Epaper_23-03-01 KHI

Wednesday, 1 March, 2023 I 8 Shaban, 1444

Ban announced on manufacturing and sale of traditional fans

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Hi-tech Lubricants records lowest consolidated half year earnings in five years

Cars continue to become unaffordable with no end to price hike in sight

SECP requests Google to remove 58 unauthorised digital lending apps

GOvt sLashes PetrOL PrICe by rs5 Per LItre

g HIGH-SPEED DIESEL PRICE TO REMAIN UNCHANGED DESPITE DROP IN INTERNATIONAL MARKET

FINANCEMinister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday announced a cut in the price of petrol by Rs5 per litre. In a video message, the finance minister said the new price of petrol will be now Rs267 per litre from previous cost of Rs272 per litre.

He added that the price of highspeed diesel would remain unchanged at Rs280 per litre.

“Kerosene oil’s current price of Rs202.73 is being reduced to Rs187.73 –a decline of 15 rupees. Light-diesel, which is at Rs196.68, is being brought down to Rs184.68 after a reduction of 12 rupees,” the finance minister said.

He said the prices would apply from Tuesday midnight.

The drop in petrol price comes as a relief to consumers, but the government’s decision to keep diesel prices unchanged is likely to disappoint the country’s oil industry, which was expecting a reduction of over Rs20 per litre as the price of diesel has gone down in the in-

ternational market.

Responding to the news, PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz said: “Thank you Dar Sahib! Good news for people.”

The government is in a race against time to implement tax measures and reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the country’s reserves have depleted to around $3 billion, which experts believe is enough for only 16 or 17 days of imports.

Govt plans Imran’s arrest ahead of polls to ‘overturn’ Nawaz’s conviction: Fawad Ch

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday asserted that the PDM-led government was planning arrest of Imran Khan before holding general elections to “fulfill the desire for overturning conviction of Nawaz Sharif.”

“The government thinks that Nawaz Sharif’s convictions should be overturned, but the question remains as to how can there be a consensus on such demand of the government,” declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry while talking to journalists outside the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan following the proceedings of suo motu noice regarding delay in announcement of date for holding elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

“The election will be held as per the constitution and not by consensus”, he added.

The former information minister lauded the apex court for taking suo motu notice of delay in the announcement of elections date, saying judiciary’s intervention was the way to resolve the matter following the refusal of the governors to announce date for elections of both the provincial assemblies.

Terming the Supreme Court the ‘saviour of the Constitution’, the PTI leader said that their primary job was to protect the Constitution and asked the ruling PDM’s leaders’ not to make the apex court part of public debate.

Fawad Ch further said during the hearing of the suo motu case, the PML-N also employed its “old tactics to divide the Supreme Court”. “If elections are delayed beyond 90 days it will shake the foundations of the Constitution,” he said, hoping that the court’s verdict will be based on Constitution. Speaking of the proceedings, Fawad noted that the bench considered who has the constitutional responsibility for appointing the date for the holding of a general election to a provincial assembly, upon its dissolution. “All the lawyers have maintained that the elections should be held within 90 days”, he added.

“The judge suggested that the matter should be resolved by consensus”, he said, adding that the PTI also wanted the same. However, he said, the government was planning to arrest Imran Khan before holding elections.

OGRA notifies Rs12/Kg hike in LPG price

The agreement with the IMF on the completion of the ninth review of a $7bn loan programme would not only lead to a disbursement of $1.2bn but also unlock inflows from friendly countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week had also announced a slew of austerity measures, which he claimed would save the country Rs200bn annually. Pakistan is in dire need of funds as it battles a worsening economic crisis.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has raised the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by Rs 12 per kg for the month of March 2023, and issued a notification in this regard. The OGRA notification also includes the hike in domestic cylinder which has been increased by Rs 136 and commercial cylinder which has been jacked up by Rs 525 for the coming month.

Following the issuance of this notification, effective from March 1, LPG will be available at Rs 278/KG, domestic cylinder will be available at Rs 3,278 and commercial cylinder at Rs 12,611, in the open mar-

Moody’s slashes Pakistan’s credit rating to Caa3 — lowest in 3 decades

profIt ReuteRS

Global rating agency

Moody’s on Tuesday cut Pakistan’s sovereign credit rating by two more notches to ‘Caa3’ — the lowest in three decades — amid international loan negotiations, saying the country’s increasingly fragile liquidity “significantly raises default risks”.

The government has been in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a $1 billion loan, which has been pending since late last year over policy issues.

It is part of a stalled

$6.5bn bailout package, originally approved in 2019.

A payment by the IMF may help to cover Pakistan’s immediate needs, Moody’s said, but warned that “weak governance and heightened social risks impede Pakistan’s ability to continually implement the range of policies that would secure large amounts of financing.”

Islamabad has been undertaking key measures such as raising taxes and removing blanket subsidies and artificial curbs on the exchange rate to secure the funds to avert an economic crisis. The rating agency also

said that there is “very limited visibility” on Pakistan’s sources of financing for its “sizeable external payments needs” beyond the life of the current IMF programme that ends in June 2023.

Pushed to the brink by last year’s devastating floods, Pakistan has reserves barely enough for three weeks of essential imports, while hotly contested elections are due by November.

A Reuters poll on Tuesday showed Pakistan’s central bank may hike rates by 200 basis points in an off-cycle meeting this week to unlock the IMF funds.

Inflation to remain high in coming months

profIt report

The Finance Ministry in its monthly Economic Update and Outlook report released on Tuesday forecasted that inflation will remain high in the coming months before easing out gradually.

It is expected that inflation will remain around 28 to 30 % in coming months. The key reasons are uncertain political and economic environment, pass through of currency depreciation, recent rise in energy prices and increase in administered prices. Although SBP has been enacting contractionary monetary policy, the inflationary expectation would take some time to settle.

The report states that China has finally lifted pandemic restrictions and resumed mobility and this will result in a pickup of economic activity and provide momentum to the international economy.

International financial institutions predict that China will account for one-third of international growth during the current year.

The largest beneficiaries from China’s rebounding will possibly be the oil exporters and its Asian neighboring countries, according to Goldman Sachs. Only China’s yearly food imports are almost $266 billion which are expected to increase over the years.

Pakistan can benefit from the significant and enhanced consumption patterns of the food sector within the Chinese economy. Pakistan is a home to the Chinese flagship initiative, i.e., CPEC. This initiative slowed down during the previous government, and it is high time to revive the program to put Pakistan on the trajectory of sustainable development by connecting Pakistan to 150 markets worldwide through the BRI.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 02

SC reserves verdict on Punjab, KP polls delay case

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The Supreme Court Tuesday reserved its verdict on suo motu case regarding delay in the announcement of the date of provincial assemblies’ elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

A five-member larger bench of the apex court led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial concluded the two-day long proceedings in the case. The CJP said that the verdict of the case would be announced on Wednesday (tomorrow) before 11am. Earlier, the apex court had di-

rected the incumbent government and the PTI to ‘sit together’ and decide on a date for elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab by 4 pm today. CJP Bandial said that even if the court takes a decision on the matter of poll dates, “the litigation will continue and this will become very costly for the people and the political parties”.

The court passed the instructions after it resumed hearing the matter after a short recess. However, when the hearing resumed after 4 pm, the counsel for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said the ruling party needed additional time for consultations. Mansoor Usman Awan, represent-

ing the party of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, in the suo motu case, said the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition includes members from Balochistan as well, and that the PML-N must hold internal discussions as well as consult with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the second largest party in the government.

“The court proceedings should continue as more time is needed for consultations,” Awan told the fivejudge bench. These provinces have been under caretaker governments since early January, when their respective assemblies were dissolved. The latest political crisis emerged after President Arif Alvi declared the elec-

tion date for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) refused to do so.

In a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, the president cited his constitutional authority to declare April 9 as the poll date in the two provinces.

The proceedings on Tuesday began with judges debating whether President Alvi had the authority to act without the recommendation of the cabinet of Shehbaz Sharif.

Subsequently, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial highlighted the potential cost and negative impact of ongoing litigation on the public and political parties.

ket of the country. Chairman LPG Association Irfan Khokhar said that this is unbearable, adding that instead of giving relief, the government has resorted to raise prices further. He asked whether LPG could be made cheaper if incentives similar to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) are provided. He also asked for the removal of all taxes imposed on LPG.

Poor quality LPG cylinders are being manufactured in Gujranwala and currently around 400 factories are manufacturing such poor-quality LPG cylinders, explained Khokhar.

The government should close all such factories, he advised and introduce strict legislation in this regard.

Five Pakistanis lost lives in two boat wreck incidents near Italy, Libya: FO spokesperson

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

At least five Pakistanis were among the people who lost their lives in two different capsized boat incidents off Southern Italy and Libya.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, on her Twitter handle, on Tuesday announced that they could confirm with great sorrow that two Pakistanis had lost their lives in the tragic incident of a boat capsized off the coast of Italy, as identified by their families. “However, another Pakistani national has Alhamdulillah been found among survivors the in same incident, bringing total Pakistani survivors to 17,” she further posted. The spokesperson said the Embassy of Pakistan in Italy remained engaged with the authorities to assist in the matter. The embassy officials had met survivors and were in contact with the Italian authorities as well, she further added in her tweet. While in a related tweet, she posted that in an earlier, separate tragic incident, three Pakistani nationals perished in a boat wreck near Benghazi, Libya. The Pakistan embassy in Libya was facilitating the process of transportation of the mortal remains to Pakistan, she added.

According to BBC at least 63 migrants were confirmed to have died, with 12 children including a baby said to be among the victims after the vessel, thought to have carried some 200 people, broke apart while trying to land near Crotone, Italy on February 26. On board, there were people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Iran, the report claimed. More than 170 migrants were estimated to have been aboard the ship, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration said in a joint statement.

Some readers have complained that they are not getting the magazine with their newspaper copy. Please call or WhatsApp us at the following number to register a complaint.

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Dear Readers, owing to the current import curbs, and the subsequent shortage of newsprint, specially our Berliner format, Pakistan Today has been temporarily shifted to an eight-page broadsheet format.

The quality of our coverage, however, will remain what it always has been.

Sharif launChES ‘SChool on

WhEElS’ to booSt Child litEraCy

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

PRIMEMinister Shehbaz

Sharif announced on Tuesday the launch of the “School on Wheels” project, which aims to provide maximum educational facilities to children.

The project will use eight mobile schools to increase the literacy rate in the country, particularly in rural areas.

The buses have been equipped with computers, desks, whiteboards, and LCDs to provide an effective teaching and learning environment.

Sharif expressed satisfaction that the project would help mainstream children in rural areas who faced a lack of modern educational facilities.

The prime minister also launched the countrywide Spring plantation campaign and urged the public to

Inflation to remain high in coming months

participate to save future generations.

PM wants no Power oUtage dUring seHar-iFtar tiMings: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed for minimum power load management during the summer season and zero power outages during Sehar and Iftar in the holy month of Ramazan.

The prime minister while expressing his displeasure over the construction of 500Kv Thar-Matiari power transmission, directed for ensuring departmental proceedings against the negligent officials. He also questioned the delay in the completion of the power transmission in the stipulated period of time.

The prime minister was chairing a

new ihCba body decides not to pursue voting date petition in SC

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

meeting to review the demand and supply of power during the summer season and the work on different power sector projects, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The meeting was briefed over expected power demand and supply and load management during the upcoming summer season. The meeting was also apprised of the progress on the government’s 10,000 megawatts solarization project. The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Khurram Dastagir, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Syed Murtaza Mahmood, Ahsan ur Rehman Mazari, PM’s Advisers Ahad Khan Cheema, Ministers of State Dr Musadik Malik, Muhammad Hashim Notezai and PM’s Special Assistants Jehanzaib Khan, Syed Fahad Hussain and other relevant authorities.

Hi-tech Lubricants records lowest consolidated half year earnings in five years

ContunIeD froM BACk PAge

fiscal year.

Total expenditures grew by 19.8 % to Rs 6,382 billion in July-Dec FY2023, against Rs 5,328 billion in the same period last year. Current expenditures increased by 30 % to Rs 6,061 billion in Jul-Dec FY2023 against PKR 4,676 billion in the comparable period of the last year. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached $683.5 million during Jul-Jan FY2023 (USD 1,224.7 million last year) decreasing by 44.2

%. Foreign Public Portfolio Investment recorded a net outflow of $1,010.9 million compared to an inflow of $958.3 million during the same period last year. Total foreign investment during Jul-Jan FY2023 recorded an outflow of USD 341.4 million as against an inflow of $1,875.4 million last year. The ministry maintained that the stabilisation policy of the government has been successful in improving the current account deficit by 67% reduction during the first seven months of the current fiscal year whereas the non-markup current expenditures are also significantly reduced to contain the fiscal deficit. During the first half of the current fiscal year, interest payments on the Government’s debt significantly contribute to the total expenditures, which can limit the Government’s fiscal space to carry out its normal operations, investments, social and structural policies if the trend continues. A couple of weeks ago, the market was corrected to minimize the difference between interbank and open market exchange rates whereas more recently, it is corrected by 5 % appreciation of the Pakistani Rupee given its economic fundamentals.

SECP requests Google to remove 58 unauthorised digital lending apps

The company’s other income rose by 997.06% to Rs 303.669 million. This was also a 1966.92% YoY increase as well. The other income edged Hi-Tech Lubricants over the edge to record an operating profit of Rs 213.6 million compared to the Rs 34 million loss it recorded in the previous quarter. The company’s cost of finance, however, rose to 132 million. This was a 45.74% QoQ increase, and a 20.7.2% YoY increase from its previous interest expenses. The company recorded a negative effective tax rate of 32.13% due to the Rs 25.9 million rebate it received. This is a 3.69% QoQ increase on its previous rebate of Rs 24.9 million, and a 132.09% YoY reduction on its tax expense of Rs 80.7 million in Q2FY22.

Finally, Hi-Tech Lubricants ended the quarter with a final profit of Rs 106.5 million. This is a 205.69% QoQ improvement on its previous loss of Rs 100.797 million, but a 61/57% YoY reduction on the Rs 277 million it earnt in Q2FY22.

Unconsolidated HFY23 earnings: Hi-Tech

Lubricants’ total revenue fell 5.95% YoY to Rs 8.17 billion, however, its net revenue rose by 4.31% YoY to Rs 7.3 billion. The company also saw its cost of goods sold rise by 17.12% YoY to 6.76 billion for a gross profit of Rs 606.8 million. This is a 53% YoY contraction from HFY22 gross profit of Rs 1.29 billion. The company’s GPM also contracted from 14.85% to 7.42%. The company’s other income rose by 14.89% YoY to Rs 331 million, whilst its interest expense rose by a whopping 223.28% YoY to Rs 224 million. The company’s tax expense also reduced by 142.95% YoY due to the Rs 50.8 million tax rebate it received. The company ended HFY23 with a total earning of Rs 5.7 million. This is in contrast to the Rs 619 million it earnt in HFY22. consolidated Q2FY23 earnings: The company’s revenue shrank by 15.23% QoQ and 28.35%

YoY to Rs 3.99 billion. Its net revenue also contracted by 13.03% QoQ and 13.97% YoY to Rs 3.42 billion. The company, however, recorded a gross profit of Rs 419 million, a 19.18% QoQ increase but a massive 50.06% YoY decrease. Subsequently, its GPM improved from Q1FY23’s 7.47% to 10.5%, but lagged behind Q2FY22’s 15.06%. Other income rose by 27.16% QoQ, and 104.29% YoY to Rs 35.19 million. Interest expense also similarly rose by 22.25% QoQ, and 198.52% YoY to Rs 178.9 million. The company continued to benefit from a tax rebate, similar to the previous quarter. The rebate, at Rs 47.5 million, however, was 37.74% lower QoQ. This did reduce the company’s tax expense by 167.05% YoY from its previous Rs 70.9 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of Rs 89 million. This was a 68.23% QoQ improvement from its previous loss of Rs 280.3 million, and a 130.5% YoY deterioration from its profit of Rs 290 million last year. consolidated HFY23 earnings: Overall revenue fell by 7.46% YoY to Rs 8.7 billion, whilst net revenue rose by 4.31% YoY to Rs 7.37 billion. Cost of goods sold rose by 19% YoY to Rs 6.59 billion, despite the reduced revenue to culminate in a gross profit of Rs 770.9 million. Gross profit contracted by 49.28% YoY, whilst GPM also deteriorated YoY from 16.16% to 8.86%. Other income rose by 80.17% YoY to Rs 62.87 million, and interest expense similarly rose by an astounding 236.15% YoY to Rs 325 million. The company’s effective tax rate stood at 25.13% despite a Rs 123.9 million tax rebate due to it incurring a pre-tax loss of Rs 493 million. This is compared to its previous effective tax rate of 23.01% , and pre-tax profit of Rs 514.86 million. The tax expense was reduced by 204.63% YoY. The company finally ended its HFY23 earnings with a loss of Rs 369.376 million. This is a 193.18% YoY decline from the Rs 396.39 million profit it recorded in HFY22.

Inflation to remain high in coming months

ContInueD froM PAge 01

The report stated that during the first half of FY202223, total revenues grew by 18.8 % to reach Rs 4,699 billion against Rs 3,956 billion in the same period of last year.

The major contribution to this growth came from a 26.4 % increase in non-tax collection, while tax collection has also shown remarkable performance by posting a growth of 17 % during the first half of the current fiscal year.

Total expenditures grew by 19.8 % to Rs 6,382 billion in July-Dec FY2023, against Rs 5,328 billion in the same period last year. Current expenditures increased by 30 % to Rs 6,061 billion in Jul-Dec FY2023 against PKR 4,676 billion in the comparable period of the last year.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached $683.5 million during Jul-Jan FY2023 (USD 1,224.7 million last year) decreasing by 44.2 %. Foreign Public

Portfolio Investment recorded a net outflow of $1,010.9 million compared to an inflow of $958.3

million during the same period last year. Total foreign investment during Jul-Jan FY2023 recorded an outflow of USD 341.4 million as against an inflow of $1,875.4 million last year.

The ministry maintained that the stabilisation policy of the government has been successful in improving the current account deficit by 67% reduction during the first seven months of the current fiscal year whereas the non-markup current expenditures are also significantly reduced to contain the fiscal deficit.

During the first half of the current fiscal year, interest payments on the Government’s debt significantly contribute to the total expenditures, which can limit the Government’s fiscal space to carry out its normal operations, investments, social and structural policies if the trend continues.

A couple of weeks ago, the market was corrected to minimize the difference between interbank and open market exchange rates whereas more recently, it is corrected by 5 % appreciation of the Pakistani Rupee given its economic fundamentals.

PM: Govt to make youth active in country’s development

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Monday the government had decided to launch several initiatives to make youth selfsufficient and active in the country’s progress. In a video message related to the ongoing Youth Week, the prime

minister said his government had decided to divert ample resources to youth to help them contribute to the country’s development. The prime minister added that an inclusive approach would be extended to youth in order to bring them to the mainstream in all fields. Sharif mentioned that the government had declared 2023 as the year of the youth, adding that

several projects would be launched across the country to encourage the participation of youth comprising over 60 percent of the country’s population. The prime minister said that the government had launched various initiatives for youth, including sports projects, education support funds, soft loans, scholarships and professional training.

The Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) Tuesday decided not to pursue its constitutional petition filed by its outgoing president in the Supreme Court regarding date of elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the details, IHCBA newly-elected President Naveed Malik and Secretary Rizwan Shabbir officially announced the decision. Rizwan Shabbir said that the decision was taken in the first executive committee meeting of the IHCBA. Keeping the association aloof from the previous body’s decisions, Rizwan Shabbir said that former IHCBA president had filed the constitutional petition in the Supreme Court in his personal capacity. The meeting was of the view that former IHCBA president filed different cases for his personal political purposes. In connection with the elections of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Supreme Court, the constitutional petition is also a part of the same, he said. The IHCBA secretary said that the meeting evolved a consensus that the constitutional petition filed in the Supreme Court was not approved by the Islamabad High Court Bar Association’s body. The IHCBA’s meeting expressed its complete indifference to the constitutional petition, he added. In this regard, he said that there is no record found in the office regarding any IHCBA meeting or resolution for filing a such constitutional petition. The participants of the meeting decided that this constitutional petition will not be pursued in the Supreme Court, the meeting declared. He said that it has been decided in the meeting that the association’s platform will not be allowed to be used for any political party. The lawyers continued to criticize during the meeting that the bar forum was being used for political purposes. The Islamabad High Court Bar forum will be used only for the welfare of lawyers, the meeting upheld lhC

seeks ‘assistance’ over plea seeking contempt proceedings against Maryam

LAHore

Staff RepoRt

Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Shujaat Ali Khan on Tuesday sought assistance of the petitioner’s counsel by March 1 on “admissibility of a case” seeking contempt proceedings against PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz over contemptuous remarks against Supreme Court judges. Justice Shujaat heard a plea seeking contempt proceedings against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz over allegedly making contemptuous remarks six times during her speech at a convention at Sargodha. During proceedings of the case, Advocate Rana Shahid, the counsel for the petitioner shed light on the contemptuous remarks made by Maryam Nawaz. He argued that world leaders like Joe Biden and Bill Clinton did not use such language, which means “this practice does not exist in civilised societies”. However, most Pakistani leaders hurl blame at judges and commit contemptuous remarks. When asked under which article the petition was filed, the counsel told the court that it was filed under Article 204, adding that any person who commits contempt could be charged with six months imprisonment with a fine of up to Rs100,000. Further, Justice Shujaat asked against whom the contempt was committed. Directing the lawyer to read sub-clause 2 of Article 187, the judge asked how this case falls under the LHC’s jurisdiction. “This matter contains the contemptuous remarks about the judges of the superior court,” the judge noted, questioning how the high court could hear this matter. Advocate Rana Shahid responded that Maryam Nawaz had also committed contempt by scandalising the LHC’s judges who were hearing Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s protective bail. “Do you have any judgment in your support?” Justice Shujaat asked. The counsel requested the court to adjourn the case, assuring he would return with supporting court judgments. The court adjourned proceedings till March 1. Petitioner Muhammad Shahid in his petition implored the court that on February 23, 2023, Maryam Nawaz delivered a speech that was telecasted on most local television channels.

amin meets dCo boss to explore digital growth potential

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Minister for Information Technology and Telecom, Syed Amin ul-Haque, met with Deemah al-Yahya, secretary general of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on Tuesday. DCO is an international body — founded by Pakistan and a group of Middle Eastern countries in November 2020, to accelerate the growth of the digital economy — which aims to achieve prosperity and social stability by unifying efforts to advance digital transformation. AlYahya, a tech pioneer from Saudi Arabia, became its first secretary-general in April of the following year. During the meeting, the minister expressed Pakistan’s desire to form a strategic partnership with DCO to fully leverage the potential of information and communication technology (ICT) for socio-economic growth in the region, in line with the DCO Foundation Charter.

LHC questions sending PTI leaders to far-off prisons, keeping them in death cells

BAWALPur Staff RepoRt

The Lahore High Court (LHC) Bahawalpur bench on Tuesday ordered shifting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders – Senator Azam Swati and Muhammad Khan Madni from death cells and sought record of their arrests and detention in far-off jails. The court also constituted a division bench for the hearing of their petition.

A single member bench of the LHC Balawalpur bench, comprising Justice Anwarul Haq Panno heard the joint petitions filed by PTI lawyers including: Saqib Tariq Chaudhry, Sheikh Mazhar Akbar, Sikandar

Hayat and Raza Hussain Lodhi. Both the leaders were produced in the court in handcuffed.

During the hearing, Saqib Tariq, counsel for Azam Swati, argued before the court that both PTI leaders had been lodged in death cells while as per the law only under-trial prisoners could be shifted to far-off jails. At this the court asked the additional advocate general whether the detained leaders were charged under 302 of Pakistan Penal Code and why they were handcuffed and under which rules they were shifted to far-off jails.

The judge also questioned the AAG whether these leaders were facing trial. The

law office said an application on behalf of PTI’s Ijaz Chaudhry have already been submitted to the court. On court’s question, assistant superintendent jail said the political leaders were lodged in the death cell. At this, the court expressing its displeasure ordered to take them out of death cells and lodge them in accordance with their category.

On the occasion, Azam Swati submitted that he was a senior lawyer but he was being denied his basic rights. The court formed a division bench to hear the case and adjourned hearing. Azam Swati and Muhammad Khan Madni also complained of ill-treatment and inadequate facilities in the jail.

MiniStEr’S bluE-EyEd PoStEd on dEPutation GivEn CharGE of dG PSQCa

ISLAMABAD Ghulam abbaS

aFTERrejecting summary for appointment for three years by establishment division, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has given look after charge of Director General (DG) of its attached department Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to a blue-eyed who is serving in the ministry on deputation from Balochistan. As the federal minister of MoST apparently wants his man to hold the important post at any cost, the official by using his own authority, has given look after charge to a BS-20 officer of Government of Balochistan, who has joined the ministry recently on deputation basis for three months despite advertising the post (of DG PSQCA) as MP-1 scale for a second time.

According to a notification issued on Tuesday, the federal minister of MoST Agha Hassan Baloch has assigned look after charge of the post of DG PSQCA to Mir Ghulam Farooq Langov, joint secretary (Admin) MoST for a period of three months or till appointment of regular incumbent in MP-1 scale, whichever is earlier.

During look after charge, the officer will carry out such functions and exercise such powers that are covered under establishment Divisions conveyed in April 2021.

Interestingly, through a summary, the ministry, despite admitting the fact that the recruitment of DG PSQCA is under process after advertising the post for a second time, informed the Federal Cabinet that the Minister for MoST wanted to appoint a BS20 officer of Government of Balochistan against the said post despite himself serving on deputation basis for three years. Since there was no legal justification

of appointing the officer for three years, the Establishment Division had reportedly rejected the summary, asking the ministry to expedite the due recruitment process of DG on MP-1 scale. The only justification given in the summary was, “the decision of appointment of DG PSQCA on deputation is being made as the Minister wishes to do the same”. Interestingly, there was no need to give the look after charge to the one on deputation as an officer of the ministry Mr Zainul Abedeen was already holding the charge in absence of a regular DG.

The federal minister has insisted on appointing Mr Langov, who holds a degree of MA International Relations (2nd Division) and LLB (1st Division) against a purely technical post of DG PSQCA. As per details, the process of appointment of DG PSQCA was initiated by the Ministry after

conversion of post of DG PSQCA into MP-I Scale with the approval of MP and SPS Scale Conversion Committee in its meeting held on 26.08.2021. The Finance Division also allowed the conversion of post into MP-I Scale via its letter dated 15.11.2021. The post of DG PSQCA was advertised on 27-112022 and a total of 98 applications were received of which shortlisting of the applications is under process. It may be mentioned here that a case related to advertisement/process of recruitment of DG PSQCA is pending at Islamabad High Court. The Petitioner in the case Dr Shahzad Afzal, had prayed that appointment of head of PSQCA on acting basis was a breach of MP Scale Policy 2020 and no one can be appointed on acting basis for more than 90 days. It may be mentioned here that MoST has not been able to fill the post of DG PSQCA since

APTMA asks govt to take stakeholders into confidence before limiting retail business timings

LAHore Shahab omeR

Chairman All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) North Hamid Zaman has urged the government to take stakeholders into confidence before notifying new timing for retail business.

He expressed concerns that issuance of any such notification without consultation between stakeholders and the government, retail sales in the country would plummet and ultimately reduce demand for locally produced textile and other products.

He was addressing a press conference on Tuesday and said thousands of branded retail outlets operate in major markets and shopping malls of the country.

“Outlets owned by members of APTMA, Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP) and Retail Business Council are fully tax-compliant ‘Tier-1 retailers’. They are duly integrated with

the FBR-POS system and contribute greatly to the formal economy of the Country. Retail employees constitute 14% of total workforce with over 10 million people directly or indirectly working on shopping malls, manufacturing, service providing, cottage industry, etc,” he added.

According to him, early closure of shops will have a serious negative impact on GDP, employment and tax collection and lead to closure of factories.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman APTMA Asad Shafi said the importance of retail business could be assessed from the fact that the retail sector comprises over 18% of Pakistan’s $376 billion GDP, or $64 billion of total GDP.

Shafi said the organized retailers pay up to 17% GST and 35% income tax, operate at a commercial tariff of Rs70 per unit (the highest in the country), and do not receive subsidies.

He added that the domestic retail sector plays a crucial role in supporting

information Minister accuses wounded imran of ‘dodging courts with lame excuses’

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The minister for information and broadcasting

Tuesday criticised Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, who is recovering after being shot during a rally last year, for “avoiding” court appearances in the Toshakhana case by citing “lame excuses.” The former prime minister, who is residing in Lahore since November, left for Islamabad in the morning and is expected to appear before multiple courts today. The cases include a prohibited funding case in a banking court, an anti-terrorism case, and two cases in local courts. But according to Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khan has been evading the court despite continued demands for his appearance. She further added the “foreign agent” was seeking bail in the case but refused to show up in court when charges were to be framed against him. Aurangzeb emphasised that if Khan failed to appear in court, he should be arrested.

The minister said: “If [deposed prime minister] Nawaz Sharif could appear in court with his daughter on a daily basis, why can’t Imran Khan appear with Bushra and Farah Gogi?” She pointed out that Khan’s wife and her friend, Farah Khan, left him alone to face the courts during his difficult time. Aurangzeb accused Khan of selling gifts from the Cabinet Division department and questioned why he sold the watch with an image of the Holy Kaaba. She also asked why Bushra Bibi sold Toshakhana’s diamond necklaces and why foreign agents used charity money in politics. Additionally, the minister also accused him of investing charity money meant for Shaukat Khanum Hospital in a housing society. Furthermore, Aurangzeb questioned why Khan took millions of dollars from the Wootton cricket club and why that money was invested in politics. She demanded that Khan should explain why foreign funding was used against the country. The minister also called for his arrest if he continued to evade the court. She also questioned the legitimacy of Khan’s actions related to the Toshakhana case, Shaukat Khanum Hospital charity money, and foreign funding used against the country.

the textile export industry during a time of global recession, and curtailment in retail hours could result in more factory closures and significant economic losses for the country.

“8 to 10 p.m. are considered to be peak hours for retail sales, as many consumers typically go shopping after work around 7 PM, especially when all other workplaces will continue to operate on normal timings. Reduced timing may curtail sales by 30%, costing $15 billion or Rs3.5 trillion in economic activity,” he apprehended, saying that it would erode hundreds of billions in sales tax and income tax collection, for a mere annual electricity savings of Rs 62 billion.

Chairman CPA Tariq Rana said early closure could result in job losses for 3-4 million people, or 35% of the workforce.

“The retail sector provides valueadded employment and absorbs 14% of the national workforce, with 10 million people employed in two shifts. Over 40% of annual retail sales occur during the 30

days of the Holy month of Ramadan, and early closure during this period would lead to a collapse of annual sales and tax revenues. Major malls and organized retailers already use energy-efficient lighting and cooling technologies for cost-effective energy usage. Wholesale and retail outlets in rural areas already close by 8 PM, and this restriction will impact retailers operating in urban and semi-urban areas, particularly organized tax-paying businesses,” he said.

The APTMA leadership has urged the government to implement daylight saving timings across the country to save approximately 1 percent of the annual energy costs, which translates to USD 230 million of the total fuel import bill of USD 23 billion.

Also, they said, the government should fix the retail sector closing time to 10 PM for the whole year (excluding festivals), with a 30% voluntary reduction in their electricity consumption during operating hours.

Non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran in Toshakhana case

FORMER PM SECURES BAIL IN THREE OF RECORD FOUR CASES HEARD SIMULTANEOUSLY

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

After securing bail in three cases involving prohibited funding, terrorism, and attempted murder, former prime minister Imran Khan faced a legal setback as a fourth court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for him in the Toshakhana case. The warrants were issued just hours after the Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf (PTI) chairman narrowly dodged arrest in two of over 70 complaints on various charges, including terrorism, registered against him across the country.

Khan, who is recovering in Lahore from gunshot wounds sustained during a rally last year, appeared before four different courts in Islamabad on Tuesday, accompanied by a large number of party workers and supporters.

He was scheduled to be indicted in the Toshakhana case but his lawyer requested that he be

excused from the hearing due to prior commitments in other courts. The indictment has been postponed twice before.

According to Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal, the hearing has been adjourned until March 7.

MaratHon daY: In the first case of terrorism, the antiterrorism court (ATC) judge, Raja Jawad Abbas, approved Khan’s interim bail until March 9 in a case about violent protests outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Meanwhile, the banking court judge, Rakhshinda Shaheen, confirmed bail for the former prime minister in the prohibited funding case. Khan appeared before the two judges separately. The terrorism case was filed in October of last year at Islamabad’s Sangjani police station after supporters of the opposition party held demonstrations outside the

tribunal’s offices across the country, following the disqualification of the former prime minister in the foreign gifts reference.

In the funding case, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had booked Khan and a number of his aides in connection with their party allegedly receiving “prohibited funding” in October. The case was filed by the state through the corporate banking circle of the agency in Islamabad.

In September last year, the ECP issued its verdict in the case, which was previously referred to as the foreign funding case, against the party, declaring the party did indeed receive prohibited funding.

Following this development, Khan arrived at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) which granted him pre-arrest bail until March 9 in the attempted murder case. The foreign funding case was heard in a banking court, and the terrorism case in an anti-terrorism court located inside the judicial complex. While the Toshakhana and attempted murder cases were taken up at a sessions court in the F-8 sector.

17-year-old student subjected to brutal torture by fellow students

LAHore Shahab omeR

A gang of young boys subjected a 17-year-old student of Lahore Grammar School (Gulberg A Level Branch) Lahore to brutal torture and the video of the incident was put on social media.

A cousin of the victim, Hayat Sajjad, posted a video on social media, stating that his cousin had no personal issue but was severely tortured by twenty-five boys for no reason.

“My cousin, who had his exams going on, went to a café (which is also a snooker club) with his friends after the exams. My cousin’s friend had been involved in a school fight in which my cousin had no involvement whatsoever (even if he had, it doesn’t justify what happened). Once the guys saw my cousin and his friends, they called for ‘back up’ which happened to be 20-25 big boys, and just launched attack at them”.

“They beat him up so ruthlessly and also broke glass bottles on his head as well as snooker balls. The beating resulted in my cousin getting five stitches in his head and left a hand fractured. The perpetrators recorded the beating and posted it on social media with songs edited in the background. We’ve been feeling quite helpless,” he stated.

Similarly, Hayat’s father informed that Hayat did not know these boys at all.

“These boys have formed ‘Gang-102’ and have thousands of followers on social networks. The boys of this gang also seek money from people to fight and 30 to 35 boys in this gang attack together in whatever incident they are involved in. This is not the first incident of violence involving these boys but they have been involved in many such incidents even before,” he informed. In the viral video on social media, it can be seen that more than two dozen boys tortured Hayat, but the police named only one student in the FIR of the incident.

When contacted, an official of Gulberg Police Station confirmed the involvement of the gang and said that this gang of boys from private educational institutions in Lahore has 35 members and operates under the name of Gang 102.

According to the said official, this gang of students used to torture boys outside different schools and now a case has been registered against the gang for torturing Hayat Sajjad in Gulberg.

However, according to SP Amara Shirazi, a case has been registered and a student has been arrested.

“The accused had tortured a student in a snooker club and spread fear and panic by uploading videos of the torture on social media,” she added.

the retirement of DG Abdul Aleem Memon on September 25, 2021. An official source of the ministry, who did not want to be named, informed that secretary MoST and others were not in favor of the minister’s decision. According to him, the minister has already deputed another officer from the education department of Balochistan in PSQCA as director on deputation basis giving him additional charge of secretary PSQCA. Now after the fresh decision the two non-technical and inexperienced officials from Balochistan (Mr Langov and Mureed Baloch) would be running affairs of the very important organization, which is the only standard body responsible for ensuring quality and standard of over 166 food and nonfood mandatory items. Secretary MoST Ghulam Memon could not be contacted for comments despite repeated attempts.

PnS naSr with 1000-tonne relief goods leaves for Syria, turkiye

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The National Disaster Management (NDMA) on Tuesday dispatched the first shipment through Naval Ship NASR from KTP West Wharf Karachi as part of continuous relief assistance being extended on Prime Minister’s instruction to the quake-affected people of Tukiye and Syria. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Subzwari, Turkish Consul General Jamal Sangu and Commander Pakistan Fleet

Rear Admiral Faisal Abbasi saw off the ship. This consignment contains large family-sized winterized tents & blankets as per the current need of quake affectees in Türkiye whereas generators, dry rations, medicines and clothing for the victims in Syria. The ship carrying 1,000 tonnes of relief goods for the people two brotherly countries, would reach the destination within 14 days. On the occasion, Federal Minister Faisal Subzwari expressed his sincere condolences over the loss of precious lives due to the earthquake in both the countries and assured that the government and the people of Pakistan would extend every possible assistance to their brethren in need.

‘love doesn’t exist’: children of Pakistan immigrants defy forced marriage abroad

guAStALLA the aSSociated pReSS

From the day of her birth in Pakistan, Iram Aslam was betrothed to a cousin 17 days older. But to the young woman, who emigrated as a teenager to this Italian farm town on the Po River plain, the cousin felt like a brother. So on a visit to her homeland, she played for time, telling her aunts she wasn’t ready for marriage. “They did everything possible to make me marry him,″ said Aslam, now 29. She said she told them: ”‘I don’t want to marry him and please don’t ask me anymore.’” Her family, in both Italy and Pakistan, kept scheming to have her wed a man of their choice — and their caste. Aslam dismissed around 30 potential husbands. “In the end, I made everyone angry, and no one talks to me anymore,” she said of her relatives in Pakistan. In two murder trials this month, Italian prosecutors are seeking justice for Pakistani immigrant women allegedly killed because they refused marriages imposed by their parents. The cases highlight differences, often misconstrued as religion-based, between centuriesold immigrants’ cultural traditions and Western values prizing individualism. “I liked another person, wanted another one,″ Aslam said of her own situation. “But they didn’t want it, because, among us, love doesn’t exist.” Love is viewed “as a sin,” she added, her thick, wavy brown hair covered by a multicoloured headscarf.

Businesses feeling the pinch

An economy built on unsustainable foundations

SInCE the removal of the peg against the dollar, the rupee slid rapidly to find a more realistic value in the currency market and has even regained some lost ground since. From a low of 276.50 last month, currently it is hovering in the 260-261 range. This relative strength however is temporary. after much dillydallying by the PMLn, the undeniable reality of needing the IMF’s help was accepted, much to the detriment of an already collapsing economy. While some of the more immediate measures such as energy and fuel price hikes have already been taken, the next step is likely to be the removal of the curbs on import.

The SBP in tandem with the Finance Ministry has been instructing banks to either refuse the opening of import LCs or delay their retirements to save foreign exchange reserves. This has led to the current account deficit shrinking significantly, down 90.2 percent year-on-year in January to just $0.24 billion.

This practice extended over to avoiding paying foreign companies their dues that have to be remitted outwards.

Major players such as Emirates and most recently DHL have resultantly scaled back their operations, something that is bound to impact individual and business customers alike. Once the Fund forces the government’s hand to allow regular trading activity to continue through banks, a sizeable volume of backlogged imports will be cleared very rapidly that will most certainly put pressure on the rupee. While there are no restrictions on exports, the fact that many exporters rely on imported raw material for their products, means they too have been unable to operate at capacity. additionally, an international economic recession has hit demand as well.

additionally, businesses, like households, have had to contend with record inflation as well. apart from high operating costs, long term financing costs have skyrocketed owing to aggressive monetary policy tightening. What is more, the SBP is set to announce another MPS tomorrow, two weeks in advance, with an expected hike of 200 basis points in the discount rate. an economic crisis of this magnitude has surely exposed a stark reality facing the economy; Pakistan does not really make anything. Most of our industry is based on conversion of raw material into products. This is exactly why even the smallest shocks to the economy hit businesses hard as the structure it is built upon is simply unsustainable.a combination of decades-old bad economic policies favoring a few select industries has led to a position where Pakistan consistently remains one of the worst performing economies and markets in the world. all stakeholders, but primarily policymakers, must first accept certain realities before and let those direct the measures they take when repairing the damage that has been done.

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late)

Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor

M. A. Niazi Joint Editor Umar Aziz Executive Editor

Conversion of Green Lands into Housing Schemes and Sustainable Development

schemes, it can lead to a loss of agricultural productivity and a reduction in the availability of nutritious food.

The conversion of green lands into housing schemes can also contribute to food insecurity, particularly for vulnerable populations. When land is used for housing, it may no longer be available for farming, which can lead to a reduction in food production and an increase in food prices. This can make it difficult for low-income households to access sufficient and nutritious food, leading to malnutrition and hunger.

SDGs stand for Sustainable Development

Goals. They are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United nations General assembly in 2015 as part of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development. The SDGs aim to address a wide range of social, economic, and environmental issues. The SDGs are designed to be universal, meaning that they apply to all countries and are intended to be implemented in both developed and developing countries. They are also interrelated, recognizing that progress in one goal can contribute to progress in other goals. The SDGs provide a framework for action by governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to work together to achieve a sustainable future for all.

Zero Hunger is one of the most important of the SDGs. Hunger and malnutrition are major global issues that affect millions of people, particularly those living in poverty. according to the United nations, approximately 690 million people suffer from hunger, and an additional 2 billion people experience food insecurity. achieving Zero Hunger is critical for several reasons. First, it is a basic human right to have access to sufficient and nutritious food. Hunger and malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and even death, particularly among children. Second, ending hunger can help to reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, and promote economic growth. When people have access to nutritious food, they are better able to work, learn, and contribute to their communities. Third, achieving Zero Hunger is essential for environmental sustainability. Sustainable agriculture practices, including reducing food waste and improving soil health, can help to protect natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To achieve Zero Hunger, a range of actions are needed, including increasing agricultural productivity, improving food systems, reducing food waste, and increasing access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations. This requires collaboration between governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals.

To fulfill the needs of modern societies, the conversation of green lands into housing schemes can have a negative impact on achieving Zero Hunger. Green lands are important for agricultural production, as they provide space for crops to grow and for livestock to graze. When these lands are converted into housing

Pakistan: A responsible nuclear weapon state

The nuclear programme isn’t just weapons

weapons or their delivery systems. Pakistan has strengthened the control on exports of nuclear, biological and related materials and their delivery systems through the Export Control act of 2004. The national Control Lists are reviewed periodically as per the changes made by International export control regimes.

To achieve Zero Hunger, it is important to prioritize the preservation of green lands for agricultural production. This can be done through the implementation of policies and regulations that limit the conversion of agricultural land into housing schemes. additionally, efforts can be made to promote sustainable land use practices, such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture. Overall, it is essential to balance the need for housing with the need for agricultural land and to prioritize the achievement of Zero Hunger in all development efforts.

Pakistan is a country that faces significant challenges related to food security and zero hunger. The country has a large population, and a significant proportion of the population lives in poverty. In addition, climate change and environmental degradation pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity in Pakistan.

To address these challenges, it is important to prioritize the preservation of green lands for agricultural production in Pakistan. This can be done through the

implementation of policies and regulations that limit the conversion of agricultural land into housing schemes. The government can work with local communities and stakeholders to identify areas of land that are suitable for development and those that should be protected for agricultural purposes.

In addition to preserving green lands, efforts can be made to promote sustainable agricultural practices in Pakistan. This includes investing in irrigation systems and improving soil health, which can help to increase agricultural productivity and reduce the impact of climate change on crop yields. The government can also promote the use of modern agricultural technologies and techniques, such as precision agriculture and conservation agriculture, which can help to reduce inputs and increase yields.

Finally, efforts can be made to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to sufficient and nutritious food in Pakistan. This can be done through the implementation of food assistance programs, nutrition education initiatives, and other policies and programs that promote food security. By prioritizing the preservation of green lands for agricultural production and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, Pakistan can take important steps toward achieving food security, zero hunger and improving the health and well-being of its population.

The writer is Vice Chancellor of the Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan

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Time for reviving Pak-Afghan trade

Tayyaba Khurshid

Many states have used nuclear energy worldwide to overcome energy challenges, and Pakistan’s peaceful nuclear programme is a great success. Realizing the true potential of nuclear energy, Pakistan developed a comprehensive framework for its peaceful use. Pakistan’s nuclear programme is safe and robust. Pakistan has always been a responsible nuclear weapon state and therefore except for baseless allegations, there has never been a single i-stance of theft of nuclear material.

although Pakistan didn’t sign the nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (nPT) due to its deep security concerns, it cooperates and works closely with the International atomic Energy agency (IaEa). The IaEa is an intergovernmental organization that promotes and regulates peaceful use of nuclear energy. Its mandate is to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world.

Pakistan signed a safeguard agreement with the IaEa in 2005 that allows it to inspect Pakistan’s civilian nuclear facilities and their use for peaceful purposes only. It also covers the export and import of nuclear weapons. along with this agreement, Pakistan’s internal nuclear security regime is also comprehensive, including both a legislative and regulatory framework that governs nuclear safety and security. The Pakistan national Command authority is the apex decision-making body in all nuclear related matters with an effective and robust command and control system.

For regulation of nuclear safety and protection of radiation, transport and waste of nuclear material, Pakistan has developed the Pakistan nuclear Regulatory authority (PnRa). The ‘Regulations on Security of Radioactive Sources’ is in line with the IaEa Code of Conduct on nuclear safety and security of radioactive resources and its two supplementary guidance documents.

TheStrategic Export Control Division (SECDIV) looks upon the export controls to monitor the items that can be used for development of nuclear, Chemical or biological

Pakistan has successfully implemented the IaEa nuclear security programme and contributes to and benefits from the IaEa regarding the security of nuclear material as per its mandate.

IaEa Director General Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi recently was in Pakistan for a two-day visit and inspected six nuclear sites of Pakistan. He acknowledged Pakistan’s technical and engineering capacity for new nuclear power plants, including small modular reactors. as Pakistan is the country that suffers most from climate change and energy crisis, hence nuclear energy is the best option for Pakistan to mitigate climate issues and energy crisis. The head of Un’s nuclear watchdog praised Pakistan’s nuclear safety and security along with its technical capacity. He reiterated that “Pakistan has a promising future with regard to nuclear energy”. The IaEa DG’s comments show that Pakistan has adopted an extremely secure and robust mechanism for its nuclear safety and despite the political instability and economic downfall; Pakistan’s nuclear regime is safe and secure. He even termed Pakistan’s civilian nuclear facilities “World Class” and impeccable. Moreover, he acknowledged Pakistan’s nuclear capacity to develop new nuclear plants that will help the state meet its critical energy demands causing a reduction in energy cost and producing clean and environment-friendly energy.

The initial set-up of such plants requires a strong financial backing because they are relatively dearer than other set-ups like fossil fuel power plants. But in the long run the nuclear power plants are relatively cheaper to operate and require specific topography to be safe and functional. The DG’s visit was really a success, projecting a positive image of Pakistan in the nuclear community as he has also approved nuclear facilities and extended support for civilian use of nuclear projects. However, financing of such projects is still a question and that requires a strong economy.

Hence, it is very essential that Pakistan should focus on the restructuring of its finances and capital to improve its economic situation that will solve the other problems. nuclear technology and its peaceful use is what all the states are seeking to improve their energy needs. yet, a strong financial backing to support the nuclear programme for peaceful use is crucial for long term sustenance and stability. The majority of issues that Pakistan is facing today are due to the weakness of the economy. Hence, when the state’s finances will be in order, only then nuclear power can be a long-term solution to our health, environmental and energy problems.

With the multiplicity of challenges that states are facing, nuclear energy remains a suitable option to mitigate issues related to health, agriculture, food and water. Therefore, Pakistan should maximize its cooperation with the IaEa to benefit from its technical cooperation program.

The writer is Researcher at Center For International Strategic Studies, AJK and working on Comprehensive Security and Strategic Stability.

THE afghanistan-Pakistan transit trade agreement is a bilateral pact between the two countries that aims at increasing the flow of commodities between the two countries which approved it in 2010 in the presence of a large number of high-ranking officials and foreign ambassadors.

Given that Pakistan is currently going through an economic crisis, and, on its part, afghanistan has its own share of grave problems, it is the responsibility of the officials and high-level representatives of both the countries to revive the agreement and resume bilateral trade. afghanistan had been granted permission to transit commodities through Pakistan first under a contract signed in 1965, called the afghanistan-Pakistan transit trade (aPTT) agreement, which was cancelled by the rehashed treaty. afghanistan was also offered a tax exemption, under the old agreement, and it used to transport a lot of goods using the port in Karachi. Pakistan, however, did not receive any reciprocal rights. The new trade deal of 2010 was signed after a memorandum of understanding, which, among others, was also attested by the then United States secretary of state, Hillary Clinton. The transit trade agreement of 2010 permits goods transfer between the two countries using each other’s ports, railroads and airports. Under the terms of the agreement, trucks from afghanistan are allowed to enter Chaman, Torkham and Ghulam Muhammad border crossings.

In accordance with this arrangement, afghanistan can send goods to India across the Wagah border, but India cannot send goods back to afghanistan through the same route. Due to the trade agreement, both the countries now have access to markets they did not previously have. afghanistan has access to Indian and other markets by using Pakistani ports, while Pakistan has access to Central asian markets.

In 2015, Tajikistan was initially included in the trade agreement, but afghanistan later withdrew because it wanted to include India before allowing Tajikistan, or any else for that matter, to take part.

In 2017, ashraf Ghani, the then president of afghanistan, cancelled the agreement by issuing an executive order that forbade the transit of Pakistani goods through afghanistan, and declared the agreement null and void. If both countries revive the previous deal, it will create a lot of opportunities for the poor people of the both nations. Besides, it will also bolster the economy of Since Kabul is being run by afghan Taliban and the american forces have left the region, it is now a wonderful opportunity for both the countries to resume bilateral trade and interaction.

AYAZ ALI BHATTI THARI MIRWAH

Census concerns

THE first nationwide digital census is scheduled to get underway next month. It is a midterm census for which the condition of CnIC has been waived off, and the military’s role has been reduced to security affairs.

The relevant authorities would do well to take into consideration the apprehensions expressed by professionals and civil society activists at a recent seminar organised by the Sindh Coordination Council. The elementary issues of transpa-rency and correct headcount need to be given primary value at a time when over a couple of million houses stand damaged and more than 12 million people displaced in Sindh owing to the massive floods that turned life inside out last year. Besides, there is the matter of thousands of illegal immigrants, especially afghans who roam the streets of Karachi and other urban centres. It is primarily the responsibility of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics to establish the credibility of the whole process, otherwise, it will be a futile exercise and a sheer waste of public money. DR MEHBOOB SHAIKH KARACHI

To fulfill the needs of modern societies, the conversation of green lands into housing schemes can have a negative impact on achieving Zero Hunger. Green lands are important for agricultural production, as they provide space for crops to grow and for livestock to graze.

dr MuhaMMad suleMan Tahir

inaMullah MarwaT

In the previous semester, I got a chance to teach Peace & Conflict Studies to 7th-semester International Relations students at the Department of Political Science & International Relations in the University of Management & Technology (UMT), Lahore. Together with the syllabus, we explored the attainment of peace and understanding of conflicts in almost all their nuances. The whole experience was enriching for me as a resource person of the course and from the kind of engagement I got from students in class, I am confident to say that it must have contributed to students’ understanding of how to deconstruct conflicts happening all around them and how to deal with them in a way that it leads towards sustainable peace.

I just want to share some insights from some readings written by Professor Bernard Mayer, considered an icon in the world of Conflict Resolution. The reason why I want to share some insights from Mayer’s work is that they provide us with enriching insights into conflicts that we normally face in our day-to-day life, in our society, and usually among states at the international level. I think that a good grasp of Mayer’s insights regarding conflict can not only help us understand all tangents of conflict but can better equip us to deal with them head-on.

Mayer’s first insight is that conflict is an integral part of our human existence. To unpack the first insight, let me share a small concept that I came across while teaching Intelligence & national Security at some point in time in the Spring Semester of 2022.

That concept goes like this. Humans believe in schematic reasoning. In other words, all of us humans have schemas inside us. Schema, in simple words, can be termed any human’s inner software. It develops from your beliefs, likes, dislikes, socialization, books you read, discussions you engage in, movies you watch, and so on. Humans usually accept that information which is in line with their schemas and reject what is not in line.

Since all us humans have different schemas and

We are conflictual beings

But are we doomed?

chances are that all those things that happen around us, might not be in line with our schemas; that’s why we are exposed to conflicts all around us; day in, day out. In other words, it will not be wrong to say that we are conflictual beings having a human experience on earth.The best way to illustrate conflicts emerging from schema clashes is the reaction we see in our society from people over some slogans made in the aurat March every year in Pakistan. People react over aurat March slogans because they are generally not in line with their schemas.

Mayer’s second insight is that conflict, and I think that will make the first insight more clear, exists in three shapes which comprise perception, emotion, and action.

So, if in general, conflict is defined as disagreement, it usually is present in the above-mentioned domains.

Just to make it easy, conflict in perception means if your action or speech directly or indirectly creates mere thinking or perception in another person’s mind that you are posing a threat in a real or abstract way to his/her interest, desires, wishes, likes & dislikes, and so on., you conflict with the other person whether you know this or not.

Just like perception, the conflict also exists in the emotional domain, as per Mayer. If your speech or action is creating a feeling of shyness, fear, nervousness, anger, doubt, and many other feelings like these, all these are signs of disconnect or maybe disagreement and, thus, they depict conflict. again, you don’t know which of your actions or speech can create such feelings in others, and thus you are always faced with conflicts, knowingly or unknowingly.

If we are in a position to dissect what is in front of us and embrace conflict without any negative preconceptions about it, I think we all can resolve conflicts not only in our individual lives but also in our collective lives present in the shape of society and state. After all, all you need to resolve a conflict is awareness

Regarding conflict, Mayer says that it does not take two to tango initially which means that for a conflict to start it’s not necessary that both parties must be knowing that. It can start in any party’s mind, especially if we are talking about conflict in perception, and that will automatically pull the other party into conflict through the reaction of the first party in the shape of action or behaviour. I hope the insight that was shared earlier, that conflict is an integral part of human existence, should be crystal clear now.

Will ChatGPT replace political commentators?

after highlighting the existence of conflict in the perception and emotional domains, it’s easy to make a sense of the third shape of conflicts that exist in the action domain. Usually, we see and understand conflicts in the action domain around us and, more importantly, we become concerned about conflicts if we see them in action. So, for example, if two people get into a physical fight, we might feel pushed to stop the fight because we saw it in action; however, we don’t feel that much concern if the fight exists in the perception and emotional domain. Sometimes, our disinterest in engaging with conflict when it’s in the emotional or perception domain is intentional, but a majority of the time it’s because we don’t know the science of how to engage with conflict when it’s in the perception and emotional domain. Mayer enlightens us that the action part of conflict does not come from a vacuum, but the action part of conflict feeds itself from the perception and emotional domains of conflict.

Before I share the bigger takeaways from Mayer’s insights, I just want to share two more insights from Mayer which are in line with the current discussion.

First,Mayer says that the three shapes of conflict feed each other; however, conflict does not happen in a linear shape. That means that it’s not like conflict first always starts in perception, then it moves into the

THE AI COULD PUSH MANY WRITERS INTO EARLY RETIREMENT

analysis and commentary on the United States’ domestic and international affairs. Blankenship’s work often emphasizes the country’s political polarization, its role in global affairs, and its domestic social and economic issues.”

emotional domain and then it reflects itself in action. It can start in any domain and can start feeding the other domains.

Mayer’s second insight is that humans have conflicts all around; however, their approach toward conflicts is reactionary. In simple words, Mayer wants to say that though conflict is part of human life yet humans, kind of, have a negative approach to conflict. Being in conflict is perceived as negative among humans, in simple words. This negative perception regarding conflict among humans right from the beginning is not allowing humans to overcome conflicts sustainably, as per Mayer.

The message Mayer wants to convey is that we need to change our perceptions regarding conflict as a phenomenon if we want to effectively deal with it. We need to treat it as any other phenomenon in our life; need to objectively analyze it, and based on sound judgement find a way to deal with it. We need to remove the stigmas attached to the meaning of conflict in our lives. We need to own conflicts and instead of running away from them, we need to stay with our conflicts, especially if we want to resolve them on a long-term basis. If we don’t deal with conflicts that way and approach them with a negative approach, then our approach towards conflict resolution will be superficial and our solutions will not be long-lasting. In Peace & Conflict Studies, we call the resolution of conflicts through temporary measures negative Peace and resolution of conflicts through long-lasting measures Positive Peace.

Since I came across these insights regarding conflict, I find myself more conscious, especially about the presence of conflicts all around me in my day-to-day life, and I think that can happen to anyone who gets such a nuanced understanding of conflict. Seemingly, it may seem overwhelming to deal with such a wide range of real and abstract conflicts, but I think if we are in a position to dissect what is in front of us and stick to Mayer’s advice that is to embrace conflict without any negative preconceptions about it, I think we all can resolve conflicts not only in our individual lives but also in our collective lives present in the shape of society and state. after all, all you need to resolve a conflict is awareness.

The writer is a lecturer at the Department of Political Science & International Relations at the University of Management & Technology (UMT), Lahore. He can be reached at inamullah.marwat@umt.edu.pk

India expands its war against Muslim women

Middle east eye

Towfiq

Tooba

WHEn I was a freshman in high school, my geography teacher had us read The World Is Flat: a Brief History of the Twenty-first Century by Thomas Friedman. That book described the entire process of globalization and how the world was “flattened,” or in other words, how the playing field was leveled for workers to compete against one another across the globe.

Listening to his lectures about the book, my teacher clearly wanted us to be able to find our place in the globalized economy since, at that time, we were just coming out of the Great Recession. and I think that, at least on a subconscious level, I understood the general message from this class because Friedman described a group of experts, people who could explain things well and leverage their knowledge in the globalized world, who would be immune from offshoring and outsourcing.

Of course, he was alluding to academics, journalists, columnists, consultants and, well, basically people like himself. and while I’m not anywhere near the same level of prestige as Mr. Friedman, that also includes folks like me now. So, in a way, a class I took when I was 14 helped me find a niche in a highly competitive “flat” world.

at least it seemed that way until aI emerged and programs like ChatGPT emerged. ChatGPT is a software application developed by the american tech firm OpenaI and released in november of last year. It’s basically a chatbot that you can talk to, ask questions to and perform other functions, like writing code with common language.

It learns from input from users (and its developers) but does have some limitations, such as not being able to give its own opinions or have accurate information about current affairs after 2021. However, the aI is still famous for its vast array of knowledge and, in fact, it has now gone on to make the news nearly every day by passing high-level university exams, including an MBa exam from the Wharton School of Business. This has universities clamoring to find out how their “business model” can survive.

If aI is now coming for academics, might it come for some of these other immune jobs that Friedman talked about? Well, I actually put ChatGPT to the test by asking it to write in the style of Friedman himself. and it actually produced a perfect summary of the book I mentioned at the beginning of this piece almost exactly like it was written by the original author.

“The world is flat, my friends! yes, you heard it right – flat. In this hyper-connected, digitized, and globalized era, geographical boundaries and physical distance have become irrelevant. Today, a person sitting in Mumbai can work for a company based in new york, collaborate with team members in London, and deliver results seamlessly. That’s the power of the flat world we live in,” the aI wrote in the first paragraph of a TL;DR version of Friedman’s most famous work.

Some commentators have started to have fun with this.

Hu Xijin of China’s Global Times tested it and generated a pretty hilarious outcome. If you are familiar with Hu’s work, then you’d know that the aI almost nailed it on the head when it took a crack at copying China’s most famous commentator’s style.

after seeing this, I tried it on myself. ChatGPT described me as “a freelance journalist who covers politics, foreign policy, and culture. He is known for his critical

OK, that’s fair. Then I asked the program to write a column about US foreign policy in my style. and so it did. Here is the conclusion of the column: “Overall, the US foreign policy seems to be lacking a clear and coherent strategy. It is important for the United States to engage in robust diplomacy and work with allies to address global challenges like climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality. a more thoughtful and strategic approach to foreign affairs will be critical in the years ahead if the US wishes to maintain its position as a global leader.”

If you’re interested in comparing this to my work, feel free to click my name on RT to see my author page or check out my columns on CGTn. While I think this reflects, generally, something I would say, I noticed that it’s definitely not as sharp as I am sometimes. For example, I don’t really care if the US maintains its position as a global leader or not. I actually wish it wasn’t – and I have said that publicly on numerous occasions. So maybe I’m safe for now and ChatGPT can’t replicate my style.

It could also be that the aI doesn’t have as much to work with compared to Hu or Friedman, who have both been in the game a lot longer than yours truly. and thus it could be filling in the gaps with some internal biases, which were noted by CGTn’s senior sci-tech editor Gong Zhe, who claimed that the aI has a notable left-wing bias. His experiment with the technology produced some results that suggested a bias and he even got it to praise Joe Biden. Maybe that explains why the aI made me sound like a hippy-dippy liberal, which I will come out and state here clearly that I am not.

Conservatives have criticized the chatbot for allegedly being “woke” on culture war issues. For instance, one conservative tried to get it to write a story about why drag queen story hour is bad for kids, to which it replied that it couldn’t on the grounds that it would be “harmful.” But if prompted to write about why the controversial teaching technique is good, it gave a long and detailed account of a drag queen named Glitter who taught schoolchildren a valuable lesson about inclusion. It also refused to write a story about Trump beating Biden in the 2020 election, saying sternly that this event did not occur.

Despite the jabs from the right, overall, I think that ChatGPT can and will undoubtedly and convincingly pass off as some high-profile writers when prompted, which raises questions about the future of political commentary.

Of course, the aI generally doesn’t produce any novel opinions or analyses, which means, as of now, it will be relegated to a knock-off. So, for now, I think us political commentators are safe.

ChatGPT itself shares this opinion – or rather, when posed the question from this article’s title, says it can’t have an opinion: “as an al language model, I can analyze data and provide insights on a variety of topics, including politics. However, I don’t have personal opinions or biases, and my responses are based purely on the data and information available to me. Political commentators, on the other hand, are human beings who provide their own analysis and opinions on political events and issues. They can bring their own unique perspectives and experiences to their analysis, which can be valuable for their audiences. In summary, while I can provide information and insights on political issues, I cannot replace the role of political commentators in offering their own personal analysis and opinions.” But then again, it can write fiction and play pretend, so how far are we from seeing its bylines in famed outlets?

Bradley Blankenship is an American journalist, columnist and political commentator. He has a syndicated column at CGTN and is a freelance reporter for international news agencies including Xinhua News Agency.

AMID the desk-thumping cheers of the lower house of the Indian parliament, detrimental decisions were rattled off as part of the 2023 budget process this month, marking yet another step towards disempowering Muslims in the country. This is the same house where the ruling rightwing government often fashions itself as the messiah of Muslim women, even as they endure a potentially devastating assault on their social, economic and political rights. amongst myriad cuts to budgets affecting minorities and women, the government has cut funding to help students from minority communities pass preliminary exams, while slashing the budget for madrassas.

From the right to choose what to wear, to the right to education and work, Indian Muslim women are at risk of losing it all. yet, despite this urgency, the public outcry is not nearly as pronounced as it should be.

Ongoing global debates around the right to education (in the context of afghanistan) and the freedom to choose how to dress (in the context of Iran) have comfortably ignored Indian Muslim women - and this is hardly a new phenomenon.

Backlash against the Taliban, one would like to believe, stems from their clear negation of women’s rights. yet, much of the international outcry actually stems from the legacy of US military intervention in afghanistan and the Orientalist inclination to “save” Muslim women. along the same lines, the leader of India’s right-wing government, Prime Minister narendra Modi, insists that he has “freed” Muslim women. But Muslim women - fearless and with their fists raised - would disagree.

CLIMATE OF INTIMIDATION: She stood alone, fearless and veiled head-to-toe, heckled by men in saffron scarves. This is how Muskan Khan, the “poster girl” for last year’s hijab-ban protests in the Indian state of Karnataka, subverted the stereotypical representation of a Muslim woman in the Indian imagination. She was educated and indomitable, a subversion of the essentialised label of victimhood accorded to Indian Muslim women that is often incorrectly blamed exclusively on Muslim men. a year later, women like Muskan are facing the brunt of the Indian state’s harmful legislation, as well as a climate of violence and intimidation.

Minority affairs Minister Smriti Irani was among many admirers of the newly released budget, which she praised for its focus on “inclusive development”. Ironically, the government has significantly slashed the budget of the ministry she heads - and the scale of these cuts is hard to ignore.

For minority educational empowerment, the budget allocation has been reduced from Rs 2,515 crores ($304m) to Rs 1,689 crores ($204.5m). The allocation for skills development and livelihoods was cut by 99 percent, while incentives for free coaching and other allied schemes were reduced by around 60 percent.

This follows a trend that started last year. In December, the government discontinued the Maulana azad national Fellowship, a scholarship for students from minority communities pursuing higher education. The fellowship was initially im-

plemented more than a decade ago upon the recommendations of the Sachar committee, which highlighted the abysmal state of social, economic and educational conditions for Muslims in India. Such steps are incongruous with government data. Indian Muslims continue to have relatively low access to education, particularly with regards to higher education, where enrolment numbers for Muslim students have been on the decline. Muslim students also tend to rely more on government institutions than non-Muslims. With little-to-no government support, students from Muslim communities will find it increasingly difficult to access education.

Interestingly, the enrolment of Muslim women in higher education has been growing in proportion to that of Muslim men. But this discouraging package of legislation is set to undo these strides, compounding the disadvantageous position that Muslim women in India occupy within the matrix of their religious, gender and class identities.

WHOLESALE ASSAULT: The ruling government insists that Muslim women “feel safe” under the BJP, and in justifying the hijab ban, it asserted that “misguided” Muslim women need to be brought into the “mainstream of education”.

If this is the case, why are Muslim women dropping out of colleges in Karnataka? a recent report by the Karnataka branch of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties found that more than 1,000 female Muslim students dropped out of schools in five districts during the hijab row.

The fallout of anti-Muslim legislation is not restricted to Muslims from economically underprivileged backgrounds; there is also an ongoing exodus of urban Muslims. Many young Muslims, especially women, are finding that safe public spaces are disappearing for them. Muslim women have been targeted through sexist mock “auctions”, while also facing significant hiring biases.

This wholesale assault is a recipe to intimidate and disempower Muslim women in India, buttressed by a culture of communalised rhetoric, in which convicted rapists are prematurely released and go on to receive a hero’s welcome. a language of intimidation, along with open calls for violence against Muslim women, are being normalised by mainstream news media, popular culture and vigilante internet trolls. Hate is being manufactured here.

The tepid reactions to this urgent crisis show that the foundations from which this project draws its strength are not new. Indian Muslims have been fashioned within the Indian nationstate through a legacy and language of violence, wherein Muslim women exist only as victims who need to be saved from violent Muslim men, or as sexualised objects on which wars of religious nationalism are to be played out.

Global discussions on women’s rights do not invite many allies for Muslim women in India. In videos about the Karnataka hijab controversy, while Muslim teachers had to remove their veils before entering schools and Muslim students who refused to do so were sent home, the only woman allowed to exist on her own terms was a teacher imposing “discipline”. She wore a sari and a bindi - the only acceptable image of an “Indian” woman in the populist imagination.

Tooba Towfiq is a journalist, reporter and researcher covering gender, religion and politics in India.

FROM THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHAT TO WEAR, TO THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION AND WORK, INDIAN MUSLIM WOMEN ARE AT RISK OF LOSING IT ALL

ChiNa rejeCts BliNkeN’s erroNeous ClaiMs oN taiwaN

URGES US TO STOP GOING DOWN WRONG PATH

TAIWAN Staff RepoRt

CHINA’SForeign Ministry firmly objected to the recent remarks made by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the Taiwan question, calling those remarks extremely irresponsible and ridiculous and urging Blinken to heed the lesson of history seriously on the issue.

Blinken said in a recent interview that “the world is so concerned about a crisis across the Taiwan Straits is because this is not an internal matter” and that if there were a crisis in Taiwan as a result of the Chinese mainland’s aggression in some fashion, “that would have disastrous consequences.”

Over the Taiwan question, Blinken must

take a history lesson, Mao Ning, spokesperson of the ministry said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Taiwan has been an integral part of China’s territory since ancient times. The one-China principle is the accepted basic norm of international relations and an important political prerequisite and foundation for China to establish diplomatic relations with other countries, she said.

In 1972, the US stated in the Shanghai Communiqué that “The United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Straits maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The United States Government does not challenge that position.”

In 1978, the US stated in the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of

Murdoch admits some Fox News hosts ‘endorsed’ false election fraud claims

NEW YORK

ReuteRS

Fox Corporation chairman Rupert Murdoch acknowledged that some Fox News commentators endorsed the false allegations by former president Donald Trump and his allies that the 2020 presidential election was stolen and that he didn’t step in to stop them from promoting the claims, according to excerpts of a deposition unsealed Monday. The claims and the company’s handling of them are at the heart of a defamation lawsuit against the cable news giant by Dominion Voting Systems. The recently unsealed documents include excerpts from a deposition in which Murdoch was asked about whether he was aware that some of the network’s commentators — Lou Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo, Jeanine Pirro and Sean Hannity — at times endorsed the false election claims. Murdoch replied: “Yes. They endorsed.” The Murdoch deposition is the latest filing in the defamation case to reveal concerns at the top-rated network over how it was handling Trump’s claims as its ratings plummeted after the network called Arizona for Joe Biden, angering Trump and his supporters. An earlier filing showed a gulf between the stolen election narrative the network was airing in primetime and doubts about the claims raised by its stars behind the scenes. In one text, from November 16, 2020, Fox News host Tucker Carlson said “Sidney Powell is lying” about having evidence for election fraud, referring to one of Trump’s lawyers. The Dominion case is the latest example showing that those who were spreading false information about the 2020 election knew there was no evidence to support it. The now-disbanded House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol disclosed that many of Trump’s top advisers repeatedly warned him that the allegations he was making about fraud were false — and yet the president continued making the claims. Murdoch urged in September 2020, weeks before the election, that Dobbs be fired because he was “an extremist,” according to Dominion’s court filing. Murdoch also said he thought it was “really bad” for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to be advising Trump because Giuliani’s “judgment was bad” and he was “an extreme partisan,” according to a deposition excerpt. Murdoch was asked whether he could have requested that Powell and Giuliani not be put on the air: “ I could have. But I didn’t,” he replied. Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems, which sells electronic voting hardware and software, is suing both Fox News Network and parent company Fox Corporation for defamation. Dominion contends that some Fox News employees deliberately amplified false claims by supporters of Trump that Dominion machines had changed votes in the 2020 election, and that Fox provided a platform for guests to make false and defamatory statements about the company.

Diplomatic Relations between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China that “The United States of America recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The Government of the United States of America acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China.”

On the Taiwan question, the political commitment made by the US to China was clear in writing, Mao said. For some time, the US has deliberately ignored and distorted historical facts, sent false signals on the Taiwan question, greatly relaxed restrictions on official exchanges between the US and Taiwan, strengthened military ties between the US and Taiwan, and touted “Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow,” Mao noted. It has even been revealed by the media that the US government has a plan for “the destruction of

Taiwan”. We cannot help but ask, what exactly is the US trying to achieve, asked Mao.

“I want to reiterate that the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair and the core of China’s core interests. It is the political foundation of China-US relations and the first red line in China-US relations that should not be crossed,” Mao said.

The spokesperson emphasized that

UNHRC warned against becoming a wrestling ring of bloc confrontation

GENEvE

A handful of Western countries have attempted to hijack the 52nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that began in Geneva on Monday as a platform to scorch and further isolate Russia, as well as China, say Chinese experts. The experts also said Western countries’ exclusive focus on smearing Russia in fact exposes their hypocrisy, as they only use the human rights issue to achieve their own political purposes, while ignoring other human rights crises that need to be addressed, such as the impact of the recent earthquakes in Syria.

The UNHRC session will last through April 4, starting with a high-level segment from February 27 to March 2, and dignitaries representing more than 125 member states will address the council.

In a speech delivered to the session via video link on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang proposed the following: committing to a path of human rights development that suits the realities of each country; to the comprehensive promotion and protection of all human rights; to international fairness and justice and to dialogue and cooperation, according to a readout pub-

lished by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No country is qualified to act as the judge on human rights, and human rights should not be used as a pretext for meddling in other countries’ internal affairs or holding back other countries’ development, said Qin. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed by all, and human rights exchanges and cooperation be carried out on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The acts by some to politicize, weaponize and instrumentalize human rights issues should be opposed, said the minister.

At a news briefing on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated Qin’s proposals, noting the UNHRC should be a platform for dialogue and cooperation, not a wrestle ring for politicalization and bloc confrontation. Hijacking tHe platform: Qin and Mao’s remarks were made after Western countries scorched Russia at the UNHRC for its conflict with Ukraine, as the crisis has been dragging on for more than one year.

Bonnie Jenkins, the US under secretary of state for arms control and international security, criticized Russia at the UN council for sus-

pending its participation in New START, the last nuclear arms control pact between Moscow and Washington, AFP reported.

In her speech to the conference, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also denounced Russia for “undermining the arms control architecture we all depend on.” This is Western countries’ common practice to politicalize this platform, turning it into a wrestling ring for bloc confrontation, as well as smearing certain other countries to achieve its own political purposes, Chang Jian, director of the Research Center for Human Rights at the Tianjin-based Nankai University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Experts said the US and some Western countries’ efforts in turning the UNHRC into an arena between “democratic countries” and “authoritarian countries” will poisoned the atmosphere and sabotaged global human rights causes. The US and the West have highly politicize topics on the Ukraine crisis and plotted to make criticizing Russia as “politically correct,” which, however, is not the way to solve related human rights problems, Wang Jiang, an expert with the Institute of China’s Borderland Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Online ride-hailing passenger kills driver during argument

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

A passenger of an online ride-hailing service in Lahore shot and killed the driver, Fakhar, during an altercation on Tuesday. According to police, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Waqar, had booked the taxi for his commute and got into an argument with the driver soon after the taxi’s arrival. The argument escalated, and Waqar drew his pistol and shot Fakhar on the spot.

Waqar has been taken into custody, and the police have registered a case against him.

In a separate incident, unidentified armed men attacked the Sindh University bus at Hyderabad’s city gate area, killing the driver of the vehicle.

The police said the incident occurred when the miscreants opened fire on the bus, killing the driver, Ghulam Ali, at the point. The attack took place when no students were present on the bus.

The driver’s body was transferred to Civil Hospital for further medical examination.

First-ever digital census begins today

ISLAMABAD

Ghulam abbaS

With the estimated expenditure of around Rs 34 billion, the country’s first ever digital population and housing census begins across the country from Wednesday. For holding the census, around 121000 field enumerators have been deployed across the country.

While addressing a press conference here, Member Support Services and Spokesperson of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) Muhammad Sarwar Gondal said the census starting from March 1, 2023 will be completed by 1st April and the data will be released by 30th of April after approval from Council of Common Interests.

According to him, the process has already been started in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

A portal has already been launched by the Bureau so that people can submit their data themselves and don’t need to face the botheration of giving data to census teams visiting door-to-door.

He said more than 4 million people have already been registered at the portal and a UTN number will be issued to them after their data is saved and they can give that number to the census team which will save their own time and also of the census team.

The Spokesperson said 121000 field enumerators have been deployed for the field operation of the census which is beginning on Wednesday.

He said this process will be completed

by 1st April and the data will be released by 30th of April which will then be approved by the Council of Common Interests.

He added that this will be the evidence based authentic data as per international standards which will be used for constituency delimitation in next general elections as well as for public policy planning.

He said this is the 7th census in the country and the first ever digital census not only of Pakistan but also of south Asia.

The spokesperson said the census teams will be monitored by geo-mapping and geo-tagging data of SUPARCO and administration officials of respective province, division, district and tehsil where census teams are carrying out enumeration, will be given access to the dashboard of that specific area. Elucidating this, he said Chief Secretaries of provinces will have access across the province, similarly Commissioners will have access to Divisions, Deputy Commissioners to districts and Assistant Commissioners to tehsils.

The spokesperson said to avoid any hacking or failure of the online system we have separated the process from the internet and have converted it into our own internet server. He said we have already done a security audit of the dashboards.

However, to ensure smooth running of census field operation there will also be an alternate manual system if any problem occurs in the online system in any area.

The spokesperson said security arrangements have also been made for the census staff and police and army personnel will be deployed keeping in view the sensitivity of the area. He said special SOPs have been devised for enumeration in flood affected areas of the country where many people are not yet settled into their homes. In reply to a query he said as with any first-time technology initiative, there are some minor issues that are being reported, which have been communicated to NADRA, who is taking care of the technology solutions behind the census.

China will never allow external forces to interfere in China’s internal affairs. We urge the US stop going down the wrong path on the Taiwan question and stop using salami slicing tactics to confuse the public and make nonsense. “If the US insists on going its own way, it will lead to serious consequences, and it will come at real costs to the US,” she warned.

white house gives us agencies 30 days to enforce tiktok ban

WASHINGTON ReuteRS

The White House on Monday gave government agencies in the United States 30 days to ensure they do not have Chinese-owned app TikTok on federal devices and systems. In a bid to keep US data safe, all federal agencies must eliminate TikTok from phones and systems and prohibit internet traffic from reaching the company, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young told agencies in a guidance memorandum seen by Reuters. The ban, ordered by Congress late last year, follows similar actions from Canada, the EU, Taiwan and more than half of US states. The device ban — while impacting a tiny portion of TikTok’s US user base — adds fuel to calls for an outright ban on the video-sharing app. National security concerns about China surged in recent weeks after a Chinese balloon drifted over the US. ByteDance-owned TikTok has said the concerns are fueled by misinformation and has denied using the app to spy on Americans. The action does not affect the more than 100 million Americans who use TikTok on private or company-owned devices. TikTok did not immediately comment on the White House memo. Congress in December voted to bar federal employees from using the Chineseowned video app on government-owned devices and gave the Biden administration 60 days to issue agency directives. The vote was the latest action by US lawmakers to crack down on Chinese companies amid national security fears that Beijing could use them to spy on Americans. Federal Chief Information Security Officer Chris DeRusha said “this guidance is part of the Administration’s ongoing commitment to securing our digital infrastructure and protecting the American people’s security and privacy.” Many government agencies including the White House, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department had banned TikTok from government devices before the vote.

again engaging with the stakeholders to explain the facts and clear all misunderstandings to ensure that the census is being held in a transparent manner, counting each and everyone living in Pakistan, at the location they are living in. It is for this reason that a digitized methodology was chosen for this census.

Further explaining the census objective, Mr Gondal shared that “as per the General Statistics Reorganization Act 2011 and UN Conventions, census is a national duty to inform policy making, future planning and development for the progress of the country. Participation in the census is mandatory and providing reliable information is a civic duty for everyone living in Pakistan.”

Mr Gondal was grateful for the positive feedback as it is helping NADRA improve their systems.

Responding to another question regarding concerns being raised on the process from Sindh, in particular Karachi, Balochistan and a few other quarters, Gondal said that prior to the census extensive and intensive consultations were held at levels, especially with provincial stakeholders to explain the complete digital process. The apprehensions being raised are due to a lack of understanding of what the census process entails. PBS is once

According to him, spreading fake news or misinformation for any purpose is a criminal offense, or politicizing it or using it for agenda setting is dishonesty to the country and to the people. Census is our national duty and together we have to make this first-ever digital census a global success.

Staying true to the principles of honesty and integrity, fulfilling its main mandate and the decision of the CCI, PBS is conducting the first-ever digital census with the objective of providing credible, transparent and timely data for decision-making. The digitization of the census guarantees transparency, accountability and efficiency.

Staff RepoRt

corporate corner

IIU president addresses orientation ceremony held for new students

islamabad: H.E. Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, President, International Islamic University addressed an enthralled audience of newly admitted students on Tuesday in a welcome orientation ceremony at Faisal Masjid. The ceremony was organized by Directorates of Students Affairs (male and female) of the university.

In a maiden speech to the new students in presence of Vice President Academics, Students Advisors and relevant officials, the IIU President urged the students to adopt patience and consistency adding that these are the attributes that lead to success. He opined that same is the case with education as it needs immense hard work, dedicated learning and devotion. pR

Daylong interactive session held at OGDCL headquarters

islamabad: Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) arranged a workshop on "innovation & strategy for energy sector” with Dr. Hitendra Patel, an international strategy expert & Managing Director of IXL as the key note speaker. The idea was conceived by Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Minister of State for Petroleum who also participated & moderated various sessions. The event was also attended by Secretary Petroleum, Special Secretary Petroelum, Senior Ministry officials and top management of public sector Oil & Gas Companies. Dr. Hitendra Patel during the session underscored the importance of innovation & strategy to meet the challenges of fast changing economies, global politics and technological advancements. The event was arranged against the backdrop of future outlook of hydrocarbons which are expected to be challenged by renewables, solar and exponential growth in the EV sector. pR

NBP records strong performance with pre-tax profit of PKR62.7 billion

Karachi: The Board of Directors of National Bank of Pakistan “NBP” “the Bank” met today to approve the annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Bank has delivered yet another year of strong financial results, and posted a pre-tax profit of PKR 62.7 Bn, depicting an annual increase of 18.7%. With strong income momentum across its businesses segments, the Bank’s fund-based net interest income was particularly strong. Amidst the challenging macro environment, the Bank has continued to provide support for its customers and clients in line with its Vision. pR

GO Foods premium flagship retail store inaugurated

GO Foods, an emerging company in Pakistan, inaugurated its flagship retail store in Y Block, DHA, Lahore. The event was graced by the presence of GO Foods CEO, Mr. Umer Liaquat and various other dignitaries from the organization. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Liaquat stated, “We are thrilled to open GO Foods Flagship Retail Store, bringing our fresh and nutritious products directly to our valued customers in Lahore. We are committed to ensure that we deliver nothing short of the best products. They are sourced directly from our farms in Bahawalnagar and delivered to our customers whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality at every step of the way.”

The products offered at the GO Foods flagship retail store include Fresh Pasteurized Milk, Fresh Yoghurt, Desi and FreeRange Eggs, Breads (White, Milky and Bran), and Kulfi. pR

e& and Mastercard partner to drive an ambitious digital future for consumers across Middle East, Asia and Africa

Karachi: e& has announced a strategic partnership with Mastercard that will see consumers and businesses in 16 markets across the Middle East, Asia and Africa benefit from a variety of new technologies and user-friendly experiences powered by Mastercard’s capabilities when using digital financial services provided by e& operating companies.

Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, at Mastercard, said: “We are delighted to partner with e& during its transformation journey by delivering the technology and expertise that can take consumer engagement to a completely new level. This collaboration further strengthens Mastercard’s position as a trusted partner for ambitious businesses who want to expand customer choice and access.” pR

Faysal Bank sponsors 8th SOP Unified Marathon 2023

Karachi: Promoting its mission of inclusivity, Faysal Bank Limited, one of the leading Islamic banks in Pakistan, was the platinum sponsor for the 8th Special Olympics Pakistan Unified Marathon 2023, held at Emaar Pakistan on 26th February, 2023. Identified as one of the big-scale social initiatives in Karachi, the event is held every year in advocacy of inclusivity and empowerment and promoting awareness around the need to encourage and understand the importance of equal participation of people with special needs especially those with mental disabilities. This year, the event was inaugurated by Mr. Yousaf Hussain, President & CEO, Faysal Bank Limited, hosting 2000 participants from all walks of lives, including more than 300 differently-abled children and adults. pR

NOT-BY- PROFIT

The STaTe of Global economieS: experiencinG GrowTh, decline or a combinaTion of boTh?

ISLAMABAD neWs DesK

dESPITEa sharp decline in the US business group's Leading Economic Index, which some economists argue indicates an impending recession, not all

companies are feeling the pressure. For example, Groundworks, a residential foundation and water management company, is still seeing strong sales, a need to fill several hundred open jobs, and a willingness of consumers to spend. While many are confused by mixed signals in the economy, three years after the

onset of a pandemic and a year and a half into a still-developing inflation surge, some businesses continue to thrive. Despite central banks raising interest rates at a faster pace than expected, demand for goods and services remains strong, and the US unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since 1969. While some

Fed officials are concerned about labor hoarding, they remain less worried about a potential recession than the modest rise in unemployment they believe is necessary to reduce inflation.

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

Pakistan's cost-cutting measures: A band-aid solution to deep economic issues

ISLAMABAD neWs DesK

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent cost-cutting measures have been hailed as a positive signal during these times of financial crisis and may help the coalition government improve its standing with the public and move closer to a deal with the IMF. However, it is unlikely that these measures will address the structural issues that force the country to

repeatedly seek IMF assistance. These "band-aid" measures are unlikely to address fiscal problems or the collapsing energy sector, and at best will only cover weaknesses in expenditure management for a few months.

While the government must cut its expenditures, including those related to the excessive luxuries enjoyed by ministers and advisers, it would be foolish to expect such measures to solve the underlying problems that lead to frequent boom-and-bust cy-

CPEC plays pivotal role in promoting green development in Pakistan: experts

ISLAMABAD

Xinhua

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has been playing a pivotal role in promoting green development in Pakistan, highlighting China’s commitment to the harmonious coexistence of human beings and nature, officials and experts said.

Talking to Xinhua, convener of the National Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals, Romina Khurshid Alam, said the cooperation between Pakistan and China under the CPEC in the fields of energy, transport, agriculture and industrial production has helped Pakistan boost green, low-carbon sustainable development.

Besides assisting Pakistan in overcoming the energy crisis and infrastructure upgrading through the CPEC, Chinese companies in Pakistan have been strictly following international and local standards on safety and environmental protection, Alam said.

In implementing infrastructure projects, ecological factors have been fully considered and a number of green and clean energy projects including solar, wind and hydropower have been completed across the country over the past several years, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to economic development, environment protection and improvement of living standards of the locals, said the official.

Citing the example of the recently completed 720-megawatt Karot hydropower project, Alam said that a comprehensive biodiversity management plan was developed for the construction and operation stages of the project to protect environ-

ment and wildlife around the project site.

Pakistan and China have further stepped up their cooperation in green energy for the benefit of the region under the CPEC, helping Pakistan mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, said Hassan Daud Butt, senior advisor at the China Study Center of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), an Islamabad-based think tank.

“Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, with the country facing the worst climate-induced catastrophic floods recently. As the CPEC is making progress, it can help the country to tackle the climate change issue by increasing investment in renewable energy, green building construction, decreasing energy loss, and innovative practices such as green finance and other measures,” Butt told Xinhua.

Calling the CPEC a game changer and a green corridor, Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, chief executive officer of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development, said that the flagship project of the BRI is a people-centric, environmentally friendly, inclusive and green and sustainable initiative.

China has been utilizing new technologies and making investments in BRI partner countries to support green development. Pakistan can learn from the Chinese experience and technology to realize its vision of high-quality green and sustainable development, Ramay told Xinhua.

“The CPEC has changed the landscape of Pakistan and has accelerated growth while bringing about socio-economic benefits for the people of Pakistan […] China’s commitment to promoting a carbon-free global economy is commendable,” he said.

99pc water still standing in flood-hit areas of Sindh: SHC informed

and flood.

“Where were you earlier,” court questioned the rehabilitation in-charge. “Our 26 ambulances have been engaged in relief work in all flood affected areas,” he replied.

“Where your ambulances are working today, tell the court,” the bench further questioned. “All ambulances are working in different areas,” the official said and submitted a report in the court.

“Assistant Commissioners and Mukhtiarkar should check whereabouts of 26 ambulances in areas and submit their reports,” the court ordered.

cles. Instead, experts suggest the government should focus on extensive tax and tariff reforms, privatization of state-owned enterprises, fixing the power sector, and incentivizing non-debt creating foreign investment. These are long-term measures that require the government to address the real problems facing the economy, rather than relying on cosmetic actions that are unlikely to have a lasting impact.

To read the full article visit www.dawn.com

Karachi: Rameez Rashid, known as Vampire yt �� received Best Performance Youngest YouTuber/PUBG player Shield from Zaid Tessori, son of Kamran Tessori, Governor of Sindh. Vampire is a very famous YouTuber and has more than 700k subscribers.He has international recognization. pR

Pink Bus Service to start operations on two new routes in Karachi today

Karachi: The Transport Department government of Sindh has anounced the launch People's Pink bus service on two new routes of Karachi from March 1. The fleet of pink buses on existing Model ColonyTower Route will also be increased from Wednesday. This announcement was made in a meeting chaired by Minister for Information Transport and Mass Transit sharjeel Inam Memon regarding regarding People's Bus Service. Secretary Transport Abdul Haleem Sheikh, Managing Director Sindh Mass Transit Authority Zubair Chana, Project Dirextor NRTC Sohaib Shafiq, Operations Manager Abdul Shakoor and others attended the meeting. Talking in meeting, the Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said that two new routes of pink bus service between power Chowrangi and Indus Hospital and Numaish Chowrangi to Sea View will be started from 1st March. pR

SUKKUR staff RepoRt

A PDMA official on Tuesday told Sindh High Court bench on Tuesday that 99 percent floodwater was still standing in flood hit areas of the province.

Sindh High Court’s Sukkur bench was hearing a petition on rehabilitation of flood victims and drainage of floodwater in Sukkur, Khairpur, Ghotki and Naushehro Feroz districts.

The bench observed that the rehabilitation department was not seen during and after rains

“Flood affected people of Sindh are equal to the people of Somalia and Ethiopia,” the bench remarked. The court asked about drainage of floodwater from affected areas.

“Water still is standing in most of the affected areas,” the petitioner replied.

A committee constituted by the court submitted its detailed review report of the affected areas. “The district administrations became active but facing fuel shortage,” a lawyer told the court.

Deputy Director Provincial Disaster Management Authority told the court that only one percent work has been performed, while 99 pct has been pending as floodwater standing in affected areas.

Italian migrant shipwreck death toll rises to 64, including 5 Pakistanis

CROTONE ReuteRs

Rescuers pulled the body of a man out of the sea on Tuesday, raising the death toll from a migrant shipwreck near the southern Italian coast to at least 64, including about 14 children.

“We will carry on searching the surface of the sea until we are certain that we have found everyone,” said Rocco Mortato, a member of the underwater diving team of the fire brigade.

80 people have been rescued since the sailboat sank early on Sunday in heavy seas near Steccato di Cutro, a seaside resort on the eastern coast of Calabria. The boat had set sail from the port of Izmir in western Turkey. Rescuers said most of the migrants came from Afghanistan, as well as from countries includ-

Inflationary pressure, rising electricity prices impair KE’s profitability for H1-FY-2023

Karachi: Challenging sociopolitical and macroeconomic factors have had a cascading impact on multiple sectors including KE which grapples with immense challenges during the first half of FY23. Surging inflation, policy rate hike and reduction in economic activity had a significant impact on the Company’s operations and profitability.

The Company observed a reduction in units sent-out by 5.7% on account of reduction in economic activity and an increase in impairment loss against doubtful debts due to high inflation, increase in consumer tariff and current economic conditions impacting customers propensity to pay. pR

Standard Chartered launches internship programme for differently-abled persons

ing Iran, Somalia and Syria.

The Foreign Office said 20 Pakistani citizens had been on the boat, and 16 of them had survived but four were missing.

The tragedy has fuelled a debate on migration in Europe and Italy, where the recently elected right-wing government’s tough new laws for migrant rescue charities have drawn criticism from the United Nations and others.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in an interview on Monday that she had written to European Union institutions calling for immediate action by the bloc to stop migrant boat trips so as to prevent more deaths.

“The more people depart, the more risk dying,” she told RAI public television. “The only way to tackle this issue seriously, with humanity, is to stop the departures.”

Karachi: Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Limited (SCBPL), continuing with its contribution towards economic empowerment and financial inclusion of the masses, has launched an internship programme for differently-abled persons, with the aim to create a diverse pipeline of candidates as potential workforce for the banking industry, simultaneously supporting them to elevate their quality of life.

This initiative was launched in presence of Rehan Sheikh, Chief Executive Officer of SCBPL, Millicent Clarke, Regional Head of Human Resources, Africa and Middle East, and Muhammad Umer, Country Head of HR SCBPL and was attended by our existing differently-abled colleagues who also shared their journey and experiences at the Bank. pR

BAN ANNouNCed oN MANufACTurING

ANd SAle of TrAdITIoNAl fANS

AS PART OF ENERGY CONSERVATION PLAN, TRADITIONAL FANS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT FANS

ISLAMABAD Ghulam abbaS

THEgovernment is going to ban manufacturing and marketing of traditional fans and bulbs from July 1, 2023, Profit learnt on Tuesday. The announcement comes around just when the government’s energy efficiency plan through replacement of existing electric items has reportedly been finalised. According to the details, no company in the country will be allowed to manufacture or market the existing traditional fans across the country after June this year as they have been asked to manufacture highly energy efficient fans from July 1.

As per sources, there are approximately 41 million fans installed in houses and other buildings across the country. The ministry of energy will collaborate with power companies (DISCOs) to ensure installation of at least one new highly energy efficient fan in the premise of every consumer under an installment plan of its cost.

As per the approved plan, the price of a new fan may cost more than Rs 12,000 to consumers. However, the price will be adjusted in monthly electricity

bills in installments.

According to an official source, fan manufacturing firms have been asked to prepare for producing new fans for which standards have been approved by Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).

Another department of the ministry, National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (NEECA) has also reportedly finalised and is going to notify the Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) for manufacturing of only those fans having power factor of less than 80 watts. Meanwhile, PSQCA has also prepared SRO to have legal binding on the manufacturers of fans to produce such fans for implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures.

Star rated energy efficient fans have been included in the authority’s mandatory list. As per the MEPS of electric fan, star rating 1 fan will consume less than 80 watts. Similarly, star rating-5 fans will consume up to 45-50 watts with the inclusion of an AC inverter.

Earlier in a meeting held on Monday, the government had also decided to relax regulatory duty on silicon shields needed to import and use in the fans and

In letter to CJP, ex-AGP seeks action against Maryam over ‘scandalous speech’

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Former Attorney General of Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan has written a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, seeking action against Maryam Nawaz over “scandalising courts and personalised criticism of judges.” The senior advocate, in his letter, referred to a speech made by the PML-N leader on Feb 23 in Sargodha where she came hard on the former serving judges of the Supreme Court for allegedly conspiring against his father Nawaz Sharif. The letter starts as, “It is very unusual for me to write such letters but as a very senior counsel/advocate, considering myself a part of the judicial system and administration of justice, I feel it my duty to place before you the fact that occurred on 23rd of February, 2023 at Sargodha. Our judiciary is our pride and honour, which we are bound to protect, wherefore I am compelled to pen this letter”. Saying he had no grudge nor any personal enmity against Maryam Nawaz, the former AGP said the PML-N leader made Feb 23 speech “with a view to rouse their sentiments against the judges and the Supreme Court purposely, with obvious motivated intent, with a view to criticize and bring the Supreme Court as also individual judges to disrepute, with improper motives and imputing them without authority, proof or document, amounts to scandalizing the court as also the judges through personal criticism”.

He said the criticism of judges and courts came at the stage when the suo moto case regarding the elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was being heard by the nine-member bench – now split into five-member bench. He said the two judges, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Sayyad Mazahar Akbar Naqvi, who were a part the bench, were criticised by Maryam. He said the “purposive act of Maryam, shows a clear intent, which amounts to or has the effect of obstructing the administration of justice. Such actions on part of any public figure, is in fact an attack on the judiciary and its independence”.

Attack on judicial complex conspired to take judicial system hostage: Sanaullah

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan on Tuesday said that attack on the judicial complex is a conspiracy to hold the judicial system hostage and get arbitrary decisions.

In a statement, the minister said that a ‘person’ along with an armed group tried to hold the judicial system hostage. This is the same person who has neither answered to foreign funding nor to the theft of billions from Tosha Khana, he added. Rana Sanaullah said that a case has been registered for the attack on the judicial complex. He said those involved in this incident are being identified through CCTV cameras and everyone including Imran Khan will be arrested. The minister said that Imran Khan’s motivation to do the such act is a result of the special treatment given to him. He appealed to the judiciary not to spare such lawbreakers as this is a matter of its honour and respect and no relaxation to be given under any circumstances. Strict legal action will be taken against hooligans and those not respecting law, he maintained.

Case registered for vandalism at Judicial Complex

The Islamabad Police has registered a case against vandalism at the Judicial Complex Islamabad during the appearance of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in courts.

Cars continue to become unaffordable with no end to price hike in sight

other electric items for efficiency purposes. Both importers and vendors would be facilitated in this regard.

Ban on manufacturing of traditional bulbs

The plan also includes the ban on energy inefficient bulbs and the tube lights would also be stopped manufacturing and marketing from July 1, 2023. Only energy efficient bulbs of approved standard would be allowed in the market.

The decision, as per the official sources, has been made after consultations with the fan manufacturers association. As per the directions of Khawaja Asif, chairman of the committee on fluorescent bulb and fans, manufacturers have been asked to ensure the upgradation of their plants in accordance with MEPS, so that only high quality energy efficient bulbs and star rated electric fans are manufactured.

Replacement or alteration of existing geysers

The MEPS also includes a plan for ensuring efficiency in the usage of every depleting natural gas of the country. In this regard, the government has also planned to replace or alter the existing millions of geysers across the country. However, since winter has almost passed, the plan will be implemented before next winter.

Continued on page 02

Hi-tech Lubricants records lowest consolidated half-year earnings in five years

COMPANY’S UNCONSOLIDATED PROFIT STANDS AT RS5.7M, CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS AT A LOSS OF RS369M FOR HFY23

LAHORE

daniyal ahmad

Hi-Tech Lubricants on Tuesday released their half yearly earnings to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), showing that the company’s standalone earnings stand at Rs 106.5 million and Rs 5.7 million for Q2FY23 and HFY23, respectively.

However, the company’s consolidated earnings stand at losses of Rs 89 million and Rs 369.3 million for Q2FY23 and HFY23, respectively. The Rs 369.3 million HFY23 loss is the highest consolidated loss that Hi-Tech Lubricants has had in the past five years, with the unconsolidated HFY23 earning of Rs 5.7 million is the third lowest the company has had over the same time period.

Company Profile

Hi-Tech Lubricants Limited (HTL) has operated in the Pakistani lubricant market for the past 25 years, with the company catering to clients in the automotive, industrial, and marine

LUCKY MOTORS, HYUNDAI, AND CHANGAN ALL INCREASE PRICES BETWEEN RS20,000 TO RS622,000

LAHORE daniyal ahmad

Lucky Motors, Hyundai, and Changan have all increased their prices over the past week from February 22 to February 28.

Lucky Motors

The new prices for the cars across Lucky Motors’ KIA and Peugeot portfolio are as follows:

sectors. The company launched a one-stop vehicle maintenance solution under the brand name of HTL Express Centers in 2017, and launched HTL Fuel Stations across Punjab in 2020.

The company also operates Hi-Tech Blending (Private) Limited which is a wholly owned subsidiary.

Unconsolidated Q2FY23 Earnings

Hi-Tech Lubricants recorded a sales revenue of Rs 3.847 billion in Q2FY23. This was a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase of 11.08% from its Rs 4.326 billion in Q1FY23, but a 23.3% yearon-year (YoY) decline from the Rs 5.06 billion it reached in Q2FY22. The company did manage to reduce its cost of goods sold by 11.86% QoQ, and 2.47% YoY. This, however, was not enough as the company’s gross profit contracted by 25.14% QoQ and 64.72% YoY to Rs 259.8 million. The company’s gross profit margin (GPM) subsequently shrank to 6.75% from 8.02% in Q1FY23, and 14.68% in Q2FY22.

Continued on page 02

Lucky Motors’ price increase was two parts with it increasing the prices of its KIA Sportage line of vehicles, arguably the ace in its deck of cars, on February 24. The price increase for all other cars across both of its portfolios came on February 28. The prices for the Sportage were subsequently applicable from February 24, whereas the prices for all other cars will be applicable from March 1.

It is important to note that this upward price revision constitutes Lucky Motors’ third price revision within the span of one week, as all the aforementioned ‘old prices’ listed were announced on February 21. Hyundai

These prices will be in effect from April onwards. This also marks the second price increase Hyundai has engaged in within the span of one week. All aforementioned ‘old prices’ listed were announced on February 2, and were applicable on orders placed after February 14.

Changan

This is the second price revision Changan has undertaken within February, and within 2023. The most recent price revision prior to these two dates back to August 2022.

Adding fuel to the fire

The most likely ramification of these pricing decisions will be seen in the month of March. However, the fact that many of them were either follow ups to earlier price revisions within the same month makes it likely that the February’s sales figures will continue to nosedive in a manner similar to the ones seen in January. The fact that these pricing decisions come at a time when inflation is at a five decade high, and there are expectations for further hikes in the policy rate by the State Bank of Pakistan ensures that automotive lending will continue its downward spiral into oblivion in March as well.

SeCp

requests google to remove 58 unauthorised digital lending apps

ISLAMABAD Shahzad paRacha

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has requested Google to remove 58 unauthorised digital lending apps on receiving dozens of complaints in January 2023.

This was stated by Executive Director SECP Khalida Habib in a workshop on the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) sector, in light of new regulatory requirements outlined under Circular 15.

She also said that the SECP has consulted with the local regulators including PTA, FIA, NTISB and SBP as well as with Google and Apple for the removal of unauthorised apps and 58 unauthorised apps had been reported to Google for removal in January 2023.

On the other hand, she said that SECP has also held detailed sessions with Easypaisa and Jazzcash (around 83% of BB industry) for identifying mechanisms currently in place for early detection of misuse of these payment channels and any checks that can be introduced

PTI moves SC against acquittal of PM Shehbaz, Maryam Nawaz in corruption cases

to prevent their misuse by illegal lending Apps.

The ED SECP said that the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) disbursed Rs 63.589 billion to 2.4 million borrowers in 3.7 million loans. This results in an average loan size of Rs 17,000.

Five out of 10 NBFCs, undertaking digital lending, disbursed Rs 37.4 billion in 2.318 million nano loans, she added.

She explained that SECP has stipulated minimum mandatory disclosures for the digital lenders before loan disbursement to the borrower through Circular 15.

These include, loan amount approved, annual percentage rates, tenor of loan, installments/lump sum payment amounts with date(s), and all fee and charges, as well as Key Fact Statement (KFS).

She further said that SECP has also issued the lending standards to tackle concerns involving mis-selling, breach of data privacy, and coercive recovery practices of licensed digital lending companies.

Continued on page 02

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Tuesday filed a petition in Supreme Court (SC) challenging acquittal of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz in NAB corruption cases. In the petition, filed by PTI Secretary-General Azam Swati, he urged the apex court to declare the acquittal of Shehbaz Sharif in money laundering and Maryam Nawaz in Avenfield case as null and void. Taking to media outside the court, former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry said that PTI moved apex court after NAB failed to challenge acquittal of PML-N leaders in corruption cases. On September 29, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquitted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Maryam Nawaz and Captain retired Safdar Awan by nullifying the sentence awarded by an accountability court in the Avenfield reference. Divisional Bench of the IHC comprising Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani announced the verdict reserved after hearing arguments from both sides. An accountability court on July 6, 2018 handed out sevenyear imprisonment to the former premier’s daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif and a fine of £2 million. While her husband Safdar was awarded one year’s jail term.

incompetent rulers can’t compete with ‘hero imran’, elahi tells uS delegation

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Perviaz Elahi has said that PTI chief Imran Khan is a national hero and “mafia” sitting in the coalition government cannot compete with him, thus running away from elections.

Ehali made these remarks in a meeting with US House of Representatives delegation headed by Democratic party leader Dr Asif Mehmood, who called on him in Lahore on Tuesday.

The 12-member delegation included California Legislative Assembly’s Appropriations Committee head Chris R Holden, his wife Melanie Caldwell Holden, Dloise Gomes, Mike A Gipson, Wendy Carrillo, Christopher Reyes, Anna Goddard, Willie Armstrong, Michael Meeks, Adriel Yang and others.

In the meeting, views were exchanged about Pakistan-US relations and the country’s political situation. The delegation praised former CM Elahi for declaring Punjab and California as the ‘Sister States’ and paid him tributes.

The delegation told Elahi that different US companies are interested in investing in different sectors of Punjab including agriculture, information technology, health and education.

Elahi appreciated the role of overseas Pakistanis in enhancing bilateral ties between Islamabad and Washington.

Discussing about Pakistan’s domestic issues, Elahi said the country’s political and economic situation is demanding immediate general elections and added that the ruling PDM is afraid of polls.

“Incompetent rulers’ gang has only one desire that elections do not take place. Rulers

are heading towards violating the Constitution and attacking the judiciary,” he was quoted as saying.

The PTI leader said that Maryam is at the forefront of attacking the judiciary by using objectionable and inappropriate language against the senior judges.

Elahi said results of all bye-elections, held since the ouster of former PM Imran, has exposed the weakening political position of the PDM parties.

He also expressed the hope that the Supreme Court will order holding of elections within 90 days of the dissolution of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mehmood expressed his desire to play his role for strengthening Pakistan-US ties.

He said that Pakistan and the US have been supporting each other for decades.