Epaper_23-08-29 LHR

Profit

g PM LAUDS EFFICIENT FUNCTIONING OF SIFC THROUGH COLLABORATIVE ‘ WHOLE OF GOVT APPROACH ’

CH I E F of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Monday reaffirmed the Pakistan Army s all-out support to the caretaker government for the continuity of policies in a bid to revive the country s economy and steer Pakistan towards progress and prosperity

He expressed these sentiments during the fourth apex committee meeting of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) the first one after the interim government assumed power earlier this month

The meeting was chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and attended by the army chief the entire federal cabinet chief ministers provincial ministers and high-level government officials

The cabinet was given a wholesome review of SIFC initiatives encompassing progress in key areas and benchmarks achieved thus far in a short span of time

Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to accelerate the realisation of identified projects by capitalising enabling environment, already achieved

through the SIFC

The meeting was given a wholesome review of SIFC initiatives encompassing progress in key areas and benchmarks achieved thus far in a short span of time

Attock jail admin shares with SC details of 'diet menu' ser ved to Imran

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Superintendent Attock Jail submitted the report to the apex court as it had sought details of the living conditions of former prime minister at the cell where he has been languishing since his conviction on August 5

Last week Imran s wife Bushra Bibi had urged the SC to take serious notice of the alleged threat to her husband s life, citing a considerable decline in his health in prison

She had expressed special concern over how he “appears to have lost weight substantially during the course of his confinement particularly loss of muscles around his arms

In the report submitted on Monday, the superintendent provided details of the diet menu revealing that on demand of the petitioner, twice-a-week desi chicken and once-a-week mutton cooked in desi ghee is also provided to him”

Further it stated that the PTI chief was being kept in a 9×11 cell and has been granted space in a strolling shed where he walks morning and evening Imran has also been provided with an LED TV, and reading material and maintains regular access to newspapers “An official sanitary worker has been detained for two hours daily or cleanliness of cell and washroom of the petitioner and washing of his clothes the report added stressing that the PTI chief enjoyed hygienic conditions as he served his sentence

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SIFC’s outreach strategy to achieve global traction and ongoing engagements with brotherly/friendly countries including productive visits of high-level delegations from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS)

The body also endorsed the projects, approved by the previous government for attracting investments in key sectors of agriculture livestock mining minerals information technology and energy

The Army Chief reaffirmed Pakistan Army s all-out support to the caretaker government for continuity of policies in a bid to revive country’s economy and steer Pakistan towards progress and prosperity

ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T

Prime Minister Kakar appreciated the efficient functioning of SIFC through a collaborative “Whole of Government Approach” for achieving horizontal and vertical synergy

The Apex Committee appreciated

The committee expressed confidence in SIFC initiatives and displayed its resolve and support in maintaining the positive trajectory towards revival of the country’s economy It also endorsed the projects, approved by the previous government for attracting investments in key sectors of agriculture livestock mining and minerals IT and energy

At the end, the premier directed to a c c e l e r a t e t h e r e a l i s a t i o n o f i d e n t i f i e d p r o j e c t s b y c a p i t a l i s i n g t h e e n a b l i n g e n v i r o n m e n t a l r e a d y a c h i e v e d t h r o u g h S I F C

g STATEMENT COMES FOLLOWING BOTH PARTIES HAVING DECLARED VICTORY IN CAYMAN GRAND COURT’S RULING ABOUT K-ELECTRIC ’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AsiaPak Investments a consortium under the aegis of Shehryar Chishti who earlier this summer procured the Infrastructure Growth and Capital Fund (IGCF) has launched a scathing critique against the minority shareholders of KES Power They have implicated these shareholders in the ongoing legal imbroglio concerning K-Electric, accusing them of its mismanagement As a corollary, they have attributed Karachi’s electricity predicaments to these minority shareholders This statement comes almost two weeks after both factions had claimed victory in the aftermath of the Cayman Grand Court s ruling

To recap, Shehryar Chishti is the proprietor of Daewoo in Pakistan Through AsiaPak Investments, Chishti purchased IGCF earlier this summer thereby acquiring a substantial 53 8% stake in KES Power This in turn translates to a commanding 66 4% of K-Electric s shares The residual 46 2% of KES shares are apportioned between Aljomaih Power Limited, based in Saudi Arabia, and Denham Investment from Kuwait The rationale behind Daewoo’s owner acquiring Pakistan’s sole privately-owned electric utility company has been previously documented by Profit

The aforementioned minority shareholders are the ones facing the brunt of IGCF s reproach The underlying reason for this apart from the historical intricacies explored in the aforementioned article by Profit is a ruling passed by the Cayman Grand Court While the court has deferred its final judgement until a conclusive hearing both AsiaPak and the minority shareholders have seized the opportunity to proclaim their respective victories through media channels Profit has chronicled this entire saga, particularly highlighting how a single court verdict could ostensibly yield two victors who were previously at odds with each other

Now back to AsiaPak s recent statement Profit reached out to Shan Abbas Ashary Chief Investment Officer at the Al-Jomaih Group and Non-Executive Director of K-Electric, to understand the minority shareholders’ point of view However, sadly, no comment could be elicited Subsequently, we will only be able to convey AsiaPak Investments tirade AsiaPak s accusations

In the communique AsiaPak is delineated as the predominant stakeholder of KESP, possessing a substantial 53 8% share This proprietorship, AsiaPak asserts, bestows upon it the legal prerogative to nominate its representatives on the KE Board a privilege that it states was instituted and subse-

quently reaffirmed by the Cayman Courts in 2009 and July 2023 respectively

The proclamation further elucidates that the minority shareholders of KESP acquiesced to this arrangement in 2015 Intriguingly, AsiaPak states, are the sole entities who have liquidated some of their underlying KE shares to date The communique articulates “Since 2009 both IGCF SPV 21 and the minority shareholders have been exercising their aforementioned legal rights to appoint their allocated number of directors on KE Board

Nevertheless, the communique voices apprehension over recent endeavours by the minority shareholders to negate and usurp AsiaPak’ss rights These attempts are characterised as a blatant infringement of the KESP shareholders agreement Cayman Islands law and its recent Order

The communique also underscores the tribulations in Karachi owing to these unlawful skirmishes instigated by KESP’s minority shareholders and KE’s dwindling performance It culminates with a clarion call from AsiaPak: “IGCF SPV 21 KESP’s majority shareholder must immediately be fully seated on the KE Board to spearhead KE s significant turnaround with a concerted focus on providing affordable and reliable electricity to Karachi Should we expect more quarrels in the media going forward?

In a nutshell the likelihood is high The Grand Court of the Cayman Islands is yet to hold one final session to definitively resolve the issue at hand This forthcoming assembly, as alluded to in the aforementioned article, presents a potential win for both parties involved depending on the when and how the final hearing is conducted It could potentially tip the scales in favour of one party possibly yielding more than what they initially sought However until the session is held more media tirades are a given

Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir was re-arrested outside the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Monday, hours after an Islamabad anti-terrorism court granted her bail in a sedition case Confirming the arrest on X (formerly Twitter) the Islamabad police said Imaan was taken into custody in a terrorism case registered at the Bhara Kahu police station A video of the arrest showed Islamabad police officials taking Imaan away in a police van from outside the jail The arrest comes hours after an Islamabad anti-terrorism court granted Imaan and former lawmaker Ali Wazir post-arrest bail in a sedition case While Imaan has been re-arrested Adiala Jail superintendent Asad Warraich told media that Wazir s release is still pending Wazir was arrested on August 19, while Imaan was picked up from her home during the early hours of August 20 A pair of first information reports (FIR) were registered against the two at Islamabad’s Tarnol police station and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station

The arrests were made two days after a public meeting, organised by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) Wazir, a PTM member, and Imaan had both addressed the rally, with videos circulating on social media showing speakers criticising the military establishment over enforced disappearances

On August 22 an Islamabad court had granted Imaan post-arrest bail in a rioting and dacoity case

However, she remained in police custody in connection with the sedition case

Meanwhile, an Islamabad ATC on August 24 had rejected the prosecution’s request to extend Imaan and Wazir s physical remand in the sedition case and sent the two to Rawalpindi s Adiala Jail on judicial remand

At the same time Imaan s counsel Zainab Janjua had filed a petition seeking her post-arrest bail

On Monday, Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain presided over the hearing at the outset of which a script of Imaan’s speech from the PTM rally was read out aloud

As the prosecution presented its argument it opposed granting bail to Imaan and Wazir It informed the court that a report on the contents of a USB in Imaan s possession had not yet arrived and that the forensics of the event were still needed

However, the ATC granted both the suspects postarrest bail against surety bonds of Rs30 000 each

However the two had not yet been released from jail Imaan s lawyer Janjua told AFP that her client should be released today Wazir was also granted bail but will be produced before another Islamabad court in a separate case related to the rally, she said

Two first information reports (FIR) were registered against the two on August 19 at the Tarnol police station and CTD police station

The first FIR was registered on the complaint of Tarnol Station House Officer (SHO) Mian Mohammad Imran under Sections 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) 395 (punishment for dacoity) 440 (mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt) and 506ii (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)

The FIR said that the complainant was present with other police officers at Tarnol Phatak Chowk to maintain peace and calm during a rally of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) It said that the rally led by PTM chief Manzoor Pashteen, including Wazir and Imaan, began moving from the spot allocated to it in violation of its no-objection certificate The SHO said when the police officers attempted to stop the rally from moving towards Islamabad the rally’s 700-800 participants armed with sticks confronted the officials He said that upon being stopped after attempting to move towards Islamabad again, the crowd blocked both lanes of Grand Trunk (GT) Road by placing containers and staged a demonstration while traffic was completely blocked

the ISO informed the Director General of PSQCA that the subscription fee for the year 2022 remains unpaid leading to the suspension of the authority s membership As per ISO’s statutes, a suspended member

body loses its voting rights, its seat in the General Assembly, and access to free publications and documents from the organization This development followed a series of reminders and warnings sent by the ISO the latest of which was on July 25, 2023, stressing the unpaid subscription fee and the subsequent suspension of membership The ISO outlined the process for membership restoration upon clearing the outstanding fee Intriguingly despite attending various ISO meetings and training programs PSQCA officials have failed to pay the ISO and other standard body fees This suspension arrives at a time when PSQCA operates under tem-

porary leadership, a situation highlighted by the Islamabad High Court in a case related to the appointment of a regular Director General for PSQCA The organization is being managed by interim officials due to the absence of a permanent DG, Secretary, Director Admin, and Director Finance

of the Ministry, Ali Raza Bhutta, did not respond to inquiries or meeting requests regarding this matter Experts are concerned about the repercussions of this suspension Without ISO membership, Pakistan might encounter challenges and skepticism regarding the quality and standards of its goods, both domestically and in the international market The ISO founded in 1947 has published thousands of international standards covering various technological and manufacturing domains With its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the ISO s influence extends to 167 countries as of 2023

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At S I F C M e et I n g , C O A S r e A F F I r M S A r M y ’ S A l l - O u t S u p p O r t t O C A r etA k e r g O v t

g CABINET BRIEFED ON SIFC INITIATIVES ENCOMPA SSING PROGRESS IN KEY AREA S

R E L I E F T O M A S S E S I N E L E C T R I C I T Y B I L LS

C A R ETA K E R G O V T ’ S P R I O R I T Y : S O L A N G I

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

CARETAKER Minister for Information and Broadcasting

Murtaza Solangi on Monday said the complete focus of the government was on providing relief to the masses in electricity bills

We are focusing on how to provide relief to the masses instead of delving into discussion that who is responsible for expensive electricity,” the minister said while talking to a private TV channel

He said the caretaker government took the oath on August 17 and the consumers received inflated bills of the month of July

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ulHaq Kakar had taken notice of inflated

electricity bills, Solangi said, adding, “We are responsible caretaker government and cannot ignore the issue ”

He said tomorrow the issue would be taken up by the Federal Cabinet which would explore the ways to pass on relief to the public without violating the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme

The minister resolved that the cabinet would decide in favour of passing on the relief to the masses

He said the prime minister held a meeting with the relevant stakeholders today too The media should inform the masses about the reasons behind increase in electricity bills , he said while responding to a query “Political temperature is already high in the country ” he said stressing that there was no need to resort to debate that

who was responsible for the bills

To another query he said the caretaker government wanted to hold peaceful and fair elections in collaboration with all political parties as per the schedule of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) The assistance to the electoral watchdog would be provided by the government, he added

The ECP would decide about the tenure of the caretaker government he said adding the entire schedule of the delimitation exercise was uploaded on the watchdog s website In light of the decisions of the Council of Common Interests, he said, the ECP issued its schedule under Article 51 of the Constitution He said there was need to understand d i ff e r e n c e b e t w e e n p e a c e f u l a n d v i o l e n t protests

Pakistan to par ticipate in 19 trade exhibitions in China

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Aligned with the Trade Development Authority Pakistan (TDAP) Annual Business Plan (ABP) for the year 202324, Pakistani officials, experts, as well as importers and exporters are poised to take part in a series of 19 promotional trade exhibitions and fairs hosted across various cities in China over this specified duration These exhibitions promise to encompass an array of themes, ranging from textiles and leather to agro and food sectors

Among the wide variety of attractive products key exports such as mangoes and meat, which Pakistan is proud of, will receive high attention But that s not allthe authority’s ambitious agenda extends beyond exhibitions

Brace yourself for a whirlwind of export-promoting conferences engaging webinars immersive workshops and dynamic delegations shuttling to and from Pakistan throughout this vibrant period

As per the plan, the financial year began with the China-Eurasia Expo, Urumqi under the category of International Markets Development Division (IMDD) on August 25 followed by the China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun on August 23-27 under the same category

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics,

under the category of Textile & Leather, is scheduled for August 28-30 in China while All China Leather Exhibition Shanghai under the same category is to take place on August 29-31

The Seafood and Fisheries Expo, China will take place on September 1517 under the category of Agro & Food in Guangzhou Pakistan experts have the opportunity to showcase Agriculture forestry food and beverages

This will be followed by the China –

ASEAN Expo Nanning on September 16-19 in the category of IMDD

The China International Import Exhibition will take place on November 5-11 in Shanghai in the category of IMDD and will be followed by China

High-Tech Fair Shenzhen on November 15-19 in the category of IT and IT services Pakistani experts in the fields of tourism, travel, and hospitality in China outbound Tourism and Travel market

Expo in Beijing on November 15-17

On November 21-25 the China Yiwu

Import Commodities Fair will take place in Yiwu with Pakistani experts to represent their country in the category of IMDD

From March 21-24, Pakistani delegates will take art in APLF, HONGKONG to showcase leader products in the exhibition and during the same month from March 19 to 21 APLF

Fashion Access Hong Kong will also take place On March 28-30, the Inter

Moonis Elahi calls for reconciliation with PTI chief Imran Khan

LONDON

ag e n C i e S

Moonis Elahi, the son of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf

(PTI) President Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, has said reconciliation with the PTI chief is the way to move Pakistan forward from current political and economic turmoil This he said in an informal interaction with the journalists in London The former MNA said Shehbaz Sharif had the opportunity to serve the masses but failed to deliver Replying to a question, Moonis Elahi said former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and former finance minister Ishaq Dar remained successful in their goals Both caused a major dent in the economy he added Delay in elections will further dent the country s already ill economy he added Elahi said inflated electricity bills have made the lives of the masses miserable and asked the government to provide relief to the masses It may be noted that Moonis Elahi had been declared an absconder over continued absence in the money laundering case by a Lahore district court The case against Pervaiz and Moonis includes charges of fraud, money laundering, and corruption It is alleged that the father-son duo concealed billions of rupees in five Panama-based companies, with Pervaiz Elahi using apparent money laundering techniques to acquire these companies \

SHC seeks repor t from Sindh gov t to address issue of illegal parking

KARACHI

S ta f f R e p o R t

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday sought a report from the provincial government and the DIG Traffic to address the issue of illegal parking across the metropolis To address the issue of charging illegal parking fees and illegal parking a hearing was held in Sindh High Court (SHC) where the advocate of KMC and petitioner presented before the court The advocate petitioner highlighted the double parking issues across Karachi after which the court directed the petitioner to pinpoint areas where double parking is very common During the proceedings the lawyer claimed that both DMC (District Municipal Corporation) and KMC (Karachi Metropolitan Corporation) have been actively involved in providing parking facilities However, the court raised concerns regarding the permission and regulation of double parking within the city prompting questions about how such practices could be allowed by KMC and DMC Expressing over the condition of a parking plaza the court questioned the advocate of the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) regarding the purpose of parking plaza

Pover t y, inflated power bill claim life of prayer leader

SHEIKHUPURA S ta f f R e p o R t

A p r a y e r l e a d e r d i s g r u n t l e d o v e r p o v e r t y a n d r e c e n t i n f l a t e d e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l c o m m i t t e d s u i c i d e b y c o n s u m i n g t o x i c p i l l s h e r e o n M o n d a y A c c o r d i n g t o d e t a i l s U m a i r Ya q o o b s e r v i n g a s p r a y e r l e a d e r i n l o c a l m o s q u e o f S a f d a r a b a d a r e a o f S h e i k h u p u r a w a s f a c i n g f i n a n c i a l p r o b l e m s d u e t o m i n u t e i n c o m e a n d s u rg e i n i n f l a t i o n T h e r e c e n t h i g h e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l s f u r t h e r a d d e d t o m i s e r i e s o f U m a i r a n d h e c o n s u m e d t o x i c p i l l s d u e t o w h i c h h i s c o n d i t i o n d e t e r i o r a t e d H e w a s r u s h e d t o D i s t r i c t H e a d q u a r t e r s ( D H Q ) H o s p i t a l b u t c o u l d n o t s u r v i v e T h e b o d y w a s h a n d e d o v e r t o h e i r s a f t e r l e g a l formalities

FIA arrest ‘culprits involved’ in money-laundering, recover foreign currency

RAWALPINDI

Textile Shanghai Fabric China is scheduled in Shanghai Pakistani team will participate in showcasing apparel and fabrics in the category of textile and leather

The China Canton Fair will take place on April 16 2024 in Guangzhou in the city Pakistani team will participate in IMDD as per TDAP s plan

The Hong Kong Gift and Premium Fair, 2024 will take place April 27-29 in China’s Hong Kong where the Pakistani team will showcase sports goods

The Xiamen Stone Fair 2024 will be the last activity of FY 2023-24 which will take place in Xiamen and Pakistani experts will showcase marble products under the category of Engineering and mineral

Other than the expos, a delegation from Lahore with expertise in Textile and Food will visit China in May 2024 to

collaborate and link the buyers directly with manufacturers and to discuss B2B engagements

Similarly, under the International Markets Development Division’ a tenmember Chinese delegation is expected to visit Pakistan; another 5-member delegation will visit Pakistan to discuss quarantine regulations regarding meat with Pakistan officials As per TDAP s plan, dates for the visit of these delegations will be announced later

In September 2023 a B2B interaction of Pakistani dry fruits and honey exporters with major buyers of China was scheduled to increase the exports of honey and dry fruits to China

In December 2023, a webinar and B2B will conducted regarding exports of rice to China to Increase of exports of Rice to China which is one of the potential markets of rice

LHC sends challenge to inflated elec tricity bills to NEPRA

LAHORE

S ta f f R e p o R t

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sent the petition against inflated electricity bills to the NEPRA for decision Justice Raza Qureshi of the high court today heard a plea challenging inflated electricity bills

According to the petition illegal taxes and over-billing has caused hardships and make the life of common man miserable “PTV fee being received without any justification according to the plea Fundamental human rights of the people being encroached with wrong and miscalculated electricity bills, petitioner said

The court was pleaded to intervene and declare recent

hike in electricity bills as void

The high court bench sent the petition against inflated electricity bills to the NEPRA and directed the regulator to decide the matter

The anger against inflated and illogical electricity bills is gaining momentum countrywide People are hitting the streets and burning the bills in protest

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

US to suppor t Pakistani police to enhance its c apabilities: Andrew S chofer

ISLAMABAD

The US Deputy Chief of Mission (CoM) Andrew Schofer said that the US will continue to extend full support to increase capabilities and number of female officers of police department

He expressed these views while addressing the participants of a seminar organized by the United States Institute of Peace titled “Police Awaam Saath Saath” that concluded in Islamabad on Monday

He said the United States Institute of Peace and the US Embassy has an extraordinary partnership with Pakistan and has made significant progress towards a

NAR OWAL

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more inclusive police force that elevates female police officers across the country The US Deputy Chief of Mission said with the support of law enforcement agencies and United States Institute of Peace, we have seen an impressive increase of more than 20 percent in female police representation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police over the past three years

Speaking on the occasion Member Governance Innovative and Research Planning Commission of Pakistan, Dr Adnan Rafiq underscored the need of women empowerment and emancipation for development of the country

In a major crackdown against money launderers and those involved in illegal money exchange the Federal investigation agency (FIA) on Monday arrested many people from Mall Plaza Saddar, recovering a huge amount of foreign currency, informed sources told Pakistan Today The detained accused have been identified as workers of Sheikh Iqbal who owned Universal Currency Exchange and other money changers Interestingly the FIA raiding teams had not raided the illegal money exchanges of Sheikh Kazim and Nauman Khan and brothers, apparently, due to their strong links with some corrupt officers of FIA, sources said According to sources the teams of FIA Corporate Crime Circle Rawalpindi Islamabad and Peshawar raided Mall Plaza Saddar and held many money changers and their workers involved in money laundering and exchange of money without the permission of the State Bank of Pakistan The raiding teams also recovered more than 60 million foreign and Pakistani currency from counters A and B while the computers, laptops and mobile phones of accused were also seized The accused were shifted to FIA Police Station for further investigation sources added A source disclosed to this scribe that it was the biggest raid of FIA on Mall Plaza ever as more than 60 officers and officials of federal watch dog took part in action against the illegal money changers and money launderers

IHC again orders meeting of Imran Khan with his sisters

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday heard the petition filed by the sisters of former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan for their meeting with their brother who is currently serving three-year prison term at District Jail, Attock in the Toshakhana reference since August 5 Both Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan appeared before the court along with their lawyers Advocate Shiraz Ahmad Ranjha and Barrister Umair Niazi Counsel for Imran’s sisters on the occasion told the IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Aamer Farooq that contrary to his order dated August 18 2023 that the PTI chairman should be allowed to meet with his sisters no such meeting had been arranged so far The CJ, in reply, said that now he again ordered that both sisters should be allowed to meet their brother in the jail Three days ago, on August 25, 2023 (Friday) both Aleema and Uzma the sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan had moved the Islamabad High Court seeking permission to meet their brother Aleema and Uzma had made the federation respondent in the petition They pleaded to the court to issue directives to the Federation to allow them to meet their brother “We went to meet our brother in Attock jail on Thursday, but the superintendent did not allow us to meet him ” the petitioners stated praying to the court to issue directives to the superintendent in this connection Talking to the media outside the IHC Aleema said that four cases had been registered against her and six against Uzma We have packed our bags put us in jail also But remember, she said, the PTI chief will not bow He has got time He is reciting the holy Quran ”

TIR route between Pakistan and China set to revolutionize regional trade: Minister

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

the situation

Family seeks govt attention as Ravi sweeps away body of drowned boy into India

C H I N E S E C O N S U L AT E I N A U G U R AT E S T W O D I A LY S I S M A C H I N E S

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t

IN connection with blossoming footprints of Chinese philanthropism in health sector Punjab two dialysis machines have been inaugurated by Chinese Consulate Lahore at Jinnah Hospital, one of second largest hospital in Lahore

On onset of unveiling of both dialysis machines handed over by Chinese Consulate Lahore Consul General Zhao

Shiren addressed that China always stands by Pakistan in its public-centric services for those who direly needed medical care free

of cost Board of Management and staff and faculty of Jinnah Hospital deserve for appreciation on their commitment and dedication to doing medical service to the general public in Lahore and the Punjab province at large ” he added according to a report published by Gwadar Pro on Monday

Many years ago China helped build this hospital which has now become a window of improving public health and showcased the ironclad and longstanding friendship between China and Pakistan,” Zhao mentioned Zhao said that Chinese Consulate Lahore is pleased and honored to partner with the Jinnah hospital again The provision of two dialysis machines is a

small step in this direction

It is also a token of the continuous love and care from China, he added, in the backdrop of marking the 72nd anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan and also the 10th anniversary of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor medical and healthcare cooperation is an important element of the CPEC which may directly impact the well-being of the Pakistani people

“One of the paramount duties of the state and government is to provide quality healthcare and education to its citizens especially to the underprivileged and poor families The Consulate General is willing

to further strengthen interactions and active collaboration with Jinnah Hospital in doing training and exchange programs for capacity building to better meet patients needs,” he added O n t h e o c c a s i o n , M r G o h a r E j a z ,

Delay in holding general election unacceptable: PPP

country’s economy Bokhari said Delay in elections will not provide relief to any political party he made it clear Commenting on the smear campaign against IHC CJ Justice Aamer Farooq the PPP leader said state-enmity should be discouraged

turmoil PTI government violated the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, which destabilised the

Last week, Pakistan People s Party (PPP) Central Executive Committee (CEC) decided to advocate the organisation of the general elections in 90 days after the dissolution of the Natioanl Assembly Bilawal Bhutto Zardari chaired the session of the PPP CEC to make key decisions including general elections and consultations with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)

S pecial cour t ex tends S hah M ahmood

Q ureshi ’s physic al remand in c ypher c ase

A special court on Monday granted the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) another two-day physical remand of PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Cypher case

Earlier he was remanded in FIA custody for three days in the same case

Qureshi was produced before the Official Secrets Act court The FIA prosecutor, Zulfiqar Naqvi sought

Death anniversar y of Sepoy Maqbool

another five-day physical remand Qureshi to further investigate him in the case After hearing arguments from the both sides judge Abi al Hasanat Zulqernain remarked that no more physical remand would be given if the FIA prosecution failed to make any headway in the case

Later, the judge extended the PTI leader ’s two-day remand Talking to media the PTI leader said the other side had no justification to seek further physical remand because of lack of

Police officials mar t yred in Karak encounter

KARAK: A police official was martyred in exchange of fire with proclaimed offenders in Gaddi Khel area of district Karak of Khyber Pakhtukhwa on Monday The police and proclaimed offenders exchanged fire in jurisdiction of Shah Saleem police station In cross firing, Incharge District Security Branch (DSB) Rehmanullah was injured but succumbed to his wounds while being shifted to hospital Heavy contingent of police reached the scene and after cordoning off the area launched search operation for the culprits

LHC bench hearing bail petitions of Khadija Shah, Alia Hamza dissolved

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court bench hearing the bail applications of Khadija Shah Alia Hamza and others has been dissolved on Monday The accused were arrested in connection with the May 9 incidents The LHC bench comprising Justice Waheed Khan and Justice Sultan Tanveer was set to hear the bail application of the women including Khadija Shah and Alia Hamza and others Owing to dissolution of the bench the bail applications of the accused women could not be heard The court adjourned the bail applications proceedings for an indefinite period S ta f f R e p o R t

evidence “I’m already cooperating with the FIA prosecutors but they are unable to produce any sold evidence ” he told reporters Qureshi alleged that he was being politically victimised and that they the FIA were violating the law and exploiting his basic rights He asserted that he is standing by his stance after he was handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for another two days on physical remand in the cipher case Qureshi said the FIA has no reason to

seek his physical remand in the case and added that injustice was being done to him by violating the law FIA could not provide any evidence [against me] and my rights are being violated, he added The PTI leader he was being subjected to political victimisation and no charges had been proven against him “I fully cooperated with the [FIA] I am standing by my stance the visibly angry PTI leader remarked The police also prevented him from interacting with media

Imaan M azari re -arrested outside Adiala Jail hours af ter getting bail

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

SHO Imran said when the PTM leadership and supporters were asked to open GT Road for traffic the rally participants attacked the police while issuing threats of dire consequences, broke mirrors of official vehicles, forcefully shut down shops and a petrol pump and snatched anti-riot kits from the police

The second FIR was registered on the complaint of Inspector Mohammad Ashraf under PPC Sections 124A (sedition) 148 149 153 (inciting to riot) 153A (promotion of enmity between groups) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) as well as Sections 7 (punishment for acts of terrorism) and 11 (power to order forfeiture) of the AntiTerrorism Act read with Section 21i

The inclusion of 124A (sedition) in the FIR remains a source of confusion as the Lahore High Court (LHC) had in March invalidated the section which pertains to the crime of sedition or inciting disaffection against the government terming it inconsistent with the Constitution

The inspector said he was present at Tarnol when a PTM

rally of around 900-950 people blocked GT Road He said Pashteen, Imaan and others had spoken against state institutions and their heads in their speeches, attempted to incite rebellion weaken the army compel officers to abandon their duties promote terrorism warned of dire consequences for the judiciary and called on people to engage in civil war and strife

The FIR specifically pointed out Pashteen and Imaan for attempting to create distance between Pakhtuns and the army and spreading fear in the public by threatening to march towards Islamabad

Up to 3 000 people had attended the protest in Islamabad where both Imaan and Wazir gave speeches condemning harassment against Pakhtuns and called for missing people to be returned Yo u a r e b e i n g s t o p p e d a s i f y o u a r e t h e t e r r o r i s t s , w h i l e t h e [ P a k i s t a n i ] Ta l i b a n h a v e t a k e n o v e r y o u r h o m e s a g a i n , ” I m a a n h a d t o l d t h e c r o w d s i n a v i d e o p o s t e d o n s o c i a l m e d i a A PTM spokesman told AFP that dozens more members were also detained since the protest was held in the capital

PU, Chinese varsit y for better future of mank ind

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t

Punjab University Department of History & Pakistan Studies, Communication University of China and Pakistan Research Centre for a Community with Shared Future

(PRCCSF) Islamabad in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan organized an International Conference on “Community of Shared Future for Mankind at Al Raazi Hall here on Monday

The conference was aimed at understanding the most crucial aspects of China s vision of a shared global community and understanding how the concept of community of shared future can be implemented in the future and its usefulness in the CPEC project

Speaking on the occasion PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood made welcome remarks and discussed the historic friendship between China and Pakistan He highlighted the prospects of the conference for sharing ideas and broadening research cooperation among academic institutions in both countries He said that Pakistan and China can learn from each other ’s experiences He said that political scientists and scholars can study the success stories of each other and can benefit He said that security extremist threats and environmental issues are faced by the two regions and can be resolved by mutual cooperation He hoped that the conference will help give new policies to overcome the challenges faced by both the countries Dean of the Institute for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing, Professor Li Huailing shared his analysis on D-time and Community with Shared Future He explained how the concept of community with a shared future adheres to equality and encapsulates an inclusive community of values He said that it embraces differences, respects all, and advocates for universal prosperity and common development He emphasized the need to establish

partnerships of equal treatment, increase mutual consultation, and develop security patterns based on fairness and justice Deputy Dean of the Institute for a Community with a Shared Future and Director of the Africa Communication Research Centre at CUC Prof Zhang Yanqiu highlighted that democracy is not a special right reserved to an individual country She explained China s whole process of people s democracy and how China has been successful in its ability to enthuse and involve people in the political process She said that the CPC is different from the ruling political parties in some western systems where political parties represent only certain groups of voters She appreciated the role of CPEC leadership in broadening the obligation to enhance the living standard and well-being of all Chinese people P R C C S F E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r K h a l i d Ta i m u r A k r a m also welcomed Chinese scholars and highlighted the role o f P R C C S F f o r t h e i r e ff o r t s i n f o s t e r i n g a c a d e m i c c o l l a b o r a t i o n a n d b u i l d i n g c o m m u n i t i e s w i t h a s h a r e d f u t u r e T h e c o n c e p t o f a c o m m u n i t y o f s h a r e d f u t u r e

provides new policies to overcome the challenges faced b y t h e w o r l d t o d a y T h e c o n f e r e n c e s u c c e s s f u l l y h i g h l i g h t e d v a r i o u s a s p e c t s o f C h i n a s B R I r o a d s t o p r o s p e r i t y a n d t h e o p e n n e s s a n d i n c l u s i v i t y o f t h e C o m m u n i t

C h a i r m a n B o a r d o f M a n a g e m e n t J i n n a h H o s p i t a l P r o f D

Family seeks gov t attention as Ravi sweeps away body of drowned boy into India

NAR OWAL

S ta f f R e p o R t

As the body of a boy floated into Indian territory, his family is now urging the government to ensure its return to Pakistan as India’s Border Security Force (BSF) confirmed the news to the Rangers It is reported that Hamza Khan 15 and Hassam Ali 14 had drowned while swimming in Baein –rainwater drain – near Kotla Afghana village in Shakargarh tehsil on August 20 The rescuers had managed to retrieve the body of Hassam on the next day three kilometres away from the place of drowning but could not find that of Hamza despite a three-day-long search operation A Rangers officer later contacted the family and obtained necessary information, including photos, for sharing the same with the Indian counterparts who said the boy had swept away into India by River Ravi flow The rainwater drain Baein falls into Ravi near Kartarpur seven kilometres away from Kotla Afghana village as the river enters India territory near Jassar and enters into Pakistan after flowing a few kilometres But as the Indian BSF failed to hand over Hamza s body, his family has appealed to Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir to take notice of the situation

SECP issues first cer tificate of Shariah compliance to REITs. Why now? CONTINUED

n

f o r S h a r i a h - c o m p l i a n t f i n a n c i n g a n d i t s r e m a r k a b l e g r o w t h a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y f u r t h e r h i g h l i g h t s t h e a t t r a c t i v e n e s s o f I s l a m i c b a n k i n g I s l a m i c b a n k i n g i n P a k i s t a n h a s e x p e r i e n c e d r e m a r k a b l e g r o w t h , w i t h a s s e t s t o t a l i n g o v e r R s 6 t r i l l i o n a n d d e p o s i t s r e a c h i n g R s 5 t r i l l i o n i n 2 0 2 2 A s e v i d e n c e d b y t h e S t a t e B a n k o f P a k i s t a n s s u r v e y w h i c h p o l l e d 1 0 0 0 0 h o u s e h o l d s a s t a g g e r i n g 7 4 % e x p r e s s e d w i l l i n g n e s s t o s w i t c h t o I s l a m i c b a n k i n g i n d i c a t i n g n o t j u s t r e c e p t i v e n e s s b u t a l s o s u p p o r t f o r t h e R i b a - f r e e b a n k i n g s y s t e m T h i s o v e r w h e l m i n g d e m a n d f o r I s l a m i c b a n k i n g i n t h e c o u n t r y i s e v i d e n t f r o m t h e s u r v e y r e s u l t s r e i n f o r c i n g t h e p r o m i s i n g p r o s p e c t s o f t h e i n d u s t r y A p a r t f r o m t h e g r o w i n g d e m a n d b a n k s a r e a w a r e o f h o w I s l a m i c b a n k i n g h a s t h e c a p a c i t y t o i n c r e a s e m a r k e t s h a r e s i g n i f i c a n t l y w h i l e a l s o p r o v i d i n g h i g h r e t u r n s d u e t o i t s l o w d e p o s i t c o s t s

Mercur y - and bills - rise

Expec t more energy riots

TH E R E was some sound and fury on the caretaker premier ’s part on the issue of electricity bills And as almost always is the case it signified nothing at all Reverse these high prices said PM Kakar on the much higher than usual bills But it was more akin of a deranged monarch from the past ordering the sun to rise from the west If the rates and bills could have remained the same they would have remained the same The DisCos do not have a masochistic wish to bear the public’s ire

As the country faces terrible energy riots that are set to only get worse before winter starts there are some depressing realities that have to be taken into account For starters we have to comply with what the IMF has asked us to do Because the Fund did after all do what we had asked it to do For argument’s sake if we were to forget the IMF the fact of the matter remains that we produce and distribute electricity at too high a cost for it to be sold for cheap If we do not rectify that situation things are only going to get worse Unstoppable force

The public already beset with woes of inflation now have to grapple with bills that constitute a huge proportion of household incomes There is no way at all that it is even possible for them to cough up the amounts that are showing up in their electricity bills Immovable object

Even though there is no conceivable resolution to the crisis it would do the government well to do something on the optics front For starters even though it would make no difference to the electricity bills it should announce that the entire cabinet and senior bureaucracy would now have to pay their electricity bills in full at their residences

Second a large reason our bills are so high is the taxes levied on the units They are just too many and too high The entire revenue apparatus of the federal government collects more than a trillion rupees through absolutely no effort of their own from the electricity bills This points not (just) to the laziness of the FBR but to the abject unwillingness of the elite to pay their due share of taxes

This is going to be a long, tough slog Sleeves need to be rolled up, belts need to be tightened, and shoulders need to be put up to the task

There are some tough decisions to be made, ones that can be taken only with an elected, representative government in place The caretaker government should not forget its place and arrange for a quick transfer of power

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late)

Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor

M A Niazi Joint Editor Umar Aziz Executive Editor

PA K I S TA N is a country that has been repeatedly battered by floods, which have caused immense human suffering and economic losses The most recent floods in 2022 which were triggered by unprecedented monsoon rains affected 33 million people and killed 1 739 The floods also caused $30 billion in damage to the country s economy according to a joint assessment by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the Asian Development Bank, the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Bank

The 2022 floods were not an isolated event but part of a pattern of recurrent and worsening floods in Pakistan over the last few decades According to a list of floods in Pakistan compiled by Wikipedia Pakistan has experienced at least one major flood every year since 1992, with some years having multiple floods affecting different regions Some of the most notable floods in Pakistan’s history are:

n The 1992 India–Pakistan floods which affected both countries and killed more than 2 000 people in Pakistan

n The 2010 Pakistan floods, which were the worst in the country s history and affected almost all of Pakistan The floods killed nearly 2,000 people and affected more than 20 million people

n The 2011 Sindh floods which killed 361 people and affected more than 5 million people in the province of Sindh

n The 2014 Jammu and Kashmir floods, which affected both India and Pakistan and killed more than 500 people in Pakistan

The floods have had devastating impacts on Pakistan’s economy which is already facing multiple challenges such as low growth high inflation fiscal deficit debt burden trade imbalance energy crisis and security issues The floods have damaged the infrastructure and assets of various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, services, transport, communication, energy, health, education, and housing The floods have also disrupted the production and supply chains of these sectors resulting in reduced output income employment exports and tax revenues The floods have also increased the expenditure on relief recovery, and reconstruction activities, putting pressure on the budget and diverting resources from other development priorities

According to the joint assessment report mentioned above the total damages caused by the 2022 floods amounted to $14 9 billion (4 6% of GDP) while the total economic losses reached $15 2 billion (4 7% of GDP) The report also estimated that the recovery and reconstruction need for building back bet-

ter are at least $16 3 billion (5% of GDP), not including much needed new investments beyond the affected assets to support Pakistan’s adaptation to climate change and overall resilience to future climate shocks

The report also projected that the floods would have a significant negative impact on Pakistan s macroeconomic indicators The real GDP growth rate for fiscal year 2022-23 was revised downward from 4% to 3%, while the inflation rate was revised upward from 8% to 9% The fiscal deficit was expected to widen from 6 8% to 7 8% of GDP due to lower revenues and higher expenditures The current account deficit was expected to deteriorate from 1 6% to 2 3% of GDP due to lower exports and higher imports The public debt was expected to increase from 87% to 90% of GDP due to higher borrowing needs The report also highlighted that the floods would

T h e r e p o r t a l s o p ro j e c t e d t h a t t h e f l o o d s wo u l d h av e a

s i g n i f i c a n t n e g a t i v e i m p a c t o n

Pa k i s t a n Ês m a c ro e c o n o m i c

i n d i c a t o rs T h e r e a l G D P g row t h

r a t e fo r f i s c a l ye a r 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 w a s

r ev i s e d d ow n w a rd f ro m 4 % t o

3 % , w h i l e t h e i n f l a t i o n r a t e w a s

r ev i s e d u p w a rd f ro m 8 % t o 9 %

T h e f i s c a l d e f i c i t w a s ex p e c t e d

t o w i d e n f ro m 6 8 % t o 7 8 % o f

G D P d u e t o l ow e r r ev e nu e s a n d h i g h e r ex p e n d i t u r e s .

S e x i s m p r e v a l e n t i n w o m e n ’ s

S p a n i s h f o o t b a l l

eration s Extraordinary General Assembly, declaring that he would not resign

a lot needs to be done for the entrenchment of gender-sensitive norms in the sporting world The present episode which is unfolding in the soccer world should not be pushed under the carpet and should be dealt with squarely if the aim is to make the sporting world conducive for all sexes

have a significant adverse impact on human development indicators The national poverty rate was expected to increase by 3 7 to 4 percentage points, potentially pushing between 8 4 and 9 1 million more people below the poverty line Multidimensional poverty was expected to increase by 5 9 percentage points implying that an additional 1 9 million households were at risk of being pushed into non-monetary poverty The report also warned that the floods could worsen the already poor situation of health, education, and nutrition in Pakistan, especially for women, children, and vulnerable groups

The report concluded that the floods posed a serious threat to Pakistan’s economic stability growth and development prospects and called for urgent support from the national and international community to implement a recovery and reconstruction plan that builds back better

However, the question remains: how can Pakistan cope with the recurrent and worsening floods that are likely to continue in the future due to climate change and other factors?

The answer is not simple or easy but it requires a holistic and integrated approach that addresses both the causes and consequences of floods This approach should include:

n Enhancing the resilience and adaptation capacity of communities and ecosystems to climate change and its impacts

n Improving the governance and management of water resources at all levels from local to national

n Investing in infrastructure and technology that can reduce flood risks and improve flood forecasting, warning, and response systems

n Promoting sustainable land use and environmental conservation practices that can restore natural flood defenses and ecosystem services

n Strengthening disaster risk reduction and preparedness strategies that can minimize the loss of lives and livelihoods due to floods

n Ensuring equitable and inclusive access to resources services and opportunities for all segments of society especially the poor the marginalized and the vulnerable

n Enhancing regional and international cooperation and coordination on flood management and climate change issues Pakistan is a country that has immense potential and opportunities for development but it also faces enormous challenges and risks The floods are one of the most pressing and persistent challenges that Pakistan has to overcome By adopting a comprehensive and integrated approach to flood management, Pakistan can turn this challenge into an opportunity for building a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future

The author is a international relations (SPIR) student at Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad

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

Equalit y for all

LIKE any other citizen transgenders have equal rights; the right to live freely get quality education healthcare and have equal employment opportunities

They deserve the same respect, kindness as well as the same avenues for personal and professional growth as any other citizen of the country

NO one had thought that Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup Final over England a week ago would not only land Spain s Football Federation in a confrontation with its football players but would also pit it inadvertently against the tag of being sexist for an unanticipated scene during the winning ceremony of the Women’s World Cup The controversial scene has put the football world in the limelight for dealing with an elephant in the room sexism

Last week Spain beat England 1-0 to win the ninth edition of the Women s World Cup cohosted by Australia and New Zealand In the official post-match ceremony, Spain s Football Federation President Luis Rubiales in a celebratory mode hugged Spain’s star player Jennifer Hermoso and planted a kiss on her lips After the victory celebrations Jennifer Hermoso posted on social media that the kiss on the part of the president was non-consensual and it made her feel uncomfortable She posted, I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out of place act without any consent on my part ”

In reply to the post posted on social media by Jennifer Hermoso the Spanish Football Federation defended Federation President Luis Rubiales stating that the kiss was with mutual consent and termed the whole backlash coming in the wake of the post as an unjust campaign and fake feminism” The 46-year-old Federation President termed the kiss “mutual euphoric and consensual ”

In the world of Football in general and Spain in particular the whole episode garnered a huge backlash The demand from all and sundry was that President Luis Rubiales should resign However, the Spanish Football Federation initially seemed on the side of the president and turned a blind eye to the issue by either portraying that what happened was with mutual consent or calling the details of the whole episode a set of lies against which it warned it would take legal action As the calls for resignation gained momentum, President Rubiales made an emphatic speech last Friday (August 25, 2023) at the fed-

The federation tried to create a split among women soccer players who stood in solidarity with their fellow player Jennifer Hermoso by saying that they had an obligation to participate in matches if they were called for them; however, all the players have taken a collective stand and have demanded an action against President Rubiales In some of the reports Hermoso has been found saying that the federation has been pushing her through her family friends teammates etc to make a statement that could justify the president s actions Football world governing body FIFA has provisionally suspended President Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities in the wake of protests across the globe in the soccer community for his resignation and has asked the Spanish Football Federation to start disciplinary proceedings against him

An internal inquiry has also been started At this point, nothing can be said with certainty whether President Rubiales will stay or will be sacked; however, a lot of interesting takeaways can be taken from this incident of the sporting world

First and foremost although the sporting world is becoming gender inclusive; however in this new reality gender gender-sensitive norms though they may be there, have not taken root yet

Its reflection is President Rubiales intimately kissed Hermoso in a moment of joy without thinking for a second that she might feel uncomfortable with this unsolicited kiss in front of cameras broadcasting the event globally This apathy on the part of someone who is leading sporting federation towards gender sensitivities is a wake-up call that

Secondly since Hermoso declared the kiss non-consensual and resultantly disconcerting football fans across Spain and the globe rallied around her and started a campaign for the resignation of President Rubiales Tragically, the Spanish Football Federation instead of being neutral in its approach and extending support to its star player started to nullify her case by calling the kiss consensual terming its details a set of lies calling its support campaign an unjust campaign and a show of fake feminism , and pushing Hermoso to change her stance so that the president’s action could be justified Implicitly there is sexism breathing in the Spanish Football Federation All along the unfolding of this case, the Spanish Football Federation remained averse to taking any action against its incumbent President Rubiales Although the federation has started an inquiry against the president at the behest of FIFA the prospects of a transparent inquiry are slim

It’s hoped that the case will be handled judiciously and justice will prevail If it turned out to be otherwise the sexism in the sporting world especially that of Football may not stop women from playing Football at the national or international level but may keep the space open for compromises over gender-sensitive norms

Inamullah Marwat is a lecturer at the Department of Political Science & International Relations at the University of Management & Technology (UMT) Lahore He can be reached at inamullah marwat@umt edu pk

Unfortunately, however, the ground reality suggests otherwise

Transgenders in society are unable to exercise their rights and are mistreated and humiliated They face harassment discrimination and even violence Many of them are abandoned in the early years of their life and are unable to complete their education It is important for society to end the stigma, and treat them with dignity

The government must focus of creating a safe and inclusive environment for them and take action to protect the rights of the community This includes enacting laws that prohibit discrimination and violence against the community as well as providing access to healthcare education and employment It is also crucial for the national media to portray the community in a positive and respectful light rather than perpetuating derogatory and harmful stereotypes Only by working together can we create a society that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms

AYUB HANIF KARACHI

Realit y mismatch

THE grander a government building is the more it inflates the egos occupying chairs in those buildings It is quite ironic that the grandeur of government buildings often seems to be a reflection of the false ego of those in power

Despite calling for frugality and restraint in public spending against the backdrop of national hyperinflation and global economic recession, many government officials seem to be more interested in building lavish offices and ivory interiors that exude an air of elitism It is time for the government to set a better example by adopting a minimalist approach to its official expenses and infrastructure Instead of basking in the glow of countless tube lights and lamps in their palaces while the masses are choked to death for a bag of flour the officials should dim down their selfimportance This may cut down government expenses, but, more critically, it will give the people some relief in the knowledge that the government and its officials are trying to do something to address the reality of life in Pakistan In any case, the lights and lamps of a building do not matter

It is the ability of the staff to serve the people in a fair and efficient manner that counts The government needs to prioritise these goals over status symbols Just as humans have the ability to turn a mere house into a warm and welcoming home, it is the human touch, the ability to empathise with those seeking justice, and the commitment to serve the people that truly set institutions apart and make them great There is a strong ethical and moral imperative for doing so First, excessive spending on grandiose buildings sends the wrong message to the citizens about the priorities and values of their government It creates a perception of wastefulness and extravagance which undermines public trust in the government s ability to manage public resources prudently and professionally

A minimalist approach demonstrates the government s commitment to responsible use of public funds Using fewer resources in construction and maintenance can also reduce the carbon footprint of government buildings and help mitigate the effects of climate change

Finally by redirecting resources towards essential public services and welfare programmes the government can address the needs of marginalised communities and promote social justice This can help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor The colonial legacy of building opulent structures should be replaced with a minimalist approach to running the government and its institutions It is time to move forward into a world where minimalism and sustainability are the new norms of government infrastructure At least we can try that

inAmullAH mArwAt

F l o o d s w a s h a w a y P a k i s t a n ’ s

h o p e s f o r e c o n o m i c g r o w t h

Last week, Spain beat England 1-0 to win the ninth edition of the WomenÊs World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand

IN an era defined by convenience and technological progress plastics have indeed revolutionized countless aspects of modern life The versatility of their applications has transformed industries and economies, yet their widespread use exacts a considerable toll on the environment As the adverse impacts of plastic waste on ecosystems become increasingly evident the urgency to find sustainable alternatives intensifies This imperative has led to the exploration of bio-based and oxo-degradable plastics as potential solutions, supported by a growing body of research and empirical data By delving into the intricate complexities of these two categories we can gain a nuanced understanding of the facts and challenges that underscore their pivotal role in shaping the future of plastics

The global consumption of plastics has surged dramatically since the mid-20th century, resulting in an unprecedented surge of pollution across the planet Plastic waste has permeated oceans and landfills, posing ecological, economic, and public health hazards The collective emissions from plastic production processing and disposal released an estimated 1781 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents into the environment in 2015 This staggering figure is projected to escalate to an alarming 6500 million metric tons by 2050 The production of fossil fuel-based plastics, which escalated from a mere 2 million tons in 1950 to a staggering 454 million tons in 2018, reflects an insatiable demand for convenience and functionality Remarkably between 1950 and 1980 humanity generated an astounding 9 7 billion tons of plastics a quantity predicted to double by 2025 and triple by 2050

Within this broader context, the challenges confronted by individual nations, exemplified by Pakistan, underscore the global urgency of addressing plastic waste Pakistan alone discards over 3 3 million tons of plastic annually underscoring the need for comprehensive global solutions Plastic waste management poses not just an infrastructural hurdle but a complex behavioral challenge Policies like the ban on single-use plastic bags, while commendable, often overlook the intricacies of human behavior In nations such as Pakistan, which produced an estimated 3 9 million tons of plastic waste in 2020 a deeper understanding of behavioral motivations is crucial The success of such policies hinges on

Innovations and insights

addressing underlying behaviors and cultivating a sense of ownership among the populace

Amidst the deluge of plastic waste a paradigm shift is underway as society grapples with the imperative of a sustainable plastic economy This shift heralds the advent of bio-based plastics, often lauded as pioneering innovations in the plastics realm Unlike their fossil fuel-derived counterparts bio-based plastics are sourced from renewable materials ranging from plant-derived constituents to microorganisms and algae This transition to renewable feedstocks represents a significant departure from the finite and environmentally taxing nature of fossil fuels

Among these alternatives, starch-based polymers stand out as transformative contenders Starch, a ubiquitous carbohydrate sourced from crops like corn and potatoes offers a potential blueprint for reshaping the biopolymer landscape Overcoming inherent limitations such as brittleness and inadequate mechanical properties researchers have sought inventive solutions The blending of starch with biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) paves the way for a harmonious synthesis of attributes This strategic combination not only enhances mechanical properties but also broadens the spectrum of applications spanning from singleuse plastics to cutting-edge food packaging solutions

Polylactic acid (PLA) an exemplar of synthetic biopolymers, epitomizes the confluence of innovation and sustainability Derived from starch materials, PLA offers biodegradability, non-toxicity, and a significantly reduced carbon footprint Its mechanical characteristics mirror those of conventional plastics positioning it as a formidable eco-conscious substitute across a diverse range of applications from disposable cutlery to intricate medical devices However, the significance of PLA extends beyond its material attributes, encapsulating a profound shift towards plastics sourced from renewable and natural origins, thus contributing to the vital endeavor of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions

Polycaprolactone (PCL) a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester serves as a testament to the power of strategic blending in polymer design Boasting attributes like superior heat processability and low viscosity, PCL emerges as an attractive material choice However, its isolated application encounters hurdles due to weak barrier and mechanical properties The skillful integration of PCL with materials like cellulose acetate sulfate and polyacetic acid offers a remedy for these challenges This approach underscores the profound significance of holistic material engineering where the synergistic interaction among components exceeds the sum of their individual contributions

The narrative of bio-based plastics widens with the introduction of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable thermoplastic polyesters derived from bacterial synthesis These nature-inspired plastics stored

r i t i s h t o k i s s ?

In S pain, people do kiss each other as a social thing – on both cheeks, star ting with the lef t It ’s one of several nations where social kissing is the norm. Two kisses is usual, except in Christian O r thodox c ultures like S erbia, where you do three

A kiss is just a kiss, no? But when it’s Jenni Hermoso, the forward of the victorious Spanish women’s football team on the receiving end and the president of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales doing the kissing and it s during the official post-match ceremony in front of an interested global audience it s different

Immediately afterwards, Miss Hermoso declared that she didn t like it’ Rubiales was defiant ‘It was a kiss between two friends celebrating something ’ he declared calling his critics ‘idiots and stupid people’ He may have had in mind the minister of equality in Spain s caretaker government Irene Montero who described the kiss as a form of sexual violence

Yes, well, it just shows you how fraught kissing is In Spain, people do kiss each other as a social thing – on both cheeks, starting with the left It’s one of several nations where social kissing is the norm

Two kisses is usual, except in Christian Orthodox cultures like Serbia where you do three presumably in honour of the Trinity Britain too has taken to the habit of cheek-kissing though only in the last generation or so Before people shook hands or nodded I had always been enchanted by the report that men kiss women s hands in Poland, but after meeting any number of Poles, I am sorry to report that they ve dropped the habit

But have you ever thought just how weird kissing is? We do it as a matter of course; it’s part of our idea of amorous behaviour

But it turns out it’s not In 2015 a group of social scientists published research – that must have been fun – on the subject of romantic kissing in American Anthropologist based on a set of 168 cultures and surveying 88 ethnographers And it turns out –whaddya know? – that romantic kissing is common in only 46 per cent of the cultures involved The remaining 54 per cent say it in other ways Even in Britain prostitutes used to bar their clients from lip-kissing – they considered that more intimate than actual sex Anyway the word to park for your next quiz is philematology the study of kissing

There are more kisses than the romantic sort, though that has been documented since 2,500 BC in Mesopotamia and Egypt There were in the past lots of public kisses: of ritual, greeting, respect, deference It seems the Greeks blew kisses at kings and gods Romans went in for different sorts from the kiss of greeting to the erotic snog Married Roman couples kissed with mouth closed –Plutarch says husbands kissed their wives to see if they d been drinking Men of equal rank kissed to show goodwill

There are lots of kisses in the Bible besides the Song of Solomon When Judas kissed Jesus, it wasn t an unusual gesture St Paul told the Romans to greet each other with a holy kiss In the early church and the Middle Ages there was the kiss of peace an actual smacker on the lips; not kissing was a source of contention between Thomas à Becket and Henry II The interesting development is how over time lip-kissing has been turned from a public act into an often private, sexual thing

Melanie McDonagh

within bacteria as intracellular carbon and energy reservoirs exemplify the elegance of natural polymerization processes Within this family polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) stands out boasting remarkable mechanical properties akin to polyethylene Notably, PHB holds great potential in food packaging due to its proximity in melting point to PLA, enabling fusion in their molten forms

As the world confronts the challenge of plastic waste PHAs offer a glimpse into nature-inspired solutions that could harmonize with ecosystems

While bio-based plastics chart a course toward a more environmentally sound future, oxo-degradable plastics emerge as intriguing yet contentious alternatives Marketed as a bridge between conventional plastics and biodegradable options, these plastics undergo oxidative fragmentation purportedly hastening their degradation However the rapid breakdown poses a significant predicament fragmentation into micro-sized particles If not managed scrupulously these particles risk exacerbating the microplastic pollution crisis and imperiling ecosystems The discourse on oxo-degradable plastics hinges on a delicate equilibrium between biodegradation and fragmentation While these plastics exhibit accelerated disintegration questions persist regarding the comprehensiveness of biodegradation especially in the absence of molecular weight reduction Furthermore understanding the marine ecosystem s response to fragmented plastics remains an ongoing area of research, necessitating a holistic comprehension of potential ecological ramifications

In the intricate weave of plastics the journey towards sustainability is a multidimensional odyssey informed by robust research innovative technology and a collective commitment to change The challenges extend beyond technical innovations into behavioral shifts, systemic waste management transformations, and holistic policy implementations As society stands at this crossroads, choices become pivotal, echoing through generations Data-driven insights serve as guiding stars steering humanity toward a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence with our planet

The intricate dance of bio-based and oxo-degradable plastics captures the complexity of the plastic challenge

These innovative alternatives offer a potential reprieve from the ecological toll of conventional plastics, but they are not panaceas The transition to a sustainable plastic economy demands a holistic approach that encompasses material science behavioral change policy reform and societal engagement As we forge ahead empowered by data and fueled by collective determination, we inch closer to a future where plastics coexist harmoniously with the planet

In the relentless pursuit of alternatives to single-use plastics, a cornucopia of innovative ideas has sprung forth aiming to revolutionize consumption patterns and waste management systems From cutting-edge materi-

als to transformative business models these concepts hold the potential to reshape the future of plastic use

While bio-based and oxo-degradable plastics have laid down the foundation for sustainable plastic alternatives, they are part of a broader tapestry of solutions that promise to weave a more eco-conscious future Edible Packaging crafted from materials like seaweed rice and potato starch pioneers the concept of consuming food along with its biodegradable wrappers, adding texture and flavor to the culinary experience Fungi, with mycelium as a base, have emerged as allies for sustainable packaging by creating biodegradable materials with protective barriers Plantable Packaging combines gardening and packaging encouraging consumers to plant embedded seeds that nurture plants as the packaging decomposes Hybrid materials like blending banana leaves with cellulose fibers, yield flexible and robust alternatives The global Precious Plastic movement empowers communities to recycle and repurpose plastic waste using shared open-source machine blueprints Refill systems for detergents and household products gain traction reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles Compostable cutlery and tableware made from materials like cornstarch naturally break down Innovative reusable packaging systems, 3D-printed packaging, and algaebased plastics explore sustainable alternatives Waste-toenergy conversion technologies reduce plastic waste volume while generating energy Behavioral nudges like offering reusable bags impact plastic consumption while ongoing research explores the environmental consequences of oxo-degradable plastics, which accelerate fragmentation into micro-sized particles, potentially worsening the microplastic pollution crisis As innovative ideas continue to emerge, the pursuit of a sustainable plastic future remains a multidimensional journey that demands a collective commitment to change Pakistan like many other countries grapples with the plastic waste dilemma More than 3 3 million tons of plastic are wasted annually, a staggering amount that requires systemic changes The ban on single-use plastic bags is one step in the right direction, yet behavioral shifts infrastructure improvements and comprehensive policies are essential While such policies often address the issue reactively they need to incorporate people s perspectives to achieve lasting impact

The endeavor to find alternatives to single-use plastics is a multifaceted journey, encompassing innovation, technology, and behavioral change The array of creative solutions from bio-based and oxo-degradable plastics to edible packaging waste-to-energy conversion and behavioral nudges reflects humanity s determination to mitigate the plastic crisis This intricate tapestry of ideas promises a sustainable and harmonious future, where the planet s well-being remains at the heart of every choice As the world collectively takes these steps, it inches closer to a future where innovation and respect for the environment coalesce into lasting solutions

A monumental amount of work has gone into the preparation of these t wo volumes, 1437 pages, excluding annexes, not just of documents but sharp analysis and commentar y

It was not the zionists who were the hear t of the problem, but the British themselves. As one Palestinian later told a researcher: “ They are worse than the Jews …. The reason for our nakba is the English”

thority to determine the number of further arrivals

TH E R E are few works on Palestine of such scope All the standard documents are here and analyzed anew but there are innumerable gems dug up by the author that the researcher will not have known about or has forgotten The commissions of inquiry of the 1930s are worked over every time a study of mandatory Palestine appears, but who knows now of the Palin Court of Inquiry of July 1920, which found that the cause of recent riots in and around Jerusalem was not race or religion but British support for Zionism and zionist “indiscretion and aggression” since Balfour issued his declaration?

The truth was so unpalatable that the report was suppressed at the specific request of the first High Commissioner of mandatory/occupied Palestine, Herbert Samuel, a Zionist, but with the support of the home government It was not made public until 1968

Another gem is the secret note exposed by a British newspaper in the 1970s confirming that in the exchanges between Sharif Husayn and Sir Henry McMahon in 1915/16 Palestine was to be included in the territory promised for Arab independence, not, as the British tried to argue for a long time afterward, to be excluded because of rival French claims

Allcott begins his chronology with a letter written in 1899 by Yusuf Dia al Khalidi the mayor of Jerusalem to Zadoc Kahn the chief rabbi of France In the abstract he did not object to Zionism as a means of solving the Jewih problem but in practice – in reality – as Palestine was populated by non-Jews the only way to take it would be by cannons and warships “By what right do the Jews want it for themselves?” he asked Nearly 125 years later the question without a credible answer is still being asked by the Palestinians

The documents make it clear that from the beginning of settlement, the Palestinians knew what the zionists were up to They were not taken in by the false assurances made by the settler leaders This did not mean that they were not prepared to talk to them They had always made it clear that individual Jews were welcome and would have the same rights as anyone else but only in an Arab state

On July 7, 1914, Al Karmil published a general summons on the zionist danger, asking its readers: “Do you want to be slaves to the zionists, who have come to kick you out of their country claiming it is theirs?”

BRITISH IMPERIALISM: The zionists rode into Palestine on the back of British imperialism

The British armed them and protected them at all levels They filled senior positions in the occupying administration with zionists It was not just Palestine they wanted Norman Bentwich appointed as Attorney General believed that Jewish civilization was capable of expanding to all the countries promised to the Jews in the Old Testament, from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates and from the Lebanon to the Nile ” (166)

As early as 1915, Herbert Samuel was writing of his hope that in time the Jewish people grown into a majority would be given self-government in

Palestine How he thought this could be achieved when at the time Jews accounted for 7-8 percent of the population, he did not say, probably because he did not want to say as the only possible solution for the zionists was ‘transfer,’ i e the expulsion of the Palestinians Samuel’s immigration ordinance prevented them from even having any say in who could settle in their land

The author follows the trail one by one of all the petitions, protests, memoranda, congresses and delegations embarked upon by the Palestinians to make their case They got nowhere even though senior figures in the British government in parliament in the press and among police on the ground in Palestine sympathized with them

There were even indications that Mark Sykes was changing his mind when he died of Spanish flu in 1919 (104) but whatever the disagreements, the bottom line at the top always was Britain’s commitment to Zionism despite all the evidence that it was poisoning their standing across the Middle East Britain forced Zionism on the population by allowing mass immigration by arming the zionists while disarming the Palestinians, and by using all other weapons available to an occupying power to crush resistance Thousands of Palestinians were killed when they rebelled in the 1930s, all attempts to reason with the British having failed

Executions and the collective punishment of whole villages were part of how Britain lived up to its sacred trust of civilization The leadership needed for the coming stages of confrontation with the zionists was largely decapitated The British did their dirty work for them

Attempts to set up a joint advisory council and an Arab Agency as the equivalent of the Jewish Agency could not work because they were based on Palestinian acceptance of the zionist settlement British policy was specifically anti-democratic, as self-government was not to be granted until the Jews were in the majority

As the British did know or must have known without admitting it this point could only be reached if the Palestinians were physically driven out of their homeland It was not the zionists who were the heart of the problem but the British themselves As one Palestinian later told a researcher:

“They are worse than the Jews The reason for our nakba is the English ” (1023) The government knew what the problem was colonization and the zionist alienation of land forever from Palestinian rent or ownership The truths were established by one committee of inquiry after another Having finally digested what should have been apparent at the start, the British decided, in the 1937 Peel Commission, to partition and transfer of Palestinians from fertile lands allocated to the zionists WAR ON THE NEAR HORIZON: In 1939 with a European war on the near horizon the government backed away from the virtually open-ended commitments it had made to the zionists over the past two decades A White Paper recommended not partition but the establishment of an independent state across Palestine in which there would be a Jewish national home There would be no Jewish state Jewish immigration was to be restricted to 75 000 over five years with the Arab majority given the au-

In the London conference held to discuss the White Paper the British still avoided unequivocal commitments to the Palestinians In an independent Palestine, there would have to be “safeguards” for minorities Unless the Palestinians agreed to safeguard a Jewish national home in Britain s sense whatever that could be stretched to mean Britain would regard itself as released from any commitment to an independent Palestinian state (1109)

The White Paper signaled the end of the zionist engagement with Britain in any positive sense The zionists were outraged and now bit the hand that had fed them so plentifully for so long The targets of their gunmen were not just Palestinian civilians terrorized in their marketplaces but British soldiers In Cairo, the Stern gang murdered the British minister of state for the Middle East, Lord Moyne

With Britain having taken Zionism so far, the zionist leadership now turned to the United States to complete the drive to statehood US support at the end of the war for large-scale Jewish immigration into Palestine infuriated the British government, which had to deal with the consequences It soon gave up and handed the problem to the UN

UNITED STATES: In the US the zionists had open-ended support in the press in the White House and in the Supreme Court According to Judge Louis Brandeis fervent in his commitment to Zionism even before 1917 the whole conception of Zionism as a Jewish homeland was a definite buildup for the future as a means of dealing with a world problem and not merely with the disposition of an existing community ” (156) That clearly was what had to come the “disposition ” or dispossession of the Palestinians

Just as the zionists would have got nowhere without British backing, so it was that without direct White House threats to vulnerable UN delegations in 1947, the General Assembly would never have passed the partition resolution It was against everything the UN was supposed to represent Truman s later recognition of a Jewish state in Palestine – for electoral reasons – completely undermined State Department policy which for months had been directed towards shelving partition and establishing a UN trusteeship over Palestine

What comes through very strongly in this chronological collection is the unswerving commitment of the Palestinians men and women young and old tillers of the soil and urban professionals to their rights and their cause They have argued for them fought for them, died for them, and have been imprisoned for them every day now for more than a century It is hardly likely that they are going to give up now

These two volumes are well presented and well organized with crisp analysis and comments on every document They are hardly bedtime reading but a valuable addition on the shelf (or on the computer) for all those immersed in the Palestine drama Blake Alcott has done a terrific job in putting all this together

Jeremy Salt taught at the University of Melbourne at Bosporus University in Istanbul and Bilkent University in Ankara for many years specializing in the modern history of the Middle East

C H I N A F I R M LY O P P O S E S ‘ U N R E A S O N A B L E D ET E N T I O N A N D

E

O

TAT

BEIJING s tA f f c o r r e s p o n d e n t

CHINA firmly opposes the unreasonable detention, interrogation and deportation of Chinese students by the US which has fabricated groundless accusations against the Chinese students and urges the US to translate its statements of welcoming Chinese students into concrete action, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday in response to the charges against and the deportation of Chinese students upon their entry into the US

Through stealing a Chinese student s educational application materials, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently arrested

O

’ O

and filed a lawsuit against the Chinese overseas student studying in the US under a so-called visa fraud charge

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detained, interrogated and subsequently deported three Chinese students upon their entry into the US without evidence or basis

In response to these incidents

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during the press conference on Monday that the US has unreasonably detained, interrogated and repatriated Chinese students without reason, and has even fabricated baseless accusations against them These serve as politically motivated maneuver aimed at suppressing and persecuting Chinese students, which China firmly op-

poses According to Wang, cultural exchanges serve as the social foundation of China-US relations and the academic educational and scientific exchanges make up for the vital components of the cultural exchange between the two sides

and severely undermined the atmos-

p

C hinese, US commerce chiefs agree on mechanisms to address trade, investment issues

BEIJING s tA f f c o r r e s p o n d e n t

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wen-

tao met with US Commerce Secretary

Gina Raimondo on Monday the second day of the US commerce chief s four-day high-stake trip to China

The meeting was convened as the world’s two biggest economies aim to stabilize bilateral economic and trade ties amid growing tensions with mechanisms to address disputes in focus

While details about the meeting remain sketchy from the Chinese side both sides have struck a positive tone over the closely watched talks According to a US official statement released on Monday night both sides agreed to set up four mechanisms to address trade and investment issues and enhance communication on other specific issues

The agreements on setting up a new commercial issues working group and launching the export control enforcement information exchange, among others, suggested that both sides are taking necessary measures to enhance talks to address disputes; however concrete actions by Washington to address China s core concerns over crackdown measures are needed for a stable bilateral economic and trade relationship, experts said Even though major differences between the two countries will remain, efforts to stabilize bilateral economic and trade ties and enhance cooperation in areas of common interests could help the US tackle its own economic challenges including high inflation and lingering recessionary pressure, as the Chinese economy remains resilient thanks to a series of measures to stabilize growth, experts noted Wang met with Raimondo on Monday morning China

Media Group reported Video footage of the two commerce chiefs, who were both smiling and

appeared to be in a positive mood accompanied by other officials walking into a meeting room, was broadcast by several news outlets However, there were no official statements released about the talks as of press time on Monday night A c c o r d i n g t o s e v e r a l U S m e d i a o u t l e t s t h e t w o o ff i c i a l s s t r e s s e d t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f m a i n t a i n i n g a s t a b l e r el a t i o n s h i p R a i m o n d o s a i d t h a t i t i s p r o f o u n d l y i m p o r t a n t t h a t w e h a v e a s t a b l e e c o n o m i c r e l a t i o n s h i p , w h i c h i s t o t h e b e n e f i t o f b o t h o f o u r c o u n t r i e s A n d i n f a c t w h a t t h e w o r l d e x p e c t s o f u s C N N r e p o r t e d o n M o n d a y Wa n g a l s o s a i d b i l a t e r a l e c o n o m i c t i e s w e r e i m p o r t a n t n o t j u s t t o t h e t w o c o u n t r i e s b u t a l s o t h e r e s t o f t h e w o r l d , a c c o r di n g t o C N N

In a statement on Monday night, the US Commerce Department said the Chinese and US commerce chiefs agreed to establish a new commercial issues working group a consultation mechanism to seek solutions on trade and investment issues and to advance US commercial in-

CORPORATE CORNER

terests in China with the first meeting scheduled for early 2024

They also agreed to launch the export control enforcement information exchange, with the first meeting scheduled for Tuesday, convene subject matter experts from both sides to hold technical discussions on strengthening the protection of trade secrets and confidential business information and communicate regularly at the ministerial level and meet in-person at least once each year Bai Ming, deputy director of the international market research institute at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation said the four mechanisms are mostly procedural items for enhancing communication on the issues, which are necessary but concrete actions from the US are crucial for a stable China-US economic and trade relationship The hope is that the US side will actually show real sincerity and address these issues because just having more talks on the issues is far from enough, Bai told the Global Times on Monday

INDIAN SCHOOL SHUT

AFTER HINDU TEACHER

TELLS STUDENTS TO SLAP

MUSLIM CLASSMATE

NEW DELHI: A school in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh where a school teacher reportedly encouraged students to slap a Muslim student, has been ordered shut until an investigation against the school authorities is completed The schoolteacher has been booked and an investigation into the case is underway, Education Officer Shubham Shukla said in a statement adding the recognition of the school would be withdrawn There was widespread outrage after the video of the incident in the village of Khubbapur in Muzaffarnagar went viral on Friday The video shows the 7-year-old Muslim student standing in front of the class as a number of his classmates come up to slap him, making him cry The teacher, who is Hindu is heard saying:

“What are you doing?

Why are you not beating him harder? Meanwhile police in Uttar Pradesh on Monday booked Alt News Cofounder and Fact

Checker Mohammad Zubair for disclosing the identity of the minor Muslim boy who was slapped Zubair shared the video of the incident on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account According to Zubair the police took action only after the video went viral on social media platforms India s top child rights body, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), asked people not to reveal the identity of the boy by sharing the video Zubair later deleted the video Last year Zubair was arrested by Delhi police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity He has been under constant attack from the Hindutva groups for busting fake news and calling out hate speech by Hindu monks Zubair was the first one who brought to notice the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party s (BJP) leader Nupur Sharma s controversial remark against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Ag e n c e s

GB Ministers and Secretar y of School Education Visit NSU

THE National Skills University is an exemplary institution with ample facilities for training youth in conventional and contemporary skills Moreover, the Vice Chancellor and his administrative team have assembled a high-caliber faculty and technologists ready to train Pakistani youth The model developed by the National Skills University Islamabad must be replicated across the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan This was stated by the high-level delegation from Gilgit Baltistan comprising Mr Ghulam Shahzad Agha Minister of Education; Ms Dilshad Bano Minister of Social Welfare and Women Development; and Mr Zameer Abbas Secretary of Schools Education On their arrival at the Islamabad main campus, the Ministers and Secretary were briefed about the university's development from a ravaged place to a state-of-the-art campus with national and international accolades and recognitions The Ministers from GB and the Secretary visited various skills training laboratories and workshops Ministers and Secretaries took a deep interest in the IT and mobile repair laboratories They were pleased to know that at the National Skills University Islamabad, young people have dozens of options to pursue their careers in almost every discipline including electrical mechanical civil and information technologies Ms Dilshad Bano Minister of Social Welfare and Women Development asked about the possibility of training less-abled individuals in various skills/trades She also instructed the Secretary of Education to work with the NSU for a possible joint skills training program at the GB Mr Ghulam Shahzad Agha Minister of Education advised preparing an elaborate proposal for incorporating skills training in every GB school

JS Bank announces BankIslami acquisition

KARACHI: JS Bank has announced the successful acquisition of an additional 67 33% stake in BankIslami Pakistan Limited a move that solidified its position as one of Pakistan s fastest-growing financial institutions The acquisition was executed through a series of agreements with existing shareholders and a public offer, taking JS Bank s total shareholding to 75 12% in BankIslami Pakistan Limited, effectively making BankIslami a subsidiary of JS Bank and an integral part of the JS Group This acquisition is a strategic milestone for JS Bank aligning with its commitment to broaden its product offerings and meet the diverse needs of its customer base especially those seeking Islamic Banking and Shariah-compliant services & solutions The acquisition was finalized after an extensive process of due diligence, securing regulatory approvals, and aligning the strategic objectives between the two Banks Basir Shamsie President & CEO of JS Bank expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition: This is a significant milestone that promises to better meet the needs of our valued customers and enhance the offerings of both Banks Both teams are excited to embark on this new chapter, and create more customer-centric financial institutions " s tA f f r e p o r t

CORPORATE CORNER

K ASHMIRIS URGED TO ASSEMBLE AT ALI GEEL ANI’S GRAVE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC LEADER

SRINAGAR S TA F F R E P O R T

JA M M U Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has appealed to the people to march towards Hyderpora, Srinagar in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, on September 1 to pay tribute to the icon of Kashmir resistance movement Syed Ali Geelani on his 2nd martyrdom anniversary

Visa launches Visa Ready To

programme

In a statement issued in Srinagar today DFP spokesman Advocate Arshad Iqbal while referring to Geelani s matchless sacrifices and struggle said that the deceased leader was a strong proponent and fearless advocate of the Kashmiris’ right to self determination

Geelani, he said, was a symbol of resistance against India’s illegal occupation who lived and died for the cause he cherished throughout his lifetime

He said that Geelani was a man of honesty and integrity His life long struggle for the Kashmir cause would be written in golden words in the history of Kashmir”, the spokesman said

The DFP spokesman appealed to the people of Kashmir to assemble at the deceased leader s graveyard at Hyderpora in Srinagar on his anniversary to pay homage to the great leader who rendered matchless sacrifices for the people of Kashmir Posters once again appear with ‘Hyderpora Challo’ slogan in Kashmir Despite door-to-door hunt by Indian police posters reading with Hyderpora

challo” slogan have once again appeared in various parts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir in connection with the upcoming second anniversary of the legendary Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Geelani falling on Friday, September 01 Syed Ali Geelani embraced martyrdom in the custody of Indian police on September 01, 2021, at his Hyderpora residence in Srinagar where he was kept under house arrest for over one decade The posters pasted by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Jammu and Kashmir Political Resistance Movement, J&K Justice and Peace Initiative, Nawjawanan-e-Hurriyet Jammu Kashmir Jammu Kashmir Justice League Forum Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Movement Resistance Youth Forum

Police Awam S aath S aath Program in Pakistan: a milestone in promoting gender equity within law enforcement

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP), in collaboration with the U S Embassy s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) proudly announces the successful culmination of the threeyear $3 5 million Police Awam Saath Saath Program This program, aimed at enhancing the recruitment, retention, and empowerment of women police of-

ficers in Pakistan is a milestone in promoting gender equity within law enforcement Throughout the event, attendees had access to informative exhibits showcasing the program's impact on increasing women s representation in the police force and making policing more citizen-centric Notable accomplishments of the Police Awam Saath Saath Program include the revision and upgradation of training courses at the National Police Academy an

increase in women s representation in police force by over 20% in both KP and Balochistan through extensive support and training for women police aspirants, establishment of Women Police Councils training of 1800 women police officers in Punjab as victim support officers training of trans-victim support officers from 35 districts in Punjab on trauma-informed policing, and development of gendersensitive policies and support mechanisms for women officers

Aga K han University Medic al College receives prestigious international award

process and reward world-class excellence in education

Over 50 global institutions have received ASPIRE-to-Excellence award(s), but AKU is only the third ever to get the Stellar Award for receiving recognition across three or more categories and the only one from Asia The other two are from USA and UK

BankIslami and KSBL Partner to Advance Business Education and Islamic Banking

The Aga Khan University’s Medical College has been awarded the AMEE (Association for Medical Education Europe) 2023 Stellar Award at an award ceremony in Glasgow, United Kingdom The Stellar Award is presented to institutions who have won three ASPIRE-to-Excellence awards

AKU received the award for excellence in assessment and student engagement in 2013 and the award for curriculum development in 2022 This year at the AMEE 2023 conference AKU received the Stellar Award certificate on account of having won three consecutive awards with delegates from around the world in attendance These awards, established in 2013, go beyond the traditional accreditation

Masterc ard, BOK , and LMKR Revolutionize Transit S olutions in Peshawar with Innovative Par tnership

Jammu Kashmir, Democratic Youth Forum JK and other organizations on walls pillars and electric poles in different areas of Srinagar have also urged imams khateebs and ulema to hold special prayers for Syed Ali Gilani and other Kashmiri martyrs The posters urged people to march towards Hyderpora to pay tributes to the veteran leader Indian forces’ personnel had shamelessly snatched away the body of Syed Ali Geelani and buried it at Hyderpora graveyard in the dark of night against his will Syed Ali Geelani, according to his family, wanted to be buried at Martyrs Graveyard at Eidgah in Srinagar Meanwhile several APHC leaders of IIOJK and AJK including Syed Bashir Andrabi Khawaja Firdous

Indus Motor ’s Annual Profit declined by 39% to Rs 9.66 Billion, against last year

KARACHI

S TA F F R E P O R T

Indus Motor Company Limited (IMC), announced its financial results for the year ended June 30, 2023, that witnessed profit after tax declined by 39% to Rs 9 66 billion as against Rs 15 80 billion achieved last year During the year ended June 30 2023 the sales volume of Completely Knock Down Units (CKD) and Completely Built Units (CBU) vehicles decreased by 58%, to 31,602 units as against 75,611 units sold last year The Company produced 32,696 units for the year, as compared to 72,438 units produced in last year

The net sales turnover for the FY 2022-2023, decreased by 36% to Rs 177 71 billion as compared to Rs 275 5 billion in the same period last year while profit after

PepsiCo Unveils New Rec ycling and Tourist Awareness Initiative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

the callers PR

SECP ISSUES FIRST CERTIFICATE OF SHARIAH COMPLIANCE TO REITS. WHY NOW?

g MOVE COMES AS GOVT CONTINUES TO MARCH TOWARDS INTEREST-FREE FINANCIAL SYSTEM

have And with trust in real estate at an all-time low a REIT project brings with it a certain level of legitimacy

proach It too is a closed-end Shariahcompliant developmental REIT boasting a fund size of Rs 1 650 million and a projected life span of 5 years

already developed real estate The developed real estate is then either sold or rented out and the money from this is then distributed among the unit holders or shareholders in the REIT

In Pakistan, going for a REIT offers many benefits in the form of tax breaks For REIT projects, there is no tax on capital gains on transfer of immovable property REITS involve public money as well

They are collective investment schemes that take money from investors and deploy it in real estate projects Because REITs are listed on the PSX, they offer a degree of protection and transparency that regular real estate projects just do not

With shor tage crisis brewing, ECC bans expor t of Sugar

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has given approval to ban export of sugar after the prices of sugar surged to over record Rs170 per kg in the local market

Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance Revenue

Economic Affairs and Privatization Dr Shamshad

Akhtar on Monday chaired the meeting of the ECC

According to details, the Ministry of National Food Security & Research submitted a summary regarding cancellation of export quota of sugar with a ban on export of sugar

Sources said that the price of sugar in the month of April 2023 started increasing despite the fact the country had a carry over stock of sugar 0 99 MMT from the previous year and a bumper crop of sugarcane during the current year 2022-23

The continuous increase in price of the essential commodity compelled the MNFSR to fix the price of sugar under the law Taking notice of this increase the sugar Advisory Board in its meeting dated April 17 2023 after consultation with the stakeholders approved fixation of price of sugar at Rs98 82 kg

However, this was challenged in the Lahore High court and status quo is maintained in pursuance of the court order which is assailed in LHC and SCP

The price of sugar is increasing continuously in the market thus causing stress to law income consumers and increasing the food inflation The FBR has reported on August 15 2023 that 2 27 mmt of sugar is left in stocks which would hardly meet the domestic consumption requirements till the start of next crushing season

The provincial government of Sindh has increased the Indicative Price of sugarcane at Rs425/40 kg enhancing the price by 41% over the last year This will further induce pressure on the price of sugar as the industry and the stockists will hoard the commodity for profiteering

It is worth mentioning that the total quota was distributed amongst the provinces on the basis of ECC’s decision by the MoC Sugar mills of sindh assailed allocation of quota in the SHC Sindh The remaining export quota was to be utilized by the sugar mills of Sindh up to 12/08/2023 but apparently sugar is exported after the date fixed by the court

In view of the above facts, it is suggested that ECC may kindly review its decision made earlier regarding the export of sugar and cancel the remaining quota already allocated to the sugar industry and impose a ban on export of sugar in future

According to the Finance Division the ECC further directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to prepare and submit regular reports on availability of sugar stocks, consumption, and pricing to the ECC in order to enable it to monitor the availability and pricing of this important commodity

The ECC also directed the Ministry of NFSR to coordinate with all the relevant agencies and authorities to check smuggling and hoarding of sugar

Furthermore, the ECC also asked the Ministry of NFSR to provide the latest stock, availability and prices of Wheat immediately

However there has always been demand for Shariah compliant investment opportunities in Pakistan and the state machinery has been working towards opening these avenues ever since the FSC judgement and the announcement by the last government that they were moving towards an interest-free financial system

The new Shariah approved REITs

At the forefront, the Signature Residency REIT stands as a closed-end developmental REIT, boasting an impressive fund size of Rs 825 million and an indicative life span of 4 years Its core objective revolves around constructing apartments and retail units on designated land parcels By selling these units to customers, the REIT aims to generate income for its investors On a similar note, the Rahat Residency REIT mirrors its counterpart’s ap-

Under the REIT framework, investors will forge a Shirkat ul Aqad partnership This partnership model will facilitate the acquisition of real estate and the execution of contracts encompassing construction financing sales and redemption All actions will align meticulously with the guidelines provided by Shariah Advisors, ensuring a harmonious alignment with Islamic principles This momentous issuance of Shariah compliance certificates to the REIT developments marks a transformative stride It bridges the realms of real estate and Islamic financial markets, offering Shariah-conscious investors a structured and transparent avenue for investment

IHC reser ves verdic t on Imran’s plea against Toshakhana verdic t

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved on Monday its decision on former prime minister Imran Khan s plea against his sentence in the Toshakhana case

The verdict, earlier expected today, is slated to be announced at 11am on Tuesday Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf (PTI) chairperson and deposed premier Imran who is currently incarcerated in Attock jail has challenged the three-year prison term handed to him on August 5, 2023, by an Islamabad district court in the gifts repository case

The trial court’s verdict in effect bars the PTI chief from contesting the general elections for five years

The PTI chief ’s lawyer Latif Khosa and the Election Commission of Pakistan s (ECP) counsel Amjad Pervez appeared before the court

At the outset of the hearing, the former appealed to the bench, led by IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq and comprising Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri, to issue an order on the plea seeking access to legal counsel for the former PM in jail

CJ Farooq remarked that the bench hopes to issue the verdict on the plea seeking annulment of the sentence today prompting the ECP lawyer to ask whether he should proceed with arguments given this observation

I said that the plea seeking annulment of sentence will be decided on today,” repeated CJ Farooq

Beginning arguments advocate Pervez said that it is necessary to first issue a notice to the public prosecutor

At this CJ Farooq observed that the case was filed by the federal electoral body and not the state You did not bring this up before the trial court This is the first time you are mentioning this, he remarked

Referring to the Rahul Gandhi case, the ECP lawyer said that the Indian politician was sentenced to two years in the private complaint case The Indian National Congress leader challenged the verdict and the court dismissed his plea The ECP lawyer also referred to other past verdicts including the Zahoor Elahi case, and argued that the hearing on the appeal could not proceed without notifying the government

The attendance of three lawyers is marked in all such cases, said advocate Pervez, mentioning the defence prosecution and state counsels I m not arguing against their plea to annul the verdict at the moment I am saying that putting the public prosecutor on notice is necessary before pro-

ceeding in this direction, said the ECP counsel

Justice Farooq remarked that the public prosecutor is not present during hearings on complaints by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) either

At this advocate Pervez said that the anti-graft bureau s own watchdog is present in such cases and added that while NAB law does not mention the presence of a public prosecutor, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) does He moved the court to issue a notice to the state and make it party to the case “The word ‘complainant’ is not mentioned in the law The word ‘state’ is used ” argued the ECP lawyer

Regarding maintainability and the matter of the district court holding a direct hearing the ECP lawyer argued that The trial of any crime committed under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) is conducted under the CrPC, he said, contending that no complaint regarding corrupt practices or corruption has been heard by a judicial magistrate in the past 50 years more or less

The ECP lawyer asserted that the trial has to be held by a court regardless of whether the complaint was filed under a magistrate or directly This is not even a matter of court jurisdiction

Arguing on the objections raised by the PTI chairperson in his appeal, the ECP lawyer said that “They argue that the complaint did not come to the session court after being heard by the magistrate but the jurisdiction is still the session court s Advocate Pervez asked whether Imran s legal team could present one judgment where the complaint reached the court after being heard by a magistrate The ECP counsel stated that he had referred to 14 past verdicts in his arguments thus far and requested a 15 minute recess, which the bench permitted Advocate Pervez continued with his arguments once the hearing resumed

During the hearing Imran s counsel Khosa informed the court that he did not have any objection s to the ECP s request to make the state party to the case Later, the bench reserved the verdict and adjourned the hearing The previous hearing on August 25 was adjourned amid strong protest by the PTI chief ’s legal team as the ECP lawyer failed to appear before the court on medical grounds

The day before Imran s lead counsel Khosa had argued that the deposed premier s sentence should be immediately suspended based on three grounds: an unauthorized filing of the complaint; non-jurisdiction of the court; and the fact that Imran is sentenced to only three years of imprisonment

B H C d i s p o s e s o f l aw ye r m u rd e r c a s e a g a i n s t I m r a n K h a n

QUETTA

S TA F F R E P O R T

Balochistan High Court on Monday disposed of the lawyer murder case against PTI chief and former prime minister Imran Khan

A division bench consisting

BHC Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Gul Hassan Tareen pronounced the ruling on a plea of the PTI chief against the case on Monday

The high court also quashed the FIR against Imran Khan also declared arrest warrants issued against him as “illegal”

Judicial Magistrate-I had issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran Khan in connection with the murder case of senior advocate Abdul Razzaq Shar while

ECP assures MQM-P, JI of completing delimitation ‘as soon as possible’

ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday said it would wrap up the delimitation of national and provincial assembly constituencies “as soon as possible” and ensure that polls were immediately held after the exercise

The assurance was held out to delegations of the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and the Mutahidda Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) who had consultative meetings with the ECP on the roadmap to polls

Earlier this month, the ECP ruled out elections this year, following the notification of the latest 2023 digital census Since the National Assembly was dissolved three days before the end of its constitutional term Article 224 of the Constitution mandates that elections be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the assembly

But at the same time, Section 17(2) of the Elections Act states that “the commission shall delimit constituencies after every census is officially published ” In line with this requirement the ECP last week said that the process of fresh delimitation was expected to be completed by December 14 over a month beyond the constitutionally mandated deadline for conducting general elections

The development had caused President Dr Arif Alvi to invite Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja for a meeting to “fix an appropriate date” for general elections Responding to the invite the CEC had said participating in such a confab would be of scant importance after changes to the election law

Meanwhile, the election commission is currently involved in consultations with political parties to construct an effective election plan Apart from JI and MQM-P delegations from PTI PML-N and JUI-F have also engaged with the ECP as a part of the ongoing process

Today s meetings with JI and MQM were presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja

In a press release issued later in the evening, the ECP said the JI delegation headed by Ameerul Azeem was of the opinion that the consultation process should have commenced at an earlier stage Azeem emphasized that the dissolution of both the national and provincial assemblies should have been avoided Additionally, the JI delegation proposed the implementation of a spending limit for political parties in relation to their expenses during electoral campaigns

In his response CEC Raja assured that the electoral body would transmit valuable recommendations provided by political parties to the parliament aiming to ensure their translation into legislation

The CEC highlighted that political parties would be re-engaged in discussions regarding the election code of conduct, with the aim of guaranteeing its compliance in both wording and essence

The statement further said that Raja affirmed a commitment to rigorous election monitoring with the establishment of an advanced monitoring room to facilitate this purpose

Separately, the MQM delegation led by Dr Farooq Sattar endorsed the ECP s decision to hold new delimitations, according to the watchdog’s statement “The MQM stressed the need to hold delimitations on the basis of you new census and also highlighted the drastic increase in Karachi s population it added

China, Pakistan hold joint air force exercise

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

was lodged by a citizen on 5 March, 2023

Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF) lawyers had challenged the case and the arrest warrants in the Balochistan High Court Lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar was on his way to the Balochistan High Court complex in Quetta when he was shot dead more than 10 times in his car by unknown gunmen He had died instantly Shar ’s son Siraj Ahmed filed the complaint against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader accusing the ex-premier of abetting murder, saying he believed his father was killed in connection with t h e c a s e h e h a d f i l e d a g a i n s t Imran Khan

“My father filed a case against Imran Khan under Article 6 and I

am certain this is why [Imran Khan] and his PTI people killed my father and spread terror, Ahmed said in the statement issued when he filed the case adding that his father had received death threats after filing his petition against Imran Khan

Before his death, Shar had filed a petition with the Balochistan High Court, seeking proceedings against the former prime minister under Article 6 of the Constitution which is connected to charges of high treason

In his petition Shar had argued that Imran Khan should be tried for treason due to his decision to dissolve the National Assembly in April last year to avoid a no-confidence motion meant to remove him as the prime minister

China and Pakistan kicked off a joint air force training exercise on Monday within Chinese territory as part of efforts to further boost training and coordination between the two militaries and deepen their exchange and cooperation on military technology

Codenamed Shaheen (Eagle) – X, it is the 10th joint training exercise between the Chinese and Pakistani air forces The exercise will focus on training in typical combat scenarios such as joint air defense and joint countermeasures

The two sides will send fighters early warning aircraft and several other types of aircraft, as well as ground forces such as ground-to-air missiles and radar and signal troops to participate in the exercise Chinese naval aviation units will also be involved in the training The “Shaheen (Eagle)” series between the two countries started in March 2011

Earlier the Chinese Defense Ministry said it will begin joint military drills with Singapore this week

The Cooperation-2023 joint military exercises will be held from late August until mid-September, it said Troops will participate in sniping combat, close-quarters combat rappelling and hostage rescue it added

IHC bars arrest of Shehr yar Afridi, Shandana Gulzar in any case

TA

The Islamabad High Court (IHC)

The two leaders had been arrested by the police in connection with the violence that occurred on May 9

court stated that it would charge Irfan

Memon, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the city, and a senior superintendent of police (SSP) with contempt of court

On Monday the court put a stop to the arrest of both leaders within the premises of Islamabad and extended the suspension of the MPO order until September 6 During the proceedings, the State Council requested an adjournment of the case for the day

Justice Babar Sattar remarked that he only has jurisdiction within Islamabad and wouldn t be able to intervene if anything happens outside of it He further added that the chief commissioner and IG would also not be held responsible Irfan Nawaz Memon the DC of Islamabad informed the court that there are orders from various courts hence the details are not presently available He assured that the report would be submitted shortly Subsequently, the court postponed the indictment proceedings of DC Islamabad and SS operations until September 7