Epaper_23-08-28 ISB

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P M O R D E R S S O L I D S T E P S F O R R E D U C T I O N I N E L E C T R I C I T Y B I L LS W I T H I N 4 8 H O U R S

blocked the Exchange Road and set their bills ablaze

Protesters across the country demand a reduction in electricity tariffs and the removal of excess taxes in the utility bills warning that they would not pay the bills if the demands were not met

Traders, too, protested in Hafizabad by leading a rally from the city s Fawara Chowk to the press club

In Okara’s Hujra Shah Muqeem, people came out for demonstrations as well Protesters burnt electricity cables and raised slogans against the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and the government

Demonstrations by citizens and traders were also held in Faisalabad, Lahore, Risalpur, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s Nowshehra district against the hike

Political parties including the Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) have condemned the hike and additional taxes on power bills

Contac t: 0307-7338168 r fan farooq@pakistantoday com pk

Elections should be held after fresh delimitations: MQM-P

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)

Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Sunday demanded free, fair and transparent elections with the fresh delimitation of constituencies in light of digital census 2023

CA R E TA K E R Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Sunday directed the relevant authorities to come up with concrete measures within the next 48 hours to reduce burden on the masses amid countrywide public outcry over unprecedented inflated electricity bills

The prime minister had convened the emergency meeting which lasted for nearly two hours in a bid to address the complaints about excessive electricity bills

During the meeting representatives from energy and electricity-related ministries participated A detailed briefing on electricity transmission and tariffs was provided by the power ministry

On the occasion, the premier was given a detailed briefing on the increase in electricity bills for July

PM Kakar addressing the participants said that no hasty decision would be taken that could harm the country s interests emphasising the need for initiatives that do not burden the national treasury and bring relief to consumers too

“It’s inconceivable that while the common man grappled with difficulties the prime minister and the bureaucracy were benefiting from tax-funded free electricity he emphasised

He said relevant ministries and departments should provide details of the institutions and officers who were getting free of cost electricity

“I represent the common man,” said the caretaker premier directing that electricity consumption at the

Prime Minister ’s House and Pakistan Secretariat should be reduced to a minimum

A second round of the meeting will take place tomorrow (Monday) During the meeting today, the PM was also briefed on measures to prevent electricity theft

The power distribution companies should give a road map for stopping electricity theft he added

The PM said reform plans in the electricity sector and short medium and long term plans should be presented as soon as possible

Interim Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ijaz, interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, Adviser to PM Dr Waqar Masood power secretary Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) chief and other relevant officials attended the meeting

In a statement issued on X following the huddle, the prime minister said that the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) and the Ministry of Finance have been tasked with the responsibility of making an action plan to provide relief to the people Consultations will be held with the provinces tomorrow and the caretaker government will try to provide as much relief as possible within its mandate,” he wrote on the microblogging website previously known as Twitter

Citizens staged a protest demonstration in Punjab s Rahim Yar Khan blocking the main road while in the province s Chunian city, angry power consumers

During the presser while commenting on the unprecedented hike in power tariffs, party leader Dr Farooq Sattar lambasted the rulers, saying: People are becoming rebels and this country is heading towards civil disobedience ” If this trend continues, “state within a state” will be created he feared adding that MQM-P would stand in solidarity wherever there is protest

No single party can solve the problems of Karachi, Dr Sattar said

While Khalid Maqbool said that the circular debt in the power sector is due to the incompetence and failure of the government “They [crises] are the result of conflict between the federation and the provinces he said adding that the country was facing a crisis of intention more than an economic crisis

ON the other hand, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Sunday decided to hold a countrywide strike on September 2 against increase in electricity prices amid mounting public outcry

According to details the decision was taken during a Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) meeting chaired by party Chief Sirajul Haque in Mansoorah, Lahore

In a statement, JI spokesperson Qaiser Sharif said that committees have been constituted for a countrywide strike on September 2 against increase in electricity prices The spokesperson said that Sirajul Haque will hold meetings trade bodies tomorrow adding that people from every aspect of life will participate in the countrywide strike He also lauded the support from industrialists and traders for holding strike

I m r a n t e l l s J I T ‘ s o m e o t h e r p e o p l e ’ , n o t

LAHORE

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman

Imran Khan reiterated his earlier stance to the joint investigation team (JIT) that neither he had provoked anyone to violence nor his party leaders or workers were involved in May 9 riots elaborating on that some other people engineered and executed the ugly events T h e J I T, c o m p r i s i n g f i v e h i g hr a n k i n g p o l i c e o ff i c e r s , i s p r o b i n g t h e v i o l e n t e v e n t s u n f o l d e d o n M a y 9 a f t e r p e r m i s s i o n g r a n t e d b y a n a n t it e r r o r i s m c o u r t ( AT C )

The JIT team visited Attock jail where they quizzed the PTI chief undergoing three-year sentence awarded in Toshakhana case in different cases, for which he has been booked under sedition and anti-terror laws

The entire JIT including Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Investigation Imran Kishore questioned Khan but the PTI chairman once again changed his stance about the May 9 events During the inter-

KARACHI T LT P

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) maintained its losing streak for the third week in a row amid inflation outlook as well as economic and political instability with the benchmark KSE-100 Index shedding 547 28 points (1 14 percent) on a week-on-week basis to close at 47,671 21 points

The benchmark KSE-100 Index shed 205 91 points (-0 43 percent) and 161 31 points (-0 33 percent) in the preceding two weeks after surging for four straight weeks

Overall the index gained 3 464 24 points during the last seven weeks The KSE-100 Index has gained 6,218 23 points since the Staff Level Agreement (SLA) was signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on June 30

During the last week the trading commenced on a negative note on Monday when it slumped over 700 points following President Arif Alvi s statement regarding his refusal to sign the Pakistan Army and Official Secrets Bills The downtrend persisted on Tuesday as well with investors remaining

o l

rogation the team informed the former premier who was ousted from office after a no-confidence motion against him in April 2022 that there was evidence against him of inciting violence on May 9 “How could I provoke anyone when I was arrested and how would I know that such incidents will he replied The JIT said they have video clips showing protesters taking Imran Khan s name I did not incite anyone, everyone went to the cantonment area on their own My party members were not part of the riots they were some other peo-

ple he told the JIT A day earlier the JIT interrogated Imran Khan on the addition of offences under sections 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or abetting waging of war against Pakistan) 131 (abetting mutiny or attempting to seduce a soldier sailor or airman from his duty) and 146 (rioting) mentioned in the first information report (FIR) Other offences, under which Khan was grilled, include sections 120, 120-A, 120-B, 121-A, 505, 153, 153-A, 153-B and 107 of PPC for his alleged involvement in attacks on Askari Tower Shad-

under pressure over continuous free fall of the rupee that touched an all-time low expected hike in the key policy rate and concerns over dismal data showing a $809 million current account deficit

Factors such as rupee fluctuation and a rising power tariff that impacted the economy kept investors on the sidelines, who opted for cautious trading on Wednesday and the market closed flat

On Thursday the KSE-100 index broke its losing streak after four days of losses as investors were buoyed by virtual talks between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the energy sector The optimism however could not be sustained and the index fell on Friday driven by negative cues like inflation rising power tariff and persistent rupee fall which aggravated the bearish mood of investors

The Pakistani rupee continued losing ground against the US dollar for the fourth week in a row depreciating by 1 76 percent in the interbank market 3 92 percent in open market and 3 75 percent in the black market/

man police station and torching of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz s (PML-N) offices in Lahore s Model Town and Jinnah House, which also serves as the corps commander’s residence

The May 9 riots were triggered almost across the country after the deposed prime minister s arrest in the £190 million settlement case Hundreds of PTI workers and senior leaders were put behind bars for their involvement in violence and attacks on military installations

During the protests, the miscreants targeted the civil and military installations including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi The military termed May 9 Black Day and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act To probe Khan for the violence that ensued the police had added the provisions on August 18 as per the case diary after which it contacted the anti-terrorism court seeking permission to investigate the PTI chief The court s Judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar, consequently, issued an order at the request of the police

all-time new lows against the dollar during the last four sessions

According to JS Global analyst Muhammad Waqas Ghani the week commenced on a pessimistic tone and the unfavourable momentum continued as investors opted to lock in profits due to uncertainty on both the political and economic fronts Furthermore, the State Bank’s foreign currency reserves dipped by $125 million to $7 9 billion on account of debt repayments he added Arif Habib Limited in its report said that the bourse experienced a mixed trend during the week because of various developments on the political and economic fronts Pakistan’s current account deficit for July 2023 amounted to $809 million showing a significant 36 percent year-on-year decrease

In July 2022 the deficit had reached $1 26 billion Furthermore, the government raised over Rs2 1 trillion through the auction of Tbills Pakistan also received $6 49 billion through the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) but the State Bank’s reserves decreased by $125 million reaching $7 9 billion

In terms of sectors positive contributions came from commercial banks (19

“General elections should be held following fresh delimitation of constituencies the MQM-Pakistan convener said while addressing the presser alongside party leaders Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal

The MQM-P leader went on to say that Karachi needs transparent elections at the earliest, but on the same hand, Siddiqui said “If the delimitation of constituencies took weeks or months it is not a bad deal

Delimitation of new constituencies inevitable after the new census, he said

In the previous elections, fake representatives were imposed on the city,” Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said, adding that this time the elections needed to be fair, transparent impartial and acceptable to all No one else was deprived of their right to representation the way we were he said adding that Karachi is the city that needs the earliest elections

However, he added that the elections needed to be fair, transparent, impartial, and acceptable to all

“Who are these people who are emphasising on old constituencies instead of new constituencies?” he asked

He added that millions of new voters have been registered in the new census adding that delimitation of new constituencies inevitable after the new census

Based on the most recent census, it was determined that Karachi should anticipate an increase of approximately four seats in the provincial assembly and one seat in the National Assembly However contingent upon whether the constituencies delimitation is executed at a divisional or district level these figures could vary If the delimitation was carried out at the divisional level, Karachi s provincial assembly seats could increase by four and one of the National Assembly

Conversely if delimitation occurs at the district level Karachi could gain an additional three provincial assembly seats and one of the National Assembly

The National Census report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on August 6, indicated that Karachi holds a share of 22 23% in the provincial assembly and 47 57% in the National Assembly seats

In addition the report revealed that one National Assembly seat from Shaheed Benazirabad and two provincial assembly seats from Hyderabad one each from Sukkur and Larkana would be reallocated to Karachi

In District South, two seats, including one seat of the provincial assembly and one of the National Assembly would be shifted with the remaining three seats each in districts Central East and Malir

Civil disobedience looms large

During the presser while commenting on the unprecedented hike in power tariffs, party leader Dr Farooq Sattar lambasted the rulers, saying: People are becoming rebels and this country is heading towards civil disobedience ” If this trend continues “state within a state” will be created he feared adding that MQM-P would stand in solidarity wherever there is protest

No single party can solve the problems of Karachi, Dr Sattar said While Maqbool said that the circular debt in the power sector is due to the incompetence and failure of the government

“They [crises] are the result of conflict between the federation and the provinces he said adding that the country was facing a crisis of intention more than an economic crisis

During the presser, Maqbool also spoke on the rising street crimes in Karachi

points) and oil and gas exploration companies (15 points) Negative contributions came from fertilizer (92 points) food and personal care products (80 points) cement (79 points) technology and communication (71 points) and pharmaceuticals (41 points)

Foreigners were once again the net buyers, who bought shares worth $1 7 million as compared to net buying of $2 4 million last week

g SAYS NO HASTY DECISION WOULD BE TAKEN TO HARM COUNTRY ’S INTERESTS

g SEEKS DETAILS OF INSTITUTIONS, OFFICERS GETTING FREE ELECTRICITY FROM RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS

P T I i n v

JARANWAL A A SHAMEFUL ACT WHICH SADDENED ALL PATRIOTIC PAKISTANIS: JAMAL SHAH

FAISALABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

CA R E TA K E R Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture

Syed Jamal Shah has said the Jaranwala incident was a major tragedy which saddened all patriotic Pakistanis

It was a very shameful act and regrettably it was committed by those who called themselves Muslims “I am ashamed and apologise to the Christina community over this incident he said during his visit to Isa Nagri in Jaranwala and an interaction with the locals and the media on Saturday

The caretaker minister said that teachings of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) were very obvious and not only a philosopher but also a common man could understand it easily He said Pakistan was a peaceful land despite having diverse ethnic communities and religions He regretted

PESCO mulls to disconnect power supply to 68 KP gov t depts over unpaid bills

that intentionally the peaceful combination was distorted by sowing thorns in this land and now we are facing its ill impacts

He said we lived in the diversity

Many of my teachers and friends were Christians, Hindus, Parsi But our Indus culture narrative had taught us that we are

a bouquet of diversity and our difference was a beauty of the land where flowers of all kinds grow He said Pakistan was a most peaceful land in the region It was the land of Sufis who prohibited strictly from injuring feelings of any person He quoted a proverb in Pashto that I

am a Muslim but my friend is a Hindu

Therefore

I am ready to sweep his place of worship for the sake of my friend and said that it was a pity that thorns were intentionally sown for the last four decades to disturb peace of the land “These thorns have robbed our peace and tranquility by committing horrified and terrified incidents day by day he said and added that now it was our collective responsibly to remove these thorns and put them in a ring of fire for their complete elimination once and for all

He stressed the need for peace and reconciliation and said “we have come to guard the country for a few months and we would try our optimum best to discharge our obligations honestly If there was some corruption or wrongdoings we would strive to eliminate it or we would hand them over to those people who could improve it”, he added Earlier, the caretaker minister also visited various churches in Jaranwala and expressed his sympathy with the Christian community

Capital police book JI leadership for protest against power tariff hike

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

The Islamabad police on Sunday booked Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leadership for protesting against increase in electricity prices in the federal capital

According to details, the capital police lodged a first information report (FIR) against 12 people including the JI leadership at Barakahu Police Station

The FIR – registered for protesting against increase in electricity prices –stated that the demonstrators criticised the incumbent government

Interim CM directs to control Malaria in a week

KARACHI

S ta f f R e p o R t

Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Justice (Retd ) Maqbool Baqir while taking notice of increasing malaria cases across the province here on Sunday, directed the Health Department and Local Government (LG) Department to take necessary measures to control the disease in a week

He said that most of the cases were being reported from Hyderabad Mirpurkhas Larkana and Sukkur divisions The caretaker CM directed the Health Department to launch a campaign against the elimination of malaria Baqar also directed to make arrangements for the availability of malaria drugs and wards in all government hospitals

He said that the LG department should start spraying mosquito killers in their respective areas He further said that the Solid Waste Management Board should improve sanitation Official figures showed that 286 317 cases of high fever were reported at health facilities in the province this month

PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t T h e P e s h a w a r E l e c t r i c S u p p l y C o m p a n y ( P E S C O ) h a s d e c i d e d t o d i s c o n n e c t e l e ct r i c i t y s u p p l y t o o v e r 6 8 g o v e r n m e n t d e p a r tm e n t s i n K h y b e r P a k h t u n k h w a ( K P ) d u e t o n o n - p a y m e n t o f o u t s t a n d i n g e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l s T h e s e p r o v i n c i a l g o v e r n m e n t d e p a r tm e n t s h a v e t o p a y a p p r o x i m a t e l y R s 6 9 0 b i l l i o n t o P E S C O R e p e a t e d n o t i c e s r e g a r di n g u n p a i d b i l l s h a v e b e e n i s s u e d t o t h e m , h o w e v e r t h e o u t s t a n d i n g d u e s h a v e n o t b e e n p a i d t h u s f a r R e p o r t e d l y a f i n a l n o t i c e h a s n o w b e e n i s s u e d t o t h e s e g o v e r n m e n t d e p a r t m e n t s a f t e r w h i c h n o f u r t h e r l en i e n c y w i l l b e e x t e n d e d T h i s m o v e a i m s t o e n f o r c e t i m e l y p a y m e n t o f e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l s A m o n g t h e g o v e r n m e n t d e p a r t m e n t s w i t h o u t s t a n d i n g e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l s i n K P, t h e P r o v i n c i a l E d u c a t i o n D e p a r t m e n t t o p s t h e l i s t w i t h u n p a i d d u e s e x c e e d i n g R s 3 5 7 b n A d d i t i o n a l l y t h e P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t o w e s m o r e t h a n R s 3 1 0 m n t h e P u b l i c H e a l t h E n g i n e e r i n g D e p a r t m e n t o w e s o v e r R s 1 5 2 m n , t h e H e a l t h D e p a r t m e n t s d u e s e x c e e d R s 4 6 4 m n , a n d t h e H i g h e r E d u c a t i o n D ep a r t m e n t h a s o u t s t a n d i n g d u e s o f R s 2 2 7 m n F u r t h e r m o r e t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f A u q a f ( R e l i g i o u s A ff a i r s ) o w e s m o r e t h a n R s 11 3 m n t h e F o r e s t D e p a r t m e n t h a s a p p r o x im a t e l y R s 7 0 1 m n i n u n p a i d b i l l s , a n d t h e Wo r k s a n d S e r v i c e s D e p a r t m e n t h a s a n o u ts t a n d i n g b a l a n c e o f R s 4 2 8 7 m n Va r i o u s o t h e r d e v e l o p m e n t s i n c l u d i n g p r i s o n d ep a r t m e n t o w e a p p r o x i m a t e l y R s 6 1 9 6 m n T h e T M A s ( Te h s i l M u n i c i p a l A d m i n i s t r at i o n s ) p r i m a r y s c h o o l s a n d h e a l t h f a c i l it i e s , a m o n g o t h e r s , a l s o h a v e p e n d i n g p a y m e n t s I n t h i s r e g a r d , T M A s i n P es h a w a r o w e R s 1 6 2 0 7 m n , Tr a ff i c S t r e e t L i g h t s h a v e u n p a i d b i l l s o f R s 9 7 7 8 m n , T M A H a r i p u r Tu b e We l l s o w e a p p r o x im a t e l y R s 7 1 2 9 m n U n i o n C o u n c i l s o w e R s 6 5 6 3 m n a n d T M A Ta n k Tu b e We l l s h a v e a n o u t s t a n d i n g a m o u n t o f R s 6 0 0 9 m n A c c o r d i n g t o s o u r c e s , t h e f e d e r a l g o ve r n m e n t h a s a l s o d i r e c t e d t h a t , i n c a s e s o f n o n - p a y m e n t o f e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l s b y p r o v i nc i a l g o v e r n m e n t d e p a r t m e n t s d e d u c t i o n s s h o u l d b e m a d e f r o m t h e p r o v i n c e s A n n u a l D e v e l o p m e n t P r o g r a m ( A D P ) a l l o c a t i o n s t o c o v e r t h e o u t s t a n d i n g e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l s

In a statement, JI spokesman, while reacting to the development, condemned the registration of FIR against the party leadership and said that the government should provide relief instead of burdening the people

The spokesperson noted that citizens across Pakistan were protesting against the increase in electricity prices and demanding to reverse the price hike otherwise they will not pay the bills

C O U N T RY W I D E P R O T E S T S :

The inflated power bills triggered country-wide protests from Karachi to Khyber and protests in some parts of the

country are turning violent

In Karachi the people protested against exorbitant bills sent by K-Electric, the city s sole power supplier People complained that the bills they are being served are more than their salaries

In Peshawar a large number of people took to the streets۔ Citizens say they will no longer sit silent against this injustice ۔ Traders from Ganj Bazaar and Lahore Square also set fire to power bills to record their protest۔

Meanwhile in Rawalpindi protesters gathered at Committee Chowk and burned bills while demanding that the government abolish imposed taxes on electricity

In Gujranwala protesters surrounded the Gujranwala Electric Power Company office in protest against expensive electricity Protests were also held in other cities, including Narowal, Attock, Sargodha, and Haripur, against high power bills

Soaring inflation fuels triggered unprecedented migration

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Pakistan s economic woes especially soaring inflation, have triggered a wave of unprecedented migration, forcing numerous families with the agonizing choice of leaving their homeland for the promise of a better future

This migration characterized by its sheer scale and desperation reflects a collective yearning for survival and a glimmer of hope to address high cost of living

From skilled professionals to daily-wage labourers each person opting to leave the country carries a story of shattered dreams and the unrelenting quest for a sustainable livelihood

Recent statistics shared by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) paint a sobering picture Over the span of five working days more than two hundred thousand people apply for visas while over half a million have bid farewell to their homeland in the past six months alone

The harsh reality of a constrained job market, often restricted by networks of privilege, has ignited frustration among the educated youth “I deserve recognition for my abilities not for the connections I possess voiced Taimur Furqan a graduate from the National Defence

The power of the pen City NoteS

TH E most important question it seemed, was whether the children occupying the cable-car in Alai, which is a tehsil of Battagram, which is one of the more mountainous districts of KP would be rescued I wonder if that dramatic event was the inspiration for the reports of the rescue of Imran Khan from Attock Jail, by a team of commandos who came by helicopter They did something they don’t even do in the movies: knocked out all opposition, but left them all alive There were two other reports of intere s t O n e w a s t h a t I m r a n K h a n h a d n o t gone to jail A homunculus or simulacrum had been built before his arrest, and that h a d g o n e t o j a i l I m r a n h a d b e e n s m u ggled out to Scotland, or somewhere with e q u a l l y r e m o t e w i l d a n d u n i n h a b i t e d p l a c e s T h e o t h e r t h e o n e

nies to replace him Again, he is free as a bird, but in a remote place

Unfortunately it seems he’s still in the same place Unlike the President he s not in a gilded cage The incumbent is in really bad shape, after accusing his staff of not obeying his orders He s tried to transfer the Secretary to the President, but he stays untransferred Their meetings must be awkward to say the least The President probably relies more on his Military Secretary these days

I wonder if there s any truth in the ru-

mour that Ms Humaira Ahmad refused to take the job because there was no proof that the President had asked for her When it was pointed out that he had signed the letter she said the signature might be forged When it was suggested to her that she talk on the phone with him she asked for proof that it was not a homunculus or genie speaking, like the one imitating Imran That was when the attempt was given up, and Dr Alvi left to his own devices

University who is now seeking opportunities overseas in pursuit of his future which he sees bleak in his country

Dr Sajid Amin an economist shed light on the dire situation, noting that a fragile economy often confines youth to underpaid, and uninspiring jobs This predicament poses even graver challenges for working women and the salaried class as these low-quality jobs disproportionately impact these groups

The convergence of these distressing factors leads to a troubling reality: mass migration, and worse, illegal migration

When hopes are dashed and potential goes unrealized escaping becomes a necessity

This isn t just for the educated elite; it s also impacting the lower socioeconomic strata Economic and political uncertainties from the last two decades continue to take their toll , Sajid observed

Amid the eco-political uncertainty, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been grappling with an increasing

could delay the bills being over, the government notified the acts If the President had really wanted to make things sticky he could have scribbled an objection or two and sent it to the National Assembly Secretariat Then the bills could only have been passed by a joint session of Parliament A joint session needs elections

So the changes, which apparently are bad for Imran (or rather the simulacrum who ll actually be tried) would not affect him (or rather the genie)

I wonder why we don t have more simulacra or genies wandering around I mean, they re awfully convenient The cable car occupants were rescued, without any claims of genies being rescued Luckily there were no small children or else some kid would have tried a jump True it s only by such experiments that we got out of caves but small children do need the attention of the Almighty, otherwise Mankind wouldn t be around today

I wonder if someone will offer the explanation that the Indian moon landing was faked Well there an active domestic industry in the USA which claims that the moon

Of them 64 519 patients tested positive for malaria an increase of 31 per cent as compared to last month, which saw 49,112 cases Most of these cases, according to the official data, are reported in Hyderabad division (31,891) followed by Mirpurkhas division (18 553) Larkana division (8 476) Sukkur division (2 595) Shaheed Benaziarabad (2 530) and Karachi division (474) The most affected districts were Thatta (10,182) followed by Mirpurkhas (9,621), Umarkot (6,195), Hyderabad (6,531), Larkana (4,512), Dadu (3,188), Shikarpur (2 000) Jamshoro (2 242) Badin (4 399) Sujawal (2 681) Tando Allah Yar (1 202) and Tharparkar (2 737) Official figures show that there has been a gradual increase in malaria cases over the months and the province has reported 247,799 malaria cases from January till August

Sino-Pak joint air training exercise Shaheen X today

number of fake visa agents, human smugglers, and human traffickers Over the last few years the agency has made thousands of arrests thwarting illegal migrations and deporting many from European shores As one FIA official lamented

While we are working diligently to counter these cases, the unfortunate reality is that if our economic crisis persists, these numbers might surge ”

As Komal Naqvi a graduate from COMSATS University succinctly put it Even the simplest joys turn bitter when separated from family, a sentiment she shares from her position working in Italy since May 2023

Faizan Sheikh, a seasoned consultant with over 25 years of experience has revealed a significant shift in his clientele He has noticed a substantial increase in the number of individuals visiting his office in a mere six months, a change he hadn t witnessed over the past decade In his observation, Sheikh points towards the influence of social media in Western countries which has been instrumental in generating job opportunities for the overseas that require physical presence Interestingly, citizens of developed nations are increasingly opting for online work, a practice that demands fewer resources while yielding higher earnings

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

The Pakistan-China joint air training exercise Shaheen X will begin in Jiuquan and Yinchuan on Monday (today) China s Ministry of National Defense said in a statement, Based on the annual plan and bilateral consensus, China-Pakistan Joint Air Force Training Exercise “Shaheen (Eagle) – X” will be held in northwest China s Jiuquan and Yinchuan from late August to mid-September It added This is the tenth joint training exercise between the Chinese and Pakistani air forces, which will help further deepen practical cooperation between the two militaries and improve the level of actual combat training of their troops Shaheen s series of exercises aim to enhance the professional skills and operational preparedness of both the air forces in addition to developing a mutual understanding of each other ’s combat skills and promoting interoperability

landings were faked Well we ve had an arms race which has not only left both India and Pakistan nuclear powers, but has given a lot of people ideas I wonder how a space race would end? Instead of celebrating a win in the space race we are busy protesting power bills And nothing shows more that the caretakers intend to stay than their reaction which is the time-tested way of making sure that the problem is not solved, but on the way to

oblivion They re holding a meeting Now the only surer solution of the problem is the right noting on the file Imagine someone in a mob, suddenly to be faced with an earnest-looking clerk with an open file in hand pointing to the note that Sahib has scribbled on it Well that protester would probably refuse to look at it asking how was he to know the signature was not as forged as any President s signature assenting to a bill

FARMERS DEMAND RS450 PER MAUND RATE FOR SUGARCANE CROP

HYDERABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

TH E Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) a farmers lobbying group on Sunday demanded at l e a s t R s 4 5 0 p e r p e r m a u n d f o r sugarcane crop, keeping in view of the ever increasing cost of inputs and crop cultivation

They rejected Rs425 per 40 kilogram price fixed for the crop from the growers by the sugar mills The prices of seeds fertilizer, pesticides, fuel and machinery have increased by leaps and bounds, they observed They pointed out that the government had not increased the price of gas for the fertilizer industries but still the farmers were being extorted for expensive rates for bags of fertilizer

The farmers complained that the deal-

ers selling fertilizer had also turned into a mafia which first stockpiled the supplies and then demanded higher than the factory rates for the bags The SCA’s President demanded that the government should take action against the industries and dealers by sealing shops of the latter

H e s a i d t h e s e a s o n o f s o w i n g t h e w h e a t c r o p w o u l d s t a r t s o o n a n d r equested the caretaker government to take action against hoarding and overpricing to prevent the common people from suffering food price inflation

The chamber s president said inflation had made it difficult for the farmers to grow wheat crop He suggested the government provide loans with 3 to 5 percent markup rate to the wheat farmers so that they could grow that crop

He lamented that despite abundant water in the Indus River system shortage of irrigation water was being witnessed in

many command areas of Rohri Nara Phuleli and other canals He asked the government to immediately put an end to the water rotation which was practised during the times of water scarcity, adding the growers of dates had suffered losses in 2 successive years because of torrential rains and requested the

Aneeq visits Jamia Islamia Clifton to foster collaboration for shared religious harmony agenda

KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t

Zahid Hussain Bhurgari Nabi Bux Sathio, Syed Altaf Hussain Shah, Haji Hussain Bux Laghari, Abdul Haleem Memon and other office bearers and members of the SCA attended the meeting

potential vital for socioeconomic development of Kashmiris, says A JK PM

Hydro-power

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar Ul Haq, while referring to the region’s incredible hydro-power potential has said that taking full advantage of the existing hydro-power potential was imperative for socioeconomic uplift of the people of Azad Jammu Kashmir

The PM said this while speaking at a high level meeting of the Energy and Water Resources Department held at Jammu Kashmir House in the federal metropolis on Sunday Stressing the need for an uninterrupted supply of electricity across the state the PM said that along with repair and maintenance of the feeders there was an urgent need to improve the power distribution system

The PM also sought feasibility reports regarding Khurshidabad Power Project

PRs to procure 230 passenger coaches, 820 High Capacit y Wagons

Transmission Line from Minhasa to Bagh and Transmission Line from Rampura to Barora He directed the concerned authorities to prepare a feasibility report on whether the Mang area should be linked to

Rawalakot or Palindri

He said that Betaar Power Project should be upgraded for the comfort of the people of Haveli He said that PDO must ensure better maintenance of its projects so that citizens do not face any difficulties

Anwaar emphasized the need to adopt a better strategy regarding Jagran 1, 2, 3,

4 The Prime Minister also stressed maintenance of community development projects and local power houses in Neelum Haveli and Jhelum Valley

He said that the demands/needs of commercial, industrial and domestic users should be taken into account and the billing system should be made transparent so that there was no inconvenience to the public

The Prime Minister also sought decentralization of the M&D department to reduce the workload

He said that the three Chief Engineers have a heavy responsibility to bring out-of-

the-box solutions to provide convenience to the people He said that the department should satisfy its seven and a half lakh customers through its best service

Earlier Secretary of Energy and Water

Resources AJK govt Chaudhry Muham-

mad Tayyab gave a detailed briefing to the Prime Minister regarding the electricity distribution system in Azad Kashmir

The meeting was attended among others by senior minister Colonel (retd) Waqar

Ahmed Noor Government Ministers Sar-

dar Faheem Akhtar Rabbani, Mian Abdul

Waheed, Chaudhry Muhammad Rashid, Chaudhry Yasir Sultan, Member Kashmir Council Raja Shuja Khurshid Rathore, Special Assistant Colonel (retd) Maroof

Additional Chief Secretary

Development/Principal Secretary Fayaz

Ali Abbasi Secretary Energy and Water

Resources Chaudhry Muhammad Tayyab and Chief Engineer Saeed Gilani

Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed on Sunday paid a visit to Jamia Islamia Clifton and engaged in discussions with Ulema, fostering unity and collaboration for a shared religious harmony agenda Addressing the religious scholars he in light of escalating social intolerance raised a question on the dissemination of true message and purpose of Islam to fellow Muslims He lamented that the tragic incident in Jaranwala highlighted the unfortunate reality of the nation Aneeq asserted that any misconception regarding blasphemy or desecration of the Holy Quran must be dispelled No doubt we cannot tolerate blasphemy or disrespect towards the Holy Quran under any circumstances But it does not mean that we have to establish our own courts to deal with such sensitive issues,” he added He said what the message we had delivered in case of Jaranwala incident as it has portrayed a negative image of Pakistan and Islam in the comity of nations

LWMC to ensure best cleanliness during Asia Cup 2023 matches in cit y

LAHORE

S ta f f R e p o R t

Cleanliness teams of the Lahore Waste Management Company have been deployed inside and in the surroundings of the Gaddafi stadium to ensure proper cleanliness arrangements during Asia Cup 2023 matches going to held in the provincial capital on September 3, 5 and 6 According to LWMC sources on Sunday, LWMC Chief Executive Officer Babar Sahib Din said that as per the plan 188 sanitary workers 15 supervisors and 26 officers had been deputed for cleaning the stadium from inside Cleaning and washing of all the enclosures of the stadium were being ensured, he added He further said that 60 sanitary workers and five supervisors had been deputed for ensuring cleanliness of the area outside the stadium CEO said that in four set up parking areas 20 sanitary workers and 4 supervisors had been deputed Babar Sahib Din said that cleanliness plan would be implemented in letter and spirit to provide neat and clean environment to cricket lovers

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t U n d e r t h e P u b l i c S e c t o r D e v e l o p m e n t P r o g r a m m e ( P S D P ) P a k i s t a n R a i l w a y s i s a l l s e t t o p r o c u r e 2 3 0 p a s s e n g e r c o a c h e s a n d 8 2 0 H i g h C a p a c i t y Wa g o n s w i t h a n a i m t o i m p r o v e t h e s p e e d o f t h e t r a i n s a n d e n s u r e a d h e r e n c e t o f i x e d t i m i n g s A c c o r d i n g t o a n o ff i c i a l i n M i n i s t r y o f P a k i s t a n R a i l w a y s , “ O u t o f t h e t o t a l a r o u n d 4 6 C o m p l e t e l yB u i l t - U p ( C B U ) p a s s e n g e r c o a c h e s h a v e b e e n p r o c u r e d u p t i l l n o w w h i l e t h e r e m a i n i n g 1 8 4 w o u l d b e m a n u f a c t u r e d i n t h e c o u n t r y a n d t h e c o u c h e s w o u l d b e a b l e t o t r a v e l a t t h e s p e e d o f 1 6 0 k m / h H e s a i d , “ P a k i s t a n R a i l w a y s i s p u t t i n g m a x i m u m e ff o r t s t o c o m p l e t e r e h a b i l i t a t i o n a n d r e c o n s t r u c t i o n w o r k o n t h e r a i l w a y t r a c k i m p r o v i n g t h e s p e e d o f t h e l o c o m o t i v e s t o c a r r y p a s s e n g e r s t o t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e d e s t i n a t i o n s o n t i m e T h e i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , i n c l u d i n g t h e t r a c k a n d s i g n a l i n g s y s t e m f r o m K a r a c h i t o P e s h a w a r, M a i n L i n e - I ( M L - I ) a n d d o u b l i n g o f t r a c k f r o m L a h o r e t o P e s h a w a r ( 4 6 2 2 0 K m ) w a s a l s o b e i n g r e v a m p e d h e a d d e d T h e o ff i c i a l n o t e d t h a t t h e l e n g t h o f t h e t r a c k w a s 1 7 2 6 k i l o m e t e r s a n d t h e d e p a r t m e n t h a s p l a n n e d t o i m p r o v e s p e e d u p t o 1 6 0 k i l o m e t e r s p e r h o u r i n t h e p r o j e c t o f u p - g r a d a t i o n o f M L - I u n d e r t h e C h i n a - P a k E c o n o m i c C o r r i d o r ( C P E C ) H e s a i d t h a t t h e r o l l i n g s t o c k b e i n g p r o c u r e d u n d e r t h i s p r o j e c t w o u l d b e c a p a b l e t o r u n a t a s p e e d o f 1 6 0 k m / h w h e r e a s t h e d e p a r t m e n t h a d a d e d i c a t e d f l e e t o f 5 5 d i e s e l - e l e c t r i c l o c o m o t i v e s o f 4 0 0 0 - 4 5 0 0 H P f o r f r e i g h t o p e r a t i o n t o c a t e r m a x i m u m h a u l a g e a t h i g h e r s p e e d “ T h e C o m p u t e r B a s e d I n t e r l o c k i n g ( C B I ) s y s t e m i s i n s t a l l e d o n 4 8 s t a t i o n s o f M L - I t o i m p r o v e s i g n a l i n g a n d i n t e r l o c k i n g f o r h i g h e r s p e e d a n d s a f e t y o f t r a i n o p e r a t i o n t h e o ff i c i a l a d d e d To a q u e s t i o n , h e s a i d t h a t P a k i s t a n R a i l w a y s w a s a b i g o rg a n i z a t i o n c o m p r i s i n g o f a r o u n d 6 3 , 0 0 0 e m p l o y e e s a n d i t s n e t w o r k w a s s p r e a d t h r o u g h o u t t h e c o u n t r y T h e o ff i c i a l s a i d t h a t t h e e m p l o y e e s w e r e w e l l c a r e d f o r o w i n g t o h a v i n g s e v e r a l w e l f a r e a c t i v i t i e s i n c l u d i n g h e a l t h c a r e f a c i l i t i e s t h r o u g h a n i n t e n s i v e n e t w o r k o f h o s p i t a l s , d i s p e n s a r i e s , a n d c h i l d h e a l t h c a r e u n i t s H e s a i d t h a t p r o v i s i o n o f g o v e r n m e n t a c c o m m o d a t i o n a c c o r d i n g t o e n t i t l e m e n t a n d p r i o r i t y l i s t s t a ff b e n e v o l e n t f u n d s b e n e f i t s a n d i n c e n t i v e s p r o v i d e d t h r o u g h P r i m e M i n i s t e r s F a m i l y A s s i s t a n c e P a c k a g e p o l i c y f o r d e c e a s e d e m p l o y e e s f a m i l i e s w e r e p a r t o f t h e s e f a c i l i t i e s W h i l e t h e o t h e r f a c i l i t i e s i n c l u d e d b e n e f i t s a n d i n c e n t i v e s p r o v i d e d t h r o u g h p o l i c y f o r d i s a b l e d e m p l o y e e s ’ f a m i l i e s m o n t h l y g r a n t s t o w i d o w s s c a l e - w i s e t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f p r i m a r y a n d h i g h s c h o o l s i n d u s t r i a l s c h o o l s t o t e a c h h a n d i c r a f t s s p o r t s a c t i v i t i e s , p i c k a n d d r o p f a c i l i t y f o r s c h o o l s / o ff i c e s , i n s t a l l a t i o n o f w a t e r f i l t e r s p l a n t s , a s p e c i a l p r o v i s i o n o f f i v e m e d i c a l s e a t s i n R i p h a h I s l a m i c U n i v e r s i t i e s w i t h t h e r e d u c t i o n o f 5 0 p e r c e n t i n a d m i s s i o n a n d t u i t i o n f e e s

PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t

Dr Nadeemul Haque Vice Chancellor and Dr Durre Nayab Pro Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), shed light on the pressing issue of Pakistan s widening trade deficit, emphasizing the critical role of export competitiveness in the country’s economic landscape

According to a press release issued here on Sunday Dr Nadeemul Haque began by acknowledging the paramount nature of the challenge at hand, stating, Lowering exports has emerged as a significant contributor to Pakistan’s persistent trade deficit posing a multifaceted challenge that has plagued the country since the early 2000s During the last two decades the contribution of exports to our GDP has declined from 16% to 10%

Drawing attention to the international context Dr Durre Nayab highlighted “Pakistan’s share in global trade has dwindled from 0 15% in 2005 to a mere 0 12% in 2021

This decline in export competitiveness places us at a disadvantage, especially when compared to countries like Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam, which have managed to expand their export capacities

This finding was made by PIDE researchers and economists in their recent brief titled What Are the Factors Making Pakistan’s Exports Stagnant? Insight from Literature Review ”

The academic duo underlined key factors that have led to stagnancy in Pakistan s exports including low productivity of firms lack of value addition and innovation, complex incentive mechanisms, limited export destinations, and inadequate investment in research and development Dr Nadeem ul Haque added To address the ongoing economic crisis and pave the way for a more resilient future it is imperative that we strategize rigorously to identify potential markets that align with our exportable products ” In a comprehensive literature review it was revealed that Pakistan’s export competitiveness has been waning particularly when compared to peer countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Malaysia

“We have witnessed a decline in our export share on the global stage, a trend that is most concerning when measured against our regional counterparts said Dr Durre Nayab

The contrasting trajectories of economies like Bangladesh and Vietnam were discussed in the context of export growth “Bangladesh, once among

the poorest nations has managed to outpace growth predictions with a robust export-driven economy, explained Dr Nadeem ul Haque

“In contrast, our exports have remained stagnant at around 30 billion dollars posing a significant challenge to our economic outlook

Dr Durre Nayab pointed to historical examples of countries like South Korea, which transformed from an agrarian economy to a tech-driven powerhouse “Learning from these success stories we understand that enhancing export competitiveness improving productivity and fostering innovation are central to breaking the cycle of stagnation Dr Nadeem ul Haque concluded, “To overcome the challenges posed by our current economic crisis we must collaborate across sectors – government exporters and economists – to identify potential markets and align them with our export capabilities A swift response is crucial in building a thriving economic environment ” The scholars emphasized the need for a comprehensive firm-level survey to identify barriers to productivity and export competitiveness By addressing these issues collectively, Pakistan can chart a course toward economic recovery and resilience

PHA hosts event to bid farewell to three retiring directors

LAHORE

S ta f f R e p o R t

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore held a farewell party in honour of three directors who reached the age of superannuation Pieced together by veteran civil servant and founding director general Kamran Lashari, Mudassar Ijaz, Shahzad Tariq and Misbahul Hassan Dar was part of the team that painstakingly built the authority from scratch and went on to spend over two decades nurturing it said a spokesperson on Sunday According to PHA watchers a significant portion of the current leadership within the authority including the departing trio was lent to it by the TDCP and the LDA following its establishment in 1998 The event was attended by Director General PHA Lahore Muhammad Tahir Wattoo Addl DG Safiullah Gondal and Administration Director Musa Ali Bokhari among others In his address DG PHA expressed gratitude to the retiring directors for their dedicated services and extended wellwishes towards them He also urged the officers to perform their duty wholeheartedly and win the hearts and minds of the public with their exemplary performance

Police hunt for father of slain S ara Sharif by tracking his phone

ISLAMABAD M o n i to R n g R e p o R t

Pakistani police are tracking the mobile phone of Sara Sharif ’s father who is on a run after his 10-year-old daughter was found dead at home in the UK The Daily Mirror reported Sunday Sara s body was found in her family home in Woking, Surrey, on August 10

After finding her body, Surrey Police launched a murder probe and an international hunt for her father Urfan Sharif his

partner Beinash Batool and his brother Faisal Malik who had all left for Pakistan before her body was found and are wanted for questioning

Initial findings from the post-mortem examination revealed that the young girl had sustained “multiple and extensive injuries” over an extended period elevating the urgency of the investigation

The recent update revealed that the detectives are tracking a phone SIM card that belongs to Urfan and is being actively used The development comes after the

police started closing in on the family With God s will we will make the arrest by tomorrow night Jhelum police chief Nasir Bajwa said The police have so far questioned Urfan s father, brother and uncle Rawalpindi s senior police officer Khurram Ali who is currently leading the search told the Mail on Sunday:

“We have traced a mobile phone SIM card which is registered under the name of Urfan Sharif and is being actively used by someone in Jhelum Earlier this week, a letter found from

the 10-year-old’s house alleged that Sara was beaten to death It also said: Whoever sees this it was [name] who killed [Sara] by beating I am running away because I am scared Sara s mother, Olga Sharif, said that her daughter had “cuts and bruises” before leaving for school in April “I will never have closure until I know what has happened and why He can t hide away forever On Thursday the Surrey police filed a new appeal for information as they continue to investigate about Sara s life before her death Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman from the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team said: “It is now two weeks since Sara s body was found and the impact of her tragic death continues to be felt deeply by the local and wider community, including our officers and staff

“We would like to thank those people who have already come forward and reported information to us However we know that there will be lots of people in the Woking community and beyond who will have had contact with Sara who may not already have come forward, and we would encourage them to do so Any information is better than no information – although you might think it’s insignificant it might be vital to the investigation and in helping us to bring justice for Sara Anyone with information is urged to report to the force online through the Major Incident Public

ing

or by

PIDE emphasizes critical role of expor t competitiveness in countr y’s economic landscape

COMMENT

Foot-in-mouth disease

Or does caretaker federal minister Gohar Ejaz know something others don’t?

CA R E TA K E R Commerce and Industries

Minister Gohar Ejaz was on home turf when he received a delegation of textile exporters at All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association House in Lahore, which he told that the Commerce Ministry had a plan for boosting exports to $80 billion in 90 days

Considering that 2022-2023 exports were pitched at $21 billion, it would appear an ambitious target Mr Ejaz did not say how this target was to be achieved beyond saying that the textile exporters should concentrate on value-added products, and that the government would set up business parks However this highflier seems to have misunderstood the nature of his task He has not been brought in to revolutionise the country’s trade but to ensure continuity in governance until elections are held His meeting the delegation is an example of this Ministers are supposed to meet such delegations and there is no reason why all of the government is to come to a standstill pending elections However, Mr Ejaz would do well to remember that his primary task as a caretaker minister is to ensure that elections take place within 90 days

Under the constitutional scheme of things, there is no other task before him There is no compulsion to increase exports, as his is not an elected government He is there to give political direction if, say, there is a strike at one of the state-owned enterprises under the Industries Ministry It so happens that the ministries allotted to him take advantage of his life-experience, but the caretaker government is no Ministry of all The Talents, meant to solve all the country s problems in the next 90 days

Or does the caretaker government have more than 90 days? The caretaker government seems to be taking a longer view of matters ever since the Election Commission of Pakistan announced that it would carry out delimitations first The idea of a ‘technocrat government has long been a cherished ambition, not least of those who would otherwise not hold ministerial office It has been tried often enough and it has never worked The temptation to hang on to office might be considerable, and of appearing indispensable might be immense However the caretaker ministers should be selected so that they can resist the temptation, get on with their jobs, hold elections in 90 days, and go home

Global economy and a world in polycrisis

ability to meet its environmental goals and international climate obligations This includes a 20% tax on solar and wind, and a 12% increase in sales tax for imported electric vehicles ’

TH E world economy is stuck in a polycrisis – climate change crisis, the Pandemicene phenomenon, and the war in Ukraine– have all contributed to already high debt levels, especially in the global South and in terms of high inflation Hence for instance while it is exceedingly important to have ample climate finance and an adequate level of fiscal space especially in developing countries, and in particular those that are highly climate vulnerable among them, a weak spirit of multilateralism, including in provision of climate finance has meant that countries are unable to shift towards resilient inclusive green economies in any significant way

A recent Guardian-published article Rich countries trap poor nations into relying on fossil fuels indicated this dilemma being faced by developing countries as follows: ‘Richer countries and private lenders are trapping heavily indebted countries into reliance on fossil fuels according to a new report

The pressure to repay debts is forcing poor nations to continue investing in fossil fuel projects to make their repayments on what are usually loans from richer nations and financial institutions, according to new analysis from the anti-debt campaigners Debt Justice and partners in affected countries The group is calling for creditors to cancel all debts for countries facing crisis – and especially those linked to fossil fuel projects

The Report being referred to in the article has been produced by Debt Justice and is titled The debt-fossil fuel trap , and pointed for instance Global south governments will not be able to phase out fossil fuel production unless we address harmful debt levels and vulnerabilities and inequalities embedded within the existing debt and financial systems Moreover highlighting the particular case of Pakistan the Report indicated The financial assistance offered to Pakistan after the devastating floods that hit the country in 2022 was not only woefully inadequate (reaching $10 billion so far while the total damage is estimated at over $40 billion) but will mostly come in the form of loans ’

In addition the Report was also critical of the emphasis of certain tax policies by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme that made it all the more difficult for Pakistan to spend with regard to moving towards a green economy It pointed out in this regard ‘The IMF has recently forced a series of tax reforms on Pakistan as part of its programme under the Extended Finance Facility which are likely to significantly undermine Pakistan s nascent renewables energy market threatening the country s

Overall while on one hand there is a weak spirit of multilateralism and inadequate level of debt relief provided to developing countries on the other hand austerity policies have created strong headwinds in developing countries overall, while developed countries in general have also had difficulty in managing for making a soft landing in this regard Reflecting on a difficult economic situation globally renowned economist Mohamed A El-Erian in his recent Project Syndicate (PS)-published article Simplifying a complicated global economy pointed out The global economy this year is full of puzzling surprises Japan’s GDP growth is currently surpassing that of China and July retail sales in the United States were double the consensus forecast, despite the US Federal Reserve pursuing one of the most concentrated rate-hiking cycles in decades These oddities are just a few of many and adding to the complexity are the uncertain implications of significant structural shifts on the horizon These include the necessary transition to zero-carbon energy the artificial-intelligence revolution and various other innovation-driven changes Add in geopolitical tensions and the retreat from economic and financial globalization and a wide range of potential scenarios opens up Reportedly oil demand is rising while there is also indication by OPEC+ of curtailment of oil supply, at least in the short-term, both of which taken together means all the more pressure on balance of payments of net oil importing developing countries like Pakistan in the coming months

Saudi Arabia and its partners constrict supplies, oil markets are tightening significantly ’

A rise in oil prices can further increase already high inflation in the country– while year-on year CPI inflation in July had come down from the high in May of 38 percent to 28 3 percent, but is still quite high, and food inflation for July was all the more-high at 40 2 percent– through the channels of higher imported- and cost-push inflation Higher fuel prices may likely create pressure on an already difficult balance of payments, and worsen the exchange rate situation

To effectively deal with these macroeconomic challenges, therefore, requires a very concer ted effor t by policymakers to boost foreign direct investment (FDI), and expor t inflows in the country, among other impor tant steps needed to steer the country out of the stagflationary situation it currently finds itself in

A recent Bloomberg-published article Global oil demand hits record and prices may climb IEA says pointed out Global oil demand has surged to a record amid robust consumption in China and elsewhere, threatening to push prices higher, the International Energy Agency said World fuel use averaged 103 million barrels a day for the first time in June and may soar even higher in August the agency said in a report As

A recent Bloomberg article Pakistan Rupee slumps to record low on growing headwinds pointed out Pakistan s rupee declined to a new low on growing headwinds from a stronger greenback and deteriorating external finances

To effectively deal with these macroeconomic challenges, therefore, requires a very concerted effort by policymakers to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) and export inflows in the country among other important steps needed to steer the country out of the stagflationary situation it currently finds itself in

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

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

Taftan border to the humanitarian communit y

IN a significant move, BRICS nations have embraced the inclusion of six new members into their fold This expansion is set to inject the bloc with added economic muscle as these newcomers boast substantial financial resources, play pivotal roles in the oil market and occupy strategically important geographic locations During the BRICS summit held in Johann e s b u rg S o u t h A f r i c a n P r e s i d e n t C y r i l R a m a p h o s a w h o c u r r e n t l y c h a i r s t h e c o a l ition revealed the forthcoming full membership of Argentina Egypt Ethiopia Iran Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, slated to take effect on 1 January 2024 This expans i o n c o m e s a f t e r m a r a t h o n d e l i b e r a t i o n s a m o n g t h e e x i s t i n g B R I C S c o n s t i t u e n t s Brazil Russia India China and South Africa about the core principles benchmarks criteria and protocols for this enlargement initiat i v e , w h i c h h a d b e e n a s u b j e c t o f contemplation for a considerable duration

The BRICS constellation thus enters a new phase, marked by both substance and scope At the same time BRICS leadership has assigned their foreign ministers the crucial task of formulating standards for welcoming fresh participants and compiling a roster of potential aspirants It is worth noting that BRICS nations have astutely recognized the escalating international enthusiasm for embracing local currencies innovative financial structures and alternative modes of payment This underscores the group s forward-thinking approach aligning harmoniously with China s commendable strides in pioneering progressive economic paradigms Chinese President Xi Jinping called the expansion “historic” and said it would bring “vigour” to the bloc “This membership expansion is historic it shows the determination of these countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries Xi said

This expansion heralds a fresh chapter in BRICS collaboration infusing renewed dynamism into the cooperative framework United in purpose BRICS holds the potential for remarkable accomplishments, ensuring a promising future for its constituent countries Quite notably, India, which had hitherto opposed the enlargement of the coalition has ultimately yielded to the persuasive efforts of other members The addition of new six members will certainly bolster BRICS as one of the most influe n t i a l a n d p r o d u c t i v e f o r u m i n t h e g l o b a l arena The inclusion of oil-rich Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran undoubtedly bolsters the viability of employing local c u r r e n c i e s a n o t i o n t h a t g a i n s c o n s i d e r a b l e traction in recent times within BRICS Incorporating these three nations all substantial exporters of oil and energy resources, presents a p r o m i s i n g a v e n u e f o r b o l s t e r i n g l i q u i d i t y w i t h i n t h e B R I C S a l l i a n c e T h e s e c o u n t r i e s , n o w p r i m a r i l y d i r e c t i n g t h e i r o i l e x p o r t s t owards East Asia and India have pivoted due to reduced US demand Egypt s inclusion not only introduces another Middle Eastern player but also an active member of the African Union and Africa s second-largest economy Egypt’s significance stems from its role as a pivotal trading partner for Russia and China Akin to this Iran holds strategic importance for Moscow potentially enabling the creation of a North-South corridor This corridor could enable Russia a significant oil and grain exporter to transport goods through the Persian Gulf, connecting Asia and Africa while circumventing the Black Sea and northern Europe Similarly Argentina which had persistently pleaded for the BRICS membership citing the rationale of integrating Latin America for the sake of continental equilibrium, is currently grappling with a currency crisis due to recent devaluation, but still it is a substantial middle-income nation Meanwhile, Ethiopia, boasting a thriving economy, also holds a pivotal role in the Horn of Africa As the African Union s headquarters it wields considerable influence over regional affairs

China has emerg ed as the linchpin of the BRICS alliance , its significance not merely stemming from economic prowess and population scale , but from a deliberate drive to augment its global stature The heightened global intrigue surrounding BRICS is larg ely attributed to ChinaÊs involvement

The ascendance of emerging economies is reshaping the world stage, as underscored by this summit It is a pivotal step toward forging a fresh international economic and political framework This gathering holds the potential to recalibrate prevailing global dynamics BRICS role in worldwide governance is paramount, encompassing both conventional security paradigms and novel security approaches Their propositions resonate harmoniously with the pursuit of an equitable efficient and harmonious global structure This infusion of constructive ideals from the BRICS bloc radiates positivity bestowing a revitalizing influence upon the world stage This year s BRICS summit has captured the criticism of certain Western nations They view the prospective enlargement of BRICS as a “threat” or a Beijing-driven manoeuvre to fashion it into an anti-G7 force countering Western influence However such perceptions are rebutted by analysts as driven by ulterior motives, aiming to steer the multilateral cooperation towards factional conflicts and geopolitical competition, rather than genuine collaboration

In stark contrast to the Western model characterized by compartmentalization and centralized control BRICS has exemplified openness and inclusiveness from the outset

This is particularly crucial in light of the skewed global power dynamics that fail to reflect the economic scale of emerging nations Many nations now aspire to wield influence commensurate with their economies The Western apprehension towards BRICS prospective expansion underlines its perceived potency Former U S allies are reevaluating relationships founded on dependence and coercion, distancing from forceful impositions This evolving landscape signifies a shifting global paradigm aligning with China’s proactive engagement approach China has emerged as the linchpin of the BRICS alliance its significance not merely stemming from economic prowess and population scale, but from a deliberate drive to augment its global stature The heightened global intrigue surrounding BRICS is largely attributed to China’s involvement While India also strives for international prominence it is China that is taking the lead in propelling BRICS forward

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N E I T H E R the government pays attention to our request nor does the media take notice We are patriotic Pakistanis We have to travel to Iran throughout the year for trade, education and pilgrimage Despite having passports and visas, we are treated very humiliatingly at the Taftan border We also have to pay bribes and endure humiliation

Frustrated on all sides we request the humanitarian community to treat us as human beings and talk to the Government of Pakistan regarding our problems Along with the mention of the difficulties faced at Taftan border we are also presenting some suggestions, we hope every educated and civilized person will take these difficulties and suggestions seriously and convey our voice to the Government of Pakistan

Unfortunately some religious fanatics are posted at Taftan border in the name of security personnel who preach their beliefs to the people during interrogation and tamper with people s beliefs Obviously the people are facing serious insults from the religious fanatics on duty Please inquire at the earliest opportunity about the insane persons at the Taftan border and appoint persons who are not suffering from such diseases at all future borders

2 PEOPLE'S PERSONALAND PRIVATE DATA IS IN UNSAFE HANDS

The issue of "Sufi Sahib and Company" should be taken seriously Their education qualification and family background should be checked The data that is repeatedly collected from the people and the way people are treated despite getting visas reveals that there is no check and control on these people by the higher authorities Where immediate checks and controls are in place, public data must also be promptly transferred to safe hands

There is no provision for submission of feedback and public opinion on all routes and borders of the country Mobile numbers should be posted everywhere to avoid travel hassles and in case of corruption by security personnel at the borders so that people can seek immediate help This will restore the trust of the people in the institutions and the gap between the people and the army and the police will also end The security agencies will get full support from the public if the public's identity is announced for receiving complaints and feedback

Unfortunately government workers at Taftan border are sitting under the roof and fan drinking cold water and people are burning in heat and thirst in long queues outside their rooms The basic facilities at the border which are not available to the people should not be given to the government staff so that the element of equality and duty is alive Or a roof and a fan should be arranged for the public as well

Where the moral crisis is prominent among the immigration staff their lack of professional training is also evident Some look like the hero of an Indian movie or the commander of an ISIS or Taliban group Similarly their name is not written on their clothes due to which they abuse their duty and their complaints are not registered They should look like a decent Pakistani with their clothes and haliya and hair style National problems cannot be solved without professional training At present, those who ask passengers to submit information on a form do not know what their responsibilities are with regard to this form They think that their responsibility is only to scold people

It is no longer a hidden matter that despite having a visa bribes of 3 4 5 000 to 10 000 are collected from passengers at both Taftan and Ramdan borders Of course, if someone does not have a visa, they will be allowed to leave after taking a little more bribe We have had the bitter experience of Kulbhushan Yadav and other such networks in the past All this is not possible without bribery and extortion For the sake of national security and law and order bribery and extortion at the borders should be stopped at all costs We appeal to every soft-hearted educated sensible civilized and compassionate person to raise our voice to the authorities of Pakistan so that we can be protected

B R I C S e n t e r s a n e w p h a s e o f e x p a n s i o n

Dr ImraN KHaLID

Dr Omer JaveD

CI R C U l A R debt a term that has become synonymous with Pakistan s energy sector, refers to the cascading cycle of non-payments throughout the energy supply chain this phenomenon has been a persistent challenge for Pakistan with its roots deeply embedded in the structural and operational inefficiencies of the sector the genesis of Circular Debt in Pakistan is the result of several factors

1 S U B S I D I E S A N D TA R I F F D I S PA R I T I E S : the Pakistani government, aiming to protect consumers from high electricity costs often provides subsidies However delays or inadequacies in these subsidies lead to a revenue-cost mismatch which is a significant contributor to the circular debt While subsidies are intended to make electricity more affordable for consumers, their mismanagement has contributed to the circular debt crisis the government’s well-intentioned efforts to shield citizens from soaring energy expenses have inadvertently strained the energy sector s financial health When subsidies are not allocated in a timely and accurate manner the gap between the cost of generating and distributing electricity and the revenues generated widens, adding to the circular debt

2 O P E R AT I O N A L B O T T L E N E C K S: the energy sector in Pakistan faces challenges like transmission losses power theft and aging infrastructure these inefficiencies inflate the cost of delivering electricity and when tariffs don t cover these costs the debt accumulates Addressing operational bottlenecks is a critical step in curbing the circular debt cycle transmission losses, often attributed to outdated infrastructure and technical inefficiencies result in a significant amount of electricity being lost before it reaches consumers Power theft another issue further exacerbates the problem Modernizing infrastructure employing advanced technologies to reduce transmission losses, and implementing strict measures to prevent power theft are vital to minimizing operational costs and stabilizing the sector

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grades, hampering the sector ’s ability to meet growing energy demands and adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies

3 P O W E R O U TA G E S : Financial constraints can lead power producers to reduce or halt production resulting in power blackouts, which have been a recurring issue in Pakistan Power outages are not merely inconveniences; they disrupt daily life, hamper industrial productivity, and strain the economy

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gent measures against power theft can bring down operational costs Modernizing the energy infrastructure is an essential step toward reducing operational inefficiencies Advanced technologies such as smart meters grid automation and demand-side management can minimize transmission losses and enhance energy distribution Additionally, robust measures to prevent power theft, such as stricter penalties and improved monitoring, can curb revenue losses and contribute to the reduction of circular debt

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Delays in adjusting these cost changes in consumer tariffs can lead to debt accumulation Mitigating the impact of global market volatility requires a balanced approach Developing a diversified energy mix that includes renewable sources such as solar and wind power can provide a buffer against the volatility of fossil fuel prices By investing in renewable energy, Pakistan can enhance energy security and reduce its susceptibility to global market fluctuations

As of 2023 the circular debt stock reached a historical high of Rs 2 5 trillion (3 percent of GDP) this was mainly due to CD flow overruns of PRs 387 billion (0 5 percent of GDP) relative to the Circular Debt Management Plan (CDMP) from early-FY23 the alarming scale of circular debt underscores the urgency of implementing comprehensive measures to address the issue A debt burden of this magnitude not only cripples the energy sector but also has far-reaching implications for the overall economy hindering growth and development

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D U C E R S: the accumulation of energy sector circular debt has been on the rise this accumulation puts a strain on power producers affecting their ability to procure fuel or maintain operations Power producers caught in the crossfire of payment delays and rising operational costs face financial instability Insufficient funds hinder their capacity to procure necessary resources, invest in technology upgrades, and ensure smooth operations this strain can lead to a downward spiral with reduced energy production and an increased risk of power outages

2 S T I F L E D I N V E S T M E N T S: the persistent issue of circular debt deters potential investors leading to a lack of crucial infrastructure upgrades and modern technologies in the energy sector Investor confidence is crucial for the growth and modernization of the energy sector the shadow of circular debt discourages both local and foreign investors from committing resources to energy projects this lack of investment translates to delayed infrastructure up-

Now when India c alls for a “multipolar world,” it makes it abundantly clear that a multipolar A sia is a necessar y prerequisite for a multipolar world

factor to piggyback on In 1991 economic ailments at home forced muchneeded reform; however, India accelerated trade liberalization before building domestic competencies Deng Xiaoping’s pragmatism of early internal market reform followed by trade liberalization after a few years was not heeded China had its version of economic reforms 12 years before India

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Since its early days as a young republic India has tried to navigate the pressures of great-power politics the slogan Delhi liked to spout during the bipolar contestation of the Cold War was non-alignment, a polite way of saying we too want to be counted as a pole India’s powerlessness did not matter Bravado was hectoring major powers in the United Nations on how humbug their policies were the early Indian leadership under Nehru believed in India s pre-ordained status as a civilizational state the cold reality of defeat in 1962 against China represented a stark lesson for Delhi: rhetoric and arguments at multilateral forums do not count for security After brief balancing towards the U S , ideological shibboleths and deep suspicion of the Anglo-American motives drove Delhi away from Washington that the U S misguided by the crafty British was fattening Pakistan in South Asia was the reigning perception causing angst in Delhi

By the early 1970s, India realized that balancing was a part of the game, and equidistance from the two camps made for good speeches, but not sound policy Under Indira Gandhi India decisively moved toward the Soviet Union Consequently India-US relations hit the nadir; there was hardly an issue the sides could not manage to argue on the U S support for Pakistan in the 1971 war left the relationship tattered if there was any of it in the first place moreover India’s perceived willingness to go nuclear outraged Washington Delhi further slammed the door on commerce It chucked Coke and IBM out of India Fear of the foreign hand and “neo-imperialism” were deployed to rally the domestic masses Meanwhile the world order was transitioning to a relatively rare unipolar phase with America at the top the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 also crumbled the foreign policy assumptions Delhi had operated with for decades It no longer had a bene-

t is easy to forget the past when the present is sweet In times of India-US warmth, it is worth fleshing out how we arrived hereAfter India s reforms, economic engagement finally became one of the driving factors for the U S and India to start talking However India’s decision to announce itself as a nuclear power in 1998 threw a spanner in the budding relationship After much diplomatic hankering, ties stabilized for the better the two sides finally signed the historic civil-nuclear deal in 2008 Even though the practical outcomes of the agreement were negligible Washington acquiesced to India s aspirations as an Asian power Moreover the U S grew uncomfortable with China s phenomenal rise in Asia – keeping Delhi on good terms helped to balance Beijing

However structural suspicions of the U S in the Indian bureaucracy and Washington s misguided overreach overseas convinced India that the quest for a multipolar world was the need of the hour the Russia-India-China (RIC) forum, as well as the BrazilRussia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) grouping were used by Delhi as hedging mechanisms against an overly powerful Washington Banding with these other emerging powers was intended to ensure multipolarity

It is in the last decade that India s strategic illusions are clearing China has secured its position as India’s primary challenge A series of clashes at the Himalayan border and Beijing s growing influence in South Asia have convinced Delhi that Beijing is its primary preoccupation China s allweather partnership with Pakistan, economic undercutting of India, and expansive maritime ambitions have created suspicions about China s longterm motivations in Delhi

Now when India calls for a multipolar world, it makes it abundantly clear that a multipolar Asia is a necessary prerequisite for a multipolar world

In essence the Asian order is fragmented the phenomenal rise of China does not mean that Beijing can act like the local mafia Asia is a playground of contestation, with various emerging and middle powers quietly protective of their identity and sovereignty the U S and India are working together to uphold this reality and ensure stability

Delhi has also realized that the U S is essential for its economic growth American capital and technology are crucial for India s transformation India s fate in the upcoming decades is inextricably tied to the United States, with or without China as its neighbor

As circular debt continues to mount power producers ability to generate electricity consistently diminishes intensifying the risk of power shortages and blackouts the resultant disruptions in energy supply have a domino effect on all sectors of the economy

O N O M I C S E T B A C K S:

Industries suffer from inconsistent power supply, leading to reduced production and economic slowdown the diversion of funds to address the circular debt affects other developmental projects Reliable and affordable energy is essential for a country s economic prosperity the persistent circular debt issue disrupts the energy supply chain, causing industries to operate at suboptimal levels Reduced production not only affects revenue generation for businesses but also hampers economic growth and development Additionally the redirection of funds to tackle circular debt detracts from investments in critical infrastructure and social development

and

projects

dependable energy supply is fundamental to maintaining public trust However frequent power outages voltage fluctuations and inadequate service quality undermine consumer confidence In response consumers may resort to delaying or defaulting on payments, further exacerbating the circular debt crisis Rebuilding consumer trust requires not only improved service delivery but also transparent communication

S:

4 D I V E R S I F Y I N G E N E R G Y S O U R C E

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Circular debt, while a complex issue, is not insurmountable With a blend of technical solutions, regulatory reforms and public participation Pakistan can break the vicious cycle of debt Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring a stable energy sector which is the backbone of a thriving economy the insights from the IMF report underscore the urgency and importance of tackling this challenge head-on

The writer has a doctorate in Energy Economics and serves as a Research Fellow in Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) He can be reached at khalidwaleed@sdpi org and tweets @Khalidwaleed

F o r g e t t i n g t h e O t t o m a n p a s t h a s d o

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ing centralisation reforms in the first half of the 19th century part of the so-called tanzimat period of modernisation

Some of them held positions that ranged from diplomats negotiating on behalf of the sultan with imperial counterparts in Europe, Russia and Africa to advisers who planned and executed major imperial projects such as the implementation of public health measures in Istanbul and the construction of a railway linking the Hijaz region in the Arabian Peninsula with Syria and the capital they imagined an Ottoman citizenship that at its idealistic best embraced all ethnic and officially recognised religious groups and that envisioned a form of belonging that at the risk of sounding anachronistic can be described as a multicultural notion of imperial belonging It was an aspirational vision that was never realised, as ethno-nationalism began to influence Ottomans’ self-perception

Some of the states that succeeded the Ottoman Empire have chosen to sum up Ottoman rule in local curricula as simply Ottoman or turkish occupation , while others repeat well-rehearsed tropes of Ottoman atrocities that continue to have popular purchase on a local level

In places like Syria and lebanon probably the best-known Ottoman official is military commander Ahmed Cemal (Jamal) Pasha infamously nicknamed al-Saffah (the Butcher) His wartime governorship of the provinces of Syria and Beirut was marked by political violence and executions of Arab-Ottoman politicians and intellectuals and remains in public memory as the symbol of Ottoman rule

But as historian Salim tamari has pointed out it is wrong to reduce four centuries of relative peace and dynamic activity [during] the Ottoman era to four miserable years of tyranny symbolized by the military dictatorship of Ahmad Cemal Pasha in Syria”

Indeed Ottoman imperial history in the Arab world cannot be boiled down to a “turkish occupation or a foreign yoke We cannot grapple with this 400-year history from 1516 to 1917 without coming to terms with the fact that it was a homegrown form of imperial rule

A substantial number of the members of the imperial ruling class were in fact Arab Ottomans who hailed from the Arabic-speakingmajority parts of the empire like the Malhamés of Beirut and al-Azms of Damascus they and many others were active members of the Ottoman imperial project, who designed, planned, implemented, and supported imperial Ottoman rule in the region and across the empire

Al-Azms held some of the highest positions in the empire’s levantine provinces including the governorship of Syria for several generations the Istanbul branch of the family known as Azmzades, also held key positions in the palace, the various ministries and commissions, and later in the Ottoman parliament during the reign of Abdülhamid II and the second Ottoman constitutional period the Malhamés were acting as commercial and political power brokers in cities like Istanbul Beirut Sofia and Paris

Many Arab Ottomans fought until the very end to introduce a more inclusive notion of citizenship and representative political participation into the empire this was particularly true for the generation who grew up after the sweep-

M P E R I A l I S M is a difficult subject to tackle in the Arab world the word conjures up associations with the days of French and British colonialism and the present-day settler colony of Israel Yet the more indigenous and long-lasting form of imperial rule, Ottoman imperialism, is often left out of contemporary historical debatesMany Arab Ottomans continued to fight for it to the bitter end – until their world imploded with the demise of the empire during World War I the horrors of war in the Middle East and the colonial occupation that followed were traumatic events that found peoples of the region scrambling to construct Western-sponsored nation-states Nation-building took place as a narrow ethno-religious understanding of nationhood came to dominate the region sidelining multicultural identities that had been the norm for centuries Former Ottoman officials had to reinvent themselves as Arab, Syrian, or lebanese, etc national leaders in the face of French and British colonialism A prominent example is Haqqi alAzm who among other positions within the Ottoman empire held the inspector general post at the Ottoman Ministry of Awqaf; in the 1930s he served as Syria s prime minister these visions of an ethno-national future necessitated the forgetting of the recent Ottoman past Narratives of imagined primordial nations left no room for the stories of our greatgrandparents and their parents generations of people that lived part of their lives in a different geopolitical reality and who would never be given the space to acknowledge the loss of the only reality they understood these are stories of common people like Bader Doghan (Doğan) and Abd al-Ghani Uthman (Osman) – my great-grandparents who were born and raised in Beirut but lived an iterant life as artisans between Beirut Damascus and Jaffa until the rise of national boundaries put an end to their world experiences these are also stories of better-known families like some of al-Khalidis and al-Abids, notable Arab-Ottoman political families who called Istanbul home but maintained households and familial connections in Aleppo Jerusalem and Damascus their stories and the stories of their communities that existed for centuries within an imperial imaginary and a wider regional cosmology were often summed up in a reductionist and dismissive official narrative their recent history was replaced by a short summary that painted the turk as a foreign Other the Arab Revolt as a war of liberation and Western colonial occupation as an inevitable conclusion to the disintegration of the sick man of Europe this erasure of history is highly problematic, if not dangerous

As a historian of the Ottoman Empire with Palestinian and lebanese roots I truly believe it is no less than a crime to keep millions of people disconnected from their own recent past

from the stories of their ancestors villages town and cities in the name of protecting an unstable conglomeration of nation-state formations the people of the region have been uprooted from their historical reality and left vulnerable to the false narratives of politicians and nationalist historians We need to reclaim Ottoman history as a local history of the inhabitants of the Arabic-speaking-majority lands because if we do not claim and unpack the recent past, it would be impossible to truly understand the problems that we are facing today, in all their temporal and regional dimensions the call for local students of history to research write and analyse the recent Ottoman reality is in no way a nostalgic call to return to some imagined days of a glorious or harmonious imperial past In fact, it is the complete opposite It is a call to uncover and come to terms with the good, the bad, and, indeed, the very ugly imperial past that people in the Arabicspeaking-majority parts of the Middle East were also the makers of the long and storied histories of the people of cities that flourished during the Ottoman period like tripoli Aleppo, and Basra, have yet to be (re)written

It is also important to understand why, more than 100 years since the end of the empire, the erasure of the deeply rooted and intimate connections between the Middle East North Africa and Southeast Europe continues and who benefits from this erasure We must ask ourselves why is it that researchers from Arabic-speakingmajority countries frequent French and English imperial archives, but do not spend the time or the resources to learn Ottoman-turkish in order to take advantage of four centuries worth of records readily available at the Ottoman imperial archives in Istanbul or local archives in former provincial capitals?

Have we bought into the nationalist understanding of history in which Ottoman-turkish and the Ottoman past belong solely to turkish national historiography? Are we still the victim of a century’s worth of short-sighted political interests that ebb and flow as regional tensions between Arab countries and turkey rise and fall?

Millions of records in Ottoman-turkish await students from across the Arabic-speaking-majority world to take the plunge into serious research that uses the full range of sources, both on the local and imperial levels

Finally the number of local historians and students with Ottoman history-related disciplinary and linguistic training in cities such as Doha, Cairo, and Beirut, which have a concentration of excellent institutions of higher education, is alarmingly low; some universities do not even have such cadres It is high time that the institutions of higher learning in the region begin to claim Ottoman history as local history and to support scholars and students who want to uncover and analyse this neglected past

For if we do not invest in investigating and writing our own history, then we give up our narratives to various interests and agendas that do not put our people at the centre of their stories

Mostafa Minawi is an associate professor of history and the director of Critical Ottoman and Post-Ottoman Studies initiative at Cornell University

WAGNER BOSS PRIGOZHIN’S DEATH CONFIRMED AS ANGER BUILDS

WA G N E R mercenary chief

Yevgeny Prigozhin was formally confirmed dead on Sunday following genetic analysis investigators said as anger and questions over what caused his plane to crash earlier in the week continued to mount

Speculation that the Kremlin may have been involved in the crash has been rife, with the incident coming exactly two months after Wagner staged a mutiny against Moscow’s military leadership

Molecular-genetic examinations have been completed as part of the investigation into the plane crash in the Tver region, Svetlana Petrenko, a spokeswoman from Russia’s Investigative Committee said “According to their results the identities of all 10 victims were established they correspond to the list stated in the flight list she added

Among the nine other people listed onboard the Embraer private jet that crashed on Wednesday was Dmitry Utkin, a shadowy figure who managed Wagner ’s operations and allegedly

served in Russian military intelligence – Makeshift memorials –Russian officials opened an investigation into air traffic violations after the crash but have otherwise not disclosed details about its possible cause Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the incident as tragic to reporters on Friday, calling rumours of possible foul play an “absolute lie”

His comments came as the Kremlin appeared to rein in groups like Wagner with a presidential decree signed Friday stipulating that paramilitary fighters will have to swear an oath to the Russian flag

In an address Thursday, President Vladimir Putin said he had known Prigozhin once a loyal ally since the early 1990s Both hail from Russia’s former imperial capital Saint Petersburg

However his comments did little to stem rising questions and anger over the mercenary s chief s death, with makeshift memorials to Prigozhin springing up across Russian cities

“He was killed ” said one man outside a makeshift memorial in Moscow visited by an AFP reporter

He was killed by his enemies We won t say who The investigation will re-

Iran says uranium enrichment continues based on domestic law

DUBAI

A G E N C I E S

Iran s enrichment of uranium continues based on a framework established by the country s parliament nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said on Sunday when asked about reports regarding Tehran slowing down its 60% enrichment “Our nuclear enrichment continues based on the strategic framework law ” Eslami said referring to a related legislation

Earlier this month the Wall Street Journal reported that Iran had significantly slowed the pace at which it was accumulating near-weapons-grade enriched uranium and diluted some of its stockpile, moves that could help ease tensions with the US and revive broader talks over Iran’s nuclear work

In 2020 Iran’s hard-line parliament passed a law requiring the government to take measures such as stepping up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehran s 2015 nuclear deal if other parties did not fully comply with the deal

After Washington ditched the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, Tehran began to violate the nuclear curbs set out in the pact Iran which under the nuclear agreement could only enrich uranium to 3 67% started enriching it to 60% purity in 2021 a move bringing the fissile material closer to levels suitable for developing a bomb Tehran has repeatedly denied seeking a nuclear bomb

Huthi rebels kill 10 Yemen soldiers: militar y sources

DUBAI

A G E N

Huthi rebels on Sunday killed 10 Yemen army soldiers from a southern separatist faction in a surprise attack after more than a year of relative calm military sources said Twelve others were wounded in the surprise attack” carried out by the Huthis in the border area between the southern provinces of Lahj and Al-Bayda, the sources told AFP on condition of anonymity

Four Huthi fighters were also killed and several were wounded the sources said There was no immediate comment from the rebels The attack targeted a site manned by the separatists, who aspire to create an independent South Yemen such as the state that existed until 1990, the military sources said

A flare-up of violence has rocked south Yemen in recent months with several fighters loyal to Yemen’s secessionist Southern Transitional Council and soldiers killed in attacks attributed to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula AQAP is considered by the United States to be the jihadist group s most dangerous offshoot Yemen has been gripped by conflict since the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, triggering a Saudiled military intervention in support of the beleaguered government the following year Fighting in Yemen calmed markedly after a UNbrokered ceasefire came into effect in April 2022 and has remained largely on hold even after the agreement lapsed last October

A China-brokered agreement earlier this year that has seen regional power brokers Iran and Saudi Arabia mend ties after a seven-year rupture also sparked hope for Yemen but peace talks between the warring parties have stalled

The southern separatist forces are backed by the United Arab Emirates, a key partner in the Saudi-led coalition, and allied with the Yemen government in its fight against the Huthis According to the United Nations, the conflict in Yemen has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions and two thirds of the population need humanitarian aid

Censorship reaches a new high in Indian occupied Kashmir after August 2019

ISLAMABAD

veal But we hope that revenge will catch up with those who committed this crime,” he added – Drone strikes –Hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv continued to rage on Sunday with Russia announcing its border regions were hit by drones again and Ukraine reporting an overnight strike Russia and the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula have been hit by almost daily attacks in the past month since Kyiv warned in July it aimed to return the conflict to Russian territory Moscow s defence ministry announced two Ukrainian drones flying over border regions on Sunday had been repelled, after the governor of Belgorod region said a drone carrying explosives had killed a man The governor of Russia s Kursk region which lies next to the Ukrainian border said a drone had crashed into an apartment building in Kursk city overnight, blowing out windows on several floors “There were no fires none of the residents were injured ” governor Roman Starovoit said on social media sharing an image of what appeared to be a charred mark on a tower block

ASIA CUp mATCh

The attack came a day after the governor of Russia s neighbouring Belgorod region said a drone attack killed a man in the village of Shchetinovka less than one mile (about two kilometres) from the Ukrainian border The Ukrainian armed forces dropped an explosive device from a drone when the man was on his dacha plot cutting grass, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Saturday evening, announcing the man died from shrapnel wounds Ukraine on Sunday said it shot down four cruise missiles in its north and central regions during another Russian air raid overnight The head of Kyiv s regional military administration, Ruslan Kravchenko, said falling missile fragments had injured two people and damaged 10 homes – Juice –Ukraine meanwhile mourned the loss of three pilots killed in a mid-air collision on Friday, as leading figures paid tribute to well-known fighter ace Juice killed in the crash The crash involving two combat training aircraft marks a painful blow for Kyiv which has been looking to secure advanced F-16 jets to modernise its Soviet-era air force

Pak cricket team arrives in Multan ahead of first clash with Nepal

MULTAN

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Pakistan cricket team has arrived in the city from Colombo Sri Lanka for the first match of Asia Cup 2023 scheduled between Pakistan and Nepal teams at Multan cricket stadium on August 30

The team reached at local hotel from the airport in strict security arrangements and hotel management welcomed the team

The Seraiki Ajrak (a symbol of Seraiki culture and tradition) was offered to the players upon arrival at the hotel The team reached the hotel led by Vice-captain Shadab Khan

Both teams will make rest today and tomorrow while participating in a practice session on August 29

The welcoming banners regarding the international cricket match have been displayed in the city

Pakistan team reached the city after the conclusion of a threematch ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka The Nepal team will also reach the city from Karachi today night

It s worth mentioning here that four matches of the Asia Cup were scheduled to be played in Pakistan between August 30-September 6

The first match will take place

ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T

in Multan while the remaining three matches to be played in Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore Heaps praise on Pakistan team’s hardwork, discipline –Pakistan skipper Babar Azam believed that his team’s ascension to the No 1 spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men s ODI Team Rankings was a result of their hard work and discipline

A 3-0 series sweep over Afghanistan helped Pakistan to the pole position in Men’s ODI Team Rankings They are now marginally ahead of Australia with 2725 points and 118 rating points They had won the first ODI by 142 runs at the back of a brilliant bowling display The second game was a nail-biting thriller, with the

Pakistani boxer and Asian Boxing Federation Heavyweight Champion Taimoor Khan knocked India s Jaskaran Singh in a bout in Dubai

Taimoor downed Singh in the first round in 30 seconds at the bout which was part of the Word Boxing Association’s (WBA) Colour World Cup World Tour I successfully defended my Asian Boxing Federation Heavyweight title and beat India s undefeated heavyweight boxer Jaskaran Singh on a technical knockout within 30 seconds he said in a statement issued here

It may be mentioned that Taimoor Khan retained his Asian Boxing Federation Heavyweight Champi-

Men in Green eking out a one-wicket win in the last over of the game In the third game they batted well on a tough wicket to set a commanding total, before regular strikes from their bowlers ensured a 59-run win

Babar was chuffed at having achieved the No 1 spot in the ODI team rankings He described it as a complete team effort

Whenever you achieve the No 1 spot, it gives you a lot of joy, Babar said after the final ODI, as quoted by ICC “This is the result of the entire team’s effort We’ve been here before but unfortunately we lost that position after losing a game But we re back here by the grace of God This is due to our hard work and performances ”

A G E N C I E S

Censorship has reached a new high in occupied

Jammu and Kashmir after India revoked its special status in August 2019 and the Modi regime has employed a range of intimidating tactics to ensure no reporting critical of its actions comes out of the territory A report released by Kashmir Media Service said journalists rights activists and even ordinary netizens in IIOJK are arrested for merely expressing their opinions on social media

It said ordinary citizens Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram accounts are being persistently censored to ensure there is no voice contrary to the government’s claims Kashmiris’ cell phones are being taped and every individual s activities are being monitored by Indian agencies it added

The report deplored that IIOJK s mainstream media is not allowed to report facts on the ground and legitimate political voices of the people of occupied Kashmir are being silenced under the guise of “national security”

It said the new censorship regime in the territory is meant to bring the Kashmiris to their knees and make them acquiesce to Indian policies but India must remember it cannot obfuscate what is happening in Kashmir by imposing strict censorship

‘Syed Ali Gilani was symbol of resistance movement’

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and parties have said that iconic leader Syed Ali Gilani’s stance on Kashmir dispute was the symbol of Kashmiris resistance struggle APHC leader, Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Yasmeen Raja, Maulana Musaib Nadvi, Imtiyaz Rishi, Muhammad Hazeefa and Abdul Samad Inqilabi in their separate statements in Srinagar said that on second martyrdom anniversary of Syed Ali Gilani on September 1 Kashmiris will march towards his graveyard in Hyderpora Srinagar to pay tribute to the great leader They said that the people of Kashmir would also renew their pledge that the mission of the veteran Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani and other martyrs of Kashmir freedom movement will be accomplished at any cost

They appealed to the people to demonstrate unity and the best way to pay tribute to the martyrs is to carry forward their mission Meanwhile APHC AJK chapter leaders Altaf Hussain Wani, Mushtaq Ahmed Butt, Altaf Ahmed Butt, Syed Aijaz Rehmani and others in Islamabad paid glowing tributes to Syed Ali Gilani and said that his struggle and sacrifices would always be remembered in history

Pakistani doctor jailed in US for tr ying to aid Da’ish

F R E P O R T

A 31-year-old Pakistani doctor, living in the US, was sentenced to 18 years in jail followed by five years of supervised release for attempting to provide material support to global terrorist organisation Da’ish

According to the US media Dr Muhammad Masood who worked at a research clinic in Rochester and arrested at an airport in March 2020 was convicted by a court in the state of Minnesota

Dr Masood pleaded guilty on August 16, 2022 to attempting to provide material support to Da’ish

A US Justice Department press release read that Dr Masood made multiple statements about his desire to join Da ish He also pledged his allegiance to the terrorist outfit and its leader The doctor expressed his desire to conduct lone wolf terrorist attacks in the US Giving details, the press release stated that on February 21, 2020, Dr Masood bought a plane ticket from Chicago, Illinois, to Amman, Jordan, and from there planned to travel to Syria

On March 16 2020 Dr Masood s travel plans changed because Jordan closed its borders to incoming travel due to the coronavirus pandemic Dr Masood then agreed to fly from Minneapolis to Los Angeles to meet up with an individual, who he believed would assist him with travel via cargo ship to deliver him to Da’ish territory

onship title after defeating his Thai counterpart Aekkaphob Auraiwan, in a highly-anticipated bout in Bangkok earlier this year

Taimoor was so far an undefeated Pakistani heavyweight boxer in 10 fights

On March 19 2020 Dr Masood travelled from Rochester to Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport to board a flight bound for Los Angeles California Upon arrival at the airport, Dr Masood checked in for his flight and was subsequently arrested Dr Masood had left for the US from Pakistan on an H-1B visa given to experts in their fields from across the world

Florida gunman driven by racial ‘ hate’ kills 3: authorities

FLORIDA UNITED STATES

A G E N C I E S

A white man driven by racial hatred shot dead three Black people in a Florida discount store on Saturday before taking his own life after a standoff with police authorities said “He targeted a certain group of people and that s Black people That s what he said he wanted to kill And that s very clear Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters told a news conference about the gunman, who was in his early 20s

According to the sheriff ’s office, the shooter, who has not yet been identified, entered a Dollar General store wearing a tactical vest armed with an AR-style

rifle and a handgun Manifestos discovered by the gunman’s family shortly before the attack “detail the shooter ’s disgusting ideology of hate Waters said and at least one of the guns had hand-drawn swastikas on it

The shooting took place near Edward Waters University, a historically Black college in the southern US state The university said in a statement that the shooter had been on campus earlier that day, though no one was harmed “An on-campus Edward Waters University security officer engaged an unidentified male in the vicinity of the Centennial Library on campus it said

The individual refused to identify themselves and was asked to leave, the statement said

The university added that the individual later identified as the shooter left “without incident ”

The FBI will investigate the shooting as a hate crime said Sherri Onks the bureau s special agent for Jacksonville a city of nearly one million in the northeast corner of the state

There was no evidence the shooter was part of a larger group, officials said We know that he acted completely alone,” Waters said ‘Horrific’ M a s s s h o o t i n g s h a v e b e c o m e d i s t u r b i n g l y c o mm o n a c r o s s t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s w i t h e a s y a c c e s s t o firearms in most states and more guns in the country than citizens

China’s ‘aggressive behaviour ’ in South China Sea must be challenged, US Nav y official says

MANILA, PHILIPPINE

A G E N C I E S

China s aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea, including the use of a water canon by its coast guard against a Philippine vessel, must be challenged and checked, the

bit more and more and pushing you you’ve got to push back you have to

sail and operate, Thomas told Reuters There’s really no better example of aggressive behaviour than the activity on August 5 on the shoal ” he added On August 5 a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against a Philippine boat carrying supplies to troops aboard a warship Manila intentionally grounded on a shoal in the South China Sea, a fault line in the rivalry between the US and Beijing in the region Thomas said he had had discussions with Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos the head

of the Philippine Western Command overseeing the South China Sea, to understand what his challenges are to find opportunities to be able to help him” “We certainly shared challenges So I wanted to better understand how he views the operations that he s responsible for And I want to make sure that he understood what I had available, said Thomas who was in Manila for a port call On Saturday, Thomas said he joined a flight from Manila “to go out and check out the South China Sea”

The Philippines won an international arbitration award against China in 2016, after a tribunal said Beijing’s sweeping claim to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea had no legal basis China has built militarised manmade islands in the South China Sea and its claim of historic sovereignty overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment

Ta i m o o r K h a n k n o c k s I n d i a ’s S i n g h

CORPORATE CORNER

IESCO to hold live e - cour t via facebook, telephone tomorrow: S pokesman

ISLAMABAD:

IPS JOINS HANDS WITH RIIO TO FORM NET WORK OF THINK TANKS ON INDIAN OCEAN REGION

ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T

TH E Institute of Policy Studies

(IPS) has become part of a pioneering effort by a Chinese institution to create a multilateral cooperative network of think tanks of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

or call at Tel No 051-9253105 according to above given scheduled to register and resolve their electricity-related issues While registering complaints, customers are required to provide their name, bill reference number, and contact number PR

Power sec tor pushing countr y towards anarchy: PEW

ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Economy

Watch (PEW) Dr Murtaza Mughal has said that people across the country are protesting and committing suicides as a result of excessive electricity costs which are pushing the country into chaos

He said, The country is plunging into lawlessness and chaos as elites have turned an affluent country into a living nightmare for its citizens ”

After the political and economic collapse, the power bills have become a nightmare for the masses; their household budgets have been destroyed and their lives have become miserable he added

In a statement issued here on Sunday Dr Murtaza

Mughal said that fights are taking place in the streets and in houses, violence has become the norm, and divorces are taking place due to the inflated electricity bills

People have been forced to take out loans sell jewellery and other essential items to pay the bills and compromise on food health and education

In various parts of the country, announcements are being made from mosques asking people not to pay electricity bills; traders are not allowing WAPDA officials to enter the markets; strikes roadblocks and attacks on WAPDA officials have become routine in many places which is a perfect recipe for a civil war he observed

He said that the security of the power officials offices, and grid stations is facing severe threats, and if the situation is not controlled, a civil war may also break out across the country PR

Trade, industr y warn of more protests if power tariff hike not withdrawn

The trade and industry has warned the government of more protests and demonstrations against the inflated and excessive electricity bills if hike in power tariff is not withdrawn pointing out the main reason of soaring energy cost is the power purchase agreements signed with the power producers Chairman Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Businessmen Panel (BMP) Mian Anjum Nisar observed that the rising interest rates the uncertain rupee value soaring fuel prices higher gas and power tariffs and unabated food inflation were extremely serious issues that needed to be addressed by the government on a priority basis He said that since the arrival of the caretaker government dollar has gone out of control The new finance minister should call of the real stakeholders to finalize policies suggesting the institutions which are getting free electricity and petrol should be ended

The former president FPCCI president stressed that the government should change the basic tariff of IPPs in rupee instead of US dollars as this change would save billions of rupees of the national exchequer and provide electricity at affordable cost to the trade and industry, making our export competitive in the international market Similarly the profits of the IPPs should also be paid in local currency instead of US dollars he said

He said that they cannot compete with the international market in the current price of electricity it is impossible to do business in the current conditions and businesses are closing down, the government should focus on alternative sources of energy to provide cheap electricity create a conducive investment environment for tax collection

Mian Anjum Nisar stated that the inflated power bills triggered country-wide protests including Karachi Rawalpindi, Multan, Gujranwala, and Peshawar, demanding that the government to abolish imposed taxes on electricity, saying that increase in electricity bills is unbearable and demanded relief from the government

The development was a result of a bilateral MoU signed by IPS in Kunming, China with the Research Institute for Indian Ocean Economics (RIIO) Yunnan University of Finance and Economics (YUFE) said a press release issued here on Sunday

The initiative was launched during the 8th RIIO international conference on ‘Common Development of China and Indian Ocean Region’ held with the theme of ‘Challenges and Prospects of Blue Economy Cooperation in the Indian Ocean: from the Perspective of Security and Development which was hosted by RIIO-YUFE

Apart from IPS, the event was attended by top officials of the School of

International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (SIS), India, Center for Economic and Social Development (CESD), Myanmar Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Bangladesh and Pathfinder Foundation Sri Lanka

T h e p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n s t i t u t i o n s h a v e a l s o s i g n e d a l e t t e r o f i n t e n t t o b ec o m e p a r t o f t h e n e t w o r k a f t e r n e c e ss a r y f o r m a l i t i e s

This network will work for the policy analysis and review of Indian Ocean s strategic issues, undertaking joint activities promoting common development between China and Indian Ocean region through research and discussion and publishing research papers articles books, white papers, and reports as an outcome, all in a bid to strengthen various areas of cooperation such as invest-

ment environment in Indian Ocean economies the foreign policy and economic relations of Indian Ocean economies and any other such issues having bilateral or multilateral implications for each country

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman IPS Khalid Rahman stated, “The economies, livelihoods, and cultural identities of the states and people around IOR are vitally linked to it

For continuous coordinated and proactive growth of the blue economies a greater focus on maritime-specific policies, research and education, knowledge and information sharing, establishing mechanisms and networks integrated planning on regional scales as well as within the countries and robust governance involving industry community and other stakeholders including the governments themselves, is required, he added

“Developing a healthy competitive environment is inevitable to take benefit of the new opportunities appearing not only in the established sectors but in the emerging sectors as well he stressed

BoP

appoints KPMG to study feasibility of transformation to Islamic banking

The Bank of Punjab (BOP) has appointed M/s KPMG Taseer Hadi & Co as its consultant to undertake a comprehensive study to review the feasibility and conversion dynamics for transformation of BOP’s conventional banking operations into Islamic banking The ceremony to formalize this engagement took place at the BOP Head Office and was attended by the senior management of BOP along with representatives from KPMG The underpinning objective of this feasibility study is to holistically assess the potential implications challenges, and operational intricacies that a conversion to Islamic Banking may involve This inaugural

step while significant is part of a comprehensive process that will eventually determine the direction BOP s banking operations will take

The Bank of Punjab (BOP) stands as a prominent financial institution within the country, boasting PACRA Ratings of AA+ for the Long Term and A1+ for the Short Term It maintains a network of 780 branches and sub-branches spanning Pakistan, comprising 640 Conventional branches (82%) and 140 Islamic Banking branches (18%)

Given its rising popularity among faith-based customers costeffectiveness and substantial potential for expanding market presence Islamic Banking has emerged as a strategic growth area for the Bank This growth aligns with the changing landscape, particularly in the af-

termath of the recent ruling by the Federal Shariat Court pushing for a shift from an interest-based system to an Islamic financial system In light of this, BOP is actively exploring the possibility of converting its Conventional Bank into a fullyfledged Islamic Bank

Under the vision and guidance of its Board of Directors (BOD) The Bank of Punjab has dedicated the past 3 years to bolstering the capabilities of its Islamic Banking Group (Taqwa) This has been achieved through the introduction of cuttingedge Shariah-compliant products and services alongside exceptional customer care delivered via dedicated Islamic banking branches and over 50 Islamic banking windows (IBWs) integrated into its conventional branches across the nation

Gov t should abolish all taxes on electricit y bills to save traders from troubles: ICCI

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari has said that due to the massive hike in electricity bills the traders are in great trouble and people have been forced to come to the streets so he demanded that the government should abolish all taxes on electricity bills to provide some relief to the traders and the general public In a statement on Sunday, he said that currently there are many taxes on the electricity bill, including sales tax electricity duty fuel price adjustment F C surcharge and TV fee and these taxes account for over 30 percent in the total bill He said that the price of electricity has increased by over 90 percent in the last five years, while the rising inflation has reduced the purchasing power of the people and business activities are also suffering due to these factors While addressing a delegation of Traders Welfare Association F-10 Markaz Islamabad led by its President Ahmed Khan that visited ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari stressed that the government should take urgent notice of this situation and remove all taxes imposed on electricity bills as a short-term measure He emphasized that the government should bring urgent reforms in the energy sector to save people from further troubles

There are many people who have dedicated their lives for work on Holy Quran and Quranic teachings and some of them have left their indelible imprints in the history in this regard

Hassan Rashid Ramey is one such personality who has made a significant mark by creating Quranic digital software

Hassan Rashid Ramey, son late Rashid Ahmad Chaudhry, brother of the famous politician painter editor and intellectual Muhammad Hanif Ramey dedicated over 20 years of his life to developing this software to make accessing and studying the Quran easier and more accessible His father late Rashid Ahmad Chaudhry had also contributed to the family’s distinguished position in the publishing world Hassan Rashid Ramey s developed digital software now boasts more than one million subscribers

During an informal talk with Pakistan Today, Hassan Rashid Ramey shared his thoughts about the remarkable journey behind this faith-affirming endeavor which encompasses the Quran books software, information technology, and services related to the Holy Quran He said the advent of the digital era has revolutionized the dissemination of religious teachings and computer technology has played a pivotal role The Holy Quran is now readily available in digital formats, and it s imperative to leverage the rapid development

of information technology for the service of the Quran’s teachings, he stated Mr Ramey pointed out that this software ensures accurate preservation of every letter in the Quran eliminating the possibility of errors that might arise during recitation “It also guarantees the integrity of the text and prevents distortions

The software facilitates efficient printing of the Quran a process that used to take years for skilled calligraphers to accomplish he asserted He continued that the involvement of renowned calligrapher Anwar Nafees Raqam further enhanced the software’s credibility This software can also translate the Holy Quran into various Pakistani languages promoting Anwar Nafees Raqam s unique calligraphy worldwide, he added Historically, such work required institutional support, but now individuals or small groups can accomplish tasks that were once institution-bound Therefore recog-

nizing and applauding these individual efforts is important Although numerous institutions contribute positively to science and art in our country when an individual achieves similar goals their dedication and passion deserve appreciation Hassan Rashid Ramay went on to say that the software’s development reflects a fusion of ligaturebased construction with various calligraphic styles including Nafees Raqam Dehalvi and Hafiz Abdul Rahman s calligraphy This innovation not only ensures error-free printing of the Holy Quran but also aligns with the need to disseminate Islamic teachings across the globe

“Engineer Zahid Hussain Chhipa s Islam360 software also contributes significantly by simplifying the search for Quranic verses and hadiths It allows searches in English, Urdu, and Arabic, while also supporting various platforms, including iPhone iPad and Android devices he stated while lauding the efforts of Eng Zahid Chipa

President of Traders Welfare Association F-10 Markaz Ahmad Khan and Secretary General Muhammad Naeem Iqbal said that the exorbitant increase in electricity bills has made it difficult for traders to pay the rents of the shops They said that if the price of electricity is not reduced, many traders would be forced to close their businesses

C D A p l a n s d e v e l o p i n g s e v e r a l n e w p a r k s i n c a p i t a l

ISLAMABAD

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to develop several new modern parks in the federal capital to provide better recreational facilities to the residents of the city

According to officials the authority has already developed around 37 public parks in the federal capital during the past 10 years and is working on a policy to increase their number in the coming years

"We need three to four months to develop a new park after completion of codal formalities," the officials informed At present, they said the federal capital had six amusement parks which were considered sufficient to cater to the recreational needs of Islamabad residents

But the policy has been made that whenever a new sector will be developed, an amusement park will be constructed along," they added

The sources said that the CDA was developing several new sectors, including I-11, I-12, I-14, I-15, I-16 D-12 and Park Enclave adding that Model Villages and parks were also being developed in the said areas

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

Traditional ways of using elec tricit y will have to be changed

ZAHIRUDDIN BABAR

People are protesting about the increase in electricity bills of course the government is well aware of the difficulties of the common man in this matter, but the question is how the price of electricity is increased, what are the hidden factors in this decision, actually

It is important to keep in mind that Pakistan has to depend on furnace oil coal diesel or other imported fuels from abroad to meet its energy needs so when the prices of these commodities increase in the global market, inevitably the price of electricity has to increase, another major reason is the expensive dollar, we need to understand that whatever Pakistan imports from abroad it has to be paid in dollars

As the government has to increase the price of unsolicited cloud power another difficulty is that the power generation plants (IPPs) are also paid in dollars, which

inevitably makes electricity more expensive An important aspect that should not be ignored is that the current caretaker government is forced to fully implement the agreements made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government with the IMF during its tenure

It can be understood that when an international organization makes an agreement with any government of Pakistan, it is guaranteed by the state of Pakistan The result is that the State Bank is now free from government influence the question now is what options are left for the government to deal with the challenge one solution for the caretaker government is to artificially devalue the dollar try to control it, but according to economic experts, it may result in a burden on the country s foreign exchange reserves, which will further increase our economic problems this is also a big problem

The IMF has already committed that it

will not try to control the dollar artificially but its value will be determined in the open market, now the main question is how to get out of the energy crisis that Pakistan is facing Economists agree that work on alternative energy projects in the homeland should be started on an emergency basis the encouragement in this regard is that the PDM government has started work on many such projects during its tenure For example, 10,000 megawatts of additional electricity from solar energy is now available to the National grid

The Work on the plan to add to the grid is in progress but the challenge is that more time is still required to complete the said project, on the other hand, the problem of electricity theft has been going on in the country for decades, which has not been controlled despite efforts The truth is that dishonest electricity users are being punished by honest con-

sumers who not only use electricity without any manipulation but also never commit any delay in paying the bill, the bitter truth is that the government is still unable to recover the cost of power generation and transmission as a result of which the government has to do load shedding on the one hand while on the other hand the deficit of the power sector i e circular debt also increases Is Undoubtedly because of the global climate the temperature has increased in most areas of the country, in such a way that the use of electricity by consumers has also increased which has inevitably resulted in an increase in bills The question is that in the above situation what the common Pakistani wants to do now, of course, the nation has to act sparingly in the use of electricity while recognizing the ground realities, both the common citizens and the business community have to adopt the ways of the citizens of developed countries regarding the use of

electricity e g

In the modern world, it is preferred to deal with more and more issues in the sunlight, but unfortunately, the situation is completely reversed in our country For example most of the bazaars open from 11 am to 12 pm and close from 12 pm to 1 am Ironically we Pakistanis are not willing to understand that we should minimize the use of electricity from 5 pm to 11 pm so that not only electricity can be saved but bills can also be significantly reduced In order to facilitate the public the government is also considering the proposal to privatize the electricity distribution companies so that an environment of competition can be created on the one hand while on the other hand, there may be a decrease in the habit of always declaring Pakistan responsible We have to collectively act in order to minimize the issues of electricity going on This is how nations get out of the crises always

POWER MINISTRY, NEPRA’S ‘INACTION’ PUTS K ARACHI’S STEEL INDUSTRY IN DARK

KA R A C H I s steel industry is facing a dire situation as it grapples with the inaction of the Power Ministry and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)

The industry s concern revolves around the unequal implementation of the Government s Incremental Units Consumption Subsidy, a measure designed to alleviate economic challenges in the post-COVID period According to a letter of Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers (PALSP) sent to relevant ministries this stark disparity has raised questions about the commitment of state authorities towards ensuring equitable support for businesses

As per the association the Incremental Units Consumption Subsidy which provides a fixed rate of 12 96 PKR per

unit for energy consumption exceeding the reference period, has proven to be a lifeline for industries across the country

However the situation takes a grim turn when examined through the lens of Karachi s steel industry Since July 2021 these industrial units have been entangled in a web of bureaucratic obstacles and neglectful responses from relevant authorities This has resulted in them being deprived of their rightful share in the subsidy package At a time when economic uncertainty and rising energy costs are challenging industries nationwide, Karachi s steel industry is contending with an additional burden the denial of a subsidy package that was approved and budgeted The incremental units subsidy for

K-Electric Industrial Consumers amounting to PKR 22 billion in 2021-22 PKR 13 billion in 2022-23 and PKR 7 billion in 2023-24, remains frustratingly out of reach, despite being allocated in

APTTA raises concerns over alleged harassment of TTF at COMSATS Universit y

The All Pakistan Tenure Track Association of Pakistan (APTTA) has voiced strong reservations regarding what it claims are unauthorized actions taken by the Acting Administration of COMSATS University Islamabad, allegedly leading to harassment of Tenure Track Faculty (TTF)

The association alleges that changes to the terms and conditions of contracts along with the denial of financial benefits outlined in the terms of service under TTS version 2 0 have been carried out without due process According to the association the situation has ignited a controversy centered around the purported unilateral actions of the Acting Administration APTTA argues that the Higher Education Commission (HEC), being the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing Tenure Track System (TTS) policies in universities should be the sole entity capable of implementing alterations to the terms and conditions of TTS contracts

The university s prerogative, according to APTTA, lies in endorsing any changes or modifications as per HEC’s directives through its own statutory forums The association contends that any deviation from this prescribed process not only violates established statutes but also threatens the sanctity of the bilateral agreement between the faculty members and the university APTTA has taken a firm stance against the alleged violations and asserts that it will employ all available avenues to combat breaches of legal provisions and constitutional safeguards on national platforms The association deems any action that infringes upon the rights and expectations of the faculty members as illegal and condemnable

Moreover, APTTA has called upon the Higher Education Commission to take concrete steps to ensure that universities adhere strictly to the policies and clarifications notified by the regulatory body By doing so the association believes that universities can avoid undue harassment of faculty members and prevent a further exodus of valuable intellectual assets from the country an issue commonly referred to as brain drain

The allegations raised by APTTA cast a spotlight on the intricate relationship between regulatory authorities, university administrations, and faculty members The ongoing dispute underscores the need for transparent and accountable decision-making processes within the higher education sector to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved COMSATS University Islamabad is yet to officially respond to the allegations raised by APTTA As the debate unfolds, educators, administrators, and regulatory bodies will likely engage in a broader conversation about the autonomy of universities the role of regulatory bodies and the importance of respecting established contracts and agreements

the annual government budgets Assurances from prominent figures, including the Ex-Chairman of NEPRA and the current Secretary of Power have yet to translate into concrete relief for the steel industry in Karachi This oversight has left these businesses in a state of uncertainty and financial strain, causing them to question the government’s commitment to supporting industries during times of need Having exhausted all available avenues the affected industries including the steel sector have resorted to legal action Appeals have been filed with NEPRA, the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), the Competition Commission of Pakistan, the NEPRA Appellate Tribunal and the Sindh High Court Regrettably these efforts have encountered a frustrating lack of response and meaningful action The evident inequality in the implementation of the Incremental Units Con-

sumption Subsidy underscores a disconcerting narrative It raises fundamental questions about fairness justice and the government’s dedication to nurturing industries across the nation Such disparities erode the trust of businesses and hinder their ability to thrive amidst challenging economic circumstances

The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the uphill battle faced by Karachi’s steel industry and the indifference displayed by relevant authorities

As these businesses navigate the complexities of the economic landscape and navigate soaring energy costs, the absence of the promised relief stands as a discouraging example of bureaucratic inefficiency and a lack of empathy To achieve its economic aspirations it is imperative for the government to address the grievances of Karachi s steel industry and demonstrate unwavering commitment to fostering an environment of equal opportunities and support

PM wants higher educ ation to become regular base for research, innovative

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul HaqKakar Sunday stressed upon formulation of planning to ensure that higher education at the university level should become a regular base for the latest research and innovative achievements

He said that graduated students should be equipped with the professional skill sets to meet the requirements of industries

The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of vice-chancellors of public sector universities of Balochistan that called on him PM Office Media Wing said in a press release issued here The delegation apprised the prime minister of the progress over higher education and the pertaining issues

The prime minister underscored the need to promote a culture of research and creativity as the lack of innovation was linked with the deficiency in research and higher education

The caretaker prime minister further asked for setting up incubation centers for the students by the industrial sector in universities, so that they could get opportunities for contemporary research, adding that with these measures, trained manpower would be provided to the industries, thus paving the way for an industrial revolution

He shared that with the continuous facility of higher education the improvement could be brought in different sectors of life

The youth should be provided with ample opportunities to seek higher education so that the talented young lot could play their due role in the progress of

the country, he said, adding the youth and manpower were the vital assets for a better future

The caretaker prime minister also underlined to remove all hurdles in the pursuit of higher education by bringing it to par with international standards

: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-HaqKakar here on Sunday assured that issues of Kalat and other areas of Balochistan would be resolved He was talking to a delegation of notables of Kalat area He said Pishin and Mastoong were his eyes and Quetta was his heart and he would serve the people of Balochistan wholeheartedly

He pledged construction of a highway from Karachi to Chaman, adding he had ordered construction of highways which were important for the province

A road tunnel would be built for Dera Ghazi Khan to ensure supply of fruits and vegetables from Balochistan to Punjab he told

He said work on Kachhi canal would be speed up as it was not only a significant project for Balochistan but also for Pakistan

Meanwhile, the caretaker Prime Minister on Sunday assured of resolution of all issues of Balochistan province and said that Pakistan s progress and development were linked with the development of the province The prime minister was talking to a delegation of the elders of the province who called on him to felicitate him on assuming the office

The delegation also extended good wishes, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release issued here

Fatima murder case: Suspects likely to be freed under ‘deal’

Three suspects arrested in Fatima murder case the 10-year-old housemaid died in Ranipur Haveli of Pir Asad Ali Shah are likely to be freed under a deal

According to sources having knowledge of the matter the deal is struck through an agent of a high-ranked police officer in the Fatima murder case۔

According to police sources, the arrested doctor, compounder the MS would be released from the Fatima murder case under a ‘deal of Rs5 million’ Sources police say that at the request of the large officer not all people were convicted of innocent Assad Shah, the main accused of the Gaga, Fatima case, could not be investigated۔

Earlier, police arrested the medical superintendent of the Ranipur Rural Health Centre Ali Hassan Wassan for facilitating prime suspect Asad Shah and hiding facts in the murder case Wassan had allegedly facilitated the prime suspect Asad Shah by transporting Fatima s body via an ambulance without conducting the post-mortem IG Sukkur division, Javed Jiskani said the medical report has confirmed the physical and sexual assault of Fatima The top court further said DNA samples have been collected from the residents of Ranipur Haveli and after the report the culprit who raped Fatima will be identified

Grade 21/20 officers shuffled in FBR after ECP approval

The Election Commission of Pakistan on the request of the Federal Board of Revenue has reshuffled a number of grade 21 or 20 officers

According to FBR a grade 21 IRS officer Dr Tauqeer Ahmad Memon has been posted at Director General (BTB), FBR Islamabad from Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office II, Karachi

Similarly, Chief Commissioner, Medium Taxpayers office Karachi Ahmad Shuja Khan has been posted at Member (Audit/CRM) FBR (Hq) Islamabad

Chief Commissioner Regional Tax Office Lahore

Mehmood Hussain Jafari has been directed to assume

Chief Commissioner IR, LTO, Lahore office, Chaudhry

A senior delegation of the World Bank, led by Robin Mearns, Practice Manager Social Sustainability and Inclusion for South Asia visited different project sites in Landi Kotal tehsil of Khyber which have been completed under the Pakistan Community Support Project (PCSP)

The delegation also comprised other senior members of the World Bank team in Pakistan as well as the PCSP project management team and the representatives of the district administration Khyber is one of the implementation areas of the PCSP in addition to Peshawar and Nowshera which com-

Siraj-led JI huddle gives thumbs up for anti-power tariff hike strike on S ept 2

Governor Balochistan Abdul Wali Kakar and Caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki were also present during the meeting LAHORE

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Sunday decided to hold a countrywide strike on September 2 against increase in electricity prices amid mounting public outcry According to details, the decision was taken during a Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) meeting chaired by party Chief Sirajul Haq in Man-

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

soorah, Lahore

In a statement, JI spokesperson Qaiser Sharif said that committees have been constituted for a countrywide strike on September 2 against increase in electricity prices

The spokesperson said that Sirajul Haque will hold meetings trade bodies tomorrow, adding that people from every aspect of life will participate in the countrywide

Reacting to the statement issued by Shehbaz Sharif, PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah said that he did not see PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif returning to Pakistan in October

Shehbaz Sharif after meeting his brother in London, had said that after consultations with the party s senior leadership, it had been decided that Nawaz “will return to Pakistan in October”

Shehbaz made the statement in response to a question about reports suggesting that Nawaz would return to Pakistan in mid-October However, in an interview with a private television channel earlier this month, Shehbaz Sharif had said that Nawaz would return to Pakistan in September while other senior N-

bine to make the CASA-1000 transmission line corridor

The delegation engagements included field visits to multiple sites in Landi Kotal including a rehabilitated government girls primary school, a constructed street pavement with drainage system, and a flood protection wall which has been raised following the community’s pressing need after last year ’s monsoon flood The World Bank visiting team also interacted with the community members and beneficiaries of these completed sub-projects while appreciating their participation in the development efforts

Earlier in the day, the World Bank delegation was given a detailed brief by the Project Director PCSP Shakeel Ahmed on the

leaguers also suggested the same

strike He also lauded the support from industrialists and traders for holding strike

Qaiser Sharif further said that peaceful protest against inflation will continue for the next five days

The inflated power bills triggered country-wide protests from Karachi to Khyber and protests in some parts of the country are turning violent

Informed sources told that though the elder Sharif was eager to return to Pakistan ahead of the elections there was still no clear date set

Party insiders told that Nawaz s return date was still up in the air, as key developments back home would determine his return to the country, including the retirement of Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial the status of Nawaz s pending appeals and a date for elections

The party leadership fears that Nawaz may be incarcerated upon return, as he has been declared an absconder by the courts, and his appeals are still pending

Speaking with media regarding Nawaz’s homecoming Shah said Nawaz Sharif has no plan to come to Pakistan] right now I don t think so

The PPP leader added, His health is

overall implementation progress and specific achievements under all the project components The delegation expressed admiration for the transformative work undertaken by PCSP within the CASA-1000 corridor Robin Mearns, on behalf of the World Bank, commended PCSP s dedication and its positive impact on the community “The project is a testament of the collaborative efforts that drive sustainable development and social inclusivity in the region said Robin The PCSP has become a model for community-driven development for the uplift of the rural parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the Merged Areas The implementation of the project has enabled the community members and project manage-

Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office, Gujranwala Karamatullah Khan to Member (Digital Initiatives), FBR Islamabad, Faheem Mohammad to Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Regional Tax Office Sargodha Asem Iftikhar to Chief Commissioner IR RTO Gujranwala Imtiaz Ali Solangi to Chief

Commissioner IR Medium Taxpayers office Karachi Abdul Wahid Uqaily to Chief Commissioner IR, RTO II and Karachi, Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan to Chief Commissioner IR, CTO, Islamabad

Meanwhile Laila Ghafoor has been posted at

Director General (OPS) (Compliance Risk

Management) Fbr (Hq) Islamabad Zubair Bilal to

Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue (OPS) Regional Tax Office Faisalabad Amjad Farooq to Chief

Commissioner Inland Revenue, (OPS) Regional Tax Office, Lahore, Sajjad Taslim Azam to Chief

Commissioner Inland Revenue, (OPS) Regional Tax Office Multan and Aisha Farooq has been posted at Director General (OPS) Directorate General of International Tax Operations Federal Board of Revenue (Hq) Islamabad

not good, he might not come ”

When the host cited Shehbaz’s recent statement the former water minister asserted Indeed he (Shehbaz) might have said so but I say that he is not well and even at the last moment, he can get unwell Nawaz has been residing in the United Kingdom since November 2019, when he went there for medical treatment following his conviction in a corruption case

He has not returned since and faces multiple cases in Pakistan

He was deemed an absconder the following February Later in 2020, courts declared him as a proclaimed offender Media reports have been speculating since October last year that Nawaz is to return soon His daughter and PML-N Vice Organiser Maryam Nawaz stated the same in a public address in January this year

ment in identifying the priority needs of the citizens through participatory bottom-up planning This has been further amplified to improve the lives and livelihoods of the cit-

D U C E D’: Commenting on countrywide protests spurred by inflated electricity bills Shah rued that the previous coalition government could have reduced power prices by Rs3-4 per unit

A day earlier, protests were held in cities across the country due to exorbitant electricity bills on the back of a significant increase in the national average tariff prompting Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to summon an emergency meeting Shah said that even now the interim government could decrease public resentment by cutting down power prices by Rs10-15 per unit

“Even right now, if Rs10-15 are reduced I think relief can be provided to the people ” he said

When asked if he thought it was possible to do so as the suggested decrease was quite large the former minister replied, Yes, it can happen

izens by engaging them in development initiatives which are directly benefiting them under the benefits sharing feature of the CASA-1000 Project