Epaper_22-6-30 LHR

Thursday, 30 June, 2022 I 30 Dhul-Qadah, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 361 I 12 Pages I Lahore Edition

10pc ‘Super Tax’ okayed: Finance Bill 2022-23 SailS Through na

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staff report

HE National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Finance Bill-2022 after clause by clause consideration and adopting certain amendments in it.

Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha moved the motion for consideration of the Finance Bill, 2022 to give effect to the financial proposals of the federal government for the year beginning on July 1, 2022.

The motion was passed with majority vote, which led to the passage of Finance Bill-2022 after clause by clause reading and adopting amendments after due process of voting.

All amendments moved by the Minister of State for Finance and treasury lawmakers were adopted by the House while the amendments of opposition members including Javaria Zafar Aheer, Wajiha Qamar, Ramesh Kumar, Saira Bano (GDA), Maulana Abul Akbar Chitrali (MMA) and an Independent MNA Mohsin Dawar were rejected by the House after voting.

According to the Rule 187 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of

Business in National Assembly 2007, not less than four days shall be allotted for the general discussion on the budget.

However, the National Assembly smoothly continued debate on the Finance Bill, 2022 for 10 days.

The formal debate started on June 13, 2022 that continued till June 24, 2022. The House also discussed recommendations of the Senate and three MNAs expressed their views on it.

Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail had concluded debate on Finance Bill on June 24, 2022. The House held discussion on the Charged Expenditure included in Demands for Grants and Appropriations for the financial year ending on June 30, 2023. The House approved 131 demands for grants related to various departments and ministries. The total volume of the federal budget for fiscal year 2022-23 is Rs9.5 trillion with allocation of Rs2,158 billion jointly under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and the provincial annual development programs, which is one percent up from Rs2,135 billion last year.

The Ministry of Finance has termed the budget 2022-23 as growth budget and it is based on a well-thought-out strategy to boost the economic growth

outlined in the medium-term budgetary strategy paper for FY23 to FY25. It gives a clear roadmap of the strategic priorities, revenue and spending policies of the government.

During the debate on the Finance Bill, Aisha Ghaus Pasha said there had been no pressure from International Monetary Fund (IMF) to integrate amendments in the federal budget 2022-23 saying that the changes had been made in larger interest of the country.

The amendments were made in such a way that the common man should not be affected, she said adding that the government had reduced taxes on the people having small incomes while increased tax on the higher income people. She said the previous government agreed on some amendments with IMF that were being followed due to commitment of the State with the international monetary institution. She said that super tax was being levied on the rich industrialists while small income segments had been given relief. During the process, the House approved the insertion of a new clause in the Bill to impose Rs 50 per liter Petroleum Development Levy on all petroleum products.

Finance minister Miftah Ismail said the government had sought the permission to impose levy of up to Rs 50 but it had no intention to impose whole of the petroleum levy. He informed that at present there was zero PDM on the petroleum products.

The National Assembly also approved imposition of 10% “super tax” on 13 large industries. This move will raise additional Rs 465 billion in the government revenues and help trimming the fiscal budget.

The “super tax” would be imposed on the persons earning more than Rs 300 million annually who are engaged in the business of airline, automobiles, beverages, cement, chemicals, cigarette/tobacco, fertilizer, iron/steel, LNG terminal, oil marketing, oil refining, petroleum and gas exploration, pharmaceuticals, sugar, and textile.

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Bilawal cautions PM against coalition partners’ concerns ISLAMABAD staff report

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the issues of the ruling coalition partners and conveyed an important message from his father, Asif Ali Zardari.

According to highly informed sources, Bilawal also discussed the funds received from China and the matters pertaining to talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in his one-on-one meeting with PM Shehbaz Sharif.

Per sources, Bilawal had directly arrived at the PM House after landing at Islamabad International Airport.

Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah is also expected in Islamabad this evening.

The sources say that the allies of the PML-N and PPP are fast getting annoyed with the attitude of the PML-N ministers and they have publicly threatened to shift to the opposition benches which may bring downfall of the Shehbaz-led coalition government.

The prime minister congratulated Bilawal over People’s Party’s victory in the recently held first phase of local government elections in Sindh.

The sources said that former president Asif Ali Zardari is expected to

Sino-Pakistan ties enter new phase as China’s senior leader calls on PM Shehbaz, Gen Bajwa ISLAMABAD mian abrar

Mr. Yang Jiechi, Director of Central Committee on Foreign Affairs, China, Wednesday held separate meetings with the Pakistani top leadership including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and federal cabinet members.

Mr Yang Jiechi is a special aide of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a member of the Political Bureau (Politbureau) of the Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC) and is considered expert in holding key dialogue.

As Director of the Central Commission on Foreign Affairs, Yang Jiechi has a prominent role in China’s foreign relations. He has previously served as China’s Foreign Minister from 2007-13 and State Councilor from 2013-17.

During his meeting, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif told the Chinese dignitary that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the growing economic linkages had deepened the roots of the abiding friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and China.

“Atop this unshakeable foundation, the Pakistan-China partnership would continue to play its valuable

role as a factor of peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the prime minister said during a meeting with Yang Jiechi, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of its Foreign Affairs Commission, who called him.

The prime minister said that Pakistan stood ready to work closely with China for realizing both countries’ shared vision of connectivity, prosperity and public well-being.

Pakistan would also continue to support Chinese investors with competitive incentives, access to highquality infrastructure and unwavering security arrangements, he added.

Director Yang Jiechi is accompanied by Vice Ministers for Foreign Af-

fairs and Commerce, Vice Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and Deputy Secretary General of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The prime minister underscored the significance of Director Yang’s visit for accelerating the implementation of the leaders’ consensus on further enhancing bilateral relations across all domains.

He highlighted that economic cooperation had become a mainstay of the wide-ranging PakistanChina partnership. He expressed satisfaction at growing bilateral trade and financial linkages, with China’s unstinting support playing an invaluable role in helping Pakistan offset

external shocks to the global economy and demonstrating the continued resilience of Pakistan-China cooperation at a time of heightened uncertainty on the world stage.

The prime minister particularly thanked China for renewal of the RMB 15 billion (US $ 2.3 billion) syndicate facility. The prime minister also thanked China for its support and assistance to Pakistan’s efforts towards preventing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic by providing millions of vaccine doses as well as protective and medical equipment.

He underlined that as a flagship of the visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC had transformed Pakistan’s economic base and strengthened capacity for self-development. He reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to accelerate the pace and complete CPEC projects at the earliest.

The prime minister also underscored the high importance Pakistan attached to the strategic ML-I and other key projects including Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), Babusar Tunnel, and desalinization plant in Karachi.

The prime minister reiterated his strong condemnation of the Karachi terrorist attack and underscored Pakistan’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif within few days. People’s Party’s cochairman Asif Ali Zardari’s Islamabad visit has been scheduled in this week, the sources said.

Zardari will hold meeting with Shehbaz Sharif for resolution of the issues especially the concerns raised by the coalition partners of the federal government. According to sources, BAP parliamentary leader Khalid Magsi had complained Zardari with regard to development schemes. Separately, Aslam Bhotani has also complained senior Zardari against the attitude of the PML-N ministers towards the allied parties.

According to sources, BAP leader Khalid Magsi in a meeting with the prime minister Shehbaz Sharif had urged him to keep the allies into loop during consultations.

“We are unconditionally supporting you but don’t neglect us,” Magsi said in straight talk during meeting of a delegation of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and independent members with the prime minister.

Another key ally, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has threatened to sit on the opposition benches.

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more inside

NA approves revised salary income tax STORY ON PAGE 03

Petroleum division seeks recommendations for import of crude oil from Russia STORY ON PAGE 02

Qureshi blames own party for his defeat in PP-217 in 2018 election STORY ON BACK PAGE

NA okays 10pc super tax on income exceeding Rs300m STORY ON BACK PAGE

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Murad Saeed challengeS Bilawal Bhutto to conteSt election againSt hiM ISLAMABAD

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newS deSk

AKISTAN Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Saeed has challenged Foreign Minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto to compete him in elections in any constituency of his choice.

In a statement, the former federal minister termed Bilawal Bhutto’s speech in National Assembly a ‘reflection of shameful and criminal mentality’Murad Saeed challenges Bilawal Bhutto to contest

election against him.

“If the imported foreign minister is arrogant of his popularity, then he is invited to compete election on any constituency of his choice,” Murad Saeed added.

The PTI leader further said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had always come into power through the government machinery. However, he said, whenever transparent elections were held, the people overthrew the ‘corrupt’ party.

“PPP has occupied Sindh through force and wealth,” he said, adding that the nation had witnessed the implementation of force in the first phase of local government

SBP relaxes leverage ratio for banks ArIBA ShAhID The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has relaxed leverage ratios to provide them with additional PKR liquidity. This is done so banks are able to borrow more from the SBP through Open Market Operations (OMOs). By providing additional access to funds, the SBP is hoping that banks buy more treasury bills (T-bills) as a way to lend to the government. Through an update of Basel III Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), the SBP has relaxed the method of calculating the leverage ratio.

Basel III is a comprehensive set of reform measures to strengthen the regulation, supervision, and risk management of the banking sector. The measures include both liquidity and capital reforms. Why is the SBP relaxing the leverage ratio? In the current scenario, the SBP is indirectly financing the government through these frequent OMOs. There was initially a ban on government borrowing from the SBP under the IMF programme till September 2022; however following the SBP Act, the government has now given up and agreed to permanently close the door to this option through legislation. “The bank shall not extend any direct credit to or guarantee any obligations of the government, or any government-owned entity or any other public entity,” states the clause.

According to the Act, Section 409 C, the SBP shall not purchase securities issued by the government or any government-owned entity or any other public entity in the primary market. The Central Bank may purchase such securities in the secondary market.

Following this, the government is now dependent on the private market to raise debt. Decreasing the leverage ratio, as a whole, enables the government to access more funds through the debt market.

Punjab by-polls: notice served on ata tarar for violating election coc

elections held in 14 districts of the province.

He added that Pakistan was suffering from global isolation due to Bilawal’s involvement in politics on fake wills. “The nation will soon bury the politics of the corrupt rulers,” he added.

“The day transparent elections are held, Sindh will be freed from the clutches of these corrupt rulers,” the former federal minister added.

PTI aPProaches Ihc seekIng PermIssIon for ProTesT: The Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday approached the Islamabad

High Court (IHC) to seek permission for a procession and protest at parade ground Islamabad on July 2.

The PTI moved the petition through its leader, Ali Nawaz Awan and adopted that the district administration had refused to grant the permission for a political gathering.

The petitioner had named federation, IGP and deputy commissioner ICT as respondents in the case.

It said that the protest was a basic right of the citizen and prayed the court to direct city administration to grant approval for the procession.

Animals’ inoculation stepped up amid reports of lumpy skin disease SwAT Syed Shahabuddin

Senior Veterinary Officer Swat, Dr Sardar Ali on Wednesday said that steps have been taken to control Congo virus and lumpy skin in Swat.

“Vaccination and surveillance are being carried out through 10 check-posts and two mobile units,” he informed and added that 9,833 animals have been sprayed with anti-ticks liquid besides loader vehicles and areas have also been sprayed at 2,490 spots.

Dr Sardar Ali said that public awareness is also going on and 748 sessions have been held to sensitize the public to take precautionary measures.

Explaining the statistics, he said that amid a report of 29 cases of lumpy skin, 3,600 animals have been vaccinated, whereas no Congo virus so far reported in the district. He said that apart from check-posts, spray and other services are also being provided door-to-door and in cattle markets.

On the occasion, District Livestock Officer Dr Sar Beland Khan appealed to the people to take precautionary measures in view of the spread of lumpy

skin. He said that Eidul Azha was approaching and precaution was needed in the care and sale of animals.

Dr Sar Beland said that people should keep a proper distance from animals in cattle markets and clean hands in case of contact. He said that taking children to cattle markets should be avoided.

na approves rs50 petroleum levy in budget INP The National Assembly passed an amendment in the Finance Bill to approve Rs50 per litre petroleum development levy on all POL products. The session of the lower house of the parliament continued clause-wise approval of the finance bill. The house passed the finance bill 2022-23 presented by Minister of State for Finance Ayisha Ghous Pasha in its session today. All budget proposals from the opposition members were rejected with majority vote. Finance Minister Miftah Ismail told the house that 50 rupees per litre will not be imposed in one go. “Presently there is zero petroleum levy,” he explained. The levy will be gradually increased by Rs5 per month to reach a maximum of Rs50, approved by the house. The clause with regard to recovery of sales tax from traders via electricity bills and five percent tax on software and I.T. consultants was also approved by the house.

No tax imposed over Rs50,000 per month salary in the new tax regime for the salaried class. The government has decided to impose greater tax on salaried individuals, the people earning between Rs50,000 and Rs100,000 per month would now be charged income tax of 2.5% against the fixed rate of Rs100 that had been announced in the budget speech earlier.

For earners of Rs100,000-200,000 per month, a flat tax of 15,000 rupees per annum has been fixed, while the proposed tax rate has been jacked up to 12.5% for the amount exceeding 100,000 rupees. Individuals earning between Rs2.4 million and 3.6 million per year would be charged a fixed rate of Rs165,000 in addition to 20 percent of the amount exceeding 2.4 million, while people whose taxable income exceeds Rs3.6 million but is below Rs6 million would be charged a fixed rate of Rs405,000 plus 25 percent of the amount exceeding 3.6 million. Meanwhile, individuals with an annual income between Rs6 million and Rs12 million would be charged Rs1.005 million plus 32.5 percent of the amount exceeding 6 million, and anyone earning more than Rs12 million, would be charged taxes of Rs2.955 million plus 35% of the amount exceeding 12 million.

BAP suggests two names for chairman NAB NewS DeSk Balochistan Awami Party has suggested two names for the post of Chairman, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) lying vacant after the completion of Justice retired Javed Iqbal term in the first week of June, 2022.

Justice Javed Iqbal, former Chairman NAB relinquished the charge on June 2, 2022 following an expiry of amendment made by the PTI led government through which he was given extension and was allowed to continue work till the appointment of new Chairman

NAB. BAP Parliamentary leader in Balochistan Assembly Khalid Magsi, in a letter written to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, recommended two names including former Judge Balochistan High Court Ahmed Khan Lashari and Ex Justice Islamabad High Court Ghulam Azam Qambrani for the post of chairman NAB. It may be mentioned here that currently Deputy Chairman NAB Zahir Shah is looking after day-to-day affairs of the bureau till the appointment of new chairman NAB.

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has served notice to Punjab Home Minister Ata Tarar for violating the code of conduct (CoC) during the electioneering ahead of the Punjab by-polls. The notice was served to Ata Tarar by the district monitoring officer Jhang for visiting PP-125 and PP127 Jhang and meeting with the people of the constituencies ahead of the elections. The district monitoring officer has directed Punjab Home Minister Ata Tarar to appear on July 1 in person or with his lawyer for an explanation. It may be noted that according to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) code of conduct, no public office holder can visit the constituency, after the announcement of the election schedule. The Election Commission has announced by-elections to 20 vacant general seats of the Punjab Assembly on July 17.

These 20 seats fell vacant after the ECP de-seated 25 PTI MPAs including five elected on women and minorities seats for voting in favour of Hamza Shehbaz during election for chief minister Punjab against the party guidelines.

NA approves revised salary income tax RELIEF FOR LOWER SALARY BRACKETS, HIGHER ONES CHARGED AT INCREASED RATE ISLAMABAD Shahzad Paracha

The National Assembly has approved revised income tax slabs for the salaried class amid pressure from the IMF to generate incremental revenue.

According to the amended finance bill, there will be no tax on an annual income of Rs 0.6 million, whereas the annual income of Rs 0.6 to 1.2 million will be taxed at 2.5 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 0.6 million.

Those earning Rs 1.2 million to Rs 2.4 million will

have to pay a fixed tax of Rs 15,000 plus 12.5 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 1.2 million. Where taxable income

exceeds Rs 2.4 million but does not exceed Rs 3.6 million the tax rate is Rs 165,000 plus 20 percent of the amount

exceeding Rs 2.4 million.

Those earning between Rs 3.6 million to Rs 6 million will have to pay Rs 405,000 plus 25 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 3.6 million.

For income between Rs 6 million to Rs 12 million, the tax will be Rs 10.05 million plus 32.5 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 6 million.

Where taxable income exceeds Rs 12 million, the tax is Rs 2.955 million plus 35 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 12 million.

Those who are earning upto

Rs200,000 per month will see the tax rate go down compared to the last fiscal year. However, individuals earning more than that will be subjected to increased rates in comparison to the previous fiscal year.

Salaried persons earning in excess of Rs500,000 per month will experience the highest tax rate hikes.

The revised slabs comes as a disappoint to the salaried class that were earlier given an exemption form tax for salary income upto Rs100,000 per month.

Pakistan grateful to Supreme Leader Khamenei for supporting Kashmiri struggle: Asif NewS DeSk Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Wednesday said Pakistan was grateful for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s strong and unwavering support for the just struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He made these remarks during a call on paid by Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Mohammad Ali

Hosseini here, said a news release.

The Defence Minister expressed his appreciation for cordial and fraternal ties nourished by centuries old religious and cultural affinities.

While expressing the importance of Joint Border commission (JBC) the Defence Minister said Pakistan has taken all necessary measures in the domain of border management and joint efforts in this regard.

Moreover, the Minister for Defence highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in achieving allusive peace in Afghanistan after Taliban takeover of Kabul.

“Thus, it’s the need of hour to stand

by Afghan people in full support and solidarity. After all these years Afghans need and deserve peace, progress and prosperity, and international community must help them walk firmly on that path,”

he added. Ambassador of Iran, Seyyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, appreciated Pakistan’s defence capabilities and opined that two countries have potential for extensive collaboration in the field of defence and for energy cooperation.

Both sides showed satisfaction and intended for collaboration in various areas of common interest, enhancing security, counter terrorism and ensuring regional economic connectivity.

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PakiStan rejectS india’S ‘MiSchievouS’ Bid to link udaiPur accuSed with PakiStani outfit ISLAMABAD

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AKISTAN on Wednesday rejected India’s “mischievous” attempt to link the accused of the murder case in Udaipur with a Pakistani organisation. “We have seen reports in a segment of the Indian media referring to investigations into the murder case in Udaipur, mischievously seeking to

link the accused individuals — Indian nationals — to an organisation in Pakistan,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement.

The spokesperson, while “categorically” rejecting the insinuations, said that the linking was a “typical” BJP-RSS “Hindutva” driven Indian regime’s attempts to malign Pakistan “including externalising their internal issues through pointing of fingers towards Pakistan”.

“Such malicious attempts will not succeed in misleading the people, either in India or abroad,” said the spokesperson.

A day earlier, the Indian police arrested two men after they beheaded a Hindu tailor on camera in the city of Udaipur over his support online for a former ruling party official whose remarks about the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) sparked global protests.

“Both the accused in the killing have

been arrested and we will ensure strict punishment and speedy justice,” Ashok Gehlot, chief minister in the state of Rajasthan, where Udaipur is located, said on Twitter.

However, today Rajasthan’s Home Minister Rajendra Singh Yadav claimed that one of the accused in the case had visited Karachi in 2014.

The Indian Express quoted Yadav as saying that Ghouse Mohammad, one of the

accused, was in Karachi for 45 days in 2014.

“Then in 2018-19, he also had movements in Arab countries and visited Nepal a few times. For the past 2-3 years, he had been making calls to 8-10 phone numbers from Pakistan,” Yadav was quoted by the Indian publication.

According to Indian Express, Director General of Police ML Lather said that the accused had gone to visit the office of “Dawat-e-Islami”.

PIA paying millions in rent for two A320s grounded for past nine months ABDuLLAh NIAzI Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is currently paying a cumulative $600,000 monthly rental fee for two Airbus A320 planes that have been parked in Jakarta for the past nine months and are not being used by the national air carrier. The rent of each plane is $295,000 a month.

Subsequently, the PIA has ended up spending millions of dollars on the two planes because of a serious delay in the redelivery process of the planes – after the company that leased PIA the planes claimed that the PIA had replaced parts in the plane and had not conducted a vital ‘C Check’ before returning the planes. As of now, the PIA has not paid any of this money since the payments will be made in the final settlement with the lessor.

In conversations with Profit, a PIA spokesperson has admitted that there has been a delay in redelivery and that the PIA has been paying the $295,000 rental fee even though they are not using the planes. The spokesperson blamed covid, travel restrictions, and a legal dispute in the middle for the delay.

Sources close to the matter have also claimed that PIA employees have been taking junkets to Jakarta where they are staying free of cost on taxpayers dime. The PIA, however, has clarified that supervisors need to be sent to Jakarta to keep an eye on repair-work on the planes because they are being undertaken by a third party contractor.

It is worth mentioning that the PIA is the single-biggest loss making enterprise owned by the government of Pakistan and has already been bleeding billions of rupees every year. It faced losses of Rs 50 billion during the calendar year in 2021 – up by 47 percent compared to the Rs 34.6 billion in losses it incurred in 2020. The total accumulated losses of PIA have been rising and stand in the range of Rs 400 to Rs 500 billion. exPlaIn-IT-lIke-I’m-fIve: In 2015, Pakistan leased two Airbus A320 planes for a period of six years. The planes were leased at a monthly rent of nearly $550,000 according to a

spokesperson of the PIA – which includes rent for the plane, maintenance costs, as well as insurance.

For the next six years, the planes flew as part of PIA’s fleet registered as planes APBLZ and APBLY. Now, this is a regular practice for the PIA. Most of the planes that we have are older models that have been leased from companies.

The two A320s in question, for example, had their first test flights in France in 2006. They were then flown for a while as part of AirAsia – the Malaysian multinational air carrier.

In 2015, when the planes had already been flown for a decade, they were leased by the PIA. Now, the way airplane rentals works is that once a deal is over, the planes have to be returned in the exact same condition they were delivered in. That means they have to be refurbished, all of the original parts need to be intact, and the plane has to be returned spick and span.

Normally, the PIA has leased planes that are so old that they simply buy them off the original company they leased them from. In this case, the company that owned the planes did not want to sell the planes – even though the PIA made an offer. “We tried to buy the planes but then the company said they needed them so it was time for redelivery,” says the PIA’s spokesperson.

Now, to be fair to the PIA the redelivery process is not a simple one. It can at times take up to a few months, and until it is complete the airline that leased the planes is expected to continue paying rent for the plane minus its maintenance cost since the plane is grounded.

When it was time to return the plane, the PIA asked the company to come and inspect the A320s in Pakistan.

However, because of Covid travel restrictions and security issues, the company asked that the inspection be conducted by a third-party mutually hired by the two and FL Technic was chosen for this job – a global provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services, headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The plane was taken to Jakarta, where it was thoroughly inspected.

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Traders Wing head Nasir Salman leading a protest against POL price hike and worst inflation outside Press Club. Photo by zubair Mehfooz

IHC puts off naroval sports City Complex case till July 5 ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday adjourned hearing of a plea seeking acquittal in Naroval Sports City Complex reference till July 5. The petition has been filed Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.

During the hearing, the court observed that there was only one point left, whether Ahsan Iqbal had taken any personal benefit from the project or not. The NAB prosecutor would give arguments on this point in the next hearing.

A division bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan heard the case challenging the verdict of the trial court. At the outset of hearing, Ahsan Iqbal arrived at the court rostrum and said his character assassination had been continued for two years and he was even arrested. Whether the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was asked that what corruption I had done, he questioned.

Ahsan Iqbal said that it was his mistake that made efforts to approve a sports project from all forums. The NAB had alleged him for causing a loss worth of two billion rupees to the national exchequer, he said, adding that the bureau have to tell that what assets he had made with

this money. The minister asked that had he committed any murder or set up a gambling house.

Ahsan Iqbal said the previous government had stopped work on the project, adding that he was alleged to introduce the project at just 800 meters away from the border but actually it was 13km far from it. On a query of the bench, Ahsanís lawyer said that the sport project was almost completed, adding that there was no charge of corruption against his client. The lawyer further said that the amendments in NAB Ordinance were introduced in light of the observations of this court.

Senators demand allowing import of gold, export of sugar & jaggery ISLAMABAD GhulaM abbaS

Senators of the country have asked for rules for the import of gold to be relaxed, citing the reason that the highly priced item is already being smuggled into the country.

In this regard, Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, which was chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada here on Wednesday, while demanding that the government allow the import of gold, claimed that about at least 80 tons of gold is consumed in the Pakistani market, all of which is smuggled into Pakistan.

Reiterating that it is imperative to create legal channels for the yellow metals import, he lamented that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) does not allow foreign exchange for gold imports.

“Even if the government does not allow

it, gold is still being smuggled, so why not allow it to be imported legally. It will also benefit the country in terms of taxes”, Kakar said.

Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar said though a lot of work has been done on this issue, the country’s current situation does not leave much room for a change in the system as gold classifies as a luxury item and is temporarily banned.

However, he added that the import ban is an emergency measure that is to be lifted soon and assured that the issue of gold import would be resolved soon after the ban is lifted. He added that the trade imbalance and current account deficit (CAD) figures were worrisome.

On the other hand, Senator Fida Mohammad pointed out that jaggery and refined sugar are in the same category and expressed his concerns over the export ban on gur. He demanded lifting the ban if

enough stock is available.

Commenting on the issue, Syed Naveed Qamar informed the committee that a meeting of the Sugar Policy Board has been scheduled for Wednesday wherein the issue will be discussed. “Considering the availability of sugar in the country, a decision will be taken regarding export,” he added.

Moreover, the committee also considered the issue of containers stranded at the port due to the import ban. Qamar said that the government will settle tax issues with the owners of trapped containers as soon as possible and release them.

The committee was briefed on the steps taken by the ministry to protect the local gypsum industry which is an integral raw material in the construction industry.

Chairperson NTC informed that a 26% tax has been imposed on gypsum imports to protect the local industry. However,

representatives of the industry said that paper used in finished gypsum products is being imported from Thailand and China only because it is not manufactured in Pakistan yet still a heavy tax has been imposed on its import.

Chairperson NTC said that the industry should file its case so that the council takes necessary steps in this regard.

The Ministry of Commerce gave a briefing on an increase in the price of iron/steel rods and consequently increase in construction cost. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir said that the local production of steel in Pakistan is about 7-8 million tons annually. The steel mafia has been able to get the taxes imposed on steel imports in the form of heavy regulatory duties and antidumping duties, as well as drastically increasing the price of local steel in the country. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir was of the view that import of one to two

million tonnes of steel should be allowed in the country. This will have a positive effect on prices and create a competitive atmosphere in the market. In particular, a policy should be formulated to import cheap steel from Iran through barter trade.

Chairperson NTC said that in any case we have to reduce the regulatory duty. Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi said that tax on imported scrap used in steel should be reduced in order to reduce prices of steel products. The Chairman Committee decided to convene a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce or NTC as soon as possible under a one-point agenda to further consider the matter.

The committee meeting was also attended by Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Saleem Mandviwala, Dinesh Kumar, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, and senior officials of the ministry.

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Thursday, 30 June, 2022 | LAHORE

04 NEWS

SCO CelebrateS 20th anniverSary Of Charter Signing ISLAMABAD

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HE Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Wednesday celebrated the 20th anniversary of the signing of its charter and the 15th anniversary of the Treaty on Long-term Good-neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation among its member states.

A roundtable meeting was jointly organized here by the Chinese Academy of International Studies, the China Shanghai Cooperation Organization Research Center and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretariat.

“Shanghai Cooperation Organization: History, Current Status and Prospects” was the topic.

Foreign ministers of the SCO member states, including Pakistan’s Bilawal

Bhutto Zardari, and directors of the executive committee of the regional antiterrorist institutions sent video congratulations to the meeting held online and offline.

SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming, in his speech, pointed out that the Charter embodied the original mission of the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the common aspirations and values of member states.

The treaty, he said, had created a new model for the countries in the region to carry out dialogue among civilizations and share the fruits of development.

He said the SCO must seize the opportunity, resolutely reform, improve itself, have the courage to exert positive energy on the international stage, actively influence the international order and international pattern towards a more dem-

ocratic, just and reasonable direction, and live up to the expectations of all parties in its family. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque, envoys of other SCO member states, experts and scholars from various countries, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and representatives of the media attended the meeting.

President of the China Academy of International Studies and Director of the China Shanghai Cooperation Organization Research Center Xu Bu presided over the meeting.

President Xu Bu pointed out that the signing of the SCO Charter and the Treaty on Long-term Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation among its member states was a landmark event in the development process of the SCO. “It embodies the new ideas, new

ideas and plans of the SCO, represents the ‘original aspiration’ of the SCO, not only the above. The OECD has a pilotoriented role and exemplary significance for global governance.”

Delegates at the meeting held indepth discussions on the significance of the Charter and the Treaty, the historical achievements and development prospects of the SCO, and said they would continue to adhere to and carry forward their purposes and principles, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, deepen cooperation in various fields, promote the reform and innovation of the organization, and jointly create a better tomorrow for it.

The delegates visited the “Twenty Years of History of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization” and the “Complete Works of World Heritage Sites of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization”.

Punjab ombudsman provides relief to people from different districts LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Maryam nawaz to lead party’s by-polls campaign LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz will lead the party’s elections campaign ahead of July 17 by-elections to 20 constituencies of the Punjab Assembly. In this regard, Maryam Nawaz will start visits to constituencies from Saturday. While on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Maryam Nawaz will visit Lahore constituencies. It is pertinent to mention that the seats fell vacant after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-seated 25 members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for voting for Hamza Shahbaz in an election for Punjab Chief Minister.

Sindh withdraws haleem adil Sheikh’s security KARACHI Staff RepoRt

The Sindh government has ‘withdrawn’ security provided to the Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Haleem Adil Sheikh. According to details, the police personnel provided to PTI MPA Haleem Adil Sheikh for security have been withdrawn. In a statement, Haleem Adil said that it is the responsibility of the provincial government to provide security to the Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly.

“I have received a call today that my security has been withdrawn,” he added. The PTI MPA said he had highlighted the matter of dire threats to his life few days earlier in a press conference, but the PPP-led Sindh

On the orders of Punjab Ombudsman retired Maj. Azam Suleman Khan, nine tube wells have been made functional by the administration in the Vohwa area of Dera Ghazi Khan to provide clean drinking water to the locals.

Similarly, six tube wells have been converted to solar energy to ensure water supply during load shedding. In a statement issued here on Wednesday, a spokesman of the office of the ombudsman said that 2,584 local households would get clean drinking water as a result of action taken on the complaint of one Muhammad Anwar of Taunsa tehsil.

Besides, water connections of 68 households have also been restored after the involvement of the ombudsman office, he added.

Acting on the orders of the ombudsman office issued on request of another complainant Wasim Abbas of Jampur tehsil, the town committee Rajanpur has taken steps to provide clean drinking water to Mohalla Sadat Hajipur which has brought relief of

Rs717,000 to the locals.

In another development, an Rs0.7 million project was in the process of completion to connect the sewerage line with the drainage system which would provide a clean environment to the local population, the spokesman mentioned.

Meanwhile, the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department has issued a warning letter to one Dr Rabia Bashir, a gynaecologist at THQ Hospital at Chowk Sarwar Shaheed in Muzaffargarh on the complaint of Multan’s Muhammad Nasir. It has also asked the medical superintendent to keep the Ultrasound machines fully functional.

Following the direction of the Punjab ombudsman to decide the issue of teachers’ recruitment and their postings according to law, the school education department has recommended disciplinary action under Section 9 of PEEDA Act, 2006 against Asma Yousaf Headmistress GMPS Armywala, Zaitoon Bibi Assistant Education Officer (Markaz) Isa Khel No. 2 and Mrs Shabana Manzoor Deputy District Education Officer Isa Khel Mianwali district, the spokesman said.

Universities need to focus on impactful research: Tanveer ISLAMABAD NewS DeSk

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday emphasized that universities should focus on research with outstanding impact on society and the economy.

The minister was speaking at a ceremony held at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) held to celebrate the academic excellence of the university as it recently secured a place among the best universities of the world in three international prestigious rankings.

The QAU was ranked 41st in research productivity and 363rd globally by QS World University Rankings 2023. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 placed QAU as the No 1 institution of higher education in Pakistan and 116th in Asia. The US News and World Report ranked QAU as the No.1 university in Pakistan and 461 globally.

Flanked by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Tanveer urged the faculty to engage the industry and provide cost-effective solutions.

The minister assured that all issues including the financial matters of the university would be solved on priority. He congratulated the faculty, staff and students of the university for achieving global rankings and growth in research excellence.

Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor Quaidi-Azam University, briefed the audience regarding the

achievements of the University.

He said that the university continued to score highly in international rankings during the last four years. In recent QS World University Rankings, QAU’s highest climb was in the research productivity and citations per faculty; the ranking agency placed QAU at 41st place.

The vice chancellor said that commitment and hard work of the faculty and staff were acknowledged by the international recognition earned by the university.

He said that several new offices were established at QAU, including the Directorate of Students’ Affairs, Directorate of Academics, Directorate of Estate, Career Counseling Office, Placement Office, and Business Incubation Centre to facilitate the students and to generate student-centric activities. He said that in 2021-22 research projects of Rs252 million were completed while there were 107 ongoing research projects in different fields.

Dr Shaista Sohail, Chairperson of the Higher Education Commission, said that it was a matter of great pride that the high standards set by Quaid-i-Azam University were soon recognized by the international ranking groups whose appreciation reflected through various ranking systems.

A large number of faculty, students, staff and alumni attended the ceremony.

larkana gets rescue 1122 service NEwS DESK After Karachi, Sindh government has launched Rescue 1122 service in the Larkana district. This was announced by Chief Secretary Sindh Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput. “Soon Rescue 1122 service will be started in all the big cities of the province,” Rajput said while presiding over a review meeting of Rescue 1122 Services. He further said that Rescue 1122 service would be launched in Thatta and Sujawal and soon 315 ambulances would be added to Rescue 1122. Rescue 1122 services will be run in the entire province and all emergency departments will operate through Rescue 1122 so that during any emergency people need to contact 1122 service only. In the meeting, Administrator Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that fire brigade will also be operated through Rescue 1122 from today and in case of any emergency, 1122 will be approached and ambulance and fire brigade will also come for the rescue operation. Funds are being released for Ambulances services under 1122 and the ambulances are being handed over from Sindh Resilience Project to SIEHS and a total of 315 ambulances will operate in the province, the meeting told.

Prolonged outages: Sindh minister hints at nationalising K-electric KARACHI NewS DeSk

Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh has hinted at nationalising the sole power provider in Karachi, KElectric, saying that the provincial government took notice of the prolonging loadshedding. During a media briefing here on Wednesday, Imtiaz Shaikh said that the Sindh government has ordered the KElectric management to provide loadshedding schedule. “K-Electric is claiming that only announced loadshedding is being made for 7-8 hours in Karachi,” the minister informed and added that KElectric has assured the government of improving the power supply to Karachiites within 24 hours. The Sindh government has taken notice of the power outages, whereas, loadshedding also increasing the water crisis. “If it is needed, K-Electric will be nationalized”, the minster threatened and added that law and order situation has worsened following prolonged power outages in two to three days. The provincial minister said that he held a meeting with KE’s chief executive officer (CEO) following the directives of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

The government also took notice of the worsening situation of the law and order. “K-Electric administration has said that Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) reduced gas supply. KE admin has also apprised the government regarding their problems.”

Thursday, 30 June, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

05

SinO-PAKiSTAn TieS enTeR new PHASe AS CHinA’S SeniOR leAdeR CAllS On PM SHeHBAz, Gen BAjwA conTInUED froM pAgE 01

H Areej Khan Takes Charge As Chief Human Resource Officer At Telenor ISLAMABAD pR

Telenor Pakistan announced that Areej Khan had been appointed the chief human resource officer. Areej has been associated with Telenor Pakistan since the pre-launch phase over 18 years ago. Areej was heading the Digital Division as Vice President in her most recent role. During her tenure, she helped shape Telenor Pakistan’s digital strategy while the company emphasised growth through industry-leading initiatives, including launching the biggest esports platform, GameBird. Before her time in digital, Areej held leadership roles across several functions, including Communications and Sustainability in Corporate Affairs and Digital Marketing in the Commercial Division.

Areej is taking over from Oystein Bakken, who joined at the onset of COVID-19 two and a half years ago. His term comes to a close as he moves on to assume his next role in Telenor Norway, where he will be working with reshaping Telenor in transforming the Nordics in technology. Oystein has been part of Telenor for over 15 years. He took charge of the human capital division (HCD) at the onset of COVID and successfully navigated many people and engagementrelated challenges. Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO of Telenor Pakistan, remarked, “Areej’s appointment is a reflection of Telenor’s drive to cultivate and hone its home-grown talent.

Her deep understanding of Telenor’s culture and people will continue to set us apart in the industry. We look forward to Areej helping us accelerate our people agenda even further.

“I extend my gratitude to Oystein for his many contributions as CHRO and the enthusiasm with which he drove the organisation forward. I wish him the best of luck in the future.” Khawaja Shariq Mustafa will take the baton from Areej as VP of Digital, bringing his diverse multiorganisational experience in commercial segments, sales, brands and digital marketing to the division.

Balochistan generated Rs190m from mineral sector in FY2021-22 QUETTA app

The Balochistan government collected Rs190 million from minerals sector during the current financial year.

The government has collected the huge amount from mining sector and deposited in the national treasury, an official of the Balochistan government said.

He said the government had issued around 96 licenses to the companies interested in mining and exploration of natural resources in the province to boost the mining business in the province and provide jobs opportunities for local people.

The government has also taken strict action against the illegal mining and canceled 198 licenses of the exploration companies working in the province.

Computerized weighing scales had been installed besides increasing mining check posts in the province and upgrading royalty system in line with the modern technology, he added.

The official said that the Department of Mines and Minerals would launch a project of digitization of royalty system to bring transparency in revenue collection management.

He said that the step would bring improvement in the mining sector.

E reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhanced measures for safety, security and protection of the Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in the country.

Recalling the recent visit of tri-services delegation to China led by the Chief of Army Staff, he expressed satisfaction at the expanding defence and security cooperation between Pakistan and China which was contributing to the regional peace and stability.

While emphasizing the need for enhanced people-to-people contacts, he thanked China for facilitating return of Pakistani students to resume their oncampus studies, and expressed hope that the remaining students would be able to return soon.

The prime minister also appreciated Chinese decision for the resumption of PIA flights to China and increasing the frequency of weekly flights.

Exchanging views on international issues of mutual interest, he also highlighted the adverse impact of India’s unabated repression and gross violations of human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The prime minister thanked China for its principled stance and steadfast support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The prime minister and director Yang also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan including the humanitarian and economic crises.

The need for international cooperation and unfreezing of assets to avert humanitarian catastrophe and ease the misery of the Afghan people was underscored.

Extending a warm welcome to Di-

rector Yang, the prime minister conveyed the most cordial greetings and best wishes for President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

The prime minister noted that director Yang’s visit marked the continuation of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China, which were the hallmark of the time-tested all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

He also recalled his extensive conversation with Premier Li Keqiang in May 2022, during which both leaders had reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on the regional and international situation.

At the head of a high-level delegation, Director Yang is paying a visit to Pakistan on June 29 and 30. On arrival in Islamabad, Yang was received by Syed Tariq Fatemi and Mr. Zafaruddin Mahmood, Special Assistants to the Prime Minister, and Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Additional Secretary, and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet in honour of Director Yang and his accompanying delegation. During the visit, the two sides concluded following Protocols/MoUs: MoU on terms of reference/scope of works of G2G joint technical working group for realignment of Karakoram Highway from Thakot to Raikot, protocol on the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for Rhodes grass exported from Pakistan to China, protocol on quarantine and health requirements for buffalo embryos to be exported from Pakistan to China and acceptance letter of 3000 sets of solar home system.

The Chinese side announced the

roll-over of $2 billion SAFE deposits.

It was also conveyed that China would export 200,000 MT of urea fertilizer to Pakistan.

Reiterating cordial invitation to President Xi Jinping, the prime minister said the people of Pakistan were looking forward to welcoming President Xi on his next state visit to Pakistan at the earliest.

Chinese leader calls on Gen Bajwa Separately, the senior Chinese CPC leader called on COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa here at the GHQ. The meeting of Mr Yang Jiechi with the COAS is considered very important and a follow-up of the meetings held during the recent visit of COAS Gen Bajwa to Beijing.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, defence collaboration, progress on CPEC and regional security were discussed in detail.

The COAS said that Pakistan values China’s role in global and regional affairs and Pakistan looks forward to enhance bilateral strategic partnership.

“COAS reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to cooperate with its international partners for peace and stability in the region,” the ISPR quoted the army chief as saying.

The visiting dignitary thanked COAS for special measures taken for provision of safe and secure environment for Chinese personnel employed on various projects in Pakistan and efforts towards regional stability. He also assured to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

The COAS had not only led a highlevel military delegation to Beijing from 9-12 June and held delegationlevel talks with the deputy chief of the

10pc ‘Super Tax’ okayed: Finance Bill 2022-23 sails through NA conTInUED froM pAgE 01 The government had initially set the target for revenues of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) at Rs7.004 trillion for the fiscal year 2022-23 while due to the addition of new tax measures, the tax target has been increased to Rs7.47 trillion. Similarly, for other individuals whose annual income exceeds Rs150 million will be taxed at 1%c; for Rs200 million at 2%c; Rs250 million at 3%c; and Rs300 million at 4% of their income.

Furthermore, the government also reversed the decision of providing Rs47 billion relief to the lower and middle income salaried people. The tax exemption limit has been reversed to annual income of Rs600,000 from Rs1.2 million, whereas the fixed tax of Rs100 has been replaced with a 2.5% tax for individuals earning between Rs600,000 and Rs1.2 million.

Similarly, the persons earning between Rs 1.2 million to Rs 2.4 million per year would have to pay 12.5% of the amount exceeding Rs 1.2 million besides a fixed tax of Rs 15,000. The individuals earning Rs2.4 million to Rs3.6 million a year will be charged at Rs165,000 plus 20% of the amount exceeding Rs2.4 million. Those earning Rs3.6 million to Rs6 million per year will be charged at Rs 405,000 plus 25% of the amount exceeding Rs3.6 million.In the sixth slab, people with an annual income of Rs6 million to Rs12 million will be charged at 32.5% of the amount exceeding Rs6 million plus fixed amount of Rs 1.005 million.

Those earning more than Rs12 million a year will be charged at Rs2.955 million plus 35% of the amount exceeding Rs12 million.

According to the Bill, duty on the import of equipment for the film industry including projectors, loud speakers and 3D glasses was abolished.

JUI minister vows to continue struggle for free and transparent elections Minister for Communications Asad Mahmood on Wednesday said that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUIP) would continue struggle for free, fair and transparent elections in the country and not allow rigging in this process. He stated this while addressing here in the National Assembly after the speech of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding conduct of local government elections in Sindh.

He said that JUIP believed in the democratic process and it always struggled for fair and transparent elections. He said that the reforms were being carried out by the government regarding the electoral process. Asad Mahmood said that the coalition parties presented a balanced budget and it had been discussed in detail in the parliament. The government has presented a good budget in the current situation and country will emerge from the crisis, he added. News Desk

Balochistan govt to establish IT parks at Quetta, Gwadar and other big cities The Balochistan government has decided to establish the Information Technology (IT) Park at provincial capital in a bid to provide one step solution to expand IT enterprises.

The project would be expanded to establish IT parks in other big cities of the province including Gwadar.

The goals of the project were to provide e-governance, public access to digital services, and affordable and high-speed internet facility, said an official of Balochistan government.

The decision was taken for the promotion of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) companies

in the province through digital capability, digital economy, software and IT, he added.

The government, he said, had been working for the digital transformation across all government sectors in a phased manner to bring efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency in its processes for moving towards socioeconomic growth and knowledge-based economy.

The broad initiative objectives were not limited to the infrastructure and e-governance support, rather it also aimed at promoting entrepreneurial spirit so that the fruits of that technology would be available to every citizen.

The government intended to improve the quality of

living standards of its citizens through systematic digital transformation, the official said.

He further said that the government would establish a modern centralized data centre in the province and would also strengthen the Chief Minister Delivery Unit.

The e-governance would lead to socioeconomic growth, job creation, social connectivity, and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he said.

The spokesman said that his government had started a uniform development process across the province and all available resources were being utilised for the socioeconomic development of the people. News Desk

PLA but he also he had met with President Xi Jinping who is also the chief of the PLA. A source told Pakistan Today that during the meeting, Pakistan and China decided to expand the bilateral cooperation to the next stage and key decisions would be taken in the near future in this regard.

According to the Foreign Office, during his two-day visit, Director Yang Jiechi will hold talks with the foreign minister and call on the prime minister.

It further said that Director Yang Jiechi will be accompanied by vice ministers for foreign affairs and commerce, vice chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), and deputy secretary general of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The visit is part of the regular highlevel exchanges between Pakistan and China. Recently, these interactions included a virtual meeting between the foreign ministers on May 11, 2022; Prime Minister Shehbaz’s telephone call with Premier Li on May 16, 2022; and foreign minister’s visit to China on May 21-22, 2022.

According to the Foreign Office statement, Director Yang’s visit reflects the importance attached by Pakistan and China to further deepen their “allweather strategic cooperative partnership”, reaffirm mutual support on issues of each other’s core interests, enhance economic engagement, explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation for betterment of the two peoples, advance high-quality development of CPEC, and coordinate positions on important regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Bilawal cautions PM against coalition partners’ concerns conTInUED froM pAgE 01 The MQM-P raised reservations about the attitude of the coalition ministers of the government in the National Assembly and threatened to sit on the opposition benches.

MNA Sheikh Salahuddin while addressing the National Assembly said that MQM-P has paid a heavy political price for this government, if they are to be given such answers in the assembly by ministers then we will not hesitate to sit on this side.

Another lawmaker, Sabir QaimKhani staged a walkout from the assembly over no resolution to the problems of Hyderabad. Qaimkhani said that if the problems are not solved, then there is no need to remain in ministries, it’s useless.

The MQM-P lawmaker said that no priority was given to the projects of their areas in the budget, without taking anyone’s name, he said one person is not allowing our projects to be included in the budget. Federal Minister Murtaza Javed Abbasi held talks with MQM members after they staged a walkout from the National Assembly (NA).

48 dengue suspects bring to Rawalpindi hospitals within 24 hours The number of dengue suspects at the district hospital’s dengue ward continuously increased while the District Health Authority had made arrangements to control the situation.

District Coordinator of Epidemics Prevention and Control (DCEPC), Dr Sajjad Mehmood on Wednesday said that 48 dengue fever suspects had been brought to the district’s health facilities during the last 24 hours, out of which three were declared probable.

Giving details of the suspects, he informed that Wah General Hospital had recorded nine, Tehsil Headquarters Hospital,(THQ)Taxila eight, THQ Gujjar Khan six, THQ Kotli Sattian and Benazir Bhutto Hospital each four, THQ Kahutta three while two probable cases were listed at Holy Family Hospital of total five suspects and District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Rawalpindi registered three suspects including one probable patient.

The health officer said all efforts were being made to control dengue cases in Rawalpindi district, adding, “Dengue fever situation is under control, and the threat of dengue fever spread will end with the weather conditions. News Desk

06-07 Comments - 30th June 2022_Layout 1 6/30/2022 12:35 AM Page 1

Thursday, 30 June, 2022

06 COMMENT

Disasters in search of positive results

A lesson from Karachi power protests Urgency of cheap power production

The decades spent in seeking positive results

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N Tuesday tens of thousands of people came out into the streets in Karachi on a second consecutive day to protest against power shortages which had also caused water shortage in the city. It was sizzling hot with the mercury rising to 34°C. A helpless Chief Minister routinely called on KeSC to end power outages, knowing well that his appeal would have little impact. With human suffering becoming unbearable power riots erupted in as many as 18 areas where crowds of discontented men, women and children participated in the protest The police finally managed to restore traffic by making arrests, resorting to baton charge and tear gas shelling. This led to several being injured while an elderly woman reportedly died during the protests. There were reports of shipments of fruit and vegetables to other countries having been delayed as a result of prolonged traffic jams.

Karachi presents a glimpse of what could happen in many other cities of the country in coming months.

Pakistan currently faces a power crisis as the energy shortfall exceeds 5000 MW and there are reports of up to 12 hours of load shedding in most cities across the country whereas the situation is even worse in rural areas.

Meanwhile Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik admits that the country simply cannot compete with the buying power of european countries who were also bidding for LNG in the market. It is not yet clear if the allied administration would be able to procure enough crude oil or coal, whose prices are also rising, to fulfill the country’s rising power needs, while at the same time provide affordable electric supply to the people. Unless the government manages to perform the houdini act, it could soon be facing the wrath of the people all over the country.

Senator Malik needs to avoid hoping for miracles.

Instead of expecting that the upcoming monsoon would turn the tide of the power crisis, he should evolve both short term and long term policies to resolve the power crisis. The possibility of acquiring sufficient coal though local currency from nearby Afghanistan should be explored. Attempts should also be made to increase local production of furnace oil. Simultaneously, large investments need to be made in solar and wind energy.

Dr FariD a Malik

W

ITh the removal of the elected government of Imran Khan on April 9, Pakistan is at the crossroads again. On 5 July 1977 General Zia-ul-haq took control of the country on the promise of holding elections within the stipulated period of 90 days. he extended his misrule for over 11 years (July 1977 to August 1988) on the excuse of ‘Positive Results’ which meant government of choice.

In order to counter the political appeal of Bhutto’s PPP he discovered Mian Muhammad Sharif of Gawalmandi to help him. On his recommendation his eldest son Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was inducted into the provincial cabinet as Finance Minister. Unlike his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, NS was fond of extra-curricular activities like wrestling, playing cricket in Bagh-e-Jinnah and acting under the tutelage of the famous comedian of his times, Rangila. Once in, there was no looking back, NS managed to become Punjab Chief Minister to counter Benazir Bhutto who had been elected Prime Minster in the 1988 electoral contest.

With the help of the establishment, he then got himself elevated as PM after the dismissal of the Benazir government in 1990. In search of absolute power, once in control of the federal and the provincial governments, he decided to go after his mentor President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. empowered by the draconian Zia Amendment to the constitution, Article 58 (2b), GIK dismissed his government. he then flexed his influence within the Judiciary which restored his regime.

Now it was one on one with GIK the face versus the embryo of the establishment. In order to save the federation, then COAS Gen Waheed Kakar intervened and under a compromise both were sent packing.

FBR revenue collection Tough to maintain

T

he Federal Board of Revenue has finished the fiscal year, 2021-2022 with a flourish, and has achieved a revenue collection of Rs 6000 billion, against the budgeted Rs 5829 billion, which was especially commendable after the government had removed taxes from petroleum since March. There was a 29 percent increase over the previous year’s collection of Rs 4651 billion. A similar jump will be needed for this year’s target of Rs 7000 billion. however, while the FBR settles to the task of collecting that amount in the fiscal year starting July 1, there is an odd dispute going on between the present government and the former PTI government as to who can claim credit for this extraordinary collection, particularly the strong collection in the last quarter, which made sure the FBR stayed ahead of target. The present government cannot claim both that the previous one laid ‘landmines’ for it, and yet take credit for any positive measures it took. If former Finance Minister says the collection was due to his measures, he deserves as much credit as energy Minister hammad Azhar deserves blame for failing to import furnace oil and LNG. A lot of the growth in collection was driven by imports, with such items as customs duty, advance income tax and excise duty registering an indicative increase. however, that sector might not only fail to register any growth, but might see a decline, because of the ban that has been slapped on the import of luxury goods. Not only are such goods of higher value, but they are more often than not also subject to excises collected at the import stage.

The main hope for the FBR in meeting its collection targets for this fiscal will come from the various levies and taxes that will come on fuel, and which will be reintroduced from July 1 under pressure from the IMF. Though these levies might gladden the hearts of the FBR, they will make the ordinary consumer scream, hardpressed as he is by an inflation that already has made him miserable. While Rs2,191 billion in income tax was collected last year, against Rs1,671 billion the year before, bringing more taxpayers into the tax net will yield more revenue than merely squeezing the existing taxpayer.

The Agnipath scheme raises hackles

aMjeD jaaveD

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he protest against the Indian government’s agnipath (in the line of fire) scheme to train agniveers (fire sons) continues unabated. even the farmers’ unions have joined the protests. The farmers regard India’s prime minister Narendra Modi as an anti-poor protégé of “crony capitalism” (Adani, Advani et al). The farmers point out that it is the farming community that mostly contributes their children to the Army. The agniveers sacked pension-less after four years would be a burden on the farming sector when they return home.

The Agnipath scheme was launched by the government for recruitment in all the three services wings, army, navy and air force of the Indian Armed Forces.

According to the scheme, 75 percent of the recruits will be sent back while 25 per cent will be absorbed in the armed forces after four years of service.

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Political oPPosition: The scheme is being denounced by various sections of the society from across the country.

There have been violent protests at many places.

The Congress staged a protest against the scheme in

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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

India’s Agniveers : RSS’s Nazi-like militia?

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Since then there has been no looking back. NS has survived and remains untouchable, has proven himself to be the biggest debacle of the establishment.

With the deep influence of his party in the bureaucracy and the judiciary in Punjab together with his financial empire he remains out of reach of the state apparatus and the laws of the land.

In search of ‘Positive Results’ the nation has been detracked not once but several times. Despite gaining freedom in 1947 the ‘Colonial establishment’ (armed forces, judiciary, bureaucracy) remains in its original form till today. Pakistan was envisioned as a Constitutional republic, yet the effort to produce a consensual document took about nine years (1947 to 1956) and a republic emerged with Iskander Mirza the first President and the last Governor General. elections under the constitution were planned for 1958.

Fearing strutural changes President Mirza and the then Army Chief Ayub Khan conspired to derail the entire process for the purposes of producing ‘Positive Results’ as envisioned by them. Both Mirza and Khan were graduates of the prestigious Military Academy at Sandhurst; Mirza then opted to join the civil service and held important positions in the bureaucracy.

Finally the transition to democracy was hijacked

by Khan who clamped martial law in October 1958 and abrogated the constitution which was the beginning of the end for the Quaid’s Pakistan and the dream of freedom for which many lives were lost.

The superior judiciary under Chief Justice Muhammad Munir provided cover to the usurper.

Khan then decided to create his own subservient political leadership by sending the founding fathers home under his eBDO Ordinance (elected Bodies Disqualification Ordinance). hussain Shaheed Suharwardy, the brilliant lawyer and the undisputed leader of the eastern Wing, challenged his disqualification in the tribunal and was exonerated. After consolidating his evil empire, Khan decided to seek legitimacy through elections in early 1965. Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was fielded against the dictator. She demanded restoration of the 1956 constitution and a return to parliamentary democracy. It proved to be the lastditch effort to save the federation by neutralizing the ‘Positive Results’ mantra of the dictator. She did not win but seriously dented the power of the dictator Bhutto as a popular leader was able to overcome some of the ‘Positive Results’ of the Khan era. In the first free and fair elections of 1970 several ‘establishment Politicians’ like the Chaudhrys of Gujrat and Pirs of Sindh had to bite the dust. Bhutto succeeded in formulating another consensual constitution in 1973 and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan emerged.

The democratic era proved to be short lived and the ‘Boots’ were back for another round of ‘Positive Results’. The Benazir- Nawaz tussle weakened the democratic order which led to an institutional col-

lapse. Then came the ‘Charter of Democracy’ (COD) which was meant to contain the establishment grip over power but it led to widespread misappropriation of wealth and turned into ‘Charter of Corruption’.

As the fourth usurper, Pervez Musharraf tried the same approach. In search of ‘Positive Results’ he created his own brand of politicians which included the Khans of Lahore, Tareens of Multan, Mehars and Jatois of Sindh among others, while the Chaudhrys of Gujrat continued. In order to end military interventions, NS decided to try General Musharraf for high treason under Article 6 of the Constitution. It was indeed a bold move on part of a political leader who himself was a product of the establishment under the doctrine of ‘Positive Results’.

Despite being a constitutional democracy, no one seems to take the constitution seriously. In the end the colonial establishment survives and the ‘Positive Results’ approach prevails. every country has an establishment that is designed to serve, not rule as has been the case in the land of the pure. There have been short but weak attempts at reforming the state institutions.

The founding fathers tried (1947 to 1958) and then the Bhutto regime (1971 to 1977) after which it has been downhill. In the interim 1972 constitution Clause 216 was enacted for the formation of administrative accountability to provide relief to the public against rampant executive abuse.

A toned down version was then included, Clause 212 in the permanent version which was removed in 1979 by the third usurper. In other words no relief to the public, only ‘Positive Results’. It seems no lessons have been learnt.

Democracy has its own dynamics as it was born in the noise of the Bazaars of Athens around 520 BC. It produces its own results which can neither be predicted, controlled nor manipulated. Credible, free and fair election is the way forward for reforms to take place. Only ‘ Awaz-e-Khalq’ (Voice of the masses) has to be heard to move forward; every other approach is misleading and farcical.

The current experiment to produce ‘ Positive Results ‘ has been disastrous and deserves to be discontinued to contain the damage caused by this unwanted adventurism. The role of every institution has been defined in the constitution which must be followed in letter and spirit.

Without major structural changes in the establishment, good governance and reforms will remain a pipe dream and impose corrupt- to-the-core leadership to rule over us. Over 220 million people of Pakistan are not for sale, neither can its land be used for the evil designs of others. Real results will be achieved only when everyone decides to stand up and be counted; the thrust of numbers can overcome the fear of the bullet.

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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Delhi, and other opposition parties, including Aam Adami Party (AAP), also joined the protests.

The former Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy is of the view that agnipath is a “figment of the RSSs imagination”. The RSS is running the country and the prime minister Narendra Modi is its (RSS’s) puppet. Kumaraswamy alleged that the RSS would use the Agniveers to take over the Army and begin Nazi rule in India. To quote his words, “Maybe they (RSS) want to implement that (Nazi rule) in our country, for which they’ve created Agnipath or Anginveer.

“The 2.5 lakh people who are retained in Agnipath, they’ll be RSS workers then. It’s an RSS hidden agenda, and the remaining 75 percent who are sent out after four years will be spread to the rest of India.

RSS wants to take over control of the Army”.

Telangana Congress’s senior vice president G Niranjan said there are doubts that the Agnipath scheme has been brought mainly to train the RSS, Bajrang Dal and BJP members in military combat and demanded that the top BJP leaders, including prime minister Narendra Modi and Union defence minister Rajnath Singh, should give clarity on this allegation to the people of the nation.

A day after the Union government, on June 14, announced the Agnipath recruitment scheme for the armed forces, several state governments announced they will give preference to retired ‘Agniveers’ while recruiting the police force. India’s Union home Ministry subsequently announced10 per cent reservation and upper-age limit relaxation for agniveers for recruitment to central armed paramilitary forces (CAPFs) and the Assam Rifles.

Critics point out the difference in training imparted to the police and army personnel. The armed forces are trained to identify and kill enemies. But, the police are involved in prevention and detection of crime and prosecution. Most importantly, civilian policing requires a reformist and friendly healingtouch approach.

It is because of the difference in the way the army and police are trained and function that deployment of Army in civilian areas for maintenance of law and

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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order is a carefully considered decision. The Army has not been deployed in Maoist-affected areas for the same reason. The police are a public-facing force while the Army is an enemy-facing organisation.

Army deployments for policing was not successful in Northern Ireland under Operation Banner. A case in point is the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by British forces in Amritsar in 1919, which led to a review of imposition of martial law in the future years.

A probable reason for creating the new militia is to reduce the burden of military pensions. India’s exservicemen staged long protests to get a one-rank-one pension accepted by the government. As per the existing financially cumbersome policy, an officer retired ten years back gets the same pension as one retired today.

More than half the defence budget is allocated for pensions every year. Over 70 percent of the defence budget is being used for revenue expenditure (operating expenses), while only about 30 percent is spent on capital expenditure, meant for the modernisation of the forces.

India’s budgeted expenditure for defence pensions in 2022-23 is higher than the health and education Ministries’ revenue expenditures and just below those of the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministries. Moreover, defence pensioners form half of all Union government retirees and are double the number of ex-railway employees. The number of defence pensioners has increased by around a million in just the last seven years. India has to pay pension to Nepalese Gorkhas who return to their homeland.

It is very likely that the Indian government would use the agniveers to crush the minorities. The agniveers may end up as RSS’s foot soldiers to eliminate rebellious minorities. Already, a so-called hindu religious parliament (dharma sansad) has called upon the hindus to buy the latest versions of arms to conduct genocide of the Muslim population.

The writer is a freelance journalist, has served in the Pakistan government for 39 years and holds degrees in economics, business administration, and law. He can be reached at amjedjaaved@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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Thursday, 30 June, 2022

COMMENT 07 Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

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Soaring cases of online scam in Pakistan

The mistrust of previous failures must be overcome Myanmar-Bangladesh meeting on Rohingya repatriation

Parvej SiDDique Bhuiyan

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OhINGyAS have rallied in their refugee camp to return to Myanmar.

Demonstration processions and rallies were held under the banner of the Rohingya community in a joint venture at Rohingya Camp No. 26 and 27 in Teknaf Upazila on June 19.

Rohingyas have rallied demanding immediate repatriation. The rally was held on Sunday morning at the Lombashia camp in Ukhia, ignoring the rain. Rohingyas took part in the rally under the banner ‘Go home’. On the occasion of World Refugee Day on June 20, several rallies are expected to be held at different places in the Rohingya camp. In these rallies, they will raise some demands including trial of those guilty of genocide and speedy repatriation.

Amidst these, despite having the ongoing crises around the world, there is some positive news for the world: Myanmar has expressed interest in accepting back some Rohingya in Rakhine. According to media reports, the Myanmar-Bangladesh joint working group for repatriation of Muslim refugees held its fifth meeting via video conferencing on June 14. The meeting was reportedly attended by junta regime Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary U Chan Aye and Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry Secretary Masud Bin Momen. The issue appears to be extremely critical and significant at this time. Myanmar’s military is beginning to recognize Rohingyas as Rakhine people (Myanmar). It is commendable that Myanmar recognizes the long-term realities.

Myanmar, on the other hand, should show willingness and commitment to return the Rohingyas. It would be realistic if Myanmar ensured that its goodwill was put into action.

Bangladesh has consistently emphasized the importance of facilitating the early repatriation of Myanmar’s Rakhine state’s displaced people.

The two parties talked about the problems of the verification process and how they aim to begin repatriating individuals who have been verified by Myanmar. According to media reports, they also discussed plans for voluntary returnee resettlement and trust-building.

The two parties talked about the problems of the verification process and how they aim to begin repatriating individuals who have been verified by Myanmar. According to state-run media, they also discussed plans for voluntary returnee resettlement and trust-building.

According to the report, the Myanmar side discussed measures to ensure security and rule of law in Rakhine State, including the renovation of transit camps and houses in villages where returnees will be resettled; plans to create jobs and provide education and healthcare to returnees; and cooperation with partner countries, including ASeAN and UN agencies, in the repatriation process.

The two sides discussed the issues with Myanmar’s verification procedure and how they plan to start repatriating people who have been validated by Myanmar. They also reviewed plans for voluntary returnee resettlement and trust-building, according to state-run media.

The Myanmar side discussed measures to ensure security and the rule of law in Rakhine State, including the renovation of transit camps and houses in villages where returnees will be resettled; plans to create jobs and provide education and healthcare to returnees; and cooperation with partner countries, including ASeAN and UN agencies in the repatriation process, according to the report.

Muslim refugees in Bangladesh are unlikely to return to Myanmar for the time being, according to Arakan State analysts, due to the increasingly tense dynamics that have surrounded last year’s coup, and the delicate situation in Arakan State in particular. however, it is encouraging to see signs of movement in negotiations for the repatriation of Myanmar’s Rohingya ethnic minority from Bangladesh, who were forcibly expelled from Myanmar in 2017. Myanmar understood that any delay regarding the repatriation can destabilize the region. It is true that Long-term uncertainty about repatriation may encourage Rohingya refugees to engage in criminal activity. Many Rohingya are becoming disgruntled as a result of the prolonged ambiguity surrounding their repatriation.

When the Rohingya discover that there is no sign of the repatriation, they may engage more in human trafficking, prostitution, and illegal drug dealing. As a result, the entire region might be thrown off balance.

Bangladesh had previously signed bilateral agreements with Myanmar on 30 October 2017 and 30 October 2018. however, the world did not witness the accords being implemented, espite the fact that Bangladesh is home to over a million Rohingya refugees. A total of 0.7 million new people has arrived, with 0.4 million already present.

Bangladesh has demonstrated its humanity by sheltering such a large number of Rohingya Muslims. Myanmar, on the other hand, has long been a contentious issue both at home and abroad.

Bangladesh wants Myanmar to speed up the verification of Rohingya so that they can begin their repatriation, which has been delayed for the past five years due to unfavourable conditions in Rakhine, according to the Rohingya.

Bangladesh also highlighted the importance of maintaining the security, livelihood, and wellbeing of the returnees at the fifth meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on the repatriation of Rohingya, which was conducted electronically.

Following deadly military campaigns in 2017, around 750,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh. The Rohingya were unable to be repatriated despite numerous attempts, claiming that the conditions in Rakhine State were unsuitable and that they would lose their citizenship if they returned.

During the epidemic, no bilateral contacts occurred for more than two years. In January, Bangladesh and Myanmar had a virtual conference of the technical level “Ad-hoc Task Force for Verification of Rakhine Displaced Persons.”

Bangladesh intends to repatriate 750000 Rohingya Muslims over the course of many years.

And this repatriation is meant to be voluntary and conducted in a secure setting. This approach will also involve the United Nations. elections, military coups, and the covid-19 outbreak in Myanmar have all slowed down the process of Rohingya repatriation. Discussions continued on January 26 at a virtual meeting of the two countries’ technical committees.

Despite international criticism, Myanmar’s

government reached an agreement with Bangladesh to return the Rohingya, but the process has yet to begin. Myanmar, on the other hand, has consistently used a variety of techniques to hinder the repatriation process. On the Rohingya situation, the international world has also been silent. They ended their ‘responsibility’ with boastful statements; on the contrary.

PM Sheikh hasina Wajid, has always acted humanely in the Rohingya crisis. In the end, Myanmar’s existing interests should not be manipulated. Bangladesh, as always, must be watchful in this situation.

If we desire a successful and long-lasting repatriation of Rohingyas in Rakhine, the international community must now push Myanmar to follow certain international customary law on Rohingya repatriation. The Myanmar government must meet the following criteria: 1) At first, the Myanmar authorities must keep their word and implement the accord without any delay. Without its implementation, there is no outcome of that meeting. Myanmar must ensure that the repatriation of Rohingya Muslims is safe, continuous, dignified, and long-term.

2) They should change the citizenship law of 1982. In Myanmar, they must recognize Rohingya as a legal ethnic group.

3) The Rohingya must have a safe haven in their birthplace, Rakhine.

4) They must comply with the Kofi Annan Commission’s (Advisory Commission on Rakhine State) recommendations and the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s suggestions at the 74th, 75th, and 76th United Nations General Assembly.

5) Analysts warn Bangladesh to be cautious if Myanmar decides to repatriate 700 individuals. They must stay true to its word. Myanmar must affirm that it would return all Rohingya refugees stuck in Bangladesh.

6) It must be committed to making the process a continuous one. The Rohingya people would be repatriated in a continual stage.

7) Bangladesh needs to strengthen its diplomatic ties. In light of the projected Rohingya repatriation, Bangladesh must take a comprehensive stance on the Rohingya issue in many forums. Third parties, such as the United Nations high Commissioner for Refugees, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and even third countries, can be involved in the process.

8) Myanmar must treat Bangladesh as a friendly neighbour. It is not conceivable for Myanmar and Bangladesh to swap neighbours. In essence, Myanmar and Bangladesh must cooperate in a neighbourly manner. To overcome the longstanding Rohingya conflict, Myanmar and Bangladesh must deepen their connections.

Resolving the regional humanitarian problem would benefit the entire region of South Asia and Southeast Asia.

9) Myanmar must have goodwill in order to engage Bangladesh positively. The international community is hoping for a long-term solution to the Rohingya problem. The safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya individuals from Bangladesh to Myanmar would require a solution to the Rohingya situation.

Myanmar’s proposed Rohingya repatriation, all assurance to Bangladesh procedure at the fifth meeting via video conferencing, on the other hand, must be smoothly implemented, ongoing, and long-term. There mustn’t be just paperwork, virtual meetings, verbal promises. There must be a safe, dignified repatriation which needs to be smoothly and promptly implemented.

The writer can be reached at psbhuiyan92@gmail.com

ReCeNTLy, I received a direct message from a cousin via the messenger app of a social media website. The message stated that he had lost his wallet, money and ATM cards while travelling abroad, and sought financial assistance through an international cash transfer service.

Since I was unable to reach the cash transfer service right away, I asked the cousin to let me know of another way of sending money. he said he would ask someone else to deposit money into my account and I should wire it to him through the online money transfer service. I agreed and sent the relevant details in reply to his messages on the messenger app.

But something kept bothering me so I decided to call my cousin. he told me that his social media account had been hacked and the mischiefmakers were demanding money from a number of people added as ‘friends’ on his social media account. I was relieved to hear that, and thanked my stars that I had not transferred any money till that time. however, since I had made the mistake of sharing my bank account details, I transferred all the money from the said account and closed it.

Some others did fall prey to the scam. Indeed, many others get trapped by such scams every day. Online financial fraud, identity theft and phishing of information have become widespread, and most ordinary computer users are unable to detect foul play in their computers and with their social media accounts. Those responsible for such activities are professional scammers who mask their IP addresses and call from banklike UAN numbers to acquire sensitive information and then use it to acquire further account details from banks. They usually operate from rural areas and trap poor people through various schemes that often involve stealing their identity to buy SIM cards. Given the situation, both private and state-owned banks should invest in upgrading the banking system and rely on enhanced security measures, such as anti-skimming devices, to protect their customers from scammers and fraudsters. The State Bank of Pakistan also needs to play its due role in this regard.

TAHA SOOMRO KARACHI

Quit Tobacco TOBACCO is killing us and our planet. This was the theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day, which is observed every year globally to highlight the adverse effects of smoking.

Smoking is believed to harm the immune system if continued for a longer period of time and is a major cause of heart and lung diseases.

Chronic smokers are likely to develop life-threatening diseases, such as lung, stomach and mouth cancer. The worst part of smoking is that it is addictive.

A person begins with one or two cigarettes a day and ends up buying a pack or two in no time. Many countries have stringent laws to curb smoking. Our government also needs to ensure strict implementation of laws to save our young generation from the menace of smoking tobacco in various forms.

The government should raise awareness among the public against the ill effects of smoking, save the people, and protect the environment.

SHAHZAD LODHI RAWALPINDI

Afghan culture AFGhANISTAN is financially sinking while assuming the status of a pariah state internationally owing to its non-implementation of globallyrecognised human rights. The Taliban have implemented measures that they consider a service to faith, but whatever steps they have taken thus far have to do more with local culture than religious injunctions.

An overwhelming majority of the Taliban comes from tribes that mostly live in rural, undeveloped parts of the country. Their only education is at the seminaries. Therefore, their world view is confined to the experience they have gained living in that environment. Women in such areas, for instance, remain strictly segregated from men, and go out of the house only for fetching water from the nearby river or pond. Making burqa obligatory, as such, is an extension of that tradition. The same is the case with the dress code for Afghan men. In the pre-2001 Taliban regime, video and photography were strictly banned. however, under the current regime, photography has been accepted, which is a positive change. Perhaps, the Taliban could study the pattern of life in Muslim countries that has evolved over the years and readjust their definition of some of the basic human rights. This will help them get international acceptance.

SAYED GB SHAH BOKHARI PESHAWAR

NDMA and natural disasters The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) should have been proactive in its approach while dealing with disasters, but finds it convenient to merely issue public warnings to absolve itself of all responsibilities.

Recently, both the NDMA and the Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) issued warnings to the public to ensure their safety from floods, landslides, etc. If these agencies cared about the public, they would have ensured that the task to keep the nullahs and drains flowing was carried out before the monsoon started. Similarly, police and district administration also issue public warnings to the people to ensure their safety as muggers, swindlers and dacoits roam about freely. The intelligence agencies do the same, warning the public that terrorists have entered the country to carry out subversive activities, bomb blasts, etc. Why don’t they apprehend or kill the terrorists? It is amazing and irritating that no agency tries to do what it is supposed to. If the people have to themselves worry about their safety in the face of both excessive rains and worsening law and order situation, what are the agencies meant to do other than drawing hefty salaries and perks? Instead of taking proper actions to avoid loss of life or damage to property, the government departments routinely issue warnings so that in case of any tragedy or catastrophe they may stand absolved of any responsibility. The government should take notice of such ‘warnings’ and direct all the relevant agencies to take full responsibility in their area of work, and to ensure that all tasks are carried out in a timely manner instead of asking the people to be on their toes.

MAQBOOL NISAR ALI BEG ISLAMABAD

08 WORLD VIEW 30TH June_Layout 1 6/29/2022 10:13 PM Page 1

Thursday, 30 June, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

ukraine crawling with cia & co

Simranjit Singh mann’S win in Punjab byPoll carrieS a meSSage that the State’S mainStream cannot afford to ignore IndIan ExprEss Editorial

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he surprise win in Punjab of Simranjit Singh Mann in the recent by-poll from the Sangrur parliamentary seat, the pocket borough of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has touched off questions — and anxieties. even though the margin of his victory is slender, it’s a jolt to the reigning Aam Aadmi Party government that had swept to power with an overwhelming mandate a little more than 100 days ago. More than that, Mann, an IPS officer who resigned from service in protest against Operation Bluestar in 1984, has for long been looked upon as an anachronism as the state tried to move past the dark decade of militancy. he clung on to his demand for sovereignty, reiterating his reverence for the controversial figure of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. This is why his triumph, after over 23 years of his party Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) drawing a blank at the hustings, calls for introspection by Punjab’s political mainstream.

Simranjit Singh Mann’s victory comes at a time when the Shiromani Akali Dal, the oldest party of the state, seems to be at its weakest. It is facing an existential crisis after incidents of Guru Granth Sahib’s desecration in 2015 and its handling of the aftermath dealt a body blow to its credibility.

Mann could be said to have began his comeback by calling a gathering of community leaders on the issue of sacrilege. Of late, he has been championing the cause of minorities against what he calls the ultra-right — in a probable bid to move into the space once occupied by the Akali Dal. The AAP government may have won a grand victory but its sweep should not paper over the fact that many unresolved issues require deft handling in the state. There are elements that are numerically insignificant, but with a potential to cause mischief disproportionate to their numbers and which draw support from sections of the diaspora in search of a mythical homeland. This minuscule section can also be exploited by inimical forces across the border.

The Bhagwant Singh Mann government has its task cut out.

As it tries to inject new life into the economy and address issues like the state of education, it will do well to keep an ear to the ground. Be it inter-state sharing of river waters or the joint capital, there are issues that can snowball if not dealt with sensitively, and electorally marginalised elements that nurse a feeling of dispossession. The new government owes it to its mandate to keep its focus on an agenda of development and inclusion, which alone can help the state to step up to the challenges of the future.

CaItlInJohnstonE.Com Caitlin JohnstonE

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he New York Times reports that Ukraine is crawling with special forces and spies from the U.S. and its allies, which would seem to contradict earlier reports that the U.S. intelligence cartel is having trouble getting intel about what’s happening on the ground in Ukraine.

This would also, obviously, put the final nail in the coffin of the claim that this is not a U.S. proxy war.

In an article headlined “Commando Network Coordinates Flow of Weapons in Ukraine, Officials Say,” anonymous Western officials inform us of the following through their stenographers at The New York Times: “As Russian troops press ahead with a grinding campaign to seize eastern Ukraine, the nation’s ability to resist the onslaught depends more than ever on help from the United States and its allies — including a stealthy network of commandos and spies rushing to provide weapons, intelligence and training, according to U.S. and european officials.

Much of this work happens outside Ukraine, at bases in Germany, France and Britain, for example. But even as the Biden administration has declared it will not deploy American troops to Ukraine, some C.I.A. personnel have continued to operate in the country secretly, mostly in the capital, Kyiv, directing much of the massive amounts of intelligence the United States is sharing with Ukrainian forces, according to current and former officials. At the same time, a few dozen commandos from other NATO countries, including Britain, France, Canada and Lithuania, also have been working inside Ukraine.”

The revelation that the C.I.A. and U.S. special forces are conducting military operations in Ukraine does indeed make a lie of the Biden administration’s insistence at the start of the war that there would be no American boots on the ground in Ukraine. And the admission that NATO powers are so involved in operations against a nuclear superpower means, we are closer to seeing a nuclear exchange than anyone

THE PREVIOUSLY UNTHINKABLE IDEA THAT THE US IS AT WAR WITH RUSSIA HAS BEEN GRADUALLY NORMALIZED, WITH THE HEAT TURNED UP SO SLOWLY THAT THE FROG DOESN’T NOTICE IT’S BEING BOILED ALIVE should be comfortable with.

This news should surprise no one who knows anything about the usual behavior of the U.S. intelligence cartel, but interestingly it contradicts something we were told by the same New York Times not three weeks ago. “American intelligence agencies have less information than they would like about Ukraine’s operations and possess a far better picture of Russia’s military, its planned operations and its successes and failures,” The New York Times told us earlier this month. “U.S. officials said the Ukrainian government gave them few classified briefings or details about their operational plans, and Ukrainian officials acknowledged that they did not tell the Americans everything.”

It seems a bit unlikely that U.S. intelligence agencies would have a hard time getting information about what’s happening in a country where they themselves are physically located. Moon of Alabama theorized at the time that this ridiculous, “We don’t know what’s happening in our own proxy war” line was being pushed to give the U.S. plausible deniability about Ukraine’s failures on the battlefield, which have only gotten worse since then.

So why are they telling us all this now? Well, it could be that we’re being paced into accepting an increasingly direct role of the U.S. and its allies in Ukraine.

The other day Antiwar’s Daniel Larison tweeted, “hawks in April: Don’t call it a proxy war! hawks in May: Of course it’s a proxy war! hawks in June: It’s not their war, it’s our war!”

This is indeed exactly how it happened. Back in April President Joe Biden told the press the idea that this is a proxy war between the U.S. and Russia was “not true” and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said “It’s not, this is clearly Ukraine’s fight” when asked if this is a proxy war. The mainstream media were

still framing this claim as merely an “accusation” by the Russian government and empire spinmeisters were regularly admonishing anyone who used that term on the grounds that it deprives Ukrainians of their “agency.”

Then May rolled around and all of a sudden we had The New Yorker unequivocally telling us that the U.S. is in “a full proxy war with Russia” and hawks like U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton saying things like, “We’re not just at war to support the Ukrainians. We’re fundamentally at war, although somewhat through a proxy, with Russia, and it’s important that we win.”

And now here in June we’ve got war hawks like Max Boot coming right out and saying that this is actually America’s war, and it is therefore important for the U.S. to drastically escalate it in order to hand the Russians “devastating losses.”

So, the previously unthinkable idea that the U.S. is at war with Russia has been gradually normalized, with the heat turned up so slowly that the frog doesn’t notice it’s being boiled alive. If that idea can be sufficiently normalized, public consent for greater escalations will likely be forthcoming, even if those escalations are extremely psychotic.

Back in March when I said the only “agency” Ukraine has in this conflict is the Central Intelligence one, empire loyalists jumped down my throat. They couldn’t believe I was saying something so evil and wrong. Now they’ve been told that the Central Intelligence Agency is indeed conducting operations and directing intelligence on the ground in Ukraine, but I somehow doubt that this will stir any self-reflection on their part.

Caitlin Johnstone is a rogue journalist, poet and utopia prepper who publishes regularly at Medium and Substack.

latin america looks to a new left FIVE OF THE MOST POWERFUL ECONOMIES ON THE CONTINENT WILL BE IN THE HANDS OF PROGRESSIVES. THE COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY, FEMINISM AND ENVIRONMENTALISM MARK THE NEW AGENDA

El paIs JaviEr lafuEntE

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he left has risen to power again in Argentina, Bolivia and honduras, countries that have recovered from great blows, and now intend to moderate themselves after a great many internal problems. Among those that never imagined this victory is Chile, and most surprisingly, Colombia; both heirs to annihilated leaders. There’s also a great deal of gibberish that proclaims itself to be progressive but is full of ifs and buts, such as the Peruvian master Pedro Castillo’s discourse and that of Mexico’s Andrés Manuel López Obrador. A mishmash, these leftists, have dressed Latin America in red like never before.

As we wait to see what happens at the end of the year in Brazil, where Lula may return to power, the other five strongest economies in the region —Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru— are governed, or will be from August 7, with the inauguration of Gustavo Petro, by presidents who are celebrated on the left. The advance of progressive governments can be traced back to the wave at the beginning of the century, when, championed by an unstoppable hugo Chávez and in the eternal shadow of Fidel Castro, several countries aligned themselves around what was called 21st century socialism.

The driving factors of the latest progressive victories are, paradoxically, the result of their differences from the first wave. If at the beginning of the century, the price of raw materials and the oil boom were decisive in sustaining those governments, the engine of change now arises from the deterioration of

social indicators in almost the entire region, driving the social upheaval of 2019, which the pandemic only exacerbated. Opponents have also contributed to recent wins. When not openly far-right, they have radicalized the more traditional right-wing and the left is seen, in a way, as part of the establishment, says sociologist Luciana Jáuregui. She cites the example of José Antonio Kast, who put order and family security at the top of his campaign manifesto in Chile; Keiko Fujimori, daughter of the old autocrat, in Peru; the most recent case of the demagogic businessman Rodolfo hernández in Colombia and the rise of the right-wing deputy Javier Milei in Argentina.

Another of the great differences is that none of the leaders of the recent past lives or governs, and popular mobilization has given way to electoral victories in which broad consensus has been necessary, seen in Chile and Colombia. even Lula, the only one who would survive from then, has sought an important ally in the center, Geraldo Alckmin, a center-right heavyweight whom he defeated in the 2006 presidential elections. “There are no longer any historical leaders of the crusade anti-neoliberal movement of the 1990s that connected the so-called socialism of the 21st century with real Cuban-style socialism”, argues the historian of the Colegio de México Rafael Rojas, referring to the Castro brothers, hugo Chávez and evo Morales; “The new governments and leftist leaders, such as López Obrador, Fernández, Petro and Boric, are committed to preserving the democratic constitutional framework or moving away from re-electionism. The greater commitment to democracy in this new wave of the left can help contain the advance of authoritarianism, which has one of its main flanks in the Bolivarian pole”.

If there is a watershed between the agendas of the beginning of the century and the current ones, it centers around feminist and environmental demands, with Argentina, Chile

and Colombia at the forefront, in contrast to Mexico, where the government can’t keep pace with women activists who fight against the living hell of femicides in Mexico. To this, the Argentine philosopher Luciana Cadahia adds “the historical debt with black movements”. Rojas recalls that the rights of indigenous people where the least progress is in the Bolivarian zone, and is promoted as “radical” or “socialist”, except perhaps in Bolivia.

Trying to explain the entire amalgamation of progressive forces as a common entity is absurd. There is perhaps more discrepancy than consensus in the proposals. In economic matters, as Rojas points out, the disaccord is most notable. Indeed, the plans of Andrés Manuel López Obrador are practically antagonistic to those of Gustavo Petrol, someone in favor of ending extractivism in energy matters and implementing a progressive tax reform. how these forces are going to relate to each other and to the rest of the world is also somewhat uncertain. “The greatest tension that we will see in the coming years will be, once again, between the realistic and multilateral vision of international relations promoted by progressivism and the geopolitical strategy of the Bolivarian pole,” summarizes the academic from the Colegio de México.

For this Cuban historian, a victory for Lula in Brazil will accentuate this tension, “since, both as a ruler and as an opponent, Lula has maintained a diplomatic line different from that of Cuba and Venezuela.”

No single victory creates a cycle, and for Manuel Canelas, who was part of the third government of evo Morales, this idea is extremely pertinent. “To define a cycle, the number of electoral victories is not a sufficient condition,” says the former Minister of Communication of Bolivia, now based in Spain, who recalls the triumphs -not all at the polls- of the right between 2015 and 2017, “and that is not why there was talk of a conservative cycle.” he further explains: “The

idea of a cycle is more closely related to the construction of hegemony. One can win an election and govern without being hegemonic, so it can last less”. Jáuregui elaborates: “Ideological consensus and political alignments are being reconfigured with uncertain results. The left, unlike the first progressive wave, assumes a defensive character aimed at preserving moderate changes that are promoted by the State rather than by popular mobilization. If one looks at the recent processes, the victories of the leftist or center-left governments do not translate into political and ideological dominance, but into politically and economically constrained governments, with difficulties in promoting a policy of transformation and even in guaranteeing their own internal cohesion”.

The management of the relationship with Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, especially with the South American country, is going to be a headache for the new rulers.

All, including Petro and Boric, have distanced themselves from the authoritarian tendencies and human rights violations by Nicolás Maduro despite the fact that not so long ago they celebrated Chavismo. however, it would be naive to think that there will be no changes in the relationship, for example, of Colombia or Chile with Venezuela, considering that millions of Venezuelans have gone into exile in both countries. Petro has already assured that one of his first priorities will be the reopening of the border with Venezuela.

The search for a leader who unites all the forces seems inevitable. The figure of the Colombian emerges at the regional level with more force if possible than the enthusiasm generated by the eruption of Boric or the leading role that López Obrador has sought in recent months. The philosopher Luciana Cadahia has no doubt that the triumph of the historical Pact places Colombia as the new regional leader, to the extent that it can inte-

grate most of the region, both on the Atlantic and Pacific sides. And it points to three historical debts that Colombian progressivism will place at the center of the debate: “The energy transition from the extractive fossil economy to a new sustainable model; the central role of the Caribbean and of Afro-Americans, indigenous people and popular urban sectors in the political contest, and a new hemispheric pact that does not imply either leadership by the United States or a rejection of that country as a key player in the continent.” how the relationship with the great power will be articulated will surely mark a large part of the agendas between the different forces. Joe Biden suffered a setback at the last Summit of the Americas, in which he barely achieved a series of generic agreements, and worsened by the crassness of López Obrador, who did not attend because Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua were not invited. Mexico has insisted on the need to build a new path in the relationship between Latin America and the United States, which almost has as a sine qua non condition the loss of prominence of the Organization of American States (OAS) and its general secretary, Luis Almagro, to whom the majority of progressive forces turn their backs.

It is one of Joe Biden’s big pledges, however, on which the new axis that Latin America’s relationship with the United States may revolve. The fight against climate change is not among López Obrador’s priorities, but it is among Petro’s. The quick congratulations that the Colombian received from Biden, just 48 hours after his victory is significant. From the fight for the environment, both want to reverse the irregular drug trafficking policies of recent decades. A reconstruction of the relationship between the United States and Latin America through the environment would instigate the greatest geopolitical change in the region in the century.

Thursday, 30 June, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

corporate corner

KE MaKES anothEr PaYMEnt to SSGC KarachI pr

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TCL launches new LED here at the Local Hotel. Majid Khan, TCL head of marketing briefing on LED salient features. pr

ESPITE facing financial constraints, KE has made another payment of PKR 500 million to SSGC on 29 June 2022, bringing the total payout to over PKR 6 billion during the month.

Commenting on this KE Spokesperson said, “Despite ongoing financial challenges, KE continues to make payments to its fuel suppliers. We have made another payment of PKR 500 million to the SSGC on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.”

The leadership of K-Electric, including its CEO Mr. Moonis Abdullah Alvi, also met with the Provincial Minister of Energy Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh and other representatives of political parties on Wednesday. The KE senior officials apprised them of the challenges being faced by the utility including the

delay in the release of Tariff Differential Subsidies (TDS) claims and the rising cost of fuels for power production.

Commenting upon the development, the KE Spokesperson further said, “KE continues to face severe cash flow constraints amid the rising cost of fuel and delays in the release of TDS from the Federal Government which was also highlighted in the meetings with the Provincial Minister of Energy and the representatives of Political Parties. The honorable minister and political parties’ representatives were also apprised of the rising demand and supply gap owing to the surge in temperature as well as because of the shortage of imported fuel for power production. They were further briefed that due to the nonsupply of indigenous gas, two power plants in KE’s fleet capable of 200 Megawatts remained non-operational for the past many months. As the shortfall is persisting round the clock, the utility is compelled to

Consultative session on maximum utilization of coal Former DGPR Saman Rai taking keen interest in traditional items put on display during an exhibition at Alhamra. pr

national Bank of Pakistan moves toward energy conservation National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), the largest public sector commercial bank, has taken measures to reduce power and energy consumption across its network in the country.

The initiative will support Government of Pakistan’s drive towards energy and fuel conservation.

NBP staff (other than the branches & critical staff) have been advised to observe ‘Work From Home (WFH)’ and operate remotely on Wednesday and Friday (for Head Office staff) and Tuesday and Thursday (for Regional Office staff). All the premises will be closed by 7pm or earlier. However, call centers, Alternative Delivery Channels (ATMs and digital application, etc) will remain available for customers. NBP will also switch-off all its electrically illuminated sign-boards (except ATMs) of branches to decrease energy load. It is pertinent to mention that NBP has more than 1500 branches across the country and recent measures of energy conservation are expected to effectively contribute towards the national energy conservation effort. Under the leadership of NBP’s senior management special task teams have been established to monitor the mechanism to oversee the progress toward energy conservation. Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, President and CEO (A) of NBP, Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie said, “NBP stands with the nation to conserve energy and totally support the SBP and Government of Pakistan in this effort. We encourage all our staff members to adopt energy and fuel conservation practices. This multifaceted approach will also play an important role in curbing the rising cases of COVID-19’s sixth wave. NBP has directed all its branches and offices to strictly adhere to the SOPs”, he added. pr

PaCra maintains entity, additional tier 1 tFC and tFC-II ratings of Soneri Bank Limited KARACHI: Soneri Bank has maintained its market position in the industry while strengthening its overall risk profile with stable outlook. Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited “PACRA” has accredited Soneri Bank with “AA-” (double A minus) for its long-term rating and “A1+” (single A one plus) for Bank’s short-term rating.

Soneri Bank has also maintained the rating of Unsecured, Sub-ordinated and Listed Term Finance Certificates (2nd issue) of PKR 3,000 million at A+ (single A Plus) along with the rating of its Unsecured, Sub-ordinated, Listed, Perpetual and Non-Cumulative Term Finance Certificates as Additional Tier 1 (‘ADT1’) Capital of PKR 4,000 million at A (Single A), all accredited by PACRA. Soneri Bank with its network of over 360 plus Branches and ATMs continues to work towards the financial betterment and will continue to value the patronage given by its customers. pr

09

A consultative session was held at NEPRA Tower to discuss how to maximize utilization of coal (both local and imported) as a cheaper source of electricity generation to reduce power tariff. The session was presided by NEPRA Authority including Chairman NEPRA, Mr. Tauseef H. Farooqi and Members NEPRA, Mr. Rafique

Ahmad Sheikh and Engr. Maqsood Anwar Khan and was attended by representatives of Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA-G), Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB), Thar Coal Energy Board (TCEB), Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), IPPs, Industrialists, Coal Importers and

Coal Transporters.

02. The experts and participants were of the view that Coalfired power plants in Pakistan are importing coal mainly from South Africa and Indonesia. The global economy has been experiencing a commodity super-cycle due to many factors including the current Russia-Ukraine conflict combined with COVID-related logistical issues and coal is among the commodities whose prices have surged many times over the last year. Accordingly, the power tariffs of coal-based IPPs are becoming prohibitively expensive, therefore, the Authority wants to explore options of optimal utilization of local coal.

The session ended with the view to convey the various options to Federal Government for further action. pr

NADRA to develop CDA’s Biometric Verification System for property transfer Islamabad pr

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) inked an agreement with regard to the development of comprehensive Biometric Verification System (BvS) here on Wednesday at NADRA Headquarters. The agreement was signed between Chairman NADRA Mr. Tariq Malik and CDA Chairman Mr. Amir Ali Ahmed. Federal Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan was also present on the occasion.

NADRA will develop and deploy a biometric verification solution for the process of sale, purchase and transfer of properties. The System will help reduce forgery and eliminate the deceptive attempts by illegitimate means or persons regarding transfer of properties in Islamabad capital city (ICT). Approximately, twenty thousand

transactions of sale, purchase and transfer of properties take place annually in CDA. While speaking on the occasion Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik said, “With the rollout of NADRA digital eco system anchored in digital ID, citizens are becoming better equipped to exercise their rights and to prove with unprecedented certainty who they are, in both physical and virtual reals.”

Mr. Malik highlighted the importance of Biometric Verification

System for property transfer- a digitized solution that is meant to transform public service delivery by scaling down the risk of forgery and obviating proscribed transactions in property transfer. He said the deployment of digital biometric system foreshadows the attempts of unlawful act by ensuring identity of buyer and seller. The deployment of BVS will not only bring transparency to CDA system but also fulfill the compliance of know-your-customer (KYC) in property transactions, he added.

conduct load-shedding even during the night hours.”

While putting light on the power supply situation in the city, the spokesperson further added, “During last 24 hours, the average power supply to Karachi was 2850 Megawatts, including an average supply of 1000 Megawatts from the National Grid.”

About K-Electric K-Electric (KE) is a public listed company incorporated in Pakistan in 1913 as KESC. Privatized in 2005 KE is the only vertically integrated utility in Pakistan supplying electricity within a 6500 km2 territory including Karachi and its adjoining areas. The majority shares (66.4%) of the company are listed in the PSX owned by KES Power, a consortium of investors including Aljomaih Power Limited of Saudi Arabia, National Industries Group (Holding), Kuwait, and the Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund (IGCF). The Government of Pakistan is also a minority shareholder (24.36%) in the company.

Main Group hosts moot on ‘Skills Development, Manpower, Youth and Challenges’ ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Main Group on Skills Development, Manpower and Youth and their challenges was held under the Chairmanship of Executive Director National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Mr. Sajid Baloch in the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives at Islamabad.

This Group Meeting was held as part of National Plans Consultation “Turnaround Pakistan Conference” Chaired by Prime Minister of Pakistan and organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives at Islamabad.

The participants of the meeting held detailed and deliberate discussions on the challenges of Skill Development Sector in Pakistan and proposed short term action plan for national roadmap. The Executive Director NAVTTC, Mr. Sajid Baloch said that Pakistan is the fifth largest country of the world in terms of population and Pakistan has a large labour force that stands among the top ten largest labour forces in the world. Pakistani migrant workers have been playing an essential role in contributing towards its economy through remittances. Pakistan is also blessed to have a significantly large pool of talented youth which, no doubt, are a potential human resource.

Therefore, it is the need of the hour to equip the youth with the latest market demand driven and technology oriented income generating technical skills such as Artificial Intelligence, ECommerce, Robotics, Graphic Designing, Internet of Things, Cyber Security etc., which is only possible by prioritizing the skill development sector and formulating short term action plan for national roadmap.

During the ensuing discussions, the participants focused on various challenges pertaining to skill development sector including shortage of funding in TVET (Technical & Vocational Education and Training) skills sector, lack of institutional capacity to impart trainings in High–Tech Technologies in line with the international job market requirements and IR 4.0, lack of optimal utilization of existing resources and quality of training facilities in TVET institutes.

In order to upscale the skill development sector and to bring it at par with international standards, the participants of the meeting unanimously agreed on the short term action plan which envisages establishing TVET Fund to provide permanent source of financing for TVET sector development, establishing TVET institutes for High-end technologies, exploring possibilities for public-private partnerships to set up industry based TVET institutes and introducing Matric-Tech, Middle-Tech and Inter-Tech for skills training fusion in formal education. pr

Air War Course graduation ceremony held at Air War College Institute, Karachi KARACHI: The Convocation & Graduation Ceremony of No 35 Air War Course was held at Air War College Institute, Karachi today. Dr Arif Alvi, President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, was the Chief Guest at the occasion.

Addressing the graduating officers, the Chief Guest congratulated the participants on the successful completion of their course and achieving a great milestone in their career. He said that the requirements for acquisition of knowledge are changing rapidly in the present era, so acquisition of technology is the only way to gain modern education.

He further added that in this Hyper-compet-

itive world, research and work on artificial intelligence is of vital importance.

He further said "We must continue to support the oppressed, regardless of their race or colour," and condemned the biasness shown

by India against the Indian Muslims along with the human rights situation in IIOJK. He added that in modern warfare whether conventional or unconventional, no service could achieve success single-handedly and a joint strategic planning is required. Later on, the Chief Guest awarded certificates to the graduating officers. Top graduate trophy was awarded to Commander Waleed Arif from Pakistan Navy. PAF Air War College Institute

is a premier institution of Pakistan Air Force, where senior and mid-level officers of Pakistan Armed Forces and friendly countries are prepared in domains of Air Power doctrine, strategy and employment for higher Command and Staff appointments.

The officers from tri-services of Pakistan, along with the officers from allied countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nigeria and Iraq were amongst the graduates. The Ceremony was also attended by various high ranking Civil & Military Officers and diplomats from allied countries. pr

Thursday, 30 June, 2022 | LAHORE

10 FOREIGN NEWS

XI JINpINg INSpectS WUHAN, StReSSeS cHINA’S Self-RelIANce IN ScIeNce, tecHNology

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HINESE President Xi Jinping stressed keeping the lifeline of science and technology firmly in China’s own hands and making the country’s development more independent, self-reliant and secure.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection in Wuhan, the capital city of central China’s Hubei Province, on Tuesday.

Promoting high-tech industry: The optoelectronic information industry is a strategic high-tech industry with a wide application, and it is also a high-tech industry with the conditions to take the lead in achieving a breakthrough in China, Xi said while viewing a display of innovation achievements of a company in the chip industry.

He said effort is needed to master more core technologies with independent intellectual property rights and constantly improve and extend the industrial chain, urging scientific research personnel to make greater

contributions to the country’s optoelectronic information sector.

Noting that high-end manufacturing is an important support for highquality economic development, Xi underlined that technological research and development must be strengthened to transform and upgrade China’s manufacturing industry.

China is the world’s second-largest economy, but there are still many weak spots, and some industries are not yet

UN expresses concern over arrest of Indian journalist Mohammad Zubair A UN spokesman, asked about the arrest of prominent Indian journalist Mohammad Zubair, said on Tuesday, “Journalists should not be jailed for what they write, what they tweet and what they say.”

“And that goes for anywhere in the world,” Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in response to a question from APP correspondent at the regular noon briefing at UN headquarters in New York.

He added, “First of all, in any place around the world, it is very important that people be allowed to express themselves freely, journalists be allowed to express themselves freely and without the threat of any harassment.”

Earlier, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent watchdog body, has called on Indian authorities to “immediately and unconditionally” release Mohammad Zubair, and to cease harassing him in retaliation for his work.

“The arrest of journalist Mohammad Zubair marks another low for press freedom in India, where the government has created a hostile and unsafe environment for members of the press reporting on sectarian issues,” Steven Butler, CPJ’s Asia programme coordinator, in Washington, DC, said in a statement. “Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Zubair, and allow him to pursue his journalistic work without further interference,” Butler added. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent watchdog body, has called on Indian authorities to “immediately and unconditionally” release journalist Mohammad Zubair, who was arrested by security officials on Monday, and to cease harassing him in retaliation for his work, “The arrest of journalist Mohammad Zubair marks another low for press freedom in India, where the government has created a hostile and unsafe environment for members of the press reporting on sectarian issues,” Steven Butler, CPJ’s Asia programme coordinator, in Washington, D.C., said in a statement. “Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Zubair, and allow him to pursue his journalistic work without further interference,” Butler added. agencies

on a solid foundation, he said, stressing that scientific and technological innovation depends on input and talent.

Balancing coVid-19 control and economic growth: During the inspection, Xi also learned about the regular COVID-19 prevention and control work and post-epidemic community governance in Hubei Province.

Wuhan has done a good job in the prevention and control of the virus on

a regular basis, and its experience is worth summarizing, he said.

Saying that the community is the basic unit of an urban governance system, he called on community workers to improve their emergency response and management capacity.

The Chinese government has been committed to a people-first and lifefirst philosophy, adhering to the policy of “defending externally against importation, defending internally against rebound “and upholding a dynamic zero-COVID policy, he said.

“Even if there are some temporary impacts on the economy, we will not put people’s lives and health in harm’s way, and we must protect the elderly and the children in particular,” Xi said.

“If we make an overall evaluation, our COVID-19 response measures are the most economical and effective,” he said. The people’s lives and health have been protected to the greatest extent, Xi said. “We are confident that we will coordinate epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development to achieve a good level of economic development this year.” agencies

South Korea gears up preparations for hosting Busan World Expo 2030

Moscow accuses Norway of blocking transit to Svalbard, threatens reprisals Russia’s foreign ministry said Wednesday it summoned Norway’s charge d’affaires, accusing Oslo of blocking access to the Svalbard archipelago and threatening retaliation.

“We demanded that the Norwegian side resolve the issue as soon as possible,” the Russian foreign ministry said.

“We indicated that unfriendly actions against Russia will inevitably lead to appropriate retaliatory measures.”

The ministry said Norway’s restrictions disrupted the work of the Russian consulate general on Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, and a Russian coal mining settlement there.

Vehicles carrying food and medical supplies to Spitsbergen have been stuck on the border, the ministry said.

Norway has sovereignty over Svalbard but allows citizens of more than 40 countries to exploit the islands’ potentially vast resources on an equal footing.

Moscow has long wanted a bigger say in the archipelago which has been a haunt of its hunters, whalers and fishermen since the 16th century.

Russia insists on calling the archipelago Spitsbergen rather than the Norwegian Svalbard, the official name since shortly after the treaty handing them to Norway was signed in 1920. agencies

Harassment of HR defenders now alarmingly commonplace in India: AI ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

South Korea is gearing up for a major international exhibition, “Busan World Expo 2030” set to be held in Busan Metropolitan City.

Newly elected President of South Korea Mr Yoon Seokyoul is taking personal interest to make the expo a global event – better than recently held World Expo 2020 Dubai.

At the World Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, Korea will present a global vision for future paradigm shifts, under the theme of ‘Transforming Our World, Navigating toward a Better Future,’ with three sub-themes such as a sustainable planet, technology for humanity and platform for sharing and caring.

At the recently held World Expo 2020 Dubai, the Korean Pavilion was decorated with 1,597 spinning cubes, symbolically demonstrating Korea’s dy-

namism leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution and sharing the future vision with mankind as a whole under the theme of the ‘Smart Korea, Moving the World to You.’ Busan is well known as one of the world’s most dynamic cities, which draws attention for its history of transformation from the town of Korean war refugees to the vibrant hub of commerce and culture.

Currently, Busan serves as a transport and logistics hub having the world’s 2nd largest transshipment port which provides easy access thanks to its railways, roads, ports, and airport.

At the same time, it is transforming into a global city boasting openness, broad-mindedness, and diversity on the basis of KPop, movies, and games, and in the near future, it will also be equipped with the infrastructure to become an eco-friendly smart city with digital technology.

Chae Tae-won, SK Group

Chairman and the Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) chairman has been appointed as the co-chair of Korea’s bid committee representing the private sector.

Chey told Pakistan Today that “Busan World Expo 2030 will address various challenges the world is facing. I believe it will offer a valuable opportunity for the countries to share experiences and seek solutions together.”

Hosting the World Expo 2030 will make Busan as an inspiring city that leads the historical transformation of Korea once again.

The World Expo 2030 Busan will provide both the right time and the right place for global citizens to gather and start a discourse on grand transformations toward a better future for mankind.

The World Expo has been spreading hope and vision to humanity, irrespective of race, region, generation, and gender.

Amnesty International India deploring that harassment and arbitrary arrests of human rights defenders for tirelessly seeking truth and justice have become alarmingly commonplace in India has demanded immediate and unconditional release of noted journalist and rights activist, Mohammed Zubair.

Mohammad Zubair, co-founder of fact-checking website Alt News was arrested by the Delhi Police on Monday night for his social media post.

Aakar Patel, chair of board for Amnesty International India, in a statement said the Indian authorities are targeting Zubair for his crucial work to combat the rise in fake news and disinformation and call out discrimination against minorities. He said, the arrest of Mohammed Zubair shows the danger facing human rights defenders in India has reached a crisis point.

“The fact that he was not provided a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) and was detained incommunicado during the initial hours following his arrest shows just how brazen the Indian authorities have become,” Aakar Patel said. “Harassment, intimidation, unlawful and arbitrary arrests, and imprisonment of human rights defenders for tirelessly seeking truth and justice have become alarmingly commonplace in India,” he added.

Calling on the Delhi Police to immediately and unconditionally release Zubair and end its “relentless harassment” of journalists, human rights defenders and activists, Aakar Patel said the Alt News co-founder’s arrest is a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression, abuse of power by the authorities and sends a message that dissent is not tolerated in the country. agencies

Turkey seeks extraditions from Finland, Sweden under NATO deal ISTANBUL afp

Turkey said Wednesday it would seek the extradition of 33 alleged Kurdish militants from Sweden and Finland under a deal to secure Ankara’s support for the Nordic countries’ NATO membership bids.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dropped weeks of resistance to the two countries’ NATO ambitions at crunch talks held on the eve of an alliance summit Wednesday focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Erdogan emerged from the meeting declaring victory after securing a 10-point agreement under which the two countries vowed to join Turkey’s fight against outlawed Kurdish militants and to quickly ex-

tradite suspects.

Turkey put the deal to the immediate test by announcing that it would seek the extradition of 12 suspects from Finland and 21 from Sweden.

“We will seek the extradition of terrorists from the relevant countries within the framework of the new agreement,” Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said in a statement.

“We ask them to fulfil their promises.”

The unnamed suspects were identified as being members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and a group led by a US-based Muslim preacher that Erdogan blames for a failed 2016 coup attempt.

The European Union and Washington both recognise the PKK as a terrorist organisation because of the brutal tactics it em-

ployed during a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.

But the agreement also stipulates that Sweden and Finland vow to “not provide support” to the YPG — a PKK offshoot in Syria that played an instrumental role in the US-led alliance against the Islamic State group.

Sweden and Finland abandoned decades of military non-alignment in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and asked to join the US-led alliance in May. – ‘Got what it wanted’ – Their applications appeared to be headed for swift approval until Erdogan stepped in.

The Turkish leader accused Finland and particularly Sweden of providing a haven to Kurdish fighters and financing terror.

11 Sports 30 JUNE 2022_Layout 1 6/30/2022 12:19 AM Page 1

Thursday, 30 June, 2022 | LAHORE

SPORTS 11

Miandad, afridi, Malik, SaMMy confirMed PakiStan Junior league MentorS ISLAMABAD

P

aginceS

AKISTAN Cricket Board today confirmed Daren Sammy, Javed Miandad, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik as mentors of the inaugural Pakistan Junior League, which will be held in Lahore in October this year. Miandad, who played in six World Cups from 1975-1996, will be the league mentor, while Afridi, Sammy and Shoaib will be the team mentors.

The four stalwarts share six major world titles, 1,559 international matches, 43,057 runs and 992 wickets between them. Sammy and Shahid were team-mates in the Peshawar Zalmi team in 2017 when the team in yellow won the HBL Pakistan Super League at the Gaddafi Stadium. Javed Miandad will be involved as an overall mentor, assisting the mentors of the six sides and the players during the tournament.

Afridi, Sammy and Shoaib will be part of the team dug-outs in the build up to and during the Pakistan Junior League, which will be played at the backend of Pakistan versus England T20I that is scheduled to conclude on 2 October.

In addition to the team mentor roles, the four household names will also serve as event ambassadors and will use their knowledge, influence and attraction to promote and publicise the first of its kind event.

Three more team mentors will be announced in due course.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “I am delighted that we have been able to attract Javed Miandad, Daren Sammy, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik as mentors for the Pakistan Junior League. Their involvement in the Pakistan Junior League will help us achieve one of our event objectives that revolves around helping future generation of cricketers to achieve the champions and match-winning approach and mindset.

“The involvement of the four icons also confirms that we are on track for delivering a successful event that will go on to help Pakistan cricket in more than one way. Besides creating a winning environment and developing skills and temperament of the teens, we are committed to developing new properties and Pakistan Junior League is an event in that direction.” Javed Miandad: “I have always enjoyed being part of the coaching set-up and this opportunity provides me with a chance to return to the field, work

with players with bigger objectives and help them achieve excellence. Pakistan Junior League is an exciting and unique product, and I not only look forward to making a meaningful contribution but also project this league as a game-changer.”

Daren Sammy: “I am pleased to have been awarded with the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural Pakistan Junior League. I am fully behind the concept and believe it will assist in identifying and fasttracking outstanding cricketers.

“I have been part of Pakistan cricket system since 2016 and am a witness to some great local talent that has blown me away. I now look forward to working more closely with the teenagers, pass on my knowledge to them and help them fulfil their dreams of becoming international cricketers.”

Shahid Afridi: “I am a big advocate of investing in the future. If T20 cricket is a vehicle to promote and develop cricket, and identify young talent, then we need to create opportunities and come up with novel ideas to unearth hidden talent, and ensure their skills and performances are duly noticed and subsequently rewarded. “Working as mentor of a side comprising teenagers will be a new experience for me. I am thoroughly excited

Babar usurps Kohli in latest T20 rankings boost

Pakistan Junior League sides. As someone who is actually a product of age-group cricket when I first played in the 1998 U19 World Cup, I can vouch for the importance and significance of this tournament.

“I think the Pakistan Junior League fits very nicely in the PCB domestic cricket calendar as have 50-over and three-day cricket for the teenage cricketers. T20 cricket, which is nowadays the most popular and attractive format, will not only complete the calendar but will potentially produce three-dimensional players who can demonstrate their potential and talent to accept and adopt to the shortest format.

Lyon bags five in spin battle at Galle GALLe, SRI LANkA

weB DeSk Pakistan captain Babar Azam can lay claim to being the top ranked T20I batter in the world for the longest period of time after he maintained his spot at the head of proceedings on the latest ICC T20 batting rankings.

India star Virat Kohli was the No.1 ranked T20I batter for a total of 1,013 days during his reign last decade, but Babar has now surpassed this number following his long-standing stay at the top.

The Pakistan skipper is currently rated as the No.1 batter in T20Is and ODIs and recently suggested he was keen to try and claim top billing in all three formats of the game.

There was little change within the latest T20I rankings that were released by the ICC on Wednesday, with India left-hander Ishan Kishan dropping one place inside the top 10 to seventh on the list for batters.

Ireland young gun Harry Tector moves up a massive 55 places to 66th following his impressive series with the bat against India, while Deepak Hooda jumps a whopping 414 spots to equal 104th overall.

While Joe Root hangs on to his narrow lead as the top-ranked Test batter, there is some big movement behind him following the completion of England’s home series against New Zealand.

Player of the Series Daryl Mitchell rises four places to 12th on the latest batter rankings, while fellow Kiwi Tom Blundell

and looking forward to playing my part in helping these energetic and skillful cricketers achieve the zenith of glory. I believe that flashing actually only happens at under 13 to 19, after that it’s amiably man management.

“I have no doubts with the abundance of talent we have, this tournament will be able to identify, at least, half a dozen cricketers who can be nurtured and developed into star cricketers, who can then go on to shoulder the expectations and hopes of millions of cricket fans and followers.”

Shoaib Malik: “I feel privileged and honoured to have been awarded with the opportunity to work as a mentor with one of the

agencieS

jumps 11 spots to 20th.

Root’s England team-mate Jonny Bairstow also catches the eye with a 20-place improvement seeing the 32-year-old move to 21st on the Test batter list.

New Zealand workhorse Neil Wagner drops a spot to 10th on the latest rankings for bowlers, with England duo Stuart Broad (up one spot to 13th) and Jack Leach (up 13 places to 25th) among the notable movers.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan drops a spot to third on the all-rounder rankings following a disappointing second Test against West Indies, with India veteran Ravi

Pak wrestling squad finishes 3rd in World Mas Wrestling championship 2022

Ashwin taking his place in second.

West Indies’ left-hander Kyle Mayers jumps three places to eighth on the allrounder rankings following his Player of the Match performance against Bangladesh.

The recent rise of Australia’s Josh Hazlewood as a dominant white-ball bowler continued as the in-form seamer moved up two places to equal fifth on the latest ODI rankings. Hazlewood is already No.1 on the T20I rankings and his move up the ODI list comes on the back of a strong spell of 2/22 in the final 50-over match of the series against Sri Lanka.

Pakistani team off to egypt for int’l golf championship ISLAMABAD

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Pakistani wrestlers squad that grabbed the third spot in the world Mas Wrestling Championship 2022 was accorded warm reception on reaching home from Russia on Wednesday. The 4th Mas-Wrestling World Championship was held in Yautsk, Russia, June 22-25, witnessed participation of wrestlers from around 45 countries including Pakistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, India etc. Divisional Sports Officer Rana Nadeem and other sports officials besides coaches and wrestling lovers welcomed the mas-wrestling squad at the sports gymnasium and decorated them with flower garlands after the wrestlers landed at Multan International Airport Wednesday morning. Three Pakistan players Muhammad Saad (60kg category), Ali Azhar (70kg) and Waqas Afzal (125kg) grabbed silver medals while Sheraz Ali (65kg) and Muhammad Alam (90kg) won bronze medals. Nawab Furqan Khan, himself a wrestler with many successes for the country in wrestling, had organized the team as president Traditional Sports and Games Pakistan Association, was elated at the medal score Pakistani players registered in the world level competition. He said, Pakistani squad remained medal-less during first three mas-wrestling championships held in 2014, 2016 and 2018. The fourth championship was special as it brought honours for Pakistan, adding that it was scheduled in 2020 but delayed to 2022 due to coronavirus pandemic.

A three-member Pakistani team, comprising two golfers and one official, flown to Egypt to feature in the 101st Egyptian International Men’s Golf Championship, commencing at Soma Bay Golf Course, Hurghada on Thursday. Around 70 top-notch golfers from 18 countries will be fighting it out for the coveted trophy and precious World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. The participating countries include England, France, Canada, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Pakistan, Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Morocco, Jordan, Tunisia, Sudan and Iraq, in addition to Egypt, the host country. Pakistan’s two highly potential golfers – Muhammad Umer Khokhar and Syed Yashal Shah will be making history as this is the first time that the country is fielding its handicappers in the prestigious event. Khurram Khan is accompanying the golfers as manager.

“It’s indeed a great honour for me to represent Pakistan in the championship,” Umer, who plays for Rawalpindi Golf Club told APP. Umer, who competed in several international golf events in Thailand, Dubai, and China, hopes to live up to the expectations by finishing at the top. “I’ve been working really hard and will be trying my best to lift the historic silver cup [trophy],” said Umer, who is the only Pakistan player, who consecutively made the cut in the last three Pakistan Open Golf Championships, as an amateur. He also made it to the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in 2020 and finished in the top 10 at the Pakistan Open 2021.

Umer has also won a number of national level tournaments.“This championship is very important for us as the three top golfers will also be invited to play in pro fixture of Asian Tour Series,” he added.

Nathan Lyon’s five-for helped Australia bowl out Sri Lanka for 212, before the hosts hit back with three wickets in a fast-moving opening Test on Wednesday. The tourists reached 98 for three at stumps after Sri Lankan spinner Ramesh Mendis struck twice, including David Warner’s key wicket for 25, on a turning pitch at the picturesque Galle stadium.

Steve Smith was run out on six after a mix up with opener Usman Khawaja, unbeaten on 47, and returned to the pavilion waving his hands in dismay.

Khawaja and fellow left-hander Travis Head, on six, were batting with Australia still trailing by 114 runs in their first innings.

Mendis, an off-spinner, trapped Warner lbw after the left-handed opener hit five boundaries in an attacking stay at the wicket.

Marnus Labuschagne was out to an attempted reverse sweep but it was Smith’s wicket that brought the home crowd alive.

The former captain was turned down midway for a quick single by Khawaja and failed to make the crease despite a desperate dive.

Khawaja, who survived a missed stumping by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, kept up the fight till close of play. Earlier, Dickwella made a defiant 58 before the Sri Lankan innings folded in the third session following the hosts’ decision

to bat first at the start of the twomatch series.

Lyon, who bagged his 20th fivewicket haul in Tests, combined with fellow spinner Mitchell Swepson, a leg-spinner who took three wickets, to rattle the opposition batting.

Fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc struck early with a wicket each as Sri Lanka took lunch at 68-2.

The spinners soon took charge on a pitch traditionally known to assist the slow bowlers.

The left-handed Dickwella counterattacked during his 59-ball stay at the crease and put on key partnerships, including a 54-run stand with Mendis, who made 22, for the seventh wicket.

Dickwella reached his fifty off 42 balls in the second session but Lyon finally got him out, also sending back Mendis after tea.

Lyon got his fifth wicket in Lasith Embuldeniya and Swepson, who was on a hat-trick denied by Dickwella, ended the innings after 59 overs.

Angelo Mathews also contributed to the Sri Lankan total with his 39 and stood with Dickwella in a 42-run stand broken by Lyon.

Sri Lanka are bowling with four spinners and a lone fast bowler in Asitha Fernando. Debutant leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay bowled three overs.

The island nation, which won the one-day international series against Australia 3-2, is battling an unprecedented economic crisis, with people across the country struggling to pay for food, fuel and other necessities.

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Qureshi blames own party for his pp-217 defeat during 2018 election mUlTaN

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AKISTAN Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi on Wednesday blamed his own party for his defeat in PP 217 in the general election 2018.

“Had I won the provincial assembly seat, the PTI would not have been facing the circumstances it is undergoing today,” he said while addressing a corner meeting here.

Qureshi observed that the losing the

national assembly approves revised income tax slabs for the salaried class islamabad stAff report

The National Assembly has approved revised income tax slabs for the salaried class.

The Minister For Finance on Wednesday presented the cluses by clause of Finance bill in National Assembly.

According to the amended finance bill, there will be no tax on an annual income of Rs 0.6 million, whereas the annual income of Rs 0.6 to 1.2 million will be taxed at 2.5 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 0.6 million.

Those earning Rs 1.2 million to Rs 2.4 million will have to pay a fixed tax of Rs 15,000 plus 12.5 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 1.2 million.

Where taxable income exceeds Rs 2.4 million but does not exceed Rs 3.6 million the tax rate is Rs 165,000 plus 20 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 2.4 million.

Those earning between Rs 3.6 million to Rs 6 million will have to pay Rs 405,000 plus 25 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 3.6 million.

For income between Rs 6 million to Rs 12 million, the tax will be Rs 10.05 million plus 32.5 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 6 million.

Where taxable income exceeds Rs 12 million, the tax is Rs 2.955 million plus 35 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 12 million.

PP 217 election had made no difference to him, as became the foreign minister.

He had conveyed his reservations to PTI Chairman Imran Khan in that regard, he added.

He said he was asked not to field his son Zain Qureshi as a candidate in PP 217 as he would lose the seat. He, however, added that some wars were not fought for win only.

According to Zain Qureshi, the PTI candidate in PP 217 by-election, Shah Mahmood Qureshi had made the remarks regarding the role of Jehangir Khan Tareen and Aleem Khan.

Govt revises levy on mobile phone imports islamabad GhulAm AbbAs

Through the Finance Bill 2022 approved by the National Assembly on Wednesday, the federal government has imposed a levy on mobile phone imports during the fiscal year 2022-23.

In the Finance Bill, the imposition of a mobile handset levy at the rates specified on imports of smartphones of different price categories ranging from Rs100 to Rs 16,000 was proposed.

It has been approved that a levy of Rs100 on $30 mobile phones, Rs200 on $100 mobile handsets, Rs600 on $200 handsets, Rs1,800 on $350 mobile phones, Rs4,000 on $500 handsets, Rs8,000 on $700 handsets and Rs16,000 on $701 handsets would be imposed during the next fiscal year.

The government has estimated a revenue of Rs10 billion from the levy on the import of mobile handsets.

The taxation on the smartphones falling at the lower end

Petroleum division seeks recommendations for import of crude oil from Russia

govt delaying permission for parade ground power show, says umar islamabad stAff report

The federal administration appears to be reluctant to allow the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a ‘protest rally’ at Parade Ground on July 2.

In a statement, PTI Central Secretary General Asad Umar said that the ‘imported’ coalition government was afraid of former prime minister Imran Khan’s popularity among the people of Pakistan.

“The incumbent government is showing reluctance in allowing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to hold jalsa at Parade Ground, Islamabad, on June 2,” the former planning minister said.

Asad Umar further said that the ‘imported’ rulers are afraid of elections and protest rallies. It is pertinent to mention here that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had formally begun preparations for ‘historic’ July 2 protest against rising inflation and country’s economic catastrophe.

of the price spectrum is criticized particularly in the context of the digital Pakistan ambition.

Around 97% of 117 million broadband users access the service through mobile. Further, they serve as the catalyst for the growth of multiple digital services including digital finance.

GSMA, in its reports, has also stated that affordable smartphones are an indispensable part of Pakistan’s mission to a completely digitized connected economy.

islamabad AhmAd AhmAdAni

In a major development towards the import of crude oil from Russia the Ministry of Energy has sought recommendations from local refineries with regard to the option of crude oil import from Russia.

Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), in a most immediate letter to the managing directors of

local refineries including Pak-Arab Refinery Limited, National Refinery Limited, Pakistan Refinery Limited and Byco Petroleum Pakistan Limited, has asked to furnish a detailed analysis with regard to option of crude oil import from Russia along with recommendations.

According to the letter Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), local four refineries are

asked to submit technical suitability of crude oil grades in view of each refinery configuration and yield (Vol %), quantity and grade of the subject crude to be required by the refinery, transportation/freight analysis for import from Russia in comparison with normal imports from middle east based on cost and benefit analysis, payment methodology and existing commitment of upliftment from Arab Gulf region with respect to term contracts.

It is pertinent to mention that former Prime Minister Imran Khan, after his ouster, has repeatedly been harping a mantra that his government was planning to import cheaper oil and wheat from Russia but they were sent packing through an American conspiracy.

However, reportedly there is no documentary evidence in the petroleum division of the Russian offer of cheap LNG, crude oil and POL products as repeatedly claimed by former premier Imran Khan. Even Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik while rebuffing the former premier’s claim of getting oil from Russia at low price has many times stated that there is no such document available in the petroleum division to prove Khan’s claim.

pm shehbaz appeals to nation to follow sops amid coVid-19 surge Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday appealed the nation to follow the antiCOVID SOPs as a surge was being recorded in the coronavirus cases in the country.

The prime minister, in a tweet, said that the front line workers and doctors had rendered numerous sacrifices to keep the countrymen safe from the disease.

Therefore, he urged the people not to squander the successes achieved against the coronavirus.

It merits mention that Pakistan has reported one death in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of confirmed positive cases has surged to 1,535,144. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 30,393 on Wednesday.

According to the latest figures by the National Institute of Health (NIH), at least 541 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 across the country in the past 24 hours.

Pakistan has conducted 15,462 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 541 persons were tested positive for the disease. The COVID Positivity Ratio was recorded at 3.50 percent. news desk

ch shujaat denies supporting hamza as cm punjab laHORE stAff report

Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has rejected speculation about him backing Hamza Shehbaz as CM Punjab.

The PML-Q head Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said that their candidate for the Chief Ministership of Punjab is Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. All of the PML-Q members would vote for Pervaiz Elahi in case of CM’s elections, he added.

Shujaat added that PML-Q members have always followed the party line, and PML-N should refrain from spreading rumours and confusing our members.

All of the PML-Q would vote for Pervaiz Elahi and elect him the new CM of Punjab, he added.

Zilhajj moon not sighted, eidul azha on July 10 islamabad stAff report

Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad on Wednesday announced that the Zilhajj moon had not sighted at any nook and cranny of the country.

He, in a notification issued here, said Zilhajj 1, 1443 AH would fall on Friday, July 1, and consequently, Eid-ul-Azha would be celebrated on Sunday, July 10, with religious fervour across the country.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Central Ruete-Hilal Committee’s meeting was held in Karachi under the chairmanship of Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir.

G7 summit urged to press India end ban on Islamabad’s Twitter accounts A top Pakistani diplomat has urged the G-7 industrial countries, which are meeting at summit level in Germany, to demand from India to lift its “massive restrictions on information”, including all the Pakistan accounts New Delhi has blocked.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, pointed out that India, “in another display of hypocrisy”, had signed a G7 statement to “protect freedom

of expression online and offline”.ť “Now,” he added, ” the G7 have the right and responsibility to demand that India lift its massive restrictions on information including all the Pakistan accounts Delhi has blocked.

“This suppression of information violates India’s obligations under ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) and is yet another sign of the escalating fascism enveloping RSS (Rashtriya

Swayamsevak Sangh) ruled India,” the Pakistan envoy said.

Earlier in Islamabad, the Foreign Office voiced alarm over the Indian government’s policy of blocking access to information after New Delhi asked social media giant Twitter to block the accounts of Islamabad’s diplomatic missions. The FO spokesperson, in a tweet on Monday, expressed deep concern over the “diminishing space for plurality of voices and access to information in India”. news desk

Published by Arif Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk