Epaper_23-05-22 ISB

Monday, 22 May, 2023 I 1 Zilqad, 1444

PM REITERATES PLANNERS, ATTACKERS IN MAY 9 RIOTS TO BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE

g COMPARES JINNAH HOUSE LAHORE’S TORCHING WITH BURNING OF QUAID-E-AZAM RESIDENCY IN ZIARAT IN 2013

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

PRIMEMinister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the planners, facilitators and attackers in the incidents of May 9 would be brought to justice.

While chairing a high-level meeting on law and order here, he said May 9, 2023, would always be remembered as a dark day in the history of the country.

“Imran Niazi and his followers stoked terrorism and violence that amounted to anti-state acts. They caused damage to such a huge extent that even the enemies of Pakistan could not do in the last 75 years.”

He said miscreants did what even the enemy could not do in the last 75 years, adding the manner in which terrorists burned down residency of Quaid-e-Azam in Ziarat, was the same way the sanctity of Jinnah House in Lahore was violated.

The PM said it should be kept in mind that Tehreek-e-Taliban attacked the General Headquarters (GHQ) and unfortunately this time the workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attacked GHQ and burnt Radio Pakistan Peshawar to ashes.

Many tragic incidents occurred in the country which would cause mental anguish for the whole nation forever, he said adding it was not a joke to attack installations of Pakistan Air Force and cause damage of billions of rupees to properties.

He mentioned that the gangs of Imran Niazi in Mianwali made an evil attempt to burn airplanes which were purchased with the blood and sweat of the nation and were to be used against the enemy.

He directed that legal requirements should not be ignored in haste and during the identification of attackers it should be

ensured that no innocent was arrested. He said the services of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and security agencies should be acquired to tighten the noose against the miscreants as early as possible.

The prime minister said every patri-

otic Pakistani was hurt today as their fellow citizens attacked civil and military installations.

Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the role of the Police, Intelligence Bureau, NADRA, Counter Terrorism Department, Federal Ministry for Information

and Broadcasting and Safe City in tackling the situation. He instructed the Inspector General Police Punjab to arrest the miscreants at the earliest and conclude proceedings of cases without leaving any loophole in the investigations.

He ordered that the progress in cases should be monitored on an hourly basis. Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Advisor to PM Ahad Cheema, Special Assistants Attaullah Tarar and Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Secretary Interior, Chief Secretary Punjab, IG Police Punjab and other officers attended the meeting. PM, KHAWAJA SALMAN DISCUSS POLITICAL SITUATION: Former member of Punjab Assembly Khawaja Salman Rafique called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here on Sunday.

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LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that it was his cherished desire to transform the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) into a splendid institute like Johns Hopkins, but PTI’s chief Imran Khan and a former chief justice had caused huge damage to it. On his Twitter handle, the prime minister said that the PKLI had always been close to his heart and he wanted it to become an identity for Pakistan in the rest of the world for the treatment facilities in kidney and liver diseases. “But alas! Imran Niazi and a former chief justice out of their politics and personal interests targeted this mission and inflicted huge damage,” he added in his tweet posted in Urdu language. The prime minister expressing his resolve said that these things would not deter them and it was his firm conviction that Allah Almighty supported those who worked with a passion to serve humanity. For transformation and restoration of PKLI into a world class health facility, they were striving and utilizing their energies, he said while referring to his yesterday’s visit to the facility where he reviewed different measures in this regard. The prime minister also appreciated Dr Saeed Akhtar and his devoted team for leading the efforts to achieve these objectives and assured his complete support to them. He further said that PKLI was a precedent in the health sector and they would turn it into ‘unprecedented’ (center in the health sector). STAFF REPORT

‘80pc chance’ I’ll be arrested during court appearance in capital on Tuesday: Imran

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former prime minister, Imran Khan on Sunday expressed his fears he may be arrested by police in Islamabad when he appears in court on Tuesday to get bail in several cases.

“On Tuesday, I’m going to make an appearance for various bails in Islamabad, [there are] 80 chances that I will be arrested. So right now there’s no rule of law,” he said while speaking in an interview with Fareed Zakaria on CNN.

“Everything is being done just to dismantle our democracy, so right now, as we speak, over 10,000 workers have been arrested. My entire senior leadership is in jail.”

According to Imran, these actions are driven by the government’s desire to eliminate him from the political landscape, stemming from their fear of losing the upcoming general elections.

Drawing attention to a past as-

sassination attempt on his life, the cricketer-turned-politician expressed lingering concerns for his personal safety.

“In November, there was an assassination attempt which I had predicted. I had been warning that they are going to use this so-called religious fanatic who was going to kill me and then, just like Salman Taseer, our governor, he was killed by a religious fanatic…so they were going to use that to bump me off,” he responded to a question on whether he felt safe after the gun attack in Wazirabad.

“The reason [for the assassination attempt] was that they had lost all the by-elections and the party was getting more and more popular. So I knew that my life was in danger and I sort of had to speak publicly about it.”

The former prime minister voiced apprehension regarding the intentions of the coalition PDM government towards the scheduled national elections in October, raising concerns over the possibility that the polls might be postponed

until the government is confident that PTI does not succeed.

Imran further highlighted the success of PTI in previous by-elections, which he believes has unsettled the ruling alliance, heightening their anxiety about facing his party in the upcoming polls.

The PTI chief characterised the current period as “unpredictable”, stressing the significance of a robust defence system for Pakistan’s stability.

Imran acknowledged his past collaboration with former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa. However, he claimed that, during the last six months of PTI’s government, attempts were made to remove him from power.

He emphasised the importance of a unified Pakistan and urged the avoidance of confrontations with the army, warning that even in the event of a victory against the military, it would ultimately result in a loss for the country.

‘There’s something he has against me which I don’t know’

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Decline in value of rupee per dollar expected next week

PROFIT INP

The rupee, amid a lack of fresh triggers and an anticipated high dollar demand from importers at monthend, is expected to remain range-bound against the US dollar in the coming week.

During the outgoing week, the local currency fell by 0.29% against the dollar in the interbank market.

On Monday, the rupee closed at 284.97 to the dollar as opposed to 285.82 on Friday.

However, in the open market, the domestic currency was reportedly trading with a premium of Rs15 as compared to the interbank rates. The rupee hit record Rs300 against the dollar in the open market during the week, according to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) rates.

A currency dealer said: “The direction of the rupee over the course of the next week will be determined by the supply and demand for dollars. The rupee will depreciate if importers enter the market to buy foreign currency to meet seasonal [month-end] demand.”

“We expect that the rupee will trade at 285-286 per dollar next week,” the dealer added.

For the local currency, exporters are not selling forwards. In fact, due to the high cost of holding dollars (or rupee interest rates), most exporters are settling their proceeds relatively early, said Tresmark in

a weekly note.

“Whereas importers, though they can’t book forwards, are not ok with costing rupee materially higher than at 300 per dollar. These market factors signify that rupee is range-bound between the 280-300 level for the time being,” it said. “Of course, any negative trigger will make it volatile, as could be seen with Imran Khan’s arrest during which rupee traded as low as 299 per dollar.”

The note stated that June would be heavy with government related outflows and the rupee to remain under pressure in next few weeks, but might not cross Rs300 a dollar in the interbank market.

“While Pakistan’s credit default swap has been mostly unchanged during the last two months, bond prices trading below 50 cents to a dollar signify that investors are pricing in a default,” said Tresmark.

If Pakistan is unable to acquire the financing, the rupee might fall as low as 350 to the dollar in June, Bloomberg reported citing an analyst.

The chance that the IMF won’t provide a bailout, which is necessary for Pakistan to avoid default in the fiscal year beginning in July, is growing, according to analysts, and this is why the capital is departing the nation.

Pakistan’s balance of payments position continues to remain under stress, with foreign exchange reserves still at low levels of $4.3 billion —enough to cover hardly one month of imports.

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GHQ ‘attack’ orchestrated to serve India’s objectives: Asif

SIALKOT STAFF REPORT

The “attack” on the General Headquarters (GHQ) during the violent protests which followed the May 9 arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan was aligned with the anti-Pakistan agenda of India, declared the defense minister. The government claimed supporters of Khan had “attacked” important state buildings and damaged private and public vehicles. In Punjab alone, thousands of his supporters have been arrested after police vehicles and government buildings were set on fire allegedly by the protesters. Authorities in three of the four provinces imposed an emergency order banning all gatherings after the protestors clashed with police and the military. During a rally organised by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Sialkot on Sunday to demonstrate solidarity with the military, Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that “Pakistan’s very existence was assaulted [sic] on May 9. A person (Khan) orchestrated this attack solely for his own pursuit of power.”

Asif expressed his deep regret over the impact of the “attack” on the sacred monuments and how the families and heirs of the martyrs must have felt. He asserted: “I never question anyone’s loyalty, but I do question the intentions of those who orchestrated the attacks on May 9.” He also made it clear that there will be no establishment of “new military courts” to prosecute individuals involved in the protests. “No new military courts are being set up. The law already exists at present. Courts are in place and have been functioning continuously for the past 75 years,” he said.

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g SAYS IT’S NOT JOKE TO ATTACK PAF INSTALLATIONS, CAUSE DAMAGE OF BILLIONS OF RUPEES TO PROPERTY

‘IK, former chief justice caused huge damage to PKLI’

LITERARY CORRELATIVE CONNECTING PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN, US: MASOOD

NEW YORK Staff RepoRt

AMBASSADOR of Pakistan to United States, Masood Khan terming literature as a strong metaphor in bringing nations closer to each other has said, “Literature correlative connected the people of Pakistan and the United States.”

In his remarks during opening ceremony of Lahore Literary Festival, being held in New York by the Asia Society, the Ambas-

PTI Karachi president Aftab Siddiqui quits party, politics

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)

Karachi president Aftab Siddiqui has quitted the party and politics as authorities continue to crack down following party chief Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9. In a statement, Aftab Hussain Siddiqui – who had been a member of National Assembly (MNA) from Karachi – said he has left politics and resigned from the party’s position. However, he said, he – who is also a businessman – will continue to serve the country and for improvement of the economy in ‘individual capacity’. “I started my career as a professional engineer”, Siddiqui said, adding that he has built a ‘solid’ reputation in three decades. He further said that he has dedicated his ‘professional success’ to the welfare of the community. Staff RepoRt

Khan directs Hamid to approach courts for release of party activists

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has directed renowned lawyer Hamid Khan to approach the courts for the release of the party supporters. According to details, renowned lawyer Hamid Khan held a meeting with PTI chief Imran Khan and deliberated on the countrywide crackdown launched against the party supporters. Hamid apprised Imran about the legal aspects of the matter and the government’s apprehension to release the PTI activists. Imran termed the arrests of the PTI workers and leaders “unjustified”, stressing that the “conspiracy to destroy” his party would never succeed. On May 9, violent protests broke out across the country following the arrest of the PTI chairman from the Islamabad High Court on the orders of the National Accountability Bureau by the Rangers in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The alleged PTI protesters barged into the residence of the Lahore corps commander (Jinnah House), and after ransacking it, set the furniture on fire. At the same time in Rawalpindi, protesters entered the GHQ and damaged its gate. The federal government then launched a nationwide crackdown against the party activists and leaders. Staff RepoRt

Marwat National Jirga supports peace in country: Saifullah

ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister and member of Pakistan Peoples Party’s central executive committee (CEC) Anwar Saifullah Khan on Sunday demanded an intelligencebased targeted operation against the hideouts of terrorists in Lakki Marwat area. The Marwat National Jirga under his supervision opposed general operation against terrorist in the area for the safety of innocent children and the peace loving residents of the area. He also announced that the terrorist would surrender their weapon on the guidelines of Jirga and their cases would be tried in the court of law.

“We want peace in Lakki Marwat”, said the head of jirga adding that the elders and notables of Lakki Marwat always supported the country’s interest and raised their voices against criminal elements. He said the Marwat National Jirga will take a stand against those who will stand against the country’s valiant forces. The Jirga, he said, was constituted to ensure peace in the area in the best national interest and to sensitize the people of the area on living in harmony with peace. The jirga also strongly condemned the terrorist activities against the forces and its installations. The jirga also demanded for providing fool proof security to the lives and properties of the residents of the area during an operation against terrorists. Staff RepoRt

sador said that the festival would be instrumental in providing stimulus to promoting people-to-people relations between Pakistan and the United States. Masood Khan said that Pakistan was often looked at through the prism of politics and strategic paradigms. But beyond these two sets of images, Pakistan is a custodian of strong and diverse literary traditions, he continued. Congratulating Asia Society for organizing Lahore Literary Festival and connecting countries with North America and particularly with the United States, he said

that the Society was making seminal contribution to bringing people together.

“These efforts are not influenced by governments, directly or indirectly. Your efforts and the efforts of these festivals are people driven,” he observed.

Earlier Rachel Cooper, Director of Global Performing Arts and Cultural Initiatives, in her remarks termed the festival as an effective medium of soft diplomacy. She said that Lahore Literary Festival not only reflected creativity of Pakistan but also projected the country as leader in bringing peo-

ple together.

Ambassador Masood Khan suggested that Asia Society may consider forging a strong partnership with the UN for greater outreach and impact of its endeavors.

Talking about efforts to promote people to people contacts between Pakistan and the United States, Ambassador Khan said the two countries were also working closely for promoting cultural ties besides working on other issues of shared concern including climate change, renewable energy and others.

“This is a powerful current which we

must capture and integrate into our diplomatic activities, not to patronize it; not to steer it, but to benefit from its rich ambiance,” he said. The Ambassador concluded his remarks by stating that strong partnership between Pakistan and the United States would turn into a common good not only for the people of the two countries but for the entire international community.

Mushaal

urges

G20 countries to boycott summit on tourism in IIOJK

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Chairperson of Peace and Culture Organization, Mushaal Hussein Mullick has urged the G20 countries to boycott the summit on tourism in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on May 22 to 24.

In a letter to G20 countries with the subject addressing rising human rights violations in IIOJK, Mushaal has urged G20 countries not only to boycott the meeting but to strongly condemn the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and play your due role to ensure the resolution of the decades-long dispute as per the UN agreed formula so as Kashmiri people could be able to live a life as per their free will, said a news release received here on Sunday.

“I want to bring your kind attention to the prevailing unabated and rising human

rights violations in IIOJK,” she further added that the occupied region has been turned into a killing field and garrison city.

Police and security personnel are carrying out raids and search operations on various pretexts to harass and terrify innocent Kashmiri youth and women, she explained. She informed that since Narendra

Modi-led government seized power, his government further escalates the miseries of the Kashmiri people. Mushaal in her letter said that Kashmiri people are facing the worst human rights crisis. “As now India is all set to host a G20 meeting of tourism in the disputed area on May 22 to 24 in a bid to hoodwink the world to give a false message of normalcy to the participants of the moot”, she added. She mentioned in her letter regarding the genocide of Kashmiri innocent people and the worst human rights violations committed by the Indian occupational forces in the occupied valley.

As many as 96,186 innocent Kashmiris had been martyred by Indian forces since January 1989 and after August 5, 2019, when the government of India revoked the special status of the region, massive rights violations, illegal and arbitrary arrests, political persecutions, restrictions and even

CM visits Chinese consulate, felicitates consul general on 72nd anniversary

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi on the eve of 72nd anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations visited the Chinese Consulate.

Provincial Caretaker Minister for Industries SM Tanvir, Famous Industrialist Gohar Ejaz and Mian Ahsan accompanied him, said a handout issued here. The CM met with the Consul General of China Mr. Zhao Shiren and felicitated him on completion of 72 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations and cut a cake.

The Chinese Consul General thanked the CM and expressed good wishes for him. Matters pertaining to the promotion of trade and economic relations came under discussion during the meeting.

Talking with the Chinese Consul General, the CM said the government would benefit from the cooperation of China in agriculture, healthcare technology and education sectors, adding that the new year of Pakistan-China relations would open further new avenues of cooperation in all sectors of life between the two countries. He said that

Pakistan and China were standing shoulder to shoulder for a bright tomorrow and our relationship for the whole world of countries was a role model.

Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that China’s unflinching support in time of need speaks volumes of Pakistan- China friendship.

The CM said “We heartily acknowledge the unique cooperation of China in the progress of Pakistan.” He emphasized the triumphs of China were a matter of pride for Pakistan and CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) was proving to be a milestone in pro-

moting regional contacts and cooperation between the two countries. The importance of Pakistan-China relations exceed far before for the regional stability and Punjab government was thankful to the Chinese support and cooperation in various sectors. Punjab government was determined to further enhance the exemplary friendship and cooperation with China, he added. The Chinese Consul General also assured their full cooperation with the Punjab government in future as well, saying that Pakistan and China were highly reliable friends.

Sherry accuses Imran of foreign interference in plea to US Congress

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman criticised former prime minister Imran Khan for appealing to members of the US Congress for their support, calling him out for his “hypocrisy.” In a series of tweets, Senator Rehman responded to Khan’s request and accused him of conspiring against the country’s foreign interests for his own political gain.

Senator Rehman said that the narrative of an “American Conspiracy,” which Imran Khan had propagated for a

Masterstroke in Burewala

City NoteS

It came at last, and the strategy of the Cuptan explained why he won the World Cup 30 years back. He did not say that the events of May 9 were committed by the Sharif brothers and their progeny. I for one had expected this, and indeed had wondered why the PTI had not accused them already.

Instead, we got the masterstroke. Imran blamed the agencies for doing what they had done. Yet such is Imran’s loyalty to those who his opponents say had made him PM, that he did not condemn them. He merely said there should be an investigation into what had happened.

Of course, he has already told us what result that investigation should reveal, or else he would reject it with more vehemence than he made it. Well, now he’s saying

year, has now collapsed. She highlighted the “irony” of Khan now seeking Congress members to raise their voices in his favour, indicating that he was attempting to involve foreign countries in Pakistan’s internal affairs. Referring to the events following the unlawful arrest of Khan, Senator Rehman questioned whether the world was unaware of the “judicial facilitation, relief, and shameful incidents” that occurred. She further emphasised that Khan’s government had falsely accused and imprisoned her leadership, yet they did not seek outside interference in domestic matters. Highlighting Khan’s past focus on

that he condemns the incident, but it might be because he has finally realized that the mayhem on May 9 upset the very people who hopes will bring him back to power, just as they did in 2018. However, condememn it as he does he is not surrendering those who have taken refuge in Zaman Park, even if they are wanted by the police.

Perhaps the authorities should learn from the attempt on the life of Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Sirajul Haq, by a suicide bomber who blew himself up in a attack on his motorcade, in Zhob. The Jamaat has been around for some time, but the news did not really get much traction. I suspect that this is because the event happened in Zhob, in Balochistan, and that is a much neglected province.

That means that the basic mistake of the authorities was trying to arrest Imran in Lahore, then doing so in Islamabad. Both are not just media centres, with lots of people busy covering, but lots of people likely to be affiliated with the PTI. Now if the arrest had gone down in Burewala (district Vehari), or Tarandah Muhammad

accountability in his political agenda, Senator Rehman criticised him for now “seeking to evade accountability and responsibility” by appealing to the world for support.

Panah (district Bahawalpur), I doubt if the Supreme Court would have got him to appear before the Supreme Court yet. Not because of any refusal by the police, but because of the difficulty of getting him to come from there.

Of course, there would have been prior logistical problems. The first would be getting Imran to go to a place like that. Both are excellent places, no doubt, but hardly centres of enlightened thought and civilisation. Neither has a symphony orchestra or a museum of modern art, and the only drug dealer is in the local graveyard, where he sells ganja. Even heroin addicts have to bring their own supply, what to speak of cokeheads.

The second problem would be getting the police there. I don’t know if the Islamabad police has anybody who can ride mules, which is the preferred mode of transport in Burewala, or camels, which is how patrolling is done in Tarandah Muhammad Panah, which is how police patrolling is done there. However, I suspect that motor vehicles, while not unknown, might not work. In other words, it isn’t just Imran who wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like Burewala or Tarandah Muhammad Panah, but also the Islamabad police.

By the way, there was an election last Sunday, but in

suppression of free media and human rights defenders continue to escalate, she added.

The political leadership of Indian occupied Kashmir especially my Husband Yasin Malik, Masarrat Aalam Butt, Asiya Andrabi have been languishing in Jails for years and Modi government is not providing them with opportunity of fair trial to defend themselves against the fake and fabricated cases lodged against them to silence them for raising voice for their right to self-determination, she further explained. She also mentioned in her letter that Indian government is rigorously working on a plan of Hindus settlements in IIOJK under its nefarious designs to change the demography of the scenic valley to turn the Muslim majority into a minority in their native land. She has requested G20 countries to boycott the summit on tourism in IIOJK on May 22 to 24.

22 Pakistanis released by India reach homeland

SAJJAWAL: The 22 captives, including nine fishermen, belonging to Pakistan were released from Indian prisons after years. The released Pakistan nationals have reached their homeland through Wagah border, officials said Sunday. The release of the imprisoned fishermen after years brought joy to the faces of their parents. The fishermen belonging to different backgrounds include Qasim, Abdul Manaf Tahim, Sher Ali Sonaro Malla, Achhar Malla, Saleem Doriyo, and Ahmed Jatt. However, 26 other fisherman from the area are still imprisoned in Indian jails. The efforts of Fisher-Folk Forum for the release of imprisoned fishermen in both countries yielded fruitful results due to these endeavours. Staff RepoRt

PIA launches

Hajj flights

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) initiated its Hajj flight operations from Karachi, marking the beginning of the transportation of pilgrims to Mecca. The first flight, PK 773, departed from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport at 4:50 am, carrying 316 pilgrims destined for Medina. The flight operations for the pilgrimage, aiming to transport a total of 65,000 pilgrims, will continue from May 21 to June 22. The return flights to Pakistan are scheduled between July 2 and August 2. In addition to Karachi, PIA will operate flights from various cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Quetta. The airline will utilize Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft for the transportation process. Simultaneously, SereneAir also launched its Hajj flight with 279 passengers on board, departing from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport at 5:00 am. The airport made special arrangements for the pilgrims, and a ceremonial event took place, graced by the presence of the adviser to the prime minister on religious affairs, Shabbir Ahmad Usmani. This year, a total of 81,230 individuals from Pakistan are expected to perform Hajj. PIA will transport 40,700 pilgrims, Saudia Airlines will accommodate 36,000, Airblue will handle 2,250, and SereneAir will transport 2,280 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia as part of the arrangements. Staff RepoRt

Turkey, not Punjab. Under the new constitution, they have both legislative and presidential elections together. It’s the French system rather than the American, designed to let the President get a legislative majority. It’s become interesting because there’s to be a run-off. Now if Erdogan’s opponent, Kilicdaroglu, is elected, he will have a minority in the National Assembly, and will be unable to execute even those parts of his programme which do not require constitutional amendments.

We might need to watch Turkey closely, because Imran would like a presidential system, and I would suspect that Turkey’s example might suit him. I suspect that is why he wants a two-thirds majority. I’m not sure he has one in the Senate, which he will need to amend the Constitution. Footnote to these notes: Shoaib Hashmi has passed away. He was one of the pioneers of PTV, but I knew rather distantly as a senior teacher in the Economics Department at Government College. I cannot claim to have known him, as I didn’t do my post graduation in Economics. I had heard of him as a powerhouse in the Dramtic Club, but that was before my time. It was perhaps odd that he was known academically as a teacher of Econometrics. With his passing, the world is poorer.

M.a. Niazi

IMRAN SOWED SEEDS OF HATRED IN YOUNG MINDS, SAYS SANAULLAH

FAISALABAD

Staff RepoRt

INTERIOR Minister Rana Sanaullah has claimed that PTI Chairman Imran Khan sowed the seeds of hatred in the minds of the youth by telling them lies and defaming the armed forces.

“And he did all this to prevent his arrest. The day Imran was arrested, the youth he had misguided and trained attacked military installations.

“In no city did people come out for him. Only a handful of people protested and all of them were those whom he had misguided,” the minister said in a rally in Faisalabad. “And now, Imran and his supporters have gone into hiding. He is so scared that he doesn’t even ask about his party leaders who are in jail.”

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah slammed PTI Chairman Imran Khan for the “political victimisation” of the PML-N.

“He sent Nawaz sahib to jail in a fake case […] and I became a victim of these cases as well. He loves sending the oppo-

PM reiterates planners, attackers in May 9 riots to be brought to justice

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During the meeting, they discussed the overall political situation in the country.

sition behind bars and made sure that we didn’t get medicines, home-made food or fans,” he said in an address in Faisalabad.

“But one day, just one day he had to go to jail and look what happened.”

Earlier, responding to PTI Chairman

Imran Khan who had questioned powers of commission investigating audio leaks pertaining to judiciary, Interior Minister Rana

Sanaullah confirmed the judicial body will have authority to investigate those involved in taping and leaking the calls.

“The commission, headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa, will possess the power to probe into who is taping the audios and who is leaking them,” the minister said, told a private Tv news channel.

The interior czar, during the show, spoke about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government’s decision to constitute a three-member commission to conduct an investigation into the audio leaks pertaining to the judiciary.

In an announcement made a day earlier, the government notified a high-powered judicial commission to be headed by senior puisne judge of Supreme Court Justice Qazi Faez Isa, while Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Islamabad High Court (IHC) CJ Aamer Farooq are named as members of the judicial body.

“The government was under pressure from the civil society and others to pursue inquiry on the matter of audio leaks,” the minister said, adding that the government

requires material to take the matter into the Supreme Judicial Council.

“Crime cannot take the shield of privacy,” Sanaullah said, warning against using privacy for committing crimes as revealed in the alleged audio leaks.

Meanwhile, Khan spoke about the commission’s constitution insisting that its Terms of Reference “suffer from a deliberate omission” with no accountability of who is “behind the unlawful and unconstitutional surveillance.”

Taking to his Twitter, the cricketerturned-politician shared a strongly-worded tweet in this regard.

“They fail to take into account the issue that who is behind unlawful and unconstitutional surveillance of PM office and sitting judges of the Supreme Court. The Commission should be empowered to investigate who are these powerful and unknown elements who tap and record telephone conversation of citizens including high public functionaries,” he tweeted.

Khan further termed the leaks as a “serious breach of privacy guaranteed under Article 14 of the Constitution.”

Over 2000 PTI leaders and workers arrested in Punjab

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

‘IK, former chief justice caused huge damage to PKLI’: On the other hand, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that it was his cherished desire to transform the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) into a splendid institute like Johns Hopkins, but PTI’s chief Imran Khan and a former chief justice had caused huge damage to it. On his Twitter handle, the prime minister said that the PKLI had always been close to his heart and he wanted it to become an identity for Pakistan in the rest of the world for the treatment facilities in kidney and liver diseases. “But alas! Imran Niazi and a former chief justice out of their politics and personal interests targeted this mission and inflicted huge damage,” he added in his tweet posted in Urdu language.

The prime minister expressing his resolve said that these things would not deter them and it was his firm conviction that Allah Almighty supported those who worked with a passion to serve humanity. For transformation and restoration of PKLI into a world class health facility, they were striving and utilizing their energies, he said while referring to his yesterday’s visit to the facility where he reviewed different measures in this regard.

The prime minister also appreciated Dr Saeed Akhtar and his devoted team for leading the efforts to achieve these objectives and assured his complete support to them. He further said that PKLI was a precedent in the health sector and they would turn it into ‘unprecedented’ (center in the health sector).

GHQ ‘attack’ orchestrated to serve India’s objectives: Asif

CONTINUTED FROM PAGE 01

Emphasising that the government is not depriving anyone of their fundamental rights, the minister affirmed that legal action would be taken against protestors who have been clearly identified through footage and other evidence as “attackers”.

Prior to addressing the rally, the minister visited the martyrs’ monument in Chawinda, the site of a tank battle between Pakistan and India in the 1965 war, where he placed a wreath of flowers on the graves of the fallen soldiers and offered prayers. He praised the bravery of the dead in defeating the Indian army, saying: “I pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard our country.” Without explicitly naming the former prime minister, Asif criticised “a political leader” for “targeting the military” in precarious circumstances. He also accused Khan of involving external elements in their “attacks” and urged the people to “demonstrate genuine love” for the army, disregarding the protests. Asif emphasised the unwavering strength of the Pakistan Army and the sacrifices made by its courageous soldiers for the nation. He emphasised the importance of expressing solidarity to acknowledge the sacrifices of the forces and foster national unity. “These individuals seek to regain power,” he said.

Punjab police have claimed to arrest over two thousand miscreants involved in May 9 attacks, vandalism, violence, and arson on government institutions, according to a report on Sunday.

According to police officials, the process of arresting alleged rioters among the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is underway with the help of CCTV cameras of the Safe City Authority, video recordings from mobile phones and private cameras, and geofencing.

They are wanted in cases lodged against them under the Anti-Terrorism Act all over the province for carrying out attacks on the Corps Commander House in Lahore, public and private buildings, law enforcement agencies, and their vehicles.

The sources said that raids continued in the homes of PTI workers and

leaders even late at night. The Punjab police claimed that at least 162 police officers and officials were injured in the violent activities of the miscreants across Punjab. The violent mobs vandalized more than 97 vehicles used by Lahore and Punjab Police.

Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister

Mohsin Naqvi has said that all cases against miscreants involved in violence will be sent to anti-terrorism courts and military courts. “No perpetrator of a crime will be left unpunished,” he said.

“The miscreants will be brought to justice with evidence and proofs,” the chief minister said.

Transgender activists appeal court ruling against law aimed at protecting them

ISLAMABAD the aSSoCiated pReSS

Transgender activists in Pakistan said they plan to appeal to the highest court in the land an Islamic court’s ruling that guts a law aimed at protecting their rights.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act was passed by parliament in 2018 to secure the fundamental rights of transgender Pakistanis. It ensures their access to legal gender recognition, among other rights. Many people in Pakistan have entrenched beliefs on gender and sexuality and transgender people are often considered outcasts. Some are forced into begging, dancing and even prostitution to earn money. They also live in fear of attacks.

The Federal Shariat Court on Friday struck down several provisions of the

landmark law, terming them “un-Islamic.” It ruled that a person cannot change their gender on the basis of “innermost feeling” or “self-perceived identity” and must conform to the biological sex assigned to them at the time of birth.

The court has the constitutional mandate of examining and determining whether laws passed by Pakistan’s parliament comply with Islamic doctrine. Around a dozen activists protested in Karachi on Saturday against the ruling. Lawyer Sara Malkani, who was speaking at an event organised by the Gender Interactive Alliance, denied the legislation was un-Islamic. She said the existence of two genders did not limit the concept of gender identity and that Islamic texts, including the Quran, did not associate specific behaviour to specific genders.

“We absolutely intend to appeal the

court’s findings to the Supreme Court, and we will prevail,” said Nayyab Ali, executive director of Transgender Rights Consultants Pakistan, at a news conference. Ali said the transgender community was “mourning the decimation” of Pakistan’s first transgender rights protection legislation in response to the Islamic court’s finding. However, clerics and representatives from religious parties say the law has the potential to promote homosexuality in this conservative country with a Muslim majority. They want the Islamic court to annul the law. The court ruled that the term “transgender” as it is used in the law creates confusion. It covers several biological variations, including intersex, transgender men, transgender women and Khawaja Sira, a local term commonly used for those who were born male but identify as female.

Sheikh Rashid says judiciary will surely win

RAWALPINDI: Awami Muslim League chief and former federal interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Sunday that people had hatred in their hearts for the present government. He said whoever would support the government would be doomed. Mr Rashid said on social media website Twitter that everyone was complaining about them. “God knows better who is going to be minus and who is going to be plus. But now it will happen. Economy of the country is in dire state,” said the former federal minister. He said joining assemblies by the PTI lawmakers was not so important and it did not matter now. Mr Rashid said the whole nation not only condemned attack on Jinnah House and GHQ but also felt said over it. However, he was of the view that arrests of innocent people could dent the credibility of institutions. The AML chief said the people who were quitting the party and changing loyalties, were like a bride of single night. He said nothing will happen by spending two or three months in jail, but it could save someone from getting the stain of a defector. Mr Rashid said pure and real leaders did not give up in difficult times and stood firm like a rock. The head of Awami Muslim League further said that definitely the June would prove to be a month of victory or defeat (for government). The judiciary would surely win. Staff RepoRt

Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attack in Iran

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Sunday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in the Sarawan county of Iran on Saturday, resulting in the loss of lives of six Iranian security personnel. The Foreign Office Spokesperson in a statement said, the government and people of Pakistan express their deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the martyrs as well as to the Iranian government over this tragic incident. She said, “As reaffirmed during the recent meeting between Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of Iran, we stress upon the need for mutual efforts to eliminate the terrorism on both sides of the border. Pakistan views Pakistan-Iran border as a border of peace and friendship; and remains committed to working with Iran towards that end.” Staff RepoRt

Fire erupts in Islamabad forest

ISLAMABAD: Due to a severe heatwave in Islamabad, a fire erupts in the jungle of Margalla Hills on Sunday afternoon. The fire broke out near Daman-e-Koh and clouds of smoke are rising high from the hills. Last month on April 10, the district administration of Islamabad has slapped a ban on a wide range of activities and items in Margalla Hills to curb forest fire, littering, and air pollution for two months. During this period, BBQs and bonfires will be prohibited in the MHNP. Smoking, burning and littering of garbage/plastic, carrying flammable items such as lighters, charcoal, matchsticks, bottles of petrol/kerosene oil, and cutting off trees have also been banned in the MHNP. Last year, Islamabad’s administration also enforced a ban on all sorts of recreational activities in MHNP to avoid forest fires in the protected area. Staff RepoRt

‘80pc chance’ I’ll be arrested during court appearance in capital on Tuesday: Imran

CONTINUTED FROM PAGE 01

In a separate interview with Al Jazeera, the ex-prime minister said he does not have any issue with the country’s current army chief, but accused Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir of trying to obstruct his return to power.

During the interview, Imran expressed his puzzlement over General Munir’s apparent animosity towards him, stating, “I haven’t done anything to antagonise the army chief, but there is something he has against me which I don’t know.”

He accused the police of arresting around 7,500 protestors believed to be affiliated with his party. However, he urged his supporters to remain peaceful in the event of his re-arrest, cautioning that the government, led by Prime Minister She-

hbaz Sharif, may exploit instances of violence to crack down on opposition activists and leaders.

Imran further highlighted the arrest of the entire top leadership of his party and revealed that there are approximately 150 cases pending against him, making his arrest a possibility. However, he asserted, “You cannot arrest an idea whose time has come.”

Meanwhile, the PTI chairman rejected a report by The Telegraph which claimed that he had previously dismissed Gen Asim as head of the ISI after the general brought corruption allegations to his attention involving his wife, Bushra Khan.

“This is completely false. Neither did Gen Asim show me any proof of my wife’s corruption nor did I make him resign because of that,” he wrote on Twitter.

The Telegraph, quoting Farzana Shaikh of London’s Chatham House thinktank, reported: “Munir has been described as a straight arrow by people who know him and he clearly ran into difficulty with Khan when he decided as head of the ISI to bring to his attention that there were corruption allegations against members of his family. “It came pretty close to the bone because members of the family centre on Khan’s wife. So Khan is said to have dismissed Munir on those grounds, although Khan has never referred to the reasons, or explained why. It’s well known that the two men clashed and this clash is now playing itself out in this latest battle,” the newspaper claimed in its report.

PTI, JUI-Sherani agrees to expand political cooperation

PTI Chairman Imran Khan held a meeting with a high-level delegation of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan headed by Maulana Khan Muhammad Sherani at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore.

According to a detailed statement by the PTI, the leaders discussed the country’s political situation, the government’s “invasion against the Constitution and the judiciary, and the massacre of democracy and democratic values”.

The delegation strongly condemned Imran’s “abduction” and the oppression of the PTI. Sherani also laid emphasis on the need for a comprehensive investigation to bring to justice those who damaged property on May 9.

PTI and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan also fully agreed to expand and mobilise political cooperation.

Chinese Embassy celebrates 72nd anniversary of diplomatic ties with Pakistani diplomats

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

On the 72nd anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, the Chinese Embassy held a reception titled “China-Pakistan Unbreakable Friendship and the Bright Future” with Pakistani Diplomats in Islamabad.

Ms. Pang Chunxue, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, the chief guest, Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Mazhar Javed, Director General of Foreign Service Academy, spoke at the reception, which was attended by former Pakistani Ambassadors to China, officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

and young Pakistani diplomats along with Chinese diplomats. Ms. Pang welcomed friends to the Chinese Embassy and emphasized that the China-Pakistan relationship has profound historical roots, solid public support, and vital practical needs.

Ms. Pang stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ proposed by President Xi Jinping and the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

She said that with the joint efforts of both sides, CPEC has achieved fruitful outcomes covering areas of industry, agriculture, IT, disaster prevention and mitigation, etc., which made significant contributions to

promoting Pakistan’s economic and social development, upgrading Pakistan’s infrastructure, improving Pakistani people’s wellbeing, enhancing people to people contact and deepening regional connectivity. CPEC has become the well-known hallmark of China-Pakistan cooperation.

She added that under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China is steadfastly advancing the process of Chinese modernization. China will provide new opportunities for developing countries, including Pakistan, with new accomplishments in Chinese modernization. As developing countries, both China and Pakistan are constantly exploring development paths that suit their national con-

ditions and are actively committed to maintaining world peace and stability, she maintained.

Ms. Pang Chunxue, chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy, further informed that from May 5 to May 6, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang paid a successful visit to Pakistan, which is of tremendous significance in solidifying and deepening the China-Pakistan allweather strategic partnership of cooperation. She conveyed great appreciation to successive generations of diplomats from the two countries for their painstaking efforts and contributions. She asserted that China will join hands with Pakistan to implement the consensus

reached by the two countries leaders in real earnestness and continuously promote the great cause of China-Pakistan friendship with great strides.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Dr Asad Majeed Khan applauded the contribution of generations of the two countries’ diplomats to the achievements of China and Pakistan’s unbreakable friendship and cooperation. The change of the compound of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan itself is the witness of the development of friendship with its previous compound being handed over to the Pakistan government and became the Foreign Service Academy, and the new compound became the biggest one in all Chinese Embassies abroad.

Return of the prodigals?

The

resigning

PTI MNAs are set to return to the House

THE Lahore High Court cancelled the notification of the acceptance of the resignation of 72 PTI MNAs, thus pave the way for their return to the National Assembly, and also for similar decisions by other High Courts where cases of MNAs from those provinces are pending. The LHC has ruled that the resignations cannot be accepted unless they appear personally before the Speaker and confirm their resignation. The Speaker will have to convince himself of two things when accepting a resignation: that the signature is genuine, and that there was no coercion or other pressure applied while affixing it. The members have already told the LHC that they signed only because they had been told it was a pressure tactic.

It will probably up to the Speaker to accept that explanation or not, but rejecting it will mean further investigations. He will be disinclined to accept it for partisan reasons, as even the present accretion, which does not complete the number of returning PTI MNAs, is enough to get rid of Raja Riaz was Leader of the Opposition, a post which he enjoys by virtue of 21 PTI dissidents, who claim not to have left their party. The fate of those dissidents would become doubtful if the new Leader of Opposition was to invoke the anti-defection law. However, even if the members are unseated, there may well not be enough time for by-elections, the House being close to the end of its tenure. The government may try to delay the return of the members until after the passage of the Budget, because it would not like a vocal opposition around for that exercise. The PTI’s return to the House would mean an acceptance that the resignations of April 2022 were an emotional reaction to the ouster of the PTI government, and a mistake. Just like the dissolution of the KP and Punjab Assemblies, the resignations failed to get the party the fresh elections it craves.

However, the return of the PTI to the National Assembly should be welcomed. It means a return to the parliamentary politics that it had eschewed in the past, and an acknowledgement that Parliament has greater aims than electing Mr Imran Khan PM. Apart from legislation, there is also the new factor introduced after May 9, where the PTI needs all the help it can get. The new development will bring about change in the political scenario, whichever way one sees it.

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late)

Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor

M. A. Niazi

Joint Editor Umar Aziz Executive Editor

IMF needs better understanding

impacts and disasters– but that target was never met. The G7 leaders are expected to reaffirm their climate goals during a summit in Hiroshima, Japan, from May 19-21. Developing countries say they need far more support from rich nations– responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions– otherwise they cannot afford to cut CO2 emissions...’

Omer JAveD

Apart from a couple of months during the heyday of the pandemic, in its programme with Pakistan, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has continued to push austerity-based, procyclical policy conditionalities. It is not to say that a number of ‘Chicago boys’-styled policymakers in the country over the years, and up till now, have not also pushed for the same neoliberal, austerity, procyclical policies.

In both the local and international context, in terms of overall stagflationary consequences of such policies, it is indeed important that IMF revisits– and also local policymakers with similar mindset revisit their policy stance, and shift towards non-neoliberal, non-austerity, counter-cyclical policies. Such a revisit is indeed long overdue, and especially since the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2008.

Moreover, given the fast unfolding of the existential threat of climate change crisis, monetary and fiscal austerity policies have not allowed moving towards much-needed resilient economies. Hence, on one hand climate finance has been hard to come by, since rich countries have not met their commitments on providing climate finance, and on the other, the policy bent overall towards neoliberal, austerity, and procyclical policies, has increased the cost of capital, and in turn, increased debt repayments, curtailed fiscal space, and negatively affected climate investments, and overall development expenditure.

For countries highly vulnerable to climate change, including Pakistan, which are also faced with a seriously difficult debt burden, lack of provision of climate finance has meant that their resilience against climate disasters remains weak. With regard to the lack of climate finance provided by rich countries, a recent Al Jazeera published article ‘Rich nations urged to pay $13 trillion in pledges to Global South’ pointed out ‘Rich G7 nations owe poor ones an estimated $13 trillion in unpaid development aid as well as support in the fight against climate change, British charity Oxfam says.

Instead of fulfilling their obligations, the International Group of Seven nations and their banks are demanding debt repayments of $232 million per day, the organisation said on Wednesday. …Developed countries promised in 2009 to transfer $100 billion annually between 2020 and 2025 to vulnerable states hit by increasingly severe climate-linked

Here, in line with the suggestions of the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, for instance, in the ‘Bridgetown Initiative’ that she has led, in which she has called for yearly issuance of climate-changerelated special drawing rights (SDRs) to countries highly vulnerable to climate change, indeed, needs to be adhered to by IMF. Already, climate related disasters have significantly disrupted macroeconomic stability, and economic growth in many countries. Last years’ catastrophic floods in Pakistan, resulted in billions of dollars of damage to the country’s economy, and the wheat crop was also seriously damaged. It is therefore important, that both the IMF and rich countries provide appropriate levels of climate finance.

The IMF also needs to improve the allocation formula for allocation of SDRs, since the one it did back in August 2021 followed the routine quotabased sharing formula, whereby most of the $650 billion allocation went to already rich countries. This formula needs to shift towards a needs basis, and not how much a country contributes to the overall pool of resources of the IMF.

A recently published article ‘UN Secretary General says moral problem exists in int’l financial system’ highlighted the UN Secretary General’s comments with regard to the global financial system as ‘The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres on Monday called for an end to a “moral” problem which he used to describe the “injustice” in the existing world economic order. “We are, today, facing when we look at the present international financial architecture, a moral problem, a power problem and a practical problem,” Guterres, who held talks with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, told a news conference. … He said adequate care was not taken and that led to increases in inflation. Developing countries are now feeling the brunt of their policies. “Then, because there was a huge global liquidity problem, the IMF was able to issue special drawing rights (SDR),” he said, noting that some countries like Europe received US$180 billion, while African countries, three times the population of Europe, received US$34 billion.’

of pandemic, and in its wake overall high inflation, and acute debt distress being faced by many countries, and which requires greater fiscal space for making greater investments on the supply-side– given a significant supply-side nature of inflation– and higher level of development expenditures, especially in the public health sector, especially given the high probability of more pandemics to happen, since they are strongly related to climate change crisis.

Here, it also needs to be pointed out that IMF needs to immediately undo its wrong Âsurcharge policyÊ on account of delayed repayments on loans by programme countries, especially since the onslaught of pandemic, and in its wake overall high inflation

Nobel laureate in economics, Joseph E. Stiglitz, in an article ‘Understanding the consequences of IMF surcharges: the need for reform’ published in July 2022, and that he co-authored with noted economist Kevin P. Gallagher, pointed out negative consequences of the surcharge policy as ‘What might be the justifications for these regressive transfers? The oft-cited rationale is to limit the demand for IMF programmes, to offset the risk of non-repayment and to encourage borrowers to pay back ahead of schedule. Of course, it is important for member countries not to become over-reliant on the IMF for liquidity, but regressive and pro-cyclical surcharges are not the most efficient way to create such incentives amid a global economic crisis. The unintended consequences are twofold. First, the surcharges disproportionately affect middle-income countries with lower quotas that, by definition, need both extensive IMF financing to repay and longer repayment periods to recover from crises. Second, they require borrowing members to pay more at exactly the moment when they are most squeezed from market access in any other form.’

Here, it also needs to be pointed out that IMF needs to immediately undo its wrong ‘surcharge policy’ on account of delayed repayments on loans by programme countries, especially since the onslaught

The need for carbon market in Pakistan

PAKISTAN has been suffocating in the presence of increasing air pollution for the past many decades. Since 1998, the average annual particulate pollution has increased by 20 percent, cutting 0.9 years off the life of the average Pakistani. In Karachi residents would gain 3.6 years, in Lahore residents would gain 5 years and the residents of Islamabad would gain 4 years in average life span if the WHO guidelines on air quality are met. According to an annual global survey, Lahore has jumped more than 10 places to become the city with the worst air in the world in 2022. Much of this rising level of air pollution is due to industrial, agricultural, construction, and vehicular Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere; this creates a warming effect on the planet’s surface that’s broadly known as global warming. The dual challenges of economic growth and deteriorating environmental quality currently being faced by Pakistan require the development of carbon trading systems and carbon markets. Carbon markets are trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought. A carbon credit represents one ton of Carbon Dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gases that have been reduced, avoided, or removed by a mitigation activity. Pakistan needs the development of a carbon market to fully achieve the various benefits of carbon trading and operate effectively in the global carbon market. The carbon market is a way to increase climate ambition and lower Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere by creating a financial incentive to curb emissions. Countries can trade carbon credits, which each represent one tonne of CO2, with each other in a global marketplace. Globally, only 21 percent of emissions are covered by carbon pricing systems. As concerns over climate change grow,

NGOs, investors, and other stakeholders are increasingly calling for greater corporate disclosure of GHG information. Setting operational boundaries that are comprehensive with respect to direct and indirect emissions will help a company better manage the full spectrum of GHG risks and opportunities that exist along its value chain.

In this context, carbon accounting is an important tool that can be used to measure GHG emissions reductions and compare it to the emission reduction targets set out in the Paris Agreement. Carbon accounting allows organizations to quantify their greenhouse gas emissions, understand their climate impact and set goals to reduce their emissions. In the future, organizations will have to share their progress with stakeholders or be required to report their carbon emissions by regulatory bodies. Carbon accounting enables companies to report their climate impact.

how carbon improvements can be achieved in the most economical way.

As climate change worsens and more investors, regulators, customers, and partners encourage and pressure companies to improve their sustainability, the number of businesses practicing carbon accounting has grown significantly over the past decade. GHG emissions reporting are increasingly becoming an industrystandard requirement for many businesses.

Carbon markets are trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought. A carbon credit represents one ton of Carbon Dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gases that have been reduced, avoided, or removed by a mitigation activity.

Carbon accounting is essential for organizations to understand their carbon footprint, identify opportunities for decarbonization, optimize environmental performance, protect the business against the rising cost of carbon and climate risk, and align with rapidly changing rules, and regulations. Carbon accounting for sustainability improvements supports the identification, choice, introduction and implementation of carbon reduction action plans and measures. These accounts and accounting processes support management in deciding what measures are most effective in curbing carbon emissions and

The carbon trading concept is gaining momentum across the world. However, Pakistan is far behind in the global carbon market scenario, and it is the need of the hour that an effective and efficient trading system be set up for GHG emissions for moving forward in the carbon credit and trading sector and achieving economic and environmental sustainability. It will also play a key role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively and nurturing the green economic sectors.

The need for the development of a carbon trading system in Pakistan is increasing with each passing day and this can only be fulfilled through collaboration across all public-private stakeholders working towards achieving a clean and green Pakistan.

The writer is the Group Head (Administration, IT, Engineering Projects & BCP) and lookS after Green Banking as well at Bank AL Habib Limited, Pakistan. He can be reached at: ali.ashar@bankalhabib.com

The writer holds PhD in Economics degree from the University of Barcelona, and previously worked at International Monetary Fund.Prior to this, he did MSc. in Economics from the University of York (United Kingdom), and worked at the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Statistics (Pakistan), among other places. He is author of Springer published book (2016) ‘The economic impact of International Monetary Fund programmes: institutional quality, macroeconomic stabilization and economic growth’.He tweets @omerjaved7

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Motorcycle theft

SOME gangs of outlaws have been actively stealing bikes across Hyderabad for some time. More than two dozen motorcycles were recently stolen from around Civil Hospital, Hyderabad, within a mere 10 days. The police and other law-enforcement agencies have failed to protect the public and their property from these criminals.

Some of my relatives went to the said hospital for treatment recently. They parked their almost brand new 70cc motorcycle in the parking lot at 10.33am. The bike was not there less than five minutes later. As could be seen clearly in the CCTV footage, there were two criminals who did the ‘job’ while not even trying to hide their faces. Yet, policemen said they were not very hopeful about the recovery. It all depends on luck, they told the victim. If everything is solely dependent on luck and fate, what is the point of having a police force at all? Why do they take salaries when they are unable to do their jobs?

More than 190 CCTV cameras are installed on the premises of the Civil Hospital. According to the official in charge of the CCTV room, around 4-5 new bikes are stolen daily from the hospital parking lot.

These robberies and other criminal practices in Hyderabad show the competence and professionalism — or, actually, lack thereof — of Sindh police, especially of Hyderabad police. The higher officials in the department should wake up and protect the public and their hardearned belongings.

Theatre of the absurd

THE phrases, such as ‘empty slogans’, ‘immaturity and hunger for power’, and ‘brainwashed mobs creating frenzy, chaos and anarchy’ reminded me of a course I took at the Government College (GC) University called the ‘Theatre of the Absurd’.

This theatrical movement, which emerged in the mid-20th century, used nonsensical and irrational dialogue to critique the superficial modern life and the absurdity of human actions. The current state of politics in Pakistan is nothing short of a tragicomedy.

With a long history of political instability and corruption, Pakistani politics often resembles the theatre of the absurd, where politicians engage in illogical and self-serving behaviour by feigning as deaf and blind to the latent anger and sufferings of people.

The recent unbridled wave of inflation, stampedes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab and Karachi, and misery in various regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, have made the mere act of living unaffordable. Additionally, the fact that skilled young individuals are leaving the country to pursue better employment opportunities abroad only serves to emphasise the irrationality of Pakistani politics. The criticism of political rhetoric, irrational behaviour, and chaotic political systems is a larger critique of the political system as a whole. All this is reminiscent of the absurdist tradition, which often reveals a deeper meaning beyond the apparent absurdity.

This is because change is frequently met with opposition from the entrenched feudal lords, who prioritise their personal gain and strive to preserve the status quo.

However, it is important to remember that politics is the cornerstone of democracy, and change can only come through the democratic process. Pakistan has a vibrant and engaged civil society, a robust media, a strong judiciary, and active political parties. These institutions have the potential to bring about meaningful change in the country’s political landscape. To achieve this change, it is essential to move away from the theatre of the absurd, and to engage in a more coherent and meaningful decisionmaking process for the greater good. Pakistan needs an overhaul of the whole political system that prioritises the needs of the people way above the self-interest of a limited few.

Dr

IMTIAZ ESSA HALEPOTO JAMSHORO

IT was an unbelievable and horrific spectacle for every patriotic Pakistani who regards the Pakistan Army as the bulwark of national security and integrity— and justifiably so— to see attacks on GHQ, the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore and military installation in other cities. It was equally disturbing to watch attacks on police stations and the burning of Radio Pakistan Building in Peshawar by PTI workers and activists.

Many observers felt that the pattern of attacks and their execution was very much similar to the mode of attacks by the Tehrik Taliban Pakistan in KPK of late. They have been proven right by the reported claim of TTP commander Sirbukaf Mohammad that TTP men successfully achieved their targets by joining the PTI protesters and that other TTP men were also directed to participate in the protests. That indicates a kind of alliance between the PTI and the TTP to hit the symbols of state authority. The connivance between the PTI and the TTP must be investigated and made public to unmask the black faces wearing white masks, besides making an example out of those who actually carried out those attacks as well as those who instigated the rioters to indulge in this severest of crimes against the state.

The perpetual and venomous outbursts against serving Army officers and the establishment by Imran Khan before his arrest should have been a premonition for the things to come. The ground had been well prepared for these heinous acts. The audio leaks of conversations between PTI leaders regarding execution of the plan and the attack on the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore leave no doubt about it being a well-conceived offensive which could not have been planned without approval and active input by Imran Khan himself. So it would not be wrong to hold him responsible for what happened besides implicating the top leadership of the party for their complicity in carrying out this anti-state activity.

It is interesting to note that Imran Khan told the Supreme Court when he was called to the court for hearing his appeal against his arrest that he was not aware of what had happened in the country as he had no mobile

Army act rightly invoked COMMENT 05

There had to be a strong response to the events of May 9

with him, adding that he could not be held responsible for it. Upon this Mr Justice Athar Minnalah rightly remarked that a leader could not absolve himself of the responsibility of acts by his followers. In fact Imran lied before the court as he was in contact with the PTI leaders during his detention as is corroborated by the leaked audio of his conversation with Mussarat Jamshed.

As these cataclysmic events were unfolding and being witnessed by the people on their TV screens, PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while talking to the media, said that the party has always protested peacefully. PTI Secretary General Asad Umer termed it a government-orchestrated conspiracy to malign PTI while Fawad Chaudhry reiterated that the happenings were an attempt by the government to drive a wedge between PTI and the Army. These utterances by those who were part of the scheme to attack the Army installations and police stations— both symbols of the state authority—- are ultimate hypocrisy and so is the claim of ignorance made by Imran Khan before the Supreme Court bench.

Those who planned these attacks failed to visualize the consequences for the party as well as its implications for the country. Pakistan is a nuclear state and not a banana republic. The acts of terrorism against military installations have tarnished the image of the Army and also sent a very wrong message to the international community. If you listen to the statements of the Indian leaders and media comments it would give you a fair idea of the damage done to the reputation of the Pakistan Army and its ability to ensure safety of the country’s nuclear assets.

No wonder that the foreign media referring to the events that unfolded on May 9 has expressed the view that Pakistan’s security challenges have become more severe.

A statement issued by ISPR as a reaction to what transpired on May 9 justifiably observed that the day would be remembered as a dark chapter in the history of the country. In this regard the statement went further, saying “This political group in its lust for power has done what the enemy could not do in 75 years.”

The statement further noted, the Army was aware that behind it were orders, directives and complete preplanning by some sinister party leadership and the facilitators, planners and political activists involved in the protests have been identified who will face strict action as per law. They will all be responsible for the consequences. As is evident the Army leadership is fully aware of the designs of those who orchestrated attacks against military targets and has rightly alluded to involvement of PTI and its leaders in this heinous enactment against the state of Pakistan.

This was the situation which warranted suo motu action by the SC but regrettably the judges remained silent onlookers when the writ of the state was being challenged. However it is reassuring that the cCorps commanders’ meeting as well as the National Security Committee has decided to deal with the miscreants under the Army Act and not to spare the planners behind these attacks and those who actually carried out these heinous crimes against the state. In view of the severity and nature of the crimes, invoking the Army Act is a right move.

It is regrettable to note that President Arif Alvi, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces of Pakistan, was evasive in putting the blame on the real culprits and his statement mostly reflected the narrative of his party. The President said that he and the people were shocked to see the way Imran Khan was arrested but surprisingly expressed no shock over the attacks on military buildings and installations except mild condemnation of the acts. Unfortunately the courts, particularly the Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court, have made the governance of the state very difficult by giving out-of-theway relief to Imran Khan. It strengthens the fears by certain circles regarding Imran being the darling of the judiciary. Circumstantial evidence strongly points in that direction. The conduct of the judiciary can also be safely construed as an endorsement of the acts of terrorism against the state, instigated by Imran Khan.

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

Post-9/11 US conflicts killed over

Syria is being welcomed back into the international community, despite Western protests

are not actually a concern for Washington or its lieutenants. According to a review by The Intercept published on May 11, the US sold weapons to at least 57% of the world’s “autocratic” countries in 2022.

RT BrADley BlAnkenship

LAST week, Saudi Arabia invited Syria, long excluded from multilateral formats in West Asia, to this week’s meeting of the Arab League. This was followed on Monday with the United Arab Emirates asking Damascus to attend the COP28 climate summit at the end of this year, giving the embattled country international recognition once again. Predictably, Western countries are mind-blown over what they see as the “normalization” of a monstrous regime.

However, what it really shows is that the West is no longer the biggest power player in the West Asia region and that Arab countries are taking the reins. For Saudi Arabia, this is part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision of an integrated West Asia, with more business and less conflict, that will be the next Europe. He hopes to turn the Middle East into another pole in a multipolar world.

That’s quite remarkable because he, as expert Joshua Landis masterfully put it, turned two losing hands with Yemen and Syria into a winning one. Saudi Arabia had been hedging its bets by funding proxy forces to overthrow Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad and was also leading a genocidal war in Yemen to overthrow the Houthi rebels. But, he finally accepted defeat in these wars after a Chinabacked rapprochement with Iran, which stood on the other side of both conflicts.

With that said, it’s also important to recognize that these olive branches have come with a massive amount of support from two major countries: Russia and China. Russia has long been a steadfast supporter of Assad and Syria, and is working double time to normalize relations between Syria and Turkey, which was also seeking to overthrow Assad. Additionally, Russia has clearly had a hand in preventing his ouster and helping his UN-recognized government regain legitimacy.

Meanwhile, China has been pushing Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE, as well as other countries, to see that it’s in their best interest to pursue cooperation over conflict. Beijing’s role in bringing the two sectarian rivals, Saudi Arabia and Iran, together was instrumental. And that precipitated the ceasefire in Yemen and provided further impetus for the Syrian conflict to continue its wind-down.

So the case is quite clear: the West, particularly the US, will not have an active role in West Asian engagement. Moreover, Asian countries are working together to integrate themselves, continue the eastward tilt of global wealth and create an independent diplomatic, financial, and developmental framework where the West is not at the helm. This is, for anyone who thinks that national sovereignty and conflict resolution are important, a positive thing.

For the naysayers, such as Charles Lister from the Washington DC-based Middle East Institute, who are aghast at the normalization of Assad, this signals that no one in West Asia cares about their pontifications. They understand that concerns about human rights are completely politicized and

At the same time, the US human rights record or tendency toward authoritarianism does not withstand the slightest intellectual scrutiny. States all across the country are enacting legislation to lower the legal work age in order to hire child labor instead of paying workers fairly. The US Department of Defense is withholding evidence from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its case against Russia because of fear that it would lead to the prosecution of Americans. And Uncle Sam is cracking down on freedom of speech non-stop, even putting folks, like yours truly, on Orwellian blacklists.

It’s a good thing that West Asian countries are ending centuries of divide-and-conquer rule by Western colonizers. Anyone who believes in freedom of determination and human development, things that most people of decent moral complexion would agree are good, must reasonably agree that West Asia integration is a good thing for the world. The folks up in arms about the normalization of a UN-recognized government are on the wrong side of history. Plain and simple.

If this inevitably leads to a situation wherein Washington will either have to abandon its murderous sanctions on Damascus or, alternatively, sanction every West Asian country for circumventing its unilateral sanctions – thus completely isolating itself – then this would be a tremendous thing. Syria has the right to decide its own future, participate in international diplomacy and trade, and choose its own development path. And it turns out that major players in West Asia now agree this is true, despite the finger-wagging from Washington.

Bradley Blankenship is an American journalist, columnist and political commentator.

COMMON DREAMS Brett Wilkins

THE post-9/11 War on Terror may have caused at least 4.5 million deaths in around half a dozen countries, according to a report published Monday by the preeminent academic institution studying the costs, casualties, and consequences of a war in which U.S. bombs and bullets are still killing and wounding people in multiple nations.

The new report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs shows “how death outlives war” by examining people killed indirectly by the War on Terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. “In a place like Afghanistan, the pressing question is whether any death can today be considered unrelated to war,” Stephanie Savell, Costs of War codirector and author of the report, said in a statement. “Wars often kill far more people indirectly than in direct combat,

people

The author of a study on the people killed indirectly by the War on Terror calls on the US to step up reconstruction and assistance efforts in post-9/11 war zones

particularly young children.”

The publication “reviews the latest research to examine the causal pathways that have led to an estimated 3.6-3.7 million indirect deaths in post-9/11 war zones,” while “the total death toll in these war zones could be at least 4.5-4.6 million and counting, though the precise mortality figure remains unknown.”

As The Washington Post — which first reported on the analysis — details: “Since 2010, a team of 50 scholars, legal experts, human rights practitioners, and physicians participating in the Costs of War project have kept their own calculations. According to their latest assessment, more than 906,000 people, including 387,000 civilians, died directly from post-9/11 wars. Another 38 million people have been displaced or made refugees. The U.S. federal government, meanwhile, has spent over $8 trillion on these wars, the research suggests.

But Savell said the research indicates that exponentially more people, especially children and the most impoverished and marginalized populations, have been killed by the effects of war—mounting poverty, food insecurity, environmental contamination, the ongoing trauma of violence, and the destruction of health and public infrastructure, along with private property and means of livelihood.”

According to the report, “The large

majority of indirect war deaths occur due to malnutrition, pregnancy and birth-related problems, and many illnesses including infectious diseases and noncommunicable diseases like cancer.” One 2012 study found that more than half of the babies born in the Iraqi city of Fallujah between 2007 and 2010 had birth defects. Among the pregnant woman surveyed in the study, more than 45 percent experienced miscarriages in the two-year period following the 2004 U.S. assaults on Fallujah. Geiger counter readings of depleted uraniumcontaminated sites in densely populated Iraqi urban areas have consistently shown radiation levels that are 1,000 to 1,900 times higher than normal. The study also found that some deaths “also result from injuries due to war’s destruction of infrastructure such as traffic signals and from reverberating trauma and interpersonal violence.” Savell said that “warring parties who damage infrastructure with an impact on population health have a moral responsibility to provide quick and effective assistance and repairs.”

“The United States government, while not solely responsible for the damage, has a significant obligation to invest in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in post-9/11 war zones,” she added. “The U.S. government could do far more than it currently is to act on this responsibility.”

Punjabi commentary takes IPL by storm

TRIBUNE

DeepAnkAr shArDA

Punjabi commentary is a rage. How did it all start?

Punjabi has always been seen as a language that is overshadowed by Hindi. Our brief was to give cricket commentary in Punjabi and use vocabulary that would completely distinguish it from Hindi. The regional flavour has helped us connect with people across all ages and various sections of society.

Is it all scripted and planned?

Most of it is unplanned and unscripted. I would say 95 per cent of it is impromptu because you don’t know what is going to happen during a match. The beauty of sport is that it is unscripted drama. But, of course, you can plan a few things in advance and we do our homework. Punjabi flavour comes in different packets. It can be the desi lingo or can be a reference to Punjabi culture, food, or even cities or towns, which I normally use in my commentary. For instance, I’d say Buttler ne gend pohucha di Batale (Buttler has sent the ball to Batala) or Shubman Gill ne gend aavde pind Jalalabad bhej ditti hai (Shubhman Gill has sent the ball to his village in Jalalabad).

What kind of preparation goes into it?

The first step is to think, listen and speak only in

Punjabi. To practice my commentary, I stand in front of a full-length mirror and speak on a random topic for 10-15 minutes every day. Earlier I would do this in Hindi, these days I do it in Punjabi. Ever since I got this assignment, I only speak in Punjabi at home with my wife, children and friends. I listen to Punjabi music, watch Punjabi movies and TV serials for an hour daily. Even when I work out, I listen to only Punjabi songs. And, if I find an interesting one-liner or phrase, I note it down to use later. For example, “Virat Kohli da balla te Gurdas Maan da Challa kamal kar deve.”(Virat Kohli’s bat and Gurdas Maan’s ‘Challa’ create wonders). Another one came while listening to a Sidhu Moosewala song, “Agla bowler Kagiso Rabada, munda dil da ni maada” (The next bowler is Kagiso Rabada. The boy has a good heart).

Your Punjabi background is a plus for you.

I was born and raised in Punjab. So Punjabi zabaan te chadi hui hai (Punjabi comes naturally to me) but I have never spoken it on TV. Now that things have changed, I’m only communicating in Punjabi. “Iss waaste sirf dimag de Punjabi hisse nun activate rakhiya hai, Hindi te English walle hisse noo sula ditta ki do mahine tuhada koi kam nahi hai” (That’s why I have kept active only the Punjabi part of the brain. The Hindi

and English parts have been put on the sleep mode for two months).

Give us an insight into the show.

It is a team effort. We start planning the show hours or a day in advance. The pre-match show takes place in two parts — the studio show, which has an anchor and a couple of guests, and then, there is a show from the commentary box for the next 20 minutes. We also decide what to put on air — like which questions should be asked, which visuals will be played, etc. I host a show from 7 pm to 7.20 pm from the commentary box, besides three to four studio shows.

Were you surprised by the response?

The response has been amazing. Immediately after the first day of Punjabi broadcast, we started getting positive feedback on social media, even from across the border. While we knew that North Indians, and Punjabis in particular, would welcome Punjabi commentary, little did we know that it would be perceived so beautifully elsewhere too. We received much appreciation even from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu, and Rajasthan. After our first broadcast, newspaper articles mentioned how commentary in Punjabi and Bhojpuri was making waves. They quoted many of the Punjabi one-liners that we had used on air.

Unfortunately the courts, particularly the Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court, have made the governance of the state very difficult by giving out-of-the-way relief to Imran Khan. It strengthens the fears by certain circles regarding Imran being the darling of the judiciary. Circumstantial evidence strongly points in that direction.

4.5 million

‘Normalization of Assad’ is objectively a positive thing for the world

President Biden says Us-China ties shoUld see a ‘thaw very shortly’

WASHINGTON AGENCIES

US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that ties between Washington and Beijing should thaw “very shortly”

after the United States shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon this year. Biden said relations had deteriorated in the months following his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit on the Indonesian island of Bali in November. Washington’s decision in February to shoot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon that overflew the United States sparked a diplomatic spat between the world’s two largest economies.

A visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken that had been billed as a chance to improve relations was cancelled over the incident.

On Sunday, at a press conference following the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, Biden was asked why a planned hotline between the United States and China was not in operation.

“You’re right, we should have an open hotline. At the Bali conference, that’s what President Xi and I agreed we were going to do and meet on,” he said.

“And then, this silly balloon that was carrying two freight cars worth of spying equipment was flying over the United States,” Biden added.

“It got shot down and everything changed in terms of talking to one another. I think you’re going to see that begin to thaw very shortly.”

Biden’s administration has also infuriated China by targeting trade in advanced microchips, citing risks of military use.

The president defended those actions on Sunday, a day after the Group of Seven leading economies warned China over its

PCB confirms appointments to men’s selection committee

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday confirmed three appointments to the national men’s selection committee, which will select senior, Shaheens and U19 sides.

The new selection committee comprises Haroon Rashid (chair), Hassan Cheema (selection committee secretary and manager analytics and team strategy for national men’s side), Mickey Arthur (national men’s team’s director), and Grant Bradburn (national men’s team’s head coach).

The presence of Cheema, who has worked as strategy manager and data analyst in franchise cricket around the world, Arthur and Bradburn will aid in strategising for the approaching and upcoming series, enhance the bench strength and provide a proper pathway to performing players in Shaheens and U19 sides to graduate to the national side.

The first task of the selection committee is to name the players for the fast and spin bowling camps next month in Lahore, which will be announced in due course.

China claim record 13th sudirman Cup badminton title

SUZHOU AFP

China claimed a record 13th Sudirman Cup title on Sunday, defeating South Korea on home soil at the first major sporting event in the country since the lifting of pandemic restrictions.

Cheered on by a raucous crowd brandishing red and white thundersticks and loud horns in the eastern city of Suzhou, China made short work of the Korean side, beating them 3-0.

Chen Yufei defeated world number two An Se Young 21-16, 22-20 in the women’s singles to seal victory, prompting the packed stadium to erupt in cheers and the entire Chinese team to rush onto the court to dance in a circle.

The tournament is one of badminton’s most important, and the stakes are higher than usual this year because performances will count towards qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

China had come through a tricky semi-final against Japan on Saturday, with the men’s doubles pair of Liu Yuchen and Ou Xuanyi saving four match points before finally prevailing. South Korea beat Malaysia 3-1 on their way to the final on Saturday.

Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong lost the opening game of the mixed doubles but pulled it back in a tense pointfor-point second game to eventually triumph 18-21, 22-20, 21-8.

A jubilant Zheng jumped up and down in excitement, ripped off his shirt and threw it into the crowd. His partner Huang threw her racket to a delighted spectator.

In the men’s singles, Lee Yun Gyu was easily outmatched by Shi Yuqi, unable to deal with Shi’s powerful smashes and laser focus.

The long rallies between Chen and An, who looked increasingly frustrated as the match wore on, drew gasps from the crowd.

Virtually all international sports events ground to a halt in China after the coronavirus pandemic emerged there in late 2019, with a notable exception being last year’s Beijing Winter Olympics that were held in a virussecure “bubble”.

“militarisation activities” in the region.

“It is building its military, and that’s why I’ve made it clear that I am not prepared to trade certain items with China,” he said.

“We’ve now got a commitment from all of our allies that they’re not going to do that either, provide that kind of material.

“But that’s not a hostile act, that’s an act that says, ‘We’re going to make sure that we do everything we can to maintain the status quo’.” – Republican debt ceiling demands ‘unacceptable’ –

President Joe Biden on Sunday slammed Republican demands in negotiations to resolve the US debt ceiling standoff as “unacceptable” but said a solution can still be found before a disastrous default.

Speaking at a press conference just before leaving to return to Washington from the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, Biden said Republicans’ latest demands for spending cuts as a condition for rais-

ing the US government borrowing authority were “frankly unacceptable.”

“It’s time for the other side to move from their extreme positions,” he said.

Biden said he would talk directly with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during his Air Force One flight on Sunday back to Washington and said “We can reach an agreement.”

However, he cautioned that he could not “guarantee that they wouldn’t force a default by doing something outrageous.”

Biden said that he was looking into an obscure constitutional clause in the 14th Amendment, which states that the validity of public debt “shall not be questioned” — and potentially authorizing the president to circumvent Congress and raise the debt ceiling himself.

“I think we have the authority. The question is could it be done and invoked in time,” he said, noting the likelihood of legal challenges to this and the rapidly approaching debt deadline.

Erdogan eyes third decade of rule in historic runoff

ANKARA

AFP

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cruises on Sunday into the final week before a historic runoff election as the big favourite to extend two decades of his rule until 2028. Secular leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu gave the opposition’s best performance of Erdogan’s dominant era in May 14 parliament and presidential polls.

The retired bureaucrat of Kurdish Alevi descent broke ethnic barriers and Erdogan’s stranglehold on the media and state institutions to win almost 45 percent of the vote.

But Erdogan still came within a fraction of a point of topping the 50-percent threshold needed to

win in the first round.

The 69-year-old leader did it despite Turkey’s worst economic crisis since the 1990s and opinion surveys showing him headed for his first national election defeat.

Kilicdaroglu will now need to rally his deflated troops and beat the odds yet again to wrest back power for the secular party that ruled Turkey for most of the 20th century.

The Eurasia Group consultancy put Erdogan’s chances of winning next Sunday at 80 percent.

“It will be an uphill struggle for Kilicdaroglu in the second round,” Hamish Kinnear of the Verisk Maplecroft consulting firm agreed.

‘Millions of patriots’

Erdogan rode a nationalist wave that saw smaller right-wing

parties pick up nearly 25 percent of the parallel parliamentary vote.

Kilicdaroglu is courting these voters in the second presidential round.

The 74-year-old revamped his campaign team and tore up his old playbook for the most fateful week of his political career.

He has replaced chatty clips that he used to record from his kitchen with desk-thumping speeches and pledges to immediately rid Turkey of millions of migrants.

“As soon as I come to power, I will send all the refugees home,” he said in his first post-election address. He has chased the endorsement of a little-known ultranationalist, whose tiny vote share pushed Turkey into its first presidential runoff.

Private mission carrying first Saudi astronauts to visit ISS set for launch

MIAMI

AFP

A private mission to the International Space Station (ISS) organized by Axiom Space is due to blast off from Florida on Sunday, carrying the first two Saudi astronauts to go to the orbiting laboratory.

Rayyanah Barnawi, a breast cancer researcher, will become the first Saudi woman to voyage into space and will be joined on the mission by fellow Saudi Ali AlQarni, a fighter pilot.

The Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) crew will take off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the

Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral in the southern state of Florida at 5:37 pm (2137 GMT).

The team also includes Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut who will be making her fourth flight to the ISS, and John Shoffner, a businessman from Tennessee who will serve as pilot. They are due to spend around 10 days on board the ISS, where they should arrive around 1:30 pm on Monday.

“Being the first Saudi woman astronaut, representing the region, it’s a great pleasure and honour that I’m very happy to carry,” said Barnawi at a recent press conference.

She added that, aside from excitement for the research she will carry out on board, she is looking forward to sharing her experience with kids while on the ISS.

“Being able to see their faces when they see astronauts from their own region for the first time is very thrilling,” she said. A career fighter pilot, AlQarni said he has “always had the passion of exploring the unknown and just admiring the sky and the stars.”

“It is a great opportunity for me to pursue this kind of passion that I have, and now maybe just fly among the stars.”

dark cloud over ChatGPt revolution: the cost

WASHINGTON

AFP

The explosion of generative AI has taken the world by storm, but one question all too rarely comes up: Who can afford it?

OpenAI bled around $540 million last year as it developed ChatGPT and says it needs $100 billion to meet its ambitions, according to industry media The Information. “We’re going to be the most capitalintensive startup in Silicon Valley history,” OpenAI’s founder Sam Altman told a panel recently.

And when Microsoft, which poured billions of dollars in investment into OpenAI, is asked about how much its AI adventure will cost, the company answers with assurances that it is keeping an eye on its bottom line. Building something even near the scale of what OpenAI, Microsoft or Google have on offer would require an eye-watering investment on state-of-the-art chips and recruiting prize-winning researchers.

“People don’t realize that to do a significant amount of AI things like ChatGPT takes huge amounts of processing power. And training those models can cost tens of millions of dollars,” said Jack Gold, an independent analyst.

“How many companies can actually afford to go out and buy 10,000 Nvidia H100 systems that go for tens of thousands of dollars a piece?” asked Gold.

The answer is pretty much no one and in tech, if you can’t build the infrastructure, you rent it and that is what companies already do massively by outsourcing their computing needs to Microsoft, Google and Amazon’s AWS.

And with the advent of generative AI, this dependency on cloud computing and tech giants deepens, leaving the same players in the driver’s seat, experts warned.

‘Heavily underestimated’

The unpredictable costs of cloud computing, “is a heavily underestimated problem for many companies,” said Stefan Sigg, Chief Product Officer at Software AG, which develops software for businesses. Sigg compares cloud costs to electricity bills and says companies that don’t know better are in for “a big surprise” if they let their engineers run up bills in the mad rush to build tech, including AI.

Microsoft’s signature cloud offer is Azure and some observers believe the giant’s all-in bet on AI is really about protecting Azure success and guaranteeing the cash cow’s future.

Azure has been the giant’s unsexy bread-winner for years, bringing in huge profits but without attracting the headlines of an iPhone or social media that go straight to the consumer.

For Microsoft, “the golden goose is a monetising cloud with Azure because we’re talking about what could be a $20, $30, $40 billion opportunity annually down the road if the AI bet is successful,” said Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella insists that generative AI is “moving fast in the right direction.”

Deeply respected on Wall Street, Nadella will have a six- or nine-month grace period to show his bet is a winner, Ives predicted.

Microsoft acknowledges the risk, but insists that on AI, it must “lead this wave,” CFO Amy Hood told analysts this month.

“We will charge for those AI capabilities, and then ultimately, we’ll deliver operating profit,” she said.

‘Squashed out’

Piling up profit at the company founded by Bill Gates can only mean passing on the cost of AI to customers.

From Main Street to Fortune 500, the dependency on the AIamped will be an expensive one and companies and investors are drumming up alternatives to at least reduce the bill.

“AI training, and GPT training will become a very important cloud service going forward,” said Spectro Cloud CEO Tenry Fu.

His company, like many others in the sector, helps companies optimize cloud technology to reduce expenses. “But after training, a company will be able to get their model back for real AI application” and the dependence on the cloud giants will hopefully be reduced, he added. Regulators are hoping that they can keep up, and not leave the giants in charge, imposing their terms on smaller companies.

Ready to play anywhere in world, says Star batsman Rizwan

PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

The unflappable Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan Sunday said that he is ready to play anywhere in the world for Pakistan and is trying hard to keep the national flag always high among world cricketing circles.

Talking to media men during the Annual Shama Award Ceremony at Shama Cricket Academy, Muhammad Rizwan said that it does matter where we are playing. The thing that matters to me is giving performance and shouldering responsibility whenever the team needed, he replied.

“I always focus on hard work, ” the cricketer said; “The same I used to tell the youngsters coming in from U13, U16 and U19 levels as there is plenty of talent but such talent needs a proper guideline like we had from our seniors,” he said.

“It is amazing the talent coming in

from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and we should see the spirit of our children by providing them proper guidelines so that they could come up and excel at national and international level. The motivation is key to these children,” Muhammad Rizwan said.

“One thing is very much clear that without hard work nothing is possible therefore, I urged the youngsters to do hard work and replace us by serving the national team and our beloved country,” he said.

Answering a question, he said: “We

will play wherever PCB says.” “We are fond of cricket, we are not afraid to play as players,” he added. If children are given the best guidelines, they will be the stars of the future.

About another question, he said, fitness is very important for any cricket and my main focus is on my fitness as if I will be fit I will run more and serve my country, he said.

Born on June 1, 1992, Muhammad Rizwan has represented Pakistan in international cricket since 2015 and captains Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans. He is considered as one of the best batsmen in world cricket at the moment.

Rizwan is the only batter to score 2000 runs in a calendar year in T20s. He is a right-handed batter and wicketkeeper and has scored centuries in all three international formats including Tests, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals.

Ukraine’s Zelensky wins new diplomatic, military support from G7

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN AGENCIES

President Volodymyr Zelensky secured more arms, munitions and “unwavering” diplomatic support from G7 allies in Hiroshima Sunday, as Russia claimed victory in the battle for a devastated eastern city.

Meeting leaders from a bloc of rich democracies, Zelensky won a commitment from US President Joe Biden to provide yet more “ammunition, artillery, armoured vehicles” on top of access to F-16 jets.

Top Zelensky aide Andriy Yermak said the US package included additional ammunition for HIMAR rocket launchers, artillery shells, anti-tank guided missiles and thermal imaging systems worth $375 million.

Zelensky’s surprise trip to Japan has been a major diplomatic coup, putting his country and Russia’s 15-month-long invasion firmly at the top of the agenda.

But success in the negotiating rooms contrasted sharply with difficulties on the ground, as he reflected on the months-long battle for Bakhmut and new Russian claims to have taken control of the eastern city.

Asked about the fate of the former saltmining town of 70,000 people, Zelensky was notably downbeat, saying “you have to understand there is nothing” there.

“For today, Bakhmut is only in our hearts,” he said.

Ukrainian forces have tried for months to keep a toehold on the town, forcing Moscow to commit significant numbers of troops there in the process.

On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated mercenaries from the Wagner organisation and regular units for the operation to “liberate” the town.

Zelensky’s invitation to visit Hiroshima, a city synonymous with the horrors of nuclear war, was a “deeply meaningful” sym-

bol of support, according to host Fumio Kishida, Japan’s prime minister.

“By inviting President Zelensky to Japan, we demonstrated the unwavering solidarity of G7 with Ukraine,” he said.

As well as securing backing from allies, the visit afforded Zelensky a rare opportunity to win over a handful of nations who have pointedly offered little or no condemnation of Russia’s invasion. Leaders from India, Brazil, Vietnam and Indonesia were among those invited to attend the summit as non-members.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has accused the West of “encouraging the war” and is yet to confirm he will even meet his Ukrainian counterpart.

The reception was warmer however from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who told Zelensky: “I understand your pain and the pain of Ukrainian citizens very well.”

“I can assure you that to resolve this

India and, me personally, will do whatever we can do.”

Zelensky offered an upbeat assessment of the encounter, saying he believed India “will participate in the restoration of the rules-based international order that all free nations clearly need.”

Zelensky is also looking for support for a 10-point peace plan, centred on the demand that Russia retreat from Ukrainian territory.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the message from Ukraine and its allies was clear: “Russia must withdraw troops”. Any peace plan, he said, “can’t simply be linked to a freeze of the conflict”.

“Russia should not bet that if it holds out long enough, it will end up weakening support for Ukraine.”

Zelensky had previously been scheduled to attend the G7 summit remotely but arrived on the back of a major breakthrough in his battle to wrest advanced weaponry from the West.

The White House dropped its longstanding reluctance to allow allies to supply Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets, opening the way for Ukraine to receive its most sophisticated material yet. Washington insisted the aircraft were part of a US strategy to support Ukraine “in a way that avoids World War III”, and deflected criticism that their decision was too long coming. Zelensky acknowledged the jets would not help the war effort immediately but hailed the decision as “a great result”.

Mick Ryan, a strategist and retired Australian major general, called the decision “very significant”. “F-16s have the sensors and weapon systems that are either equal to or over match, Russian fighters,” he told AFP.

While Ukraine has dominated the summit, the leaders have also taken aim at China, with a thinly veiled statement denouncing efforts to “weaponize” trade and supply chains, and warning they would “fail and face consequences”.

CORPORATE CORNER PAF pays tribute to 1965 war hero Air Commodore MM Alam

IT MINISTRY PROPOSES UP TO $250,000 FINE ON UNLAWFUL PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA

ISLAMABAD SHAHZAD PARACHA

MINISTRYof Information

Technology and Telecom has proposed up to $ 250,000 fine on unlawful processing of personal data.

The Ministry of IT&T has finalised draft of the personal data protection bill 2023. According to draft, Ministry of IT&T has proposed up to $125,000 or an equivalent amount in Pakistani Rupees fine whosoever processes or disseminates or discloses any personal data in violation of the provisions of this Act.

a data protection mechanism including the offences concerning the violation of data privacy rights of an individual.

According to draft, the scope and applicability of data controller or a data processor will apply within the territory of Pakistan

sonal data within the territory of Pakistan. According to draft, Personal data shall be collected, processed, and disclosed by a data controller/data processor lawfully and fairly by complying with the provisions of this Act.

within six months of the commencement

Given the national interest, the Commission shall prescribe the best international standards to protect personal data from any loss, misuse, modification, unauthorised or accidental access or disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force Directorate General of Public Relations on Sunday released a special promo while paying tribute to 1965 war hero Air Commodore Mohammad Mahmood Alam also known as MM Alam (Late).

MM Alam achieved the remarkable feat of downing 5 Indian Air Force jets in only one minute during the 1965 war, making a record that remains unbeaten till now, a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) news release said. The legendary PAF pilot shot down five Indian fighter jets piloting his F-86 Sabre jet plane, becoming an “Ace in a Day” on 7th September 1965. In total, he achieved a feat of 09 confirmed kills and 02 probables during a period of 11 days. The war hero was honored with the prestigious ‘Sitara-e-Jurat’ with BAR for his outstanding performance in the 1965 war. PR

IESCO notifies power suspension programme

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Sunday issued a power suspension programme for Monday for various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work.

According to IESCO Spokesman, the power supply of different feeders and grid stations would remain suspended for the period from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM, Mianawala, Shahpur, Dhok Noor, Murt, Talagang City, Madina Town, Chahan, Jontra, Rajar, Chakri, SPD, SPF, IST, New Rawat, F-3 Gul Afshan, Singhwai, Chautala, F-9 Chak Daulat, Bakrala, I11/1, 3, Metro, Southern Road, GOR Feeders, From 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM Shakardara, Shadi Khan, Circa, Shamsabad, Chakra, Kala Khan Feeders and surrounding areas. PR

CDA all set to develop new parks

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is all set to develop several new modern parks in the federal capital to provide better recreational facilities to the residents.

"The civic authority has already developed around 37 public parks in the federal capital during the last ten years and is working on a policy to increase their number in the coming years," official sources in the CDA told APP. "We need three to four months to develop a new park after completion of the codal formalities." At present, they said the federal capital had six amusement parks, which were considered sufficient to cater to the recreational needs of Islamabad residents. "But the policy has been made that whenever a new sector will be developed, an amusement park will be constructed along," they added. The sources said that the CDA was developing several new sectors, including I-11, I-12, I-14, I-15, I-16, D-12, and Park Enclave, adding that Model Villages and parks were also being developed in the said areas.

"As and when these areas are developed and completed, the new parks will be there to meet the demand and requirement of the general public as per CDA approved layout plan," they added. APP

JKSM pays glowing tribute to martyrs of Kashmir

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM), Altaf Ahmed Bhat, paid rich tributes to prominent martyred Hurriyat leaders –Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq, Khawaja Abdul Ghani Lone , Abdul Ghani Bhat, martyrs of Hawal and all martyrs of Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Altaf Bhat Said that Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq was assassinated by unidentified gunmen at his residence in Srinagar on 21st May in 1990. On the same day, over 70 mourners were killed when Indian troops opened indiscriminate fire on his funeral procession in Hawal area of Srinagar. Twelve years later on May 21 in 2002, unknown attackers had shot dead Khawaja Abdul Ghani Lone when he was returning after addressing a gathering at the Martyrs’ Grave-yard in Srinagar.

On 14th may 2004 the Well-known businessman of Kashmir, the philanthropist, Abdul Ghani Bhat was martyred by unknown gunmen. The Chairman of JKSM, in a statement said, Mir-Waiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq, Khawaja Abdul Ghani Lone,

The fine may be raised up to $250,000 or an equivalent amount in Pakistani Rupees, according to the document.

In addition, the IT Ministry has also proposed a fine of up to $50,000 or an equivalent amount in Pakistani Rupees whosoever fails to adopt adequate security measures to ensure data security.

The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 is devised to regulate the collection, processing, use, disclosure, and transfer of personal data and additionally provides

In addition, where any data controller or a data processor whether digitally or non-digitally operational within Pakistan but incorporated in any other jurisdiction, carries out processing of personal data concerning any commercial or non-commercial activity including profiling data subjects within the territory of Pakistan. Where a data controller and a data processor not having a physical presence within the territory of Pakistan carries out the processing of personal data in a territory where Pakistani law applies under public or private international law, the draft stated.

The draft further states that where a data controller or data processor collects personal data of a data subject within the territory of Pakistan including a foreign data subject who is physically present at the time of collection, and processing of per-

The data controller and/or data processor whether digitally or non-digitally operational within the territory of Pakistan shall register with the Commission in such manner as may be specified by the registration framework to be formulated by the Commission provided that the data controller and/or data processor is already registered with any public body in that case, it shall only be required to intimate the Commission.

The draft further states that Personal data without the consent of the data subject shall not be disclosed for any purpose other than the one for which the personal data was to be disclosed at the time of collection of the personal data. The Federal government shall, by a Gazetted notification, establish a Commission for this Act, which shall be called the National Commission for Personal Data Protection (NCPDP) of Pakistan,

No support left behind for Imran Khan: Tessori

KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said on Sunday that several leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were leaving former prime minister Imran Khan one by one.

Addressing a ceremony, Mr Tessori claimed that there was no support left behind for Imran Khan.

Speaking about the May 9 vandalism, Mr Tessori said, “The public buildings were attacked on May 9.”

He urged political parties not to be part of any such conspiracy –vandalism – in the future, adding the political parties had been used for foreign agendas.

On the other side, the governor

had recently inaugurated a “Bell of Hope” outside the Governor House’s Gate No. 1, which will be used to resolve the issues of the people of Sindh. The bell will be available for use by aggrieved persons from 12 midnight till 8am every day.

The “Bell of Hope” had been installed to provide people in need an opportunity to lodge their complaints at the Governor House against those not providing justice. The governor had assured that any person with an emergency can come to the Governor House, where their complaint would be received by a dedicated officer.

In addition, Governor Tessori had held more than 28 meetings

with officers of the Bureau of Statistics on the ongoing census in the country. He had asked them to ensure that each and every person in the province was counted correctly during the census.

He also emphasised that any improper counting of the population would not be tolerated.

Moreover, the governor had announced that a state-of-the-art computer laboratory will soon be inaugurated at the Governor House to train 50,000 youth in information technology.

This initiative will help the youth of the province to acquire the necessary skills to compete in the digital world and contribute to the country’s progress

Police capture hideout of Meera Lathani gang in Rajwani as Katcha operation enters 43rd day

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Under the leadership of Inspector General Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, the Katcha Grand Operation continued on the 43rd day with vigorous operations and the Punjab Police is achieving success in crushing the resistance of dacoits and criminals.

According to details, Rahim Yar Khan Police entered Katcha Rajwani and took control of hideout of Meera Lathani, the mastermind of the kidnap-for-ransom cases in Rajwani Peninsula, while further progress is also underway.

Spokesperson Punjab Police said that the police entered the dangerous Katcha Rajwani Peninsula after a fierce exchange of fire with the bandits under the leadership of DPO Rahim Yar Khan Rizwan Umar Gondal. The spokesperson of the Punjab Police further said that the dacoits were taking advantage of the vast island in the middle of the Indus River and were continuously resisting the police with heavy weapons, but for the final and decisive action of the police, modern technology There was a positive result was achieved.

The spokesperson of Punjab Police said that with the help of drone technology, the police fired pinpoint shots at the positions of the dacoits and blew up the fronts & hideouts of the dacoits Mira Lathani’s . DPO Rizwan Umar Gondal said that the police used boats to enter Katcha Rajwani with the help of armored vehicles from different sides, Rizwan Umar Gondal DPO said. He said that dacoit Meera Lathani had dug trenches against the police in Katcha Rajwani. Chains/ handcuffs were found to tie the hostages for ransom in Katcha Rajwani.

The DPO further said that police are moving forward and bandits would be evicted from Katcha Rajwani forever. He further said that three dacoits were killed and 28 arrested in the Katcha operation of Rahim Yar Khan Police, which is underway for for 43 days.

Moreover, five dacoits surrendered to police. A large number of dangerous weapons have also been seized. RPO Bahawalpur Rai Babar Saeed said that in Katcha, the police have destroyed dozens of ambushes, hideouts and fronts of dacoits and burnt them down. He said that a number of police camps have been set up to make the comeback of Katcha criminals impossible.

GB Forest Secretary expresses concern over alarming rate of deforestation in Fairy Meadows

GILGIT STAFF REPORT

Secretary Forest Zafar Waqar Taj has expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of deforestation in Fairy Meadows, a popular tourist destination in Diamer.

Following his visit to Fairy Meadows, Secretary Taj addressed the media in Chilas, where he discussed the critical situation and announced plans to curb the indiscriminate felling of trees in the area.

During his visit, Secretary Taj engaged with the local community, forest department officials, and other stakeholders to assess the extent of deforestation and gather in-

sights on the matter. Recognising the urgent need for action, he emphasized the importance of implementing a strategy to preserve the natural beauty of Fairy Meadows and protect its ecosystem. One of the key issues identified by Secretary Taj was the shortage of human resources, which has hindered effective monitoring and enforcement of forest conservation efforts in the region. He assured the stakeholders that steps would be taken to address this shortage promptly, enabling the forest department to carry out regular monitoring activities and tackle deforestation more effectively. Secretary Taj highlighted the sig-

nificance of Fairy Meadows as a cherished tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. The destruction of the forest not only poses a threat to the area’s unique biodiversity but also undermines its tourism potential. He emphasized the need for sustainable practices and responsible tourism to ensure the longterm viability of Fairy Meadows as an ecological and recreational hotspot.

To combat the indiscriminate deforestation, Secretary Taj pledged to develop a comprehensive strategy that would involve increased patrols, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, and collaboration with local communities.

A data controller or processor shall when collecting or processing personal data must take practical measures to protect the personal data as per the terms mentioned herein below by considering the nature of the personal data and the harm that may result from such loss, misuse, modification, unauthorised or accidental access or disclosure, alteration, or destruction to the place or location where the personal data is stored; to any security measures incorporated into any equipment in which the personal data is stored.

In the event of a personal data breach, the data controller shall without undue delay and where reasonably possible, not beyond 72 hours of becoming aware of the personal data breach, must notify the Commission and the data subject except where the breach is unlikely to result in the infringement of rights and freedoms of the data subject.

Mand-Pishin new border market to enhance Pakistan trade with Iran: PIAF

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

As Pakistan and Iran inaugurated the first border market and electricity transmission lines the Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has said the Mand-Pishin border marketplace and the Gabd-Polan electricity project would serve as a stepping stone for greater economic cooperation between the two countries, expressing the hope that it would unleash development, trade, business and employment opportunities contributing to the prosperity of the people of Gwadar and Balochistan.

Stressing the need for enhancing regional trade to ease the current economic crisis, Chairman PIAF Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that the project had been pending since 2009 and was now completed in a record time of four months. The Mand-Pishin border sustenance market is expected to increase trade with Iran, helping local businesses find new opportunities. This is one of the six border markets which will be constructed along the Iranian border. He said that located in the remote village of Balochistan, the marketplace is the first of six to be constructed along the Pakistan-Iran border under a 2012 agreement signed by the two sides.

The PIAF Chairman also called for early implementation of barter trade mechanism signed between Pakistan and Iran during the Joint Trade Committee meeting held in Tehran to jack up bilateral trade to $5 billion annually.

The all concerned departments, particularly the central bank, instead of creating obstacles, should start working on implementation of the barter trade through approved crossing points without any further delay, removing all bottlenecks for the smooth trade.

Faheem Saigol appreciated Islamabad as well as Tehran to take serious initiatives to remove hurdles to bilateral trade, asking Iran to also take benefits of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. In order to meet the objective of barter trade mechanism both parties must finalize international mechanism to remove difficulties in barter trade. He said that barter trade was in fact a right decision, which could boost Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves through escalation in exports.

BMP calls for growth oriented Budget 2023-24 for trade and industry

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Businessmen Panel (BMP) has called for a growth-oriented Budget 2023-24 for the trade and industry, suggesting the government to make visible reduction in taxes, helping revive the businesses in the country, urging the government to hold thorough consultations with all stakeholders including the business community on the upcoming federal budget.

Former president FPCCI and Chairman Businessmen Panel (BMP) Mian Anjum Nisar said that the his group in consultation with business community across Pakistan has finalized its budget proposals, which have been sent to the relevant departments and called upon the government to incorporate them in the Federal Budget 2023-24 as their implementation would address the key issues of trade and industry, facilitate better growth of business activities, improve tax revenue of government and help in revival of economy. He stressed the need for reforming and simplifying the taxation system in consultation with the real stakeholders.

Arab League Summit marks milestone for regional rapprochement:

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Sunday said the Arab League Summit, hosted by the Kingdom under the dynamic leadership of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, concluded on a high note, signaling a significant step towards regional rapprochement and cooperation.

The summit, held at King Abdulaziz Conference Center in Jeddah, brought together leaders from across the Arab world to discuss key regional challenges and forge a path towards unity, stability, and progress, he said in an exclusive talk with APP.

Ambassador Al-Malki said the summit aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration among Arab nations, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts, promoting economic development, and countering common threats in the region. He said Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, known for his bold and transformative vision, played a central role in steering the discussions towards concrete action and tangible outcomes. He said the summit commenced with an opening address by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, who expressed his commitment to strengthening Arab unity and emphasized the urgency of addressing the

pressing issues facing the region.

He also added that the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, under the leadership of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of regional rapprochement.

It is worth noting that the Arab summit addressed the need for increased coordination in combating terrorism and extremism, recognizing the grave threat they posed to regional stability and security. Leaders reiterated their resolve to counter extremist ideologies and enhance intelligence sharing and joint security measures to ensure the safety of Arab nations.

Saudi envoy

MAJOR

TOBACCO

FIRM INITIATES SHUTDOWNS AS SMUGGLED, ILLICIT CIGARETTES FLOOD MARKET

EXPONENTIAL RISE IN ILLICIT CIGARETTES MAY LEAD TO BUSINESS SHUTDOWN

ISLAMABAD GHULAM ABBAS

INthe wake of a significant increase in excise rates that has led to a surge in the availability of smuggled and illicit cigarettes in the market, the legitimate tobacco industry has begun shutting down operations.

The Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC), a leading multinational tobacco firm, has sent a letter to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) stating its intention to re-export four manufacturing machines from its units due to a decline in sales volume.

During a media briefing held on Saturday, PTC representatives disclosed that there has been a drastic decline in the sales of the legitimate tobacco industry, while witnessing a sharp rise in the sale of illicit cigarettes.

The substantial increase in excise rates in February 2023 coupled with inadequate enforcement measures, has resulted in the proliferation of illicit cigarettes, including Duty Not Paid (DNP) and smuggled variants.

According to recent data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the legitimate tobacco industry witnessed a 50% decline in production

volumes in March, which marked the first month of sales after the exponential excise increase in February. Furthermore, the overall decline in Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) was 25%, half of the decline experienced by the tobacco industry. This negative impact has persisted throughout the year, with the legitimate tobacco industry suffering a production loss of 24% from June 2022 to March 2023, three times higher than the decline observed in the LSM sector.

Consequently, consumers have resorted to purchasing cheaper alternatives, including locally manufactured DNP cigarettes and undocumented smuggled cigarettes, resulting in a down-trading trend. Since January 2023, the volumes of DNP and smuggled cigarettes have surged by 32.5% and 67%, respectively. Consequently, the illicit sector now constitutes more than 42.5% of the total market.

In the 2022-23 period, the legitimate tobacco sector accounted for 41.4 billion cigarettes, while the illicit sector’s share stood at 41.6 billion cigarettes. However, due to the recent hike in the Federal Excise Duty (FED) imposed on the tobacco industry, projections indicate that the legitimate tobacco

Iqbal likens protests against Imran’s arrest to ‘Pakistan’s 9/11’

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has condemned the “vandalism” of sensitive state installations “by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) workers,” describing the protests that followed the arrest on May 9 of former prime minister Imran Khan as “9/11 attacks” on Pakistan’s national interests.

In an interview with APP, the minister expressed regret over the “destruction caused by PTI workers, including the targeting of symbols of Pakistan’s pride such as the residence of Lahore corps’ commander, martyrs’ monument, fighter jets from the 1965 war, and the Chagai mountain model.

According to Iqbal, the actions of the PTI workers were unprecedentedly irrational and unacceptable. He likened the incident to the deadly September 11 attacks carried out in the US in 2001, saying it was equivalent to 9/11 for Pakistan Army.

He emphasised that these acts of violence not only targeted Pakistan’s heritage but also attacked the pride of the security departments.

The minister expressed concern over the selective targeting of symbols with a link to national heritage or the pride of the Pakistan Army, suggesting there may be a scheme or method behind this madness.

He stressed that such serious offenses could not be tolerated or forgiven, drawing a parallel to the legal actions taken against those who attacked Capitol Hill in Washington and the exemplary punishment handed out by UK courts for involvement in street riots and looting.

Iqbal stated that evidence-based legal proceedings would be initiated against those involved in the subversive activities. He clarified that individuals who caused destruction in civilian areas would be prosecuted under civil law, while those who attacked military installations would be tried under the Army Act.

The minister expressed concern that the PTI’s subversive activities were bringing joy to Pakistan’s enemies and causing pain to the nation. He highlighted the efforts of the current government in facing the economic crisis inherited from the previous regime and praised the steps taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to streamline affairs and yield positive results.

Iqbal attributed the issue of inflation to the PTI’s fouryear rule, which damaged investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. He claimed that the PTI government initiated inflation by devaluing the rupee and allowing excessive imports for artificial growth and personal benefits.

Regarding CPEC, the minister emphasized its significance as a game-changer project for Pakistan and the entire region. He noted the substantial investments made by China during the previous government’s tenure and criticized the PTI government for targeting the CPEC projects and slowing down their progress. He highlighted the incumbent government’s focus on reviving CPEC, including recent joint initiatives with Iran in Gwadar.

Iqbal stressed the need to develop industries on modern lines to steer the economy towards prosperity. He mentioned the government’s efforts to develop a framework based on five Es (Exports, E-Pakistan, Equity, Energy, and Environment) as a strategy to overcome the financial crisis and create a stable platform for Pakistan’s development.

sector’s share will decline to 29.6 billion cigarettes in 2023-24, while illicit cigarettes’ share will reach 53.4 billion cigarettes. This implies a shift of 11.8 billion cigarettes to the illicit sector.

Refuting claims were made by certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) suggesting that the illicit cigarette industry’s share is only 9-18%. However, PTC officials dismissed these figures as irrelevant and unsupported by any credible market research.

Qasim Tariq, Senior Business Development Manager, expressed concern that due to the over 200% increase in excise rates in February 2023, the tax losses caused by the illicit sector during the fiscal year will exceed the legitimate industry’s contribution to the national exchequer for the first time in the country’s history. “If the current fiscal policies persist, both the national exchequer and the legitimate industry will face immense damage, necessitating difficult decisions,” he added. The implementation of a Track & Trace system in the tobacco industry was a key initiative to curb illicit trade.

However, despite multiple directives from the Prime Minister to implement Track & Trace nationwide, it remains a distant dream. Local manufacturers

continue to disregard the country’s rules and regulations with impunity. This situation is further aggravated by advertising and promotional campaigns carried out by illicit manufacturers, which offer cash prizes, giveaways, and merchandise to consumers, activities that are prohibited. An aggressive and effective enforcement campaign is urgently needed to combat this menace.

Tariq revealed that the company has informed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) about its consideration of re-exporting four manufacturing machines from its units due to the decline in sales volume in the legitimate industry.

According to him, fiscal interventions and stringent enforcement measures must go hand-in-hand to control the expansion of the illicit sector. Based on current industry standards, if the prevailing conditions persist, the illicit sector is expected to double in size compared to the legitimate sector within the next year. This will result in irreparable losses for both the legitimate industry and the country, including job losses and reduced investments, exacerbating the already severe financial constraints faced by the nation.

Glad to see PM’s vision of training institute for film production becomes reality: Marriyum

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Sunday that the establishment of the National Film Production Institute will prove helpful in the promotion of filmmaking in the country.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of PTV’s National Film Production Institute here, she said she was glad to see that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of a training institute for film production was going to become a reality.

She said that due to their historic contribution, Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan had heritage value in the history of the electronic media industry of the country.

The minister said that unfortunately in the recent past film making had been reduced to only one class. However, she said it was a good sign that the filmmaking trend in private TV channels was increasing.

She said the objective of National Film, Culture Policy 2018, revived by the present government last year, was not only to revive films but also to promote Pakistan’s narrative all over the world through screen tourism.

The minister said PTV Film Institute launched with the integration of the Information Services Academy, PTV and Radio Academy at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as part of Pakistan’s First Film Policy.

She said a historic milestone has been achieved with the launch

of PTV Film Institute.

Marriyum said the integration of ISA, PTV and Radio Academy marked the implementation of her goal to launch the world-class Centre of Excellence for media, broadcasting, films, acting, training and capacity building which was open and accessible to all across Pakistan especially youth. “The initiative is very close to my heart,” she added.

The minister said the study programs would consist of academics coupled with practical training using the media equipment and facilities at PTV and Radio Pakistan.

“The Academy will not only be opened to new inductees and employees of the Information Ministry, PTV and Radio Pakistan, but also students and youth across Pakistan will be able to enroll for courses including summer school at the Academy,” she remarked.

She congratulated and thanked the teams at the Information Ministry, PTV and Radio Pakistan, who had worked tirelessly to make the launch of the

Two soldiers martyred, three militants dead in KP offensive

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Two Pakistan Army soldiers lost their lives while engaging in a fierce exchange of fire with three militants during an IntelligenceBased Operation (IBO) in the Tank city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to a press statement by the Inter-Ser-

vices Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces conducted the operation based on intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants in the area. The operation resulted in the successful elimination of the terrorists.

The ISPR said that the slain terrorists were known for their involvement in various acts of terrorism against both security forces

PTV Film Institute a reality.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that in film policy 2018, entertainment was given the status of the industry and given tax amnesty.

She said that in the film policy, attention has also been paid to restoring the cinema houses in the country which were demolished when the industry deteriorated in the 1990s.

The establishment of the Film Institute, she continued was part of the vision of the development of this sector.

“Due to our initiatives, recent films have done good business both at the local at the global level,” the minister remarked.

“As far as electronic media is concerned, the PTV and Radio Pakistan have the biggest infrastructure,” she said adding that steps were being taken to utilise that infrastructure for the betterment of the entertainment industry.

The minister said that PTV Academy should also create awareness among the children about the Constitution, democracy, and politics as well.

and innocent civilians.

However, during the intense gun battle, Naik Muhammad Atiq (39, hailing from District Chakwal) and Naik Rajab Ali (36, from District Attock) valiantly fought and embraced martyrdom.

The area is currently being thoroughly sanitised to ensure the complete eradication of any remaining terrorists.

“The security forces of Pakistan are unwavering in their commitment to eliminate the menace of terrorism, and the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” declared the ISPR.

India to withdraw 2,000-rupee notes from circulation

PROFIT REUTERS

India will start withdrawing its highest-value currency notes from circulation, its central bank said on Friday, in a move that economists said could boost bank deposits at a time of high credit growth. The withdrawal of 2,000-rupee ($24.5) notes — which the finance ministry’s top official, T.V Somanathan, said would not cause disruption “either in normal life or in the economy” — also comes ahead of elections in four large states at the end of the year and a national ballot in spring 2024. Most of India’s political parties are believed to hoard cash in high denomination bills to fund election campaign expenses to get around tough spending limits imposed by the Election Commission. Announcing the withdrawal, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said evidence showed the denomination was not being commonly used for transactions. The notes will remain legal tender, it added, but people will be asked to deposit and exchange them for smaller denominations by September 30.

“The stock of banknotes in other denominations continues to be adequate to meet the currency requirement of the public,” the RBI added in a statement. The 2,000 rupee note was introduced in 2016 after the Narendra Modi-led government abruptly withdrew 500 and 1000 rupee denominations in an effort to remove forgeries from circulation. There is little evidence that the plan succeeded, but the move did create a systemic shortage of cash by taking away 86 per cent of the economy’s currency in circulation by value overnight. The government began issuing new 500 rupee notes days later and added the 2,000 to replenish currency in circulation at a faster pace. However, since then, the central bank has focused on printing notes of 500 rupees and below and has printed no new 2,000-rupee notes in the last four years. Pronab Sen, economist and former chief statistician of India, called the withdrawal of the higher-value note “a sensible form of demonetisation.” Karthik Srinivasan, senior vice president of Financial Sector Ratings at ICRA, said banks’ deposit accretion rates “could improve marginally in the near term”.

“This will ease the pressure on deposit rate hikes and could also result in a moderation in short-term interest rates,” he added.

Indian banks have been reporting double-digit credit growth in recent months, notwithstanding 250 basis points of RBI rate since last May. Banks are raising deposits at a faster pace to meet the growing demand and tightening liquidity.

Jamaat chief claims Chinese foreign minister brought message of dialogue

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Jamaat-i-Islami emir Siraj ul-Haq said that during the recent visit of China’s foreign minister to Pakistan, a message from the Chinese leadership was conveyed, emphasising the need for political dialogue to resolve issues. Haq highlighted that the Chinese foreign minister, Qin Gang, visited Pakistan for a two-day visit in early May, and brought a message from China’s President regarding the importance of resolving issues through political consultation.

According to Haq, the Chinese leadership has advised Pakistan to engage in political dialogue, as external forces aim to destabilize the country. He further mentioned that Jamaat had initiated political dialogue with both the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

He advocated for holding a nationwide general election on the same day, allowing the people to make decisions rather than engaging in divisive conflicts.

Haq also proposed holding a transparent election in August, citing the significance of Pakistan’s independence day and the return of Hajj pilgrims during that month.

The Jamaat leader expressed concerns over the high levels of inflation and unemployment, stating that the situation had not improved under the current PTI government or during the previous PDM rule. He further remarked that the PDM was following a similar path to that of the PTI.

PM discusses political situation with Shujaat as PML-N, Q likely to ‘contesting polls jointly’

The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) and Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q) have agreed on jointly contesting the next elections, during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Sunday, sources privy to the development informed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the residence of PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain where discussed he the prevailing political and economic situation of the country with the veteran politician. On the occasion, the PML-Q president praised the federal government’s efforts for improving the economic situation. According to sources, during the meeting the PMLN and PML-Q presidents agreed to formulate a joint strategy for the upcoming

elections.

Sources informed that Chaudhry Salik and Shafay Hussain will settle election matters with PML-N Gujrat leader Abid Raza and both political parties will finalise joint candidates. They stated that Ch Shujaat demanded the prime minister to ensure that the culprits of May 9 violent incidents were awarded exemplary punishment but the innocent people should be released from jails.

Both the leader agreed to imposing strict penalties on the persons responsible for May 9 riots. The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik and Chaudhry Shafay Hussain. According to a press release issued by PM House, the prime minister inquired after the health of PML-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat.

The prime minister appreciated the statement of Chaudhry Shujaat for giving punishment to the rioters involved in the incidents of

May 9. To this, Ch Shujaat said that every patriotic person wanted punishment for the persons who caused embarrassment to the nation.

The prime minister said the government would recompense for the pain and anguish felt by the nation and families of martyrs.

Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain praised the prime minister for his passion and services to pull the country out of problems. The prime minister thanked the allied parties for their undiluted support, cooperation and guidance.

PM VOWS ACTION AGAINST ATTACKERS ON SIRAJUL HAQ’S

CONVOY: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here on Sunday while conversing with chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Sirajul Haq said everybody would have to work together for eradicating all forms of terrorism.

During a telephone call, the prime minister expressed pleasure that the JI chief remained safe in the suicide attack that struck

his convoy in Zhob. He sympathized with the families of those who were injured in the bomb attack.

While expressing best wishes for the Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami, he assured that the

elements responsible for the incident would be brought to justice.

Sirajul Haq thanked the prime minister for his phone call and for his support and best wishes.