Epaper_23-02-5 KHI

FBR puts hold on implementation of IRS Common Pool Fund rules

PTA blocks Wikipedia over ‘blasphemous content’

PM Shehbaz, Maryam agree to placate disgruntled party leaders

EntirE Pakistani nation stands by kashmiris in quEst for frEEdom

Imran asks party cadres to start Jail

Bharo Tehreek ISLAMABAD

EntirePakistani nation stands together with their Kashmiri brethren and would continue to support the Kashmiris till they achieve freedom. On Kashmir Solidarity Day, President Dr Arif Alvi said that Pakistan consistently maintained that a lasting solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was possible only in

accordance with the relevant Un Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.

“Pakistan also urges the international community and organizations to take practical steps to hold india accountable for its gross and widespread human rights violations in iiOJK,” the president said in a message on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed on February 5.

“We observe this day to draw the attention of the international community towards the relevant

Un Security Council resolutions which provide that the final disposition of the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute would be made in accordance with the will of the people, expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United nations,” he stressed. IndIa can’t crush KashmIrIs’ Iron wIll wIth state terrorIsm: Pm Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that india is

mistaken if it believes it could crush the iron will of the Kashmiri people.

“no amount of state terrorism, unleashed by indian Occupation Forces, can break the will of the Kashmiris or undermine their legitimate struggle,” the prime minister said in a message on observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day.

the prime minister urged india to honour its commitments made to Pakistan, the Un and, above all, to the Kashmiri people.

“On behalf of the entire Pakistani nation, i want to assure our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them. We will continue to lend moral, diplomatic and political support to their just cause, until they attain freedom from indian oppression,” PM Office Media Wing in a press release quoted the prime minister as saying.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Imran aSkS party to GEt rEaDy For JaIlBharotEhrEEk

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

UPPINGthe ante, Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman and former premier Imran Khan Saturday urged the party leadership, workers and supporters to get ready for “Jail Bharo Tehreek” (Voluntary Imprisonment Movement), saying that he would make the announcement in this regard soon.

The former premier while announcing a new movement against the coalition government following the arrests of PTI leaders, said that the party leaders and workers should wait for his signal. The PTI chief said that the movement would convey to the ruling alliance which side the public stands with.

The PTI chairman while addressing his supporters via video link asked the workers and his party leaders to start preparation for the movement. Imran said that the ruling coalition was using tactics to delay the general elections, saying he never saw an

interim government in the country’s political history which was allegedly busy targeting the opponents.

In October last year, Imran had also announced a similar movement against the coalition government in an attempt to force the government to announce date for snap polls. However, it didn’t materialise. During the 2014 sit-in, Imran had also announced a civil disobedient movement.

In the televised address, Imran also warned against any move to delay the elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KP).

Imran said the governors of the provinces are supposed to give date for new elections so that polls could be held in the within 90 days of the dissolution of the provincial legislatures.

“I was advised against dissolving assemblies but I did it keeping in mind that Constitution requires elections to be held within 90 days,” he added.

The PTI chief also claimed that “powerful quarters” used several tactics including intimidation to avert the

World Bank resumes parallel proceedings on concern over Indus Water treaty

NEW DELHI ReuteRS

The World Bank said its decision to allow two separate proceedings to resolve a long-running disagreement over water between Pakistan and India to run in parallel was because it feared the stalemate endangered the historic Indus Water Treaty. The comments from a World Bank spokesman were provided to Reuters by email and were the first explanation as to why it had resumed parallel proceedings after suspending them in 2016. “The World Bank considers that the lack of success in finding an acceptable solution, despite the best of efforts by all parties involved over the past years, is a risk to the treaty itself,” the spokesperson said. “It has therefore decided to resume the two separate processes requested by India and Pakistan.” To solve the dispute, India has suggested the appointment of a neutral expert, while Pakistan is seeking resolution through proceedings in the Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which began on January 27. The neighbours have been arguing over hydroelectric projects on the shared Indus river and its tributaries for decades.

Pakistan complains that India’s planned hydropower dams will cut flows on the river, which feeds 80 percent of its irrigated agriculture. India has accused Pakistan of dragging out the complaints process since 2015 and says the construction of its Kishanganga and Ratle Hydro Electric projects is allowed by the treaty. India has boycotted The Hague court proceedings and on January 25 sent a notice to Islamabad asking it to agree to modify the 1960 treaty, put together by the World Bank, to bar third parties from intervening in disputes. “The treaty has been a profoundly important international agreement in support of peace and development for South Asia […] its preservation has been among the World Bank’s highest priorities,” the bank spokesperson said. “According to international law, a treaty may be amended by agreement between the parties.” Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday that India had asked Pakistan to notify a suitable date to start talks to modify the treaty. Pakistan’s attorney general’s office said on January 27 that the treaty cannot be unilaterally modified and that India was trying to divert attention from proceedings of the Court of Arbitration. The World Bank had said in 2016 the two separate approaches to resolving the water issue risked producing contradictory outcomes.

dissolution of the Punjab Assembly. “But despite all this, we secured confidence vote and dissolve assembly.”

Imran said despite the passage of 18 days of the dissolution of the provincial assemblies, the Punjab and KP governors have not yet given a date to the ECP for new elections.

“After 90 days, the Article 6 will be applied to all those who are part of this [interim] governments if new elections are not held,” he warned.

Separately, in a meeting with PML-Q leader Pervaiz Elahi, Imran held “some other

people” responsible for the latest arrests of PTI leaders.

Imran in the meeting said the coalition government is not concerned about law and order situation but to crush its opponents.

Without naming anyone, he said “some other people” are behind the vindictive actions of the government. The matter of elections of Punjab and KP assemblies also came under discussion during the meeting.

The former premier said the incumbent government will have to hold elections in both the provinces within 90 days failing which they will be tried under Article 6 for violating the Constitution.

the govt reSpondS: The announcement of Jail Bharo Tehreek soon drew reaction from the government side where Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb chided the PTI leadership by saying that it didn’t even have the courage to go to jail and the announcement was merely to use party workers.

The government’s spokesperson threw a gauntlet to PTI leadership to lead by

example and go to jail before the party workers and supporters. Before that, the information minister challenged the PTI leadership to first surrender before the courts and withdraw bails taken in different cases.

As she was addressing media, PTI’s vice chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi vowed that the party would fill all the jails of Pakistan on Imran’s call, saying this way the “fascist imported government’s wish” would be fulfilled. He said that the handcuff and torture was nothing and they could lay life for the motherland.

During the press conference, Marriyum while referring to Imran said that a man was repeating the same speech that he has been giving for the past 20 years. However, she said, it was not easy to mislead the people of Pakistan. During PTI rule, Marriyum said that Imran put opposition and journalists in jails, saying Imran even went to America and talked about taking revenge from political opponents. She said that people of Pakistan were in trouble due to the wrong decisions of Imran-led government.

ISLAMABAD

ejaz aRShad CheeMa

Two armed men allegedly raped a girl in F9 Park area of the federal capital at gunpoint, police said Saturday, an incident that has sent shockwaves across country.

The incident took place Thursday night when two armed men approached the victim at F-9 Park, who was there with her male colleague, according to the First Information Report (FIR).

The gun-toting aggressors took the two to a nearby thicket at gunpoint and separated them, according to the FIR. The attackers beat the young woman up when she pleaded with them to let her go and even offered them money in exchange for her

Federal Minister for Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman said that Imran Khan’s refusal to attend the All Parties Conference (APC) called by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reflects his priorities do not align with Pakistan’s security and interests.

Minister Rehman said,”As Pakistan goes through a time of great crisis, it is unfortunate to witness that Imran Khan continues to act out a narrative that has lost

its relevance & credibility. By calling the APC, the coalition government is trying to bring the country’s political leadership on one-page to discuss collective strategies to overcome the challenges the country is facing, but Khan’s politics of polarization only diminishes the national unity needed to fight national threats, particularly terrorism, on which he still signals ambiguity.” She continued, “Imran’s refusal to attend the Committee Meeting held in Governor House Peshawar to discuss the Peshawar Mosque tragedy anti-terror

Ego more important for Imran than Pakistan: Sherry Rehman Ms Khar, Sri Lankan FM reaffirm to further bilateral ties

COLOMBO Staff RepoRt

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickramasinghe on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to further the close and friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar called on President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickramasinghe here and discussed matters related to bilateral cooperation.

She congratulated him on the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka. The two dignitaries expressed satisfaction over close, cooperative relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

They recalled the shared Buddhist heritage and people-to-people links between the two countries. They agreed to further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in economy and trade, education, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

MoS Khar, Sri LanKan FM reaFFirM to Further Strengthen biLateraL tieS: On the other hand, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms Hina Rabbani Khar who is on two-day official visit to Sri Lanka held meeting with

meetings in Peshawar and the APC in Islamabad, that no party has ever refused in the past, no matter how deep the political differences, reflects Imran Khan’s selfish brand of politics. He has once again shown that PTIs politics is more important than saving Pakistan. For him this was an opportunity that narcissism squandered.”

The Minister stated that Imran Khan now says that he is not answerable for the current crisis because he is not in power anymore, despite the fact that PTI ruled in KP for the last eight years.

“Imran Khan thinks he can be acquitted by blaming others every time. Our government didn’t call Osama bin Laden a martyr, gave presidential pardon to convicted terrorists, or negotiated with the terrorists. All this happened under the disastrous tenure of PTI, for which innocent Pakistani citizens are now paying the price,” she said.She concluded, “Pakistan has already paid a heavy price against terrorism over the last two decades, with more than 80,000 Pakistanis losing their lives to this war. We will not allow the terrorists who have killed our soldiers, civilians, police, and leaders like Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed to raise their heads again in Pakistan.

“If Imran Khan continues to express differences on countering terrorism or refusing to renew national resolve to fight terror, he is basically continuing to convey a policy of tolerance for non-state actors.

Sana claims Bajwa, Faiz aided Imran ’till retirement day’

ISLAMABAD

MonitoRing

RepoRt

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries with him.

The State Minister congratulated Foreign Minister Sabry on Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Sri Lanka’s independence. The two Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to close friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The state minister and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister discussed the whole range of bilateral relations, and agreed to enhance multidimensional bilateral cooperation in political, economic and commercial, defence and education domains. Hina Rabbani and Ali Sabry agreed to continue cooperation at various international forums, including the United Nations and SAARC.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Ali Sabry on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to the close and friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The minister of state congratulated foreign minister Sabry on Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Sri Lanka’s independence, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release. They held a meeting on the sidelines of the Sri Lanka independence festivities.

Outcry as girl ‘gang-raped’ at gunpoint in Capital’s park

safety, the FIR reads.

The victim, when she tried to raise her voice, was beaten and threatened by the attackers they would call their “friends” to join them. Her attempts to run away were also foiled by the attackers, the FIR stated.

As the couple was leaving into a nearby thicket, the alleged culprits returned “all our things and gave us Rs1,000 to stay quiet”

while also telling the victim that she should not be in the park at this time of the night, according to the FIR.

Margalla police confirmed that a case had been registered against the suspects and the police had started investigating the incident.

The suspects are being traced through CCTV footage and Safe City cameras, according to police. The officials of F-9 park

were also being interrogated to find clues about the suspects, the police personnel added.

The victim underwent a medical examination at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Friday, confirmed the hospital sources. The sources said that marks of torture were

Former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, director general of the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) agency under him, aided former prime minister Imran Khan until their retirement in November of last year, claimed Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan. The minister’s comments, made during an interview on Geo News’ “Naya Pakistan” programme, follow recent assertions made by Maryam Nawaz, senior vice president of Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N). Interestingly, Khan has repeatedly accused the former army chief of playing a “double game” against his government. In an interview in December, Khan said he committed a “big mistake” by extending Bajwa’s tenure for another three years in 2019, expressing regret over putting his trust in him. He had said he believed everything Bajwa would tell him at the time due to their shared goal of saving the country, but felt he was eventually betrayed and did not realise how the lies were spoken to him. During the interview on Saturday, Sanaullah was asked about his thoughts on Nawaz’s remarks that her party’s government started after November 28 when Bajwa retired following the end of his second term. He claimed the “facilitators” of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party had retired on that date and that Khan was being made to do “all agitation” and was “being provided with all the consultation” prior to the retirement.

@ICT_Police? please find them & arrest them.”

Another user said that those responsible for the “heinous incident” should be immediately arrested and brought to justice.

“What is happening?”

found on the girl’s body.

Meanwhile, the samples taken from the victim have been sent to the forensic laboratory for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests. The forensic checkup of the woman confirmed that marks of rape were found on the body of the 24-year-old victim.

“There are injury marks on the leg, and face of the victim,” said sources in PIMs.

As the news of the attack spread, people took to Twitter to express their shock and disgust at the attack in the country’s capital.

One user wrote: “News about a heinous incident in Islamabad. A girl is raped by two armed men inside F9 park who told her after rape not to go for walk after sunset. What country Pakistan has become? How armed men entered Park & why no staff caught them

Others expressed concern about whether the culprits would be discovered and punished for their crime, and professed a lack of trust in the police department of the capital city.

“The incident of alleged gang rape of a woman in Islamabad F-Nine Park is very worrying. Will this case be investigated on its merits? Will the accused be traced?”

One user also wrote of the responsibility of the government in ensuring that justice is severed swiftly for such criminals.

“The government should not be a party to such cases and severe punishment should also be meted out, otherwise powerful people are easily acquitted. Usman Mirza’s case is an example of this.”

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

pakIStan aSkS talIBan ChIEF to rEIn In ttp aFtEr pEShaWar BomBInG

ISLAMABAD afp

ISLAMABADwill ask the secretive supreme leader of Afghanistan’s Taliban to rein in Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Pakistan after a suicide bombing killed scores of police in a mosque in Peshawar, officials said Saturday.

Since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in August 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a dramatic uptick in attacks in regions bordering Afghanistan, where

passengers: ‘It’s

ISLAMABAD

Xinhua

militants use rugged terrain to stage assaults and escape detection.

Detectives have blamed an affiliate of the TTP — the most notorious militant outfit in the area — for the Monday blast which killed 84 people inside a fortified police headquarters. The TTP share common lineage and ideals with the Afghan Taliban, led by Hibatullah Akhundzada who issues edicts from his hideaway in the southern city of Kandahar.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Faisal Karim Kundi, said delegations would be sent to Tehran and

Kabul to “ask them to ensure that their soil is not used by terrorists against Pakistan”.

A senior police official in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa told AFP the Kabul delegation would hold “talks with the top brass”.

“When we say top brass, it means [… ] Afghan Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada,” he said on condition of anonymity. Afghan officials did not immediately respond to AFP‘s request for comment.

But on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Pakistan should “not pass the blame to others”.

“They should see the problems in their own house,” he said. “Afghanistan should not be blamed.”

During the 20-year US-led intervention in Afghanistan, Islamabad was accused of giving covert support to the Afghan Taliban even as the country proclaimed a military alliance with the United States. But since the ultra-conservatives seized Kabul in 2021, relations with Pakistan have soured, in part over the resurgence of the TTP. The TTP — formed in 2007 by militants who splintered off from the Afghan Taliban — once held sway over swathes of

Current account deficit increases economic problems: Ahsan Iqbal

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Madiha Usman had the best experience of traveling with Pakistan Railways when she took a ride from Islamabad to Lahore in the recently launched coaches in the Green Line Express train service. Talking about the train on which she was traveling with her kids, the mother of four said she had been anxiously waiting for the new coaches since she heard about them on social media. “I had to visit my sister in Lahore and I purposely delayed it till the induction of these Chinese coaches in the service. I must say that I have never had such a good experience during my years of traveling with the railways, and I will recommend my relatives and friends to choose the comfortable train for their travel,” Usman said while curiously checking the LED screen in front of her in the train. The Green Line Express train halted the operation for about five months due to a flood which submerged railway tracks in Sindh province, and the service has resumed with nine Chinese coaches, including the six imported from China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation Tangshan Company in late 2022 and three recently refurbished carriages that were imported from China in 2015. Zareer Mahmood, station superintendent of the Rawalpindi Railway station, one of the busiest stations in the South Asian country, said that considering the coaches are the best in the system, the railway department has also provided the best possible facilities to the passengers traveling through it. “The ticket between Lahore to Karachi is around Rs8,500, slightly higher than other trains, but the passengers get good quality meals, free of cost tea, and personal use items at it,” he told Xinhua. Mahmood said that due to positive feedback on the coaches, all the tickets have been booked for over 10 days since its launch on January 27. Speaking from his office at the heavily crowded train station, Mahmood said the new Chinese coaches have not only shortened the distance because of their high speed but also provide comfy travel to passengers because of their advanced breaks which minimize the vibration and discomfort on the train. Addressing the ceremony of the formal induction of the carriages in the railways, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said the China-imported coaches would uplift the image of Pakistan Railways and help the department increase its revenue by attracting more passengers. He said the Chinese company has provided coaches to Pakistan with new features including WiFi services, washrooms for disabled people, modern chairs and infotainment facilities. People from every walk of life are traveling the newly inducted coaches and are calling it the best service provided by the railways.

Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday that economic problems increased due to current account deficit, while inflation ratio had been on the rise during the last five years.

He expressed these views while addressing a ‘Roundtable Conference on Economy’ here at Lahore School of Economics (LSE). Dean Dr. Azam Amjad Chaudhry also spoke at the conference.

The federal minister said that the current account deficit led to numerous economic problems, asserting that the previous government did not initiate any energy projects, though purchase of big vehicles continued. He mentioned that the energy crisis started in Pakistan after 2007. He made it clear that prior to the present government, the Ministry of Finance had made an announcement that quarterly funds of budget were not being released.

Ahsan Iqbal recalled that despite sanctions on Pakistan due to nuclear tests, the then government had provided funds for developmental projects. Pakistan had been facing problems due to political instability and economic policies could not flourish because of frequent political changes in Pakistan. He observed that every succeeding government blamed the previous government for its failure because projects were not completed in its five-year term. He said that a country could develop only with political stability for at least 10 years.

The minister said that Pakistan had Thar coal reserve, which was a bigger treasure than oil of Iran and Saudi Arabia. Thar coal could provide cheap

energy, he said and added that Pakistan could also enhance its energy generation by optimum utilisation from other energy resources such as wind, hydel and solar.

Ahsan Iqbal said that privatisation in telecom sector led to economic growth in the country, adding, “We got a peace plan in the form of CPEC (ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor), by which the country could increase its economic growth capacity. The structure of the economy is not very strong; however, CPEC attracted the world towards Pakistan like a magnet,” he said and cited that around 100 Chinese companies had opened offices in Islamabad.

He was of the view that Pakistan had dropped the economic growth catch due to 1965 war and no economic planning could be done properly with frequent changes of governments.

Ahsan Iqbal said, “CPEC is not a catch for cricket but for football. CPEC is a game-changer, and we all must not missed this great opportunity. China always stood with Pakistan in difficult times.”

The previous leadership had levelled baseless allegations of corruption in the projects of Chinese companies, and he was also accused of Rs 70 billion embezzlement in Multan-Sukkur Motorway project, he said and asserted that due to such baseless allegations, all companies closed their offices and went back and not a single dollar came to the country and the world’s trust in Pakistan had been lost during the last four years of previous government.

He remarked, “Pakistan’s push-start economy will have to be done by changing the engine battery. If import increases, emergency brake has to be applied. The push-start will not work for long, the battery of support will have to be invested in the economy.”

APBF laments ‘failed’ economic policies almost devour rupee

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has said that failure of the economic policies has pulled the local currency down by around 18% during just one week, with no result of the ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

President APBF Syed Maaz Mahmood urged the government to control volatility of rupee against the US dollar, as the industrial revival and economic growth is not possible without stability of local currency. He said that the massive devaluation of currency fuelled inflationary pressures, adding that two major factors contributed to the price hike.

Maaz Mahmood said that no relaxation in the IMF’s conditions has been made despite the government’s repeated request.

This continues to destabilize financial markets

leading to economic uncertainty.

The government has, however, assured the global lending institution that it shall implement all of its conditions.

APBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi said that the demand for US dollars has remained high in the system due to the piled up imported raw material lying at Karachi ports. The currency is market determined. Accordingly, the rupee-dollar exchange rate depreciates on the days when demand for the foreign currency appears higher than supplies in the market, he added.

As per the State Bank of Pakistan, the currency settled at 276.58, a decline of Rs5.22 or 1.89% against the US dollar. The currency has depreciated by 25.93% during the ongoing fiscal year against the greenback. In the open market, the rupee lost 6.50 rupees for buying and 7.50 rupees for selling against USD, closing at 280 and 283, respectively.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but were routed by Zarb-i-Azb, an army offensive after 2014.

But over the first year of Taliban rule, Pakistan witnessed a 50 percent uptick in militant attacks, concentrated in the border regions with Afghanistan and Iran, according to the Pak Institute for Peace Studies.

The TTP, notorious for shooting schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, has “arguably benefitted the most of all the foreign extremist groups in Afghanistan from the Taliban takeover”, a UN Security Council (UNSC) report said in May 2022.

khar, top Bangladesh diplomat discuss bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Deputy Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Foreign Minister Abul Kalam Abdul Momen of Bangladesh on Saturday discussed “mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation” in several arenas, especially economy and trade. The two diplomats met on the sidelines of the independence day celebrations in Sri Lanka, a Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press statement. According to Radio Pakistan, Khar expressed her satisfaction with the growing commercial relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. She emphasised the importance of enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties, as well as increasing tourism and people-to-people interactions. The minister also highlighted the shared perspectives of Pakistan and Bangladesh on various international issues, particularly those related to the Muslim world. Her comments reflect the growing cooperation and positive momentum between the two countries, analysts said. Pakistan and Bangladesh have made significant progress in strengthening their relationship over the years. The relationship took a positive turn in March 2021 when thenprime minister Imran Khan wrote a letter of congratulations to his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, on the occasion of Bangladesh’s 50th independence anniversary. Bangladesh’s response was positive, with Sheikh Hasina stating that her country is committed to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relationships with its neighbouring countries, “including Pakistan”.

pakhtuns, like past, will defeat enemies at any cost: Iftikhar

PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

Secretary General Awami National Party, Mian Iftikhar Hussain said here on Saturday that Pakhtuns would not hesitate to make any sacrifice to restore peace in their motherland and defeat the enemies at any cost.

Addressing the participants of Peace March in front of Peshawar Press Club, Mian Iftikhar recalled the attack on Army Public School and termed the recent attack on Police Lines mosque as a cowardly act of terrorists. He said that the Pakhtun nation was united to end militancy that created the deteriorating law and order situation. He said that it was most unfortunate that innocent Pashtuns were being targeted by terrorists, adding that concerned institutions should investigate the Police Lines blast and bring the culprits to the court of law. He further said our police are being targeted frequently and more than 102 families were affected in the recent explosion. We equally share the grief of heirs of martyred families, he said. Awami National Party Secretary Finance Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Secretary Youth Affairs Khan Zaman Kakar, Provincial General Secretary Sardar Hussain Babak, Senior Vice President Khushdil Khan Advocate, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour and other party workers were present on the occasion.

In meeting Shazia Marri, WB Director lauds BISP role in protecting vulnerable segments

WASHINGTON DC

Staff RepoRt

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Security Shazia Marri who is visiting the United States on the invitation of World Bank to share Pakistan’s experience on adaptive social protection held a meeting with Michal Rutkowski, Global Director for Social Protection and Jobs at the World Bank in Washington DC and discussed issues of bilateral interests.

Talking to the minister poverty alleviation, Director Rutkowski appreciated the important role played by Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and other institutions in Government of Pakistan’s swift, adaptive

and resilient response during the devastating and unprecedented floods last year. He acknowledged the significant contributions of BISP in protecting the livelihoods of the most vulnerable segments of Pakistani population, particularly in the aftermath of the floods.

Director Rutkowski praised BISP as a successful model and said it could be implemented by other countries in the region and beyond.

The Federal Minister conveyed gratitude on behalf of the Government of Pakistan at the prompt response and tremendous support extended by the World Bank during the catastrophic floods. She stated that BISP was launched in 2010, and since then it had become a resounding success in ameliorating

the fate of the poorest of the poorest families in Pakistan. She underscored that the scope and magnitude of the adaptive social protection strategies would be further enhanced in Pakistan and top priority would be accorded to education, healthcare and nutrition.

The Federal Minister said World Bank’s technical assistance would go a long way in maximizing the outreach and success of social protection programs in Pakistan.

Director Rutkowski assured the Federal Minister that World Bank would broaden its engagements and augment its assistance to Pakistan to foster better outcomes and enhance productivity of Pakistan’s social protection strategies through skill enhancement trainings and other means.

a gift from China to make our train travel comfortable’

All set for KAshmir solidArity dAy being observed todAy

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

KASHMIrSolidarity Day will be observed tomorrow Sunday to express whole hearted support of Pakistani nation to the just struggle of Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to selfdetermination under the UN resolutions.

The day will also be marked to expose worst ever oppression being perpetrated by Indian occupation forces against Kashmiris in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. One minute silence will be observed at 10:00 am across the country.

Solidarity walks will be organized in Islamabad, Muzafarabad, Gilgit and in four provincial headquarters. In the federal capital, the walk will be led by cabinet members including Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Asif and Qamar Zaman Kaira.

It will be joined by the parliamentarians and people belonging to different walks of life. Human chains will be formed at Kohala and other important points linking Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

Posters and billboards will be dis-

across the country.

Minister of State for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Nawabzada

Iftikhar Ahmed Khan Babar has stated that Kashmiris living on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and elsewhere in the world would observe Kashmir Solidarity Day on Sunday.

played on important roads, airports, and railway stations to highlight the plight of Kashmiri people. In connection with the day, debate and declamation contests as well as essay writing competitions will be organized in educational institutions

ihC bench reconstituted in former top judge Chaudhry’s suit against imran

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

After objections were raised to an Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench formed to hear former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry’s appeal against the interim decision of a trial court in a defamation suit against former prime minister Imran Khan, Justice Babar Sattar has been removed from the bench on Saturday.

Chaudhry filed his appeal in the court challenging the decision in the rs20 billion suit against Khan. To hear his appeal, the court formed a bench which was consisted of Justice Sattar and Justice Miangul Hassan.

But Chaudhry raised an objection over the inclusion of Justice Sattar in the bench saying he has through his opinion articles criticised his “judicial activism”.

In his plea, the former judge requester the court it was appropriate if Justice Sattar would recuse himself from the case. Subsequently, the IHC formed a new bench comprising Justice Hassan and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir. The bench will hear the case on February 9. Khan had levelled vote-rigging allegations on Chaudhry during the 2013 general elections.

As the matter is sub judice in the high court, the sessions court has postponed its proceedings on the case.

Addressing a joint news conference with National Assembly member (MNA) Wajiha Qamar and leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), the minister said that the government of Pakistan and the provincial governments had arranged several ceremonies to express solidarity with the Kashmiris. He appealed to the Pakistanis to participate in the demonstrations to convey a strong message of solidarity to their Kashmiri brethren. He particularly asked the young people to raise their voice for rights of Kashmiri people on social media.

Threats and talks can’t go together: PTI leaders

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Murad Saeed and Senator Faisal Javed said on Saturday threats and offers for negotiations could not go together as the government was registering cases against its opponents on one side and sending invitation for talks on the other side.

While talking to media persons outside a court, the PTI bigwigs said embroiling the opponents in the politically-motivated cases would not fix the worsening economy and depreciate the US dollar against the rupee.

The remarks of PTI leaders come as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited PTI Chairman Imran Khan to attend the All Parties Conference (APC), scheduled to be held on Feb 7, to

discuss the challenges being faced by the country.

Faisal Javed said: “We are ready for talks if the government announces a date for general elections in the country”. The PTI has been demanding early elections in the country since the

sh rashid sent to jail for two weeks over levelling allegations against Zardari

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Sheikh rasheed Ahmad, the chairman of the Awami Muslim League (AML) party and ally of former prime minister Imran Khan, has been sentenced to 14 days of judicial remand by a district and sessions court in Islamabad. He is charged with accusing former president Asif Ali Zardari of plotting to assassinate Khan. The case was filed by rawalpindi president of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), raja Inayat ur-rehman, and includes charges of criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between different groups, and statements conducing to public mischief. During the hearing, the police sought a five-day extension of Ahmad’s physical remand, however, the politician requested the court to take him to a hospital to treat his injuries and provide him with rangers’ security.

ouster of Imran Khan as prime minister through a no-confidence motion in April last.

He highlighted that inflation in the country had surged to a record level. He said the government was also planning to introduce a bill, adding that any curbs on journalism would not be accepted. Accusing the government of political victimisation of the PTI leaders, he said they were facing different cases on a daily basis. “I have been nominated in 13 cases,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader Murad Saeed said over 100 people, including policemen, were martyred in the Peshawar mosque blast. “We had been alerting the government about security situation since June last,” he said, adding that actions should be take to save the country from the menace of terrorism.

Kashmiris want int’l community’s due role for right to self-determination: Zardari

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

President of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians Asif Ali Zardari Saturday said that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) wanted a proactive role by the international community in getting their legitimate right of self-determination in line with the resolutions passed by United Nations.

In his message on Kashmir Solidarity Day, he said that Oc-

cupied Kashmir has become the largest prison in the world today, where violation of human rights has become a daily routine.

Asif Zardari said that Benazir Bhutto participated in the United Nations meeting as the Prime Minister along with the political leadership of IIOJK. Now Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has exposed Modi’s brutalities in Occupied Kashmir at the international level.

He said that the freedom of IIOJK from the Indian yoke

will establish lasting peace in the region.

Asif Zardari said that international human rights organizations should raise their voices against the atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that freedom of Kashmiri people is their fundamental and democratic right and the PPP will continue to extend political and moral support to the democratic struggle of Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination.

Dr Fai says it’s time to end charade in Kashmir

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Chairman of World Forum for Peace & Justice, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai has said that it is clear that resolving the Kashmir dispute requires a careful evaluation of its many points of contention and addressing them one by one in a carefully drawn-out process in which coming to an agreement on each sets the stage for moving on to the next.

Speaking at a seminar organized by ‘India Study Center’ of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) to commemorate “Kashmir Solidarity Day”, he said that the most basic set of principles must be established and adhered to regarding human rights, the interests of the Kash-

miris themselves, and the preservation of vital interests that both India and Pakistan have at stake, and then to proceed with steps toward objectives that result in a winwin solution for all.

While thanking the people of Pakistan for their continuous diplomatic support for the cause of Kashmir, Dr. Ghulam

Nabi Fai elucidated that the response by the world powers, including the United States to the Kashmiri situation must be based on the principles of the right of a people with a distinct historical and cultural identity to decide their own future; the sanctity of international agreements worked out by the United Nations; a peaceful and stable subcontinent free from the possibility of a regional nuclear ex-

change; and the consistent application of human rights standards.

Such an approach could lead to a just and peaceful resolution of the 76-year-old dispute that would be a lasting credit to U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration. On the other hand, reluctance to undertake such an initiative neither contributes to a long-term strategy of global peace and security nor answers the demands of human conscience and the principles of justice, he explained.

Dr. Fai warned that gimmickry and maneuvers, no matter by whom encouraged and approved, cannot be a response to a demand for which tens of thousands have shed their blood in Kashmir. To ignore this principle is to plan for failure. He called upon the inter-

The court reserved its verdict on the police’s request and gave the transcript of Ahmad’s interview to his lawyer, who argued the sections imposed in the case against his client were not valid and that Ahmad was subjected to torture during his police custody. Ahmad has also filed a plea in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking a restraining order against his transfer from Islamabad to Karachi. The former interior minister has accused the police of keeping him blindfolded and tied to a chair for hours during his two-day physical remand.

During the proceedings, the court ordered to uncuff him and later reserved its verdict on the police’s request for an extension of his physical remand. rashid’s lawyer argued the sections imposed in the case against his client were not valid and that Ahmad was subjected to torture during his police custody. The court gave the transcript of his interview to his lawyer.

In his plea to the high court, rashid requested the court to quash the case against him and restrict the authorities from lodging more cases against him. He also asked the court to declare the several complaints registered in Murree and Karachi as illegal and shift the case registered in Karachi to Islamabad. The petitioner also sought that the case be declared illegal, unlawful, and without lawful authority.

ig Punjab Police announces rs2.5m for wounded policemen

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

Usman Anwar, the chief of Punjab police, announced on Saturday rs2.5 million for policemen injured on duty, as part of a scheme aimed at the welfare of force. It was also suggested to announce rs10 million for handicapped policemen unable to perform their job. A report has been compiled to designate such posts to a special one as it’s for the killed policemen. The police also announced upgrading the medical package for partially and completely handicapped cops. Earlier, 12 police officers, including Kasur police chief Imran Karamat Bukhari, have been transferred by Punjab police. According to the notification issued by Punjab police, Bukhari has been replaced by Tariq Aziz Sindhu, and has been directed to report to Central Police Office (CPO).

national community and the UN Secretary General to fulfill their obligations towards the maintenance of peace as well as realization of the Kashmiris’ rights as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions.

He spelled out if there had been popular support in Kashmir for joining India, the dispute over Kashmir would have lasted for a year or so at the most. It would have dissolved long ago. He forewarned India that it is time to end the violence. It’s time to end the charade. It’s time for Kashmiris to sort out their own affairs and determine their own future, Fai added.

The Seminar was attended by representatives of diplomatic corps, academics, students, members of civil society, and senior officials.

Hindutva regiMe ConvertS Heaven-like valley into a killing field, SayS MuSHaal

ISLAMABAD app

MuShAAlhussein Mullick

Chairperson Peace and Culture Organisation said that the hindutva regime altered the heaven like valley into a killing field and urged the world powers and uN bodies to take “concrete and meaningful” steps for the full implementation of the uN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir. Speaking at an event organized by Kash-

mir journalist forum in connection with Kashmir solidarity, here on Saturday, she said that Kashmir was a flashpoint for nuclear war and the settlement of the dispute was necessary for lasting and durable peace in the region. She said that the Kashmir dispute must be settled according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and the uN resolutions which granted them the right to self-determination. She said that brutal Indian forces crossed all limits of barbarity and terrorism to dampen the courage of freedom fighters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and

Kashmir (IIOJK).

Mushaal said that Kashmiri people were being killed in fake encounters in the occupied territory on daily basis to spread fear among the people. The hurriyat leader stated that the top Kashmiri leadership including her husband Yasin Malik were imprisoned in fake and fabricated cases and deprived them of all legal and fundamental rights.

The chairperson reminded: “history tells us that struggles for freedom cannot be vanquished.” Mushaal vowed that the valiant Kashmiri people were bound to realize their

Sh Rashid moves IHC to avert ‘possible’ shifting to Karachi

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Awami Muslim league (AMl) chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Saturday filed a plea in Islamabad high Court (IhC) to stop his “possible shifting” to Karachi from Islamabad, but the Registrar’s Office raised objection to it.

The plea was filed by Sheikh Rashid through his counsel Sardar Abdul Razzaq Khan in the case of allegations against former president Asif Zardari. In

kashmir cultural festival begins at lok virsa to mark kashmir Solidarity day

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The National Institute of Folk and Traditional heritage (lok Virsa) in collaboration with Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir Culture Department and Federal Directorate of Education opened three-day “Kashmir Cultural Festival” to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed on Sunday (tomorrow).

The main objective of the festival is to promote Kashmir cause through a cultural perspective while expressing solidarity with the innocent Kashmiri people struggling for their right of self-determination in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The main features of the festival included Kashmiri Artisans-at-work, Kashmiri folk crafts, Kashmiri patriotic songs, Kashmiri folk songs, Kashmiri folk paintings, photo exhibition on Kashmir, Kashmiri cuisine, screening of video documentaries on Kashmir, Kashmir musical evening, stage drama on Kashmir, promotional stalls to promote Kashmir cause and display of banners bearing slogans in favour of Kashmir cause.

Federal Secretary, National heritage and Culture Division, Farina Mazhar, addressing the opening ceremony condemned the atrocities being committed by Indian troops on the innocent people of IIOJK for demanding their right of self-determination.

the plea, the AMl chief said that he referred to the statement of PTI chairman Imran Khan who accused the PPP co-chairman of conspiring about his murder. he urged the court to stop making further cases on political statements and his statement did not affect the complainant directly. Sheikh Rashid also suspend the cases registered against him in Aabpara, Murree and Karachi. he requested the court to stop his transfer to Karachi until the final verdict of this case.

Earlier, the Mochko police booked Awami Muslim league (AMl) chief and former interior minister

Sheikh Rashid in a case of using “foul language” against Pakistan People’s Party chairman and FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

It was worth mentioned here that AMl chief Sheikh Rasheed was booked under three sections — 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief). In the FIR, the PPP divisional president stated that the AMl chief tried to badmouth a former president and cause a “permanent danger” to the PPP co-chairman and his family.

cherished goal of freedom come what may. She said that the Indian government violated the mutual agreements between Pakistan and India and international laws by abrogating the special status of occupied Kashmir.

The hurriyat stated that New Delhi was bent upon changing the demography of the occupied territory to convert Muslims majority into minority by issuing domiciles to non-Kashmiri settlers. She urged that the world must take notice of it and put pressure on India to recognize the right to self-determination of Kashmiris.

kashmir issue as important for turkiye as Pakistan, says turkish ambassador

Minster

blames KP’s

BoIT for failing to attract foreign investors

peSHAWAr aziz BuneRi

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa caretaker minister of Industry Adnan Adeel said that KP Board of Investment has failed to attract foreign investment.

Addressing a news conference at Peshawar Press Club, he said our industry policy is not friendly, the government should make a comprehensive policy at the provincial level to revive all close industrial units and attract foreign investment. The minister said despite spending one billion rupees on Dubai Expo, KP Board of Investment has not been able to bring a single rupee of investment and industries in KP could not be developed according to the plan. he further said that the caretaker government has come for a short period of time, but it will make policies that will reduce the difficulties faced by the industries of the province. According to Adnan Adeel, despite the

passage of many days, the Department of Industry has not yet briefed the interim government and has not informed it about the problems faced by the industries.

Adeel further said that KP Finance Department will collect nine billion rupees in tax in the next financial year. At present, the industries in KP are connected with more than thirty departments at the provincial and federal levels due to which the industrialists are facing severe difficulties. “We will try to adopt a sample policy for the industrialists,” he said.

According to the provincial minister, at present the country is stuck in the mire of extreme financial crisis. he said that the constant devaluation of rupee, closure of lCs and the increase in the inflation rate across the country has also put the traders in a very difficulties situation. he said that the provincial government is raising the issue with the federal government. he urged that need for a comprehensive policy to revive the industries of the province.

FBR puts hold on implementation of IRS Common Pool Fund rules

ContInueD froM BACk pAge

Apart from this, at least four BS-17 and above IRS officer of FBR headquarter shall paid upto Rs 3000,000 for essential items/equipment (one time), Rs 300,000 monthly rent, Rs 150,000 per month utility bills and upto Rs150,000 monthly salaries of privately hired staff to provide a decent living to officers of IRS.

All officers of BS-17, 18 shall be paid Rs 15,000 and grade BS-19 Rs10,000 per month fuel subsidy. Similarly, one dependent child of an IRS official upto BS-07 shall also get Rs25,000 till higher secondary school, Rs30,000 till graduation and Rs50,000 till post graduation per annual scholarship. Meanwhile, officials from grade 1 to 22, who embrace “Shahadat”, during service also get financial assistance ranging from Rs1.5 million to Rs7.5 million.

LAHore pR

university of Management and Technology (uMT) organized special talk on Pak-Türkiye Relationship where Acting President uMT lt Gen Javed hasan (Retd) and Rector uMT Dr. Asif Raza warmly welcomed the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan his Excellency Dr Mehmet Paçacı. DG uMT Professor Abid Shirwani, Dr Mujahid Kamran, members of Turkish consulate, senior management of uMT, a large number of faculty and students were also present. Flag hoisting was also conducted. Rector uMT Dr. Asif Raza in his welcome note expressed that it is both a pleasure and a privilege to welcome h.E. Dr. Mehmet Paçacı and the consulate members at uMT. he said that there is a strong, special and unique relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye which is based on the spirit of brotherhood, common history and mutual goals. Speaking to the audience he said that the faculty and students of uMT have benefited from the Turkish educational system and vice versa.

SC returns another petition filed against caretaker CM Punjab

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has returned another petition filed against the appointment of Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. The apex court’s Registrar Office returned the petition on Saturday after raising objections declaring that the language used in it was ambiguous and misleading. The plea taken in the application was also misleading, the Registrar Office added. It also stated that the applicant also did not identify “the issue of public importance” in his petition. The applicant also did not move the relevant court, the Office added.

Entire Pakistani nation stands by Kashmiris in quest for freedom

ContInueD froM pAge 01

he further reiterated that Pakistan would also continue to raise its voice at all international platforms and highlight India’s barbaric actions in Indian Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Every year, the prime minister said, on the fifth of February, the people of Pakistan reaffirmed their solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

“On this Kashmir Solidarity Day, we renew our commitment of our unflinching support to them in their just struggle for inalienable right to self-determination,” he added.

The prime minister said the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was one of the oldest, unresolved items on the agenda of the united Nations. “India has brazenly targeted Kashmiri men, women and children through curfews, blackouts, arbitrary detention, imprisonment, and denial of basic rights,” he said, adding the popular Kashmiri political leadership had been illegally detained or deliberately victimized through fictitious cases.

The prime minister said the media had

been silenced through coercion and religious scholars have been arrested. Draconian laws had been enacted that denied the fundamental freedoms of the Kashmiri people.

he said India had also intensified its campaign to bring about demographic changes in IIOJK, so as to convert the Kashmiris into a minority in their own land.

“These actions are in violation of uNSC resolutions and international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention,” he added. ‘PM to address aJK LegisLative asseMbLy’: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address the session of Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislative Assembly to reiterate support to Kashmiris brethren on Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed on Sunday (today).

In a statement on Saturday in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Prime Minister in his address will express solidarity with the brave, zealous and freedom loving people of Kashmir on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.

She said the Prime Minister will reaffirm

Pakistan’s stand on Jammu and Kashmir dispute as well as its support to the Kashmiri people. The Information Minister said Kashmir solidarity day is being observed across the country with full fervor on the instructions of the Prime Minister.

In connection with the day, various events will be organized. Activities have also been arranged in the educational institutions. She said special programs will be broadcast on electronic, print and social media.

‘KashMir soLidarity day’ to be ceLebrated with fuLL zeaL, fervor’: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Saturday that the entire Pakistani nation would celebrate Kashmir Solidarity Day with full fervor and enthusiasm today.

In a statement, she said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address a special session of Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislative Assembly tomorrow. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, she added, will express solidarity with the brave, valiant, and freedomloving people of AJK and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will reiterate Pakistan’s stand on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and its determination to support Kashmiris cause,” she said.

The minister said on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Kashmir Solidarity Day would be celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across the country.

Various events will be organized in connection with the Solidarity Day of Kashmir, she said, adding activities had also been organized in educational institutions in connection with the Kashmir Day. The minister said that special programs would be broadcast on electronic, print, and social media.

biLawaL reaffirMs PaKistan’s continuing MoraL, diPLoMatic, PoLiticaL suPPort to KashMiris: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated that they would continue to lend unstinted moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people until the realization of their right to self-determination in accordance with the uN Security Council resolutions.

“I want to remind our Kashmiri broth-

ers and sisters that Pakistan will never sit back and watch silently while Kashmiris continue to suffer Indian atrocities. Jammu and Kashmir dispute will remain a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy,” the foreign minister said.

The foreign minister said as they observed the Kashmir Solidarity Day, the people of Pakistan saluted the sacrifices of their Kashmiri brothers and sisters who had suffered for more than seventy-five years under brutal Indian oppression.

he stressed that India must end its gross human rights violations in IIOJK; reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019 including demographic changes; repeal draconian laws; allow uN-mandated investigations into cases of extrajudicial killings and; implement relevant uN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

For over seven decades, he said, the Indian occupation forces had brutalized the Kashmiris and denied them their rights.

Today, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was one of the most-militarized zones of the world, with the presence of over 900,000 occupation forces, he added.

The latest PTI movement

Imran Khan’s announcement of a Jail Bharo Tehreek seems more for his followers

Pti chief imran khan announced that he would give a call for a Jail Bharo Tehreek, and asked his supporters to get ready in preparation for his call. this, he said, was in response to the recent wave of arrests of Pti leaders, which is supposed to culminate with his arrest. One purpose is to give the entire nation an additional date to wait for, just as previously he had been giving dates for a March on islamabad, neither of which was successful, not even in attracting the number of people he said they would, let alone in forcing the government to announce a date for fresh elections. the call also seems as an attempt to introduce a new subject into the national debate, which is at the moment slightly shocked by the Pti’s failure to attend the apex committee meeting in Peshawar on the blast last Monday which saw 100 people killed, and its announcement of a refusal to attend the all-Parties Conference called by the government on the same subject for February 8. the call seems based on a hazy memory of the Jail Bharo Movement launched in the Punjab just before Partition. it should be remembered that that was a provincial movement, not a national, though it was controlled by the central party.

Mr khan’s success in this movement will depend on whether his following is as committed as he claims it is. the public reaction to the arrest of former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry was not very encouraging, and there was not much of a protest. Mr khan’s own arrest might provoke a greater public reaction, but once the government rides through that, there will be little to fear. Mr khan seems to have painted himself into a corner with his take-noprisoners attitude, which encompasses a refusal to talk to the other side, almost as if he feared their polluting influence. He had labelled all opponents thieves and dacoits. He seems to have missed the point of democracy, which is that one talks even to thieves and dacoits if they have been elected.

Mr khan might remember that even thieves are citizens of a nation, and refusal to let their shadows pollute him, should not prevent unity in the face of terrorism. it is this sort of encouragement of terrorists, in which Mr khan participated not least by his talk of rehabilitation, that made the Peshawar tragedy possible.

E-commerce laws and their challenges in Pakistan

sumer, or take other necessary actions to resolve the dispute. the decision of the court is binding on the parties involved and enforceable through the courts.

THE regulation of e-commerce in Pakistan is still in its infancy, with government efforts to develop a framework for e-commerce activities only recently gaining momentum.

the legal issues related to online transactions in Pakistan include consumer protection, dispute resolution, and intellectual property rights.

in recent years, the government has taken steps to address these legal issues by establishing the E-Commerce Policy Framework, which aims to provide a comprehensive framework for e-commerce activities in Pakistan. the framework includes provisions for consumer protection, dispute resolution, and intellectual property rights. However, the lack of a dedicated e-commerce law, coupled with a lack of enforcement, continues to be a major challenge for the regulation of e-commerce in Pakistan. the government has also launched an e-commerce portal, which aims to provide a platform for e-commerce issues.

Online e-commerce in Pakistan is prone to various forms of fraud. this includes phishing scams where fraudsters send fake emails or messages pretending to be from legitimate e-commerce websites or banks to trick users into revealing sensitive information like passwords and credit card details. another common fraud is the sale of counterfeit products, often at lower prices but of low quality. in addition, there are fake websites that are designed to look like legitimate ecommerce sites to trick users into entering personal and financial information or making purchases.

to safeguard against online e-commerce frauds in Pakistan, it is advisable to only shop from reputable and trusted websites, to be cautious of suspicious emails and messages, to use secure payment methods like credit cards with fraud protection, and to keep records of all transactions.

to summarize, the legal framework in Pakistan for countering e-commerce fraud involves multiple laws and regulations. the Electronic transactions Ordinance (EtO) of 2002 governs the use of electronic transactions in the country and provides a legal framework for e-commerce activities. it includes provisions for protecting personal data, safeguarding against hacking and unauthorized access, and preventing fraud.

additionally, the information technology act of 2000 provides a legal framework for the use of information technology in Pakistan and includes provisions for protecting electronic records, digital signatures, and intellectual property rights, as well as measures to prevent cybercrime and fraud.

the Consumer Protection act of 2019 protects consumers against fraud and other forms of exploitation in e-commerce transactions.

Overall, the e-commerce consumer court in Pakistan serves as an important tool for protecting the rights of consumers and promoting fairness and transparency in the online shopping industry. it provides a quick, cost-effective and accessible means for resolving disputes, and helps to build trust between consumers and e-commerce businesses.

the implementation of the aforementioned laws has been slow, and enforcement remains a challenge. Dispute resolution in e-commerce is another important aspect of the regulatory framework.intellectual property rights in e-commerce are also a concern in Pakistan.

The regulation of e-commerce in Pakistan is still in its early stages and there are several legal issues related to online transactions that need to be addressed. Consumer protection, dispute resolution, and intellectual property rights are among the key areas that need to be addressed to foster the growth of e-commerce in Pakistan.

the Federal investigation agency (Fia) Cyber Crime Wing is the government agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting cybercrime, including e-commerce fraud, in Pakistan. these laws and regulations are enforced by various government agencies and individuals, and businesses need to report any incidents of ecommerce fraud and follow best practices for protection.

the e-commerce consumer court in Pakistan is a specialized forum established to address disputes between consumers and e-commerce businesses. the court was created in order to provide consumers with a more accessible and efficient mechanism for resolving disputes, particularly in the rapidly growing online shopping industry.

Aziz Executive Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad Joint Editor

Payment fraud is another issue where fraudsters trick users into making payments through fake payment gateways or steal payment information during the transaction process. shipping fraud is also prevalent where fraudsters trick users into paying for goods that are never delivered or are significantly different from what was advertised.

the court hears cases related to issues such as false advertising, product defects, delivery problems, and payment disputes. Consumers can file a complaint with the court, which is then reviewed by a judge who will make a ruling based on the evidence presented.

the court has the power to order the e-commerce business to rectify the situation, compensate the con-

the Copyright Ordinance 1962 and the trademarks Ordinance 2001 provide a framework for the protection of intellectual property rights in e-commerce. However, the enforcement of these laws remains a challenge.

Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework for ecommerce is still in the process of development, and there are currently no specific laws governing the sale of goods and services over the internet. additionally, the lack of a robust infrastructure for online payments and the limited availability of secure shipping options make it difficult for e-commerce businesses to operate in Pakistan. Furthermore, the country’s weak intellectual property laws also pose a challenge for e-commerce businesses, as they are not well-equipped to protect against intellectual property infringement. the regulation of e-commerce in Pakistan is still in its early stages and there are several legal issues related to online transactions that need to be addressed. Consumer protection, dispute resolution, and intellectual property rights are among the key areas that need to be addressed to foster the growth of e-commerce in Pakistan. the government has taken steps to address these issues, but more needs to be done in terms of enforcement and implementation of the laws and regulations.

The writer is an Advocate of the High Courts of Pakistan and a Corporate lawyer. He also specializes in Cyber and Tech Laws and advises local and international tech companies. He can be reached at advocatehc.adam@gmail.com and Instagram.com/advocate.adam

The Panacea for Pakistan’s staggering Economy

fishing industry have impacted its profitability, putting it behind its neighbouring countries in terms of aquaculture production.

Pakistan’s economy has been grappling with high levels of debt and an increasing risk of default along with numerous other economic challenges including persistent inflation, slow growth, and high debt levels. However, the blue economy holds the potential to provide a much-needed boost to the country’s economy and help it overcome its current challenges.

the blue economy encompasses the sustainable use of ocean-based resources and activities, including fishing, shipping, tourism, marine resources, renewable energy, and many others. as a country with a long coastline along the arabian sea, Pakistan has a rich maritime domain that can be leveraged to drive economic growth. However, Pakistan lags behind india and Bangladesh in terms of blue economy revenue, earning only $450 million annually compared to billions earned by its neighbours.

Pakistan’s untapped blue economy holds immense potential to transform its economic landscape. its strategic coastal location, vast maritime resources, and rich natural heritage provide a unique platform for economic growth and prosperity. the country’s 1050 km of coastline, Exclusive Economic Zone spanning 240,000 sq km, and 50,000 sq km of continental shelf position it as a hub for maritime trade in the indian Ocean region. the ongoing development of Gwadar port

under CPEC positions Pakistan as a key player in the region, making it a prime destination for investment and development in the blue economy sector. With an estimated worth of over $100 billion, Pakistan’s blue economy has the potential to ignite an economic revolution, driving the country towards a brighter future.

Pakistan holds a strategic position in the indian Ocean region, with its extensive sea routes serving as a vital hub for international trade and commerce. the country heavily relies on its shipping industry, with over 90 percent of its trade volume being transported through the sea. However, despite an impressive annual seaborne trade volume of over 94 million tons in 2020, the Pakistan national shipping Corporation (PnsC) only handled 9.33 percent of it. this leads to an estimated loss of $5 billion in freight charges paid to foreign vessels. the revenue from the sea transport system can be significantly improved with the government playing an instrumental role by enhancing its ships’ fleet and increasing the sector’s contribution to the GDP. the PnsC has demonstrated its potential for growth, as evident from its 2020 net profit of Rs 2,414 million and 10 percent increase in taxes and dividends paid to the government. this highlights the immense potential of the shipping industry in Pakistan, which with proper investment and support, can bring significant economic benefits to the country.

Pakistan has enormous potential in marine tourism, with a picturesque coastline and a wealth of natural, cultural, and reli-

gious tourism resources. Despite the recognition of tourism as an industry by the federal government in the late 1980s and efforts to develop the sector, it remains underdeveloped due to political instability, poor governance, and security concerns. in comparison,

neighbouring countries, for instance india, have leveraged their coastal assets to grow their tourism industry, leading to increased foreign exchange and revenue.

to unlock the potential of marine tourism in Pakistan, the government must focus on developing a wide range of activities such as boat tours, marine sports, beach development, and other water-based recreation. to attract investment, the government must incentivize with tax breaks, high profit margins, streamlined documentation processes, and security guarantees. By maximizing the potential of marine tourism, Pakistan has the opportunity to improve the standard of living for coastal communities and increase its own earning potential.

in addition to these established sectors, there are many other areas of the blue economy that have great potential for Pakistan, such as the marine fishing industry. Despite its vast resources and potential, the fishing industry in Pakistan accounts for a mere 0.4 percent of its GDP. the high costs associated with the

the post-harvest processing sector in Pakistan is also underdeveloped, with outdated and undercapitalized fish processing facilities. it is imperative that the government and private sector work together to harness the full potential of Pakistan’s rich maritime resources and tap into its untapped potential to drive growth, create jobs and drive sustainable development.

in conclusion, the blue economy has the potential to play a crucial role in addressing Pakistan’s debt woes. By leveraging its maritime domain and investing in sustainable ocean-based activities, the country can drive economic growth, create new jobs, and generate new revenue streams. While the blue economy may not be a silver-bullet solution to all of Pakistan’s financial challenges, it is certainly a promising avenue worth exploring to help the country overcome its debt problems and achieve long-term economic stability.

it is high time for Pakistan to embrace its blue potential and work towards sustainable policies and strategies that promote the growth of its blue economy. By doing so, its coastal areas will no longer be viewed as vast and empty wildernesses, but as a source of prosperity and well-being for all citizens. not only this, but also investing in the blue economy can help diversify Pakistan’s economy and reduce its dependence on traditional sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing. this can help the country become more resilient to economic shocks and provide new sources of growth.

The writer is a freelance columnist

ShAfiq KhAttAK

It is high time for Pakistan to embrace its blue potential and work towards sustainable policies and strategies that promote the growth of its blue economy.

ADAM JABBAR

The laws are in place but need to be implemented

Creeping National Security State

THE taliban strike in Police Lines in Peshawar created a usual trajectory of reaction from the key figures of the state as well as institutions, replete with familiar statements and visits to the wounded. However, there were no answers to the queries as to after so many costly offensives and operations; the situation on the ground has not changed. similarly, there was no query why such games with the militants, signaling negotiations or resettlements, were being played or are being played with impunity by powers who control the state.

a deeper analysis of the developing scenario clearly suggests that Pakistan is in for another bout with the ‘creeping national security state’ syndrome, if not a renewed wave of terrorism. the reaction as well as likely action plan; which emphasis adherence to the post-aPs national action Plan (naP), it is going to another long period of Pakistanis making amends with the abovementioned state in their daily lives. With unlimited powers to the LEa, which is the hallmark of a national security state, while the terrorism might not subside as predictably, Pakistan will soon be an oppressive ‘police state’ at war with an unknown enemy, but known populace.

to make the argument more convincing; Pakistan has come a long way to transition into a democracy. the 1870 general elections, which brought ZaB to power, were the first show of civilian power in the political arena. the 1977 coup undid all that and Pakistan returned to the police state days in full force. Many would argue that the PPP under ZaB was too a one-party dictatorship; however at that point the institutions were independent enough to register a FiR against the sitting PM; a privilege not available during the period between 1977-1988.

in the ‘democratic interlude’ from 1988 to 1999, though fraught with unstable governments had the characteristics of development of a democratic culture in one way or another, Pakistan was a democratic state where no political opponent was a traitor and the police role was restricted to that of law enforcement and not enforcement of undocumented dictates of the deep state. Courts martial in the 1992 sindh operation as well as a court martial related to a failed coup characterized that period in 1996.

in the backdrop of that developing culture, it took another military dictator, Musharraf, to mellow his takeover with first reluctance to suspend the Constitution; secondly, it was not a ruthless takeover, where the first week is usually characterized by a clampdown on the press. the Press had breathing space and soon the electronic media was to be allowed development; a thing not commensurate with military takeovers. it was no miracle that the Musharraf government opened the 1971 debacle report without any hang-ups.

However, fate has something else in store for Pakistan. the 9/11 incident and Pakistani linkages were a bolt from the blue for the established order, whose reach was receding with each passing day until 11 september 2001. it was a new life for that receding state. that dreaded conceptual state with ironic complete backing of the ‘free world’ unleashed a ‘police state’ on the polity, economy and above all the democratic culture. after that, it was no surprise that people were picked at random for their religious or ide-

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The missing link in Pakistani system

POLyBius, an eminent ancient scholar, analysing the Roman Empire, came to the conclusion that it was made of a mixture of aristocracy, monarchy and despotism. He was the first analyst to say that despotism is prevalent only when one power is concentrated in one single hand. to check the despotic tendencies, he introduced the system of checks and balances in the organs of state; the executive, the legislative and the judiciary. Later, a large number of philosophers propounded the concept of the theory of separation of powers and of putting checks and balances within systems of governance. Even if the theory of separation of powers is largely attributed to French philosopher Baron de Montesquieu, the fact is that philosophers like John Locke and William Blackstone had already expressed thoughts on the matter. in the present era, when we see that the united states is far more successful in practising the theory of separation of powers, it should serve as an example for the developing countries, including Pakistan. the us has a long tradition of state organs working efficiently and functioning in a balanced manner. the way it runs the machinery of the government makes it more pronounced than many other states. the executive branch of the us system is entrusted with vast powers, but it cannot be the sole powerwielder as its actions are under scrutiny of the legislative branch. For instance, the us president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, but the power of purse lies in the hands of Congress. He is required to take financial action only with the approving nod of Congress. and he cannot declare war without the mandatory consent of the senate. it is clear that what the political system is missing in Pakistan is the mechanism of checks and balances. Our institutions are almost dysfunctional, leading to grave issues at all tiers of society. For instance, the civil service is under the influence of politicians, so public service delivery is rare to find. Flawed and politicised organs cannot be expected to have operational autonomy; rather, everything goes in the wrong direction.

ABDUL QADEER SEELRO LARKANA

Putting record straight

ological orientation. the emerging police state ensured the transformation of a sympathizer to a ‘hardcore militant’ through its newly acquired power. that state of mind was a blessing for the established order. Holding the society hostage under the pretext of bouts with terrorism. the facilitated assassination of the Generation X leader of many Pakistanis of that period; Benazir Bhutto, the trapping of the succeeding political order in the War on terror, the periodic talks with the same terrorists and accommodation with them on the basis of ‘operational expediency’ became the order of the day. the animation was predictable. a militant group massacres civilians or the military. it is followed by surprisingly precise intelligence, detailing which mud house the terrorists are sitting in, sipping tea; PaF jets appearing in the sky and finally the statement that ‘terrorist backbone has been broken’; followed by candlelight vigils and self-appreciation. at that point, no civil polity had the courage to ask the deep state, what was the logic of the talks, ceasefire or negotiations, when the outcome was predictable. to connect the dots, the current wave of terror has its origins in the tta or taliban takeover of kabul in august 2021, followed by the ttP getting the required sanctuary there. the deep state approval of the tta can be gauged from the fact that in august 2021, Moharram orators were advised by sleuths not to criticize the taliban tearing down Muharram banners in afghanistan then. taliban were also ‘asked’ to behave accordingly. the recent wave of terror too was preceded by talks taking place in kabul and in Pakistan. there was even talk of settling them in kPk by the outgoing Pti government in the centre. However, during the same time the ttP was free to target the kPk police as and when they liked to strike. if one studies through the fact sheet from any newspaper archive based in kPk, the Monday strike was all but expected. the enemy struck with devastation. However, the big question is whether the state is ready or even serious this time to root out the scourge or if it is something else?

A fresh middle-class leadership above political expediency can be the ray of hope. Currently, any spontaneous public disapproval of the state and deep state can set into motion events, which may force the entrenched to vacate their ‘trenches’

that dowry is accompanied by an increased role of the deep state in almost every aspect of public life. a trader having windfall profits in kPk might have to be at pains with his bank to prove why his receivable is not a ‘suspicious transaction’. a person posting his viewpoint on social media will have to be careful, not to invite an unceremonious ride in a toyota Vigo.

in such a scenario, the head of an institution might be calling all the shots, with the popularly elected prime minister not more than a ‘company secretary’. such scenarios regretfully continue to progress in a state like Pakistan. it is even more painful that while many states or even ideological states are revisiting their stances regarding the extent of ‘headscarves’, Pakistan is increasingly being groomed as a police state. a state, where it is necessary for the common man, especially the middle class professional, student etc. to have his or her CniC or any other identification document handy, to ward off inconvenience.

While the terrorist continues to strike, the deep state is orchestrating ‘candlelight vigils’ with the aid from ‘fifth generation’ assets. it is the degeneration of the civil state, which is taking place at a faster speed. as a result, resources end up around the deep state and the common poor have all the incentive in the world to join a willing rank of non-state actors, for rent or for sale among the horde of undernourished and unemployed. Lesser investment in HD indicators, slow or nonexistent trade and commerce, cannot sustain a state for long.

tHis refers to the letter ‘1971 in perspective’, which, among other things, said 70 per cent of Pakistan’s revenue was generated from jute, “but the share of East Pakistan was reduced to less than 30pc by the military rulers”. the fact is that the jute cultivators were saved from the colonial era exploitation by Calcutta (now kolkata). Besides, as academic anwar H. syed showed: “american advisers guided the ordering of priorities in Pakistan’s development plans (which some of these advisers later chose to condemn as having been exploitative of East Pakistan)” (China and Pakistan: Diplomacy of an Entente Cordiale, OuP, 1974, p.35). By 1968, cotton had overtaken jute as the largest foreign exchange earner. Why did the year 1971 spell the end of the jute industry in Bangladesh? it is a relevant question on all counts. as regards the contention that yahya khan had refused to hand over power to the majority party of sheikh Mujibur Rahman; here is what yahya said in his deposition before the Hamoodur Rahman Commission: “i offered to appoint him the deputy chief martial law adminis- trator there and then. He laughed and rejected the idea as too ridiculous” (a. Basit, the Breaking of Pakistan, Liberty, 1997, p.32]. as for Operation searchlight, there is overwhelming evidence that it was preceded by 25 days of atrocities against the non-Bengali population. above all, the six-Point agenda of Mujibur Rahman, as per the awami League manifesto, was not a recipe for the separation of the eastern wing, but of the disintegration of West Pakistan.

DR MUHAMMAD REZA KAZIMI KARACHI

Wireless operators

WHiLE there are growth opportunities in sindh police, its telecommunication department makes the whole process stagnant. there is no police officer in sindh police telecommunication department above the rank of sub-inspector. this step-motherly treatment is meted out only to this particular department of sindh police. there should be inspectors and deputy superintendents of police (DsPs) in districts and range in-charge, but subinspectors are holding all these positions. Wireless operators who were recruited in 1982-83 have not been promoted above the rank of subinspector after over 35 years of service, which is blatant injustice. they should have been DsPs by now, but have been ignored.

Many wireless operators, who were appointed head constables were still head constables when they retired despite having put in such long service. in the beginning, wireless operators used to be recruited as constables in 1983. the then inspector-general of police (iGP) in sindh changed the policy and approved their appointment as head constables, but there has been no particular benefit of that change because the wireless operators remained deprived of any promotion during their entire careers. they have also been facing issues like denial of technical pay and official vehicles to district officers in charge. the relevant officials, including the provincial iGP, should devise a new strategy for the promotion of wireless officials, and fill the posts of inspectors and DsPs that are lying vacant for long. MUMTAZ ALI BULEDI LARKANA

Midnight nuisance

Experience and observation points to the fact that any government which might be in the position to form government in the aftermath of the 2023/2024 general elections, will have to inherit the ttP headache as the proverbial ‘bridal dowry’.

Regrettably, the developing scenario is that a client deep state with the outer tier of a frontline one and the inner tier of a police state is here to stay in Pakistan. that state is not interested in trade, so it has decided to be on iMF injections perpetually. Given the fact that the Pakistani on the street understands the mechanics of the corridors of power and ‘bayonets’, it will not be easy to repeat the previous experiments for another soft nss takeover. a fresh middle-class leadership above political expediency can be the ray of hope. Currently, any spontaneous public disapproval of the state and deep state can set into motion events, which may force the entrenched to vacate their ‘trenches’.

The writer is a freelance columnist

tHis refers to an incident that caused great nuisance and distress recently to my community in karachi’s kDa scheme no. 1. a few years ago, a private television news channel opened its head office next to our apartments. Every few months, the place is used to host private ceremonies, such as weddings with extremely loud and noisy activities that run well past midnight. Recently, there was one such night-time event. i wonder if the people running the so-called media houses and news channels have any empathy or care for the mental wellbeing and peace of a residential area. the people who do this and arrange such functions do so without any fear of action or remorse for the distress their rowdy functions and gatherings mimicking a school concert regularly cause to the residents of the area. i hope the authorities or someone will take action and look into controlling the people behind such rash activities that disturb and scar the environment of the whole residential community. Laws need to be implemented strictly to make sure such noisy events do not take place in the middle of a residential community.

gcc’s IraN Nuclear talks proposal should Be takeN serIously

NetaNyahu couNts IraN as wIN followINg BlINkeN vIsIt

gcc coUld help AdvAnce the

tAlkS by provIdIng the proSpect of norMAlIzIng IrAn’S relAtIonS WIth the regIon And IntegrAtIng ItS econoMy WIth thoSe of ItS neIghboUrS. they coUld AlSo Add preSSUre When needed to IndUce IrAn to be More flexIble

limit” imposed by the deal, according to the IAeA chief. The exception has been the US, which reinstated sanctions in 2018. Following Iran’s harsh crackdown on popular protests since last September, the eU and a number of countries have imposed new sanctions, to be added to earlier human rights and terrorism-related sanctions, which were not affected by the JCPOA.

The failure of the JCPOA to so far prevent Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon calls for a reassessment of the international community’s approach to the crisis. Previously, P5+1 negotiators expressed hope that concluding the deal in 2015 would lead to moderation in Iran’s conduct in the region, but what happened was the opposite, as we witnessed in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere.

And Iraq worries about getting caught, again, in US-Israel-Iran crossfire

Al Monitor

continue weaponizing its nuclear program under the smokescreen of engaging in diplomatic efforts. A nuclear arms race could ensue if Iran’s progress toward a nuclear weapon is not checked. It is important to prevent such an eventuality in the region, which could happen if Iran reaches that critical stage. A nuclear arms race would divert badly needed development funds to fueling the arms race and would immiserate Iran the most.

DR abDEL aZiZ aLUWaiShEG

INTerNATIONAL Atomic energy Agency Director-General rafael Grossi

last week warned that “every limit that existed in the JCPOA (nuclear deal) has been violated several times” by Iran. The deal has become an “empty shell” and diplomatic activity to revive it is almost nonexistent, he said, adding that: “Nobody has declared it dead, but no obligation is being pursued.”

One of those violations relates to uranium enrichment. Iran has amassed enough material for “several nuclear weapons,” Grossi told a european Parliament subcommittee in Brussels. he pointed out that Iran has 70 kg of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity and 1,000 kg to 20 percent purity, meaning that Iran is only a short distance away from reaching the critical level of 90 percent, when it can be weaponized.

hard-liners in Tehran appear to be in no hurry to reach a deal. The talks offer breathing space for Iran as it advances its nuclear program and brings it closer to making nuclear weapons. The talks as such buy time for Iran, giving it space and cover.

Tehran is also getting a free ride from continuing the talks without having to provide concessions. After Iran accepted the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement in 2015, nuclear-related sanctions were lifted and they remain that way even as Iran breaches “every

There is no doubt Iran’s nuclear program poses a serious threat to the region and beyond and diplomatic efforts need to continue to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Although a nuclear program in a rogue state is a serious threat, it is not the only one. The rapidly expanding production of drones and ballistic and cruise missiles is a major cause of rising concerns. Tehran-supported terrorist and sectarian groups have wreaked havoc in the region and destabilized neighbors.

The protests sweeping Iran have demonstrated widespread dissatisfaction with the Islamic revolutionary Guard Corps-dominated government’s policies. They have brought to light the grim realities on the ground, economically and politically, and restrictions on women are outdone only by the Taliban next door. The future appears even grimmer. The IrGC’s priorities are bankrupting Iran. Its economy has been in a shambles for decades because of its singular focus on military spending.

Iran’s gross domestic product today is not commensurate with that of a country of more than 80 million people, a youthful population and plentiful natural resources, including massive oil and gas reserves. The prospect of Iran destabilizing further under the weight of its economic and political challenges worries its neighbors. While the status quo could hold for a while, several other scenarios are possible, requiring prudent planning for the future in the region and beyond.

The first scenario is that of a regional nuclear arms race. Nuclear talks could plod along without achieving results but moving enough for Iran to

The second scenario is for Iran to become another North Korea, i.e., a nuclear military dictatorship, heavily sanctioned and isolated. Its population would be cut off from the rest of the world, impoverished. A third scenario is of Iran, or big chunks of it, descending into chaos and becoming ungoverned, similar to the fate of so-called Arab Spring states, such as Syria, Libya and Yemen.

The failure of the nuclear talks to so far produce the desired results has shown the wisdom of the GCC’s position regarding the narrow remit of these negotiations and the exclusion of the region from participating in them. GCC states are not just geographically proximate to Iran, but they have also been on the receiving end of its ballistic missiles, drones and malign activities. They also have the most to lose from its nuclear program.

Some have questioned the value of GCC participation in the talks, asking what it could bring to the table. In fact, GCC negotiators could bring plenty of what any other participant could — sticks and carrots. They could help advance the talks by providing the prospect of normalizing Iran’s relations with the region and integrating its economy with those of its neighbors. They could also add pressure when needed to induce Iran to be more flexible.

A GCC ownership stake in the talks would contribute to their success by addressing all the important threats and providing the Iranian people with what they most need: A prosperous economy and normal relations with the country’s neighbors. This offer from the GCC has been on the table for some time and it is about time it was taken seriously, as the JCPOA talks appear to be heading toward oblivion.

Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg is the GCC assistant secretary-general for political affairs and negotiation, and a columnist for Arab News. The views expressed in this piece are personal and do not necessarily represent GCC views.

the real prize for Netanyahu last week is the US-Israel alignment on Iran. There appeared to be no daylight, at least publicly, between Blinken and Netanyahu on Iran. The Iran nuclear deal, once a point of contention, is in cold storage, as US Senator Chris Van hollen told AlMonitor Tuesday. And actions speak louder than words. The US and Israel undertook their largest joint military exercise ever before Blinken arrived. Jared Szuba writes, “Many of the capabilities showcased last week were strikingly similar to those Israel would need to carry out long-range strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.” he adds that such a military strike, long deemed reckless by US policymakers, is favored by Netanyahu as a necessary contingency.

In exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, the deputy commander of Central Command, who oversaw the joint exercise, told Szuba that enhanced coordination with Israel “will make further integration even more seamless.” Blinken was preceded in Israel by US Director of Central Intelligence William Burns. Iran has blamed Israel for a drone attack on a military facility near Isfahan on Jan. 30.

SUDANI ASKS BIDEN TO KEEP IRAQ OUT OF ISSUES

WITH IRAN: The friction between the US-Israel and Iran is worrying news for Iraq. Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Shia alSudani asked US President Joe Biden to prevent Iraq from becoming a “springboard” to attack its neighbors. In Iraq, neighbor means Iran. Biden called Sudani — his first call to the Iraqi PM — joined by King Abdullah, who was visiting Biden at the White house. As we wrote from Baghdad in December, “Iraq is inevitable collateral damage when Iran feels threatened and USIran relations deteriorate.”

In addition to the attack on the facility near Isfahan, some claim Israel is responsible for recent drone attacks on allegedly Iran-linked armed groups on the Iraq Syrian border, as Shelly Kittleson reports from Iraq. Sudani, who assumed office in October 2022, is seeking to prevent another round of Iranian attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan. In a meeting in Tehran in November, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Sudani to get control of the border and stand up to the two countries’ “common enemies.” Sudani at the time agreed to take additional steps to secure the border, and insisted that Iran stop its attacks on Iraqi territory, which it did. That shaky understanding is now at risk. Sudani is backed by the Coalition Framework, an alliance of Iraqi political parties, many of which have close ties to Iran. Sudani told the Wall Street Journal last month that he supports an indefinite US troop presence to help combat the Islamic State in Iraq. US forces provide support and training and have stepped back from direct military operations. Last week he told Al-Iraqiya TV that Iraq does not need combat troops.

repression and fear: life as a hijabi Muslim in Modi’s India

the cUrrent polItIcAl clIMAte hAS pUShed the MUSlIM coMMUnIty fUrther Into the MArgInS of SocIety

court, thus denying these women the right to an education.

The so-called hijab row is a part of a larger design by the ruling BJP to push the Muslim community further into the margins of society and to establish hindu supremacy, where Muslims are shown “their place”. This is a systematic attack on the right to education for Muslim women, exacerbating our Otherisation and stymying our chances for upward mobility.

We are regularly reminded of the challenges inherent in being a hijabi woman in Modi’s India. It requires navigating a difficult landscape of prejudice, discrimination, and escalating religious tensions, in a society where diversity is celebrated as a defining characteristic of its heritage. hijabi women, including myself, must negotiate a culture that frequently views us as second-class citizens, less deserving of respect and dignity, amid the growth of hindu nationalism and the current political atmosphere.

move her headscarf.

hijabi women in India are also subjected to verbal abuse and physical violence in public spaces. Many share stories of being subjected to insults, taunts and mental abuse simply for wearing the hijab. One lecturer at a college in Tumakuru district quit her job last year after being told by college authorities to remove her hijab. This trend is likely to result in high unemployment rates among hijabi women, further marginalising us.

In a land where bigotry and violence reign supreme, the hijab has become a beacon for the hateful forces of hindutva, singling out its wearers as easy targets. Yet, this blatant discrimination cannot be separated from the larger issue of hate crimes against all Muslims in India. The hijab serves as a visual marker of the dangers they face every day.

lim women aims to deflect attention from his government’s policies, which have been detrimental to the rights of all Indian Muslims. The hijab has emerged as a flashpoint in this cultural moment - a visible symbol of Otherness in a country that is growing more hostile to people who don’t fit the values of the hindu majority. The reality of being a hijabi woman in Modi’s India is one of constant scrutiny and fear, but also one of resilience, determination and unwavering faith.

It is a sorrowful reality that young women such as Muskan Khan must endure and fight harassment at the hands of hindutva extremists. It is a shame that these women must defend their right to receive an education simply because of a choice to wear the hijab, a symbol of faith and cultural identity. Such unjust treatment is a testament to the Indian state’s disregard for the rights and freedoms of Muslim women.

BACK in 2018, when I was a teacher trainee at a school in New Delhi, the headmistress interrupted my class with more than 40 children to ask whether I thought “this” should be allowed in school, repeating the hackneyed notion that “religion should not come into profession”. I was asked to stop wearing my headscarf in school.

By 2018, Muslims had already been pushed further towards the margins in India, so this incident wasn’t particularly surprising. But as we step into 2023, being harassed for wearing the hijab has become a daily reality for many Muslim women under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hindu nationalist government.

According to a recent report from the People’s Union for Civil Liberties, more than 1,000 Muslim girls in Karnataka have left college amid a systematic campaign to isolate hijabi women from educational institutions. hindutva organisations have carried out a vicious campaign against students wearing hijabs, fuelled by government and police inaction. Karnataka’s ban on hijabs in educational institutions was upheld last year by the state’s high

From being denied employment opportunities to facing verbal and physical abuse on the streets, the reality of being a hijabi woman in India today is far from the inclusive and tolerant society promised by the government. With the rise of hindu nationalism, hijabi women increasingly face the burden of representing their faith, often having to defend their right to wear the hijab in the face of hostile public opinion and government policies that undermine religious freedom.

WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION: One of the most common forms of discrimination faced by hijabi women in India occurs in the workplace. A recent study from Led By Foundation sheds light on the intrinsic biases against Muslim women in terms of employment opportunities, noting that for every two callbacks a hindu applicant gets, a Muslim with an equivalent resume gets just one.

In addition, many hijabi women are denied employment opportunities or subjected to unequal treatment in the workplace because of their hijab. One recent example is the case of Ghazala Ahmad, a young hijabi journalist who was denied a job at a media channel. Despite her qualifications and experience, the recruiters reportedly told her that she would not get the job if she did not re-

This environment has contributed to mental health issues among some hijabi women, amid fears of a potential full hijab ban across the country. Many are feeling isolated, anxious and paranoid - a situation made worse by the lack of government protection.

Despite India being a secular country, the government has failed to take a strong stance against the discrimination faced by hijabi women. In some cases, police have been complicit in the abuse and discrimination, either turning a blind eye or actively participating in it. This has left many hijabi women feeling vulnerable and afraid to speak out.

GROWING HOSTILITY: In Modi’s India, being a hijabi woman is difficult and alienating. We want to hold on to our faith, but also receive the same respect as other citizens - yet, I know we won’t get both. Still, despite these challenges, many hijabi women remain committed to upholding their right to religious freedom, and proudly don the hijab.

The harassment and discrimination we face reinforces the understanding that Modi is not a champion of religious freedom and diversity, but rather a political figure who uses the guise of “protecting women” to justify oppressive actions. Modi’s rhetoric on the rights of Mus-

We get asked to appear on prime-time national TV debates to be asked the same old repulsive, condescending questions that we must answer with detailed and convincing explanations to justify our decision to wear the hijab. Muslim women are constantly questioned about why they wear the hijab, and their responses must conform to a pre-existing checklist.

Muslim women around the world wear the hijab for different reasons. Some hold onto their hijab tightly because it is connected to their faith, mandated by God; the intelligentsia, however, recoils from the idea of God, so this immediately becomes regressive for them.

Why must certain people in this society hold us accountable for our style of dressing and demand an answer that satisfies them, not us? Why can’t hijabi Muslim women just exist safely on their own terms in “the world’s largest democracy”?

Nabiya Khan is an educator, a social rights activist, community organiser, and a protest poet based in New Delhi, India. Her poems have been published with Harper Collins and Feminist Dissent Journal published by the Department of English and Comparative Literature, University of Warwick.

Middle eAst eye Nabiya KhaN

Why cAn’t hIjAbI MUSlIM WoMen jUSt exISt SAfely on theIr oWn terMS In ‘the World’S lArgeSt deMocrAcy’?

Ministry of Education expresses solidarity with Kashmiri brethren

NOT-BY-PROFIT

IMF and US InFlUence In PakIStan

ISLAMABAD

News desk

Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan announced three days protest on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day. On second day of the occasion, a range of activities were organized by the departments under the umbrella of Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, to show their support for the people of Kashmir and to raise awareness about the ongoing human rights situation in the region. In a statement, the Federal Minister for Education said: "We stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir and call for the international community to take action to protect their human rights. The ongoing violence and oppression in the region is unacceptable and must be addressed. We call on all people of conscience to support the cause of Kashmir and to demand an end to the suffering of its people." Secretary IBCC, Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah visited Sports Complex Islamabad to witness the ongoing sports activities of Sports Gala 2022-23 organized by Inter Board Sports Committee and distributed the prizes and medals among the winners. The closing ceremony of the sports gala will be held on February 5 at hockey ground, Sports Complex Islamabad at 11:00 am along with the interactive session with the youth of Pakistan to celebrate Kashmir Solidarity Day. Islamabad Model School (I-V) and various Islamabad Model College for Girls and Boys organized Kashmir Cultural Festival Shows, National Commission of Human Development organized an awareness campaign at NCHD federal schools in Sindh. Pr

1,279 days of Indian terror: IIOJ&K-In the eyes of the World

Despite all the failed efforts and dramas of India, the world has come to know that serious violations of human rights are continuing in Occupied Kashmir. The worst siege in human history has been going on for 1279 days in Occupied Kashmir. Today, voices are being raised in the halls of world in favor of the Kashmiri people. Members of the British Parliament openly raised their voices against Indian state terrorism and in favor of the oppressed people of Occupied Kashmir. Members of the British Parliament also strongly condemned the ongoing massacres and sexual violence against women in Occupied Kashmir. Honorable members said that Kashmiris have been living in a hell for more than seventy years and today their existence is in danger apart from the right to selfdetermination. Kashmir has been under continuous control for 7 decades. India has massacred more than 96 thousand Kashmiris so far. About 23,000 women were widowed, more than 1,07,000 children were orphaned, and more than 11,000 women were molested. The world has repeatedly rejected India's baseless claim that Kashmir is an internal matter of India. The eye-opening report of the EU DisinfoLab has badly exposed India's global propaganda. Today, when democracy and human rights are being talked about in Western capitals, more loud and effective voices will be raised against the continuous violation of the rights of the subjugated people of Kashmir. After so many decades, Kashmir is being discussed twice in the Security Council. United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres emphasized that no military solution to the Kashmir issue is possible and any kind of confrontation between Pakistan and India would have disastrous consequences for the region and the world. Since August 2019, the international media has been condemning India's inhumane and undemocratic actions in Occupied Kashmir. The Washington Post called this unconstitutional move as India's Dark Moment in Kashmir. Pr

Police Khidmat Markaz facilitate 726 citizens during last 24 hours

Islamabad: Islamabad capital police, khidmat markazs have facilitated 726 citizens with different services relating to issuance of character certificate, foreigner’s registration, registration of tenants and house servants, general police verification and report of missing items, a police public relations officer said. He said that, following the direction of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, the Islamabad capital police are taking all possible measures and initiatives in order to provide maximum facilities to the citizens of Islamabad. While, Islamabad capital police khidmat markaz has provided several services to the citizens including issuance of75 character certificates after the complete verification by concerned police stations, while 301 general police verification, 45 reports of missing documents and valuables, 40 vehicles verification, 195 foreigners registration 60 tenants and 10 domestic servants data have been entered during the last 24 hours. Police Mobile facilitation van service has also been working while khidmat markaz in different areas including sectors F-6, G10/4, H-11, Bani Gala, Swan Garden, Khanna and at various police stations were also facilitating the citizens. IGP Islamabad said that, well trained staff has been appointed there who are providing best services to Pakistani nationals and foreigners. Such steps would improve the trust of people in the police, he maintained. Pr

WRITINGfor Dawn, Sakib Sherani, a noted economist and former advisor to the finance ministry of Pakistan, raises questions about the extent to which the IMF is responsible for the country's economic woes and if the Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF and World Bank) are indeed agents of influence and control acting at the behest of the US.

According to the US Army Special Operations Forces manual, the instruments of national power as codified in US policy include the use

of diplomatic, informational, military, economic, financial, intelligence, and law enforcement means, with the application of economic or financial incentives being among the most powerful. The manual also states that the US has the ability to influence international financial institutions, including the IMF, which can have significant impacts on exchange rates, interest rates, credit availability, and money supplies.

A report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the US Senate in 2010 stated that the international financial institutions have been an important element of US foreign policy and provide the US with an opportunity to maintain its influence and ad-

dress national security issues.

The IMF is part of the US-constructed rules-based global order but Sherani argues that Pakistan's economic problems are homegrown and a result of poor policy choices and failure to collect taxes, promote exports, curb runaway consumption, and provide a conducive environment for private investment.

Sherani also refutes the conventional wisdom in Pakistan that the IMF has been the cause of the country's economic crisis, calling it a manifestation of an external locus of control and a way to avoid introspection and responsibility. He argues that with 34 years of IMF engagement, it would be useful to introspect if the IMF has actually been the roadblock to real eco-

nomic reform in the country or if it is the result of poor policy choices.

He compares Pakistan's situation to India, which after a balance-of-payments crisis in 1991 and a Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF, implemented structural reforms and has not returned to the Fund since, becoming an economic powerhouse.

In conclusion, Sherani suggests that instead of blaming external agents, it is important to examine the root causes of Pakistan's economic problems and to make meaningful and sustainable reforms to achieve longterm growth and development.

To read the full article visit www.dawn.com

Pakistan to see huge increase in unemployment, poverty in 2022-23

ISLAMABAD News desk

Writing for Business Recorder, Dr Hafiz A Pasha reports that a combination of negative factors is likely to result in a significant exponential increase in the number of unemployed and poor people in Pakistan in 202223. The causes of this increase include damage to agriculture due to floods, physical restrictions on imports,

switch to a market-based exchange rate policy, and the implementation of contractionary monetary and fiscal policies. These factors are expected to lead to stagflation, with a devastating impact on the people of Pakistan in the form of a significant increase in unemployment and poverty.

The current national unemployment rate is 6.3%, but it is likely to be understated, with a "true" rate of 8.5%. The size of the GDP is expected

to decrease by at least 1%, resulting in a disproportionate drop in employment, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as agriculture, construction, and wholesale and retail trade.

As a result, it is projected that 8 million workers will be unemployed in 2022-23, with the number increasing by over 2 million during the year, and the unemployment rate reaching 10% for the first time.

The incidence of poverty is also

expected to rise, driven by a fall in real per capita income, faster increase in food prices, and higher income inequality due to the increase in unemployment. The projected incidence of poverty is 42.5% in 2022-23, which could result in as many as 18 million people falling below the poverty line during the year.

To read the full article visit www.brecorder.com

Regional peace to remain elusive unless Kashmir dispute resolved

ISLAMABAD APP

Senior Leader of All Parties Hurrayat Conference (APHC) Altaf Hussain Wanni has said that regional peace will remain elusive unless the Kashmir dispute is resolved as per the UN Resolutions. The peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute is deferential to peace in the region. The world needs to break its silence and must take action to stop oppression and human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Talking to APP here Saturday, the Kashmiri leader said Pakistan is fighting the case of Kashmiris at all international forums. Around 220 million Pakistanis are with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and Pakistan will not spare any sacrifice for the independence of Kashmir.

It is time for Indian leadership to realize that without Pakistan’s active support, India cannot reach the heights of progress and development that it envisions. India does not have any other space to expend except for through Pakistan. India all trade and energy projects pass through Pakistan. Regional prosperity is in the favour of both countries. Indian leadership needs to come a bit forward to build mutual trust. This must be followed by a solution of the Kashmir dispute, so that peace and stability are based on solid foundations without any conflict to undo the peace.

Meanwhile commenting on the issue, Senior Leader of All Parties Hurrayat Conference (APHC)

Altaf Hussain Wanni told APP that Kashmir dispute is one of the oldest disputes on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

He said that the UN Security Council has passed many resolutions for the resolution of Kashmir issue through free and fairly plebiscite.

Unfortunately, he said, India which himself took the matter to United Nations, did accept the United Nations resolutions as Pakistan did accept and UN as a political guarantor should decide the political will of the people of Kashmir through a free and fair referendum held under the United Nations auspicious.

But unfortunately, when India around 75 years ago started occupation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), It started calling Kashmir as an integral part of India. And that's why the people of Kashmir started a struggle, against the Indian occupation, and for last 75 years, people of Indian occupied Kashmir having struggling for this right of self- determination, he remarked.

He warned that the Indian government has been subjugating, the Kashmiris’ struggle through armed forces. Pakistan being integral part of the issue, had always supported to the cause of people of Kashmir in their struggle against Indian occupation, he lauded.

“It is because of the Kashmir dispute that Pakistan and India had go through for at least three wars,

IIOJ&K —In the eyes of Kashmiris

ISLAMABAD Pr

The world has time and again rejected India's baseless claim that Kashmir is an internal matter of India. India's own opposition leaders have termed the abrogation of Article 370 as an attack on the constitution, destructive and the darkest chapter in the history of the Indian state.

With this initiative of India, Kashmir once again emerged on the international stage and Indian actions fall under the category of open violation of the eighteen resolutions of the United Nations. Jammu and Kashmir Phelps Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti says that you cannot imprison an idea but only a better idea can compete with a good idea. When attempts are made to forcefully crush the right to dissent, people feel walled off, resulting in further dissension and alienation.

Kashmiri leader Omar Abdullah said that Modi's actions want to prove our homeland as a Hindu homeland, which is completely against the Indian constitution. We will restore the special status of Kashmir. Now the slogans of freedom are getting louder in different regions of India including Kashmir and Punjab.

Today, voices are being raised in the halls of the world in favor of the Kashmiri people. Since August

2019, the international media has been condemning India's inhumane and undemocratic actions in Occupied Kashmir. The Guardian described it as an attempt to make Kashmir an Indian colony. Along with this, members of the British Parliament also strongly condemned the ongoing massacres and sexual violence against women in Occupied Kashmir. Honorable members said that for more than seventy years, Kashmiris

and a half war, and there were so many in between, and in this regard, both the countries went for the atomic race and are now the nuclear powers and this is because of the Kashmir issue. If Kashmir issue was dissolved peacefully through the United Nations Security Council resolutions or through peaceful talks between Indian and Pakistan, the region could have progress much more than what it is currently”.

The people of India and Pakistan are living under poverty in the era of progress and prosperity. But unfortunately, India never accept the resolution of Kashmir and never implement the UN Security Council resolution, never talk to Pakistan, or the people of Kashmir in peaceful means” Wani added.

He stressed India that it is high time to accept the resolution of Kashmir issue as per UN resolutions for a peaceful region, he informed.

While, aggregating the article 370 and 35A unilaterally, the Indian government has taken many steps to change the demography of the Indian occupied Kashmir to change the political and religious landscape of the Kashmir, but that will not help the cause of peace and prosperity. If the prosperity is to be achieved, the only way is the peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue, he mentioned.

He said that all those big powers who are very much interested in peace, must think that all the roads to peace go through Kashmir. They have to bring the results of the Kashmir issue peacefully, he conlcuded.

have been living in a hell and today their very existence is in danger, apart from the right to self-determination.

Members of the British Parliament openly raised their voices against Indian state terrorism and in favor of the oppressed people of Occupied Kashmir. According to a BBC report, the Indian federal government gives less autonomy to the Union Territories than the States.

The local population and politicians were not consulted to end the special status of Kashmir. BBC Indian scholar Nanut Chadha Bahir said that democratic principles are being destroyed in India. Nobel laureate Amrita Sen in an interview to NDTV said that I don't think there will be any resolution of Kashmir even without democracy because it will be a hindrance in the way of democracy. Being an Indian, it is not a proud for me, after India introduced democratic principle in India which used to be a country known for democracy all over the world but now we have lost that reputation. Amrita Sen strongly criticized the detention of the central leadership of Jammu and Kashmir and said that I do not think justice can be achieved without hearing the views of the leaders and people of Kashmir. Mr. Sharma said that I want to tell the Indian nation that Kashmir has been liberated today because the agreement that was there has expired.

WAng Yi STreSSeS ‘cool-heAded, ProfeSSionAl mAnner’ in Phone TAlKS WiTh BlinKen

BEIJING Agencies

inthe face of unexpected situations, what China and the U.S. need to do is to stay focused, communicate in a timely manner, avoid misjudgment and manage differences, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Friday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during phone talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the latter’s request.

The two sides communicated on how to handle the unexpected situation in a “cool-headed and professional manner”, according to China’s foreign ministry.

“As a responsible country, China strictly abides by international law. We do not accept any groundless speculation or hyping,” Wang said.

The talks came after previous media reports said that a Chinese unmanned airship has been recently spotted in the U.S. airspace.

China’s foreign ministry on Saturday reiterated that the airship used for meteorological research unintentionally entered into U.S. airspace due to force majeure, saying some politicians and media in the U.S. are smearing China with the issue.

“China resolutely opposed that some politicians and media in the U.S. are taking advantage of the issue to attack and

discredit China,” said a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson in a statement.

“Maintaining contact and communication at all levels is an important consensus reached by two heads of state at their Bali summit,” said the statement.

The statement said that one of the duties of the diplomatic teams of the two countries is to properly manage bilateral relations, especially to calmly and prudently handle some unexpected situations.

U.S. media reported that Blinken had postponed his upcoming trip to China following the flying of a “suspected Chinese spy balloon” over the United States.

“As a matter of fact, neither China nor the U.S. has announced any visit. The announcement of relevant information by

Shashi Tharoor on Kappan release: UAPA is a menace to democracy

NEW DELHI Agencies

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has said that the amended draconian law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a menace to democracy. Tharoor made these comments on the release of Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan.

“The release of Siddique Kappan after 28 months in jail reminds us that UAPA allows Govt to detain people indefinitely without charge. It took the Supreme Court to finally reaffirm ‘bail not jail’. The amended UAPA is a menace to democracy, as I warned when opposing its introduction in LS,” said Tharoor in a tweet.

He said when Siddique Kappan asked for reading material in jail he was offered only books in Hindi, a language he does not know, and denied books in English or Malayalam, the only languages he can read. In the land of Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi), is this the level of our humanity? he asked.

On Thursday, Siddique Kappan, a Muslim journalist from Kerala, left jail after more than 851 days after being detained by the Uttar Pradesh Police while en route to the Hathras residence of a young Dalit woman who was gang-raped and murdered by upper-caste Hindu men.

the U.S. is its own affair and we respect it,” said the spokesperson.

China has blasted the hype of a balloon incident, saying China does not accept any groundless speculation or hype and opposes the practice of certain politicians and media in the US who use the incident to attack China even though China has explained clearly the balloon spotted in the US is a civilian airship designed for meteorological research purpose and made the unintended entry due to force majeure.

China’s foreign ministry also suggested that neither China nor the US has announced that there would be a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken following news that Blinken has postponed his planned visit to China citing the bal-

loon incident as an excuse.

The unexpected incident of the balloon gave some hawkish anti-China lawmakers a chance to attack China through the hype of “China spying” and “China threat”, underscoring the increasing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Chinese analysts called on US decision-makers to properly manage the antiChina sentiment fanned by some politicians out of selfish interest, and to demonstrate political leadership to better handle China-US relations.

A spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday a Chinese unmanned civilian airship used mainly for meteorological research purposes made an unintended entry into the US airspace due to force majeure and rejected the spy claim made by the US.

On Saturday, Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement, saying that maintaining contact and communication at all levels is an important common understanding reached by the Chinese and US presidents at their meeting in Bali. One of the tasks of the diplomatic teams on both sides is to properly manage bilateral relations, particularly to manage unexpected situations in a cool-headed and prudent manner.

“In fact, neither side has ever announced that there would be a visit. It is a matter for the US to make its latest announcement, and we respect that,” said the spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Chinese Vice FM visits Russia as Beijing, Moscow political trust continues to deepen

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu paid a two-day visit to Russia from Thursday to Friday, and met with Russian Foreign Minister and other officials, with both sides agreeing to advancing bilateral ties to a higher level and make new progress in the new year.

During the visit for negotiations between diplomatic departments of the two countries, Ma met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other officials. They exchanged views on China-Russia relations, bilateral or multiple coordination between the two countries and global and regional issues of common concern.

The visit is believed to be one of regular meetings of diplomatic departments between the two countries. The interactions between China and Russia have frequently seen, from heads of state to diplomatic departments as the two sides strive to push forward bilateral relations, Zhang Hong, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Saturday.

To mark the new Year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, exchanged messages of new Year greetings on December 31.

On December 30, Xi met with Putin via video link, during which

Xi stressed that China and Russia should strengthen strategic coordination to bring more benefits to the two peoples and inject more stability into the world.

In January, Lavrov congratulated Qin Gang on taking office as the Chinese foreign minister and expressed that he looked forward to building a good working relationship with Qin so as to lead the two countries’ foreign ministries to continue their close cooperation.

During Ma’s visit, he emphasized that under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has maintained

hate-speech by ramdev against muslims, christians draws ire

NEW DELHI Agencies

Yoga guru and religious leader-cumbusinessman Baba Ramdev is not new to making controversial statements against Muslims and other minorities in India. In his latest tirade against the increasingly marginalised communities in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dispensation, Ramdev has claimed that Muslims abduct Hindu women. At a recent Hindu religious event in Rajasthan’s Barmer district, Ramdev even called Muslims “terrorists, hardened criminals.” The event was organised in the name of Shri Dharm Puri Maharaj.

“Ask any Muslim what his religion preaches. He will tell you that you offer five times namaz and then do whatever you like – be it abducting a Hindu woman or committing any evil (paap),” claimed the controversial Yoga guru.

high-level development, with deepening political trust, steadily advancing cooperation in various fields and closer international coordination.

China is willing to work with Russia to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries and to make new progress in bilateral ties in the new year, Ma noted.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict was likely to be one of the topics to be addressed during the visit. The conflict has given rise to a number of challenges that require addressing, especially as the US continues to provoke tensions by offering Ukraine a stream of military assistance, Zhang noted.

The US has agreed to send longer-ranger bombs to Ukraine when the country makes efforts to launch a spring offensive against Russia, according to an AP report.

“The fact that the US is constantly assisting Ukraine with gradually stronger weapons, rather than pushing for peace talks only exposed the US intention of taking the conflict as a method to contain and consume Russia. Continually pouring advanced weapons into the war may further complicate the conflict, resulting in escalation of the conflict and great risk of catastrophic spillover of the Russia-Ukraine crisis,” Zhang noted. Agencies

“They think that the meaning of Islam is namaz and some of our Muslim brothers commit heinous crimes. But they definitely offer namaz because this is what they have been taught i.e. offer namaz and do whatever you want. They become terrorists, and turn into hardened criminals but offer namaz… This is not how Hinduism operates. Christians go to church, light candles, and stand before the idol of Jesus Christ to rid themselves of sins,” Ramdev ranted.

As the video of his speeches went viral on social media, several people slammed the yoga guru and asked the Rajasthan government to book him for the hate speeches.

Shaukat Ali, President of All India Majlis-eIttehadul Muslimeen’s Uttar Pradesh unit, asked the Rajasthan Congress whether they would file a case against him. “Such objectionable speeches against Islam are made by sadhu-sants who are the jokers of the Bharatiya Janata Party,” he said.

Another AIMIM leader and party’s national spokesperson, Waris Pathan, slammed Ramdev calling him a “fugitive” who ran away wearing salwar kameez (outfit meant for ladies). He said that Ramdev does not know anything about Islam. “If he knew what Islam really is he would have embraced Islam,” Pathan said. Qasim Rasul Ilyas, national president of the Welfare Party of India, urged Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, to take action against Ramdev forthwith. He said Ramdev should be booked for insulting Islam and Christianity. Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman of Congress’s minority department, Imran Pratapgarhi, condemned Ramdev’s remarks calling them “objectionable”.

Microsoft says Iranians hacked France’s Charlie Hebdo

WASHINGTON Afp

US computing giant Microsoft said that it had identified state actors from Iran as those behind the recent cyberattack on French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

Clint Watts, the general manager of Microsoft’s Digital Threat Analysis Center, said the hackers, who called themselves “Holy Souls,” were Iranian cybersecurity firm Emennet Pasargad.

In early January, Holy Souls announced they had obtained the personal information of more than 200,000 Charlie Hebdo customers, and published a sample of the data as proof.

The cyberattack came after Charlie Hebdo published cartoons of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a special edition to mark the anniversary of the 2015 attack on its Paris offices that left 12 dead.

Iran issued an official warning to France over the “insulting and indecent” cartoons.

Emennet Pasargad was the employer of two Iranians, Mohammad Hosein Musa Kazemi and Sajjad Kashian, who were indicted by the United States Justice Department in november 2021.

They allegedly conducted a cyber campaign “to intimidate and influence American voters, and otherwise undermine voter confidence and sow discord” during the 2020

American presidential election.

Kazemi and Kashian allegedly obtained confidential voter information and sent menacing emails, pushing out false information to influence both Democratic and Republican voters, and attempted to hack into state voting-related websites, the department said.

The Charlie Hebdo hackers, whose operation Microsoft dubbed “neptunium”, offered the stolen subscriber database for sale online for 20 bitcoin, currently about $460,000, Microsoft said.

“Whatever one may think of Charlie Hebdo‘s editorial choices, the release of personally identifiable information about tens of thousands of its customers constitutes a grave threat,” Microsoft said.

Ronaldo bReaks duck afteR lucRative saudi move

afp

cRISTIANORonaldo got off the mark for his new Saudi paymasters Al Nassr on Friday with a stoppage-time penalty that rescued a 2-2 away draw against Al Fateh.

The Portuguese, who turns 38 on Sunday, buried the spot-kick in the 93rd minute for a point that left the Riyadh club joint top of the Saudi Pro League with a game in hand over Al Shabab.

Ronaldo broke his duck in his third appearance, after he fired blanks in the January 22 league win over Ettifaq and in this week’s Super Cup loss to Al Ittihad.

Days before his Al Nassr debut, he

scored twice for a Saudi composite team in an entertaining 5-4 loss to a Paris Saint-Germain side featuring his great rival Lionel Messi.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who holds the all-time records for Champions League and international goals, will bank more than 400 million euros for his surprise move to Saudi, according to sources close to Al Nassr.

The giant sum includes 200 million euros for promoting Saudi Arabia’s expected joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup, the sources told AFP.

Ronaldo has become a figurehead for the conservative kingdom’s push to improve its reputation through sports — a process that has drawn accusations of “sportswashing”, or trying to sanitise its human rights record.

Yorkshire racism investigation, disciplinary process failed everyone: Matthew Hoggard

LONDON

agencieS

Former England cricketer Matthew Hoggard has stated that Yorkshire historical racism investigation and disciplinary process has failed everyone involved, including Azeem Rafiq. Hoggard, who is facing four charges from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has withdrawn his co-operation from the process.

naseem shah appointed goodwill ambassador of balochistan govt

QUETTA

Staff RepoRt

Young pacer Naseem Shah has been appointed a goodwill ambassador of Balochistan and would officiate with rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). A function in this regard was held in the central office of Quetta Police on Saturday evening. Inspector General of Police Balochistan, Abdul Khaliq Sheikh, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Zahid Saleem and other high-level officials were also present on the occasion.

“I will always be an ambassador of Balochistan and will plead its case”, Shah told the participants of the ceremony.

He said the province is beautiful and known for its hospitality and strong traditions. “Since childhood, I was frightened of police and today I am wearing a police uniform”, Shah said.

Naseem Shah, the fast bowler has become the goodwill ambassador a day before the Pakistan Super League (PSL) exhibition match in Quetta between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmai.

Rafiq first made claims of racism at Yorkshire in August 2020 and later called English cricket “institutionally racist”. Hoggard, who played county cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, says he is on “good terms” with Rafiq, whom he called after seeing him appear on television in September 2020.

He told BBC Sport: “The process has failed everybody. Every party involved has a problem with the way this process has been dealt with, “Azeem [Rafiq] has a problem with it, all the respondents have, [former Yorkshire chairman] Lord Patel has, Yorkshire have. There has got to be a

better way.”

Hoggard is facing four charges of bringing the game into disrepute, centred on allegedly using racist language during his time at Yorkshire. In his first interview since allegations were made against him, Hoggard added: “I’m pulling out because I don’t think it’s a fair process. “There are no winners in this. It is not an admission of guilt. The people who know the truth, know the truth. That is all that matters to me.

“At the moment, whatever Raffa wants Raffa is getting,” claimed Hoggard. “It is getting weighted towards one side. I, as a respondent, have not been spoken

to by the ECB once.” The ECB said it “wrote to individuals to give them an opportunity to respond in writing before any charge was filed” and that “any respondent who requested we also speak to them was also spoken to”. He added: “This has included a legal investigation that confirmed I was a victim of racial harassment and bullying; a Yorkshire-commissioned panel that concluded I suffered discrimination; numerous apologies, both public and private, from people who witnessed or were involved in this behaviour; and others have come forward to confirm the culture in the wider game.”

Final of 3rd Allama Iqbal Polo Tournament today

LAHORE: Remington Pharma will take on Diamond Paints in the main final of the 3rd Allama Iqbal Polo Tournament sponsored by Lahore Smart City here at Jinnah Polo Fields on Sunday (tomorrow).

Before main final, the subsidiary final will be played between FG/Din Polo and Platinum Homes/Master Paints at 1:30 pm. The special guest of the final is expected to be Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman, while many personalities including the sponsors Lahore Smart City high-ups, players, their families and polo lovers will also be present on the occasion. Jinnah Polo Club Secretary Major Ali Taimur also thanked Lahore Smart City for sponsoring the two-week mega polo event. He said that after this last eight-goal event, the high-goal 14-goal competition is starting and from now on, the events will be more challenging and exciting. The team Remington Pharma consists of Basel Faisal Khokhar, Ahmad Zubair Butt, Ahmad Bilal Riaz and Hamza Mawaz Khan while Diamond Paints team comprises of Mir Shoaib Ahmed, Bilal Hayat Noon, Lt Col Omar Minhas (R) and Nico Roberts. Staff RepoRt

murray

comes in for irish as Gibson-Park ruled out

CARDIFF Staff RepoRt

Veteran scrum-half Conor Murray started for Ireland in their opening Six Nations match with Wales on Saturday after first choice Jamison Gibson-Park withdrew shortly before kick-off due to a tweaked hamstring.

New Zealand-born Gibson-Park has been pivotal in Ireland’s surge to becoming the world ranked number one team breaking up Murray’s formidable partnership with fly-half Johnny Sexton. Ireland head coach Andy Farrell took the late loss in his stride — he promoted Murray’s Munster teammate Craig Casey to the replacements bench. “It’s good for us, you know, as a group,” he told the BBC. “We pride ourselves on being the best squad that we possibly can be. We’re disappointed for Jamison obviously, but it’s a good opportunity for Conor and Craig.”

Murray’s fellow Test centurion Cian Healy was also a late withdrawal — the grizzled prop replaced by Dave Kilcoyne on the replacements bench.

Team (15-1)

Ireland

Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Conor Murray; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Finlay Bealham, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter

Replacements: Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Jack Conan, Craig Casey, Ross Byrne, Bundee Aki Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)

messi open to play in 2026 World cup

BUENOS AIRES agencieS

After hoisting his first World Cup trophy with Argentina in December, Lionel Messi said that tournament would be his last, but now it appears he’s open to the possibility of playing in the 2026 event. “Because of age it’ll be difficult to make 2026,” Messi, 35, told Diario Ole in Argentina. “I love playing football and while I feel like I’m in good shape and enjoying this, I’m going to keep at it. It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going.”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni would love to see the superstar who is one of only six players to compete in five World Cups suit up for the next World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. “I think Messi can make it to the next World Cup,” Scaloni told Spanish radio Calvia FM last month. “It will depend a lot on what he wants and what happens over time, that he feels good. The doors will always be open. He is happy on the pitch, and for us [it] would be good.”

After scoring seven goals in the 2022 World Cup, Messi could become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer if he suits up in 2026. He has 13 goals, three behind record-holder Miroslav Klose of Germany.

Lara committed to boost West Indies on return to scene of big century

BULAWAYO

agencieS

West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara has fond memories of the southwestern Zimbabwe city of Bulawayo where he scored 191 in a Test innings 20 years ago. The 53year-old was back at the Queens Sports Club, the scene of his 203-ball knock, this week in a new role as West Indies performance mentor.

His maiden mission is to assist the West Indies in a two-Test series from Saturday against Zimbabwe, a country they have faced 10 times in the longest format, winning seven and drawing three. Once a powerful force in international cricket, the Windies have fallen on hard times, with a first-round exit from the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia last year the latest setback. Lara, whose unbeaten 400 against England in 2004 remains the highest individual. Test score, was part of a threeman panel that recently reviewed the multi-

nation team’s woes.

The panel pinpointed the financial lure of T20 franchise cricket, saying some West Indies stars were putting it ahead of international duty. The warning was stark: West Indies cricket may “cease to exist” unless the issue of its top players prioritising global T20 leagues over international calls-up is resolved.

Lara has kept a low profile since arriving in Zimbabwe, saying only that he “believes he can help the players with their mental approach and tactics”. After a 2-0 Test series loss in Australia two months ago, the West Indies confront Zimbabwe with an interim coach and several injury-enforced changes.

Coach Phil Simmons quit after the T20 World Cup humiliation. His replacement Andre Coley called the visits to Zimbabwe, and then to South Africa next month, “challenging”.

“The tours offer me an opportunity to make a tangible and meaningful contribution to the growth of West Indies cricket,” he said.

Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has been recalled after a 14-month absence, with knee surgery ruling out Jayden Seales. Seamer Anderson Phillip is another injury victim. Leftarm spinners Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican made a 15-man squad captained by opening batter Kraigg Brathwaite. Zimbabwe are winless in 22 Tests since beating Pakistan in 2013 and it will be the first time coach Dave Houghton has taken charge in the longest format since his appointment last year.

Former England batsman Gary Ballance is set to make a Test debut for his country of birth, but prolific scorer Sikandar Raza is absent, playing franchise cricket in Dubai.

SquAdS:

ZIMBABWE: Gary Ballance, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tanaka Chivanga, Craig Ervine (captain), Brad Evans, Joylord Gumbie, Innocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Kudzai Maunze, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano,

Tafadzwa Tsiga

WEST INdIES: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston

Chase, Joshua da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas, Jomel Warrican.

PTA blocks Wikipedia over ‘blasphemous content’

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed on Saturday the nationwide ban of the popular online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, the latest censorship under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government.

The ban was imposed due to the website’s failure to comply with the PTA’s directives to remove what it called sacrilegious content within the 48-hour deadline given, it said in a statement. Wikipedia, known for its free and

FBR puts hold on implementation of IRS Common Pool Fund rules

crowdsourced information, is widely used by millions of people worldwide as a starting point for basic knowledge.

On Wednesday, the PTA degraded Wikipedia’s services across the country as a result of its non-compliance with the removal of controversial content from the website.

According to a PTA spokesperson Malahat Obaid, the website failed to respond to the regulator’s requests and did not take down the content in question. The ban has been imposed primarily due to the non-compliance of Wikipedia with the PTA’s orders.

PM Shehbaz, Maryam agree to placate ‘disgruntled’ party leaders

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Saturday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed the ongoing issues within the PML-N after Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s resignation. According to PML-N sources, PM Shehbaz and Maryam decided to placate disgruntled party leaders in an effort to address their reservations. Other than Abbasi’s resignation, the meeting also took up by-elections and possible elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The two leaders also discussed organisational and other issues of the party, including consultations on organising the ongoing worker conventions across the country led by Maryam. Staff RepoRt

IN ADDITION TO HSA, THERE WILL BE HOUSE RENT SUBSIDY FOR IRS OFFICERS LIVING IN A RENTED HOUSE OR AVAILING SELF-HIRING FACILITY

profIt report

FeDerAL Board of revenue has put the implementation of IrS Common Pool Fund rules on hold.

According to the finance ministry, the Federal Minister for finance has taken notice of the implementation of IrS Common Pool Fund rules and directed the FBr to put the implementation of these rules on hold, keeping in view the current fiscal condition and the overall economic situation in Pakistan.

The finance ministry stated that through the Finance Act 2019, Section 76 was inserted in Sales Tax Act 1990, which empowers the FBr, with the approval of the Minister Incharge, to impose levy, fee and service charges on Tier-1 retailers @ re. 1 per invoice.

Subsequently, FBr with the approval of the then Federal Finance Minister levied a POS Service Fee of re. 1 per invoice on Tier-1 retailers.

The purpose of the aforesaid levy was explicit and duly included the welfare of IrS employees. This was notified via

SrOS.r.O.1279(I)/2021 dated 30th September 2021.

IRS Common Pool Fund Rules

According to IrS Common Pool Fund rules 2023, FBr established “IrS common Pool Fund” to all cadre and non-cadre officers and officials of the inland revenue department and they were supposed to come into force on the first day of March 2023.

In order to regulate the collections and disbursements of the IrS Common Pool Fund, an IrS Common Pool Fund Board was going to be constituted, comprising the Member Inland revenue (Operations), member Accounting and Audit, Chief Ir revenue operations, Chief Management HrM-Ir and any officer of BS-20 of IrS appointed by the board, also to act as Secretary to the IrS-CPF.

The IrS CFPB would have acted as the overall governing body of the IrS common Pool Fund and would have performed the overall supervision of the collections and disbursement of the IrS Common Pool Fund. Besides that it would also have been in charge of approving and issuing policies

and procedures to regulate the activities of the IrS-CPF and the IrS-CPF secretariat.

The collection under the CPF shall not be expanded more than 90% under the heads of expenditure provided in rule 7 of these rules and the remaining 10% of the annual receipts will be invested to ensure the sustainability of the IrS common pool fund.

According to details, the officers of the IrS posted and serving in the FBr headquarter shall be entitled to an incentive called Headquarter Support Allowance (HSA).

The grade 17 &1 8 will be paid rs20,000, grade 19 & 20 rs30,000 and grade 21 & 22 will get rs 40,000 HSA.

In addition to HSA, there will be a House rent subsidy for those IrS officers who are living in a rented house or availing self-hiring facility.

Who gets what under the CFPB?

As per the details, grade 17 & 19 shall receive rs25000, grade 19 & 20 rs30,000 and grade 21 & 22 shall be paid rs35000 HrS as a difference between the monthly rent being paid by the officer.