Epaper_23-02-13 LHR

Monday, 13 February, 2023

Govt recovers Rs1.4b royalty amount from two oil, gas firms

I 21 Rajab, 1444

In par tnership with

Profit

‘PDM wants boycott’: PPP to decide on contesting by-polls after intra-party consultation: Kaira

PM VOWS PAKISTAN WON’T LEAVE

Fawad criticises ECP over delayed meeting on Punjab, KP elections

TURKISH, SYRIAN BRETHREN IN LURCH

g SAYS PAKISTAN UTILIZING AIRBRIDGE AND ALSO SUPPLYING RELIEF ASSISTANCE THROUGH LAND, SEA ROUTES

g DIRECTS CONTACT WITH EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS FOR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

secretaries of foreign affairs, aviation, chairman NDMA and other high officials.

The prime minister directed the minister for planning to contact the educational institutions for running an organized fund-raising campaign.

He also asked the ministry of religious affairs to spread awareness in the religious institutions by taking the ulema on board.

The prime minister, on the occasion, praised the ministers, authorities, institutions and personnel who have been making efforts for the provision of relief to the quake victims.

He observed that the Pakistani rescue workers had been playing a major role in rescuing the people.

During the meeting, the prime minister was apprised that relief items including winterized tents, blankets, quilts and warm clothes were being sent to Turkiye and a large part of this consignment had been sent through air bridge.

Maryam alleges apex courts still ‘habour sympathies’ for Imran

Sanaullah says FIA ‘given go-ahead’ for arresting Shaukat Tarin

KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Sunday that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been granted permission by the higher authorities to arrest former finance minister Shaukat Tarin.

press release.

Yesterday, a convoy of 21 trucks containing these items had left for the two countries. In the next few days, 1600 tons of ration would be dispatched to Turkiye and Syria through land and sea routes.

Talking to the media in Karachi on Sunday, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the FIA was given go-ahead for arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and ex-finance minister Shaukat Tarin.

He said that Tarin will be brought to justice for his wrongdoings.

given relief and Pakistan will avoid default after the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He said that Imran Khan was ousted for bringing the country to default risk. He criticised Imran Khan’s recent statement and termed it ‘propaganda against the country’.

Sanaullah alleged that Imran Khan has become a ‘political terrorist’ after bringing disasters to the country during his 3.5-year tenure. He blamed the former premier for signing the IMF agreement on wrong conditions which increased economic hardships for Pakistan.

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that Pakistan would continue assisting the quake-affected brethren and sisters of Turkiye and Syria by sending the relief aid.

He said that the fund established for the earthquake-affected people of Turkiye would also be utilized to support the quake victims of Syria.

The prime minister chaired a meeting to review the ongoing relief efforts on part of Pakistan to provide succor to the quake-affected populace of Turkiye and Syria, PM Office Media Wing said in a

During the meeting, the prime minister said that Pakistan would bear all the expenses on the supply of relief goods to these countries.

He also directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to purchase the required items keeping in view of the needs of the quake victims, adding that Pakistan was not only utilizing the air bridge but also ensuring supply of relief assistance through land and sea routes.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, PM’s Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi,

The meeting was further briefed that the people had started donating relief goods at the NDMA collection points.

Pakistan was immediately sending more than 11,000 winterized tents to the quake victims whereas 14,000 tents would be dispatched in the next week, and more than 42,000 blankets would be part of the relief assistance.

Ambassadors of Pakistan to Turkiye and Syria also apprised the prime minister of the situation in the quake-affected areas and the requirements of the affected people.

The prime minister directed them to remain in close contact with the respective governments of Turkiye and Syria.

The interior minister said that the federal government is working on improving security. He said that the premier held an important meeting regarding security affairs two days ago.

Sanaullah said that development work is underway on key projects in Pakistan by China. He once again condemned the terrorist attack on the Peshawar mosque.

Rana Sanaullah said that the security institutions are put on high alert after the new wave of terrorism. He said that special steps will be taken for the protection of Karachi citizens.

Regarding inflation, Sanaullah said that the common man will be

He further alleged that the PTI chief is running a campaign to destabilise Pakistan.

He claimed that the nation rejects Imran Khan. Sanaullah defended the government’s move of arresting Imran Khan’s supporter and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed.

The interior minister said that Sheikh Rasheed levelled a serious allegation of assassination on the head of a major political party and the case was filed against him over the court order. He rejected the impression of any vengeful action against the AML chief.

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Imran points to military ‘neglect’ as cause of increased terrorism

Former prime minister Imran Khan criticised the security forces and intelligence agencies in the country for their “negligence” and blamed them for the increasing incidents of terrorism.

Khan, who was interviewed by Voice of America, when asked about his government’s decision to negotiate with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) before its ouster in April of last year, defended his position and said he still stands by the decision to hold talks with the Afghanistan-based militant group.

The interview came amidst the central Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government’s criticism of the policies adopted by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to handle the group following the collapse of Kabul in August 2021.

“One of the reasons that terrorism has spiked in Pakistan is because, according to the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA), the time that was taken for negotiations with TTP was used by that group to reorganise. Those talks

started when you were in power. Do you stand by your decision to greenlight those talks,” the interviewer, Sarah Zaman, asked.

“Well, firstly, what were the choices [the] Pakistani government faced once the Taliban took over and they decided the TTP, and we’re talking about 30 to 40,000 people, you know, the families included, once they decided to send them back to Pakistan? Should we have just lined them up and shot them, or should we have tried to work with them to resettle them,” Khan replied.

According to the former prime minister, the intention behind the talks was to secure resettlement with the cooperation of the security forces, politicians, and the TTP in the former Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) region.

However, he said his government’s removal in a contentious confidence vote marred by allegations of military involvement caused the new government to take its eye off the situation, allowing the TTP to regroup.

The former premier also questioned the absence of the security forces and

intelligence agencies during this regrouping and asked how his government could be held responsible for their negligence.

He emphasised the need for the agencies to be vigilant and proactive in tackling the issue of terrorism in the country.

Khan also discussed Pakistan’s approach to tackling terrorism and the importance of a strong relationship with the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

He highlighted the need for joint efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan to address the issue of terrorism, stating that another “war on terror” was not an option. He emphasised the importance of having a good relationship with the government in Kabul, as the two countries share a 2,500-kilometer border.

Khan also spoke about his past efforts to improve relations with former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and criticised Foreign Minister Bilawal BhuttoZardari for not having made a single visit to Afghanistan.

Khan warned against repeating the events of 2005 to 2015, when Pakistan

was grappling with terrorism along the Afghan border. He stressed the need to find a solution to the issue to prevent a similar outcome.

During his interview, Khan also weighed in on his relationship with retired Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, who

served as Pakistan’s army chief during his term in office. Khan praised the collaboration between his government and the military, observing it was instrumental in Pakistan’s success in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

C ONTINUED ON PAGE 03

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Pa k i s ta n d i s Pat c h e s a n o t h e r b at c h o f relief goods for turkiye quake victims

ISLAMABAD

tHE The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) continued dispatching relief goods for earthquake victims of Turkiye and Syria and sent 5 tons of relief goods, including blankets, and winterized tents through a PIA plane and 1 650 tonnes of relief goods through 21 trucks the National Logistics Cell (NLC)

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) another consignment of nearly 5 tons of relief goods, including blankets, and winterized tents was dispatched through a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight

Islamabad has established an air, sea, and road corridor to dispatch relief goods to the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria

At least 24,600 people were killed and more than 80,000 injured by two strong earthquakes that jolted southern Turkey on Monday, its disaster management agency said on Saturday

The 7 7- and 7 6- magnitude earthquakes centred in Kahramanmaras province, affected more than 13 million people across 10 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir Gaziantep Hatay Kilis Malatya Osmaniye and Sanliurfa

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already set up a relief fund for the collection of funds and relief goods for the earthquake victims of the two countries, aside from forming a cabinet committee to coordinate and oversee the countrywide relief efforts

Sharif also telephoned his Syrian counterpart Hussein Arnous to condole the human losses in last week s massive earthquakes He assured that Islamabad will continue to mobilise all possible resources to help the earthquake victims of Syria

Pakistan has already sent the first batch of relief goods to Syria

Jamaat-e-Islami is setting up camps across Sindh from Sunday to collect relief items for the earthquakehit people of Turkey and Syria, the party’s provincial secretary general, Kashif Saeed, announced Its relief wing, Al-Khidmat Foundation, has already sent rescue

teams and trained volunteers to join the ongoing relief and rescue operations in quake-hit areas of Turkey NDMA, NLC MobiLise 21 More reLief truCks for eArthquAke AffeCtees: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Logistics Cell (NLC) on Sunday mobilised some 21 more trucks of NLC containing over 1 650 tonnes of relief goods being sent to the affected brothers and sisters of Turkiye and Syria

The NDMA and NLC continued relief efforts for earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria after it’s decision to speed up relief efforts for earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria

The relief supplies included 2,084 tents and 27,280 blankets It added that Pakistan would not leave its affected brothers and sisters in Turkiye and Syria alone in this hour of difficulty

Pakistan Army, people and government institutions were always ready to serve their affected brothers and sisters in Turkiye and Syria, it added AzAD kAshMir goverNMeNt fuND: Across the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the region

between occupied and Azad Jammu and Kashmir Islamabad has set up a “special relief fund” for the earthquake victims of the two countries

Prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Tanvir Ilyas, announced the formation of the fund following a cabinet s approval on Saturday Ilyas called upon philanthropists and common people to donate generously to their Turkish and Syrian brethren “When AJK was hit by a disastrous quake in 2005 the government and people of Turkey were the [first] to rush to our aid Today, it’s time to reciprocate the favour,” he said in a tweet His cabinet and assembly members as well as civil servants will donate their fiveday salary to the quake victims

Alvi congratulates Iran on 1979 revolution anniversar y

ISLAMABAD

On the 44th anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Iran, President Dr Arif Alvi extended his warm felicitations to the neighbouring nation’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan

The anniversary of the 1979 revolution is observed every year on the 22nd day of the Persian month of Bahman Bahman 22 (February 11)

Pakistani educationalist wins prestigious ‘brain of the year’ award in uk

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

Education specialist Sania Alam from Pakistan was awarded the prestigious “Brain of the Year” award by the UK s Brain Trust for her contributions to mental literacy and her promotion of education through superlearning The award ceremony, which was held in London s Soho district, was presided over by Trust Chairman Raymond Keene, an English chess grandmaster Previous laureates include Professor Stephen Hawking, an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author Alongside this recognition Alam has received several other awards for her efforts, including the Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ’s Youth Excellence Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from US President Joe Biden in 2021 Her impact on the education world has been significant and she has helped leaders from various organisations and businesses harness the power of super-learning for their success Her work has gained worldwide recognition and has been featured on the covers of 12 magazines Aside from being a renowned educator, Alam is also a member of the Prime Minister ’s National Youth Council which aims to engage young people in policymaking Through her innovative teachings and commitment to excellence, she continues to inspire and empower students around the world to reach their full potential

Death of a commando city noteS

M a n i a z i

Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf died in Dubai, at the age of 79, on Kashmir Solidarity Day

None of his supporters said that he died in protest at the oppression of the Kashmiri people by the Indian government His contributions to the Kashmir cause can be summarized by two words: Kargil and Agra

Need more be said? One could bring up the Lal Masjid episode but that has nothing to do with the Kashmir cause

His body was brought to Pakistan, and he was buried in Karachi There was no attempt to implement the sentence passed by the special court which tried him for high

marks the end of the 54-year rule of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of a theocratic form of government In his message President Alvi highlighted the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries, which are based on cultural linguistic and religious ties He expressed his commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations across all domains President Alvi wished Khamenei good health and happiness, and also conveyed his best wishes for the continued progress, prosperity, and well-

Unveil schedule for PA polls, Per vaiz Elahi asks ECP

being of the people of Iran

The country marked the 44th anniversary of the revolution on Saturday with state-organised rallies as anti-government hackers briefly interrupted a televised speech by President Ebrahim Raisi Government television aired live footage of the state rallies around the country In Tehran domestic-made antiballistic missiles, a drone, an anti-submarine cruiser, and other military equipment were on display as part of the celebrations

Punjab flour mills association declares strike over suspended wheat quota

Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan is increasing day by day He asked the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) to refrain from committing constitutional violations Pervaiz Elahi said that all institutions are bound to assist the ECP for by-polls in light of the LHC verdict He claimed that PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif will not return to Pakistan now and the top leadership is just deceiving the workers He said that PDM gave nothing to the nation but economic disasters He added that the ruling PML-N should announce the election schedule if it is not afraid of the polls

On February 10, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to organise by-polls in Punjab within three months

LAHORE

S ta f f R e p o R t

Former Punjab chief minister Pervaiz Elahi on Sunday termed the Lahore High Court verdict historic one, asking the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to announce scheduler for election of Punjab Assembly without any further delay

While talking to journalists in Lahore here on Sunday, Ch Pervaiz Elahi said that the Lahore High Court (LHC) gave its verdict regarding the Punjab by-polls in accordance with the law and Constitution

He slammed the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for skyrocketing inflation in the country He said that the nation is ready to take revenge on the current rulers in the upcoming elections

He said that the popularity of Pakistan Tehreek-e-

treason (and convicted him): that he be hanged, and if he died abroad, his body was to be hanged I wouldn t go into the rights and the wrongs of that sentence, except to say that the Constitution forbids cruel and unusual punishment (but can a corpse experience punishment?), but it should be remembered that the punishment and conviction stood No one tried to execute the sentence Of course not, for he had been COAS, after all, which meant that the Army was upset by the original sentence As a matter of fact, the sentence reminds one of what was done to Oliver

Cromwell s corpse after the Restoration in 1660 His body was dug up and hanged on Tyburn Hill His crime was having had King Charles I decapitated back in 1649

Cromwell was also responsible for the only

The LHC’s Justice Jawad Hassan announced the reserved verdict on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf s (PTI) petition seeking the court orders for Punjab by-polls

In a 16-page short verdict, the high court ordered the election commission for organising by-polls in Punjab within 90 days

The LHC directed the electoral watchdog to issue the election schedule in accordance with the Constitution

It further stated that the elections should be conducted within 90 days after the dissolution of the assembly in accordance with the Constitution

However, it is not clear in the law who will announce the date of elections in case of dissolution of assemblies, it added In light of the court s decisions the ECP is possessing the mandate to conduct elections as an independent and impartial institution

Martial Law imposed on the UK, the infamous Rule of the Major-Generals, when the country was divided into 11 military districts, each ruled by a major-general, all under Cromwell, who had the title of Lord Protector Sure, the treatment of his corpse was barbaric (not to mention that he had been dead two years) But there was never a Martial Law ever imposed on the UK ever again But we must keep in mind that Cromwell wasn’t a commando No English poet was ever treated that way, so I suppose Amjad Islam Amjad had no real worries He was not just the greatest living Urdu poet, but he was the author of Waaris, which was one of the seminal V serials of the early 1980s In a pre-cable era, with PTV not just ruling but monopolizing the airwaves, it defined an era and is still given as an example of how good PV’s plays were It s a little odd how Musharraf s death on a Sunday preceded and then the death of Amjad succeeded, the earthquake in Turkey

and Syria That was pretty bad, what with 2500 people dead at least, with bodies being found from the rubble all the ime It isn t as bad as the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, in which 86,000 people died Once again, a natural disaster has shown that national boundaries are merely lines on paper In 2005, the earthquake involved three countries, China, India and Pakistan This time, it s only two Meanwhile, someone has persuaded Imran it’s a bad idea to contest all the seats that have been vacated Even if he was to take oath for one seat (which he won’t) the rest would go through another by-election That reminds me of the bright spark who threatened to sabotage India’s election in 1991 by filing nominations in all 543 constituencies, and the n threatening to commit suicide Now if a contesting candidate dies the polls is countermanded nd a fresh schedule issued, with new candidates allowed to file, though previous candidates don’t have to refile So if that candidate killed himself, there would be a postponement in the

LAHORE

S ta f f R e p o R t

The Punjab Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has declared a strike from Monday in response to the suspension of the wheat quota for over 100 mills by the Punjab Food Department This move has heightened tensions between the association and the government The chairman of the association has said that flour mills will not receive wheat from the government quota during the strike, and warned that the supply of wheat in the market will be impacted Meanwhile, the food department has reportedly ordered cases against 10 flour mill owners in the province It is worth noting that the recent increase in wheat quota and imports has caused a decrease in wheat prices in the open market in Punjab The per maund price has dropped from Rs5,200 to Rs4,000, and the per kilogramme price has fallen from Rs130 to Rs100

seats he contested In other words, the election would get cancelled

Now if Imran was to contest all those seats, and his prediction that he would be killed came true, what would happen? Imran wouldn t care, though He d be dead What would become of his Jal Bharo Tehrik then? And by the way, one shouldn’t assume that he won t have anything after that Then he would ask that all civil awards, and titles be returned, like Diwan Bahadur, Rai Bahadur, Nawab Bahadur and Khan Bahadur Footnote to these notes: A medical report says that Fawad ‘Nelson Mandela’ Chaudhry had alcohol in his blood when he was arrested Does Rana Sanaullajh have a thing about booze? I mean, Sh Rashid’s blood is being tested, and Ch Pervez Elahi s alleged bootlegger has been arrested I wonder why no one’s cracking down on drug dealers Whatever the truth of the matter, our Nelson should remember that the South African police never got Mandela on that charge

Pdm can’t defeat Pti in Polls ‘at any cost’: ex-kP cm

fORMER chief minister Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa, Mahmood Khan on Sunday shared four and half years’ performance of his government with people of his constituency and challenged that the eleven parties PDM could defeat the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in elections even if the number of its constituent parties rises to eighteen parties Mahmood Khan was addressing a huge crowd gathered to welcome him upon arrival in his native town following dissolution of the Provincial Assembly The former chief minister was accorded a red carpet welcome by workers and people of the area

While addressing a huge reception at Nishat Chowk in Mingora, Mahmood Khan said that he was grateful to people of Malakand division for the wonderful welcome, saying felt proud of this public

love You created history today as no ruler can face the public once he steps down the

sanaullah says fia ‘given go-ahead’ to arrest shaukat tarin

COntInuED fROM pAgE 01

rule but today I am among the public” he pointed out He said when they got the government, there was an economic crisis in the country which was aggravated by the ensuing Covid-19 pandemic and floods

But we managed our country honestly and led the country on the path of development under the leadership of Imran Khan ”

Former federal minister Murad Saeed and former members of assembly Fazal Hakeem and Azizullah Gran were present on the occasion

Earlier on reaching Chakdara

Interchange, the former chief minister was welcomed by the former parliamentarians and workers from different districts of the division and later took him to Swat in a procession

After 1969 Swat district witnessed unprecedented development the PTI rule,” he claimed and added that a network of hospitals colleges and roads had been laid in the entire division

He said that the people of Swat had rendered great sacrifices during the war

against terrorism similar the Pashtun nation sacrifices they had offered for the creation Pakistan

He further said that the PTI would never tolerate more terrorism activities in Swat and Malakand division

Speaking about the propaganda regarding loans, Mahmood Khan informed: Purpose of taking more loans by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was to lay a network of development, which has yield unimaginable results in shape of development in every nook and cranny of the province ”

He said that the federal government owed Rs280 billion to the provincial government “The ‘fake’ prime minister had made a claim regarding selling his clothes, but I want to tell him who will buy your clothes?

Mahmood Khan further said that the IMF had made it clear that they will not give loans until Imran Khan signs the agreement

He said that the “fake” prime minister had set a record by forming a cabinet of 83

members and they should be ashamed of wasting the nation s treasury

“The ‘fake’ prime minister has only one option to announce the election as soon as

SBP to issue license to Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

He added that the Toshakhana thefts allegedly committed by Imran Khan came forth before the nation and the institutions are conducting an investigation He said that he will be arrested soon He said that the dialogues with the PTI remained failed in the past and there is no chance of initiating the talks again He said that the government is not rejecting to hold elections and it will follow the constitutional procedure to conduct the polls He added that the National Assembly (NA) will complete its tenure as per the Constitution The interior minister said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is an independent institution to take decisions regarding the polls He added that they are fully ready to enter the election phase He further said that they are to contest polls in April or October He urged that the assemblies should complete their tenure

imran points to militar y ‘neglect’ as cause of increased terrorism

COntInuED fROM pAgE 01

However the ex-premier criticised Bajwa s stance on corruption, alleging that he “favoured some of the biggest crooks in the country” and sought to provide immunity to corrupt individuals Khan further claimed that Bajwa had a close relationship with Shehbaz Sharif, and that this relationship played a role in the regime change that took place Khan emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance of power between the elected government and military, and stressed that the elected government must have both responsibility and authority The former prime minister added that he believes the new military leadership has recognised the error of the experiment of regime change

fo bars embassies in eu states from visas issuance to afghan nationals

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

The Foreign Office (FO) on Sunday directed embassies in European countries not to issue visas to Afghan citizens till further orders following the surfacing of an alleged visa scandal According to officials, the foreign ministry has issued instructions to all embassies across Europe to stop issuance of visas to Afghan citizens The action was taken after an alleged scandal of the issuance of Pakistani visas to 1 600 Afghan nationals on fake residential cards of Sweden The FO issued the orders to the Pakistani embassies in the United Kingdom (UK) Spain Italy Germany Portugal Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands Earlier in the day it was learnt that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an inquiry into the issuance of visas to 1,600 Afghans by a Pakistan mission in Europe on bogus residence cards of Sweden According to sources the Pakistan embassy in Sweden has issued 1,600 visas to Afghan nationals on bogus residence cards Hours after the news broke the FO took notice and ordered an immediate inquiry and asked all Pakistani missions abroad to stop issuing visas of any category to Afghan nationals until further orders

While appreciating the performance of Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (BAJK) to achieve Scheduled Bank status, Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmed agreed in principle with the position to issue the license to BAJK

Governor SBP expressed these views in a meeting with Chairman Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Khan Abdul Majid Khan and President/CEO Khawar Saeed

He said that the government Financial Institution of AJK is playing a positive role in the socio-economic development of the State and the way BAJK is moving towards speedy progress

It is not difficult to predict that this bank will soon become one of the most successful banks Azad Kashmir Minister for Finance, Cooperatives and Inland Revenue Khan Abdul Majid Khan, who is also the Chairman of the Bank’s Board of Directors, highlighted the importance of BAJK in the state economy, the association and interest of overseas Kashmiri diaspora with the institution

The importance and usefulness of issuance of license for conferring scheduled status, the recent steps

taken in this regard by AJK State Governments and BAJK to develop and attain scheduled bank status including notable, implementation of core banking software, redesigning of all credit products, hiring of consultant for completion of legal formalities and preparation of business case for lodgment of application with SBP, wish of people of AJK, especially overseas Kashmiri diaspora and corporate sector of AJK for BAJK to acquire scheduled bank status

The Chairman further said that the Bank of AJK needs development and patronage of the federal Government The Bank needs to be included by the Government of Pakistan’s Special Incentives Schemes like hydropower, tourism, women economic empowerment, agriculture and housing sector, which will accelerate further the growth In addition, nomination of a focal person from SBP to assist/guide BAJK for obtaining licensing while opening the corporate office of the bank in Islamabad will have positive business results

Earlier, the Governor was briefed by President Khawar Saeed on the history of the state-owned bank, its management structure, rapid development, the status of financial progress during the last three years including expanding network, customer reach and paid-up capital

possible because it is not his business to rule or not and now it is the people who will decide who can lead this country on the path of development,” he concluded

Police arrest 12 suspects in nankana sahib lynching case

nAnKAnA SAHIB

S ta f f R e p o R t

Punjab police on Sunday arrested 12 suspects involved in the lynching of a man accused of blasphemy in Nankana Sahib, a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident The arrests were made after the investigation and identification of suspects through videos said police in a statement Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday took notice of a mob lynching of a man over blasphemy allegations in Nankana Sahib saying action would be taken against police officials who “failed in their duty” The prime minister took notice of the incident as videos circulating on social media purportedly showed a man was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy “No one is allowed to take the law into their hands Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said in a statement Taking notice, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar suspended two senior cops for failing to prevent the mob lynching of a man over blasphemy allegations in Nankana Sahib The police in a statement said that Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar has suspended Nankana Sahib Circle Deputy Superintendent of Police Nawaz Waraq and Warburton Station House Officer Feroz Bhatti

MUSHAHID PROPOSES ‘5 - POINT ACTION PLAN TO PROMOTE BLUE ECONOMY’ WORTH $100B

CHAIRMAN of Senate Defence Committee, Senator Mushahid Hussain while chairing two sessions of Pakistan International Maritime Expo & Conference (PIMEC) 2023 proposed a 5-point Action Plan to promote Blue Economy.

He said apart from Blue Economy, marine and mineral resources plus China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and building on a strategic partnership between Pakistan, China and Saudi Arabia would be a catalyst for an alternative development approach that can help ‘bid goodbye to IMF’, said a press release issued here.

Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi and other senior officers of Pakistan Navy plus representatives of 50 countries, participating in PIMEC, were also present. Outlining his presentation, Senator Mushahid Hussain said that it’s now clear that Pakistan needed a new development path.

He focused on exploring and exploiting marine resources by a strategy for Blue Economy, which, according to the World Bank, has resources worth at least $ 100 billion.

He added that 50,000 square kilometers were added to Pakistan’s continental shelf as an exclusive economic zone in 2015, a huge mass of water, almost like a 5th province. “Added to this maritime economy is the immense mineral wealth, huge reserves of natural gas and 175 billion tons of coal in Thar, all of which cumulatively add up to a hidden wealth of

Ahsan lauds NDMA for swift relief, stresses mobile medical teams for quake-hit countries

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Dr Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday appreciated the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for swift relief assistance and laid stress to arrange mobile medical teams along with essential medicines for quakehit countries. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal chaired the meeting through video link whereas Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik and Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Pacaci joined the session, a news release said.

The NDMA held a special National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) session to review humanitarian assistance package for quake-hit Turkiye and Syria.

The session was attended by Ambassador of Pakistan in Turkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Ambassador of Pakistan in Syria DG NLC, Air Marshal (R) Shahid Akhter and representatives of Ministry of Health Services, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Pakistan Navy and PDMAs. The minister said that a fundraising campaign was also launched in educational institutions across the country to collect funds for victims of the earthquakes. The drive was launched in schools, colleges, and universities in response to the prime minister’s call.

The Chairman NDMA briefed that the authority has arranged and dispatched 162 tonnes and 9 tonnes of relief goods to Turkiye and Syria respectively whereas relief consignment of 447 tonnes collectively has been sent off through NLC trucks to both countries. This consignment contains large family-sized winterized tents and blankets as per current need of quake affectees. Additionally, deputed Pakistan Army USAR team and Rescue 1122 team have undertaken several rescue operations in Turkiye. The Chairman NDMA informed that consignment of 195 tons consisting double-ply tents and procurement of 1600 tons’ of food bags are under process which will be dispatched through NLC trucks & Pak Navy ships to both countries in coming days.

Ambassador Khan urges more linkages between Pak-US educational institutions

WASHINGTON AGENCIES

Second, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs should have a Secretary, who is from Pakistan Navy, like the Ministry of Defence has a Secretary from Pakistan Army. “That will make the Ministry of Maritime Affairs a proactive and pivotal player on the Blue Economy.”

Third, a special non-governmental Task Force be established comprising experts, academics, think tanks and relevant private sector for devising a Work Plan in 2023 for promoting awareness about Blue Economy amongst opinion leaders and relevant stakeholders.

almost a $ 1 trillion (one trillion dollars), that has not been tapped at all due to an absence of policy on these areas.”

Senator Mushahid Hussain then called for developing an alternative economic developmental strategy through a 5-point Action Plan.

First, the government should immediately establish a National Authority for Blue Economy (NABE), to prepare a comprehensive strategy that involves Pakistan Navy, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the private sector as principal stakeholders.

Fourth, as part of alternative economic development strategy for Pakistan, develop a linkage between Blue Economy, marine and mineral resources, CPEC, TAPI and developing triangular relationship between Pakistan, China and Saudi Arabia, so that Energy Security becomes a key pillar of Blue Economy framework.

Fifth, media mobilisation was a force multiplier for promoting Blue Economy and in this regard, Media Workshops be organised in Gwadar, Ormara, Keti Bandar and Karachi, so that ‘sea blindness’ ends with an awareness of the future potential of Blue Economy.

PTI’s ineptitude, flawed policies pushed economy to brink of collapse: Muqam

SWAT

SYED SHAHABUDDIN

Adviser to the Prime Minister Engr Amir Muqam here on Sunday said that Imran Imran Niazi has destroyed peace and economy of the country through his flawed policies and rampant corruption during his four years rule in centre and 10 years in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“The PML-N believed in practical work and would reestablish peace in the country including KP and would take Pakistan out of the difficult economic situation.”

Addressing a big a party workers convention here, Amir Muqam said that Nawaz Sharif government had eliminated terrorism and established peace in the country including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa besides resettling millions of IDPs of Malakand division including Swat in their native areas with dignity.

Amir Muqam who is the President of PML-N KP, said that Imran Khan was failed to provide 10 million jobs and 5 million houses to people despite his tall pledges and the people of KP would make him accountable for his lies-based politics.

He said all the mega development projects including electricity, gas and roads infrastructure launched by the Nawaz Sharif government for

the people of Swat were closed by the former PTI government to deprive people from development and said that Imran Khan and PTI’s former lawmakers including former CM Mahmood Khan would face people wrath in the election.

Amir Muqam said these pending projects would be completed by Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz government for the benefits of the people of Swat.

He said that the people of Swat knew that Kalam-Bahrain road, Swat Expressway and other mega projects for Swat were approved during the government of Nawaz Sharif and PTI can’t deceive the masses by merely fixing its sign boards.

He said the former PTI government has failed to start any mega development project in KP in the last five years and deplored for changing the name of Nawaz

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan on Sunday called for forging new linkages between Pakistan and the United States in a number of fields, including education, research and technology, during a visit to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

One of the key features of the US-Pakistan relationship is that it is people-centric, he said while speaking to the university students. People-topeople ties have been at the heart of this relationship, the ambassador added.

Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Ayesha Ali, accompanied the Ambassador.

Masood Khan highlighted that links between the two countries’ scientists, researchers and academics have always been an important component of such people-to-people ties, and interactions in the higher education field between the institutions of Pakistan and the US are a very important dimension of the overall partnership. It is against this historically rich backdrop that our two governments have accorded high priority to deepening of our cooperation in the field of education as we chart the course ahead for this defining stand-alone partnership, the Ambassador said.

Kumble Subbaswamy, Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, while thanking the Ambassador reflected on the legacy of their frequent exchange programs from Pakistan under the University’s Civic Initiative that is run in partnership with the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Study of the US Institutes.

The Ambassador thanked the Chancellor for his support and valuable partnership and assured him of the Government of Pakistan’s continued support in building linkages between Pakistan’s universities with the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Currently, hundreds of Pakistani students are studying at the University in different disciplines. During the visit, Ambassador Masood Khan interacted with a group of university teachers who visited Pakistan in 2019 before the covid pandemic on an exchange programme

Earlier in the day, the Ambassador addressed fifty students of Economics and Global History at Amherst Regional Public School to discuss the diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and the United States — with a focus on how students and youth can play a significant role in shaping its future. The Ambassador was received by the school’s Principal, Talib Sadiq.

Sharif Kidney Hospital in Swat. Muqam said that the hospital would be renamed as Nawaz Sharif Kidney Hospital Swat. “Nawaz Sharif lived in the people’s hearts and through such negative tactics, PTI could not remove his name from the hearts and minds of the masses”, he added.

He said that Imran Khan would be held accountable for his corrupt practices referring to Tosha Khana and PTI foreign funding cases. The PM aide claimed that Imran Khan had tarnished the country’s image after stealing a watch from Toshakhana. Amir Muqam said majority of PTI former lawmakers, advisers and ministers have accumulated billions of rupees beyond known sources of income while billion trees project was taken over by the NAB that exposed Imran Khan’s anti-corruption slogans.

Three suspects militants arrested in Lakki Marwat

PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

In a successful operation carried out by the CounterTerrorism Department (CTD) in Lakki Marwat, three terrorists were arrested on Sunday.

As per reports, the arrested individuals were traveling from Lakki Marwat to Peshawar with a sinister intention. The CTD was able to apprehend the suspects by tracing their vehicles.

The arrested terrorists were identified as Omer Zaman (alias Adnan), Saleem Khan (alias Malang), and Ahmad Nabi (alias Idrees). The investigation team has taken the militants into custody and has transferred them to an undisclosed location for further questioning. It is believed that the arrest will lead to the unearthing of crucial information, as the interrogation process is currently underway.

Envoy underscores enhanced defence cooperation between Indonesia, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD APP

Indonesian Ambassador Adam Tugio has urged the Pakistani business community to look at Indonesia as a trade hub for expanding its export to the huge market of more than 640 million people in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Participation of a frigate vessel of Indonesian Navy to AMAN Naval Exercise 2023 is an example of how Indonesia attaches great importance to its partnership with Pakistan to promote global peace and security” he said.

During a discussion at Karachi Council for Foreign Relations (KCFR), the Ambassador said that cooperation in defence sectors had the

potential to grow beyond an exchange of military officers and capacity building programs, said a news release issued by the Indonesian Embassy here Sunday.

“More than 50 percent of conflicts are taking place in OIC geographic. Indonesia and Pakistan are the two biggest UN troops contributing countries and the role of women peacekeepers of the two countries can give a significant contribution to creating an enabling environment for peace and reconciliation in such conflicts”, Tugio added.

The Ambassador specifically referred to the newly established mechanism of the Joint Ministerial Commission which would allow the two FMs to meet regularly for stocktaking progress of bilateral cooperation and give strategic direction to deepening bilateral relations. He further mentioned that Pakistan has the full potential to develop its

economy due to its geostrategic location to serve as a gateway to the broader region in Central Asia.

“Pakistan has strong resilience to overcome the economic crises and make strong revival as attested through its history”, the envoy said.

Responding to a question on a doable strategy for Pakistan to strengthen its partnership with ASEAN, he suggested a two-prong approach of institutional collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat and bilateral processes with ASEAN members.

The envoy underlined the importance of deepening connectivity through hard elements, such as building infrastructure as well as increasing people-to-people connections as soft elements of connectivity.

Balochistan cM says won’t resign froM his office

QUETTA

S ta f f R e p o R t

abdul Quddus bizenjo, chief minister of balochistan has announced he will not resign from his office and is prepared to take his case to the Supreme Court if necessary At a press conference in Quetta, the chief minister emphasized his commitment to serving the people of balochistan and willingness to fight for his right to perform his official duties despite the recent departure of some of his aides from the balochistan Awami Party (bAP) to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP),

and rumours of his possible replacement by the Jamiat ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JuI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman bizenjo said he would not resign and was ready to defend his position bizenjo who hails from an influential political and tribal family in the province, was elected chief minister in October 2021, securing 39 out of the 64 votes

This is the second stint for him as chief e x e c u t i v e o f t h e p r o v i n c e , h a v i n g p r e v iously served in this position from January to July 2018 during the press conference, he expressed disappointment that some administrative matters were being held up by the

balochistan High Court (bHC), but vowed to contest the stay and petition the Supreme Court for a review

He emphasised his responsibility to raise his voice for the rights of the people and promised to reveal the reasons for his recent media absence

In his address, bizenjo stressed that it was his duty to ensure that the people of the province receive their rightful entitlements and expressed his commitment to doing so CM expresses sorrow over death of folk singer Bashir

BaloCh: balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus bizenjo expressed his sorrow over the death of folk singer, saying

B o d y eye s e n h a n ce d s e c u r i t y i n p u b l i c s p a ce s to c u rb v i o l e n ce a g a i n s t wo m e n

ISLAMABAD M o n i to R i n g R e p o R t

The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has expressed its condemnation of the recent F9 Park incident in Islamabad where a woman was reportedly raped at gunpoint In response, the commission has called for increased security measures in public spaces to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future

Polio drive launched in 39 districts nationwide

KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t

An anti-polio campaign has been launched in 39 districts across the country in response to the confirmation of the polio virus in Ravi s environmental samples A special drive will take place in nine districts of Punjab from February 13 to 17 The health ministry has announced that the campaign will aim to administer polio drops to over 6 million children Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel said a comprehensive drive will be conducted in lahore and Faisalabad two districts in Punjab to vaccinate children against the disease In southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the anti-polio drive is being carried out in seven districts including bannu dera Ismail Khan Tank lakki Marwat, North Waziristan, upper South Waziristan, and lower South Waziristan Minister Patel expressed his concern over the presence of the poliovirus in neighbouring Afghanistan and stressed that it could pose a serious threat to children on both sides of the border He emphasised that a united effort is necessary to eradicate polio completely, and that this cannot be achieved without the cooperation of parents He urged all parents to ensure their children receive the polio drops during the ongoing anti-polio campaign, emphasising that the goal is to prevent future generations from permanent disability

The body has written to the relevant authorities including Islamabad police chief Akbar Nasir Khan, demanding a fair and thorough investigation into the incident which it described as a violation of women’s constitutional rights In its letter, the commission also emphasised the n e e d f o r t h e p o l i c e t o i m p r o v e s a f e t y a n d s e c u r i t y measures in public places, and urged the Ministry of law and Justice to provide an updated report on the

i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f t h e A n t i - R a p e I n v e s t i g a t i o n a n d Trial Act, 2021

The commission also requested information on the establishment of anti-rape crisis cells and sexual offenses investigation units, as well as the progress in framing rules under the act

The NCSW has affirmed its commitment to combating violence against women in the country and will continue its efforts to do so within its mandate

bashir baloch achieved a prominent position in balochi singing with his hard work and dedication

The Presidential award winning folk singer bashir baloch passed away in Quetta on Sunday private media reported The renowned folk singer will be buried in the Akhund baba graveyard near Killi deba area of Quetta today

According to Muhammad Raza, the son of the late singer, bashir baloch was suffering from kidney disease

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also expressed his sorrow over the death of the well-known balochi singer while praying for the deceased

women folk ‘true capital’ of countr y, says sherr y rehman

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

DUBAI, UAE

Today here at dubai in World Trade Centre International Property Show (IPS) was launched both Ravi urban development Authority (RudA) and Central business district Authority (CbdA) are representing Pakistan

The international property exhibition was inaugurated by His Excellency Sultan butti bin Mejren who is also the director General of dubai land department

While addressing, he appreciated the interest shown by international participants he took keen interest in RudA and Cbd

While visiting the Pakistan Pavilion he highlighted the need for such developmental projects

He further said that participants can benefit from host of property and real estate related activities spread out for four days, delineated in the form of conferences, seminars and shows

ISLAMABAD

a p p

Ambassador of Poland to Pakistan Maciej Pisarski on Sunday said that bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Poland has reached over €723 million and both countries are focusing on exploring more avenues of trade and investments in multiple sectors like information technology, food processing, and agriculture sector

The good news for the Pakistani side was that Poland is the huge trade deficit of almost half a billion Euro deficit as Pakistani exports in textile, sportswear, foodstuff and leather products are much higher while Poland’s exports are less, the Ambassador told APP during an exclusive interview

It was mostly due to the introduction of the GSP plus trade mechanism which allowed Pakistani exports to the European union he told Ambassador Maciej Pisarski said Poland has been one of the fastest-growing export markets for Pakistan The European union was the largest destination

for Pakistani exports and Poland had supported the inclusion of Pakistan in the GSP Plus to grant non-reciprocal preferential treatment to Pakistan s exports a special arrangement under which Pakistani products had privileged access to the European market

He said, we are celebrating this year

the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between Poland and Pakistan and both countries

It is pertinent to mention that number of international developers from all over the globe are participating in Internal Property Show (IPS)

Earlier the dignitary was received at Pakistan pavilion by Chairman Cbd, Fazeel Asif Jah and Chief Operating Officer

have accomplished a lot as our economic cooperation both in terms of trade and investment increased He said that the bilateral agenda concentrated on economic cooperation, political and military dialogue and the development of people-to-people relations during the last six decades

Answering a question about educational cooperation he urged for institutional partnerships between the universities of Poland and Pakistan to seek potential, talented and skillful students in the field of science and technology and higher education for better outcomes So, this would enhance educational cooperation and people-to-people relationships

The Ambassador said Poland has been a reliable partner of Pakistan when it comes to gas exploration Polish oil and gas exploration companies had invested millions of dollars in Pakistan during the last 25 years The Polish companies have invested $300 million in gas exploration and they are willing to do more If Polish companies would explore more gas in Pakistan then it would be

RudA brig (retd) Mansoor Janjua

A large number of people visited the venue today and showed keen interest in RudA projects Such initiatives will improve the soft image of Pakistan on one hand and will also attract foreign investment for the country

Federal Minister for Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman on Sunday said the courageous women drive Pakistan’s documented and undocumented economy who were not only the capital rather the support of the country In a series of tweets on National Women’s day, the federal minister paid tribute to the women of the country playing a vital role in nation-building and development of the country Senator Rehman said On the occasion of National Women’s day, I pay tribute to all the brave, hardworking and brave women of the country She added that 49% of the country s population consisted of women, adding, “be it lady Health Worker or benazir Income Support Programme, PPP has always initiated public and revolutionary projects Now, through the Sindh government’s People’s Poverty Reduction Programme, women across the province are setting a new example of development Sherry Rehman mentioned The minister underlined that our women were laying the foundations of a self-sufficient society under the project she said poor women were being provided interest-free loans for their businesses “Women are ensuring economic stability and growth through a revolutionary project 1 3 lakh women have benefited from this project which has been going on for 4 years, while more than 80 thousand families have come above the poverty line Sherry Rahman said Along with this, many other projects of the Sindh government for women and social development were also going on she added We don t just create slogans and narratives of ‘change’ but work on revolutionary projects for the development of society Social and economic revolution in society does not come from slogans alone, it comes from vision and performance,” Sherry Rehman ended

Prcs takes notice of transgender harassment case in gujranwala

LAHoRE S ta f f R e p o R t

Chairman PRCS Punjab branch, lahore took a prompt and strong action on the shameful activity of forcing a transgender to dance in lieu of ration in dRCb Gujranwala

three times cheaper than the imported gas, he added

He said that the gas explored by the Polish companies was being sold to local consumers in Pakistan considering it a significant aspect of Poland’s economic cooperation

The Ambassador said it was the priority of his mission to enhance parliamentary diplomacy people-to-people exchanges, business opportunities, information and renewable technologies, besides cooperation in the economic and defense sectors

In reply to a question on the ukraine war, he said that the Russian aggression against ukraine should be ended Poland is providing multifaceted support and humanitarian assistance to ukraine We have supported ukraine in terms of military equipment because Poland strongly believes that ukraine has the right to defend itself”, he added About his experience in Pakistan, he said, I have been learning the urdu language for more than a year and spoke in urdu that he wants to make better foreign relations with Pakistan

Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society Punjab Provincial branch directed Red Crescent district branch Gujranwala to take a prompt & strong action against their employees who were involved in forcing a transgender to dance in lieu of Ration regarding which a video was aired on electronic and social media on 26-01-2023 Pakistan Red Crescent Society is a part of an international humanitarian organisation which is globally recognized for its social welfare initiatives and the reported immoral acts of the employees of a district branch cannot be tolerated, said the Chairman, PRCS – Punjab branch Justice (r) Sheikh Ahmed Farooq As a result of an inquiry on the orders of the deputy Commissioner/Chairperson PRCS district branch Gujranwala it transpired that the incident did happen in the month of July 2022 and video was leaked by Red Crescent Employees of the dRCb Gujranwala However Secretary dRCb Gujranwala showed negligence in taking timely action/reporting the matter to the deputy Commissioner/Chairman dRCb Gujranwala Thereafter, deputy Commissioner/Chairperson, dRCb, Gujranwala convened a meeting of the Management Committee of dRCb Gujranwala on 01-02-2023 and they unanimously decided to terminate the services of all the employees of district Red branch Gujranwala who were involved in this immoral activity & making a video of the forced dancing a transgender in dRCb, Gujranwala premises in exchange of ration Meanwhile the aggrieved transgender also lodged an FIR against the culprits involved in the incident on 28-01-2023 in Civil lines Police Station, Gujranwala, and demanded impartial investigation & punishment thereof

Po l a n d

- Pa k i s t a n t ra d e vo l u m e re a c h e s

ove r € 7 2 3 m : Po l i s h Am b a s s a d o r

P u t t i n g o f f t h e i n e v i t a b l e

tH e lahore High Court has given the Pakistan tehrik insaf the relief it had asked for, and ordered the election Commission of Pakistan to give an election date for the Punjab and KP assemblies the former having been automatically dissolved on January 14 after the Cm advised dissolution and the latter being dissolved by the Governor on January 18 when the Cm advised dissolution Neither governor gave a date for fresh elections, which the Constitution orders held within 90 days Both provinces have installed caretaker Cms, the one in KP being the person chosen by the consultation of the outgoing Cm and the Opposition leader, the one in Punjab after the eCP made a choice after the preceding consultations failed to produce a consensus the eCP did not meet on Sunday as it was scheduled to, so as to decide the date, but it will meet again on monday (today) to discuss the by-elections to the National assembly on vacated seats, and will take up the lHC order meanwhile, the Pml(N) has decided not to contest the lHC order, and to let the elections be held it may have realized that putting off the elections was counterproductive for it, as there seems no development which it hopes will reverse the election result in its favour even if it sees a defeat, any development leading to a reduction of the margin of that defeat, will not change the fact of that defeat at the same time the dissolutions have set a clock ticking the election laws specify the number of days the eCP can allot to the various stages of the election process, and that provides for an election programme of 50 days elections to the Punjab assembly must be held by april 18, and the KP assembly by april 22, if the 90-day deadline is to be met to allow sufficient time for the election programme, if the last days were given, these days would have to be announced on February 24 and 28 respectively With only 16 days remaining, returning officers have not been appointed, with the lahore High Court having turned down the eCP request to make its subordinate judiciary available the main arguments being adduced against the elections are the wave of terrorism in KP and the poor economic situation, with the Finance ministry already having refused to give the eCP the Rs 61 8 million it asked for it is another matter that it found the funds needed for the latest additions to the ever-expanding army of SaPms if that is to be accepted, what happens to the inevitability of elections supposedly such a distinctive feature of democracy

Serious debt distress in developing countries

‘external public debt risks in developing countries are on the rise and have been for several years Higher debt stocks, debt service and assessed risks by international institutions have led to intensified calls to strengthen debt restructuring initiatives while debt stocks remain relatively low, current costs of funding make debt service hard to sustain, with an expected peak in 2024-25 in 2022-26 we estimate that financing needs could represent USD2 5 trillion across all emerging and 4 developing countries, including USD300 billion for countries eligible to the imF Poverty Reduction and Growth trust (PRGt), and USD340 billion for Sub-Saharan countries those are large sums, which could trigger major debt crises it is therefore essential to reduce the cost of debt and enhance the resilience to shocks ’ – Excerpt from a November 2022 Finance for development lab published working paper The coming debt crisis: monitoring liquid and solvency risk’

WH at the covid-19 pandemic and the climate change crisis have exposed is that years of Neoliberalism, whereby investment significantly followed market signals of maximizing profits, rather than in making resilient economies, where meaningful investments went into strengthening for instance public health- and education sectors, and in moving towards a green, inclusive, sustainable economies at the same time another offshoot of the same neoliberal assault meant less regulation, and downsizing of the public sector and public investments, mainly under the prescription that governments should primarily facilitate the private sector, and allow underlying finance, and international capital movements largely free of government interference that, in time, weakened the public sector ’s capacity to deal with shocks as and when they arise, and even more importantly to predict them better so that public policy should be more proactive, which on the contrary continued to become more reactive, while outsourcing of what otherwise should have been done by governments, meant that the private sector made contracts under public-private partnerships that were not always in the best interest of public and at the same time also did not allow a balanced overall economy, which was diverse, and properly concentrated on developing sectors that although they did not give quick profits, were nonetheless important to give an example, while the SaRS (severe

acute respiratory syndrome)– a form of coronavirus–hit in the early 2000s, and the virus continued to resurface as epidemics– like the meRS (middle east respiratory syndrome) version a number of years later– there was little attention of the pharmaceutical industry to move towards reaching an effective vaccine, while investments continued to pour into quick profit-making endeavours like body creams Hence, it was not until the coronavirus hit as a pandemic that panic set in, and resources set to flow towards making a vaccine the same appears to be the situation of ‘bird flu’ which is continuing to appear as a potential source for another pandemic, yet there is much less attention on preparing the public health sector and vaccine, for instance that needs to change quickly in terms of accumulation of debt in a significant way over the years in particular of the developing countries, where the assault of Neoliberalism, both through public policy, but also through programme conditionalities and policy prescription of the imF meant that public investments could not build a resilient, diversified economy that brought sustainable and significant growth in both domestic production–and in turn sustainably create economic growth momentum, especially that involved a larger segment of the economy resulting in accentuating inequality– on one hand, hurting tax collection efforts as well on the other, while on the other, exports growth in general and value-adding exports growth in particular, overall meant that developing countries invariably ran into greater deficit financing needs for both the fiscal- and current account another source of debt built-up was overboard monetary tightening for tackling inflation, wrongly perceiving it in developing countries as primarily an aggregate demand side issue, where in fact, aggregate supply and lack of governance consequences together at least played an equally important if not greater role

High policy rates were also kept as a wrong policy choice, to otherwise lure very volatile ‘hot money or foreign portfolio investment Hence high policy rate while they continued to cause domestic debt distress, and also hurt domestic production, exports and tax collection not to mention lack of public investments, also reduced economic space for greater foreign direct investment (FDi)

Hence overboard monetary tightening under the neoliberal assault of seeing inflation as primarily a monetary phenomenon, and also lack of capital controls or the role of the public sector in creating diversified and deep space for FDi Hence, current account and fiscal deficits over the years, added not only significantly to the debt buildup of developing countries, but lack of resilient, inclusive and sustainable economies, with weak public sectors, meant having high vulnerability when shocks like the pandemic hit, and as the climate change crisis continues to quickly unfold at the same time, while the debt composition of developing countries significantly transformed from

primarily consisting of Paris Club countries and multilaterals, to being debt needs heavily funded by China and a number of private sector creditors, the debt restructuring framework, on the contrary, continues to lack properly including China and private creditors Highlighting this concern, a February 2022 editorial of The Financial Times, titled the Covid aftermath requires sovereign debt restructuring’ pointed out in this regard ‘Unlike in the past, when most were countries grouped in the Paris Club, or a few large international banks forming the london Club, there is now a plethora of private and official lenders What is needed is a modern equivalent of the Paris Club and the london Club: a framework where all creditors can get together and share the pain Sovereign debt overhangs can weigh on growth for years and even decades the only way to end them is for all creditors to accept comparable treatment as the Covid-19 aftermath throws countries into default, they must find ways to do exactly that ’ moreover, a January 17 Ft published article ‘We must tackle the looming global debt crisis before it s too late’ by martin Wolf highlighted the urgency of dealing with the significant debt distress that many developing countries find themselves in He pointed out in this regard ‘the shocks of the past three years have hit low and lower-middle income developing countries hard according to Kristalina Georgieva managing director of the imF “about 15 percent of low-income countries are already in debt distress and an additional 45 percent are at high risk of debt distress among emerging markets about 25 percent are at high risk and facing default-like borrowing spreads ” Sri lanka, Ghana and Zambia are already in default many more will follow Something must be done urgently ’ at the same time, the article highlighted a lack of effective debt restructuring framework as there exists no effective framework for bringing all these creditors together Nor is there any credible template for restructuring that debt the G20 created the Common Framework for Debt treatment”, to deal with the former difficulty But it is in practice a Paris Club-led process the other (and frequently much bigger) creditors are not really engaged according to the imF itself, the framework does not have traction equally, there is no approach to debt restructuring that is at all likely to deliver what is needed - a new start for heavily indebted crisis-hit countries ’ a lack of multilateral spirit is also not helping whereby on one hand, easy available, long-term finance is not being made available for countries to deal with their debt distress and at the same time avoid adopting austerity policies in an age of ‘Pandemicene’, and of the existential threat of fast-unf o l d i n g c l i m a t e c h a n g e c r i s i s r e q u i r i n g d e e p spending into the public health sector, and in creating green transformation of the economy, in addition to making welfare spending to undo the sharp consequences of a recession-causing pandemic in terms of safeguarding against poverty and inequality, both of which have seen a significant increase during the pandemic

Cl i m at e change is likely a contributing factor to the cold waves experienced in many countries around the world evidence of climate change includes rising global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, shrinking glaciers and ice sheets, rising sea levels, and increased ocean acidity all these factors can contribute to cold waves in different parts of the world the effects of climate change have been particularly more severe in the past few decades in just the last two years the world has seen a particularly harsh winter, with temperatures dipping well below average in many parts of the world, including Pakistan the extreme cold this year is likely a direct consequence of climate change

Due to the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the earth is getting warmer this in turn is disrupting the thermohaline circulation, the global ocean conveyor belt that helps regulate the earth s climate this disruption is leading to extreme weather events such as flash floods, hurricanes, and blizzards in Pakistan, the effects of climate change are particularly severe in the past decade, the country has witnessed numerous extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and heat waves these extreme weather events have resulted in many casualties and significant economic losses this winter, the extreme cold has further exacerbated the effects of climate change leading to an increase in intense cold the effects of climate change can be seen across the world From the arctic to the antarctic the world is experiencing unprecedented levels of warming this all is about warming the extreme cold this year is a warning sign of the unprecedented cold that we may experience in the future a recent study by the international Panel on Climate Change has predicted that the world is likely to experience an increase in extreme cold events in the coming years this will lead to more snowfall, more extreme cold spells, and an increase in deaths due to the cold in Pakistan the effects of this extreme cold will be especially devastating the country lacks the infrastructure to deal with extreme cold, and its population will be particularly vulnerable in addition the country s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, and extreme cold can have a devastating effect on crop production the effects of climate change are real and we must all take action to mitigate its effects We must reduce our carbon footprint, switch to renewable energy sources, and take other measures to reduce our impact on the environment Only then can we hope to safeguard our planet and future generations from the worst effects of climate change it is also important to raise awareness about the effects of climate change and the measures we

can take to mitigate its effects We need to educate people about the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, conserving energy, and switching to sustainable practices We must also encourage governments to take action to reduce emissions and promote green technologies We must ensure that our policies are in line with our commitment to protecting the environment moreover it is also important to support research and development into renewable energy sources and green technologies this will help us mitigate the effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future for all We must also invest in adaptation measures to help vulnerable communities cope with the effects of climate change By acting now we can protect our planet and future generations from the worst effects of climate change it is also important to educate people about the importance of investing in adaptation measures such as planting trees and building infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events

the extreme cold this year is a stark reminder of the effects of climate change and the urgent need to act an important aspect is the impact of the extreme cold on vulnerable populations in Pakistan, such as the homeless and elderly these groups are particularly at risk during cold waves and may not have access to adequate shelter or warmth Similarly, the impact on the energy sector in Pakistan during cold waves is obvious as increased demand for heating can strain the power grid and lead to blackouts moreover, tourism in Pakistan will be affected as extreme cold can discourage visitors and negatively impact the tourism industry another aspect is the increased air pollution during cold waves as more people burn fossil fuels for heat which can have negative health effects Prior to the impact of the extreme cold on the livestock industry in Pakistan cold weather can cause stress on animals and lead to decreased production and even death this can have significant economic consequences for farmers and the agricultural industry and affects the natural ecosystems in Pakistan, as the cold weather can harm or kill off plants and animals, leading to changes in biodiversity Furthermore most of the population will examine the potential for increased water scarcity in Pakistan during cold waves, as the cold can cause a reduction in snow and ice melt which are important sources of water for the country the Pakistani government and local organizations hereby must put in efforts to mitigate the effects of cold waves, such as providing emergency shelters and assistance to vulnerable populations and promoting energyefficient heating solutions

The writer is a PhD scholar from Zhejiang University China Currently he is working in Weather and Climate Services Islamabad as a Research Analyst

There does not seem any point in putting off elec tions to the dissolved assemblies

The extreme cold this year is a stark reminder of the effects of climate chang e and the urg ent need to act. An impor tant aspect is the impact of the extreme cold on vulnerable populations in Pakistan, such as the homeless and elderly

Neoliberalism stands exposed

TH e energy sector of Pakistan has been in a circular debt trap for a long, and the imF extended Fund Facility (eFF) arrangement also indicates that the country must cap its circular debt through the ‘Circular Debt management Plan’ (CDmP) total circular debt is around Rs 1400 billion and the immediate decrease of circular debt demanded by the imF is around Rs 952 billion

Dependent on thermal energy and victim of the fossil fuel mafia, Pakistan is facing today what we had planned in the early 1990s there is a long story about how multinationals with the help of bureaucracy made fools of politicians for restructuring WaPDa in 1992 i was covering WaPDa as a beat Reporter in the 1990s and still remember that line losses in 1992-95 were around 12 percent while the government with a single stroke of bureaucratic pen allowed independent Power Producers (iPPs) to enjoy 18 percent line losses We must remember that the burden of line losses falls on consumers who pay for line losses, not the iPPs or the government WaPDa s Strategic Plan 1992 re-structured WaPDa and only Hydel generation remained with WaPDa, while its other functions were unbundled Several public sector entities were installed including transmission and Dispatch Companies (NtDCl), Distribution Companies (DiSCOs) and Generation Companies (GeNCOs) the Private Power and infrastructure Board (PPiB) was established in 1994 to provide a one-window facility to independent Power Producers (iPPs) the above-mentioned arrangements provided huge opportunities for the District management Group (DmG) group now called the Pakistan administrative Service (PaS) group, for lucrative salaries and controlling the entire power structure of Pakistan and minimizing the role of practitioners and experts, like public sector engineers Private Sector Power Generation (PSPG) was inducted in Pakistan in 1994 these bureaucrats were now in a position to deal with a forthcoming lot of independent private power producers, and a regulatory body namely NePRa was created in 1997 where the DmG/PaS group ensured a monopoly

Since these arrangements, nothing is in the hands of politicians and the federal ministry and minister were made puppets of what the abovementioned authorities decide Since iPP was a lucrative commercial activity for everybody linked with this business, the hydel sector was totally ignored and for the next two decades nothing was done to plan for hydel energy resources By 2022, the share of thermal energy was over 69 percent, hydro was 27 percent and renewable energy share stood at 3 15 percent

Since thermal power generation occurs in far-flung areas therefore the length of transmission lines extended after the 1990s increased so the line losses increased Right now 500 kV/220 kV transmission lines length is 19,500 km in 2015, the Pml(N) government introduced the “Power Generation Policy 2015” to facilitate private investment in indigenous resources for controlling the import budget of foreign oil for thermal plants it must be remembered that according to iPP contracts, it is the responsibility of the government of Pakistan to provide imported oil to thermal plants that is the reason for circular debt many independent studies indicate that one of the major causes of the increase in energy unit price to consumers is line losses in the financial year 202122, the amount of power lost during transmission by distribution companies was recorded at 22 298 (GWh in the same fiscal, the financial effect of transmission and distribution losses as a result of the inability to reach National electric Power Regulatory authority (NePRa) goals was also calculated at Rs 520 3 billion the imF is directing Pakistan to finance an unbudgeted Rs 675 billion power subsidies with a mix of electricity tariff increases and other revenue-enhancing measures the government would soon enhance the price per unit which is already around Rs 24 per unit to domestic consumers according to insiders an increase of Rs 6 per unit for domestic consumers would be announced by June 2023 and then there would be an extra jump of Rs11 per unit and therefore the cost of one unit to domestic consumers would stand at around Rs 35 per unit (less than 500 units usage) in July 2023 a Wo r l d B a n k - f u n d e d “ Va r i a b l e R e n e wable energy integration and Planning Study” indicates that solar and wind power should be u rg e n t

Major investment is needed in the transmission system, including new automation and control systems, establishing more wind and solar energy facilities, and initiating small-siz e hydel projects

Small-siz e to medium-siz e hydel projects take two to five years for production while solar and wind energy can be produced in the shor test possible time

Pakistan’s total electricity generation capacity by 2030 everybody knows that expanding renewable energy will make electricity cheaper and will achieve greater energy security installation of solar and wind power facilities is possible with the proximity of the areas where energy supply is needed, therefore such facilities would have shorter lengths of energy transmission and line losses would reduce drastically a World Bank study indicates that Pakistan can save import of oil for energy production (thermal) of up to $5 billion over the next 20 years according to another report, utilizing just 0 071 percent of the country s area for solar photovoltaic (solar PV) power generation would meet Pakistan’s current electricity demand Pakistan has several well-known wind corridors and with average wind speeds of 7 87 m/s in 10 percent of its windiest areas; mostly in Balochistan while solar energy can be produced anywhere in Pakistan Nevertheless the installed capacity of solar and wind energy in Pakistan at just over 1500 mW, is just 4 percent of total capacity, equal to around 3 5 percent of total generation Hydel energy is increasing in Pakistan thanks to the CPeC project and Chinese intervention in Pakistan’s energy market moreover, the utilization of local coal for thermal energy production is also increasing anybody who has common sense understands that Pakistan can achieve over 24 000 mW of additional capacity by 2030 if we have coordinated and sustained efforts by both the federal and provincial governments major investment is needed in the transmission system, including new automation and control systems establishing more wind and solar energy facilities, and initiating small-size hydel projects Small-size to medium-size hydel projects take two to five years for production while solar and wind energy can be produced in the shortest possible time the only need to enhance cheaper energy is the will to achieve it and i am sure the imported fuel mafia would not loosen its grip over the energy sector and we will keep thinking about producing at least 50 percent of our total demand through clean and cheaper energy resources like hydel, solar and wind energy

Remember Pakistan is the heaven of mafias

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

S e n d y o u r l e t t e r s t o : L e t t e r s t o E d i t o r, Pakistan today, 4 - S h a a re y F a t i m a J i n n a h L a h o re P a k i s t a n E - m a i l : l e t t e r s @ p a k i s t a n t o d a y c o m p k L e t t e r s s h o u l d b e a d d re s s e d t o Pakistan today e x c l u s i v e l y

Clean environment is a basic right

a catalogue of fundamental rights is included in the Constitution, but there is no article framing the fundamental right to a clean environment maybe it is time our politicians focused their energies on something positive But even if they do not, or cannot, there are ways to go about bringing in a change With an alarming decline in ecology due to climate change that has become a threat to the next generation a group of young people sued the federal government of the United States (Juliana v United States), asserting that the government’s actions that cause climate change violated the young generation s constitutional rights to life liberty and property as well as failed to protect essential public trust the suit was taken incuriously in the beginning even by the federal government and its lawyers who have since witnessed the Supreme Court denying largely the government s motions to delay or dismiss the case in a landmark decision, Judge aiken expressed that the right to climate system capable of sustaining human life is fundamental to a free and ordered society this opinion was ground-breaking in the US since the courts had never recognised the constitutional right to a stable climate thus, regardless of the fact that Pakistan does not have any constitutional provision for the protection of the environment, the US episode serves as a strong precedent for the courts in Pakistan to consider making a move, and shows how crucial it is to take action in this critical regard

While the US is one of the highest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan does not fall in that category However, poor governance and mismanagement of natural disasters also play a significant factor in the catastrophic effects that were other- wise preventable through strong early warning and surveillance systems

Since the Juliana case emphasised upon the US government to acknowledge the threats of climate change and its inefficiency in dealing with it, the case sets an example for the citizens of Pakistan, specifically the resilient youth, to demand their fundamental rights, and question the authorities about the mismanagement of natural calamities since 2010 it was during the hearing of a relevant case that it was discovered that the officials in charge of irrigation structures were responsible for inefficiency negligence or corrupt practices identified in departmental inquiries People in urban Sindh have a certain level of capacity to cope with the disastrous effects of climate change, but those in the rural Sindh have not been able to build such a resilience as they have been suffering from flash floods and heat waves for many a decade

For a climate-resilient society, it is critical for youth and everyone else to initiate or join efforts to build a strong and more accountable society

FARWA LASHARI KARACHI

Census and teachers

t H e Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has issued a list of supervisors and enumerators to conduct the national census this duty is assigned to the teachers with those in BPS-17 or above being the supervisors and those in the lower grades being the enumerators as a result, teachers must now carry out censuses door to door teachers were not asked for consent instead their names were given against their will additionally, the election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) released another list carrying the names of teachers who would be doing election duties again, no teacher was asked for consent everything was done without giving the teachers a choice teachers refusing to comply for even the most logical and legitimate of reasons would face an inquiry at the very least a while ago, teachers in Sindh were given the assignment to survey the homes damaged by the floods that hit the country last year Surprisingly, no teacher received reimbursement for their trips or survey costs for that work they were not provided with even meals while on duty all the logistics had to be managed by the teachers themselves Prior to that, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had released a list of teachers who were to survey the common people to determine the rate of Covid vaccination and, yes, nobody had the courtesy to seek consent i can quote innumerable examples that make the life of government teachers one big nuisance Why are teachers given these assignments and so regularly? Why are teachers the most vulnerable ones when it comes to such assignments that have nothing to do with their professional duties? Why should teachers bear all the responsibilities?

People often say teachers are not respected in society When you knock on doors for surveys every two to four months, deal with people s wrath, and deal with offensive people who are not ready to engage in surveys how can you expect respect?

and the humiliation of teachers does not end there Following that, you must hear the stern instructions from your reporting officers How could anyone expect to respect teachers after all this? the authorities of all shades and hues should spare the teachers and allow them to do their job especially when the country already has the education sector largely in a pathetic condition

Dietar y habits

W H at has so far not been discussed in Pakistan is the association between eating habits and respect for climate change as is well-known climate change is a human-induced phenomenon and, this being so, includes humans’ consumption behaviour a special report released by United Nations intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (iPCC) stated that by adopting a balanced diet, one can significantly mitigate individual carbon footprints this can be done by adopting the habit of taking a plant-based diet which is less taxing on the environment in addition, research has proved that our current food habits, based on animal and dairy products, have put food sustainability in jeopardy, leading to more and more increase in the size of the carbon footprint things can only change by spreading awareness and defining the nexus between climate change and eating habits Pakistan is an agricultural economy, and a big chunk of it is based on livestock and cattle rearing to attain this goal in Pakistan, along with government policies, we, as individuals, need to change our dietary pattern first

C i r c u l a r d e b t : N a t i o n h a n g i n g o v e r t r a n s m i s s i o n l i n e s

a Letter from Prometheus agha iqrar harOOn

Getting out of the clutches of the fossil fuel mafia

the last year has brought Pakistan to the brink a series of rolling disasters including catastrophic flooding, political paralysis, exploding inflation, and a resurgent terror threat now risk sending a key if troubled global player into full-blown crisis if the worst comes to pass, as some experts warn, the catastrophe unfolding in Pakistan will have consequences far beyond its borders

“This is a country of 220 million people, with nuclear weapons and serious internal conflicts and divisions said Uzair Younus the director of the Pakistan initiative at the atlantic Council’s South asia Center “The world didn’t like the outflows of refugees and weapons that came from countries like Syria and Libya in comparison, Pakistan is magnitudes larger and more consequential ” if the economy remains in a moribund state, and there are shortages of goods and energy leading to a political crisis on the streets of major cities, that would also allow the Pakistani Taliban and other terrorist groups to begin hitting at the government more directly,” said Younus, who is also vice president of the asia Group, a strategic advisory firm We could see a significant weakening of the state and its capacity to impose order ” it is hard to overstate the difficulty of Pakistan’s current situation an unfortunate string of recent events combined with chronic mismanagement has created a potentially mortal threat to Pakistan’s political system

There are three crises intersecting at the moment in Pakistan: an economic crisis a political crisis and a security crisis that has grown since the fall of Kabul,” said Younus, who described the situation as the worst threat to Pakistan’s national cohesion since 1971” the year Bangladesh fought for and won its independence from Pakistan Pakistan’s foreign reserves have reportedly dwindled to a mere $3 7 billion, barely enough for a few weeks of energy imports to keep its cities and businesses running, while its public debt has grown to a staggering $270 billion Pakistan was particularly hard-hit by the war in Ukraine, which, along with other developing countries, forced it into a bidding war over scarce liquid natural gas that it has been unable to afford

The crushing weight of Pakistan’s debt has forced Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to beg the international Monetary Fund to restart a financial bailout that was put on hold early last year Negotiations are ongoing as the iMF is reportedly demanding painful concessions a

Pakistan on the brink: What

for the World

SERIES OF DISASTERS INCLUDING CATASTROPHIC FLOODING, POLITICAL PAR ALYSIS, EXPLODING

difficult sell ahead of consequential elections planned for later this year

Meanwhile there are already signs that economic pressure will impact Pakistanis’ most basic needs in late January, Pakistan suffered an unprecedented nationwide blackout as power went down across the entire country for over 24 hours Though the cause of the outage is unclear, it could be a preclude for what lies ahead

“The electricity generation capacity of Pakistan is significantly dependent on the continued import of fuel,” said Yousuf Nazar, a Pakistani economic analyst and former banking executive “You can imagine what would happen if we started to see power breakdowns and outages, or even shortages of fuel for transportation, at a time when the country is also dealing with 40 percent inflation ”

The compounding crises, particularly serious for a debt-ridden economy with no solid political leadership and a kleptocratic elite have been a long time coming While much of asia has gradually become rich and stable over the past few decades, Pakistan has remained poor chaotic and volatile

“During globalization and the liberalization of trade that happened across asia during the 1990s, Pakistan was busy playing power games between the military and civilian elites,” Nazar said “This present crisis was brewing long before the Ukraine war, which was the straw that finally broke the camel s back

Pakistan’s economy has long been characterized by an abysmally corrupt set of policies designed to provide subsidies to civilian elites and military officials while neglecting the vast majority of the population who work in industries like agriculture and textiles But the infusion of foreign money that bankrolled the lavish lifestyles of Pakistani elites seems to be drying up Saudi arabia, a longtime donor to Pakistan, announced last month that future aid packages to foreign countries would be dependent on internal market reforms a clear warning to recipients like Egypt and Pakistan whose economies are characterized by bloated public sectors and military control The United arab Emirates recently committed to providing some financial assistance to Pakistan but the amount is barely enough to cover imports of vital goods for a few more weeks

Meanwhile, China, which holds 30 percent of Pakistan’s

debt, has so far shown no willingness to renegotiate terms, while the United States has largely tuned out from the region after its bitter exit from afghanistan

Pakistan’s relationship with india, its economically ascendant neighbor now led by a hawkish hindu nationalist government also shows no signs of improvement

“Many people talk about what sets india and Pakistan apart in terms of their economic trajectories, especially since until the 1980s Pakistan’s trajectory was more positive There are so many factors one could mention in terms of years of bad policies, but one must also talk about the issue of elite capture ” said Michael Kugelman deputy director of the asia Program at the Wilson Center india has made efforts to implement policies that move closer to things like universal education and access to health care,” he continued, “whereas in Pakistan, those with the power simply have disregarded the economic needs of the people

The economic crisis is coupled with political instability that could weaken the hold of the state and make Pakistan progressively more difficult to govern with each passing year

Following his removal from power last year during a conflict with his onetime supporters in the military that he claimed was a U S -led conspiracy, imran Khan has been staging mass rallies aimed at reinstalling himself as prime minister amid a wave of targeted killings and arrests of his allies and supporters, Khan was himself wounded in an assassination attempt last November when a gunman shot him during an election rally a polarizing figure in Pakistani politics, Khan boasts a large and committed base had he been killed, it is easy to imagine Pakistan devolving into widespread civil conflict

as things stand now, all the major political parties, despite their fierce differences, are invested in keeping the country intact and the military remains a powerful final arbiter over politics But toxic political infighting and frequent changes in leadership have made responsible stewardship of the economy even more difficult setting Pakistan down the path toward deeper problems

“Fragmentation of the state is not possible, but we could see a deep-seated economic crisis that pushes many people below the poverty line, puts simple commodities out of reach, increases food insecurity, and also foments

anger among the public,” said arif Rafiq, a nonresident fellow at the Middle East institute and specialist on Pakistan “That can have real political consequences not just for political parties, but also for the army if you’re unable to meet the economic needs of the people and just respond with force it will only catalyze greater anger ” in recent months, Pakistan has seen a resurgence of terrorism from radical islamist groups, as well as ethnic militants in the resource-rich province of Balochistan

The Pakistani Taliban, which killed thousands of Pakistanis during the war on terror, announced its return with a horrifying suicide attack last month that killed over 100 congregants attending Friday prayers at a mosque The attack is a warning sign that instability in neighboring afghanistan which suffered tens of thousands of deaths over the past two decades of U S occupation, may once again impact Pakistan

The economic and political crises have also extended to the slow-going recovery of millions across the country after the historic flooding last year that put roughly onethird of Pakistan s landmass under water and displaced millions of its poorest citizens

Though the disaster can be blamed in part on climate change driven by wealthy countries international aid has been slow and meager, leaving Pakistan mostly on its own to pick up the pieces

Former Prime Minister asif ali zardari notorious for his outlandish personal corruption, once reportedly told U S diplomat Richard holbrooke that Pakistan was too big to fail likening the country to U S banks that received massive bailouts to prevent collapse in 2008 although Pakistan is a nuclear power, as well as the fifth most populated country in the world whether its leaders can pull themselves together and find a way out of the onslaught of crises perhaps the worst in the country s history remains to be seen

“There is tremendous uncertainty, as people don’t know whether Pakistan will simply just default on its foreign loans sometime this year Rafiq said There is heightened risk across the board, and every major indicator has taken a turn downward it is hard to see a pathway to stability because the government s legitimacy comes from its ability to handle the economy and things are not going to get better in the foreseeable future ”

Guardian

G o r d o n B r ow n

sh a z i a Ramzan has spent most of her young life fighting for her right – and the right of all girls – to go to school in 2012 at the age of 14, sitting alongside her friend Malala

Yousafzai on a bus that was going from school to her home in the Swat valley in the north of Pakistan, she was shot at by an extremist intent on stopping girls from getting an education She suffered injuries from which she Malala and their friend Kainat took months to recover N o w c o m p l e t i n g a n u r s i n g d e g r e e a t E d i n b u rg h U n i v e r s i t y a n d p r e p a r i n g t o s t a r t h e r o w n n u r s e s training school in Pakistan, Shazia almost always has the needs of girls in her home area in her thoughts in her time between classes she is raising funds for Pakistani charities that are quietly but effectively helping afghan girls who have been losing out on their education since the Taliban shut them out of the country s secondary schools

There are 5 million girls in afghanistan who are currently out of school, and they urgently need our support Many have risked everything by demonstrating in the streets of Kabul While sooner or later the regime will find that they cannot forever oppress brave women who have known what it is like to be free, for now the young protesters face arrest and torture

Theirs is an untold story of courage and resilience Girls in afghanistan are also at risk of punishment beatings if they attend underground schools run by their parents and teachers Many more are fleeing across the border into exile in Pakistan in the hope of an education

But, sadly, those who have crossed the border are joining Pakistan s ever-lengthening queue for schooling that is already 23 million children long This is not just because of the country’s recent floods, which have closed 27,000 schools, but because of Pakistan s longterm failure to invest in girls’ education

S t e p b a c k a n d t h e p i c t u r e b e c o m e s e v e n g r a v e r : these girls are only a fraction of the world s 222 million crisis-affected children who are in dire need of educational support Of them, 78 2 million, including 42 million girls, do not go to school at all, while the others a r e s u ff e r i n g s o m a n y d i s r u p t i o n s i n t h e i r e d u c a t i o n that they fail to acquire even the most basic literacy and numeracy skills Their numbers so large that they already exceed t h e c o m b i n e d p o p u l a t i o n s o f G e r m a n y, F r a n c e a n d Britain, are rising every year More than 100 million people are refugees or internally displaced because of conflicts and civil wars, from Ukraine and Myanmar t o t h e D e m o c r a t i c R e p u b l i c o f t h e C o n g o , S u d a n ,

Ethiopia and Somalia

a large number of children today, though, are exiled from their homes not because of war but because they are the victims of droughts, floods and other climate-induced disasters, or of natural disasters in Turkey and Syria, the dead are still being counted, but we must also address the urgent needs of the living, all those forcibly displaced by a 7 8-magnitude earthquake from which it will take years to recover Even if we manage to feed, shelter and treat the victims, there will be little cash left over to provide temporary schooling, unless we do better than in the past; the child victims of the earthquake could spend years excluded from education in Turkey and Syria, as elsewhere, it will be girls who will suffer most: they are 35% more likely to be out of school than their male contemporaries, according to data from Unesco and we have been warned to expect that by 2030 many of them – an additional 10 million girls – will have been forced into child marriages, the number of girl brides rising yet again after years when forced marriage was on the decline

Children should not have to wait for wars to end for the opportunity to learn and thrive it is to finance the education of the forgotten 222 million that Education Cannot Wait (ECW), which i chair, was created in 2017 its replenishment conference will take place i n G e n e v a t h i s w e e k i n t h e p r e s e n c e o f a n d r e w Mitchell and other international development ministers from all over the world

Seeking to bridge the divide between humanitarian aid, only 2% of which was spent on education, and development aid, which always comes too late to deal

with refugee crises, ECW is asking donors for $1 5bn to support its new strategic plan initiatives that will prevent child labour, early marriage and trafficking include the provision of safe schools in countries where Boko haram still abduct girls from their classrooms; the expansion of online learning; and of double-shift schools that, piloted in Lebanon, use school buildings more effectively by teaching local children English and French in the morning and Syrian refugee children arabic in the afternoon

We know from unspeakable recent tragedies that hope dies when food convoys and rescue workers cannot get through to besieged towns and when flimsy boats carrying refugees capsize at sea hope also dies when children are locked out of education and denied the chance to plan and prepare for their future at the age of 11, 12 and 13, young people should be optimistic and excited about great opportunities that lie ahead, but i cannot forget hearing from charity workers in a refugee camp in Moria, Greece, who had discovered three refugees in their early teens so desolate that they were planning a joint suicide For them behind barbed wire in an insanitary camp with no schooling and little else, there was only the bleakness of despair

But hope can come alive even in the harshest and least promising places in the world, if we offer children the chance of an education it is the one way to honour the international community’s as yet unredeemed promise set out in sustainable development goal 4

to be the first generation in history where every single boy and girl stateless or not goes to school as Shazia s work of mercy reminds us, it is also a moral obligation that we owe to the next generation instead of developing some of the potential of only some children in some parts of the world, we should be developing the potential of every child everywhere

Gordon Brown is chairman of the UN’s Education Cannot Wait fund and was UK prime minister between 2007 and 2010

the coll aPse of nuclear-armed regional PoWer could mean

Muslim Hands hands over 20 houses to flood victims in Mastung, Jafarabad

ISLAMABAD: The Muslim Hands active in relief rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects in flood-hit areas of the country have handed over 20 houses to flood victims in Mastung and Jafarabad while the construction of around 200 other houses has entered the final stage Executive Director of Muslim Hands in Pakistan

Syed Javed Gilani told APP on Sunday that ‘Muslim Hands’ has successfully reached 1 million beneficiaries through its Emergency response in flood-affected regions across Pakistan during the past six months The organization perpetrated about USD 8 million for rescue relief and rehabilitation projects out of which USD 4 million have been spent/disbursed We are constructing hundreds of disaster resilience houses in Mastung, Jaferabad, and Badin out of which 90 percent has been entered in the final stage while more than 20 houses have already been handed over to the flood affectees” Gilani added He told that 222,928 people were provided with ready meals and food baskets 4 782 with winter kits, and 4,527 with other Non-Food Items In the health sector, 259 medical camps and 10 basic health centers were established where more than 120 000 people were provided with free check-up medicines and other health facilities apart from 2400 herbal medicine and 64 wheelchairs Syed Javed Gilani further informed that 4,902 people were provided with employment support which includes shops rickshaws agricultural equipment kits (fertilizers, seeds, tools), and other skill-based kits “We also provided temporary shelters to more than 33 000 people which includes tents, community centers, and shelter kits while clean drinking water facilities (bottles, wells, water pumps, filtration plant) have also been provided to 544 000 people ” he said Syed Javed Gilani said that despite its own resources the Muslim Hands has also provided relief to millions of victims with the support of UNICEF, USAID, Concern Worldwide, and the Turkish Organization TIKA Gilani appreciated the great cooperation and efforts of the Government of Pakistan, NDMA, PDMAs, and other stakeholders and donors during the relief operations in the flood-affected areas S TA F F R E P O RT

IESCO notifies power suspension programme

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Sunday issued a power suspension programme for Monday for various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work According to IESCO Spokesman the power supply of different feeders and grid stations would remain suspended for the period from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM, Islamabad Circle Abpara, Mahfooz Shaheed G-8/1 Iqbal Town Khanna Dak Lahtrar Road, Khanna East, Kirpa, F-10/4, I-8/2, G-10 Markaz, Police Line, SCHS, NIH, AQ Khan, Kuldna, Beirut, Nimbal, TDCP PAF Mangyal Suhdran Road Anguri NCP Mangyal , Shahdara, Shahpur, Khia Bin Iqbal, Pir Suhawah, Quaid-e-Azam University, Punjab House, Bari Imam, Mandla Hathal Feeders Rawalpindi Cantt Circle Bank Road-2, Jahangir Road, Rahmatabad-2, Swan Garden-2, Morgah, Topi Pump , KH Road, Dhoke Noor, Kohala, Qureshiabad Dhok Awan Chowk Pindori Nar Kambili Sadiq, Ghazan Khan, Nara Mattur, Mandra, Industrial, Bahr-e-Kalal, Syed Kasran, Bhal, Khasala, Islamabad Feed Mill Jhata Hatial Pind Jatla Lab 1&2 Reliance Weaving Mill, Bhal, Jarrar Camp Feeders, Rawalpindi City Circle, Commercial Centre, Faizabad, Muzamal Town, Al Noor Colony Muslim Town Tahmasamabad Arya Mahalla Fawara Chowk, Jamia Masjid, Gawalmandi, Mangtal, Dhok Najo, Bani Tench Bhata, Zeeshan Colony, Officers Colony, Shams Colony Golra Pind Hoon Bibi Shaheed Feeders Attock Circle and other areas

not-by-proFIt

RISE In tEa pRICES duE tO IMpORt CRISIS In pakIStan aHEad Of RaMadan

ISLAMABAD

N E w S d E S k

tHE price of loose black tea has risen from Rs 1,100 to Rs 1 600 per kg in the lead up to Ramazan, due to 250 containers being stuck at the port that arrived from December 2022 to early January The banks have only allowed importers who received a 180-day defer payment telex from their suppliers to pay duties Retailers have reported a leading brand increasing the

price of 170-gram Danedar and Elaichi packs to Rs 320 and Rs 350 from Rs 290, while the 900 and 420gram packs are now priced at Rs 1,480 and Rs 720, respectively

Zeeshan Maqsood, the Convener of the Standing Committee of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Tea, said that the import crisis could lead to significant shortages in March He added that the banks are not releasing the documents for 180-day defer contracts or letters of credit

(LCs) as they do not have instructions from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for new contracts Mr Zeeshan fears that the tea price may reach Rs 2,500 per kg in Ramadan if the consignments are not released This could lead to welfare associations not being able to distribute tea in ration bags due to shortage and high cost

As a solution, Mr Zeeshan suggests that Pakistan sign a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Kenya, which is the gateway to Africa and

connects seven landlocked countries

He believes that the PTA would increase Pakistan's exports to over $2 5 billion annually boost trade in other currencies, and bring down tea prices

The country's official tea imports in IHFH23 were 128,057 tonnes ($318 million) compared to 129,693 tonnes ($300 million) in the same period last year, with an average per tonne price of $2,489

To read the full article visit www dawn com

G ovt to abandon proposed flood lev y, bank deposit tax af ter opposition from IMF

ISLAMABAD

N E w S d E S k

Pakistan s government has abandoned plans to impose a flood levy on imports and a one-time tax on bank deposits after opposition from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other stakeholders The proposed measures were part of a broader plan to raise billions of rupees in additional revenue for the federal government

The IMF and other financial experts deemed the steps to be highly regres-

sive and advised against their implementation due to their adverse impact on the economy and banking system

The finance ministry had considered both proposals as part of a list of eight to ten measures aimed at raising PKR 170 billion in taxes over four months, with an annualized impact of over PKR 500 billion A s e n i o r f i n a n c e m i n i s t r y o ff ic i a l c o n f i r m e d t h a t b o t h p r o p o s a l s have been dropped Despite this, the g o v e r n m e n t i s s t i l l c o n s i d e r i n g t h e reintroduction of a 0 6% tax on cash

w i t h d r a w a l s b y n o n - f i l e r s , w h i c h h a s b e e n m e t w i t h o p p o s i t i o n f r o m t h e S t a t e B a n k d u e t o i t s r eg r e s s i v e n a t u r e T h e I M F h a s e mp h a s i z e d t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f p e r m a n e n t r e v e n u e m e a s u r e s t h a t c a n i n c r e a s e t a x c o l l e c t i o n w h i l e w i t h s t a n d i n g c o u r t s c r u t i n y

The proposed flood levy on imports would have violated Pakistan s commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) leading to opposition from

the IMF and other stakeholders during a recent meeting

Overall, it seems that the finance ministry's primary focus is to raise taxes at the expense of potentially damaging implications for various sectors of the economy However, with opposition from various financial experts and institutions, it remains to be seen which measures the government will choose to implement to raise revenue

To read the full article visit www tribune com pk

Railways all set to launch ‘RABTA’ to ensure hassle -free ser vices

ISLAMABAD

A P P

Pakistan Railways is all set to launch the Railway Automated Booking and Travel Assistance (RABTA) in collaboration with Chinese companies, which will help passengers to plan their journey

“The application will help the passengers to manage their tickets, seats, booking, food, hotel and taxirelated matters during their travel from home to respective destinations and vice versa ” an official of Ministry of Railways told APP

He said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had already been signed between Pakistan Railways and two Chinese companies – M/s Easyway and M/s Norinco International Cooperation to launch RABTA

“The RABTA, IT-based solution will not only facilitate the passengers but also help the organization (PR) to generate more revenue and maintain its record through the booking of tickets,” he added Through this application, the official said that parcel booking and tracking facility would also be available while the passengers would also be able to have access to trains’ operational management system

He said that the step was based on revenue sharing with the companies which would also modernize

train operations across the country

To facilitate passengers he said the Pakistan Railways had introduced a mobile application

“Pakrail Live” for real-time tracking of trains

The official said the high capacity/high-speed hopper trucks had been inducted in the current fleet for swift movement and unloading of coal New high capacity high speed rolling stock coaches and wagons are being procured ”

He said the railways had also introduced services like online E-Ticketing through Jazz Cash UBL Omni and credit cards to facilitate passengers at their doorstep and attract more passengers through outsourcing of non-core activity “A policy for transfer of technology is being pursued in collaboration with the People’s Republic of China for indigenization of Railway Rolling Stock in Pakistan Railways facilities,” the official added

PN spearheading dynamic initiatives in maritime domain as PIMEC, AMAN 2023 conclude

The three-day Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (PIMEC) 2023 culminated here on Sunday with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Faisal Ali Sabzwari graced the closing session as chief guest while Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi was also present during the event

Addressing the audience, the Chief Guest highlighted that Pakistan Navy has been the driving force to spearhead the dynamic initiatives in Maritime domain and has rendered invaluable services for the socio-economic uplift of Coastal areas The minister also underlined that government is launching new projects for beneficial collaborations and successful maritime business partnerships The Chief Guest added

that recommendations of the conference will provide guidelines to embark on profitable initiatives for accelerating development of maritime sector and conduct of next PIMEC in 2025

Earlier, Commander Karachi Rear Admiral Mian Zakirullah Jan extended profound appreciations to the visiting delegates, scholars and experts on maritime affairs and valued

exhibitors for their forthcoming participation and dynamic presence during the event He also emphasized that through PIMEC, Pakistan’s ocean based industry will come together, exchange ideas and creates new avenues for prosperous future of Pakistan’s Blue Economy The Admiral also praised the efforts of NIMA for successful conduct of International Maritime Conference on the theme of

Embracing Blue Economy - Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries during the event

During the last session of IMC, President MCE Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal, Maritime Security Director MiDES Malaysia Capt Dr Tay Yap Leong, Diector of Waterlink Group of Companies Mr Ahsan Malik and Regional Strategy Manager Thales Middle East Mr Louis Brayle con-

templated upon the dynamic theme of ‘ Importance of Secure Oceans and Emerging Trends in Shipping & Port Operations’ The conference was attended by a large number of dignitaries from across the globe, Officers from Defence Forces of Pakistan and friendly countries, academia, media representatives and researchers from local and international think tanks

In tandem with various activities of the exercise AMAN 23, Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration was held at PNS QASIM Manora, Karachi Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori graced the occasion as Chief Guest and appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Navy in conducting the Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN 2023 in a befitting manner

A large number of observers, foreign diplomats personnel from the participating navies, Government officials/ civil dignitries and senior officials of armed forces of Pakistan witnessed the Counter terrorism demonstration

Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-23 is being conducted under the slogan of “Together for Peace” The weeklong Exercise provides the forum to various participating nations to interact and promote Maritime cooperation

TURKEY-SYRIA QUAKE DEATHS TO TOP 50,000: UN RELIEF CHIEF

AFP

THE death toll from a massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria will “double or more” from its current level of 28,000, UN relief chief Martin Griffiths has said.

Griffiths arrived on Saturday in Turkey’s southern city of Kahramanmaras, the epicentre of the first 7.8-magnitude tremor that upturned millions of lives in the pre-dawn hours of Monday.

He said of the death toll in an interview with Sky News on Saturday: “I think it is difficult to estimate precisely as we need to get under the rubble but I’m sure it will double or more.”

“We haven’t really begun to count the number of dead,” he said.

Officials and medics said 24,617 people were killed in Turkey and 3,574 in Syria. The confirmed total now stands at 28,191.

Tens of thousands of rescue workers are scouring flattened neighbourhoods despite freezing weather that has deepened the misery of millions now in desperate need of aid.

The United Nations has warned that at least 870,000 people urgently need hot meals across Turkey and Syria. Up to 5.3 million people may have been made homeless in Syria alone.

Almost 26 million people have been affected by the earthquake, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said as it launched a flash appeal on Saturday for $42.8 million to cope with immediate health needs.

Turkey’s disaster agency said more than 32,000 people from Turkish organisations are working on search-and-rescue efforts. There are also 8,294 international rescuers.

“Soon, the search and rescue people will make way for the humanitarian agencies whose job it is to look after the extraordinary numbers of those affected for

Monday’s quake in Türkiye was 3 times stronger than major 1999 quake, says president

ANKARA AGENCIES

The powerful twin earthquakes which hit southern Türkiye this week were three times stronger than the major 1999 Marmara earthquake in the country’s northwest, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

“They were three times more powerful and destructive than the 1999 earthquake, which was recorded as the biggest disaster in our country’s history,” Erdogan said in the southeastern Diyarbakir province, a quake-hit area he is visiting to inspect search and rescue efforts.

“They are also recorded to be much larger and more destructive disaster than the 1939 Erzincan earthquake,” he added. The Erzincan quake in eastern Türkiye took some 33,000 lives, while the 1999 Marmara earthquake took some 18,000.

Erdogan later visited Sanliurfa and said at least 21,848 people have been killed and 80,104 others injured since the twin earthquakes, centered in Kahramanmaras province, hit southern Türkiye on Monday. “Currently, 160,000 personnel are working in 10 provinces, together with teams from abroad,” said Erdogan, who also met with quake victims in Diyarbakir and Sanliurfa.

The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes affected more than 13 million people across 10 provinces, including Hatay, Gaziantep, Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa.

.. Saudis donate over $66 million for quake victims

More than 700,000 people participated in a donation campaign in Saudi Arabia that has so far collected over 250 million riyals ($66.6 million) for earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria. The campaign saw the participation of 709,775 people, according to data released by the Saudi government’s Sahem Platform, which is responsible for the popular campaign for relief of the quake victims.

Ukraine says Russia launched new wave of aerial attacks

KYIV AGENCIES

The UN chief described terrorism as an “affront to humanity as it undermines the values that bind us together.”

Terrorism also threatens collective efforts to promote peace and security, protect human rights, provide humanitarian aid, and advance sustainable development, Guterres said.

“We must be more vigilant than ever,” he said, noting that “terrorist and violent extremist groups are finding fertile ground on the internet to spew their vicious venom.”

He said neo-Nazi, white supremacist movements are becoming more dangerous by the day and now represent the top internal security threat in several countries, as well as the fastest growing.

the next months,” Griffiths said in a video posted to Twitter.

‘terrorism ‘an affront to humanity’

With extremist groups expanding their reach, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called on the international community not to lower its guard against terrorism.

The appeal came in his message to mark the first-ever ‘International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism’, established in December by the UN General Assembly.

Countries must act to confront the challenge through prevention, and by addressing the underlying conditions that drive terrorism in the first place, he added.

He highlighted the importance of inclusion and ensuring that counter-terrorism strategies reflect a wide array of voices — especially minorities, women, and young people.

Human rights must be at the core of all counter-terrorism policies, he added.

“Today and every day, let us work together to build more peaceful, inclusive, and stable societies in which terror and violent extremism have no home,” the secretary-general said.

US jet shoots down new mystery

over Canada

WASHINGTON AFP

A US fighter jet shot down an unidentified object over Canada on Saturday, the second such incident in North American skies since the dramatic downing of a suspected Chinese spy balloon a week ago.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a joint US-Canadian military operation led to the takedown of the object, the latest in a series of mysterious air intrusions.

“Canadian and US aircraft were scrambled, and a US F-22 successfully fired at the object,” Trudeau tweeted Saturday.

Shortly after the 3:41 pm (2041 GMT) downing of the object, aviation authorities shut down part of the airspace over the northwest US state of Montana after detecting what they called a “radar anomaly,”

the US Northern Command said.

In a sign of jitters over possible intrusions, Northern Command said US fighter jets took to the skies but “did not identify any object to correlate to the radar hits.” Skies were then reopened to commercial air traffic.

The object shot down in the Yukon was “small, cylindrical” in shape, said Canada’s defense minister, Anita Anand.

“The object was flying at an altitude of approximately 40,000 feet, had unlawfully entered Canadian airspace, and posed a reasonable

threat to the safety of civilian flight,” Anand told reporters.

Trudeau said Canadian forces in the Yukon “will now recover and analyse the wreckage of the object.”

He said he spoke with US President Joe Biden over the latest incursion, while Anand also said she spoke with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The new incursions into Alaska and the Yukon came after the United States said Wednesday that suspected Chinese spy balloons like the one it shot down on February 4 were part of a “fleet” that has spanned five continents. NATO also voiced concern.

Anand, however, said “it would not be prudent for me to speculate on

the origins of the object at this time.”

US and Canadian planes flew together to take on the object Saturday, the US Department of Defense and Anand said.

“President Biden authorised US fighter aircraft assigned to NORAD to work with Canada to take down a high-altitude airborne object over northern Canada today,” Pentagon Spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement, referring to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

An F-22 fighter jet fired an AIM 9X missile that brought it down, he said.

The White House said Biden and Trudeau spoke Saturday, and “commended NORAD’s and US Northern Command’s strong and effective partnership and agreed to continue their close coordination to detect, track, and defend our airspace.”

The object taken out over the Yukon, which borders Alaska, came after fighter jets downed another object Friday off the US state’s north coast near the village of Deadhorse.

Search and recovery operations for the remains of that object continued Saturday but were hindered by Arctic “wind chill, snow, and limited daylight,” Northern Command said in a statement.

“Recovery activities are occurring on sea ice,” it said, adding that the Pentagon could offer “no further details… about the object, including its capabilities, purpose, or origin.”

Ukraine has said that Russia had launched a major new wave of aerial attacks, as President Joe Biden announced he would mark one year since the invasion by visiting Kyiv’s neighbour Poland. Strikes were reported from the eastern region of Kharkiv to the western region of Ivano-Frankivsk, a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to Brussels to lobby EU leaders for long-range weapons and fighter jets. Zelensky said on Friday Russian missiles had crossed over ex-Soviet Moldova and Nato member Romania while heading to Ukraine, though Bucharest denied the claim. With the bloody conflict approaching its oneyear anniversary on Feb 24, the White House said Biden would travel to Nato ally Poland on February 20-22. Biden to visit neighbouring Poland to mark one year since Kyiv’s invasion Biden will make a speech to mark “Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, addressing how the United States has rallied the world to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and democracy”, the White House said. The Kremlin on Friday also announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin would deliver his annual state of the nation speech on Feb 21. Russia last targeted Ukraine with a mass strike in late January, days after Western allies agreed to deliver heavy tanks to Kyiv. Zelensky called the new Russian attacks “a challenge to Nato”, adding that “this is terror that can and must be stopped”. Romania’s defence ministry said it detected an “aerial target launched from the Black Sea from a Russian Federation ship” but “at no point did it intersect with Romania’s airspace”. The Moldovan defence ministry confirmed that Russian missiles had crossed its airspace, adding that it would summon Russia’s ambassador. Kyiv residents on Friday rushed to shelters as Russia battered the pro-Western country with missiles and drones. The Ukrainian air force said Russians targeted cities and critical infrastructure, adding that Iranian-made explosive drones were launched from the Sea of Azov and Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea. Russia also carried out a “massive” attack with “up to 35 anti-aircraft guided missiles” targeting the eastern region of Kharkiv and the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, the air force said.

Judge rescues himself from hearing

Jamia violence case

NEW DELHI

AGENCIES

A Delhi judge, who recently discharged student activists Sharjeel Imam and Asif Iqbal Tanha along with nine others in the 2019 Jamia Nagar violence case, has rescued himself from hearing a similar matter citing “personal reasons”. Additional Sessions Judge Arul Varma was hearing a case regarding the violence in Jamia Nagar in December 2019 which was registered against several accused, including Asif Iqbal Tanha. “Due to personal reasons, he recuses from hearing the matter. Accordingly, let the present matter be put up before the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Southeast district, Saket court, for February 13 at 12pm with a request to transfer the matter,” the judge said in an order passed on Friday. Last Saturday, while discharging the 11 accused in the other case, the judge had said legal proceedings were initiated in a “perfunctory and cavalier fashion” and “allowing them to undergo the rigmarole.

Maqbool Butt’s sacrifices will not go in vain: Dr Fai

WASHINGTON, DC AGENCIES

Chairman of World Forum for Peace & Justice, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai paid rich homage to visionary Kashmiri leader Maqbool Butt on his 39th martyrdom anniversary, saying he was undoubtedly a selfless and an inspirational soul.

Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai addressing a function in Washington said that Maqbool Butt proved what Sunil Gupta wrote in his book. Sunil Gupta wrote in his Black Warrant: Confession of a Tihar Jailer that “As a last wish, Maqbool Butt was allowed to leave a will. A Sikh magistrate was called a day before the hanging. Butt got his will recorded in English. He said, “There will be many Maqbool Butts that will come and go, but the

freedom struggle in Kashmir should continue.”Today, Fai stressed, the whole of Kashmir is following the footsteps of Maqbool Butt for the liberation of their motherland: Jammu & Kashmir.

Sunil Gupta also wrote that an Intelligence Bureau officer who had interrogated Butt after his arrest in 1966 for the murder of the police head constable, said almost the entire interrogation team was impressed by “his clarity of thought, manner of speech and knowledge of various political ideologies, including Maoism.” He added that Maqbool Bhat has said: “I want a fair trial for my people and myself. But I don’t expect to get it in this subcontinent. “

Fai underscored that the mission of Maqbool Bhat is alive. Today, he is an inspiration to millions of Kashmiris and those

striving for human rights, human dignity and right to self-determination.

Sardar Zarif Khan, Secretary General, Kashmir American Welfare Association (KAWA) said that Maqbool Butt gave his life for the cause because he believed in it with all sincerity and honesty. We must pay rich tributes to the memory of this martyr.

He added that the killings of innocent civilians in Indian occupied Kashmir must shake the conscience of all peace-loving people. He condemned the efforts to muzzle the press and further expressed need to restore the right to assemble and freedom of expression in Indian occupied Kashmir

The sacrifices of Shaheed Maqbool Butt will never be wasted. The blood of Kashmiri martyrs brings the goal for freedom and justice nearer, Zarif highlighted.

Shoaib Irshad, Joint Secretary of KAWA said that Maqbool Butt was certainly a charismatic leader who gave his today for the betterment of tomorrow; and that his dastardly death will inspire living Kashmiris for the ages.

Shoaib emphasized that the brutalities of the Indian government cannot and should not go unnoticed. It is the responsibility of the Kashmiri diaspora to be the voice of voiceless people in the corridors of powers all over the world.

At the conclusion of the event, it was demanded that the Government of India return the mortal remains of Shaheed Maqbool Butt and Shaheed Afzal Guru to their relatives in Kashmir. It has been a sacrilege to have kept them in India for 39 and 10 callous years respectively.

‘object’

PAKISTAN THRASH INDIA TO WIN 21ST ASIAN JUNIOR SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIP

CHENNAI NEWS DESK

PAKISTAN ’s junior Squash side on Sunday breezed past arch-rivals India in the final to win the 21st Asian Junior Team Squash Championship here at the Indian Squash and Triathlon Academy.

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman locked horns with India’s Krishna Mehra in the first encounter of the enthralling final that lasted tense four games with the former, consequently emerging victorious 3-1.

The two players went hard at each other in the hard-fought first game but Noor held his nerves calm to triumph 1210 to attain the early lead.

Mehra, however, soon responded with an 11-9 win in the second game only for Noor to ante his level up and run away with the victory by soaring in the last game 3-1. Following Pakistan’s magnificent start, squash sensation Hamza Khan – a two-time Asian Junior champion and a

Fit-again Afridi to lead defending champions Lahore in HBL PSL

ISLAMABAD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Shaheen Shah Afridi will stage a comeback to competitive cricket after three months out with a freak knee injury to lead defending champions

Lahore Qalandars in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), beginning from Monday.

Afridi led Lahore to its maiden title last year in Pakistan’s premier domestic T20 tournament that has once again attracted several foreign T20 specialists in a six-team event also featuring two-time champions Islamabad United and past winners Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi.

Afridi, the lanky left-arm fast bowler, has been Pakistan’s bowling mainstay for the last five years since making his international debut in 2018. But a knee injury during the final of the T20 World Cup against England saw him undergo a long strenuous rehabilitation program before finally getting ready for the PSL.

“There were times when I wanted to give up,” Afridi said. “I was working on only one muscle and it was not improving. Often during the rehabilitation sessions, I used to say to myself ‘this is enough, I cannot do this anymore.’”

Afridi used to watch his bowling videos on YouTube to keep himself motivated and ‘push a little more’ but was frustrated to miss international cricket because of injury.

In Afridi’s absence, England whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 in the Test series during its historic comeback tour to Pakistan last December, while New Zealand twice came close to beating Pakistan in the drawn two-Test series.

British Junior champion – competed against Paarth Ambani.

It was an easy affair for Hamza as he dominated Ambani and secured a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Following the national junior side’s remarkable achievement, the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) took to Twitter and congratulated the nation.

“Congratulations Pakistan. Weldone Team Pakistan we are proud of you. Pakistan is once again Asian champion and beat India in the final of Asian Junior Squash Team Championship 2023 Chennai (India). Pakistan beat India 2/0,” wrote PSF as they shared pictures of national players posing with the silverware. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan booked a berth in the final after beating Malaysia in the semi-final, while India beat Korea.

HBL PSL 8: Players, coaches gear up for exciting rivalries

The HBL Pakistan Super League has placed itself as one of the most sought-after events and one of the factors that make the league so exciting for the viewers are the rivalries between the six franchises.

It is not only the fans who look forward to them, but the players and coaches also enjoy being in the middle of those high intensity contests. The PCB Digital spoke to various players and coaches about how it is to be involved in rivalries.

Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan said on Sunday: “We plan ahead of the season on how we have to approach the upcoming tournament and we have done that already.

“On a personal note, I enjoy playing against Karachi. It is one of

the matches that I don’t want to lose as a captain or a player. It is not like I say this in the team huddle or something. It is just my personal desire to not to lose to them, especially when we play in Karachi.”

Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim said: “This rivalry [Lahore v Karachi] is good [for the HBL PSL]. It is the biggest game and now Karachi-Peshawar and Lahore-Quetta are new rivalries.

“But, the entire nation wants to see Karachi-Lahore. We enjoy playing against them. It is the biggest rivalry for us without a doubt. This season, we will play with more intensity against them.”

Karachi Kings’ Mohammad Amir said: “Lahore v Karachi is always a match to look forward to and when you perform in it, your profile increases manifold as a cricketer. Karachi has been domi-

HBL presents sports event of year – HBL PSL Season 8

KARACHI STAFF REPORT

The highly anticipated sporting event, HBLPSL, kicks off today with a match between Multan Sultans taking on Lahore Qalandars in Multan. The tournament matches will be held in Multan, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.

The final will be played on 19 March 2023 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

HBL is about ‘enabling dreams’ and this synchronizes perfectly with HBLPSL’s philosophy to provide an enabling environment for the emerging cricketers of Pakistan. Through HBLPSL, HBL remains committed to playing its part in promoting Pakistan through sports across the world.

nating this battle so far and I will try to make sure it stays that way.

“A lot of credit for this hype goes to the media with how they come up with player-by-player match ups and the team rivalries. It is very important to keep the fans engaged.”

Karachi Kings head coach Johan Botha said: “It [Lahore v Karachi] is a great rivalry. I can remember from the HBL PSL 5 every player just wanted to be the best player on the ground that night. Our senior players spoke about it how they wanted to be the players to take the team across the line.

“They [Lahore Qalandars] are coming in as defending champions. In the past they were sort of the bottom team and we were a bit cocky and we thought we couldn’t lose against them. We were a good team and played really good cricket.

Broad hails McCullum’s England impact ahead of first New Zealand Test

LONDON AFP

Veteran England seamer Stuart Broad says coach Brendon McCullum’s focus on fun has not just revitalised the team’s Test fortunes but could grow global interest in the game.

Broad is set to return for the two-Test series against New Zealand starting in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, having missed the 3-0 series win in Pakistan in December following the birth of his daughter.

The 36-year-old said returning to the England setup under former Black Caps captain McCullum had been a pleasure.

Riding high on the back of nine wins from 10 Tests overseen by the attack-minded coach, England’s players have spent much of their two weeks of preparation focusing on team bonding, including countless rounds of golf.

“It’s been one of the best, most enjoyable starts to a tour that I’ve ever had in my time,” Broad told journalists.

“I think Baz (McCullum) has got a great mentality for the group, and life really.

“In this environment, I don’t think I’ve ever heard stats or numbers mentioned once. It’s all about going with the feel of the game and taking the positive option at all times.”

Broad said McCullum’s approach contrasted with the successful regime under Andy Flower, when England climbed to the top of the world Test rankings after winning the 2010-11 Ashes series in Australia.

“We got to number one through discipline, through organisation and knowing exactly what our roles were,” Broad said.

“Andrew Strauss was captain, he wanted everyone to go at under three (runs) an over and bat a long time. All our batters averaged over 40.

All set for grand HBL PSL 8 opening ceremony today

MULTAN APP

All set for the most anticipated tournament in the domestic calendar as HBL Pakistan Super League is going to start from Monday (today), with Multan Sultans, the winners of the 2021 edition would clash with the defenders Lahore Qalandars at Multan Cricket Stadium. It is pertinent to mention that Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi would also host the matches of the 8th edition of PSL.

Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena will host the second match of the tournament when the Karachi Kings will lock horns with Peshawar Zalmi.

Quetta Gladiators will begin their cam-

paign in Multan on 15 February, whereas Islamabad United to play their first match on 16th February in Karachi.

Action will move to the northern half of the country from February 26 with Lahore and Rawalpindi hosting the latter part of the tournament. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the four playoffs and the final. This would be in addition to five league games alongside Rawalpindi stadium, which will stage 11 matches.

The winner of the tournament will not only lift the Supernova Trophy but will also collect a cheque of Rs 120 million while the runners-up will receive a cheque of Rs 48 million.

Final will be played on March 19th.

The HBL PSL was conceived with the idea of providing a platform to the young and emerging cricketers who can have a flavour of international cricket – by playing high-quality cricket under pressure environment –before graduating to the apex level.

The first-ever HBL PSL match in Pakistan – the final of the 2017 edition in Lahore – brought World XI for a three-match T20I series before Sri Lanka played a solitary T20I in Lahore.

The 2018 edition reopened the doors of international cricket for Karachi as the final between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi, after the two playoffs in Lahore, was followed by the West Indies’ tour of the city for three T2oIs.

Commenting on HBL PSL, Ali Habib, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer – HBL said, “HBLPSL promotes values of healthy competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship, making a positive impact not only on cricket but also on the personal development of young cricketers. HBL PSL’s motto ‘Jahan Fans Wahan Stadium’ is derived from the idea that the game of cricket is where the fans are, whether in the stands or at home.”

FG Polo wins historic trophy of Century 99 Punjab Polo Cup

LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

FG Polo team won the historic trophy of Century 99 Punjab Cup Polo Tournament 2023 after defeating Newage Cables/ Master Paints by 6-4 in the final here at Lahore Polo Club on Sunday.

Directors of Century Ventures Private Limited, Ayaz Lakhani, Kamran Afsil, Wasim Mazhar, Nazia Wasim, President of Lahore Polo Club Umar Sadiq, Secretary of Pakistan Polo Association (PPA) Lt Col Ayaz, former President of Lahore Polo Club Syed Shahid Ali and a large number of people from all walks of life were present on the occasion to witness and enjoy the enthralling final. At the concluding ceremony, the chief guests distributed prizes among the winners while President Lahore Polo Club Umar Sadiq thanked sponsors Century Ventures for sponsoring the historic polo event. Raul Laplacette emerged as hero of the main final from Team FG Polo as he played outstanding polo and exhibited excellent mallet and pony work that helped him contribute with four fantabulous goals. Ramiro Zavaleta also played well and pumped in the remaining two goals. Simon Prada thrashed in three goals and Juan Cruz Greguol converted one for Newage Cables/Master Paints. FG Polo opened their account through field goal by hero of the day Raul Laplacette to take a 1-0 lead, which couldn’t last long as Newage/Master Paints made a good comeback by firing in a field goal to equalize the score at 1-1. FG Polo then changed their game plan and started playing aggressive polo. It worked well as they succeeded in banging in back-toback goals to earn a healthy 3-1 lead by the end of the first chukker. FG Polo maintained their supremacy in the second chukker as well as they banged in a beautiful brace to further enhance their lead to 5-1. The third chukker saw both the sides scoring one goal each, with FG Polo still enjoying a 6-2 lead. The fourth and last chukker was though fully dominated by Newage/Master Paints as they scored two back-toback goals yet they lost the final by 4-6.

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

GOVT RECOVERS RS1.4B ROYALTY AMOUNT FROM TWO OIL, GAS FIRMS

ISLAMABAD

AHMAD AHMADANI

THE government has recovered an outstanding royalty amount of Rs1.4 billion from two oil and gas firms, Spud Energy and Frontier Holdings Limited (FHL), Pakistan Today reliably learnt on Sunday.

According to sources of petroleum division, following the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to recover an outstanding royalty amount of Rs 1.4 billion from two oil and gas firms, Spud Energy and Frontier Holdings Limited (FHL), Petroleum Division’s Director General Petroleum Concession (DGPC) has taken a prompt action and recovered the pending royalty amount from the two oil and gas companies.

Sources said that DGPC, in a letter dated February 7th, 2023, has directed the Managing Director (MD) Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) to deduct the pending royalty amount of Rs 808,556,999 (PKR eight hundred eight million five hundred fifty six thousand nine hundred ninety nine only) from the invoices due to Spud Energy in respect of Zarghun South and Guddu Block and Rs 216, 315,972 (PKR two hundred sixteen million three hundred fifteen thou-

sand nine hundred seventy two only) from the invoices of FHL for the settlement of outstanding royalty obligations in respect of Badin IV South Block and deposit the same in the government treasury under the head of Account C03906. And, MD SSGCL has now shared the pending royalty payment confirmation with the DGPC, they added.

“The role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, DGPC and MD SSGCL in protecting the interest of the Government of Pakistan by recovering the pending heavy royalty amount from the royalty defaulters (Spud/FHL) is truly com-

Fawad criticises ECP over delayed meeting on Punjab, KP elections

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) faced criticism from senior Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader, Fawad Chaudhry, for failing to hold a meeting on the upcoming general elections in Punjab, despite a court order. Chaudhry, in a tweet, expressed his disappointment with the tribunal, claiming that it was failing to uphold the Constitution and court orders.

Further, Chaudhry claimed that the ECP, composed of clerks or personal assistants, was not likely to hold the provincial elections, a notion that he claimed was widely held. He warned the commission’s handling of the matter could have serious consequences for the country.

Chaudhry called for the restoration of the Constitution and threatened to launch a “Jail Bharo” (court arrests) movement if the elections were not held within 90 days, echoing similar statements made by PTI Chairman, Imran Khan.

The PTI leader emphasized the importance of the Constitution as the only agreed document, warning that any attempts to undermine it would put the state of Pakistan in peril.

mendable,” said the sources.

Immediately carry out an investigation into the outstanding amounts owed by FHL-SPUD to public companies including Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL) and Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) as suggested by a law firm named as Ahmer Bilal Soofi & Co., they added.

Sources further said that OGDCL and MPCL are not recovering millions of dollars that are owed by FHL-SPUD on account of outstanding cash calls while there is a dire need stop any pending assignments of FHL-SPUD including

Hanna and Zamzama North as these two oil and gas companies are trying to take their working interests in these blocks.

Documents available with Profit disclosed that MPCL had earlier requested the Director General Petroleum Concessions (DGPC) to allow the MPCL to assign 35% of its working interests in Hanna Block to Spud Energy from its 100% working interests and also submitted unsigned draft Deed of Assignment (DoA) and unsigned annexures for the same.

The petroleum division forwarded a summary with the title ‘Assignment of Working Interest in Exploration Licences/Blocks’ to the PM, being Minister In-Charge of petroleum division and requested the premier to authorise submission of the summary to the cabinet.

However, the PM’s office after seeing this summary directed the petroleum division to address several observations before the summary is submitted to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet for its consideration.

Pakistan Today/Profit has approached Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of MPCL and a spokesman of OGDCL but, both companies did not respond despite repeated efforts to obtain their stance on the matter pertaining to pending amounts with Spud/FHL.

PM directs fast-track completion of wind, solar energy projects

projects would be removed.

The participants of the meeting were informed in detail about the present wind and solar energy resources in the country, the pace of work on the ongoing projects, and the delayed projects.

Besides the current 10,000 megawatts renewal energy projects, it was told that solar and wind power projects of 6,000 megawatts were also considered to produce environment-friendly and low-cost energy.

Muslim League (Nawaz).

‘PDM wants boycott’: PPP to decide on contesting by-polls after intra-party consultation: Kaira

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that the Pakistan People’s Party will decide about the participation in the by-elections after intra-party consultation.

Talking to a private media channel, Qamar Zaman Kaira said despite being a coalition partner of the Pakistan Democratic Movement, PPP is independent in making political decisions.

Replying to a question about reasons for not announcing elections following the dissolution of two provincial assemblies, Kaira responded that by-elections were scheduled on fewer seats while the election of two provinces was a major exercise to be completed.

Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has decided to take up a proposal of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to boycott the upcoming by-poll on the National Assembly seats with PPP candidates. It was learnt that PPP chairman has summoned party candidates contesting by-polls on Punjab and KP seats to Islamabad to discuss PDM proposal of not taking part in by-elections scheduled for March 16 and 19. The PPP chairman will consult with each party leader and final decision on boycotting NA by-elections would be taken after party meeting, they say.

The PDM leadership, in the virtual meeting held with top leadership of the PPP last week, had proposed not to take part in by-elections of the National Assembly as the united stance of the ruling coalition. Following the meeting, Bilawal Bhutto held a virtual meeting with the parliamentary board of the party and discuss the PDM proposal.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed speedy completion of solar and wind energy projects, saying renewable sources would produce low-cost and environment-friendly electricity.

While chairing a meeting on renewable energy here, he said it was a priority of the government to encourage the production of electricity through solar and wind energy sources.

The prime minister pointed out that the last government did not complete the solar and wind energy projects started by the previous government of Pakistan

The 220 million people of Pakistan suffered due to the criminal negligence and incompetency of the last government, he added.

The PM said work on the solar power projects of 10,000 megawatts was continuing at a fast pace. The solar power projects would help in saving precious foreign exchange being spent on the import of expensive fuel, he remarked.

He said the relevant institutions should immediately present a strategy for fully benefitting from the available solar and wind resources in the country.

He assured that all obstacles in the way of renewable energy

The federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Khurram Dastgir, Ahsan Iqbal, Special Assistant to PM Jehanzeb Khan, Adviser Ahad Cheema and officials concerned attended the meeting.

PM, education Minister discuss overall political situation

Meanwhile, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Sunday and apprised him of the donations by educational institutions in Islamabad for the earthquake affected people of Turkiye and Syria.

During the meeting, overall political situation of the country and matters related to federal education and professional training were also discussed.

However, there was a difference of opinion among PPP leaders on the proposal because some supported it but others opposed it. It is pertinent to mention here that by-polls on 33 NA seats would be held on March 16. ‘Decision about participation in by-polls in 48 hours’ Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party Lahore chapter President Ch Aslam Gill claimed the party leadership will decide about participation in the by-polls within the next 48 hours.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, he said that the party would follow the directions of the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in its letter and spirit. He said that the recommendations of candidates for the 64 seats in the by-elections, to be held on March 16 and 19, had been sent to central parliamentary board of the party for final approval. He said the party and its sister organisations would struggle their best for the candidates.

He said that the current financial situation of the country did not favour in the elections in the provinces. He demanded the prime minister to immediately announce the new date for the All Parties Conference (APC) and the national leadership should unanimously decide a strategy about the terrorism, byelections and general elections as well as other serious issues of the country, so that the nation could be pull out of the desperate situation.

Maryam alleges apex courts still ‘habour sympathies’ for

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Senior Vice-President and Chief Organizer of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday alleged that the apex court courts are still “harbor sympathies” former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

“During Imran’s tenure as prime minister, the PTI government was working handin-hand with both General Faiz Hameed as well as former chief justice Saqib Nisar, who she did not name but referred to as “Baba Rehmat”, she said, claiming the judiciary was still giving them relief.

“Had we made such excuses, would the same attitude be adopted against us?” she questioned, lamenting on the treatment being meted out to the PTI as compared to the PML-N.

Maryam Nawaz was speaking to senior journalists during an informal conversation here on Sunday. said the PDM is not an electoral alliance and they will contest the elections separately.

The PML-N SVP continued, “We used to appear in NAB for six days, but on the day of the hearing, he (Imran Khan) comes up with a picture of himself in plaster. He should get a wheelchair and appear in court.”

‘PDM not platform for elections’

Maryam Nawaz said the party will contest the next elections on their own and not the platform of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

“PDM is not an electoral alliance, we will fight our own elections,” she said, in a response to a question on whether PDM will contest elections as a coalition. She added that the PML-N has already started preparations for the pre-election campaign.

Maryam conceded that the party had left

“an open field” for the opponents since coming into power.

“When I was handed over the responsibility [of chief organiser], I was asked to return [to Pakistan] immediately. After consulting everyone, Mian sahib arranged for my convention,” she added. She said that the PML-N was very active when it was in the opposition, adding that the functioning of the party is being affected due to the absence of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

“I have received a better response than my expectations and the real measure of response is the public’s passion.”

The PDM is attempting to convince coalition parties to opt out of the by-elections being held on March 16. PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has held meetings with PML-N and PPP leadership to skip the by-polls for the National Assembly seats.

‘Nation enduring consequences of in-

competence of PTI’

Lashing out at PTI Chiarman Imran Khan, the PML-N Chief Organiser said the nation was enduring the consequences of the incom-

Imran

petence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s ineligible government led by Imran Khan. She thanked the media for extending exemplary support in the most difficult period.