Friday, 24 June, 2022 I 24 Dhul-Qadah, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 355 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Rupee Rebounds as pRogRess made in imF talks, Chinese loan g
PakiStani ruPee gainS rS4.70 againSt uS dollar Islamabad
p
Mian abrar
akiStani rupee gained rs4.70 against the uS dollar in the interbank on thursday, closing at 207.23, following news of an incoming loan from china and a possible deal with the international Monetary fund (iMf). the rupee closed at 211.93 on Wednesday. according to the forex association of Pakistan (faP), the buying and selling rates of dollar in the open market were recorded at rs206.5 and rs209.5 respectively. the price of euro depreciated by rs5.01 and closed at rs217.73 against the previous day’s closing of rs222.74. Meanwhile, federal Minister for finance and revenue Miftah ismail also declared that the government has saved Pakistan from bankruptcy, informing that progress had been made in talks with the international Monetary fund (iMf). the finance minister insisted they had saved the country from default and the financial situation of the country was stable now. addressing a press conference here along with information and broadcasting Minister Marriyum aurangzeb, Miftah ismail said the government had to take some difficult decisions to save the country’s economy from collapse. he, however, hoped the government would be able to control the inflation in the next two to three months. Miftah informed that the government was expecting to receive $2.3 billion in loan from china by next Monday. “the rate of uS dollar has also come down today and positive signs are coming out of the Pakistan Stock exchange (PSX),” he said. dispelling the impression that the poor people were bearing the brunt of taxation, the minister claimed that actually the government had levied taxes on the rich people. “We have presented a historic budget in which no new tax has been introduced; the fact is that we plan to increase taxes on sugar mills’ owners and billionaires,” he clarified.
he went on to say that never ever in his life had he seen such a pathetic economic situation of the country. Miftah again did not forget to lash out at former prime minister imran khan, and alleged that he had left behind a ‘bankrupt’ Pakistan. “When we took over, there was a deficit of rs120 billion,” he said, and asked the purpose of Pti’s ascent to power when according to party chairman imran khan, the purpose was not to reduce the prices of tomatoes, onions and other food items. “the Pti government had borrowed excessive loans and these were the poor people who were the victims of the last government’s taxation,” he opined. Miftah claimed that the incumbent government had saved Pakistan from default by increasing the prices of petroleum products. “the government has reached an understanding with the iMf over the budget’s measures,” he added. the minister said that he will deliver the winding-up speech of the general discussion on the federal budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 in the national assembly and then they will close the budget. “it is a historic budget as we have neither increased indirect taxes nor imposed taxes on commodities or consumption,” he added. lashing out at the Pti government, the finance minister said that they imposed heavy taxes on consumption which cast a bad impact on the poor. the previous government made four highestever budget deficits, he said, adding that Pakistan’s debt since the country’s inception had increased by 80 percent during the Pti tenure. he said that imran khan brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy. he maintained that they only imposed taxes on the rich. “i have imposed taxes even on the companies of the prime minister’s son and my own company will now also pay more tax,” he added. Miftah said the government has provided relief to poor people by shifting burden of tax on rich people. he said tax would be further increased on rich people having income above 150 million rupees. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told a
Sanaullah rules out reversal of Fata merger, army withdrawal
Islamabad staff report
federal interior Minister rana Sanaullah on thursday categorically ruled out the possibility of discussion with the proscribed ttP on the withdrawal of military from tribal areas or reversal of fata merger, saying such demands were against the constitution. during a live interview on a private tv channel, Sanaullah said the talks were possible with those willing to surrender arms. When asked about the strength of the ttP fighters, the
minister said the “ttP fighting force” comprised 4,000 to 5,000 members. “the names associated with the aPS (army Public School) incident can never be considered for a pardon,” he explained. he said that it was to be seen “what kind of people” would take part in the talks from the other side. if representatives of the political government in afghanistan are in attendance, then politicians from our side will also participate in the discussion,” he pointed out.
it is to be noted that the national assembly had on May 24, 2018, passed a constitutional amendment, paving the way for the merger of the region formally known as federally administered tribal areas (fata) with khyber Pakhtunkhwa. the minister said he did not believe the outcome of the talks would be visible in weeks. “it will take some months,” he said. Sanaullah insisted that the civil and military leadership were on the same page that the ttP militants would not be allowed to take up arms. “otherwise, we won’t shy away from the fight”. “the military leadership assured us that we have the capacity and the power to sort these issues out effectively,” the minister claimed. he said the involvement of foreign elements could not be ruled out in terror attacks in Pakistan, saying there were some forces behind the ttP that did not want peace in the country. the minister said that a security briefing given yesterday was “comprehensive” and covered all aspects of the issue but there were no “suggestive measures” in it.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 05
g
PM Shehbaz, Miftah uPbeat on ‘econoMic revival’
group of the PMl-n senators that the government was committed to steer the country out of prevailing difficult economic situation, reiterating his resolve to prioritize steps aimed at bringing prosperity and development. the prime minister said though the country could still face the difficult times ahead due to the inefficiency of previous regime, yet the coalition government would counter every challenge effectively. all the coalition partners, he claimed, were unanimous that the 14-month tenure would be utilized for reformation and improvement by keeping
the country above all political interests. he pointed out that the Pakistan tehreek-e-insaf government had struck a deal with the international Monetary fund (iMf) to pass on the change in fuel prices to the people, and had also agreed to raise petroleum levy by rs30. he, however, said, the previous government quashed the deal and suddenly reduced the petroleum prices in March (2022) at a time when prices of the crude had skyrocketed globally. this abnormal imbalance left the country in a difficult economic situation, he added.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 05
02-03 NEWS 24 JUNE_Layout 1 6/24/2022 1:31 AM Page 1
02
Friday, 24 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD
NEWS
Govt to IMPoSE RS876B IN NEw tAxES
t
ShAhzAD PArAchA
HE Shahbaz Sharif-led government will impose Rs876 billion in new taxes in the budget 2022-23. As per the details, Federal Finance minister Miftah Ismail on Friday will wind up the discussion in the National Assembly for the next fiscal year budget 2022-23. As per the details, the total outlay of the budget will be Rs9.9 trillion from Rs9.5 trillion as the incumbent government after
the approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed to impose Rs436 billion more taxes. Overall, the government will impose Rs876 billion in new taxes in the budget 2022-23 to meet the revenue target of Rs7.42 trillion sources said that the government after the IMF demand agreed to slap an Rs1,200 tax on salary earners of Rs50,000 to Rs100,000 and a 2.5% income tax on earnings from Rs600,000 to Rs1.2 million per annum.
It will take time for country to get back on its feet: Maryam Nawaz “We are aware of the plight of the people but it will take time for the country to get back on its feet,” Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz said Thursday. Jamiat Ahle Hadees Pakistan chief Senator Professor Sajid Mir met PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz at Jati Umra and discussed in detail overall situation of the country. During the meeting, Professor Sajid described the meeting with PML-N leader and former PM Nawaz Sharif in London and conveyed an important message to Maryam Nawaz. On the occasion, Maryam Nawaz said that at present there is a PDM government in the federation and in Punjab also the government is being run with the coalition partners. She said, “We are aware of the plight of the people, while inflation and other issues have to be addressed by all national political parties.” She said it will take time for the country to get back on its feet, adding that the previous government led by Imran Khan left Pakistan internationally isolated. NewS DeSk
ICCI calls for withdrawal of decision to close markets in Capital by 9pm Muhammad Shakeel Munir, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that our economy is already in dire straits and the government has decided to close markets in Islamabad by 9 pm that would badly affect the business activities and thwart all efforts to improve the economic situation of the country. He called upon the government to withdraw its decision immediately and allow businesses to remain open till 11 pm in order to save the business community from further troubles. He said this while addressing a dinner reception hosted by Muhammad Naveed Malik, Secretary General, Traders Welfare Association, G-7/1 Market, Islamabad. Jamshed Akhtar Sheikh Senior Vice President, Muhammad Faheem Khan Vice President ICCI, Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi & Basir Daud former Presidents, Muhammad Naveed Malik, Ashfaq Hussain Chatha, Najeeb Malik, Ch. Tahir, Engr. Faheem, Imran Minhas, Umer Sadiq, Shazia Rizwan, Nageena Khaleeq, Safeena Shah and others were present on the occasion. Muhammad Shakeel Munir said that Eid ul Azha was round the corner, which is a peak season for business activities as people have to do Eid shopping along with families. However, the closure of markets by 9:00 pm would create great problems for people doing Eid shopping. He further said that in the summer season, people normally go to the markets and bazaars for shopping in the evening hours due to which business activities reach peak level from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. He said that closing the businesses during peak hours will not only cause problems for the customers, it will also cause losses to the business community. He suggested that instead of shutting down business at 9 pm, the government should keep power outages in markets from 9 am to 10 pm but allow business activities to run till 11:00 pm. He said that the business community is ready to cooperate with the government in steering the country out of its current predicament and make joint efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s economy. However, they needed government support to run the business activities smoothly. INp
Earlier, the Finance minister in the budget speech had proposed to exempt up to Rs1.2 million in annual salaried income from tax. Sources said the government also decided to impose a 1% Income Support Levy on people and companies earning Rs150 million a year, 2% on those having an income of Rs200 million, 3% additional rate has been proposed for the Rs250 million annual income earners and 4% for Rs300 million annual income. In the budget, the government had
proposed a 2% rate for only those earning over Rs300 million a year and Rs38 billion in additional revenues. Apart from this, the government has fixed the Rs750 billion petroleum development levy target for the next year and the government will impose a Rs 50 per litre maximum PDL on petroleum products by March 2023. The primary budget surplus target will be Rs152 billion whereas the overall budget deficit target will also be at Rs3.8 trillion or
Dutch energy group Vitol backed VavaCars shuts Pakistan operations TAIMoor hASSAN VavaCars, which is backed by Dutch energy and commodity trading company Vitol, has decided to wrap up its operations in Pakistan, two years after it entered the Pakistani market. The announcement of the closure was made on the VavaCars website. “We regret to inform you that we have closed our operations permanently,” a message on the official website (pk.vava.cars) of the company reads. Screengrab from VaVacarS PakiStan
webSite taken on June 23, 2022: Launched in Pakistan in January 2020, VavaCars operated as a used cars trader with a website presence to book appointments for buying and selling of cars, and brickand-mortar offices for auto inspection services. The company made money from the difference in margins earned from buying and selling of cars. No comment has been received from the company yet on the reasons for exit from the Pakistani market. The used cars market is heavily saturated, however, with the abundance of offline used cars traders and well-funded startups like PakWheels, OLX and CarFirst
which also deal in used cars. Headquartered in the UK, VavaCars has operations in Turkey. The energy group that backs VavaCars, Vitol, owns and operates retail petrol stations in Turkey and has a stake in Pakistan-based petroleum retailer Hascol Petroleum. In an earlier interview, Mujahid Khan, country manager for VavaCars in Pakistan told Profit that VavaCars planned to bring multi million dollars worth of investment in Pakistan in 2021 for VavaCars venture. The company had raised $50 million in October last year to expand operations in Turkey and Pakistan.
CDWP to consider 25 projects worth over Rs300b GhuLAM ABBAS Ahead of the end of the financial year 2021-22, the multiparty government is going to consider around 28 projects worth over Rs300 billion in the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) scheduled to meet here on Friday. At least 11 out of the 25 projects included in the agenda of CDWP are being considered in the transport and communications sector. As a major project in this sector construction of road between Shounter (in AJK) to Rattu (in GB) along with Tunnel at Shounter is being considered at the cost of Rs69.785 billion. As per officials, this mega project, which would connect GB with AJK and the rest of the country as an alternate route, has been delayed for various reasons for the past many years. With the escalated cost the project is being again considered at the forum of CDWP. Other projects in the sector are included conversion of braking system of 328 number MBFRs from Vacuum Brake to Air Brake System at the cost of Rs571 million, construction of Muzaffarabad – Mansehra Road (26.6 km) at Rs44.7 billion, construction of Sharda – Noori Top – Jalkhad (SNJ) Road at Rs16.320 billion, land acquisition, building compensation and relocation of utilities of existing N-35 in Abbottabad City at Rs8.3 billion, land acquisition, affected properties and compensation for Rajanpur-DG Khan Section as 4-Lane Highway and Dualization & Rehabilitation DG Khan-DI Khan of N-55 at Rs11.57 billion, widening and rehabilitation of existing N-35 in Abbottabad city (17 km.)at Rs4.82 billion, Construction of Sukkur-Rohri Bridge at Rs2 billion, improvement of Road from Rhri to
Guddu barrage at M-5 Interchange Sadiqabad to Khapur Mahar, Mirpur Mathelo & Mureed Shakh at Rs6.34 billion, , Dualization of Tando Allahyar to Tando Adam Road at Rs3.899 billion and feasibility Study for Metro Bus Route in Quetta at Rs100 million. As per available documents, the agenda for CDWP meeting includes one energy project of construction of second circuit stringing of 132kV transmission from Jiwani to to Gwadar (94 km) at the cost of Rs2.322 billion proposed by Power Division. In the health sector, at least three important projects are being considered which include strengthening the Common Management Unit for AIDS, TB and Malaria and Accelerating Response to control the three diseases in Pakistan at the estimated cost of Rs3.014 billion. The second project included the National Health Support Project for Ensuring Universal Health Coverage in the Federating Area at the cost of Rs2.575billion. The third project in the health sector being presented in CDWP by the Ministry of Defence for approval is acquisition of Land from CDA for Establishing Medical City at Islamabad from National University of Medical Sciences Ministry of Defence at the cost of Rs13.6 billion. For Higher Education Commission at least four projects are being considered including establishment of the National Cyber Security Academy (NCSA) at the cost of Rs1.5 billion, Center for Advanced Studies in Physics at Government College University Lahore at the cost of Rs699.853 million , establishment of University of North Waziristan Tribal District (NWTD) with estimated expenditure of Rs3.93 billion and Rs2.6 billion Strengthening of KBCMA CVAS.
Miftah directs ministries to prepare proposals for targeted subsidy APP Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail on Thursday directed the concerned ministries to work out on the proposals for targeted subsidy as per vision of the prime minister to support the lower strata of the society. The finance minister expressed the commitment to provide maximum relief to the people from continuously rising prices, especially to the poor. Presiding over a meeting on PM Relief Package through USC here, the finance minister stressed that present government aims to minimize the burden of rising prices on the lower segment of the society. Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety Shazia Marri, Federal Minister for Industries
and Production Syed Murtaza Mahmud, Secretary Finance, Secretary Industries and Production, Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Secretary BISP, Chairman NADRA and other senior officers attended the meeting. On the directions of the PM to provide immediate and substantial relief package to lower segments of the society through targeted subsidy, the finance minister invited the participants to present the pragmatic, highly effective and targeted subsidy proposals. Meanwhile, minister Shazia Marri and Syed Murtaza Mahmud shared various proposals for harmonization/consolidation of multiple subsidies under one umbrella for better allocation of resources on household basis rather than individual basis.
22,944 women widowed in IIOJK since 1989 ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
As the world is observing the International Widows Day, Kashmiri women continue to suffer at the hands of Indian troops, police and dreaded agencies in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). According to a report released by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service on the occasion of the International Widows Day, today, the unabated Indian state terrorism rendered 22,944 women widowed since
4.9% of Gross Domestic Product. The pension budget has also been increased to Rs609 billion from Rs530 billion, running the civilian government to Rs600 billion from Rs550 billion after the IMF concerns as these have been understated in the budget. Sources said that the subsidy amount has also surged to Rs680 billion from Rs530 billion for next year. This has been increased keeping in view the base tariff of electricity which have reached to Rs24 per unit. sources said that the government has also decided to include some 60 new projects and these would be incorporated in next year’s PSDP after the approval from CDWP before June 30, 2022.
January 1989 till date as their husbands were martyred by Indian troops and police personnel. It said around 2,500 women have been forced to live as half widows during the past 34. The women whose husbands were subjected to custodial disappearance after arrest by Indian army and police are referred to as half widows. According the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons and other human rights groups in IIOJK, between 8,000 to 10,000 men have disappeared in the
custody of Indian troops and police personnel since 1989, it said. For years, half widows in IIOJK have been running from one Indian army and paramilitary camps to another trying to find whereabouts of their husbands, it added. The report maintained that 681 women have been martyred by the troops and paramilitary forces since January 2001 till date. It pointed out that womenfolk constitutes the majority of the Kashmiris suffering from multiple psychic problems. “Due to unending agony, Kashmiri widows, half
widows are suffering from psychological problems. As per a study, women comprise more than 60% of psychiatric patients in IIOJK,” it added. The report said the Kashmiri women are targeted for raising their voice against Indian brutalities. Dozens of women including Aasiya Andrabi, Fehmeeda Sofi, Naheeda Nasreen and others are languishing in different jails of India and IIOJK for their affiliation with the ongoing right to self determination movement, it said. The report underscored that
the International Widows Day is a reminder for the world to realize the plight of Kashmiri widows and half-widows. Meanwhile, APHC leaders, Zamruda Habib, Yasmeen Raja and rights activists in their separate statements in Srinagar said the Kashmiri women are the worst victims of Indian state terrorism in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir. They said thousands of women have lost their husbands, brothers and sons as they were martyred or subjected to custodial disappearance by Indian troops.
ECP schedules LG polls in eight Balochistan districts for Aug 28 ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has notified that the local government elections (LG) in eight districts of Balochistan would be held on August 28. According to a notification issued by the ECP, the elections would be held in eight districts including districts Quetta, Lasbela, Musakhel, Masstung, Jaffarabad, Duki, Zhob and Chagai. According to ECP, the returning officers will start accepting nomination papers from July 14 to 18. The names of the candidates would be published on July 19. The last date for scrutiny of the nomination papers would be July 23, followed by filing of appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers from July 24 to 28. Likewise, appeals would be disposed of by Aug 2, while revised list of candidates would be published on Aug 3. The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers and publication of revised list would be Aug 04. Electoral symbols would be allotted to contesting candidates on Aug 5. Polling would be held on Aug 28 while the results would be consolidated on August 31. In further guidelines to ensure the elections were held fairly and honestly and to ensure that corrupt practices were prevented, the ECP barred executive authorities from announcing development projects or using state resources to influence polls in favour of a candidate.
ECP all set for by-election in PK 7 Swat NewS DeSk The Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday completed all arrangements for smooth conduct of free and transparent byelection in PK-7 Swat-VI, which would be held on June 26. In a statement issued here, Provincial Election Commission’s spokesman said that election campaign would come to an end at midnight between Friday and Saturday after which electioneering would not be allowed. A total of four candidates would try their luck for the seat, which fell vacant after the death of Awami National Party Member Provincial Assembly Waqar Ahmed Khan. The political observers predicted tough electoral battle between PTI’s Fazl Mula and ANP’s Hussain Ahmed, who is being supported by Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Muslim League-N, Qaumi Watan Party, Jamiat Ulema e Islam (F) and others. Election campaign in the constituency has reached to its peak where supporters of the candidates were busy in door-to-door campaign to muster public’s support ahead of the decision day.
02-03 NEWS 24 JUNE_Layout 1 6/24/2022 1:31 AM Page 2
Friday, 24 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD
ChINESE CoNSuL GENERAL DISCuSSES tRADE PRoSPECtS wIth LCCI ChIEF
C
APP
ONSUL General of China Zhao Shiren said on Thursday that collaboration in various sectors of economy between the private sector of Pakistan and his country could take bilateral trade to new heights. The Consulate will fully cooperate for exchange of trade delegations between the two countries, he said while talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Nauman Kabir. LCCI Senior Vice President Rehman Aziz Chan, Vice President Haris Ateeq and former senior vice president Ali Hussam Asghar were also president. The consul general identified some issues regarding policy, taxation and duty tariff and said that the visa issues
would be resolved soon. He said that Punjab had a lot of potential while Lahore is a hub of trade and economic activates. “I am very happy to visit Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry,” the consul general said. He added that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a crucial project under the Belt and Road Initiative, was not just a gift but a project of mutual interest for both the countries which would bring prosperity to the people of Pakistan. LCCI President Nauman Kabir said, “We are very mindful of the deep and close ties between Pakistan and China and are fully determined to play our role in further strengthening these relations.” He said that CPEC had given new height to these ties and the project had the potential to change the fate of Pakistan. He said that China was the best friend and most reliable neighbour of Pakistan. “We
are really grateful to China for its full support and help whenever Pakistan faces any challenging situation,” he said. Mian Nauman Kabir said that Pakistan government and public, both are at the same page while welcoming Chinese investors to Pakistan. He said that China has been the leading trading partner of Pakistan since long. It comes at 1st place and 2nd place respectively among the top importing and exporting countries for Pakistan across the globe. The LCCI president said that in year 2020-21, the volume of total trade was nearly $15.34 billion. Pakistan’s imports from China accounted for $13.3 billion and exports stood at $2.04 billion. “It is encouraging to see that the volume of bilateral trade by the end ten months of current financial year has already gone to $16.7 billion. It depicts that there is almost 9pc increase in two way trade,”
PM for making Murree Expressway sustainable against snowfall, land-sliding Murree NewS DeSk
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the National Highway Authority to get Murree Expressway project evaluated through Chinese experts to make it sustainable against snowfall, land sliding, and erosion. During a briefing by the NHA on rehabilitation of Murree Expressway here, the prime minister pointed out that frequent damage to the road and retaining wall raised questions on the design and quality of the work. Citing quality of construction work on Hazara Motorway as a “treat to
watch”, he said the NHA should consult the contractor of the said road to provide consultancy on how to avoid further wastage of public money on the project. The prime minister also instructed to assign an investigation to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to probe the award of the contract and fix responsibility for the poor quality of the work. He asked the NHA to immediately stop work on the project unless the Chinese company evaluate the project and provide guidelines to move ahead. He called for replicating the Hazara Motorway model to ensure better quality of work. On the occasion, the prime minister was informed that a Geo-tech consultant
Rabbani demands joint parliamentary session on talks with ttP iSLamabaD: Senator Raza Rabbani on Thursday demand the government to convene an in-camera joint session of the parliament to seek parliamentarians input regarding the ongoing negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Speaking on a point of public importance in the Senate, he said the parliament should be taken into confidence regarding negotiations with the TTP. Senator Mushtaq Ahmed also called for taking the parliament on board about the talks with TTP. Meanwhile, Senator Falak Naz Chitrali alleged that the work on the four-kilometer road linking several areas of Chitral with Lowari Tunnel had been stopped by the Communications Ministry, demanding resumption of work at the earliest. NewS DeSk
$2.3b worth of energy-related projects are problematic: EAD The Economic Affairs Division (EAD) has declared that $2.3 billion out of $3.3 billion in energy-related projects are problematic. AD has disclosed this in the 3rd follow-up review meeting of the federal energy sector of the National Coordination Committee on Foreign Funded Projects (NCC – FFP) The Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chaired the 3rd follow-up meeting of the National Coordination Committee on Foreign Funded Projects (NCC-FFP) at the Ministry to review foreign-funded Federal Energy Sector projects. The meeting was attended by SAPM, Additional Secretary Energy, SMBR (Punjab & Sindh), ACS (KP), CEO’s of implementing agencies. The Minister for Economic Affairs welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of the Energy Sector of Pakistan. He stated that Energy is arguably one of the most important inputs for economic growth to sustain industrial and commercial activities. Joint Secretary (EC), briefed the committee on the background and purpose of the meeting and particularly highlighted the problematic and moderately satisfactory projects and issues thereof. He apprised the Committee that EAD is managing an ongoing portfolio of $34.8 billion in foreign-funded projects for various sectors of the economy. Staff RepoRt
has been engaged for the project who had served the Hazara Motorway project. It was informed that the project was completed with delay in 2008 owing to the acquisition of forest land and difficult terrain. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif observed that the damage to the retaining wall had become a permanent feature and reiterated his call for engaging a consultant to suggest the specifications of the road. He said instead of allowing the mushroom growth of kiosks and restaurants, two proper rest areas should be developed at equal distances to provide quality services to the tourists.
Mian Nauman Kabir added. He said that in 2020-21, the value of Pakistan’s exports to China was $2.04 billion. “We are pleased to see that from July 2021 to April 2022, the exports earnings have already reached $2.34 billion, registering almost 15 percent increase. Nauman Kabir said that although the balance of bilateral trade is not in favour of Pakistan, but the country should maintain the present trends in trade so that Pakistan may gradually bridge the gap of trade deficit. LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Rehman Aziz Chan said that Chinese and Pakistani businessmen should step into joint ventures in aluminum and cooper recycling plants. Vice President Haris Ateeq said that the support of Chinese consul general was important to achieve the desired results.
He also directed the authorities concerned to curb the illegal construction activity in Jhika Gali. It was told that the previous government had allowed vertical construction in the area like that of Lahore and that the administration had identified 575 buildings violating the bylaws. The prime minister directed a complete survey of such construction and sought a detailed presentation. Regarding the New Murree, he said a consultant firm from the countries like Switzerland should be engaged to suggest a development plan for the area without damaging the natural beauty. The consultant should suggest good interventions for the tourists like the cable transport to discourage the movement of vehicles to the tourist resort. He also instructed the administration to ensure proper testing of the existing cable car to prevent the recurrence of any accident as took place in the recent past.
Daily COVID-19 cases surge to 267 in Pakistan, one death registered NewS DeSk A surge of Covid-19 cases witnessed in Pakistan with 267 infections in last 24 hours, while a death reported in the country on Thursday. Pakistan’s coronavirus test positivity ratio remained 2.53 percent in last 24 hours and the overall case count at 1,532,732, sources said. Health experts have recently feared another spike in coronavirus cases across the country. Covid-19 death toll in Pakistan reached to 30,385 with one more death by the disease in the country. The country have presently overall 3,946 active cases of the pandemic. The National Institute of Health earlier shared that the cases count has increased across the country, particularly in Karachi and Hyderabad. In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif restored National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), an umbrella body that led Pakistan’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The step was taken after emergence of a new subvariant of Omicron strain of coronavirus, in the country. Pakistan on May 9 reported the country’s first case of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1. The national health officials have recently confirmed emergence of another coronavirus sub-variant B.4,B.5
NEWS
03
IMF has asked for more taxes in budget, claims Shaukat tarin NewS DeSk Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Shaukat Tarin has claimed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has demanded the imposition of more taxes in the budget. Addressing on the floor of the Senate, former finance minister Shaukat Tarin said that in the first phase IMF gave a budget proposal to the incumbent government and now the fund is asking the PML-N-led government to impose more taxes. He further said that the economic survey was presented a few days ago, and was signed by the government. The survey showed that everything was left on the record level, but colorful speeches are being made in the Senate and the former PTI government is being blamed for the incompetence. When every sector was growing at a record level, how come the matter of bankruptcy is being raised, he asked. Shaukat Tarin said that he would like to ask the present government what is the debt servicing cost? Where will the Rs200 billion GIDC be met? Rs750 billion Petroleum Development Levey (PDL) means the government has to increase Rs 35 per month, he added.
Musharraf’s denial to come back blocks Nawaz’s return: Sh Rashid ISLAMABAD NewS DeSk
Former Interior Minister and Chief of Awami Muslim League (AML) Sheikh Rasheed on Thursday declared that the country’s economy is on ventilator and political system is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The Awami Muslim League (AML) chief took to Twitter to criticize the incumbent government’s economic and political policies and said that the national economy is on a ventilator while politics is in ICU. He said that Musharraf’s denial to come back to Pakistan has blocked Nawaz’s return too. The real budget is yet to be presented, which will worsen the conditions, he added. Sheikh added that the federal cabinet looks like a flea market of ‘special assistants’. The government will increase electricity and gas prices in July, causing a storm of inflation in the country, he claimed. The AML head said that depriving overseas Pakistanis of their right to vote and amending the NAB laws and benefiting from them are criminal offences. Corrupt robbers and criminals have been imposed upon the country, he regretted.
Asif Zardari’s mother laid to rest in Nawabshah kArAchI Staff RepoRt
in the country. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) sources the cases of B.4,B.5, a sub-varianat Omicron strain of coronavirus, are regularly being reported in country. The new variant rapidly spread but has not been more lethal, sources said. NIH sources have informed that all Covid-19 vaccines are effective against Covid-19 sub-variant B.4,B.5.
Zareen Ara Bukhari, mother of former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and grandmother of Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was laid to rest at her ancestral graveyard Balu Jaba in Nawabshah on Thursday. Zareen Ara Bukhari had passed away at a Karachi hospital on Wednesday. Besides Asif Zardari and Bilawal, a large number of people attended her funeral prayers, including Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. As condolences continued to pour in, Namaz-e-Janaza was offered at Zardari House in Nawabshah and Bilawal himself took part in lowering his grandmother’s body into the grave. Zareen was under treatment for the last many days. Her illness had forced FM Bilawal to cancel his visit to Rwanda on Monday where he was due to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. Earlier, Bilawal had also cancelled his Lahore visit last Friday (June 17) and left for Karachi from Islamabad to inquire after his grandmother.
China’s Gansu Province to transfer modern dryland farming techs to Pakistan NewS DeSk Gansu will transfer modern Chinese agricultural science and technology particularly applicable to arid and semiarid regions to Pakistan. This was stated during memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS), China and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Pakistan held online, according to a report published by China Economic Net (CEN). Sharing similarities in climate, crop types and environment, based on the
MoU, the Chinese agricultural technologies of efficient use of water and fertilizer with drip irrigation under mulch, farmland water utilization and regulation with plastic-film mulching on dryland, green and high-yield planting of potatoes in semi-arid areas, breeding and quality control of virus-free seed potato, storage and cold chain logistics of fruit and vegetable, fruit germplasm resources in cold and arid regions, solar greenhouse and related vegetable culture, forage sorghum cultivation and feeding, highyield cultivation of melon in semi-arid areas, breeding and release of crop new cultivars of wheat, potato, rape, flakes,
minor, etc. in cold and arid regions, etc. will be transferred from GAAS to IUB in the near future, which are urgently needed by Pakistan at the current stage and are expected to give new impetus to Pakistan’s agricultural progress. Most notably, both parties agreed to establish China-Pakistan Crop Research Center, focusing on high yield and highquality composite crops, to cooperate in research, demonstration, and promotion of variety selection, optimization of cultivation technology, plant protection, and agricultural mechanization. “GAAS scientific research achievements’ overseas development will
support countries along the Belt and Road route like Pakistan to upgrade its agricultural sector. We’re looking forward to GAAS-IUB contribution to sustainable and high quality agricultural development of the two countries.” Dr. Ma Zhongming, GAAS President remarked. “The collaboration between GAAS and IUB will benefit people of both countries. We believe the cooperation will further strengthen Pak-Sino friendship and exchanges between the two peoples, and promote sustainable development for our next generations,” Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob, Vice Chancellor, IUB said.
04 NEWS 24 ISB_Layout 1 6/24/2022 12:33 AM Page 1
Friday, 24 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD
04 NEWS
AdMIn kICkS oFF AntI-EnCroAChMEnt drIvE Along rIvEr SwAt swAT
t
Syed Shahabuddin
HE district administration on Thursday launched an operation against illegal constructions, encroachments, and accumulation of debris along with River Swat here. The decision to launch the antiencroachment operation was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Malakand Division Shaukat Ali Yousafzai at Commissioner’s office Saidu Sharif. The meeting was attended by Regional Police Officer Malakand Division Zeeshan Asghar, Swat Deputy Commissioner Junaid Khan, District Police Officer Zahid Nawaz Marwat and other officials. The meeting also approved the formation of a committee to work out a strategy for identifying encroachments and other illegal activities along River Swat. The Assistant Commissioner Bahrain will chair the committee and SDO Irrigation and TMO Bahrain will be members of the committee. The SDO Irrigation has been assigned the responsibility to
identify encroachments under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa River Protection Act (Amended) 2014. During the meeting, Commissioner Shaukat Ali Yousafzai expressed outrage over illegal constructions and debris being dumped around Swat River. He said that such behavior toward the natural environment, especially with Swat River is intolerable. Strict action should be taken against encroachers, said the commissioner. The commissioner said that a committee is being formed to move forward under a comprehensive plan. On the other hand, the committee has started its work and on the recommendations of the committee, the Swat district administration has sent 21 people to jail under section 3 of Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. On the other hand, residents of Kalam staged a sit-in against the arrests during the anti-encroachment operation in Kalam valley last night. The protesters, led by Malik Pattan Khan, former Tehsil Nazim Habibullah, Malik Amir Said and Malik Gul Zada, blocked all roads
including the main highway of Mingora and continued chanting slogans against the administration. The speakers claimed that citizens of Kalam were arrested in a
KP minister asserts ‘no compromise on provincial rights, powers’ News Desk Minister for Finance Taimur Saleem Jhagra on Thursday asserted that the provincial government would not compromise on the power and rights of the province and would continue fighting for its rights. Responding to opposition’s cut motions in the provincial assembly, he said on the directions of the Chief Minister Mahmood Khan he attended the APCC and National Economic Council meetings and raised the issue of provincial rights. He said that those who were leveling corruption charges against the KP government should present the evidence and assured strict legal action if to be proven true. He said the funds are property of masses and these could not be distributed at the wish of an individual, adding that provincial government carried out devel-
opment projects without any discrimination and also included opposition members’ Constituencies. Jhagra said that the health card facility was also given to people of the opposition constituency; similarly the capacity of DHQs was also strengthened in all districts including Landi Kotal, Jamrud, and more funds would be released to Jamrud hospital for its up-gradation. He informed the House that he visited tribal districts time and again to check the development projects in these areas and consult the local people in this regard. Jhagra said that the government would release funds for the construction of roads in Upper Dir, if required. The minister said that under the 2019 ADP policy, 92 percent development schemes were sponsored under public-private partnership, adding that without government funding the mega development projects could not be completed.
raid on their houses last night, which is against local traditions and tantamount to victimization. They announced that their protest would continue until the ar-
Moonis answers FIA questions in money-laundering case LAHORe Staff RepoRt
Former federal minister and PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi on Thursday submitted reply to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in connection with an alleged Rs720 million money laundering case filed against him. According to details, Moonis Elahi has submitted his reply through his lawyers. The investigation agency had asked the PML-Q leader to provide answers to 35 questions by June 23. Moonis Elahi was granted interim bail by a banking crime court in Lahore till July 4. The FIA would prepare a new strategy after reviewing answers submitted by the former federal minister. Earlier on June 16, Moonis Elahi appeared before the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in connection with its ongoing probe into alleged money laundering of Rs720 million.
Senate suggests ECP to carry out delimitation exercise based on 6th national census APP Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs on Thursday asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to carry out delimitation of (national and provincial assembly) constituencies for the general elections 2023 similar to the constituencies created for the general elections of 2018, in case the new national census was not completed within the prescribed deadline. Presenting the report on the point of public importance raised by Senator Danesh Kumar regarding the delimitation by the ECP in Balochistan province and referred by the chairman Senate for consideration, the Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs chaired by Taj Haider held that the ECP should carry out delimitation based on the 6th Census of 2017 in case a new census was not completed within deadline of December 2022. He said the committee had inquired that in light of the decision of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) in its 49th meeting held on January 13, 2022, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) was required to complete the 7th population and Housing Census by December 2022, and therefore the result of the Census would be handed over to the ECP for delimitation for the next general elections to be held in 2023. ECP Secretary, as per the report, apprised the committee that the election commission had asked the government to confirm the date for completion of new population census as they shall not be able to carry out the delimitation activity based on the new census in case if it is not completed by December 31, 2022. However, the report stated that no reply was received from the government, and it was expected that the new census was expected to be completed in the next year. Consequently, after detailed deliberations, it was suggested to the ECP to carry out the delimitation activity based on the final result of 6th census of 2017, notified by PBS on May 6, 2021, followed by publication of preliminary report by May 31, 2022.
rested persons are released. Meanwhile, Malik Pattan Khan, who led a protest against the administration in Kalam Valley, died of a cardiac arrest.
He was on the way home after the protest ended when he suffered a heart attack which proved fatal. He was a senior member of Jamaate-Islami.
Farooq Sattar’s mother passes away in Karachi News Desk Muttahida Qoumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar’s mother passed away on Thursday at the age of 85 in Karachi. His mother was under treatment in a hospital in Karachi due to severe illness. Political leaders expressed their condolence with the bereaved family and prayed for the high ranks of the departed
soul and for the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.
Punjab by-polls: Probe report sent to ECP News Desk The provincial election commissioner has sent the probe report to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ViceChairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi levelled allegations against the election process, citing sources. Shah Mahmood Qureshi had levelled allegations against the ECP and the Punjab government over alleged illegal actions ahead of Punjab by-polls. Sources revealed that the EC Punjab
levelled allegations against Qureshi for pressurising the returning officer (RO) during scrutiny of the nomination papers in Multan. The RO ordered Qureshi not to interrupt the scrutiny process, whereas, the PTI vice-chairman’s personal secretary and activities threatened the EC staffers for removing oversized panaflex banners, the probe report stated. According to the probe report, the provincial EC asked Qureshi to provide solid evidence against the chief minister (CM), deputy commissioner (DC) or district police officer (DPO).
Friday, 24 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD
NEWS
corporate corner P&g Pakistan celebrates achievement of 2022 goal of delivering 50 million litres of clean drinking water Karachi: P&G Pakistan is today celebrating the achievement of its 2022 goal of delivering over 50 million liters of clean drinking water, helping approximately 300,000 people, through its non-profit Children's Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) Program in various districts of Sindh, Punjab, KPK and AJK. The commitment to deliver a further 50 million liters was made in 2019 in collaboration with long-term NGO partner, HOPE and the Ministry of Climate Change, presided over by Dr. Arif Alvi, Hon’ble President of Pakistan, under which P&G made other sustainability declarations/commitments. Expressing his views, Adil Farhat, CEO P&G Pakistan said, "The lack of access to clean water contributes to many challenges in a community. Children frequently miss school from waterborne illnesses and parents struggle to provide for their families. Women and girls are especially affected as they disproportionately bear the burden for managing household water needs. Many walk kilometers each day to collect contaminated water, and they are often responsible for taking care of sick family members. This prevents many girls from attending school and getting an education that would allow them to have a brighter future." He further added, "In living up to our purpose of improving lives, our community programs to date have improved quality of life for millions of Pakistanis." Pakistan is among the top 10 countries in the world today with lowest access to clean water near homes. According to Water Aid, in Pakistan around 21 million people do not have access to clean water. The P&G water purification technology “Purifier of Water”, available in the form of a simple sachet, is a state-of-the-art innovation that quickly turns 10 liters of dirty, potentially deadly water into clean and drinkable water in a simple, affordable and convenient way. P&G’s efforts in this area support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal # 6 - to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. pr
Sanaullah rules out reversal of Fata merger, army withdrawal continued from page 01 Sanaullah said that guidance was sought from the parliamentary committee, and the lawmakers were told about the “repercussions” of different actions. “The committee, in the presence of the prime minister to Asif Ali Zardari and all parties including the ANP and the MQM, had a consensus that talks [with the TTP] should be held,” the minister revealed. He reiterated that there was another consensus on holding talks under the framework of the Constitution. ‘NO THREAT TO IMRAN’: Sanaullah dismissed reports claiming that there were security threats to former prime minister Imran Khan. He said PTI leader Babar Awan had raised a “hollow” concern that Imran’s life was in danger. “When we looked into it, there was no truth in these claims,” the minister declared. He said another PTI leader Fayyazul Hassan Chohan had claimed Imran had been facing threats from Afghanistan, adding that the party should have conveyed the concerns to relevant agencies instead of “creating hype on the matter”. To a question, the interior minister said Imran would be given “proper security” if he were to canvass in Punjab as part of his party’s campaign for upcoming by-elections on 20 seats of the Punjab Assembly. However, the minister reiterated that Imran should be arrested and prosecuted for his “extremist views and violence-mongering”. He made it clear that now no one will be allowed to enter Islamabad with the purpose of a disturbing the capital’s peace. APPOINTMENT OF NEXT ARMY CHIEF: To a question about the appointment of the next army chief, the interior minister said a decision in this regard will be taken in October. He said there was a tradition to appoint the COAS a month before his retirement “but there is also a tradition to make such announcements quite near to the expiry of the term [of the serving army chief]”. When asked about party leaders staying in London, Sanaullah said he had advised PM Shehbaz Sharif that senior party leader Ishaq Dar should return to the country. He said he had also requested party founder and former premier Nawaz Sharif to come back to the country.
05
RuPEE REbouNdS AS PRogRESS mAdE iN imF TAlKS, ChiNESE loAN continued from page 01
T
HE prime minister said his government would keep the nation on board regarding difficult economic decisions and not deceive them, unlike the PTI regime. The conditions for the deal with the IMF had been finalized, however, its positive results in the shape of development would take some time, he added. Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for strengthening the national economy by taking effective steps. He said the PTI government had no empathy for the common man as it
ended several projects of the last Pakistan Muslim League-N tenure that were aimed at public welfare. He said our forefathers had rendered immense sacrifices to establish a separate homeland to lead a comfortable life. However, during the last 75 years, all governments, including civil and military, could not help get that dream materialized. PM Shehbaz said China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar always supported Pakistan in difficult times, besides siding at the diplomatic level. He mentioned that the recent $2.3 billion loan from China was a respite in
the current trying times. For the first time in history, he said, a genuine tax was imposed on the net income of affluent persons to provide relief to the poor, who were the real builders of Pakistan. Also, to reduce the burden on poor, a Rs 2,000 stipend was announced to provide them relief, he added. He termed it a political and religious obligation of the rich to accommodate the deserving people and contribute to the prosperity of nation. He said in next few days, he would address the nation to take them on board regarding the steps taken by the government to improve the economic situation. The prime minister regretted that
SC wraps up Dua Zehra case as father withdraws plea The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday wrapped up Dua Zehra case after father, Mehdi Kazmi, withdrew a petition filed in the apex court challenging the Sindh High Court (SHC’s) decision which had allowed Karachi teenage girl to decide her own fate. A three-member bench of the apex, comprising Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, Justice Muneeb Akhtar and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, announced the reserved verdict on a plea of Dua Zehra’s father. The apex court heard the case in the Supreme Court Karachi Registry. The top court in its verdict has asked Mehdi Kazmi to approach the relevant forum for the formation of the medical board in Dua Zehra case. “The case did not fall within the ambit of SC,” the top court ruled. Last week, Dua Zehra’s father challenged the Sindh High Court’s verdict in the case in the Supreme Court. The petition filed by Mehdi Kazmi stated that on June 8, the Sindh High Court had allowed the girl to make the decision based on her statement and ‘medical test’, which found her to be 17 years old. The petitioner maintained that according to
Nadra records and educational credentials, Dua Zahra is 14 years old. At the outset of the hearing Thursday, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah read out SHC verdict and observed that no evidence was found that the girl had been abducted. “Dua Zehra in her statement before the court had denied that she was abducted by her husband Zaheer Ahmed,” the Judge observed and added that the petitioner could not impose allegations of forced marriage. During the hearing, Justice Muneeb Akhtar said that even a father cannot challenge marriage in any court. “Only girl has right to challenge marriage status,” he observed. “You can approach sessions court as a guardian against the SHC verdict,” he said and ruled out the involvement of abduction or harassment in the case. “What do you want from us”? Justice Sajjad Ali Shah asked Dua Zehra’s father. “I want court to overturn SHC decision and allow our daughter to live with her parents,” Mehdi Kazmi replied. To which, the SC has reserved verdict and announced that the top court will issue its decision. news desk
Buses provided by Chinese company start operation in Larkana Following a successful trial, the intra-city bus service under “Peoples Bus Service” will start benefiting the residents of Larkana, Sindh from Thursday. According to a Gwadar Pro’s report, the service will provide the people of Larkana with a comfortable, convenient, and affordable journey experience and will create jobs for the local community. A batch of 10 buses arrived in the city of Larkana on Monday, followed by its successful test drive the following day. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday during his visit to the city inspected the newly arrived buses and directed authorities concerned to “start Intra-City Bus Service from June 23, so that people of Larkana City get benefited,” according to an official statement. “The Minister was delighted and congratulated the people of Larkana on modern and comfortable transport service,” reads the statement. The buses are manufactured by Higer Bus Company, which is based in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province of China. These buses are fully air-conditioned and feature state-of-the-art amenities including free Wi-Fi, CCTV cameras, fire-fighting systems, emergency exits, bus stop buttons, and automatic doors. Each bus will facilitate 31 passengers including two seats for the disabled.
several welfare projects launched by PM Nawaz Sharif were stopped by the PTI government. The laptop scheme was termed a “political bribe”, but the time showed that it became a source of online connectivity for the students during Covid-19 pandemic, he added. He claimed that people did not need a “Naya Pakistan”, but the Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Shehbaz Sharif said the PTI regime with its negative approach inflicted damage to the ties with other countries. However, the present government was taking steps to mend them for the benefit of the nation.
NAVTTC trains 100k youth, mostly in high-tech trades National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has so far imparted training to about 1,00,000 youth, mostly in high-tech trades, with 71% employment rate. Another batch of 63, 000 youth are being given skill trainings through 989 Training partners and reputed universities. 95% youth have expressed satisfaction over the quality of the trainings by NAVTTC. NAVTTC under guidance of Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Rana Tanveer Hussain is diligently pursuing its cause of providing skill-based trainings to differently-abled persons (DAPs). NAVTTC is imparting quality skills trainings as per international standards to differently abled persons in high-tech as well as conventional trades through partner institutes and well reputed universities and is playing its role for the socio-economic well-being of the differently-abled persons. So far hundreds of persons with disabilities had been given vocational training in different parts of the country and a number of them are earning decent livelihood. To organize TVET system of the country on modern lines, the international recognized, Competency based training (CBT) system is being used, and NAVTTC Pakistan is now able to deliver training in accordance with the internationally demanded and recognized requirements. DAPs constitute 12 to 14 percent of the country’s population and NAVTTC is playing vital role to integrate them into the main educational and economic system through training in relevant trades and other necessary facilities. NAVTTC is working to increase the access of DAPs to learning resources, besides facilitating them to acquire marketable skills and employment. news desk
Ahead of Eidul Adha, lumpy skin disease reported in KP
The buses with a maximum capacity of 80 passengers are also reserved for persons with disabilities and women in buses. The ‘Peoples Bus Service’ is a project of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA). The bus will operate 8.3 kilometers from the New Bus terminal to Quaid-e-Awam UET at the Airport Road. It will cover areas like Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Sindh University campus, IBA school Sachal Colony, Chandka Medical College, High Court, SSP office, Shahnawaz Library, etc. news desk
With fast approaching Eid ul Azha and sale and purchase of sacrificial animals on peak, the lumpy skin disease seems to be overshadowing as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed outbreak of the viral disease. Director General Livestock, Muhammad Alamzeb Khan informed on Thursday that at least 95 cattle have been killed and more than 5,147 infected since April lumpy skin disease-Commonly known as cow disease outbreak. The first case of lumpy skin was reported from D I Khan district on April 22. More than 9 million cows and bulls are vaccinated against the viral disease; DG Livestock said adding that fumigation drives were also conducted to prevent the spread of the virus. “We have requested the government to provide more vaccines for the animals,”. news desk
British MPs write to PM over India’s unfair trial of Yasin Malik news desk The Members of the UK Parliament have written a letter to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeking action to monitor the situation of political prisoners in India. The MPs including Tahir Ali (Birmingham Hall Green), Imran Hussain (Bradford East), Khalid Mahmood (Birmingham Perry Barr), and Muhammad Yasin (Bedford) urged the UK Prime Minister to assign a special representative to monitor the trial regarding the conviction of Kashmiri Hurriyat
leader, Muhammad Yasin Malik. They pointed out that Yasin Malik was arrested under India’s draconian law, Public Safety Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and convicted on the 19th of May 2022 on terrorism charges, which carry the maximum sentence of either life imprisonment or the death penalty. They said Malik was tried in secret and without a jury by a court of India’s dreaded National Investigation, on charges that were not only spurious but at this point nearly 30 years old.
The letter said the two black laws under which Yasin Malik was arrested and tried had been repeatedly used by the Indian authorities to persecute Kashmiri political activists, who oppose India’s military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. “This is part of a broader escalation of a severe crackdown on the civil liberties of the Kashmiri people, as documented by numerous organisations, including Human Rights Watch,” it read. The MPs pointed out that Yasin Malik faced the death penalty for doing nothing
more than advocating for the freedom of the Kashmiri people. “We, therefore, urge the UK Government to condemn the trial and conviction of Yasin Malik and demand that he is immediately released,” they said. The MPs also called upon the UK government to join the international community in challenging India’s black law Public Safety Act which enables the detention of individuals without charge or trial for up to two years. “This law, which has been criticised by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been used not only
against Yasin Malik but also many other Kashmiris who seek to challenge the Indian occupation,” they said. The MPs said, “Continued political persecution of the Kashmiri people does not help us towards this end, and the UK government must advocate for the fair treatment of Yasin Malik and others, as well as for their right to a free and fair trial to be upheld.” They also demanded of the UK government to use its special relationship with India to ensure a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
06-07 Comments - 24th June 2022_Layout 1 6/24/2022 12:18 AM Page 1
Friday, 24 June, 2022
06 COMMENT
The wounded bear
Statements on oath won’t do PTI and the Army
The global effects of a local war
O
N Wednesday PTI chief Imran Khan swore by Allah, maintaining that he never planned to bring in an army chief of his choice. he claimed instead that it was decided by his government to appoint the next COAS on merit when the time came. When a leader says something on oath, it exposes an uneasy feeling in him that people are otherwise not likely to believe him. But what constitutes merit in promotion to key Army posts? Merit, according to Imran Khan, is not an officer’s record of professional excellence, his leadership qualities or his strategic vision. Being apolitical is in fact the biggest disqualification for a higher Army post in Mr Khan’s eyes. According to the PTI chief, those who decide to become neutral degenerate into animals who possess neither cognitive powers nor a moral sense. Mr Khan wanted the Army leadership to stand by him to foil the opposition-sponsored no- confidence move. As the Army decided not to become a party, an angry Mr Khan continued to disparage the current Army leadership by calling them neutrals. While in democratic societies, professional excellence and political neutrality are treated as merit, fascist states insist on the army leadership’s Ioyalty to the head of the ruling party. The PTI’s social media posts leave no doubt about those considered loyal and thus fit for promotion. Mr Khan conceives of military leaders as watchmen whose principal job was to defend his government against threats from any quarter, particularly from his political opponents. he believes that the present Army leadership failed to perform their duty. As he puts it, there was a burglary in the house as the watchman remained neutral. Mr Khan’s penchant for personal loyalty led him to create hurdles in the transfer of the previous ISI chief. The act amounted to throwing a wrench into the works as it hindered the otherwise smooth working of the Army and the appointments and transfers of a number of military commanders were withheld for over a month. The action gave birth to widespread conjectures about Mr Khan’s desire to have an Army leadership of his choice. The perception cannot be removed through oaths when at the same time the denunciation of neutrals continues.
At Penpoint M A NIAZI
T
he Russian invasion of Ukraine set off global consequences, and even though no other countries got involved in the fighting, it could well qualify to be described as a world war. Though the fighting is limited to two armies with the same origin, much like the IndiaPakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, the position of both countries as major wheat exporters, and Russia’s as a major oil and gas producer, has led to rising food and oil prices globally, thus placing a burden on the Third World. Most of the nations comprising it were colonies in the first two World Wars, but are now independent nations. Some are directly affected, especially those that imported a large proportion of their grain needs from either country, but even if a country did not buy fuel from Russia, the rise in world prices meant that energy imports cost more. Are Sri Lanka’s woes a result of the Russo-Ukrainian war? It seems likely, not just because of food and energy, but because of the general inflation that has resulted. The impact of globalisation has meant that the war’s effects have been felt all over the world. It is thus difficult to sort out whether negative effects on the global supply chains are because of the war, or the after-effects of the covid-19 pandemic, which is not yet over. Perhaps the only source of relief has been the fact that this world war did not pick up where the previous one ended, with the use of nuclear weapons. When the USSR broke up, its only constituent to retain nuclear weapons was Russia. Ukraine and Kazakhstan, where Soviet nuclear forces were stationed, gave up their nuclear weapons. Ukraine had had nuclear weapons probably because it was the launching-pad for any Soviet invasion of Western europe, while the nuclear weapons in Kazakhstan represented secondstrike capability, as it would be hoped that US counterforce strikes would miss come of the more distant missiles, and leave them for use in a retaliatory strike. however, the real second-strike capability remained in the nuclear submarine fleet, with at least one on permanent patrol off the US Atlantic coast. As Ukraine was a non-nuclear state, Russia opted not to follow its traditional doctrine, which would be to start any attack with a nuclear strike. This is a de-
GSP Plus EU review to examine Pakistan’s compliance
T
he arrival of a european Union monitoring team should bring home a number of truths to the country, the first of which is that the eU has discretion over which country it grants GSP Plus. In short, Pakistan does not have a prescriptive right to this status, and to retain it, will have to fulfill the eU’s requirements. At the same time, there should be some soul-searching on what sort of society Pakistan has become, where it should worry about a mission which will merely determine the country’s compliance with 27 international conventions it has itself signed. True, some of the signings took place because of eU pressure, but the desirability of GSP Plus status seems to have played its part; and it has enabled Pakistani exporters to increase exports 65 percent since joining the scheme in 2014. The scheme is scheduled to expire in December 2023, and this review is not just the usual biennial review to determine whether the GSP Plus status should continue, but whether it should extend for another 10 years, from 2024 to 2033. The eU team will be most interested in implementation of conventions relating to human and labour rights, environmental protection, climate change and good governance. Pakistan should be paying attention in these areas anyhow, and it has already signed the relevant conventions, so it might want to wonder what sort of society it has become, that it views this review mission with anything less than calm. It needs to wonder why it resents the possibility of being stopped from violating human rights, especially labour rights. The eU is not just interested in these areas because its pushing an agenda, as because the european consumer wants to make sure that the goods supplied to him or her have been manufactured without violating the labour laws or infringing human rights. There are issues such as the blasphemy laws and the death penalty dividing Pakistan and the eU, but the former should remember that GSP Plus status has beem strongly resented by India, with its diplomats actively working against it in the eU, apart from defending its actions in Kashmir, something which has caused much worry in the eU Parliament. Pakistan will have to demonstrate that it is actively doing enough to address shortcomings that would jeopardise it maintaining the GSP plus status.
The Taliban should watch out AsAd AlI
T
he realist school of thought wisely said that man is selfish by nature. There are no permanent friends and foes in international relations. One cannot count on any country for long in international relations. Talks are the ultimate solution for any conflict. The Taliban are reality now in Afghanistan. They are the ruling elite in the country. No country can negate this reality. They have defeated the world’s strongest military forces and captured Kabul last year. The international community must brace itself to deal with the Islamic administration in Afghanistan. There are so many takeaways from the fall of Kabul as few countries are taking political benefits out of it while many are struggling to find their footprints in the landlocked country. India has been one of the countries, who is at the losing end. New Delhi had strong and close political, economic and strategic bonding with the Westernbacked Afghan government of hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani. India used both former Presidents Ghani and Karzai to accomplish its objectives, be they political or strategic. India engaged the former Afghan rulers to destabilize Pakistan and extended financial help to anti-Pakistan elements. Unfortunately, the previous successive Afghan governments graciously helped India to malign Pakistan and create anti-Pakistan sentiments inside and outside Afghanistan. The former Afghan rulers, at India’s behest, had maligned Pakistan at different international forums, accusing Islamabad of supporting the Taliban and weakening the Afghan government. It is pertinent to mention here that all this was done on flimsy grounds and to praise their political pundits sitting in New Delhi. Despite this joint propaganda by India and Afghanistan, Pakistan always helped Afghanistan with open hearts especially to serve the people of Afghanistan, who have been suffering terribly due to the US-led war against terror in the country. After
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi
Umar Aziz
Joint Editor
Joint Editor
Executive Editor
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
Ukrainisan military does not seem strong enough to get the Russian forces out of Ukraqine, the Russian military does not seem able to deliver the kind of killer blow that would end te war in its favour. Military experts are observing the war very carefully, for this is the first example of two 21st century militaries fighting each other. On land, of particular interest is the performance of Russian armour against the Ukrainian NATO-origin antitank weapons. Armour was invented in World War I to restore mobility on the battlefield. It was in World War II that it achieved this, something which continued afterwards. While Kursk in 1943 remains the largest tank battle, the armoured encounters of Pakistan and India at Chowinda in 1965, and egypt and Israel in the Sinai in 1973, are comparable in size. however, the present war has not seen a major tank battle, one where antitank weapons would be used by Ukraine, to blunt a Russian offensive. Though Russian military doctrine depends on strong tank forces, the loss of 460-680 anks of 2700, there hasn’t been a major tank battle yet, where the dictum of a tank being the best anti-tank weapon could be tested. The problem seems to be that the Russian tankers aren’t all that good. There are supply problems, with tanks abandoned after they ran out of fuel, and some tanks were driven off bridges or into ditches because drivers were inexpert, while some crews simply abandoned their tanks and ran. however, now that summer has ended the rasputitsa, or the muddiness of spring which makes movement on roads difficult, either side could attack. The alternative is to go on slugging it out until the political leaders go for negotiations. The problem with that is that that might take time. While Russians and Ukrainians go on killing each other, the rest of the world is cut offf from both Ukrainian and Russian grain supplies. As that has driven up international prices, even those countries which do not import from them are negatively impacted. The same applies to oil. Pakistan is one of the countries hurt in the process. A return to normalcy may not be possible. The invasion has scared Sweden and Finland, making both scramble to join NATO. Ukraine’s approaching joining played a role in Russia’s decision to invade. Russia has been used to Sweden and Finland being neutral. One reason for joining would be to avoid nuclear attack. (NATO’s basis is the nuclear umbrella the USA provides.). however, europe may keep on being destabilized, with the Russian bear feeling threatened. And with it the world. The writer is a member of staff
Indian political alignment with Afghan Taliban
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad
velopment of the Russian doctrine of beginning any attack with an overwhelming artillery barrage. Those overwhelming barrages are being used now by Russian forces, but have stopped short of nuclear warfare. It is worth remembering that few or none of the the senior Ukrainian commanders started their service in the old unified Red Army. A new generation of commanders has come up, the most senior of whom, with just over 30 years of experience, have experienced life in an entirely Ukrainian military. Bothe Ukraine’s Commander-in-chief and Chief of General Staff were commissioned into the old Soviet Army, but have done most of their soldiering for the Ukrainian Ground Forces. however, the traditions they would have learned during regimental life from their seniors, and would be transmitting, would be rooted in the Soviet Army. That is a little like the common origin of the Indian and Pakistani Armies in the old British Indian Army. It is sometimes said that generals refight the battles of the last war.’ There are signs that the Russian-Ukrainian war is following those lines, as both sides fight World War II all over again, with heavy artillery barrages and attempts to achieve an armoured breakthrough. The Russian military depends on the Second World War and the Cold War to provide its recent military history, but in the pre-Soviet period, there was World War I and even earlier the Crimean War . In these wars, the Russian performance was shambolic. One historian of the Crimean War concluded that the British Army was in horrible shape, and hopelessly antiquated, mainly because it was led by commanders who had learned the art of war in the Napoleonic Wars half a century before. The reasons the Russians lost the war was because they were even worse off. Again, the subalterns of the Napoleonic Wars were the generals of the Crimean War. To a certain extent, combat exposes the military machine concerned to some criticism. The Soviets in Afghanistan, and the USA in both Vietnam and Afghanistan provide examples. however, the Russian military has come out of the Ukrainian invasion so far with its reputation taking a battering. The reports of senior commanders being sacked is indicative of worry above them, and is one of the signs that an army is doing badly. however, now the indications are that the war will last for some time, ith the initial Russian attempt to take the Ukrainian capital having failed, and efforts now being concentrated on taking the eastern city of Sieverodonetsk, as Russia concentrates on securing and expanding the Donbas Republics, of Donetsk and Luhansk. The problem seems to bne that while the
I
Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9
I
spending billions of dollars in Afghanistan, India’s streak of anti-Pakistan activities has been broken now. It is, however, at the losing end right now since the arrival of Taliban in the helm of affairs in the country. After boycotting the Taliban’s negotiation with the American Administration, the Indian government has now started engaging with the Afghan Taliban. So far, it does not seem optimistic about its ties with the Afghan Taliban. On the other hand, the Taliban has asked India to open its diplomatic presence in the country and restart work on the incomplete projects inside the country. As far as international relations are concerned, this is a good omen. The Taliban are now trying to change their governance model and presenting themselves as moderate this time around as compared to their previous rule back in the 1990s. India has always viewed the Taliban as a proxy of its archival Pakistan and also maintained close ties with the Northern Alliance against the Taliban. historically speaking, the Northern Alliance had remained against the Pakistani role in Afghanistan. First visit of an Indian delegation, led by J P Singh, the external Affairs Ministry’s Joint Secretary, to Kabul and its desire to reopen its embassy equates to official recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The Taliban regime is a hurdle in the way of Indian support to anti-Pakistan terrorist activities using Afghan soil therefore New Delhi is all set to give a legitimate cover to her ulterior motives for having good ties with Afghanistan. Recently, an Indian channel CNN-News18 conducted an interview of Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob. During the interview,the Indian anchor tried to ask mischievous questions related to Pakistan and its relationship with the Taliban regime but to the
Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
anchor’s disappointment the Afghan Minister replied positively about Pakistan. During anti-Pakistan and India-friendly Afghan governments of the past, New Delhi had free rein to arm and finance terrorists groups to carry out subversive activities against Pakistan. India was among the most eager nations that closed their missions in Afghanistan while leaving behind friendly Afghanistan in chaotic conditions. Pakistan, putting aside animosity, has granted India permission to send wheat and lifesaving medicines to Afghanistan through Wagah Border on exceptional basis (without paying customs, duties or other fees) for humanitarian purposes. Indian efforts to gain influence in Afghanistan are aimed at preventing Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan. The world must know the heinous designs and intentions of the Indian ruling elite against Pakistan. There is a need to highlight India’s role as a spoiler in Afghanistan and the region. In this context, Indian efforts to project Pakistan as an aggressor and exploitation of the situation in Afghanistan has clearly been exposed now. Both Indian media and government are still actively working to malign Pakistan’s positive role in Afghanistan especially in the aftermath of the fall of Kabul. In the wake of the Taliban takeover, Indian TV channels broadcast videos purporting to show Pakistani aircraft attacking Panjshir but in reality, the video was depicting American jets flying in Wales. It is high time for the international community to keep a close watch on the spoilers of peace in Afghanistan. The Indian government will try to destabilize Afghanistan in order to accomplish its strategic objectives.
It is high time for the international community to keep a close watch on the spoilers of peace in Afghanistan. The Indian government will try to destabilize Afghanistan in order to accomplish its strategic objectives
I
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
I
The writer is a freelance columist
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
06-07 Comments - 24th June 2022_Layout 1 6/24/2022 12:18 AM Page 2
Friday, 24 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
Precautionary measures to curb Congo virus The National Institute of health (NIh) issued precautionary measures against Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic Fever’s (CChF) to avoid its transmission and risk during eid-ul-Azha. According to a news report a total of four confirmed cases have been reported so far this year— two cases each from Punjab and Sindh. In the wake of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic Fever’s (CChF) transmission and risk due of spread owing to the anticipated increase in human-animal interaction during eid-ul-Azha, the National Institue of health (NIh) Tuesday issued an advisory pertaining to the virus. It is a remarkable step taken by the concerned authorities for public’s safety and the authorities concerned to make it sure that everyone is following the precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the virus. It is imperative for the public to be vigilant about the situation and take necessary steps to interrupt the transmission of the Congo virus. BAKHTIYAR PHULLAN TURBAT
Taxing the rich
The USA: Champion of democracy or imperialist bully? The USA doesn’t learn from history suNbAl NAwAZ lAshArI
N
O need to delve deeper. Just take a closer look into the historical background of the dubious foundations of the nation under discussion. Columbu,s the highly celebrated and yet controversial figure, while making his sea journey towards Asia in search of gold and spices for the Spanish monarchy accidentally, and to say, out of sheer luck came across an unknown land that lay between europe and Asia: the Americas. Columbus writes in his findings: ‘’As soon as I arrived in the Indies, on the first Island which I found, I took some of the natives by force in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts’’. Columbus and his crew were met by Arawak Indians who greeted them graciously, offered them food, water and gifts. Noticing that they were wearing gold ornaments in their ears, it led Columbus to take some of them aboard ship as prisoners so that they would guide him to the source of gold. he then sailed to what is now Cuba, then to hispaniola (the island which today consists of haiti and the Dominican Republic). There, bits of visible gold in the rivers, and a gold mask presented to Columbus by a local Indian chief, led to wild visions of gold fields. The discovery of gold, silver and abundance of land for cultivation, and the outright ignorance and lack of armaments on the part of the Native Americans led to the exploitation of the Americas by the european settlers. Most Native American societies perished and the few that survived did so barely on often marginal lands. Indigenous people both north and south were displaced, died of disease, and were killed by europeans through slavery, rape, and war. In 1491, about 145 million people lived in the western hemisphere. By 1691, the population of indigenous Americans had declined by 90–95 percent, or by around 130 million people. [American Philosophy: From Wounded Knee to the Present (2015)] The America that we see today following into the footsteps of its ruthless forefathers has no qualms about spilling the blood of the innocent as long as the bloodshed aligns with the goal of maintaining its implied hegemonic rule in the global community, as can be assessed from the following examples of the USA wreaking havoc in countries that committed the abominable sin of refusing to bow down to the wishes of the New World. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington in 2001, the USA declared the infamous War on Terror against extremism, ‘radical Islam’ to be more accurate. Rather than bringing the proponents of al-Qaeda (a terrorist organization that took responsibility for the 9/11 attacks) to justice, the USA ruthlessly killed innocent civilians that in turn gave impetus to anti-
US sentiment across the entire Muslim globe. The Afghan youth trained by the CIA, that had fought against the USSR during the 1980s, now started fighting against the US invasion and gained sympathies of Muslims from around the world who considered them as mujahidin fighting against the foreign invasion in their homeland. The USA likewise put pressure on Pakistan to support its endeavours in relation to the War on Terror. The US government gave directions to General Musharraf, the then President of Pakistan, and his government, that included clamping down on Al-Qaeda operations on the Pakistani border, handing over intelligence information, granting the USA access to Pakistan’s naval and air bases, breaking off diplomatic relations with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and cutting off their fuel supply. Musharraf in an interview with CBS News’ magazine show “60 Minutes,” mentioned that the US Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, told his intelligence director that Pakistan had to help the USA or Pakistan would be ‘’bombed back to the stone age’’. While the ‘War on Terror’ fostered the myth of equating Islam with radicalism and violence, a Gallup survey published in 2008 revealed that the vast majority of Muslims worldwide condemned the 9/11 attacks. Like non-Muslims, their priorities and dreams involved better jobs and security, not holy war or bloodshed. The Pakistani government launched military operations in the tribal areas of Pakistan killing thousands of innocent civilians who had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks. It resulted in disastrous consequences for Pakistan as the disgruntled youth in tribal areas turned against the military and Pakistani interests, and launched a stream of terrorist attacks against Pakistan. Pakistan is still facing the uncalled-for consequences of supporting the War on Terror which has gravely upset its national security interests. As of April 2021, more than 71,000 Afghan and Pakistani civilians are estimated to have died as a direct result of the war. The US-led coalition invaded Iraq in March 2003 and tried to justify gross human rights violations based on the specious claim that Iraq, under dictator Saddam hussein, possessed or was in the process of building weapons of mass destruction. The 9/11 attacks provided the US administration with the perfect excuse to overthrow Saddam hussein since it was pushing for regime change in Iraq since 1997. Saddam hussein was captured during Operation Red Dawn in December 2003 and executed three years later in 2006. The power vacuum following Saddam’s demise and mismanagement by the caretaker government established by the US-led Multinational Force or coalition, led to widespread civil war between Shias and Sunnis, as well as a lengthy insurgency against coalition forces. In 2008, President Bush agreed to a withdrawal of all US combat troops from Iraq. The withdrawal was completed under President Barack Obama in December 2011. No weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq. Numerous claims made by the officials of the Bush Administration about a purported Saddam–Al-Qaeda relationship and WMDs
based on sketchy evidence were rejected by intelligence officials. The rationale for war faced heavy criticism both domestically and internationally. In total, the war caused at least 100,000 civilian deaths, as well as tens of thousands of military deaths. The majority of deaths occurred as a result of the insurgency and civil conflicts between 2004 and 2007. The Iraqi civil war (2013-17), which is considered an after effect of the invasion and occupation, caused at least 155,000 deaths, in addition to the displacement of more than 3.3 million people within the country. The country suffered gravely in terms of socio-economic and financial disability as a result of which the country fell a prey to a heightened level of sectarianism and terrorism. But the USA has blatantly refused to take responsibility for its gruesome actions. The problem with the USA is that it never learns from history. It takes immediate actions and bases its foreign policy on creating fear in the developing countries without fully assessing the consequences of its actions and their overall effect on the international community. By waging war against Afghanistan without taking into account, the Pashtun mentality and importance of jihad against foreign occupation, it literally opened a Pandora’s box resulting in an increase in Anti-USA sentiment around the Muslim world, and a marked increase in terrorist attacks in the USA itself as well as in the West. To many Muslims, US interference in internal politics, its wanton disregard for other countries’ sovereignty, its backing of corrupt dictators and invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan are just modern examples of colonial injustices in a long list that started with Napoleon’s invasion of egypt in 1798 (Imran Khan in his book Pakistan: A Personal History) It took the USA nearly 20 years to realize the fact that there was never going to be a military solution in Afghanistan. The US Armed Forces completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan on 30 August 2021, marking the end of the 2001– 2021 war following the US-Taliban deal signed between the Trump Administration and the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, in February 2020. With the US exit from Afghanistan, the Taliban took over the reins of the country, and the USA, embarrassed by its defeat, imposed sanctions against the Afghan nation. Its attempt to destabilize the country economically and financially resulted in the worst humanitarian crises seen in the modern age. The question of the hour is that for how long the leaders of our nation, in their lust for relishing power and glory that is all but fleeting, are going to let the New World get away with the gross human rights violations committed by it? There is a dire need for the USA to recognize the fact that in order to stay relevant in the arena of global power dynamics, it needs to commit to the vision of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold non-interference in internal affairs, and respect the independent choices of development paths and social systems made by people in different countries. The writer is a freelance columnist
ACCORDING to reports, the coalition administration is pondering several difficult and politically difficult measures in light of the prolonged economic crisis’ disproportionate impact on the lower and middle classes. According to reports, the government is considering introducing a slew of new tax measures in the upcoming budget in order to raise around Rs300 billion in additional revenue in the fiscal year 2022-23 (FY23), and has given the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) until the end of the week to finalize areas and sectors. These new tax measures include a proposal for a luxury income tax, which will resemble a wealth tax and, if passed, will tax real estate, especially large residences in rich neighbourhoods. Furthermore, as part of the accord to resurrect the stalled IMF programme, owners of expensive automobiles could be added to this tax group. While the word “wealth tax” may not be used, the main objective is to concentrate on direct taxation, particularly the income of the country’s rich class. This is an approach being examined instead of taxing sectors or products that disproportionately harm the poor. If such steps are implemented, they will serve as an example of egalitarian policymaking, which is urgently needed. When the economy grows, the upper classes reap the majority of the benefits, while the poor and middle classes’ purchasing power only rises minimally, if at all. During economic downturns, however, it is the economically disadvantaged that face the brunt of the burden, while the impact on the wealthy is minor. It is the state’s job to redress this gap, and the only way to do so is to tax the wealthy. It’s also encouraging to see the government focusing on real estate and luxury automobiles, given how tax breaks have made these two sectors the go-to investment strategies for the country’s rich. Both of these areas have billions of rupees in untapped earnings, and the government is correct to pay its attention to them in the upcoming FY23 budget. Of course, if the administration decides to go ahead with these measures, it will meet strong opposition from the country’s elites. however, this is what is required in the national interest at this time, and the progressive taxation model has proven to be successful in many parts of the world. ZAIRA BATOOL LARKANA
Positive turnout The recent by-elections in Balochistan, despite some incidents of violence, portrayed a positive image of the province as far as the democratic consciousness among the masses is concerned. The turnout rose to 60 per cent compared to around 45pc previously. In contrast, the recent turnout in Karachi was insignificant. Despite being blighted by a plethora of unresolved issues, Balochistan managed to hold successful by-elections. It is an undeniable fact that the people of Balochistan firmly believe in upholding democratic values as a means to bring about a change in the pathetic conditions in which life has been sustained in the province for decades. The few incidents of violence, though regrettable, were nothing compared to the intense clashes and firing that marked the by-polls in Karachi even though the city has a high literacy rate and enjoys facilities that people in Balochistan can only dream of. In terms of electoral turnout and the desire to bring about a change through the ballot, the political acumen of Balochistan and its people deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated. Despite being portrayed as a backward, semi-literate province, the voters in Balochistan have proved that they uphold democratic values. AHSANULLAH MENGAL HUB
Delayed promotions IT appears that for the authorities in Sindh, low-ranking policemen exist only to serve, and not to live a normal routine life. They face countless professional and personal challenges, such as poor pay and unavailability of facilities, and their sacrifices almost always go unnoticed. For a number of reasons, the promotion of low-ranking officials, such as police constables, head constables and assistant sub-inspectors (ASI), in Sindh have been delayed. In Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), those in similar posts are placed in grades 7, 9 and 11, respectively, but in Sindh, they continue offering their services in grades 5, 7 and 9. Isn’t this sheer injustice? Understandably, this apathy has caused considerable disappointment among the ranks, but there appears to be no effort to address the rising level of frustration. Police officials have tried to raise such issues on several platforms, and the chief minister did issue instructions to form a body to look into the grievances, but, as was feared, nothing happened. At present, the low-ranking cadre of Sindh Police is apparently hired to do VIP duties till it is time for them to be sacrificed at the altar of national security. The provincial government should stop looking the other way and address the long-standing issues of the police force. IMDAD HUSSAIN LASHARI KANDHKOT
08 WORLD VIEW 24th June 22_Layout 1 6/23/2022 10:39 PM Page 1
Friday, 24 June, 2022
08 WORLD VIEW
‘The damage To IndIan democracy Is noT reversIble’ IN THIS EMAIL INTERVIEW WITH CNN OPINION, ROY SAYS INDIAN POLITICS HAS SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH THE US CAPITOL RIOTS, THAT PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI IS STOKING HATRED, AND TALKS ABOUT WHO THE REAL POWER IN INDIA LIES WITH THE RSS’S (RASHTRIYA SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH) FOUNDING IDEOLOGUES OPENLY ADMIRED HITLER AND LIKENED THE MUSLIMS OF INDIA TO THE JEWS OF GERMANY. RSS IS THE REAL POWER IN INDIA RSS BELIEVES IN WHAT IT CALLS “AKHAND BHARAT,” A SORT OF FANTASY THAT IS FUTURISTIC AND ANCIENT ALL AT ONCE — A FUTURE ANCIENT INDIA WHICH INCLUDES PAKISTAN AND BANGLADESH WHICH WILL BE CONQUERED AND SUBJECT TO HINDU RULE CNN: What does this incident involving BJP officials’ comments about the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) reveal about Indian politics today? Roy: It reveals how successfully the clear and present existential threat posed by Hindu nationalism in India has been masked by the face it presents to the outside world. You know the people in strange clothes, the man in furs and antlers who stormed the US Capitol? We’re being ruled by their equivalent here. The difference is that they are not a collection of random lunatics. They are members of the most powerful organization in India — the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), whose founding ideologues openly admired Hitler and likened the Muslims of India to the Jews of Germany. RSS is the real power in India. CNN: What is the connection between the BJP and RSS? Roy: The ruling party, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), considered to be one of the richest political parties in the world, is only the front office of the RSS. Founded in 1925, the RSS, traditionally controlled by a handful of Brahmins, now has millions of members including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been a member since his teenage years, and most of his cabinet ministers. It has its own vast militia, its own schools, labor unions and women’s organizations. It’s not a political party, it’s something of a shape-shifter, a master of double-speak, its sources of funding are amorphous and leave no legal trail, it works through an array of affiliates, but it’s a nation within a nation. The RSS believes that India should be declared a Hindu nation, just as Pakistan, Iran and several countries in the Persian Gulf are Islamic nations, just as Israel is legally the “nation-state of the Jewish people.” In fact, the RSS believes in what it calls “Akhand Bharat,” a sort of fantasy that is futuristic and ancient all at once — a future Ancient India which includes Pakistan and Bangladesh which will be conquered and subject to Hindu rule. To flatten India’s mind-boggling religious, social and subnational identities, more diverse than all of Europe, into the strict hierarchy of a moribund, caste-bound Hindu nation is an unimaginably violent process. It means setting aside the constitution and undoing the very idea of India. First in the line of fire is the Muslim community. Close behind are Christians — a tiny minority that is also being brutalized. Last year alone there were more than 400 attacks on Christians. Churches have been vandalized, priests and nuns beaten up, their congregations threatened and humiliated. In the last two national elections, in 2014 and 2019, the BJP has shown that it can win a solid majority in the national parliament without the votes of India’s 200-million-strong Muslim community.
That has effectively resulted in a sort of disenfranchisement and political isolation of Muslims, which is extremely dangerous. There is also a new anti-Muslim citizenship law, a sort of refugeemanufacturing policy in which those who cannot produce a mandated set of “legacy papers,” which few people have, can find themselves deprived of citizenship. Nearly 2 million people in the state of Assam have already been struck off the National Register of Citizens. Massive detention centers for those who have been stripped of citizenship are being constructed all over the country. But isolating Muslims is not enough. Creating an artificial majority out of a very diverse Hindu community that consists of thousands of castes and ethnicities is equally important if the BJP is to remain in power. The cement for that is engineering hatred of a common enemy. This requires an incremental ratcheting up of bigotry. Apart from the mass killings and lynching of Muslims by Hindu vigilantes in recent years, we have the steady drumbeat of hatred and outlandish disinformation beamed into peoples’ homes by approximately 400 TV channels and countless newspapers. On social media handles viewed by millions of people there are open calls for the genocide of Muslims — and videos demonstrating how it should be done. We regularly see provocative demonstrations by thousands of swordwielding Hindu men marching through areas in which Muslims live. The deeply disrespectful comments about Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) made by a BJP spokeswoman on national TV this May was a part of this constituency-building exercise. As was the unconscionable bulldozing by municipal authorities of the homes of Muslims who dared to come out in protest. Some of the protestors publicly called for beheadings and hanging and asking for a blasphemy law which the BJP would probably be more than happy to pass and use to silence its critics in swifter and more deadly ways. These individuals helped to confirm every deeply held prejudice about Muslims that the Hindu Right works so hard to perpetuate. As a concession to international outrage, the BJP has suspended its spokeswoman, Nupur Sharma, but she has been openly embraced by its cadre. The polarization has worked in the BJP’s favor. CNN: And what does Prime Minister Narendra Modi have to do with it? Roy: Modi has made no comment whatsoever about the spokeswoman or the protests. A standard tactic of his. In situations like this, his followers, correctly I believe, read his silence as support. Although he increasingly positions himself as a messiah, he is an RSS man, and he knows that the organization is grooming other leaders who are waiting in the wings. But for now, he is the uncontested figurehead.
INDIA’S TRAGEDY IS NOT THAT IT’S THE WORST PLACE IN THE WORLD — IT’S THAT WE ARE ON OUR WAY THERE. WE’RE BURNING DOWN OUR HOUSE. INDIA IS AN EXPERIMENT THAT IS FAILING DANGEROUSLY. FAILING BECAUSE OUR ELECTED LEADERS ARE BLINDED BY HATE — AND CRIPPLED BY A SEVERE LACK OF INTELLIGENCE
Modi made his political debut in October 2001. He was appointed, not elected, chief minister of the state of Gujarat. It was just weeks after the 9/11 attacks in the United States. The world was convulsed by Islamophobia. It was the perfect political climate for the RSS. A few months later, in February 2002, following an act of arson in which a railway carriage carrying Hindu pilgrims was burnt, there was a brutal pogrom against Muslims in the villages and towns of Gujarat. It lasted for weeks. While the police watched, more than a thousand people were slaughtered in broad daylight, women were gang-raped and burnt alive, and tens of thousands were displaced from their homes. Subsequently the murderers were caught on camera boasting of their deeds. Many spoke of how they were inspired and protected by Modi. Modi was unapologetic and came to be known as “Hindu Hriday Samrat” — the Emperor of Hindu Hearts. Soon after the 2002 massacre, he called for state elections and won with a massive majority. He has never looked back since — he was elected Chief Minister of Gujarat for three terms and in 2014 was elected prime minister. And we in India have begun to look at massacres and hatefulness against Muslims as an integral part of election campaigns. During Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minster, Hitler made it into a school textbook published by the Gujarat State Board of School Textbooks as an inspirational leader. CNN: Over the years, Modi’s popularity and his brand of politics has not waned. Why is that? Roy: For the same reasons that studies of the algorithms of Facebook and Twitter show that hatefulness gets far more traction than decency. Miserable people, oppressed people, unemployed people, people living in crushing poverty are voting themselves into further hellishness, their sunken eyes fixed on the object of their hate. After Modi’s shocking display of callous incompetence during the pandemic — the sudden lockdown in the first wave that led to millions of stranded workers many of who had to walk thousands of miles home to their villages, the millions of deaths in the second wave — some still shake their heads in sorrowful awe and say, “Without Modi, it would have been worse.” They’ve swallowed the story they’ve been fed about themselves, about their own lives. Meanwhile Modi has zero accountability. He has never addressed a single press conference in all his years as prime minister. All we get are staged performances and photo ops. CNN: What has contributed to this situation where the Modi government feels immune from any international reaction or action? Roy: I don’t think it is immune at all. On the contrary, our globe-trotting, headof-state-hugging prime minister cares deeply about international opinion. None of us have ever seen him hug a fellow Indian. The optics of his foreign trips are carefully curated. His millions of followers refer to him as “Vishwa-Guru,” the Guru of the Whole World. Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, Boris Johnson have all indulged him. International action and reaction is only a game of pragmatism and expediency. It has to do with trade and geopolitics, race, religion and ethnicity, and very little with values and morality. If India is buying a fleet of fighter planes from, say, France, it knows that lynching and a little mass murder will, at most, get a delicate finger-wag. A big market is excellent insurance against moral censure. Right now, foreign relations are a little tricky for India because of the Ukraine war and India’s proximity to Russia. So, India’s crimes in Kashmir and this very violent form of Hindu nationalism is coming under a little scrutiny. But these are all just bargaining chips in the Great Game. Sorry to sound so cynical, but I am.
Arundhati Roy is the author of “The God of Small Things,” which won the Booker Prize in 1997 and “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness,” which was long-listed for the Man Booker Prize in 2017. Her collected political writing has been published as “My Seditious Heart” (2018) and “Azadi” (2020). She lives in New Delhi.
CNN: How should India’s international Muslim trading partners respond? (And the world, for that matter?) Roy: Most of the countries that you refer to as India’s “Muslim trading partners” have long ago given up any pretense of democracy or diversity. They are already at the destination that Modi and the BJP are trying to drag India toward. The destination that we dread to arrive at, the theocratic state. India’s tragedy is not that it’s the worst place in the world — it’s that we are on our way there. We’re burning down our house. India is an experiment that is failing dangerously. Failing because our elected leaders are blinded by hate — and crippled by a severe lack of intelligence, which is the more dangerous thing. The consequences will be unimaginable. As for what the rest of the world can do, all one can hope for is that people pay attention and form an informed opinion. And realize that their profits from this immense “market” will dry up if the market ceases to exist. The Indian economy is in a lot of trouble. Wealthy people, businesses big and small, have begun to flee. They are good and accurate weather vanes. CNN: Is India truly the world’s largest democracy? Roy: A democracy doesn’t just mean having regular elections. You cannot be a democracy when 200 million people who constitute a religious minority are expected to live without rights. When you can lynch them, kill them, incarcerate them, economically and socially boycott them, bulldoze their homes with complete immunity and threaten to strip them of citizenship. When the murderers and lynchers can aspire to move swiftly up the political ladder. CNN: The damage done to Indian democracy — is it reversible? Roy: The systematic indoctrination of people on the scale on which it has taken place over decades is hard to reverse. Every institution that is supposed to make up the system of checks and balances has been hollowed out, repurposed and deployed against people as a weapon of Hindu nationalism. In terms of political opposition, there are political parties that have successfully opposed the BJP at the state level in Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, but opposition is virtually non-existent at the national level. The whole system of elections has been gamed. You can win a huge majority of seats even without anything close to a majority of actual votes. In India, we have a first-past-the-post, multi-party democracy. This means that even if you get say only 20% of the vote in a constituency, as long as its higher than your closest rival, you win. A rich party can put up spurious candidates to split the votes. But that’s just one trick in a whole bag of tricks. And, anyway, how do you woo an indoctrinated population? By proving that you are a better, prouder Hindu? Nobody can beat the BJP at that game. And right now, that’s the only game in town. As far as mainstream politics goes. So, no, I don’t believe the damage is
reversible. I believe we will be broken and then reborn. Change will only come when and if at all an accepting, gullible, fatalistic people realize what’s being done to them. And then it will come suddenly, and from the street. Not from the system. Until then... God help us. CNN: What changes have you personally experienced that echo the changes taking place in India at large? Roy: To begin with, many, many of my beloved friends — poets, writers, professors, lawyers, human rights activists and journalists — are in prison. Among them are people I consider to be India’s most important minds. It makes one wonder what living as a free person in the time of fascism means. What does it mean to be a bestselling author when the world is breaking? What does it mean to be considered a ‘success’ when the world is failing and everything you care about is being decimated? What is the moral way to be? The moral thing to do? I am one of those unfortunate people who saw this coming decades ago. I said so. I wrote so. At the time that made me something of a crazy outlier — one of those people who sets off a fire alarm right when the party’s going really well and everyone’s happy. In some ways it un-homed (not unhoused) me in all sorts of ways, literally and metaphorically — which is not a bad thing for a writer, actually. The idea of patriotism has been fused with the idea of Hindu nationalism, so people like myself are on the A-list of “anti-nationals.” Of course it helps their cause that I am not Hindu. My mother who raised me is Christian. My estranged father who I never really knew came from a Hindu family and converted to Christianity as did his father and his father’s father. But this doesn’t enrage them as much as the things I write and say. Particularly about Kashmir. A Bollywood actor and BJP member of parliament suggested that I be tied to an army jeep and used as a human shield by the Indian Army in Kashmir. They really should try that. Sadly, the BJP’s macro-radicalization has resulted in micro-versions of the same thing. It is mirrored by its allies, its doorkeepers, concierges and maintenance staff, as well as its victims. As everybody turns inward, bitter and doctrinaire, as every form of solidarity crumbles, as the garbage mountains grow and the rivers shrink, as stock characters locked into their own little ideological bubbles shout at each other on TV, I feel my own skin tightening around me, containing me, too. I struggle against that every day. The only home one has is in literature and poetry. That sentence that makes you gasp — or smile out loud. The song that breaks your heart. CNN: What kind of India would you like to see — and how do we get there? Roy: My dreams are not, and never have been, limited by the shape of the map of India, or any country. They’ve always been either much smaller or much bigger. The dream worth dreaming is to see our world moving toward a shared understanding of justice, however slowly, instead of racing away from it at the pace we are.
Friday, 24 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD
NEWS corporate corner
PAKISTAn nAvy CoMMISSIonS SeCond TeChnologICAlly AdvAnCed FRIgATe In ChInA ISLAMABAD
P
Staff RepoRt
Training for a better tomorrow - GROHE Rolls out its GIVE Program for Training Young Students as Plumbers in Karachi. pR
AKISTAN Navy Ship TAIMUR has been commissioned at Hudong Zhonghua (HZ) Shipyard, China. Head of Pakistan Navy Mission at China Commodore Rashid Mehmood Sheikh graced the occasion as Chief Guest. PNS TAIMUR is the second ship of four Type 054 A/P Frigates constructed for Pakistan Navy. The first 054 A/P Frigate PNS TUGHRIL has joined PN Fleet in January 2022, while another two frigates of same class are presently under construction at China. PNS TAIMUR is a technologically advanced and highly capable sea asset having hitech weapons & sensors, latest combat management and electronic warfare system to fight under multi-threat environment. These ships will provide sustainable boost to the combat capabil-
leading Pakistani IT company, ndcTech showcases offerings at global banking event
First convocation of Fazaia Medical College held at Air University
Mr. Ahsan Bhoon, President Supreme Court Bar Association Called on Maulana Abdul Wasey, Federal Minister for Housing and Works in Islamabad. pR
Temenos Community 2022 welcomed banking leaders from across the globe to the biggest financial city, London for the banking conference of the year. NdcTech showcased its offerings and displayed product demonstrations for potential clients. It was a great platform to connect with our global partners and clients. From left to right: Asif Peer – CEO at Systems ltd, Ahmed Omar Al Ojaily – General Manager Technology at Bank of Muscat, Ammara Masood – CEO and President at NdcTech, Kelly Switt – Senior Director at RedHat, Gary Rhodes – Senior Manager at NdcTech, Stefanie Chiras – SVP at Red Hat, Beverley Gunn – Global FSI Ecosystem executive at Red Hat. pR
Rs11.33/ kWh likely FCA for Karachi consumers for May 2022 KARACHI: K-Electric requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to increase the power tariff by Rs 11.33 per unit on account of fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for the month of May. Per applicable tariff across the country, fuel adjustment is reviewed every month and is applicable on consumer bills for only one particular month. The major impact on the monthly Fuel cost adjustment of May 2022 is due to an increase in the fuel price increase of Furnace Oil and power purchased from CPPA-G. The price of Furnace Oil in May 2022 has increased by 38% from March 2022 while the price of RLNG between March to May 2022 has increased by 50%. The price of electricity from CPPA-G in May 2022 has increased by 53%. The price of CPPA-G as of May 2022 is Rs 13.897/KWh as compared to the price of Rs 9.387/ KWh in March 2022. Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA) is incurred by utilities due to global variation in fuel prices used to generate electricity and change in the generation mix. These costs are passed through to the consumers following NEPRA's scrutiny and approval and are one-time charges. Consumers also receive a benefit when the cost of fuel decreases. Staff RepoRt
ISLAMABAD pR
The Convocation of 1st MBBS Batch of Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad Campus was held at Main Auditorium, Air University Islamabad. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was the Chief Guest at the occasion. The Chief Guest awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals to the students who secured 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively in
ity of Pakistan Navy and enable to meet emerging challenges in the domain of maritime security and regional peace. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief
their professional examinations. Students who secured the highest marks in each subject were also awarded Gold Medals, whereas Dr Saad Azhar Malik was declared as the Best Graduate, who bagged 20 Medals in MBBS. The Air Chief congratulated the medical graduates and their parents on this significant and memorable day. He also lauded the efforts of administration and faculty of Fazaia Medical College for achieving a historic milestone. While addressing the audience, Air Chief Mar-
Guest underlined that induction of stateof-the-art Type 054 A/P Frigates will significantly enhance Pakistan Navy capabilities in strengthening defence of
shal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force appreciated the standard and quality of education being imparted at Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad. He also envisioned that to stay among the group of top medical colleges, Fazaia Medical College will have to add innovative teaching and learning strategies that are helpful in clarifying complex medical concepts. “Nano-technology, Robotic Surgery, Personalized Medicines and Wide Spectrum Organ Transplant are the hallmark of today's health care system", said the Air Chief. He also stressed that medical graduates need to upgrade their knowledge to meet the present day challenges faced by the health. The Convocation was attended by high ranking armed forces officials, senior members of the civil society, Vice Chancellors of medical universities, principals of private and civil medical colleges alongwith the parents of graduating students.
Ahsan Iqbal shares plan for tea production in Pakistan MANSEHRA pR
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday visited National Tea and High-Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI) Shinkiari in Mansehra. The minister was briefed about the master plan for the production of tea and other crops. Talking to newsmen, Ahsan Iqbal said, a master plan has been chalked out for the production of tea on 150,000 acres of land. Pakistan was self-sufficient in the agriculture sector in 2018, but now items are being imported from other countries.
Ahsan Iqbal regretted, that even today, Pakistan is importing edible oil and added an emergency meeting has been summoned next week to discuss the
possible ways to increase the production of edible oil in Pakistan. “We have to make Pakistan self-sufficient in the production of edible oil,” the minister said.
Govt committed to resolve issues of K-electric at earliest: Khurram ISLAMABAD pR
The Saudi and Kuwaiti investors of K-electric called on Federal minister for power Engr Khurram Dastgir Khan to put forward the financial and contractual issues of K-electric. Minister assured his full support and apprised the partners that his preference is to be able to put kelectric on firm foundations for years to come. The present government is focused on long term policy making for the betterment of country rather than myopic decision
09
making. The investors expressed high hopes for K-electric. It will show improvement and become a model for other distribution companies in the country. The minister expressed his concern for modernization and digitization of Kelectric. He stressed that k-electric needs to focus on customer facilitation and service delivery. Chairman Aljomaih group Sheikh Mohammad Abdulaziz Hamad Al Jomiah, CEO National Industries Group of Kuwait Mr. Riyadh Edrees and CEO K-electric Monis Alvi were present during the meeting.
sea frontiers. He also praised the concerted efforts made by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSTC), China Ship Development & Design Centre (CSDDC), HZ Shipyard and PLA (Navy) for the landmark achievement by timely delivery of the well-equipped and potent Frigate. Later, Deputy Director General Military Product Dept China in his address highlighted that Pakistan and China are cognizant of changing geopolitical environment and taking effective measures to deal with the added responsibilities and evolving challenges together. He underscored that friendship between the two countries is a pillar of peace and stability in the region. The ceremony was attended by high level dignitaries from BOMETEC, OIMC, SASTIND, PLA (N) and CSSC besides Chairmen of CSTC & HZ Shipyard along with prominent figures of Pakistan community in China.
Miftah Ismail acknowledges contributions of APTMA ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Mr. Miftah Ismail presided over a meeting with APTMA delegation headed by Dr. Gohar Ejaz today. Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar and senior officers from Finance and Commerce ministries attended the meeting. The delegation briefed the Finance Minister about the working of APTMA and its contribution in the revenues, employment generation and exports of Pakistan. The delegation further apprised the Finance Minister about the issues being faced by their industry specifically related to gas and electricity pricing and supply. The Finance Minister acknowledged the contribution of APTMA in economic growth of the country and assured the delegate of full support of the present government. Moreover, the Finance Minister directed the relevant authorities to resolve their issues on priority basis. The delegation APTMA thanked the Finance Minister for providing support and addressing their issues. pR
Saad Rafique for improving PIA services, utilizing resources ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Minister for Aviation, Khawaja Saad Rafique on Thursday visited PIA head Office and its facilities. Upon arrival, the Minister was apprised about PIA working, performance, its present and future plan of actions. He had detailed discussions with PIA Board of Directors followed by presentation given by CEO PIA Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat. Minister for Aviation instructed PIA officials to improve the services of the airline and utilize the resources to their maximum potential. He also visited PIA Training Centre and flight simulator building where he was apprised about the commissioning and installation of A320 flight simulator, which is expected to bring savings of Rs.25 crore annually. The Minister also visited PIA flight Kitchen and Precision Engineering Complex. He directed PIA officials to complete the installation of A320 flight simulator in the shortest possible time. A briefing was given by Director PIA Precision Engineering Complex, AVM Ifran Zaheer followed by visit of its premises. Minister for Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique said that PIA Precision Engineering Complex is the pride of Pakistan and its contributions for our Country are commendable. He expressed his satisfaction upon knowing that PIA Precision Engineering Complex makes parts for world renowned companies like Boeing and General Electric. “We can utilize the services of Precision Engineering Complex for parts production for Pakistan Railways,” he said. He paid tribute to the visionary leaders and pioneers of PIA. The briefing meeting was held at PIA Head Office attended by PIA board members including Aslam R Khan, Mr. Mohammed Ali Gardezi, Naveed Malik, Mian Asad Moiuddin and PIA senior officials while CEO PIA AVM Amir Hayat accompanied the Minister for Aviation at PIA Precision Engineering Complex.
Friday, 24 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD
10 FOREIGN NEWS
ReSCUeRS SCRaMble tO ReaCh aFGhan qUake SURvIvORS aS FOReIGn aId aRRIveS
d
ESPERATE rescuers battled against the clock and heavy rain Thursday to reach cut-off areas in eastern Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake killed at least 1,000 people and left thousands more homeless. Wednesday’s 5.9-magnitude quake struck hardest in the rugged east, downing mobile phone towers and power lines while triggering rock and mudslides which blocked mountain roads. Entire villages have been levelled in some of the worst affected districts, where survivors said they were struggling to find equipment to bury their dead. “When I came out of my house it was quiet because all the people were buried under their homes. Nothing is left here,” said 21-year-old Zaitullah Ghurziwal. The disaster poses a huge logistical challenge for Afghanistan’s new Taliban government, which has isolated itself from much of the world by introducing hardline Islamist rule that subjugates women and girls. “Getting information from the ground is very difficult because of bad networks,” Mohammad Amin Huzaifa, head of information for badly hit Paktika province, told AFP Thursday. “The area has been affected by floods because of heavy rains last night… it is also difficult to access the affected sites.”
The aid-dependent country saw the bulk of its foreign assistance cut off in the wake of the Taliban takeover last August, and even before the earthquake the United Nations warned of a humanitarian crisis that threatened the entire population. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the global agency has “fully mobilised” to help, deploying health teams and supplies of medicine, food, trauma kits and emergency shelter to the quake zone. Survivors in Bermal district, a collection of remote mountain villages, said they were struggling to find equipment to dig graves. “We did not have even a shovel to dig… so we used a tractor. We buried 60 people yesterday and 30 more are still remaining to be buried. People are working continuously,” said Ghurziwal.
Ilhan Omar moves US Congress to designate India ‘country of particular concern’ WASHINGTON: US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives, condemning violations of human rights and religious freedom in India and calling for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to designate India as a “country of particular concern”. As emerged on Thursday, the resolution, co-sponsored by lawmakers Rashida Talib and Juan Vargas, was submitted on Tuesday, according to the US Congress website. It based its arguments to declare India as a country of particular concern on the conclusions and findings of a report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The text of the resolution, available on the US Congress website, highlighted that the USCIRF had called for designating India as a country of particular concern for 3 consecutive years. Citing the USCIRF’s 2022 annual report, the resolution stated that in 2021, “the Indian government escalated its promotion and enforcement of policies — including those promoting a Hindunationalist agenda — that negatively affect Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and other religious minorities”. The resolution has little chance of being passed but is among a series of statements about India’s domestic turmoil over mainly religious issues. A week later, a US Congressional hearing will be held on Islamophobia in which India is expected to figure prominently in the wake of blasphemous on the Prophet (pbuh) by BJP leaders. Last week, the US State Department spokesperson Ned Price had said Washington had condemned the remarks when asked a question on “hate crimes’’ India. On June 2, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Ambassador for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussein had commented on the state of religious freedom in India. agencies
“There are no blankets, tents, there’s no shelter. Our entire water distribution system is destroyed. Everything is devastated, houses are destroyed. There is literally nothing to eat.” Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted Thursday that aid flights had landed from Qatar and Iran, while Pakistan had sent trucks carrying tents, medical supplies and food across the land border. The earthquake struck areas that were already suffering the effects of heavy rain, causing rockfalls and mudslides that wiped out hamlets perched precariously on mountain slopes. The UN humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan, Ramiz Alakbarov, told reporters nearly 2,000 homes were likely destroyed — a huge number in an area where the average household
size is more than 20 people. “Seven in one room, five in the other room, four in another, and three in another have been killed in my family,” Bibi Hawa told AFP from a hospital bed in the Paktika capital. “I can’t talk any more, my heart is getting weak.” The healthcare system in Afghanistan was already on the verge of collapse. “Our country is poor and lacks resources,” said hospital director Mohammad Yahya Wiar. “This is a humanitarian crisis. It is like a tsunami.” Even before the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan’s emergency response teams were stretched to deal with the natural disasters that frequently strike the country. But with only a handful of airworthy planes and helicopters left since they returned to power, any immediate response to the latest catastrophe is further limited. “The government is working within its capabilities,” tweeted Anas Haqqani, a senior Taliban official. “We hope that the International Community & aid agencies will also help our people in this dire situation.” The United States, whose troops helped topple the initial Taliban regime and remained in Afghanistan for two decades until Washington pulled them out last year, was “deeply saddened” by the earthquake, the White House said. agencies
China ready to provide relief supplies to Afghanistan after earthquake China is in close contact with relevant parties on the heavy causalities and property losses in the intense earthquake in eastern Afghanistan and is willing to provide emergency relief assistance according to the needs of the Afghan people, a spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) said. The earthquake in Afghanistan has killed at least 1,100 people and injured 1,650, according to media reports. Chen Song, deputy director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, met with Afghan Embassy Charge d’affaires in Beijing Sayed Mohiuddin Sadat. China has always been concerned about the difficulties faced by the Afghan people. Since August 2021, China has provided a large amount of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan to help the people tide over the most difficult times. The Afghan official thanked China for its immediate, sincere sympathy over the casualties caused by the earthquake in Afghanistan, and
thanked China for its long-term support to the Afghan people, Global Times reported. The earthquake was reportedly the deadliest to strike Afghanistan in two decades. The powerful earthquake struck a rural, mountainous region in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistani border early Wednesday morning local time, media reported, with the tolls expected to rise as rescuers try to reach the site of the disaster in remote Paktika and Khost provinces. China Earthquake Networks Center said that the 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan at a depth of 30 kilometers with its epicenter located southwest to the Afghanistan province of Khost near Paktika province, near the Pakistani border. Strong and long jolts were also felt in the capital Kabul 200 kilometers away. According to the director of the police station in Giani district, Paktika, many people died while sleeping when the earthquake struck early Wednesday morning. Local officials said they were searching for survivors from collapsed houses. app
Iranian FM tells Yi: U.S. main hurdle in nuclear deal TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Thursday said U.S. bullying is the main hurdle in the negotiations on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal in a phone conversation with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Iranian official said his country will firmly safeguard its national interests while remaining committed to resolving differences through negotiation and striving for an early agreement. “Iran thanks China for its constructive role on the Iran nuclear issue,” he said. For his part, Wang said China opposes the politicization of affairs concerning the International Atomic Energy Agency and called on relevant parties to resolve differences through dialogue and cooperation. agencies
Media stakeholders deliberate over challenges to journalism at GMF 2022 BONN K K shahid
The Deutsche Welle (DW) Global Media Forum 2022 concluded in the evening on Tuesday at the World Conference Center in Bonn, Germany, with journalists from over 100 countries participating at the conference. The twoday event hosted a wide range of panels dedicated to deliberations over the challenges facing journalism around the world. The annual Global Media Forum in Bonn was held in person for the first time since 2019, with the previous two editions being held online owing to the covid-19 pandemic. Day One on Monday opened with remarks from DW Director General Peter Limbourg, followed by the keynote address of Maria Ressa, the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Ressa highlighted the challenges she has faced herself as the CEO and founder of Rappler being targeted for her journalism by both the Philippine authorities and users online. “We are at an existential moment and we must work together. We must define the problem, and it will require all of us to protect democracy and to prevent the rise of fascism,” Ressa said in her address. The keynote address was followed by remarks from Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock and Minister President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia Hendrik Wüst. The initial plenary discussions focused on the future of media, entitled ‘Journalist gone activist?’ and ‘Shaping the future of journalism in wartimes’. The latter, much like much of the conference, focused on the Ukraine War. The highlight of the day was the DW Freedom of Speech Award being giver to Ukrainian visual journalists Mstyslav Chernov and Evgeniy Maloletka, for their coverage of the fall of Mariupol. “Sometimes, information is more important for human survival than even food. That thought allowed us to keep working, even when it was becoming harder every day,” said an emotional Chernov in his acceptance speech. Before the award ceremony, plenary sessions entitled ‘Fake or fact? Promoting digital literacy’ and ‘Money makes the world go ’round Future-proof journalism in changing times’ were held. The conference also had parallel afternoon workshops being hosted inside the World Conference Center. From the future of African journalism, to updating journalistic skillsets, to the fight against fake news, a range of subjects were covered in these sessions. DW also organised training sessions for various journalists interested in adding new skills to their repertoire. Day Two on Tuesday began with plenary sessions on Western reporting on the Global South, coverage from war zones, the digital Iron Curtain, science journalism and combatting stereotypes. Award ceremonies were held on Tuesday for the winners of a ‘startup contest’ and ‘women and media technology’. The workshops held on Tuesday focused on agenda leading to willful omission, shaping the next generation of journalists, artificial intelligence and creatives from Africa. While all sessions were interactively streamed online, on both days organised talks and workshops that were exclusively online. Themes for these sessions ranged from the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, to shortform journalism, to fact checking. Sessions tagged with ‘Pitch’ were held in the Rondel room at the World Conference Centre with themes ranging from community newsrooms, to women’s health issues, to youth journalists. The final plenary sessions of the two-day workshop focused on public opinion, media coverage in crises and a prediction for the news in the year in 2050. The final talk was given on ‘Journalism in conflict between short-term attention and long-term action’ by Professor of Media Studies Bernhard Pörksen. The Global Media Forum 2022 was closed by DW Director General Peter Limbourg.
China calls on BRICS countries to foster high-quality partnership BEIJING agencies
As the BRICS rotating chair this year, China on Thursday called on BRICS countries to work together to foster a high-quality partnership and start a new journey of BRICS cooperation. BRICS is the acronym for an emergingmarket group that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The BRICS countries account for about a quarter of the world economy and over 40 percent of the global population. At this historical crossroads, BRICS shall not only look back at the journey so far and keep in mind why the BRICS mecha-
nism was started, but also work together for a shared future, said Chinese President Xi Jinping when addressing the 14th BRICS Summit via video. The summit was kicked off in virtual format under the theme of “Foster Highquality BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New Era for Global Development.” ‘SAfEGuARd WORld pEAcE ANd TRANquIlITy’: Noting that the world is facing accelerating changes “unseen in a century” and continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xi highlighted the importance of safeguarding world peace and tranquility. “Some countries attempt to expand military alliances to seek absolute security, stoke bloc-based confrontation by coercing
other countries into picking sides, and pursue unilateral dominance at the expense of others’ rights and interests,” he said, noting that “such dangerous trends” will bring more “turbulence and insecurity” to the world. BRICS countries support each other on issues concerning core interests, practice true multilateralism, safeguard justice, fairness and solidarity and reject hegemony, bullying and division, he stressed. ‘upHOld cOOpERATION TO bOOST dEvElOpmENT’: In jointly tackling risks and challenges, Xi said efforts are needed in making good use of various new platforms to boost connectivity of industrial and supply chains and jointly meet challenges in poverty reduction, agriculture,
energy, logistics and other fields. This year, the BRICS Initiative on Enhancing Cooperation on Supply Chains and the Initiative on Trade and Investment for Sustainable Development were launched, the Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters and the Strategy on Food Security Cooperation were adopted, and a High-level Meeting on Climate Change was held for the first time. “We should also expand BRICS cooperation on cross-border payment and credit rating to facilitate trade, investment and financing among our countries,” he added. ‘upHOld OpENNESS ANd INcluSIvENESS’: China proposed the “BRICS Plus” mechanism during the 2017 BRICS
Summit. Via the first ever Dialogue of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries, the Xiamen Summit included representatives of developing countries from different regions. Speaking highly of the “BRICS Plus” cooperation achievements over the past five years, the Chinese president said that BRICS countries should pursue development with “open doors and boost cooperation with open arms”. “Bringing in fresh blood will inject new vitality into BRICS cooperation and increase the representativeness and influence of BRICS,” he said, adding that many countries have asked to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism in recent years.
11 Sports 24 JUNE_Layout 1 6/23/2022 11:55 PM Page 1
Friday, 24 June, 2022 | ISLAMABAD
SPORTS 11
PAkiStAN fAr bEttEr crickEt tEAM thAN iNdiA Now: rAShid LAtif ISLAMABAD
f
Staff RepoRt
ORMER Pakistan captain and legendary wicketkeeper, Rashid Latif has termed Pakistan to be a better cricketing team than its arch-rivals India. Speaking about the comparison between both teams, Latif said that Pakistan’s 10-wicket vic-
tory over India in the last ICC T20 World Cup has boosted the morale of the entire team and hopes that the Men in Green can replicate the same form in the upcoming Asia Cup. “I am hopeful for Pakistan to win Asia Cup 2022. The victory against India in the recent T20 WorldCup 2021 has increased hopes for Pakistan,” Latif said. The Asia Cup 2022 is set to
kick off from August 27 and the 53-year-old named Pakistan and India as the favorites to lift the trophy. “No doubt other teams are also competitive but the main competition in AsiaCup 2022 would be between India and Pakistan,” Latif added. The former wicketkeeper turned cricket analyst said that although India is still a good team
but Pakistan has top-ranked players in the team which gives them an edge over their arch-rivals. “India is no doubt a good team but there’s no example of the way Pakistan is currently playing cricket. Pakistan has players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan who are currently named as the best players by ICC,” he explained.
Playing ‘free from pressures’ is secret of Shan Masood’s success ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Smith opens up on his struggle in Pakistan to convert 50s into century ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Former Australian batter Steve Smith has opined that he had three opportunities to get hundreds in Pakistan during the Test series in March. The 33-year-old has not scored a century since 2021 and during the Test series against Pakistan, he managed to score 226 runs from four innings. Usman Khwaja was the only batter who scored more than him during the series for Australia. He passed fifty on three occasions out of four in the three-Test series, only to be dismissed twice in the seventies and once on 59. Notably, in all three innings, Smith’s strike rate ranged from 33-39, which points to a broader trend; in that 17-Test window, his strike rate of 42.55 is some 15 runs fewer than he was operating at through that golden period, when it was 57.30. Smith himself has identified and plans to address it in Sri Lanka. “I probably had three opportunities to get hundreds in Pakistan, I just didn’t quite convert them,” Smith told cricket.com.au’s The Unplayable Podcast. “I feel like my plans were in a pretty decent place, but I could’ve potentially been a bit more aggressive against the spin over there, and played a few more shots. “But I was also batting at stages where the ball was reversing quite big, and I know as a batter coming in next, it’s probably the toughest thing to face – a reversing ball on those kinds of wickets against some good bowlers in (Shaheen) Afridi and Hasan Ali. “So it’s playing the game and being patient and playing the tempo, which we spoke a lot about in Pakistan; against the new ball you can play a few more shots, like I did in the third Test when I got in a little bit earlier, and got some boundaries away early. “But then when the ball gets a bit softer, it’s reversing, you have to rein it back in until you get your moment to go a bit more aggressive. “But against the spin, I know I’ve got a few more shots that I can potentially bring out and put a bit more pressure back on the bowler.” It must be noted that Australia will play two Test against Sri Lanka after the conclusion of the ODI series.
Pakistan opener Shan Masood has revealed that he has of late been playing cricket free from pressures and that is the major reason behind his recent success with the bat. The 32-year-old has been in a splendid form while playing for Derbyshire in county cricket and has scored over 1000 runs across formats. Pakistan opening batter Shan Masood has revealed that he has started playing cricket a bit more freely which has been the reason behind his recent successes. “In the last two years and especially since October, I have started playing cricket more freely. I go out there and enjoy myself while not worrying about the past and future and that has helped me,” Shan said in an interview with Cricwick. “What I’m trying to do is take it a game at a time, a session at a time, just trying to stay in the present,” he further added. The left-hander further praised Derbyshire head coach Mickey Arthur and admitted he has had a huge role in his development as a player over the past six years. “He spent three years in Pakistan and I would say that a lot of my development took as he is 100 per cent honest, even if it’s brutal. That honesty comes from a very good place, from a place where he wants you to do better and expects you to do better,” said Masood.
“I consider myself lucky to have a guy who’s going to give me an honest opinion and going to be there for me no matter what. He’s always somebody that will put
himself on the line for his players, loves his players, and is great at managing his players. I think he’s taking this county to another level,” the left-hander concluded.
Rossouw eager to play for South Africa again ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Left-handed batter Rilee Rossouw is eager to play for South Africa again but the selectors are yet to contact him. The 32-year-old last appeared for South Africa in 2016 as he had signed a three-year kolpak deal with Hampshire which eventually made him ineligible to play for his country. “I would like to play for South Africa again,” he told Rapport newspaper. “If we can just agree there is no difference when it comes to overseas participation. “In rugby, a player is selected for South Africa even if he only plays overseas [but not in cricket]. I do not agree [that playing overseas should prevent a player from representing his country].” Rossouw thinks that he is a much better player now as compared to before since he has played franchise
cricket regularly. “I am now 100% better as a player than in 2016. I have rubbed shoulders with the best players in the world in white-ball cricket.”
Rossouw has played a total of 36 ODIs for his country, where has scored 1,239 runs at an average of 38.71. In 15 T20Is, he has scored 327 runs at a strike rate of almost 138.
Ex-NSA Moeed proud on son’s selection to Pakistan Under-14 chess team ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Former national security adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf’s son has qualified for Pakistan’s Under14 chess team, he announced on Thursday. “Until now, one of the proudest moments of my life was the first time I wore Pakistan’s official colours to represent the country internationally as a golfer. This was 25 years ago,” Yusuf wrote on his official Twitter handle. “Alhamdulillah my son has made me even prouder this week..by qualifying to be part of Pakistan’s under-14 chess team that just competed in the West Asian junior Championship. Seeing him in the green blazer is a dream come true for me,” he added. The former NSA said he gave up golf after entering professional life. “Am determined to encourage my son to stay the course. Request prayers and best wishes for his and his teammates’ future success and happiness.”
A rare Wimbledon without Roger Federer LONDON Web DeSk
Wimbledon is set to kick off without Roger Federer for the first time in over two decades next week and with the clock ticking down on the Swiss maestro’s career John McEnroe said he was grateful for being able to watch him play the sport for so long. Federer, who turns 41 in August, has undergone three knee operations in the last two years and has not played a competitive match since his quarter-final defeat to Hu-
bert Hurkacz at last year’s grasscourt Grand Slam. He won the Wimbledon junior title in 1998 before turning professional the same year. Since making his debut at the grasscourt Grand Slam in 1999 Federer had not missed a single edition before the 2022 tournament. “Twenty years, you got to look at the bright side,” seven-times major winner and ESPN analyst McEnroe told reporters. “You had a lot of time where you got a chance to watch this guy play and win it numerous times. So, we have to sort of hope that whatever he decides he’s happy with. He’s 40. He’s made it this far. It’s amazing.” Federer, who has won a record eight men’s titles at the All England Club, said this month that he is “definitely” intending to return to top-level tennis in 2023. The 20-time Grand Slam winner is ex-
pected to return to the tour in September when he teams up with Spaniard Rafa Nadal to play doubles at the Laver Cup in London before playing at the Swiss indoors tournament at home in Basel the following month. “Roger Federer is a living legend. We all know that,” McEnroe added during a video conference call on Wednesday. “He’s the epitome of what you would want your kid to be when they grew up. And he’s the most beautiful player I’ve ever watched play. I idolized (Rod) Laver. He’s kind of an updated Laver to me.” Exhibition matchEs ‘pErfEct’ prEp for nadal: Rafa Nadal played his first grasscourt match in three years on Wednesday and the Spaniard says a couple of exhibition games at the Hurlingham Club is the perfect preparation for Wimbledon, where he will bid for a third straight Grand
Slam this season. Nadal won the Australian and French Opens back-to-back for the first time and a win at Wimbledon, where the main draw kicks off on Monday, will take him a step closer to becoming the first man to win all four majors in the same year since Rod Laver in 1969. The Spaniard, who had not played a competitive match on grass since his 2019 semi-final loss at Wimbledon to Roger Federer, beat Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 on Wednesday and said it was good to get the feel of the surface again. “It has been a while without playing on grass,” he told reporters. “Since 2019 I haven’t been able to play on grass through the tough moments we went through with the pandemic and last year I got injured. “I am older now – I can’t manage to play so many matches. For me it is perfect to play
a couple of matches here before Wimbledon starts. That helps me to feel at least some competition before Wimbledon.” Nadal, who holds a men’s record 22 Grand Slam titles, has struggled with a chronic foot injury over the last year and had pain-killing injections prior to each match at Roland Garros. The 36-year-old underwent radio frequency treatment after his French Open victory and said the pain had subsided. “I don’t know how he is feeling, it looks like normal Rafa,” said three-time major champion Wawrinka. “He has been saying he is feeling better and if he is playing he is ready to play his best and to win.” Novak Djokovic, who has won Wimbledon the last three times, also played at London’s Hurlingham Club on Wednesday, defeating Canada’s world number nine Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-2 6-1.
Friday, 24 June, 2022
prayer timings
NEWS
FBR notiFiES 10PC REGulAtoRy duty on iMPoRt oF PEtRol ISLAMABAD
F
ahmad ahmadani
EDERAL Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed 10 percent regulatory duty on the import of petrol while the regulatory duty shall not be levied on those cargoes for which Letter of Credits (LCs) had already been opened. According to a notification issued by FBR, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 18 of the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969), the Federal Government is pleased to levy regulatory duty at a rate of ten per cent on import of motor spirit (PCT code 2710.1210) with the stipulation that the regulatory duty shall not be levied on
cargoes for which LCs had already been opened or were at high seas. Similarly, the imports of motor spirit where customs duty at a rate of ten per cent is paid shall be exempted from the levy of regulatory duty. Furthermore, the notification shall remain in force till the 30th day of June, 2022, said FBR notification. Earlier, it was brought into the government notice that no regulatory duty is imposed on the import of oil under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the oil marketing companies (OMCs) have been importing the petrol from China under the FTA and minting heavy benefit of over Rs22 billion in terms of tax exemption. And, the federal cabinet while taking serious notice of this tax exemption has
SCBA moves SC for review of opinion on Article 63-A ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Thursday filed a review petition in the apex court, seeking review of the court’s May 17 decision on the interpretation of Article 63-A. The SCBA named the Federal Government and the Election Commission as parties in the review petition. The petitioner took the stance that the Supreme Court’s interpretation in paragraphs one to three of its order was not in accordance with the letter and spirit, as well as the system of parliamentary democracy, established by the Constitution. It prayed that opinion should be withdrawn by reviewing the paragraph regarding non-counting of votes of dissident members. The opinion of the Supreme Court was tantamount to interfering in the constitution as according to Article 63-A, dissident members would be de-seated only, it added. On May 17, the apex court declared by a majority verdict of three to two that votes cast by legislators in violation of their party’s stance must not be taken into account while determining the outcome of a motion since Article 63-A of the Constitution was meant to protect the fundamental rights of a parliamentary party, and not those of defectors. In its petition, the SCBA said that in reaching the conclusion that the votes of defecting lawmakers were not to be counted, the “historical background and evolution of Article 63-A … had escaped the honourable court’s attention”. In this connection, the petition shared provisions of the Political Parties Act, which it said provided for the disqualification of lawmakers prior to the Constitution. It also mentioned Article 96 of the Constitution, which the petition said provided for disregarding votes of defecting lawmakers for the first time. It was later replaced by Article 95, which omitted the clause for disregarding defecting votes. Eventually, Article 63-A was inserted in the Constitution, the petition said, as it went on to elaborate on the provision. “It is clear from the above, disregarding of defective votes was first incorporated into our constitutional framework at the time of commencement of the Constitution, in terms of the erstwhile Article 96,” the petition read. staff report
recently approved the imposition of 10% regulatory duty on the import of petrol from China and exempted the shipments that have already been booked for import. As per details, following the increase in imports of petrol from China, the FBR had approached the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) and proposed imposition of regulatory duty where the customs duty was zero. And, later the Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary titled “Levy of regulatory duty on import of motor spirit” before the federal cabinet’s economic coordination committee which after due deliberation approved the proposal of imposing 10% regulatory duty on motor spirit.
Earlier, the FBR pointed out before the commerce ministry that the import of motor spirit under HS Code 2710.1210 was subject to 10% customs duty under the Fifth Schedule of the Customs Act 1969, but it was subject to 0% duty under the China-Pakistan FTA. And, during the financial year 2021-22, the customs duty on motor spirit was increased from 5% to 10% on the recommendation of Petroleum Division. It is pertinent to mention that due to the waiver from customs duty under the China-Pakistan FTA, in the current financial year, some of the OMCs had increase the import of petrol from China and their import of petrol from China increased from Rs30 billion in the previous financial year to Rs232 billion in the current year.
China committed to CPEC projects, says Charge d’affaires ISLAMABAD staff report
Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of People’s Republic of China Pang Chunxue has said that China is committed to develop the CPEC projects under the vision of shared prosperity and it will further strengthen and expand economic cooperation between both the countries. She stated this while meeting with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail at the Finance Division. Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha was also present in the meeting. Finance Minister Miftah Ismail extended warm welcome to the guest and highlighted deep-rooted friendship and brotherly relations between Pakistan and China.
Referring to CPEC, the Federal Minister said that the corridor will play an important role in taking Pakistan’s economy forward as well as cementing the bilateral relationship between both the countries. He further assured his full support for the assistance in that regard. The Chinese Charge d’affaires assured full support and cooperation of Chinese Government and said that China is committed to develop the CPEC projects under the vision of shared prosperity and it will further strengthen and expand economic cooperation between both the countries. The Finance Minister and Pang Chunxue expressed their plan for further enhancing the bilateral cooperation in various fields. In his concluding remarks, the Finance Minister affirmed full support and cooperation to Chinese investors and businessmen.
Missing persons’ case: IHC seeks report on implementation of production orders ISLAMABAD: While hearing a petition for the recovery of missing persons – Zahid Amin and Sadiq Amin, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday sought a report regarding the implementation of their production orders. Imaan Mazari Advocate, the daughter of former federal minister Shireen Mazari, appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioners. The registrar of the Commission of Enquiry on Enforced Disappearances adopted before the court that the commission had placed Zahid Amin in the category of enforced disappearances in the light of the Joint Investigation Team’s (JIT) report. “Who did you issue the pro-
duction orders when the JIT said it was an enforced disappearance?” the court questioned. “Does the commission issue production orders only for formal proceedings?” the IHC chief justice inquired from the registrar of the commission. “Why are you not providing relevant information to the petitioners? You should reach out to the petitioners yourself,” the court said. “The commission is not treating the families of the missing persons properly. You should visit their houses,” the court expressed displeasure. “When were the production orders issued? What is the date?” IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah inquired from the regis-
trar of the commission. “The production orders of Zahid Amin were issued on September 14, 2020,” stated Imaan Mazari, lawyer for the petitioners. “Did you forget to issue the production orders? Those, who were ordered to issue the production orders, did they refuse?” the court questioned form the registrar. “No one refused,” the registrar of the commission replied. “Did you order an action against them for not complying with the production orders?” the court questioned further. “You issued production orders on September 14, 2020. You might have seen something in the prime facie,” the court pointed out. staff report
FAJR SUNRISE
ZUHR
ASR MAGHRIB ISHA
4:10
1:30
5:15
5:00
7:08
9:15
Elahi warns Punjab govt of ‘strict action’ in case of by-polls rigging Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q) leader and Punjab Assembly speaker Chaudry Pervaiz Elahi on Thursday warned the Punjab government of strict action in case of any attempt to rig the upcoming byelections in Punjab. During the meeting with PML-Q Rawalpindi delegation, Pervaiz Elahi said that we will fully support PTI and run its elections campaign, adding that the incumbent government has been exposed. The current rulers have no plan to revive the country from economic crisis, he added. The Punjab Assembly speaker further said that the Punjab government should refrain from rigging and use of police force during the upcoming Punjab by-polls otherwise we will take strict action against them. news desk
Govt offers to facilitate Musharraf’s return The Federal government on Thursday has offered to facilitate the former President Pervez Musharraf’s return to the country. The federal law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the government wants to facilitate the return of Pervez Musharraf. He should come back and face the law, he added. Earlier on June 14, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Supremo Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that if former President Pervez Musharraf wants to return, the government should facilitate him. news desk
President directs probe into non-utilization of foreign grant for 30 years ISLAMABAD shahzad paracha
President Dr Arif Alvi has directed the Education Ministry to carry out an investigation into nonutilization a foreign grant given for cheaper textbooks paper almost 30 years ago. The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has submitted a representation to the President against the order of the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO). The order under reference stated that deduction of Income-tax and Zakat by National Savings Centre, Civic Centre, Islamabad shows gross incompetence and inefficiency of the staff concerned. Therefore, National Savings Centre is bound to refund the money amounting to Rs10.8 million deducted as advance tax and Rs986,225 deducted as Zakat to the Education Ministry with immediate effect. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly directed Principal Accounting Officer of the Ministry of Education and Professional Training to file a reference with the FTO and Ministry of Finance for the purpose. Briefly, the Ministry of Education received funds of Rs13.707 million as donations from the German Government in 1993-94, which were invested in the National Savings Scheme (NSS) of the CDNS at the National Saving Centre Islamabad. In pursuance of the 18th constitutional Amendment, the Ministry of Education was devolved and the Ministry of Education and Professional Training was established. Thus, the funds were also transferred to the (M/O FE&PT) being the successor of the defunct M/O Education. Whereas, the CDNS conveyed the total amount of the certificates was Rs73.668 million. However, in the light of the PAC’s directions, the Departmental Accounts Committee in its meeting held in Feb 2020, decided to retrieve the funds and deposit in the state treasury, which was also endorsed by the PAC.
Amid bouts of self-praise, MNAs keep bashing PTI for prevailing economic turmoil ISLAMABAD staff report
The lawmakers in the National Assembly on Thursday held the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) responsible for the current economic crisis, high inflation, increased prices of petroleum products, gas and electricity. Resuming budget 2022-23 debate here, PML-N MNA Rasheed Ahmed Khan said policies of the ‘selected government’ of PTI were the main reason behind the deteriorated economic condition and sky-rocketing inflation in the country. He said due to the PTI policies, value of dollar had gone up from Rs115 to Rs190 during its tenure, whereas the prices of petroleum products, electricity and daily-use items reached unaffordable levels. The lawmaker said despite ‘all favors’, the PTI government during the last three and half years miserably failed to deliver and de-
vise prudent economic policies to provide any relief to the common people. The MNA expressed the hope that the coalition government would not only steer the country out from the current economic crisis but also provide relief to people. He asked the government to conduct an inquiry into the alleged corruption committed by the PTI leadership and friends. In his speech, Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians MNA Syed Agha Rafiullah said despite all the economic and other challenges, the coalition government had decided to take charge of the government to avoid bankruptcy. He said the coalition government was using all its energies to provide relief to common man and avert the negative impacts of the PTI’s bad economic policies. Rafiullah said that PTI had inked unrealistic and unfavorable agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by putting behind the interest of Pakistan.
He also appreciated Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah for introducing the “Mazdoor Card” in the province for the poor people and requested him to include fishermen in the program. PML-N lawmaker Dr Darshan while criticizing the PTI deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said policies of Imran Khan’s government had made the life of common man miserable. He said the PTI government had taken record loans and allowed an increase in the prices of all items being used by the masses. He said the PTI government had politically victimized all leadership of PML-N and PPPP by framing fake cases against them. He also highlighted the issue of water shortage for irrigation purposes in the Sindh province. Dr Darshan requested the Sindh and federal governments for establishing technical schools and colleges in the areas of Ghotki. PML-N MNA Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad stressed the need for signing the
Charter of Economy for sustainable economic growth and put the country in the right direction.
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
He asked the finance minister to focus on the industrial sector that was helping in the enhancement of the country’s exports.