Epaper_23-02-25 KHI

Saturday, 25 February, 2023 I 4 Sha ʻ ban, 1444

FBR exempts profits earned on government debt instruments

TikTok accuses EU of keeping it in dark over staff phone ban

Profit

Pakistan-Uzbekistan sign billion-dollar trade agreement

Punjab-KP polls: SC to decide on full court for suo motu hearing on Monday

Top civil-miliTary brass vows naTional uniTy To uprooT Terrorism

and best ability”. The cac paid tribute to law enforcement agencies and officers for “showing unprecedented courage and bravery against terrorism across the country” and also paid accolades to those martyred.

The meeting also deliberated on the issue of the nonavailability of funds sanctioned in the past for karachi’s police and security and directed that “obstacles in the way of completion of all projects related to police, counter-terrorism department and security should be removed without delay.”

g Huddle aFFIrMS eradIcaTIon oF TerrorISM lInked To PolITIcal

econoMIc recovery

g To evolve conSenSuS on naTIonal ISSueS, reMove obSTacleS In way oF naTIonal coHeSIon

ISLAMABAD

Mian abrar

THecentral apex committee (cac) on Friday affirmed that eliminating terrorism from the country was interlinked with economic recovery and political stability.

according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s office issued today, the meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad and was attended by chief of army Staff Gen asim Munir, federal ministers, chief ministers, senators, heads of sensitive civil, police and military institutions, chief secretaries and other high-level officials.

The cac meeting reviewed terrorist incidents in detail, particularly the Peshawar Police lines blast, the karachi Police office attack and the subsequent situation. an official handout said that representatives from sensitive institutions briefed the meeting on the kPo attack and the facts that had emerged so far about the situation.

“The meeting agreed that the elimination of terrorism, economic recovery and political

stability are interlinked. Pakistan cannot afford internal instability. national unity and collective struggle are the need of the hour. In order to achieve these goals, a national consensus should be created and obstacles should be removed,” the press release reads.

The meeting affirmed that national security and protection of the people’s life and property was a basic constitutional duty which had to be performed with “national spirit, sincerity, focus

“The federation will provide full support and assistance to the provinces in fulfilling the responsibilities of peace and order,” the press release added.

The cac also reviewed the progress on the national action Plan’s implementation and the decisions taken in a previous apex committee meeting.

The meeting was also informed about the progress on measures to make stages of investigation, prosecution and punishment effective against terrorists.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Grateful to ‘friendly nation’ for assistance before IMF deal: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed gratitude to a “very friendly nation” for providing assistance to Pakistan even before the finalisation of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund to resume a lifeline needed to avert default.

“There is an allied country of Pakistan, we were all thinking that they were waiting for the IMF agreement and then they would play their part but that allied nation a few days ago conveyed to us that ‘we are giving you [this financial help] straight away’, and these things can never be forgotten.

“There are many such sincere contributions of theirs in the past for Pakistan,” he said while addressing the apex committee meeting here in Islamabad. He did not name the country, the extent of the assistance that was provided, or when the said assistance took place. staff report

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Foreign reserves buoyed up by inflow of $700m from Chinese bank

The State bank of Pakistan-held (SbP) foreign exchange reserves registered a major boost on Friday as Pakistan received $700 million from the china development bank.

“alhamdolilah! Funds $700 million [were] received today by [the] State bank of Pakistan from [the] china development bank,” Finance Minister Ishaq dar announced on Twitter.

Pakistan has been struggling to pay off its extraordinarily high levels of external debt and barely has enough dollars to cover less than three weeks’ worth of its imports, and at such a critical time, the $700 million deposit from china will act as a lifeline for the cash-strapped country.

The coalition government has been struggling to boost SbP-held foreign exchange reserves — which currently stand at $3.25 billion as of Febru-

ary 17. However, amid the delay in the revival of the $6.5 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, the government continued to face difficulty in increasing the reserves.

earlier this week, dar announced that the board of the china development bank approved a loan facility for Pakistan worth $700 million, and the formalities in this regard have been completed.

Taking to his Twitter handle, dar announced that the money, which would bolster the country’s diminishing foreign exchange reserves, is expected to arrive at the SbP this week.

well-placed sources on wednesday informed The news that the two more commercial loans are also expected to be re-financed including $500 million and $800 million.

So in totality, Pakistan is eyeing the re-financing of chinese loans up to $2 billion by the end of February or the first week of March 2023.

Sazgar announceS firSt - ever Set of non - production dayS for itS car plant

profit report

Daniyal ahmaD

SAZGAREngineering Works Limited has notified the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) that it will be observing non-production days (NDPs) from February 27 to March 4. The NPDs will be observed by the company’s four-wheeler plant, however, its three-wheeler plant will remain active. This will be the first set of NPDs Sazgar will observe since it began production of its four wheelers.

The company has cited government measures to restrict imports as the reason for it being unable to import the requisite completely knocked-down (CKD) kits and raw materials, and thereby, forcing it to observe NPDs.

facebook, instagram roll out paid subscription in australia, new zealand

profit

aFP

Facebook and Instagram began a week-long rollout of their first paid verification service on Friday, testing users’ willingness to pay for social media features that until now have been free.

Facing a drop in advertising revenues, parent company Meta is piloting a subscription in Australia and New Zealand before it appears in larger markets.

The service will cost US$11.99 on the web and US$14.99 on the iOS and Android mobile platforms.

From Friday, subscribers Down Under who provide government-issued IDs can start applying for a verified badge, offering protection against impersonation, direct access to customer support and more visibility, according to the company.

“We’ll be gradually rolling out access to Meta Verified on Facebook and Instagram and expect to reach 100 per cent availability within the first seven days of the rollout,” a Meta spokesperson told AFP.

poSSibly SuFFering From SuCCeSS?

Sazgar is one of the newer players in Pakistan’s automotive market with it locally producing its BAIC BJ40 in September 2021, and its Haval line of vehicles in August 2022. The company’s foray into the fourwheeler market has been a resounding success in terms of its larger broader revenue makeup.

The four-wheel segment accounts for 54% of Sazgar’s revenue in FY22 based on its annual report for 2022. The share has only increased since then. Four wheelers accounted for 72.42% of Sazgar’s revenue from July to December 2022, whilst they accounted for 82.17% of revenue between October to December based on Sazgar’s HFY23 earnings report. The latter period is particularly important, because not only did Sazgar launch its CKD edition of the Haval lineup during this

time period, but it also managed to introduce Pakistan’s first CKD hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) during this time on November 17. Ammar Hameed, Director at Sazgar had told Profit in 2022, when the company announced its HEV in particular, that “We are able to cater to demand whilst being within the quota that has been allocated to us. We’re not in a position similar to the Big 3 whose productive capacity likely exceeds their quotas. The State Bank’s quota is not a problem for us right now. However, it will likely encumber us in a year or so if the current quota persists”.

The steady increase in the uptick of sales for Sazgar’s four wheelers might have caught them off guard as well, and might just be one reason why the company might have to face NPDs. anotHer Fallen player in a Sea oF npdS

The more likely reason, without dismissing the possibility of the previous explanation entirely, is that it too has fallen prey to the macroeconomic problems plaguing the industry currently. Various other automotive manufacturers have also announced NPDs in 2023 prior to this.

Suzuki has previously announced NPDs from January 2 to January 6, from January 9 to January 13, from January 16 to January 20, and from February 13 to February 21. Toyota observed NPDs from February 1 to February 14 with the decision to shift to a single shift upon the resumption of regular production from February 15. Finally, Millat Tractors observed NPDs, albeit for different reasons but reasons that were still centered in the macroeconomic conditions, from January 6 January 15.

Pakistan National Shipping Corporation ends HFY23 with massive comeback

The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation released its earnings for Q2FY23 to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on February 24. The company ended Q2FY23 with a consolidated quarterly income of Rs 6.59 billion, and a consolidated halfyearly earning of Rs 11.98 billion.

Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s unconsolidated quarterly earnings stood at Rs 638 million, whilst its half-yearly unconsolidated earnings stood at Rs 1.488 billion.

The standout features of the earnings are that despite quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) changes being negligible, the year-on-year (YoY) changes are very significant. The majority of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s earnings are also attributable to its subsidiary companies, rather than its core operations. This is seen in the difference between the scale of the consolidated and unconsolidated reports.

SubSidiary CompanieS

The

Pakistan Co-operative Ship Stores (Private) Limited based on the detail report released by the company for its Q1FY23 earnings.

ConSolidated Q2Fy23 earningS

The company’s sales revenue increased QoQ by a marginal 1.22% from Rs 14.43 billion to Rs 14.6 billion. However, on a YoY basis, its sales revenue increased by a whopping 170.23% from the Rs 5.4 billion it recorded in Q2FY22. Expenditure also fell by 6% QoQ to Rs 7.6 billion for a quarterly gross profit of Rs 6.9 billion. On a YoY basis, costs increased 92.49% from the Rs 3.9 billion seen the previous year whilst gross profit increased by Rs 5.5 billion YoY. Gross profit for Q2FY23 grew 10.62% QoQ from Rs 6.27 billion, and 384.75% YoY from Rs 1.43 billion.

The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation closed Q2FY23 with a gross profit margin (GPM) of 47.1%. This is higher than its Q1FY23 GPM of 43.48%, and Q2FY22 GPM of 26.49%.

Other notable increases included the 36.25% QoQ increase in its other income which rose to Rs 910 million. As with the theme of the earnings report, the other income represented a 461.81% YoY increase. The company’s operating profit grew to Rs 6.9 billion which represented a 14.62% QoQ increase, and a 628.15% YoY increase. The company’s finance cost also rose by 20.32% QoQ and 188.52% YoY to Rs 355 million.

The company recorded a negative effective tax rate (ETR) of 0.4% due to the Rs 26.49 million tax refund it achieved. This is in comparison to its ETR of 6.23% in Q1FY23, and its ETR of 4.89% in Q2FY22. Finally, its final profit for the quarter rose to Rs 6.59 billion representing a 22.41% QoQ increase and a 737.74% YoY increase.

ConSolidated HFy23

Limited, Sibi

Shipping (Private) Limited, Swat

Shipping (Private) Limited, and

earningS

The Pakistan National Shipping

Corporation’s consolidated half-yearly earnings are characterized by significant YoY increases. Its sales revenue rose by 187.34% YoY to Rs 29 billion from its previous Rs 10.1 billion. The company’s expenditure, however, rose by only 104.91% YoY to Rs 15.8 billion. This allowed it to earn a gross profit of Rs 13.2 billion for a whopping 454.42 YoY increase. The company also managed to increase its GPM from 23.58% to 45.51%.

The company’s other income rose by 271.93% YoY to Rs 1.4 billion, whilst its operating profit also increased by 612.59% YoY to Rs 12.96 billion. The interest expense rose by 167.54% YoY to Rs 650.5 million, and the tax expense rose by 115.82% YoY to Rs 331 million. The ETR improved from 2.69% in HFY22 to 9.75% in HFY23.

Finally, the company recorded a consolidated HFY23 profit of Rs 11.98 billion. This represented a 742.29% YoY increase from its previous Rs 1.42 billion in HFY22.

unConSolidated

Q2Fy23 earningS

The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s standalone quarterly performance, though significant, is far more tame in comparison to its consolidated earnings. The company’s revenue and expenditure rose by 23.03% and 18.73% YoY to Rs 3.489 billion, and Rs 2.676 billion respectively. These amounts represent YoY increases of 65.82%, 50.41% respectively. The company ended Q2FY23 with a standalone gross profit of Rs 812 million. This is a 34.45% QoQ contraction from its previous Rs 1.24 billion, but 150.2% YoY increase from its Rs 324 million in Q2FY22.

The company’s GPM improved YoY from 15.44% to 23.3%, however, this was a QoQ dip from its Q1FY23 GPM of 27.36%.

The company’s other income rose

ECP denotifies Imran from six NA seats

iSLAMABAD

StaFF rePort

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday denotified Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan from six National Assembly seats — on which he emerged victorious during byelections last year.

The electoral authority, in a notification, stated that the former prime minister — who was ousted from power last year — had been denotified from

his seats in NA 22 Mardan, NA 24 Charsadda, NA 31 Peshawar, NA 108, NA 118 Nankana and NA 239 Karachi.Earlier, on January 19, the ECP had issued a notification confirming Khan’s victory on seven seats that Khan won in the by-elections held in October last year. The notification had previously been withheld due to his alleged failure to submit the party’s funding details to the electoral body. After his denotification from the six earlier seats, Khan now holds the Kurram seat, for which he may take oath and join the NA.

IGP directs foolproof security for HBL PSL matches in Lahore, Pindi

LAHore StaFF rePort

Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar on Friday directed that all-out resources should be utilized for foolproof security during the ongoing PSL matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

“Elaborated measures should be taken for safety and convenience of all teams, including foreign players, match officials and fans,” he ordered.

Dr Usman Anwar said that safe city cameras should be fully utilized during security arrangements and no road should be closed unnecessarily. He said that the senior officers themselves should be present in the field and spare no effort to ensure that these

matches are held in a peaceful environment. The IG Police also appreciated the Multan Police for the peaceful conduct of the PSL matches in the city and foolproof security of the guests.

The IGP while appreciating the performance of police officers and jawans including Additional IG South Punjab, RPO, CPO Multan, DPOs, said that the spirit with which Multan Police ensured security arrangements during PSL should be emulated for the rest of match in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The IGP said that the police took great care to maintain peace and order in Multan as well as the security and comfort of cricket fans. Dr Usman Anwar said that the services of the Punjab Police in the revival and promotion of cricket in Pakistan were rightly appreciated.

both on a QoQ and YoY basis to Rs 707 million. This accounted for a 8.84% QoQ increase, and a sizable 555.1% YoY increase. The company’s operating profits, however, did not improve on a similar basis. Its operating profit of Rs 933 million, though a 2076.9% YoY increase, represents a 36.59% QoQ decrease.

The company also benefited from a negative ETR due to a tax refund of Rs 57.82 million. This represented a 117.62% QoQ improvement in its tax expense, and a 388.51% YoY improvement. Pakistan National Shipping Corporation ended Q2FY23 with a negative ETR of 9.96% compared to its ETR of 27.87% in Q1FY23, and its ETR of 25.33% in Q2FY22.

Finally, ended Q2FY23 with a final standalone profit of Rs 638.5 million. This is a 24.85% QoQ decline from its previous Rs 849 million in profit, but a 743.76% YoY improvement on its previous loss of Rs 99.186 million. unConSolidated HFy23 earningS

Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s HFY23 sales revenue and expenditure rose by 104.34% and 76.21% YoY, to Rs 8.021 billion and Rs 5.969 billion respectively. This led to it clocking in a gross profit of Rs 2.052 billion with a GPM of 25.59%. The gross profit represents a 281.39% YoY increase, whilst the GPM is an improvement on its HFY22 GPM of 13.71%.

The company’s other income rose by a significant 290.34% YoY to Rs 1.357 billion. The company’s operating profit rose by a far more significant 599.85% YoY for a total of Rs 2.4 billion. Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s taxation expense increased by 138.05% YoY to Rs 270.38 million, whilst its ETR improved from 110.45% to 15.38%. The company ended its HFY23 with a profit of Rs 1.488 billion, which represented a 13943% YoY improvement from its previous loss of Rs 10.75 million.

fBr directs all chief collectors to surrender confiscated foreign currencies to nBp

profit report

ShahzaD Paracha

The Federal Board of Revenue has directed All Chief Collectors of Customs to surrender confiscated foreign currencies to those branches of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) that are dealing in foreign exchange. Sources said FBR has written a letter to All Chief Collectors of Customs with regard to a new mechanism for authentication of confiscated foreign currencies.

The letter asks for attention to be given to this by the State bank of Pakistan (SBP). According to new mechanisms, foreign currencies confiscated by law enforcement agencies or other government departments should be surrendered directly to branches of NBP for realization/authentication and onward credit to appropriate accounts.

The new process is aimed at streamlining the handling of these currencies and making the overall operation more efficient.

Earlier, Pakistan Customs used to submit confiscated currency directly to the SBP.

‘preSSuriSing’ judiciary to avoid electionS: fawad ch

LAHore StaFF rePort

pAKISTANTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry has asserted that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was ‘pressurising’ judiciary to stop the elections in Punjab and Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa (KP) from happening within the constitutional time frame of 90 days.

Talking to journalists, the former information minister said that PML-N senior vice president Maryam Nawaz was leading a campaign against ‘judiciary’ as the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has taken a suo motu notice of delay in Punjab and KP elections.

Maryam’s remarks against judges fall under contempt of court: Khosa

LAHore

StaFF rePort

Senior jurist and central leader of PPP Latif Khosa termed Friday that PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz’s remarks against judges fall under contempt of court. “Remarks of Maryam Nawaz against judges is a contempt of court and added her remarks were not justifiable against the judiciary. While talking to a private TV channel, he viewed that Maryam’s remarks against country senior judiciary is more serious then Khan’s remakes. Her remarks clearly falls under contempt of court, he added. Latif Khosa severely criticized the PML-N and said that insulting the courts is part of the psyche of this party.

pti rawalpindi leaders

court arrest as ‘jail Bharo tehreek’ enters third day

rAWALpiNDi

StaFF rePort

Leaders and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) Rawalpindi chapter volunteered their arrest as the party’s ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’ for Haqeeqi Azadi’ entered day 3 today. After Lahore and Peshawar, the campaign reached Rawalpindi, where PTI leaders Fayaz ul Hassan Chohan, Sadaqat Abbasi and Zulfi Bukhari voluntarily surrendered themselves to police. The movement kicked off on Wednesday from Lahore where core leadership from Punjab, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Senator Azam Khan Swati, and Omar Sarfaraz Cheema gave court arrests. The ‘court arrest’ drive was launched in protest over “violations of the fundamental rights”, “abuse of the Constitution”, “unprecedented inflation” and “economic meltdown”. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan lauded PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) leadership for a massive turnout in ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’. The former prime minister Imran Khan in his tweet congratulated the KP PTI parliamentarians for leading the ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’ from the front. He wrote, “Today was a massive turnout led by PTI’s KP leadership for the Jail Bharo Tehreek. Congratulations to our KP PTI parliamentarians for leading from the front and to our workers for their janoon (passion) and commitment.”

“The PDM [Pakistan Democratic Movement] government was targeting the judges vigorously,” Fawad Chaudhry said, noting that they cannot hide their ‘incompetence’ by ‘insulting’ others.

Referring to government’s reservation of the SC bench – hearing the suo motu notice, Fawad said that the bench also includes five judges who suspended the

ruling of the then-deputy speaker National Assembly Qasim Suri.

“The incumbent rulers came into power after Qasim Suri’s ruling was suspended,” he said, adding that the PTI accepted the SC’s verdict and did not confront the judiciary.

He pointed out that a case was registered against former premier and PTI Chairman

Terrorist ‘bite the dust’ in Awaran IBO

rAWALpiNDi

StaFF rePort

Security forces on Friday conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Awaran district, killing one terrorist, the military said in a statement.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) – the military media wing, the operation was performed on a credible lead with regards to the presence of a hideout of terrorists involved in recent IED attacks in the area.

It said that a heliborne force was used to sanitise the area which surprised the terrorists. “While one terrorist was sent to hell during the ensuing operation in exchange of fire, a large cache of

weapons and ammunition has also been seized,” the statement read.

The security forces will continue to thwart any attempt by inimical elements to disrupt hard-earned peace in the province, it added. A day earlier, the security forces killed eight terrorists in a follow-up operation launched after foiling an ambush on convoy of security forces in Kech District, Balochistan. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release on Thursday, the terrorists on the evening of Wednesday (Feb 22), attempted to ambush a convoy of security forces in Kech District. The alert and combat-ready troops foiled the cowardly attempt without any loss of life and then immediately

PTI approaches LHC for judicial commission to probe audio leaks

LAHore StaFF rePort

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday approached the Lahore High Court seeking the formation of a judicial commission to probe audio leaks. PTI Central Punjab President and former Punjab health minister Yasmin Rashid filed the petition with the LHC through her lawyer Rana Mudassir, making the interior ministry, defence ministry and interestingly ARY News among others as respondents.

The court is likely take up the petition for hearing on Monday. The petition stated that audio tapes of senior PTI leadership are being leaked which is a

commenced a follow-up operation to hunt down the fleeing terrorists, using ground and aviation assets.

Resultantly, on Thursday morning a suspected hideout of the terrorists was identified in Mazaaband Range where a sanitisation operation was launched. In the ensuing exchange of fire, eight terrorists were killed with a large cache of arms and ammunition, including explosives, recovered.

“The security forces of Pakistan will continue to thwart such attempts by inimical elements, on the behest of hostile intelligence agencies, to disrupt the hard-earned peace in the province,” the ISPR said.

The development comes amid a

sheer violation of fundamental rights. “These acts seem as a personal attack and infringement of constitutional rights of freedom of thoughts, speech, and right to dignity and privacy but as a matter of fact these nefarious acts amount to threaten and undermine the constitutional dispensation of rule of law, democracy, democratic institutions and above all the very constitution of Pakistan, 1973.”

She said such acts amounted to depriving political leaders of their basic fundamental rights of freedom of thought and speech and right to dignity and privacy seizing them from political activities “as feeling always under threat that their mobile calls are being secretly taped by agencies to blackmail them.”

Imran praises PTI KP leaders over massive power show in Rawalpindi

iSLAMABAD StaFF rePort

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan lauded PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) leadership for a massive turnout in ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’. The former prime minister Imran Khan in his tweet congratulated the KP PTI parliamentarians for leading the ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’ from the front.

He wrote, “Today was a massive turnout led by PTI’s KP leadership for the Jail Bharo tehreek. Congratulations to our KP PTI parliamentarians for leading from the front and to our workers for their janoon (passion) and commitment.”

In another tweet, the former premier appreciated Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) for supporting PTI in ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’.

804 roll out at Police Training School Swat

SWAt SyeD ShahabuDDin

As many as, 804 police recruits passed out here on Friday at Police Training School Swat. The passing-out ceremony was attended by Caretaker Minister for Communication and works (C&W) Muhammad Ali Shah, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Training Feroz Shah, Police officials, members of civil society and elders of the area in great numbers. On the occasion, Caretaker Minister Muhammad Ali Shah felicitated the recruits and gave awards to those who had achieved excellence during the six-month-long training. He inspected the parade and distributed shields to the policemen for the best performance during the training. During the passing-out ceremony, the recruits also spellbound the audience with demonstration of skills.

Four women out of the total 804 recruits also completed training, who were extremely jubilant at the closing ceremony.

“Today we have been trained and know how to defend ourselves and our country,” said the female recruits, adding that they were determined to work for the motherland.

Imran Khan after the latter demanded legal action against the torture of Shahbaz Gill. “Despite the registration of case, we did not target the judiciary,” he added.

“Currently, the judiciary is facing blackmailer mafias,” Fawad said, adding that ‘fake and edited’ audios of important personality were released to blackmail him. He urged Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to stand by the Constitution, saying that his party will not allow blackmailing and pressuring of judges.

Referring to the Jail Bharo Tehreek, the PTI leader said that party leaders were shifted to remote areas after they court arrest. “Medicines are not being delivered to Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Asad Umar even after 48 hours”, he claimed.

surge in terrorist activities in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, since the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November.

On February 10, two Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Balochsitan’s Kohlu area.

Pakistan’s security forces have conducted numerous operations across the country in the past three months, arresting terrorists and their facilitators and foiling several attacks. In Balochistan alone, 3,414 operations were conducted, including 2,980 area domination operations, 67 intelligencebased operations, and 367 area sanitisation operations. During these operations, security forces arrested 112 terrorists and killed 40 others.

ecp suspends by-elections to 27 na seats; restores membership of five female Mnas of pti

iSLAMABAD StaFF rePort

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday suspended by-elections on 27 seats of the National Assembly in compliance with the directives of the Lahore High Court (LHC).

According to an ECP notification, elections on 27 general seats would not be held till further notice. Those 27 seats are: NA 57;NA 59; NA 60; NA61; NA 62; NA 63; NA 67; NA 70; NA 87; NA 93; NA 97; NA 107; NA 109; NA 126; NA 130; NA 135; NA150; NA 152; NA155; NA156; NA158; NA164; NA 165; NA 177; NA187, and NA191. The Election Commission has also restored the membership of five female MNAs of PTI who are Aliya Hamza Malik, Kanwal Shuzab, Andleeb Abbas, Asma Hameed and Maleeka Ali Bokhari in light of LHC orders. However, by-elections would be held in three constituencies of Islamabad scheduled on March 16. The federal capital’s constituencies NA 52, 53, 54 are located in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and the decision of Lahore High Court (IHC) is not applicable to the said constituencies of Islamabad, said the notification.

Noor Jamal, Director of Police Training School Swat, said that experts of the police force had provided martial art, boxing, swimming, and the latest computer courses training to the recruits.

Caretaker Minister for Communications and Works (C&W)

Muhammad Ali Shah said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police established peace in the province by rendering numerous sacrifices. “I salute to the services and sacrifices the KP Police offered in the line of duty”, he declared.

The Caretaker Minister also stressed the need for improving standards of facilities at the Police Training School. Mr Shah said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had become an organized and professional force and was moving ahead at a steady pace. He congratulated the policemen who completed training and hoped they would perform their duty diligently.

Two more indusTrial uniTs sTarT operaTions in mohmand economic Zone

PESHAWAR staff report

TwOmore industrial units set up in the newly constructed Mohmand Economic Zone of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have become operational, raising the total number of functioning factories to 13.

“In the recent few weeks, two units have been inaugurated including one of cooking oil production factory and marble industry,” this was stated by CEO, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KPEZDMC), Javed Khattak.

Talking to APP here on Friday, Javed Khattak said Mohmand Economic Zone has shown very positive feedback by attracting industrialists and within a short period of a couple of years, 13 industrial units have become operational creating thousands of jobs.

The Mohmand Economic Zone is spread over an area of 350 acres and is surrounded by a bomb-proof boundary wall constructed at a cost of Rs 700 million, Javed added.

For the facilitation of industrialists, KPEZDMC has constructed a carpeted access road of 4.5 kilometres starting from Michni check post to the zone premises. Similarly, a vintage point is also established for visitors for better viewing of the economic zone.

Javed said KPEZDMC has set up 14 Industrial Zones in the province, including merged district, for the acceleration

42 new covid-19 cases reported in last 24 hours: nih

ISLAMABAD staff report

Health officials on Friday said that 42 new Coronavirus cases were reported during the last 24 hours across the country. As per data shared by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the case positivity ratio was 0.70 percent while 16 patients were in critical condition.

No death was reported from the Coronavirus in the last 24 hours while 5,985 Covid-19 Corona tests were conducted.

As many as 1,654 tests were conducted in Lahore out of which 25 cases were confirmed with a ratio of 1.51%, while 142 tests were conducted in Islamabad out of which five cases were reported confirmed with a ratio of 3.52%. Around 567 tests were conducted in Rawalpindi out of which one case was reported as positive with a ratio of 0.18%.

Meanwhile, Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Abdul Qadir Patel said that the government has strengthened the role of Border and Health Services in Pakistan to deal with any sub-variant of Covid-19. The minister said there was a surveillance system at all country’s entry points, including airports. He said that there will be rapid tests and screening of passengers at all airports. He said that the situation was completely under control and asked the general public to avoid listening to rumours.

He added that the Corona case positivity ratio was just 0.3 to 0.5 in the country while 90 percent of the country’s population already got the COVID-19 vaccine.

“An efficient system with a proper management team is fully functional in the country to remain vigilant and is ready to make an emergency plan to deal with any subvariant of Covid-19,” the minister added.

default raises fears of food scarcity in Balochistan’s jails

QUETTA staff report

Arrangements are made for ensuring provision of these facilities round the clock 24/7 without any disruption or break, added CEO KPEZMDC.

These new industrial zones are attracting attention of investors due to facilities offered by KP government and a number of production units have already been established and started functioning, Javed continued. He also informed that around 298 industrial units are under construction in these new economic zones and soon will start production.

of commercial activities through increasing production and creating hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities.

These industrial zones are providing facilities including uninterrupted power supply, efficient road network, water supply, job opportunities for locals, telecom and IT infrastructure, centralized commercial areas, and sewerage system.

Javed said the government is fully focusing on providing a foolproof secure environment to industrialists who set up their businesses in these industrial zones and in this connection we have been directed to adopt the policy of `no-comprise on quality’.

“KPEZDMC is striving day and night to achieve its goal of beginning a new era of industrial revolution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by bringing rapid industrialization and creating employment opportunities for people of the region,” Javed remarked.

FDI from China rises to over $200 million in FY 22-23

ISLAMABAD staff report

Pakistan has received US$ 200.2 million as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China in the first seven months of the current Fiscal Year 2022-23, Gwadar Pro reported on Friday quoting the Board of Investment (BOI).

China accounts for 29.3% of the total US$ 683.5 million in FDI received by Pakistan in the current fiscal year 2022-23. Chinese FDI in Pakistan totaled US$102.5 million from July to November.

Pakistan received another US$97.7 million

from China in December and January, bringing the total investment to US$200.2 million.

According to BOI data, Japan was the second largest investor in Pakistan with US$133.9 million between July and January, followed by Switzerland with US$106.5 million, the UAE with US$83.2 million, Hong Kong SARC with US$46.4 million, the Netherlands with US$45 million, the UK with US$24 million, and the US with US$9.2 million.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan received US$531.6 (28.46% of the total) FDI from China in FY2021-22, while in FY2020-21, Pakistan received US$751.6 (41.3%) million.

Chaudhary Nisar hints at joining a new party

RAWALPINDI staff report

Former interior minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan on Friday stated that he neither wants to criticise Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan nor

he wants to badmouth Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PMLN) by joining PTI.

Addressing a rally in the Chakri area, Rawalpindi, he said that during his 35 years in a political career, Allah gave him the courage to refuse many great po-

sitions. “I have spent a wonderful time in PML-N, after the election I will join another party with respect,” said Khan.

Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan stated that he told PTI chief Imran Khan that he doesn’t need any position.

Fears of food scarcity loom over Balochistan’s jails as the ration providers threatened to block the supply of food items to prisons due to non-payment of two years’ dues amounting to Rs161.85 million. The ration contractors demanded in their applications written to the Balochistan Prisons department to clear pending dues until Feb 28, otherwise, they would block the supply of food items to 11 jails and judicial lockups in the province. As per the jail authorities, the department is liable to pay Rs51.1 million for 202122 and Rs110.75 million for the ongoing year. “The department has moved a summary for funds to the federal government, and if the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf’s (PTI) Jail Bharo Movement eyes Balochistan, it will require more funds”, the authorities added.

Kp governor says will accept sc’s decision on elections

PESHAWAR staff report

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Haji Ghulam Ali has asserted that the caretaker government would accept the Supreme Court (SC) decision on holding elections in the province. In a statement, KP governor refrained from giving date for elections for provincial assembly, saying that the caretaker government would accept the Supreme Court (SC) decision on the matter. “The apex court will not make any decision that will push the country towards anarchy”, Haji Ghulam said, adding that the country’s politics were destroyed in the last four years. He claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was now regretting of their decision to dissolve the assemblies, adding that he was trying in his personal capacity to bring stakeholders together at one table. Referring to PTI’s Jail Bharo Tehreek, the KP governor said that he already knew no arrests would be made under this drive. He also lambasted PTI Chairman Imran Khan for violating the agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF).

renowned Baloch folk singer wasu Khan passes away

QUETTA staff report

Eminent Baloch folk singer wasu Khan on Friday passed away in Jaffarabad at the age of 80. According to his family, wasu Khan had been suffering from kidney disease for a long time and breathed his last at a hospital in Sukkur. He will be buried in the Akhund Baba graveyard near Kali Deba on Sunday afternoon.

Born in the Goranadi village of Sahabpur, Balochistan, the real name of wasu Khan was Muhammad waris. He was a prominent name in the Baloch folk music industry.

Govt launches anti-polio awareness campaign using truck art

ISLAMABAD staff report

Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Abdul Qadir Patel on Friday said that the government had decided to adopt a unique way to create public awareness against the crippling disease polio, with the help of truck art to stop virus transmission.

Addressing the launching ceremony of the anti-polio awareness drive using truck art, the minister said that the public service messages would be printed in local languages on trucks traveling on routes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Afghanistan to educate the population.

He said that truck art was a unique and deep-rooted part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage, which “will be now used for a cause to eradicate polio through educating people in highrisk areas.”

He said that various attractive and persuasive messages about polio and the importance of vaccination would be printed on trucks in the local languages spoken in four provinces for a clear understanding of the general public.

“we are working to prepare a comprehensive strategy for the complete eradication of

polio from the country. For this purpose all available resources will be utilized,” Qadir

Patel said.

He said, “Although, there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this disease.

Each time a child under the age of five is vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased.” He said that repeated immunizations had protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio-free, besides the two

endemic countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Patel said, “The only way to stop the virus is to vaccinate all children under the age of five. It is critically important that parents and caregivers, particularly in high-risk areas, ensure that their child is vaccinated.”

“The isolation of the virus is a cause of concern and it is excellent to note that it was detected promptly. This timely detection of the virus in the environment is crucial to protecting children from being paralyzed by the poliovirus”, he said.

China, Pakistan sign agreement to Promote modern agri teChnology

BeiJing

Staff report

iNa move to promote China-Pakistan modern agricultural cooperation, a framework agreement on Belt and Road agricultural cooperation was signed at the China-Pakistan Symposium on Modern Agriculture Cooperation at Northwest A&F University, China.

According to China Economic Net (CEN), the agreement was signed by the Northwest A&F University, China Na-

tional Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH), and the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission, Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee.

The three sides agreed to work together in promoting international agricultural technology cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, training agricultural talents, building overseas agricultural parks and enhancing agricultural industrial chain of BRI countries.

Professor Zhang Lixin from Northwest A&F University told China Eco-

nomic Net (CEN) reporter that to facilitate agricultural technology transfer, the University will establish a mechanism for expert exchange with agricultural universities and research institutes in BRI countries.

A resource-sharing platform is proposed at the symposium to share and promote success models. Cooperation on agricultural industrial chain will also be stepped up. Projects including agricultural mechanization, deep processing of food, cross-border agricul-

tural trade, agricultural warehousing, international logistics and overseas agricultural parks will be promoted via SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)

Demonstration Base for Agricultural Technology Exchange, Yangling Area of China (Shaanxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone and Yangling Comprehensive Bonded Zone.

To support the above efforts, new scholarship programs are in pipeline to train agricultural talents. The overseas agricultural project bases under SINOMACH, including those in Pakistan, will offer opportunities to

Minister underscores modernization of civil services for progress

LaHore Staff report

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Ahsan

Iqbal has said that civil services should be modernised and bureaucrats should be given training on modern lines in three branches including Foreign Services, Finance and Economics and Media to run affairs of the country in a better way.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of the 32nd Senior Management Course (SMC) and 117th National Management Course (NMC) at the National Institute of Management here on Friday, he said that the world was

changing with each passing day and the country would have to change with the pace of the world‘s developments to tackle these changes.

He suggested that a training school for bureaucrats like the National Defense University should be established in which education, training and research should be focused and a special certificate should be given to those bureaucrats who pass out from the school. He said that the best bureaucrats should be brought in the school as trainers and special approval should be obtained from the Ministry of Finance in this regard. He said that modern education like artificial intelligence should also be

Grateful to ‘friendly nation’ for assistance before IMF deal: PM

Continued from page 01

The prime minister added that the IMF deal would be finalised in a week to 10 days. The prime minister said that negotiations with theIMF would soon be successful but economic difficulty would still persist in the form of “very stringent” conditions by the Fund. Pakistan held 10 days of intensive talks with an IMF delegation in Islamabad — from Jan 31 to Feb 9 — but could not reach a deal. The IMF, however, said in an earlier statement that both sides have agreed to stay engaged and “virtual discussions will continue in the coming days to finalise the implementation details” of the policies, including the tax measures, discussed in Islamabad. The government is in a race against time to implement the tax measures and reach an agreement with the IMF as the country’s reserves depleted to a around $3 billion, which experts believe is enough for only 16 or 17 days of imports. The agreement with the IMF on the completion of the ninth review of a $7bn loan programme would not only lead to a disbursement of $1.2bn but also unlock inflows from friendly countries.

Foreign reserves buoyed up by inflow of $700m from Chinese bank

Continued from page 01

Pakistan also hopes to reach a staff-level agreement with the IMF this week. However, the global lender would need another one and a half months before calling a board meeting and approving the $1.1 billion tranche. Pakistan has taken painful fiscal consolidation measures to unlock funding from a $6.5 billion IMF bailout. Experts believe that even with the IMF programme resumed, it was unlikely that the nation’s economy would get back on track. Continued programme performance and funding are subject to significant risks, especially in the run-up to this year’s elections. A debt readjustment is becoming a greater possibility sometime around 20232024. Pakistan’s external debt servicing obligation for the ongoing fiscal year 2022-23 is $23 billion, of which $6 billion has been repaid and $4 billion rolled over, leaving $13 billion yet to be funded.

taught to the bureaucracy. The minister said that bureaucrats should know how they could work for progress of the country. He listed six suggestions for the purpose. Number one is introduction and implementation of peace and harmony in society and the second one is to provide regulatory to the governments by the bureaucracy, he said.

The minister said that the current governing model is out-dated and only that bureaucrat would be serve the country successfully who would make a team by taking the community, business and society on board. For the 4th one, he said that a good coordination among the interior, foreign, finance and other departments play a vital role

in the country’s progress whereas it was observed that the officer of one department delayed the file of the other department. Sharing the fifth suggestion, the minister said that bureaucrats should learn how to deal the public with pleasant gesture with an impact of pleasure for people, adding that people would give more taxes if they were happy with the government.

He said that the last and sixth suggestion was that the civil services personnel should learn new things and remain updated with the fresh knowledge, as the knowledge about everything gets outdated after every five to seven years.

Top civil-military brass vows national unity to uproot terrorism

Continued from page 01

The CAC meeting comes as terrorism in Pakistan has been rearing its head again. Over the past few months, the law and order situation in the country — especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has worsened — with terrorist groups executing attacks with near impunity across the country.

Since the talks with the banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down in November, the militant group has intensified its attacks, mainly targeting the police in KP and areas bordering Afghanistan. Insurgents in Balochistan have also stepped up their violent activities and formalised a nexus with the outlawed TTP.

Last Friday, the Karachi Police Office was attacked by TTP militants, leaving five people dead and 17 others, mostly law enforcers, wounded.

Last month, a powerful suicide blast in a mosque in Peshawar Police Lines killed 84 people and injured many others. In the apex committee meeting on Feb 3, PM Shehbaz had said it considered proposals for revision of the NAP and approved a slew of measures to improve the investigation, forensics and working of the CTD.

The committee had agreed that the federal and provincial governments would adopt a uniform strategy to eliminate terrorism and ordered an effective strategy to be prepared in this regard.

The press release stated that the CAC also deliberated on the media’s role, particularly social media, during terrorist incidents and operations of security forces. The meeting was briefed that during the course of security operations, information can be aired on the media which benefits terrorists and their facilitators, impact the operation and endanger the lives of officers.

It was recommended in the meeting that guidance should be taken from regulations and standard operating procedures governing terrorism and cyberspace in other parts of the world so the appropriate procedures can be formulated, in consultation with media houses and relevant stakeholders, so that rumours, misleading information or spreading fear in emergency situations can be prevented so as not to create problems for security operatives. “The meeting also decided that a focal person should be assigned the responsibility to provide facts to the media and public in an emergency situation,” the press release reads.

Earlier in the day at the meeting’s outset during his address, the prime minister said the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) had become a “dormant institution”. Elaborating on the formation of the National Action Plan, he said the previous PML-N government had invited stakeholders for a “comprehensive discussion” which led to the plan’s formation.

TikTok accuses EU of keeping it in dark over staff phone ban

Continued from BaCk page

“He has always been very available, you know, responding to the Commission … We have reached out for a meeting in whatever shape or form they would like that to happen.” Other EU institutions should do their own research before making decisions on the app, Greer said. TikTok is banned on U.S. Senate employees’ government-owned devices and also in India. The European Parliament has not taken such a step.

local students and researchers for study, internship, employment, and entrepreneurship.

The university is also launching new research projects jointly with Pakistani partners. “We are going to cultivate green chilies in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh and Punjab”, Abdul Ghaffar Shar, a doctoral candidate of Northwest A&F University who has been studying in China for nine years told CEN, adding, “I brought from China linseed back to Pakistan last month.

It is a variety most Pakistani farmers are not familiar with but can produce edible oil much needed in the country. Experiment has started at Sindh Agricultural University, Tandojam”.

He told CEN that delegations from Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and People’s Bank of China (PBOC) Xi’an Branch also attended the symposium to concentrate on ways to facilitate Pakistani farmers to use China’s high-yielding varieties.

Pakistan’s Largest LPG-Air Mix-Based City Gas Project

Major milestone in the downstream gas sector has been achieved by DEA Group of Companies to provide the alternate piped gas to the city of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Dynamic Engineering and Automation as an EPC Contractor and authorized distributor of AETHER dbs., USA has supplied and installed the 300 MMBtu/h SNG Plant (Synthetic Natural Gas / LPG-Air Mix) for about 40000+ households, with a capital cost of Rs.1,261 million and it will be beneficial to protect deforestation in the area. Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL), as the owner and operator of the project, got the License for operation and distribution of LPG Air-Mix, through Pipeline from Explosive department and OGRA for this international standard alternate gas project with DEA assistance. SNG/LPG-Air Mix is the safe and reliable alternate energy solution of piped gas for domestic, commercial and industrial consumers. Choosing the best energy source can be challenging, especially if you are located above 1,500 meters off Grid Gilgit Biltistan heights, DEA team has installed SNG (LPG-Air Mix Technology) and provided an efficient and effective alternate solution of natural gas as a green gas solution helping to save trees and environment specially in winters, where tons of trees are being consumed to warm the houses and other heating needs for commercial and domestics. Being Pioneer in partnership with its principals from USA, South Korea and Turkey, DEA has installed more than 70 SNG Plants for Industrial, Commercial and domestic customers in Pakistan. pr

IESCO power suspension schedule for today and tomorrow

According to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)’s spokesman, System Maintenance/Development Work is in process. Therefore power supply of below mentioned feeders/areas will be temporary suspended as per given schedule: On 25th February 2023, From 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM, Islamabad Circle, G-6, PHA Flat, Burma, UC Road, Suhadran Road, Karur, F-10/2, H-8/2, AIOU, I-11/3, GolraII, Railway Road,Rahra,CM Pak Zong,Bahria Enclave,Isolation Hospital,Pindi Point, Barin, TDCP, PAF, Angori,F-8/3,Azad Shaheed , Chhata Bakhtawar, Tiramuri, Lahtrar Road Feeders, Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, Bank Road. I, Jahangir Road, Jail Park, NPF. II, Morgah, Jhanda, Humayun. I, Humayun, 502 Workshop, Chahan, Cantt., Shahjeon, Sagari, Hanif Shaheed, Ghazan Khan, Sahala College, Nad, Dubiran, Panjar, Hamid Jhangi, Jhta Hatial, Bengali, Syed Kasran, Gagan, Bank Road. II, Hyder Road, Mall Road, Islamabad Feed Mill, Pind Jatla, Lab. I & II, Reliance Weaving Mill, Bhal, Jarrar Comp, Park View, RBISE, Feeders, Rawalpindi City Circle, Katarian, National Market, Alnoor Colony. II, Khanna. II, A Block, Effendi Colony, Sadiqabad, Khurram Colony, Tareq Shaheed,Tamasamabad,City,Forah Chowk,Sarafa Bazar, Jannah Road, Airport, Rajahabad,Ali Market,Abu Bakar,Kari Road,Peshawar Road, Multabad, Ameer Hamza Colony,Azharabad,Zircon Heights,I-14/ 3, Ratta, Iqbal Road. II, Liaquat Bagh, DHQ, 6 th Road, T&T, PTCL Feeders, Attock Circle, Margalla, Nawababad, Dharek, Gulshan Sehat, AWC Housing, Shahia, Munirabad, Rashid Minhas, Kohsar Valley, Babrakhi, Shah Dir, Shamsabad, Qaziabad, Tin Mela, Nar Topa, Kachhari, Dhok Fateh, Dar es Salaam Colony, Nika Kalan, Azim Shaheed, Jhang, Murt, Jund.I, Jund.II, Galial, Kamrial, Fateh Jang, Laniwala Feeders, Jhelum Circle, Paran, Akram Shaheed F-8 Civil Line. pr

Habib Bank registers 27pc increase in income: Slight decline in profits

Continued from BaCk page HBL’s total administrative expenses were Rs 124.8 billion as persistent inflation and rapidly escalating fuel and utility costs created pressure across all categories. The bank’s infection ratio improved from 5.1% to an alltime low of 4.8% while provision coverage was prudently maintained at above 100%.

Commenting on the bank’s performance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL said, “The bank has delivered excellent results despite the challenging macroeconomic environment. As a testament to our client-centric approach, HBL’s

performance was propelled by strong organic growth across all business segments and activity drivers, solidifying our leading position in all client segments. Moreover, HBL is actively working on financial inclusion initiatives supported by significant investments in technology and digitalization. During 2022, HBL remained conscious of its responsibility to support clients and the broader economy.”

Business Development

HBL’s digital channels continued to play a significant role in shaping Pakistan’s financial landscape in 2022, processing over 310 million financial transactions worth

more than Rs 4.3 trillion. Throughput saw a collective growth of over 55%, a testament to our commitment to becoming a ‘Technology Company with a Banking License’.

During the year, Mobile Banking witnessed a growth of 107% YoY. The bank launched the HBL Islamic Mobile app to provide convenience for clients with Shariah-compliant needs. In another industry first, HBL enabled financial transactions through the HBL WhatsApp banking channel; it continues to grow with a 43% increase in the user base in 2022.

The bank made significant strides in

Agriculture financing, increasing its portfolio by 27% YoY and surpassing the Rs 50 billion milestone, a new record. HBL was declared the ‘Best Bank in Agriculture’ under the Large Banks category for 2021-22 by SBP, while HBL Microfinance received the same award in the Microfinance Banks segment.

As the champion Bank for Balochistan, HBL led the industry with the highest-ever disbursements in the province. HBL also scaled up its agriculture pilot interventions in three districts in Punjab. These covered more than 25,000 acres and resulted in yield enhancements of more than 14%.

HBL continued to reinforce its leader-

ship position across its multiple business areas. It became the first Bank to cross 100,000 RDA accounts, with over USD 900 million channeled into the country. In cash management, the Bank maintained its dominant position, increasing throughput by 56% to Rs 12.3 trillion. HBL remains the “go-to” bank for Investment Banking transactions and closed deals valued at over Rs 200 billion in 2022. The Bank also advised and closed Pakistan’s first and largest hybrid REIT issuance.

In the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), HBL’s share price declined 5.21% during the Friday trading session to close at Rs 69.56.

Chinese loan

The Chinese loan implies that the IMF loan is going through, but what will change?

FFinance Minister Ishaq Dar took to Twitter to announce that Pakistan had got a loan for $700 million from the Chinese Development Bank. This may have been good news, and Senator Dar might feel it is an achievement to be boasted of, but it failed to answer the fundamental question of how vto fix the economy, of how the country can be made to escape the debt trap it is in. After all, though the loan is welcome, it will go to debt servicing, with the nearest repayments being of Chinese loans. In a way, therefore, the money coming from China will only go back. Pakistan is thus already doing with China what it does with the rest of the world: borrow from it, so as to keep servicing its debt.

Pakistan may have weathered the immediate crisis, and the Chinese expression of confidence, for that is what it amounts to, was being withheld because China wanted the IMF to release its latest tyranche and restore the stalled programme. Thus the way may be paved for other blenders, like Saudia Arabia, to release the funds they had tied to IMF resumption of its programme. Pakistan needs an analysis of how it got into this position not because anyone is to be blamed or punished, but so as to find a way out of this trap. It is nerve-wracking for the entire nation to have its economic destiny subject to a crisis every now and then. Perhaps it is all the more worrying that these crises, these swoops close to default only for friendly countries and multilateral institutions to come to the rescue, are becoming more frequent and are coming together.

Perhaps the most essential thing, that all political players come together and devise a common programme, that all stakeholders agree on what changes are needed. There will be no point if those out of office try to roil the waters and cause political instability, and those in office insist on having huge cabinets. Such so-called austerity measures as have been taken recently have fallen short of saving the ordinary man from bearing the brunt of these crises in the shape of onerous conditions being applied. Without forming a national consensus on the way forward, it will be impossible for Pakistan to do more than it has done which is to get another loan, nd kick the can downstairs in the hope that future generations will do something about it.

What Austerity Measures!

Even the IMF has spoken in favour of the poor

ileges. They can be taxed through deduction at source. In England, from the declared monthly salary of £2000, 40 percent tax is deducted at source. That is, the employee receives £1200 a month. Pakistan has to move in this direction.

stand equal.

PAkISTAnhas finally decided to stop becoming the progeny of the Mughal Empire (1526-1858), which perished under the weight of lavish spending around 160 years ago. Pakistan has learnt that it should be economical in its expenses.

On February 22, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif held a press conference to announce austerity measures which his government would take to save Rs 200 billion to meet the conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which would then issue the withheld tranche of $1.2 Billion to stimulate the country’s economy.

The estimated amount of Rs 200 billion is in addition to Rs 170 billion which would be collected through the recently introduced mini-budget to pacify the IMF. The life of the mini-budget will be at the end of June this year. nevertheless, through the mini-budget Pakistan has fulfilled certain pre-conditions imposed by the IMF, but some are still left pending.

The austerity measures which Mr Sharif intends to introduce revolve around five main points: reducing expenses of every government department by 15 percent; curbing the buying and unnecessary usage of vehicles; denying plots to government officials; serving one dish to guests; and establishing a single treasury account for the military audit. Besides, Sharif also announced that a committee would be formed to inform the cabinet about the ways the government lands can be sold to generate income.

By any assessment, these measures are inadequate to meet the needs of the ongoing economic crisis. The IMF is demanding an immediate increase in direct taxes on those who are earning high salaries and enjoying concomitant benefits of perks and priv-

On the occasion, Sharif said that these austerity measures would be continued till the end of June this year. Sharif might have said so not to unnerve the audience, but the reality is that the end of June would not herald the end of the economic crisis. Certainly, neither will reliance on indirect taxes (or consumption taxes) nor will dependence on austerity measures go beyond a limit. On the other hand, the IMF is not interested in restructuring Pakistan’s debt. It means that Pakistan has to restructure its economy. It is unavoidable, especially for the long term health of the economy. For instance, Pakistan has to privatize certain state-run entities which are incurring incessant losses. Second, Pakistan has to reduce non-developmental expenditures, including the defence budget, by 10 to 20 percent per annum to at least one third of the current spending. Third, Pakistan has to declare assets of government servants, both civil and military. no exception. Even judges of the judiciary have to declare their assets publicly. no one should hide one’s assets. no immunity; no sacred cows, where financial matters are concerned. no institution can enjoy monopoly on national resources and national affairs. All institutions running on public money should be open to accountability, both moral and financial. For this reason, the IMF also demands amendments in audits and accountability laws to enhance the confidence of taxpayers. These reforms are still pending. The declared austerity measures offer no substitute for them.

On the occasion, when Sharif said that the austerity measures would be till June this year, he gave the impression that July would be different from June. One hope could be that July would help Pakistan come out of the shackles of the IMF. This is not the case. The real picture of the budget would be apparent in July for the fiscal year 2023-2024, which would also be in the light of the IMF conditions. Pakistan will have to take the prop of the IMF in July as well.

There has emerged an imbalance between the public and the private sector. After the reforms of 2002, the private sector expanded manifold. Consequently, there emerged a competition between the traditional provider of employment (the government sector) and the private sector as the generator of new employment. Pakistan witnessed the time when government officers demanded (and in certain cases, enhanced their own) salaries equal to those working in the private sector. Moreover, government officers tried to hog the areas where the private sector could perform.

The austerity measures announced are just the beginning. The reason is this: Pakistan has to do two things simultaneously: first, reduce the budget deficit; and second, service loans. To do both together is a herculean task. Pakistan cannot avoid taking more measures to appease the IMF and run the economy in the long run

The question is this: why should people pay taxes which would serve the purpose of government servants, both civil and military (including judges as well), who would be privileged to hide their assets, and who would be beyond accountability?

This is the major question which prompts people to evade paying taxes. Without addressing this question, the tax recovery to meet any given target may not be possible. Pakistan has to do away with exemptions and exceptions. no sacred cows. All have to

It is high time Pakistan had to make more space for the private sector to function. The government sector cannot monopolize power and resources. The government sector has to end its competition, especially in terms of salaries and other financial benefits, with the private sector.

The austerity measures announced are just the beginning. The reason is this: Pakistan has to do two things simultaneously: first, reduce the budget deficit; and second, service loans. To do both together is a herculean task. Pakistan cannot avoid taking more measures to appease the IMF and run the economy in the long run. It is heartening to see that, even to the annoyance of the rich and influential, the IMF has spoken for the welfare of the poor, who remain removed from policies and power. Pakistan has to understand that more funds be directed to developmental sectors such as education, health and infrastructure. If these areas are not preferred, the possibility for the generation of growth in the form of educated, skilled and healthy workforce would diminish. The same would further shrink the economy and adversely affect yearly economic growth. Pakistan has finally reached this make or break pass.

The writer is a freelance journalist and can be reached at qaisarrashid@yahoo.c

Climate Change consequences in 2030

Water scarcity: Extreme water scarcity already exists in Pakistan, and climate change is predicted to exacerbate the problem. Freshwater availability is likely to decrease due to warming temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns, which could result in conflicts over water resources.

Agriculture: In Pakistan, one of the most important industries is agriculture, which is anticipated to be severely impacted by climate change. Crop yields and productivity could be affected by variations in temperature and precipitation patterns, as well as by an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events.

Health: On human health in Pakistan, climate change is predicted to have a significant effect. For instance, rising temperatures might make it easier for malaria and dengue fever to spread, while more frequent extreme weather events might be fatal or seriously harm people.

Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and buildings in Pakistan are likely to sustain damage as a result of rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and altered precipitation patterns.

creased yields, which will result in food shortages and price increases in Pakistan as agriculture is a crucial component of the country’s economy. The availability of food for humans and livestock will also be impacted, as well as the overall food system.

Thirdly, the country is in danger from increasingly destructive floods that would destroy homes and infrastructure. Floods will harm homes, businesses, bridges, and other crucial infrastructure, making it difficult for people to access services like clean water, healthcare, and education. Additionally, floods will cause a significant number of people to be displaced, escalating the nation’s already serious homelessness problem.

only been exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic, there have been significant job losses worldwide and slower economic growth. Due to this, it has become even more challenging for the nation to invest in the strategies required to combat the effects of climate change, such as building infrastructure that is more resilient and utilizing renewable energy.

Aglobal phenomenon, climate change, is having a significant impact on every region of the globe. The effects of climate change will worsen over the next ten years, especially in developing nations like Pakistan. This article will look at how climate change will affect Pakistan in 2030, as well as the recent difficulties the nation has encountered as a result of its changing environment.

In the coming years, Pakistan is anticipated to experience profound and widespread effects of climate change. It is crucial that the nation take action to combat climate change’s effects and get ready for its likely repercussions. The following are a few ways that Pakistan could be impacted by climate change:

Biodiversity: The biodiversity in Pakistan is anticipated to be significantly impacted by climate change. A shift in a species’ range due to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns is possible, and some species that are unable to adapt may go extinct.

Several significant areas of Pakistan will begin to experience the effects of climate change in 2030. In the beginning, the nation is probably going to experience more frequent and severe heat waves, which will have terrible effects on public health. In particular among the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, the risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses will rise as a result of the rising temperatures.

Furthermore, the likelihood of more severe and frequent droughts in the country is high. This will have a significant impact on agriculture and food security in the country. Droughts will cause crop failures and de-

Fourthly, as a result of climate change, the nation will also experience a worsening energy crisis. Rising temperatures will increase the need for energy to cool homes and buildings, straining the nation’s energy infrastructure. The energy crisis will also worsen as a result of more frequent natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, which will cause power outages and damage to energy infrastructure.

Finally, Pakistan’s difficulties in adapting to the effects of climate change have

The country has recently been confronted with challenges brought on by climate change, including covid-19, floods, earthquakes, heat waves, droughts, food crises, and energy crises. Urgent action must be taken by the government, the international community, and regional organizations to address the effects of climate change and make Pakistan capable of adapting and thriving in the face of this global challenge

Pakistan will experience severe and wide-ranging effects from climate change in 2030, which will have an impact on the economy, infrastructure, food security, and public health. The country has recently been confronted with challenges brought on by climate change, including covid-19, floods, earthquakes, heat waves, droughts, food crises, and energy crises. Urgent action must be taken by the government, the international community, and regional organizations to address the effects of climate change and make Pakistan capable of adapting and thriving in the face of this global challenge.

Nadir Ali is associated with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). He tweets at @hafiznadirali7 and can be reached at hafiznadirali7@gmail.com

Dr Qaisar rashiD

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Keep your NADRA data updated

ABOUTtwo years ago, the then federal law minister had proudly announced the delegation of authority to the national Database and Registration Authority (nADRA) for the issuance of succession certificates, and that, too, within 15 days.

I had written in these columns (Can nADRA manage succession matters? Feb 10, 2021), expressing my reservations about the implementation and the ability of the people sitting in nADRA to manage such matters due to lack of expertise at their end.

My apprehensions were not unfounded and have proved to be true as far as my personal experience goes. I recently visited nADRA office in Blue Area, Islamabad, to obtain a succession certificate in respect of my late brother.

The legal department pointed out a discrepancy in the document issued by its own office, specifically, the names of my two late brothers not appearing in each other’s Family Registration Certificate (FRC) by birth in their respective family trees.

Although their names were mentioned in the FRC by birth, which I had obtained for myself after paying Rs1,000 as fee, it was my wrong assumption that in this digital/cyber age, the data would automatically be uploaded in the family tree of each sibling if any one member of the family got it updated. I was not aware that each and every member of the family would have to make a visit to nADRA to update his/her data and pay Rs1,000 each for updating and getting an FRC.

Obviously, this is not possible now, as one cannot have biometrics of dead persons whose physical presence would be required at nADRA office for obtaining the fingerprint impressions.

Expansion of Hindutva Ideology Under Modi Regime

The BJP is desroying Indian secularisma

action, and several people were arrested in connection with the incident.

RElIgIOnhas played a dominant role in the history of the Subcontinent, but India emerged in the name of secularism at the time of its independence despite its religious legacy. The secular Indian state is based on the principle of separating religion and state, and treating all religious communities equally without any discrimination. The Indian Constitution also provides for the right to freedom of religion, and prohibits the state from establishing or promoting any particular religion.

The secular nature of the state is enshrined in various laws and policies that prevent discrimination based on religion, and promote equal opportunities for all citizens. Despite of this, shortly after gaining independence, India has been promoting the Hindutva ideology and engaged in acts of aggression and oppression towards the different religions, especially against the Muslim population residing within and around the country.

Hindutva is an ideology that seeks to unite all people who identify as Hindus, and is associated with the political and cultural movement known as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political wing, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister narendra Modi, has been in power in India since 2014, and during this time, the concept of Hindutva has gained greater prominence in Indian politics. This ideology has been at the centre of many controversies in recent years, with some accusing the BJP of promoting a narrow, exclusionary view of Hinduism that is at odds with the country's secular values.

During the Modi regime, there have been several incidents that have been linked to the ideology of Hindutva. In 2015, a mob of Hindu nationalists beat up a Muslim man in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly eating beef, which is considered sacred by many Hindus. The incident sparked outrage across the country, and there were calls for the government to take action against those responsible. However, some members of the BJP defended the actions of the mob, with one lawmaker stating that "those who eat beef should face such consequences."

In 2017, a Muslim man was beaten to death by a mob in Rajasthan, again over allegations of cow slaughter. The incident was caught on camera, and the video went viral, sparking outrage across the country. The BJP government initially attempted to downplay the incident, with the state's home minister stating that "such incidents happen every day." However, after widespread protests, the government was forced to take

In the past several years, there has also been a rise in vigilante groups that are affiliated with the ideology of Hindutva. These groups, known as "cow protection" groups, have been responsible for a number of attacks on Muslims and Dalits who are involved in the meat and leather trade. These attacks have often been carried out in the name of protecting the cow, which is considered sacred by many Hindus.

The rise of Hindutva has also been reflected in the cultural sphere. In 2017, when the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued guidelines to the media that called for the promotion of "Indian culture and value systems," which many saw as an attempt to impose a particular view of Hindu culture on the country.

One of the primary ways in which Hindutva ideology has expanded under the Modi regime is through the government's promotion of a Hindu-centric narrative in the country's history and culture. This has been done through various measures, such as renaming cities and streets after historical figures associated with Hinduism, promoting Sanskrit as the national language, and emphasizing the role of Hinduism in India's ancient past.

In addition, the government has been accused of targeting universities and educational institutions that promote alternative views of Indian history and culture. The JnU controversy, for instance, involved the government's attempt to suppress dissent in Jawaharlal nehru University, which is known for its liberal atmosphere and leftist politics.

Furthermore, under the Modi regime, there has been an increase in the activities of various right-wing organizations that promote Hindutva ideology. These groups include the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), THE Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Bajrang Dal, among others. These groups have been involved in promoting Hindu nationalism, often at the expense of religious minorities, such as Muslims and Christians.The abrogation of Articles 35A and 370 of the IndianConstitution, changing the status of Indian-Occupied kashmir, is

also another most significant incident related to the expansion of Hindutva ideology under the Modi regime. This move was seen by the world as an attempt to impose Hindu nationalism on the region. The decision was followed by a clampdown on dissent and a communications blackout, which lasted for several months.

The Modi regime has also been accused of using the state apparatus to suppress dissent and stifle criticism of its policies. This has been done through various measures, such as the arrests of activists, journalists, and political opponents, as well as the use of laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to target those who challenge the government's policies.

Another way in which the Modi regime has expanded Hindutva ideology is through its control of the media. The government has been accused of promoting a pro-Hindu narrative in the media, while also suppressing critical voices.

The controversy over the TRP ratings scandal involving Republic TV, for instance, highlighted the nexus between the government, the media, and Hindutva ideology.

Although the BJP and its supporters see Hindutva as a unifying force that promotes India's cultural and religious identity, critics argue that it is leading to grow concerns about the erosion of India's secular and democratic traditions. As India moves forward, it will be important to find a way to balance the need for cultural and religious preservation with the principles of democracy, pluralism, and human rights.

Hindutva is a radical philosophy rooted in hatred towards minorities in India, and its rise is pushing the country towards a fascist state where only Hindus are granted full rights. If India continues with regressive policies, more than 180 million-strong Muslim population and other religious communities may become dissatisfied, leading to chaos, bloodshed, and even the potential breakup of the country.

A non-discriminatory, conciliatory, and tolerant stance towards all sections of Indian society is crucial so the Modi government should take another look at its repressive policies so that the real identity of the state should be restored.

The writer is a freelance columnist

I was, therefore, told by nADRA that the case could not be processed at its end, and suggested that the case be taken up in a civil court for which nADRA would issue a ‘decline certificate’ and a sum of Rs15,000 would be charged for its issuance. It seems nADRA has become a money minting machine. I was aghast at the demand. It had the temerity of demanding remuneration/fee for not facilitating me in terms of processing a simple piece of data. In fact, I would be incurring extra expenses by way of lawyer fee, court charges and the hassle of visiting the court innumerable times.

So I am back to square one, and, therefore, have a sincere advice for the readers; keep your data updated as everyone at some point will need to go through this process. Do not be under the impression that nADRA will update data by itself. It should, but it will not.

A frustrating project

THEREis only one main road in the whole of Peshawar that links one part of the city with the other. This is exactly where the khyber Pakhtunkhwa (kP) government decided to ‘redefine civilisation’ with its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plan which has been touted as ground-breaking, award-winning solution to the issue of traffic congestion.

Peshawar is truly a city of flowers fit for flowering minds. By taking away two lanes for the overpriced, overhyped bus service that barely serves anyone, the project does not make much sense as the local buses and vans continue to ply on the route. This was promised to be ‘eradicated’, but, as is often the case in Pakistan, promises are made to be forgotten. The idea before constructing the BRT track was to provide better transport facility to the public and to reduce traffic congestion on roads. However, the road remains permanently congested during rush hours, thanks to the BRT. now the administration has decided to add some greenery to improve the air quality by making deep flower beds. While this may improve air quality and beauty of the city, this will at the same time make the road smaller for vehicular traffic. All those individuals who support the BRT, flower beds and all the initiatives that are aimed at beautifying the city should be awarded for their wonderful ‘efforts’ to make roads smaller and for creating additional layers of mental and physical agony for the commuters who use transport other than the BRT.

SAMAN HAMID PESHAWAR

Waziristan census

Census is regarded vital for allocation of resources, legislative representation, framing of new constituencies, recruitment and several other planning and operational tasks. As the upcoming census is scheduled to be held soon, the residents and members of civil society in Upper Waziristan have expressed their concerns on social media and in social gatherings. It is a fact that Upper Waziristan has been a war-torn area and 70 per cent of its population is not settled completely owing to the non-availability of basic facilities, like electricity, education, health and cellular networks. On the other hand, the harsh and cold days in February will further hamper the process of census in Upper Waziristan. In this context, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) should devise a different strategy to accommodate the demands of the local people. The approach of de jure census must apply to the original residents of Upper Waziristan, who are currently living in other parts of the country. This is surely their right.

SHAHID HUSSAIN MEHSUD DERA ISMAIL KHAN

Fake information

THISis with reference to the report ‘Arbitration on kishanganga, Ratle projects gets underway’ (Jan 28). The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague is hearing the case in which Pakistan has raised concerns on India’s construction of the kishanganga project on the Jhelum river and the proposed construction plan for Ratle project on the Chenab river in India-occupied kashmir. Pakistan has raised objections on the construction of these projects as they would impede water flow to Pakistan. It is also against the Indus Waters Treaty signed between Pakistan and India on Sept 19, 1960, for the use of water of the Indus water system.

As reported by the Indian media, India has offered Pakistan to resolve the issue bilaterally through negotiations within 90 days, but this offer may have been made to divert the issue from the arbitration court which India has boycotted. However, the court is competent enough to proceed ex-parte, which it seems to be in the process of doing. As there is complete silence on the news officially perhaps because of its sensitivity, the social media on both ends of divide is busy spreading false news which should not be believed till the arbitration court gives its decision.

A non-discriminatory, conciliatory, and tolerant stance towards all sections of Indian society is crucial so the Modi government should take another look at its repressive policies so that the real identity of the state should be restored

asif KhurshiD

ChIna meeTs amerICan heGemonY head-on

RT Timur Fomenko

TheChinese foreign ministry has published an essay titled ‘US hegemony and Its Perils’, a scathing attack on the United States and its desire to effectively rule the world. The essay was widely shared throughout Chinese state media outlets and was probably the harshest thing they’ve ever published at least as far as Washington is concerned. It coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent address and attacks the US across a broad spectrum of topics, outlining Washington’s multi-pronged efforts to achieve and maintain exclusive dominance over the entire planet. This includes military action, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as interference in internal political affairs of countries in the form of coups and revolutions.

The essay discussed the Arab Spring, US interference in Latin America including the CIA coup in Chile and attempts to undermine the government of Cuba and Venezuela, and the number of “color revolutions” in former Soviet states such as Ukraine, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan. It went on to condemn how Washington weaponizes the subject of democracy and forces countries to take sides, branded the US a country “characterized by violence and expansion” that crushes its opponents with sanctions and “economic coercion” and claimed the (US) dollar of being “the main source of in-

stability and uncertainty in the world economy.”

Never has China’s foreign ministry launched such a blistering attack on the US. For many years, despite Washington’s turn to hostility towards Beijing, China has been overwhelmingly restrained when it comes to the US. For a long time, it held to the belief that America can be engaged with, that somehow the country can be brought to reason, and that the US-China bilateral relationship can be improved and stabilized. It once held the belief that after the departure of the Donald Trump administration, things could be returned to “normal” under Joe Biden.

That belief could not have been more wrong. After two years in office, the Biden administration has shown itself to be more belligerent and hawkish on China than Trump and his colleagues had ever been, and ties have gone from one new low to another, with the Biden presidency having transformed US policy from a series of “America First” Trumpian grievances over trade, to an

Google blocked me from seeing the news. You could be next

all-encompassing campaign of military and strategic containment which has dramatically escalated tensions. Trump was a negotiator, who wanted to make trade deals with China to suit American interests using tariffs as leverage, whereas the word “compromise” does not exist in Biden’s vocabulary.

The Biden administration has repeatedly claimed it wants “guardrails” and “lines of communication” with Beijing, but its actions have shown its real intentions, from allowing Nancy Pelosi’s highly provocative visit to Taiwan, to stoking paranoia over a balloon, to forcing countries to cut off supplies to China’s entire semiconductor industry. The conclusion that Beijing has finally arrived at is that when it comes to the United States, there is no serious dialogue to be had. It is a waste of time. China faces a belligerent, hegemonic and bad-faith actor who seeks to contain it and strategically crush it at all costs.

The US is forcing a change in China’s foreign policy.

For many decades, China’s philosophy was to avoid confrontation with Washington and seek cooperation, to prevent the Americans from moving towards policies of Cold War containment and blocking its economic development, which is the Communist Party’s overarching domestic priority. This is why even when the US was turning hostile, China remained ambivalent and restrained for a long time. It wanted to believe the relationship with America could be rescued, and these policies could be offset.

China now recognizes that its best bet is not appeasing Washington, but that its continued development and prosperity depends on sustaining a multipolar world where American power is diluted. China has formally identified American hegemony as the biggest source of instability, chaos, inequality and conflict in the world, mirroring comments made by Vladimir Putin.

As such, the US has no interest in accepting or coming to terms with the rise of any other country which challenges its monopoly on global power, believing its hegemony to be some sort of divine right, and leaving little hope for “stability”. It will do everything it can to try and contain China and break up its integration with the global economy. While this does not mean Beijing will do something reckless or risk-prone, it does mean it has finally woken up to the challenge it faces and is no longer, after decades of cordial ties, starry-eyed or deluded about the true nature of the American regime.

Why the war in Ukraine will continue

CalgaRy HeRald Bryan PassiFiume

While Google flexes its muscles over Ottawa’s contentious online news bill, the reality came somewhat suddenly for those of us finding ourselves in the middle of the public spat between online tech giants and the Canadian government. Whether it was random chance or not, I have become part of the four per cent of Canadian Google users now blocked from accessing Canadian news on the world’s most popular search engine. On Wednesday, Google announced the start of a five-week trial blocking around four per cent of Canadian internet users from accessing homegrown news content — which applies to content both on its search engine and smartphone-based news features. This is in retaliation for the government’s all-but-assured passing of Bill C18 — more commonly referred to as the online news bill — which if passed would compel big tech companies such as Google and Facebook to broker deals with news outlets to share revenue from linking news stories. Content produced and published by Canadians news outlets are all impacted by Google’s ban. My troubles with Google started a little over a week ago when I started noticing my searches for stories on the National Post’s website started coming up empty. A normal, unsullied search for a newsworthy topic — in this example “Justin Trudeau” — would be topped with various recent articles about the Prime Minister from all major Canadian news outlets. In a search performed while writing this column, the top results for that search consist of official biographies from the Prime Minister’s government website, and a “Top Stories” section populated with government press releases and a handful of mainstream news stories republished by MSN and Yahoo News. The situation grows even more grim when you use Google’s site tools to search specific websites. Searching for Justin Trudeau on the National Post’s website, for example, returns zero hits — while unblocked searches report around 329,000 results. Similar site-specific searches on news websites such as the National Post, CBC News, and the Toronto Star likewise produce zero results. At least in my case, Google appears to be blocking me based on my Google account. My results only seem to be blocked when using Google’s Chrome browser while logged into my Google account. Using incognito mode, logging out of Google or using a different browser allows me to search Canadian news websites with abandon. I was one of the first people to sign up for Gmail when it first launched in the early 2000s, and thanks to the convenience of Google’s various apps and services over the years — along with my longtime use of Chrome — I’ve found myself quite reliant on Google in my day-to-day life. even my passwords are all kept safe by Google’s handy password saver. While being blocked has made everything from filing stories to casually surfing the net a huge pain in the ass, it’s also made me reflect on how easy it’s been to become reliant on one technology or service. Netflix’s asinine crackdown on password sharing has made our family reflect on how much we relied upon the service before we eventually cancelled it — perhaps it’s time for Canadians to think about how many eggs we’re keeping in just one online basket.

INthe year since Russia launched its fullscale invasion of Ukraine, the war has evolved in ways fewpredicted. The conventional wisdom was that Russian forces would quickly overwhelm the overmatched Ukrainians and take possession of much more of the country than they gained in 2014. Others went further, predicting that Russia would topple the government in Kyiv and replace it with a puppet regime that would ratify Russian control and no longer embody a Western-looking alternative to the bleakness that has become Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Given such dire forecasts, many in the West and in Ukraine would have readily accepted a version of what exists today, namely, a sovereign Ukraine exercising authority over some 80% of its territory. That this is the reality is a tribute to the effectiveness of Ukraine’s military, the collective courage of the Ukrainian people and their leaders, and the steadfastness of US and european support in the form of arms, money, training, intelligence, and the acceptance of millions of refugees. It is also a stunning indictment of Russia’s military.

Putin is faced with difficult choices as he contemplates a war of choice that has not gone as planned. his decision to invade was not irrational, given his assumptions that Ukraine would be no match for his military, that europe (especially Germany) was too dependent on Russian gas to stand up to him, and that the United States, postJanuary 6 and post-Afghanistan, was too divided and inward-looking to aid Ukraine’s defense. But, because all these assumptions proved wrong, Putin’s calculation that the benefits of invading would dwarf the costs became a formula for disaster.

Putin now finds himself playing for time. Unable to defeat Ukraine’s military, he is attacking economic and civilian targets, hoping to break the will of Ukrainians. he may also believe that, despite what Western leaders say, it is only a matter of time before european governments, along with the US, rethink the costs of supporting Ukraine.

when the two sides conclude that compromise is preferable to continuing a war neither is strong enough to win.

Neither of these conditions applies to this war as of now. To be sure, it is far from clear that Ukraine can eject Russia from its territory, even if Western governments shed their inhibitions and supply Ukraine with more advanced arms.

Russian forces are dug in and will be difficult to dislodge. And there is the possibility, or even likelihood, that China would provide copious economic and military assistance to Russia, rather than see its strategic partner defeated by a US-led coalition.

And Russian forces, for their part, are simply too poorly trained and led to defeat Ukraine on the battlefield. Aerial attacks on civilian areas, however brutal and costly, are no substitute for battlefield success, and so far have merely stiffened the resolve of the Ukrainian people.

And yet the outlook for compromise is bleak.

Putin appears determined to stay the course lest perceived defeat in Ukraine spur efforts by domestic rivals to remove him from power. Sanctions have had only a limited effect, as India, China, and others continue to purchase Russian energy. And Putin controls the political narrative at home, persuading many that Russia is a victim, forced by the US and NATO into a fight for survival against the West as a whole.

Ukraine, too, is disinclined to compromise.

Nearly all Ukrainians are calling for the complete liberation of their country’s territory. The reason is straightforward: the war has changed minds.

what the future might hold.

Moreover, the war has hardened hearts. Russian atrocities, including bombing apartment buildings and executing civilians, has led to calls for reparations and war-crimes tribunals. Some would add to this list the removal of Putin and his inner circle from power, an outcome seen by many as essential if Ukraine is ever to have confidence in any peace settlement.

In short, the conditions are far from ripe for diplomacy. One day this will change, but that day appears to be far off. The good news (if there is any) is that the war may well become less intense as both sides face the difficulty of sustaining the magnitude of losses they have suffered this past year. They simply lack the manpower, equipment, and economic resources to do so.

It also seems unlikely that Russia will opt to escalate. Attacking NATO makes no sense when it is patently clear Russia cannot even defeat Ukraine. Nuclear weapons seem to have little or no military value, and both China and India have made clear their opposition to their use. More important, Russia’s use of nuclear weapons of any type would almost certainly bring US and NATO troops directly into the war.

The bad news, though, is that the war will not end anytime soon. The map of Ukraine a year from now will most likely resemble nothing so much as the map as it appears today. The year ahead promises to be dismal, not decisive – more reminiscent of World War I than of World War II.

Bryan

Passifiume is a journalist with the National Post‘s Parliament hill bureau, formerly serving as city hall reporter for the Toronto Sun.

So, what does this augur for the future? Wars end one of two ways: when one side defeats the other and is able to impose its peace terms, or

Ukraine’s military prowess, and the manifest shortcomings of the Russian military, have nurtured more than a little strategic optimism about

It all adds up to a significant and sobering anniversary. A war that few expected to last so long could well spur another round of commemoration and analysis a year from now.

PRojeCT SyndiCaTe richard haass

IN A RARE SCATHING ESSAY, BEIJING’S FOREIGN MINISTRY HAS BLASTED WASHINGTON’S CONTINUED ATTEMPTS AT WORLD DOMINATION

THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR SEARCH ENGINE HAS BLOCKED 4 PER CENT OF CANADIANS FROM SEEING CONTENT FROM CANADIAN NEWS OUTLETS

ITU’s Regional Director for Asia-Pacific Region Visits PTA

NOT-BY- PROFIT

Thar coal power planTs sTruggle wiTh Transmission consTrainTs

Islamabad News desk

DESPITEfull-page advertisements celebrating the commissioning of two 2,400megawatt coal power plants in Thar, the government-backed electricity buyer is only able to dispatch 75% of the plants' aggregate capacity due to transmission constraints.

This means that delays in constructing the second transmission line between Thar and Matiari Converter Station have resulted in the coal power plants sitting idle, despite their efficiency as electricity producers. The Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee Ltd (CPPA-G), the governmentowned single buyer of electricity from independent

power producers, recently sent a letter to the National Transmission and Despatch Company Ltd (NTDC) demanding updates on the progress of the transmission line. At present, only 1,800MW of the 2,400MW Thar power plants can be evacuated due to the limited capacity of the transmission line.

With demand for electricity set to rise in the coming summer season, the current circumstances mean that full cheap-power evacuation from indigenous coal is not possible. Energy experts have estimated that producing 600MW on imported coal instead of Thar coal is costing around $30 million every month, while producing that much electricity through imported gas should cost $35m in imports.

Although the two plants in Block-1 are being dispatched continuously due to their low per-unit

Islamabad: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s Regional Director for the Asia and Pacific Region, Ms. Atsuko Okuda, visited Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters in Islamabad today. Member (Finance) PTA, Mr. Muhammad Naveed briefed the ITU Regional Director about the progress made by PTA in the telecom sector and highlighted the organization's key achievements. Both sides discussed potential areas of collaboration in capacity building, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing. Ms. Okuda acknowledged PTA's active contribution to the telecom/ICT development in Pakistan and reiterated her commitment to support the digital transformation journey of Pakistan. pr

NUST project declared global winner at ‘Better World Project’ competition in US

Islamabad: The National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) has been making headlines internationally after one of its project EKKO, a therapeutic device, has been declared global winner in this year’s “Better World Project” competition, held by Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), Washington DC (USA). The project has been developed by Prof Dr Muhammad Usman Akram and his team from NUST College of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering. EKKO was among the 3 finalists out of over 40 projects submitted from around the world. Congratulating the winning team and the NUST Technology Transfer Office upon this landmark success, Dr Rizwan Riaz, Pro-Rector RIC at NUST termed it a proud moment for the entire Pakistani nation as the competition only includes research projects that have been successfully tested in the field and commercialised – a rare feat in Pakistani academia. He also reiterated NUST’s commitment to continue with its efforts to bring a positive discernible change in the country and the world at large through its cutting-edge research and innovative technologies. pr

Islamabad Capital Police conduct road safety workshop at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

cost of coal, only two of the four plants in Block-2 are dispatched at any given time. This situation has resulted in abnormal voltage and frequency fluctuations for the Thar power plants on the sole dedicated transmission line, according to CCPA-G.

The under-construction transmission line, costing around Rs 12 billion and 220-kilometers long, was supposed to be complete by August 2022, but the deadline was extended to January this year, which was also missed. A senior official of NTDC estimated that work on the transmission line should be completed in two to two and a half months, despite right-of-way issues that make the process complicated and time-consuming.

To read the full article visit www.dawn.com

Telecom industry facing financial crisis with lowest ARPU in world

Islamabad

News desk

The cellular mobile operator (CMO) industry in Pakistan is facing a financial crisis with the average revenue per user (ARPU) dropping to $0.80 per month, the lowest in the world. CEOs of leading telecom companies, including Jazz, PTCL, Telenor Pakistan, and Zong, voiced their concerns about the deteriorating financial health of the industry in a meeting with Minister of IT and Telecom Aminul Haque. They attributed the crisis to the wrong policy of pegging telecom license prices with the US dollar and delays in opening Letters of Credit (LCs) for telecom equipment imports.

The CEOs expressed fear that the industry was heading towards collapse, and to prevent this, the ARPU must stay above $1.5, as the telecom sector's cost structure is dollarized in terms of spectrum fee,

capex, fuel, electricity, etc. They also urged a regulatory approach that would allow tariff increases to prevent the industry's collapse.

The Asia-Pacific GSMA Head, Julian Gorman, also expressed concern, saying that the world's lowest ARPU indicated affordability, but it must be considered in the context of the industry's financial sustainability. He warned that Digital Pakistan risked collapse unless meaningful action was taken to chart a path out of the crisis and for growth.

The industry's operational costs, primarily fuel, electricity, interest rate, and currency devaluation, have increased significantly, leading to an unprecedented increase in operating costs. Two telecom operators reported a combined loss of around Rs 30 billion in the calendar year 2022. The constant devaluation of PKR against USD has significantly increased the cost of doing business, making it detrimental to the dream of Digital Pakistan.

KE Roshni Baji Program ready to empower 50 more women as part of 3rd Cohort

KarachI pr

Strengthening upon the reverberating journey of the globally recognized, S&P Global Award Winner K-Electric’s Roshni Baji brand ambassador program, the company has announced the launch of the third cohort of this initiative, comprising of 50 women belonging to a diverse range of backgrounds from various parts of the city.

The telecom sector generates its revenue in PKR, while spectrum auctions, renewal, and installments are priced in USD, exposing telcos to massive currency devaluation risks. This mismatch must be fixed before telcos' capacity to further power digital transformation gets depleted.

The weak financial health of the telecom industry would also adversely impact the prospects of engagement in new spectrum transactions, despite the need for more spectrum and the subsequent launch of the 5G network. At a time when the industry's profit is constantly shrinking amid increasing operational costs, it would be unrealistic to expect investment in infrastructure development and improvement in the quality of services. The industry urged the government to devise a strategy for regulatory relief to avoid slowing down the digital development of the country.

To read the full article visit www.tribune.com.pk

FBR chairman holds another e-court

Continuing the tradition, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Mr. Asim Ahmad held another EKhuli Kachehri at FBR HQs on Friday to listen to the issues of taxpayers and provide prompt assistance.

Baji Program an ongoing success and continues to empower women through skill development,” said Tauseef H. Farooqi, Chairman NEPRA, “As a prime mover of this initiative, I am confident that KE will reach more households to create awareness about electrical safety and energy conservation to fill the gaps which existed before.”

Islamabad Capital Police Traffic Division arranged a four-day road safety workshop at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to acquaint the staff with traffic laws, a police public relations officer said. He said that, the Islamabad police have been arranging lectures at various educational and government institutions, aiming to inculcate traffic sense among the road users. In this regard, a workshop was organized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where the Education Team of Islamabad police delivered lectures on road safety tips. Around 80 staffers including drivers attended this workshop. The aim of holding such workshops was to acquaint the people with traffic laws while inculcating better traffic sense among them. Islamabad Police was doing its utmost effort to maintain traffic discipline in the city while conducting inspection through modern technology in order to control traffic rules violations. pr Pr

The event welcomed the new cohort of Roshni Bajis alongside KE leadership who shed light upon the past collaborative achievements through these resilient batches and the expectations they have while moving forward. Present at the occasion were Chairman NEPRA, Mr. Tauseef H. Farooqui who was invited as the Chief Guest as well as KE Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Moonis Alvi and Chief Marketing and Communication Officer, Ms. Sadia Dada.

“KE’s Roshni Baji Program is in line with NEPRA’s CSR vision called Power with Prosperity and is a torch bearer for the energy sector. Through this initiative, the company has predominantly made its mark at a global level. I’m glad that KE has made resolute efforts for making the Roshni

While sharing his thoughts, Syed Moonis A. Alvi, CEO KE said: “It is a moment of great pride for our company as we enter the third year of this program, that enables the system further with the help of our diligent ambassadors.

Our women are breaking barriers and eradicating all the preconceived notions associated to genders on specific roles. The year 2023 is of immense importance to us as it marks a new era of customer centricity, enabled by the future development plan that we have conceived for the greater good of our customers. With this, we are confident that our Roshni Bajis will be a driving force in creating a better energy ecosystem for years to come.”

While welcoming the third cohort of Rohni Bajis, Sadia Dada, CMCO KE stated, “Platforms such as the KE Roshni Baji program, enable sustainable, resilient, and progressive communities.

UBL delivers resilient performance in 2022 with strong shareholder returns

UBL delivered yet another solid performance generating a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 68.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022, with a year on year growth of 31%. Profit after tax (PAT) was reported at Rs. 32.1 billion with Earnings per Share (EPS) at Rs. 26.19 (2021: Rs. 25.23). The Bank declared dividends of Rs. 9.0 per share for the fourth quarter of 2022, taking the overall dividend distribution to Rs. 22.0 per share for the full year which is significantly higher than the Rs. 18.0 per share declared in 2021. Despite eco-

nomic challenges this year, UBL remained resilient in sustaining its leading position in the Pakistan banking industry. UBL remains one of the largest financial institutions of Pakistan with a footprint of 1,335 branches in Pakistan and an asset base of over Rs. 2.8 trillion.

Serving 11 million customers, with deposits of over Rs. 1.84 trillion and gross advances of Rs. 1.01 trillion as at December 31, 2022, UBL is at the forefront of banking and financial services in Pakistan.

We are proud of our highly dedicated and professional team of around 13,500 staff members and remain steadfast in our commitment of reaching remote areas

of the country and providing access to banking facilities, thus serving the goal of financial inclusion for every citizen of Pakistan.

The Bank continues to build on its award-winning digital banking infrastructure which has repeatedly been recognized as one of the best in Pakistan in providing the most innovative banking solutions.

Substantial revenue growth across both funded and fee based segments The Bank earned net markup income of Rs. 103.2 billion in 2022, with a strong build up in the revenue base which is up 44% year on year.

The occasion provides a platform to taxpayers to voice their concerns directly to Chairman FBR as well as give suggestions for speedy provision of tax-related services to promote tax compliance across the country. During the occasion, Chairman FBR directly received telephone calls from taxpayers and listened to their grievances and recommendations. The Chairman gave on-spot directions to relevant offices to resolve issues of the taxpayers at the earliest. He also advised the taxpayers to visit their nearest Regional Tax Office and Collectorate of Customs for resolution of their issues on matters of taxation. Chairman FBR appreciated the suggestions given by some taxpayers and assured them that their valued input would be duly considered while formulating future tax policies and initiatives for taxpayers’ facilitation. He reiterated that FBR was taking all possible measures to facilitate the taxpayers by ensuring timely provision of services. pr

New Sindh Info Secy holds maiden meeting with Directors of dept

KarachI: Nadeem Memon, the newly posted Secretary of Information Department, Government of Sindh, said that modern technology should be used effectively for timely and prompt delivery of information, so that the public can be informed timely about the performance of various departments of Sindh government through mass media. Presiding over a meeting held in his office on friday with the Directors of the Information Department immediately after taking charge of his post Secretary Information Nadeem Memon further said that for the best projection of projects of public importance, constant and all-time communication should be maintained with newspapers, TV channels and other relevant media. He directed to ensure effective and timely refutation and clarification of negative news related to any department. Information Secretary Nadeem Memon said that the Information Department is actually the face, eyes and ears of the government, so the officers of the Information Department have to perform their duties diligently and actively. He said that soon after taking charge of his office, he will also visit the press club and the offices of print and electronic media to ensure the strong, effective and efficient relationship between various media outlets and the information department of the government. pr

TikTok and Zindagi Trust announced extension in collaboration aims at driving digital safety awareness with the support of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications. Officials from TikTok, Zindagi Trust and MoITT are present at the signing ceremony of renewed partnership, as part of TikTok’s global endeavours during Safer Internet Month, which will impact over 50,000 beneficiaries across 100 public schools across all provinces in Pakistan. pr

ChiNa Urges rUssia, UkraiNe to hold talks, warNs agaiNst UsiNg NUClear weaPoNs

A readout following the meeting published by Chinese state news agency Xinhua quoted Wang saying China was willing to “deepen political trust” and “strengthen strategic coordination” with Russia.

Following Wang’s visit, Moscow said Beijing had presented its views on approaches to a “political settlement” of the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday he had not seen any Chinese peace plan and wanted to meet with Beijing over their proposal before assessing it.

“I think it is a very good fact in general that China started talking about Ukraine and sent some signals,” Zelensky said.

“We’ll draw some conclusions after we see the specifics of what they offer… We would like to have a meeting with China.”

Friday’s document showed Beijing “clearly views the conflict in Ukraine as a product of what it says is Cold War mentality and an outdated European security architecture”, said Manoj Kewalramani, China expert at the Takshashila Institution in Bengaluru, India.

North korea test fires cruise missile

SEOUL

agencieS

North Korea test-fired four strategic cruise missiles during a drill designed to demonstrate its ability to conduct a nuclear counterattack against hostile forces, its state media said on Friday. The exercise on Thursday involved an apparently operational strategic cruise missile unit of the Korean People’s Army, which fired the four “hwasal-2” missiles in the area of Kim Chaek City, North hamgyong Province, towards the sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, state news agency KCNA said.

BEIJING agencieS

ChINAcalled on Friday for Russia and Ukraine to hold peace talks as soon as possible, while insisting that nuclear weapons must not be used in their conflict. Beijing’s foreign ministry made the comments in a document on the “political settlement” of the crisis, timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though the 12-point paper was swiftly dismissed by the US.

The paper follows accusations from the West that China is considering arming Russia – a claim Beijing has dismissed as “false information”.

“All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction

and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible,” China said in the document, released on the foreign ministry’s website.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons in the conflict.China made clear its opposition to not only the use of nuclear weapons, but the threat of deploying them.“Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought. The threat or use of nuclear weapons should be opposed,” it said.

China also highlighted the need to protect civilians.“Parties to the conflict should strictly abide by international humanitarian law, avoid attacking civilians or civilian facilities,” it added.The United States immediately criticised the paper, with President Joe Biden’s national security advisor saying the war “could end to-

Ukraine war: Pakistan, China abstain from UN vote

UNITED NATION

Staff RepoRt

On the eve of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted and approved a resolution demanding Russia to end the Ukraine war and “immediately” withdraw its forces.

As fighting raged on in Ukraine’s east and south, its allies around the world showed their support on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

During the vote in the 193-member UNGA, 141 member nations voted in favour of the resolution. While 7 opposed the resolution, 32 members. including Pakistan, China, Iran, India and others abstained from voting. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative at UN, Munir Akram said few clauses of the resolution are against Pakistan’s stance. Meanwhile, Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy dismissed the action at the United Nations as “useless”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the vote. “This resolution is a powerful signal of unflagging global support for Ukraine,” he said in a post on Twitter. Paris lit up the Eiffel Tower in the Ukrainian flag colours of blue and yellow and people draped in Ukrainian flags gathered at a vigil in London. In Brussels, European Union buildings were similarly lit up in the colours.

morrow if Russia stopped attacking Ukraine and withdrew its forces”.

Jake Sullivan told CNN: “My first reaction to it is that it could stop at point one, which is to respect the sovereignty of all nations.

“Ukraine wasn’t attacking Russia. NATO wasn’t attacking Russia. The United States wasn’t attacking Russia.“Russia has already lost this war. Russia’s aims in the war were to wipe Ukraine off the map, to absorb it into Russia. They failed at doing that and they are in no position to be able to do that.”

China has sought to position itself as a neutral party in the conflict while maintaining close ties with strategic ally Russia.Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi met Wednesday with Putin and Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow.

“The concerns reflected in this document are around escalation and spillover effects,” he told reporters, adding that Beijing would likely prefer peace talks to focus on “A new European security architecture rather than the war itself”.

Since Russian tanks rolled over the border into Ukraine, China has offered Putin diplomatic and financial support, but refrained from overt military involvement or sending caches of lethal arms. Chinese state-controlled firms have sold non-lethal drones and other equipment to both Russia and Ukraine, but Moscow has been forced to turn to Iran for much-needed supplies such as unmanned aerial vehicles. The United States has said North Korea has also provided rockets and artillery shells. Washington believes that might be about to change, with both the United States and NATO voicing concerns that China could be planning to supply Russia with weapons to prop up its war effort. Beijing has denied the claims.

PBIT briefs Hong Kong investors about opportunities in Punjab

LAhOrE

Shahab omeR

h.E. Bilal Ahmad Butt, Consul General of Pakistan to hong Kong, China along with a delegation of “China hong Kong International Business Association” led by Mr. Max The, President of Association visited Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT) to discuss potential for enhancing trade and investment collaboration between the two sides.

The Consul General of Pakistan to hong Kong, China brought this high level delegation to Pakistan to participate in the Engineering and healthcare Show, organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan that highlights the emerging product sectors of Pakistan.

CEO PBIT Jalal hassan, welcomed the delegation at Punjab Board of Investment & Trade and

briefed them on the investment and trade landscape of Punjab, especially highlighting strong opportunities for industrial relocation of labor intensive industries to special economic zones of Punjab.

Jalal further shared that the Special Technology Zone of Lahore along with large scale projects of

Pakistani brothers released from Guantanamo after 20 years

GUANTANAMO BAY Staff RepoRt

Two Pakistani brothers, Abdul and Mohammed Rabbani, have been freed from the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay after more than 20 years in detention and repatriated, the Pentagon said Thursday.

Abdul Rabbani, who was born in 1967, is believed to have been one of the oldest inmates at the facility on a US base in Cuba.

US officials accused him of working for avowed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mo-

hammed (KSM) and operating an Al-Qaeda safe house in Karachi, but his detainee assessment indicates he was not believed to have had “specific insight into Al-Qaeda operational plans.” Mohammed Rabbani, born in 1969, was accused of recruiting his older brother into extremist circles. he is believed to have organized travel and funds for KSM and Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the mastermind of the October 2000 suicide bombing of the USS Cole missile destroyer, which left 17 US sailors dead.

The pair were arrested in Karachi in Sep-

tember 2002 by Pakistani authorities, according to a Senate intelligence committee report that also names Mohammed Rabbani as one of 17 detainees subjected to torture at overseas CIA secret prisons, known as black sites. Both men arrived at Guantanamo Bay in 2004 and were approved for release in 2021, the Defense Department said in a statement. Their release brings to 32 the number of detainees left at Guantanamo Bay. Of those, 18 are eligible for transfer, three are eligible for review, nine are on trial in US military commissions and two have been convicted.

urban regeneration, i.eCentral Business District Lahore and Ravi RiverFront City offer excellent opportunities to investors and developers from hong Kong to become part of the growth story of Punjab.

Areas of Agriculture value addition, export of halal meat and development of silk farming and production were also highlighted to generate interest of the visiting delegates.

On this occasion, the China hK International Business Association’s President, Mr. Max The, pledged full support from its strong network of members to work in close coordination with Punjab Board of Investment and Trade and Chambers of Commerce from Punjab to encourage B2B level engagement between two sides, especially to enhance access of high quality food/fruit value added products to the hong Kong market.

Other units conducted firepower training at hardened sites without live firing, it added. The four strategic cruise missiles hit a preset target after travelling the “2,000km-long (1,243 mile) elliptical and eight-shaped flight orbits for 10,208 seconds to 10,224 seconds,” the report said.

The drill demonstrated “the war posture of the DPRK nuclear combat force bolstering up in every way its deadly nuclear counterattack capability against the hostile forces,” KCNA said, using the initials of North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The missile launches were not announced by South Korea or Japan, which are often the first to detect and publicly report such launches.

South Korea’s defence ministry said the launch was monitored but there were “differences” between what it and the United States detected and the North’s statement, without elaborating. The launch came as U.S. and South Korean officials took part in a tabletop, or simulated, exercise that focused on the possibility of North Korea using a nuclear weapon. In a separate dispatch, Pyongyang’s foreign ministry criticised Washington and its allies for calling a meeting of the UN Security Council over its spate of recent missile tests. North Korea has accused the United Nations has been “unfair” on its military activities while keeping mum about U.S. and South Korean joint military exercises.

Kwon Jong Gun, the ministry’s director general for U.S. affairs, reiterated North Korea would consider “strong countermeasures” if the United Nations continues to serve as a “U.S. tool to pressure” Pyongyang.

“If the Security Council becomes a venue that judges justice for injustice and legal for illegal, under the influence of the United States and its followers, it would only cause negative results that further exacerbate military tension,” Kwon said in a statement carried by KCNA.

North Korea has forged ahead in developing and mass producing new missiles, despite sanctions imposed by United Nations Security Council resolutions that ban the nuclear-armed country’s missile activities. Many launches, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Saturday, have been reported by state media as drills designed to improve the capabilities of the troops operating the weapons.

“These demonstrations might be considered missile exercising rather than developmental testing,” the U.S.-based Center for International and Strategic Studies said in a report this week. North Korea could test-fire ICBMs on a lower, longer trajectory and conduct its seventh nuclear test this year to perfect its weapons capabilities, South Korean lawmakers said on Wednesday, citing intelligence officials.

PCB, HBL PSL franCHISeS refUSe to SUCCUMB to PUnjaB govt’S deMand

islamabad

Staff RepoRt

tHEPakistan Cricket Board (PCB) conducted an emergency meeting with all HBL PSL franchise owners on Friday, in order to decide the fate of HBL PSL matches scheduled to take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The interim Punjab government had demanded PKR500 million from PCB to conduct the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The board has already paid PKR50 million to Punjab government for expenses on food. The provincial government is now demanding the remaining PKR450 million for lighting and security purposes. In order to save these expenses, the board is now considering to shift the Punjab-leg of HBL PSL 8 to Karachi.

According to details, the meeting took place via video conference call, where the HBL PSL franchise owners gave PCB management committee chairman, Najam Sethi, the final authority to take the call on the aforementioned matter.

Najam Sethi believes that succumbing to the provincial government’s demand will set a wrong precedent for the future and will also result in financial losses for the board and HBL PSL franchises.

HBL PSL franchises have refused to foot the PKR450 million bill demanded by the provincial government.

PCB is still negotiating the matter with the provincial government. In the meeting held between PCB and provincial government on Friday evening, Sethi presented details of approximately PKR 700million

Ihsanullah aims to surpass Umran Malik’s speed

islamabad

Staff RepoRt

Multan Sultans promising fast-bowler Ihsanullah has set his sights on surpassing Umran Malik’s speed record, which he currently holds at 157kmph. The 20-year-old pacer, who has already bowled at a speed of 155kmph, aims to break Malik’s record and reach a speed of 160kmph.

“Alhamdulillah, I am satisfied with my performance so far,” said the 20-year-old pacer. “I have bowled at a speed of 155kmph. Now, I want to break the record of Umran Malik. He bowled at 157kmph. I will try to break his record and bowl at 160kmph,” he added. Despite his young age, Ihsanullah has already made a name for himself in the PSL season 8, where he is currently the leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets in five matches. He hopes to maintain his consistency and finish the tournament as the highest wicket-taker. “So far, it has been a good tournament for me. I will try to maintain consistency and finish the tournament as the highest wicket-taker,” he mentioned.

Ihsanullah’s dream is to play for the national team and take the wicket of Virat Kohli. He comes from Swat and has represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in seven first-class games, 11 list A, and 13 T20 games. The young fast bowler aims to get into the national side. “Obviously, from here, I want to be in the national team.

provincial tax to Punjab government exclusively due to HBL PSL matches in Punjab.

“Government’s bid and pay fees to host sports events due to the positive economic activity generated as a result. Here, we are being penalised for hosting matches in Punjab,” PCB tells Punjab govt.

PCB has told Punjab government not a single penny will be paid for security services and the board is ready to shift the matches from Punjab to Karachi.

Another emergency meeting will take place between PCB and HBL PSL franchises tomorrow, in case the issue is not resolved.

Muhammad Yousuf Anjum, PCB has presented an alternate plan to HBL PSL franchises regarding shifting the rest of the HBL PSL 8 matches to Karachi.

The correspondent further added that if the remaining

to Karachi, then the

Zalmi’s skipper Babar Azam rues missed chances against Islamabad

islamabad

Staff RepoRt

Islamabad United secured a sixwicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi in Wednesday’s eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL) 2023.

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam believes he had a solid start to his innings but couldn’t finish things off as he would’ve liked.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hasan Ali were the heroes for Islamabad United, producing stunning performances to claim the win.

Peshawar Zalmi started the match on a high note, with Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam complementing each other well to put Shadab Khan-led Islamabad United under pressure.

“We started very well but couldn’t finish properly. We were trying to execute our plans in the powerplay, but I think back-to-back wickets fell after that. Then I thought to take the game deep, and whenever I thought to charge the opposition, wickets kept on tumbling,” said Babar in a post-match presser.

However, the team suffered a batting collapse after the end of the powerplay, with Hasan Ali taking three crucial wickets to dent their chances of posting a formidable total. Azam had raced to his half-century in just 33 balls, but his next 25 deliveries could only yield 25 runs.

“I was middling the ball well, but the situation was such that I should take the game deep. But I couldn’t finish the innings the way

I should’ve.

“I think you must adapt to modern-day cricket and keep playing the situation. The main thing is assessing the conditions and planning according to that. The wicket was really good; I was planning around 180-200. The ball was coming onto the bat very nicely, but we couldn’t finish the way we would’ve wished.”

Zalmi collapsed from 76-0 to 99-5 in just a couple of overs, and then it was down to Gurbaz, who struck a rapid 31-ball 62 to kill the steam out of the run chase. Islamabad United chased down Peshawar’s 157 with 31 balls to spare.

The 28-year-old also acknowledged that Hasan Ali’s spell was a “game-changer.”

US women to face republic of Ireland in pre-World Cup games

miami agencieS

The United States women’s team will face the Republic of Ireland in two games in April as part of their build up for the women’s World Cup.

“Hasan Ali’s spell changed the game completely; I think he took crucial wickets, which changed the whole game. I was satisfied with the first half but couldn’t finish the innings well enough,” said Azam.

He also stressed that Peshawar Zalmi will have to improve their fielding moving ahead into the tournament and dismissed any notions of having a weak bowling unit.

“I think we also have an experienced bowling line-up with some youngsters. We didn’t do well in the field; you have to take some outstanding catches. I don’t think we have weak bowling; sometimes, we are executing our plans, and sometimes not. The main concern is fielding; I think we’ll have to recover in that,” he concluded.

The Americans, the defending World Cup champions, will host the Irish in Austin and St. Louis in the final games before both teams will need to name their World Cup squads. The women’s World Cup will be held in July in New Zealand and Australia.

“Ireland is a highly motivated, hard-working team that has talented players with big hearts who I know are really excited to be representing their country in a World Cup,” said U.S. head coach VlatkoAndonovski.

“The two games will be a great test at a crucial time in our team’s run to the World Cup. While there will be plenty of league games for us to watch after April, these will be the final matches for our players with the national team before we have to pick the World Cup roster, so they will carry that importance,” he added.

The U.S is enjoying a good run of form in 2023 having won both games on a mini-tour of New Zealand and then all three matches in this month’s SheBelieves Cup.

The Americans beat Brazil 2-1 on Wednesday to win their fourth straight SheBelieves Cup after also defeating Olympic champions Canada and Japan.

Azam Khan’s blitz helps Islamabad United beat Quetta Gladiators by 63 runs

KaRaCHi

Staff RepoRt

Wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan smashed Quetta Gladiators’ bowlers off the park in his quickfire 97-run-inning to lead Islamabad

United to 63-run win over Quetta Gladiators in the 13th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight.

Assigned to chase a whopping 221, the Gladiators only managed to score 157 before being bowled out in the penultimate over following a fleeting exchange of blows by Mohammad Hafeez.

The Gladiators had a poor start to their pursuit as the side lost three wickets for a mere 26 runs in the fourth over with all their top-three batters falling cheaply.

Following the slump, Hafeez alongside skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed looked to anchor

the run chase with a crucial 69-run partnership for the third wicket and kept the Gladiators in the hunt.

Left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi rocked Gladiators’ march in the 11th over when he dismissed Hafeez off a full-toss. Hafeez scored a quick 48 off 26 deliveries, hitting six boundaries and two sixes.

Earlier, opting to bat first, the United posted a massive 220/6 at the back of an astounding 97-run knock by Azam despite a dismal start. The United got off to an unlikely start as the side was four down for 71 runs inside 10 overs before Azam turned things around with his belligerent hitting.

Azam and Asif Ali formed a gamechanging partnership with the team at 77/4 after the first 10 overs, and they then launched a counterattack on the Gladiators’ bowlers.

In just 45 deliveries, the partnership quickly added 98 runs, with Azam serving as the primary driver of the game-changing spell.

Asif, who had scored 42 off just 24 deliveries with the help of a boundary and four sixes, was ultimately bowled by Naseem in the 18th over to end the partnership.

Mohammad Hasnain and Odean Smith bagged two wickets each for the Gladiators while Naseem and Aimal Khan struck out a batter each.

Azam Khan almost created history on Friday in HBL PSL as he missed the record for the fastest century in the tournament’s history by just three runs against Quetta Gladiators.

The hard-hitting batsman played a blazing knock of 97 runs from 42 balls, which included nine fours and eight sixes.

HBL PSL matches are shifted

matches scheduled for Lahore during New Zealand series, are also likely to move to Karachi.

RoBUst tRade ties to BolsteR Pakistan’s economic staBility: Us

tHEUnited States has declared that a robust trade relationship with Pakistan is vital to bolster the South Asian country’s economic stability.

This was said by US State Department spokesman Ned Price while addressing a news briefing in Washington on Thursday. He said the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council ministerial meeting hosted by the US Trade Representative Ambassador Tai exemplified American commitment to deepening economic and commercial ties with Pakistan.

Ned Price maintained “We believe that a robust trade relationship between the United States and Pakistan is more important than ever to bolster Pakistan’s economic stability as it recovers from devastating floods, while at the same time also providing opportunity to Americans and to American businesses in this

country, exposing them to new markets — Pakistani markets in this case.”

He said the US trade relationship with Pakistan has helped both Pakistani industries and consumers. “We have long been Pakistan’s largest export market, with potential for even further growth,” he added.

The State Department spokesman further said that his country believed that

FBR exempts profits earned on government debt instruments

profit report

The Revenue Division of the ministry of finance and revenue amended the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, by issuing Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) 213 (I) on the 24th of February. The SRO has amended the Seventh Schedule (rules for computation of the profits and gains of a banking company and tax payable thereon) of the aforementioned ordinance, by adding a sub rule in the exemptions clause. According to this new addition, income tax on profit on debt and capital gains from debt and debt instruments approved by the Federal government, derived by any approved non-resident banking company, shall be exempted. The change was made under the rule 10 of the seventh schedule of the same ordinance that allows the government to implicate such changes. The government raises money through debt instruments, such as T-bills and Pakistan Investment Bonds etc. These instruments are backed by the federal government and often come with a fixed yield. What is likely a move to incentivize savings, in line with contractionary monetary and fiscal policy, the government has given a tax holiday on the yield earned through these instruments.

there was great potential to expand bilateral trade with Pakistan further, particularly in energy, agricultural equipment and products, franchising, retail trade, information and communications technology products and services.

Ned Price said America has been a leading investor in Pakistan for the past two decades, and in the past year the country’s investments have increased by

some 50 percent. US investment in Pakistan is the highest it’s been in over a decade, and US corporations have announced more than $1.5 billion in investment plans in Pakistan since 2019, he said and added “US companies and their local affiliates, moreover, are among Pakistan’s largest employers, with roughly 80 US companies directly employing more than 120,000 Pakistanis.”

Ned Price also spoke about the terror threat facing Pakistan. He said that the US engagement was rooted in the fact that terrorism is a threat that has taken many Pakistani, Afghan, other innocent lives over the course of far too many years now. He averred “The United States and Pakistan have a shared interest in ensuring the Taliban live up to the commitments that they have made, and that terrorist groups that may be active in Afghanistan — like Daesh, TTP, alQaida, are no longer able to threaten regional stability.”

Habib Bank registers 27pc increase in income: Slight decline in profits

profit report

MuhaMMad Raafay Khan

Habib Bank Limited (HBL) announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2022. The bank increased its total income by 27% to Rs 212 billion. However, increase in expenses coupled with a 49% super tax resulted in a slight decline of 3% in the bank’s net profit to Rs 34.39 billion.

Before tax profit, on the other hand, registered an increase of 24% to Rs 77 billion compared to last year. The bank also announced a final cash dividend of Rs 1.5, taking the total dividend payout for the year to Rs 6.75.

Although the bank’s profit after tax (PAT) is still impressive, it hasn’t been able to perform well compared to other big banks

such as Meezan bank (58.3% increase in PAT) and Bank Alfalah (28.1% increase in PAT).

During the past year, HBL’s balance sheet grew by 7.4% to Rs 4.6 trillion with total deposits at Rs 3.5 trillion. The bank increased current accounts by over Rs 200 billion and low-cost savings by Rs 136 billion, closing the year with total domestic deposits of Rs 2.9 trillion. HBL also continued its supply of credit, growing domestic advances by Rs 241 billion to Rs 1.4 trillion, a growth of more than 20% over 2021. The bank’s Advances to Deposit Ratio (ADR) rose to 52.9%.

The flagship consumer business increased lending by Rs 20 billion to Rs 122 billion, while commercial lending crossed a key milestone of Rs 100 billion.

Pakistan-Uzbekistan sign billion-dollar trade agreement

Pakistan-Uzbekistan on Friday signed a billion dollar trade agreement to encourage exchange of goods and Services.

As per the details, the 8th Session of PakistanUzbekistan Inter-governmental Commission (IGC) on Trade-Economic and ScientificTechnical Cooperation held in Uzbekistan. Both countries signed a billion dollar trade agreement to encourage the exchange of goods and services. The meeting mainly focused on bilateral economic cooperation in various sectors including commerce and trade, banking, industries and production, investment, textile industry, energy, oil and natural resources, transportation and communication, agriculture and tourism and culture development.

HBL Microfinance also continued to support the most vulnerable, increasing its inclusion efforts and growing loans by 50% to Rs 85 billion. Net Interest Income increased by 26% to Rs 166 billion, driven by a Rs 540 billion growth in average balance sheet volumes and margin expansion of 81 bps. The Bank continues to retain its leadership in fee income, which posted a double-digit growth of 24% to reach Rs 31.5 billion. Nearly 50% of the growth came from its market leading Cards business, where HBL’s Platinum Card is in constant demand. This helped total non-fund income to rise by 29% to Rs 46.7 billion. Total revenue thus grew by 27% over 2021 to Rs 212 billion, HBL’s highest ever.

Continued on page 05

tiktok accuses eu of keeping it in dark over staff phone ban

profit

ReuteRs

TikTok accused the European Commission on Friday of failing to consult it over a decision to ban the Chinese short video sharing app from staff phones on cybersecurity grounds, a move subsequently followed by another top EU body.

The app, which is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, is facing growing scrutiny from Western authorities over concerns that China’s government could use it to harvest people’s data. Beijing has regu-

larly denied having any such intentions.

The EU executive and the EU Council, which brings together representatives of the member states to set policy priorities, said on Thursday staff will also be required to remove TikTok from personal mobile devices that have access to corporate services.

TikTok, which has in the past said that data on its service can not be accessed by Beijing, said it had not been told or contacted by either institution ahead of their decisions.

“So we are really operating under a cloud. And the lack of transparency and the lack of due process. Quite

frankly one would expect, you know, some sort of engagement on this matter,” Caroline Greer, TikTok’s director of public policy and government relations, told Reuters. She said she cold not respond to the bodies’ cybersecurity concerns because they had not spelled them out. The European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on TikTok’s statement. Greer said TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who met EU industry chief Thierry Breton and other commissioners in Brussels in January, was “concerned and a little puzzled”.

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The IGC meeting was co-chaired by Laziz Kudratov, the Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade from the Republic of Uzbekistan, and by Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance and Revenue from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Uzbek delegation appreciated continuous efforts by both countries to encourage closer ties, especially in the fields of trade, transport, banking, and agriculture.

The most important outcome of the IGC was the signing of the 1 billion dollar trade agreement, which will encourage the exchange of goods and services and will also ease the process of trade. Ishaq Dar, minister of finance, appreciated the deeper interests by the Uzbeks and the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries. He lauded the progress already made in the field of transport, trade and welcomed them to explore areas in automobiles, information technology and natural minerals. Both parties emphasized the huge untapped potential in investment cooperation and bilateral trade. Furthermore, the IGC recognized the importance of closer collaboration in order to bring sustainable development through technology, innovation, and economic partnership. The IGC aims at increasing economic diversification, sustainable growth, building supply chain resilience, and a robust regulatory environment. Moreover, the commission expressed satisfaction on the bilateral trade volume between the two countries and desired to enhance it further in the future. The meeting was attended by Dar, and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, Mr. Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Finance Minister, Mr. Zulfiqar Younus, Federal Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Dr. Kazim Niaz, along with other ministry representatives from Pakistan. The Uzbek delegation included Mr. Laziz Kudratov, the Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, Mr. Hamraev Oybek Nematovich, Minister of Sport and Youth Policy, Chairman Chamber of Commerce of Uzbekistan, Mr Ikramov Adham Ilhamovich. Both the parties agreed to hold the ninth meeting of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Inter-governmental Commission next year in Pakistan.

punjab-Kp polls: SC to decide on full court for suo motu hearing on Monday

The Supreme Court on Friday decided to consider the formation of a full court bench to hear the suo motu notice case regarding the purported delay in elections to the Punjab and KP assemblies.

A nine-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and also comprising Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah, heard the case.

During the course of proceedings, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) lawyer Mansoor Awan maintained that the copy of the order had not been made available yet. To which the Chief Justice said that he was happy to see the lawyers of different parties in the court.

Advocate Farooq H Naek, counsel for the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) prayed

that a full court bench should be constituted on the matter. The chief justice observed that the apex court would determine who had the constitutional responsibility and authority to announce the date of elections after the dissolution of a provincial assembly under various circumstances under the Constitution.

Farooq H. Naek said that his client had not received any notice as he requested that notices be issued to all. He said that his client had ‘objections’ to two honourable judges of the bench, requesting that both judges should recuse themselves from the bench.

‘Objection to two judges of bench’

The JUI-F, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and Pakistan Bar Council ‘objected’ to the two judges as Farooq H. Naek read the joint statement of PML-N, Pakistan People’s Party and JUI-F in the court and prayed that the two judges ‘should not hear any case of the PML-N and JUI-F.

Farooq H. Naek said that after Justice Jamal Mandokhail’s note, those honourable two judges should recuse themselves from

the bench. During, PTI counsel Barrister Ali Zafar, JUI’s counsel Kamran Murtaza and PPP’s lawyer Farooq H. Naik appeared before the court. Likewise, PML-N’s lawyer Mansoor Awan, and the Punjab governor’s counsel Mustafa Ramde were in attendance. Attorney General Shahzad Atta Elahi and Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman as well as other legal fraternity representatives and political leaders also attended the hearing.

Meanwhile, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed’s lawyer Azhar Siddique appeared through video link and said that the court should take notice of the language being used against the judiciary.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail said that the question on which suo motu notice was taken was a political matter and political matters should be resolved in Parliament.

On the occasion, Justice Athar Minallah said that the matter, in his view, pertained to Article 184(3) of the Constitution — a provision that empowers the top court to intervene in matters involved in the enforcement

of fundamental rights — and asked why it should not be heard in a full court. Naek replied that he did not want to go into the details, adding that he also believed that the case should be heard by a full-court bench.

At that, CJP Bandial said that the court will first discuss the admissibility of the request. He also asked if the parties had a copy of the note seeking the recusal of the judges. “This note is a part of a Supreme Court judgment which hasn’t been signed yet,” the top judge noted.

For his part, Advocate Azhar Siddique — the counsel of Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed — demanded that the court should take notice of the language being used against the judiciary. Referring to a PML-N rally, he said that “derogatory remarks” were hurled at the judiciary in that public gathering.

Justice Mandokhail replied that political matters must be settled in the Parliament. “Go to your parties … why should the court hear this matter?” At that, Naek said that he would seek direction from his party on the matter.

He also requested the court to first hear the government’s objection against the bench.

Justice Bandial said that in normal circumstances, citizens knocked on the door of the court. “But today, the Constitution of Pakistan has knocked on our doorstep.” Subsequently, the court observed that it will decide on Monday whether to form a fullcourt bench to hear the case. “The court will also hear the objection raised against the two judges on Monday,” CJP Bandial remarked and adjourned the hearing till Monday, 11:30am.

‘Constitute full bench for suo-motu notice hearing’

On the other, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday requested the Supreme Court of Pakistan to constitute a full bench to hear the suo-motu notice regarding the announcement of election date for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Friday, he said it is a very important issue, which needs to find a solution to it.

WASHiNGtoN staff RepoRt

iSLAMABAD staff RepoRt