Epaper_23-09-18 KHI

JUSTICE QA ZI FAEZ ISA SWORN IN AS 29TH CJP PAKISTAN

g NEW CJP SETS UP FULL COURT TO HEAR CHALLENGES TO SC (PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE) ACT 2023

g APPOINTS FIRST-EVER WOMAN REGISTRAR AT APEX COURT

tional District and Sessions Judge Jazeela

Aslam as the first female Registrar of the Supreme Court

According to notification of the appointment: Pursuant to Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan, Islamabad [ ] dated September 17, 2023, the Honourable Chief Justice and Judges are pleased to place the services of Ms Jazeela Aslam District and Sessions Judge Okara in the public interest with immediate effect at the disposal of that court, for her posting as Registrar, Supreme Court of Pakistan on deputation basis for a period of three years ”

It added that ADSJ Jazeela would remain repatriated to the SC for the aforementioned time unless directed otherwise

g PRESIDENT ADMINISTERS OATH TO JUSTICE ISA AT PRESIDENT’S HOUSE

ucation children and women’s health issues

After completing his primary and secondary education in Quetta Isa moved to Karachi to finish his O and A levels from the Karachi Grammar School (KGS) He then went on to study law from London, where he completed his Bar Professional Examination from the Inns of Court School Law London Justice Isa enrolled as an Advocate of the Balochistan High Court on January 30 1985 and as an Advocate Supreme Court in March 1998 He has practised law

for over 27 years before the High Courts of Pakistan the Federal Shariat Court and the Supreme Court of Pakistan He became a member of the Balochistan High Court Bar Association, Sindh High Court Bar Association and Life Member of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan

From time to time he was called upon by the High Courts and the Supreme Court as amicus curiae and rendered assistance in certain complicated cases

Mar yam Nawaz hopes ‘scale of justice’ to be equal now

Qazi Faez Isa on Sunday constituted a full court to hear challenges to the law clipping the Chief Justice s soon after he was sworn in as the 29th Chief Justice of Pakistan by President Arif Alvi during a ceremony at Aiwan-i-Sadr

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir were also in attendance along with all judges of the apex court and former CJPs

Iftikhar Chaudhry and Tassaduq Jillani

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, following which the notification for Justice Isa s appointment was read out The president then administered the oath to Justice Isa whose wife Sarina Isa stood by his side

In his first act after becoming the 29th Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Isa formed a full court to hear a set of challenges to the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 a bill that requires the formation of benches on constitutional matters of public importance by a committee of three senior judges of the court

Hearing on the pleas will begin at 9am n

Monday (today) Notices for the proceeding have already been issued to Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan

The enforcement of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 had been suspended on the April 13 order of an eight-judge apex court bench headed by outgoing CJP Umar Ata Bandial When the law was suspended, Justice Bandial had observed that the court had great respect for the Parliament but it also had to examine if any constitutional deviation violation or transgression had taken place while enacting the SC (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023

The petitioners had pleaded before the apex court that the concept, preparation, endorsement and passing of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Bill was an act tainted with mala fide Therefore the bill should be struck down after declaring it to be without lawful authority and of no legal effect the petition contended

Moreover, they said the federal government cannot frame any law that seeks to interfere or regulate with the functioning of the apex court or the powers exercised by it or its judges including CJP under the Constitution

Soon after taking oath of the office, CJP Isa appointed Okara Addi-

According to a press release issued by the SC, ADSJ Jazeela, mother of three, got a first division in her Bachelor s degree from Kinnaird College, completed her LLB from the Punjab University and secured second position in the judicial competitive exam of Punjab She joined the Punjab Judicial Service as civil judge/judicial magistrate in May 1994 and has also worked as a deputy solicitor ADSJ Jazeela is also the senior most lady district and sessions judge in Punjab

The press release added that Professor Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmad and Abdul Sadiq were appointed as the chief justice s secretary and staff officer respectively J U S T I C E I S A’S P R O F I L E: Born in Quetta on October 26, 1959, Justice Qazi Faez Isa is the son of the late Qazi Mohammad Isa of Pishin, who was in the forefront of the Pakistan Movement and a close associate of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Justice Isa s father was the first person from the province to acquire the Bar-at-Law degree and helped establish the All India Muslim League in Balochistan after his return from London His father had served as the only member on the Central Working Committee of the All India Muslim League from Balochistan Begum Saida Isa, Justice Isa s mother, was a social worker and worked in an honorary capacity on the boards of hospitals and other charitable organisations which focused on ed-

Per vaiz Elahi rear rested af ter cour t discharges him in Lahore Master Plan case

PTI President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi was re-arrested on Sunday in a terrorism case soon after a Lahore AntiCorruption Court discharged him from a graft case pertaining to the Lahore Master Plan 2050 his lawyer Rana Intezar Hussain confirmed

As soon as Ch Pervaiz Elahi was discharge from the graft case, some officials said he has been arrested in a terrorism case and is being taken to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi Hussain elaborated

The former two time Punjab chief minister is among several PTI leaders and workers who have been arrested amid the state’s crackdown on the PTI leadership following the violent riots after Imran Khan s first arrest on May 9

On Sunday, the PTI president was produced in the court following his arrest by the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in Rawalpindi yesterday which according to another one of his lawyers Sardar Abdul Razzaq was the 12th time the PTI leader was detained since June 1 following the May 9 episode

During the hearing the anti-corruption officials sought physical remand of the former CM but the defence lawyers opposed the request, asking the court to release the veteran politician from the case based on mala fide intentions

The court earlier reserved its decision on the ACE’s request and later discharged Pervaiz Elahi from the case

In its written order issued in the evening, the court said: Discharge never amounts to acquittal because acquittal is sweet will of learned trial court which is fully competent to summon the accused to face trial even if he was discharged

It further ruled that no incriminating material was available against the accused which could connect him with the commission of the alleged offence “Hence the accused person namely Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi is hereby discharged in this case

The court also instructed authorities to immediately release the PTI president if he was not required in any other case Elahi was charged under Sections 109 (punishment of abetment

if the Act abetted committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment)

409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) 467 (forgery of valuable security will etc) 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document) of the Pakistan Penal Code as well as Section 5 (criminal misconduct) of the Prevention of Corruption Act

1947 in the case The FIR had details of the time of reporting and sections invoked filled in with pen It was registered on July 19 at the Lahore ACE police station on the complaint of Lahore ACE officer Tariq Mehmood

According to the FIR in March 2021 then-CM Elahi misused his au-

thority and colluded with Lahore Development Authority Director Amir Ahmed Khan to illegally alter the draft of the Lahore Master Plan 2050 and include Kotli Rai Abu Bakar an area in Kasur district in it

As a result the value of the land owned by Elahi s sons Moonis Elahi and Rasikh Elahi in Kotli Rai Abu Bakar increased manifold the FIR alleged

The provincial anti-corruption authorities had taken him into custody in the case from Adiala Jail in the garrison city where he was detained in a riots case

After his arrest Elahi was presented in an Islamabad court, which granted the ACE one-day transit remand of PTI president for him to be produced in the relevant anti-corruption court in Lahore today

Capital Police, ‘men in civvies’ ar rest Sh Rashid from his residence: Lawyer

RAWALPINDI

S TA F F R E P O R T

Awami Muslim League (AML) leader and PTI ally Sheikh Rashid was arrested from his residence in Rawalpindi on Sunday evening, his lawyer Sardar Abdul Razzak Khan confirmed to the media

He stated that men in civvies took the veteran politician Sheikh Rashid into custody from his residence, claiming that the former interior minister had been taken to some “undisclosed location”

The lawyer also claimed Sh Rashid s nephew Sheikh Shakir and houseworker Sheikh Imran had also been arrested Sh Rashid s arrest coincided with the rearrest of PTI President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Sunday for the thirteenth time immediately after a Lahore Anti-Corruption Court discharged him from a graft case pertaining to the Lahore Master Plan 2050, his lawyer Rana Intezar Hussain said

He said “They (officials) said he has been arrested in a terrorism case and was being taken to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi Pervaiz Elahi is among sev-

eral PTI leaders and workers who have been arrested amid the state s crackdown on the PTI leadership following the violent riots in the country after Imran’s first arrest on May 9

He was presented in the court today following his arrest by the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment’s (ACE) in Rawalpindi yesterday, which according to another one of his lawyers Sardar Abdul Razzaq was the 12th time the PTI leader was detained since June 1 following the May 9 episode

Separately, in a video message, the AML leader ’s nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq said his uncle was arrested by the Punjab police from Bahria Town Phase III in Rawalpindi and his current whereabouts were unknown Both the Islamabad and Punjab police have told the high courts in writing that Sheikh Rashid is not proclaimed in any case ” he said Shafiq also requested the higher courts to take notice of the arrest and find out where his uncle was taken We will fight the legal battle and have always indulged in politics of principles,” he added

LAHORE

S TA F F R E P O R T

Welcoming the oath-taking of Justice Qazi

Faiz Isa as 29th Chief Justice of the country on Sunday Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz expressed the hope that rule of law and justice would prevail in judiciary once again

Addressing the meetings of various wings of the party the chief organiser of the PML-N also hoped that from today the scales of justice would be equal and dispensation of justice would be served in accordance with the law

She once again reiterated that the people of Pakistan were punished out of hatred for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif Almighty Allah has made Nawaz triumphant and now Pakistan has to be made successful Almighty Allah has plus Nawaz Sharif every time, after every attempt to minus him, she said PML-N’s senior vice president also hoped that her senior party members who had been facing trials in various courts of law would get rid of injustices by the project operatives By this she was taking a dig at former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, led by Imran Khan, who was labelled as “selected” in the context of al-

leged political engineering

Maryam said that conspiring against Nawaz was actually conspiring against Pakistan, which she termed as anti-Pakistan and people approach “Pakistan now needs a new beginning, the country has to be freed from the politics of revenge conflict and chaos ” she held adding that her party s fight was against high inflation economic distress and bad governance

We will take the journey of development to every corner of Pakistan, including Sindh province ” said Maryam dispelling the perception that PML-N was just a Punjab-centric party

The PML-N leader further claimed that her party had ended load shedding and terrorism, also vowing to reduce rampant inflation once they get back into power

“Nawaz Sharif had made Pakistan’s defence invincible by carrying out nuclear explosions now he will make Pakistan economically invincible she added

We want to see gratification and economic comfort on the faces of the people, The people should strengthen Nawaz Sharif with their vote, we will reduce inflation “ said Maryam requesting the people of Pakistan to strengthen Nawaz Sharif so that Pakistan could be made strong

MUSHA AL URGES UN ACTION TO RELEASE ILLEGALLY DETAINED HURRIYAT LEADERS IN IIOJK”

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

SP E C I A L Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Human Rights and Women Empowerment Mushaal Hussein Mullick, voiced grave concern on Sunday regarding the plight of illegally detained Hurriyat leaders in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) territory

During an interview with a private news channel she called upon the United

LESCO detects

4,451 power pilferers in 11 days

Nations to take an active role in securing the release of these leaders and urged India to cease its systematic human rights violations in IIOJK Mushaal Hussein Mullick emphasized that altering the demography of the region by granting voting rights to Indian citizens in the internationally recognized disputed territory constituted a significant violation of international law She lamented the Modi government’s actions stating that it had shut the door to all peaceful means of resolving the longstanding Kashmir dispute resorting instead to extreme measures and turning the occu-

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) detected a total of 4,451 connections during last 11 days from where consumers were pilfering electricity A LESCO spokesman told the media on Sunday that the company had so far submitted FIR applications against 3 845 electricity thieves out of which 2 730 FIRs [first information reports] had been registered with respective police stations, while 224 accused arrested The spokesman said that all electricity thieves had been charged so far with 9,622,164 detection units amounting to Rs 409 452 million The spokesman added that LESCO found 755 connections involved in electricity theft in all its circles on the 11th consecutive day on Sunday of the anti-power theft campaign and also submitted FIR application against 504 electricity thieves in the respective police stations, out of which 222 FIRs were registered while 34 accused arrested During the operation he said large agricultural and commercial consumers were also found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also disconnected and charged with detection units Among the seized connections were 10 industrial, 72 commercial, four agricultural and 669 domestic and all these connections were disconnected and charged with a total of 777 711 units as detection bill amounting to Rs 37 491 488 On the 11th day of anti-power theft operation, the LESCO charged 9,270 detection units worth Rs 860,000 to commercial connection in Shah Khalid Town Ferozwala; 15,963 detection units of Rs 670 450 to an agricultural connection in Ladhe area; 6 050 detection units worth Rs 500 000 to a domestic connection in Ferozwala; and 4 280 units worth Rs 469 582 to customers stealing electricity directly from transmission line in Ghandipura, Ferozwala

Separately, the grand operation launched by MEPCO against power pilferers continues on the 10th day with as many as Rs 181 6 million in fines imposed on 4741 power pilferers so far during the ongoing drive across the region 1933 cases were registered against power pilferers out of 2561 applications sent to police stations concerned, while 64 outlaws were nabbed by MEPCO teams along with police A Rs 155 3 million fine was imposed on 4241 domestic consumers; a Rs 8 4 million fine was imposed on 89 traders; a Rs 3 7 million fine was imposed on 37 industrialists; and a Rs 14 million fine was imposed on 169 growers over pilfering electricity to irrigate lands The Garden Town subdivision team, along with police raided and caught a mini-grid station near Ali Wala main Muzaffargarh road and two power pilferers on the spot The MEPCO teams raided various places across the region and detected power pilferage

PHA takes on smog ahead of winter

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) of Lahore has embarked on an ambitious treeplanting campaign throughout the provincial metropolis to combat air pollution ahead of the arrival of winter when noxious smog blankets the city of gardens Environmental pollution is an annual concern for Lahore with a substantial concentration of tiny airborne particles posing a risk to residents particularly in October and November As part of its initiative to reduce airborne dust, the authorities advise people to adopt a healthy lifestyle The seasonal burning of crop waste, coupled with lower temperatures, prolongs the presence of pollutants in the air To address this issue well in advance PHA decided earlier this year to expand Lahore s green cover by planting half a million trees According to a spokesperson, it has planted 0 25 million trees to date Just last week, they conducted three tree plantation drives in Gajju Matta, Khayaban-i-Jinnah and Kamahan village planting thousands of saplings On the direction of Muhammad Tahir Wattoo director general of the authority PHA has placed a special focus on planting trees with a high capacity to reduce pollutants, such as the Norway maple and Largeleaf linden

Environment experts emphasise that such trees effectively filter pollutants absorb carbon dioxide release oxygen into the atmosphere and help cool homes Commenting on the matter Mr Wattoo urged Lahore s residents to refrain from burning household garbage, citing its dangers to both health and the environment He appealed to people to limit outdoor fires within the city as their smoke can create unhealthy conditions for residents particularly during stagnant weather patterns He also urged stakeholders to champion clean air and create incentives for beneficial behaviours, while promoting and educating residents on best practices

pied territory into a military stronghold Mushaal Hussein Mullick stressed the responsibility of the United Nations and all pertinent human rights organizations in settling the Kashmir dispute by implementing relevant resolutions with the aim of safeguarding the lives of the people in IIOJK

Furthermore, she pointed out that the Indian government was prolonging the illegal detentions of Kashmiri political prisoners who had been incarcerated for peacefully advocating for the political resolution of the Kashmir dispute as guaranteed by United Nations Security Council

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s caretaker government refuses to fund BRT

PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t

resolutions The deteriorating situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, she asserted, demands urgent international attention and the global community must take immediate action to protect Kashmiris from what she referred to as Modi s onslaught Mushaal Hussein Mullick drew attention to the anguish of Kashmiri families, whose loved ones are held in Indian prisons, emphasizing that they are unable to find any occasion for joy and happiness as they are deeply concerned about the well-being of their relatives in the squalid and overcrowded Indian jails

K arachi braces for heav y fall as Lahore receives sc attered showers

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

The different areas of the country received heavy-to-moderate but scattered rain on Sunday while the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted thundershowers for most parts of the Sindh province including Karachi during the next 24 hours

According to PMD heavy-to-moderate but scattered rain hit the city on Sunday, bringing down the temperature while the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted hot and humid weather with chances of rain during the next 24 hours

The rain started before noon and continued till evening in various spans in different city areas

Data collected from WASA revealed that Farrakhabad witnessed 15mm rain Gulberg 14mm

Walled City 11mm Paniwala Talab 7mm Johar Town and Airport 5mm and Laxshmi Chowk 3mm rain

Following the rain, Managing Director WASA came out in the field and started visiting various city areas to monitor the clearance of rainwater He also visited disposal stations of WASA and checked availability of generators and diesel The MD instructed the field staff to remain active

The PMD said moderate monsoon currents from Bay of Bengal were penetrating in upper/central parts while a westerly wave was also present over

upper and western parts of the country

They predicted that rain-wind/thundershower was expected in Islamabad Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Punjab lower Sindh eastern Balochistan and Kashmir while heavy falls was expected in lower Sindh during the forecast period Rainfall was also witnessed in other cities including Islamabad, Attock, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Gujranwala Narowal Noor Pur Thal Murree Sahiwal Kotli Cherat Lower Dir Peshawar City Parachinar Malam Jabba and Khuzdar Maximum temperature in the city was recorded as 33 5C while minimum was 25 5C

Meanwhile, Sargodha received light-to-heavy rain on Sunday turned weather pleasant as citizens were facing hot and humid weather for the last cou-

ple of weeks The rain started Sunday afternoon continued till evening intermittently across the district due to which the mercury level dropped and weather turned pleasant Citizens enjoyed Sunday rain with spicy foods and visiting parks along with their children Agricultural experts termed the current spell of rain fruitful for crops especially for paddy and sugarcane The Pakistan Meteorological Department also predicted thundershower for Karachi Hyderabad Shahdadpur Shaheed Benazirbad Mithi Tharparkar Nangarparkar Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, Thatta, Badin, Sukkur, Dadu, and Sanghar during the next 24 hours However, hot and humid weather is forecast for other parts of the province Mainly thundershowers are predicted for the province

35 ibex die at K ir thar National Park

JAMSHOR O S ta f f R e p o R t

At least 35 wild goats died of a highly contagious animal disease, PPR, at Kirthar National Park reported on Sunday Sindh Wildlife Protection Agency has taken notice of the deaths of wild goat Deputy Conservator Hyderabad Wajid Shaikh has confirmed death of 35 Ibex owing to disease

“The samples of the animals will be taken and sent to laboratories in Karachi Islamabad Tando Jam and Lahore to establish the cause of deaths of animals Wildlife official said Deputy Conservator wildlife has said that a letter also written to the Livestock Department for vaccination of animals

According to earlier reports over 100 wild goats at Kirthar National Park have been infected by the disease The Wildlife Department workers shifting

the ailing animals to another place

Experts said that the wild goats have been infected by the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) disease and stressed for vaccination of the animals At first, the nose and eyes of the animal affected by the deadly disease and the ailing animal dies within three to four days ” sources said Around 100 wild goats were died in an outbreak of the PPR disease at Kirthar National Park in year 2010 of-

ficials said

The PPR also known as sheep and goat plague is a highly contagious animal disease affecting small ruminants Once introduced, the virus can infect up to 90 percent of an animal herd, and the disease kills anywhere from 30 to 70 percent of infected animals The PPR virus does not infect humans

The disease first described in 1942 since than it has spread to large regions in Africa, the Middle East and Asia

Today, more than 70 countries have confirmed PPR within their borders, and many countries are at risk of the disease

The park is spread over an area of 0 7 million acres in Jamshoro-Malir districts of Sindh and housing more than 500 wild species

According to a survey conducted in year 2002-03, the Sindh Ibex population in the part was around 14 000 and the population was showing an increase every year

The caretaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has refused to give one billion rupees to the transport department for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project According to media reports, the transport department had requested the funds to cover the costs of the project but the caretaker government has stated that the funds are not available The government s decision has been met with criticism from some quarters who argue that it will delay the completion of the project and further inconvenience residents

However, the government has defended its decision stating that it is necessary to ensure fiscal discipline In a letter to the transport department the finance department stated that the government had released 662 4 million rupees for the BRT project in the year 2022-23

However, the funds lapsed due to nonutilization The letter also stated that the transport department has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the lapse of funds The finance department has requested the transport department to review the lapsed amount and submit a revised budget before the release of any further funds The BRT project is a major infrastructure project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa It is expected to improve public transportation in Peshawar and reduce traffic congestion

High prices of commodities irk residents

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

The price of petrol and other petroleum products has increased drastically, and this has had a knock-on effect on the prices of daily-use items in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Food prices have increased in the open market with potatoes selling at Rs 82 to 106 per kg, onions at Rs 85 to 110 per kg, tomatoes at Rs 90 to 100 per kg, garlic at Rs 430 to 580 per kg, and ginger at Rs 1300 per kg Turnip is being sold at Rs 150 per kg Arvi at Rs 158 per kg green chilies at Rs 137 and capsicum at Rs 180 per kg Lemon is available at Rs 205 per kg brinjal at Rs 93 bitter gourd at Rs 96 to 128 per kg, and zucchini at Rs 85 to 130 per kg Tenda is available at Rs 157 and cucumber at Rs 130 per kg, spinach at Rs 36 to 40 and gourd at Rs 108 per kg In fruits, banana is fetching Rs 160 per dozen and peach Rs 264 to 310 per kg Grapes are fetching Rs 357 per kg apples Rs 220 to 350 and golden apples Rs 150 to 200 per kg Live chicken is selling at Rs 380 per kg while meat is selling at Rs 580 to 600 per kg In Sunday and convenience markets, the rates are slightly lower but the quality of the items is not good Citizens have said that inflation has broken the back and that the government should provide relief

KARACHI

S ta f f R e p o R t

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on Sunday distributed 85 tons and 500 kilograms of food baskets to the most vulnerable groups in the Bahawalnagar area of Punjab province affected by floods

The aid benefited 6,300 individuals

as part of the project s second phase to support food security in the Republic of Pakistan for the year 2023-2024

During the second phase, 32,400 food baskets will be distributed from August to September 2023

This project aims to distribute 105 000 food baskets in its four phases weighing 95 kilograms each including basic foodstuffs while the total weight

Bettin on Bharat City NoteS

TH E Pakistan cricket team continues to play a crucial role in diplomacy by giving Narinder Modi the sort of results that he wants from Pak-India matches However, the Indian and Sri Lankan teams are continuing their treason to Imran by throwing away their wickets to Shaheen Afrisdi thereby increasing the chances of him getting on the same page that Imran once found himself on However, another good reason for Pakistan going down to St Lanka in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, and thus failing to set up a Pak-India final in the Asia Cup is that Pakistan couldn’t afford the outflow

of the entire project is 1 013 tons benefiting 735 000 individuals from the neediest groups in 37 districts in the provinces of Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Punjab, SPA reported This aid is part of the relief projects provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm KSrelief to enhance food security in Pakistan

country s largest domestic airline

Fuel supply to crisis-hit Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has invigorated its flight operations It should be mentioned here that delays and suspension caused by shortage of funds and failure to pay Pakistan State Oil (PSO) for fuel supply had adversely affected the flight operation of national flag carrier The PIA spokesperson said that the flight operations are gradually returning to normal A total of 85 flights are scheduled to depart from airports across the country on Sunday (today), with 25 being domestic flights and 60 international flights The Boeing 777 and Airbus planes are also operational now the spokesperson said It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was grappling with a severe financial crisis raising concerns about its ability to sustain air operations amidst mounting debts It emerged Wednesday that the bank accounts of Pakistan International Airlines were unblocked after matters between the national flag carrier and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) over non-payment of dues were settled Earlier five flights had to be cancelled due to a lack of available aircraft Among them were Flight PK-369 from Karachi to Islamabad, Flight PK-304 from Karachi to Faisalabad, Flight PK-303 from Lahore to Karachi, and Flight PK-306 from Karachi to Lahore

jab, so apart from Sindh, Punjab can also claim to be Sind

ever Pakistan loses and that means dollars going to India to settle the accounts No ,atch, no dollars going abroad

And you know, the sight of a betting website’s ad on PTV during an Asia Cup match made me remember that the deal had between struck when Rameez Raja had been PCB chief Now Rameez had played in the era when Pak-India matches at Dubai had seen the peak of tad an h recently the Bombay Bookies, or rather the Mumbai Matchfixers I suppose the final has meant a lot of air travel but I wonder how much has been taking place on Indigo Airlines which had experienced an odd incident recently when a woman passenger was groped on a Mumbai-Guwahati flight, while the lights were dimmed The fellow was caught and handed over to the Assam police on landing I don’t suppose many female passengers expect to be groped while travelling by air and I don t suppose many men expect to be arrested while travelling on the

Neither the groper nor his victim gave out any position on the Bharat vs India debate The country has both names according to its Constitution but recently the controversy was revived when the invitation to the ceremonial dinner at the G20 summit in New Delhi was made by the President of Bharat , not the President of India And at the Summit itself, Narebdra Modi sat behind a name plate saying ‘Bharat’ Not India

It s not a new idea The BJP was said it before India is the name given by the colonial master Actually the British got it from the Latin The Arabs call the land Hind That s because the Sanskrit word for ‘river ’ is Sindh Well, the first bid river you meet when foreign invaders crossed into India was the Indus

Well we ve already got a province named after the Indus Sindh Aitzaz Ahsan, who s pretty bright, even if he isn t sure which party he s in, has argued pretty convincingly that Pakistan is the land of the ’Indus Man’, being watered by the Indus or its tributaries The Indus is one of the Five Rivers making up the Pun-

So if India does give up the name, and I don’t see why it shouldn’t (It’s estimated to cost $2 3 billion though) would we be interested in the name? Between you and me I don t think so We ve been Indians only since the 1840s (before that we were either part of the Siikh Kingdom, or under the Talpur Nawabs), and in 1947, we saw a decade of struggle culminate in our effort not be part of India so we became Pakistan The only motive for claiming the name would be because we wanted to do India or rather Bharat down I m not sure that will justify the expense

Speaking of place names, the Maghreb is the Arabic for North Africa west of Egypt It’s been in trouble this week with an earthquake in Morocco and a storm in the Libyan port of Derna with more than 4000 dead and another 9000 missing Libya isn t exactly known for storms, but one burst the dams ironically built to protect Derna And the result was devastation Actually, more people have been killed than the earthquake in Morocco where 2000 have been killed

KS relief distributes food baskets among flood affec tees in Bahawalnagar

US DIPLOMAT UNDERSCORES STRONG PARTNERSHIP BET WEEN US, PEOPLE OF SINDH

UN I T E D S TAT E S Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer s visit to Karachi underscored the strong partnership between the United States and the people of Sindh He explored opportunities to enrich development trade and commercial ties and showcased the strength of our peopleto-people relationships, the cornerstone of our bilateral relationship As co-host of the second Green Shipping roundtable Schofer underscoring the crucial role of sustainable shipping practices in mitigating the impact of climate change The Green Shipping roundtable stakeholders discussed opportunities to reduce carbon emissions in the port, shipping and logistics

Hike in energy tariffs, PSDP revision may weigh on stocks

KARACHI T LT P

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) edged lower last week as market s expectation of a rate hike by up to 200bps in policy rate and mixed trends on the economic front weighed on stocks despite rupee’s significant appreciation

The benchmark KSE-100 Index shed 259 97 points (-0 56 percent) on a week-on-week basis to close at 45 753 51 from 46 013 48 points The index had gained 700 83 points (+1 55 percent) in the preceding week

However, the index has gained 4,300 53 points since the Staff Level Agreement (SLA) was signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on June 30 In the coming week the recent hike in the prices of petrol by Rs26 02 per litre and high speed diesel by Rs17 34 per litre may weigh on stocks Moreover expected hike in gas tariff to cut circular debt and the revision of federal and provincial development programmes to create additional fiscal space may move most of the stocks lower The finance ministry has announced the restructuring of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in the coming days The market started last week on a negative note ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for September 14, and the KSE-100 Index shed 147 75 points on Monday and 357 34 points on Tuesday to touch the week s lowest closing at 45 508 39 points The last treasury-bills auction on September 7 witnessed a sharp increase in the cut-off yields, reaching 24 5 percent, 24 78 percent, and 25 06percent for three, six, and 12 months respectively This showed a rise of 162bps for 3 months and 213bps for 12 months as compared to the preceding auction held on August 23 This indicated that the market was pricing in a higher interest rate scenario in near future However, the bourse remained positive for the next three days and managed to erode some of the losses of the previous two sessions with the KSE-100 Index gaining 82 53 points 59 13 points and 103 46 points to close the week at 45 753 51 points The sessions remained range-bound on Wednesday and Thursday and the market witnessed cautious trading sessions, as investors awaited the outcome of the MPC meeting which announced its decision after the closing of the bourse on Thursday The market opened on a bullish note on Friday hailing the MPC decision to keep the policy rate unchanged at 22 percent A boost to the stocks was expected as the market had already adjusted itself for an interest rate hike The benchmark index crossed the 46 000 points twice on Friday but both times it faced strong resistance and failed to sustain it The major reason remained the foreign selling which started soon after the Supreme Court struck down some sections of the amendments made to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999 by the previous government The foreign selling during the week remained $9 7 million as compared to net buying of $0 6 million in the preceding week A positive factor for the market was rupee s consistent appreciation against the US dollar as the local unit appreciated in the interbank market for the second week in a row and surged by Rs6 10 while it surged by Rs2 52 in the preceding week

Reforms,

ISLAMABAD

S Ta f f r e P o r T

Speakers at a seminar on democratic governance on Sunday said a paradigm shift based on reforms and rapprochement among the institutions forming the political system to strengthen democracy was a must to save the country from irrevocable crises

The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) organized a one-day seminar on Democratic Governance for Peaceful and Inclusive Societies which was held in connection with the upcoming International Day of Democracy

Prof of Political Science, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Dr Muhammad Waseem in his keynote address said that there was a clash of institutions in the administrative troika that had weakened the Parliament whereas the latter was a microcosm of a society in different countries

He added that the elected representatives in the Parliament reflected the society who were weaker and hence the Parliament was becoming weak in the aftermath

He regretted that the outgoing parlia-

sectors in Pakistan Port authorities, industry and other key actors in the ports and shipping value chain discussed how to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable shipping practices and ways to support the Green Shipping Challenge at COP28

Andrew Schofer stated, Through events like the one today, we are encouraging bilateral dialogue on climate action and exploring innovative solutions to strengthen Pakistan’s climate resilience He praised the attendees commitment and engagement to support a sector-wide transition to more sustainable shipping practices The visit included a stop at Lincoln Corner Karachi, where Schofer met with students, entrepreneurs, and volunteers applauding their dedication and creativity He highlighted the significance of youth-led innovation in driving progress and fostering strong US-Pakistan relations

Capital Police, ‘men in civvies’ arrest Sh Rashid from his residence: Law yer

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The Deputy Chief of Mission also underscored the importance of religious tolerance during a meeting with religious minority leaders reaffirming the United States unwavering support for the rights of Pakistani religious minorities The visit wrapped up with a visit to P o r t Q a s i m P r o d u c t i v e m e e t i n g s w i t h Q a s i m P o r t A u t h o r i t y C h a i r m a n S h a h , and Cargill and Engro Corporation leade r s h i p f o c u s e d o n g r e e n s h i p p i n g p o r t o p e r a t i o n s e n e rg y s o l u t i o n s a n d o t h e r innovative approaches aimed at enhancing Pakistan s trade competitiveness and i n c r e a s i n g w a y s t o c o n n e c t w i t h P a ki s t a n ’s l a rg e s t e x p o r t m a r k e t t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s T h e U S - P a k i s t a n “ G r e e n Alliance framework was highlighted as a shared commitment to sustainability and climate resilience

Justice Qazi Faez Isa sworn in as 29th C JP Pakistan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

He has also conducted international arbitration Justice Isa took oath as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on September 5, 2014 Challenges ahead: The biggest challenge Justice Isa may encounter during his tenure as the CJP would be unifying the court and restoring the court s credibility so that no one could point a finger at the court s judgements The perceived practice of the formation of a particular bench consisting of ‘like-minded judges’ to hear constitutional matters of public importance has become the basis of criticism of the top judiciary T h e r e h a s b e e n a g e n e r a l f e e l i n g that senior judges were being left out in the formation of benches for desired o u t c o m e s o f t h e p r o c e e d i n g s O n h i s first day at the helm on Monday Justice Isa will take up a set of challenges t o t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t ( P r a c t i c e a n d Procedure) Act 2023 a bill that req u i r e d t h e f o r m a t i o n o f b e n c h e s o n constitutional matters of public importance by a committee of three senior judges An eight-judge bench headed by the outgoing CJP on April 13 suspended the enforcement of the Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Act 2023 I n a s t a t e m e n t , a J u s t i c e I s a - l e d

commission had earlier questioned the formation of a bench that was hearing a s e t o f s i x c h a l l e n g e s a g a i n s t t h e p r o b e b o d y f o r m e d t o l o o k i n t o t h e a u d i o l e a k s s a y i n g t h a t t h e b e n c h hearing the matter was not determined b y a t h r e e - m e m b e r c o m m i t t e e o f j u d g e s a s r e q u i r e d u n d e r t h e s u spended act

Since the petitions challenging the audio commission were not fixed before the bench constituted by the committee of judges; therefore these petitions cannot be heard until the committee determines which bench should hear them, the commission had stated

On June 3, Justice Isa decided not to sit on a nine-judge bench hearing cases on the trial of civilians by the military courts saying he did not want to violate the suspension of the law; until the court decides about the vires of the practice and procedure law he will not sit on the benches As a result, Justice Isa chose to do chamber work instead of holding court hearings The biggest test Justice Isa may face as the CJP according to a senior counsel who wished not to be named, will come when the controversy regarding general elections within 90 days of the dissolution of the national and provincial assemblies may land in the Supreme Court

I n a d d i t i o n , h e w i l l a l s o h a v e t o maintain a working relationship with t h e e x e c u t i v e P r e s i d e n t A r i f A l v i a s k e d t h e E l e c t i o n C o m m i s s i o n o f P a k i s t a n t o s e e k g u i d a n c e f r o m t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t o n h o l d i n g g e n e r a l elections on the same day About the p e n d i n g h e a r i n g o n t h e t r i a l o f c i v i lians by the military courts, the counsel explained that the case may not be his individual challenge but of the entire court and since Justice Isa had already e x p r e s s e d h i s o p i n i o n i n a n e a r l i e r c a s e h e m i g h t e v e n c h o o s e t o s i t o n the bench

In a dissenting judgement against military courts in August 2015, Justice Isa observed the 21st Amendment does not succeed in its attempt to try civilians by the military and that the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 which if implemented would help to stem terrorism and also ensure the conviction of terrorists

To determine how Justice Isa will conduct his business at the SC the senior lawyer said he “understands the dynamics clearly as he remained the top judge of the Balochistan High Court from 2009 to 2014 a very sensitive period when military operations were ongoing in Balochistan Another challenge for Justice Isa will also be how to tackle the whopping pendency of over 56 000 cases

Per vaiz Elahi rearrested after cour t discharges him in Lahore Master Plan c ase

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

After May 9, Elahi was first taken into custody on June 1 from outside his Lahore residence by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Gujrat for allegedly taking kickbacks in development projects

The next day a Lahore court discharged him in the case but only for the ACE to re-arrest him in a case registered in the Gujranwala region In this case, Elahi was accused of causing a Rs100 million loss to the national exchequer and receiving kickbacks during his time as the Punjab chief minister

A day after his re-arrest, a Gujranwala court also discharged Elahi in two corruption cases, including the one in which he was detained on June 2 But freedom still eluded him as he was again re-arrested by anti-graft officials in a case pertaining to illegal recruitments in the Punjab Assembly

While Elahi remained in custody, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) initiated another inquiry against him on June 9 over his alleged involvement in embezzlement in development projects in Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin On June 12, a sessions court set aside a judicial magistrate s decision of Elahi s ac-

among

ment led by the coalition government had passed an unprecedented number of bills in the shortest span of time which was horrendous as it left the lawmaking body inefficient in dispensing its duties

During the panel discussion titled Democratic Governance and Peace in Pakistan

CEO Vision 2047 Zafar Ullah Khan said that the previous regime of coalition parties tried to establish weak impediments through legislation against the Constitution that brewed the prevailing constitutional crisis

He mentioned that the prevailing political scenario did not conform with the demography of the country We need to be pragmatic and realistic in our approach to promote democracy I am hopeful that the citizens of Pakistan will reclaim their democracy whereas institutional reforms could help Parliament to reclaim its position ”

Former Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice Mehnaz Akbar Aziz said that the role and representation of women parliamentarians was important as the situation had transitioned from mere representation to their performance in the Parliament She said that there was a need for reor-

quittal in the illegal appointments case The Lahore High Court (LHC) however suspended the lower court’s order a day later and a judicial magistrate again sent him to judicial lockup

The PTI leader finally secured relief from an anti-corruption court in Lahore on June 20 but could not be released from jail as orders for his release were not delivered to the prison administration The same day the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) booked him his son Moonis Elahi and three others on charges of money laundering Subsequently, the next day, the FIA took him into custody from jail and he was sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand in the money laundering case On June 25 a special court in Lahore granted Elahi bail in the case but he was again arrested by the FIA outside Camp Jail in connection with another money laundering case the very next day In this case the FIA alleged that Elahi handed over Rs50m to a woman via a frontman for money laundering Come July a Lahore anti-terrorism court dismissed Elahi s post-arrest bail plea as not maintainable in a case of attacking a police team that raided his house to arrest him in an inquiry by the ACE

On July 14 the LHC restrained police and the ACE from arresting the for-

mer Punjab chief minister in any undisclosed case while hearing his plea seeking details of all cases registered against him

And Lahore Banking Crimes Court issued Elahi s release orders in the money laundering case on July 15 a week after it allowed his post-arrest bail But he was not set free as police said he was booked in a terror case The said case was registered at Lahore’s Ghalib Market police station under terrorism provisions

A day later the Lahore deputy commissioner issued a 30-day detention order under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) for Elahi, resulting in his detention at the city’s Camp Jail Upon the completion of the MPO detention on Aug 14 the Lahore NAB team took Elahi into custody from the Adiala Jail where he was taken on July 19, reportedly on administrative grounds in yet another graft case

The NAB alleged Elahi received bribes/kickbacks in exchange for getting the “contracts of road schemes of Gujrat Highways Division awarded to favourite/hand-picked contractors

Fifteen days later, the LHC directed NAB to release him and barred authorities from arresting him in any case, but Islamabad police arrested him anyway Police said he was held under 3-MPO on a magistrate s orders

In a post on social media platform X, the PTI condemned Rashid’s arrest “The political victimisation and fascism continues this time with the arrest of Sheikh Rashid it said Rashid s arrest comes amid the state s crackdown on the PTI and its supporters following incidents of vandalism on May 9 when party chairman Imran Khan was first arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court Earlier this year in June the AML leader had alleged that the Islamabad police broke into his house and beat up his servants He had also claimed that in a second incident, a force clad in plain clothes tortured his employees at his Lal Haveli residence in Rawalpindi

Earlier in the day in a message posted on X formerly known as Twitter, Sh Rashid said the poor had been pushed into a quagmire as ordinary man was helpless with only the elite living a life according to their terms and conditions He said taxes should have been imposed on the elite but instead the poor were chosen for the purpose Middle class had been completely crushed and didn t know how to survive, he remarked He said poverty and hunger did not ask to which political party they belonged before hitting a family How the masses would ensure income to meet the food needs pay rent and provide education to their children the AML head asked The former interior minister also questioned how an industrial and agri revolution would materialise amid the skyrocketing prices of electricity and petrol, adding that the gas tariff was also to be increased by September-end

Malik terms quality education key to nation’s development

ISLAMABAD

S Ta f f r e P o r T

Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Jawad Sohrab Malik on Sunday emphasized the importance of quality education and called it the most important for children

During meeting with principals of educational institutions of OPF the Special Assistant termed the quality education a key to development of any nation The purpose of the meeting was to improve the educational quality of OPF educational institutions Jawad Sohrab Malik assured that the government will take every possible measure to further enhance the quality of teaching and research in educational institutions He suggested that measures should be taken to improve teaching methodology focusing on technology transfer, and starting futureoriented programs He said that quality education and research play a significant role in the prosperity of any nation and Pakistan has no other option except the promotion of education for dealing with the confronted challenges

Bilawal pays tribute to Mur taza Bhutto

ISLAMABAD

S Ta f f r e P o r T

Chairman Pakistan People s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid glowing tribute to Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto on his 69th birth anniversary According to the press release issued by Media Cell Bilawal House on Sunday he said in his message on the birth anniversary of Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto, that Mir was a brave and bold personality He said that the unique style of affable and mingling with people was the hallmark of Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto which Pakistanis continue to remember even today

Like Quaid-i-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto will live forever in our hearts,” he added Bilawal Bhutto said that Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto’s unshakable faith in democracy and his adherence to his ideology and principles was a guiding light for us

must to strengthen democracy: Speakers

ganization of the political parties to ensure women s inclusion at important decisionmaking fora like the National Security Council where they lacked representation PILDAT President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob said at present there was a hybrid system prevailing in the country that comprised of democratic and non-democratic forces which was making democracy weaker in the country by every passing day

He was of the view that in order to put an end to the prevailing uncertainty and political deterioration it was important to abolish this hybrid system and implement a pure democratic system with the input of the masses Senator Sana Jamali was of the view that there was no other solution than democracy for the country s prevailing challenges as growing political intolerance unemployment and economic crunch were scaling up

at an alarming pace

In his concluding remarks, HRCP Secretary General Harris Khalique said the country needed constitutional amendments and major reforms in key national institutions to ensure the inclusive strengthening of democracy in the country

Earlier CPDI Executive Director Mukhtar Ahmed Ali delivered his welcome note and moderated the panel discussion

rapprochement

‘political institutions’

The new Chief Justice

Chief Justice Isa has his work cut out for him

MR Justice Qazi Faez Isa took oath on Sunday as the 49th Chief Justice of Pakistan for what should be a 13-month tenure, ending next October with his retirement That he assumed the office should have been a formality but it proved a vindication of sorts for the PTI government had tried its hardest to prevent his elevation by getting him removed from the Bench, through a presidential reference related to his tax returns, also involving his wife The Supreme Court finally heard the matter when Mr Justice Isa moved a petition against the proceedings of the Supreme Judicial Council which was then hearing the case It decided that the proceedings were unlawful because the reference was The government’s review petition was rejected but it moved something it called a curative review petition which remained before Chief Justice Isa’s predecessor, Mr Justice Umar Ata Bandial, even though the Shehbaz government had withdrawn it

However, Chief Justice Isa will not have time to bask in the vindication which was symboliized by the presence of his wife at his path-taking It is also worth noting that the oath was administered by President Arif Alvi who had sent the reference against him The Prime Minister who advised the reference, Imran Khan, is languishing behind bars The ISI DG, Lt Gen Faez Hameed, whose agency had been criticized during the Faizabad dharna of the Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan by Mr Justice Isa in a judgement was retired as was his boss COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa The men might have gone but the institutions they headed are there and as opinionated as before Perhaps the most immediate task the Chief Justice will face will be whether or not the elections are held on time This is probably where he will find a clash between the institutions and the Constitution This is also the arena where his reputation as a strict follower of the Constitution and the law will be tested most strongly

However the main task the new Chief Justice faces is how to restore the image of the Supreme Court as a neutral institution His predecessor left much to be desired in this respect, and while he has retired, there are a number of judges on the Bench who assisted him in making what seemed partisan decisions, including future Chief Justices of Pakistan However as mentioned the new Chief Justice has the reputation of being a strict constituionalist and the Constitution is going to be his best guide

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

Renewable Energy: impor tance for the global energy transition in 2023

S t o r a g e w i l l s t o p wa s t e

IN V E S T M E N T S in renewable energy are seen as essential to protecting the planet’s future, as the effects of climate change become more and more prominent According to a report of the International Energy Agency a quarter of the world s electricity is now produced by renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectricity; this percentage is expected to rise as part of decarbonization initiatives But there are still problems in the sector The reliability of renewable energy sources is sometimes criticized because output varies depending on factors including the time of day the weather and in the case of hydroelectric power seasonal river flows Power reserve industries are relying on energy storage to address the issue of variability and instability of renewable energy sources, and it is not surprising that there has been rapid growth in capacity in previous years A system that captures energy at one time and stores it for later use is seen as a crucial part of the backbone enabling energy transition

In the majority of countries in the world, renewable electricity is subject to government support and national targets In June 2022, China released its 14th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy which sets the ambitious goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in electricity generation to 33 percent by 2025 (from roughly 29 percent in 2021) and for the first time, including a target for renewable heat consumption As part of the Repower EU Plan, the European Commission proposed in May 2022 raising the European Union’s 2030 renewable energy objective to 45 percent (which would require 1 236 GW of total built renewable capacity)

Renewable energy has developed in two main stages In most nations the cost of renewable energy systems between 2010 and 2020 either fell below or equaled that of fossil fuels, particularly for solar and wind energy This greatly increased the number of new initiatives But it has subsequently become clear

that solar and wind projects have put enormous strain on national grid systems which typically can only absorb about 30 percent of the additional solar and wind energy generated Energy storage systems also require an enabling environment that makes it easier for them to finance and execute, which calls for widespread cooperation from numerous stakeholders The Energy Storage Partnership (ESP) which (ESMAP) Energy Sector Management Assistance Program founded and manages seeks to finance 17 5 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery storage by 2025 more than tripling the 4 5 GWh that are now installed across all developing nations The program has already raised $725 million in concessional funding and will deliver 4 7 GWh of battery storage (current projects), plus an additional 2 4 GWh (upcoming pipeline)

A hybrid power purchase agreement (PPA) framework for solar PV and battery storage is currently being developed by the ESP All power projects are supported by hybrid power purchase agreements (PPAs) since they help establish, for instance, who will purchase the electricity and at what price This provides the security required to secure project financing

The ability to store this energy has several advantages one of which is that it reduces the squandering of renewable resources There are occasions when the amount of electricity produced by renewable sources may be greater than what is required When this occurs, certain renewable generators may be forced to reduce their outputs to keep the system “balanced ” that is when the supply of power equals the demand As a result a chance to produce clean electricity has effectively been lost These renewable energy sources can continue to produce electricity even if it isn t re-

quired right away since it can be stored till a later time when it is Energy storage system integration will fundamentally alter the developing world They will hasten the expansion of electrical access while simultaneously facilitating increased usage of renewable energy, assisting in the achievement of the global goal of net zero carbon emissions Energy storage is predicted to be a huge business and a crucial one by 2040 when expenditures reach trillions of dollars and some analysis says that energy systems should have decarbonized to meet climate targets Energy storage will be essential to attaining sustainability goals as the world continues its shift to a renewable future Research, development, and infrastructure investments in storage are crucial to promoting the broad use of renewable energy sources and accelerating the world s energy transition Energy storage is crucial for a future powered by renewable energy It fills the energy supply and grid reliability gap between intermittent renewable energy production and steady energy demand Energy storage systems pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape by maximizing the utilization of renewable resources providing flexibility and supporting the integration of developing technologies By promoting the use of solar energy governments can speed the transition to a more sustainable energy future Promotional programmes for solar energy can enhance energy security Local solar energy production can promote energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources

The writer is a Research Officer at Centre for International Strategic Studies AJK She can be reached at Nsheikh536@gmail com

E n e rg y s t o r ag e i s c r u c i a l fo r a f u t u r e p ow e r e d by r e n ew a bl e e n e rg y I t f i l l s t h e e n e rg y s u p p ly a n d g r i d r e l i a b i l i t y g a p b e t w e e n i n t e r m i t t e n t r e n ew a bl e e n e rg y p ro d u c t i o n a n d s t e a dy e n e rg y d e m a n d . E n e rg y s t o r ag e s y s t e m s p av e t h e w ay fo r a m o r e s u s t a i n a bl e a n d r e s i l i e n t e n e rg y l a n d s c a p e by m a x i m i z i n g t h e u t i l i z a t i o n o f r e n ew a bl e r e s o u rc e s , p rov i d i n g f l ex i b i l i t y, a n d s u p p o r t i n g t h e i n t e g r a t i o n o f d ev e l o p i n g t e ch n o l o g i e s . B y p ro m o t i n g t h e u s e o f s o l a r e n e rg y, g ov e r n m e n t s c a n s p e e d t h e t r a n s i t i o n t o a m o r e s u s t a i n a bl e e n e rg y f u t u r e . P ro m o t i o n a l p ro g r a m m e s fo r s o l a r e n e rg y c a n e n h a n c e e n e rg y s e c u r i t y.

N a v i g a t i n g t h e L a b y r i n t h

Ad d re s s i n g r u d e a n d u n h e l p f u l b e h av i o u r i n p u b l i c o f f i c e s

ployees and citizens leading to tense interactions Employees who grapple with these complexities might inadvertently manifest their frustration through impolite conduct

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

Unconventional approaches

stand the steps and requirements involved they are less likely to feel the brunt of employees indifference

IN a democratic society, government offices are meant to be havens of public service places where citizens can seek assistance resolve issues and access essential services In the intricate tapestry of governance, the role of government employees in public offices is paramount These individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the citizens, facilitating the smooth functioning of bureaucratic processes and upholding the principles of accountability and professionalism

However a disconcerting trend has emerged, where some government employees display rude and unhelpful behaviour towards common people who visit these offices When citizens step into government offices seeking assistance they expect a certain level of professionalism courtesy and efficiency

Unfortunately many individuals have experienced quite the opposite– encountering rude and unhelpful behaviour from government employees This behaviour not only tarnishes the image of public service but also erodes trust in government institutions

This concerning trend not only undermines public trust in the system but also hampers the very purpose of these offices: to serve the people The experience of encountering a rude government employee can be frustrating and demoralizing for individuals seeking assistance The dismissive attitude curt responses and lack of empathy shown by some staff members can leave citizens feeling unheard and undervalued This kind of behaviour not only obstructs the purpose of public offices but also hampers the potential for constructive dialogue and cooperation between the government and its constituents

At the heart of the matter lies a complex interplay of factors One possible cause of such behaviour is the overburdened nature of many government offices Understaffing excessive workload, and limited resources can lead to stress and burnout among employees, causing their behaviour to become curt or indifferent

Cumbersome bureaucratic procedures and labyrinthine regulations can frustrate both em-

Communication breakdowns also play a pivotal role in perpetuating this behaviour A lack of clear and concise communication channels coupled with a dearth of training in customer service can result in employees inadvertently conveying an air of indifference Additionally inadequate training and lack of customer service orientation can contribute to the problem, leaving employees ill-equipped to handle the diverse needs and emotions of the people they serve But this issue is not without potential solutions Addressing this issue requires a multipronged approach Government bodies can take several steps to address and rectify the problem:

T r a i n i n g a n d P r o f e s s i o n a l develoPmenT: Comprehensive training in customer service and interpersonal communication should be an integral part of government employees orientation and ongoing professional development Such training can equip them with the skills needed to interact respectfully, empathetically, and effectively with citizens

P e r f o r m a n c e r e c o g n i T i o n: Introducing performance-based evaluation can inject a sense of purpose and motivation into government offices Recognizing and rewarding employees for their helpfulness and positive interactions with citizens can foster a culture of service excellence

a c c o u n Ta b i l i T y m e a s u r e s : Instituting mechanisms for citizens to provide feedback on their experiences is crucial Anonymous feedback forms or digital platforms can allow individuals to report instances of rude behaviour without fear of reprisal This feedback can be used to identify problematic areas and take corrective action

T r a n s Pa r e n c y a n d s i m P l i f i c a-

T i o n: Simplifying bureaucratic processes and enhancing transparency can go a long way in minimizing frustration When citizens under-

leadershiP role modelling: Leaders within government organizations should set an example of respectful and helpful behaviour By practicing what they preach they can influence the behaviour of their subordinates and foster a culture of courtesy and cooperation

o m b u d s m a n o f f i c e s: Establishing independent ombudsman offices to address citizens’ grievances can provide an external avenue for resolving conflicts and hold government employees accountable for their behaviour

c i T i z e n s r o l e : As citizens we can also play a crucial role in improving the situation Reporting instances of rude behaviour and appreciating courteous service can reinforce the importance of respectful interactions in government offices By engaging constructively and advocating for change we contribute to the transformation of public service Government agencies should launch campaigns that educate both citizens and employees about the significance of respectful interactions This can foster a mutual understanding of the challenges faced on both sides

The issue of rude and unhelpful behaviour among government employees in government offices is a serious concern that requires immediate attention By addressing the root causes through training, incentives, accountability measures, and cultural shifts, government bodies can transform their interactions with citizens Furthermore focusing on employee well-being and a culture of professionalism we can reclaim the essence of public service and restore the faith of citizens in their government institutions In doing so, they can reinstate trust in the system and uphold the fundamental purpose of serving the people After all, a government’s efficacy is measured not only by its policies but also by the manner in which its employees treat those they serve

The author can be mailed at rather1294@gmail com)

The issue of rude and unhelpful behaviour among government employees in government offices is a serious concern that requires immediate attention. By addressing the root causes through training, incentives, accountability measures, and cultural shifts, government bodies can transform their interactions with citiz ens.

THE failure of Pakistan to effectively combat terrorism can be attributed, in part, to flawed policies that have hindered progress in this critical battle One major issue has been the inconsistency and lack of political will to implement comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism measures At times short-term political gains have overshadowed long-term security concerns leading to policy vacillation and insufficient commitment to root out terrorism Another aspect contributing to the failure is the insufficient focus on addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that fuel extremism Inadequate investment in education, poverty alleviation, and job creation in marginalised regions has left communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment and radicalisation For the fight against terrorism to be successful Pakistan must undertake comprehensive policy reforms that prioritise national security over short-term political gains Transparency and accountability must be upheld Additionally addressing root causes and socio-economic disparities must be prioritised to build resilience against radical ideologies Pakistan must realise that the fight against terrorism requires a unified and steadfast approach free from any internal inconsistencies or ambiguous positions Only then can the nation effectively tackle terrorism and forge a path towards a more stable and secure future for its citizens

ZAINAB SANIA LAKKI MARWAT

Traffic rules violation

K A R A C H I being one of the most populous cities in the world is already grappling with numerous challenges However the flagrant disregard for traffic rules has reached an unprecedented level, posing a significant threat to public safety and exacerbating the existing traffic congestion On a daily basis, one can witness a plethora of traffic violations on the roads of Karachi Speeding reckless driving running red lights lane indiscipline illegal parking and failure to use indicators have become common occurrences reflecting a widespread disregard for the rule of law and a lack of consideration for fellow citizens Pedestrians and cyclists who are already vulnerable road users, are particularly at risk due to the prevailing chaos Moreover, the absence of effective law enforcement further exacerbates the problem Traffic police personnel seem overwhelmed and ill-equipped to deal with the sheer magnitude of traffic violations taking place The insufficient presence of traffic police on major intersections and the lenient penalties imposed for traffic offenses contribute to a culture of impunity among violators The consequences of this alarming situation are severe Karachi witnesses a significant number of road accidents many of which result in injuries and fatalities

YAMNA AHMED KARACHI

Drugs menace in Gresha

G R E S H A, locally pronounced as Greshag, is a sub-tehsil of district Khuzdar in Balochistan It is located some 80 kilometers away from the main city of Khuzdar Balochi and Brahvi are the two languages spoken there The population of this area is approximately 29 000 It is saddening to note that this small village is in the clutches of drug abuse and more and more people are getting addicted to the menace An unchecked supply of drugs into the area has snatched the peace of many families, who bread-earners have fallen prey to callous drug traffickers To exacerbate the situation, there are no rehabilitation centres in the area or in the nearby region There is a famous saying that if you want to destroy a nation never kill them physically only provide them drugs and prevent them from education Sadly the same is the case with Gresha Drug sellers are selling their products without any fear obviously with the connivance of the local law enforcers

ONE WEEK AFTER LIBYA FLOOD, AID EFFORTS GAIN PACE

LIBYA

A G E N C I E S

Aweek after a tsunami-sized

flash flood devastated the Libyan coastal city of Derna sweeping thousands to their deaths, the international aid effort to help the grieving survivors slowly gathered pace Sunday

Search-and-rescue teams wearing face masks and protective suits kept up the grim search for bodies or any survivors in the mud-caked wasteland of smashed buildings, crushed cars and uprooted trees

Traumatised residents, 30,000 of whom are now homeless in Derna alone, are in dire need of clean water food shelter and basic supplies amid a growing risk of cholera diarrhoea dehydration and malnutrition UN agencies warn In this city, every single family has been affected, said one resident, Mohammad al-Dawali

Another Mohamed al-Zawi 25 recounted how he saw “a large mountain of water bringing with it cars people belongings and pouring everything out into the sea

Emergency response teams and relief goods have been deployed from

France Iran Russia Saudi Arabia Tunisia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, with more on the way from multiple other nations

The aid effort has been hampered by the political division of Libya which was plunged into years of war and chaos after a 2011 NATO-backed uprising led to the overthrow and killing of veteran dictator Moamer Kadhafi

The oil-rich North African country now remains split between two rival governments a UN-backed administration in the capital Tripoli and one

Three firefighters missing in Turkey helicopter crash

ANKARA

A

Thousands missing –Amid the chaos the true death toll remained unknown with untold numbers swept into the sea

The health minister of the eastern administration, Othman Abdeljalil, has said that 3,252 people were confirmed dead in Derna where corpses wrapped in blankets and in body bags have lined squares and streets

Libyan officials and humanitarian organisations have warned that the final toll could be much higher with thousands still missing

The massive flood came as Libya was lashed on September 10 by the hurricane-strength Storm Daniel which had earlier brought deadly floods to Greece Turkey and Bulgaria

Turkish scuba divers searched Sunday for three firefighters who went missing when their helicopter crashed into a water reservoir near the western resort city of Izmir

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said the helicopter crashed while picking up water to douse a forest fire on Saturday night

The helicopter team included three Kyrgyz nationals and one Turk One of the Kyrgyz nationals was rescued and rushed to hospital in good condition

The divers have identified the wreckage, Yumakli said in televised remarks

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

Indian troops continue to ruthlessly kill innocent Kashmiri people and the Modi regime is on a mission to systematically target youth through extrajudicial killings in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir

A report released by Kashmir Media Service on Sunday said the Indian troops killed three more Kashmiri youth in a fake encounter in Uri area of Baramulla, the other day, and over 800 people have been killed by brutal Indian troops since 5 Aug 2019 till date in the territory As many as 96,233 Kashmiris have been murdered by Indian troops since January 1989 to August 31 2023 in IIOJK it lamented

It said Indian troops are killing innocent Kashmiri youth in staged encounters for cash rewards adding the killer Indian troops are enjoying impunity under the garb of draconian laws in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir

The report said the killing spree in the territory is meant to terrorize the Kashmiris but the people of Kashmir will never forget the warm blood of their young martyrs and everyday killings won t make Kashmiris relent in their pursuit of freedom

The international community needs to intervene to stop innocent killings in Kashmir, it maintained

Liptako-Gourma

Char ter: Mali, Niger, Burkina sign mutual defence pact

BAMAKO A

The military leaders of Mali Burkina Faso and Niger on Saturday signed a mutual defence pact ministerial delegations from the three Sahel countries announced in Mali s capital Bamako

The Liptako-Gourma Charter establishes the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Mali s junta leader Assimi Goita posted on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter Its aim is to “establish an architecture of collective defence and mutual assistance for the benefit of our populations he wrote The Liptako-Gourma region where the Mali Burkina Faso and Niger borders meet has been ravaged by militarism in recent years

This alliance will be a combination of military and economic efforts between the three countries”, Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop told journalists

“Our priority is the fight against terrorism in the three countries All three countries have undergone coups since 2020 most recently Niger where soldiers in July overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has threatened to intervene militarily in Niger over the coup Mali and Burkina Faso quickly responded by saying that any such operation would be deemed a declaration of war against them

COLOMBO A G E N C I E S

Mohammed Siraj s six-fer demolished Sri Lankan batting lineup as India lifted the Asia Cup 2023 Set to chase a meager 51 India comfortably completed the pursuit in 6 1 overs without losing a single wicket to lift their eighth Asia Cup title India’s new opening pair of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan carried the momentum and dominated the Sri Lankan bowlers to script a statement victory for the former champions Gill top-scored for India in the Asia Cup 2023 final with a 19-ball 27 which featured six boundaries while Kishan scored 23 not out in 18 balls

Opting to bat first the Sri Lankan batting lineup failed completely and was bundled out for a paltry 51 in the 16th over The home side lost their opener Kusal

based in the disaster-hit east Britain s foreign secretary, James Cleverly, said the big challenge with Libya” was that, unlike Morocco and Turkey which were hit by major earthquakes this year it lacks a fully functioning government to coordinate with Sadly in the eastern part of Libya we just don t have that, and that is why we are not seeing the international support on the ground we would wish,” he told the BBC “I’m not gonna say it is impossible of course not But it is so much harder

PAF contingent concludes par ticipation in multinational air exercise Bright Star-2023

The rapidly rising waters burst two upstream river dams in Derna, sending a late-night tidal wave crashing through the centre of the city of 100 000 sweeping entire residential blocks into the Mediterranean UN experts have blamed the high death toll on climatic factors as the Mediterranean region has sweltered under an unusually hot summer, and on the legacy of Libya’s war that has depleted its infrastructure early warning systems and emergency response ISLAMABAD

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent concluded its successful participation in the multinational tri-services air exercise Bright Star 2023 held at Mohammed Naguib Military Base in Egypt

This two-week-long exercise brought together a total of 30 countries, including prominent participants such as Pakistan, United States United Kingdom Saudi Arabia Oman Jordan Greece and Qatar said a PAF press release issued here Sunday

The exercise showcased the exemplary performance of PAF s contingent and its state-of-the-art

JF-17 Thunder fighter jets

This participation not only highlighted PAF s commitment to regional and international cooperation but also underscored its capabilities and prowess to operate in diverse and challenging environments

Since its inception in 1977 as a

bilateral training event between the United States and Egypt the Bright Star Exercise has grown into a remarkable multinational initiative, promoting combined force interoperability and shared learning among participating nations to counter regional hybrid threats

Pakistan Air Force with its commitment to regional stability and international cooperation, actively immersed in this exercise, emphasizing the profound strategic significance of this collaborative endeavor

The PAF contingent compris-

ing dedicated air and ground crews demonstrated exceptional capabilities during the exercise highlighting the prowess of the pride of Pakistan, the JF-17 Thunder aircraft Through rigorous training and realistic aerial warfare scenarios PAF reaffirmed its operational readiness and its commitment to tackling contemporary strategic challenges

The PAF s distinguished engagement in this prestigious event stands as a testament to its resolute dedication to the cause of global peace and security

Through Exercise Bright Star 2023 Pakistan Air Force has once again proven its commitment to upholding glorious traditions and fostering strong partnerships with the global community Pakistan Air Force looks forward to future collaboration with Air Forces of allied countries and to continue developing its capabilities to meet the evolving challenges in the face of contemporary security threats

Prepare for a long war in Uk raine: NATO chief

BRUSSELS

A G E N C I E S

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has warned there will be no swift end to the Ukraine war, in an interview published Sunday, as Kyiv pushes on with its counteroffensive against Russia

“Most wars last longer than expected when they first begin Stoltenberg said in an interview with Germany s Funke media group Therefore we must prepare ourselves for a long war in Ukraine

The conflict began in February 2022 when Moscow sent its forces into Ukraine, bringing war back to Europe for the first time in decades

Kyiv launched its counteroffensive in June pushing back against entrenched Russian positions in the south and east but it has made limited gains

We are all wishing for a quick peace said Stoltenberg

“But at the same time we must recognise: if President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and the Ukrainians stop fighting their country will no longer exist

If President (Vladimir) Putin and Russia lay down their weapons we will have peace

On Ukraine s ambitions to join the alliance

Stoltenberg said: There is no doubt that Ukraine will eventually be in NATO Kyiv had “moved closer to NATO” at a summit

of the alliance in July he said

When this war ends we need security guarantees for Ukraine Otherwise history could repeat itself

he added

At the July summit in Vilnius, NATO leaders agreed that Ukraine could join the alliance once certain conditions are met, and US and German officials made it clear that these would include Kyiv carrying out reforms to protect democracy and the rule of law

“They cannot see anything clearly right now because the visibility is very low ” Global warming caused by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions is changing weather patterns and contributing to a years-long drought across swathes of Turkey Turkey has funnelled resources into its emergency response efforts after being gripped by devastating fires in 2021 that killed nine people and heaped political pressure on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Erdogan responded by pushing through Turkey s delayed ratification of the Paris Climate Accords and investing in new firefighting planes and helicopters

Nor th Korea’s leader wraps up Russia trip with drones gift

MOSCOW

A G E N C I E S

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un left Russia on Sunday after a rare six-day visit that appeared to solidify his country s ties with President Vladimir Putin fanning Western fears that Pyongyang could provide Moscow with weapons for its assault on Ukraine Kim s tour of Russia s far eastern region, which began Tuesday, has focused intensely on military cooperation including a symbolic exchange of rifles with Putin and an inspection of state-of-theart Russian weapons Kim s first official visit abroad since the coronavirus pandemic has sparked concerns that Moscow and Pyongyang will defy Western sanctions to secure an arms deal that could help the Kremlin continue its assault against Ukraine

Before departing Vladivostok the Far East Russian city just over the border with North Korea Kim was presented with five explosive drones a reconnaissance drone and a bulletproof vest as gifts from the governor of the Primorye region, which borders China and North Korea

He also visited the Far Eastern State University and appeared particularly pleased as he watched a walrus show at a local oceanarium – Vodka toasts –

Summing up the North Korean leader s visit Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, who accompanied him on his last day, said a lot had been discussed

“Kim Jong Un was very interested in and paid attention to minute details ” Kozlov said

He made no mention of any agreements concerning military matters but said the two sides discussed increasing supplies of grain and the resumption of regular air travel The two countries also discussed reviving long-muted infrastructure projects, he said Government officials from the two countries also agreed to meet in Pyongyang in November Kozlov added At the end of Kim s visit official Russian video footage showed him waving goodbye from his heavily armoured train to a Russian delegation before the Russian march Farewell of Slavianka was played as the train departed Russia and North Korea, historic allies, are both under rafts of global sanctions Moscow for its Ukraine offensive Pyongyang for its nuclear weapon tests On Saturday Kim met Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok where he inspected state-of-the-art weapons including a hypersonic missile system The pair were seen smiling as they inspected some of Russia’s nuclear bombers at an airfield before boarding a warship North Korean news agency KCNA later published pictures of a broadly smiling Kim wearing a traditional Russian fur hat and raising a glass of vodka with Shoigu and their delegations – Greater cooperation? –

On Wednesday, Putin and Kim held talks at Russia s new Vostochny cosmodrome, roughly 8,000 kilometres (5 000 miles) from Moscow

After the meeting Putin talked up the prospect of greater cooperation with North Korea and the possibilities for military ties Moscow is believed to be interested in buying North Korean ammunition to continue fighting in Ukraine, while Pyongyang wants Russia’s help to develop its internationally condemned missile programme The Kremlin has said no agreement has or will be signed North Korean news agency KCNA has described Kim s visit as fervent and warm and said a new era of friendship solidarity and cooperation was opening between North Korea and Russia

Siraj’s heroics power India to winning Asia Cup 2023 for eighth time

Perera (0) in the first over with just one run on the board

What followed was a total annihilation by Mohammed Siraj who picked up four wickets Pathum Nissanka (2), Sadeera Samarawickrama (0), Charith Asalanka (0) and Dhananjaya de Silva (4) in the fourth over to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 12/5 Sri Lanka failed to recover from Siraj s demolition and he came back to add further to their misery by dismissing skipper Dasun

Shanaka in his next over and completing his five-fer Wicketkeeper batter Kusal Mendi, who hung on for Sri Lanka then put on the highest partnership of the Asia Cup 2023 final for the home side with Dunith Wellalage before Siraj struck again Kusal Mendis remained the top-scorer for Sri Lanka with a 34-ball 17 which featured three boundaries Following Siraj’s dominance, Hardik

Pandya put the final nail in the coffin by getting rid of the Sri Lankan batting tail He removed Dunith Wellalage (8) bef o r e w r a p p i n g u p S r i L a n k a s d i s m a l i nn i n g s i

‘Indian troops continue to ruthlessly kill innocent people in held Kashmir’

Int ’l conference on waste business and management concludes at QAU

ISLAMABAD: The Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), in partnership with the Pakistan Academy of Environmental Sciences and Pak-EPA jointly organized the International Conference on Waste Business and Management The primary aim of this conference was to explore innovative waste management strategies, cutting-edge technologies, methodologies, and practices that have the potential to revolutionize waste management systems and contribute to a cleaner and greener environment

Dr Muhammad Bashir Khan Member Technical at the Environmental Protection Tribunal graced the conference as the Chief Guest During his address to the audience, he emphasized the critical issue of waste production in Pakistan The country currently generates approximately 48 5 million tons of solid waste annually, including organic, hazardous, and electronic waste PR

Tu r ke y p l a n s m o r e

e d u c at i o n a l i n s t i t u t i o n s

i n Pa k i s t a n : CG

KARACHI: Turkey has announced its intention to open more educational institutions in Pakistan With a growing number of Pakistani students showing interest in Turkish universities Consul General (CG) Cemal Sangu of the Turkish Republic in Pakistan expressed this during an event held at Karachi s Marriott Hotel in recent days as part of the UniAdmire Student Fair 2023 in Pakistan hosted by Event Admire

At the Student Fair, stalls were set up to provide awareness about universities from Turkey and other countries and scholarships ranging from 50 to 100 percent were offered The fair featured prominent Turkish universities such as Istanbul Medipol University, Doğuş University, Antalya Bilim University, Halic University, Mardin Artuklu University, OSTİM Teknik University, Kostu University, Kibris Adakent University, Konya Karatay University, among others

Consul General Cemal Sangu made a special appearance at the fair Several international and local figures as well as SSP Miss Shehla Qureshi and thousands of students attended the event On this occasion, Consul General Cemal Sangu said, "I am delighted to see a significant number of Pakistani students interested in pursuing education in Turkish universities Currently a large number of Pakistani students are enrolled in Turkish universities There are 28 Turkish schools operating in Pakistan including 3 in Karachi We plan to establish more educational institutions in Pakistan soon PR

S a r h a d U n i ve r s i t y l a u n c h e s

I s l a m a b a d C a m p u s

ISLAMABAD: Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology Peshawar is pleased to announce the establishment of its Islamabad Campus

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the University’s journey towards providing high-quality education and accessible learning opportunities to students in the capital city and its neighbouring areas Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology Peshawar was established in 2001 through an ordinance of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is a Chartered University, duly recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) The university has achieved the highest category "W-3 " denoting excellence in academic financial and physical infrastructure It is committed to equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to meet local and global challenges in today s competitive job market

With a strong focus on skill development, the University’s Undergraduate and Graduate Programs are designed to foster critical, analytical, and logical thinking in students and research scholars Sarhad University has earned accolades for its excellence in fields such as Engineering Pharmacy Computer Science Management Social Sciences and Health Sciences Sarhad University proudly holds various recognitions and accreditations, underscoring its commitment to academic PR

G O L D P O S T S 2 . 5 9 P C W E E K LY U P T I C K B U T O U T LO O K R E M A I N S U N C L E A R

ISLAMABAD T LT P

GO L D price in the country surged by Rs5,500 (+2 59 percent) per tola on a week-onweek basis after dropping by Rs27 300 (-11 38 percent) in the preceding week following an uptick in international prices

The gold rate for a single tola of 24karat on a week-on-week (WoW) basis increased to Rs218,000 from Rs212,500, according to different local gold markets

Similarly the gold rate for 10 grams of 24-karat surged to Rs186 900 from Rs182 184 a week ago showing an increase of Rs4 716 Likewise 10 grams of 22-karat gold were being traded for Rs171,324 while a single tola of 22-karat gold was being sold at Rs199,832

It is to be noted that local bullion pricing body Karachi Sarafa Market has refrained from announcing daily commodity prices since Wednesday and the prices quoted above are being collected from different markets This is sparking speculation about potential actions against “gold smugglers” or a downward trend in the country’s precious metal

market leading to silence from the pricing body A member of the body officially confirmed that the last gold price announced on Tuesday at Rs215,000 per tola (11 66 grams) remained unchanged for the time being

The Pakistani rupee extended gains against the US dollar last week and appreciated by 2 01 percent in the interbank market and 1 32 percent in the open market Since gold is denominated in the US dollars and when the local unit appreci-

ates against the greenback the value of gold in the local market falls However the situation remains unclear as an uptick in gold price internationally last week was relatively lower than the rupee’s gains against the US dollar

In global markets gold closed the week at $1 924 10 per ounce against $1 918 70 in the preceding week showing a week-on-week increase of $5 40 (+0 28 percent) Gold tested the $1,900 area this week, influenced by the latest

World ’s religions preach peace, harmony : Aneeq

Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed in a recent meeting with Cardinal Archbishop Joseph Coutts discussed interfaith harmony welfare of minority communities and mutual interests During the meeting, he emphasized that irrespective of any religion in the world everyone advocates for peace and brotherhood

All of humanity is Allah s creation We as Muslims stand united with our fellow human beings, both Muslim and non-Muslim, as brothers and sisters In Pakistan, we must remain vigilant against those who seek to spread religious discord and thwart their nefarious intentions Together we will foil their efforts

he added Cardinal Archbishop Dr Joseph Coutts expressed gratitude for Minister Aneeq Ahmed’s visit and acknowledged Pakistan s policies and commitment to the welfare of minorities He lauded the government s initiatives following the incident in Jaranwala, highlighting

their praiseworthy efforts He said the Christian community in Pakistan continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and the Pakistani people actively contributing to the nation s progress and the establishment of a strong and harmonious Pakistan

NIC-K arachi, TAF celebrate conclusion of 4th BuiltByHer Hack athon

teams highlighting the enthusiasm and commitment of women to address these critical challenges

After rigorous evaluations 15 teams were selected to participate in the grand finale

US economic reports, but it managed to hold above and rebounded, erasing weekly losses

The overall bias remains tilted to the downside with the strong US dollar weighing on the yellow metal

The data from the US indicates that the economy is not currently heading towards a hard or soft landing The labour market is softening but far from hinting at a recession The economic context allows for more rate hikes from the Federal Reserve if policymakers decide to do so Inflation data from this week showed no immediate need for further action but it is insufficient to remove the hawkish bias

The short-term outlook for gold remains unclear While the rebound on Friday alleviated some bearish pressure, gold is still below the 20-week Simple Moving Average (SMA) although it has managed to stay above $1 900 If the recovery continues gold price could potentially extend towards the $1,950 area, which presents a strong barrier A weekly close above $1,950 would indicate a positive development suggesting further upside potential Conversely a drop below $1 910 would hint at further weakness with the following key support at $1 880 A break below that level could target the $1,860 zone

C linic al trials termed cornerstone of medical progress

KARACHI: Conducting clinical trials is always challenging however these challenges are magnified in low and middle-income countries said Prof Dr Faisal Mahmood Section Head of infectious diseases at Aga Khan University He shared the many challenges that are particular to LMICs especially in the context of Pakistan, while speaking at a Media Roundtable on COVID-19 and the importance of clinical trials ” Clinical trials have long stood as the cornerstone of medical progress playing an indispensable role in the development and validation of new treatments therapies and medical interventions

Speaking on Ethical and Regulatory aspects of clinical trials Dr Sadia Asim, Director Clinical trial site and CRO at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) said, that in Pakistan the trial is controlled through DRAP regulations (Laws) and it's conducted based on prescribed ethical guidelines to ensure the rights of human beings during the execution of clinical trials PR

Capital Police lasso 22 absconders in crackdown on heinous crime

led teams to develop solutions to pressing societal issues

The 4th iteration of the competition focused on four critical themes:

The National Incubation Center Karachi (NIC-Karachi), in collaboration with The Asia Foundation (TAF) celebrated the successful conclusion of the 4th BuiltByHer Hackathon This innovative event which provides a platform for women programmers, coders, entrepreneurs, students, artists, and technologists concluded with a competitive grand finale

BuiltByHer is a 48-hour hackathon that challenges women-

● Economic Empowerment for Inclusive Growth

● Reducing Barriers to Access to Justice

● STEM Education for Young Minds

● Climate Change

These themes represent some of the most significant challenges facing society today

This year s hackathon received applications from more than 221

The judges, after careful consideration, announced two teams as the winners of the 4th BuiltByHer Hackathon Aizaz led by Mehtab Parveen and HER Sahulat led by Sheeza Zahid demonstrated outstanding solutions These winning teams will receive a combined prize money of Rs 1,400,000, enabling them to further develop and scale their innovative solutions

The winning projects truly exemplify innovation and its potential for social impact Aizaz Clothing, a pioneering fashion-tech company, specializes in the retail and wholesale of shirts, including customized options Aizaz's Inventory Management System represents a significant leap in customer service It addresses delays in product delivery by ensuring that orders are delivered within just 3 hours

ISLAMABAD: In a major crackdown on heinous crimes, the Islamabad Capital Police (ICP) have arrested 22 absconders in the last week in order to curb increasing trend of street crimes in the federal capital The arrests were made following special directives from Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, who assigned special tasks to all senior police officials to ensure the arrest of proclaimed offenders and absconders involved in heinous crimes said a press release issued here Sunday The crackdown was carried out by teams from the Margalla Noon Shahzad Town Karachi Company Kohsar Industrial Area Phulgran Aabpara, Koral, Sihala, Golra, Tarnol, and Bhara Kahu police stations The absconders were arrested for a variety of heinous crimes, including murder, rape, kidnapping, and robbery ICCPO Dr Akbar Nasir Khan said that the ICP is taking all possible steps to eradicate crime from the city and that those involved in heinous crimes and illegal activities will be dealt with iron hands He added that the safety and security of citizens is the foremost priority of the Islamabad Capital Police The arrests of the 22 absconders are a major achievement for the ICP It shows that the police are committed to cracking down on crime and bringing criminals to justice PR

Centuries old drum-beating c ulture keeps alive in KP despite mushroom growth of social media

PESHAWAR

A P P

Known as a city of musicians and artists Peshawar has kept alive the centuries-old tradition of drum beating, which is making weddings, birthday parties and other festivals more enchanting and colourful

Despite the mushroom growth of social media and information technology the dhol players have started roaring business during marriages birthday parties and other celebrated occasions in Peshawar after the dropping of temperature in KP

Peshawar has produced legendary musicians and artists of the calibre of Khyal

Muhammad Rafiq Shinwari Firdus Jamal

Qavi Khan Javed Babar and Yousaf Khan (Dilip Kumar) who ruled in Pakistani and Indian cinemas

Cleaning his dhol with a long white handkerchief, a drum-beater Zulfiqar alias Bhutto (47) often came to Peshawar cantonment where he sat in Fakhar e Alam Road’s square before his services were hired for marriages birthdays and other festivals especially on the weekend

I had entered into the dhol beating profession after the death of my father 20 years ago and come to Fakhar Alam Road’s green

shadi hall square from Changarabad with a hope to earn maximum business on Saturday and Sunday,” Zulfiqar, who cleaned perspirations with handkerchief told APP

“The drum beaters have pinned high hops from winter season due to an increase of marriages engagements festivals and hopefully the upcoming winter would bring happiness to the price hike hit community, he said, adding the cost of dhols were also increased due to price hike and inflation

“Two years ago the price of a dhol was Rs20 000 along with beating plates that now jumped to Rs30 000 he said adding poor drummers economically suffer in case damage to their dhols, he said

Mostly during monsoon season, the dhol with a beating plate of skin gets dampened and also affected in hot weather conditions incurring substantial financial losses to them he said adding plastic beating plates were mostly imported from abroad works for longer periods of time

Naseeb Ali, another dhol player, who belonged to Lahore said that he was proud of his profession that helped his children attain up to university level education He said that drum beaters were being preferred over DJs because it was cost-efficient and required no electricity or expensive arrangements

Known as Ustad, Naseeb said, I had sent two dhols for repair and the third one inherited from my elder brother was being used in marriages, birthday parties, mehndi, political gatherings weeding and other joyful occasions he said He hoped that their business would further shine during the upcoming General Elections

The earning of a dhol player depends upon the financial position of the hired party Sometimes, we earn Rs5,000 and sometimes pocket Rs20 000 per program on weekend ” he said adding a pair of dhol players normally charges Rs2 000 from the clients per program

On weekends, the traditional drum-beaters were also seen waiting for customers at Ghandhara and Hayatabad Chowk where dhol lovers hire them for festivals The people paid thousands to these drummers wearing white and yellow dresses in spite of advance music equipment and DJs to give a traditional touch to their weddings

I came to Green Shadi Hall Chowk to hire a pair of dhol players for engagement of my son that was cost efficient compared to DJs besides can easily be performed in indoor

a traditional dhol player during his marriage 40 years ago

Renowned TV star, Javed Babar (pride of performance) said in the past when a Pashto or Urdu film was released in the city thousands of film lovers on drumbeats gathered outside the cinema houses and cheered for their favourite hero/heroine that was

now hardly seen today in Peshawar due to growth of social media platforms

He said one decade ago cinema was flourishing earning maximum capital with significant contributions by drummers to mobilize fans while in recent years its growth was adversely affected by the mushroom growth of social media platforms

M I L E S T O N E I D 4 A F R I C A : S O M A L I A L A U N C H E S

N AT I O N A L I D S Y S T E M W I T H PA K I S TA N ’ S H E L P

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

TH E Federal Republic of Somalia has launched a national identification system with the support of NADRA Pakistan, a milestone for the ID4Africa movement, which aims to provide all Africans with a digital identity by 2030

H E Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre inaugurated the Somalia National ID on September 16 2023 during the first National ID conference held by NIRA Somalia in Mogadishu

The event was attended by Somalia s development partners, including Pakistan the EU the World Bank Group the UK the USA Gulf countries ID4Africa diplomats and UN agencies a press release said on Sunday

The Prime Minister of Somalia expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and NADRA for their support in implementing the Somali National ID system He also thanked them for their assistance in capacity building for NIRA Somalia

Other dignitaries at the event including the UN Special Representative of the

Secretary-General for Somalia, Catriona Laing, and the British Ambassador to Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis appreciated NADRA s robust systems and congratulated the governments of Pakistan and Somalia on this successful accomplishment

The Somalia National ID System is part of a multi-million dollar grant extended by the Government of Pakistan to Somalia It will enable NIRA and the Ministry of Interior Somalia to implement their mandate of enhancing the country s governance security and socio-economic development by providing citizens of Somalia with a secure and universally rec-

Former TTP Swat commander killed in IBO

SWAT/MIRANSHAH

Former commander of banned TTP Swat Naik Muhammad alias Naiko was killed in an intelligencebased-operation (IBO) by the security forces while unidentified armed men gunned down a police constable in the jurisdiction of Miranshah police station on Sunday The former Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat group commander was infamous for whipping women in early days of militancy Acting on a tip-off on Sept 7 2023 Pakistan Army and the CounterTerrorism Department conducted a successful IBO in Fizagat area of Swat During the fire exchange former Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat commander Naik Muhammad alias Niko alias Umar was killed during the operation According security forces, the slain terrorist commander was a close aide of former Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat chief Mullah Fazlullah and the leader of the whipping team of the group in the early days of militancy in Swat

Naik Muhammad was also involved in dozens of terror activities against security forces in Swat during the height of militancy After Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat, Naik Muhammad escaped to Afghanistan with his family members In June 2023 Terrorist Commander led brutal attack on police personnel near Mingora Vegetable Market He also planned to target DPO swat through suicide attack and IED

Earlier this year, he had snuck back into Swat with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) formation and started targeted killing of police officials Along with this, the terrorist commander also started receiving extortion for the TTP

Peshawar Cit y Gov t unveils Rs514.63b surplus budget for 2023-24

PESHAWAR

A Z I Z B U N E R I

The Peshawar s Capital Metropolitan Government has unveiled a budget of Rs514 63 bln for the fiscal year 2023-24, recording a surplus of Rs384 88 mln Mayor of Peshawar Zabir Ali presented the budget at the Peshawar City Council Hall estimating revenues at Rs4 23 bln The city government currently holds Rs9 07 bln in its accounts while expenses are projected at Rs5 20 bln The Peshawar Mayor explained that the revenue includes a grant of Rs1 bln from the provincial government, Rs645 49 mln from the Provincial Finance Commission, Rs500 mln from non-transferable properties Rs120 mln from rent of properties Rs337 2 mln from the Hajji Camp bus stand Rs71 47 mln from the Charsadda bus stand Rs91 1 mln from the Kohat Road bus stand Rs26 5 mln from the Factory bus stand, Rs57 5 mln from bus terminals, Rs114 9 mln from the BRT corridor rent, Rs121 21 mln from the Municipal Boys’ College, Rs212 12 mln from the Municipal Girls’ College Rs21 4 mln from the Women’s Degree College and Rs2 2 mln from the funeral vehicle service

According to the budget document total expenditures for municipal services will be Rs1 69 bln Similarly, Mayor Peshawar s office expenses are estimated at Rs200 21 mln The budget also allocates Rs1 69 bln for the staff ’s salaries and expenses of the Capital Metropolitan, Rs200 mln for directorate’s expenses Rs78 19 mln for the Eastern Zone expenses and Rs51 26 mln for Western Zone expenses This surplus budget indicates a positive financial outlook for Peshawar in the coming fiscal year with plans for substantial investments in various

Mar yam likely to reach London as Nawaz

Sharif summons her

pride in the successful execution and launch of Somalia s National Identification System a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation This achievement reinforces Pakistan s vision for a more secure and prosperous Somalia where every citizen has access to reliable identification

ognized form of identification

The system will also facilitate more efficient public service delivery including social welfare programs healthcare services and electoral processes leading to improved governance It has the potential to streamline the distribution of humanitarian aid, ensuring it reaches those who need it most promptly The identity system shall also promote financial inclusion in Somalia by enabling citizens to access banking and financial services easily fostering economic growth Chairman NADRA Asad Rehman Gilani said, NADRA takes immense

The National ID System will not only bolster security but also pave the way for inclusive development, financial empowerment, and improved governance It is a shining example of NADRA’s commitment to excellence and our dedication to our global partners ” Gilani said that the delivery of Somalia s National ID complimented the Government of Pakistan s Look Africa policy, where NADRA had been playing a pivotal role in providing secure identity and passport solutions under the transfer of technology to various governments in Africa including Kenya Sudan and Nigeria which held the largest ID database of over 100 million identities in Africa The Somalia National ID System is a state-of-the-art biometric identification system that will provide Somalis with a secure and universally recognized form of identification

H a f i z N a e e m g i ve s c a l l f o r s h u t d o w n i n K a r a c h i o n Tu e s d ay

KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Sunday gave call for a citywide shutdown on September 19 in protest against the inflation and inflated electricity bills

A d d r e s s i n g a p r e s s c o n f e re n c e h e r e o n S u n d a y, H a f i z N a e e m u r R e h m a n a p p e a l e d t o Karachiites for an all out protest i n t h e c i t y o n S e p t e m b e r 1 9 b y j a m m i n g a l l m a j o r a r t e r i e s i n K a r a c h i L a t e r i n t h e d a y t h e J I

leader also presided over a sit-in on Shahrah-e-Faisal

Reduce the petroleum products prices or get ready to face public wrath ” the JI leader warned the caretaker government at the press conference held at Idara Noor-eHaq the JI Karachi headquarters

Speaking to the reporters the JI Karachi chief said that youth would take to 15 designated points on Tuesday evening and jam all

designated points by turning off their vehicles

The JI leader strongly lambasted the caretaker government and dubbed it a continuation of the legacy of the previous coalition government, a press release read

He said that the caretaker government has increased the POL prices for the third time in just a single month He added that raising the POL and electricity prices at a time when the US dollar has been losing its value was quite illogical

The rulers should have realized that the people are on the brink of their tolerance He said that the country has been run by mafias and the mafias will be the first ones to escape if the country defaults

He said that silence by victims support the oppressors He further said that masses will have to come forward for their due rights

H e s a i d t h a t t h e n e w c h i e f j u s t i c e o f t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t o f P a k i s t a n h a s a s s u m e d t h e o ff i c e a n d i t w o u l d b e h i s t e s t i f h e

t a k e s h i s f i r s t n o t i c e o n t h e P o L prices and decides in the favor of m a s s e s o r n o t Hafiz Naeem further said that the party will also write a letter to the chief justice in this regard H e d e m a n d e d t h e C a r e t a k e r P r i m e M i n i s t e r t o c u r t a i l s u bsidiaries and luxuries offer to elite i n t h e p u b l i c s e c t o r H e a l s o d emanded him to use 1000 CC car if he is sincere to the masses and t h e s a m e s h o u l d b e f o l l o w e d b y judges and generals Similarly, he s a i d , f r e e p e t r o l o r e l e c t r i c i t y o r c o m p e n s a t i o n i n t h i s r e g a r d should be cut off immediately to all public sector officers and office holders He appealed the masses to come forward for a long struggle against injustice and oppression as it is the only way forward in the prevailing situation Earlier Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) decided to stage sit-ins outside four Governor Houses and in front of the power companies offices

P M K a k a r t o h i g h l i g h t s u s t a i n a b l e g o a l s a t U N G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y

Pakistan s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq will join nearly 150 world leaders in next week s UN General Assembly to deliberate about key international peace and security issues as well as Global South s concerns over growing poverty, inflation, and debt burden

With the high-level segment of the 193-member Assembly’s 78th session beginning Sept 19 hundreds of New York Police Department (NYPD) personnel on Sunday began erecting roadblocks and check points around UN Headquarters in Manhattan to turn the area into a high security zone to protect the visiting world leaders

Prime Minister Kakar is scheduled to arrive in New York tomorrow at the head of the Pakistan delegation to UNGA He will address the Assembly on Sept 22 the first Pakistani caretaker premier to do so

Caretaker Foreign Jalil Abbas Jilani will also be here

In his address the prime minister will outline Pakistan s perspective on a range of regional and general issues of concern, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute He will also elaborate on the significant measures taken by his caretaker administration to consolidate the country’s economic recovery and efforts to mobilize domestic and external investment

In addition the prime minister will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries as well as with the heads of international organizations, philanthropic organizations, and corporate leaders he also has a number of media engagements US President Joe Biden as leader of the host country will be the second speaker on Tuesday the opening day of the annual gathering of world leaders who take the pulse of the planet and tackle global challenges

PML-N Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz is likely to depart for London next week after being summoned by her father Nawaz Sharif where she is expected to stay for a week and hold a meeting with the PML-N supremo

According to PML-N sources privy to the development, Maryam would brief her father about the party plan for according a red-carpet welcome to its supreme leader upon arrival in Pakistan “Both the father-daughter duo is also likely to hold consultations over the political and constitutional matters they added The sources stated that Nawaz Sharif will finalise the plan for his homecoming and the party will finalize the plan to welcome Nawaz Sharif on return after Maryam Nawaz s return to the country

Earlier, former finance minister Ishaq Dar said that there are no hurdle in PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif ’s participation in elections Ishaq Dar said that article 62 (1) (f) which decreased the disqualification sentence to five years was passed by the parliament and also approved by the president He said that after the the approval of article 62 (1) (f) former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Istehkam-ePakistan Party (IPP) head Jahangir Tareen are now eligible to participate in elections

Ishaq Dar refrained from commenting on PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari saying that he is like my son but the PDM coalition government took decisions with consensus during the 17-month tenure

Earlier, former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif had last week announced Nawaz Sharif ’s return to Pakistan on October 21 “Nawaz Sharif will be given a splendid welcome on his arrival in Pakistan” he added He said that Nawaz Sharif was removed from power through a conspiracy and the rigging in the 2018 general elections left Pakistan behind in the region We held consultations with the senior leadership of the party and decided that Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan in October and lead the election campaign ” Shehbaz Sharif said while talking to journalists in London The PML-N president also said that his brother would come to Pakistan and face the law and there are no two opinions on it

Punjab endeavoring to benefit from China’s experience for progress: CM Naqvi

Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that the Punjab government was endeavouring to attain the target of durable progress in the province by benefitting from the experiences of China

Caretaker CM Mohsin Naqvi was speaking at a dinner hosted in his honor by the Ambassador of Pakistan in Beijing Moinul Haque in Beijing Official delegation of the Punjab government was warmly welcomed by the Ambassador on reaching the Embassy said a handout issued here on Sunday

On the occasion the CM said that Punjab is open as well as suitable for investment and investment process is being simplified through one window operation Naqvi disclosed that special concessions would be granted to the Chinese investors for making investments in Punjab On the occasion, Moinul Haque said that the arrival of a delegation under the leadership of CM Mohsin Naqvi from Punjab is welcoming Provincial ministers – SM Tanveer Amir Mir Azfar

Ali Nasir Ibrahim Hassan Murad Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Secretary Finance Mujahid Sherdil participated in the dinner

Earlier, the Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister left for China along with a high-level delegation on a fiveday official visit on Sunday

The Acting Chinese Consul General saw the chief minister off at Lahore Airport He expressed good wishes for the chief minister regarding his visit to China

It is hoped that your visit to China will be crucial for the promotion of mutual cooperation, the acting Chinese consul general said

Govt implementing zero -tolerance polic y against power theft: minister

ISLAMABAD

S TA F F R E P O R T

Caretaker Minister for Energy, Power, and Petroleum, Muhammad Ali Sunday reassured that the interim government was implementing a zero-tolerance policy against the power theft mafia in the country and would not spare any person who proved guilty of having connivance with electricity thieves

While talking to a private news channel, the minister said with strict directives IESCO had launched the crackdown against electricity thieves and their facilita-

tors in all circles, adding that we are collaborating with all related departments and law enforcement agencies on the district level to ensure that the process is carried out swiftly

The crackdown will continue against the elements involved in electricity theft with the cooperation of the relevant departments, he added Replying to a query, he replied that because of the electricity thieves and those who refuse to pay bills others have to pay higher bills adding that we need to stop these practices with the hope that electricity prices may come down

He further said that the govt focused on improving

the management of power-related departments, adding, that we are looking at their board of governors and will make changes in the management

To another question the minister said that the ministry had prepared a list of officers who were involved in the theft, adding that involved officers were being reshuffled and they would be removed from field jobs

He also stressed for bringing reforms into the power sector on a priority basis and highlighting the importance of reforms in the energy sector that reforms were crucial in the energy sector for the economic growth of the country

F B R fo r m s s i x- m e m b e r c o m m i t t e e fo r r e s t r u c t u r i n g o f C u s t o m s D e p a r t m e n t

restructuring of the Customs Department According to documents, FBR proposed a restructuring plan with the aim to revisit the departmental structure and career progression paths of the operational staff of Customs (BS 5-16) In 2013 upgradation of BS-14 posts of Customs Department to BS-16 resulted in Inspectors, Preventive Officers, Intelligence Officers, Examiners, Appraisers, Valuation Officers Sr Intelligence Officers Inspectors (Preventive Service) and Deputy Superintendents in BS-I6

e at par with the Superintendents Customs/Superintendent

Although on one hand it temporarily addressed the long standing issue of career progression of the afore-mentioned officials however on the other hand grant of BS-16 to all of them created serious administrative issues pertaining to supervision compliance and career progression Keeping the aforesaid objectives in view Mgt/HR Customs in consultation with Member (Customs-Operations), FBR proposed a restructuring plan with the aim to revisit the departmental structure and career progression paths of the operational staff of Customs (BS5-16)

The Member (Customs-Operations)

FBR has desired that the said plan be placed before a Vetting Committee for thorough scrutiny and recommendations/findings

The Committee shall consist of Pakistan Customs grade 20 and 21 Officers consisting of Wajid Ali Mirza Mubassir Baig Muham-

mad Junaid Jalil Khan Muhammad Saleem Tahir Quershi and SanaUllah who would share their findings with the Customs Within fifteen (15) days:-

The recruitment to the posts of BS-11 & BS-I4 shall be conduct by the Department

However the process to be adopted for recruitment shall be worked out by the Vetting Committee i e eligibility criteria/ qualifications requisite for working in the department Nomenclature shall be looked into and the grievances of the dying cadre (if any) shall also be kept in mind by the Vetting Committee before submission of the final recommendations

The Committee may also suggest any other possible career path/scheme irrespective of the proposed restructuring scheme for the Customs Operational Cadres

Apart from the Committee Members

named above the Committee is also allowed to co-opt any other Member that they feel might be helpful in completion of the said

task The Committee is required to consult stakeholders at all levels to firm up its opinion before submission of the report