Epaper_23-04-25 LHR

COPS MART YRED IN ‘SUICIDE

BL ASTS’ AT K ABAL CTD POLICE STATION

g PM, PRESIDENT AND KP-CM CONDEMN BLA STS, SYMPATHIZE WITH BEREAVED FAMILIES

wings of police started collection of circumstantial evidence

CURB MENACE OF TERRORISM:

AT least 12 policemen were martyred and 43 others sustained injuries Monday evening in two “suspected suicide blasts” in the building of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Kabal area of Swat district Swat DPO Shafiullah Gandapur confirmed to the media the number of casualties and said that it will be determined whether or not it was suicide attack

However spokespersons for the district police confirmed that 12 policemen were martyred in the blasts and around 43 got injured

A n o t h e r p o l i c e o ff i c i a l i n f o r m e d that initial information showed the attack occurred around 8:20pm inside the p o l i c e s t a t i o n p r e m i s e s w h i c h a l s o housed the Counter-Terrorism Department and a mosque

He said that all three buildings collapsed due to the blast, adding that a fire also erupted soon after

According to police unidentified assailants started firing during which a suicide bombing took place and a second massive explosion occurred within seconds as a result of which houses were damaged up to an area of two km

The building of the police station has been completely destroyed due to the blasts, the police added

Police said an emergency has been declared in Saidu Sharif Hospital where injured were being shifted

Meanwhile, an emergency was declared at all nearby hospitals

Rescue 1122 officials said operation is being carried out to rescue the people

trapped under the debris of the building

The rescuers informed that electricity supply to the area was also disrupted after the blasts Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa caretaker

Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan condemned the blasts and offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs

He also directed the authorities concerned to immediately start relief operation and provide timely medical aid to

the injured

He termed the incident “highly condemnable and a brutal act”

According to initial reports several cops lost their lives and others sustained injuries in two bomb blasts in the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Kabal town Swat district Heavy contingents of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) rushed to the scene and cordoned off the entire area Different teams of forensic and other

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan on Monday strongly condemned the blast in Kabal CTD police station Swat In a statement, the minister regretted over the loss of precious lives in the explosion He also expressed his sympathy to the families of martyrs and prayed for them to bear this irreparable loss

“We will never forget the sacrifices of the martyrs for the security of the country and the nation he stated The scourge of terrorism will be uprooted soon, he said adding that the Home Minister has been asked for a report on the incident He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured

Govt using talks as ‘poly to flee’ polls, says Imran

Former prime minister Imran Khan said the Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition government was employing negotiations with his Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf (PTI) party as a ‘ploy’ to defer elections In an interview for ARY News TV on Sunday Khan revealed his party had not yet been approached by the government for dialogue, suggesting a lack of genuine interest in reaching a resolution The Supreme Court, which recently heard a case regarding the simultaneous holding of provincial and national parliament elections had given all major political parties a week to agree on a date

However, the ruling coalition refused to comply with the court’s order citing their reluctance to engage in talks under the court s watch Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazl ur-Rehman had dubbed the talks between PDM and PTI, as directed by the court as “talks at gunpoint ”

The two are currently in a deadlock over elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the former insisting on holding provincial legislature polls while the government demands simultaneous elections nationwide

LAKKI MARWAT: Two alleged terrorists were killed and two policemen injured during a shootout occurred in the limit of Lakki City Police here on Monday

According to police, the officials of the Counter-Terrorism Department raided the house of an alleged terrorist namely Zubair following a tip-off about his presence along with other outlaws Upon seeing the police party the outlaws started firing on the policemen which they retaliated During the exchange of firing, two alleged terrorists iden-

UAE closes gap of exter nal financing

Two terrorists killed, two cops injured in Lakki shootout ISLAMABAD

tified as: Tehsinullah and Numan were killed while police Inspector Javed Khan and Hawaldar Irfan sustained bullets wounds

It may be recalled that a retired colonel Muqarab Khan was also martyred in armed attack by unknown attackers at his hujra in the limit of same police station on the night between Sunday and Monday at Lakki Marwat

Police cordoned off the area and shifted the injured to hospital S TA

During the interview Khan told anchorperson Maria Memon that the deputy chairman of the party Shah Mahmood Qureshi had been given the mandate to negotiate with the government Khan also asserted his party’s determination to hold elections in Punjab, citing the April 4 order of the Supreme Court directing the government to hold polls in the province on May 14

Finance minister Ishaq Dar on Monday confirmed that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) informed the IMF about their commitments to provide $3 billion to Pakistan Abu Dhabi has promised $1 billion funds and Riyadh is expected to release $2 billion in the next few days, elaborated Dar to Geo News

T h e s t a l l e d I M F p r o g r a m s o u g h t a n e x t e r n a l f i n a n c i n g a ssurance of around $6 billion from P a k i s t a n w h i c h i s n e c e s s a r y t o bridge Pakistan s external financing needs With the last dollar in-

jection from the UAE all eyes are on the Washington-based moneylender to release the $1 1 billion t r a n c h e In a presser, Dar elaborated that Riyadh will provide $2 billion while Abu Dhabi has promised $1 billion to Pakistan Pakistan is hopeful that the IMF will soon sign the Staff Level Agreement (SLA) and get it approved by its Executive Board ” he added These funds which were expected to be confirmed in January, saw a delay when the crown prince of UAE postponed his visit to Islamabad at the last minute

In recent weeks neighboring China also rolled over $2 billion and refinanced another $1 3 billion

in recent weeks

The country also expects to receive an estimated amount of $600 million from the world bank and other multilateral flood-relief commitments

It seems like the financing gap won t be an issue for the IMF previously the macroeconomic state institutions swallowed bitter pills to appease the fund This included jacking up its key policy rate to an all-time high of 21% a marketbased exchange rate, arranging for external financing, and raising more than Rs 170 billion ($613 million) in new taxes The fiscal adjustments have already fueled Pakistan s highest inflation ever, which climbed in March to more than 35% on the year

‘PloT

haTChEd in Bil awal houSE’

H A L E E M A D I L W R I T E S T O C J P O V E R

G R AV E T H R E AT S T O H I S L I F E

KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t

LEADER of Opposition in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh on Monday claimed that his murder has been planned in Bilawal House In a letter written to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), the PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh stated that the special task of his murder is given to DIG Farrukh Bashir He claimed that he was arrested in fake cases and then they tried to kill him as they had attacked him before Haleem Adil Sheikh revealed that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has been given the responsibility to murder him on the orders of Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto

Mar yam Nawaz responds to alleged audio leak of CJ’s mother-in-law

LAHORE

S ta f f R e p o R t

NA dissolution key for success of parlays on elections: Elahi

custody after arresting him in fake cases Furthermore he said that this letter is written to inform the top judiciary about threats to his life If anything happened to him, Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto, Murad Ali Shah and DIG Farrukh Bashir will be responsible for that

m

PPP c alls off scheduled Tuesday ’s protest in S indh for same day elec tions

S ta f f R e p o R t

Separate elections in provinces will wreak havoc with the political system of Pakistan he opined The separate elections will also bring question mark over the transparency of elections,” Khuhro said “General elections on single day across the country

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has extended the deadline for the submission of party tickets and allotment of symbols to candidates contesting in the Provincial Assembly elections in Punjab until April 26 This extension allows political parties and candidates additional time to complete necessary formalities and election requirements

after completion of five years term of assemblies, will strengthen the political system, he added

The PPP had announced on Sunday to stage protests at all district headquarters in the province on April 25

Nisar Khuhro had emphasized that conducting separate elections is equivalent to dividing the country into two parts, and as per the Election Act s Section 69, the elections should be held on the same day in all assemblies He also stated that the decision to hold elections is the Election Commission s prerogative and any court decision should be reviewed in full If necessary to restore Punjab and KPK assemblies, these assemblies should be restored” he said He said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should decide the election date as the ECP has authority to conduct election He urged the court to review its decision on polls by forming a full court

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Pervaiz

Elahi said on Monday that political talks cannot be successful without the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA) Pervaiz Elahi said in a statement that if the government is serious for conducting elections then it will announce the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA) He made the statement while talking to different politicians who held a meeting with him, Wajahat Hussain and Rasikh Elahi The PTI president said that the deadline set by the Supreme Court (SC) to the government for organising polls is going to expire soon “The government is running an organised campaign against the Supreme Court (SC) instead of holding talks and using dialogue option as a delaying tactic Shehbaz Sharif will not be successful to fool the SC ” “If government is serious to conduct elections on a date then it will announce the dissolution of the NA Talks cannot be successful without the dissolution of the NA ” “In Punjab, no one is ready to accept PML-N [Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz] tickets PML-N wants to maintain its reputation by boycotting the elections which is tantamount to accepting its defeat Pervaiz Elahi said that the political developments clearly indicate the success of PTI in Punjab and the formation of its next government Earlier Pervaiz Elahi vowed to stand beside party chairman Imran Khan despite the registration of cases and inquiries by the government Pervaiz Elahi said in a statement that they will not leave supporting Imran Khan despite the government s cases and inquiries against them He made the statement during a meeting with former Punjab Assembly speaker Chaudhry Afzal Sahi During the meeting, they discussed the current political situation The PTI president said that only Imran Khan can bring back prosperity and development to the country He slammed the government for running propaganda and damaging the image of Pakistan globally

Dacoits loot Rs50m wor th of cash, gold from Lahore shop

LAHORE

Punjab It is imperative that political

ROs

by the end of the day as per the revised schedule This measure will enable the smooth and efficient conduct of the upcoming

R ashid says nation being fooled in name of negotiations

RAWALPINDI

Awami Muslim League chief and former federal interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Monday that countdown for the government will begin on April 27 Rashid wrote on the social media website Twitter that the nation is being befooled in the name of negotiations

He called the negotiations a ‘sham’

Judiciary will open all roads The government refuses to accept the decision of the judiciary which tantamount to revolt against the constitution and the law, he added

The former minister said the government has resorted to flouting the decisions of courts Judiciary has to protect and implement its decisions he continued Rashid said

when the government does not respect the court decisions civil war and chaos descend on society

He wrote that Fazlur Rahman wants to pack the democratic system up because he himself is not a part of it It’s none of Supreme Court’s business if someone boycotts or runs away from elections It is up to the government whether to be ousted through judiciary or face annihilation through elections quipped Rashid The former minister said they cannot contest election because they cannot face masses The government will be sent packing if it failed to release Rs21 billion [for holding elections] Rashid wrote that the government wants to humiliate the judiciary but disgrace is the destiny of the rulers Come what may, the judiciary will win and the constitution and law will prevail, he concluded

UNITED NATIONS a p p

Pakistan was formally elected as chairman of the UN Committee on Information (COI) a subsidiary body of the General Assembly for a two-year term (2023-24) with a pledge to promote fact-based information and fight against the spread of misinformation “We must combat hate speech ” Ambassador Aamir Khan deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told COI s 45th annual session on Monday, pointing out that bad actors were misusing digitalized platforms spawning social unrest and tensions within and among societies

active role in the Committee, which examines the UN s public information policies and activities

In his opening statement the

envoy called for building a system that is cohesive appreciates diversity and enhances the understanding of the principles of the UN Charter “Bridging the digital divide and achieving universal connectivity by ensuring access to broadband and data for all is critical, Aamir Khan said, adding it will enable people to make informed decisions and contribute to the

r i p l e - c r i s i s – t h e

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Dacoits took away more than Rs50 million worth of gold and cash from a jewellery shop in Sundar area of Lahore police said Monday According to police a gang of bandits entered a jewellery shop, held shopkeeper hostage at gunpoint and looted Rs3 2 million worth of cash and Rs47 6 million worth of gold from the shop The bandits decamped with booty after swift operation On information police rushed to the scene and started search for the bandits A dacoity case was registered The shopkeepers of the area have strongly flayed police for this crime on the occasion of Eid and demanded recovery of the looted cash and gold to the ower forthwith

MASTERMIND OF BANK ROBBERY

ARRESTED IN MIRANSHAH: Meanwhile, security forces on Monday claimed to have arrested the mastermind of the gang involved in looting a bank in Miranshah As per details a raid was conducted in Miranshah, North Waziristan and the mastermind Naseer Ullah was arrested by the intelligence agencies He revealed that he was given the responsibility of providing weapons and vehicles for looting banks The Miranshah police had earlier conducted a raid against the robbers on March 20 but they managed to flee the spot of the incident On March 21 Naseer Ullah surrendered to the police and returned Rs 3 95 million The police have so far recovered Rs 5 42 million out of the total Rs 7 2 million Earlier, the cyber-crime branch of the Federal Investigation Agency in a raid arrested six members of a fraud gang

‘Eid Milan Par t y’ held at Pakistan Embassy in Beijing

BEIJING

S ta f f R e p o R t

As we work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we must persevere and renew our

counter all forms of disinformation, including in the context of the Covid-19 Pandemic Last Year as G-77 (developing countries) Chair, Pakistan played a productive role in bringing a consensusbased resolution in the Committee on Information He also welcomed the new ViceChairs and Rapporteur of the Committee as well as new member- Estonia admitted to the Committee on Information

commitment to meeting these goals despite challenges posed by Covid-19 he said He also called for confronting the existential threat of climate change, recalling the catastrophic flood in Pakistan last year the terrible earthquake hitting Turkiye and Syria this year and the threat posed by rising sea water and desertification are its serious manifestations He recalled Pakistan s initiative in the General Assembly, for the first time, adopted resolution 76/227 entitled Countering Disinformation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms , on 24 December 2021 Later ‘Group of Friends’ on Countering Disinformation was launched to advance the multidimensional response to

Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque hosted an ‘Eid Milan Party’ to celebrate the day with the Pakistani community in Beijing China on Saturday The members of the Pakistani community including students, teachers, businessmen, families, children and Embassy officials attended Ambassador Haque welcomed the guests on the auspicious occasion and exchanged Eid greetings with them Earlier, Eid ul Fitr prayers were offered at the mosque of the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing Ambassador Haque along with diplomats, officials, teachers students offered Eid prayers Special prayers were offered for peace progress and prosperity of Pakistan on the occasion The local Muslims as well as diplomats and students from Muslim countries also offered Eid prayers in the Chinese capital other cities and regions with traditional zeal The emphasis was on family reunions, meeting friends, enjoying meals and wearing new clothes

I M R A N F I R S T P O L I T I C A L L E A D E R W H O S E S TAT E M E N T

C O N T R A D I C T E D B Y O W

ISLAMABAD

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MINISTER for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum

Aurangzeb while taking a jibe at Imran Khan said that he was the first leader whose statement was being denied by his own party s official account In a series of tweets, she said the PTI official account stated that “what Imran said Imran did not say

She asked Imran not to play with people s minds and don t tell lies in the face of the nation She said that this was a reason that a ” fraudster” had to put the black canister on his face She said that Imran was a criminal and would remain a criminal

person She said that Imran had destroyed the society, moral values, politics, economy, poisoned the minds of the masses and filled the hearts with hatred polluted the politics and paralyzed the country

She said that it was shameless that according to his own claim, he dissolved the assemblies on the request of Bajwa

The minister said that for the sake of power Imran Khan insulted the people of Punjab and Pakhtunkhwa, mocked their representatives and dissolved their elected assemblies

The minister said that PTI leaders abused the judiciary threw shoes on the picture of the Chief Justice, took the bail relief package by threatening the judiciary She stated that if the Chief Justice gave a verdict in favour of Imran not because of the

Constitution but due to the fear of the mother-in-law, and advice of children and wives, this will not be allowed to happen “Neither the nation will forgive those who play with the Constitution nor will we spare them , she maintained She said that it was strange that a woman had become spokesperson of those who threw shoes at the poster of her son-inlaw Marriyum Aurangzeb said that when the Constitution and justice fall victim to the advice of foreign agents, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, children and mother-inlaw then the country has to suffer at the hands Imran-like thieves liars who brought inflation and unemployment

Now, elections will be held on time and not on the advice of Bajwa and the motherin-law of anyone the minister added

Govt to submit SoEs bill in Parliament for better management of loss-making entities

Minister urges public to protect planet and build sustainable future

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

Govt using talks as ‘poly to flee’ polls, says imran

COUNTINUED FROM PAGE 01

He said that talks could only be held if the opposition had a proposal for joint elections He called for the dissolution of their governments in May with a courtendorsed proposal on joint and immediate polls Khan outlined the PTI’s conditions for negotiations, including the removal of current caretaker setups which he deemed unconstitutional He criticised the caretaker government in Punjab for its atrocities towards his supporters, referencing the police operation at his residence in Lahore

He also claimed that the setup was fully aiding PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz

If the PTI were to come to power again, Khan said that his focus would be on establishing the rule of law and rebuilding Pakistan He condemned the PDM crackdown on his supporters such as the death of supporter Ali Bilal alias Zill-i-Shah which he said was unforgivable Khan also accused former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa of being a liar with no ideology who had planned his ouster for a year He alleged that Bajwa had been lobbying with the United States to endorse his extension and wanted good relations with India, regardless of the

Death of Noor Jehan sparks debate about future of Karachi Zoo

KARACHI a n a d o l u ag e n c y

Nestled between a cluster of high-rises and bustling markets in the nation s commercial capital Karachi Zoo has long been a favourite destination for animal lovers and tourists Established in 1870 and officially named Karachi Zoological Gardens, the site is home to hundreds of wild animals birds and reptiles that continue to attract a large number of visitors particularly children despite dwindling fascination due to years of neglect The 152-year-old site, for quite some time, has been in the headlines for being a “terrible place” for wild creatures with many calling for shutting it down and moving the animals to sanctuaries The debate was sparked by the lingering misery of an elephant who, after being treated by foreign veterinarians for a variety of medical conditions that she reportedly developed due to months of inadequate care and treatment died Sunday Named after Noor Jehan, the queen of the fourth 17th-century Mughal emperor of the subcontinent Jehangir, the 17year-old mammal was operated on by foreign veterinarians last week but did not recover properly with her condition worsening to an alarming extent

She was one of the last four captive elephants in Pakistan, all of them in Karachi, including two at the zoo A video of Noor Jehan showing her limping and struggling to stand apparently due to weakness went viral on social and mainstream media last week sparking a public outcry Supporters of the call to shut down the zoo include Minister for Climate Senator Sherry Rehman and Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, a sister of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have urged the provincial government to shut down the zoo as it lacks the capacity to care for the wild animals Karachi Zoo should be shut down because it is clearly beyond the capacity of KMC,” Bakhtawar said in a tweet referring to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) which runs the zoological garden A hashtag #Free animals shut down Karachi zoo# remains a popular trend on Twitter, with many calling for the animals to be taken to sanctuaries to save their lives as the zoo administration is seen as incapable of caring for them Others are calling for converting the zoo into a botanical garden, cautioning that a land mafia has long been eyeing the prime land to add more high-rises to an already growing concrete jungle in the metropolis

fate of the people of occupied Kashmir

He further said he was given briefings and presentations on the corruption of the Sharif family by the previous intelligence heads Despite having more information than members of the public Bajwa was willing to give the Sharif family a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), a clean chit Khan questioned how one could give NRO to thieves and sell out Kashmir without any sense of morality or ideology

The former premier also accused Bajwa of saving Shehbaz Sharif, now prime minister, who was supposed to be convicted, and bringing him to the top Khan contended that Bajwa’s actions showed he had no ideology

IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF PTI S INSTAGRAM

LEAD’: Meanwhile, former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Monday demanded immediate release of PTI’s Instagram lead Attaur Rehman

In a Twitter message Imran Khan alleged It has been 5 days since our PTI Instagram lead Attaur Rehman was abducted

“We demand his immediate release and an end to abductions and torture of our social media activists ” he

added Imran Khan said These young people have committed no crime & are being penalised simply for being part of PTI s social media team

Last week, Imran Khan said Ali Amin Gandapur was subjected to mental torture during his detention The PTI chief stated on his social media account tweeted that the manner in which Ali Amin Gandapur is being treated – abducted & taken across Pak in custody in an effort to humiliate & mentally torture him – is simply because he is a party ideologue loved by our workers ”

He alleged that Gandapur is being subjected to mental torture during his detention and is being humiliated for the purpose of defamation Imran Khan also wrote that Ali Amin Gandapur faced many difficulties with resilience during his detention

Imran Khan warned that those who are involved in such foolish acts will not succeed, and will only gain humiliation for themselves

In his tweets, the former Prime Minister also cautioned that the same actions that were carried out in East Pakistan are being repeated

It should be noted here that Ali Amin Gandapur is currently under strict surveillance due to his anti-state remarks and tweets He has faced charges in several cities in Pakistan

Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman has called on the public to take action to protect the planet and work towards a more sustainable future on Eid ul-Fitr and World Earth Day Senator Rehman took to Twitter to extend Eid greetings to the nation and shared her thoughts on the importance of the day celebrated across the globe under the theme ‘Invest in Our Planet In a series of tweets Senator Rehman emphasised that climate change was a global crisis directly affecting our planet and lives She said the world needs to prioritise investing in renewable energy sustainable agriculture elimination of plastic climate-friendly lifestyles and forests to protect the earth from unprecedented environmental challenges including climate change and other environmental threats Senator Rehman underlined that the indiscriminate use of land resources was causing pollution and other environmental problems making it essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions preserve biodiversity and reduce other environmental impacts

PTI plans grand protest against ‘controversial’ census

KARACHI

S ta f f R e p o R t

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has formulated a strategy of a grand protest against the ‘controversial’ census in Karachi PTI Karachi President Aftab Siddiqui chaired a session and decided to stage a grand protest against the statistics of the digital census He said that the population of Sindh was increased by 5 million but Karachi’s population was undercounted Siddiqui said that accurate counting of rural and urban Sindh s population must be conducted The PTI Karachi president said that the digital census will affect the delimitations and the National Assembly (NA) seats The flawed census exposed the Pakistan Democratic Movement s (PDM) malice He appealed to the Karachiites for supporting the PTI against the controversial census

S habbir S hah urges un, Eu to take india to task for gross hR violations in iioJK

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Senior jailed All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader

Shabbir Ahmad Shah, has strongly condemned the gross human rights violations by Indian brutal forces in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and urged the United Nations (UN) European Union (EU) and rest of the world to take India to task for being involved in war crimes in the territory Shabbir Ahmad Shah in a message from New Delhi’s

infamous Tihar Jail while demanding the Kashmiris right to self-determination said that the people of IIOJK s struggle for freedom could not be weakened through arrests and harassment

He termed the G20 meeting in IIOJK scheduled in Sringar in the last week of May, as but a hoax and violation of International laws as IIOJK is a disputed territory under the UN resolutions

He said “India has kept the entire population of the territory hostage through military might IIOJK is an internationally recognised disputed

territory where the people have been deprived of their fundamental rights by India, the statement pointed out

“The All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader said India has failed to hold its military accountable and perpetuated a state of impunity for members of its forces personnel through the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)

“Indian army troops and personnel of paramilitary and police agencies are committing the worst atrocities to silence the political voice and suppress the ongoing freedom movement

M alaria c ases spike in Pakistan af ter ‘climate - driven’ disasters

ISLAMABAD a f p

Extreme weather events in Pakistan and Malawi have driven a very sharp rise in malaria infections and deaths, a global health chief said ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25 Cases in Pakistan last year after devastating floods left a third of the country under water rose four-fold to 1 6 million according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)

In Malawi, Cyclone Freddy in March triggered six months’ worth of rainfall in six days causing cases there to spike too Peter Sands head of the Global Fund to

fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, told AFP in an interview What we ve seen in places like Pakistan and Malawi is real evidence of the impact that climate change is having on malaria ” he said

So you have these extreme weather events whether flooding in Pakistan, or the cyclone in Malawi, leaving lots of stagnant water around the place And we saw a very sharp uptick in infections and deaths from malaria in both places ” he said ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25 Sands said World Malaria Day was usually an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made

But this year it was an occasion to sound the alarm

The dramatic increase in cases caused by the climate-

change-driven weather disasters illustrated the need to get ahead of this now, he said “If malaria is going to be made worse by climate change we need to act now to push it back and where we can eliminate it he said In both countries pools of water left behind as waters receded created ideal breeding grounds for malaria-carrying mosquitoes NO ‘SILVER BULLET’: Sands said there had been some progress made in the fight against malaria but stressed that a child still dies of the disease every minute

In 2021, the WHO said there were an estimated 247 million cases worldwide and 619,000 deaths attributed to malaria

PTi begins c ampaign for Punjab elec tions

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t

Amid uncertainty over elections, the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday announced that the opposition party will launch its election campaign for Punjab polls on Monday Geo News reported I n a t w e e t p a r t y s S e c r e t a r y G e n e r a l A s a d U m a r s a i d : P T I w i l l o f f i c i a l l y l a u n c h i t s e l e c t i o n c a m p a i g n f r o m t o m o r r o w T h e y ( P a k i s t a n D e m o c r a t i c M o v e m e n t c o a l i t i o n ) m a y n o t b e r e a d y b u t w e a r e ( r e a d y )

Earlier this week the PTI finalised a list of 297 candidates for the elections Its announcement of launching the election campaign comes despite uncertainty over the polls The opposition party finalised the list of candidates

after the party s chairman Imran Khan interviewed all party candidates in person to uphold merit in distributing party tickets He held one-on-one interviews with all candidates from April 6-18 to select nominees for polls

However, the issuance of tickets has not gone well within the party as many high-profile leaders of the party, including deputy chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and senior vice president Fawad Chaudhry were not given tickets Khan has been planning to include Qureshi and Umar in the review committee to address objections raised by party members On Thursday, the PTI set up a four-member committee to address objections regarding the issuance of party tickets The panel included Musaddiq Abbasi, Ejaz Chaudhary, Rai Hassan Nawaz, and Aoon Abbas However after backlash from party workers and

supporters, Khan is likely to involve some senior members to make a decision over the appeals regarding the issuance of tickets

The Election Commission of Pakistan (PTI) is waiting for funds from the federal government to hold elections, as per the news report Earlier this month, the Supreme Court directed the ECP to conduct elections in Punjab on May 14 Earlier in an order on April 4 the Supreme Court also directed the federal government to release Rs21 billion in funds for the ECP by April 10 and give security for the polls However, the PDM government has refused to release funds for the elections as the parliament rejected the proposal

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that the three-judge bench will not take back its order for elections

T’S an open secret The spooks as it were snoop in on the private conversations of just about anyone in the country One wouldn t be surprised if these bloated organisations aren’t listening in even on the star players of the Pakistan cricket team and leading TV serial actors what to speak of top politicians and office holders

The recent leaked conversations of the family members of the Chief Justice is yet another iteration of the same disgusting practice nothing new in this macabre practice The problem however is that the ruling coalition - and within that, the ruling party - has reacted to it in the exact same way as the current opposition did when the tables were turned: with glee and gloating remarks

The premier ’s party isn’t a stranger to this horrid practice And it certainly expected to have more maturity (by virtue of seniority, if nothing else) than the current opposition For it to weaponize these private conversations is rather ironic, given how many times its members have been on the receiving end

Yes, the issue of the partiality of certain members of the judiciary is a valid concern in healthy, functioning democracies the world over But for the aforementioned bias to be highlighted, mature political parties cite judgments and statements by members of the apex judiciary, and not the tactics of the gutter if these recordings aren t obtained by the political government - and knowing the history of our deep state, they probably won t - it should still be treated like the fruit of a poisoned tree and not used for political purposes

The frequency and timings of the release of these illegal phone tapping recordings clearly suggests why they are made; to inflict reputational harm, directly or indirectly on public figures typically politicians bureaucrats and judges The engineers of this increasingly common practice can only be revealed and held accountable for their actions if these recordings are not used as political tools by the very politicians they target against one another it is time of the political class of the country to rise above such tactics - and agreeing to use them - and focus on the politics of ideas and principles

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor

Re l i g i O n can be divided into two broad categories: revealed and mystical, each with further subdivisions historically mystical streams have attached themselves to all branches of revealed religion, some of which have grown so popular as to become the universally-recognized face of that particular religion

While this is true what is equally undeniable is that there is hardly any overlap between the fundamentals of revealed and mystical religions in practice (or applications of fundamentals) there may be any number of apparent similarities; but so far as the principles themselves are concerned, the two types could not possibly be more different

The fact that millions of folks (many notable scholars included) have purportedly been able to reconcile’ the two owes merely to lazy, selective, inconsistent and convenient application of fundamentals

For if the fundamentals are applied consistently there is no way anybody can help running into intractable contradictions and confusions Christianity is the most obvious case in point but islam too is not far behind, given that many celebrated scholars have favoured and promoted a mystical interpretation of islam (Tasawwuf or Sufism) with vast sections of the muslim society adopting it over the centuries like philosophy in general, religious philosophy deals with three fundamental issues in other words, a thoughtful religious man cannot help asking himself three fundamental questions which are inexorably intertwined with one another (note that the most nonreligious of man ultimately has the exact same issues to contend with )

What is the nature (or the origin) of existence?

What should man’s ultimate goal be, according to which he should try and figure out his best course of action?

how, and with what degree of certainty, can he know the answers to these fundamental questions?

in what follows i propose to take up these questions one by one and show how their answers have nothing in common when one compares revealed religions with the mystical ones let us start with the first question (ontology) As per the revealed texts, god is responsible for all existence But god, on his part, cannot be said to ‘exist’ because the concept of existence cannot be extricated from subjection to time and space god is Absolute; that is, beyond any constraint or framework, includ-

T i m e m o v e s o n l y f o r w a r d

No back needle

Ti m e is an essential factor in human development playing a critical role in biological, cognitive, social, and emotional development, as well as in learning career development and life transitions Understanding the role of time in human development can help individuals and organizations to make the most of this precious resource and promote positive outcomes for individuals at all stages of life Time is a concept that symbolises the progression of events from the past through the present and into the future it is a fundamental aspect of human experience and plays a critical role in many areas of our lives, including science, philosophy, and everyday activities in general time is often measured using clocks or other devices that track the movement of celestial bodies, such as the earth’s rotation or the oscillations of a quartz crystal it can be relative meaning that its perceived passage can vary depending on an observer s motion or position in space The arrow of time refers to the fact that time appears to move in only one direction from the past to the future This asymmetry is often attributed to the increase in entropy, or disorder, in closed systems over time Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass more slowly for objects that are moving at high speeds or are in a strong gravitational field This effect has been observed experimentally and is predicted by the theory of relativity The study of time has been an important topic in philosophy for centuries with debates over the nature of time its relation to causality and the possibility of time travel

Origin and significance Of time:

The origin of time has been debated frequently by philosophers, scientists, and theologians for centuries Some theories suggest that time is an inherent aspect of the universe while others propose that it is a human construct From a scientific perspective, the origin of time is closely tied to the origins of the universe itself According to the Big Bang theory the universe began as a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature At this point, all the matter and energy in the universe were compressed into a tiny hot and dense state As the universe expanded and cooled the matter and energy began to form the structures

we see today, such as galaxies, stars, and planets

The expansion of the universe also marks the beginning of time as we know it it is also intimately linked to the idea of change, and as the universe expanded it changed in fundamental ways This process of change over time is what gives rise to the arrow of time, which moves from the past to the future On the other hand, some theories propose that time may be an emergent property of the universe arising from more fundamental processes at the quantum level, while others suggest that the concept of time may be fundamentally flawed and that a deeper understanding of the universe may require a radical rethinking of our current ideas about time and causality Time is essential for planning and organization:

Whether we re organizing our work schedules planning a vacation, or simply trying to make it to an appointment on time, the concept of time is crucial for planning and organization in the context its benefits include: a Time is a key factor in many scientific and technological processes: From measuring the duration of chemical reactions to tracking the movement of celestial bodies time plays a critical role in many scientific and technological processes b it is essential for understanding history: The study of history is fundamentally concerned with the passage of time and how events have unfolded over time Without a sense of time, it would be impossible to make sense of the past c in short it is a cultural and social construct: Different cultures and societies have different concepts of time, and these concepts can shape the way people live their lives and interact with others and d it is a source of stress and anxiety: The pressure to meet deadlines keep up with a fast-paced work environment, or simply make the most of our limited time can lead to stress and anxiety

d i f f e r e n t u s e s O f t i m e : Time is a versatile concept and its uses can vary widely depending on the context: a measuring time:

One of the most basic uses of time is to measure its passage in daily life it is done using clocks, calendars and other timekeeping devices The measurement of time is essential for many scientific and technological processes, such as cal-

ing that of space-time he is therefore outside the scheme of things so to speak The ontological picture presented by revealed religions then is strictly Transcendental monotheism with god and the universe being two distinct entities There is no room in this picture for monism, pantheism, or anything of that sort mystics to the contrary believe in pantheism

The distinction between creator and creation to them is an illusion everything is ultimately a manifestation of god The contrasting ontological metaphysic put forward by the revealed texts and by the mystics each has a direct bearing on how either religion views the ultimate goal for man This brings us to our second question namely the ultimate goal to attain to which he should use the immense potential at his disposal That, according to revealed religions, is Paradise, where man will neither have fear of the future nor regret of the past god being pleased with him and he with god is the ultimate success for man There he will be happy, contented and successful but he will remain a man nevertheless This could not be more at odds with mysticism, whose explicit or implicit goal is to become one with god (variously referred to as Union or Communion) even though adherents of either type of religion could very well (apparently) be seen to be striving to cleanse themselves of the same vices and weaknesses that tempt man Which brings us to our final question (epistemology) According to the revealed religions the totality of truth is ineffable When it comes to the fundamental facts man is given but little knowledge The person of god for example is beyond the limits of man s knowledge his knowledge suffices for his purpose of course, which is to live a successful life he can wrap his head around the attributes of god his habits and the concept of the hereafter (from man s own point of view); but the details or the mechanics at play are beyond his grasp For example, man is told that the Transcendent god reaching down from beyond actively regulates the affairs of the world in his characteristic manner; but there is no way man fathom how he does it man s source of knowledge of this sort (as opposed to empirical, scientific knowledge) is revelation (hence the term revealed religion) man can figure

out some of the things for himself, but for many others he has no alternative but to rely on revelation This information which is by no means beyond reason is certainly beyond reasoning in other words man on his own steam, could not possibly have figured it out; but now that he knows it (through revelation), there is nothing unreasonable about any of it

Furthermore as per the revealed texts god does not reveal this information to just anybody; instead, he chooses certain men (prophets) as recipients of his revelation This is purely god s prerogative and there is nothing a man can do to prepare and present himself for the task in mystical religions on the other hand anybody who is willing to put in time and effort can make himself eligible for such communication

The prescribed mechanisms are meditation and spiritual’ exercises

According to revealed religions in fundamental matters man can at best attain plausible probable knowledge god and the hereafter cannot be experienced sensually any more than they can be logically or mathematically proven mystics on the other hand not only claim to be able to know the person of god and to interact directly with the angels, see life in trees hear the sound of ants walking on hard rock in the dead of night and observe Paradise and hell; but they also offer their disciples the opportunity to achieve such spiritual levels under their able tutelage it is obvious then that revealed religions and mysticism are two parallel philosophies that could not be more different as far as their fundamentals are concerned What follows is that any similarities between the two (as in application of the principles to derived beliefs and practices) are merely superficial; and therefore, that they must not be allowed to mislead anyone into believing that the two types of religion have any overlap whatsoever Those who have attempted to combine them (and there have been millions) have merely managed to create hotchpotches that do not stand up to careful scrutiny never let the popularity of such hotchpotches make you think otherwise

The author is a connoisseur of music literature and food (but not drinks) He can be reached at www facebook com/hasanaftabsaeed

E d i t o r ’ s m a i l

culating the duration of chemical reactions, tracking the movement of celestial bodies or coordinating the operation of complex systems b Planning and scheduling: Time is essential for planning and scheduling activities This can include anything from scheduling appointments and meetings to planning out long-term projects or events Time is a critical resource in many fields from business to education to healthcare c Chronology and history: Time is essential for understanding the sequence of events in history Chronology is the study of the order of events over time and it is critical for understanding the progression of historical events and the relationships between them d Time management: Time management is the process of prioritizing tasks and using time effectively to achieve specific goals effective time management is essential for personal productivity and is often a key factor in success in the workplace e entertainment and leisure: Time is a key factor in many leisure activities, from watching a movie or reading a book to playing sports or going on vacation The concept of free time is closely tied to the concept of work and is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance f Philosophical and metaphysical concepts: Time has been the subject of much philosophical and metaphysical inquiry, with debates over the nature of time, its relation to causality, and the possibility of time travel These debates are ongoing and continue to shape our understanding of the universe and our place within it To conclude, the time is a versatile concept that has many different uses and applications from measuring the duration of physical processes to understanding the progression of historical events to exploring deep philosophical questions about the nature of the universe

Dr Rajkumar Singh is a Youth Motivator, presently Professor of Political Science and Dean of Social Sciences along with Dean Student s Welfare (DSW) at B N Mandal University, Madhepura (Bihar), India His 23 books published in addition to 900 articles in national and international journals and daily newspapers from 25 foreign countries

S e n d y o u r l e t t e r s t o : L e t t e r s t o E d i t o r Pakistan Today, 4 - S h a a re y F a t i m a J i n n a h , L a h o re , P a k i s t a n E - m a i l : l e t t e r s @ p a k i s t a n t o d a y c o m p k L e t t e r s s h o u l d b e a d d re s s e d t o Pakistan Today e x c l u s i v e l y

An imminent threat

T h i S is with reference to the recent initiative taken by ministry of climate change to curb plastic waste, especially to regulate plastic flow in waterways, such as rivers it was rather perplexing to hear the minister concerned say that she had no data regarding plastic waste even after spending 11 months in the office Such is the height of ignorance that no one in the country has any idea how to tackle the tricky climate change phenomenon which is an imminent threat to us all

The country last year was hit hard by unforeseen and excessive rainfall that caused devastating floods which in turn wreaked havoc on both human lives and the agriculture sector, and resulted in enormous losses and economic damage it is time we, as responsible citizens, contributed to the mitigation efforts

As the first step, we can play our part in reducing the carbon footprint by adopting simple measures, such as using public transport, planting trees, reducing plastic use and conserving energy on a routine basis moreover the government bears the primary responsibility for mitigating the effects of climate change it must take urgent measures to encourage sustainable agricultural practices, promote renewable energy, and conserve natural resources to minimise the impact of climate change Pakistan however is not alone in bearing the brunt of climate change; many developing countries are trapped in a vortex of crisis they did not create yet are unable to come out of it

The major emitters of greenhouse gases the developed countries have a moral obligation to lead the way in combating climate change, and to assist the developing world in mitigating its impact

SYED RAZA ALI ISLAMABAD

A bitter truth

R A m A z A n is the holiest month in the islamic calendar it is a time for spiritual reflection self-discipline and giving to those in need Pakistan is an ideal place to observe Ramazan because the country is known for its devout muslim population and rich cultural heritage But the irony of Ramazan in Pakistan is hard to ignore either

While the month is meant to be a time of austerity and self-restraint, many Pakistanis take the opportunity to indulge in lavish iftar feasts and spend extravagantly on clothing and gifts for eid The true spirit of Ramazan it seems is lost in a sea of samosas pakoras and yes biryanis

And then there is the grave issue of electricity loadshedding that is a common occurrence in Pakistan, where electricity is cut off for hours at a time due to power shortages now imagine trying to fast in the sweltering heat of a Pakistani summer with no fan or air-conditioner to cool you down in addition, breaking the fast without the loudspeakers calling the Azaan and doing it by candlelight makes the experience even more challenging for those observing fast

This is a far cry from the idealised image of Ramazan where the focus is on spirituality and self-discipline But perhaps the greatest irony of Ramazan in Pakistan is the way it exacerbates social inequality While some Pakistanis are able to afford the finest iftar spreads and new clothes for eid, others struggle to make ends meet and put food on the table two times a day Although Ramazan is regarded as a sacred period of generosity and benevolence it frequently becomes a time of ostentatious consumption and competing with others

On its part the media instead of emphasising the spiritual significance of the holy month and encouraging reflection on its true purpose only emphasises on visually appealing iftar broadcasts and the promotion of certain food products Things surely need to change, and they need to change a lot

Dr rajkumar Singh

An open letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu

yourself You have lost their confidence and will never regain it again and thus admit to this awesome failure as you have little choice left but to give up your reign

nought but contempt it is time to look in the mirror and

ask yourself: Where do i go from here?

i can’t imagine how you must feel: Perhaps never throughout your political career have you faced a more fateful test in your life You have placed yourself in an untenable state if you win the battle over your judiciary “reforms ” you lose as the public will never stand for it which you have just seen if a compromise is achieved you will still lose since you have shattered the public s trust in you And if you fail to attain your goal, you lose, for your government will certainly crumble

You have lost your way You believe that you are indispensable, and the country cannot survive without you how wrong and self-conceited you must be because the country will be so much better off without you no matter how your ill-fated scheme to overhaul the judiciary comes to an end, its shadows will haunt you Your past achievements will be buried under the stain of your twisted design unless you muster the courage to face the bitter truth and resign

Your historic political demise began: when you formed your current government, distributed ministry portfolios like candy You gave in to a messianic cult, the likes of national Security minister itamar Ben-gvir and Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich whose thirst for Palestinian blood is unquenchable You trapped yourself by these two incompetent degenerates, two renegades, who believe in the Jews’ spiritual supremacy as the Chosen People and their divinely ordained right to inherit the whole

land of biblical israel Two charlatans who seek to liquidate the Palestinians if they only could

To dissuade Ben-gvir a convicted terrorist from resigning in the wake of suspending the legislation you treacherously endowed him with a private militia, free to terrorize israeli Arabs and Palestinians under occupation to bully and pester secular israeli Jews You betrayed israel s founders vision and values sacrificing the nation on the altar of your self-interest and voracious hunger for power only to escape justice, instead of standing tall and taking the blame You have rendered yourself impaired unfit to govern even if you prevail

You have torn israel’s social fabric: causing an ominous divide among the populace Tensions between secular and Orthodox Jews are seething The gulf between left and right is dangerously flaring, and the rift between Ashkenazim and mizrahim is only widening You have ignited unprecedented mass protests and talk of unimaginable domestic strife, even civil war, is widely unfurling

You have now become a danger to israel’s existence And must now be deprived of retaining the levers of power in the short one hundred days of your misguided reign: you reduced israel’s economy to a mere shadow

The value of the Shekel is sinking israel s credit rating was downgraded high-tech companies are migrating Cost of living is skyrocketing Foreign investments are dwindling israelis’ capital is flowing to overseas banks

So long as your evil plot to subvert the judiciary endures israel s once-powerhouse economy will remain shackled

The onus falls on no one else but you, and for that you must pay the political price the defense establishment is rupturing: Thousands of reservists involving pilots, drone operators, cyber specialists and intelligence officers threatened to stop voluntary service Discharging the defense minister for daring to fulfill his duty, when the country was facing an ominous danger was a chilling imprudence that no soldier will forget Although you reinstated him admitting your blunder, the damage to the military s morale will linger You have betrayed the men and women who are always ready to put their lives on the line to protect the country while you put the country on the line to protect

israel’s international standing is declining: You have alienated israel s staunchest european allies gravely damaged relations with the US – israel s closest supporter and friend harmed newly-forged relationships with the UAe Bahrain and morocco Foreclosed any opening to normalize relations with other Arab states

Rattled israel s ties with egypt and Jordan Crushed any prospect for a solution to the israeli-Palestinian struggle

Refusing to end the occupation has proven to be a defunct policy, and thanks to you the conflict will continue to simmer, claiming the lives of israelis and Palestinians, falsely justifying it in the name of national security Only by ending the conflict based on a two-state solution which you vehemently oppose, will israel be truly secure But first you must get out of the way israel’s enemies are watching with glee: As israel implodes, they gloat and cheer They need not invade or wage a war; through attrition and violent resistance they will exhaust israel and weaken its deterrence They will lay in wait with delight, and if you don t end up burning the country down to the ground they will come from all directions and happily will try to finish what you have started The country must be united to face multiple foes but unity will remain elusive as long as you are around Betraying the very reasons behind israel’s creation: has been the end result of your ominous control The ingathering of the Jews in a Jewish state was the dictum the reason the aspiration of diaspora Jewry, irrespective of their religious leaning Reform Conservative Orthodox, or ultra-religious teaching But now your fanatic, extremist, and fascist ministers are squashing the affinity, the ties the sense of belonging The very fabric that held world Jewry together for millennia You have alienated millions of Jews to whom israel offers a home, a refuge when needed Your authoritarian design broke their spirit the spirit of a multitude of Jews who suffered from persecution and oppression under the reign of terror by despots in foreign lands They dreamed of salvation, redemption, and freedom, not replacing servitude they suffered in distant lands only to live back in shtetels dominated by religious fanatics under a would-be Jewish tyrant, no less Your attempted coup d état deserves

there is still a silver lining awaiting you: During your decades-long illustrious political career you have accomplished many splendid deeds You put israel on the map as an inventive powerhouse Strengthened the israeli economy as Finance minister invested heavily in making the iDF a formidable military machine Signed gas exploration deals that turned israel into an energy exporter normalized relations with UAe, Bahrain and morocco, under the Abraham Accords Attracted foreign investments in the high technology sector making israel a global technological giant expanded relations in latin America and Africa among many other notable accomplishments Having achieved all of that and some you must admit to yourself: that being under several indictments limits your ability to govern You are being dragged by lunatics you put in position of power rather than controlling events and zealously guarding what s best for the country Stop pursuing your wretched reforms of the Judiciary, and begin to bridge the alarming deep divide that pits one segment of your fellow citizens against another

How do you want to be remembered, mr netanyahu?

As the villain who was willing to burn down the lone Jewish home for which the Jews yearned for centuries only to save his skin? Or as the statesman who erred but rose to the historic occasion, to save the only refuge that unites and protects the collective body of the Jewish people? face the nation: muster the courage and speak to your countrymen i admit, say you i have made many mistakes and committed crimes i offer no excuses But like all mortals i am not exempt from human frailty i confess, i am terrified of a likely conviction and jail time i was wrong, very wrong trying to manipulate the laws to vindicate myself though i was rightfully charged i know i must now pay the price i will resign my post as prime minister, and beg the nation to forgive me let me exit with some dignity, by dropping the charges against me albeit undeservingly This will be the greatest gift to the nation for its 75th independence Day help heal the country, and make this your finest hour Rise above the fray, and exit the political scene as a hero if you only can muster the courage And if you do what s best for the country in this trying hour, i know in my heart of hearts the nation will forgive you

The US–India relationship is key to the future of tech

A s t h e U S b e c o m e s m o re c o n c e r n e d a b o u t C h i n a , i t s re l a t i o n s h i p w i t h I n d i a w i l l b e c o m e m o re i m p o r t a n t T h i s i s p a r t i c u l a r l y t r u e i n t e r m s o f t e c h n o l o g y B o t h c o u n t r i e s n e e d t o i n v e s t i n c re a t i n g a t e c h n o l o g y c o r r i d o r b e t w e e n t h e t w o c o u n t r i e s

seeing something very unusual and complex it is neither complete interconnection nor complete decoupling, but rather a mix of the two

United States and india that connects technological development and promotes innovation and growth in both countries

Remission in Bano case

The release of the convicts sets a bad example of remission of a sentence

Tribune

In D i A is in a global sweet spot it is now the world’s most populous country home to more than 1 4 billion people and has had robust economic growth for the past three decades, with gDP per capita having risen by 245% And yet, it remains relatively underdeveloped on a global scale As of 2019 more than 600 million people in india live on less than $3 65/day Thus there remains enormous potential for economic growth and improvements in human welfare And as the United States concerns about China grow, india shines as a promising alternative in supply chains innovation hubs and joint-ventures As the world s largest democracy with an increasingly open economy and a strong technology sector, it has the potential to operate at scale

This makes it the most important potential geo-economic partner for the United States today as it re-globalizes with greater concern for national security and resilience As india considers its own leadership in the world, it must look toward becoming a stronger innovator in technology with a more comprehensive capacity to move up the value chain in software and hardware This necessitates a much closer and deeper relationship with America, both at the governmental but also at the private-sector level The trends for both countries point toward the need for a deeper collaboration when it comes to technology Policymakers and business leaders in the United States and india must develop a strategy to build a technology corridor that makes india a global technology leader creates a secure supply chain and deep partner for the United States and builds a positive feedback loop that benefits both countries re-gLOBaLiZatiOn and tecHnOLOgY decOuPLing: We are entering a new era of economic relations, one we have previously referred to as re-globalization With the end of American hegemony and the return of great power competition, as well as compounding global crises like climate change, Covid19 and the 2008 financial crisis countries have begun to seek more national resilience in their economies and reduce reliance on other countries in critical sectors like defense, energy, and manufacturing Re-globalization is distinctive from the economic systems which preceded it: During the period before World War i, and then again over the past 30 years global interconnection was the norm as goods and services proliferated easily across the world thanks to open markets and favorable regulatory environments By contrast during the Cold War we saw the complete uncoupling of economies due to inflamed tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union now, however, we’re

While globalization will continue as normal for certain industries basic consumer goods where consumer surplus is high and existential risk is low for example other sectors are moving toward some degree of decoupling, chief among them technology The world of technology platforms has already begun to fissure into two zones belonging to the two hegemons the United States and China

What does this mean for india? On a systematic level, india cannot give up extensive amounts of commerce with either country

Trade relations with the United States are important at $100 billion a year but trade with neighboring China is double that So india will continue to trade actively with China as will the United States But when it comes to technology, a sector in which clear decoupling has begun india must choose which partner it wants to prioritize

The history of india s technology ecosystem shows the centrality of international collaboration to its ongoing development The growth of india s technology sector began in earnest in the 1990s, when india emerged as a major player in the global iT outsourcing industry Thanks to the establishment of technical education through the indian institutes of Technology in the 1950s and 60s, india was able to cultivate a large pool of skilled professionals

With a high supply of labor low costs and a shared language in english, india became an attractive location for multinational companies to outsource their iT services The growth of the outsourcing industry encouraged a vibrant startup ecosystem in india, with many entrepreneurs leveraging the opportunities created by the iT industry to start their own companies

By the 2010s, india had a strong presence of SaaS (software-as-a-service) platforms that operated as low-cost alternatives to technology companies in other parts of the world now india has moved one step further still, promoting its own home-grown unicorns to become global market leaders and innovators if india’s technology sector wants to continue expanding and modernizing, public officials in india need to think strategically about india’s relations with international partners in this next stage many actions of the new Delhi government suggest that it wants to escape China’s technological hegemony as a way to bolster india s national security in 2020 after a series of border disputes with China, the indian government banned dozens of well-known Chinese apps including TikTok from india Chinese investment into india is also much more tightly scrutinized and limited compared to other foreign money By contrast there are strong signs of positive collaboration between the United States and india, with india s national Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, working with Biden’s national security advisor Jake Sullivan to launch the United States-india initiative on Critical and emerging Technologies in January 2023 Policymakers and business

deVeLOPing tHe united states/india tecHnOLOgY cOrridOr: As countries begin thinking about how to build for national resilience particularly in the technology sector, it will become increasingly important to develop collaborations with strategic partners abroad For the United States and india building a bilateral system of positive technology transfer will be crucial to succeeding in this next stage india’s ambition must be to establish its role as a global innovator in technology With some important exceptions, indian companies have so far focused on scaling and deploying technological innovations that were created elsewhere But by collaborating with American companies and encouraging reciprocal cycles of innovation, more indian companies can become genuine technological leaders developing original intellectual property with its deep wells of talent American companies must shift their perception of indian companies from one of outsourcing to one of radical collaboration This includes engaging in higher order tasks in the value chain through multinational teams and deeper legal integration As a result india will be able to expand local capabilities in evolving industries like artificial intelligence and health care On the other end as the technology world experiences decoupling the United States will need india s to reach its potential in it s the technology sphere india is poised to be an increasingly influential economic actor and its growth can help compensate for America s loss of trade with China under re-globalization There are already blueprints emerging As indian companies gain more access to American-protected technologies like semiconductors, they will also begin innovating on them We’ve already seen this beginning to happen with software While at first indian companies were merely replicating software from other markets through iT outsourcing, indian companies are now leading with new software innovations Take india s Aadhaar, for example, the world s largest and most sophisticated biometric identification system that remarkably enables efficient and secure payments using just an iD number (compared to the near-century old American Social Security number standard) Or the indian telecom company Jio which disrupted the industry in 2016 with its low-cost high-speed data services Jio has broadly expanded digital services in india, bringing 5g access to each of india’s 18 states and allowing people to truly operate in a smartphone universe, with cell phones as their only computers at some of the most affordable prices in the world We should expect the same degree of innovation in india with emerging critical technologies, often leapfrogging inventions made in the United States Both india and the United States have much to learn from each other in this regard, and they should position themselves to be the primary beneficiaries of each other ’s innovations But current mindsets and policies in both countries are outdated to these ends Business leaders in the United States must

move beyond the mindset of doing business in india purely as a result of labor arbitrage instead, they should view india as being a genuine hub of innovation and they should encourage increased collaboration with business leaders in india They must also think in more ambitious terms planning for massive expansions that would rival China in terms of the size and scope of their factories, fabrications, labs, and operations investors, including venture capital firms that have driven so much of technology investment in the United States have to reserve larger shares of capital for investment in india and build real local knowledge Policymakers in the United States and india should both work to reform trade policies and promote an open system of technology transfer and innovation between the two countries The United States still has significant export controls on india (instituted after india s violation of the nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty in 1998) inhibiting the free transfer of technology

Similarly, indian policies toward the outside world are overly protectionist, with considerable barriers to entry for foreign investment and legal codes too convoluted for foreigners to navigate As a first step, the United States must openly communicate the path for reduced controls toward india and india should dismantle barriers through exceptions for American technology companies to enable true partnerships to form in a re-globalized order protectionism is a short-term band-aid that only exacerbates the wound The ultimate goal must be to build a dynamic economy that can compete with any in the world

The United States-india technology corridor will give india the skills, technology, markets, and confidence to become a global player

For the last 75 years the United States and india have had a relationship that mixed together admiration, tension, and contestation

Both sides need to move beyond the old ways of thinking it is profoundly in the two countries interests to develop a deeper relationship, share technology, expand trade, and build trust it is a win-win scenario on several fronts –technologic, economic, political, and geopolitical it is beneficial for the world that the two largest democracies with open economies and free values should find ways to partner more and set the agenda in this new and emerging world The world will be better for it

Hemant Taneja is CEO and managing director of global VC firm General Catalyst backers of legendary companies like Stripe Snap Samsara Airbnb Kayak and Gusto Hemant is also a best selling author and advocate for Responsible Innovation, with his latest book Intended Consequences being named a Forbes Top Ten Tech Book of 2022

A sense of revulsion was palpable when the 11 men sentenced to life imprisonment for the gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of her family members during the 2002 gujarat riots were feted with garlands and sweets as they walked free last year The Supreme Court s striking observations on a petition questioning their premature release have given fresh impetus to the wheels of justice more important is the strong message being sent about adherence to standards of legal morality

As it asked the gujarat government about the reasons behind its decision to grant remission, there was a reminder that for heinous crimes that affect society at large, the power of clemency must be exercised keeping in mind public interest and the gravity of the offence A massacre, the judges observed cannot be compared with a single murder in 2006, the apex court had quashed the remission granted to a murder convict in Andhra Pradesh for being a ‘good Congress worker ’ , setting a high benchmark it had then said that the President or governor cannot exercise their powers of granting clemency on the grounds of religion, caste and political affiliation and doing so would be tantamount to utter disregard of the rule of law

The ruling’s resonance is being felt in the Bano case

On march 27 the Supreme Court had issued notices to the Centre and the gujarat government terming the offence horrendous and wondering whether the same standards had been applied to other jailed murderers They have not shared the remission files, indicating their intention to challenge the directive to produce these

The restorative justice process allows perpetrators to seek amnesty after being made to understand the trauma of the victims or their families and exhibiting remorse in the Bano case just the opposite could be true The release of the convicts sets a bad example of remission of a sentence

KHARTOUM A F P

MULTIPLE nations pushed on Monday with frantic evacuations of their citizens from chaos-torn Sudan, where fighting raged for a 10th day between forces loyal to two rival generals

As the army and paramilitary forces again clashed in Khartoum and across the country, terrified Sudanese have endured acute shortages of water food medicines and fuel as well as power and internet blackouts the UN said

At least 427 people have been killed and more than 3,700 wounded, according to United Nations agencies which also reported Sudanese civilians fleeing areas affected by fighting including to Chad Egypt and South Sudan Morgues are full, corpses litter the streets” and overwhelmed hospitals often have to stop operations for security reasons said Dr Attiya Abdallah head of the doctors union

The United States and European, Middle Eastern, African and Asian nations have launched emergency missions to bring to safety their embassy staff and Sudan-based citizens by road air and sea

US special forces swooped in with Chinook helicopters Sunday to rescue diplomats and their dependents while Britain launched a similar rescue mission involving more than 1,000 military personnel European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said more than 1 000 of the bloc’s citizens had been taken out during a long and intense weekend involving missions by France Ger-

many and other member nations

‘It’s destroyed’: With Khartoum international airport disabled after battles that left charred airplanes on the runways many foreigners were airlifted out from smaller airstrips and taken to safety in countries including Djibouti and Jordan China said Monday it had safely evacuated a first group of citizens and would

Highest militar y spending in Europe since Cold War: study

STOCKHOLM

A F P Europe’s military spending grew at a record pace in 2022 reaching a level unseen since the Cold War following Russia s invasion of Ukraine, global security researchers said Monday The rise in Europe helped global military expenditures reach an eighth straight record at $2 24 trillion, or 2 2 percent of the world s gross domestic product, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

It s driven by the war in Ukraine

(which is) driving European budget spending upwards but also the unresolved and worsening tensions in East Asia between the US and China, researcher Nan Tian one of the study’s coauthors told AFP Europe spent 13 percent more on its armies in 2022 than in the previous 12 months, in a year marked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine

The figure does not take into account sharp inflation rates which means actual spending was even higher, the think tank said That was the strongest increase in more than 30 years and a return in con-

stant dollars to the level of spending in 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell In Europe, it is at its highest level since essentially the end of the Cold War, Tian said Ukraine alone increased its spending sevenfold to $44 billion or a third of its GDP The country has additionally benefitted from billions of dollars of weapons donations from abroad, SIPRI noted

At the same time Russian spending rose by 9 2 percent last year estimates showed Irrespective of whether you remove the two warring nations, European spending has still has increased by quite a lot ” Tian said Spending in Europe which totalled $480 billion in 2022 has already risen by a third in the past decade, and the trend is expected to continue and accelerate over the next decade The continent could “potentially see growth levels similar to 2022 for several years Tian said After declining sharply in the 1990s, global military expenditure has been on the rise since the 2000s The upturn was initially the result of

try every means to protect the lives properties and safety of 1 500 plus Chinese compatriots in Sudan Long convoys of UN cars and buses have made their way from the capital where gunfire and explosions have echoed through the streets to Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast, an arduous 850-kilometre (530-mile) road trip away

“The war fell upon us all without warning a Lebanese evacuee told AFPTV upon his arrival by bus to Port Sudan

The situation in Khartoum in very sad

[ ] It’s destroyed I left with this T-shirt and these pyjamas all that I have with me after 17 years Those Sudanese who can afford to are also fleeing Khartoum on crowded buses on the more than 900-kilometre drive north to Egypt

Among the 800 000 South Sudanese refugees who previously fled civil war in their own country, some are chosing to return, with women and children crossing the border, UN refugee agency official MarieHelene Verney said WEAPONS NARROW INTERESTS : The fighting started on April 15 in the poverty-stricken African nation with a history of military coups, sparking fears of a deeper descent into bloodshed and a wider

humanitarian crisis

Across the capital city of five million roaming army and paramilitary troops have fought ferocious street battles, with the sky often blackened by smoke from bombed buildings and torched shops

Life in war-torn Khartoum is burdened with anxiety and exhaustion, said resident Tagreed Abdin, an architect “There was a rocket strike in our neighbourhood a few doors down from us It is like nowhere is safe

The city has endured more than a week of unspeakable destruction”, said Norway’s ambassador Endre Stiansen who was evacuated with his colleagues

It fills me with immense sadness that I had to leave so many Sudanese colleagues and friends behind,” he said on Twitter “I fear for their future because at present weapons and narrow interests carry more weight than values and words

Looking ahead at what fate awaits Sudan, already one of the world’s poorest nations he said that “most scenarios appear bad The fighting broke out on April 15 between forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy-turned-rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

The military toppled Bashir in April 2019 following mass citizen protests The two generals seized power in a 2021 coup but later fell out in a bitter power struggle most recently centred on the planned integration of the RSF into the regular army HOSPITALS USED AS BASES: As foreigners who can get out flee the country the growing impact of the violence on Sudan’s already dire humanitarian situation worsens

Indian police arrest Sikh separatist after month-long hunt

NEW DELHI

R e u t e R s

China’s massive investments in its military which was then followed by renewed tensions with Russia after its annexation of Crimea in 2014 US, CHINA ACCOUNT FOR HALF:

The US alone accounted for 39 percent of global military expenditure Together with China, which came in second at 13 percent, the two nations accounted for more than half of the world’s military spending

Those next in line lagged far behind with Russia at 3 9 percent, India at 3 6 percent and Saudi Arabia at 3 3 percent

“China has been increasingly investing in its naval forces as a way to expand its reach to Taiwan of course then further out than the South China Sea, Tian said Japan, as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Australia are all following the trend Britain is the top spender in Europe coming in sixth place overall and accounting for 3 1 percent of global expenditures, ahead of Germany at 2 5 percent and France at 2 4 percent figures which include donations to Ukraine

Indian police have arrested Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh after searching for him for more than a month a state police official said on Sunday, a move against the revival of an independent homeland in the state of Punjab bordering Pakistan The rise of Singh a preacher in the northwestern state of Punjab where Sikhs are in the majority has revived talk of an independent Sikh homeland and stoked fears of a return to violence that killed tens of thousands of people in the 1980s and early 1990s during a Sikh insurgency “Amritpal Singh has been arrested from the Rode village in Moga district Punjab on the basis of specific intelligence, Sukhchain Singh Gill, a top official of the Punjab police told reporters The arrest of Singh, 30 who leads a group called Waris Punjab De (the heirs of Punjab)– comes after the self-styled preacher and hundreds of his supporters stormed a police station with swords and firearms, demanding the release of one of his aides Police have accused Singh and his supporters of attempted murder obstruction of law enforcement and creating disharmony and said he had been on the run since mid-March He was arrested in the village gurudwara, a Sikh temple, under the National Security Act, which allows for those deemed a threat to national security to be detained without charge for up to a year the police official said

WASHINGTON

A F P

Among the challenges still facing Fox News after its jaw-dropping settlement of a defamation case is a lawsuit planned by a high-profile disinformation expert, who is crowdfunding her way to court after a firestorm of harassment and abuse Last year Nina Jankowicz was tapped to head the newly created Disinformation Governance Board, an advisory US body created to counter falsehoods deemed a threat to homeland security From its very inception the project was pilloried from all sides with conservatives labelling it an Orwellian Ministry of Truth and civil liberty groups viewing it as a conduit for state censorship Within weeks of its announcement, Jankowicz quit and the board -– part of the Department of Homeland Security was disbanded within months But Jankowicz was not out of the crosshairs of conservative anchors and commentators on Fox News, to whom she was a loony “conspiracy theorist” and a “useful idiot” of the Biden administration serving as a “disinformation czar ” Jankowicz said she faced an avalanche of death and rape threats even after she resigned last May in the ninth month of her pregnancy

Gate money of last New Zealand match to be donated to quake victims in Turkey, Syria

KARACHI A n A d o l u Ag e n c y

The gate money of the fifth match of the T20 cricket series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be donated to the victims of the

SA ARC chamber urges IMF to immediately release loan tranche to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T

President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Iftikhar Ali Malik on Monday urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to immediately release its tranche for Pakistan in the wake of billions of dollars guarantee by United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia Talking to a delegation of industrialists and traders led by Mian Ejaz Ahmad Arain Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Falcon International here today he said Pakistan s worsening economic situation amid its continuing political turmoil is critical and calls for bold and timely action by policymakers "He said, "The economic crisis has adversely affected its human development indicators including poverty education health gender equality and environmental sustainability He said, The high rate of inflation, a weakening currency, and dangerously low foreign exchange reserves, along with the high cost of doing business, have intensified the grim economic outlook "He said the economic crisis could deepen if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout is delayed further as foreign exchange reserves were at a historical low Iftikhar Ali Malik said, "The current account deficit is expected to soar further as import restrictions on some of the essential items have been lifted after many months Food and fuel prices are soaring with the weekly inflation outlook standing at 45 4 percent while the currency depreciates "

CDA anti-encroachment operation on 3rd day of Eid

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R

On the directions of the Chairman Capital Development Authority Captain Noorul Amin Mengal, on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitar the Enforcement Wing and the Land Directorate conducted a full-scale operation to eliminate Afghan settlements and illegal constructions in Sector C16 to keep Islamabad city free from encroachments and illegal constructions On this occasion, along with the district administration, Islamabad police officials were also present to assist the CDA staff Moreover a joint team has also been formed under the direction of Chairman Capital Development Authority Captain Noor Ul Amin Mengal, which will survey different areas of Islamabad and mark encroachments and illegal constructions even during the Eid al-Fitar holidays Timely actions can be taken to eliminate illegal constructions

It is pertinent to mention here that on the special instructions of the Chairman Capital Development Authority the anti-encroachment operation will continue on all days of the Eid ul-Fitar holidays On this occasion Chairman Capital Development Authority Captain Noor Ul Amin Mengal issued strict instructions and said that any kind of encroachment and illegal constructions will not be tolerated in the city of Islamabad He further emphasized on keeping the city free from land mafia which is one of our top priorities and the land mafia will be dealt with constitutionally

Gov t takes several initiatives to enroll out of school children

ISLAMABAD

The government has taken several initiatives in the education sector over the last one year with focus on modern modes of education to enroll out of school children Schools on Wheel initiative was launched with the aim to provide education to the children of rural areas at their doorsteps The government is aiming to widen its scope to all the federating units, according to a Radio Pakistan’s report Most recently Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched Teleschool Pakistan App Google for Education and Digital Continuous Professional Development initiative to provide online education to students from grade 1 to 12 The government has also announced to establish a network of Danish schools in the far flung areas of of Balochistan in order to provide quality education to the students there

Pakistan Railways reservation system collapses

The reservation system of Pakistan Railways (PR) suddenly stopped functioning just after the booking offices reopened after the Eidul Fitr holidays

People having travel plans are facing great inconvenience due to the sudden collapse of the PR reservation system after it developed faults Media reports said that the computerised reservation and advance booking system of the Pakistan Railways developed some technical faults

It is noteworthy to mention here that the railway department announced a 33% reduction in fares during the Eidul Fitr holidays STAFF REPORT

PESHAWAR A P P

Namak Mandi a famous food street in Peshawar City has attracted a large number of food lovers of Chappli Kabab, BBQ and Mattan Karahi on the third day of Eidul Fitr

The food lovers enjoyed the mouthwatering BBQ Mattan Karahi Chappli Kabab

Peshawar rice Polao Paye and others traditional cuisines with an aromatic Peshawari Qehwa in all three days of Eid

Located on the backside of historic Qissa

Khwani bazaar the popular food street with plenty of shops of Mattan Karhai Chappli Kabab, BBQ, Paye and Peshawari rice Polao is flooded with tourists, visitors and food lovers on Eid holidays following the improvement of weather conditions after heavy rains before Eid

Sitting in hammock charpoys in primi-

PAk-CHINA CoLL AboRAtIoN ADvANCES PAkIStAN’S AutoMobILE tRANSItIoN

AT the ongoing Automobile Shanghai 2023 global industry visitors are awestruck by the dizzying array of the latest vehicle models experience various functions and learn about advanced technologies According to Gwadar

Pro on Monday Nayyer Chaudhary who has more than 20 years of experience working with China noticed the growth of intelligentization and modernization of the auto industry at the auto show He hoped to avail of this platform to form partnerships with more Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers especially manufacturers of small cars and their components to develop such a market for Pakistan As a pillar industry of Pakistan s national economy, the automobile industry is growing with every passing day In terms of vehicle categories fuel-efficient vehicles battery electric vehicles (BEV) plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEV), etc have been upgraded to allow consumers to have more awareness and choice The constant influx of brands has also driven the application and development of high technology "As the world's largest auto market China is far more advanced than any other country in new energy vehicle production, research and development Partnering with China is the best path for Pakistan's auto industry to grow and gain

access to new opportunities to keep up with global trends, highlighted Nayyer The 2023 Shanghai auto show provides a great opportunity for Nayyer and dealers around the world to grasp new trends in the auto industry It is boosting confidence and breathing life into the global auto market The theme of the auto show is Embracing the New Era of the Automobile Industry", and prominent features of this new era are more vehicle design options and the transition towards new energy All the major car companies showcasing their new models at the world s largest and most influential international A-class auto show are paying attention to the trend Chery Automobile, a Chinese auto brand that started to engage in the field of new energy technology in 1999 released the third-generation PHEV technology at the scene, showcasing its latest development path in the face of opportunities in the era of electrification and intelligence to global users Song Huaifu, country director of Chery Automobile in Pakistan explained that Chery s third-generation hybrid platform adopts the fifth-generation ACTECO high-efficiency hybrid dedicated engine, integrating advanced technologies such as deep Miller cycle, i-HEC fourth-generation combustion system high-efficiency turbocharger intelligent thermal management system etc He emphasized that its peak power can reach effective thermal efficiency exceeding 44 5%, making

it the most efficient hybrid engine in the Chinese market More than 1,000 overseas guests from over 80 countries gathered at Chery s booth to jointly create and share the latest technological achievements in new energy and jointly promote Chery’s vision of entering a new track of globalization They were impressed by the OMODA brand s first purely electric model, OMODA 5 e-QUA, JAECOO 7 and JAECOO 9, which were unveiled at the site OMADA and JAECOO will be launched simultaneously in Pakistan by the end of this year revealed Qi Jie Regional Director of Southern Asia for OMODA, Chery Group Referring to Pakistan as an important strategic base for Chery in South Asia, he told Gwadar Pro that at present Chery is in the process of researching the habits of users in Pakistan to make appropriate improvements in its products in light of the latest situation Dur to the current challenging economic conditions in Pakistan, such as inflation and power shortages, import restrictions and natural disasters vehicle production and sales have been declining during the current fiscal year, the status of the auto industry as one of the fastest-growing industries in Pakistan has not been shaken, noted Huaifu "We have strong confidence in Pakistan's future market and expect the explosive growth of Pakistan s automotive industry through our efforts to improve products and services with local cooperation," he added

IGP Islamabad offers Eid prayers with officials at Police Lines Headquar ters

World Immunization Week is being celebrated countrywide from Monday in collaboration with all provinces and stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination in protecting against diseases, said a spokesman for the Ministry of National Health Services and Coordination

This year s theme The Big Catch-up urges greater engagement around immunization globally to promote the role of vaccines in bringing people together and improving the health and well-being of everyone, everywhere

In collaboration with provincial Expanded Programmes of Immunization and other stakeholders, the Federal Directorate of Immunization launched a week-long vaccination campaign in late April to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases, the spokesman said in a statement

In his message marking the start of World Immunization Week, the Federal Minister of

Health Abdul Qadir Patel urged parents to vaccinate their children against 12 deadly diseases before the age of two The ultimate goal of the Week is to protect more children from vaccine-preventable diseases and raise awareness about the value of vaccines

The Minister expressed gratitude to frontline health workers and EPI teams for their tireless efforts in achieving this goal The government is dedicated to ensuring that vaccination registration and availability reach 100% to guarantee the success of the immunization initiative

In his message, the Federal Secretary of Health, Dr Muhammad Fakhr-e-Alam stated that the ultimate goal of World Immunization Week is to protect more children from vaccine-preventable diseases, enabling them to live healthier and happier lives

Representing the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, all stakeholders are urged to fulfill their responsibilities towards achieving the ultimate goal of universal immunization coverage (100% fully immunized chil-

dren) This includes religious leaders academia doctors media personnel civil society organizations, parliamentarians, immunization partners, donor organizations parents and frontline health workers

World Immunization Week is an opportunity to remind families and communities about the effectiveness of vaccines and to encourage people to take action to ensure that more children, as well as people in other age groups as we are witnessing right now with COVID-19 vaccination are immunized against deadly and debilitating diseases, said Dr Muhammad Ahmad Kazi, Director General of Federal Director of Immunization to mark the beginning of the week We know that a significant number of unimmunized children come from urban slums, hard to reach and security compromised areas These children are in dire need of basic services such as primary health care, education, clean drinking water and sanitation We now have to focus our resources to find novel means to trace these unvaccinated zero-dose children, he added

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan along with senior police officers and jawans offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the police line headquarters Islamabad a police public relations officer said He said that the IGP Islamabad and police officials also prayed for the safety of the country and Muslim Ummah, as well as for the elevation of martyrs CPO Headquarters, CPO Security, SSP Operations, CTO Traffic Islamabad senior police officers and a large number of police personnel were also present on the occasion After offering prayers the IGP Islamabad met with officers and jawans and congratulated them on the eve of Eid A big meal was organized at Constable Shah Faisal Mess where the IGP Islamabad had dinner with other senior police officers and officials IGP Dr Akbar Nasir Khan said that all the divisions of the police deserve tribute for playing their role in ensuring the best security arrangements in the month of Ramadan day and night The officials spent the Eid celebrations away from their families while performing their duties and we should be proud of them

PML-N demands resignation of CJP after leakage of audiotape

It is sincerely expected that by collecting teenagers’ creative artistic works we can show the new generation s understanding of Pakistani refugee and environmental issues to China, revealing their awareness of the United Nations sustainable development goals noted an officer from China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) on the occasion of public welfare program Empowering with Love: Pakistan being in full swing

To date, some 2 7 million Afghans have been forcibly displaced by war conflict and violence Neighboring Pakistan which is also a developing country, accepted 1 4 million of them

The sudden influx of people exacerbated the shortage of natural resources Villages are often far apart, and limited water points require residents to walk hun-

tive food shops at Namak Mandai the tourists and food lovers enjoyed the mouthwatering cuisines along with aromatic green tea making their happiness doubled on Eid Chappli Kabab and Matton Karahi is my favorite dish and my Eid seems incomplete without tasting its delectable bites at Namak Mandai,” said Professor Dr Muhammad Naeem Khan of the Swabi University while talking to APP at Namak Mandi along with family on Monday I came to my favourite food place to enjoy Chappli Kabab and Mattan Karhai along with aromatic green tea of the Qissa Khwani bazaar after three years In previous Eids I could not come here due to cases of coronavirus, he said

“I have also purchased 5 kg Chappli Kabab and three parcels of Peshawari rice Polao for Eid party at home tonight he said

Like Professor Muhammad Naeem a

dreds of meters every day to get water Facing hot weather people have no electrical appliances for storing and preserving food and medicine Nonetheless, over the past four decades Pakistan has made incredible efforts to resettle and protect Afghan refugees and support the maintenance of regional peace, China Economic Net reported

When humanitarian response capacity is reaching its upper limit, UNHCR has long explored the use of clean energy to meet the challenges faced by host communities and refugee families: water, electricity, light, and heat

In China, UNHCR is joining hands with CBCGDF to contribute to the sustainable use of clean energy for Afghan refugees and Pakistani residents through a youth charity art exhibition since last year At present the first batch of excellent works have been summarized

Through different themes, including new energy robots, ma-

rine animals poisoned by pollution etc young painters strive to use brush to reshape the fate of many people with light and warmth in Pakistan, many of whom are teenagers like them

In 2023 UNHCR has built a renewable energy-powered micro-grid system in villages where refugees and Pakistani residents live together so as to achieve convenient electricity use in areas far away from or lacking national grid coverage

Thus hospitals and health stations receive uninterrupted power so that medical testing and treatment remain no longer at risk due to power outages; campuses are opened with more flexible hours and children have the opportunity to read and study even at night When electricity is sufficient, solar energy will replace traditional fuels that drive water pumps and wells enabling more abundant and clean water resources to effectively benefit more people

large number of food lovers visited Namak Mandai and others food streets of Peshawar on Eid days where they enjoyed traditional cuisines including the mouth watering Chappli Kabab and Mattab Karahi due to its excellent taste and deliciousness

The businessmen said the demands of Chappli Kabab have increased manifolds during Eid holidays due to pleasant weather

Besides enjoying appetizing traditional cuisines at hotels and open restaurants at night, most of Chappli Kabab lovers asked for parcels upto five kg for Eid parties at home Inherited Chappli Kabab’s business from his father Arif Ahmad a famous Chappl Kabab seller said My father Jalil Ahmad had taken over it from his father, Jumma Khan in 1950 Following the death of my father all his (Jalil Ahmed) six sons had carried forward the legacy of this hard-earned business and continued it till date with a lot

FAISALABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

Amid the political turmoil in the country Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has demanded resignation of Chief Justice to Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial following leakage of an audiotape involving CJP’s mother-in-law and wife of a PTI’s counsel PML-N leader Tallal Chaudhry demanded resignation of the CJP saying The audiotaple leaked on Sunday could not be ignored Tallal Chaudhry said the leaked audio had strengthened PML-N’s stance that an atmosphere being creating to benefit Imran Khan and some judges had made decisions on the advice of their family members

The PML N leader s demand came after an alleged phone call between CJP Bandial s mother-in-law and the PTI counsel’s wife was leaked online yesterday

In the purported audio the two women can be heard discussing early elections their support for the chief justice, and their resentment towards the incumbent government

The two women also talked about their concern for the chief justice amid the ongoing election delay case which is being heard by a three-member bench at the Supreme Court of Pakistan They also vaguely discussed being in a Lahore rally where there were hundreds of thousands of people

of hope to transfer it to the next generation

he said

“My grandfather had started chappli kabab business from a single ‘Karahi’ (fryingpan) 73 years ago and today with the

grace of Allah Almighty we have six more shops including one at melody food street, Islamabad, two each at Firdous and University Road one each at Gul Bahar and Faqirabad Peshawar he added

m a k M a n d a i at t ra c t s c rowd o f fo o d - l ove r s o n 3 rd o f E i d u l Fi t r

‘Nationwide immunization week ’ begins to protec t children through vaccination

O I L P R I C E S S L I D E O N U N C E R TA I N T Y O V E R

G LO B A L E C O N O M I C O U T LO O K , R AT E H I K E S

rate earnings from the tech sector sparked growth concerns and risk aversion among investors CMC Markets analyst Tina Teng said

The stabilising US dollar and climbing bond yields are also pressurising commodity markets, she added

Central banks from the United States to Britain and Europe are all expected to raise interest rates when they meet in the first week of May, seeking to tackle stubbornly high inflation

China’s bumpy economic recovery post Covid-19 also clouded its oil demand outlook although Chinese customs data showed on Friday that the world s top crude importer brought in record volumes in March

China s imports from top suppliers Russia and Saudi Arabia topped 2 million barrels per day (bpd) each Still refining margins in Asia have weakened on record production from top refiners China and India

Early election only solution to political crisis, says ex-NA speaker

Former speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser said that the top court has provided an opportunity to all the political parties to move towards a solution to the current crisis but the PDM government is using delaying tactics Mr Qaiser lambasted Pakistan Muslim League –Nawaz (PML-N) saying that they wanted a verdict from the Supreme Court on gunpoint but PTI was serious in their approach to talks within the jurisdiction of the constitution He further said that the PML-N had not given a ticket to their candidates yet Qaiser maintained that an early election is the only solution to this current inflation and political crisis

The PTI leader said the party members who did not get the tickets, would get a chance in the local government elections He further said the PTI would move court against the caretaker government after the completion of their tenure

Earlier, the Supreme Court (SC) adjourned the hearing of a petition seeking simultaneous elections across Pakistan after being told that a meeting had been scheduled between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for April 26

The apex court had directed the coalition government and PTI to hold talks and develop a consensus on elections in the country

On the other hand Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has said the general elections will be held at the stipulated time and not at dictation of anybody

In a series of tweets on Monday she strongly criticized PTI Chairman Imran Khan for dissolving provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the behest of a person She said the PTI Chairman ridiculed the people and the representatives of Punjab and Pakhtunkhwa for the sake of power Marriyum Aurangzeb said neither the nation will pardon those who undermined the constitution, nor will we leave them She said the country has to suffer situation like inflation and unemployment when persons like Imran Khan are imposed

curbing the region’s appetite for Middle East supplies loading in June

Nevertheless, analysts and traders remained bullish about China s fuel demand recovery towards the second half of 2023 and as additional supply cuts planned by OPEC+ the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers including Russia from May could tighten markets China s oil demand recovery is expected to more than offset the slowdown in OECD demand in the near term while sanctions and supply constraints add upside risk to prices analysts at the National Australia Bank said, adding that Brent could rise to $92 a barrel by the end of the second quarter

In the United States, energy firms last week added oil and natural gas rigs for the first time in four weeks energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said

Credit S uisse says lost $68b in assets last quar ter, outflows continue

PR OFIT

E

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U

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Credit Suisse (CSGN S) said on Monday that 61 billion Swiss francs ($68 billion) in assets left the bank in the first quarter and that outflows were continuing underscoring the challenge faced by UBS Group AG (UBSG S) in rescuing its rival

It also said customer deposits declined by 67 billion francs in the quarter and that there had been significant non-renewals of maturing time deposits

Most of the asset outflows were from its wealth management division and occurred across all regions

These outflows have moderated but have not yet reversed as of April 24 2023 ”

Credit Suisse said

Shares in both UBS and Credit Suisse were up slightly in early trade, with some analysts noting the outflows were not as bad as feared

But others said the magnitude was alarming

Credit Suisse’s ability to generate revenue appeared to be so damaged that the deal could well remain a drag on UBS operating results unless a deeper restructuring plan is announced,” Londonbased analyst Thomas Hallett at KBW said in a note to clients

Assets managed by the flagship wealth management division dropped to 502 5 billion francs at

the end of March, compared to 707 billion reported for the same period last year

The 167-year-old bank reported results for what is likely to be the last time, as its state-engineered marriage with UBS is expected to be completed soon

Clients rapidly started pulling money from scandal-plagued

Credit Suisse after it was ensnared in market turmoil unleashed by the collapse of U S lenders Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank This led Swiss authorities to scramble together a rescue package which saw UBS agree to take over Credit Suisse for 3 billion Swiss francs in stock and assume up to 5 billion francs in losses It also included 200 billion francs in state financial guarantees

Credit Suisse said that at the end of the first quarter, it had 108 billion Swiss francs of net borrowings under these facilities after paying back 60 billion Since then it has paid back another 10 billion

The bank also said it had mutually agreed to terminate the planned $175 million acquisition of Michael Klein s investment banking business, which it had intended to spin off together with its own investment banking arm

UBS has said it plans to scale back Credit Suisse s investment bank CREDIT SUISSE’S FUTURE

Coalition gov t not to accept any ‘influenced’ verdict of CJP after audio leak: Marriyum

ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday said that the coalition government will resist any decision announced by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial in favour of PTI chief Imran Khan out of fear of his [CJP] mother-in-law” in Punjab polls delay case

A gutting of assets also took place in the bank’s Swiss arm which saw private clients pull 6 9 billion francs as a result of waning trust, raising questions over the future of the Credit Suisse brand

The “results show the challenged position CS s franchise is in and the work ahead for UBS taking CS over, analysts at RBC Capital Markets said in a note to clients

At UBS’s annual general meeting held this month the bank s Vice Chairman Lukas Gaehwiler said Credit Suisse would continue to operate under its own name in Switzerland for the foreseeable future

Amid growing pressure within Switzerland for Credit Suisse s domestic business to be spun off, Gaehwiler said UBS had not yet decided what it would do and that all options are on the table

UBS has also yet to make any announcements on how many Credit Suisse jobs will be cut but following the takeover UBS executives said they expect the deal to bring $8 billion in cost reductions by 2027, $6 billion of which would come from cutting the number of full time employees across the firms operations

UBS said on Monday that Christian Bluhm – whose departure had been previously flagged – will continue as its chief risk officer for the foreseeable future to work on the takeover of Credit Suisse

In a series of tweets on Monday the minister said if the chief justice gave a verdict in favour of PTI chief Imran Khan not because of the Constitution, but due to the fear of the mother-in-law, and advice of children and wives then this will not be allowed to happen ”

Neither will the nation forgive those who play with the Constitution nor will we spare them she added Her statement comes a day after the latest audio leak purportedly featuring the mother-in-law of CJP Bandial and the wife of a PTI lawyer emerged on social media In the audio both could purportedly be heard discussing the ongoing political crisis and a high-profile case being heard by the apex court

Referring to the audio clip, Marriyum said it was strange that a “woman had become spokesperson of those who threw shoes at the poster of her son-in-law

She said when the Constitution and justice fall victim to the advice of foreign agents, sons-in-law, daughters-inlaw, children and mothers-in-law, then the country has to suffer at the hands “Imran-like thieves liars who brought inflation and unemployment

Now elections will be held on time and not on the advice of Bajwa and the mother-in-law of anyone, the minister added Taking a jibe at the PTI chief, she asked Imran not to play with people’s minds and don’t tell lies in the face of the nation

She said that this was a reason that a fraudster had to put the black canister on his face

She also called Imran “shameless” for admitting that he dissolved the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on the advice of former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa

The minister said that for the sake of power, Imran Khan insulted the people of Punjab and K-P, mocked their representatives and dissolved their elected assemblies The minister also said the general elections will be held at the stipulated time and not at dictation of anybody Marriyum Aurangzeb said neither the nation will pardon those who undermined the constitution, nor will we leave them She said the country has to suffer situation like inflation and unemployment when persons like Imran Khan are imposed

She asked the PTI chairman not to play with the people’s minds and do not lie to them

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood on Monday said despite difficulties efforts were afoot to provide maximum facilities to pilgrims during Hajj 2023

Talking to the media in Makkah the minister said due to time constraints he had made an emergency visit to Saudi Arabia in order to give a final shape to the Hajj arrangements for pilgrims

He said he was holding meetings with quarters concerned for the provision of the best possible facilities to the Pakistan pilgrims in Mnina, Arafat and Muzdalifah

He stressed the importance of providing adequate arrangements for pilgrims residence food transport and medical needs during their holy journey in Makkah and Madina

Senator Talha shared that the proposal of hiring services of Pakistani expatriates in Saudi Arabia who were acquainted with the local rules and regulations areas and language were under

consideration

He believed that this step would enable the pilgrims to be entertained in a more appropriate manner and would help reduce the overall expenses stating

that bringing Moavineen-e-Hujjaj from Pakistan would be a costly decision

He said inflation and the depreciation of the Pakistan rupee were the main factors affecting the overall cost of Hajj operation this year adding that he would bring all the matters and his efforts to the notice of the federal cabinet and media on his return to Pakistan

Later, Senator Talha travelled to Madina where he paid homage at the mausoleum of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him

He also offered Nawafil in Riaz-ulJannah, Masjid-e- Nabvi and prayed for the peace progress and prosperity of Pakistan

The government s efforts to ensure maximum facilities for pilgrims during Hajj 2023 demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of Pakistani citizens The hiring of Pakistani expatriates to assist with the arrangements would be a step to enable the pilgrims to have a comfortable and fulfilling holy journey

ADB operations reach $20.5b in 2022, addressing crises, building resilience

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed $20 5 billion from its own resources in FY 2022 to help Asia and the Pacific continue its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic despite fresh economic headwinds and crises

Financial and operational results were published in ADB s annual report 2022, said a news release issued here on Monday

The report summarizes how the Bank combined finance and knowledge and leveraged partnerships to help the region cope with economic shocks exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a worsening food crisis and extreme weather events

Our support in 2022 helped our developing member countries (DMCs) navigate the immediate impacts of these crises while bolstering their longer-term resilience in critical areas such as climate change and food security said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa

The $20 5 billion comprised loans and guarantees grants equity investments and

technical assistance provided to governments and the private sector ADB mobilized an additional $11 4 billion in co-financing ADB committed $6 7 billion in financing for climate mitigation and adaptation in 2022, making progress toward its ambition of providing $100 billion in cumulative climate financing during 2019–2030

To address the region s worsening food crisis, the ADB provided $3 7 billion under its $14 billion food security program delivering essential food relief for people most in need and strengthening food production systems

To support economic recovery, the ADB financed institutional reforms, strengthened public service delivery and growth in key economic sectors

The ADB s $3 9 billion in commitments to the private sector included vital liquidity support to enterprises facing a difficult business environment Meanwhile the Bank made wide-ranging investments in quality infrastructure as well as in education, health, and other social sectors that contributed to building econ-

omy-wide resilience

Promoting gender equality remained at the forefront of ADB’s work with 97 percent of the Bank’s operations in 2022 contributing to this agenda

These operations included initiatives to improve women’s access to quality jobs, foster women’s entrepreneurship and build women’s resilience to climate change

The Annual Report 2022 provides details on how ADB is evolving to better meet the changing and complex needs of its DMCs T h e s e i n c l u d e m e a s u r e s t o u n l o c k greater resources to support the region s development through an ongoing review of the bank s capital adequacy framework, as well as structural and nonstructural organizational reforms guided by a new operating model I am confident that these reforms will ensure ADB delivers greater impact in the region, including by scaling up climate financing mobilizing more private sector investment and providing a wider range of development solutions in response to client needs, said the ADB President The ADB is committed to achieving a

prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sus-

taining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty, he added

Effo r t s a fo o t to p rov i d e m a x i m u m f a c i l i t i e s to p i l g r i m s : M i n i s te r Ta l h a