Epaper_23-08-15 KHI

ANWA AR K AK AR SWORN IN AS PAKISTAN’S 8TH CARETAKER PRIME MINISTER

g cAretAker pm A ssumes office, presented guArd of honour At pm's house

g meets vArious delegAtions, seeks briefing on importAnt mAtters

that Kakar would ensure fair elections

He said the trust reposed by all parties in Kakar ’s name proves their proper choice as the upcoming caretaker PM is an educated person and a patriot”

The ceremony was attended by outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif former National Assembly speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman, PTI Senator Shehbaz Waseem PPP’s Faisal Karim Kundi and others

Caretaker PM assumes office seeks briefing from ministries Later in the day, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar here assumed his responsibilities after taking the oath of office

The PM sought briefing from all ministries on important matters

It is worth mentioned here that Anwaarul Haq Kakar who hails from Qilla Saifullah, was one of the original architects of the Balochistan Awami Party

issued yesterday the outgoing PM had expressed confidence

President Alvi urges ‘path of forgiveness’ to end political differences

ISLAMABAD

In a significant development, President Arif Alvi on Monday urged the country’s politicians and other stakeholders to embrace the path of forgiveness drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

After the hoisting of the national flag at the main flag hoisting ceremony held at the Convention Center in Islamabad today, President Alvi said time and circumstances demand that Quaid Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah s message of Unity Faith and Discipline be followed in letter and spirit He further added that Pakistan s progress and development were contingent on unity justice, and meritocracy He stressed that unity is what makes a nation and said that it was not too late for the country to

make changes

He also expressed confidence that Pakistan could become a developed country in a matter of a few years

Veering away from Islamic principles and core values would exacerbate the situation, he said, highlighting the necessity of breaking free from nepotism, promoting meritocracy and ensuring comprehensive justice particularly in the socio-economic sphere in order to progress

In a country where there is no justice the entire system will collapse he said

In his impassioned speech, the president spoke about the need to foster a system in which the poor was cared for, drawing examples from the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) holding the elite responsible for ensuring the play their part in uplifting the country out of drudgery

President Alvi in his address also termed promoting education a need of paramount importance to alleviate poverty

Twenty-seven million children are out of school,

Pakistan knows how to defend its freedom: COAS

KAKUL S TA F F R E P O R T

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir paid tribute to the nation s founding fathers, emphasising the significance of Independence Day and the spirit behind the creation of Pakistan “rooted in the ideology of the Two Nation Theory” and stressing that the country knew how to defend its hard-earned freedom

In his address at the Azadi Parade marking the country s 76th independence anniversary the army chief said the nation had maintained this tradition of celebrating freedom, equality and quest for happiness, which we must continue to cherish” The gathering was held at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul late on Sunday Gen Munir praised the country s vast resources and the enthusiasm of its youth urging them to remain steadfast in faith, unity and discipline

he said regretfully urging the affluent class to come forward and make arrangements for their education

Another issue pivotal to addressing the issue of poverty is ensuring better health he pointed out

Another crucial point mentioned by the president in his address was the need for greater participation of women in economic activities They constitute almost half of the population and their involvement is important to achieving a high growth rate he said referring to both religion and examples from the life of the esteemed founder of Pakistan to bolster his claim

It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of women so that they should not be harassed on the roads

It is your responsibility to ensure that when a woman leaves her house in search of employment you make it safe for her he remarked

Acknowledging the myriad of challenges faced by the nation, from geopolitical wrangling to internal threats, the COAS struck a defiant tone

“Let me caution them all in the words of our great Quaid There is no power on earth which can undo Pakistan he said asserting that the army stood ready to defend Pakistan s sovereignty at all costs Gen Munir also took the occasion to express solidarity with the people of held Kashmir, condemning the international community’s lack of action against Indian actions in the region

It is for the conscience of the international community to realise that Indian excesses in Kashmir have gone unaddressed and the right to freedom and self-determination is being denied at the altar of geopolitical necessity,” he added

Can Shehbaz Sharif really be credited with saving Pakistan from default?

first

Praising his own achievements and defending his rule’s constitutional credentials the PDM-appointed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif bids farewell to his designation as Pakistan turns 76, this independence day

The prime minister initiated his address by passing the baton on to the interim government “We came into authority following the constitutional procedure and we are relinquishing it in adherence to constitutional norms the prime minister conveyed to the citizens

He extended his congratulations to Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar for his designation as the caretaker prime minister of the nation “I am confident that he [Kakar] will guarantee the conduct of impartial and

open elections in the country ” he added

The Prime Minister made a point of crediting his government with stabilising the economy Time and record will be a witness that we saved the country from possible default and consequent destruction, he said emphasising the Stand-By Arrangement that was signed with the IMF by his government

As Sharif sees the back of his short lived stint in the PM office it is important to look back and see how much truth there is to his claims of being the knight in shining armour for the downtrodden economy of Pakistan

When he first took charge of the office the news of Shehbaz Sharif s selection as the 31st Prime Minister of Pakistan in April last year was covered by The Guardian with an article titled, Shehbaz Sharif: the diligent administrator now PM of Pakistan

This title is reflective of the reputation Shehbaz Sharif has managed to construct over the years of being Chief Minister Punjab where his mega infrastructure projects and development schemes are symbolic to shiny badges on his lapel, each alluding to his brilliance as an administrator

However an exploration of Punjab’s social-economic landscape reveals that the systemic deficiencies of education and healthcare are persistent as they went severely unnoticed during Shehbaz s tenure as CM Such an assessment exposes an old political tactic of glossing over foundational weaknesses with tangible and short term solutions This contextual background is pertinent to remember in order to understand why some Policymakers and Economists may not be applauding Shehbaz Sharif s success in curbing the very real fear of Pakistan s default

As soon as he joined the PM office Junior Sharif s term was almost immediately met with an impending fear of the country s default as external debts for the following fiscal year rose to $25 billion USD while Pakistan’s entire foreign exchange reserves stood at a concerning $4 1 billion USD If the default had ensued Pakistan would have experienced an unprecedented and complete economic meltdown including severe shortages of food medicines, fuel, and even cash Therefore, when the PDM government managed to successfully secure an IMF loan bailout of $3 billion US which includes the immediate disbursal of about $1 2bn in June this year Shehbaz was quick to add another accolade to his collection However, similar to some precedents alluded to before, this achievement could seem

superficial and weak to a few Afterall should we really be appreciating Shehbaz Sharif s shiny lapel if he s the one who is indeed responsible for pushing the country towards a grave economic catastrophe that required a bailout in the first place? Let us explain There is no doubt that the events following former Prime Minister Imran Khan s no-confidence vote left the economy in shambles with the Rupee plunging by 2% against the US dollar as well as setting nine all-time lowest levels in the interbank market against the greenback immediately after the motion unfolded On top of that the IMF program which was taken up by the PTI government in 2019 had immediately been halted and sabotaged owing to the politicised subsidy on fuel provided by the then government

CELEBRATORY AERIAL FIRING ON INDEPENDENCE DAY CLAIMS TWO LIVES IN KARACHI

KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t

TW O people were killed while 85 were injured in celebratory firing carried out in Karachi on the eve of Pakistan s 76th Independence

Day officials said on Monday

Jamshed Quarters Station House Officer (SHO) Gul Baig said a 25-year-old woman was travelling along with her family on a motorbike and was hit by a bullet fired from an unknown direction when she was passing through the People’s Chowrangi

She was taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) where doctors pronounced her dead, according to police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed

In another incident, Baghdadi SHO Ghulam Yasin said a man asleep on the roof of his house in Lyari s Aath Chowk was shot dead by a stray bullet

The SHO added that the man was taken to Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) where doctors pronounced

China felicitates caretaker PM on assuming office

BEIJING S ta f f c o R R e S p o n d e n t

China on Monday congratulated Anwaarul Haque Kakar on his nomination as the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson here China congratulates on Anwaarul Haq s nomination as Pakistan s

Caretaker Prime Minister, Wang Wenbin said during his briefing while responding to a question No matter how the international and Pakistan’s domestic landscapes evolve our relationship will be ironclad he added He said We will continue to work with the Pakistani side to develop China-Pakistan allweather strategic comprehensive partnership and build a China-Pakistan community with a shared future and to better benefit the two countries and two peoples

President confers civil awards on 696 Pakistani, foreign nationals

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

On the occasion of 76th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi has conferred Pakistan Civil Awards on 696 Pakistani as well as foreign nationals for showing excellence and courage in their respective fields These awards include, seven Nishan-i-Imtiaz two Hilal-i-Pakistan 26 Hilali-Imtiaz 1 Sitar-i-Pakistan 20 Sitara-i-Shuja at 61 Sitara-i-Imtiaz 69 President s Award for Pride of Performance, 1 Hilal-i-Shuja t,1 Sitare-Pakistan, 25 Tamgha-i-Shuja'at, 155 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, 18 Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam, 3 Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam, 4 Sitar-e-Khidmat and 4 Tamgha-i-Khidmat This year 299 Tamgha-iImtiaz have been conferred upon martyrs of COVID-19 The Investiture ceremony of these awards will take place on 23rd March next year

Galler y 6 pays homage to "Street Entrepreneurs" on Independence Day

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Gallery 6 Islamabad on Monday paid homage to street entrepreneurs by organizing an exhibition on the special occasion of Independence Day Ambassador of the Argentine Republic Leopoldo F Sahores inaugurated the exhibition here at Gallery 6

This exhibition was a group show featuring 20 talented artists from all over Pakistan including Adnan Khan, Ahsan Javaid, Amna Hashmi, Asif Hussain, Asrar Farooqi, Ayub

Wali Farrah Mehmood Ghafar Mohiuddin

Habib Akram Hamid Hanbhi Iram Wani

Javaid Mughal Kashmir Memon Mariam

Arshad Mehrunisa Rashda Faridi Safwan

Bashir, Unab Sumbal, Yaruk Mehmood and Zainab Aziz

My aim was to collectively pay our tributes

Elahi re-arrested moments after his release from Adiala Jail

him dead

Meanwhile Dr Syed said 32 people with gunshot wounds were brought to JPMC for treatment with one youth among them in critical condition due to a bullet wound on his head

She said the injured were aged between 12 to 55 adding that five of them were teenagers and eight of them were females Dr Syed said Abbasi Shaheed Hospital also received 32 people with bullet injuries, adding that they were aged between eight to 50 years with eight teenagers and eight women among them

Further she said CHK received 21 wounded people aged between seven months to 60 years with five teenagers and three females among them

The police surgeon said a sevenmonth-old baby was shot and wounded at People’s Square near Burnes Road in the limits of Aram Bagh

US extends ‘warm wishes’ on 76th Independence Day

WASHINGTON ag e n c e S

The United States (US) government has extended its “warmest wishes to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14

(Monday)

In a statement issued by the US State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote, “As we usher in a new year of cooperation and as Pakistan prepares to hold elections we look forward to advancing inclusive economic growth energy security and promoting peace and regional stability

Our support for the country s economic success remains strong We share a commitment to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law that will continue to guide our partnership forward he added

The US values our 76-year-old re-

lationship with Pakistan We look forward to deepening the U S -Pakistan partnership to create a more prosperous future for both nations I wish the people of Pakistan a joyous Independence Day,” concluded Blinken The relationship between Pakistan and the US has been under scrutiny both domestically and internationally with former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan accusing the global power of conspiring to overthrow his government Imran has since backed off from his allegations against the US and placed blame on the former chief of army staff and Pakistan Democratic Movement leaders The US has repeatedly denied such allegations but the matter remains under speculation in Pakistan given the tumultous relationship between the two countries Meanwhile outgoing prime minis-

ter Shehbaz Sharif has extended his gratitude to the US for its efforts in helping Pakistan secure a $3 billion International Monetary Fund tranche in the nick of time

Pakistan, C hina sign MoU for seeds, pesticides and agric ulture ser vices

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Syngenta Pakistan one of the leading agriculture companies has partnered with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to revolutionize sustainable food systems, bridging small farmers and end-to-end value chains for enhanced efficiency and food security

“The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for seeds pesticides and agriculture services in chili corn tomato and sesame cultivation, Vice GM CMEC Pakistan, Dai Bao told Gwadar Pro The signing was held at Pakistan’s First International Food and Agriculture Exhibition titled FoodAg 2023 at Expo Centre Karachi Several MoU signings took place at the event On the sideline of the exhibition, CE TDAP and Secretary Commerce held several meetings on B2B trade with individual delega-

tions to discuss possible future collaborations and introduced Pakistan as one of the top ten producers of agriculture produce in the world They engaged in productive conversations on Pakistan s export potential and how to increase the numbers while sustaining ethical and smart practices in

farming, growing and packaging

There were conversations on the treatment and export of livestock and related products too The three-day event featured 400+ products 200+ exhibitors and over400 international buyers to promote the untapped potential of Pakistan s food agriculture industry

RAWALPINDI

S ta f f R e p o R t

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) president and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi was arrested again shortly after his release from Adiala Jail on Monday According to media, Elahi was released from Adiala Jail after the period of his detention expired However he was arrested again by the NAB Lahore in assets beyond known sources of income case soon after he was released It should be noted that Deputy Commissioner Lahore Rafia Haider had issued orders for arresting the former chief minister, fearing his release could create law and order situation The NAB had sought details of the assets of Parvez Elahi and Moonis Elahi in the assets case

Police claims of recovering seven abductees in Katcha area operation

KASHMORE

S ta f f R e p o R t

Police in an anti-bandit operation in katcha area here recovered seven kidnapped persons including a child on Monday The police operation was continued for seven hours in katcha area Police recovered Waqar Abbasi, Ahmed Khan Unar and Asghar Bhatti who were kidnapped a month ago The area facing a serious problem of lawlessness posed by bandit gangs operating from the Katcha area along the Indus River Rampant incidents of kidnappings, robberies and killings and honey-trap incidents regularly reported in media despite the police claims operations against the outlaws Bandits killed two traders of Dera Bugti in Karampur area of Sindh on Friday night at the Indus Highway A man was injured and two others were kidnapped by dacoits in the incident A shutter-down was observed in Dera Bugti by local residents against the incident In Shikarpur people staged protest at the Indus Highway against killing of three persons in firing by bandits Protesters blocked the highway for traffic and chanted slogans against police Traffic between Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, was suspended owing to closure of the Indus Highway The bandits had opened fire at a truck and killed three persons on the highway

UAE astronaut congratulates Pakistanis on I-Day from space

ISLAMABAD a p p

Astronaut of the United Arab Emirates Sultan Al Neyadi has joined in Pakistan s Independence Day celebrations from 400 kilometers above the earth and felicitated the Pakistani nation The UAE history maker shared a picture of Pakistan's capital Islamabad, taken from the International Space Station on Monday Dr Al Neyadi who is coming to the end of his six-month voyage in space paid tribute to Pakistan s rich culture in a congratulatory message on social media In a tweet, he said, "Happy Independence Day to all Pakistanis, especially those living in the UAE As one of the largest expat communities in my country we have lived together for years and learned a lot about your rich culture Here s your capital Islamabad from space

BHC Chief Justice hoists flag on Independence Day in Quetta

A flag-hoisting ceremony was held in Balochistan High Court (BHC) on the occasion of Pakistan s 76th Independence Day on Monday Chief Justice BHC Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan hoisted the national flag High Court Judges, Registrar Balochistan High Court District and Sessions Judges Judicial Officers members of Special Tribunals representatives of Bar Council and Bar Association lawyers and children were present on the occasion Addressing the ceremony Chief Justice said that for the stability and prosperity of the motherland, unity and patriotism were needed more than ever before, and all political elites have to think and act in the best interest of the country above themselves Similarly Government officials also have to work with dedication for the development and prosperity of the country he noted The chief justice said that this year s independence celebration is unique in many ways

On August 12, our National and Provincial Assemblies completed their term, the Digital Census was completed in April 2023 which was recently approved unanimously by the Council of Common Interests

The Election Commission is busy preparing for the upcoming General Elections which indicate that the democratic system of Pakistan is steadily moving towards stability and of course, the Election Commission of the Federation and the supervisory governments of the provinces will ensure the conduct of transparent elections for the prosperity and stability of Pakistan he said Stressing meritocracy in all government institutions he cited the example of BHC and said that merit has been ensured in the process of selection and appointment from judges to clerks in BHC He said that all the institutions of the province also required to ensure the appointment of the subject candidates on merit in the selection process

The chief justice emphasized the importance of research in educational and government institutions of the province and said that our province is rich in mineral wealth

If science-based research is promoted in all the universities and related government institutions of the province Balochistan province can give amazing results in the field of minerals and livestock which will lead to prosperity not only in the province but also across the country, he said

UN exper ts urge Taliban to swif tly reverse increasingly harsh c urbs on women, girls

UNITED NATIONS a p p

UN experts, marking the 2nd anniversary of Taliban's rule, Monday accused them of violating many human rights including implementing

particularly in terms of access to education w o u l d b e t e m p o r a r y, t h e f a c t s o n t h e ground have demonstrated an accelerated s y s t e m a t i c a n d a l l e n g u l f i n g s y s t e m o f segregation marginalization and persecution he said

Women have even been denied the ability to seek comfort in some of their own spaces such as beauty salons that were frequented and run by women as these have been recently ordered to close More widely the experts said promises for a more inclusive form of government did not materialize; the amnesty for former government and military officials is being violated; guidelines to stop torture and ill treatment in detention centers are too often ignored minorities are mar-

t h a t a n y r e s t r i c t i o n s

ginalized and suffer discrimination despite promises of inclusion, and lawyers, judges, prosecutors and other actors involved with the legal system face grave security risks

The de facto authorities have introduced the use of cruel and undignified punishments, such as stoning, flogging and burying under a wall in contravention of international human rights standards T h e c o n c e p t o f a “ r e f o r m e d ” Ta l i b a n h a s b e e n e x p o s e d a s m i s t a k e n i t w a s pointed out The experts called on the int e r n a t i o n a l c o m m u n i t y t o c o m m i t t o t h e people of Afghanistan with renewed vigour and increased unity, and take decisive actions by:

n Ensuring political engagement with all Afghan interlocutors manifests a

human rights centered and gender integrated approach;

n Bridging the funding gap of the humanitarian response plan and devising ways to provide aid that directly reaches the Afghan people including displaced populations and host communities, while utililizing exemptions within sanction regimes;

n Supporting investigation and accountability mechanisms for human rights violations to avoid their recurrence and address impunity;

n Recognizing the treatment of women and girls by the Taliban as gender persecution;

n Granting refugee status to all Afghan women and girls on the basis of human

rights violations against them stemming from the discriminatory policies and practices instituted by the de facto authorities;

n Stepping up its commitment to Afghan refugees and migrants by ensuring that refugee status can be granted on the basis of gender persecution, that refugees and migrants are received in a dignified manner and that they are protected against refoulement and mistreatment and

n Backing initiatives by Afghan women leaders and thinkers, and civil society groups, operating inside and outside Afghanistan to explore practical avenues to promote human rights values and principles

PRESIDENT ALVI REJECTS FORMER ENVOY’S PLEA IN SEXUAL HARASSMENT CASE

ISLAMABAD

TH E President of Pakistan has rejected the plea filed by former Pakistani ambassador Nadeem Riyaz, in a sexual harassment

case

As per the details, former Pakistani Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz had filed a representation before the President of Pakistan assailing the order dated May 14 2022 of the Federal Ombudsman for protection against harassment of women at workplace Federal Ombudsman for protection against harassment of women at workplace in its order had imposed major penalty of dismissal from service against Nadeem Riyaz under section 4(4)(ii)(d) of the Act 2010 besides imposition of Rs5 million penalty to be paid to the complainant as compensation and cost of litigation for her ordeal at the hands of the accused

It is pertinent to note that an officer of Commerce and Trade Group Saira Imdad in her complaint before Federal Ombudsman for protection against harassment of women at workplace had alleged that Nadeem Riyaz as Ambassador

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He also expressed gratitude to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, who are resiliently fighting against the savages of terrorism and proxies for over two decades”

of Pakistan to Rome had dealt with her in a highly disrespectful hostile and humiliating manner The accused officer directed her to travel along with him to places un-related to her job and she was also directed to arrange residence near to the residence of the accused

The President of Pakistan in its order stated that the Ombudsman had rightly observed in the impugned order that there seems no reason for the complainant to file a false complaint against a senior officer and a boss like the accused when

there existed no previous grudges ill will or malice

All the incidents narrated in the complaint when put in juxtaposition with the evidence produced by the complainant establishes the guilty of the accused for the charges of sexual harassment

The penalties prescribed under the Act include minor and major penalties inter alia dismissal from services and fine The ultimate penalty of dismissal from service has been imposed and a fine of Rs5 million So far as the imposition

CORPORATE CORNER

Rotary International District 3272 marked the 76th Anniversary of Pakistan

of fine worth Rs5 million is concerned it seems to be on a higher side The principle of reasonableness and proportionality demands that the same is modified and is reduced to Rs3 5 million payable to the complainant

President in its order also stated that the accused had attained the age of superannuation on July 26, 2020 and the order was passed on May 14, 2022 is of no significance as the incidents of harassment were of the time when he was in service Had the proceedings not been dragged for long the complaint for the year 2019 would have been decided much earlier the order stated President order further questioned that such a latitude, if permitted, can be used as a tool to drag and delay the proceedings to the benefit of a party In addition such a conduct indeed will be an insult in defeating the whole object and purposes of law and the pursuit of the case record smacks of the defiant conduct of a party, making mockery of law and process Accordingly the President has been pleased to reject the instant representation with the modification to the extent of fine as per Para above

Karachi Port to outsource bulk, general cargo terminal operations to UAE entity

ing held on 7th August, 2023

Addressing India, the COAS made it clear that Pakistan knew how to defend its freedom and would not be cowed by aggressive designs I must say that we gained freedom after a great struggle and we know how to defend it he said and also urged Afghanistan to ensure its soil isn t used against Pakistan

Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation Gen Munir mentioned strengthened ties with long-standing allies such as China Saudi Arabia the UAE Turkiye Qatar and Iran Towards the end of his address, Gen Munir urged the nation to stand united and rise above self to serve Pakistan in whatever ways it demands of us”

“Always remember Pakistan is our identity and the rationale to exist Pakistan hai to hum hain he concluded

President Alvi urges ‘path of forgiveness’ to end political differences

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This is not something new I m telling you I am merely reminding you [of this responsibility], he added Furthermore, President Alvi paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices that were made by those who struggled for the creation and selfassertion of Pakistan He said Quaid-e-Azam was amongst the few leaders who changed the world s map and also created a nation He said it is important to recall the sacrifices of our forefathers to give an impetus to the struggle aimed at strengthening Pakistan The President said our armed forces and people continue to render sacrifices even today He said about one hundred thousand people lost their lives in the war on terrorism reaffirming the commitment to continue the struggle against the menace

Strongly lamenting Islamophobic incidents in Western countries, he said that Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims love their Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Holy Quran He further said that at a time when humanity was in danger because of threats such as global warming we should promote harmony instead of hatred Turning to the situation in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), President Alvi reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to stand by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters He urged the international community to pay attention to the resolution of this dispute per the UN Security Council Resolutions Moreover the president also expressed his gratitude to friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, Iran, and Turkiye for supporting Pakistan in difficult times Earlier the President hoisted the national flag The ceremony was attended amongst others by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf

The Cabinet Committee on InterGovernmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT) has approved the outsourcing of operations for the Bulk and General Cargo Terminal at East Wharf in Karachi Port ostensibly to improve operational efficiency and encouraging global collaboration

The decision was made after a meeting of CCoIGCT presided over by the minister of finance and revenue on August 9 2023

According to sources Ministry of Maritime Affairs informed the CCoIGCT that the G2G Framework Agreement between the Government of UAE and Pakistan for the development of Bulk and General Cargo Terminal at East Wharf Karachi Port approved by the CCoIGCT and ratified by the Cabinet has been signed by Minister for Maritime Affairs Pakistan and Minister for Energy and Infrastructure, Government of UAE

The CCoIGCT in its meeting held on 03-08-2023 while approving the Price Discovery Mechanism constituted Negotiation Committee under the chairmanship of Minister for Maritime Affairs The recommendations of the Negotiation Committee were placed before CCoIGCT in its meet-

The CCoIGCT discussed the recommendations of the Negotiation Committee in detailed and directed that the price discovery may be renegotiated with AD Ports on equitybased model with provision of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in which the revenues be divided, based on equity and investment of each party and Negotiation Committee may submit revised report for consideration

The CCoIGCT has made the following suggestions in light of these developments: it is proposed that CCoIGCT may like to:

i Approve recommendations of the Negotiation Committee containing terms, conditions & comparison mechanism for price discovery

ii The proposed initial agreement may be treated as commercial agreement and both the parties shall not deviate from its terms and conditions; and

iii Recommend for approval of the Federal Cabinet as required in terms of Section-4(2) (c ) of IGCT Act 2022

The Cabinet Committee on InterGovernmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT) of the Cabinet

considered the summary dated 9th August submitted by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs regarding ‘Outsourcing of Operations of Bulk and General Cargo Terminal East Wharf at Karachi Port and approved the proposal subject to the following amendments in the terms and conditions of the commercial agreement

a The sponsor shall make upfront non-adjustable and non-refundable good will payment of US$ 25 million to KPT immediately after signing of commercial agreement

b The sponsor shall also make an additional up-front payment of US$ 25 million to KPT against revenue sharing to be adjusted as follows: 1st to five years US$ 3 while six and seven year US$5 million and total US$ 25 million

c The payment of entire KDLB charges including cess and wages as defined in the scheme shall be responsibility of the sponsor

d The Commercial Agreement shall be for a term of 25 years and thereafter may be renewable on mutually agreed terms and conditions

e Capital investment shall be made as per the plan agreed by the parties and commercial agreement

Anwaar K ak ar sworn in as Pakistan’s 8th c aretaker prime minister

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He is the second person from Balochistan to spearhead the interim set-up after Mir Hazar Khoso who became the caretaker premier in 2013

His appointment comes with less than a year left in the completion of his sixyear term in the Senate, which will conclude in March 2024

Kakar made his electoral debut in 2008 on a PML-Q ticket contesting polls in the NA-272 constituency but lost to PPP candidate Nasir Ali Shah

Later, he joined the PML-N and served as then-CM Sanaullah Zehri’s spokesperson for almost three years

In 2018 he “led” a no-trust vote against Zehri which saw the PML-N chief minister step down from the post, paving the way for Abdul Qudus Bizenjo

In the same year, he became a senator as an independent candidate Soon after he announced the formation of BAP with the help of Syed Saeed Ahmed Hashmi At the time the PML-N and Baloch and Pashtun nationalist parties had labelled the hastily-cobbled alliance of the province’s electables “a move of the establishment”

Kakar country s 8th caretaker PM since 1990: Anwar ul Haq Kakar has became 8th caretaker prime minister of Pakistan after he took oath of his office on Monday, the Independence Day of country

According to details the first caretaker prime minister of Pakistan was Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi who took over the office on August 06, 1990 and left after three months on November 06, 1990 He hailed from National Peoples Party and was appointed by then President Ghulam Ishaq Khan Pakistan People s Party (PPP) Balakh Sher Mazari appointed by then President took over office as 2nd caretaker prime minister on April 18, 1993, and held the office only for one month and eight days as Supreme Court overturned Presidential order and restored Nawaz Sharif s government

After Nawaz Sharif s resignation in July 1993, Moeenuddin Ahmad Qureshi took over the charge as 3rd caretaker chief minister on July 18, 1993 and his continued till October 19 1993 (3 months 1 day)

After dismissal of PPP s Benazir Bhutto s government in November 1996, Malik Mehraj Khalid was ap-

ISLaMabad: Rotary International District 3272 marked the 76th Anniversary of Pakistan in a remarkable event that brought together Rotarians Rotractors, Interactors, and members of civil society The event, held at the prestigious educational institution TMUC Islamabad, aimed to enhance Rotary’s public image and raise awareness for the eradication of polio in the country The commemorative event began with a heartfelt tree planting ceremony symbolizing Rotary s commitment to environmental sustainability and its role in safeguarding Mother Earth from climate hazards Led by the Interact Club of Islamabad Metropolitan’s President and her team, trees were planted with a resolute mission to contribute to a greener future for Pakistan Following the tree planting the event continued with a spirited flag hoisting ceremony that showcased the unity and strength of the Rotary community The participants, including Rotarians, Rotractors, Interactors, and members of civil society, united under the banner of Rotary International District 3272 to demonstrate their dedication to the greater good The event also featured a unique initiative - a double-decker bus journey that traversed prominent locations within Islamabad This city tour not only provided an opportunity for Rotarians, Rotractors, and Interactors to engage with the local community but also effectively elevated Rotary’s public image among the general populace As the bus winded through the streets of the capital city the vibrantly waving flags represented both the end of polio and Rotary s unwavering commitment to this vital cause In a bid to amplify awareness and foster a deeper connection with the community, Rotarians distributed flags symbolizing the end of polio and Rotary’s overarching mission This act of unity and shared purpose aimed to rally local communities and civil society members around the common goal of eradicating polio from Pakistan P r e S S r e l e A S e

Hyderabad: A grand ceremony to celebrate Independence Day by Pakistan was organized by former Provincial Information Minister and Pakistan People s Party People s Party leader Rawal Sharjeel Inam Memon at Tando Jam Bypass P r

KaraCHI: Director General Public Relations Sawai Khan Chalgri hoisted the green crescent flag in the air Director Admin Muhammad Yousif Kabooro Director Press Information Hasan Asghar Naqvi, Director Publication Mansoor Ahmed Rajput, Director Planning Fida Hussain Baladi, Director Imtiaz Ahmed Joyo, Director Shabih Siddiqui, Faisal Farooqui and other officers and staff members of the Information Department were present on this occasion P r

pointed 4th caretaker prime minister He took over the charge of office on November 05, 1996 and left on February 17, 1997 (three months, 12 days)

Muhammad Mian Soomro hailing from PML-Q took over as 5th caretaker prime minister of Pakistan on November 15 2007 and continued till March 25, 2008 (4 months, 8 days)

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) appointed Mir Hazar Khan Khoso as 6th caretaker prime minister who took over the office in March 24 2013 and held the office till June 05 2013 (2 months 11 days)

Justice (Retd) Nasirul Mulk was appointed 7th caretaker prime minister after consensus between them PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and opposition leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah on May 28 2018 He took over the charge on May 31 2018 and continued till August 18, 2018 (2 months, 18 days)

Now Anwar ul Haq Kakar of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) has took over the charge 8th caretaker prime minister His appointment was made in consensus of ex-MP Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leader Raja Riaz President Dr Arif Alvi took oath from him on August 14

Can S hehbaz S harif really be credited with saving Pakistan from default?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

However, the subsequent policies of Shehbaz’s 16 month government also made sure that the situation doesn’t get better easily Firstly after the deal was once reinstated the ninth and tenth review got delayed by almost 8 months owing to the policies of PML-N s very own bishop Ishaq Dar who spent the first few pertinent months claiming his superiority over an IMF bailout However while Dar was busy trying to formulate a spell to resolve Pakistan s growing incapacities the Fund called checkmate and the government inevitably signed a stand-by agreement Taimur Jhagra, former finance minister of Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa explains the repercussions of Dar ’s tunnel vision by stating that “If the deal had been completed 8 or 9 months ago there would have been far less economic anguish Instead Pakistan spent this time watching silently as the productivity of our industries fell, our foreign exchange reserves were depleted, and our currency took a beating”

Additionally short-sighted policy decisions to arouse voter support and public appreciation such as the rejection of raising petrol prices also had serious repercussions In April, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority proposed a hike in the prices of petroleum products however Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declined the recommendation on the basis

that such inflation would cause “the people of the country to curse the new government The rejection of this proposal manifested into an additional burden of approximately Rs 30 billion Pkr on the exchequer for Pakistan simply as a result of Shehbaz’s desire to be a public favourite Moreover, other decisions like undermining the importance of subsidies and appointing Ishaq Dar as Finance Minister further deepened the predicament Staying true to his handbook Dar remained adamant in his decision to tame USD exchange rate, by hook or by crook, until Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves almost completely ran out The findings of the World Bank s report on the South Asia Economic Focus

2023 lends support to this argument as it concludes that distortive policy measures period of exchange rate caps import controls and the delay in IMF s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme during the PDM government are the main determinants of Pakistan’s crippling economy While the IMF bail out was indeed necessary to save Pakistan from a domino effect of socio-economic destruction Shehbaz Sharif s self-appreciation for being Pakistan s saving grace is only a reenactment of age-old political tactics Placing the most ripe fruit atop a cake that is crumbling fulfils no one’s appetite, and perhaps this is a lesson that Shehbaz Sharif could learn from his short-lived experience as Pakistan s Prime Minister

Pakistan Post offices held ceremony to mark 76th Independence Day

RAWALPINDI: Independence Day celebrations were held in Pakistan Post with enthusiasm and national spirit across the country including the twin cities All the GPOs including Rawalpindi Islamabad were beautifully decorated with colourful bunting and electric appliances Flag hoisting ceremonies were held at more than two hundred locations Deputy Director General Ihsanullah was the chief guest at the flag-hoisting ceremony at Rawalpindi GPO Chief Postmaster Ayesha Komal and many other officers and employees participated After unfurling the flag, the national anthem was played and the cakecutting ceremony was also held Deputy Director General Ihsanullah in his address said that Pakistan came into existence after the unprecedented sacrifices of the ancestors Now we all must work hard to get our country to a dignified place beyond our prejudices He welcomed the full participation of the employees in the Independence celebration and expressed the expectation that the same spirit would be shown for the significant development of the Pakistan Post A P P

Pakistani, Russian flags digitally displayed on high rise buildings

MOSCOW: Pakistani and Russian flags were digitally displayed on three high-rise buildings in Arbat Street in the heart of Moscow on Monday to mark the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan The three buildings in Arbat were close to Red Square and were designed in the shape of a book These buildings could be easily seen from the river Moscow Pakistan and Russia had completed 75 years of their diplomatic relations The city government of Moscow and the Pakistani embassy in Russia had taken the initiative for displaying the Pakistani and Russian flags which were reflective of the close ties of the two countries Amid the flags names of Russia and Pakistan in Russian and Urdu languages were also displayed A P P

Loutish behaviour

The PTI - and ever yone else - should rein in their suppor ters

SC E N E S of the PML-N s Hina Pervez Butt accosted by supporters of the PTI in London made for uncomfortable viewing Politicians have been harassed by spirited supporters of the party in the past yes but this time it rankled a little too much because the Leaguer was accompanied by her young son The slightly older lot parents themselves, felt it a bit more than they would have in other cases

Nothing in this category, of course, can compete with the shameful behaviour at display at the Masjid e Nabvi in Medina, where spirited stalwarts of the PTI hurled horrible, sexualised slurs to the then information minister Marriyum

Aurangzeb amongst other members of the then government

Loutish behaviour didn’t start with the PTI Back in the day the League also used some unsavoury publicity against the PPP and its then leader, Benazir Bhutto Parties like the MQM and the JI, of course, did far worse, and nothing that the PTI has done can come close to that

But it is quite guilty of the normalisation of horrid jeering and bringing it about amongst the upwardly mobile and educated demographics who ironically perceive themselves above the Great Unwashed who they accuse of basing their political choices on very short term gains

In the last week or so, random Pakistanis meeting officeholders of the PML(N) in their personal capacities have been harassed by PTI supporters who mistook them for additional sessions judge Humayun Dilawar, who gave the judgment that has led to Imran Khan’s prison sentence The nonplussed victims of the abuse can present their NIC or NICOP cards, but their detractors would have none of it

Even if the judge were actually to be on the streets of London and there were to be a conversation (though there shouldn’t be) and if he were to only ask them to tell him what his judgment actually was they would be like turtles on their backs, clueless about the specifics of what they are protesting But for that to happen they would have to let him speak in the first place

This is not to say the judge’s conduct is above criticism or that the judgment itself cannot be criticised; it can and it should be But in a manner becoming of a democracy No one is denying the fact that the democratic process isn’t neat Debates can colour outside the lines a bit and it is good for the citizenry to be passionate about politics But if gentlemen and ladies are kept away from joining politics because their lives and those of their family members would be at risk by the supporters of other political parties then we’d be restricting politics to a gallery of rogues who are quite comfortable in such situations

T h e h a b i t o f w i n n i n g d e b a t e s

occurs to him that the view could very well be one he does not have a box prepared for in advance

Self-righteousness is therefore an integral constituent of the psyche of this sort of man A tell-tale sign of it is the irrepressible anger at those who dare not see eye to eye with him on any given issue This rage is often extremely thinly disguised as sarcasm employed to make fun of the opposing view and the man holding it This sorry attempt at humour is the unmistakable death knell for the project of the pursuit of truth

ultimately ends up rejecting such a view it must be after considering it so painstakingly and stating it so precisely that the opponent (though he still disagrees with you) cannot help acknowledging that even he could not have presented his own stance any better The required attitude, provided one’s goal happens to be the pursuit of truth as opposed to petty one-up-manship was best expressed by Imam Shafi i (I paraphrase:)

TH E R E are numerous habits that are devastating in terms of their effects on man One of them which one would not wish on one’s worst enemy is the habit of winning arguments This can be so addictive that very soon every discussion becomes all about winning –winning every day, winning at all costs, winning against anybody, and winning in the imaginary world if it cannot be achieved in the real one Truth and reason could go take a hike as far as somebody disposed to this vice is concerned For when such a man finds that reason is against him it is only a matter of time before he turns against reason, and with a vengeance

This type of man would go to any length to satisfy his craving for victory If it takes an imaginary conversation in the shower or ‘reported’ on the social media with a real or an imaginary adversary whose argument is shred to pieces in spectacular fashion rendering him speechless so be it If it takes demolition of a primary-school-kid level argument for him to feel good about himself, so be it If it requires straw man (subtle oversimplification of the opponent’s case or blatant misrepresentation of his arguments) to enable the addict to enjoy sound sleep so be it Anything is kosher if it can lead to a self-proclaimed victory Labelling of the opponent ( Liberal Rationalist , Hadees-rejector , and what have you) is a handy resource in this man s arsenal It helps him announce victory without having to exercise his mind This makes the life of the ‘victor ’ considerably easier though the fact of the matter is that more often than not people s positions are too nuanced to be expressed by these convenient labels The mechanism for this sort of self-deception is this: The man first places some convenient boxes in his mind: one of them encompassing all the ‘sound’ beliefs (that is, his own views and those held by his favourite people); and the others making up different varieties of ‘incorrect’ beliefs Each time he hears an opposing viewpoint he is quick to dump it (without any deliberation whatsoever) into one or the other of the condemned boxes He is in such a hurry to announce victory that it never

It is confirmation of the fact that the desire for winning quickly for winning by hook or by crook and for all the glory associated with that victory has completely got the better of a man’s reason There is no denying that we are all partial to the world view we open our eyes to The narrative one hears till coming of age naturally sounds very convincing on account of its familiarity In comparison, other narratives on the same issue sound strange owing to their unfamiliarity Since all of us must start our journeys as babies completely at the mercy of our elders and the environment at large, coming into our own only gradually and over a period spanning years this could not have been any different A significant part of being educated, however, is cultivation of the ability to be objective; that is, the capability of periodically revisiting one’s arguments and conclusions to see if they hold up to critical scrutiny Similarly the capacity to consider sympathetically and honestly views differing from one s own to see if there is any good in them Even if one

T h e a l a r m i n g d i m i n i s h m e n t

o f d e m o c r a c y

Fatima Pasha

DE M O C R A C Y once hailed as the pinnacle of political governance is facing a concerning decline worldwide In recent years we have witnessed a steady erosion of democratic values and institutions, with authoritarianism gaining ground in many nations This disheartening trend raises serious questions about the future of democratic principles and the potential consequences for humanity as a whole There are a number of the key factors contributing to the diminishing state of democracy and it is important to emphasize on the urgent need to reverse this disturbing trajectory

One of the fundamental reasons for this erosion of democracy is the emergence of populist movements across the globe These movements often exploit people s fears anxieties and discontent with the existing political establishment They tend to oversimplify complex issues, create division, and undermine the checks and balances essential for democratic governance

Populist leaders often promote strongman politics advocating for authoritarian measures that compromise the very essence of democracy

In many cases this decline does not stem from overt hostilities such as military coups or violent rebellions, but from the ballot box, where leaders with autocratic tendencies are democratically elected Hungary serves as an exemplary case of this disturbing trend Over the past decade Prime Minister Viktor Orbán s government of Hungary has systematically dismantled democratic institutions such as independent media, the judiciary, and academia

Through legal frameworks, they have curtailed press freedom, and by controlling public media, they shape narratives to their advantage

They’ve also curbed academic freedom shown notably by driving Central European University out of the country This stealthy descent into authoritarianism doesn t happen overnight but through a steady accumulation of power

Similarly, in Poland, the ruling Law and Justice Party has been striving to assert control over independent institutions since 2015 The judiciary has been a particular target with the government implementing measures to retire Supreme Court judges and replace them with their nominees The consequent constitutional crisis threatens the principles of separation of powers, undermining the very fabric of democratic governance Democracy relies on an informed and engaged citizenry capable of making reasoned decisions Unfortunately civic education has taken a backseat in many nations Without a solid understanding of democratic principles, citizens are vulnerable to manipulation and misinformation Failing to equip individuals with the nec-

essary knowledge to critically analyze political discourse allows the rise of demagogues who undermine democratic norms and institutions

The deepening economic disparities in many societies have also fueled the erosion of democracy When a significant portion of the population feels left behind, marginalized, and without opportunities for upward mobility, they become susceptible to the allure of populist promises In turn this can lead to a desire for quick fixes and a willingness to sacrifice democratic ideals in favor of authoritarian solutions which are often oversimplified and harmful in the long run

Democracy in Pakistan has faced various challenges that have contributed to its diminishing state These challenges include a history of military interventions and coups that have disrupted civilian governance leading to periods of direct military rule Additionally political instability, weak institutions, corruption, and a lack of effective governance have eroded public trust in democratic processes Ethnic and religious tensions coupled with a fragmented political landscape have further complicated the formation of stable consensus-based governments The influence of a powerful establishment, at times overshadowing civilian authorities, has also strained democratic norms

These factors collectively create an environment where democratic institutions struggle to function effectively leading to a cycle of uncertainty and political unrest which ultimately hampers the growth and consolidation of democracy in Pakistan

Further from Europe, the Philippines also paints a sobering picture President Rodrigo Duterte’s authoritarian tendencies, often justified under the banner of law and order are deeply concerning From endorsing extrajudicial killings in his war on drugs to clamping down on media Duterte s administration represents a stark shift away from the democratic ideals that once underscored the People Power Revolution ’

Even the world’s most populous democracy, India hasn’t been immune to these unsettling trends The controversial Citizenship Amendment Act the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir and the love jihad laws adopted by several states underpin growing religious polarization and a centralizing tendency in the government

The gradual muzzling of dissent, from the arrests of activists to crackdowns on student protests sends worrying signals about the health of the world s largest democracy

However this democratic backslide isn t confined to these nations alone The 2021 Freedom House report reveals an alarming trend: 2020 marked the 15th consecutive year of decline in global freedom Democracies are faltering under the onslaught of populist leaders exploiting fears sowing divisions and amplifying distrust in democratic processes

While technology has the potential to enhance democratic processes, it also presents

unique challenges The rapid spread of misinformation through social media platforms has eroded trust in traditional institutions including the media and political establishments Social media algorithms often create echo chambers reinforcing existing beliefs and further polarizing societies The manipulation of digital spaces by both state and non-state actors poses a severe threat to the integrity of democratic processes making it harder for citizens to make informed decisions

The global landscape has witnessed a shift in power dynamics with rising authoritarian regimes challenging the liberal democratic order Countries that have traditionally championed democratic values are now faced with increased pressure from assertive autocracies which seek to export their models of governance This shifting balance has emboldened anti-democratic forces making it more challenging for democracies to maintain their influence and uphold their values on the international stage As democracy diminishes the impact isn’t limited to those directly affected It brings about global implications Autocratic regimes are less accountable and more likely to ignore international norms and agreements, threatening global cooperation on critical issues like climate change, nuclear proliferation, and global pandemics Moreover, as democratic values wane, human rights abuses increase The inherent dignity and worth of every individual are cornerstones of democratic societies but as governments grow more autocratic these universal rights are often trampled upon, leading to increased human suffering and social instability

The challenge we face is not only preserving existing democratic structures but also strengthening them Democracies need to show they can deliver beyond ensuring basic political rights They must adequately address people s everyday concerns - employment, health, safety, education, and equality By effectively addressing these pressing issues, democracies can prove themselves a more appealing choice than their autocratic counterparts offering not only freedom but also security and prosperity Democracy advocates must also work harder to build public understanding of democratic values and processes Civic education and active citizenry can help foster democratic resilience, helping to immunize societies against the allure of authoritarian Democracy is a precious and fragile system that demands active participation and continuous vigilance from its citizens As individuals we must engage in open dialogue respect diverse perspectives, and hold our elected representatives accountable Only through collective action can we reinvigorate democratic principles ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all Let us stand united in defense of democracy and strive to reverse its diminishing state for the betterment of humanity

The writer is a freelance columnist

I am convinced that I am right on a given issue but at all times acknowledge the possibility of being misguided I am equally convinced that my opponent is wrong on the same issue but at all times acknowledge the possibility that he may be right (end of paraphrase) This frame of mind not only prevents a man from becoming cocky enough to ridicule and/or dismiss out of hand the opinions of others but also makes the continual re-evaluation of his own arguments his second nature This enables him to change his mind when he is convinced that the change is warranted Since it is guidance that was his objective all along he does not see it as some sort of a defeat Vanquishing anybody in argument never being his goal changing his views for the better is a definite step forward for him This admittedly is easier said than done But if somebody told you that a life committed to striving for truth and guidance was easy, he was lying

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

E d i t o r ’ s m a i l

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

Cheating in exams has repercussions

A N embarrassing ranking on the Trans- parency International’s Corruption Perception Index tells us where to start whenever, and if at all, we decide to begin our return journey Controversially the first place where children learn to cheat happens to be the class examination Even more worrisome is that fact that they are almost always rewarded for that making them walk with their heads held high This stimulates the belief that unfair means are justified for high goals

The cycle continues, and society keeps degenerating as corruption becomes a norm Sounds familiar, right?

Why do students cheat? This has been an intriguing question for researchers around the world At home the reprehensible state of affairs is not a particularly guarded secret Every year the beginning of examinations is a bugle call to prospective cheaters to gear up and look for in genious ways to get through exams with flying colours

Incidents reporting students running with books in their hands when vigilance teams strike, invigilators accepting bribes, and impersonation of candidates have made headlines and that continues to be the case Many factors contribute to this cycle However an educational system based on rote learning is the reason behind this menace The pressure to get enrolled in top-notch colleges makes children cheat in schools Later in order to get into the best universities, students feel inclined to cheat in college exams

In universities, students mostly cheat because a good grade point average (GPA) is considered helpful in landing a good job The habit of cheating becomes so integral that it is often not even considered inappropriate For many students the system is actual the monster Research indicates that students are cut out of conversations about school policies and culture On their part the teachers care about cheating because it is not fair that students get good grades when they have not followed the teacher s rules, a student at a university in Lahore told me recently Peer pressure is also a factor that makes students cheat to prove themselves to be the smartest in the class or they want to seem ‘cool’ in the eyes of their friends or try to impress those around them

A course correction is needed This will not only help students see a better version of themselves but will also save immense resources spent on the futile exercise of invigilation A school where cheating is not necessary would be centred around individualisation and learning Students would learn and be tested on their knowledge Teaching should be outcome-based rather than content-based What is learnt by the students has to be more important than what is taught by the teacher For universities, open-book exams can be an effective antidote to dealing with the plague of cheating This way of teaching would not be about time-crunching every lesson but more about helping a student understand a concept Most importantly students must not be afraid of making mistakes while learning The evaluation should be progress-based rather than glorifying the final result without focussing on the process involved Besides competing in the class, collaboration must be equally stressed In American universities, the grades and marks of the students are kept confidential Marks are communicated to them through personal portals This helps the students not to adopt unfair means under peer pressure and focus on learning rather than reaching for the correct answer by hook or by crook It is time for educational institutions to focus more on learning rather than using marks as the only criterion for gauging a student s ability I was told by a successful entrepreneur with modest grades that he stopped cheating in exams once he realised that the 40 out of 100 that he scored by studying and utilising his own intellect was more satisfying than the 80 out of 100 which he earlier used to score by cheating Social pressure perhaps is not the only reason why students resort to cheating Hectic work schedules and unreasonable deadlines to deliver projects add to the woes of students forcing them in a way to cheat and plagiarise Therefore, they must be taught work-life balance from an early age To curb corruption in society, ethical reforms are needed in educational institutions Without attending to the students’ emotional, social and psycho-logical needs, we will never be able to create a cheating-free culture in society

Since all of us must star t our journeys as babies completely at the mercy of our elders and the environment at large, coming into our own only gradually and over a period spanning years, this could not have been any different A significant par t of being educated, however, is cultivation of the ability to be objective; that is, the capability of periodically revisiting oneÊs arguments and conclusions to see if they hold up to critical scrutiny.

Dedicated

TH E socio-political turmoil in Israel which is manifested by the pervasive hostility, distrust, and disdain between the religious nationalists and secular liberal Jews is tearing the country apart The Netanyahu government’s determination to subordinate the judiciary to the whims of elected officials does not only compromise the independence of the judiciary but it has also exposed the other shortcomings of Israel s democracy which is exacerbating the schism between the two camps and taking the country to a point of no return

To prevent Israel from self-destruction, the demonstrators who tenaciously and relentlessly poured into the streets by the hundreds of thousands to protest against the socalled judicial reforms must not be satisfied by simply restoring the independence of the judiciary The conflict over these reforms offers a historic opportunity to examine and rectify every aspect of Israel s democracy which has been compromised since the day of Israel’s inception Regardless of how difficult such an undertaking might be it is imperative to embark on it to prevent future onslaughts on Israel s democracy by aspiring authoritarians while ensuring its sustainability for generations to come

There are five areas of reforms that will preserve and substantially strengthen Israel s democracy

ENSURING THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY: For all intents and purposes the battle over securing the independence of the judiciary has only begun Given that the government succeeded in passing a law that cancels Israel s reasonableness standard which allowed the Supreme Court to review and strike down government policies that were deemed unreasonable, the courageous demonstrators must remain vigilant and relentless in their fight for the independence of the judiciary When the Knesset resumes its legislative session in October the Netanyahu government is still determined to enact additional laws to subordinate the judiciary to the legislative branch thwart the courts from intervening in cases of human rights violations, and most critically, take control over the committee that appoints judges, including Supreme Court justices

The Netanyahu government must have no illusion about what the ramifications will be should it proceed with its disastrous plans as some of the consequences

A perilous implosion awaits Israel

to keeping the Palestinians at bay and preventing them from ever establishing an independent state of their own

of its earlier actions will only be compounded if Netanyahu refuses to stop his nefarious design to reshape the judiciary and conform it to the whims of his messianic reactionary and staunchly nationalist partners

What has already happened should be a wakeup call that the government can ignore only at it peril High-tech workers and companies are looking to relocate, with 80 percent of Israeli start-ups registered in foreign countries rather than in Israel this year alone; emigration is significantly on the rise; foreign investment in start-up companies is drying out; the shekel is sinking; doctors are looking to relocate oversees; Moody s and Morgan Stanley are issuing gloomy reports about Israel s economic future, downgrading its credit and advising their clients not to invest in Israel; thousands of pilots and other military reservists are not reporting for their voluntary service which impedes military readiness; and Israel s international standing is at an all-time low

To be sure the amalgamation of economic (especially from the high-tech industry) and military power is what has strengthened Israel s hand politically and diplomatically over the years The rapid erosion in these particular sectors poses a significant threat to Israel’s security and economic wellbeing

The demonstrators must now doubly prepare to resort to any peaceful means to thwart further judicial reforms This includes rallies demonstrations work stoppages civil disobedience, and general strikes; they must prepare to for these peaceful acts transparently to leave no doubt in the minds of Netanyahu and his colleagues that the initial fight over “reform” was a rehearsal for what might come that it could paralyze the country completely should the government not heed their call Indeed as Andrew Jackson observed All the rights secured to the citizens under the Constitution are worth nothing and a mere bubble, except guaranteed to them by an independent and virtuous Judiciary Indeed, in the final analysis, an independent judiciary is the beating heart of democracy and any compromise between the government and the opposition that might be achieved must under no circumstance undermine the independence of the judiciary

E N D I N G T H E O C C U PAT I O N: Ending the occupation is sine qua non to the preservation of Israel s democracy Indeed, as long as Israel remains an occupying power and applies two set of laws in the West Bank one for Israelis including the settlers and one set of military laws that govern the Palestinian community Israel is not and will never be a true democracy Successive right-wing governments have been systematically misleading and brainwashing the Israeli public to justify the occupation on the grounds of national security They have been methodically portraying the Palestinians as an irredeemable foe while describing the occupation as central

Good governance is a bad idea

who have sufficient resources to escape its effects Yet indicators and labeling exercises have dominated climate policymaking Notwithstanding the rise of ESG (a loosely defined concept that encompasses environmental, social, and governance” criteria), maximisation of shareholder value remains the overarching goal of corporate good governance

Furthermore, successive Israeli governments have been promoting the notion that the Palestinians are bent on destroying Israel even if they establish their own state, while normalizing the occupation of the West Bank as if it were simply an extension of Israel proper Eighty percent of all Israelis and 92 percent of all Palestinians were born after the occupation began in 1967 The occupation is dangerously eroding Israel s moral standing and social fabric regardless of what kind of spins are put on it It is not only destructive for the Palestinians, instigating militancy and endless violence, it has fueled a rise in antisemitism as the ruthless occupation is being associated with the Jews as we are currently witnessing To be sure the Israeli occupation is logically skewed politically counter-productive and misleading from a national security perspective

The current Israeli government openly calls for the annexation of the West Bank, which not only makes a mockery of Israel’s democracy but leaves the Palestinians with no other option but violent resistance Indeed the occupation and the way Israel is treating the Palestinians is apartheid in the full meaning of the word The multitude of Israelis who have been fighting to preserve the independence of the judiciary must fight with the same vigor, tenacity, and commitment to end the occupation if they really want true democracy to prevail for generations to come To that end the government must remain under unrelenting public pressure to create a path that would lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the context of an Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian confederation

: One of the reasons behind the judicial crisis is that Israel does not have a written constitution, especially one that would require a supermajority (two-thirds) of the Knesset to amend any basic law and prevent any amendments by a simple majority as was the case of the reasonableness bill which passed by a meager majority of 64 out of 120 Israel s democracy as it is currently formulated lacks necessary safeguards and can be manipulated to conform with the ideological or religious leaning of the government at any given time The constitution should rest on foundational provisions over which reaching a consensus is a must Given however the diversity of opinions ideologies religious beliefs political leanings and different visions about Israel s future it will be extremely difficult to reach a consensus on establishing a constitution

Nevertheless, Israel s many basic laws can form the basis for a constitution, which can be built upon To that end, representatives of all current political parties should convene on a regular basis and commit from the onset to continue working on drafting a constitution until they reach a consensus

Some of the fundamental provisions of the constitution should obviously include judicial independence; separation between religion and state; comprehensive human rights regardless of race, color, gender, ethnicity, or reli-

gion; equality before the law; freedom of expression and the press; free and fair elections; and a clear definition of the legal prerogatives of the government, its obligation towards citizens, as well as the relationship between the military and the government Ultimately, a constitution that encompasses all the above provisions will provide the necessary safeguards to protect and sustain democracy

REFORMING ISRAEL S ELECTORAL SYSTEM:

Much can be said about the inefficiency and intricacies of Israel s electoral system Israeli elections are largely fair and free but nevertheless there is a need for substantial reform For the purpose of this article, it suffices to focus on one critical aspect of Israel’s electoral system

Any reforms should aim at reducing the number of political parties by raising the electoral threshold from 3 25 percent to perhaps 7 or 8 percent This change alone would compel smaller parties who roughly share similar ideological and political leanings to merge and create a larger party, which would also help to reduce polarization But more important, it would prevent small parties from being kingmakers and having outsized power to form as well as precipitate the collapse of a government if their demands are not met With fewer parties each party would naturally gain a greater number of seats and will be able to form a coalition government without the need for a party of only 4 or 5 Knesset members, which under the current structure holds the government hostage to the narrow demands that serve the sole interest of such a party even at the expense of the nation’s interests

Moreover the fewer the number of political parties in any coalition government the fewer compromises will have to be made in order to avoiding settling on the lowest common denominators to reach consensus on any policy This change alone would allow most governments to complete their four-year mandates and prevent frequent elections During the past four years the country went through five elections which is absurd to say the least There is no doubt that this one change alone will dramatically improve the government s functionality and further enhance its democratic underpinnings

In conclusion, Israel has never faced the kind of social and political turmoil it is currently experiencing The foundations of Israel’s democracy as a representative government independence of the judiciary equality before the law social justice religious freedom freedom of press and expression and protection of human rights must be guarded with zeal These democratic pillars have largely been enshrined in basic laws and any tampering with these pillars betrays the very essence behind Israel’s creation Israel, which was established as a home to protect the security and the rights of every citizen and welcomes any Jew regardless of their religious affiliation country of origin or gender has been alarmingly eroding in recent years The whole nation must now rise up and revive the moral tenets and the democratic values on which the country was created, and live up to the vision of its founders

Par tition: The untold stor y of the role of aeroplanes

t h e p e o p l e e va c u ate d - we re f l ow n o u t o f w h at b e c a m e I n d i a a n d Pa ki s t a n

ONCE upon a time not so long ago commentators and experts portrayed good governance as the sole ingredient needed for economic growth and development For many years, it was a staple of mainstream policy advice and institutional reforms In a 1992 report Governance and Development the World Bank defined the term as consisting of four components: capacity and efficiency in public-sector management, accountability, legal frameworks for development, and information and transparency

The term has since fallen into desuetude perhaps because the concept itself has lost some of its bite While there is nothing wrong with any of its four components, or with the principle of procedural fairness in managing public and private affairs, the assumption that good governance would solve complex social and political problems was deeply flawed

Moreover some critics contend that the good-governance agenda was always meant to mask underlying power structures by elevating technocratic decisionmaking over political struggles Whether intended or not good-governance advocates did tend to focus on appearances rather than substance: how questions took precedence over what questions as if good outcomes would spring miraculously from sound processes

Meanwhile, an entire industry emerged to define and redefine “good governance ” and to develop indicator after indicator for measuring it These indicators became a new technology of governance with measurements serving as performance benchmarks to guide action and create the appearance of actual improvement There is no shortage of critiques of how good governance is measured or implemented But the real costs of this fad including the crowding out of outcome-driven political action over the past several decades, have become apparent only recently For example, the goodgovernance agenda has arguably reduced policymakers’ capacity to solve complex problems and distracted from the need to address socioeconomic losses in equitable and politically feasible ways

Setting the right parameters for decision-making does not automatically produce the right outcomes With its implicit singular focus on economic growth, the good-governance agenda downplayed the need to account for distributional consequences and negative environmental externalities These shortcomings have now been laid bare by the climate crisis We need real action to stem pollution if this planet is going to remain hospitable for most of humanity not just the few

As in the past a rent-seeking industry of advisers consultants and public-relations professionals has emerged to help companies and countries comply with ever-changing labels and standards; and, as in the past there have been few tangible results Three decades after the creation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change the world is still warming at a dangerous rate, and the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly destructive and costly

Worse, heavily polluting industries have managed to get a seat at the table in international negotiations while climate activists are locked out Indeed some are even sanctioned including by criminal law, for breaking the rules of the game, a core paradigm of good governance that, here as elsewhere, generally serves to defend the status quo

The 2015 Paris climate agreement sought to change course by establishing clear targets and committing governments to limiting average temperature increases to 1 5°C above pre-industrial levels Countries are required to produce action plans specifying how they will achieve these goals and climate activists have been galvanized to hold policymakers feet to the fire

But it is far easier to produce a Nationally Determined Contribution than to achieve real outcomes domestically or transnationally Governments and industries have made plenty of commitments to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century but they have yet to deliver Instead public- and private-sector elites continue the old dance of pursuing formal compliance in lieu of meaningful changes Labels, soft codes of conduct, reports, and PR campaigns remain the preferred implementation strategies even though one after another has been debunked as ineffective and in some cases outright fraudulent

Rather than serving as a wakeup call for a change in strategy, ESG has become another gravy train for the compliance-advice business It offers yet another opportunity to extract rents from clients while blaming regulators for failures Companies dare not forego these services because as the global accounting giant PwC puts it, the risks of fraud in the ESG context are increasing based on the rising pressure of regulators and the public ”

The good-governance agenda has lost its label but it lives on and it has become an existential threat Combating climate change is about solving problems and winning power struggles, not checking boxes Governance is no substitute for government (or management, in the private sector) We have allowed it to sidetrack us for far too long

BBC

s o u t K B i s wa s

IN his 1974 novel Tamas (Darkness), a vivid portrayal of the bloody partition of India author Bhisham Sahni vividly depicts the atmosphere changing in a violence-wracked village as a plane circles above it thrice People ventured out The fighting seemed to have stopped and dead bodies were being disposed People went back to their houses to assess their losses in terms of clothes and armaments ” Sahni wrote a fictional account of the carnage that accompanied the partition as it split the subcontinent into the new independent nations of India and Pakistan Religious violence erupted, displacing some 12 million people, and claiming the lives of up to one million people Fiction might have been mirroring reality when the planes swooped over the troubled villages suggests Aashique Ahmed Iqbal an Indian historian

THE FRIENDSHIP THAT SURVIVED

THE DIVISION OF A NATION: The mere presence of the aircraft, he says, had a deterrent effect dispersing mobs and giving villages time to prepare their defences “The aeroplane played a small but highly crucial role during the division of the British empire in India into the independent dominions of India and Pakistan, notes Mr Iqbal in his fascinating book, The Aeroplane and the Making of Modern India

Of the 12 million people who fled from India and Pakistan the overwhelming majority travelled by train vehicle cart and on foot Up to 50 000 people - or less than 1% of the people evacuated - were flown out of what became India and Pakistan, Mr Iqbal says A near-complete exchange of population was completed in three months between September and November in 1947 The Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) - the aerial force of British India and later the dominion of India - would play a key role in quelling disorder and help in evacuating partition refugees, notes Mr Iqbal Every morning, their aircraft embarked on tactical reconnaissance missions flying over railway tracks to safeguard refugee-laden trains from potential mob ambushes and checking the rails for any signs of tampering The planes would also look out for armed mobs and communicate with trains using wireless radio

In September 1947, aircraft flying over Punjab reported a startling sight: up to 30,000 refugees trekking on foot along a 25-mile (40km) stretch as recounted by Mr Iqbal These planes detected lurking mobs poised to attack weary refugees relaying their locations to military patrols They witnessed ominous columns of smoke rising from incinerated villages “If you flew low,” Mr Iqbal writes, “you would spot bodies floating through Punjab’s famous canal system ” HOW A JACKET AND A BRIEFCASE

SHAPED A PARTITION LOVE STORY:

That was not all RIAF planes - mostly trusty Dakotas - transported 1 5 million doses of cholera vaccines from Delhi to Karachi to help prevent an epidemic in the unsanitary

refugee camps They also dropped cooked food sugar and oil for refugees Both India and Pakistan used planes to drop leaflets warning rioters to cease violence, Mr Iqbal writes The RIAF also ended up evacuating non-Muslims from distant parts of Pakistan like Multan Bannu and Peshawar

In scenes reminiscent of the desperate Afghans who attempted to flee their country by running alongside and clinging to military jets at Kabul airport in August 2021, the airfields of Delhi and Punjab in 1947 also witnessed moments of “great danger and desperation” “Refugees in camps near the airfields would rush to the planes as soon as they were permitted Passengers desperate to be flown out of danger bribed crew with money and gold to board the plane Mr Iqbal writes Tickets were expensive Passengers were allowed to carry very little luggage: there are accounts of a refugee from Hyderabad in India carrying only her Quran to Pakistan; and others carrying a “battered child’s cane chair” and a moth-eaten-looking parrot

Not surprisingly the planes were packed to the gills Seats and carpets were removed to accommodate as many refugees as possible Dakota DC-3 planes meant to carry 21 passengers often carried five times the number WHY WAS BRITISH INDIA PARTITIONED 75 YEARS AGO? A private airline technician was given a pair of knuckle-dusters by his pilot to control the crowds He would punch his way to the door collecting undercarriage pins and punch his way into the plane before firmly locking in,” Mr Iqbal writes Once the doors closed the engines would start Then the crowd would automatically vanish due to the slip stream of the engines That no major crashes were reported because of the overcrowding, lax airport security and overworked planes was remarkable Refugees often crowded airfields before planes landed because of lack of security Matters were not helped by hostility of the authorities to air crews of the other country writes Mr Iqbal

By early 1947 India had 115 civilian airplanes run by 11 private companies The end of World War II had sparked an unprecedented boom” for civil aviation as Indian companies bought cheap aircraft - mostly Douglas DC-3 Dakotas - left behind by the departing US forces But there was a glut in supply and not enough demand and profits plummeted During partition civilian planes not flying on scheduled routes were diverted to ferry refugees from Pakistan to India; and 10 of these planes were made available for the government

But civilian airline operators were not able to cope with the mass evacuation They also refused to risk aircraft and personnel for this impossible task Eventually foreign help was sought: 21 British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) planes flew non-stop for 15 days to move 6,300 people from Delhi to Karachi They also carried 45 000kg of food tents and vaccines for Muslim refugees stranded at Delhi airfields

PARTITION 70 YEARS ON: THE TUR-

MOIL, TRAUMA - AND LEGACY: Two

Royal Air Force transport aircraft deployed to evacuate British nationals were also used to evacuate some 12,000 people between India and Pakistan Only 2 790 were British person-

nel; the rest would be railways post and telegraph employees who would play a key role in the exchange of population on the ground writes Mr Iqbal

By October 1947, India realised this effort was still not enough This was when ‘Operation India’ was launched: over six weeks in October and November 21 planes - mainly Dakotas chartered from eight British companies - transported 35 000 people and more than 1 5 million pounds of baggage between India and Pakistan Some 170 aviation personnel were flown in from Britain to help Indian aviation companies were overwhelmed by the magnitude of evacuation so both the governments had to rely on chartered British aircraft And the use of planes says Mr Iqbal enabled the rapid constitution of independent India in the crucial first months after Independence

RESTORING TRUST

TRIBUNE

The exodus of a large chunk of Gurugram s industrial workforce following the recent communal clashes is a huge setback to this commercial hub of North India The communal tension has not only exposed the religious fault-lines but also put the booming industry in a precarious position At a time when New Delhi is going all out to seek more investment the violence sends out all the wrong signals As businesses and companies come to grips with an atmosphere of distrust, both the Haryana and the Central governments have a challenging task at hand to restore public confidence Safety concerns need to be addressed on priority Any delay on this count or allowing activities that could be detrimental to peace and security will adversely affect the business sentiment and the hard-won economic gains The spillover effect is being felt in all aspects of life Young startups are said to be rethinking on setting up offices in the financial hub A large number of people employed as labourers, maids, drivers, gardeners and hawkers have gone back home Muslim migrants account for a sizeable proportion of the industrial workforce They are now being offered bonuses to return In Nuh feeling unsafe some Hindu families have decided to leave The onus is on the administration to redouble confidence-building measures A symbol of India’s economic ambitions, Gurugram stares at an uncertain future and urgent intervention at all levels must be made to restore communal harmony The Haryana Government cannot evade its responsibility If it failed to act when it should have, now s the time to make amends An unbiased clampdown on anyone rousing communal passions is imperative Rooting for harmony the Supreme Court has made it clear that hate speech is completely unacceptable and it s up to all communities to maintain peace The rule of law must prevail

ANY ATTEMPT TO SABOTAGE CPEC, FRIENDSHIP WITH PAKISTAN WILL NOT SUCCEED: SAYS CHINA

CH I N A on Monday said that any attempt to sabotage its friendship with Pakistan or the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will not succeed

Responding to queries during a regular media briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, No attempt to sabotage the friendship between China and Pakistan and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will succeed”

His statement comes a day after terrorists attacked a military convoy escorting Chinese workers to a port project in Gwadar No casualties were reported among the citizens or military while two terrorists were killed in response

“However due to the efficient and swift response two terrorists were sent to hell with no harm to any military or civil persons the army s media wing had said in a statement, without mentioning the presence of Chinese nationals

The Chinese consulate in Karachi had said at the time that a Chinese convoy from the Gwadar port project “was hit by roadside bombs and gunfire on its way back to the port area from the

Gwadar Airport

The consulate had confirmed that no Chinese citizens were killed or injured in the attack It had also asked Pakistan to severely punish the perpetrators and take concrete and effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects

The Majid Brigade, a wing of the banned Baloch Liberation Army, had claimed responsibility for the attack

Dubai company signs

Zimbabwe deal to develop carbon projects on 7.5million hectares

In a landmark development for climate action and community empowerment Blue Carbon and the Government of Zimbabwe have joined forces through a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for developing carbon projects and sustainable initiatvies in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector on 7 5 million hectares of land under Article 6 2 of the Paris Agreement

Under this historic partnership Blue Carbon and the Government of Zimbabwe are embarking on a transformative endeavor dedicated to the advancement of environmental conservation the well-being of local communities, and the stimulation of economic growth

This visionary partnership is poised to create a lasting impact on a massive scale, as the combined efforts of both entities converge to facilitate pioneering conservation initiatives Spanning across an impressive expanse of 7 5 million hectares within Zimbabwe this initiative holds the potential to effect profound positive changes

Blue Carbon is a Dubai based company under the patronage of the Member of Dubai Ruling Family Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, which was formed to create environmental assets, nature-based solutions and register carbon projects under eligible methodologies Beyond the immediate goal of carbon emissions reduction the heart of these carbon projects pulsates with the intent to bring about tangible improvements at the grassroots level

The project s blueprint extends beyond the mere realm of environmental betterment, extending its reach to encompass the holistic welfare of local communities

One of the standout features of this collaboration is the establishment of the Community Welfare Programs where the capital received from carbon credits will be used among other things to finance various social projects tailored to uplift the living standards of the communities residing in the project areas

These initiatives will encompass crucial sectors such as healthcare education capacity building the creation of cottage industries etc Investments in education will open doors to new opportunities equipping individuals with essential skills and knowledge to flourish in the changing world Capacity building programs will be designed to empower the local workforce, enabling them to actively participate in carbon projects and benefit from sustainable livelihoods

This pioneering partnership aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and underscores the dedication of both Blue Carbon and the Government of Zimbabwe towards driving transformative change for a greener, sustainable, and more equitable future

The signing ceremony occurred in Zimbabwe with the presence of Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, Minister of Environment Climate Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Josiane Sadaka CEO of Blue Carbon We believe that effective climate action should go hand in hand with community empowerment, said Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu Through this collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, we are confident that our carbon projects will not only make a positive impact on the environment but also lead to meaningful improvements in the lives of the people who need it the most added Ms Sadaka

WASHINGTON

A G E N C I E S

US President Joe Biden has come under sharp criticism for his silence regarding the increasing death toll resulting from the catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii

While the devastating fires have claimed the lives of 96 people, President Biden spent two leisurely hours relaxing on Rehoboth Beach in Delaware on Sunday, declining to comment on the unfolding tragedy

Amidst the turmoil caused by the wildfires the 80-year-old president was photographed reclining on a sun lounger near his holiday home in Delaware Earlier, he attended mass at St Edmond s Catholic

Church in the resort town

As he left the beach, President Biden was asked by a White House correspondent from Bloomberg about his response to the ongoing

Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship in Black Sea

MOSCOW

In the statement today, the Chinese spokesperson reiterated that “no Chinese citizens were killed or injured” While strongly condemning the attack Wenbin asked Pakistani authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and take actions to keep Chinese nationals safe

He added that the Chinese embassy and consulate in Pakistan “immediately activated the emergency response mechanism” reminding Chinese nationals

companies and project construction teams in Pakistan to stay alert

It also asked them to upgrade security measures, closely follow the security situation on the ground, guard against security risks and keep themselves safe,” the spokesperson said Wenbin went on to assert: China will continue to work with Pakistan to jointly guard against and counter the threats of terrorism and effectively protect the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan ”

When asked about China’s response to recently sworn-in Anwaarul Haq Kakar assuming the role of Pakistan s caretaker premier Wenbin said China congratulated Kakar on the appointment He added, No matter how the international landscape and the domestic situation in Pakistan may change, the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan will always remain rock-firm and unbreakable Wenbin asserted China stands ready to work with Pakistan to advance our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, build an even closer ChinaPakistan community with a shared future in the new era and bring more benefits to the two countries and two peoples

US loss of AAA badge a reminder of ‘regime shif t ’ for govt debt

PR OFIT

R E U T E R S

Financial markets barely flinched when Fitch stripped the United States of its top credit rating, but it served as a reminder of longerterm structural risks investors in government bonds are yet to grasp

The immediate focus in the aftermath of the Aug 1 downgrade has been on U S governance, but Fitch Ratings also flagged higher rates driving up debt service costs an aging population and rising healthcare spending echoing challenges that reverberate globally David Katimbo-Mugwanya, head of fixed income at EdenTree Investment Management, a 3 7 billion-pound ($4 71 billion)charity-owned investor said with the move highlighting reflecting elevated debt levels at a time when interest rates will likely remain high, debt sustainability was back in focus

“I think it really brings home that shift being a regime shift rather than a cyclical one Katimbo-Mugwanya said Pressures investors will eventually face include ageing populations, climate change and geopolitical tensions

Such risks are making some investors including hedge fund manager Bill Ackman bet on rising longer-term borrowing costs

Yet many investors say factors at play are too complex and their impact too far out to influence their investment decisions

“The rating agencies are not looking at them in a systemic way And the investors even less said Moritz Kraemer former head of sovereign ratings at S&P Global, now chief economist at German lender LBBW WARNING SIGNS There is no shortage of research sounding alarm Without cuts to age-related spending, median net government debt will rise to 101% of gross domestic product in advanced and 156% in emerging economies by 2060 S&P Global

Ratings said in a study this year

S&P said the assumption that governments would prioritise servicing debt over spending promises had rarely been tested at such high debt levels

It expects policy steps that will make ageing-related costs more manageable Not taking them would see creditworthiness deteriorate and half the governments it rates would have metrics

wildfires His terse reply was, No comment

Hawaii’s Democratic governor and senators have expressed gratitude to President Biden for swiftly approving an emergency declaration unlocking federal rescue funds and dispatching FEMA officials Nevertheless discontent has risen on the islands as federal aid is yet to arrive in full force Paul Romero, the owner of a gym in Kihei, voiced frustration, labelling the response from the government as “incredibly pathetic ” He remarked “We can’t even understand what they did what they didn t do what they re still not doing Amidst the growing speculation surrounding the cause of the devastating blazes, the possibility of a spark from the electricity supply has emerged A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric by LippSmith LLP and other law firms alleging that downed power lines by the company ig-

associated with junk credit ratings while even top-rated governments would lose the highest ratings S&P said For the European Union and the euro area, where public pensions and healthcare play a major role, the European Commission and European Central Bank have also flagged costs related to ageing as a key risk to debt sustainability Japan is one major economy where financing costs remain low even as its debt exceeds 260% of GDP and it has one of the world’s oldest populations But that reflects high domestic ownership of government debt and ultra loose monetary policy – a hard act to follow with higher inflation

On the environmental front, a study last week showed a failure to curb carbon emissions will raise debt-servicing costs for 59 nations within the next decade These long-term risks may not possess a well-established historical precedent, making reliance solely on historical data for risk assessment a challenge,” said Gael Fichan, head of fixed income at Swiss private bank Syz Group For now despite the steepest increases in borrowing costs in decades investors still see little risk in holding governments longer-term debt

For example, the New York Fed estimates longer-term U S Treasuries still yield less than rolling over short-term debt – a legacy of central bank government bond buying

However, as central banks now roll off that debt and government financing needs rise, that should reverse investors say A recent rise in long-dated bond yields in reaction to a surge in U S borrowing needs was a case

A Russian warship on Sunday fired warning shots at a cargo ship in the southwestern Black Sea as it made its way northwards, the first time Russia has fired on merchant shipping beyond Ukraine since exiting a landmark UN-brokered grain deal last month

In July, Russia halted participation in the Black Sea grain deal that allowed Ukraine to export agricultural produce via the Black Sea Moscow said that it deemed all ships heading to Ukrainian waters to be potentially carrying weapons

On Sunday, Russia said in a statement that its Vasily Bykov patrol ship had fired automatic weapons on the Palau-flagged Sukru Okan vessel after the ship’s captain failed to respond to a request to halt for an inspection Russia said the vessel was making its way toward the Ukrainian port of Izmail Refinitiv shipping data showed the ship was currently near the coast of Bulgaria and heading toward the Romanian port of Sulina Reuters could not immediately reach the vessel or its owners for comment

A senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the incident was a clear violation of international law of the sea an act of piracy and a crime against civilian vessels of a third country in the waters of other states

The adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, added on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that Ukraine will draw all the necessary conclusions and choose the best possible response Zelenskiy did not mention the incident in his nightly video address Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for the southern military command, stressed that the Russian statement had not been confirmed by other official sources “I believe that attention should be drawn to this and the peculiarities of hybrid warfare should be kept in mind she said in televised remarks

This statement could be a signal to all civilian vessels in the Black Sea, she said, and called for all transportation and navigation there to be conducted under international guarantees Russia, she added, was trying to assert its right to stop a ship or deploy aircraft in the Black Sea and face no consequences Black sea at war?

Firing on a merchant vessel will ratchet up already acute concerns among shipowners, insurers and commodity traders about the potential dangers of getting ensnared in the Black Sea – the main route that both Ukraine and Russia use to get their agricultural produce to market Russia and Ukraine are two of the world s top agricultural producers and major players in the wheat, barley, maize, rapeseed, rapeseed oil, sunflower seed and sunflower oil markets Russia is also dominant in the fertiliser market

in point

“As the supply of long-dated Treasuries rises investors may demand higher term premia to compensate for the added risk of holding bonds with longer maturities, Fichan said Kraemer, the former S&P official said it was “unreasonable” that shorter and longer-term government debt were rated the same POLICY WATCH Greater focus on longer-term risks should bring scrutiny of government policies

Policy “is going to matter more especially in terms of the fiscal side of things about how the governments are reacting to the various promises to the electorate and what they re trying to achieve, said Kshitij Sinha, a fund manager at Canada Life Asset Management

It will be crucial whether governments can bring down relative debt levels by boosting economic growth, and here climate change is both a challenge and opportunity

“The green transition will require quite some investments that will also increase the overall debt levels further but down the road you will profit from it said Martin Lenz, senior portfolio manager at Union Investment, which manages 424 billion euros

Still with higher debt an economic reality few governments are left with the coveted AAA rating

Can there be a world without AAA sovereigns? Yeah, I think there can be, We ve seen this happening in the corporate space, for example,” LBBW’s Kraemer said adding that out of dozens of AAA-rated U S companies in 1980s now there were only two left

Since Russia left the Black Sea grain deal, both Moscow and Kyiv have issued warnings and carried out attacks that have sent jitters through global commodity oil and shipping markets Russia has said it will treat any ships approaching Ukrainian ports as potential military vessels, and their flag countries as combatants on the Ukrainian side Russia also struck Ukrainian grain facilities on the Danube Ukraine responded with a similar threat to ships approaching Russian or Russian-held Ukrainian ports Ukraine also attacked a Russian oil tanker and a warship at its Novorossiysk naval base next door to a major grain and oil port

Ukraine and the West say Russia s steps amount to a de-facto blockade of Ukrainian ports that threatens to cut off the flow of wheat and sunflower seeds from Ukraine to world markets

Russia dismisses that interpretation and says the West failed to implement a parallel agreement easing rules for its own food and fertiliser exports

China will fur ther open up to foreign investment: official

BEIJING S TA F F C O R R E S P O N D E N T

China will optimize the business environment for foreign investors to further their engagement with the Chinese market said an official at a regular press conference held by the State Council Information Office on Monday

Chen Chunjiang, assistant minister at the Ministry of Commerce, said that China recently announced a series of measures to boost foreign investors’ confidence and attract more high-quality foreign investment to the Chinese market

In the first half of this year over 23 000 foreigninvested enterprises were newly established in China up 35 7 percent year on year, as the economy continues to recover and the market retains huge potential for development Chen said key tasks in the second half of this year include reducing the negative list for foreign investment and expanding market access for foreign investors Special events to further attract foreign investments will be included in Invest in China Year activities, he added

d o n f avo u r i t e b e a c h a s H awa i i b u r n s

nited the fires The lawsuit claims the company disregarded fire warnings and kept their power lines energized

Hawaiian Electric responded asserting its focus on supporting emergency response efforts and restoring power to affected areas

The company clarified that the cause of the fire remains undetermined and pledged cooperation with state and county reviews Reports reveal that Hawaiian Electric failed to shut off power lines despite warnings of hurricane-force winds approaching the island

In comparison states like California experienced in handling wildfires often deploy a public power shutoff plan to prevent fire outbreaks during wind events California s implementation of this plan followed the destructive wildfires of 2017 and 2018 These wildfires were the most lethal and damaging the nation had witnessed in the past century until the current Hawaii crisis unfolded

CORPORATE CORNER G O O G L E C E L E B R AT E S PA K I S TA N

NBP Celebrates Pakistan’s 76th Independence D ay

I N D E P E N D E N C E D AY W I T H D O O D L E

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) celebrated Pakistan s 76th Independence Day by organizing a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Head Office The National flag was hoisted by Mr Rehmat Ali Hasnie, President & CEO, NBP along with executives employees and their families Paying tribute to the national heroes of Pakistan Mr Rehmat Ali Hasnie said At National Bank of Pakistan we take immense pride in playing our part in driving the nation's economic progress With an unwavering commitment to excellence in banking, we shall continue to foster growth and prosperity, empowering businesses and individuals alike to reach new heights of financial success Through innovative solutions and dedicated services we aim to be the cornerstone of Pakistan s economic development, supporting dreams and aspirations on the path to a brighter future I am glad to share that Nation’s Bank will be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee next year” PR

NTDC celebrates 76th Independence D ay with traditional zeal and enthusiasm

NTDC Headquarters

WAPDA House, Lahore(14 August 2023) - The National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited (NTDC) celebrated the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan with great enthusiasm and traditional zeal The main flag hoisting ceremony took place at the TSG Training Centre in New Kot Lakhpat Lahore The Chief Guest of the event was Managing Director NTDC, Engr Dr Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan, who unfurled the National Flag in a solemn ceremony Salutes were also given by the security guards of NTDC as a mark of respect PR

Pakistan Nav y celebrates 76th anniversar y of Pakistan with traditional Ardour

Faraz-ur-Rehman Inaugurates K ATI’s Park on 76th Independence D ay Celebration

KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T

Despite the challenges posed by difficult circumstances the business community s enduring affection for Pakistan remains undiminished These sentiments were echoed by Faraz-ur-Rehman President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), during the grand opening ceremony of KATI/GFS Park, a symbol of unity and progress The event was held on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan s 76th Independence Day A tribute to the sacrifices made during the Tehreek Pakistan movement the Independence Day

RUDA Celebrates Independence Day

with Unity and Patriotism

L a h o r e: The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) held a simple yet impressive Independence Day ceremony, showcasing unwavering patriotism and dedication to the development and progress of our great nation The event was attended by RUDA's esteemed CEO Imran Amin and COO Mansoor Janjua HOD’s and their entire workforce as they came together to commemorate this auspicious occasion The ceremony held at RUDA headquarters, resonated with the spirit of freedom, unity, and a shared commitment to the growth and prosperity of our beloved country It provided a unique platform for employees to express their love for the nation while reaffirming their dedication P

IIUI holds flag-hoisting ceremony on Independence

K A R A C H I: An inspiring Change of Guard ceremony was held at mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the entire nation celebrated 76th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan Smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Naval Academy cadets and sailors clad in ceremonial dresses assumed guard duties at Mazar-e-Quaid with enthusiasm, traditional spirit and military customs Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commodore M Khalid graced the occasion as Chief Guest and reviewed the guard The Chief Guest and cadets of Pakistan Navy presented Qaumi Salam to the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah The ceremonial mounting of Guard was followed by laying of floral wreath at the Mazar-eQuaid by the Chief Guest on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff, officers and men of Pakistan Navy Later on, the Chief Guest offered Fateha and recorded his remarks in the visitor book and paid rich tribute to our beloved Quaid PR

PTCL & Ufone 4G mark

Independence D ay with weeklong company-wide celebrations

I S

D ay

International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Monday held a flag hoisting ceremony at New Campus of the university in connection with Independence Day celebrations, where President IIUI, H E Dr Hathal Homoud Alotaibi and Sector Commander Panjnad Rangers, Islamabad, Brig Shehryar Farouq Lodhi hoisted the Pakistani flag An organized squad of university guards was also present in the ceremony H E Dr Hathal Homoud said on the occasion that Pakistan came into existence due to prudent thoughts and untiring efforts of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and great thinker Allama Muhammad Iqbal

He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have an immortal friendship and bilateral ties between the brethren countries are heart to heart He maintained that unity and prosperity of Pakistan was unity and prosperity of Muslim world PR

stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of the nation In his address, Faraz-ur-Rehman emphasized the importance of commemorating the struggles of Pakistan s founders and fostering the well-being and prosperity of the nation Prominent figures such as Zubair Chhaya Deputy Patron-in-Chief of KATI and Irfan Wahid CEO of GFS Builders graced the event The significance of Pakistan s hard-won independence cannot be understated, said Faraz-ur-Rehman He recognized the tradition of celebrating August 14 within the KATI community, pioneered by visionary individuals like Sheikh Umar Rehan and Salim-uz-Zaman The resounding turnout for the ceremony

76th Independence Day celebrated with great enthusiasm in Sindh Information Department

k a r a c h i: The 76th Independence Day of the beloved Pakistan was celebrated today with full national enthusiasm at Barrack No 95, Sindh Secretariat, Sindh Information Department Director General Public Relations, Sawai Khan Chalgri, hoisted the green crescent flag in the air Director Admin Muhammad Yousif Kabooro Director Press Information Hasan Asghar Naqvi Director Publication Mansoor Ahmed Rajput, Director Planning Fida Hussain Baladi, Director Imtiaz Ahmed Joyo, Director Shabih Siddiqui, Faisal Farooqui and other officers and staff members of the Information Department were present on this occasion PR

PSO, the nation s leading energy company, celebrated Pakistan s Independence Day at PSO s head office in Karachi Managing Director and CEO, Syed Taha hoisted the national flag To reaffirm our commitment for a greener Pakistan, tree saplings were planted Company officials attended the event with great zest and zeal As the national flag bearer, PSO is dedicated to relentlessly work for the nation's progress and prosperity PR

Run for Pakistan Celebrating Independence D ay Rallies Runners for a Patriotic C hallenge

k a r a c h i: Sports in Pakistan proudly hosted a spectacular Run for Pakistan on Independence Day, bringing together passionate runners from near and far to celebrate the spirit of freedom and unity The event showcased the nation's resilience and determination while fostering a sense of patriotism among participants Run for Pakistan which took place on 14th August 2023 in Karachi Lahore and Islamabad, saw an overwhelming response from both seasoned athletes and recreational runners Participants geared up in green and white, embodying the essence of the national flag The event was not only a physical feat but also an opportunity to connect with fellow runners internationally fostering camaraderie and shared values PR

A B A D: Pakistan’s largest telecommunication company PTCL Group (PTCL & Ufone 4G) marked the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan with weeklong celebrations at PTCL Group offices nationwide The weeklong activities culminated in the main flag hoisting and cake-cutting ceremony, held at PTCL G8 Office in Islamabad The ceremony was attended by top leadership senior management employees and their families The celebration was an employee-driven initiative featuring cultural days local cuisines patriotic movie

NAV T TC Celebrates Independence D

ay

Pakistan s 76th Independence Day was celebrated at National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) with zeal and zest The ceremony was held in NAVTTC-Center of Excellence Director General NAVTTC Dr Khalid Manhood the chief guest of the ceremony hoisted flag on this occasion A large number of NAVTTC officers and staff along with trainees of NAVTTC-Center of Excellence participated to express joy and gratitude on the occasion

On the occasion Director General paid tribute to the founding fathers of Pakistan whose services and sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the South Asian Sub-continent He said that nature has bestowed Pakistan P

Quaid-i-Azam University Commemorates 76th Independence Day

UBL & Bank Alfalah celebrate Independence with overseas Pakistanis

Overseas Pakistanis are one of our nation s most valuable assets With almost 9 million overseas Pakistanis spread across the globe, their contribution to Pakistan, especially its economy, through remittances cannot be underscored enough Pakistani banks as institutions which channelize these remittances play a vital role in streamlining the process and bringing the overseas Pakistanis closer to home and their loved ones

As part of commemorating Pakistan s 76th Independence Day, United Bank Limited (UBL) and Bank Alfalah (BAFL) in association with State Bank of Pakistan’s Remittance Initiative held two back-toback events in Dubai UAE PR

Digital Cooperation Organization announces launch of Digital Prosperity Awards

chief guest reiterated the collective responsibility that each one of us bears in steering the nation towards progress With a resolute focus on our youth and students, he emphasized their pivotal role in propelling our country towards its development aspirations on the global stage

k a r a c h i: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) today announces the launch of the highly anticipated Digital Prosperity Awards to honor and celebrate the remarkable digital contributions that enable prosperity for all, particularly in advancing the digital economy which has a critical role in boosting nations development and growth The Digital Prosperity Awards are structured around three core pillars and each pillar is bestowed in individual award categories, each representing a crucial aspect of digital advancement The three core pillars are: Digital Innovation, Digital Transformation and Empowering Society “The launch of the Digital Prosperity Awards is a significant milestone in recognizing outstanding digital contributions of the organizations that enable prosperity for all , said Ms Deemah AlYahya, the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) “We are looking forward to identifying the best digital innovators from the DCO s Member States and worldwide that benefit humankind PR

POLITICIANS PLEDGE TO UPHOLD PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY, SOCIAL JUSTICE

PR E S I D E N T Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on the country s independence anniversary have extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation

In his message the president urged the nation to pledge on this day to uphold the principles of democracy freedom equality tolerance forgiveness socioeconomic justice, and moral and ethical values, as enunciated by Islam

“The stories of those people, who faced hardships, endured oppression and braved immense challenges to reach Pakistan serve as a source of inspiration for our future generations We should value the sacrifices of our forefathers for the creation of Pakistan and work for the prosperity of our people, he said

S H E H B A Z S H A R I F: In his message, Prime Minister Sharif said the day held special significance in people’s hearts for this historic day saw an unprecedented freedom struggle culminating in the establishment of the state of Pakistan

He paid homage to Quaid-e-Azam s visionary leadership and other leaders without whom the dream of Pakistan could not see the light of day

The PM said that as the nation celebrated the 76th independence anniversary we need to summon the spirit that marked the independence movement and employ the lesson of unity and self-belief to chart the way forward”

He vowed to stand in complete solidarity with the oppressed people of Indiaheld Kashmir and provide political moral and diplomatic support to them

S H A H M A H M O O D Q U R E S H I : Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi con-

gratulated the nation on 76th Independence Day of Pakistan hoping that the PTI workers would celebrate the Independence Day with renewed enthusiasm and spirit as per the desire of their beloved leader and PTI Chairman PTI

Imran Khan

In his special message on the occasion of Independence Day, PTI Vice Chairman said that the PTI being the largest democratic and patriotic party of the country would celebrate the Independence Day in a befitting manner across the country

He said that PTI had a special status and a place in all four federating units of the country Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

Qureshi said: I am sure PTI workers will celebrate the Independence Day with enthusiasm and highlight the identity of their party by holding Pakistani flag, as this is the desire of your leader and party Chairman Imran Khan ”

He went on to say that living nations celebrate their independence in a grand manner and surely this Independence Day would be celebrated in the whole country with same zeal and zest

B I L AWA L B H U T T O - Z A R D A R I : Former foreign minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the nation to work together to end the hatred and division from society and work hard to make Pakistan a country that other nations can give examples of its democracy and prosperity

According to a press release, the PPP chief, in his message, extended greetings to the nation on Independence Day and expressed good wishes for all Pakistanis August 14 symbolizes making the impossible possible through peaceful political and democratic struggle, he added

On this day, Bilawal said, one should also ask whether today’s Pakistan has

Chinese citizens advised to adopt precautionar y measures to mitigate securit y risks

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

Chinese citizens in Pakistan should remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures to mitigate security risks Chinese Embassy said in a statement issued here

The Embassy strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a Chinese convoy in Gwadar on Sunday afternoon

The embassy urged Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack take decisive action against the perpetrators and implement effective measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents In the statement it was stated that a convoy transporting Chinese citizens was targeted near the port of Gwadar in Balochistan, Pakistan

Fortunately, there were no casualties among the Chinese citizens, and appropriate measures were taken to ensure their safety ”

Prompt emergency responses were initiated by both the Embassy and the Consulate General in Karachi

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan vehemently denounced this act of terrorism, emphasizing its commitment to collaborating with the Pakistani authorities to collectively combat terrorism and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, establishments, and projects in Pakistan

Given the prevailing security conditions the Chinese Embassy advised Chinese citizens in Pakistan to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures to mitigate security risks, thus guaranteeing the safety of their lives and assets

succeeded in achieving all the goals that its founding fathers had set and dreamed of at the time of its establishment

He pledged his commitment that the PPP would continue to play its full role for the supremacy of the Constitution and parliament, economic equality, social justice and national harmony in the country, and will ensure that no citizen is deprived of the fruits of freedom

A S I F Z A R D A R I : Former president

Asif Ali Zardari said that on the occasion of Independence Day a pledge should be made to ensure the rule of the people according to the philosophy of Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

In his message on the occasion of Independence Day the PPP co-chairman said that today the leadership and workers of Pakistan People s Party renew their pledge to make Pakistan a democratic and welfare state according to the ideology of the Quaid-i-Azam, for which Benazir Bhutto had fought for a long time Zardari said dictatorship is actually a terror and in such a form of rule no society can develop Our war against the darkness of poverty and ignorance is still going on Pakistan will develop when the people are economically stable, there will be justice with the workers ” Zardari further said that pledging allegiance to the Constitution means acknowledging the supremacy of parliament because parliament is the real court of the people

S E N AT E D E P U T Y C H

Senate Deputy Chairman Mirza Muhammad Afridi congratulated the nation, including overseas Pakistanis on the 76th Independence Day In his message he said the value of freedom rested in true democracy and its values Afridi said free and living nations celebrate their Independence Day with the renewal of the pledge that they will

make their country a welfare state in the true sense

Today we pledge to make Pakistan strong as per the aspirations of the founding father where everyone regardless of colour, caste and religion will have equal rights and include this country in the ranks of the developed countries of the world,” he added

“Today is a day of real celebration and I offer my heartiest congratulations to the entire nation Afridi added

Governor Haji Ghulam Ali congratulated the nation on Independence Day

This country has been obtained with immense sacrifices he said adding the elements that clashed with the institutions have to be defeated

He also hoped that the new caretaker prime minister will focus on the issues of KP and tribal districts, the governor said, adding that all political parties will have to be taken into confidence to ensure free and transparent elections Haji Ghulam Ali also paid tribute to the soldiers of Pakistan Army adding collective efforts were needed to eradicate terrorism

The KP caretaker chief minister is doing his homework regarding the formation of the new cabinet the governor said and hoped the cabinet creation will be completed this week

On the other hand caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi also wished everyone a Happy Independence Day

“You all have to take Pakistan ahead

You all should never be disappointed

The impact of the path that Pakistan is on will be felt soon Naqvi said

He added that everyone will have to work with honesty if they wanted to contribute to the development of the country

Sindh CM hopes to reach consensus with opposition on c aretaker CM

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday said that the People’s Party hopefully will become the largest party of Pakistan in the next election

He was talking to media after inaugurating Machhli Chowk to KANUPP road in Karachi

He said the PPP has ruled Sindh for last 15 years and hopefully it will become the largest party of Pakistan in the next election

We are sure the PPP will emerge as the largest party in Karachi CM Shah said The MQM and Jamaat-e-Islami are saying the PPP did nothing, a journalist asked CM replied with “no comments”

Talking on the caretaker setup in Sindh chief minister said that the two sides have discussed several names and one of them will become the caretaker chief minister of Sindh “Hopefully, we will reach to consensus in the time till 12 tonight ” he said

“In previous two periods we had reach to decision on the final day of consultations he said If failed to reach agreement, me and the opposition leader will suggest two names to the parliamentary committee,” he said “It is a misconception that the name will come from some other place he added

Chief Minister was earlier briefed about dualization project of the Hawkes Bay Road The road has been built by the KMC under the Competitive and Livable City Project of the World Bank “Machhli Chowk to KANUPP road has been built with a cost of 1 15 billion rupees the CM was briefed

Militar y leadership felicitates nation on Independence Day

RAWALPINDI

S TA F F R E P O R T

The military leadership has extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation on the 76th Independence Day of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

A statement issued by the ISPR stated that this day reminds us of the vision, fortitude and countless sacrifices which our ancestors offered, to realise our elders and great Quaid’s dream of a free and independent country

It said that thousands of sons’ of soil have laid down their lives for defence of the motherland and to preserve the cherished dream of freedom of our

Imran Khan appeals Pakistanis to fight for justice, meritocracy

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan urged the people of the country to struggle for justice and equality as only a country which gave importance to justice and merit flourished PTI Chairman, in his pre-recorded message a pre-recorded video message for the 76th Independence Day observed on Monday appealed the people of the country to fight for justice and meritocracy He said: No matter wherever you go you will not find a place better than Pakistan So let s make this country better by struggling together for Pakistan s independence from the claws of injustice and inequality "

PTI Chairman stated that Pakistan was a dream of Allama Iqbal and Mohammad Ali Jinnah whose entire struggle was to liberate the Muslims of India by establishing a state like Medina whose leaders ruled over the world Imran Khan emphasized that they dreamed of such a Pakistan where the most important thing was justice and equality and the law protected the weaker section of the society from the powerful people The former premier underscored the importance of justice for all citizens and advocated for measures to bring influential individuals within the scope of the law, emphasizing that no one should be above the law He stated that the situation in Pakistan could only be improved when the powerful individuals were brought under the law and held them accountable He argued that if justice prevailed there would be no need for citizens to seek employment abroad

Naqvi launches urban-st yle cleaning initiative for villages

LAHORE

S TA F F R E P O R T

Marking a significant gesture on Independence Day, the Caretaker Punjab government extended a substantial gift to rural communities by initiating a comprehensive urban-style cleaning initiative across Punjab s villages Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi kickstarted the programme titled Ab Gaon Chamkein Ge (now village will shine) from Qila Sharif village in Sharqpur on Monday

Addressing the ceremony organized in this regard, Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that this pioneering programme would revolutionize village life in Punjab

For the first time in the province s history he added villages would receive cleaning workers and facilities like those in cities

Additionally, urban-like amenities, including computerized birth, death, and marriage certificates, would be accessible to villagers The programme also features the provision of modern machinery at the Union Council level for enhancing village sanitation Within a span of 15 days watchmen and cleaning staff would be deployed in all villages with village committees overseeing the programme execution, he added

The Caretaker Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative would resolve the long-standing challenge of village cleanliness, a testament to love for the nation’s well-being He highlighted the Islam’s recognition of cleanliness as integral part of faith and explained the programme s potential to mitigate diseases associated with uncleanliness Pledging comprehensive efforts he envisioned a transformative glow in every village Expressing appreciation, Mohsin Naqvi commended the entire local government team for their dedicated efforts in launching this ground-breaking programme

forefathers

The statement added that we should pledge on this day that irrespective of the challenges we face today we will preserve and strengthen the peace societal harmony and unity among the Nation

We will not let inimical forces to succeed which are hell bent to create fissures and division among the armed forces and people of Pakistan

The ISPR stated that armed forces, with the support of Nation will always defend the territorial integrity and peace of the motherland and continue to serve the nation as per the aspirations of people of Pakistan InshaAllah

ceived from main suppliers Saudi Arabia and the United

The Chief Secretary Local Government provided a comprehensive briefing on the Ab Gaon Chamkein Ge programme outlining plans to assign sanitary workers to each union council Collaborating with the local populace, designated areas for waste disposal would be identified The initiative also ensures regular cleaning of streets and drainage systems through the implementation of village committees comprising local residents Sanitary facilities would reach 2468 Union Councils he mentioned

The event witnessed the participation of Provincial Ministers Mansoor Qadir, Amir Mir, Advisor Wahab Riaz, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner Lahore Division, and a large number Qila Sharif village residents, signifying the collective support for this transformative endeavor

e s s c o n f e r e n c e o n A u g u s t 9 2023 that the impact of Russian crude imports was yet to be determined The government had announced plans to fulfil two-thirds of the country s oil needs by importing 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude However, the gains have been limited so far according to officials and analysts because of shipping costs a foreign currency shortage Pakistan paid for the first shipment in Chinese yuan and lower quality refined products compared to those extracted from barrels re-