing a press conference today, PTI leader and former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said that the party will contest the NA-245 election, pointing out that all political parties, including MQM, have been rejected

THATTA Staff RepoRt

by the citizens. He termed the Pakistan People’s Partyled (PPP) Sindh government as ‘oppressive’, saying that despite being in government for 14 years, they have failed to provide basic necessities to the citizens.

Imran Ismail further said that fake cases were being registered against PTI Member of Sindh Assembly (MPA) Haleem Adil Sheikh. He also criticised the incumbent government for firing tear gases at the PTI protestors during the Long March.

“The PTI government had not resisted or fired tear

About 12 villages along the Gharo Creek have been flooded by tidal waves, forcing hundreds to leave their homes. The villages in Kharo Chhan and Keti Bandar talukas, have been submerged by sea water after breach in the protective dyke of Gharo Creek owing to ferocious tidal waves.

Football and cricket grounds of Gharo town and Jameel Shah Graveyard have been drowned under the seawater. The rampaging seawater entered in local villages owing to ferocious winds and flooding fuelled by strong tidal waves. The situation is equally bad in Keti Bandar and Kharo Chhan talukas. People the affected villages are stranded and waiting for help under the open sky.

gases when these people staged protest and launched long march in our tenure,” he said, adding that they did not imprisoned anyone for protesting.

The former governor also criticised the government for raising prices of petroleum products, saying that an average person cannot bear the burden of the rising inflation. “PTI was considering not taking the next grant from International Monetary Fund (IMF),” he added.

Imran Ismail added that PTI would hold nationwide protests against inflation tomorrow (Sunday) as the economy was destroyed within two-month tenure of the incumbent government. “If these people continue to rule even for a few months, the country would suffer huge losses,” he concluded.

Delimitation a pre-planned ploy to disempower Kashmiris ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The delimitation exercise in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) is just a formality as giving more seats to the Hindu-majority Jammu region was preplanned ploy of the Narendra Modi-led fascist Indian government.

An analysis by Kashmir Media Service citing

political experts says that the so-called delimitation exercise was part of Narendra Modi-led fascist Indian government, nefarious plan to further disfranchise and disempower the Kashmiri Muslims.

It says, the Modi regime removed the barrier to disempower the Kashmiri Muslims by revoking Article 370 and delimitation in IIOJK was BJP’s sinister plot to install a Hindu chief minister in the Muslim-majority territory.

“BJP’s real aim of installing Hindu CM in IIOJK is to legitimize and legalize its illegal actions of 5 August 2019. Delimitation Commission has redrawn constituencies in a way to serve Hindutva-driven agenda in IIOJK. Redrawing of constituencies in IIOJK was always meant to further stage-manage so-called assembly polls,” it says.

Redrawing electoral boundaries is yet another

step of colonizing Kashmir, the analysis says, adding that the purpose of the exercise right from the start was to curtail role of Muslim majority politics in Kashmir.

The analysis maintains that Modi has flouted UN resolutions and international laws by redrawing electoral maps in IIOJK. However, it says Modi must remember that no amount of gerrymandering will change the ground reality in Jammu and Kashmir.

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KP unVeIlS STePS for AuSTerITy In PeTroleum exPenSeS, mAInTenAnCe of VeHICleS PESHAWAR

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HE government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued additional guidelines to all the government departments regarding austerity in petroleum expenses, repair and maintenance of vehicles.

These guidelines have been issued with the approval of the Chief Minister Mahmood Khan in wake of the decision of 35% cut in the petroleum expenses of all departments in view of the recent increase in the petroleum prices in the country, said an official handout issued here on Saturday.

These additional guidelines have been issued as another important step under the provincial government’s austerity policy already in place. In this

regard, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat has issued formal letters to the Chief Secretary and administrative heads of government departments for strict compliance of the guidelines at all levels.

According to the guidelines, all types of meetings/review meetings under the chairs of Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary and Inspector General Police which requires the presence of Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, RPOs and DPOs shall be convened through secure video links.

Similarly, all types of internal/departmental meetings under the chairs of administrative secretaries which require the presence of District Officers is required, shall also be convened through video links.

Moreover, all types of meetings under the chairs of Commissioners and

fPCCI’s group demands lowering of interest rate, controlling exchange rate INP The United Business Group of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Friday urged the government to lower the interest rate, check dollar costs and cut petroleum prices to beef up the fragile economy in the wake of swirling global inflation. Presiding over a high-level meeting of the group, Chairman FPCCI Shahzad Ali Malik said that an urgent plan was needed on war footing to increase the industrial production in the coming years to give a boost to export, according to a press release issued here on Saturday. He said once the export level increases, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other monetary bodies will become flexible for rupee valuation besides curtailing the widening trade deficit which in turn will make it easier to utilize the remittances for repayment of loans. He said an increase in the interest rate also raises the cost of capital resulting in the reduction of investment within the economy as well as slowing down the growth rate of the economy overall which also curbs inflation.

Shahzad Ali Malik said the persistently higher rate will ultimately affect how markets are priced, could slow markets, and lead to higher levels of unemployment than the economy has grown used to be.

Regarding increasing prices of petroleum products, he said it leads to higher inflation, increases budget deficit, and puts downward pressure on the exchange rate which makes the impact more expensive to rising oil prices are the major concern for all developing countries and Pakistan is suffering from it too. He said that all these factors would increase the cost of production and would not be able to compete in global markets, especially with neighbors. Shahzad Ali Malik urged the government to address these issues on top priority to fully ensure ease of doing business taking all stakeholders into confidence, in view of the prevailing scenario.

RPOs which requires the presence of DCs/ ACs, DPOs/DSPs shall be convened through video links. “Heads of all attached formations, autonomous/Semi autonomous bodies, development authorities etc shall also follow the same guidelines in letter and spirit,” the guidelines read. However, all operational duties, ambulatory services, field inspections, court hearings, inauguration/ground breaking events and other matter of exigencies are exempted from the guidelines.

It merits a mention here that as per the directives of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, the provincial government, under its austerity policy, has been taking a number of steps to curtail unnecessary expenditures.

These additional guidelines are continuation of those measures which apart from saving POL and other

expenditures, will ensure full time presence of officers in the field to ensure better public service delivery.

In a statement issued here to this effect, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has said that his government was fully committed to give maximum relief to the public adding that the unusual spike in petroleum prices is causing extra burden on provincial expenditures which need to be addressed through cut in POL expenditures and other such steps so that maximum share of the provincial exchequer could be spent on the welfare of general masses.

He has directed all the government departments to implement the government’s austerity policy in letter and spirit and to put in place effective mechanism of monitoring to ensure strict compliance of the decisions taken in this regard.

Traders urge govt to lift ban on import of bakery, fast food items AzIz BUNERI Local traders, associated with bakery and restaurant business urged the government to lift ban on imports of bakery and fast food items to prevent them from huge financial losses and also avoid closure of this important SME sector, which is the largest source for providing employment to many poor people.

Approximately 500 bakeries are functioning in Peshawar, which have been providing jobs to many poor people but bakery owners were faced with enormous difficulties running their production units since the imposing ban on imported items by the government, the traders told media. Sajjad Khan, President Mohmand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) told a news conference here at the chamber’s house on Saturday that the incumbent federal government had imposed without any consultation and deliberation with stakeholders, under which the import of non-essential items i.e. imported luxury items including dozens of items was banned.

He told the media that the import of olives, pineapple, papaya, etc., including essential preserving fruits and vegetables in the manufacture of bakery products, has also been banned.

The MCCI chief said that the bakery and restaurant business must have these items in the tasteful and unique foodstuffs, yet the government has banned them, which is a gross abuse. In addition, he added that bulk packaging of bakery products has also been banned.

Sajjad Khan criticised that the present government

does not think that many of the ones that are being banned are the ones that are most needed and the future of the SME sector here depends on them.

He informed that approximately 500 bakeries have been operationalized in Peshawar, and each bakery has an estimated minimum of 12 laborers.

Flanked by importer and exporter, Muhammad Arif, vice chairman Fata chamber Haji Muhammad Shoaib, and others, the MCCI chief elaborated that several bakeries that employ dozens of workers who worked at displays of the bakeries and factories.

The chamber president informed the bakery and restaurant business has shrunk by more than 50 per cent on a daily basis since the government’s hasty decision, which has also put labor in jeopardy and put employers under severe pressure. Sajjad Khan warned that if the ban on bakery and restaurant operations would continue, the day is not far when this business and industry will come to a standstill and then a storm of unemployment will engulf Not only Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will be the whole country.

“We do not have any major demands nor do we demand any kind of grant or funds from the government.

We have a one point agenda and demand that the bakery and restaurant business essentials imported from Asian countries be released as open and free trade, so that millions of families can avoid starvation and we can do our best to support the economy,” The MCCI president and the business community don’t want to create any confrontation or siege with the government in any way.

Huawei fostering talent development to strengthen Pakistan’s ICT infrastructure inp

Huawei IT company constantly engaged fostering talent development to strengthen Pakistan’s ICT infrastructure, Gwadar Pro reported on Saturday. According to the report, the company that has contributed vastly to technological shift is Huawei Technologies Pakistan; for the past 24 years, other than providing B2B ICT solutions and services in Pakistan, the company has always been actively involved in technology transfer and local talent training in order to promote the development of the youth.

One of Huawei’s most prestigious programs to cultivate local ICT talent and sow its investment in the

country’s potential has been an annual international ICT competition that allows the winners of the domestic chapter of the competition to travel to China to compete in the final for a grand prize of $20,000.

It provides them with a hands-on experience with exposure to other motivated, innovative, youthful individuals from all over the world to create an environment of progress and mutual learning.

In the last competition, more than 15,000 students and 450 universities across Middle East countries enrolled in the Huawei ICT Competition, of which 1000 students got the Huawei certification. Being an international competition, it is one of the most influential events in its field.

PPP to observe 69th birth anniversary of benazir bhutto tomorrow LAHORE Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan People’s Party Central Punjab will organise a ‘Jashn-e-Benazir’ programme to celebrate the 69th birth anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto Shaheed on tomorrow (June 20). PPP sources said on Saturday that the ceremony would be held at the Punjab Art and Culture Complex 1, Gaddafi Stadium, here while Punjab Senior Minister Syed Hassan Murtaza would be the chief guest at the ceremony. Students from Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh, KhyberPakhtunkhwa and Balochistan would present a performance on the slogan of ‘Benazir Charon Soobon Ki Zanjeer’. A special poetry contest would also be held while the PPP minority wing would present a skit to pay tribute to BB Shaheed. A cake will be cut at 12 pm on the conclusion of the ceremony.

Weekly inflation rises by 3.38pc, annual rate reaches record 27.8pc INP The rate of inflation in the country in the last week was 3.38% while the rate of annual inflation has reached a record high of 27.8%. According to details, the price of 36 essential items increased, nine items reminded stationary, while prices of six essential items decreased in the last week. Prices of petroleum, electricity, pulses, meat and chicken went up in the last week, the report said. The price of diesel increased by 28.91%, petrol by 11.43%, and electricity by 6.63%. Chicken prices increased by 12.10%, potatoes increased by 6.89%, the prices for pulses increased by 5.90%, and beef prices increased by 5.19%. It is to be noted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced countrywide protests against the rampant inflation in the country.

Interior ministry directs fIA to hold crackdown on forgers for issuing ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Interior Ministry has directed the Director General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch crackdown against individuals who were fraudulently issuing fake permits to the public for using tinted glasses in vehicles in name of the Ministry. “Stern action should be taken against the forgers who cheated the public for the fake permits in the name of Ministry,” said a letter written to the FIA by the Interior Ministry. The forgers were receiving hefty amount from the public for the tinted glasses permits, it was further added. The decision to start crackdown against the forgers was taken on the complaint of Additional Secretary Home Department Punjab.

NAB initiates inquiry against PSQCA official allegedly involved in corruption GHULAM ABBAS While the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is yet to conduct an inquiry against officials of its attached department, Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) allegedly involved in mega corruption and financial irregularities, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated inquiry into the mater.

According to available documents, NAB Rawalpindi, through a notice, has asked MoST to provide related information, documents and record about officials allegedly involved in financial and administrative irregularities and corruption cases.

While taking notice complaints registered by employees of PSQCA against Ali Muhammad Bukhari, Deputy Director Finance of PSQCA, the NAB Rawalpindi/Islamabad has asked the ministry to provide details required to initiate the inquiry.

The complainants had requested NAB to conduct inquiry and forensic audit of accounts of PSQCA as they suspect suspicious transaction and financial embezzlement worth over a billion Rupees in the government institution.

Following audit reports of Auditor General of Pakistan about the massive financial irregularities and illegal appointments at the PSQCA, the MoST had earlier constituted a committee to

probe into the matter. The committee comprising of MoST Chief Finance and Accounts Officer Shazad Naim and Assistant Accounts Officer (F&A) Adeel Ahmad, was constituted for conducting an inquiry regarding financial and administrative mismanagement allegedly committed by Ali Muhammad Bukhari.

Apart from the financial irregularities, Bukhari was also alleged to get his two sisters, one brother and one niece appointed in the PSQCA. Besides, the committee was also supposed to investigate the authenticity of the degrees of his relatives hired in PSQCA as well as alleged financial and administrative mismanagement of Bukhari himself.

As per available documents, Bukhari

has made over 55 suspicious transactions worth millions of rupees from 2014 to 2017 from various accounts of NBP, for reportedly PSQCA Investment purpose.

The transactions were suspicious and made in cash mode which is itself against the GFR rules and violation of government directives.

Apart from the suspicious transactions, Bukhari, who served in the finance department of PSQCA from 2008 to 2022, was also alleged in financial irregularities regarding reinvestment worth billions of rupees in various branches of NBP in term deposit receipts (TDRs).

Interestingly, Bukhari, despite being a government official, is chief editor of a daily (Urdu) based in Karachi and also

holds the position of chairman of Bukhari Welfare Organization. According to insiders, though the said official has been sent on forced leave for second time but he has still not handed over the official records and information to his subordinates despite the fact that the Deputy Director (Finance)/ExDDO /custodian of all Investment Fund and record, Finance Wing, PSQCA, has been serving the government organization as a Drawing and Disbursing Officer from January 1, 2008 to February 28, 2022.

As per insiders, the said official is being protected by high officials of the ministry and PSQCA (both existing and retired) as they are all allegedly beneficiaries of embezzlement done by the official (Bukhari).

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SuPPoRt to StuDeNtS fRom BAloChiStAN toP PRioRity, SAyS AhSAN iqBAl ISLAMABAD

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Staff RepoRt

EDERAL Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday assured that the Ministry of Planning was providing full support to the students from Balochistan for their education and skill development.

“The students of Balochistan are being fully supported and my Ministry is committed to the speedy implementation of projects in education and development sectors for

Education Commission (HEC), Dr Shahista Suhail was also present at the occasion.

During the long participatory session that lasted over three hours, the students from various universities in Balochistan exchanged their views on level of education and issues related to their aims for high standard learning .

The minister appreciated their views and assured his full support despite the tough financial situation in the country.

“Despite financial crunch in the country, we have increased the HEC’s budget to 68 percent which shows determination of the

Balochistan province, which remained neglected in the past,” he said. He said that it is the government top priority to facilitate the students of Balochistan by giving them more opportunities in the field of education by offering more scholarships.

Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal was speaking at a session with students from Balochistan at the ministry.

Students from various districts of Balochistan were invited by the minister in order to listen to their issues and for their earlier redressal. Acting Chairperson Higher

government to raise the standard of education in the country” said the minister.

The minister further added that for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the government has started a project to uplift the 20 poorest districts of the country and Rs 20 billion has been earmarked for this purpose.

“We are conducting surveys to identify priority interventions in the poor districts that have not fared well in sectors like education, health and livelihood, ” the minister said, adding that the Province of Balcohsitan has been the top priority of this Government while chalking out and execution of devel-

opment projects.”

Similarly, the Minister also said the scope of BISP will be extended to an additional 500,000 households for Balochistan to uplift the standard of living of the poor in the Province.

He stated that the incumbent government had resolve to address the challenges faced by the province and in this respect, the government has allocated Rs 112 billion in the Budget 2022-23 for Balochistan, said the minister. The minister remarked that the youth of Balochistan should focus on education as it was the only vehicle of progress and development, adding that the youth of Balochistan by equipping themselves with education, could counter the conspiracies hatched to disrupt the peace in the province .

He also stressed the students to remain vigilant and keep an eye on suspicious activities of anti state elements, who want to bring proxy war in Balochistan.

PTI leaders interim bail extended till 28th LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Pakistan records uptick in daily Covid-19 cases ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

A slight rise in Pakistan’s Covid-19 positivity ratio was witnessed as 151 people were found infected during the last 24 hours. According to data from the National Institute of Health (NIH) on Saturday, the new infections were detected after 12,906 coronavirus diagnostic tests performed across the country, which placed Pakistan’s positivity ratio at 1.77% and the overall case count at 1,531,830. Moreover, at least 58 patients of the infectious disease have been shifted into the critical care unit during the last 24 hours. According to the NIH stats, Pakistan’s active case count reached 3,148 after 20 recoveries in a single day. The case count has increased across the country, particularly in Islamabad where the positivity ratio reached 3.06% after 48 more cases, the district health officials reported.

Apathy or Dereliction: Afternoon schools Programme on verge of closure

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore granted interim bails until June 28 to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in a case pertaining to violence during the party’s May 25 Islamabad long march.

The PTI leaders granted pre-arrest bail include former energy minister Hammad Azhar, PTI Central Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Muhammad Aslam Iqbal, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Musarrat Cheema, Murad Raas, and Andleeb Abbas.

Subsequently, the court granted the PTI leaders interim bail till June 28 and directed them to cooperate during the investigation.

In a separate case on Friday, the anti-terrorism court (ATC) extended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders’ bail until June 28, 2022.

Local government elections in ICT to be held on July 31 ISLAMABAD

No significance of incumbent govt: Sh Rashid RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Staff RepoRt

The polling for Local Government election in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) will be held on July 31.

As per revised schedule issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the conduct of Local Government Election in ICT, the consolidation of results will be on August 4.

The date of public notice for Returning Officer inviting nomination papers was June 10 while the date for filing nomination papers by the candidate with the Returning Officer was from June 13 to June 20. The date for publication of the names of the nominated candidates will be June 21 while the last date for scrutiny of nomination papers will be June 22 to June 24.

The last date for filing appeals against acceptance or rejection of nominations will be June 25 to June 28 while the last date for deciding on appeals by the Appellant Authority will be July 2.

The date for publication of the revised list of candidates will be July 4.

The last date for the withdrawal of candidature will be July 5.

Awami Muslim League Pakistan (AMLP) Chief Sheikh Rashid on Saturday said that the incumbent government has no significance in assemblies. Taking to Twitter, the former Interior Minister Rashid said that he is quite sure that Pakistan will exit the grey list of FATF in October. He added that the credit for this achievement goes to former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government, Pakistan Army and other institutions. He said that they are desperate to trade with India. Earlier, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) while acknowledging the completion of Pakistan’s both Action Plans (2018 and 2021) has authorized an onsite visit to the country, as a final step to exit from the FATF’s grey list. The task force reviewed Pakistan’s progress on FATF Action Plans in its plenary meetings held in Berlin on 13-17 June 2022. The FATF members while participating in the discussion on Pakistan’s progress congratulated Pakistan for completing both Action Plans covering 34 items, and especially on the early completion of the 2021 Action Plan in a record timeframe.

Five of a family killed as pre-monsoon rain lashes Lahore LAHORE

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Staff RepoRt

Around 7,000 Insaf Afternoon schools in the Punjab province established for improving literacy rate and managing educational infrastructure in an efficient manner are on the verge of shutdown. According to the Punjab School Education Department, the afternoon schools would be closed if funds will not be made available within a month. It has emerged that the teachers have not been paid fees for the past four months. In 2019, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar launched ‘Insaf Afternoon Schools’ programme to provide education to the out-of-school children, while reviving Urdu as a medium of instruction, with English as a subject, up to primary level education in the province. Later in 2020, the Punjab Education Authority decided to establish 100 Insaf schools in Lahore before the start of a new educational session. According to a notification, 100 schools were set up in rent buildings for which the education authority has approved Rs200 million. The amount was transferred into the accounts of 5 deputies DOs. The Excise Department inspected the building before taking it on rent for educational purpose.

Five members of a same family – two women and three children – were killed when a wall of their house collapsed due to strong winds and downpour in Awan Market area of the provincial metropolis. According to Rescue and health officials, five members of the ill-fated including three children were killed after a wall of their house in Awan Market, Bank Stop area collapsed. The rescuer informed that only survivor was a 14-year-old.

Upon information, the Rescue 1122 teams reached the spot and retrieved the bodies and injured from the debris. The injured was shifted to the hospital.

The deceased were identified as Shabbir, Sharjeel, Nofal, Musarat, and Amna. On the other hand, heavy rain inundated several parts of the city, including Davis Road, Egerton Road and Garhi Shahu.

Meanwhile, flight operation at Lahore airport was briefly suspended. A flight, originating from Sharjah, was diverted to Multan.

Air Blue flight, PA413, reached Lahore from Sharjah.

On the other hand, heavy rain also severely affected Lahore’s power transmission system, with several feeders of the Lahore Electricity Supply Corporation (Lesco) having tripped. Power outages were reported in Mustafa Town and Education Town for four hours.

Sunday, 19 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

05

PaKiSTan COndeMnS TeRRORiST aTTaCK On GuRdwaRa in KabuL ISLAmABAd

Soldier embraces martyrdom fighting terrorists in Miranshah RAWALpINdI staff report

A soldier embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire with the terrorists in the Miranshah area of North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the military media wing said on Saturday.

In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that a terrorist, later identified as Ziaullah, was also killed in the fire exchange.

Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the slain terrorist, it added.

ISPR in its statement said that martyred Naik Zahid Ahmed embraced martyrdom while valiantly fighting with the terrorists.

Man held for allegedly killing daughter of top businessman in Lahore LAHoRe news desk

Daughter of prominent industrialist Seth Abid was allegedly killed at her father’s home here in the Muslim Town neighbourhood, police said on Saturday.

The police further said that her husband was living in the United States. “We have arrested the adopted child of the businessman while a domestic servant has also been questioned,” they said and added that the body has been shifted to a morgue for medical examination.

The police have yet not share the circumstances and motive that led to the killing. The famous Businessman Seth Abid based in Lahore and Karachi was said to be among the 30 richest persons of the country.

Seth Abid had died after a brief illness at a hospital in Karachi on January 8th, 2021. He was about 85.

Hailing from Kasur, he had reportedly been in a state of grief after the death of his son, Hafiz Ayaz Ahmad, who was gunned down by a security guard in a housing scheme in Lahore in 2006.

Seth Abid’s wife died a few years ago.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz has taken notice of the murder incident and sought a report from the inspector general of police (IG) Punjab. He directed them to arrest those involved in the incident immediately.

“The suspects should immediately be arrested and the case should be probed with all angles,” he said and added that they would ensure the provision of justice to family of the victim.

Community Service: Old man provides free petrol to citizens in Karachi KARACHI: An old man from Orangi Town area of Karachi is being hailed for providing free petrol to motorcyclists and rickshaw drives amid rising inflation.

According to details, an old man has provided free petrol worth Rs700 to almost 90 motorcyclists and rickshaw driver at a petrol pump in Orangi Town No.5.

Some citizens made videos of the old and shared on social media, which went viral. In the viral video, the old man can be seen holding a list of almost 90 motorcyclists and rickshaw drivers to whom he intended to provide free fuel worth Rs700.

Media reports said that after providing free people to the citizens, the old man left the petrol pump and no one has been able to contact him so far. inp

P

staff report

AKISTAN has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a Sikh Gurdwara in Kabul on Saturday, which has reportedly resulted in the loss of precious lives and injuries to many others while causing destruction of property.

In a statement on Saturday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan is seriously concerned at the recent spate of terrorist attacks on places of worship in Afghanistan.

On Friday, terrorists targeted the Imam Sahib Mosque in Kunduz, killing and injuring many worshippers. These acts of terrorism targeting religious places are utterly repugnant.

He said Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

The spokesperson expressed strong solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and said that we support all efforts of the Afghan authorities in fighting the menace of terrorism and ensuring the protection of all their citizens.

Adviser to PM announces Nadra office, utility stores in Kalam, Utror SWAT syed shahabuddin

Adviser to Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs and PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Engineer Amir Muqam on Saturday announced the establishment of NADRA office and utility store in Kalam Valley and Utror Valley.

Adviser to PM Engineer Amir Muqam made the announcement during his visit to Kalam Valley of Swat district here on Saturday.

During his visit, the PML-N stalwart offered condolence to former provincial minister Malik Deedar on the death of the wife in Bahrain.

Later in Kalam Valley, the PML-N delegation and elders of the area called on Amir Muqam and apprised him of the concerns regarding imposition of section4 on Shahi ground by the provincial government.

He said that establishment of a cricket stadium on the Shahi ground is a good decision of the provincial government but the land should be purchased at market rate instead of bargaining price so as not to create a law and order situation.

Speaking to the delegation, Muqam said that

Bahrain-Kalam Road was completed t a cost of Rs11 billion, which is a gift for people of the area.

“The construction of bridges on Kalam Road was stopped during the PTI regime, which now be completed soon”, he claimed.

Amir Muqam also approved setting up of NADRA office in Kalam on the request of the jirga and also issued orders for the setting up of utility stores in Kalam and Utror to facilitate local people with cheap flour and other subsidized food items on their doorstep. A lightning strike destroyed a trout fish farm while a 50-year-old man was killed in flashflood in Matta Tehsil on Saturday.

According to police officials, lightning struck the trout fish farm in Machar village due to which it washed away in floodwater.

Azeem Khan, owner of the fish farm, said that all his assets and trout worth millions of rupees washed away. He appealed to the government for financial assistance.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Nawab, son of Shereen died in a nearby forest during heavy rains in Lalbund area of Matta Tehsil. On the other hand, Peach orchards were also destroyed due to heavy flooding.

President Alvi underscores need for exploring uplift opportunities in GB GILGIT staff report

President Dr Arif Alvi has underlined the need to explore further avenues for the development of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) as the prolific region was gifted with huge tourism opportunities.

During a meeting with the members of the Gilgit Baltistan assembly the other day, the president expressed his optimism about Pakistan’s progress and development and cited that during coronavirus pandemic, the country manifested its potential when compared with rest of the world.

Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Khalid Khursheed Khan was also present during the meeting.

The president said that Gilgit Baltistan possessed tourism resources but it lacked the skilled people. For the development and progress of the area, they would require skilled lot to effectively utilize the available resources, he added.

He also assured that suitable and able candidate would be appointed to the post of vice chancellor of Baltistan university to ensure quality education and oversee professional matters.

With regard to demand of the members, the pres-

ident also assured that in other districts of Gilgit Baltistan, university campuses of Karakroum and Baltistan universities would be established.

He also stressed upon provision of required resources for the development of Gilgit Baltistan.

433,173 children deprived of anti-polio drops ISLAmABAd inp

As many as 433,173 children were deprived of anti-polio drops during a week-long drive against the crippling disease in the country.

A week-long anti-polio drive was held between 23 to 29 March in which 433,173 children have not inhaled drops for various reasons. Sources said 377,166 children were not available during the drive, while parents

of 56,007 children denied inhaling anti-polio drops to their children across the country.

In Sindh, parents of 29,740 children denied anti-polio teams during the drive, while 96,295 children were not available.

In KP, parents of 20,040 children denied teams to inhale anti-polio drops during the drive, while 72,139 children were not available.

In Balochistan, as many as 5,954 children were deprived of anti-polio drops due to their parents’ refusal, while 68,349 chil-

dren were not available.

134,666 children were not available during the anti-polio drive in Punjab. In GilgitBaltistan, parents of three children denied teams, while 345 children were not available during the drive.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 91 children were deprived of drops against the crippling disease over the denial of their parents while 744 children were not available during the week-long drive in the area, said sources.

Three labourers killed in terrorist attack on Harnai camp

HARNAI agencies

Unidentified terrorists killed three workers and injured five others in an attack on a labourers camp near Harnai in Balochistan on Saturday.

According to sources, seven labourers have been reported missing in the attack.

The attackers also set the workers camp on blaze and destroyed vehicles and machinery on the spot.

On information, security forces rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area. The security forces has launched a search operation in the surroundings for the missing labourers.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has strongly condemned the terrorists incident and expressed deep grief over the loss of life. He also sought a report from the officers concerned on the terrorist attack.

“Terrorists will not succeed in their nefarious designs,” he said in a statement. He directed health officials to provide better medical treatment to the injured labourers.

Power tariff may go up further by Rs7.96 per unit coNTINued fRom pAGe 01 Pursuant to Section 31 (7) of the NEPRA Act (XL of 1997) and the mechanism for monthly fuel price adjustment prescribed by the Authority (NEPRA) in the tariff determination of Ex-WAPDA Distribution Companies (DISCOs), the Authority may on monthly basis make adjustments in the approved tariff on account of any variations in the fuel charges and policy guidelines as the federal government may issue and notify the tariff so adjusted in the official gazette.

06-07 Comments 19 June 2022_Layout 1 6/19/2022 12:43 AM Page 1

Sunday, 19 June, 2022

06 COMMENT

The Midnight Opening of Courts

Towards getting out of grey list

How the Constitution was defended

What is required now is vigilance

Dr Faqir HuSSain

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CCoRDING to FATF, Pakistan has substantially completed its two action plans but a formal decision declaring this has been stalled till october. FATF wants to verify through an on-site visit if agreed reforms have been both implemented and sustained. FATF also needs to see if necessary political commitment remains in place for improvement in future.

Pakistan will have to be extra vigilant over the next few months to ensure that the agreed reforms are implemented in letter and spirit.

While the country is still in FATF’s grey list a race has started between the PTI and the establishment to claim credit for the positive development. Former Interior Minister Sh Rashid has said credit for Pakistan’s exit from the grey list would go to former prime minister Imran Khan, the Pakistan Army and the Interior Ministry. Imran Khan appreciated the efforts of former federal minister Hammad Azhar and his team for enabling the country to exit the grey list. on the other hand DG ISPR says the Pakistan Army played a vital role along with the government and other national institutions to complete the FATF action plans, paving the way for removal from the global financial watchdog’s grey list. In fact it was a combined national effort that led to the result. The entire opposition joined hands with the government to make the laws required by te IMF while a whole lot of civil and military institutions worked hard to bring the country out of the grey list.

Being placed on te grey list brings extra scrutiny from regulators and financial institutions that can chill trade and investment as also increase transaction costs. Had Pakistan been put back on the grey list it would have heightened Pakistan’s risk profile and some financial institutions would be wary of transacting with Pakistani banks and institutions.

Pakistan had to bend itself backward to come out of the grey list. It needs to take extra precautions in order not to be downgraded again. FATF pressure has played a positive role also as it made Pakistan take measures against money laundering and terror financing in less than four years that the country might have taken in more than a decade if left to itself.

He midnight opening of the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court on 9 April 2022 was a unique manifestation of judicial activism. It was a proactive action to prevent or preempt the commission of an act, entailing legal implications. Such action ordinarily falls in the executive domain. Judicial response is reactive, following the commission of an illegal act. Such a response is cool and calculated, after notice to, and hearing both the parties. So was the late opening of courts justified? To find the answer, we have to revisit the melodramatic events of 3 and 9 April 2022.

It started on April 3, when the Deputy Speaker having rejected the PDM-sponsored no confidence motion, prorogued the session of the National Assembly. It was quickly followed by the announcement of dissolution of the National Assembly by the President and seeking nominations for a caretaker setup. At the same time, the TV channels were flashing the success of the no-confidence motion, adopted with more than the requisite majority. Simultaneously appeared the establishment Division notification that Mr. Imran Khan has ceased to be the Prime Minister. In short, there were abundance of surprises and actions/counter actions, screamed through the media.

It was no less than bombshells falling on the teeming millions, watching the show on Sunday morning. one can imagine the state of mind of the people, having to witness such an array of events and bombarded with mindboggling and perplexing developments!

The legislature and executive were at war and the fighting was going on under the hawk-eyed gaze of the establishment. Some analysts/commentators predicted a doomsday scenario for democracy; saying, it is a God-given opportunity for Bonaparte to intervene and take over. In such a fluid situation, it was highly unlikely for the judiciary to keep calm. More so, because the warring factions were using legal jargon for their actions. Thus, at stake was the integrity of the Constitution, which judges are oath-bound to “preserve, protect and defend”. So news started pouring in that the Chief Justice was discussing the day’s developments with his brethren judges. This was followed by the revelation that the Court, having taken suo motu action, had passed an order that the Deputy Speaker’s ruling will be scrutinized and its legality or otherwise determined, together with the actions taken subsequent thereto, including the dissolution of the National Assembly.

Though a hurried action, it operated to soothe the nerves and lower tensions. Four days later, the Court passed a short order, nullifying the Deputy Speaker’s ruling and all actions taken pursuant thereto. The Court further directed the Speaker to initiate de novo the process of no-confidence on April 9 and conclude it the same day.

Thereafter, it was expected to be a smooth sailing and the no-confidence motion decided in a democratic manner and under parliamentary traditions. But

Mild respite High oil prices here to stay for now

o

Ne swallow does not a spring make. Though news of oil prices tumbling by six percent is certainly a welcome respite from its consistently upward trajectory, there are some false hopes being nurtured in the hearts of consumers within the country and without, that the worse is now over.

The drop in price isn’t because of a fundamental shift in the reasons for the current global price hike, mainly the war in Ukraine. It is actually being attributed to a fall in aggregate demand caused by a hiking of interest rates throughout the world in an attempt to fight inflation. With excess liquidity being siphoned off on to take advantage of the higher interest rates, the decrease in economic activity has led to the corresponding decrease in oil prices. even this small respite is a double edged sword for us here in Pakistan. Because a decrease in consumption would also hurt our export prospects.

The last government (before the PTI) to have had to deal with exorbitant oil pieces was the PPP government of ‘08-‘13. Prices back then were higher in dollar terms than they are now. Correspondingly, fuel prices in Pakistan were also high, leading to much political fallout for the then government.

When the League followed in 2013, lower fuel prices practically fell into their laps. Yes, the then petroleum and natural resources minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi might have deftly executed the LNG contracts, but the lower prices weren’t to his credit, but merely a result of international prices of crude oil. The public did not mind.

Well, that good luck had left a debt for the League in the cosmic balance and it has come back to collect with interest at just about the worst possible time. Yes, the PPP is still a coalition member but as far as public perception, and actual cabinet portfolios, are concerned, this is the PML(N)’s problem.

Need to Create Awareness of Published Material’s Importance among Students Print journalism still has a major role

Dr Saira aSaD

N

o doubt, the online teaching method has overcome the communication gap, in the case of distance learning, and recently faced the covid-19 phase. Printed material is still an important medium for fulfilling the course delivery requirements. It has been observed that the young generation has a short attention span, and tries to jump over to the next activity instead of waiting for the completion of the ongoing activity. The quick jump to the conclusion is expected mostly by the young students as observed while communicating with them. It shows the impatient behaviour by desiring to grasp a lot in a short time.

The study by Fung (2007) indicates that with printed provided material, the course objectives were fulfilled but the use of the access devices varied considerably. A famous quote by Winston Churchill also re-emphasizes the importance of printed/published material stating “there is no such thing as public opinion, there is only published opinion”.

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

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Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

there were more surprises to come and bombshells to fall! So April 9 proved no less melodramatic. The nation suffered another ordeal of frenzied actions. even though the session of the National Assembly was summoned, the Speaker was reluctant to put the noconfidence motion to vote. He dilly-dallied to postpone the voting, so as to evade or avoid its outcome.

Quite obviously, he was bent upon violating the Constitution and Court order.

It was getting close to midnight and yet he remained unfazed, without any thought of having to attract the wrath of the Court, in the form of contempt proceedings. or maybe, he was expecting for something extraordinary to happen! The crisis reached its climax, when news flashed out that the (then) Prime Minister may denotify the incumbent Chief of the Army Staff and appoint his successor. These were most disturbing developments and tense moments, indeed!

In this background the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court offices were opened around midnight. This, together with announcement of high security alert in Islamabad Capital and prison vans reaching Parliament, were signs for political adventurists to pause and rethink. It was time to give credence to sound political advice to deescalate and avoid venturing into uncharted territory, which may have serious consequences. So the Speaker came to senses. Just minutes before midnight, he returned to his seat and announced his resignation. And whereas, in the absence of Speaker, the Deputy Speaker takes over; however, perhaps perplexed by the day’s events or frightened by the sight of prison vans – whatever - he ignored the Deputy Speaker and called the PML(N)’s Ayaz Sadiq to take over and complete the proceedings. The rest is history.

All’s well that ends well, so goes the saying.

However, the late opening of courts is bemoaned and taken exception to by some, including the former PM. There is a general perception that it happened at the behest of the establishment. In response, the two chief justices gave reasons for doing so: The Chief Justice of Pakistan defended the move as being for protecting the sacred document, the Constitution.

The Islamabad High Court clarified that complaints regarding imminent threat to life or liberty and cases of extreme urgency can be filed on holidays and beyond working hours. The Court conceded that two requests were received: one, from the President, Supreme Court Bar Association, seeking implementation of the Supreme Court order; and the other, a petitioner, seeking a preemptive order to restrain the (former) Premier from denotifying the Army Chief.

The Chief Justice also defended the action and added that had the judiciary stood firm and courts reopened after the regular timings, the 1977 and 1999 coups d’etat could have been averted.

This is perhaps going farther than reality would admit or past practices confirm. But the respected Chief Justice, known for his valorous role of standing up to the Military Dictator during the Judges Restoration Movement, is entitled to his opinion. His statement is a welcome expression of determination not to melt down before any political/military onslaught and stand firm on protecting the Constitution.

Notwithstanding the clarifications, the fact remains

I

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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Furthermore, other than academics, the print media also has equal importance. It is the other side of the story that nowadays, television, Twitter, Snapshot, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. have taken the ‘IN’ space due to the easily accessible and quick sources of communication. The modern digitalization era with various communication tools and sources has built a habit among youngsters to be impatient in grasping a larger number of informational pieces in a shorter time. The written researched material in academics or print media is a well-thought piece of analysis by an expert. The books are written by keeping the target audience, with aim and target. So, there is a need to enhance the importance of printed/published material among the young generation, which is observed nowadays getting low.

In regard to journalism, it is being considered as support that simplistically translates complex information to understand it with utmost transparency.

Journalism is a practice that advocates for public welfare and focuses on creating information and its dissemination in a pluralistic and open manner.

However, such an equilibrium is difficult in today’s society to maintain. Recently, a seminar at the Media Sciences Department of Riphah International University was organized on the ‘Print Media, its Scope & Significance’ to highlight the importance of printed material. The discussion led to the conclusion that print media has taken over an important place not only in newspapers, its presence can be seen on various social platforms in written form. The print media also took a new shape which can’t be denied.

It’s a fact today, that the newspaper is economically affected and forcefully, the pages have been reduced but taken a shape of e-paper also to cover up the hindrances in conveying the information. Due to

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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that the late-opening of courtrooms is not normal. That the courts retain their powers and jurisdiction at all times – day or night - is beyond cavil. Thus, the Judicial Magistrate is available 24 hours to grant remand of detenus produced by police. This is so, because under the law and Article 10 of the Constitution, police cannot detain a person beyond 24 hours, without authorization of the Magistrate. Similarly, stay orders are issued by judges, outside the courtrooms and prescribed working hours. Nothing prevents the courts from functioning beyond working hours and they often do, to exhaust the cause list. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry used to do so. Whereas the working hours in the Supreme Court are 9 am - 1 pm, his bench would work till 4 - 5 pm, and even beyond.

Late sittings and Sunday workings were also practiced

by CHief Justice Saqib Nisar.

Many instances of the courts sitting late or on closed holidays can be quoted: A seven-member Bench of the Supreme Court assembled on 3 November 2007, late Saturday evening (not court working day) and passed a restraining order against the emergency-plus action of Gen Musharraf. However, the Court was cordoned off and no sooner had the judges returned to their homes, than they were placed under house arrest. The order was, of course, disobeyed.

Again, after the judges’ restoration in 2009, a rumour spread that the Prime Minister was about to denotify the restored judges. Thus, the judges assembled late at night in the Court and passed a restraining order. The following day, the Attorney General filed a statement that the Government had no intention to do so.

The odd-time opening of the Supreme Court turned out to be a timely intervention in defense of the rule of law and protection of the Constitution. It helped avert political crisis, chaos and possible derailment of the democratic system and constitutional dispensation. In times of conflict- be it between the legislature and executive– a neutral umpire is required. More so, in backward societies and nascent democracies, such as ours. The judiciary is best placed to play the role.

That is why the framers of the Constitution made the Supreme Court the final arbiter of the interpretation of law/Constitution. It is given the role of settling inter-governmental (Federal/provincial) disputes, advising the President/Government on any question of law and determining the jurisdiction and powers/functions of each organ of the State. This way, compliance with the rule of law and constitutional dispensation is ensured.

Having said so, let it also be stressed that courts are structured and function under the law. Judges are required to keep calm and aloof from political controversies. They have to exhibit an attitude of detachment from witnessing an event, to avoid being prejudiced by what they observe; for otherwise as witnesses to the commission of an offence, they stand disqualified to hear the case. Detachment is necessary for maintaining equilibrium, calm and balance, so as to reach the correct conclusion. The Code of Conduct provides that judges should not engage in any public controversy, least of all on a political question, notwithstanding that it involves a question of law.

The author served as Registrar, Supreme Court and Secretary, Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan.

the recent price hike, the news is being circulated that Lahore Publishers have stopped printing books. But, there is an option for e-books as well. It is cost-effective and occupies less space.

The economic issues are there, which are not ignorable, but the real point of discussion is to keep the focus and interest of students in accessing the printed material. There are still many ways to access it, but the motivational factor is lacking among students to overcome the changing environment. Printed/published material is believed to be an authentic, credible, and engaging source. It was observed that the seminar’s discussion inspired students to realize the importance of the printed medium. It is not wrong to say that the renowned guest speakers left their impressions on youngsters to be inspired by their experiences and work in the field of journalism.

Guest speaker Tahir Khalil, Bureau Chief, Jang, Islamabad strongly believed to keep a strict check and balance on real and fake news as it is badly affected our society. There is a need to recognize the real and fake news. The young generation gets inspired quickly by digitalization, the latest technology, and by available various communication tools, but strongly suggested to learn properly between right and wrong. No doubt, it comes with experience, and there is no shortcut to it. Talat Hussain, a journalist, and analyst, was of the view that impatient behaviour among youngsters leads to quickly going to the conclusion instead of properly researched work. The printed material suggested studying for a good analytical conclusion as it is well-researched work that must have undergone many peer reviews. It was concluded that print media as a written informational source has taken many forms today and is a source of effective information dissemination tools. Furthermore, the incorporation of appropriate access structures and learning materials within the desired course will perform self-instructional and interactive deliverance sources for students.

The writer is Adjunct Assistant Profwssor at Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

She can be reached at saira.asad2011@gmail.com.

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

06-07 Comments 19 June 2022_Layout 1 6/19/2022 12:43 AM Page 2

Sunday, 19 June, 2022

COMMENT 07 Editor’s mail Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

education in KP

The deMOlITION CAMPAIgN begINS Today, with no revolutionary vanguard party imaginative enough to make the most of schemes or SMe schemes are launched through the opportunity, the common man is being merthe banking system halfheartedly. The preroga- cilessly pushed into the blind alley where revolt tive of the markup adjustment remains with the from the system, civil war and arson seem to be bank. As the result, the aspiring poor business- the only options. The economic question which man comes out of the exercise, more indebted to touches every person of the country; be it solthe banking system and its associated perils; like dier, government servant, trader etc…is too bad transaction history; future black listing as threatening to ignore in a single gaze.

As this article goes into print, the country albanking product client etc.

What is being witnessed full throttle is any- ready has the third jump from the PoL rates regthing but a demolition campaign for the econ- istered two week ago. For the affording class it omy. It is a tragic truth of the Pakistani political is too much to fathom; what to talk of the comlandscape that a bewildered population is ruled mon person who was already marginalized to the by an elite which has no intimate connection limit.

Here one should not lose sight of the fact with the everyday trials and tribulation of the people they rule. For that matter, it is sans for that the corrective measures as recommended by the political sense; not of the concern of the po- the IMF Have also taken a great toll on the small litical elite to debate or oppose the corrective ac- and medium sector ventures; the startups. With tions suggested by the donor agencies like IMF. bumpy business flight for these startups; coupled with price adjustments That state of affairs every one week or so; has worsened as Pakthe businesses are at istan's dependence risk of losing revenues upon the IMF has inand consequently shutcreased. A state of afThe economy will need to be ting down their busifairs, which is the nesses, in the process set up anew with a different outcome of the increascontributing to the ingly national security social contract. We cannot awaiting wave of unemstate nature of the state deny the fact that our country's ployment. itself; trade and comWith the economy merce being treated as a relationship over SDRs is itself in shambles; the social lesser priority and fabric and the political above all two parallel a big manifestation of fabric both get a direct economies existing in hit; especially 75 years “Saazish” claimed and Pakistan. one the inforafter; when the romanmal sector aided by the disowned by all concerned. ticism of the new state agricultural nature of has already evaporated; National consensus needs to the economic landevery party and scape; the insurer of the be developed instead of arrangement tested; disfood security. That food illusionment on the rise. security also aids the apathy; failing which the It is a testing time formal sector reprefor the society itself. patient cannot endure the sented by the urban How much pressure it rich, middle income intended corrective dosage. can take on and disinand the poor with contegrate into a firefight stant supplies for conand civil war. With the sumption as well as economy and society value addition.

The urbanization or rural-to-urban migration in downward stall, the centrifugal forces are has helped swell the cities, where these urban governing the federating units, and other centres are the vital factor for the key economic pressure groups get a fillip out of the emergdecision-making. What Pakistan has witnessed ing situation.

There is much talk about early elections and is that the formal sector has not created much exthe presidential system of the government; but port-led growth opportunities; the opportunities which could have eased the pressure on the the main question is whether the state and the polity, besides the economy, has the strength to strategic reserves.

In the absence of any economic growth fac- withhold the pressure now. Despite no hope tor; dependence upon foreign assistance from from the time tested institutions and the political the IMF to run the state machinery; which is in- trends; the only silver lining which remains is efficient and classified as non-developmental ex- that the fall is stopped by responsible persons as penditure, can only lead an economy into a well as infrastructures.

The economy will need to be set up anew vicious circle of poverty. Pakistan exports fail to take off; its revenue growth is dismal; however, with a different social contract. We cannot deny its expenditures never show any signs of de- the fact that our country's relationship over SDRs is itself a big manifestation of “Saazish” creasing trends. claimed and disowned by all concerned. NaThat situation automatically leads an economy to follow what the aid agencies dic- tional consensus needs to be developed instead tate. Pakistan current economic suicidal run, of apathy; failing which the patient cannot endespite the fact that the deep state, the incum- dure the intended corrective dosage.

The economy, polity and society naqi akbar

F

oR any Pakistani City where water is scarce, it is a tsunami of cost of living.

The tanker vendor, who had no issues putting into the underground tank a 3600 gallon tanker for Rs 5500 per trip; is adamant not to slide below Rs 7000 for his merchandise. His reasons are valid. The diesel price escalation has ruined his business calculations.

Maybe it is a personal experience; but the fact of the matter is that the much debated concepts of aggregate demand and cost-push inflation have combined under the watchful gaze of the IMF, the established order and incumbent to play havoc with the individual personal or business pockets of all varieties of Pakistanis.

Today, as things stand; it is a hard fact for a common Pakistani to make both ends meet. For a business vendor to meet his expenses as well as facilitate an honorable breakeven by the end of the day. As per an unnamed analyst's argument that “a person's degree of accommodation for the profit and costing in fact illustrates the margins he or she has. That in turn is dictated by the general health of the economy”.

Pakistan might not be the first country to have faced that situation. However, a closer look at the corrective action creates a big question mark for that initiative. Given the fact that such corrective actions are not undertaken in isolation from the established order, the deep state and the incumbent political governments; the pace and thrust of the apparent corrective action look more like a demolition machinery than anything allowing the available fiscal or monetary space for the common man or the businesses.

Recent news items circulating in the financial market is that discount rates or interest rates are likely to be pushed up. That decision might have a macroeconomic rationale; very much like the proverbial clothing of an otherwise stark naked king in a short story explaining a young boy’s revolt…; however, any such move is likely to put additional pressure on the already highcost nature of the economy.

A macro-economic argument rests upon curtailing the money supply. However, that increased discount rate impact on a country such as Pakistan also means that businesses small, medium or large will have to make cost adjustments to rationalize their respective breakeven.

Keeping in view the fact that they are making very quick adjustments vis a vis the PoL prices; such retail and wholesale level price escalation is all set to disturb the profit margins of the supply chains; retail outlets etc. Above all, they are to invite the anger and scorn of the common Pakistani; who will have to adjust to the new piece tag; while already making up with increase in price of PoL etc.

All these factors combined in the name of corrective action only suggest that the intent is more indebtedness and lesser chances of any fact recovery of the economy. Generally, economies faced with such situations are treated to adjustments as well as incentives. In Pakistan, youth

bent and the IMF all talk nice things, is far from being nice.

The writer is a freelance columnist

ARoUND 39 per cent of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 11.7 million children in the age bracket of 5-16 years are out of school, including one million who live in the erstwhile Fata region, according to a survey conducted by the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elementary and Secondary education (e&Se) Department will need to establish over 15,000 additional schools for the enrolment of the out-of-school children totalling 4.7 million in the province.

The education officials claim that there are about 35,000 government schools in the province where 5.5 million children are getting education.

However, there appears to be no plan to build new schools for the large outof-school population. If the education officials are to be believed, the government every year approves 300 new schools in the annual budget.

However, at this rate, it would take 50 years to build enough schools to reach the millions of out-of-school children, and the increase in population would have far exceeded the current demand for schools by then.

Moreover, considering that a six-room building for a primary school costs Rs30 million on the land acquired free of cost, and it takes two to four years to be completed, the annual budget of Rs205 billion for the e&Se Department is extremely inadequate. From the total amount, Rs185bn are spent only on salaries of the teaching and non-teaching staff, while Rs20bn are kept aside for development. Besides the need for constructing new schools, there is also a dire need to repair the existing ones as many buildings are in a real bad shape. According to the provincial data, 23pc schools do not have toilets, boundary walls, electricity and drinking water, etc. Meanwhile, 55pc schools in the tribal districts have no electricity, 51pc have no drinking water and 30pc have no toilets and boundary walls.

The situation calls for a review of the current education policies. Clearly, if 44pc children of a country remain out of school, there is a lot wrong with how schools are run. A number of issues pertaining to the efficacy of building large structures, wastage of funds, not investing in the upkeep of the existing schools and developing teachers’ professional capacity need the urgent attention of both provincial and federal authorities.

MUHAMMAD ZAFAR MEHSUD PESHAWAR

Import of Chocolate THe word ‘import’ means to bring goods into the country for sale. Items brought for personal use, such as cell phones or a packet of chocolates, in the personal luggage of passengers arriving in the country do not qualify as ‘imports’. Apparently, the staff at the airports do not quite understand the difference. Recently the government banned the import of numerous ‘non-essential luxury’ items to stop the outflow of American dollars from the country. The authorities would surely know that payments for goods to be imported are made several months in advance. To me, at least, it is not clear how payments made in advance would affect the financial outlay of the country. on the other side of the spectrum, the airport staff continues to harass the passengers and confiscate their personal items under the pretext of import prohibition of foreign goods. The relevant authorities are urged to immediately arrange a much-needed training session for all officials at the airports to help them understand the actual meaning of ‘import’.

Any delay in tackling this particular problem will not only increase the level of corruption among Customs officials, but will also cause frustration among the people coming in from far and wide.

HAROON M. YUSUF LAHORE

Turning point ReCeNTLY Pakistan has been facing one of the worst kinds of economic crisis and political instability in its history, and the situation is deteriorating with passage of every second. Pakistan is on the verge of bankruptcy, and this is quite an alarming situation calling for immediate measures and actions to mitigate the worst effects. Sri Lanka is also facing the worst and harshest of the crisis with violent protests going on and the terrible financial crisis hitting hard on the country. The situation there is evident that if timely measures are not taken then what might happen in Pakistan. It is the time when Pakistan must get united in every aspect to gain the victory over this troublesome situation. But the question arises that what needs to be done to put the country on the path of stability and then prosperity. The answer to the question is that Pakistan should focus on strengthening its economy because it is the biggest reality of 21st century. We can take an example of China – how has it become an economic giant and now is challenging the hegemony of United States. To strengthen itself, it is the need of the hour for Pakistan to shift its focus on economy before it is too late.

Pakistan should work on its political instability, and the leaders should also come to senses and make collective efforts to save the country instead of doing blame game and humiliating each other. They should be more concerned about making the environment in our country more conducive to foreign investment and businesses. To do so, it is a must that Pakistan is stable and there are business-friendly policies to attract foreign investors. Moreover, Pakistan should also focus on the sectors in which there is great deal of potential to generate the revenue. Pakistan is an agrarian country having the best quality of rice, wheat and cotton and many other crops. If Pakistan invest in this sector, there is a good chance that it will support Pakistan’s economy.

Apart from this, Pakistan is blessed with naturally beautiful and captivating tourist spots. If they are focused on, they can also generate great deal of revenue. our industrial sector also needs to be transformed into more export-oriented industries to take the country out of Trade-deficit situation. All these measures will be possible to take only when the leadership is competent enough to pull the country out of such situation. To choose the right leader, the great responsibility is on public with Pakistan being a democratic country.

Public should be educated on such matters so that they can take the right decision. only wise and strong leadership can invest in revolutionary reforms and long-term policies. To set Pakistan on the path of development, leaders along with the public needs to work hand in hand to make their country free of debt and independent in true sense. This is a critical time that can be a turning point for Pakistan. It can be a good turn if all are united and make collective and dedicated efforts to set our country free of foreign dependence. on the contrary, it can push us towards the worst situation as well if we keep a closed eye to the worsening situation. If we still neglect the need to take effective steps, we might end up just like Sri Lanka with worst kind of violent protests, financial and energy crisis. Now the ball is in our court, and it is entirely upon us to take our country on whichever side we want, either on the road to prosperity or on the path to failed state.

PIR HADID ALI SHAH LAHORE

08 WORLD VIEW 19th June 22_Layout 1 6/18/2022 10:27 PM Page 1

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08 WORLD VIEW

The PAlesTinisATion of indiAn MusliMs UNDER THE BJP GOVERNMENT, INDIA'S TIES WITH ISRAEL HAVE MOVED BEYOND ECONOMIC INTERESTS TO FAR-RIGHT IDEOLOGICAL SYNERGY

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ISmaIL PatEL

HE India-Israel relationship highlights the thin line between principles and interests. India has historically been a political ally against Israel’s colonial occupation of Palestine. Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and other forefathers of the Indian independence struggle challenged the Israeli occupation.

India’s support for Palestinians did not wane even after India officially recognised the state of Israel in 1950. Only after the end of the Cold War and the opportunity for capitalist expansion did India establish formal diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992.

In the following decades, principles were squashed by interests. In 2006, India and Israel signed the Indo-Israeli Agricul-

tural Project to share best practices on increasing crop diversity and productivity, alongside professional training programmes.

Bilateral trade began to grow in line with military ties. since 2017, just three years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rightwing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, India has been a strategic partner and co-producer of Israeli weapons, with the two countries conducting joint military drills and hosting police and army exchange visits. since Modi entered office in 2014, around 42 percent of all arms exports from Israel have gone to India. According to the stockholm International Peace Research Institute (sipri), weapons deliveries to India from Israel increased by 175 percent between 2015 and 2019. The two countries have also expanded their cooperation in cyber-security in recent years.

On the economic front, between 1992 and 2021, bilateral trade soared to $6.35bn in 2021 from just $200m in 1992.

MUSLIMS TARGETED: Under the BJP government, the strengthening of re-

lations between India and Israel has moved beyond economic interests to ideological synergy.

The common thread uniting them is farright nationalism, which calls for the exclusion, if not expulsion, of all others who do not adhere to the exclusivist identity they’ve assigned to the state.

In this context, the figure of the Muslim has become a target of violence in India, while for the Israeli state, Palestinians are an impediment to colonial expansion; for the Hindu nationalists of the BJP, Muslims represent the corruption of a purist Hindu nation. This is a Palestinisation of the Indian Muslims. The adoption of Israeli tactics has been explicitly promoted by Indian diplomat sandeep Chakravorty, who in 2019 asserted that Hindus should adopt the Israel model in Indian-occupied Kashmir. It is thus not surprising that in Indian-occupied Kashmir, the Indian army uses civilians as human shields, just as Israel does in the occupied Palestinian territories. This illegal practice is internationally condemned.

When India in 2019 passed an amendment to the Citizenship Act, offering

how do we get the goons out of the electronic Voting Machines (eVM) booths?

A FORMER CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER (CEC) HAS RAISED THIS ISSUE WITH THE NEW CEC SAYING THAT IF THESE GOONS COULD BE KEPT OUT OF THE BOOTHS, MORE PEOPLE WOULD TRUST THE EVMS dAily stAr aaSha mEhREEn amIn

Elections are coming The Goons are getting fat Please put a crore In the Big Brother's hat

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HE recent eruption of political activity, and hence political news centred on city corporation elections has again livened up the dull, drab political stage of recent times. True, the excitement may be concentrated among the candidates, their families and diehard supporters who really don't give a fig if their "bosses" have corruption or murder allegations against them. True, for many ordinary folks who may be rolling their eyes at the lofty promises of the candidates and the unbelievable claims of the newly formed election commission, it is hard not to be sceptical about having free and fair elections. But whatever the controversies making the rounds, politics is back in the scene which is always a welcome happening, at least for the newsroom.

Talking of controversy, the introduction of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) has also come with its share of bad rep. Perhaps it has something to do with votes being allegedly "hijacked" in the last parliamentary elections when voters tried to vote with a "ghost" lurking behind to press the button before the voter could. In the recent Narayanganj city corporation elections, elderly women voters had problems getting the machines to accept their fingerprints. There were also long delays as the machines were taking time to process each vote. Add to that the fact that many voters had no idea how to cast their vote on a machine causing further delays.

The probability of EVMs being used in the next parliamentary elections, however, is as high as a spike in blood sugar levels of rebellious diabetics during this mango season. What's more, despite the BNP and some other groups crying foul and saying the EVMs will be rigged in favour of the ruling party, eminent people including technology experts are saying the machines are almost 100 percent foul-proof and it would be nearly impossible to manipulate them. Even Zafar Iqbal, a heartthrob of science fiction lovers and a much-revered former professor of shahjalal University, has vouched for the machines along with others.

These experts have further added that those who have reservations about this system should have the machines checked out by their own experts and they

should come up with specific complaints. In other words, don't dis what you don't know.

Fair enough. But this still does not answer the ultimate question everyone is asking: How do you keep the goons out of the EVM booths? A former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) has raised this issue with the new CEC saying that if these goons could be kept out of the booths, more people would trust the EVMs. This was said during a heart-to-heart of former CECs and other election commission officials with the new CEC. Another CEC has said the new EC boss, as a kind of last resort, can set up one polling centre for every 500 voters to reduce the voting hours and complete the counting in the daytime. He alluded to the problems arising when votes are counted in the evening when "jinns and ghosts and everything else" can be seen. Perhaps he has been significantly "spooked" by these creatures along with many of the voters during his tenure.

It may seem like the simplest thing – to remove unruly elements from voting booths, but in Bangladesh's reality "goons and ghouls" dominate everything, especially how politics is played out on the ground. The former CECs, now that they don't have the proverbial gun to their head, seem eager to talk with candour. At this meeting they all agreed that unless all political parties joined the general election, it would not be accepted nationally or internationally. But persuading them to join is no easy feat. Certainly, little will be accomplished if the Election Commission rejects applications by legitimate political parties as it did with Ganasamhati Andolon which was questioned by the court after a writ petition was filed challenging the decision. Nor will it help if the CEC is ineffectual when it comes to making sure no MP campaigns for a candidate of his party which makes the possibility of "a level playing field" little more than a fantasy.

Hence, we must swallow a bitter pill. suspicion, fear and pessimism are staples in our society where flexing muscles and big bucks dominate elections. This makes the CEC's job of holding a credible, acceptable election a Herculean task.

It is, however, not impossible and the CEC should take the recommendations of his predecessors' seriously. Among other sanguine suggestions, the idea of placing the home ministry and public administration ministry under the authority of the Election Commission would be a brilliant (though perhaps unlikely) move in the right direction. This would give the Commission the necessary power to provide adequate security to the voters and polling officials, especially those who otherwise might be chased away like Little Miss Muffet when trying to do their job. The EC's mettle will of course depend on how sincerely the government will help in strengthening its capacity and endorsing its authority. Only then will the EC have the magic wand that keeps the goons and ghouls out of the election scene.

Aasha Mehreen Amin is joint editor at The Daily Star.

amnesty to non-Muslim illegal immigrants from neighbouring states, a pro-Israel advocacy group called standWithUs offered its support to the BJP. Israel’s then-consul general for south India, Dana Kursh, also defended the move by saying that “India as a sovereign nation has the right” to enact the amendment.

RACIST AND VIOLENT PRACTICES: According to Human Rights Watch, since the BJP came to power, “it has taken various legislative and other actions that have legitimised discrimination against religious minorities and enabled violent Hindu nationalism”. such institutionalisation of racism has made it possible for Hindu extremists in India and Jewish settlers in Palestine to publicly call for the deaths of Muslims and Arabs, while Hindu and Jewish Israeli extremists enjoy neartotal impunity.

Palestinians in Israel and Muslims in India have been discriminated against, physically attacked and even killed, as security forces not only fail to protect them but at times actively participate in the onslaught.

In both states, the judiciary has become an

extension of the government’s ideology.

Another area of overlap is home demolitions. Israel routinely demolishes Palestinian homes as a form of collective punishment, leaving thousands of people homeless. In India, the homes of Muslims allegedly linked to recent anti-government protests have also been demolished.

Indeed, over the years, the India-Israel alliance has expanded beyond economic cooperation to the sharing of racist, violent practices, with one often helping to cover for the misdeeds of the other. Meanwhile, their western allies remain bystanders as human rights violations continue to unfold.

On a global scale, with the increasing emergence of right-wing populist leadership, the India-Israel alliance is a dangerous recipe for the worldwide expansion of racism and Islamophobia.

Ismail Patel is the author of “The Muslim Problem: From the British Empire to Islamophobia”. He is also Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Leeds and the Chair of the UK based NGO Friends of Al-Aqsa.

A ‘reverse Kissinger’ in India INDIA PROVIDES THE U.S. WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN DISCREET DIPLOMACY WITH RUSSIA AmericAn conservAtive

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WESLEY JEFFERIES

s the Western alliance scrambled to present a united response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden made it a point to single out India as being “somewhat shaky” in its stance on the war. Just prior to the invasion, the U.s. threatened India with sanctions unless it agreed to downgrade substantial and long-standing defense and diplomatic ties with Russia. This followed a sustained pattern of U.s. pressure on India to move away from its traditional global non-alignment in favor of aligning more closely with the West.

Washington should consider instead whether the partnership between India and Russia might further U.s. global interests and objectives given the greater challenges posed by China. What is more, India might be the key to executing a “reverse Kissinger,” with Russia—a diplomatic reopening at a time when tensions with the West are at their highest since the dissolution of the soviet Union.

India has emerged as a critical security partner for the U.s. in the face of the looming threat of Chinese hegemony in Asia. Its participation and potential contributions to the Quad will be essential for any plausible anti-hegemonic coalition seeking to counter Chinese designs against an open Indo-Pacific. India’s sheer size and potential mean the country will inevitably play a pivotal role in the global balance of power. It will be the central regional player in the geopolitical contest over Asia.

Yet U.s. policymakers have adopted an increasingly confrontational and even condescending posture toward what could be the world’s next emerging great power.

The tensions in the relationship have mostly revolved around U.s. opposition to India’s traditional non-alignment and the U.s.’s pressuring India to end its long-standing relationship with Russia. The latter began with U.s. threats to sanction India for continuing to acquire arms from Russia. This has evolved into an overarching narrative, according to which New Delhi is expected to provide effectively unconditional support for every political stance or policy decision the U.s. adopts towards Russia and Europe, regardless of India’s national interests.

This occurs at a time when defense cooperation between the U.s. and India, including the Quad, remains in a rudimentary stage, even while Washington’s own attention on the Indo-Pacific has been consistently diverted to more familiar but secondary matters like NATO and Europe.

The problem of this gap in trust between the U.s. and India is compounded by persistent power asymmetries between India and China. India does not yet have the ability to counter or challenge China on its own. Its domestic defense-industrial base has not developed anything close to the same capacity as China’s. India’s military is thus highly reliant on arms imports from Russia. The decision to arm Ukraine, meanwhile, has revealed deep problems in the U.s. defense sector—turning to the

“arsenal of democracy” would not be a realistic alternative for India.

Given these circumstances, U.s. confrontation with India over Russia runs directly counter to the interests of both countries. Washington should recognize instead that a continuing partnership between India and Russia could further U.s. objectives in countering China’s rise, especially at a time when relations between Washington and Moscow are at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War. Insisting on India’s estrangement from a long-standing security partner and its involvement in distant and peripheral conflicts does little to further U.s. or Indian interests in countering the far more urgent challenge posed by China.

Further, given the risk of the West pushing Russia into permanent alignment with China, as Henry Kissinger has recently warned, it is also critical that a country as large and influential as India remains a diplomatic option for the Kremlin. A declining and isolated Russia that must become, in effect, a client state for a rising China could have deeply adverse consequences for equilibrium on the Eurasian landmass. Even if there is no rapprochement between Russia and the Western alliance in the foreseeable future, a stable and independent relationship between Russia and India would remain critical to the global balance of power.

Given how much controversy is engendered by suggestions that the U.s. and NATO reach a settlement with Russia, India could provide an opportunity for Washington to engage in discreet diplomacy. This could be the “reverse Kissinger” for our time.

Consider how, before Nixon and Kissinger visited Beijing, Mao’s China was an international pariah responsible for atrocities on a scale unseen since Hitler and stalin. China had also intervened at various times in Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia in support of communist regimes. Yet China remained structurally impossible to ignore and exclude from the international system while it was the UssR’s global ambitions, not Mao’s actions at home or in his near abroad, that posed the most dangerous and imminent challenge for the U.s. at the time.

To avoid the controversy that would have been inevitably associated with reaching out to China directly—and given the lack of trust and communication between Beijing and Washington—Nixon and Kissinger went through Pakistan, the only common ally between the U.s. and China at the time. This historical precedent should inform U.s. policy towards India’s relationship with Russia. It is not only sound for India to retain its defense and diplomatic ties with Russia, but could also be a future diplomatic opportunity for Washington and Moscow. The U.s. would thus avoid alienating a key security partner in India while providing Russia a plausible alternative to becoming a vassal of China.

Wesley Jefferies is a writer and consultant based in Alexandria, Virginia. His work has appeared in the National Interest and the strategy Bridge.

Sunday, 19 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

Naveed HigHligHts CHalleNges FaCed By PakistaN iN wake oF BalaNCe oF PayMeNts Crisis

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(L-R) Zara Basharat Higgs - Head of Public Policy Programs - TikTok, Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, LUMS and Fahad Tanveer Co Founder & Chief Executive Officer, present at the signing ceremony of partnership between TikTok, Edkasa and LUMS to launch a digital learning programme #EXAMREADY, to facilitate online education and distance learning for high school students. PR

Heinous terrorists can’t jeopardise construction projects in Balochistan: Communications Minister ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Services Mr. Asad Mahmood has strongly condemned the attack of terrorists on sub camp of the contractor engaged on construction of Ziaratmor - Kach Harnai - Sanjavi road project last night. “This is an important project of National Highway being completed in Balochistan. Engineers, construction experts and other workers engaged in the construction process would be given full protection. We will not be intimidated by these terrorist attacks. The ongoing construction and development projects of Balochistan will be completed without any delay,” he said. According to details, last night in Balochistan, terrorists attacked the camp office of contractor Omar Jan & Co. located at 42 Km of the project, and set fire to the construction machinery there.

The number of terrorists is said to be 15 to 20. As a result of this attack, one worker of the company was martyred and two were seriously injured while four persons are still missing. Two bulldozers, two dumpers and two Pick-up vehicles were also involved. As soon as the terrorist attack was reported, NHA Member West Zone Shahid Ehsanullah and the concerned NHA team immediately contacted the FC force for help, and their staff reached the spot and rescued the contractor staff. Expressing deep sorrow over the terrorist attack, the Federal Minister for Communications assured the contractor involved in the construction process that the missing persons would be traced as soon as possible while no effort would be spared to bring the terrorists to justice. He said, that these heinous acts of terrorists would not hinder the construction process at all and work on all construction projects in Balochistan would continue at rapid pace. PR

PepsiCo Foundation extends safe water program to rural communities PepsiCo Foundation has extended its partnership with WaterAid to enable its ‘access to safe water’ program for rural communities. The partnership was announced during a program launch ceremony held at the Government Girls Elementary School Mirzapur in the Depalpur Tehsil of District Okara. The announcement was made by PepsiCo Senior Director Commercial and Corporate Affairs Mr. Mohammad Khosa in the presence of the WaterAid team, local government officials and members of the local community.

The program will enable safe water access for more than 24000 people (including 2400 school children), through the construction of 7 community managed water filtration schemes. In addition to the water filtration plants, hygienic toilets and hand washing facilities will be developed in four schools. Community members will be trained on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) related behaviors and practices. Senior Director Commercial and Corporate Affairs, PepsiCo Pakistan, Mr. Mohammad Khosa, commented, “We strongly believe in creating smiles for everyone; especially for the communities we work with. The rural extension of our safe water program will focus on provision of safe water to underserved communities in the potato growing belt of Pakistan so that potato growers, field workers and the entire communities that they are a part of can benefit from this facility. I thank the PepsiCo Foundation and WaterAid for their partnership on this program” PR

He 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation was held in Geneva from 12-16 June 2022. Minister for Commerce and Investment Syed Naveed Qamar led the delegation from Pakistan comprising officials from the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the WTO and the Ministry of Commerce, Islamabad.

During the Opening Ceremony on 12th June, Minister for Commerce addressed the Conference on the Challenges confronting the Multilateral Trading System. The lacking implementation of mandates from Ministerial Conferences, a dysfunctional dispute settlement body, a tendency to ignore the rules-based system and unilateral actions of members were highlighted as some of the major challenges confronting the system.

The Minister highlighted some of the challenges being faced by Pakistan in the wake of balance of Payments crisis, and looming Food Security threats.

He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the system and called for a focus on issues that would help us build back from the pandemic and prepare for the future, such as finding solutions to challenges posed by the intellectual property system, lack of technology transfer to developing countries, and the access to policy tools to augment production. The Minister further emphasised the need for upholding the fundamental principles enshrined in the Marrakesh Agreement such as consensus-based decision making and special and differential treatment to achieve the objectives of economic growth and sustainable development, raising standards of living and generating employment.

During the Conference, the Pak-

istan delegation participated actively in all major areas of negotiation to achieve its main interests. On the issue of the WTO response to pandemic, Pakistan played a central role in leading a coalition of several members and successfully negotiated Ministerial Declaration on response to Covid-19 and preparedness for future pandemics.

This document clearly recalls members’ commitments under the WTO, the challenges faced during the pandemic, lessons learnt, and a commitment to pre-

pare for future emergencies by focusing on issues of food security, technology transfer, intellectual property, trade in services, and regulatory and international cooperation. As a cosponsor of the demand for a waiver on intellectual property rights to secure safe, equitable, and affordable vaccines, Pakistan successful negotiated an outcome under the Covid-19 TRIPS decision that would help local manufacturers develop vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

The Minister for Commerce ac-

tively led the delegation in the negotiations on an Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The agreement calls for the implementation of the UN SDG 14.6 to secure sustainable development by prohibiting harmful subsidies for fishing. At the same time, it allows developing countries the essential special and differential treatment to assist fishing activities in particular for resource poor, artisanal and coastal fisheries.

In a session on the proposed reform of the WTO, the Commerce Minister highlighted the existing imbalances in trade agreements that favoured developed countries, and called for restoring confidence in the organisation by restoring a developmental agenda and safeguarding the foundational principles of the organisation. He further reminded the Members of Pakistan’s commitment to active participation particularly in developmental work that could contribute to the attainment of long-term objectives of developing countries.

The outcomes of the Ministerial also include Ministerial declarations on Food Security, collaboration with the World Food Programme and a specific time-bound extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, recognition of the global environmental challenges, commitment to work in the area of services trade, and the importance of strengthened collaboration and cooperation among international organisation.

Apart from the engagements at the Conference, the minister also engaged in bilateral meetings with various other developing countries and stressed the need for enhanced bilateral cooperation in all areas, and collective participation in multilateral negotiations through effective coalition building. PR

President reprimands FBR for harassing a complainant ISLAMABAD APP

President Dr Arif Alvi reprimanded the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for harassing a taxpayer who filed a complaint with the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) against the Board over the non-issuance of a genuine refund.

The president rejected the representation of FBR against the order of the FTO by observing that the case had repeatedly been mishandled and the conduct of FBR officers amounted to harassment.

He regretted observing that the refund application filed in 2015, which by law was required to be disposed of within 60 days, remained pending due to inaction by FBR for almost five years and was taken up only after the complaint was filed with FTO, and that too in a vindictive manner.

However, the FBR once again charged the complainant on the same issue under another section of the Income Tax Ordinance.

The FTO, once again, reprimanded FBR on account of harassing the taxpayer. Instead of implementing the

FTO’s decision, the FBR once again filed a representation with the president.

The president, while rejecting the representation, observed that the conduct of FBR officers was tantamount to maladministration, adding that neglect, inattention, incompetence, inefficiency, ineptitude, arbitrariness and administrative excess in the discharge of duties were also the acts of maladministration.

He regretted that due care had not been taken in processing the case and further asked FBR to deal with the matter in accordance with the law and take a holistic view without any prejudice/bias and personal grudges.

As per details, Rukhsana Kanwal (the complainant) had filed complaints for tax years 2015 to 2019 against the non-issuance of tax refund with FTO. The Mohtasib through its consolidated order dated March 20, 2020 had recommended disposing of the complainant’s refund applications for all the years as per law after providing her with the opportunity of hearing.

The tax officers instead of issuing the refund, first charged the com-

plainant arbitrarily without giving the taxpayer the opportunity of being heard with turnover tax under section 113 of the Income Tax Ordinance and when this charge was annulled by the Commissioner Inland Revenue-CIR (Appeals), the officer again charged the complainant disregarding the order of CIR (Appeal) under section 122(5A) on the ground that a gift was received through the non-banking channel while deliberately ignoring the irrefutable ev-

idence filed by the complainant of banking transaction.

The president upheld the order of FTO wherein the FBR was ordered to hold an internal inquiry into the glaring incidence of maladministration by the concerned officers on account of creating problems for those who seek justice at the forum of FTO. He further directed FBR to ensure cooperation and discourage such typical vindictive reactions by its officers.

ITP organizes 2,567 road safety education workshops during ongoing Year ISLAMABAD PR

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) is striving to ensure traffic discipline and minimize violation of rules through educating road users and arranged 2,567 road safety workshops during the ongoing Year.

These traffic workshops were arranged for driving license applicants, volunteers, students of educational institutions and staff of government and non-government organizations.

In a bid to educate motorists on the correct traffic procedures, SSP (Traffic) Syed Mustafa Tanveer said that ITP is arranging such workshops and creating awareness amongst people about consequences of traffic rules violations, including over speeding, one-wheeling, inappropriate number plates, juvenile driving, lane-line discipline, zebra

09

crossing, the use of helmets and so on.

He said this effort is meant to infuse traffic discipline, which will help protect the lives and property of road users. The SSP (Traffic) said road safety workshops were being arranged in government and private organizations, including educational institutions, to sensitize road users about various traffic rules. The awareness campaign for the safety of road users is in full swing, he added.

In this regard, special teams have been constituted to teach road users how to ensure their safety before travelling on roads, particularly motorbike riders were being advised how to take the left lane while travelling.

The SSP (Traffic) said that these teams were performing duties at various main roads of the city and briefing motorbike riders and other motorists about safety

Those motorbike riders driving without helmets and side mirrors or having defective indicators, headlights, rear lights and speed metres are being cautioned and urged to get their bikes and vehicles repaired. He explained that a number of motorbike riders suffer road accidents due to faulty lights or indicators.

Traffic police also put up banners at key points on roads, besides the radio station of police is regularly airing programs to apprise transporters, drivers and citizen on traffic law and safety measures.

He said that pamphlets are also distributed among the road users urging them to follow traffic rules and help ITP in its efforts to ensure traffic discipline in the city.

An exemplary traffic system would be ensured in the city through cooperation of citizens, he added.

Sunday, 19 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FOREIGN NEWS

PREsIDENT XI JINPING Calls fOR EffORTs TO sECuRE full VICTORy IN aNTI-GRafT CaMPaIGN BeiJiNG

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agencies

HINESE President Xi Jinping has urged coordinated improvement to guarantee that officials “do not have the audacity, opportunity, or desire to engage in corruption.”

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called for a full victory in the anti-corruption campaign on Friday, while addressing a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on improving anti-corruption capability.

The Party has made remarkable achievements and accumulated important experience in fighting corruption since its 18th National Congress in 2012, he said.

A series of measures have been taken to ensure that CPC officials do not dare to be corrupt because of the fear for punishment, are not able to be corrupt because of the improvement in Party regulations and the legal system against corruption, and do not want to be corrupt because of enhanced education on ideals, beliefs and moralities, according to Xi.

Noting that a sweeping victory has been secured for the anti-corruption endeavour and consolidated in all respects, Xi said the situation is still “severe and complicated” and called for continuous efforts to fight corruption.

He underscored the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. Resolute efforts should be made to strike “tigers” (corrupt senior officials), swat “flies” (corrupt lowranking officials), and hunt down “foxes” (fugitives abroad suspected of major economic crimes), he said, call-

ing for a focus on important fields and key places.

Daily management and supervision should be strengthened to stop corruption as early as possible and prevent it from worsening, he said.

Xi stressed the role of education among Party members, particularly young officials.

He also called for efforts to further improve Party regulations and the country’s legal system, and accelerate the improvement of anti-corruption laws and regulations concerning for-

eign affairs.

Key figures in China’s anti-graft Campaign: Since the 18th CPC National Congress in November 2012, China has adopted a three-pronged formula to tackle corruption, combining strict punishment with system building and education.

The approach aims to address both the immediate problems of corruption and its root cause.

By October 2021, disciplinary inspection and supervision organs across the country had investigated about 4,078,000 corruption cases, leading to the punishment of some 3,998,000 people, according to the statistics released by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the CPC, China’s top anti-graft body.

A total of 1,273 fugitives were returned to China last year, with over 16.74 billion yuan (about $2.5 billion) of illicit funds recovered, a work report of the CCDI said.

In 2021, disciplinary inspection and supervision bodies handled over 125,000 cases related to corruption and misconduct in work concerning people’s livelihood, handing Party and administrative disciplinary punishments to 115,000 individuals, the report said.

41 dead, millions stranded as floods hit Bangladesh, India SYlheT agencies

Daily COVID-19 cases surpass 13,000-mark in India New Delhi agencies

The number of new COVID-19 cases registered per day in India continues to rise steeply, with the figure surpassing the 13,000-mark on Saturday.

According to the data released by the Indian health ministry, as many as 13,216 new cases were registered across India in the past 24 hours, taking the total tally to 43,283,793.

Most cases were reported from the states of Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi, the ministry’s data showed.

A day ago, 12,213 new cases were registered in India.

The number of deaths per day due to the pandemic also continues to rise as 23 people died during the past 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 524,840.

The daily positivity rate is 2.73 percent, while the weekly positivity rate has been 2.47 percent, revealed the federal health ministry.

Despite the consistent rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases per day, the health authorities concerned in the country have ruled out the possibility of yet another COVID-19 wave.

Presently, there are still 68,108 active COVID-19 cases in the country, an increase of 5,045 during the past 24 hours.

So far, 42,690,845 people have been successfully cured and discharged from hospitals, of whom 8,148 were discharged during the past 24 hours.

Monsoon storms in Bangladesh and India have killed at least 41 people and unleashed devastating floods that left millions of others stranded, officials said Saturday.

Floods are a regular menace to millions of people in low-lying Bangladesh, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency, ferocity and unpredictability.

Relentless downpours over the past week have inundated vast stretches of Bangladesh’s northeast, with troops deployed to evacuate households cut off from neighbouring communities.

Schools have been turned into relief shelters to house entire villages inundated in a matter of hours by rivers that suddenly burst their banks.

“The whole village went under water by early Friday and we all got stranded,” said Lokman, whose family lives in Companiganj village.

“After waiting a whole day on the roof of our home, a neighbour rescued us with a makeshift boat. My mother said she has never seen such floods in her entire life,” the 23-yearold added.

Asma Akter, another woman rescued from the rising waters, said her family had not been able to eat for two days.

“The water rose so quickly we couldn’t bring any of our things,” she said. “And how can you cook anything when everything is underwater?”

Lightning triggered by the storms has killed at least 21 people around the South Asian nation since Friday afternoon, police officials told AFP. Among them were three children aged between 12 and 14 who were struck by lightning

on Friday in the rural town of Nandail, said local police chief Mizanur Rahman.

Troops have been dispatched to evacuate people from flooded areas in Bangladesh – AFP Another four people died when landslides hit their hillside homes in the port city of Chittagong, police inspector Nurul Islam told AFP. At least 16 people have been killed since Thursday in India’s remote Meghalaya, the state’s chief minister Conrad Sangma wrote on Twitter, after landslides and surging rivers that submerged roads.

Next door in Assam state, more than 1.8 million people have been affected by floods after five days of incessant downpours.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters he had instructed district officials to provide “all necessary help and relief” to those caught in the flooding.

‘The situation is bad’ Flooding in Bangladesh worsened on Saturday morning after a temporary reprieve from the rains the previous afternoon, Sylhet region chief government administrator Mosharraf Hossain told AFP. “The situation is bad. More than four million people have been stranded by flood water,” Hossain said, adding that nearly the entire region was without electricity.

The flooding forced Bangladesh’s thirdlargest international airport in Sylhet to shut down on Friday.

Forecasters said the floods were set to worsen over the next two days with heavy rains in Bangladesh and upstream in India’s northeast.

Before this week’s rains, the Sylhet region was still recovering from its worst floods in nearly two decades late last month, when at least 10 people were killed and four million others were affected.

Premises of Kashmiri biz group raided in IIOJK, Delhi New Delhi agencies

India’s Income Tax department has seized over Rs4.6 million in cash after it recently raided the premises of a Kashmiri business group in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the administrative body for the Income Tax department, in a statement said that the raids were carried out on June 15 at 15 premises in Srinagar and Islamabad in IIOJK and in the Indian capital.

The business group is manufacturer and seller of Pashmina, Jamawar and other varieties of Kashmiri shawls.

India’s NCERT removes contents on Gujarat pogrom, Mughal rule from textbooks New Delhi agencies

India’s National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has removed contents on the 2002 Gujarat pogrom, the Mughal rule in India and the emergency imposed in 1975 among other texts from its textbooks.

The NCERT, in a note said that the revision was part of rationalization of contents in textbooks”. Changes have been made to textbooks for sixth standard to twelfth standard, English daily The Indian Express reported.

A reference to the Gujarat pogrom from the chapter “Recent Developments in Indian Politics” has been removed from twelfth standard’s Political Science curriculum, quoting the NCERT note, The Indian Express reported.

“Gujarat riots show that the government machinery also becomes susceptible to sectarian passions,” a paragraph from the removed chapter stated, according to newspaper.

An entire chapter titled “Kings and Chronicles: the Mughal Courts (C. Sixteen-Seventeenth Centuries)” has also been dropped from the twelfth standard’s History syllabus, the report said.

From the Political Science textbook, one page on the history of the Naxal movement, and four pages on “Controversies regarding Emergency” have also been dropped.

Other content removed from the twelfth standard’s syllabus include excerpts on the Cold War and “US Hegemony in World Politics”.

From the eleventh standard’s History textbook, a chapter titled “Central Islamic lands” and another named “The Industrial Revolution” have been dropped.

The revision came two months after excerpts of two of Faiz’s poems were removed from tenth standard’s Social Science textbook in the 2022-23 curriculum of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Putin asserts Russia’s resilience against economic ‘blitzkrieg’ of sanctions Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted Russia’s strength and resilience on Friday against a Western world that he accused of colonial arrogance and trying to crush his country with an economic “blitzkrieg” of sanctions.

“We are strong people and can cope with any challenge. Like our ancestors, we will solve any problem, and the entire thousandyear history of our country speaks of this,” said Putin when addressing the plenary session of the 25th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday.

Before he ordered a special military operation into Ukraine in late February, Putin had sought legal guarantees from the U.S. that Ukraine would not be admitted to NATO. Also on Friday at the forum, he

urged Russia’s enterprises to boost their domestic investment to help realize the country’s “gigantic potential” and defy what he called Western attempts to destroy the Russian economy.

“Against a backdrop of increasing risks for us and threats, Russia’s decision to conduct a special military operation was forced — difficult, of course, but forced and necessary,” he said.

The strikes against residential areas were crimes against humanity, he added.

Ukraine says Russian forces are responsible for thousands of civilian deaths, the obliteration of towns such as Mariupol, and the displacement of a third of its peacetime population.

Russia denies attacking civilian targets,

and says allegations that it has perpetrated war crimes are based on Ukrainian and Western fabrications.

The Russian president also mentioned that some global currencies were “committing suicide” in a reference to the unprecedented freezing of around $300 billion of Russia’s foreign currency reserves.

Putin also dismissed suggestions that Russia was responsible for a surge in global prices of basic foodstuffs with the phrase that a failure to export five or six tonnes of Ukrainian wheat and six or seven tonnes of corn “doesn’t change the weather”.

During a question-and-answer session with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Putin said: “sooner or later, the situation will return to normal”. agencies

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Sunday, 19 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

SPORTS 11

5th ANNiverSAry of PAkiStAN’S ePic wiN over iNdiA iN 2017 ct fiNAl ISLAMABAD

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Agencies

EATING India has always been a monumental moment for Pakistan cricket and to do it in a final was perhaps even sweeter as we reflect today on Men in Green’s historic victory against India in the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, which happened exactly five years from now.

Having already been beaten by India in the tournament earlier, there weren’t many people who would have placed their bets on Pakistan coming out on top but they did thanks to a young left-handed opener, Fakhar

Zaman.

The left-hander hit 114 from 106 deliveries before the middle-order came in handy to push Pakistan’s first-innings total to 338 for 4. What followed after that will always be etched in the memories of all cricket lovers as Mohammad Amir showcased his class to dismiss all three of India’s openers and set the tone for the rest of the Pakistani bowlers.

Of course, when speaking about the final, Azhar Ali’s dropped catch of Virat Kohli cannot go unmentioned; the crowd gasped and remained in disbelief after Azhar failed to latch on to the catch in the slips.

However, the next delivery also presented an

opportunity, which was held on by Shadab Khan on point.

Speaking about the victory on its 5-year anniversary, the winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said that it was Pakistan’s day.

“God almighty had to give respect to the Pakistan cricket team that day and He also had to give respect to Pakistan as a whole,” said Sarfaraz while talking to a local media channel. Mohammad Amir, who reverted back to Azhar’s dropped catch, said that he was being calmed down because he was left fuming.

“They were all backing me up as they could see how angry I was. But I channeled that anger and thankfully we got him out the next ball,” said Amir.

No points, no Bouchard at Wimbledon LONDON Agencies

Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard said Friday she had withdrawn from the Championships because the lack of world rankings points doesn’t fit with her plans to manage her return from injury.

“I have decided to withdraw from Wimbledon due to the WTA’s decision to not award ranking points at this year’s Championships,” the Canadian said in a social media post.

The WTA and ATP stripped Wimbledon of world ranking points over the event’s ban on Russian and Belarussian players.

Bouchard, 28, suffered a shoulder injury on the way to the final at the Guadalajara Open in March of 2021.

After conservative treatment efforts failed she underwent surgery in June of

last year, her ranking plummeting as she was sidelined for months.

“Due to my shoulder surgery, I get a limited number of protected ranking (PR) entries,” Bouchard wrote. “As much as I love Wimbledon and skipping it makes me sad, using a PR entry at a tournament with no rankings points doesn’t make sense.

“I must choose wisely and use my PR entries at tournaments that will help me get back to where I want to be.”

Bouchard said she still planned to return to action this year, and expected to use PR entries at the US Open and next year’s Australian Open.

Bouchard reached the Wimbledon final in 2014, the same year she reached a career-high No. 5 in the world rankings. She reached the semi-finals of the Australian and French Opens that year, but her career has since been hindered by injuries.

Salaries of centrally contracted players likely to increase by 30 percent ISLAMABAD Agencies

Pakistan woman cricketer molested, PCB suspends coach ISLAMABAD Agencies

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman reaches into Asian Junior Squash final PESHAWAR stAff RepoRt

Promising Pakistan International junior squash star, Noor Zaman, made into the final after thrashing his Malaysia’s rival Andrik Lim in the semi-final of the 29th Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship-2022, played at Pattaya, Thailand on Saturday. Noor Zaman took only 26 minute in a straight sets battle by toppling his rival Anrik Lim of Malaysia in the first semi-final by showing great command. Noor Zaman, the grandson of the legendary World Champion Qamar Zaman, raced up to the victory in the straight sets, the score was 11-4, 112 and 11-3. Thumping his superiority, Noor Zaman, who had many titles to his credit for Pakistan in the junior squash, will now face Joachim Chuah from Malaysia in the final to be played today. Talking to APP, Noor Zaman said that he was in great form and he would try his hardest to win the title for Pakistan. Noor Zaman, who also represented Pakistan in the US Junior and British Open Junior besides winning Asian Championship in India, said that Joachim Chuah was a good player but he would play his game and hopefully would give good results out of the final.

In a sad turn of events, a former Pakistan bowler, Nadeem Iqbal, has been suspended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over alleged sexual harassment claims.

Nadeem Iqbal, who has been with Southern Punjab as a coach, has been named in a police investigation and PCB is also awaiting the verdict of the inquiry.

Sources claim that Iqbal suggested the girl, who was a fast bowler, to join the college cricket team and also promised her a job five years ago.

The victim also claimed that the coach began inviting her to his house on weekends and that three years ago, he along with his friends, intoxicated her and sexually

assualted her.

The pacer featured was pinned against Waqar Younis as his biggest competitor in domestic cricket. However, Iqbal unfortunately never received the same recognition despite being considered as a better bowler than Waqar at that time.

Iqbal retired in 2004 and finished his career with 258 wickets in 80 First-Class appearances whereas collecting 65 wickets in 49 List-A matches.

It is worth pointing out that Iqbal has remained associated with the PCB even before becoming the coach of Southern Punjab.

PCB is conducting a thorough investigation of the matter as per the instructions of cricket board director, Nadeem Khan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to convene over a scheduled Board of Governors meeting next week to discuss various things including a raise for all the centrally contracted players, according to sources.

According to the details available, the board members are going to approve a 30 percent increment in the salaries of the centrally contracted players. It is also reported that PCB is likely to introduce a division between players dedicated to white-ball and red-ball cricket to further formalise the structure. It is also reported that the board might also discuss the recent reports of Pakistan’s participation in a revamped Afro-Asia Cup, which might feature players from Pakistan and India feature in the same team as they did back in 2005 and 2007. Recently, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja announced the inception of the Pakistan Junior League (PJL), which will mimic the country’s biggest domestic competition Pakistan Super League (PCB) dedicated to players under the age of 18. The PJL will also be a topic of discussion during the meeting alongside finalising PCB’s budget for the next fiscal year.

Naomi Osaka withdraws from Wimbledon with ‘Achilles’ injury PARIS Agencies

Former world number one Naomi Osaka pulled out of Wimbledon on Saturday with an Achilles injury.

“My Achilles still isn’t right so I’ll see you next time,” the four-time Grand Slam winner posted on Twitter. Osaka, 24, was already considering not playing over the ATP and WTA tours decision to strip Wimbledon of ranking points after the All England Club banned Russian and Belarusian players in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Osaka’s tweet, although not mentioning Wimbledon specifically, was accompanied by a photo of herself on a grass court, and an emoji of a blade of grass.

The Japanese player first suffered the Achilles problem in her opening match in Madrid in May, the injury forcing her to pull out of the following Italian Open.

This month she posted a video of a training exercise on social media accompanied by the caption; “Here’s me running

on a underwater treadmill because my Achilles is being stubborn still I must be aging or something.”

Osaka’s name had appeared on the singles entry list for Wimbledon when it was released last week, but she has not featured in any of the grass-court warm-up events.

Osaka, who has never got beyond the third round at the All England Club, raised the possibility of missing the grass court Grand Slam after her first round loss at last month’s French Open.

“I’m leaning more towards not playing given the current circumstances. I’m the type of player that gets motivated by seeing my ranking go up,” she said.

“I feel like if I play Wimbledon without points, it’s more like an exhibition,” she continued.

“The intention of this measure was good, but the execution is all over the place.”

Osaka’s withdrawal follows that of former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard who pulled out of the season’s third Grand Slam on Friday.

The Canadian said the lack of world rankings points didn’t fit with her plans to manage her return from injury. Both players’ names were absent from an updated

players’ list.

Osaka made it to the third round twice, in 2017 and 2018, with her last appearance at the tournament in 2019.

Sunday, 19 June, 2022

pRayeR tiMingS

NEWS

PUNjAb lIMITS MArKeT TIMINg To 9PM AS PArT oF eNergy coNServATIoN drIve LAHORE

T

Staff RepoRt

HE Punjab government on Saturday said it was limiting the operational hours of markets, shopping malls, wedding halls and restaurants as part of an energy conservation drive.

The decision was taken after Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz consulted the province’s business community.

A post-meeting handout from the Directorate of General Public Relations said that from here on markets, bazaars and business centers will be closed by 9pm; restaurants by 11:30pm and marriage halls by 10pm.

The restrictions will not apply to medical stores, while there will be relaxation for the business community on Saturdays.

CM Hamza Shehbaz said that policy on timings for Eidul Azha shopping would be reviewed together with the business community.

The handout stated that the business

community’s representatives in the meeting fully supported and appreciated the government’s measures to cope with the energy crisis.

The Punjab government’s decision comes a day after the Sindh government

Minister confirms seeking US support for IMF programme revival Minister of State for Finance Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha has confirmed seeking United States support for revival of International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. According to details, Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha has confirmed that Pakistan had reached out to the United States in a bid to revive $6 billion IMF programme. Talking to journalists after standing committee meeting, the State Minister pointed out that talks were underway with the IMF as the global lender was seeking clarification on many issues. Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha further said that while the former rulers damaged the country’s credibility the current government was seeking better relations with all the nations. “We have reached out to United States for the revival of IMF programme,” she added. The State Minister noted Pakistan’s relations with the United States were improving. “Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto’s visit to the United States was also successful”, she added. Earlier, it was reported that Pakistan had sought support from the United States for the revival of the IMF programme as the global lender has not yet agreed to a staff-level pact despite the tough measures by the government. According to details, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and Minister of State for Finance Ayesha Pasha met with US Ambassador Donald Blome and sought Washington’s support for the revival of the IMF programme. Blome was apprised that the government has proposed fiscal consolidation equal to 2.2 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in difficult circumstances. inp

promulgated similar measures.

A notification issued by Sindh’s Home Secretary Dr Saeed Ahmed Mangnejo had stated that the measures were required due to prevalent power outages and loadshedding so the shortfall

between the demand and supply of electricity could be reduced.

It noted that the federal cabinet had decided on June 7 to take effective measures to reduce loadshedding by conserving energy and prevent and minimise the impacts of anticipated energy shortfall in the country through a national strategy.

Therefore, the notification said, it was “necessary and expedient to enforce certain restrictions in order to control increasing shortfall between the energy generation and its utilisation, so that this prevalent emergency of the energy shortfall may be controlled, which otherwise could have long term and multi-sectoral impacts on the lives of the general public of the Sindh province”.

There have been reports of hours-long loadshedding across the country, leaving the people to suffer in high temperatures.

The incumbent government has blamed its predecessor PTI for the energy shortfall. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had on June 4 sought an ’emergency plan’ to end loadshedding.

Afghan Taliban confirm ‘indefinite ceasefire’ between TTP, Pakistan army KARACHI agencieS

In a major breakthrough, the Afghan Taliban on Saturday confirmed that the Pakistani government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have reached an agreement on an “indefinite” ceasefire during ongoing peace talks in Kabul. In an email response to questions from a group of Pakistani journalists, Afghanistan’s interim Deputy Information Minister Zabihullah Mujahid expects “bright chances” for the fragile talks to succeed.

“The Islamic Emirates is playing a mediatory role in the ongoing talks between the two sides. Our greatest desire and effort is to bring about long-term peace and reconciliation between the two sides,” Mujahid, who also serves as the interim Taliban administration’s spokesman, stated. Wars and violence, he said, not only bring human, social, and economic losses but also invite “foreign intervention.” “I believe the two sides have noticed it,” adding: “It is in the “best interest of both sides to

move forward sincerely to achieve the peace goal.” Replying to a question about the conditions the two sides have set for permanent peace, Mujahid said: “We have got nothing to do with it. This is an issue between the two sides. We don’t want to get involved.”

“Our only desire is that both sides show flexibility and move forward with sincerity in order to extend the ongoing ceasefire and continue to cease attacks,” he added.

In response to another question on what would happen if talks fail this time as well, Mujahid reassured that the Taliban will not allow “anyone” to use Afghanistan’s soil against Pakistan.

The Taliban have reiterated similar assures since taking over Kabul in August last year, however, Pakistan has seen a surge in the militant attacks, mainly in bordering areas, since then.

The Taliban spokesman also confirmed that a delegation of Pakistani tribal leaders recently visited Kabul in connection with the ongoing peace talks. The visit, he added, helped in extending the ceasefire.

Maulavi Naik Muhammad of North Waziristan was the first to form a militant group in 2004, while the TTP was formally established in June 2007, with Baitullah Mehsud of South Waziristan as its leader. The group has been involved in numerous attacks, including suicide bombings inside Pakistan.

The network later increased subversive activities in North Waziristan — once dubbed the heartland of militancy — following an army onslaught on South Waziristan in 2010.

Another large-scale army operation in 2014 pushed the TTP to neighboring Afghanistan and Islamabad says the terrorist network has now set up bases across the border to attack Pakistani security forces.

Talks condiTions: A recent report — titled Pakistan, the TTP, and the Impetus for Internal and External Peace — urged Islamabad to approach all negotiations with the TTP from a “position of strength,” and ensure that all agreements are in accordance with the country’s constitution.

Pakistan to be removed from FATF greylist before Oct: Ms Khar ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar on Saturday said that Pakistan will be removed from the grey list before October 2022, after the planned on-site visit of a team of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF).

“Pakistan is on the cusp of exiting the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list.”

Addressing a press conference here in Islamabad, Khar hoped that Pakistan will be removed from the grey

list by October 2022, subsequent to the planned on-site visit of a team of the task force.

“The planned on-site visit of FATF team is a procedural requirement,” she pointed out and commended all the state institutions for completing the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) action plan.

“The final phase of removing Pakistan from the grey list has begun,” she said, adding that Pakistan has completed the entire seven-point action plan a year ahead of the given timelines.

Hina Rabbani Khar further said that she held a meeting with delegations of different countries on the

sideline of FATF session, adding that the removal from grey list will boost the country’s economy. “The good news from FATF will restore confidence in our economy, will give it a much-needed boost and would improve the investment climate.”

She said that Pakistan’s positive and speedy progress, which paved the way for its exit from the grey list, was greatly appreciated and welcomed by the FATF members.

The state minister also acknowledged the tireless efforts put in by all the teams to achieve the strenuous, difficult and complicated targets.

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ISLAMABAD Head of Pakistan Muslim League-Ziaul Haq (PML-Z) Ijazul Haq on Saturday called on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and conveyed an important message to him.

According to sources privy to the development, Ijazul Haq visited the former prime minister at Bani Gala and reportedly conveyed an important message to him with regard to improving relations with the establishment.

Speaking during the meeting, the PTI chairman said that the only solution to deteriorating economic situation is free and fair

elections. “Pakistan Army has given sacrifices for the country and I respect them whole-heartedly,” he said.

He said that there is no comparison of the PTI government’s tenure with the incumbent government. “Prices of electricity, gas, petrol, dollar have spiraled out of the hands of the common during the present tenure,” Imran Khan informed.

It is pertinent to mention here that former prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday said no one can deny the reality of the cipher issue.

While responding to netizens on social media, Imran Khan said on March 7, US envoy Donald Lu in a meeting with the Pak-

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NA-240 by-polls: Imran unhappy with PTI Karachi chapter’s decisions islaMaBad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday expressed displeasure over the party’s Karachi chapter leadership for not contesting the by-election to NA-240.

He said that PTI should have contest the by-polls in the NA-240 constituency. The PTI Karachi leaders gave the reason for not participating in the by-polls, saying that they want to expose the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) besides showing low turn-out without PTI. After being scolded by Khan, PTI Karachi decided to contest the upcoming by-elections to NA-245, Karachi. The National Assembly (NA-245) seat fell vacant after the demise of Aamir Liaquat Hussain.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced to contest by-election to NA-245 seat.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, PTI leader and former Sindh governor Imran Ismail said that the party will contest the NA-245 by-election, pointing out that all political parties including MQM-P have been rejected by the citizens.

He termed the Pakistan People’s Party-led (PPP) Sindh government as ‘oppressive’, saying that despite being in government for 14 years, they have failed to provide basic necessities to the citizens. newS DeSk

Mandviwalla for Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with Israel if in its own ‘best interest’ islaMaBad: PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla on Saturday commented on the potential of Pakistan having diplomatic ties with Israel, saying the country should do what is in its own best interest.

Pakistan does not recognise Israel and, therefore, doesn’t have diplomatic relations with it. The country has been a staunch supporter of demands for a Palestinian state.

After the Abraham accords — a deal brokered by the US in 2020 which saw normalisation of relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain — Pakistan had made clear that it cannot recognise Israel until a “just settlement of the Palestinian issue” is found. However, in an exclusive interview with Dawn News, Mandviwalla, whose party is a part of the government, said: “We should not stop dialogue and trade with any country. People criticise Israel [but] we have to look after our own interests.”

He said all the Middle East nations were negotiating and trading with Israel, adding that Pakistan must also do what suits its own interest.

“It remains to be seen whether a deal with Israel is in Pakistan’s interest or not,” Mandviwalla added.

Similarly, he indicated that the door for dialogue should not be closed on Pakistan’s immediate neighbours, including India. “We have a border with India. Families live here. All three countries (India, Iran and Afghanistan) are important to us.”

Last month, the revelation that a number of Pakistani expats and a couple of citizens recently travelled to Israel as part of a delegation sparked a controversy, with former prime minister Imran Khan and his party adding the incident into their narrative of a foreign conspiracy against the previous government, and alleging that the trip had their successors’ tacit approval.

The issue was discussed at length in parliament as well as during press conferences and public meetings and portrayed as a political step by the government. The controversy was raised in the upper house of parliament by Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed who demanded that the nationality of those expatriates of Pakistani origin who travelled to Israel be cancelled and the NGO that facilitated their visit be banned.

He said the visit of Ahmed Qureshi, working for staterun TV as part of the delegation, raised many questions and sought to know under which authority and on which travel documents he undertook the visit.

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had also told a presser that PTV had terminated the contract of the TV anchorperson who visited Israel in his personal capacity.

Media outlets reported that Qureshi was part of the Pakistani-American delegation. MonitoRing RepoRt

Haq visits Bani Gala: Imran conveyed ‘important message’ Staff RepoRt

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istani envoy threatened to oust my government. The envoy confirmed the whole development through a cipher to the Foreign Office of Pakistan.

Imran Khan said all of a sudden, after tabling of the no-confidence motion, a few PTI MNAs and allied parties thought to leave the government by cursing it.

We have all the details of the people who met the officials of the US consulate, he added.

Responding to the question about DG ISPR Maj-Ge Iftikhar Babar’s comments on the cipher, Imran Khan said: “Will DG ISPR decide was there any ‘conspiracy’ or not.” It can be the point of view of DG ISPR Maj-Gen Iftikhar Babar, but he cannot pass the judgment.

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