US envoy Blome witnesses remarkable success of

US-Pakistan collaboration at Gomal Zam Dam

Islamabad

a h m a d a h m a da n

US Ambassador Donald Blome on Tuesday visited the multi-purpose Gomal Zam Dam in the South Waziristan District of the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the significant achievements of the joint project between the United States and Pakistan Ambassador Blome was accompanied by the Chairman of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Lt General (retired) Sajjad Ghani and the Secretary of the Agriculture Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Javed Marwat The dam is a joint project of the governments of the United States and Pakistan that has yielded remarkable outcomes The dam, under the U S -Pakistan Green Alliance” framework, has doubled agricultural production in the region by opening 191 000 additional acres for local farmers

It has also controlled potential flood damage for over 30 000 households dramatically increased Pakistan s national water storage capacity and provided electricity for 20 000 homes Ambassador Blome expressed immense pride in the fruitful collaboration between the United States and Pak- istan on the Gomal Zam Multi-purpose Project The U S investment of $130 million in the dam, irrigation infrastructure, and agriculture development components has brought substantial benefits to the project’s surrounding communities “We are immensely proud of our $130 million collaboration with the Government of Pakistan on the Gomal Zam Multi-purpose Project including the dam irrigation infrastructure and direct support to surrounding communities, said Ambassador Blome in a press statement issued by U S Embassy on Tuesday

The Gomal Zam Dam, considered the third-largest water storage facility in Pakistan stands as a critical component of the country’s climate change management and food security strategy The project has been a remarkable success in promoting sustainable water management clean energy, and climate-smart agriculture initiatives

With the collaboration of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Pakistan the dam has been instrumental in opening 191 000 additional acres for local farmers enabling them to significantly improve their socio-economic conditions

Moreover it has contributed to the generation of 17

The girl who shed tears over the death of a bird not only battled against two military dictatorships in history but also confronted gun-wielding terrorists who were patronized by internal and external forces Shaheed Mrs Benazir Bhutto engaged in politics from the age of 25 until her death when she was 54 in a country like Pakistan which was considered one of the most perilous for political involvement

By the way, this period of his 29-year political career was the most challenging for popular politicians worldwide particularly in the developing nations The disintegration of the Soviet Union coupled with the weakening of both national liberation and democratic movements, had a significant impact globally At the same time, the era of the Cold War ended and America became the only superpower in the world, which imposed the "New World Order" on the world

In this New World Order non-state actors especially terrorist organizations were framing the rules of world politics

Simultaneously, the Cold War era came to a close, and the United States emerged as the sole global superpower, asserting its dominance through the establishment of a "New World Order " Within this New World Order non-state actors particularly terrorist organizations played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of world politics

People-friendly, enlightened, and democratic forces in the third world were ruthlessly suppressed by these terrorist organizations Many third world countries witnessed the abolition of popular leadership and their political parties Pakistan portance of e-commerce in the company’s roadmap ” said Jacob Cooke co-founder and CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies a Beijing-based e-commerce consultancy Cooke said he did not see the leadership changes as signalling a major strategic shift within Alibaba, given that the individuals are co-founders and close associates of Ma If anything it emphasises the increasing importance of AI in the company s focus while also underscoring that e-commerce is the core business unit COMPETITION Ma, China’s best-known entrepreneur, has stayed out of the public eye since late 2020 after a speech in which he criticised Chinese regulation and which is widely seen as triggering an ensuing crackdown Ma left mainland China in late 2021 –appearing in photographs in Japan, Spain, Australia and Thailand – and returned in March, a day before Alibaba announced its restructuring He has not made any public comments during that period

Last week Alibaba president J Michael Evans said Ma remained Alibaba s biggest shareholder and cared very much about the company He said Ma was teaching at a university in Tokyo and was also spending more time in China Chinese tech news outlet LatePost on Monday reported that Ma convened a meeting with leaders from Taobao and Tmall Group where he highlighted severe competition and discussed the need to return focus to users, the internet and Taobao – whose merchants are mostly individuals or small businesses – to stay relevant Alibaba did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the LatePost report which cited company sources megawatts of hydropower, providing a reliable and clean energy source for the region Gomal Zam Dam the third-largest water storage facility in Pakistan after the U S -funded Tarbela and Mangla Dams is a critical piece of infrastructure in Pakistan s strategy for climate change management and overall food security With the generation of additional 17 megawatts of hydropower, the dam provides a reliable, clean energy source and empowers farmers to improve their socio-economic conditions The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) invested $130 million in the dam irrigation infrastructure and agriculture development components The Government of Pakistan and the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provided an equal contribution toward the project cost The visit by Ambassador Blome underscores the successful partnership between the two countries and highlights the tangible outcomes achieved through their joint efforts The Gomal Zam Dam project serves as a shining example of how international collaboration can lead to significant economic growth, improved livelihoods, and enhanced resilience to climate change The U S -Pakistan alliance in the field of sustainable development continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering long-term partnerships and addressing shared challenges The visit to Gomal Zam Dam further solidifies the bilateral cooperation between the United States and Pakistan and reaffirms their dedication to advancing water management clean energy, and climate-smart agriculture practices during this period experienced some of the most challenging political conditions globally primarily due to the ruling elite s involvement in the power struggles orchestrated by world powers Shaheed Benazir Bhutto fearlessly confronted the horrors of the longest night of oppression with unwavering courage She not only ensured the survival of Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto s Pakistan People s Party during the darkest period in history but also played a crucial role in restoring democracy in the country

On October 18, 2007, as Shaheed Bibi was returning home after eight years of exile she received warnings from the rulers of other nations and numerous wellinformed individuals within her own country, advising her against returning to Pakistan due to an assassination plot However, she firmly declared, "I will certainly go back to Pakistan I cannot abandon my people I cannot bear to witness my country in such a state

In an interview she expressed We are men and women who talk about arguments who possess ideas We understand how to live and how to face death History is shaped by the sacrifices of martyrs The very essence of history is woven through the threads of revolution We have dedicated our lives our freedom our youth and our peace of mind to the cause of democracy Addressing her final gathering at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007, she proclaimed, "We live and die alongside the people " Tragically, following this speech she was martyred by terrorists in the midst of the gathered crowd Thus while holding the hands of the people she departed from this world

MNAs praise govt for development-oriented measures in budget

ISLAMABAD: Members of the National Assembly on Tuesday acknowledged the measures proposed by the government to move the national economic-wheel at a faster pace with remarkable allocations of development funds The National Assembly also echoed with the MNAs raising concerns over the May 9 tragedy during the discussion on the budget and the Senate budget recommendations presented in the House Resuming debate on the federal budget for fiscal year 2023-24, Chaudhry Muhammad Barjees Tahir of the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) said the budget had been presented amid the difficult economic conditions and the government tried its best to initiate development activities taking the country to sustainable economic growth and provide maximum relief to the common man He said the budgetary document, which contained remarkable development plans with allocation of unprecedented funds showed the incumbent government s strong commitment to put the country on a consistent path of progress and development Barjees Tahir recalled that when the incumbent government came into power, the national economy was on the brink of collapse due to failed policies of the past regime of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) But with collective wisdom and prudent strategy the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif avoided the looming threat of default and took the country towards macroeconomic stability He highlighted the importance of political stability for achieving economic sustainability citing instances from the past when unelected people ruled the country by sidelining the democratically elected governments No progress and prosperity can be achieved without political stability and prompt dispensation of justice in courts,” he said The PML-N lawmaker strongly condemned the May 9 vandalism of military installations and memorials of martyrs demanding exemplary punishment for those found involved in the anti-state activities Muhammad Aslam Bhootani termed the budget good, development & relief-oriented despite financial constraints, taking due care of all segments of society especially the government employees who got unexpected raise in their salaries and pensions He criticized the PTI workers and leadership for attacking the sensitive installations and desecration of the martyrs monument, terming it the anti-statement activities on part of a political party that happened for the first time in the history of Pakistan Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jillani of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) said nature had bestowed Pakistan with great mineral resources and the government should exploit its full potential to make the country prosperous and self-reliant economically S ta f f r e p o r t

Shifting the Tobacco Landscape: Philip Morris International's commitment to scientifically substantiated alternatives

In today's rapidly evolving world technology and innovation have become the driving forces behind global advancements This powerful combination has not only enabled multinational corporations to thrive but has also paved the way for the introduction of environmentally friendly and harm reducing products As society increasingly advocates for a greener environment companies are making substantial investments totaling billions of dollars in alternatives to cigarettes

These alternatives have gained remarkable traction, now being available in over 70 markets worldwide

Senior representatives of Philip Morris International (PMI) recently convened in Switzerland for a noteworthy event to delve into the realm of harm reducing tobacco products The event aimed to shed light on the ever-expanding accessibility of these sciencebacked alternatives and their significant potential in mitigating harm caused by cigarettes

More than 25 million adult smokers globally have embraced PMI s alternatives with an impressive 18 million successfully transitioning away from smoking altogether

One of the major challenges that the company faces in some regions is the hostility and skepticism to the alternatives Ironically, the very countries that oppose regulating these alternatives openly sell cigarettes Although alternatives are not entirely without risk their impact on tobacco harm reduction is significantly different when compared to the cigarettes currently available in the market Expanding upon the matter, Gizelle Baker, VP of Global Scientific Engagement at PMI, shared, “When you're looking at harm reduction, there's a piece where you have to accept that although there is an ideal behavior that you would like to drive There s some level of inevitability of people who won t go to where that ideal is For tobacco, this means quitting smoking “Take the use of sugar for instance, we all know the effects it has on one’s health but you still have sugar being consumed in quantities that are vastly above what you would be recommending Right? she added She then went on to clarify that harm reduction isn t about prohibition it s about accepting that there is an ideal But if you can t eliminate the behavior, you can reduce the harm caused by people partaking in that behavior

As the conversation delved deeper into the topic of harm reduction Bertrand Bonvin President Heat Not Burn Philip Morris International (PMI) expressed the company s clear intention behind its scientifically substantiated alternatives, stating, "Our intention is to make it unequivocal that this product is intended for individuals who choose to continue smoking and seek to consume nicotine or maintain the ritual associated with smoking despite knowing the risks it poses We are just giving them an option to do it more responsibly by reducing the harm that a cigarette would do them "

During the session, one of the points emphasized was the strategy of expanding the range of products offered by Philip

Morris International (PMI) in middle and lower-income countries This entails providing a diverse selection of options in the heated tobacco segment Tommaso di Giovanni, VP of International Communications at PMI shared, "We believe that providing alternatives to smokers is crucial because it offers them a choice recognizing that not everyone chooses to quit smoking By offering technology-based or non-technology-based alternatives like pouches and snus, we give those who continue to smoke access to better options These products are far less harmful than cigarettes, making them a significant driver for improving individual and public health outcomes ” While a company can make these products available achieving widespread adoption requires support from various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the public health community Physicians also play a crucial role as they are often the first point of contact for smokers seeking guidance It is important that every- one aligns their efforts in the same direction to drive change effectively In some countries particularly among populations with limited purchasing power smoking rates tend to be higher To address this, certain governments, like the UK, have taken the initiative to support these individuals For example the UK provides e-cigarettes under prescription for the less affluent part of their population acknowledging that without such support many would continue to purchase cigarettes This proactive approach helps facilitate the transition to better alternatives " The advocacy for and provision of responsible alternatives by PMI align with the evolving demands of society and highlight the potential for reducing the harm caused by their smoking habits By embracing technology innovation and a commitment to less harmful alternatives, PMI continues to contribute to the ongoing paradigm shift towards a tobacco landscape that prioritizes public health and the individual choices of smokers

B e

S A D Umar had left the PTI’s secretary generalship on May 24 but continued within the party He has not joined any party and says that the PTI ‘minus one’ has no chance even it was widely speculated that he had remained within the party so as to pick up the pieces after party chief Imran Khan was disqualified He said that his job was to implement the policy of the party but if he disagreed with it how was he to implement it? He said that that is why he had left the party because he disagreed with the policy of confrontation adopted in the refusal to talk with other politicians and shown by the attacks on military symbols on May 9 A PTI release riposted that he had chosen to leave the party while it was suffering an attack on its integrity

Mr Umar has not exactly covered himself in glory before He was widely touted by the PTI itself as the answer to the country’s problems and was given the Finance portfolio He did not do well to say the least and was sacked within months He was brought back to the Cabinet as Planning Minister and then made Secretary General when Aamir Kiani was sacked from the job He was thus Secretary General for both Long Marches the abortive Jail Bharo Tehrik as well as the May 9 protests

He did not name names in sniping at former colleagues when describing the decision-making process as flawed but he probably would not appreciate that he was an example of Mr Khan’s poor choice of advisers However what poses a question mark on Mr Khan’s judgement is the fact that he allowed those who had been imposed on him to gain ascendancy True every leader likes to be told only what he wants to hear and saying such things has been the foundation of many a courtier ’s career down the ages but Mr Umar ’s statement indicates that Mr Khan has carried this tendency to a whole new level The refusal to engage in dialogue is not good for the country, and Mr Khan’s call to his supporters to get ready for more protests, made on Monday indicates that he is persisting with the confrontational path that he has already been following with few dividends

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late)

Founding Editor

A

M

Nizami Editor

Niazi Joint Editor Umar Aziz Executive Editor

SH A H E E D Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was born to a father who was a renowned political figure and to a mother who was a kindhearted humanitarian The qualities of her parents amalgamated in Benazir s personality in a truly Benazir (unparallelled) manner

In July 1977, when Benazir Bhutto arrived in Lahore, the people of Pakistan came out in huge numbers to greet her at the airport and showered her with unprecedented love This was a way of expressing the need to fulfill the gap in the political landscape of Pakistan after the judicial murder of Benazir s father and former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto In her, the people demonstrated their trust to become their voice Even her opponents acknowledged her political acumen and intelligence After her father was taken away and after her mother became unwell Benazir was well-equipped to carry forward the Bhutto legacy Her parents must be immensely proud of her struggle for democracy Benazir Bhutto first received attention in the international media when Pakistan s then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was being awarded a doctor of law degree by the University of Oxford At that time, certain groups that were against Pakistan opposed this gesture by the University In response in an interview to BBC, Benazir Bhutto said that her father did not need a degree from Oxford as acknowledgement of his contributions Once a renowned analyst from the BBC said to me at an embassy event that Benazir was sharp and intelligent like Prime Minister Bhutto and she understood social etiquette like Begum Nusrat Bhutto When she became the first foreign president of the Oxford Union Society, Benazir once again featured in the international media She made Pakistanis proud with her achievements

During her stay in Lahore in July 1988 Benazir Bhutto gave an interview to me that indeed reflected the words of a future Prime Minister

You are a huge fan of your father so what was your immediate reaction when you found out that the democratic government was torn down and replaced

U n m a s k i n g t h e u n r e s t to protect them with a military rule?

My parents learned about the coup around 2 AM but I found out around 3 AM We received calls from Mumtaz Bhutto and Abdul Hafeez Pirzada My immediate reaction was a sense of sadness and regret

It was not for any personal reasons but it was at the loss of people’s power Pakistan People’s Party despite immense challenges continued to work for the interest of the people of Pakistan I was thinking about the achievements of our democratic government which included release of 90,000 prisoners of war in a peace accord as well as hosting the second Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Lahore I was regretting the loss of opportunity when we were working on many reforms for the betterment of the people At that time the military ruler had not even announced any timeline for elections

What was your father s reaction?

He was not worried about himself but he was only worried about his country He was worried about Pakistan’s enemies that were interfering in internal affairs and wanted to destroy Pakistan ” Although some people tried to downplay the threat of foreign interference but talking to an international journalist on the subject, I gave examples of Indonesia and of Chile I said it was obvious to everyone how Chile’s economy was targeted and damaged President Nixon admitted this later Similarly, some future President would admit interfering in Pakistan’s internal matters leading to a terrible and undemocratic situation in the country

In response to another question, Benazir Bhutto said that certain countries did not want to see an intelligent political leader like Bhutto because they did not want to see Pakistan prosper into a great nation

What was the reason that some anti-Pakistan lobbies opposed Bhutto; was it because he was a very popular leader and stood firm against Pakistan’s enemies?”

“One of the reasons is that during his tenure, my father united the Arabs and he raised awareness amongst them about the political value of their wealth of oil He united third world countries against imperialism The world powers did not appreciate that Bhutto in a position of power was working against their interests

“In an interview, Begum Bhutto said that becoming the First Lady meant sacrificing her family

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life where children are deprived of parental affection but she said that her children understood these challenges and that you have an interest in politics Your mother has worked hard to maintain a strong connection with the common people Following in your mother s footsteps are you mentally prepared for such challenges?

I am always ready for sacrifices My parents are in politics and politics demands sacrifices It teaches you great resolve As children, our personal lives suffer indeed We do not get to meet our parents often who have dedicated their lives for serving the people It is rare that all of us get to have dinner together We also have to be extra careful about our conduct because we are under close scrutiny being in the public eye In friendships, we have to be careful if people want to be friends because of us or because of our parents Everyone wants to get close to us but we cannot be close to everyone For all these reasons I think I am familiar with the idea of personal sacrifice for the greater good

My mother used to say that because of luck, some people are born into rich households while others do not but this is not something of fundamental importance The people of Pakistan are not condemned to poverty We must end the feudal system We should always work on our bond with our fellow human beings and work for their welfare Begum Bhutto also encouraged women to participate in political activism

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto said, I hope to fulfil the many aspirations of my people who have called me daughter of Pakistan and who have given me immense respect One day the nation will witness their dream coming true Indeed they did by electing Benazir Bhutto as the Islamic World s first woman Prime Minister who left the world surrounded by her people and their love Today, her son is carrying forward the Bhutto legacy and she must be very proud of him

The writer is former press secretary to Benazir Bhutto

E d i t o r ’ s m a i l

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor Pakistan Today

Pakistan E-mail: letters@pakistantoday com pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

TH E use of violence for political gains is a highly controversial and unethical approach that goes against the principles of democracy human rights and peaceful coexistence While it is true that history has seen instances where violence has been used as a means to achieve political objectives, such actions are widely condemned and are considered to be detrimental to societies and individuals

The Indian state of Manipur has witnessed a history of violence which has impacted the region socially politically and economically

The state of Manipur has been affected by various insurgent movements seeking greater autonomy or independence The major insurgent groups in the region include the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Revolutionary People s Front (RPF) These groups have engaged in armed struggle against the Indian government demanding self-determination or secession

The insurgency movements in Manipur have led to frequent clashes between the militants and the Indian security forces The armed conflicts have resulted in casualties displacement and a sense of insecurity among the local population The region has also witnessed allegations of human rights abuses including extrajudicial killings, torture, and disappearances, both by the insurgents and the security forces

Manipur is a diverse state with multiple ethnic communities including Meiteis Nagas Kukis and others Inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts over land resources and political representation have added to the complexity of the situation These tensions have at times escalated into violent clashes between different communities, further exacerbating the overall violence in the state

As per media reports recent violent clashes largely between the ethnic Meitei and Kuki communities have left at least 70 people dead and 35 000 displaced and destroyed over 1 700 houses Skirmishes broke out in the state capital of Imphal on 3 May 2023 after thousands of people from the Naga and Kuki tribes took part in a rally against the majority Meitei ethnic group being afforded special status under India s Scheduled Tribe grouping Indian authorities should immediately and impartially investigate ongoing killings by ethnic groups and security forces in India s northeastern Manipur state, and work with community leaders to restore security Human Rights Watch said today Renewed violence on 28 May 2023 resulted in the deaths of five people including a police officer in separate incidents Following the recent violence, 10 Kuki legislators– including 8 from the BJP– called for a separate administration for the hill areas, saying the state of Manipur has miserably failed

Tensions had been simmering for several months between the Kuki community which is predominantly Christian, and rhe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government The BJP promotes Hindu majoritarianism and most Meiteis are Hindu Local activists accused groups affiliated with the government of targeting Kuki properties businesses and churches

The BJP is playing divisive politics in the state because of its own ideology Even Christian Meiteis are being targeted The authorities had earlier evicted tribal villagers from forest areas accused Kukis of illegal poppy cultivation and of being outsiders, and ordered the demolition of three churches in Imphal

The persistent violence and insecurity in Manipur have had adverse effects on the state s economy The region s development has been hindered due to disrupted infrastructure projects, reduced investment and limited access to basic services The tourism sector which has the potential to contribute significantly to the state s economy, has been adversely affected by the prevailing violence Likewise the state government s complete internet blackout has also severely hindered information gathering and reporting by the media and civil society groups Human Rights Watch has repeatedly urged the authorities throughout India to end broad, indiscriminate internet shutdowns The shutdowns undermine a range of fundamental rights including the right to receive and impart information express views on political issues contact relatives access medical care and conduct e-commerce

Indian security forces have been involved in the violence as well as they have under taken discriminatory policies against the local ethnic communities. There are credible repor ts that security forces are involved in the killings of local people

In response to the violence in Manipur the Indian government has deployed security forces and implemented the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in certain areas The AFSPA grants extensive powers to the armed forces, including immunity from prosecution for actions taken during counter-insurgency operations However the AFSPA has been a subject of controversy and criticism with concerns raised about its potential for abuse and human rights violations The violence in Manipur has had far-reaching consequences on the region and its people While efforts for peace and reconciliation continue addressing the root causes of the conflicts promoting dialogue between communities, and ensuring respect for human rights remain essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the state However the Modi government has been sidelining the Manipur government and refused to assist the administration in mitigating challenges The recent violence has triggered ethnic protests where worship places of the Christian community have been set on fire Indian security forces have been involved in the violence as well as they have undertaken discriminatory policies against the local ethnic communities There are credible reports that security forces are involved in the killings of local people These reports must be investigated thoroughly and those responsible for the violence and killings of civilians must be held accountable Labeling members of a community militants and shutting down the internet can fuel further violence through rumor and fearmongering

The writer is a freelance columnist

Sympathy for arsonists

M I L L I O N S of ordinary Pakistanis remain deprived of their human and constitutional rights but these violations hardly attract the attention of the so-called champions of human rights who are always bothered about the rights of those who hurt the life of the common man

Those who violate human rights of people get full attention of such bodies The main opposition party vandalised public property, snatched the bread and butter of the daily wage-earner, and attacked military installations on the pretext of ‘peaceful protest’ which proved a nightmare for the whole nation that watched the horrific scenes on May 9 in a state of shock

The human rights organisations civil society and the so-called intelligentsia lost no time in demanding protection of the rights of the agitators and violators of the rights of the public The violent protestors also succeeded in grabbing the sympathy from the national media

The general perception is that the higher judiciary is lenient towards the protestors which has not always been the case especially during the heavy-handed crackdown back in the 1980s Today the political worker representing the backbone of the political system stands disillusioned

GULSHER PANHWER JOHI

Students and violence

T H E recent spate of violence and anarchy had a negative impact on the country at large A large number of students particularly those appearing in O and A level Cambridge system examinations had to undergo mental and physical trauma owing to the volatile situation As soon as violent mobs attacked sensitive military installations the British Council which is responsible for conducting Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) exams, cancelled the papers for May 10-12

The exams resumed on May 15 and the authorities announced that they would award grades based on examinations that the candidate had been able to take It means candidates whose exams had been cancelled will receive a result only if they had sat at least one eligible component and completed at least 15 per cent of the total assessment in the June exam series

On the other hand, A level candidates were required to sit at least one A2 level component to receive a result for a full A level Cambridge has decided to use a system of weightage for results, meaning it would allot grades based on other exams that the student had appeared in The system will be faulty since it will mean that their whole grade is based on specific components which might not even have the whole syllabus or might increase the percentiles

Even if Cambridge would have opted for expected grades, meaning the previous mock exam results of students used to assess their CAIE grades, it would have been problematic, too The expected grades are faulty since many students usually do not give mock exams much importance and do not score as high as they could which means they get lower grades

Another option is that students sit the exams in the October/November series The retake can be problematic for A level students since their results would get delayed and they would not be able to apply to universities in time

However, there are many A level students who could not sit any component of Mathematics and History owing to the cancellation of papers during those three days Cambridge is still trying to find how those candidates can be managed All this has caused significant tension for the student community in Pakistan

The violent activities of a few have put the academic career of thousands of students across the country at stake I wonder if those responsible for this huge loss care about the students at all