Epaper_23-02-3 LHR

Friday, 3 February, 2023 i 11 Rajab, 1444

Imran urges President to take note of ‘brazen meddling in politics’ by institutes

Profit

Pakistan urges Afghan govt to take ‘concrete steps’ against TTP

IHC rejects PTI plea challenging ECP’s verdict in prohibited funding case

PM convenes APc on Feb 7 to develoP unAniMous PlAn to Meet MultiFAceted chAllenges

g shehbaz invites imran to aPC as Goodwill Gesture

g also seeks Pti’s nominees for Peshawar aPex Committee

minister’s office for public recognition.

the prime minister said in view of $27 billion energy import bill, Pakistan required alternative and inexpensive sources of energy including solar, wind, hydel and nuclear.

he said Pakistan was blessed with enormous resources , had the potential of producing 60,000 mega watts through hydel power, and regretted that the power generation stood merely at 10,000 megawatt.

he recalled that the project of kanuP was finalized during the tenure of then prime minister nawaz sharif and expressed gratitude to the Government of China for extending cooperation in this regard.

Red-Alert: Forex reserves drop to lowest in 8 years as dollar touches 271

g sbP’s liquid foreiGn reserves now stand at $3.09b

iSLAMABAD

Mian abrar

Primeminister shehbaz sharif thursday announced to convened an all Parties Conference (aPC) for february 7 to evolve unanimous strategy to overcome the current national challenges.

the aPC having representation from across the political spectrum will be held on february 7 in islamabad as invitations have been extended to all the leading political leaders.

the prime minister has also invited Pakistan tehreek-i-insaf (Pti) Chairman imran khan to attend the conference. federal minister sardar ayaz sadiq contacted Pti leaders asad qaiser and Pervez khattak, and conveyed the prime minister’s invitation.

the Pm also invited two representatives of the Pti to the apex committee meeting to be held in Peshawar on friday and the invitation in that regard was also conveyed by ayaz sadiq. the minister requested the Pti leaders to inform about the two nominated representatives of the party for the apex committee meeting.

all stakeholders including rangers and officers of the intelligence institutions will attend the committee’s meeting at the Governor house in Peshawar. the committee will discuss the incident of terrorism that occurred at the mosque of Police lines Peshawar on January 30, and consider steps to eradicate terrorism and upgrade the Counter-terrorism department and police.

PM inAuguRAtes 1,100 MW K-3 nucleAR PoWeR PlAnt in KARAchi: Prime minister shehbaz sharif on thursday inaugurated k-3, the third unit of karachi nuclear Power Plant (kanuP), which will produce 1,100 mega watt of electricity.

the project has been completed with the assistance from China.

addressing on the occasion, the prime minister said k-3 was a step forward in cooperation with Pakistan’s trusted friend China.

he congratulated the scientists and workers of Pakistan and China who strove for completion of the project.

he said the staff of the Pakistan atomic energy Commission, who contributed to the project, would be invited to the Prime

shehbaz sharif mentioned that the electricity projects under the China-Pakistan economic Corridor were greatly contributing to the country’s energy demands through the production of thousands of megawatts. director General international atomic energy agency (iaea) rafael mariano Grossi, in a video message, emphasized the importance of safe use of nuclear energy as Pakistan faced challenges of climate change. Chairman Pakistan atomic energy Commission raja ali raza anwar said national electric Power regulatory authority had declared kanuP as a high power producing facility with its 27.15 percent production.

‘PAKistAn to KeeP extending unWAveRing suPPoRt to KAshMiRis’: Prime minister shehbaz sharif on thursday said that Pakistan would keep extending its unwavering support to the people of indian illegally occupied Jammu and kashmir who had been cornered through the indian illegal actions of august 2019.

the prime minister, chairing a meeting to review the preparations for the observance of kashmir solidarity day on february 5, said the people of Pakistan would not sit idle till the just resolution of kashmir dispute.

he instructed all the relevant departments to work in cohesion regarding the preparations for kashmir solidarity day.

g ruPee Closes at lowest ever aGainst GreenbaCk

profit report

shahnawaz ali

in the latest data, the state bank of Pakistan has revealed that the liquid foreign reserves of Pakistan have dropped by another 592 million over the last week to a dangerously low level of 3.09 billion. this is the lowest level of reserves that Pakistan has been at in more than the last 8 years. but more importantly, this is the lowest that Pakistan’s foreign reserves can get. in the last 20 years, Pakistan was at its lowest level of foreign reserves in november 2013, when the foreign reserves touched the dangerously low level of $3.05 billion. Just last week Pakistan’s foreign reserves dropped by $923 million to $3.67 billion.

even though this might not be the lowest ever point in the history of Pakistan in terms of numbers. Pakistan faces a situation much more dire than 2013. despite having a poor economic outlook and foreign

reserves Pakistan has to fulfill international debt obligations, greater than its limited reserves, to avoid default. experts suggest that after the recent devaluation of the rupee, Pakistan’s import cover is now less than 20 days. with the total imports in both december and January ranging close to $5 billion, Pakistan is in dire need of forex reserves now more than ever.

the imf team is currently in talks with the ministry of finance for the fund’s 9th review of its extended fund facility. these talks have been stalled since september 2022. despite floating the exchange rate to its true market value as per imf’s prior conditions, Pakistan has not been able to realize forex inflow in the form of remittances and export proceeds.

the low reserves also continue to put pressure on the Pakistani rupee which closed upwards of 271 on thursday. this is the lowest the rupee has ever been against the greenbacks.

iMF not impressed by plan to contain circular debt

g seeks Power tariff hike by rs12.5 Per unit to fill finanCial GaP

profit report

MoMina ashraf

the international monetary fund (imf) has pointed out serious discrepancies in the government’s revised Circular debt management Plan (CdmP) for the power sector, and has asked authorities to increase the power tariff by rs 12.5 per unit to contain the subsidy at rs 335 billion, the news reported on thursday. the newspaper reported that the government shared the CdmP with the imf on wednesday. the plan forecasted an increase of rs 952 billion in circular debt and said the government would need a

rs 675 billion subsidy in the power sector despite raising the tariff by rs 7 per unit. during the first review of the plan prepared by the power division, the imf reportedly asked for the withdrawal of electricity subsidies for exporters and other sectors. it also did not accept the planned rs 675 billion in subsidies and added that the plan understated exchange rate figures. the real estimate of the subsidy would be much higher. the imf believed that there was no room for fiscal adjustments and the rs 675 billion financial servicing will have to be paid by electricity tariffs by increasing it by rs 12.5 per unit, a source

told the news. the fund’s observations spell trouble for the government as it looks to satisfy the lender. Pakistan’s economic survival is contingent upon the 10-day long talks since all other nations have tied any support to Pakistan with the country meeting imf reform targets. adding to the government’s trouble is that Prime minister shehbaz sharif has promised subsidies to some exporters. after the rupee depreciation, power sector reform has become a virtually non-negotiable area for the imf and the government may not be able to get any major relief here.

SEnATE coMMITTEE ordErS AcTIon AgAInST gAS ThEFT In SIndh, BALochISTAn

KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

Aparliamentary panel was informed on Thursday to consider over 385 cases that were registered against all types of pipeline crimes/violations. The committee was informed that these cases were registered against all types of pipeline crimes/violations out of which 26 convictions were secured and 56 accused were fined millions of rupees. To-date there have been no convictions against any PARCO staff.

The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum was convened at Parliament House, and presided over by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir. Members present included Senator Engr. Rukhsana

Zuberi, Senator Saadia Abbasi, Senator Fida Muhammad, Senator Shamim Afridi, Senator Saifullah Abro and senior officers from Ministry of Energy (petroleum division), OGDCL and OGRA along with all concerned.

Matters discussed included gas theft from the main pipeline, especially in Sindh; Gas load shedding in Sindh; Gas loadshedding in Balochistan and the nonestablishment of LPG stations in Panjgur; PSO not chartering PNSC Fleet for POL, and finally the 11 Oil and Gas discoveries by OGDCL in the past year.

On the matter of gas load shedding in SIndh, the committee took strict notice of the fact that numerous industries were involved in theft by installing large compressors to divert gas supply towards them. The ommittee

demanded details of companies and for action taken against them.

Regarding gas load shedding in Balochistan and non-establishment of LPG stations in Panjgur, the committee raised concerns regarding usurpation of rights of smaller provinces and asserted that the issue must be addressed. The matter of closure of gas supply to gas stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was taken up as well and the committee was informed that this was done to ensure gas supply to domestic consumers. Members recommended that the matter must be taken up with the prime minister.

On the matter of slab rate for Balochistan, Qadir stressed the need to ensure that the people must be facilitated and that these rates are not to be applied to bills in Balochistan in the three severe cold weather months as they contend with harsh

Peshawar suicide bomber ‘was in police uniform’, reveals KP police chief

PESHAWAR Staff RepoRt

The suicide bomber who killed more than 80 police officers at a mosque inside a sensitive compound in Peshawar earlier this week entered wearing a uniform and helmet, the chief of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, Moazzam Jah Ansari, said Thursday.

On January 30, a suicide attacker detonated a bomb at the mosque, killing 101 people and injuring many others. The proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, but later distanced themselves from it. The bomber struck as hundreds of worshippers gathered for noon prayers in a mosque that was purpose-built for the police and their families living in a highly fortified zone.

“Those on duty didn’t check him because he was in a police uniform… It was a security lapse,” Ansari told a news conference. Authorities are investigating how a major breach could happen in one of the most sensitive areas in the city, which houses the intelligence and counter-terrorism bureaus.

Ansari revealed the police have made progress in their investigation, announcing the police have obtained CCTV footage of his movements and traced the motorcycle used in the attack. In CCTV images, the suspect is shown arriving at the gates on a motorcycle before walking through a security checkpoint and asking officers where the mosque was located. He also confirmed that the attacker’s head was recovered from the scene of the bombing. Ansari said the attacker was not a lone wolf, but part of a larger network, and the police are closing in on the network behind the attack.

He also revealed that 10-12 kilogrammes of trinitrotoluene (TNT) was used in the blast and that the combination of the explosive and the aging building structure led to the high death toll.

INTERNAL ASSISTANCE: The police are also investigating how a suicide bomber reached a mosque inside the highly fortified compound, and believe the attacker may have had “internal assistance”.

“We have found some excellent clues, and based on these clues we have made some major arrests,” Peshawar Police Chief Ijaz Khan told Reuters. “We can’t rule out internal assistance but since the investigation is still in progress, I will not be able to share more details.”

The incident was the deadliest in a decade to hit Peshawar, a city prone to militant violence near the Afghan border. It has rattled the force, prompting unprecedented protests by police personnel across the province. “How long will this injustice against us last?” one of the protesters, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, told reporters. Another group of policemen in Peshawar chanted: “We want peace.”

“Our comrades were martyred in this uniform, but the bomber made it worthless for us,” Amanullah Khan, a police officer on duty at a checkpoint in Peshawar, wearing a bulletproof jacket and a helmet with a Kalashnikov in his hands, told AFP. “Now I will doubt the uniformed officials as well as other people, which is very sad and which has created a distrust.”

‘NOT TRAINED TO FIGHT A WAR’: Bickering politicians who are months away from contesting a general election amid a severe economic crisis have traded blame for the deteriorating security situation.

“Multiple institutions with no policy have no ability to take a decision on launching a decisive offensive against the militant groups. We need empowered political leadership,” security analyst Saad Muhammad told AFP. “Our current police force is not trained to fight a war,” he added. Police said they have a “fair idea” about the bomber’s identity, after matching his head with security footage.

UNHCR launches one-off cash assistance scheme for 1.3m Afghan refugees

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Thursday launched a one-time cash assistance scheme for some 1.3 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan affected by devastating 2022 floods as well as the prevailing economic situation. The assistance is being

provided, in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, to reach refugees who are not eligible to access social safety nets available to Pakistani citizens. The initiative is modelled on the Government’s emergency cash programme for vulnerable Pakistani families affected by floods. Registered Afghan refugees will receive up to Rs25,000, adjusted

Turkiye keen to boost bilateral trade with Pakistan: Envoy

SIALKOT: Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Pakistan Mehmet Pacaci said on Thursday that his country was keen to boost mutual trade with Pakistan, and pledged to help remove all hurdles in this regard. He was addressing a meeting of Sialkot exporters at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here.SCCI President Abdul Ghafoor Malik, Senior Vice President (SVP) Wahub Jahangir, Vice President Amer Majeed Sheikh and Sialkot business community representatives were also present. The ambassador stressed that Turkiye was making all efforts for enhancing and strengthening its economic ties with Pakistan. He said that the two brotherly countries had signed a trade agreement, allowing both countries in principle greater access to each other’s markets to increase the volume of trade. Staff RepoRt

depending on the family size.

The Minister for State and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), Muhammad Talha Mahmood, and Habib Bank Limited’s Chief Representative, Mohammad Ali Syed launched the scheme on with UNHCR’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr Indrika Ratwatte.

‘Amend to Jail Manual’: Baloch female inmate wins release after passing Balochi Literature exam

QUETTA: Following the inclusion of the Balochi and Brahvi Literature in the Jail Manual of the Balochistan Prisons, the first Baloch woman inmate has been released. “Rabia Kanwal who passed the Balochi Literature exam has been released,” Parliamentary Secretary Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi said on Thursday. Talking to APP, she said the implementation of the laws to reduce imprisonment through the Balochi literature test in the education manual of Balochistan prison rules has initiated. Rabia Kanwal is the first female prisoner who passed the Balochi language test in the prison manual and benefited from the facility of reduction of punishment under the law. Staff RepoRt

weather. He said that all efforts must be made to protect the poor man from increase in gas rates as recommended by the IMF.

Hearing out the stakeholders on the issue of PSO’s reluctance to charter PNSC Fleet for POL, Qadir stressed that in view of the current financial crisis the country faces, it is essential that preference be given to local companies. This, he added, would ensure drainage of dollars and growth of local businesses and enterprises. He recommended that PSO’s need to charter the PNSC fleet for import of high Speed diesel and Mogas products in Pakistan. Such a move will be helpful in preserving around $ 200 million per year as mode of payment to PNSC will be made in local currency.

Chairman PNSC also assured PSO of quality service with competitive rates.

While sharing details of Oil and Gas

discoveries made by OGDCL with the Committee, it was informed that during the past year a total of 11 Oil and Gas discoveries were made in Pakistan. Reviewing the list, Qadir stressed the need to commence gas/crude oil production to the system at the earliest at the sites. He also stressed the need for efforts to activate old discoveries so that the impending energy crisis may be tackled effectively by tapping these potential reserves. He also issued a directive to SSGC and SNGPL to tackle the issue of low gas pressure and interruption particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtukhwa being gas producing provinces. He directed that the matter of leakage and pilferage need to be talked about on a priority basis and facilitate people with timely and enough gas supply so that their grievances are addressed.

Opposition politician, journalist critical of army arrested in overnight raids

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

In a dramatic turn of events, the government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) arrested a senior journalist and a leader of an opposition party before dawn on Thursday on charges involving criticism of the military’s political influence.

While anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan, a fierce critic of the military and the central government, was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Lahore, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, chief of the Awami Muslim League (AML) party, was taken into custody by Islamabad police just after midnight.

According to his nephew, Sheikh Rashid Shafique, Ahmad

was arrested from his residence in Bahria Town society in Islamabad. He told reporters that dozens of police officers forcibly entered his uncle’s house before dawn and arrested him, although Ahmad had already obtained a protective bail.

The former interior minister is charged with accusing former president Asif Ali Zardari, whose Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is part of the ruling coalition, of hatching a “murder plot to eliminate former prime minister Imran Khan”, who made a similar claim days ago.

The arrest was made following a police complaint filed by Raja Inayat ur-Rehman, a vice president of the Rawalpindi Division of the party. The complaint cited remarks Ahmad made in a television

Former PTI MP faces sedition charge over criticism of military’s approach to TTP

ISLAMABAD: Shandana Gulzar Khan, a former Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) MP, has been booked for sedition in a case filed over her criticism of the military made during a political chat show. The first information report (FIR) was registered on January 31 at a women’s police station in Islamabad and Khan has been charged under sections 153-A, 505 and 124-A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The FIR claims Khan attempted to incite violence and create disharmony in the country through her comments on the TV channel. This makes Khan the third opposition lawmaker to face sedition charges after Azam Khan Swati and Fawad Chaudhry, both of whom are currently out on bail. Staff RepoRt

interview on January 27, allegedly accusing Zardari of having ties with militant groups and plotting to kill former prime minister Khan.

The claim followed a similar accusation made by the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party in an address broadcast on January 27, in which he claimed that Zardari was behind a fresh assassination plot against him.

The first information report (FIR) against Ahmad was registered at Aabpara police station in Islamabad under sections 120-B, 153-A, and 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), relating to criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between different groups, and statements that could cause public mischief.

KP counter-terrorism head transferred

PESHAWAR: Following the suicide bombing at the mosque in Peshawar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Javed Iqbal was removed from his post and transferred to the so-called special branch. According to the notification on Thursday, Charsadda Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Sohail Khalid has been assigned the additional charge of the office, in the wake of the rise in militant violence in the province. Zahid Marwat will assume the charge of Charsadda police chief after his return from leave. Authorities said Wednesday the death toll from Monday’s suicide bombing increased by one to 101. It was not clear how the bomber was able to slip into the walled police compound in a high-security zone with other government buildings. Staff RepoRt

Lahore: PML-Q Women's Wing holds a demonstration to lodge protest against police raid at residence of former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. – photo by ZubaiR MahfooZ

courT rEMAndS Sh rAShId In cuSTody For Two dAyS

Alocal court Thursday granted the police two-day physical remand of Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in a case registered against him for leveling “murder plot” allegations against former president Asif Ali Zardari.

The Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, who is a close aide of PTI chief Imran Khan, was arrested from his Rawalpindi residence in the early hours of Thursday.

He was produced in the court of Judicial Magistrate Umar Shabbir where the police requested an eight-day physical remand of Sh Rashid. The Judicial Magistrate, however, rejected the police’s 8-day physical remand and remanded him in custody for two days.

During the course of proceedings, Sh Rashid told court that he has served as the federal minister at least 16 times, asking the court his handcuffs be removed.

After this, the court ordered police to unlock Rashid’s handcuffs.

Sardar Abdul Razik Khan and Intizar Panjhota, th counsels for Sh Rashid, presented their arguments.

The lawyer of the former interior minister Sardar Abdul Razik Khan began his arguments, saying that his client was arrested in a politically motivated case.

“The case against Rashid was registered at 8pm last night. The police had arrested Rashid against the high court’s orders,” he told court.

The prosecutor then told the court that Sheikh Rashid tried to create “threats” for the family members of Zardari by levelling allegations against his client.

Sheikh Rashid is booked under three sections — 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief).

The prosecutor asserted, “Sheikh Rashid is creating danger for Asif Zardari’s family. According to the sections, Sheikh Rashid can be sentenced to seven years in jail and be fined.”

He argued, “Sheikh Rashid gave the statement that Asif Ali Zardari has conspired to kill Imran Khan. In Pakistan, people can be ready to slit throats at the smallest things.

“Imran Khan has been attacked previously as well. There has been an

attempt to create incitement between the parties of Imran Khan and Asif Zardari. Asif Zardari and his family’s life is at risk.” The prosecutor then requested a physical remand of the AML chief.

The judge then asked, “Has Asif Zardari

Suri’s resignation: ECP liable to contempt of court: Raisani

The resignation of Qasim Khan Suri from the National Assembly was in fact contempt of court and Election Commission of Pakistan was also liable to contempt by declaring constituency NA-265 as vacant and subsequently announcing election schedule on the seat.

It was stated by head of Balochistan Peace Movement and former Senator, Nawabzada Mir

Haji Lashkari Raisani while addressing a press a press conference at Quetta Press Club here on Thursday. Raisani said that success of Qasim Khan Suri as member National Assembly was challenged before Election Commission of Pakistan and later before the High Court of Balochistan, adding that NADRA got the votes certified on the directives of High Court of Balochistan, pointing out that 2500 votes, which were not in the record of Election Commission of Pakistan, were cast in two different polling stations.

He said that after disqualification from the High Court, stay was granted to Qasim Khan Suri by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, adding that stay of the Supreme Court was still intact on 265 constituency.

He said that the resignation of Qasim Khan Suri from the membership of national assembly was contempt of court and Election Commission of Pakistan was also liable to contempt of court by announcing election on the constituency of NA constituency 265.

China assures Pakistan of support in counter terrorism

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

China’s top leadership has assured its unwavering support to Pakistan in countering terrorism, promoting national action plan, ensuring security of its people and stability of the country.

The assurance was given by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in a condolence message addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which they condemned the terrorist attack in a

mosque in Peshawar, according to a Radio Pakistan’s report. Both leaders expressed condolences on behalf of Chinese government and people to the families of those martyred in the incident and conveyed best wishes for speedy recovery of the injured.

President Xi said China is ready to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan for peace and security in the region and the world. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Chinese President and the Premier for their expression of solidarity.

IHC prioritises unearthing Imran’s ‘secret progeny’

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has decided to form a larger bench to hear a petition calling for the disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan.

The petition accuses Khan of failing to mention his alleged daughter, Tyrian Jade White, in his nomination papers for elections. Khan submitted a response to the court, observing the petition was “not maintainable” as he is no longer a member of the National Assembly.

The IHC adjourned the next hearing until February 9, with Salman Butt representing the petitioner and Salman Abuzar Niazi and a representative of Advocate Salman Akram Raja representing Khan.

Khan’s lead counsel, Raja, was unable to attend the hearing due to duties in the Supreme Court.

The petitioner, Sajid Mahmood, who is seeking the disqualification of Khan, made shocking allegations against the former prime minister, claiming he did not marry Sita White, Tyrian Jade’s suspected mother, due to her father’s objections and later married Jemima Goldsmith.

The petition, titled “Imran versus Imran — The untold story”, cited the circumstances surrounding the custody of Tyrian Jade, which was given to Jemima Khan by Ana-Lusia White in her will dated February 27, 2004. The petition also referred to a judgement of paternity rendered by a superior court in California in favour of Sita White, declaring Imran Khan as the father of Tyrian Jade.

RUDA celebrates World Wetlands Day

LAHORE

Staf RepoRt

Wetlands are habitats where water plays a major role in regulating the environment and the plant and animal life that goes along with it. Taking this into account, CEO Ravi Urban Development Authority Mr Imran Ameen has visited the Ravi site on Thursday and reviewed the river front. This is also in the light of commemorating the World’s Wetlands Day.

During his visit, Mr Imran said, “We have to be conscious of our choices, reducing pollution conservation of water as wetland wildlife is adept at using water especially Fish Fauna which used to be main aspect and source of livelihood for many people since ages. Similarly, bird ecology including 12 bird species that were recorded from the river, has faced habitat degradation over time, now if we fail to protect nature in this span of time Ravi will be nothing than a drain carrier,” he added. He further said, “We also need to observe the wetland vegetation that includes upland, fringing and

aquatic plant-life. Within wetland catchments ecosystems flourish based on energy exchange.

The Hydrology and Environment Department of RUDA are working on the conservation and rehabilitation by planting native flora, creating habitats for wildlife particularly the turtles that were once the yardstick of Ravi’s beauty along with participating on citizen environment projects and initiatives,” he added.

The CEO appreciated Engineering Department for working tirelessly on wildlife ecology restoration study and ways to bring back life into the river, additionally he instructed the teams to beef up surveillance for the conservation of land along with aquatic life.

Later, he visited the RUDA’s industrial site and instructed the team to work on ways to reduce industrial wastes and have impeccable industrial hygiene and espouse a culture of ongoing, steady remediation, which will surely contribute in reducing pollution and improve the environment.

It is pertinent to note that RUDA commemorated the World Wetlands Day also released an inspirational video; “RUDA, where life thrives”.

told you that he’s in danger?” The prosecutor responded that Ahmed has given the statement himself.

Prosecutor Adnan then closed his arguments by asserting that Sh Rashid’s voice-matching test needs to be conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and a photogrammetric test is needed as well, emphasising that they were “incredibly important” during the trial.

Sh Rashid’s other lawyer, Panjhota, argued that the prosecution was seeking physical remand just for recording a statement. “Physical remand cannot be granted just for recording a statement.”

For his part, the AML chief told the court that a plan was being prepared to either send the PTI chief to jail or to disqualify him prior to elections.

He argued that giving statements to the media was “also my salary in a way”.

“Imran Khan told me he has evidence that Zardari wants to kill him [so] I said that Imran has evidence against Zardari […] You can file a defamation case against me [instead],” he said, adding that he considered Imran’s claims to be true.

Second PML-n lawmaker joins PTI in weeks

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

A former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member of the provincial assembly, Rai Haider Ali Khan, has joined the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party along with his supporters. Khan was previously elected as a Punjab Assembly MPA from the PP-101 Jaranwala district. In a statement, Khan lambasted the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government for “ruining” the country’s economy and expressed his confidence in PTI’s leadership under Khan. The former prime minister welcomed Khan and his supporters to the party, and praised their dedication to PTI’s political agenda. This marks the latest in a series of defections from PML-N to PTI, as former PML-N lawmaker Asif Manzoor Mohal along with his supporters. also recently announced his joining of the party.

Lhc summons ccPo Lahore on plea for recovery of advisor to ex-cM Elahi

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday summoned CCPO Lahore along with a report for February 3 on a petition filed for recovery of Amir Saeed Rawn, advisor to former Punjab chief minister Pervaiz Elahi. Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry heard the petition filed by Adam Saeed, brother of Amir Saeed, in chamber. The petitioner’s counsel argued before the court that Amir Saeed Rawn had been arrested without any legal justification. He pleaded with the court to issue directives for recovery of Amir Saeed and also sought details of cases registered against him. Staff RepoRt

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

QUETTA Staff RepoRt

PreParations aFoot to observe KashMir solidarity day on sUnday

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

tHepreparations for observing Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 05 (Sunday) have started across the country by arranging a number of activities to show solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIoJK) in their just and principled struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination.

Various public and private departments, educational institutions, and literary and cultural organizations have planned to arrange conferences, rallies, seminars, discussion programs and competitions to highlight the struggle of Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination as per UN resolutions.

The print and electronic media will highlight the struggle of Kashmiri people for their just right to self-determination and gross human rights violations in the valley as well as Pakistan’s stance on resolving the Kashmir issue as per the UN declarations and aspirations of Kashmiri people.

The day will dawn with special prayers for the martyrs of Kashmir, the success of the freedom struggle, and expression of solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

The messages of the high level officials will also be issued in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day to express support for the cause of Kashmir.

The Department of electronic Media and Publications will arrange a Digital Photographic and Painting exhibition at the Information Service Academy on February 03 (Friday).

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurungzeb will be the chief guest while Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shahera Shahid, Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Altaf Hussain Wani, Human Right Activist, Mushaal Hussain Mullick and Hurriyat leader, Abdul Hameed Lone will be the guests on the occasion.

National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa in collaboration with the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and GilgitBaltistan and the Federal Directorate of education will hold a three-day colorful Kashmir Cultural Festival February 3-5 to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The main attractions of the festival include Kashmiri Artisans at Work, folk crafts, patriotic songs performances, folk musical performances, folk paintings by youth, cuisines, a photographic exhibition and screening of video documentaries. Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan would organize a three-day cultural festival here from February 3-5 to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The event will include speeches, tableaus, national songs, puppet show,

lhC sets aside caretaker govt’s order to remove 97 law officers

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday suspended an order of the caretaker government in Punjab about removal of 97 law officers appointed during the tenure of the PTI government. LHC Justice Shahid Karim issued the order and directed all law officers to resume their jobs and appeared before courts. expressing resentment over non-appearance of the law officers, he said judiciary was unable to work for four days. No one cares about the people whose cases are pending in courts, he remarked. The secretary law had barred the 97 law officers, including 32 additional and 65 assistant advocate generals, appointed by the PTI government from working after the approval of the interim cabinet. Last week, the high court suspended a notification issued by the provincial government to remove Advocate General Punjab (AGP) Ahmad Awais and reinstated him to his office. The LHC issued ruling on a petition filed by Mr Awais arguing that the caretaker government had no powers to remove him since it was not an elected setup. He said the election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) had appointed the interim government to hold the elections only in the province. His counsel pleaded the court to set aside the removal of the advocate general being unlawful.

painting and photography exhibition, stage play, folk performances, music and songs to highlight Kashmir issue and promote the cultural heritage of Kashmir through art and crafts.

The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad will arrange a seminar titled “Kashmir Solidarity Day” on February 03 to mark the day. Advisor to Prime Minister on Kashmir

Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira will be the chief guest on the occasion while Chairman Board of Governor, ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Convener All Parties Hurriyat Conference, AJK, Mahmood Saghar and Chairman World Forum for Peace and Justice, Ghulam Nabi Fai will speak on the occasion.

Pakistan Academy of Letters, National

Barrister Sultan urges US to play due role for resolving Kashmir issue

WASHINGTON Staff RepoRt

Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has said that the USA should play its due role to help resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute peacefully in line with the UN security council resolutions.

He expressed these views in a detailed meeting with Senator Chris Van Hollen in Washington on Thursday, AJK President office said late Thursday.

Referring to the simmering situation in the held territory the president said that Modi government’s 5th August 2019 unilateral move has pushed the region into a quagmire of chaos and uncertainty.

Indian government’s illegal and undemocratic actions, he said, had pushed the region to the brink of war.

“Though Pakistan had made several attempts during the recent past to defuse tension in the region and bring India to the negotiation table but Modi government that is pursuing the policy of Hindutva has been reluctant to resume dialogue with Pakistan”, the president said adding

that it was high time that the Biden administration should use its influence to resume dialogue between Pakistan and India. Stressing the need for an inclusive dialogue, Barrister Chaudhry said that these negotiations should be tripartite in nature. He said that Kashmiris being a fundamental party to the dispute should be included in the talks process to find out a just and durable solution to the Kashmir dispute. While seeking an early and amicable settlement of the lingering dispute, he said that the former American President Bill Clinton had also termed Kashmir as the most dangerous conflict in the world.

“The international community, especially the United States and the US Senate, should play their role in resolving the Kashmir issue and stopping the ongoing human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir”, he said.

Later, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, while speaking as a special guest at an event said that the dire situation in the Indian occupied Kashmir demands that Kashmiris and Pakistanis living in America should play their role to solve the Kashmir problem and stop Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir.

Heritage and Culture Division in collaboration with Halqa Arbab-e-Zauq has planned to arrange Youm-e- Yakjehti-e-Kashmir Mushaira on February 03.

Prominent literary persons, Haleem Qureshi and Professor Dr. Maqsood Jaffari will preside over the event while noted poets of the twin cities will present their poetic works on Kashmir.

Miscreant killed, another held after attack on police van in Charsadda

PESHAWAR Staff RepoRt

The police Thursday claimed to have killed an unidentified miscreant and arrested another following a gun attack on a Police Mobile Van in Shabarra village of Charsadda. Sharing details about the incident, an official of the Police Control Charsadda confirmed the incident, saying one suspect was killed and another was arrested after crossfire. The incident occurred when police flagged down motorcyclists on a bridge in Shabarra village, Charsadda and the accused, however, resorted to indiscriminate firing at the police mobile van. The police returned the fire and a brief shootout took place, leading to the killing of one accused while his accomplice was arrested. He disclosed that two hand grenades and two pistols were recovered from the accused. Police also seized the motorcycle. The slain criminal Sajid was shifted to DHQ Charsadda and the arrested accused Yasir was transferred to the Police Station.

Five civil servants awarded for integrity and hard work

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

In a high-profile ceremony attended by the diplomats, senior civil servants, representatives of the civil society, media and youth from academia; five civil servants were decorated with awards in recognition of their excellent work, integrity and improving service delivery in their respective departments.

Dr. Vivek Anad, District Surveillance Officer, Health Department, Kashmore, Sindh, Omer Saeed, City Police Officer (CPO) Faisalabad, Ghulam Ali Mallah, CeO/ Secretary Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), Islamabad and Samina Altaf, Chairperson Board of Intermediate and Secondary education (BISe), Kohat, Dr. Shair Zaman, endocrinologist Bolan Medical Hospital, Quetta were crowned at the annual award ceremony of the Integrity Icon Campaign.

The Integrity Icon is an annual campaign to celebrate the most honest and hardworking government employees from all over the country. The Integrity Icon campaign has completed its seven years in Pakistan and this time the cam-

paign received more than 100 entries from across the country, which were examined by a jury comprising of most capable and credible professionals from civil service, academia and civil society. every year 5 Icons are honored and celebrated for their public service spirit and honest work.

“What else could be the greatest satisfaction when you are responsible to serve the citizen and citizens feel satisfied that you are always there to bring some kind of hope, some kind of relief, some kind of justice some kind of equality into their lives” said Mr. Waqar Ahmed, Secretary to the President of Pakistan, who was the chief guest of the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Ali Imran, Chairman, Accountability Lab said that “the values of leadership (honesty, humility, curiosity, collaboration, and innovation) are universal and if we can connect these values to the ultimate goal for the existence of public service; civil servants will become more effective and capable of readily creating solutions to address public’s grievances leading to more public trust in state institutions”.

While member governance, innovation of reforms planning commission of Pakistan, Dr. Adnan Rafiq said that ‘supporting, highlighting and celebrating the people who not worked with the best of social traits but also inspired others is important work to do. executive Director Accountability Lab Global Pakistan, Blair Glencorse statetd that Integrity Icons started as a small campaign and is now a global campaign that helped citizens in 13 countries to know about the wonderful work their civil servants are doing.

While ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Jakob Linulf stated “For a nation to lessen corruption, honesty must be internalized by a majority of its cit-

izens. This can be inflected by changes in laws, wealth, democracy, economic freedom, appreciation of diversity, and stability. A high sense of public accountability produces good governances and strengthens the trust and openness among people. I appreciate initiatives like Integrity Icon Award that encourage honest officials in Pakistan to engage in constructive and transparent ways.”

Maria Ana Petrera, Head of Green Growth and Sustainability, embassy of Denmark said that “Green Transition requires active collaboration and innovation across all sectors including with current and future decisionmakers.

Dar reIterates Govt’s all-out support For rIba-Free bankInG system In FIve years

ISLAMABAD Staff report

FEDERALFinance Minister, Ishaq Dar on Thursday assured the fullest support of the present government in efforts to make the banking system of Pakistan interest-free and transform it according to Islamic principles in five years’ time as per the deadline for the purpose given by the Federal Shariat Court.

The Finance Minister held out the assurance to this effect while addressing as the chief guest via video link at the National Islamic Economic Forum Conference-2023 (NIEFC) jointly organised by Saylani Welfare International Trust (SWIT) and Darul Uloom Memon here at a hotel on Thursday.

Dar told an audience at the conference that the cause of implementing Islamic principles in the banking sector was very close to his heart as he sincerely

wished that banking systems became interest-free in Pakistan. “As a sincere follower of the teachings of Islam it is my earnest desire to get rid of the interestbased financial system in our country,” said the Finance Minister.

He said that brainstorming sessions like NIEFC with participation by leading financial experts and Islamic scholars went a long way in facilitating the government to achieve the cause of reforming the banking system as per the guiding principles of Islam.

He said that with the involvement of every concerned stakeholder including noted religious scholars, financial, and economic experts Pakistan would easily fulfill the task of making the banking system interest-free and Shariah-compliant within five years.

He said that in his previous tenure as the Finance minister he had introduced a number of initiatives to speed up the process of adoption of Islamic principles

IHC reserves decision on Gill’s objection on appointment of special prosecutor

ISLAMABAD Staff report

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved its verdict on the petition against the appointment of a special prosecutor in Shahbaz Gill’s sedition case.

IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Aamer Farooq conducted the hearing on Shehbaz Gill’s petition against the appointment of a special prosecutor in the sedition case. Shahbaz Gill had challenged the appointment of Special Prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi as Special Prosecutor.

However, Aleem Abbasi Advocate appeared in the court on behalf of Prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi.

“This happens only in exceptional circumstances and not in this case,” Gill’s counsel contended.

During the hearing, CJ Aamer Farooq reminded that a special prosecutor was appointed in most cases.

“Has the attorney general been appointed?” asked the CJ. “The attorney general is being appointed,” Gill’s counsel replied.

second-hand smoke is just as dangerous

by the banking system.

The Finance Minister said that in the past term, he had offered two per cent tax exemption to the listed manufacturing companies that duly adopted the Islamic banking system. He said that as soon as he had assumed the Finance Ministry he implemented his thinking by advising the State Bank of Pakistan and the National Bank of Pakistan to withdraw their appeals against the judgment of the Shariat Court to eliminate interest from the banking system.

Dar said that a steering committee had been formed with all the relevant stakeholders and he being its patron to work on the cause of transforming the banking system as per the Shariah principles. He welcomed the announcement of SWIT Chairman, Moulana Muhammad Bashir Farooqi, to partner with likeminded charities to approach concerned philanthropists within and outside the country for raising at least US $ two bil-

lion for the State Bank of Pakistan to facilitate the importers who have been facing serious hardships due to fast depleting foreign exchange reserves.

The Finance Minister hoped that the proposal of Moulana Farooqi would be implemented in a transparent, well-regulated, and structured manner as he offered his assistance to act as a facilitator between State Bank and concerned charities that wanted to collect donations for serving the national economy.

Moulana Farooqi told the audience that he had planned to team up with top charities in Pakistan including Akhuwat, Citizens Foundation, and Indus Hospital to raise funds from concerned donors in Pakistan to facilitate the traders in the country who have been gravely suffering due to suspension of imports. He said the donations collected by his charitable drive would go a long way to generate employment opportunities for the masses in the country.

Pakistani student earns highest score worldwide in ACCA exam

KARACHI Staff report

Pass rates have been announced by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) for students who sat their exams in December 2022.

ccording to a statement on Thursday, 107,142 students from around the world entered for the December sitting of ACCA exams, which saw 128,693 exams completed. Huzaifa Jamil from Lahore, Pakistan, emerged as a global award recipient for earning the highest score worldwide in ACCA’s Financial Reporting (FM) paper. 107,142 entered for the December sitting, which saw 128,693 exams completed.

ACCA’s campaign manager for Asia Pacific, Rashid Khan,

said: ‘Huzaifa’s drive and ambition serve as a source of inspiration for the talented youth in our country. His success serves as a reminder that Pakistanis have the potential to excel on a global stage if they are given the right opportunities and platform. Despite the numerous challenges facing the country, the key to a successful future is to support and celebrate the achievements of young individuals like Huzaifa, and to encourage them to pursue their passions and dreams, unencumbered by obstacles.’

Huzaifa credits his success to hard work and perseverance and is thankful for the support from his parents and teachers at SKANS School of Accountancy.

Huzaifa is privileged to have also memorised the Holy Quran and is eager to embark on a fulfilling au-

diting career. He looks forward to all the exciting global opportunities and rewards that come with being a globally in-demand ACCA-qualified professional. Huzaifa has set a high bar for himself with his consistent exam performances and is determined to maintain this level of excellence. He is focused on replicating his success in his remaining exams and is dedicated to building a successful career, earning recognition for his family and country.

The ACCA qualification is highly regarded and widely recognised around the world, offering exciting career opportunities with leading employers. The ACCA Qualification rigorously tests the skills, abilities and competencies that a modern accountant needs, with a firm grounding in ethics and professionalism.

PAJCCI hosts discussion on issues affecting realization of Pak-Afghan

PESHAWAR Staff report

Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PAJCCI) kicked off 11th Focus Group Discussion on “economic and political issues” affecting the full realization of bilateral trade potential” at Islamabad on Thursday. The meeting was attended by business community members from Pakistan and Afghanistan and government officials. The core objective of the dis-

cussion was to remove trade barriers, deliberating and recommending measures to realize trade potential between the two countries, identifying ways to develop sustainable policy framework for long term bilateral and transit trade using each other’s capability and resources, capitalizing on the strengths of private stakeholders, B2B connectivity, setting up of border bazaars to raise employment amongst SME and home industry, encouraging and involving businesswomen to play their role in economic uplift of both the countries.

Fawad warns Punjab, KP governors of Article 6 if polls delayed

ISLAMABAD Staff report

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry made it clear that the elections was the sole panacea to the prevailing problems currently confronting the country and those who were creating obstacles in holding the polls within 90 days were violating constitution and would face Article 6.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Fawad, who was flanked by PTI senior leaders Hammad Azhar, Shahbaz Gill and Ali Awan, said that the imported government compounded the miseries due to the backbreaking inflation and resurgence of terrorism.

He said that at the time when the whole country was under trauma due to tragic Peshawar blast, the imported government was busy in taking revenge as Sheikh Rasheed and Imran Riaz were arrested and a case was registered against Shandana Gulzar, which were condemnable. He raised question that who was wise

enough to advise the imported government to file cases against their opponents.

Fawad warned that the country cannot afford confrontation and division at this time. Therefore, he said that it was high time to take confidence building measures to help bridge the fast widening fissure, because the policy of arrests, coercions, threats and political victimizations was no more workable.

He warned that the use of power could further complicate the matter, as efforts were afoot to destabilize Pakistan.

Fawad went on to say that the PTI did not want confrontation with the institutions because the government cannot run without their support, but PTI just wanted that they should not support the puppet, incompetent, inapt and crooked government unnecessarily.

“We want that institutions should accept supremacy of constitution and law and should respect human rights and accept public right to elect their leader through their power of votes,” he added.

government, Fawad said that PTI government under leadership of Imran Khan succeeded in controlling the terrorism affectively as no major terror incident took place at that time despite the fact the region was passing through major transitional period, as the process of the US troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan was going on.

He raised question that who was spreading chaos and anarchy in the country when Pakistan needed stability and peace.

He said that Imran Khan knew the leadership of Afghanistan and was cognizant to the fact that war was no solution to problems that was reason, he launched a peace initiative which was widely welcomed and peace restored in the country.

Fawad said that PTI government played a lead role in safe evacuation of foreign diplomats and journalists stranded in Afghanistan after the abrupt US troops’ withdrawal.

“We brought the country back to tourism from terrorism within nine months,” he added. However, he stated that the imported government confused

Pakistanis are increasingly exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke, especially in the workplace or at home. In the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey for 2012-2013, 39.1% of the respondents reported being exposed to indoor cigarette smoke every day. Second-hand smoke is the fourth leading cause of disability and death in Pakistan; in 2017 alone, it caused 33,524 deaths - 2.37% of the nation's total deaths. It's not necessary to smoke a cigarette yourself to suffer from its adverse consequences on health. Keeping in mind its numerous health effects, avoiding second hand smoke is increasingly becoming a public concern as well as a basic human right. This is why many countries, including Pakistan, have attempted to enact laws that prohibit cigarettes from being lit in public spaces. The cigarette alternatives being adopted worldwide have been designed to limit the harmful impacts of choosing to smoke. With the potential to positively impact countless lives, they present smokers with less risk of harm through science-backed smoke-free alternatives. Scientists around the world have shifted their focus on less harmful alternatives that smokers can replace cigarettes with as a first step to reducing risks. Countries like Japan, UK, Sweden, Norway, to name a few, have taken up the responsibility to reduce the number of smokers by legalising HeatedTobacco-Products (HTP) and adopting less harmful strategies nationwide. These countries are already seeing a great decline in their numbers of smokers, and perhaps, Pakistan’s population could take a page out of their notebooks.

Domino's becomes official food partner of Quetta Gladiators

Karachi: Domino’s Pakistan has announced its partnership with Quetta Gladiators for PSL Season 8. The renowned pizza brand will now serve as the official food partner for the Gladiators throughout the season. The partnership was made official during a memorandum signing ceremony that featured top people from either parties, including CEO Domino’s Pakistan Faisal Munshi, COO Saad Khan and CMO Raafay Haider along with Owner Quetta Gladiators Nadeem Omar. He was accompanied by Director Quetta Gladiators Hasan Omar and the skipper of the side Sarfaraz Ahmed. pr

Careem partners with Fly Jinnah; expands corporate portfolio

Karachi: Careem, the pioneer of ride hailing in Pakistan, has recently partnered with Fly Jinnah, a newly launched private airline for domestic flights in Pakistan, to expand its corporate portfolio Careem for Business (C4B). Under the partnership, Careem will be providing hassle-free mobility solutions to 100+ Fly Jinnah employees across major cities of Pakistan. As a start, Careem will be providing 11 cars on a monthly basis with 24/7 operations as well as bigger vehicles (hiace and hijets) for the airline’s crew members, including captains and cabin crew. pr

policy and non-seriousness reversed all the hard-gains of the PTI government in short span of few months.

Fawad stated that Bilawal Bhutto visited America more than 17 times but not once to Afghanistan because he did not now the sensitivity of the issue.

Similarly, he said that imported Shehbaz Sharif did not call a single meeting on the issue of Afghanistan, adding that the imported government was so confused that no one knew what they wanted.

Lashing out at the Khawaja Asif, Fawad said that he blamed Imran Khan for the resurgence of terrorism in the country, but fact was that there was no bomb blast during PTI time. He said that country was at crossroad as it has inflation on one side and terrorism on the other side. Fawad warned that peace cannot be achieved by turning Pakistan into a graveyard.

However, he said that the time when the country needed a political dialogue, the government was busying in booking the PTI leadership in different cases including seditions.

More PTI arrests

Zero-tolerance’ policy could well backfire

FOLLOwIng the dramatic arrest last week of former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Thursday saw more arrests of PTI supporters, with a clear message: that there would be no more tolerance of any criticism of state institutions, especially the military and the judiciary (or in Mr Chaudhry’s case, the quasi-judiciary such as the election Commission). In the first arrest since his, former Interior Minister Sh Rashid Ahmed has been arrested, as has exParliamentary Secretary Shandana gulzar and TV journalist Imran Riaz Khan. The charge against Sh Rashid related the claim her made that PPP CoChairman Asif Zardari was planning to kill PTI chief Imran Khan. His arrest was particularly significant, for he had made no bones about his close contacts with the establishment. Sh Rashid’s arrest is evidence that the establishment will not give its favourites the kind of protection, or rather immunity from arrest, that they had enjoyed until the removal last Aprill of the Imran Khan government. while other PTI stalwarts enjoyed Mr Khan’s reflected immunity, Sh Rashid had his own relations with the establishment. His arrest may well show that the previous immunity does not apply.

One of the problems with the present wave of arrests is that there seems to be a multiple standard at work, with Mr Khan apparently free to call the military whatever he likes, and to mention individuals disparagingly by name, but his followers are not allowed to cross an unknown red line. The military says it has stopped interfering and is now strictly neutral. However, it seems that it wants to be liked for its restraint. This is not going to happen, because in politics, winning is more important than being right or polite. when the PTI itself was in office, opponents of the establishment were swiftly punished by similar humiliations, as were opponents of the party. The justice system does not permit successful prosecutions of libel suits or defamation cases. The problem is that though neutrality has been declared, the privileges of interference are not being given up. That is something politicians must look after.

The problem seems to be that the realization that persistent interference has led to problems has not been accompanied by the development of a thick skin which could dismiss criticism as misguided. when an institution becomes neutral, it must be ready for the law and the Constitution to rule supreme, not itself.

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor

M. A. Niazi Joint Editor Umar Aziz Executive Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad Joint Editor

Two journeys, destinations unknown

Just coincidence or a deeper link?

PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry’s arrest was not a precondition of PML(n) Senior VicePresident Maryam nawaz, but one does not have to seek too far to see the link. dissolving the Punjab Assembly has put a caretaker Chief Minister in place, in Mohsin naqvi, and has removed from office PTI ally Ch Pervez elahi. not only did Chaudhry no longer have the protection of the Punjab police, but Maryam had no fear of returning to Lahore.

At the same time, as the province prepares for elections, Chaudhry and Maryam are both symbolic of further changes that might take place for their leaders. Indeed, they are consciously precursors. If Chaudhry can be arrested, so can party chief Imran Khan himself. It is to be noted that Chaudhry was arrested for something he had said about the election Commission of Pakistan. now Imran has been speaking freely in public against various institutions, and certain individuals.

Chaudhry, in Ch Pervez’s tenure, could have followed his leader safe in the knowledge that he would not be touched. If he was arrested by the Punjab Police and taken by it to Islamabad, that is worse than its merely accompanying the Islamabad police party, but it should not disguise the fact that if the Punjab police had chosen to be uncooperative, the Islamabad policemen could have done nothing about it. The call given by Imran for protests did not yield much of a result. Obviously, Fawad Chaudhry was not a cause for which PTI supporters were prepared to render more sacrifices. However, the Punjab government has to consider whether those supporters are sufficiently invested in preventing Imran’s arrest.

Maryam’s return was also a sign of the times. She had obtained bail while Ch Pervez was in office, and had got her name removed from the exit Control List before going off to see her father. However, it cannot be ignored that her stay in the UK lastedalmost four months, and ended only when Ch Pervez was out.

At the same time, she faces no cases, nor arrest for any offence. Her arrest would have required the registration of a fresh case. naqvi could be expected not to do any such thing, but Ch Pervez could not, not after his wife and daughters-in-law had been summoned by the FIA. The rule on not involving women could no longer apply.

She announced the return of Mian nawaz soon, but did not give a date. Her credibility on this point was not very great, because the word out on the street is that he will not return. It should be noted that Maryam’s getting bail means that Mian nawaz should get bail in the Avenfield case, but provides him no help in his conviction, which is for possessing an iqama, and for concealing this from the election Commission. He must be waiting anxiously the outcome of the case against Imran for not informing

the eCP of the existence of a daughter, Tyrian white, If Imran gets relief in that case, Mian nawaz will be able to claim that relief for himself.

It should be remembered that nawaz is in a little deeper than Maryam, or the other returnees from London, Ishaq dar and Salman Shehbaz, whereas Mariam was a free woman, and the other two wanted by a court, which could grant them bail, Mian nawaz skipped bail from a jail. If he surrenders before the jail authorities, they cannot give him bail. He can get transit bail from the airport to jail, but the caretakers will not stick their neck out for him.

Mohsin naqvi is married to one of Ch Shujaat Hussain’s nieces, and has cordial relations with PPP Co-Chairman Asif Zardari, but while his relations with the Sharif family are supposed to be cordial, they are not deep enough for the PTI to accuse him of being bent on favouring him in any unusual fashion. At most, Mian nawaz can hope to be allowed access to some of the creature comforts Imran was bent on depriving him of, like an air-conditioner (which is not needed for months, anyway).

However, as Maryam has said, he is to return. From one point of view, his return is essential. From that same point of view, that return to jail would not merely be unproductive, but potentially counter-productive, for him being in jail would force the entire party to act (perhaps futilely) for his release, at a time when it should concentrate on the election campaign in its backyard. At such a time, for the party’s chief to be immured in prison, would be bad for morale.

didnot provide the requisite leadership for the vote of confidence that followed, with the result that the Punjab Assembly was dissolved.

Another problem that Maryam and the PMLIn) face is whether provincial polls will be held at all. There are two issues here. One is the census, which is to be held at the beginning of March. If the election is held around April’s beginning, the results will have come in. while it is legal to hold an election under the present demarcations, demarcation according to the new results, which must take place before the next election, would become obvious. It is not so much the shifts of seats between provinces, as the reallocation of seats between districts that will matter. Also important are the five new districts created by the Pervez government, where seat boundaries will have to be adjusted to the districts. Then there is the issue of the national Assembly, if its life is prolonged by the declaration of an economic emergency. There seems no provision in the Constitution for a postponement of provincial polls even then, but one never knows what arguments might arise if lawyers get to work. It should be taken as given that Mian nawaz will not be coming home if there is a postponement. Only when there is a confirmed date for the poll will he return.

However, neither Fawad Chaudhry’s arrest nor Maryam Nawaz’s return should be seen as straws in the wind, strongly tempted as observers might feel that they are. Both are cataclysmic, in their way, but neither brings to an end the political instability bedevilling the country

At the same time, Mian nawaz has got to campaign if Punjab is to be won back. The PTI won it in 2018 when both Mian nawaz and Maryam were in jail. He is considered essential to a winning campaign. Candidates on marginal seats will be the ones pressing hardest for his return, and free return, so that he can campaign in their constituencies.

However, it could be argued that Maryam is able to lead the campaign alone. It might be a hard task, but if she is to lead the party, a baptism of fire may be optimal. After all, her father is a septuagenarian, and will not be around forever. She herself is a grandmother, and 49. At this age, her father had been Prime Minister, and was Opposition Leader. She is being tipped as Chief Minister if the PML(n) wins, and it has been assumed that Mian Hamza Shehbaz has been found wanting. At any rate, he has not developed as a campaigner, and in his only outing as CM, only managed to get ousted. He also

Shall we condemn Denmark now after Sweden?

Desecration has to stop

Sweden was followed by the abhorrent burning of a copy of the holy Quran, the Muslim holy book, outside the Turkish embassy in denmark and in front of a mosque in the capital, Copenhagen. This heinous crime was committed by Rasmus Paludan, the leader of hardline political party Hard Line. This same person burned the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, on January 21.

This unforgivable crime is condemnable. note that Rasmus Paludan is a joint citizen of Sweden and denmark. He announced in April last year that he would go around and burn the Holy Quran during the holy month of Ramadan. His announcement caused riots across Sweden. Pursuant to that prior announcement, he burned the Holy Quran first in Sweden and later in denmark.

notably, Rasmus Paludan chose the front of the Turkish embassy as the place to burn the Holy Quran. This shows that he is dissatisfied with Turkey. It is known that Sweden and neighbouring Finland want to join the nATO alliance. This requires the approval or support of all nATO members. Turkey, a member of nATO, has objections to them. Turkey has already indicated that it will not approve Sweden’s accession. Turkey also postponed indefinitely a meeting in Brussels, which was supposed to discuss the membership of Sweden and Finland. with Turkey blocking Sweden’s nATO membership, Rasmus Paludan could have adopted any other means of protest than burning the Holy Quran. Rather than that, he chose the Holy Qur’an, perhaps because it would anger and hurt Turkey the most. This also proves that the hatred of the Holy Quran or is embedded in the marrow of his bones.

There is no shortage of politicians in europe, like Rasmus Paludan, who are infected with Islamophobia or Muslim hatred. They see Islam as scary and its followers as a threat to their existence. Far-right or extremist political parties, predominantly white racist, deeply sectarian and particularly anti-Islamic and anti-Muslim, are gaining ground in european countries. The expansion of this type of politics is being observed in other western countries including the USA. Various anti-Islam or antiMuslim crimes and persecution of Muslims have increased alarmingly in recent years in various european countries, including desecration of the Holy Qur’an, making the Prophet (PBUH) the subject of cartoons, and banning the hijab. white supremacy has been or is being fueled in the USA and europe mainly for political reasons. This is done in view of the fear that political power

If such misdeeds and heinous incidents are happening, then one day the people concerned will have to pay for it. We hope that they will be alert and careful and move quickly away from the path of white supremacy or Christian supremacy. There is no alternative to establishing a peaceful, stable and humane world

will shift from whites’ hands in the future as their number gradually decreases.

when the establishment of white supremacy is considered important, it is natural that other races are neglected and oppressed. Racist attacks on them are inevitable. That is what is happening. Violence against black and mixed race people is on the rise. Their human rights are being violated in many ways in USA-europe. Muslims are the worst victims of racism, communalism and religious hatred. Most of them are non-white. Again, most of the whites are Christians.

The conflict between Christians and Muslims is old. Long crusades have also taken place between them. Christendom does not look kindly on the Muslim world. Otherwise the crusade continues here. The USA and its western allies are responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Libya. These countries have been almost destroyed by unjust wars being imposed on them.

Britain and the USA established the Jewish state of Israel in opposition to Muslim countries in the Middle east. They are the ones who sustain it to seize the Muslim countries. white supremacism and Christian supremacism meet at a point. Muslims have been the main target of these two supremacist attacks. The USA and its western allies are on a global human rights crusade.

Their human rights policies are practically designed for whites and Christians. whites are endangered and displaced by the war in Ukraine. There is competition for their shelter and services. However, refugees from Syria-Libya and other countries were prevented from entering europe. In many African countries, people are suffering from food shortages. There is no help for them. This is the nature of human rights concepts and policies of the USA and the western world.

The holy book or books of any religion are considered sacred to people of other religions. Similarly, the founder of any religion is highly revered and respected by the people of other religions as well. People in europe who burn the Holy Qur’an, insult the Holy Prophet

In this context, the likelihood of the coming byelections, slotted for March 16, become doubtful.

However, if they take place, they will be a national challenge for Maryam. It might be a strange campaign, what with Imran standing for all the vacated seats. The provincial elections can take place about a month after that, and Imran cannot even theoretically stand on all seats (he can only do for the province where his vote is inscribed, Punjab). Mian nawaz will be strongly tempted to return, and will be called by the party’s leaders, the legal path of his return is not all that clear, and its murkiness is increased by the current caretakers.what would happen in the event of Imran’s disqualification, imprisonment or both, is another matter. Mian nawaz will lower the bar then for his return, being tempted by a reversal of the 2018 position.

However, neither Fawad Chaudhry’s arrest nor Maryam nawaz’s return should be seen as straws in the wind, strongly tempted as observers might feel that they are. Both are cataclysmic, in their way, but neither brings to an end the political instability bedevilling the country.

The writer is a member of staff

(PBUH), naturally bring into question their humanity and mental health. The spread of this disease will further threaten peace and stability in the world, which cannot be desired by the people of the world in general.

every Muslim in the world has been emotionally traumatized and shocked by the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden and denmark. At the same time, there has been resentment among them. Although there are mutual disputes and differences of opinion among the Muslims of the world, there is no dispute or difference of opinion regarding the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet (PBUH). A few days ago, there was a wave of protest from the Muslim countries and towns of the world due to the insult of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in India. Similarly, the protest against burning the Holy Quran has come from different parts of the world. This type and language of protest should be understood and taken into account by the respective countries, europe and the USA, as well as the Christian or white world. More than a quarter of the world’s population is Muslim. They will never accept showing hatred and contempt towards their holy scriptures or their Prophet (PBUH). The wounds in their hearts will never heal.

If such misdeeds and heinous incidents are happening, then one day the people concerned will have to pay for it. we hope that they will be alert and careful and move quickly away from the path of white supremacy or Christian supremacy. There is no alternative to establishing a peaceful, stable and humane world.

The writer is a freelance columnist

MAsud RANA

Editor’s mail

Real estate fraud

I am an overseas Pakistani and booked 500 square yards plot of land in Bahria Paradise in Bahria Town Karachi in 2017. The land was allotted to us in Precinct 58 (plot no. 4, street/road 20).

In 2020, we came to know that the allotted land falls outside the boundary wall of the said society. On inquiry, we were asked by the developers to deposit full amount so that a new plot of land could be allotted to us. we paid the full amount and were told that the land would be allotted in July 2021. Since then, we have been writing to, calling and visiting the developers for an update, but there has been no response. The money I paid to the real estate company was legally transferred to Pakistan through proper banking channels. Considering the currency devaluation and the cost of capital, my investment in the land is almost Rs20 million.

Having invested that much money, I still do not have a land on the ground, and the company is telling me the same story for over two years now. Intriguingly, we have received numerous calls from individuals claiming to be real estate agents who ask us to get our file merged into other projects at face value, or sometimes at a 30-40 per cent discounted price. while the developers are currently busy advertising on national media the project’s Phase II, we have no clue where to go and whom to ask for help.

INTAKHAB SHAH

JUBAIL, SAUDI ARABIA

Prevailing over jirgas

THe Federal Shariat Court (FSC) recently asked the provincial government in Balochistan to speed up action on the bill against forced marriages. This happened after the father of a minor girl filed application before FSC against forced and underage marriage of her daughter on the orders of a jirga to settle a murder case.

Devil quoting scripture

Fawad Cahudhry chose the wrong leader to compare himself to

SeLF-deCePTIOn is the act or instance of deceiving oneself or the state of being deceived by oneself especially concerning one’s true worth and stature. Anybody suffering from it is prone to behave like a devil.Then he goes to any extent to justify his actions and behaviour.

Shakespeare said, “The devil will quote scripture for his purpose.”

That is exactly what the PTI spokesman and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry did. Talking to media men after his arrest he said that he was proud of the charges levelled against him as nelson Mandela also faced similar allegations. equating himself to that great man, who through his life-long imprisonment for the freedom of his nation and crusade against racial discrimination forced his tormentors to accept the legitimacy of his cause, is probably the joke of the century. Since he has let out this convulsion, it becomes pertinent to cast an eye on his political credentials and his stature as a political leader.He ran for Punjab Assembly seat in 2002 and lost badly as he could muster only 161 votes. He joined All Pakistan Muslim League which he quit in 2012 and joined the PPP. Between April 2012 and March 2013 he was appointed Special Assistant to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza gilani and Raja Pervez Ashraf with a status of state minister and also headed the Ministry of Information.

In 2013 he joined the PML(Q) and contested for a national Assembly seat but was unsuccessful. He also lost the provincial assembly election as he secured only 82 votes. He joined the PTI in 2016 and was elected to the national Assembly in 2018 as a result of rigged elections in favour of PTI and served as Minister for Information and Law.

His previous electoral record shows that he was not even a local level leader. The fact that he changed four parties before 2016 confirms his credentials as a turn-coat, a carpetbagger and an opportunist without any political ideology. The status that he enjoyed was granted to him and not earned by him.

Perhaps it would be pertinent to look at the

life and stature of nelson Mandela with whom Fawad has tried to equate himself. nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician who dedicated his life to fight apartheid and for the end of white minority rule in his native land. He spent 26 years in jail but never compromised on his avowed agenda and principles. Ultimately he emerged as a winner. He served as the first black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by fostering racial reconciliation instead of taking revenge for the excesses committed against blacks by the white rulers. His large-heartedness and visionary policies earned him the stature of a global statesman. He was acclaimed as a larger-than-life political figure and an icon of freedom movements of the oppressed. no wonder that his quotes serve as a beacon light for people fighting for national causes and their fundamental rights.

Perhaps it would be pertinent to share some of his thoughts about leaders and their role. According to him “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people. I am fundamentally an optimist. whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build. A real leader uses every issue, no matter how serious and sensitive, to ensure that at the end of the debate we should emerge stronger and more united than ever before.”

The foregoing thoughts of Mandela remind us that there are many qualities of a great leader. To be a great leader, one must never give up, try to bring people together and be selfless. Leadership is about working with and for others to achieve a common goal that benefits everyone.

nelson Mandela dedicated his life to the people of South Africa and to undoing the harmful, institutionalized racism in the country. His accomplishments show us that positive change is attainable. He is a source of inspiration for millions around the world.

what to speak of comparing the stature of Fawad with Mandela, even the chairman of PTI, Imran Khan, is nowhere near even to the puff of dust of the feet of nelson Mandela. while Mandela worked for reconciliation and unity of the nation. Imran Khan has divided the nation and introduced a culture of violence in politics.

His entire politics revolves around political vendetta, false narratives, contempt for his political opponents and heaping unwarranted scorn on state institutions. He suffers from delusional hubris His exploits as a playboy are a matter of shame that nullify his moral credentials.

Following his footsteps and philosophy

Fawad has proven to be more loyal than the

What to speak of comparing the stature of Fawad with Mandela, even the chairman of PTI, Imran Khan, is nowhere near even to the puff of dust of the feet of Nelson Mandela. While Mandela worked for reconciliation and unity of the nation. Imran Khan has divided the nation and introduced a culture of violence in politics

king. He is known for foul-mouthing political opponents and the state institutions. He was on the forefront to heap undesirable flak on the election Commission of Pakistan, particularly on the person of the Chief election Commissioner and also hurled threats of consequences for the members of the Commission and their families.

The crossing of the Rubicon has justifiably landed him into trouble. The eCP could not take any more nonsense from a loose cannon like Fawad Chaudhry and got an FIR registered against him. He is surely guilty of a serious crime. Is it not shameful for a man with such dubious credentials to compare himself with one of the greatest ever global leaders like nelson Mandela?

Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic. He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail.com.

It is common practice in the country that jirgas and panchayats deal with disputed matters that often result in miscarriage of justice. The jirga system prevailing in Balochistan and erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) entails inhuman ‘punishments’ and unbelievable ways to prove one’s innocence or guilt. These are as brutal as they are in defiance of logic and even common sense. In 2019, the Supreme Court declared illegal the powers of jirgas and panchayats and ruled that such matters must be settled only through routine judicial process. Also, the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, provides for punishment of up to six months to those who arrange such marriages. And yet, such incidents continue to take place. The relevant ministry, parliament and higher judiciary need to look into the matter and work jointly to declare such practices an offence by providing corresponding punishment, and by putting in place a strict check on the exercise of arbitrary decisions by jirgas.

SAIRA AHMAD TOBA TEK SINGH

Eve-teasing rising

MUCH is being written about the worsening law and order situation in Karachi, and rightly so, but another matter that needs urgent attention of the authorities but is being largely ignored is that of eve-teasing in the city. no girl feels safe going outside as harassment on the streets is rapidly increasing with every passing day. girls are not safe in shopping malls, parks, restaurants, streets, cinemas … anywhere. They are not safe even in hospitals when taking care of some family member there. what happened at a recent food festival in the city was a true depiction of what life has unfortunately become in this city of lights which now stands engulfed by darkness.

It is apparently easy for society at large to ignore the verbal assault girls have to put up with in markets, on streets and at bus stops. The mental anguish, the psychological toll, the emotional trauma on the girls at the receiving end is hard to put in words. It is unfortunate that the police force has not time or inclination to make a move against the eve-teasers. There is a ‘boys will always be boys’ attitude towards this whole activity. while the dip in law and order situation is partly explained by the rising poverty in society, what justification or rationalisation is there for eve-teasing? none. none at all. At least we can have more women police constables doing the rounds in markets across the city to send a signal to the eve-teasers that they may be caught. Something. Please.

ZEBA KARACHI

Colonial mindset

FIRST impression is the last impression, they say, and I tend to agree. I recently flew a newly launched airline and the uniform of the cabin crew, especially the air hostesses, left me puzzled.

As it turned out, I was not the only one who was put off by the choice of attire. Many of us doctors, while having a cup of tea in our seminar room later in the day, wondered why that airline would have chosen such a uniform for its identification. Red is my favourite colour, but shirt and trousers for female cabin crew is a clear deviation from cultural values. A dress code of the west has been applied to a South Asian airline; why? Is Pakistani shalwar-kameezdupatta combo outdated? Are our own traditions and styles outmoded? It seems that after decades of ‘independence’, we still want to look like our former colonial masters. Are we a slave nation? Had the name of the airline been ‘western Airline’ or something similar, I would never think of that dress as objectionable, but the name was anything but western. However, choosing a name steeped in patriotism and choosing a staff uniform steeped in western values is indicative of confusion among the decision-makers. Fly this new commercial airline and you will understand that even in next 100 years we can never improve our education, industry and development because we want to hide our failures in some confused appearance where we can take sighs of relief by bluffing our minds that we are as successful as ‘them’.

I had wanted to try the new airline to see what good it has to offer, but when I entered the aircraft, the sight of hostesses just turned my dopamine levels into a cortisol surge, only if you know what I mean. A few days later, I overheard some male colleagues discussing how air hostesses were disrespecting their profession by choosing to wear such uniforms. But the problem is not with the hostesses. They are simply wearing the uniform chosen by the management. The management of the airline concerned should either change its name to something less patriotic, or change its dress code to something more Pakistani.

WARDAH SALEEM KARACHI

MAlIk MuhAMMAd AshRAf

russo - indian economic ties during Wartime: oil, currency and the arctic

RUSSIA AND INDIA HAD REJECTED THE USE OF THE US DOLLAR AND THE EURO FOR TRADE ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES

eurasia daily monitor/Jamestown Foundation SErGEy SUkhankin

fOLLOWING the launch of Russia’s allout war of aggression against Ukraine and growing international economic-political isolation, the Kremlin’s contacts with major regional and international powers have shrunk to three primary players: China, India and Turkey. Specifically, current and prospective ties are being cultivated between Moscow and New Delhi in the realm of economic and business cooperation. Overall, Russia and India are considering the use of national currencies in bilateral trade, India`s future moves in the trade of non-renewable energy resources and cooperation in the Arctic.

To begin with, Moscow and New Delhi have been discussing using their respective national currencies in bilateral trade. On December 21, 2022, Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special representative to Afghanistan and director of the Second Asia Department at the Foreign Ministry, solemnly stated that Russia and India had rejected the use of the US dollar and the euro for trade arrangements between the two sides (Vedomosti, December 21, 2022). Later, it was reported that at least six Russian banks—including Sberbank and VTB—received permission to open special accounts in India’s financial institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India. This move allows the Russian entities to make direct transactions for Indian goods in rupees (Kommersant, December 13, 2022). Presented by mainstream Russian experts and information outlets as an undisputed success, the value of this move may be seriously undermined by three main factors: an extremely low trade dynamic between both countries, a visible imbalance in bilateral trade, as well as challenges related to the use of the Indian rupee.

Regarding the first factor, in 2021, the volume of bilateral trade between Russian and India came to a mere $11 billion, while trade between the United States and India for the year totaled $119 billion (Kommersant, December 12, 2022). Indeed, in 2022, the Indian-Russian trade balance grew; yet, this mainly resulted from India’s skyrocketing purchases of Russian oil at a huge discount. In the future, the importance of this pillar could be challenged, as India may in fact reduce its imports

of Russian oil. This would most likely happen if the price goes back up—and Moscow refuses to grant New Delhi a special discount.

As for the second factor—the significant trade imbalance—in the first nine months of 2022, the volume of Russian goods purchased by India came to $28 billion. however, in the reverse direction— Russia purchasing Indian goods—the total was a measly $2.3 billion, 14-percent less than the previous year. As noted by Mikhail Zadornov, chairman of the management board of Otkritie FC Bank, “We [Russia] do not have any goods that we can import from China and especially India compared to the volumes of oil, gas and oil products destined for these countries” (RBC, January 5).

Furthermore, experts note that the use of the Indian rupee—which has lost more than 10 percent against the US dollar and 25 percent against the ruble in value—in trade between Moscow and New Delhi poses one major strategic challenge: Namely, it will be problematic for Russia to deal with the oversupply of rupees that it is set to receive for its raw materials, especially given the aforementioned trade imbalance (Nezavisimaya gazeta, December 12, 2022). In a related comment, Alexey Zakharov of the Moscowheadquartered National Research University higher School of economics also noted that the massive trade imbalance—which is unlikely to disappear— reveals the actual interest of Indian businesses in the Russian market. Zakharov added that the idea of India prospectively turning into Russia’s “hub for parallel import” looks more like “Russia’s dreams” rather than a potential reality. In fact, India is seriously concerned with the prospect of secondary Western sanctions and, as such, is unlikely to jeopardize its ties with the United States and the european Union (Nezavisimaya gazeta, December 12, 2022).

Beyond currency considerations for trade, Russia and India have also been locked in discussions on the trade of hydrocarbons. economic sanctions have reduced Russia`s oil exports, with the resulting increased export flows to India making the country the top destination for Russian oil exports in 2022. This, however, came at a price: Russia had to sell its oil at a huge discount—reportedly at $38 per barrel (The Insider, December 29, 2022)—which “put Russia’s oil producers on the brink of economic unsustainability” (The Moscow Times, November 29, 2022). The real challenge for Russia is that India is

Violence in israel-Palestine: the risk of a third intifada

Guardian Editorial

likely to only continue purchasing these exports at such a high volume so long as the discounted rate remains intact. In fact, according to Indian sources, New Delhi is allegedly considering joining the price cap on Russian oil if its price exceeds $60 per barrel or if the eU decides to impose blanket secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil (Telegraphindia.com, January 10). Talks about joining the price cap started to circulate in India back in September 2022; yet, according to an unnamed government official, their practical realization was contingent on the establishment of alternative supplies from Venezuela and Iran (The economic Times, September 6, 2022).

Finally, India and Russia have been looking for options to bolster their cooperation in the Arctic, which de facto should be viewed as a combination of the economic and political aspects of their relationship. Since the outbreak of its war against Ukraine, Russia has been trying to convince its foreign partners—primarily in the Indo-Pacific region—to invest in the resource-endowed Arctic region and, as a result, cash in on exclusive opportunities for regional trade and logistics (Kremlin.ru, April 13, 2022). Yet, these sentiments have received little attention from either India or China. More recently, Russia has tried to make up for its de facto (for now. temporary) eviction from the Arctic Council by creating the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Legal Research in the Arctic, which aims to attract foreign—primarily, Indian and Chinese—experts, scientists and policymakers to issues and problems related to the Arctic region (Kommersant, December 14, 2022). For now, the results of this initiative are unknown. That said, India—to even a greater extent than China—is unlikely to embark on major costly projects in the Arctic. The lack of interest on the Indian side in terms of providing financial capital observed before the war coupled with international sanctions underline New Delhi’s wariness in developing projects for the Arctic, especially as Russia has become a pariah state on the global stage. In conclusion, one additional aspect needs to be underscored: The aforementioned prognosis will only be proved or dismissed based on the actual results of future developments, including whether the West’s economic sanctions regime will work as designed. however, one practical aspect is clear: India may be slowly trying to distance itself from a toxic partner. Specifically, the end of 2022 was marked by the cancellation of the traditional Russian-Indian Summit—which has taken place every year since 2000 at the inception of the Russian-Indian strategic partnership—with no explanations provided (Kommersant, December 12, 2022). While a small detail, this development might be quite telling for the future of Russian-Indian relations during wartime.

the question is no longer whether a third intifada could happen, but what can be done to avert it. In a recent poll, 61% of Palestinians and 65% of Israeli Jews believed it was on the horizon. As violence escalates, the crisis of domestic political leadership demonstrates why others must step up; but Antony Blinken has demonstrated that no one should expect the US to do so. The secretary of state flew to the Middle east this week for talks with the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Palestinian president and prime minister, Mahmoud Abbas and Mohammad Shtayyeh, but vague calls for calm won’t end the crisis.

Some have argued that a third intifada is under way already. Last year was the bloodiest on record in Israel and the West Bank and Jerusalem since the second intifada ended in 2005, with about 150 Palestinians and 30 Israelis killed, and another 49 Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in August. Then, last Thursday, the deadliest Israeli army raid in the West Bank in decades killed 10 Palestinians. A day later, a Palestinian gunman shot dead seven Israelis outside a synagogue – the worst such terrorist attack in years. Further copycat and retaliatory attacks have followed.

The underlying issue is the ever remoter prospect of a twostate solution, which the US supports in name but does nothing to advance. Support for a two-state solution has shrunk dramatically among both Palestinians and Israeli Jews, falling to its lowest level since polling began about two decades ago. With no viable path to their own state, Palestinians see settlements consume ever more land and little prospect of change to conditions which Amnesty International, human Rights Watch and a UN rapporteur – as well as the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem – have described as a form of apartheid, though distinct from that seen in South Africa. Two developments heighten the current danger. The first is that illicit firearms are circulating far more widely in the West Bank. The second is the state of politics. Israel has the most farright and anti-Arab government in its history. Its national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was once convicted of inciting racism; don’t expect an arsonist to douse the flames. On Sunday, he pledged to make it easier for Israeli civilians to carry guns. The government has set its sights on the judiciary, which could put at risk limited legal constraints on settlement expansion and facilitate annexation, and is pursuing collective punishment –illegal under international law – even more enthusiastically than before. Meanwhile, the ailing, unpopular Palestinian Authority has not held elections for 16 years and is seen by many as essentially Israel’s security contractor. Newer militias float free of both Fatah and hamas. The real risk comes if political rhetoric supercharges acts of violence.

Joe Biden has given unstinting support to Israel throughout his political career, and as vice-president he saw the Obama administration’s half-hearted attempt to re-engage with the issue go down in flames. Dealing with Iran and maintaining pressure on Moscow are bigger priorities. Far from trying to rein in the Israeli government, the US – along with the UK and others – denounces Palestinians for attempting to pursue accountability in legal forums. Undemocratic Arab states have moved steadily closer to Israel. escalating violence is not inevitable. But every sign points in the wrong direction, without anyone willing to take real action to pull things back from the brink.

netanyahu should cancel his upcoming trip to Washington

NETANYAHU SHOULD FOCUS ON THE CURRENT TURMOIL IN ISRAEL BEFORE MEDDLING WITH WASHINGTON’S AFFAIRS AND MANAGING THE US-ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP

Obama’s back to lead their campaign against the deal, including an unprecedented speech before Congress castigating the Obama administration.

Little wonder that the Israeli leader did much damage to his and Israel’s relations with Democrats and Jewish supporters of the JCPOA, and particularly president Barack Obama and his vice president, Joe Biden. Biden once told Netanyahu, “Bibi, I don’t agree with a damn thing you say but I love you.’’

system, undermine the separation of powers and erode the nation’s democracy. Netanyahu brushed him off with a version of “trust me,” and turned to Iran.

The prime minister is said to be planning a trip to Washington in the coming weeks. Lobbying against a revived JCPOA would be high on his agenda.

the United States and Israel just concluded their largest-ever joint military exercises, with Israeli jet fighters escorting American B52s, submarines of both nations far below the surface and a whole lot of hardware in between. Operation Juniper Oak 23 was a clear message to Iran of America’s commitment to go the distance to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

President Joe Biden insists he is deadly serious about keeping the military option on the table and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly said privately that he doesn’t believe him. Biden wants to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement negotiated by the Obama administration when he was vice president.

NETANYAHU’S INVOLVEMENT: Netanyahu was a bitter opponent of that deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and went so far as to collude with Congressional Republicans behind

Biden is not the only American leader who distrusts Netanyahu. That group includes presidents Bill Clinton, Obama, Donald Trump and several former secretaries of state. Most recently, Mike Pompeo, Trump’s top diplomat, wrote in his just-published memoir that Netanyahu lied about a discussion of a mutual defense treaty between Washington and Jerusalem

Netanyahu also has a notorious record for meddling in partisan US politics, almost always on behalf of Republicans. he tends to have warmer relations with autocratic rulers than with the West’s democratic leaders.

Biden’s secretary of state, CIA chief and national security adviser have all been in Israel in recent days to emphasize America’s deep and enduring commitment to Israel’s security. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jerusalem this week assured Israelis the alliance remains ironclad. however, it is showing signs of rust that need attention. he spoke of the imminent threat to core democratic principles, the rule of law and equal justice. That reflected the president’s deep concern and that of many of Israel’s friends about Netanyahu’s plans to emasculate the Israeli judicial

Biden should tell Netanyahu to stay home. he has all the assurances anyone could ever need from the highlevel visitors and joint military operations to say nothing of more than $3.8 billion (NIS 13 b.) in annual aid provided by American taxpayers.

The man known as “Bibi’s brain,” Ron Dermer, flew to Washington as soon as he took office as minister for strategic affairs. he wanted to talk to old friends in Washington about Iran. That had to worry White house aides. They remember him as Netanyahu’s ambassador in 2015 who blindsided president Obama by arranging for house Republicans to invite Netanyahu to speak to Congress against the Iran nuclear agreement and lead the GOP lobbying campaign.

Despite Biden’s hopes to renew the agreement which Trump shredded, new Iranian demands make that highly unlikely. But that’s only one element of a tangle of potential problems between the two leaders. A new, partisancharged visit by Netanyahu will likely make them worse.

Leading friends of Israel in Congress are openly critical of where he and his extremist coalition are leading Israel. Many longtime supporters are speaking out, notably senior Jewish lawmakers like Reps. Jerry Nadler and Brad Sherman, as well as Senators Robert Menendez, Jacky Rosen and Lindsey Graham.

Republicans will exploit this criticism for partisan gain in their old wedge politics game of “we love Israel more.” Netanyahu and Dermer, who was a GOP operative before making aliyah, are old hands at that game and it is unhealthy for a bipartisan consensus for Israel. They’ve done much to erode support for Israel among Jews and Democrats, and AIPAC made matters worse with its endorsements and millions in contributions to dozens of election deniers and supporters of the Trump insurrection.

Netanyahu should also stay home so he can mind the shop as violence is spreading, the Palestinian Authority has halted security cooperation and a Third Intifada may be brewing. Seven Jews were murdered outside their eastern Jerusalem synagogue last Friday night on International holocaust Remembrance Day and Palestinians celebrated the deaths.

There is genuine concern that extremists in the government will try to exploit the tensions for their purposes. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Kahanist national security minister with a long history of racist incitement and his allies are calling for making gun licenses easier to get, revoking social security benefits for families of attackers, deportation, a death penalty for Arab terrorists but not Jewish terrorists, and the strengthening of settlements.

Another good reason for Netanyahu to stay home, where he is on trial on several corruption charges, is that he doesn’t know what his ultranationalist and ultra-religious partners might do while he’s away.

Operation Juniper Oak 23 was a dress rehearsal for a possible joint US-Israeli attack on a nuclear-armed Iran. It was also a demonstration that the strategic alliance remains solid, even as the political and diplomatic one is frayed, as are Israel’s relations with the Democrats and the Jewish community.

The writer is a Washington-based journalist, a consultant, a lobbyist and a former American Israel Public Affairs Committee legislative director.

Jerusalem Post doUGlaS BlooMFiEld

Domestic political failures require others to step up, but tepid calls for calm from the US are not remotely sufficient

NOT-BY- PROFIT

DEBUNkING FOUR MyTHS SURROUNDING SOvEREIGN DEBT RESTRUCTURING

islamabad news desk

WRITINGfor Dawn

Karachi:Foodpanda collaborates with Driving License Sindh for renewal & issuance of learners driving license. foodpanda, country’s leading online delivery service provider, recently collaborated with Driving License Sindh (DLS) to renew the licenses of its delivery riders and employees in Karachi. in addition to renewals, temporary learner’s licenses were also issued. pr

Naval chief visits forward Naval posts; inaugurates hospital at Turbat

Karachi: chief of the Naval Staff admiral Muhammad amjad Khan Niazi visited forward posts in coastal areas and inaugurated a 25-bed hospital at Turbat. The state of the art hospital is aimed to provide quality medical facilities to local populace along with troops.

Upon arrival at Turbat, Naval chief was received by commander Pakistan Fleet Vice admiral Ovais ahmed Bilgrami. chief of the Naval Staff was given detailed briefing on operational preparedness of units and deployed troops. Naval chief interacted with the troops and expressed full satisfaction on operational preparedness and combat readiness. he appreciated the high morale of troops in ensuring impregnable defence of the country in the prevailing challenging environment.

The Naval chief also reiterated Pakistan Navy’s resolve to safeguard the maritime frontiers of the country besides ensuring socio-economic uplift of coastal community as foremost initiatives. pr

Successful crackdown on illegal issuance of SIMs

islamabad: Pakistan Telecommunication authority (PTa), in collaboration with Federal investigation agency (Fia), has carried out a successful raid, against illegal activation of SiMs, at a franchisee of mobile company in Wah cantt. During the raid, digital equipment including laptops, Pcs, mobile phones and SiM cards (both active and inactive) were confiscated. a total of four suspects were arrested. Earlier, PTa had filed a complaint with Fia after abnormal SiM sale pattern was observed at the sale channel. it is pertinent to mention that PTa has recently launched Multi Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS) in December 2022 and the raid is part of its efforts to proactively control the attempts being made to bypass the new system. it is testament to PTa's commitment and persistent efforts in curbing illegal issuance of SiMs. pr

Digital Cooperation Organization hosts 2nd General Assembly in Riyadh

Karachi: The Digital cooperation Organization (DcO) will host the 2nd General assembly in riyadh, Saudi arabia, on the 5th of February, bringing together DcO Member States to discuss strategic directions and initiatives to enable digital prosperity for all nations.

Ministers representing the 13 DcO member states, along with high-level delegations from DcO observers, as well as representatives from guest countries and international organizations will convene for the General assembly, to discuss the state of the digital economy and the challenges facing all nations in achieving equitable global digital growth and development. The 2nd General assembly will be the first-ever in-person meeting of the DcO Member States, marking two years of progress for the international organization which has been founded to help achieve social prosperity and growth by unifying efforts to advance and promote interest in the digital economy.

The monumental event, taking place at the Fairmont hotel in riyadh, will also reflect the qualitative leaps made by the member states in its shift toward a tech-powered economy. Deemah alYahya, Secretary-General of the DcO said: “Digital technologies have immense potential to transform economies and empower groups including women and entrepreneurs with new opportunities, especially that 70% of the new value created in the global economy over the next decade will be based on digitally enabled platforms so it is of critical importance that all nations have the same ability to leverage the power of digitalization to achieve their goals. pr

Nadir Cheema shed light on four myths surrounding sovereign debt restructuring and the fear of defaulting on loans. Despite being feared, almost all governments around the world have indulged

in some form of default in their history. The article states that the biggest challenge to sovereign debt restructuring is not economic, but political. The four myths discussed in the article are as follows: Avoiding restructuring is always the best course of action. Access to external credit markets depends on current payments on commercial external debt.

Commercial debt constitutes a tiny fraction of total public external debt.

Loss of financing from international financial institutions after restructuring.

The article concludes that the biggest impediment to sovereign debt restructuring is political, not economic. Policymakers should focus on how to proceed with restructuring in an orderly manner rather than avoid-

Time for 'radical' and fast-paced economic reforms

islamabad

Writing for Business Recorder, Dr Sajjad Akhtar says that for more than a decade, Pakistan's Public Secotor Development Programme (PSDP) has been based on foreign loans, increasing debt. The PKR is printed as a credit entry and mostly spent on construction, with incoming USD used to pay previous debt. However, construction projects often have cost overruns, leading to a fiscal deficit.

The author suggests that in order to stabilise the fiscal deficit, public investments at the federal level in new construction, including grandiose projects, need to be put on hold for the next 5 years. A cutoff point of less than 25% completion for those under construction should be put on hold for the next 3 years until healthy primary surpluses are generated. Instead, domestic funded PSDP should be devoted to increasing education and health budgets, TVET, IT infrastructure, and IT human capital.

In agriculture, the author suggests low-hanging fruit for making it export-oriented in the shortest possible time of 5 years is increasing exportable surpluses of 'fruit' and livestock. The author says that sugar cane is a threat to agriculture, water resources, and the environment and suggests shifting the land from sugarcane production to cotton and/or fruit growing and/or livestock production for efficient use of scarce water resources.

The author suggests shifting to direct taxation, eliminating all subsidies and tax expenditure, in order to increase exports.

The author notes that subsidies and tax expenditure are estimated to be PKR 2 trillion and growing and that this reform cannot be undertaken without the cost of elevated inflation and loss of populism. In conclusion, the author calls for 'radical' and fast-paced economic reforms to increase exports, reduce the fiscal deficit, and create a sustainable economy.

To read the full article visit www.brecorder.com

Eight PAF officers promoted to rank of Air Vice Marshal

islamabad staff report

Eight officers of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Thursday were promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal (AVM).

The promoted Air Officers included Air Vice Marshal Imran Qadir, Air Vice Marshal Ghazanfar Latif, Air Vice Marshal Shahryar Khan, Air Vice Marshal Nauman Waheed, Air Vice Marshal Mehr Yar Saqib Niazi, Air Vice Marshal Abuzar Khan, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Asif Aslam and Air Vice Marshal Ghulam Shabbir.

Air Vice Marshal Imran Qadir was commissioned in GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in June, 1992 and received the coveted Sword of Honour. During his career, he has served as Chief Test Pilot of JF-17 program, commanded an Operational Conversion Unit, Support Wing and served as Commandant Combat Support, PAF Airmen Academy Korangi Creek. He has served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training-Officers) and is currently holding the prestigious office of Advisor to Chief of the Air Staff for Operations, Audit and Evaluation Cell at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. He holds a Master’s degree in War Studies and is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Air Vice Marshal Ghazanfar Latif was commissioned in GD(P) Branch of

Pakistan Air Force in May, 1993. During his illustrious career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Flying Wing and an Operational Air Base. He has served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Safety) at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. He is a graduate of National Defence University and holds a Master’s degree in War Studies. He is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat.

Air Vice Marshal Shahryar Khan was commissioned in GD(P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in May, 1993. During his career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Flying Wing, Military Training Wing and an Operational Air Base. He has also performed his duties as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.

The Air Officer has also served as Personal Staff Offi-

cer to Chief of the Air Staff and Senior Air Staff Officer at Regional Air Command. He holds a Master’s degree in National Security and War Studies. He is also a graduate of Advanced Staff and War College and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. The Air Officer is a recipient of Sitarai-Imtiaz (Military).

Air Vice Marshal Nauman Waheed was commissioned in GD(P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in May, 1993. During his career, he has commanded a Support Wing, a Fighter Squadron and an Operational Air Base. He has served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operational Research & Analysis) at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from National Defence University and has also served as Directing Staff at this prestigious institution. He is a recipient of Sitarai-Imtiaz (Military).

ing it, as it will only deepen the pain and result in a more difficult renegotiation in the future. Restructuring commercial debt is important for securing debt relief from official creditors and doesn't necessarily lead to the loss of financing from international financial institutions.

To read the full article visit www.dawn.com

Pakistan fastest growing app market with 35.4% increase in downloads

islamabad news desk

According to a report by Data Darbar, a private market intelligence platform, Pakistan was the fastest growing apps market in the world in 2022, with a 35.4% increase in app downloads compared to the previous year. This growth rate was almost three times that of China, which was the next country on the list. Despite being ninth in terms of absolute downloads, Pakistan ranked sixth globally in terms of hours spent on mobile apps, which were 161 billion hours in 2022.

The report stated that while Pakistan was second to Indonesia in terms of the number of active apps by local publishers, very few of these apps made it to the top charts in terms of traction and usage. WhatsApp Business was the most downloaded app, followed by Snapchat and WhatsApp Messenger, while Easypaisa was the most downloaded local app, followed by Jazz and Jazz Cash.

Overall, the report highlights Pakistan's growing potential as a thriving app market, despite being ranked ninth in absolute terms. The increase in app downloads and usage reflects the country's increasing adoption of technology, which will continue to drive growth in the sector in the coming years.

To read the full report visit insights.datadarbar.io

LADIESFUND Sustainability Luncheon at British Deputy High Commission

Karachi: Dawood Global Foundation held the 7th LaDiESFUND Sustainability Luncheon at British Deputy high commission Karachi where corporates and businesses were awarded for their commitment to UNSDG and women businesses trained in aligning with UNSDG, with trainers and speakers from UNiDO and UNDP including Peter hurst from the UK, Qasar Wasique ahmad from UNiDO Pakistan, and rida amjad Mirza and hameeda Kaleem from UNDP. Some businesses awarded include National Foods, hOM, EY, Glow & Lovely, Toni & Guy, and training was done of women professionals, SMEs, home chefs, and a handful of rural women. 10 LaDiESFUND Women of inspiration 2023 were also awarded and then mentored the guests. These women included Nargis rehman, Sharmila Farooqui, Shaniera akram, Dr. ishrat Lindblad, Naz Khan, hena Sadeq, Nighat Misbah, Dr. Mahnaz Shah, Niilofur Farrukh and Frieha altaf. LaDiESFUND President Tara Uzra Dawood welcomed guests, saying, "LaDiESFUND stands for women with economic power and voice and of course, impact and today we take that a step further strengthening that to sustainability and aligning women businesses and acknowledging corporates who are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and in particular: UNSG Goal 5: Gender Equality." pr

Bank Alfalah kept growth trajectory in 2022

islamabad: The Board of Directors of Bank alfalah Limited (BaFL), in its meeting held on February 2, 2023, approved the Bank’s financial results for year ended December 31, 2022. The Bank posted profit after tax growth of 28.1% compared to last year, standing at rs. 18.206 billion. This translates into earnings per share (EPS) of rs. 10.27 (2021: rs. 8.00). The exceptional performance of our team in executing the strategy and diversified product suite, resulted in Bank alfalah achieving an impressive deposit growth of 30.5% in 2022 which brought the deposit base to rs. 1.487 trillion. The Bank’s gross advances reached rs. 765.693 billion, showing a growth of 9.5%. Despite challenging market fundamentals, the bank’s credit performance was strong across all segments and products. Our non-performing loans ratio stood at 4.0% due to some prudent classifications whereas nonperforming loans remain fully covered with coverage at 107.6%, including general provisions. Moreover, the Bank, in light of uncertain economic conditions, has taken a general provision against the high-risk and flood impacted credit portfolio, which is economically vulnerable. pr

US ‘illegal confiScation’ of Xinjiang prodUctS to deStabiliSe global SUpply chain: chineSe fM

BEIJING staff report

theUS’ use of the non-existent “forced labor” issue as an excuse to illegally confiscate products from China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region destabilises the international supply chain, and will ultimately harm the interests of the US itself, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday, warning that China will take necessary measures to defend the rights of Chinese enterprises.

The remarks were made after Bloomberg reported Thursday that the US is beginning to confiscate imports of aluminium products suspected of “being made through forced labor,” particularly from the Xinjiang region, quoting one of the world’s biggest shipping firms Maersk.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun issuing confiscation notices on aluminium products under the so-called Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), according to a notice through Maersk’s official website.

A spokesperson from Maersk told the Global Times on Thursday that the notice is just a routine notification to remind customers of the latest legislation from the US.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that the US is once again using the non-existent issue of “forced labor” in the Xinjiang region as an excuse to politicise normal economic and trade cooperation.

“China will take the necessary measures to firmly defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises,” she said.

The spokesperson stressed that the US’ illegal confiscation of products from the Xinjiang region violates international trade rules and destabilises the international supply chain, and will ultimately harm the interests of the US itself.

Aluminium and items made from the metal have joined cotton, tomatoes and polysylicon in coming under scrutiny over links to the Xinjiang region after the CBP in late December and early January began issuing confiscation notices, naming aluminium as a fourth product, Bloomberg reported. The enforcement falls under the UFLPA signed by US President Joe Biden in late 2021.

Considering that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is reportedly planning a China visit in the near future, it is not surprising that the US has suddenly intensified its crackdown on Xinjiang products, Wang Jiang, an expert at the Institute of China’s Borderland Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, told the Global Times. “The US has once again pulled a card out of nowhere to pressure China, a routine tactic in US diplomacy.” however, since the US passed the UFLPA, it has never presented proof of even a single case involving “forced labor” in Xinjiang, but only “a presumption of guilt,” Wang noted.

pilgrims walk nine days to see pope francis in South Sudan

JUBA afp

hanah Zachariah is so determined to see Pope Francis in South Sudan that she walked nine days in sandals to reach the capital where he makes his long-awaited visit.

On Thursday, the 20-year-old reached the outskirts of Juba after walking most of the way from the central town of Rumbek — a journey of around 400 kilometres (250 miles).

She was not alone. Sixty other young pilgrims and spiritual leaders trod the distance, waving flags, singing hymns and preaching unity in a country scarred by years of civil war.

“We are walking for peace. When we reach Juba, we are going to welcome the pope. I am very excited to see him,” Zachariah told AFP, as passing cars honked their horns and cheered at the colourful convoy.

Francis arrives on Friday for a three-day visit to South Sudan, the first by any pope since the predominantly Christian nation split from Muslimmajority Sudan in 2011.

Its history since independence has been marred by five years of ethnic bloodshed that left 380,000 people dead and much of the young country in ruins.

Hosts want ‘urgent’ answers over saudi sponsorsHip of women’s world Cup

RIYADH AFP

Co-hostsNew Zealand and Australia said thursday they “urgently” want answers from FIFA over reports saudi Arabia’s tourist board will sponsor the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Visit saudi is reportedly poised to be named among the sponsors of the 32-team football tournament to be held in New Zealand and Australia from July 20. officials from Football Australia and New Zealand Football said they were not informed about the planned deal and “have jointly written to FIFA to urgently

clarify the situation”.

In a statement, Football Australia said it was “very disappointed” that they “were not consulted on this matter prior to any decision being made”. their counterparts in New Zealand said they were “shocked and disappointed” that FIFA had not consulted them.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said he expects two billion viewers to tune into the ninth edition of the Women’s World Cup. World football’s governing body hopes it will expand the growth of the women’s game, with the tournament split between two nations for the first time. the planned sponsorship deal drew heavy criticism.

Australian former international Kathryn Gill said FIFA is “obliged to respect all internationally recognised human rights and to exert its considerable leverage when they are not being respected or protected”.

“the players’ objective is to make the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup a genuine force for good and they will continue to hold FIFA to account when they undermine this,” added Gill, co-chief executive of Australia’s professional footballers’ union.

Amnesty International’s Australia campaigner Nikita White questioned how saudi’s tourism body could sponsor a Women’s World Cup when “as a woman in saudi Arabia, you can’t even have a job without the permission of your male

guardian”. she also pointed to saudi Arabia’s “horrendous record of human rights abuses”. “the saudi authorities sponsoring the Women’s World Cup would be a textbook case of sports washing,” she added. the rights group has also urged New Zealand’s sports minister Grant Robertson “to speak out on saudi Arabia’s human rights record, urge true reform and pressure FIFA to do the same”. Robertson has said he will not comment because no official announcement had been made. After Gulf neighbours Qatar hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup last year, saudi is also spending big on football in an attempt to improve its image. on Wednesday, the oil-rich nation was confirmed as the host of football’s 2027 Asian Cup and is mulling a joint bid to host the 2030 men’s World Cup with Egypt and Greece.

Australian cricketer Khawaja finally gets visa to tour India

MELBOURNE

The AssociATed Press

Pakistan-born Australia cricketer Usman Khawaja was cleared to join the national squad for a tour of India after his visa issues were cleared up ahead of his rescheduled departure on thursday.

Cricket Australia said Khawaja was flying out of Melbourne, more than a day later than planned, after having to wait for his

visa to be approved. the other members of Australia’s 18-man squad were granted entry to India in time to take flights on tuesday and Wednesday to their training camp in Bangalore. It is not the first time Khawaja, who was born in Islamabad, has faced visa challenges when trying to enter India. In 2011, the top-order batter took to social media to say he had not been permitted to enter the country because he was not born in Australia. on Wednesday, Khawaja posted a popular meme on Instagram along with the hashtags “stranded”, “dontleaveme”, “standard” and “anytimenow.” the 36-year-old Khawaja hasn’t played in India in any of his 56 test matches dating back to 2011, although he has played other formats of cricket there.

Imran urges PresIdent to take note of ‘brazen meddlIng In PolItIcs’ by InstItutes

LAHORE agencies

fORMer prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)

Chairman Imran Khan has urged

President Arif Alvi to take note of alleged interference by the intelligence agencies and the establishment in political affairs and seek an explanation from the “black sheep” operating in state institutions.

In a letter written to the president on January 29, Imran said, “Today, the PTI Core and Parliamentary Committees met and unanimously passed a resolution requesting you as the President and the Supreme Commander of the armed forces to take note of brazen interference by intelligence agencies and some other sections of the establishment in the political sphere”.

“The most recent reflection of this was the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governor’s statement saying he could not give a date for the elections to the K-P legislature, as that would be given by the intelligence agencies and the

establishment,” he added.

The resolution further drew the president’s attention to the “brazen acts of abductions, sham FIRs, custodial torture and threats being meted out to the PTI workers and leaders”.

“The resolution calls on you [President Alvi] to take notice and take action against all these actions that contravene the Constitution, laws of the land and

fundamental human rights,” it added.

On January 29, the PTI chief chaired a meeting of the PTI Core and Parliamentary Committees, which was attended by PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, General Secretary Asad Umar and other party leaders.

On this occasion, the meeting unanimously passed a resolution, which stated that the PTI leadership drew the

attention of the President of Pakistan and the Supreme Commander of armed forces to the statement of Governor KP that an election date for the KP Assembly would be given by the agencies and establishment.

“The PTI leadership calls on the President to take notice of this growing interference by the intelligence agencies and other sections of the establishment in the political sphere. In addition, he must take note of FIRs, abductions, custodial torture and threatening phone calls against the PTI workers and leaders, being carried out at the behest of these black sheep in state organisations. This was bringing infamy on our military, which would lead to strengthening our external enemies and fifth columnists in Pakistan,” it added.

In the resolution, the PTI leadership also called on the president to not just take notice of these excesses, constitutional violations and total destruction of all fundamental human rights, but to seek an explanation forthwith against the “black sheep” identified repeatedly by the party leadership and independent media.

Pakistan urges Afghan govt to take ‘concrete steps’ against TTP

Pakistan expects sincere cooperation from the Afghan interim government to address the challenge of terrorism and hopes that Afghanistan will live up its commitments made with the international community and Pakistan in this regard.

This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, while replying to a question during her weekly news briefing here in Islamabad on Thursday.

She said terrorism is a common threat to both Pakistan and Afghanistan and we must take a strong stand against such entities that use violence against innocent citizens and law enforcement agencies.

The Spokesperson expressed Pakistan’s resolve to root out the evil of terrorism and safeguard the security of every citizen. She said we do not believe in accusations or finger pointing.

However, we would reiterate our expectations that no country should allow its territory to be used for per-

petrating terrorism against Pakistan, she said, adding that it is time that the commitments made to the world are fulfilled with sincerity and in good faith actions.

Responding to another question, the Spokesperson said Pakistan has a foreign policy that prioritizes developing good relations with all countries.

She said we have constructive dialogue with all countries, including Russian Federation, the United States, the European Union, and our neighbors. She said bilateral relations with Russia, including economic cooperation, will further deepen in the future.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch informed that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar will undertake a two-day visit to Sri Lanka from tomorrow (Friday).

The Spokesperson said the Minister of State will participate in the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka as a Guest of Honour. In addition to attending the Independence Day events, she will call on the Sri Lankan leadership and hold a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka.

She said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have historic ties that have grown steadily in all aspects of bilateral co-

operation. We also have worked closely in multilateral forums including SAARC, she added.

She said the visit of the Minister of State would contribute to enhanced understanding between the two countries and signal Pakistan’s support for Sri Lanka in a difficult time.

‘Look for reasons instead of blaming Afghanistan’

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Taliban-appointed foreign minister asked Pakistan to look for the reasons behind militant violence in their country instead of blaming Afghanistan.

The comments from Amir Khan Muttaqi came days after Pakistan said the attackers who orchestrated Monday’s suicide bombing that killed 101 people in Peshawar staged the attack on Afghan soil.

During a ceremony to inaugurate a drug addiction treatment centre in the capital of Kabul on Wednesday, Muttaqi asked Islamabad to launch a serious investigation into Monday’s mosque bombing in Peshawar.

He insisted that Afghanistan was not a centre for terrorism, saying if that was the case then attacks would have also taken place in other countries.

Installation of solarisation project to save foreign exchange: Pm

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said the installation of a countrywide solarisation project will help and ensure that Pakistan saves valuable foreign exchange which is currently being spent on imported fuel. Sharif made the remarks here on Wednesday at a meeting to review the implementation of energysaving measures in the country, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

He urged the concerned authorities to accelerate the process of solarizing the government buildings and complete them within the agreed time, and directed to finalise the policy regarding the production of electric motorcycles and solar panels.

The prime minister also instructed relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive plan of action for the replacement of fans with high electricity consumption.

He stressed on the need to make the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority more active and empowered for the purpose of saving energy in Pakistan, the statement said.

It was informed at the meeting that the solarization of 671 government buildings had already been started, the statement said, adding that conical baffles have been made mandatory in the manufacture of new geysers in Pakistan.

IHc

rejects

PtI plea challenging ecP’s verdict in prohibited funding case

ISLAMABAD staff report

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday rejected Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI)’s petition against Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision in prohibited funding case.

In its verdict reserved earlier, the IHC termed the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) report on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prohibited funding case [correct]. The court declared that the electoral watchdog was correct in issuing a show cause notice to the PTI and rejected party chief Imran Khan’s petition. The decision came after the former premier had challenged the ECP order in the prohibited funding case.

A larger bench consisting of IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Babar Sattar heard the PTI chief’s petition. The bench had reserved the judgment last month. Referring to the ECP order, Imran had argued in his petition that the commission had declared his party as foreign-aided and had denied his declaration, claiming that the accounts of political parties were handled by chartered accountants.

The former premier contended that the ECP targeted the PTI and made it a case of “pick and choose”. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq had previously remarked that the electoral watchdog’s decision in the prohibited funding case was an ‘observation’ and that if the PTI proved that the funds were not prohibited, the decision would have to be changed.