Epaper_23-03-02 ISB

thursday, 2 March, 2023 I 9 Shaban, 1444

Pakistan, UN sign $5m funding agreement for flood victims

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Yet another case against Imran over ‘vandalism’ at judicial complex

APex CourT uPholdS 90-dAy deAdlIne for KP, PunjAb eleCTIonS

g ToP coURT dIRecTS PReSIdenT To conSUlT ecP on PUnJAB VoTe dATe, oRdeRS KP GoVeRnoR To AnnoUnce PollS dATe FoR KP

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Ina landmark judgement that buried the so-called doctrine of necessity, the Supreme court Wednesday declared that elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, where ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) disbanded parliaments more than a month ago to pave way for an early vote, must take place within 90 days from the date of dissolution.

The two provinces have been under caretaker governments since early January, after their respective legislatures were dissolved. According to the constitution, these interim governments are supposed to remain neutral. however, former prime minister Imran Khan has repeatedly accused them of taking orders from the Pakistan democratic Movement (PdM) government in Islamabad.

The latest political crisis emerged last week after the governors in these provinces, both from PdM component parties, declined to give dates

g ecP AcceleRATeS PRePARATIonS FoR elecTIonS In PUnJAB, KP

for fresh elections and referred the matter to the election commission of Pakistan (ecP).

Subsequently, President Arif Alvi, using authority bestowed on him by the constitution, declared April 9 as the poll date after the tribunal, too, refused to perform its job.

Following the development, chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial intervened by taking a suo motu notice of the situation to settle the matter.

Justice Bandial led the fivejudge bench — which included Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar — that delivered the split 32 verdict on Wednesday.

The previous day, the proceedings began with judges debating whether President Alvi had the authority to act without the recommendation of the cabinet of Shehbaz Sharif. during the hearing, Justice Bandial highlighted the potential cost and negative impact of ongoing litigation on the public and political parties.

Today, the court noted in its

Imran suspends court arrest drive after SC verdict

LAHore: Welcoming the Supreme court judgement ordering the holding of polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Imran Khan on Wednesday announced the suspension of the court arrest drive and said his Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) party will now move forward with the election campaign. his tweet came hours after the Supreme court announced the judgment on a suo moto notice with a 3-2 majority, ordering the holding of the vote within the constitutional timeframe of 90 days. “We welcome the [Supreme court] judgement. It was the responsibility of [Supreme court] to uphold the constitution and they have valiantly done that through their judgement today,” the former prime minister said. “We are [therefore] suspending our Jail Bharo movement [and] moving forward with [election] campaigns in KP [and] Punjab.” The assemblies of the two provinces were dissolved by Khan on January 14 in an attempt to compel the central government for snap elections, which are scheduled in october this year. The movement was part of Khan’s campaign that aims to protest the lodging of “sham cases” against the party leaders, including himself, and push the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for early elections. Khan was deposed as prime minister in April of last year after a contentious no-confidence motion was passed in parliament. he blamed his unceremonious ouster on a US-backed conspiracy, an allegation that Islamabad and Washington have refuted. The election commission, in october last year, disqualified Khan for “unlawfully selling gifts” he received from foreign dignitaries, igniting another political turmoil in the country. Staff RepoRt

ISLAMABAD

Ghulam abbaS

Following the hike in fuel prices, interest rates, and import constraints, the inflation in the country has registered an alltime high of 31.6 % in February on a year-on-year basis. This was revealed in the data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Wednesday.

even though the officials at PBS term this inflation as the highest inflation rate since 1973-1974, the economic survey of the same fiscal year shows the inflation of 29.3 %, making February’s inflation the highest ever in the country’s history. The PBS officials claim that the yearly average inflation for the 1973-1974 financial year was 32.78%.

According to the data released on Wednesday, consumer Price Index (cPI), increased to 31.5% on a year-on-

judgement that the KP parliament was dissolved after the governor signed the summary, while the assembly of Punjab dissolved on its

own after 48 hours due to the governor refusing to sign the summary.

continued on page 02

Govt not to challenge verdict

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday decided not to file a review plea against the Supreme court (Sc) verdict regarding elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 90 days.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting of PMl-n leaders in which the party president decided not to challenge the apex court verdict. PM Sharif also consulted party supremo nawaz Sharif on the Sc verdict in the suo motu notice. law Minister Azam nazir Tarar and Attorney General for Pakistan Shehzad Ata elahi briefed the meeting that the Sc gave a 4-3 verdict and disposed of the petitions. The prime minister agreed with the party’s legal team that advised against challenging the apex court verdict. It was suggested that instead of the Supreme court, the decisions of the high courts will be awaited. The PM will also establish contact with heads of the coalition parties on the Sc verdict, and discuss the further course of action.

PML-N’S StrAteGy oN eLectIoNS: The PMl-n legal team devised a strategy and decided to wait for the verdict of the lahore high court (lhc) on the general elections in the two provinces.

The election commission of Pakistan and the Punjab governor had moved the high court against an order of a single bench regarding fixation of date for holding elections in Punjab. Staff RepoRt

IMF not impressed as FBr falls behind on revised targets

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ISLAMABAD Shahnawaz ali

The FBR started the year with a revenue target of Rs. 7,471 billion for the current fiscal year 2022-23. however, after the negotiations with the IMF restarted, the fund put forth an even higher revenue target of Rs. 7,641 billion.

Keeping this new goal in mind the government introduced the mini budget of Rs. 170 billion, which was approved by the parliament, earlier this month. After the imposition of the new budget and the revised targets, the FBR now has to collect around 41% (Rs. 3,148) of the entire year’s tax in the last 4

months of the current fiscal year.

According to the latest data, the FBR has collected Rs 4,493 billion in the first eight months of the current financial year against Rs 3,820 billion collected in the corresponding period of last year depicting a year-over-year growth of 18%. on a monthly basis, the department has collected Rs 527.3 billion against a budget target of Rs 527 billion during the month of February 2023. even though this exhibited a growth of 16.3% compared to the same month last year, the taxation between the period of Jun-February, fell short by 212 billion, in the face of the revised targets. however, with headline inflation breach-

ing the 31% mark, there is only so much indirect tax that can be collected. The government has imposed 170 billion in additional taxes and if the targets are not met, more taxation is likely to be imposed at the cost of their political capital. owing to the mini budget, the FBR showed impressive performance during the third quarter. As per the provisional data, direct tax collection grew at 47% during the first eight months of the current financial year. A consistent growth in direct taxes, particularly those from domestic sources, is, in large part, due to administrative and enforcement measures of the FBR.

continued on page 02

govt finalises Ramazan relief package

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday finalized the relief package for Ramzan. As per details, the government will provide Rs 5 billion subsidy on 19 necessary items in Ramzan. The subsidy is allocated to people who are registered in the Benazir Income support program in Utility stores. Sources within the Ministry of Industries & Production said that the subsidised items include flour, ghee, pulses, sugar etc. The decision to provide subsidy was made to provide relief to people from the lower class who cannot afford basic necessary items. Staff RepoRt

year basis in Feb 2023. The yoy headline inflation increased by 27.6% in the previous month and 12.2% in Feb 2022. on a month-on-month basis, it increased to 4.3% in Feb 2023 as compared to an increase of 2.9% in the previous month and an increase of 1.2% in Feb 2022.

The main contributors of the high inflation in the country were food, beverage and transportation prices, which surged by more than 45%. other major contributions of the inflation were natural gas prices (62.82%), followed by lPG 35.55%, motor fuels 16.53%, cigarettes 15.64% and construction input items 5.51%. As per economists, the inflation may further go up, following the measures being taken by the government to cater to the IMF conditions, for a revival of the loan program. As per the data, on a month-on-

month basis, the consumer Price Index (cPI), which measures the overall change in consumer prices based on a representative basket of goods and services over time, rose 4.3% in February 2023.

Inflation in urban and rural areas increased to 28.8% and 35.6% year-onyear, respectively. core inflation, which doesn’t include volatile food and energy prices, also slightly rose to 17.1% in urban areas and 21.5% in rural areas.

Average inflation between July to February Fy23 stood at 26.19% compared to 10.52% over the corresponding months of last year. The Finance Ministry of Pakistan has revised upward an inflation target to 30% from earlier forecast of 26% for the current fiscal year. official data showed that food inflation remained on the higher side in February, as it shot up to 41.9% year-

Full effort to arrest Imran after judicial complex attack: Sanaullah

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.

PTI to speed up election campaign in Punjab, KP after SC verdict

LAHore: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and former Punjab chief minister (cM) Pervaiz elahi Wednesday agreed to accelerate election campaign in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) after Supreme court’s (Sc) 3-2 verdict on polls. The development came during a meeting between the former premier and Pervaiz elahi, who called on him at his residence in lahore’s Zaman Park. Both leaders welcomed the Supreme court (Sc) verdict of elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be held within 90 days. The political leaders also consulted on party’s future course of action after Sc decision.

Speaking on the occasion, Imran Khan lauded the apex court for upholding the constitution, saying that the nation’s struggle for the supremacy of the constitution has brought success. The former prime minister noted that the PTI will speed up its election campaign in Punjab and KP, directing the party leaders and workers to start preparations for polls. he also asked Pakistan democratic Movement (PdM) to abide by the constitution. Meanwhile, former Punjab cM Pervaiz elahi said that the country has to run according to the constitution and not on the wishes of nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif or Maryam nawaz. he also urged the judiciary to take suo motu of Maryam nawaz’s tirade against judges, saying that action should also be taken on the letter of former Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan. “Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam nawaz tried their best to run away from the elections,” elahi said, adding that the apex court’s decision has upheld the election by ordering to hold polls within 90 days. Staff RepoRt

Sadiq resigns as special envoy on Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Veteran diplomat Mohammad Sadiq resigned as Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan on Wednesday after serving the country as special representative for close to three years. “After serving close to three years as Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, I have requested the government that the time had come for me to move on and focus on my personal pursuits — family, books and agriculture/environment,” he said in a series of tweets on Wednesday.

Sadiq said that he was grateful to the prime minister and all the other stakeholders for their “wholehearted support” to him as the special envoy. “I deeply appreciate the hard work of many of my colleagues who spent long hours to make the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship work,” he added. Staff RepoRt

on-year and 4.3% month-on-month in urban areas, whereas the respective growth in prices in rural areas was 47% and 3.9% — a reversal of the trend where urban areas usually experience higher food prices.

In February, the annual change in general inflation in most groups was in double digits, data showed.

The categories that saw the highest jump alcoholic beverages and tobacco (54.92%), transport (49.88%), recreation and culture (48.41%), food and non-alcoholic beverages (42.13%) included perishable food items (47.59%) and non-perishable food items (44.68%), restaurants and hotels (35.20%), furnishing and household equipment maintenance (34.14%), miscellaneous goods and services (33.30%), health (18.49%), clothing and footwear (16.78%), education

(10.40%), housing and utilities (11.23%), and communication (4.62%).

In the food group, the items whose prices the most were onions (up 416.74%), chicken (96.86%), eggs (78.73%), rice (77.81%), gram whole (64.93%), pulse moong (56.43%), pulse gram (55.99%), wheat flour (55.92%), pulse mash (50.77%), cooking oil (50.66%), mustard oil (48.11%), dry fruits (47.88%), vegetable ghee (45.89%), fresh fruits (45.17%), beans (37.18%), milk fresh (31.99%), pulse masoor (27.76%), beverages (24.02%), potatoes (22.42%), fish (21.49%), meat (20.82%) and fresh vegetables (11.60%). Apart from cPI, the short-term Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) went up to 33.6% year-on-year in January from 30.5% a month ago. But it was higher compared to 18.7% in February 2022. continued on page

commends efforts of rescue teams in quake-hit Turkiye, Syria

February inflation jumps 31.5pc, highest in nearly 50 years

Pakistan Faced 58 attacks in a single month, reveals Picss militancy data

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

mILITANTattacks have further increased in February 2023 but resultant deaths have declined compared with January 2023. According to the statistics released by Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies militants carried out 58 attacks during the past month in which 59 people were killed including 27 civilians, 18 security forces personnel and 17 militants while 134 people were injured including 54 civilians and 80 security forces personnel.

imF not impressed as FBr falls behind on revised targets

ContInueD froM pAge 01

According to the PICSS militancy database for the first time after June 2015 Pakistan faced 58 attacks in a single month. The upward trajectory of antistate violence continued in February as 32 percent more militant attacks were recorded compared with January 2023.

However, the number of deaths declined by 56 percent compared with January. In January 2023, the majority of the deaths occurred due to the Peshawar Police Line suicide attack. The number of suicide attacks also increased but their impact was not as devastating as it was in January. In February 2023, three suicide attacks were reported in which nine people were killed

and 37 were injured. In January, 106 people were killed and 216 injured in two suicide attacks. The month of February saw a considerable decline in militant attacks in mainland KP while the attacks increased in erstwhile FATA (tribal districts of KP) and Balochistan. the number of attacks also increased in Punjab ad Sindh. An attack by TTP at Karachi Police Headquarters was the most high-profile attack of the month. In February 2023, Pakistani security forces further stepped up their actions against the militant groups and killed at least 55 suspected militants. 75 suspected militants were also arrested

Anti-Army, judiCiAry rEmArKs

The contribution of domestic taxes has increased from 49.4% last year to 58.7% during the current year, pointing towards the success of policies aimed at reducing reliance on import duties and taxes. Other possible disagreements with the IMF: With this huge amount of tax remaining, it is as if the fund senses a collection shortfall. According to various sources privy to the development on the IMF-Pakistan negotiations, the fund is insistent upon maintaining the per unit financing cost surcharge on the electricity consumers, as opposed to just the four months that the government has already announced. It is noteworthy that this means carrying out and sticking to the IMF conditions, even after the IMF program has ended. Apart from that, a higher policy rate is also one of the contention points as reported earlier. However, that might be resolved in the preponed MPC meeting, which is supposed to take place on Thursday. The Fund also wants Pakistan to obtain written assurances for the bilateral financing that it claims it will obtain by the end of the fiscal year. As per media reports, the IMF has estimated an all-inclusive financing gap of about $7bn for the current fiscal year against Pakistan’s projection of $5bn.

Feb inflation jumps 31.5pc, highest in nearly 50 years

ContInueD froM pAge 01

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) also increased to 36.4% in February from 28.5% a month ago. It was 23.6% in February 2022. Non-food inflation in urban centers increased to 20.8% year-on-year and 4.7% month-on-month, whereas, in rural areas, it rose to 25.3% on an annual basis and 4.1% month-on-month, respectively. The increase in non-food inflation was mainly driven by unprecedented rising oil prices. It may be added here that since January 2023 the government has completely allowed a market-based exchange rate which led to a depreciation of 15% of Pakistani rupee, fueling inflation in the country. Moreover, the government also increased petroleum products prices by Rs57 per liter in the month of February. Through the mini budget, the government has also raised the general sales tax rate to 18% from 17%, which is also inflationary in nature. The inflation figure shown by PBS is higher than the Ministry of Finance’s forecast of 30%. The ministry of Finance in its monthly economic update & outlook for February released on Tuesday had claimed that CPI-based inflation on a year-onyear basis would be 28-30%, adding that the recent political and economic uncertainties were pushing up inflationary expectations. The ministry expects inflation to remain high due to the uncertain political and economic environment, pass-through of currency depreciation, rise in energy prices and increase in administered prices in February.

nUst creates arshad sharif endowment fund after family donation

ISLAMABAD Monitoring rePort

from across the country. The majority of the suspects were arrested from Punjab and KP. According to PICSS statistics, the highest number of militant attacks were reported from Balochistan where PICSS recorded at least 22 attacks in which 25 people were killed and 61 injured. Erstwhile FATA faced 16 attacks in which 16 people were killed and 39 injured. Mainland KP faced 13 attacks in which 6 people were killed and 8 were injured. Punjab witnessed four militant attacks in which two people were killed and eight injured while 10 people were killed and 18 injured in three reported militant attacks in Sindh.

Sukkur court summons Maryam Nawaz in contempt case

SuKKur

Staff rePort

An Additional District and Sessions court in Sukkur on Wednesday summoned Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz in a contempt of court case on March 10.

The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Mumtaz Solangi took up for hearing a petition filed by lawyer Zaheeruddin Babar, seeking contempt of court proceedings against Maryam Nawaz over her “scandalous remarks” against judiciary and Pak Army. The additional district and sessions judge also summoned SSP Sukkur, the Federal Investigation Authority

(FIA) officers and SHO Lahore Model Town Police along with Maryam Nawaz on March 10.

The petitioner – PTI Sukkur District President Zaheeruddin Babar, stated that Maryam Nawaz had attempted to defame the state institutions.

It is to be recalled that addressing a party convention in Sargodha, PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz questioned the judiciary’s ‘leniency’ towards former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. The PML-N leader lambasted the five-member ‘Panama bench’, disqualified her father, alleging: “The five notorious judges disliked Nawaz and sought revenge from him.”

It is pertinent to mention here that a petition was filed against the PMLN chief organiser for the contempt proceedings for her anti-judiciary remarks. The Civil Society Network had filed the petition against Maryam over her anti-judiciary remarks, seeking the contempt of court proceedings.

Apex court upholds 90-day deadline for KP, Punjab elections

ContInueD froM pAge 01

The judges noted the Constitution gives powers to the governor to dissolve the assembly under Article 112 of the Constitution or on the advice of the chief minister, and that the election is a subject for the Centre under Article 222.

The Election Act, of 2017 grants the governor and president the power to announce the date for the polls.

Justice Bandial said if the governor dissolves the assembly, he must announce the date of the election, and if not, the president has the power to dissolve the assembly and announce the election date under Section 57.

“In situations where the assembly is not dissolved by order of the governor, the constitutional responsibility of appointing a date for the general election that must follow is to be discharged by the president,” the order read.

The judges said that since elections after the dissolution of a provincial parliament were to be held within a stipulated period of time, the president or the governor “must discharge the constitutional responsibility of appointing a date for the said election swiftly and without any delay and within the shortest time possible”.

“The election commission must proactively be available to the president or the governor, and be

prepared for such consultation as required for a date for the holding of general elections,” the order said.

Since the governor had refused to approve the summary recommending dissolution, the constitutional responsibility for appointing a date for the general election was to be discharged by the president. Whereas, in KP, the court emphasised that the governor has the constitutional responsibility of announcing the date.

“It further follows that the order of the president dated Feb 20 is constitutionally competent and it applies to the Punjab Assembly, but the same is constitutionally invalid insofar as it applies to the KP Assembly and is therefore hereby set aside. “It also follows that the governor of KP, in as much as he has not appointed a date for the holding of the general election to the assembly of that province is in breach of his constitutional responsibility,” the order highlighted. It further said that in ordinary circumstances, the general election in Punjab ought to be held on April 9, the date given by the president, but because there were delays in the announcement of the poll date, it might not be possible for the province to meet the deadline.

“The Election Commission is therefore directed to use its utmost efforts to immediately propose, keeping in mind ss. 57 and 58 of the

2017 Act, date to the president that is compliant with the deadline. After consultation with the ECP, the President shall announce a date for holding the general election to the Punjab Assembly.

“If such a course is not available, then the Election Commission shall in like manner propose a date for the holding of the poll that deviates to the barest minimum from the aforesaid deadline,” the order read.

ECP accelerates preparations for elections in Punjab, KP

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has accelerated preparations for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) following the Supreme Court’s (SC) verdict in polls date case, sources said.

The sources said that the electoral watchdog has instructed relevant departments to speed up preparations for the elections. The Election Commission has decided to implement Supreme Court’s orders, they added. The elections in both the provinces would likely to be held after Eid-ul-Fitr, they claimed. Sources further claimed that the ECP would not have the authority to change the announced polling day.

The ECP has also decided to write a letter to President Dr Arif Alvi and Khyber Pakhntunkwa (KP) Governor tomorrow. Article 220 will implement over non-cooperation of institutions, sources claimed.

ECC approves tariff rationalization for K-Electric

RS 14 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR MEDIA COVERAGE OF RAMZAN PACKAGE

ISLAMABAD

Shahzad Paracha

The Economic Coordination Committee has approved the Rs 5 billion Ramzan Relief Package for Utility Stores Corporation-2023, Profit learnt on Wednesday. The meeting of ECC was held under the committee chair, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. The Ministry of Industries and Production submitted a summary on the relief package.

The ECC after discussion approved a hybrid model of Ramzan Relief Package (Targeted and Untargeted) consisting of 19 items. Sources said that the Ministry of Industries has allocated Rs 1.15 billion for targeted and Rs 3.84 billion for untargeted subsidies which will be given on vegetable ghee, tea, flour, sugar, milk, beverages, dates and gram flour.

Meanwhile, the government has also kept Rs 14 million for media coverage of the Ramzan package.

It is pertinent to note that the PTI government had allocated Rs 8.24 billion for USC in 2022.

The ECC also considered a summary tabled by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research regarding procurement price of the wheat crop 2022-23, and after a detailed discussion approved a uniform procurement price of Rs 3900/40 kg.

The ECC also considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. It approved the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) board’s resolution regarding

cleared consignments on monthly basis.

The Ministry of Energy ( Power Division ) submitted a summary on Uniform Tariff for K-Electric at par with XW DICSOS 2nd Quarter 2021-22. The ECC after discussion, approved tariff rationalization for K-electric by way of adjustments on the consumption of July 2022 to September 2022 and to recover from consumers from March 2023 to May 2023 respectively.

The ECC considered another summary of Ministry of Energy ( Power Division) on uniform tariff for KElectric at par with XW DISCOS 1st Quarter 2022-23 and allowed tariff rationalization by way of adjustments for K-electric on the consumption of Feb-23 to March-23 and to recover from consumers in March-2023 to April 2023 respectively.

The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) has received a donation from the family of slain journalist Arshad Sharif to establish an endowment fund. The fund will provide two perpetual free seats for journalism students who struggle to finance their education at the university in Islamabad, the institution said in a tweet. The endowment seats will serve as a tribute to Sharif’s contribution to the field of journalism and to keep the legacy of his work alive, it added. Long associated with the popular ARY News, he was a prominent figure in the field, known for his specialisation in investigative journalism and coverage of political events in the country.

Following the ouster of Imran Khan in a contentious confidence vote in April of last year, Sharif faced several trumped-up charges and moved first to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and later to Kenya where he was killed under mysterious circumstances by the police near the capital of Nairobi. In 2019, he was awarded the Pride of Performance award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism.

country will witness bloodshed if sc’s order not complied with: rashid

rAWALpInDI Staff rePort

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said on Wednesday if the Supreme Court’s (SC) verdict was not acted upon, it would lead to bloodshed in the country. The apex court has ordered the authorities to hold general elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 90 days after the dissolution of the assemblies as Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial had taken suo motu notice of the date for elections in the province. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Today is the most important day of Pakistan’s democracy as it will decide whether Pakistan attains social, political and economic stability or droops into the political divide. Political instability has moved the IMF into imposing four stringent conditions like that of 1998, Moody’s downgrading of Pakistan’s rating, and raising concerns of the country’s default”. In another tweet, he wrote, “Pakistan is becoming a big jail and death zone for the poor as they are dying of hunger.

Fauzia viqar named ombudsperson on women’s harassment

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

Fauzia Viqar, a human rights activist, was sworn in as the new Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment at Workplace by President Dr. Arif Alvi on Wednesday at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials. Viqar was appointed by the president on Tuesday following the completion of the tenure of her predecessor Kashmala Tariq. Although Tariq’s fixed four-year term as ombudsperson, which began on February 19, 2018 ended on February 18, 2022, she continued to hold office even after her tenure had expired. Viqar’s appointment was made in accordance with Sections 3 and 21 of the Federal Ombudsman Institutional Reforms of 2013. The agency is an autonomous quasi-judicial statutory body responsible for protecting workers against harassment in the workplace. It is dedicated to creating a safe working environment that is free from harassment, abuse, intimidation, and discrimination.

tribute paid to Zakoora, taingpura martyrs in srinagar

MuZAffArABAD Staff rePort

Chairman Pasban-e-Hurriyat Uzair Ahmad Ghazali denounced on not bringing the Indian army soldiers to justice involved in Zakoora and Taingpura on 1st March 1990. In a statement issued here on Wednesday, he said that the Indian army soldiers brutally killed more than 50 innocent civilians in Zakoora and Taingpura areas of Srinagar 33 years before. He lamented that despite the passage of three decades, those involved in Zakoora and Taingpura massacres have not been brought to justice. Ghazali said that since 1990, the Indian government and its brutal forces have massacred innocent citizens in Jammu and Kashmir, in which hundreds of Kashmiri citizens were martyred. “The continuous silence of the countries, organizations and forums claiming human rights around the world on these brutal actions that took place in the occupied state has badly affected the confidence of the Kashmiri people”, he asserted.

waiving off of all the charges of storage on the stuck-up containers/cargo held up at Karachi Port as a result of nonretirement of Letter of Credits (LCs) and remittances of foreign exchanges. The approval is subject to the condition that demurrage charges on each case beyond Rs 5 million will be waived off after getting certification from SBP. The committee further directed to submit a report on magnitude and amount of

The ECC also considered another summary of the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) and approved the proposal regarding enhancement of surcharge for financial year 24 to cover federal government obligations towards power producers. Further, these surcharges for FY 24 will also be applied to K-Electric consumers to maintain uniform tariff across the country.

govt calls For immediate increase in Power rates For Farmers, exPort sector

DISCOS ASKED TO IMPLEMENT CABINET DECISION TO HIKE RATES TO MEET IMF CONDITIONS

ISLAMABAD

ahMad ahMadani

tHEgovernment has asked power distribution companies (DISCOs) to immediately implement a decision to increase power tariffs for agricultural tube wells and exportoriented sectors immediately, as it races to meet the conditions for the release of much-needed International Monetary Fund (IMF) financing.

The federal cabinet on February 28 considered a summary submitted by the power division titled “Implementation of Revised Circular Debt Management Plan” and approved discontinuation of the Zero-Rated Industrial (ZRI) package for the supply of electricity at Rs 19.99 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for exportoriented sectors as well as the Kissan Package’s base rate relief of Rs 3.60 per kWh to private agriculture consumers with effect from March 1.

Power Policy and Finance Wings of

the Energy Ministry’s Power Division, wrote separate letters dated February 28 to the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of all DISCOs, including K-Electric, registrar NEPRA, as well as the Secretaries of the Ministry of National

Food Security and Research and Finance Division, and informed them about the federal cabinet’s decisions and advised “immediate implementation and necessary action”.

Following the decision of the

Pak young scientists develop local intercropping tech with sino experience

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

cabinet, the subsidy given to agricultural consumers of Rs 3.60 per unit has been withdrawn and agricultural consumers now will have to pay Rs 16.60 per unit while the government has increased the electricity tariff for the export sector by Rs 12.13 per unit to Rs 40.

According to sources, the government’s decision to withdraw the subsidies on electricity for exporters and farmers will generate Rs 51 billion and Rs 14 billion respectively till June 2023. They said that the price of electricity has been increased by the power division in order to eliminate circular debt as the federal cabinet has already given its approval to the revised circular debt plan. They said the federal government had earlier agreed to meet the severe demands of IMF, which included jacking up the prices of electricity and gas to reduce circular debt buildup and improving tax collection for the revival of the $6.5 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The IMF and Pakistan have moved closer to revive the loan package, said sources. Earlier, the IMF asked Pakistan to impose Rs 600-800 billion in additional taxes, they added.

CArs envoys eye huge trade potential with Pakistan

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) opened CARs and Azerbaijan Facilitation Desk to help its members in promoting trade and exports with Central Asian Republics and Azerbaijan.

The Desk was inaugurated by Atadjan Movlamov, Dean of Diplomatic Corps CARs and Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Khazar Farhadov Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Yerzhan Kistafin Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Ismatullo Nasredin Ambassador of Tajikistan and Ulanbek Totuiave Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan during their visit to ICCI, said a press release issued here.

Speaking on the occasion Atadjan Movlamov Dean of Diplomatic Corps CARs and Ambassador of Turkmenistan congratulated ICCI for opening a Facilitation Desk for CARs and Azerbaijan as it would boost Pakistan’s trade ties with these countries.

He said that ICCI should set up a web portal on its websites for CARs to help private sectors of Pakistan and CARs to share business proposals with each other.

Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan said that the geographical location of Pakistan is special for CARs and Azerbaijan as these landlocked countries can access many markets through Pakistani ports.

He said Azerbaijan would launch more direct flights with Pakistan to promote people-to-people and B2B ties.

Yerzhan Kistafin Ambassador of

Kazakhstan said that the ICCI Facilitation Desk would be a great milestone to promote trade ties. Direct flights between Almaty and Lahore and in May between Almaty and Karachi will start in April this year.

Ulanbek Totuiave Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan said that his country is keen to promote strong economic ties with Pakistan and said that the Facilitation Desk would help in achieving this goal.

He said that his country will organize the Investment and Business Forum and will invite the ICCI delegation to participate.

Ismatullo Nasredin Ambassador of Tajikistan termed the Facilitation Desk a very good initiative to promote Pakistan’s business relations with CARs and Azerbaijan.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, ICCI said that Central Asian Republics (CARs) and Azerbaijan are estimated to be over 90-

rs59 million robbed in Bahadurabad by dacoits

KArACHI Staff rePort

Police reported that on Wednesday, two dacoits allegedly robbed a man of Rs59.4 million in the Bahadurabad neighbourhood of Karachi. The robbers intercepted the vehicle of one Muhammad Raheel at Shaheed-e-Millat Road and fled the scene after taking the cash. An FIR has been lodged at Bahadurabad police station regarding the incident, and the complainant reported that he was carrying the money in boxes in his vehicle when he was intercepted and robbed. In a separate incident last month, two armed robbers looted a jewellery shop in Karachi’s Clifton area for Rs5 million in cash and gold. According to the shop owner, the robbers entered the shop and held up the staff at gunpoint before making off with the loot.

billion-dollar market with huge potential for business and investment, however, Pakistan’s trade with these countries is not up to the mark. He said that Pakistan can export many products to these countries including textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, electrical appliances, communications, machinery and equipment and various services. He said that these countries import a large variety of machinery and equipment from various sources, and Pakistan can become a major exporter of high value products. Similarly, Pakistan can import energy and other products from these countries. He said that Pakistan also provides the shortest routes through its ports to the landlocked CARs for international trade. He hoped that the CARs and Azerbaijan Facilitation Desk at ICCI would help the business community in

identifying new areas of promoting trade and investment with these countries.

Faad Waheed, Senior Vice President ICCI said that Pakistan is a gateway for CARs, can import energy and export many products.

Khalid Iqbal Malik Group Leader ICCI stressed that the work on CASA 1000 and TAPI projects should be expedited for their completion which would bring many benefits to Pakistan’s economy.

Zafar Bakhtawari, former President ICCI also spoke on the occasion and highlighted many areas that offer good potential for business collaboration between Pakistan and CARs and Azerbaijan. He stressed the need of regional cooperation and development as the bilateral relations are important, but real economic development is only possible through regional cooperation among Pakistan, CARs & Azerbaijan.

new features introduced to hassle-free obtaining police character certificate: iGP

LAHore Staff rePort

Punjab Inspector General Police Dr Usman Anwar has taken a historic step to facilitate the innocent citizens entangled by opponents on the basis of false cases, trivial provisions and enmity. The process of issuing and obtaining police character certificate for such citizens have been made easier. In his message to the citizens on social media, Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar said that the system of issuance of police character certificate, which is required for citizens to apply for admission, scholarship, visa, job and immigration abroad, has been upgraded with new features and has also been approved by the Police Executive Board. The IGP said that under the new features, detailed record of the citizens declared innocent by the police investigation and courts will be registered in the character certificate, in which their details will be mentioned with accuracy.

Similarly, the character certificate of the citizens who have been implicated in false cases will be issued

with accuracy of record so that these innocent citizens do not have to face problems for employment, obtaining visa, admission in educational institutions or immigration just because of character certificate. Dr Usman Anwar said that the police character certificate of all the citizens of the province who obey laws is clear, but if a citizen is facing difficulties in obtaining the character certificate despite being innocent, he should immediately contact the concerned authorized officer. The IGP said that according to the new features, detailed record of innocent citizens involved in false FIRs will be registered in character certificate so that they do not face any problem and can easily apply not only for admission for education abroad, scholarships, visa, job and immigration, but also be able to proceed with full attention in the fulfillment of their goals FaMIlIes OF lahOre POlIce Martyrs entertaIned: On the instructions of Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar, a series of measures are being taken to honor the families of police martyrs and pay tribute to their sacrifices.

A team of young Pakistani agricultural scientists at the National Research Center of Intercropping (NRCI), the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) are researching on strip intercropping technologies with the hope to help their country shrink the import bill of food commodities especially soybean, which already is a huge burden on Pakistan’s economy. It’s remarkable that the ongoing work there originated from their collaboration with China, but has been optimized specially for Pakistan based on the country’s realities, which has been a shining model of SinoPak cooperation in both scientific research and educational exchange. According to Gwadar Pro on Wednesday, since 2018, Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza, a post-doc who is graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU), China, has started to promote China’s maize-soybean strip intercropping technology in Pakistan with his professor Yang Wenyu’s support and guidance, which has received good response particularly from local industrialists and progressive farmers in the recent years. After years of hard work, he has become a productive agronomist and expert in intercropping research in Pakistan. Under the vision of the IUB Vice Chancellor Prof. Athar Mahboob, the National Research Center of Intercropping was inaugurated on August 11, 2021 to introduce strip intercropping technologies in Pakistan’s agriculture to improve crop yields and soil productivity. Now, Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza acts as the Director of the center, leading intercropping technology’s popularization in Pakistan.

global dividends hit new highs in 2022: study

pArIS afP

Companies around the world paid their shareholders $1.56 trillion in dividends last year, according to a study published on Wednesday. The total is up 8.4 percent from 2021, the previous record year, after rebounding from the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a report by asset manager Janus Henderson. Oil and gas producers and financial firms accounted for half of that growth, according to its Global Dividend Index, which tracks the 1,200 biggest firms by market capitalisation. As skyrocketing energy prices boosted profits, oil and gas producers increased their payouts by more than 66 percent in the form of ordinary or extraordinary dividends, the asset manager said. It said 88 percent of companies increased or held their dividends steady in 2022. Eurozone banks used their renewed ability to pay dividends, after the European Central Bank froze them at the start of the pandemic. Banks and other financial firms contributed to a quarter of last year’s dividend growth, the report said. Soaring freight costs gave a boost to the transport and shipping sectors, but lower commodity prices meant mining dividends fell from their record 2021 high. As the global economy struggles and inflation puts a strain on households around the world, the news of huge corporate profits and payouts has reignited debate about windfall taxes. “For the year ahead, there is more uncertainty over the prospects for dividends,” said Jane Shoemake, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson. It still expects a record $1.6 trillion in dividends paid out, but with a slower growth rate of 2.3 percent. “Inflation, the extent of further rate hikes, and geopolitical risks all cloud the horizon,” Shoemake said.

construction of fish processing factory begins in gwadar

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

As various projects gain traction in Gwadar, a Chinese company, Haixintian Pelagic Fishery Overseas Base Company, begins full-scale construction of its fish processing factory in Gwadar Free Zone South (phase 1). Last month, Haixintian Pelagic Fishery Overseas Base Company commenced the importation of its industrial units from China, and construction is now underway for the cold storage and other facilities necessary for the fish industry. To facilitate this, the company has secured a warehouse spanning 5,911 square meters in the Gwadar Free Zone (Phase 1). The warehouse comprises 2,000 square meters of standard workshop space, which will be constructed according to the design of the sublessor. It will be the Gwadar Free Zone’s first fishing and fishing-related factory.

Punjab, California to enhance cooperation under sister states agreement: Cs

LAHore Staff rePort

A high-level delegation led by Chris R. Holden, head of Appropriations Committee of the California Legislative Assembly, visited the Civil Secretariat here on Wednesday. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman welcomed the delegation comprising members and officials of the California Legislative Assembly.

The delegates were briefed on investment opportunities, public-private partnership, potential in Information Technology and other sectors in the province and both sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation.

On the occasion, the Punjab chief secretary informed the guests that mutual relations between the state of California and the Punjab government would be strengthened with the agreement on sister states, adding

that proposals are being prepared for the promotion of bilateral cooperation. He said that practical steps would be taken to provide maximum facilities in the tourism sector. He mentioned that there is huge potential of public-private partnership in the IT sector in Punjab. The Chief Secretary also informed the delegation about the historic importance of Darbar Hall and Anarkali Tomb located in the Civil Secretariat.

The delegation thanked the Chief Secretary for hospitality and said that they want to increase partnership with the Punjab government in agriculture, health, education and other sectors. Chris R. Holden said that the state of California is ready to provide support to the Punjab government in all fields. The Secretaries of Planning and Development, Women Development, Tourism departments and officials concerned were also present on the occasion.

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

Provincial elections

SC verdict still does not point the way to polls

THe supreme Court’s verdict in the suo motu notice on the provincial assemblies’ dissolution was forthright on the need to hold elections within 90 days of dissolution of the provincial assemblies, and did not go down the path of secondguessing the Chief Minister by examining the correctness of his advice for dissolution. Its decision that the election date in the Punjab would be decided by the President should have taken some cognizance of his being bound in his actions by the advice of the Prime Minister. Instead, it held that the consultation with the election Commission of Pakistan (eCP was to be held, meaning thereby that the original meeting (that did not take place) was not considered a substitute. With 39 days left to April 9 rather than 90 days, it seems fair to say that the timeframe, which the Constitution has laid down, has become rather tight. However, it was not possible, realistically speaking, for the Supreme Court to rule otherwise. Its verdict left some wriggle room, as it allowed the possibility that the eCP might not be able to follow the 90-day deadline.

The decision may not have given anyone anything they wanted. The PTI, which might count itself the victor in the case, has not got a date for federal elections, or anything more than elections to one provincial assembly (the KP Assembly date going back to its governor). The PDM-and-allies federal government has not had the door entirely shut on elections being put off, but there has been no postponement in principle. The verdict also did not get involved in the nitty-gritty of elections, and how the eCP was supposed to overcome the barriers in its way, which could be summarized as a lack of funds, a lack of a security and lack of returning officers, for all three of which it had been refused by the federal finance and defence ministries, and the Lahore High Court, respectively. As such, the eCP has received no guidance from the Supreme Court on how these issues are to be solved.

The Supreme Court may well have stuck to the letter of the Constitution and the law, but it cannot be said to have ensured elections by its decision. It may well have had an impossible task, which it brought upon itself through a suo motu notice, of a matter which would have been best decided by political parties sitting together to make a decision.

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

India: overt and covert supplier of arms and ammunition

India

is

supplying arms to international pariahs

Alliance fighters. The support involved helicopters, ordnance, mortars, small armaments, refurbished Kalashnikovs seized in Kashmir, combat and winter clothes, packaged food, medicines, and funds. These supplies were delivered circuitously with the help of other countries (like Tajikistan) or through Massoud’s brother Wali in London.

India is keeping close ties with the pariah military junta in Myanmar. India supplies sophisticated weapons to Myanmar. The supplies include radar technology, air defence systems, automatic rifles and air defence systems sold to the junta despite rampant human-rights abuses

An Indian company, Sandeep Metalcraft, sold Myanmar fuses for ammunition for the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle. The Myanmar military used 84mm Carl Gustaf rounds during attacks in non-Bomar ethnic areas.

AMJed JAAved

InDIA claims to be the world’s greatest democracy. But its shiny face is caricatured by its overt and covert support to terrorist groups or to the military junta in Myanmar. During a european-mandated investigation by Conflict Armaments Research, a cache of made-in-India-2012 Improvised-explosive-devices (IeDs) was discovered at Kobane in Syria and Kirkuk and erbil in Iraq. It contained detonators, fuses, electrical cords, and other accessories, besides mobile phones for remotecontrolled IeDs.

Indian companies hoodwinked customs checkpoints to deliver IeD components to the Islamic State. The Pulwama IeD also was indigenous. It is eerie that there was no international hullabaloo in the international media about this shocking discovery.

Indian media downplayed the shocking discovery. For instance, Hindustan Times OF 26 February 2016 reported `Indian firms have emerged as a leading, but unintentional, source of components used by the Islamic State terror group to fabricate improvised explosive devices… The report names seven companies from India as the source of detonating cords and detonators, only the second largest supplier by country of origin after Turkey…But the report was unequivocally clear that these supplies were not intended for IS, and were not delivered directly to the terrorist group or to its known fronts or allies.… All components documented by the Central Asian Republics were legally exported under government-issued licences from India to entities in Lebanon and Turkey.The companies, identified by the report, are not being named here because they did not do business with the IS directly, intentionally or knowingly’! International community made no effort to map InI-IS bypass route, or identify Indians by name.

In US eyes, Pakistan is the bête noire that sabotaged US policy in Afghanistan. The bitter truth is that India has no border with Afghanistan. yet it created its own brand of mujahideen belonging to the northern Alliance. India not only provided multifaceted aid to the Alliance but even trained northern

Dejected Balochistan

The Barkhan massacre is part of a chain

Historically experienced, Baloch have always raised such legal points, but in return, they have been either abducted and tortured or killed in broad daylight and their cases were closed with FIRs against ‘unknown armed men’.

In February alone, Balochistan has witnessed very tough days where the already sickening enforced disappearances have now included women and children too, while private jails, under ministers and local elites, have ingested innocent lives with women going raped and men tortured to death. In between, justice has always remained a mystery for the masses because they are supported by ‘powers’ that no one can challenge. As a result, a sense of deprivation is taking deep roots among the Baloch youth and women which is fueling the ongoing insurgency in the already deprived province.

On February 3, a raid was reported in Quetta where a family was arrested-cum-disappeared including Raheem Zehri, his wife Rasheeda Zehri, his mother and two children. The very next day, Zehri’s mother and two children were released, however, the couple remained captives without identifying what crimes they had committted. Protests broke out across Pakistan including Karachi, Quetta, Islamabad, Lahore, Turbat, Khuzdar and other parts of the country. After 13 days, Rasheeda was set free and till today she cannot reckon what her guilt was, while her husband Raheem is still in the ‘torture cells’.

The issue of Raheem Zehri had not then resolved and people were questioning the wrongful detention of the Zehri family, when on the night of February 17, the notorious CounterTerrorism Department (CTD) raided the house of Mahal Baloch and detained her whole family, including Mahal herself, her mother-in-law Mahnaz (around 65 years old), her two minor daughters nugrah (seven) and nazink (six) and her minor niece Banadi (12).

They were taken to the CTD prison where all the night, as claimed by the other detainees when they were released the next day, the CTD tortured Mahal Baloch and forced her to accept she had a suicide bombing jacket. “Because they were brought by CTD themselves, how could Mahal endorse that?” they say.

Apart from torturing Mahal, they interrogated the three minors which is not legal by any means. How can you interrogate minors aged six, aeven and 12 without their guardian or next friend? Under what law was this interrogation held? And under which law was Mahal tortured in front of the minors? Who will make the tarnished CTD accountable for its violations of human and state laws?

As for FIRs on unknown persons, the readers is reminded that since 2019, a woman was seen in a video holding a Quran and shouting out loudly to save her family from the illegal detention of a provincial minister, Abdul Rehman Khetran. The woman was Granaz Baloch, wife of Khan Mohammad Marri. In a recent discovery, three dead bodies were recovered in a ditch in the Barkhan district of Balochistan. The bodies, because they were tortured, raped and killed, could not be identified initially. However, Khan Mohammad Marri claimed the woman was her wife Granaz and the other two were his sons, who were in the custody of the provincial minister.

In a poster-mortem report on February 23, it was found out that the corpses did not include her whom Mr Marri had claimed to have been his wife Granaz. The doctor who examined the bodies, Dr Ayesha Faiz, says the female body is of a young girl aged 17 or 18,. who was raped, tortured and killed. “Three bullets were hit on the head of the girl, and acid was thrown on her neck and face to hide her identity,” says Dr Faiz.

Other reports say that the girl was the only daughter of Khan Mohammad, while Levies claim to have recovered Granaz with her children from Barkhan. It again becomes an enigma whose dead bodies were found? Whatever may be the case, we cannot ignore the involvement of Rehman Khetran in the private prison case and the murders of the innocent persons there.

Another mystery in the Barkhan tragedy is that the family had nominated the provincial minister but police had registered the FIR against an ‘unknown’ person, which means the provincial administration is trying hard to safeguard the minister by any means whatsoever. In

India opened four consulates at Kandahar, Jalalabad, Herat and Mazar-eSharif, besides its embassy at Kabul. It pampered Ahmad Shah Massoud as its protégé for use on the Afghan chessboard as and when circumstances allowed. India is still using these consulates to stoke up secessionist movements in Balochistan and the volatile tribal belt.

The way India hastily vacated its consulates in Afghanistan portends that India would take such steps as would offend the nascent Taliban 2.0 government.

India calls Pakistan the epicentre of terrorism.

And India’s attitude reflects ‘the pot calling the kettle black’. By supplying arms to the military junta in Myanmar and the Islamic State, India has qualified itself as a rogue state. It should be classified as such by the UN, and be subjected to punitive international sanctions.

India too trained Afghan northern Alliance fighters. India’s ambassador Bharath Raj Muthu Kumar, with the consent of then Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh, coordinated military and medical assistance that India was secretly giving to Ahmad Shah Massoud and his forces in Afghanistan. east Pakistan, now Bangladesh, was not a disputed territory. It was an integral part of Pakistan.

But, India harboured, nurtured, trained and armed Bengali ‘freedom fighters’ on Indian soil.

RAW’s cover officers, including RK yadav and B. Raman, make no bones about India’s involvement in Bangladesh’s insurgency. They admitted that India’s prime minister Indira Gandhi, Parliament, RAW and the armed forces acted in tandem to dismember Pakistan. Raman reminds us that the Indian Parliament passed a resolution on 31 March 1971, to support the insurgency.

Indira Gandhi had then confided with RAW chief R.n.Kao that in case Sheikh Mujib was prevented ruling Pakistan, she would liberate east Pakistan from the clutches of the military junta.

India, the world’s largest democracy, has nurtured closer relations with Myanmar’s military junta over the past two years, including providing weapons at least four times since the 2021 coup d’etat,

fact, the spokesperson of the Balochistan Government, Farah Azeem Shah, too, rejects news of setting aside the minister from his chair which is yet another hint that the government is favoring him.

On the other hand, police raided Rehman Khetran’s homes in Quetta and arrested him.

On February 23, when the provincial minister was produced in the court of a magistrate in Quetta, the police asked for judicial remand of the minister for which the court granted 10 days of judicial remand to further inquire the matter.

Among all this, we can observe a great effort to ensure Abdul Rehman Khetran is removed from the case and the delaying tactics are being used to dampen the public anger and clean their memory of the Barkhan tragedy. To further strengthen their stance, the Quddus-led government formed a judicial inquiry committee which is to probe the issue and bring forth a detailed report within 30 days after the notification was issued. And again, the members belonging to the same circle include the DIG Loralai(Chairman/Convener), SSP Quetta (Member), Representative of Special Branch Barkhan (Member), Deputy Commissioner Barkhan (Member/Secretary) and any coopted member.

The tragedy, above all and everything, is that Balochistan is used to judicial commissions with no results. From the commission on enforced disappearances to the one on Ziarat’s fake encounters by the same CTD, every commission which was formed in Balochistan was to merely serve the interests of parties other than the Baloch civilians. At a realm of this, every ray of hope for the Baloch seems hindered, ultimately leading the masses to get disheartened with the state’s stepmotherly behaviour towards the Baloch and Balochistan.

The writer is a Law student at University Law College Quetta and tweets at @Alijanmaqsood12

Last year, heavy artillery weapons, detonators for bombs and thermal imaging devices used with automatic rifles and scopes were sold.As an expression of solidarity with the junta, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar attended the military council’s Independence Day ceremony.

The report from the Office of the United nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also noted that an Indian state-owned enterprise supplied a remote-controlled weapons air defence station.

In 2022, India’s Tonbo Imaging delivered telescopes used in automatic and sniper rifles. And last March, Indian company Sandeep Metalcraft delivered fuses to be used in bombs and grenades by Myanmar’s military.

“India’s supply of fuses to the Myanmar military is inexcusable,” India is directly supporting the junta’s indiscriminate attacks against civilians by allowing the export of key components in the very weapons the military is using to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

Of course, another factor is that India must keep the junta from drawing too close with China, Salai Ceu Bik Thaw said.

India calls Pakistan the epicentre of terrorism. And India’s attitude reflects ‘the pot calling the kettle black’. By supplying arms to the military junta in Myanmar and the Islamic State, India has qualified itself as a rogue state. It should be classified as such by the Un, andbe subjected to punitive international sanctions.

The writer is a freelance journalist, has served in the Pakistan government for 39 years and holds degrees in economics, business administration, and law. He can be reached atamjedjaaved@gmail.com

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A silent killer

HePATITIS is known as the silent killer. It has recently been found alarmingly rising in peri-urban squatter settlements around Karachi. Since Pakistan has a high load of hepatitis B and C, non-governmental organisations (nGOs) routinely screen pregnant women for hepatitis B and C in the targeted communities.

During 2020-2021, a data set identified a remarkable increase of hepatitis C-positive pregnant women in a local community. A screening campaign was planned for the targeted population, covering a different area each day. Advocacy was targeted through banners and awareness sessions/social meetings were held with the community by community health workers. Rapid diagnostic test kits were used for randomly screening 978 residents of villages. Out of them, 11.9 per cent individuals were positive for hepatitis C, 1.4pc for hepatitis B, and 0.2pc for both. The affected persons were financially supported by a philanthropist. They were referred to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and some welfare organisations. Their diagnosis was confirmed, and appropriate treatment was given to them. The findings were actually just a tip of the proverbial iceberg; the actual disease burden is much higher than that. The provincial government has launched the Hepatitis Prevention and Control Programme (HPCP), which aims at ensuring a hepatitis-free Sindh by providing vaccination and screening free of cost. This is the right step forward.

DR MAHWISH NAIM KARACHI

Boycott of classes is not a solution

STUDyInG at a public university comes at a cost. It is no wonder that public universities in Pakistan are fighting battles against poor infrastructure, substandard examination systems, shortage of teaching staff, appalling policy implementation, delayed entry tests and announcement of examination results, non-availability of power, … the list is simply endless.

With this shabby academic environment, students are now facing a frequent boycott of classes at the University of Karachi. One of the major public-sector universities in the country, having 53 departments and approximately 41,000 full-time students, the University of Karachi has been facing a complete boycott of academic activities by teachers for some time.

The boycott may end today or it may end tomorrow or it may go on indefinitely or it may have ended already; such is the level of uncertainty that has gripped the university and its students. The ultimate sufferers, as is always the case in such a situation, will be the students. Their academic life is in a disarray, and once the classes resume, the teachers will simply leave the course work incomplete because the exams will be held on time. By boycotting classes, the teachers may get whatever it is that they are asking for, or maybe the university administration will claim a victory, but the losers on all counts and beyond doubt or debate will be the students.

The educational system is already in a bad shape owing to a long history of neglect and mismanagement. One wonders what the teachers and the administration are up to in these grim times, knowing fully well that they are merely contributing to the decay of an already mismanaged system. The Karachi University Teachers’ Society (Kuts) has been repeatedly raising its concerns on issues pertaining to delay in the formulation of selection boards, but the university adminis-tration has been turning a blind eye to the frustration of the teachers.

It is not for the students to decide who is at fault. Maybe the teachers are right. Maybe the administration is. But what does it matter? The only thing that matters is the continuation of the classes.

Why do students have to pay the price every time somebody within the educational system feels aggrieved? The provincial government needs to get involved with the university adminis-tration and get the matter sorted out so that the academic process may resume.

Ali JAn MAqsood

MAliK MuhAMMAd AshrAf

IT is beyond dispute that the country is immersed in the worst ever economic and political crisis, courtesy the shenanigans of the military dictators, and continued interference by the establishment in the political domain and dirty politics by the unscrupulous politicians. As a result the hapless masses are groaning under the crushing blow of the never-ending agony.

The fact that Pakistan sought IMF bail-outs 23 times beginning from 1958 proves beyond an iota of doubt that the talk about development and prosperity by successive rulers was nothing but a farce. They have been duping the masses with false narratives and claims. Is it not a matter of shame that even after 75 years of independence we are running around with a begging bowl to keep the country afloat and confronting perennial political instability with its overall debilitating impact on the polity? even more painful reality is that nobody is bothered about the plight of the people and state interests. The game of power politics continues unabated.

The architect of the present situation is surely Imran Khan who was catapulted to the corridors of power through a conspiracy orchestrated by the establishment and given finality by some pliable judges of the apex court.

Since his party emerged on the political horizon in 2013 by obtaining only 35 seats in a house of 372, Imran has been fomenting political instability in the country. He alleged that the elections were rigged and also accused the Punjab caretaker Chief Minister najam Sethi of having manipulated 35 seats in favour of the PML(n) which he called ‘punctures’. He demanded judicial inquiry into his allegations regarding rigging. However when the judicial commission announced its findings in July 2015 falsifying his claims of rigging, Imran in an interview with a private TV channel admitted that allegations regarding ‘35 punctures’ were only political talk. He said that somebody had told him about it and he made it a basis of his cam-

Never ending agony

paign against the government.

He refused to trust the findings of the commission and later on along with Canada-returned cleric Tahirul Qadri staged a 126-day sit-in at Islamabad paralyzing the state machinery and attacking the Parliament and PTV. They refused to talk with the government and demanded its resignation. But the situation was saved due to the solidarity shown by the political parties in the parliament with the PML (n) government and the sit-in finally ended without achieving its declared objectives.

It is also pertinent to point that between 2013 and 2018

PTI members did not fulfil their mandatory role in Parliament as they frequently boycotted the sessions and whenever they attended it was only to create rumpus and sabotage the proceedings of the House.

Come 2018 General elections, a real rigging by the praetorian powers helped the PTI emerge as the single largest party and form the government in the Centre through manipulation. This has now been corroborated beyond an iota of doubt because of the events that have unfolded after his exit from power and the revelations made by ex-COAS Gen (retd)

Qamar Javed Bajwa through

It would have been advisable for the CJP to have constituted a full court bench to hear such a crucial issue as demanded by all political parties except PTI, so that nobody could dispute the verdict of the court. In my view determining the constitutionality of the move to dissolve the provincial assemblies is more important than resolving the date issue. It is a secondary issue.

a journalist as well as the confession by President Arif Alvi recently that the General did help the PTI in 2018 elections as well as the Senate polls.

While in power he resorted to a vendetta against his political opponents by instituting corruption cases

The World Bank takes a wrong turn

BIDEN’S FIRING OF BANK PRESIDENT PUTS A QUESTION MARK OVER ITS FUTURE

from manmade sources, including fossil fuels, “so we’re working hard to change that.”) Indeed, in a recent tweet thread, climate scientist Roger Pielke Jr. finds no increasing trends of extreme weather events – if anything, we’re seeing a reversal. nowadays, not offering an opinion on climate change is tantamount to an admission of being guilty of wrong-think.

against them and also incarcerating some of them, courtesy the compromised nAB Chairman. It is pertinent to point out that during the hearing of those cases, the High Courts and Supreme Court repeatedly observed that nAB was being used for political engineering. no wonder then that most of the leaders against whom corruption cases were made, have been acquitted by the courts of law for lack of any corroborative evidence.

His government also failed to stabilize the economy notwithstanding the fact that it resorted to unprecedented borrowing. His claims and pledges for eliminating corruption also proved hollow as the Amnesty International in its annual report revealed that corruption, instead of decreasing, had increased during his rule. It was probably in the backdrop of his dismal performance that the establishment decided to remain apolitical and not to support him in his confrontation with the PDM. The parties in the alliance after having been pushed to the wall decided to hit back and ousted him through noconfidence motion as per the procedure laid down in the constitution.

After having failed to thwart the no-confidence motion through unconstitutional means he came up with a false narrative of conspiracy against his government orchestrated by the USA and the establishment. However as usual he took a somersault on US involvement but kept blaming General Bajwa for the debacle that he had to face and he

still continues in the same vein.

Instead of remaining part of the national Assembly and playing a role as opposition leader he chose to resign en masse from the national Assembly and later also retracted that. To build further pressure on the government and force it to hold immediate general elections, he also dissolved the Punjab and KPK Assemblies without any justification, except for assuaging his false ego. Countries are not run on the whims and in conformity with the egos of leaders. His false ego and obstinate child-like pursuits continue to further deteriorate the situation.

Of late President Alvi, acting on his wish– amidst controversy in regards to elections in KPK and Punjab—- has announced April 9 as the date for elections in the two provinces in spite of the fact that he did not have the power to announce elections in the provinces. The matter is now before the Supreme Court on suo motu notice. However on the first day of hearing four judges pulled out of the nine-member bench constituted to hear the case.Mr Justice Athar Minnalah rightly remarked that first of all there was a need to deliberate on the constitutionality of the dissolution of the two assemblies. Mr Justice Mandokhel observed that he saw no justification for suo motu notice of the issue under Article 184 of the Constitution.

These are very pertinent observations.What will be the outcome of the hearing cannot be predicted. However, it is hoped that the bench would give due consideration to the observations of Mr Justice Athar Minallah and Mr Justice Mandokhel before deliberating on the issue of the date of elections. The assemblies were dissolved on the insistence of a man who was not actually a stakeholder in regards to the tenure of the provincial assemblies. It would have been advisable for the CJP to have constituted a full court bench to hear such a crucial issue as demanded by all political parties except PTI, so that nobody could dispute the verdict of the court.In my view determining the constitutionality of the move to dissolve the provincial assemblies is more important than resolving the date issue. It is a secondary issue. If the court as a result of its deliberations arrives at a conclusion that the assemblies were dissolved in conformity with the constitution; it could then consider the validity of the order of the President to fix the date.

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

realclearenergy

rupert dArwAll

PReSIDenT Biden’s nomination of Ajay Banga, the former CeO of Mastercard, to succeed David Malpass as World Bank president suggests that the Biden administration is prioritizing climate change over the World Bank’s founding mission of poverty eradication and economic development. This was made clear in the president’s statement singling out climate change as the most urgent challenge of our time.

Banga’s nomination turns the clock back four years, to the end of the tenure of Dr. Jim yong Kim, who had been nominated by President Obama in 2012. Under Kim, the World Bank became an anti-development bank, allowing itself to be captured by climate activists at the expense of the world’s poorest people.

A year after Kim’s appointment, the World Bank adopted a blanket ban on financing new coal-fired power stations – this despite coal being, for many developing nations, the cheapest and most reliable fuel for generating capacity. In 2017, on the second anniversary of the Paris agreement, Kim announced that the World Bank would extend its financing ban to the development of upstream oil and gas.

Keeping fossil fuels in the ground might be gratifying for rich europeans, but for many developing countries, it is little short of a death sentence. Over two billion people burn biomass – wood or animal dung – for cooking and heating, causing hazardous indoor pollution responsible for an estimated two million deaths annually. To anyone other than a green ideologue, preventing poor countries from developing their own natural resources retards these nations’ economic development and constrains their ability to lift people out of poverty.

Malpass had been chosen by the Trump administration to return the World Bank to its original mission – though without overturning the constraints on the bank’s energy policies that he’d inherited. nonetheless, that wasn’t good enough for the likes of Al Gore. During a new york Times event last September, Gore denounced Malpass as a climate denier. “For God’s sake, this is ridiculous to have a climate denier as the head of the World Bank,” Gore bellowed. “We need to get rid of that leadership, put new leadership in, and I hope President Biden will take that initiative.” It was something that John Kerry, Biden’s climate envoy, had also been pushing for.

Speaking later at the same event as Gore, Malpass declined to comment as to whether human greenhouse gas emissions were causing a rapid and dangerous warming of the planet.

(Afterward, though, Malpass told Cnn that it’s clear that greenhouse gas emissions are coming

The beneficiaries of Gore’s hit job won’t be the world’s poor. They consume far too little energy, and the extra greenhouse gas emissions that would result from their gaining access to reliable energy wouldn’t make any difference to the trajectory of overall emissions. In 2021, Africa’s population of 1.4 billion people consumed a total of 897.5 Terra Watt hours of electricity, amounting to only 3.2 percent of global electricity consumption and equivalent to an average of 644 Kilowatt hours per head annually – about what American households use on average every three weeks. Inducing developing nations to rely almost exclusively on intermittent energy sources like wind and solar, when advanced nations haven’t solved the inherent intermittency problem of renewables, condemns the world’s poor to indefinite servitude. From their perspective, the developed world is pulling a con. It promises $100 billion a year in climate finance and is now helping itself to development finance – all the while telling developing nations, “Here’s the climate aid we promised you.” The winners: Wall Street and China. Typically, World Bank funding is used in project-finance structures so that the bank takes the first hit if projects fail to generate anticipated revenues, thus shielding private finance from risk, which is presumably why Gore helped engineer Malpass’s ouster. China benefits, as it has used coal-based energy and Uighur slave labor to dominate the global supply of solar photovoltaic panels and holds a commanding position in the production of rareearth elements used in wind turbines. Better still, from China’s point of view, all this will be subsidized by the American taxpayer, as the United States is the World Bank’s largest funder, with 2.7 times as many subscription rights as China.

It’s hard to see a future Republican administration tolerating this. As the Biden administration’s nominee, Banga has been given a climate script that he will be compelled to follow. The situation raises an existential question about the World Bank and its purpose. In a 1998 paper, Anne Krueger, a former vice president for research at the bank, argued that after the opening up of global capital markets to most countries outside Africa, the World Bank faced three choices: it could be a development bank focused solely on poor countries; it could continue to operate in all developing countries, but focus on “soft issues” like the environment; or it could close down.

Republican administrations favor the first option and Democrats the second. The economist Deepak Lal, who also served as a research administrator at the bank, argued that the second option is not viable, as it leads the bank to support “highly contentious issues on which there is limited agreement about either ends or means.” Lal concluded that this left only Krueger’s shutdown option. Malpass’s departure and Banga’s nomination bring closure a step closer.

Rupert Darwall is a senior fellow of the RealClear Foundation and author of The Antidevelopment Bank: The World Bank’s regressive energy policies.

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AArti KelshiKAr

Abanti Sankaranarayanan, who worked for many years with Diageo India, shares an anecdote from her time with the company. A few years ago, a trade magazine representative asked her, “Madam, do you drink (alcohol)?” As a senior woman leader in the liquor industry, this is a stereotype she often had to deal with. Shrugging this off, she remarked that, “He must be thinking that it’s bad enough that I work in the industry. I don’t think he would have asked the same question of a man.”

Given that leadership is gender-agnostic, the way one builds trust and credibility would be similar across genders. But because women often tend to be scrutinised differently, they may need to be more mindful of how others see them and of the messages communicated through their actions and words. The incident above, although in a lighter spirit – pun intended – indicates that when it comes to establishing their credibility, women are often seen through a different lens. This chapter takes a look at the prejudices common to many workplaces and cultures with regard to how competence in a woman is perceived. We also discuss some aspects that build or derail trust and credibility.

As a baseline, credibility is gained through one’s work being consistently good and delivering agreed-upon outcomes.

Someone who epitomises this is Indra nooyi, former chairperson and CeO of PepsiCo. A leader who worked closely with her when he was heading PepsiCo South Asia, Shiv Shivakumar shares his view of her leadership style.

HOW INDRA NOOYI BUILT TRUST: A PERSPEC-

TIVE: “Indra was in PepsiCo for more than 20 years; when you spend that length of time, there is an in-built trust and credibility from rank and file, because people see long-serving people as inherently “one of them”. Indra assiduously built trust with all stakeholders, from customers to captains of industry to country heads. Her unique position gave her access, and she built on that with her personal charm. Indra would work very hard and always came very well prepared for meetings. She never took a pass whether it was family commitments or travel. In the four years that I worked at PepsiCo, she was always very well prepared for at least 80 per cent of the meetings, which is saying a lot. The gap between her preparation and that of others in her senior leadership team was a mile, so that is a standout feature. Indra had a good ability to ask the right questions and dissect a problem. She could also judge if people were giving her the party line or knew their stuff. She was generous and would send all her male subordinates a tie every year. I still have mine.”

Shiv Shivakumar’s account above of Indra nooyi’s way of working is a great example of what it takes to build trust and credibility. nooyi’s sense of purpose, commitment and pursuit of excellence were instrumental in her earning respect and success. It is amazing to hear how despite being in the top rungs of leadership, she continued to work hard and prepare for meetings. This goes to the point often made, that women have to work much harder to be noticed and recognised. That seems to be the case universally although it may be a bit different for leaders in senior positions compared to those in middle management.

As Senela Jayasuriya, founder of Women empowered Global and 1 Million Women in Power, points out, “Women who hit the 5 per cent mark are different and are respected dif-

ferently. That’s not to say that they are out of trouble – there is scrutiny, but it’s at a different level. There is respect because they’ve gone through the mill!”

When it comes to establishing credibility, what happens when one doesn’t have the credentials? In the absence of the coveted degree or pedigree of education, how can you still make it work? Pavitra Singh didn’t have a human resources degree from a premier institute in India, and her first job wasn’t at one of the well-regarded multinational companies. yet she is CHRO of PepsiCo India today, and her journey is an inspiration for anyone who believes that one always needs the required degree or pedigree of education to build credibility and a super career.

As a woman, it may not have been tougher, but it certainly wasn’t easier. How did she fit in and shine? This is what she says: you have to bring that differentiated value in your role. The most important traits are to believe in yourself and not to put yourself down. Be consistent, deliver on your promises, be very good at your work and use your strengths. Because if you are good at your job, no one will ask you “Which college do you come from?” or “What degree do you have?” And now when people ask me if I’m from one of the top-tier colleges, I take pride and say, “Actually, I’m not from them!”

The value one brings to his or her role does not emanate only from a good degree or college. That said, one has to have the content and substance – there’s no substitute for that. Across the board, credibility is earned by bringing that differentiated value in one’s role, by being outstanding at one’s work and by delivering on promises. Consistency is a muchvalued trait that helps build trust in a leader, as evident amongst some leaders I spoke with:

n Chris says that “I build trust by being consistently open and direct – I don’t change just because I have a bad day.”

n Rohini leads with integrity, which is about being fair, consistent, and transparent. As a leader especially in the large teams she has led at IBM and at Fidelity, it is “the ability to consistently show people that ‘she’s saying what she does and she does what she says, she’s fair when she has to make some trade-offs, and she shares why she is making those decisions.”

n According to Bonita, “People have got to trust you, and that comes through reliability and seeing people through. It comes through communication and giving some of yourself so that people know who you are and can relate to you.”

The ego of one person is playing havoc with the whole system

How do women in senior leadership roles build trust at the workplace?

AN EXCERPT FROM ‘HOW WOMEN WORK: FITTING IN AND STANDING OUT IN ASIA’

IndIa leads World In CuttInG Internet aCCess for 5th year In roW, WatChdoG says

KASHMIR ReuteRS

INDIAimposed by far the highest number of internet shutdowns in the world in 2022, internet advocacy watchdog Access Now said on Tuesday, as the country topped the list for the fifth successive year.

Out of 187 internet shutdowns globally recorded by Access Now, 84 took place in India, including 49 in Indianadministered Kashmir, the New Yorkbased digital rights advocacy group said in a report published on Tuesday.

“Authorities disrupted internet access at least 49 times in Kashmir due to political instability and violence, includ-

Investors pull around $6 billion out of Binance’s stablecoin

LONDON

ReuteRS

Binance’s stablecoin, Binance USD, has seen around $6 billion of outflows following a U.S. regulatory crackdown on the company that issues the token, according to market tracker CoinGecko. Paxos Trust Company, which issues Binance USD, said on Feb. 13 that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had told the company it should have registered the product as a security and is considering taking action against the platform. On the same day, New York’s chief financial regulator said in a consumer alert that it had ordered Paxos to stop creating the token. An NYDFS spokesperson later told Reuters via email that Paxos violated its obligations for “tailored, periodic risk assessments” and due diligence checks on Binance and Binance USD customers needed to stop “bad actors from using the platform”. Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao said that the regulator’s decision meant the market cap of the token would decrease over time On Wednesday, the value of all Binance USD was around $10.5 billion, down from $16.1 billion on Feb. 13, according to market tracker CoinGecko. The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that investors have pulled more than $6 billion out of the Binance-branded token in the past month, citing data from blockchain analytics firm Nansen.

ing a string of 16 back-to-back orders for three-day-long curfew-style shutdowns in January and February 2022,” the watchdog report added. Kashmir has long been a flashpoint between India and archrival Pakistan, which claim the region in full but rule only parts.

In August 2019, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi scrapped the autonomy of the Muslimmajority state of Jammu and Kashmir, splitting it into two federally administered territories. The government has since regularly imposed communications restrictions on the region on security grounds, which rights groups have condemned and de-

scribed as measures to quash dissent. ilitants have battled India’s rule in Kashmir for more than three decades. The South Asian country blames Pakistan for stoking the revolt. Islamabad denies the claims.

Although India once again led the world in internet shutdowns, 2022 marked the first time since 2017 that there were fewer than 100 shutdowns in the country, the watchdog said. Ukraine was second on the list, with the Russian military cutting access to the internet at least 22 times after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 of last year.

“During Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian military cut in-

ternet access at least 22 times, engaging in cyberattacks and deliberately destroying telecommunications infrastructure,” the watchdog said in its report. Ukraine was followed on the list by Iran where authorities imposed 18 internet shutdowns in 2022 in response to demonstrations against the government. Nationwide anti-government protests erupted in Iran last fall after the death of 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody on Sept. 16 last year. Amini was arrested in Tehran by the morality police for flouting the hijab rules, which require women to entirely cover their hair and bodies. She died while in custody.

Stocks jump as China’s factories roar back from COVID

PROfIt ReuteRS

Asian stocks bounced off a two-month low and headed for their best day in seven weeks on Wednesday, as data showing China’s manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in over a decade injected a jolt of optimism in hitherto gloomy markets.

China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 52.6 last month against 50.1 in January and was well ahead of an analyst forecast for 50.5, giving investors hope that China’s recovery can offset a global slowdown.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) jumped 1.5% to leave behind a two-month low made in early trading hours, before the data release.

ong Kong’s Hang Seng (.HSI) surged 3.2%, with developers and consumer-tech stocks leading and only two stocks falling. Chinese stocks also received a boost, with China’s bluechip CSI 300 Index (.CSI300) jumping more than 1%.

Japan’s Nikkei (.N225) rose 0.2% and S&P 500 futures gave up early losses to trade flat. European futures rose 0.1%.

“The China February PMI data this time has assumed even greater importance due to the usual lack of January/February hard data until later this

month,” said Alvin Tan, head of Asia FX strategy at RBC Capital Markets.

The China February official PMIs and Caixin manufacturing PMI all surprised strongly to the upside, and notably higher than the previous January figures.”

In currency markets, the dollar’s February gains seem to be running out of steam and Asian currencies advanced on the strength of the Chinese data – even as economic updates from India, Australia and South Korea came in weak. China’s yuan rose about 0.4% – its most in more than a month – to 6.9063 to the dollar. The Australian dollar reversed losses made after softer-thanexpected Aussie growth and inflation figures and rose 0.3% to $0.6751.

The kiwi dollar , which dropped nearly 4% last month, bounced off its 200-day moving average and rose 0.5% to $0.6217. The yen held at 136.35. RATES RISK: Keeping gains in check was worry about interest rates staying higher for longer in developed economies, which was been behind a shaky February in stock and bond markets. The next flush of economic indicators are likely to be crucial as markets gauge whether future rate hikes are sufficiently priced in now.

Hotter-than-expected inflation readings in Europe overnight drove bond selling, before an unexpected dip in U.S. confidence figures offered a

Amir, Imad heroics in vain as Zalmi beat Kings in HBL PSL 8

RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Peshawar Zalmi’s batters put on a collective effort to power their side to a massive total of 197/5 before the bowlers steered them to a 24-run victory over Karachi Kings in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight. Set to chase a mammoth 198, the Kings fell 24 runs short as the side could raise 173/8 in their set of 20 overs despite magnificent half-centuries by Imad Wasim and Matthew Wade.

Earlier in the run chase, the Kings were off to a decent start as the new

opening pair of Wade and debutant Adam Rossington added 40 runs for the first wicket.

Azmatullah Omarzai then struck in his first over to dent Kings’ solid start as he dismissed Rossington, who scored a brisk 15 off just eight deliveries.

Rossington’s dismissal sparked a frustrating collapse that resulted in the Kings slipping to 95/5 in the 12th over with Wade, who was hanging on with a gritty half-century, also getting out. Wade scored 53 off 41 deliveries with the help of nine boundaries.

Kings’ skipper Imad Wasim and Cutting then attempted to anchor the run

Govt Graduate College for Women Gulberg hosts 9th convocation

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Secretary Higher Education Mr.Javed Akhtar Mehmood was the Chief Guest. DPI Colleges Punjab Dr.Ashiq Hussain, Deputy Director Colleges Lahore Division Miss Noureen Akhtar and Controller

Examination GCU Mr.Shehzad Ahmed was the guests of honour. Chief Guest Mr javed Akhtar Mehmood planted a shadow tree . Forest Department arranged the plants. In Convocation 424 students from 11 Humanities and Science Disciplines received their degrees. The outstanding students and position holders were awarded medals, roll of honour and merit certificates. Worthy Secretary Higher Education Mr. Javed Akhtar Mehmood addressed the students. In his speech he appreciated the efforts of Principal Dr Nighat Naheed zafar and her team . Principal Dr. Nighat Naheed Zafar, Vice Principal Dr. Shagufta Gulraiz and Controller of BS Examinations Ms. Aneela Altaf presented shields and bouquets to the Chief Guest and Guests of honour. Principals of other colleges include Professor Shahnaz Kausar participated as special guests. Participation of faculty members,retired professors students and parents of award winners. Announcement by Dr. Saman Imtiaz and Mrs. Zarqa Bashir 3 Gold Medals, 3 Silver Medals and 4 Merit Certificates were awarded to the overall position holders in the university. 49 Roll of Honors were awarded to the graduates who scored 3.70 and above CGPA.

chase with a brief 17-run partnership but Omarzai removed the latter to put Zalmi in command. Cutting could score 15 off 13 balls. Put into bat first, Zalmi got off to a horrible start as the side lost three crucial wickets of Mohammad Haris (0), Babar Azam (0) and Saim Ayub (1) inside three overs; courtesy of a fiery opening spell from Amir. With their side in heaps of trouble, young wicketkeeper batter Haseebullah and Tom Kohler-Cadmore stitched a gritty fourth wicket partnership and scripted an astounding recovery as the pair raised 82 runs. Haseebullah was the

nepra conducts public hearing on K-electric's investment plan 2023-2030

KARACHI Staff RepoRt

glimmer of hope that rate hikes are biting and are perhaps within striking distance of peaking.

Two-year Treasury yields , a guide to short-term U.S. rate expectations, are close to four-month highs, but at 4.8347%, are below a November peak of 4.8830%. Benchmark 10-year yields stood at 3.9396% in Asia.

Commodities rallied with China demand hopes and Brent crude futures were last 0.6% higher at $83.94 a barrel.

Gains steadied after rains in parts of the U.S. winter wheat belt and optimism over a Russia-Ukraine export deal drove investors to liquidate some long positions.

Geopolitics also kept nerves elevated in the background. U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Kyiv and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s abandonment of the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty with the U.S. signalled a hardening of positions.

China, which signalled support for Russia by sending its top diplomat to Moscow last week, has issued a call for peace, though it has been met with scepticism and Washington has said in recent days it worries that China could send arms to Russia.

“Should Beijing send Russia arms, it risks a rapid geopolitical breaking of the world economy,” said Rabobank’s research head, Jan Lambregts. “Markets have not even begun to contemplate what this might mean.”

core aggressor of the crucial partnership and brought up his half-century in just 27 balls but Tabraiz Shamsi cut his celebrations short as he struck out the former in his second over to hand a much-needed breakthrough to the Kings. The young left-handed batter scored 50 off 29 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and three sixes.

Following his dismissal, Powell wasted no time in settling down and carried on the recovery for his side with clean hitting and bolstered Zalmi for a big total with a 29-ball fifty.

Powell top-scored for the Zalmi with a brisk 34-ball 64 before falling to Amir in the 19th over. He smashed six boundaries and four sixes amid his brilliant knock. Meanwhile, amid Powell and Haseebullah’s aggressive knocks, Kohler-Cadmore held his end firm and went on to score an anchoring 56-run knock in 45 deliveries, laced up with five boundaries and three sixes.

Bismah Maroof steps down as Pakistan women’s captain

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Bismah Maroof has stepped down as the Pakistan women’s national team captain but will remain available for selection as a player, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Wednesday.

Bismah was named Pakistan’s all-format captain in September 2017 and has had the best win/loss ratio amongst all the regular players to lead the country in One-Day Internationals (1.000) and T20 Internationals (0.843).

Under her captainship, Pakistan’s ODI team played 34 matches and won 16, while the T20I side won 27 out of 62 matches, the PCB said in a statement released today.

“There has been no bigger honour for me than leading the Pakistan team,” Bismah said on Twitter.

“Now, I feel that it is the right time for a transition and a chance to groom a young captain. I will always be there to assist, guide and support the team and the young captain in every way,” she added.

Separately, the PCB statement quoted her as saying that captaincy of the Pakistan women’s cricket team was an “exciting ride” for her, which included both highs and lows.

“But at the end of the day, I will always be thankful to Almighty for providing me with this opportunity.

“With the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle in its initial stages and the 2024 T20 World Cup more than a year away, I think this is the right time for me to step down and help so we have a smooth transition,” she said.

Bismah added that she was looking forward to continuing “playing my role for the team”.

Commenting on the development, PCB Management Committee Chairperson Najam Sethi congratulated Bismah and thanked her for her services as the captain of the national women’s side.

“Bismah has been an inspiration for millions of girls and has been a catalyst for a positive change. With her immense dedication and hard work, she has shown that women can continue to follow their passions and dreams,” he said.

Sethi went on to say that Bismah’s presence in Pakistan’s dressing room would continue to be a source of inspiration to young cricketers.

“She will continue to serve Pakistan with honour and pride as she has been doing since she was a teenager,” he added. The PCB has said that Bismah’s replacement will be announced in due course.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) conducted a public hearing today on KE’s 7year investment plan in transmission and distribution. The hearing was held in Islamabad with many attendees joining virtually as well. KE management shared details of the plan and projects being undertaken over the next control period from FY2024 to FY2030, valued at approximately PKR 484 billion. While responding comments from the audience, KE leadership stated that the investment plan has been conceived with a vision to balance affordability, availability and sustainability of power supply. It aligns with the developments in the power sector including the implementation of the competitive markets framework and the culmination of exclusivity for power distribution companies. In this regard, KE has filed for a non-exclusive license with the regulator late in December 2022. The hearing was attended by a wide range of stakeholders representing industries and community leaders alike. Key themes discussed were the projects being undertaken to drive growth and reliability in KE’s transmission and distribution network, the projected growth in demand within the utility’s operational territory, and planned technological interventions to further improve the quality and reliability of the service. Participants also shared their comments on KE’s performance since privatization. Queries included the Karachi based electric utility’s future investments including making power affordable for all, incentivizing foreign and local stakeholders to further invest in the power sector, while others shared that the company’s services have improved since the company’s privatization. Participants also suggested keeping ground realities in mind when setting the future T&D losses and recoveries targets to ensure a sustainable power supply to the city. While expressing gratitude to the NEPRA Authority and the participants for sharing their valued thoughts, K-Electric spokesperson further stated, “Our investment plan has been developed to meet the future needs of our growing customer base. We anticipate that in 2030, our customers base will grow from 3.4million today to approximately 5 million, and consumption forecast will be around 5000 MW of electricity. This requires meticulous planning and targeted investment. Based on its over 113 years experience of serving the city, K-Electric remains committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to its customers.”

sri lanka to keep rates high to combat inflation; awaits IMf deal

COLOMBO ReuteRS

Sri Lanka’s central bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged for a fourth straight meeting this week as the crisis-hit country strives to keep a cap on inflation while waiting for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout. The island’s economy is estimated to have shrunk 9.2% last year as it struggled with the worst financial crisis to befall the country in over seven decades triggered by a severe shortage of foreign exchange reserves. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka raised rates by a record 950 basis points last year. But, at its last policy meeting in January, the central bank held the standing deposit facility rate and standing lending facility rate unchanged at 14.50% and 15.50%, respectively. All sixteen analysts and economists polled by Reuters expected rates to be held for a fourth straight meeting on Friday as Sri Lanka holds out hope for IMF board level approval by March end. The meeting was initially scheduled for Thursday but was pushed back to the next day by the central bank without citing a reason. Sri Lanka signed a preliminary agreement with the global lender last September for a $2.9 billion program but has to put its debt on a sustainable track before disbursements can begin. The government is waiting for financing assurances from China, its largest bilateral lender, after receiving support from India and Paris Club members earlier this year. “The IMF program is necessary for market confidence and to manage risk premiums. Without it, we may see secondary market rates edge up,” said Arumainyagam Visaahan, research analyst at Asha Securities.

“Even with an IMF program the central bank will likely wait till debt restructuring is underway and inflation is lower before adjusting rates downwards.” Reducing rates could also spur imports and put more pressure on Sri Lanka’s meager reserves which were at $2.1 billion at the end of January, analysts said. Sri Lanka will keep a close eye on public expenditure, prioritising essential expenses such as salary, pension and welfare payments as it awaits IMF support. “It is very crucial for Sri Lanka to get IMF support,” State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe told Reuters this week.

“As of now, since we have done our reforms, it is very much required for us … people have been told we are doing these reforms to better the economy and give relief in the future, so they are expecting that process to start.”Sri Lanka raised electricity tariffs by 66% this month, the second adjustment in six months, as part of implementing cost reflective pricing needed to secure the IMF program. Inflation eased to 50.6% in February from 51.7% last month, official statistics showed on Tuesday, and forecasts by the central bank and analysts indicate inflation will hit single digits towards the end of this year.

Managing Director Bank of Khyber Mohammad Ali Gulfaraz inaugurates new BOK Branch in Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore. BoK officials also present on the occasion. photo by ZubaiR MehfooZ

corporate corner

bank alfalah partners with Karachi Relief Trust for sustainable housing for flood-hit communities

KarachI: Bank Alfalah, the biggest corporate donor for the flood-affected communities, has partnered with Karachi Relief Trust (KRT) to fund the construction of low-cost sustainable housing for PKR 50 million. Bank Alfalah came to the forefront with a strategic plan for redeveloping communities in a viable, equitable and financially inclusive way.

The collaboration with KRT is focused on providing costeffective housing solutions in the regions affected by floods. Through this association with Bank Alfalah, KRT intends to reconstruct two clusters of villages that were ravaged by the floods. The two clusters will consist of 70 homes each, with an estimated cost of PKR 350,000 per house. pr

Pak-Qatar Family Takaful partners with Takaful bazaar to promote takaful products to wider audiences

KarachI: Pak-Qatar Family Takaful has partnered with Takaful Bazaar as this partnership aims to promote and offer Shariah Compliant products as well as to smooth the customer handling journey via technology enablement. The partnership with Takaful Bazaar will enable Pak-Qatar Family Takaful to expand its range of Shariah-compliant products and reach a wider audience. Takaful Bazaar is a digital platform that provides customers with access to a variety of Takaful products and services from multiple providers. By partnering with Takaful Bazaar, Pak-Qatar Family Takaful can leverage its technology and reach customers who may not have been aware of its offerings previously.

Furthermore, the use of technology will enable Pak-Qatar Family Takaful to streamline its customer handling journey, making it easier and more convenient for customers to access its products and services. This includes features such as online applications, real-time customer support, and digital claims processing. pr

aCCa and aGP join forces to professionalise public sector finance

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking a landmark agreement between the two organisations. The key focus areas under the MOU include joint initiatives to strengthen the capacity building of public sector finance professionals and to support the Public Financial Management (PFM) transformation in Pakistan. AGP and ACCA will also collaborate on specialised training opportunities, including cyber security, data analytics and ERP, which will be delivered through ACCA’s global accountancy partnerships and international academic network. pr

iMC’s impactful CSR initiatives recognized at NFEH awards 2023

Indus Motor Company (IMC) added another win to its growing number of accolades, with the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Community Development & Services, at the 15th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2023, hosted by the National Forum of Environment & Health (NFEH), in Islamabad. Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Planning & Development Minister, presented the award to IMC's Syed Saqib Abbas, Regional Manager-North.

For the seventh year running, IMC has been winning this award which is a recognition of the company's vision and significant contributions towards creating an inclusive society that targets education, adult and child health, nutrition, the welfare of the differently-abled, promotion of sports, environmental conservation, and road safety. pr

The uK’s university of Essex will hold first graduation in Pakistan this weekend

UK-based University of Essex will be holding its first-ever graduation celebration in Pakistan on Saturday 4 March 2023. The event will celebrate links between the internationally-renowned University of Essex and Pakistan with Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster travelling from the UK to take part in the special ceremony at the prestigious Serena Hotel in Islamabad.

This is believed to be the first Graduation ceremony organised by a leading UK university in Pakistan and attended by its Vice-Chancellor. High-profile guests will include the Education Minister and Minister of Planning and Development plus representatives from the British High Commission and the British Council.

The Graduation ceremony will be attended by many Essex alumni with Vice-Chancellor Awards presented to two outstanding graduates. Education and environment campaigner Nasira Habib and heritage and human rights champion Nasiruddin Mirza will both receive awards during the historic event. Professor Forster said: pr

NOT-BY- PROFIT

EarnEd WagE accEss: ThE nEW EmployEE bEnEfiT programmE in pakisTan

islamabad news desk

aBHI, a fintech company founded in 2021, has introduced a tech-based solution to help salaried people manage their emergency expenses in real-time. This Earned Wage Access (EWA) or On-Demand Pay service, AbhiSalary, enables salaried employees of the startup’s partner companies to withdraw the salary ad-

vances based on their accrued wages at any time before payday to cover their unplanned expenses.

As the fintech funds these salary advances from its own resources, it does not affect the partner employers’ cash flows and balance sheets, and repayment is deducted automatically from the employee’s salary on payday. The service can be accessed via the startup’s mobile app or SMS or WhatsApp feature, with a flat Rs100 per transaction fee.

The EWA solution can significantly impact workers’ financial well-being, helping them to cover their expenses more efficiently, reduce financial stress, and improve their overall quality of life. It also offers several advantages to both employees and employers, such as employee retention, reduced absenteeism, and lower administrative burden associated with traditional payroll systems. Abhi has so far onboarded

nearly 400 small to large companies from various sectors, with total salaried employees of close to 800,000, a quarter of whom are active users of the startup’s facility. The company has already raised $21 million in funding for the expansion of its operations and plans to tap the UAE and Bangladesh markets in the future.

To read the full article visit www.dawn.com

Digital Excellence Essential for Propelling Future Growth in Pakistan's Economy

islamabad news desk

The lending risks faced by banks need to be reduced through the use of the latest technologies and by updating banking policies and practices in Pakistan. Additionally, more congenial prudential regulations are required to strengthen financial intermediation and lend to the most productive segments of the economy to reduce imports, boost exports, and build foreign exchange reserves. However, under the present fragile, fluid and un-

certain environment, it would be unfair to expect that banks and other financial institutions will perform well. Therefore, efforts are being made by banks, encouraged by the central bank and prompted by the sector’s ombudsman, to improve their operational efficiency and customer services.

Notable progress is visible in digitalized banking, aimed at strengthening the financial intermediation in the country in the pursuit of equitable and sustainable development. To ensure quick disposal of cases and provide speedy relief to complainants, the Banking Mohtasib Pakistan office has intro-

PPP has always made efforts to empower women: Sharjeel Memon

Karachi staff report

People's Pink Bus Service dedicated for women has started its journey on two more routes in Karachi. Provincial Ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah inaugurated the People's Pink Bus Service on Wednesday in a ceremony held at Sea View. On this occasion, Chief Minister Sindh's Coordinator Shahzad Memon, MPA Sadia Javed, Transport Secretary Abdul

Haleem Shaikh, Managing Director Sindh Mass Transit Authority Zubair Chana, Project Director NRTC Sohaib Shafiq and others were also present.

Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Sindh Government of Pakistan People's Party has started the People's Pink Bus Service across Sindh on the directives of the party leadership.

In the first phase, the route was started in Karachi on a

trial basis. After its great response from citizens, the pink bus service for women was launched in Hyderabad. He said that two new routes of Pink Bus Service are being launched Karachi from today. He said that Pink Bus Service facility is being extended for the convenience of our mothers, sisters and daughters so that they can reach to their destination without harassment in modern commuting facility. He said that this is a big initiative of Sindh government towards the empowerment of women. He said that it will make easy for women to go to schools, colleges and offices. He said that there is no separate bus service for women in the developed countries of the world. There are only 12 countries in the world where there is a separate bus service for women and Pakistan is among these countries. He said that the international media praised the launch of People's Pink Bus Service .

aDb Executive Directors, FbR chief discuss cooperation in

revenue mobilization

Executive Directors of ADB, Mr. Takahiro Yasui (Japan), Mr. Weihua Liu (China), Mr. Sagmin Ryu (Korea) & Mr. Noor Ahmed (Pakistan) along-with Country Director Mr. Yong Ye, Mr. Ronald Ray San Juan Director's Advisor, Mr. Shunsuke Sakugawa, Director's Advisor for Japan, Mr. Yusuke Sekiguchi JFPR Fund Manager visited FBR HQs on Monday to meet Chairman FBR and his team to discuss cooperation in the area of Revenue Mobilization. During the meeting, both sides discussed the progress on ADB funded projects. Chairman FBR briefed the Mission on the revenue mobilization initiatives

Delegation from abl calls on iiuipresident

A team of Allied Bank Limited (ABL) called on Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, President International Islamic University (IIU) at his office and handed over a draft of Rs 1.00 Million as part of the endowment fund jointly established by both sides for the scholarships of the students. As per already signed MoU between both sides, so far eight students have been sponsored through this Endowment Fund. Degree duration of 7 students is completed and degree of one student is in progress. During the meeting, issues pertaining to mutual interest especially bilateral cooperation were discussed. The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Hathal Hamoud Alotaibi, President IIUI, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Vice President (R&E), Mr. Shahid Amir Group Chief Islamic Banking Group ABL, Mr. Shakir Akbar Regional Head North ABL, Ms Nuzhat Zareen Director (UAFA) and Mr. Noor Hussain In-Charge Finance. pr

of FBR and discussed various mutual areas of cooperation. It was agreed that the FBR was on the right track to achieve the targets and both sides will continue to work towards identifying further areas of cooperation. pr

Pakistan, Germany launch project to strengthen Pakistan’s climate adaptation

Islamabad: In an effort towards enhancing the country's ability to cope with the impact of climate change, particularly in vulnerable communities and sectors such as health, agriculture, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), the German Cooperation, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC), have launched the Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience Project in Pakistan The Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience (SAR) Project in Pakistan prioritises gender-inclusive and socially inclusive approaches to ensure that the project's benefits are equitably distributed among different communities, including women, youth, and other marginalized groups. pr

duced an online portal and a mobile app for the lodging and tracking of complaints. Efforts are primarily directed towards resolving disputes amicably through an informal and friendly process of reconciliation, while BMP takes no sides. In view of the dwindling foreign exchange reserves, central bank interventions in the currency markets have become more frequent, but more needs to be done to boost exports, reduce dependence on imported goods, and build forex reserves.

To read the full article visit www.dawn.com

FPCCi, iCCia hold seminar on ‘unlocking Creative Economy’

KarachI: Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Karachi S. M. Mahbubul Alam addresses at a seminar jointly organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA) at the FPCCI Headquarters in Karachi on 28 February 2023. The Seminar was titled: “Unlocking the Creative Economy”. pr

Saa-CiWCE, GiZ Pakistan initiate campaign to promote safety culture in textile industry

Islamabad: Saeed Ahmed Awan Center for Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment (SAA-CIWCE) with support of GIZ Pakistan has initiated a social and behaviour change communication campaign to promote the health and safety culture in textile industry of Pakistan. The targeted campaign includes stakeholders of Ministry of Commerce Government of Pakistan, Labour and Human Resource Department Government of Punjab and other notable public and private organizations that are working to support improving health and safety standards at textile industry of Pakistan. Textile sector of Pakistan is backbone for Pakistan’s economy as it contributes billions of dollars in exports and employs millions of workers. pr

Full roll-out of enumeration activity for 7th Population and Housing Census

Field activities of 7th Population and Housing Census

“The First Ever Digital Census” have started today in all over Pakistan digitally for the first time in the history of country. Chief Census Commissioner Dr Naeem uz Zafar inaugurated the field activities by marking first Building Structure in ‘House Listing App’. Meanwhile, the inauguration in all divisions was carried out by respective Commissioners. The citizens of Pakistan being the most important stakeholders and beneficiary of the census are urged to ensure their full participation and cooperation during census field operation. pr

Delegation of islamabad chamber visits iESCohead office

A delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry headed by President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari visited IESCO Head Office Islamabad. Chief Executive IESCO Dr. Muhammad Amjad Khan and other senior officers welcomed delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During the meeting President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed his satisfaction with the performance of IESCO and said that better services should be provided to the business community, uninterrupted supply of electricity should be ensured, damaged underground cables should be replaced so that the rate of faults can be reduced. pr

PAkISTAn, Un SIgn $5M fUnDIng AgrEEMEnT fOr flOOD vICTIMS

ISLAMABAD app

THEFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has signed a $5 million funding agreement with the government to aid the nation’s recovery from the devastating floods that occurred in 2022, particularly in the provinces of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh.

This marks the first time that FAO has received funds through a government as a recipient of funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The grant signing ceremony was held at the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) between the government and ADB, with the federal secretary for economic affairs and executive director of Japan to ADB present at the event.

The ADB approved a $5 million grant

to provide emergency flood assistance, strengthen the country’s disaster and climate resilience, and support food security. The grant was financed by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR) and is part of the

larger $475 million Emergency Assistance Loan (EAL) and $3 million technical assistance grant approved by ADB in December. Through this project, FAO will provide climate-adaptive rice seeds to

PUNJAB-KP POLLS

Yet another case against Imran over ‘vandalism’ at judicial complex

ISLAMABAD staff report

The police have registered a case against Imran Khan and other members of his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party on charges of attacking and vandalising the judicial complex in Islamabad during the former prime minister’s appearance.

The complaint alleges that leaders of the party led the mob and incited people to commit vandalism, which led to an attempt to attack the Federal Judicial Complex and the Islamabad High Court.

According to the FIR, armed PTI workers threatened to kill police officials and others at the judicial complex, and government property was damaged.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan claimed that Khan planned the “attack” on the building to seek “favourable decisions” from the court. He also said the persons involved in the attack were being identified through CCTV footage and that no leniency would be shown to anyone involved.

IHC suspends ECP de-notification of three PTI MPs

ISLAMABAD staff report

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Wednesday suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) order to denotify three Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers elected from the capital — Asad Umar, Ali Nawaz Awan and Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz.

More than 120 MPs loyal to Imran Khan had resigned en masse following his ouster as prime minister in 2022. National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf had accepted their resignations and notified the electoral body accordingly. However, the three PTI leaders challenged the notification in court, with lawyer Ali Zafar representing them.

During the hearing, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq suspended the ECP’s ability to hold by-elections in Islamabad and also suspended Speaker Ashraf’s notification accepting the PTI lawmakers’ resignations. The court also issued notices to all parties involved and requested their responses.

The court further questioned the PTI’s lawyer on the issue, asking if the notifications had been challenged, to which Zafar responded that his clients want to be reinstated in the assembly.

COAS commends efforts of rescue teams in quake-hit Turkiye, Syria

RAWALPINDI staff report

60,000 farm households in four Balochistan districts that were most affected by the 2022 floods. The seeds will be sown over approximately 30 percent of the total rice cropping area of the target districts.

FAO will also support women’s livelihoods in agriculture by providing them with durable farming toolkits for facilitating farming activities and protective footwear for safer rice transplanting.

The project builds on FAO’s immediate response to the floods in the Nasirabad division by supporting smallholder farmers in planting for the Rabi season.

It also reinforces the FAO director general’s pledge at the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan in January, in which he ensured that FAO would continue to play a leading role in transforming Pakistan’s agri-food systems to make them more efficient, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.

ECP decides to restart consultation, write to Centre

ISLAMABAD staff report

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Wednesday decided to write a letter to the federal government and restart the consultation process in light of the Supreme Court’s decision on elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The decision was taken during an urgently-called meeting of the ECP with Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja in the chair to review SC verdict.

Earlier, the Supreme Court of Pakistan announced its verdict in the suo motu case following delay in announcement of date for elections.

During the meeting, the Election Commission of Pakistan decided to restart the consultation process in light of the Supreme Court’s decision. The electoral watchdog developed a consensus to resume consultations with the President and Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and write a letter to the federal

government as well.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) formulated a strategy on conducting elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. It has also been decided to visit the President’s House and consult the president on holding elections and giving a date for the polls in the province.

The election commission will decide Thursday (tomorrow) on the election date during a meeting will be held at 11am to discuss the future course of action.

Sources revealed the meeting will hold consultation about writing a letter to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the President. SC has announced the verdict in the suo motu case of delay in Punjab and KP polls and ordered to hold the polls within 90 days. The apex court s ordered the KP governor to announce the date after consultation with ECP.

Meanwhile, the date given by the President for holding elections in Punjab was declared constitutional.olitical parties

asked to apply for elector symbols by Mar 8

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday asked political parties to submit applications for the allotment of election symbols for the forthcoming Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa general elections.

All political parties, in compliance with Section-216 of the Elections Act, 2017, should submit, in person or through an authorized representative, applications for allotment of election symbols for forthcoming General Elections of Provincial Assemblies of Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on or by March 8, said a notification issued here by the ECP. The applications were required to be addressed to the Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan in the Election Commission Secretariat, Constitution Avenue, G-5/2 Islamabad on or before March 8, 2023. Applications received after the due date or through post /e-mail/fax will not be entertained.

KP governor calls on President Alvi to discuss election date

ISLAMABAD staff report

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Haji Ghulam

Ali called on President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday and discussed issues related to holding elections for provincial assembly.

During the meeting, the President and KP governor discussed matters related to elections in the province and the prevailing political situation in the country. The meeting came as the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan was hearing a suo motu notice – taken by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial on the delay in announcement of date for holding elections for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assemblies.

According to a statement by the Supreme Court (SC), CJP Umar Ata Bandial took notice of a note issued received from apex court registrar. “It was learnt that a month has passed since the dissolution of two provincial assemblies”, CJP said.

In a statement, the apex court said the bench will assess who is eligible to issue the date for polls, the constitutional responsibility of Centre and provinces, and who will fulfil the constitutional responsibility of conducting elections and when. President announces date: It is per-

tinent to mention here that President Dr Arif Alvi announced April 9 as the date for holding general elections for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assemblies. The announced the date under section 57(2) of the constitution.

In a letter written to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sultan Sikandar Raja president Arif Alvi said the constitution does not allow to exceed 90 days for holding elections after the dissolution of assemblies and he has taken the oath to defend and protect the constitution. The letter stated that ECP and governor KP and Punjab are not fulfilling their duties to hold elections within 90 days and the president has announced an election date to avoid violation of the constitution.

He said that both the constitutional offices are placing the ball in each other’s court, which is resulting in delay and creating a serious danger to the constitution. President Arif Alvi said that it is ECP’s responsibility to hold the election in 90 days and he started the process of serious consultation on the election date.

The Punjab and KP assemblies were dissolved on Jan 18 and Jan 14, respectively, after former prime minister Imran Khan had announced to dissolve assemblies in an attempt to force the government to hold snap polls.

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir commended the efforts the army rescue teams during the devastating earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief visited Headquarters Engineers Division in Rawalpindi.

COAS Munir was briefed in detail regarding efforts carried out by Pak Army Urban Search and Rescue Team (US&RT) during Turkey and Syria earthquake. During his visit, Gen Asim Munir interacted with the rescue team members and commended their professionalism and commendable work done during rescue efforts in the earthquake.

He emphasized the importance of our enduring strategic relations with quake-hit regions and the need to assist, particularly in times of crisis, the military press wing added. Pakistan Army’s search and rescue team was among the first to depart Turkiye after catastrophic earthquakes that killed over 50,000 and damaged millions of homes.

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority and other officials coordinated an action plan under which several planes departed to quake-hit regions.

Dissenting judges rue ‘unjustified’ suo motu to protect Constitution

ISLAMABAD staff report

Two judges, Mansoor Ali Shah and Jamal Khan Mandokhail, issued a joint dissent note, claiming the proceedings initiated by the chief justice to protect the Constitution were “wholly unjustified” as the matter was also pending in the high courts of Lahore and Peshawar and were conducted with “undue haste”.

Their note is part of the landmark Supreme Court judgement ordering the holding of fresh elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within a constitutional timeframe of 90 days.

A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, announced the judgment on a suo moto notice with a 3-2 majority, directing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to immediately announce the date for the fresh elections in two provinces.

The note argues that the constitutional and legal issues raised by the suo motu proceedings are already being considered by the provincial high courts, and, therefore, do not constitute a fit case to exercise the extraordinary original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Article 184(3) of the Constitution.

“There is no justification to invoke our extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 184(3) to initiate suo motu proceedings or entertain petitions under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, as a single Bench of the Lahore High Court has already decided the matter in favour of the petitioner before the said High Court vide judgment dated 10.02.2023 and the said judgment is still in the field. “The intra-court appeals filed against the said judgment are pending before the Division Bench of the Lahore High Court (and none of the said petitioners has approached this court under Article 185(3) of the Constitution),” it said.

‘Comical Jail Bharo’ show ends in fiasco: Marriyum

ISLAMABAD staff report

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb Wednesday said the comic show – Jail Bharo (court arrest) campaign – of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, had proved to be a complete fiasco. The movement would, in fact, start with Imran Khan being jailed for the crimes he had committed while in government, she said in a post on her Twitter handle, tagging a tweet of the PTI chief announcing to end his part’s court arrest drive.

She recalled that (as prime minister) it was Imran Khan’s responsibility to safeguard the Constitution, but he forced the president, and the National Assembly speaker and deputy speaker to violate the Constitution on the pretext of a foreign conspiracy, which was a total lie. “It will be a mockery of the Constitution and law if the ‘foreign agent’, Toshakhana thief and violator of the Constitution, is not brought to justice, she said.

‘Jail Bharo tehreek’ susPended:

Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court (SC) verdict on Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) polls and announced suspension of the “Jail Bharo Tehreek.”

Full effort to arrest Imran after judicial complex attack: Sanaullah

ISLAMABAD staff report

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Wednesday said that ‘full effort’ would be made to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan after the ‘intolerable’ attack on the judicial complex.

During a presser in Islamabad, the minister questioned what kind of politics was taking place within the judicial complex, adding that if anyone committed violence in the judicial complex they would be tried under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

His statement comes shortly after another case was lodged against hundreds of PTI workers, including Imran Khan, for alleged vandalism outside Islamabad’s judicial complex.

PTI leaders Ghulam Sarwar, Farrukh Habib, Shibli Faraz, Tahir Sadiq, Raja Basharat, Shahzad Wasim, Murad Saeed and Abdul Qudous Khan Swati are also named among the accused.

According to the case details, a group of 2,800 “armed PTI workers stormed the judicial complex under the leadership of Imran Khan”.

The FIR stated that the workers were carrying firearms, stones and sticks, adding that they also tore the cause lists of the courts.

“The workers broke court benches and chairs of security staff and also threatened to kill the security staff,” it claimed.

Sana stated that the way the judiciary was ‘tolerating’ Imran’s disdainful attitude, he could easily appear before the court with a couple of guards, instead of a mob of people.

According to the minister, Imran came to the complex with criminal intent and that it was “not a difficult task” to gather a few thousand people to attack the complex. He maintained that attacking courts was an act of terrorism and two cases had been lodged over the incident.

“So far, 29 people have been arrested and 200 people have been named,” he detailed. Sana reiterated that Imran was the

mastermind behind the ‘entire criminal act’.

The minister also appealed to the populace to recognise Imran for “who he is” and to “toss him out” with their votes.

He maintained that through such acts, not only are the courts disrespected, they are unable to perform their duties.

Sana said that the ousted premier received “love and unnecessary relief from the courts” but would not get bail sitting at home. He added that he would try his best to “catch Imran”. He added that Imran used to call himself popular, but should now observe his ‘Jail Bharo’ movement. He cited Imran as first having said that thousands would go to jail and is now requesting that certain people are exempted from incarceration.

Commenting on the Supreme Court’s decision to hold polls in KhyberPakhtunkhwa and Punjab in 90 days, the minister said that the incumbent government will accept the apex court’s decision but

there was a “difference of opinion” within the ruling.

He maintained that the petition was declared premature and the suo motu action was considered unnecessary, therefore the

petitions were dismissed and automatically dropped.

“The suo motu case has been dropped and the decision will now be taken in the high courts”.