Epaper_23-09-20 KHI

P M C A L LS F O R A D E Q U AT E F I N A N C I N G , A C T I O N S I N K E Y A R E A S T

g WELCOMES XI'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF SETTING UP ANOTHER FUND OF $10 BILLION FOR GDI

CA R E TA K E R Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday, expressing Pakistan’s support for the Global Development Initiative (GDI) highlighted the need for adequate financing and called for action in key areas to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

The prime minister, addressing the High Level Meeting on Global Development Initiative (GDI) Cooperation Outcomes urged for action in five key areas including food production infrastructure investment industrialisation resilient healthcare systems and the bridging digital divide

He highlighted the necessity of adequate and appropriate finance at all levels of the development process and welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping s announcement of setting up another fund of $10 billion dedicated to the implementation of the GDI

The prime minister highlighted that progress towards achieving the SDGs had suffered a serious setback due to the poly crises of COVID-19 conflict and climate change

He expressed Pakistan s support for the GDI and commended the milestones achieved in its implementation, the most recent being the successful launch of the Inter-Agency Task Force on GDI

Prime Minister Kakar stressed that China s Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor were vital vehicles for achieving the SDGs

He stated that Pakistan looked forward to enhancing its cooperation with China and other members of the Group of Friends of GDI to realize their collective aspiration for the implementation of SDGs

The event also featured the opening remarks by Vice President of China Han Zheng, President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis, and other high-level dignitaries as well as a video briefing

Gov t appeals SC’s review act verdict

and presentation on GDI cooperation

PM Kakar arrives in New York to lead Pakistan s delegation at UNGA

Caretaker Prime Minister flew into New York on Monday afternoon to lead Pakistan’s delegation at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which opens tomorrow with nearly 150 world leaders set to attend the annual event

He was received at John F Kennedy International Airport by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Munir Akram Pakistan s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Aamir Khan, Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, and other officials

The prime minister is set to address the General Assembly on Sept 22 the first Pakistani caretaker premier to do so

Massive security measures are in place in and around the UN complex for the Assembly s high-level debate from Sept 19 to 26

In his address, PM Kakar is expected to project Pakistan’s perspective on a range of regional and general issues of

The federal government has filed an appeal against the apex court’s judgment on the Supreme Court (Review of Judgment and Orders) Act 2023 requesting it to reconsider its decision In its appeal the government has asserted that Article 142 of the Constitution empowers the parliament to enact such legislation, and the judicial decision interferes with the legislative powers The Supreme Court on August 11 struck down as unconstitutional the piece of legislation that sought to widen the scope of review jurisdiction in cases decided under Article 184(3) The Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023 is ultra vires the Constitution being beyond the legislative competence of parliament,” declared a three-member bench led by former chief justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar

The petitions [filed against the act] are maintainable for the purposes of Article 184(3) of the Constitution The Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Act, 2023, is repugnant to and ultra vires the Constitution being beyond the legislative competence of parliament

It is accordingly struck down as null and void and of no legal effect ” said a 51-page verdict authored by Justice Ahsan Earlier on June 18 the bench had reserved the judgment on the petitions challenging the law

Interestingly, the judgment was announced a day after the dissolution of the National Assembly Senior lawyers had raised serious questions over the timing of the verdict

The appeal said the judgment has questioned the competence of the parliament to legislate such laws

With utmost respect it seems the court while rendering the judgment under review remained under the incorrect view that the Review Act 2023 has been passed in exercise of powers under Article 142 read with entry 55 of the Federal legislative List

“In fact the Review Act, 2023 has been passed in exercise of powers conferred on the parliament under Article 188 read with entry 58 of the fourth schedule of the Constitution it said

Petrol shor tage feared as oil transpor ters go on strike

the heads of international organizations philanthropic organizations and corporate leaders He also has a number of media engagements Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani arrived on Sunday PM Kakar will apparently be the first interim prime minister to represent Pakistan at the UN General Assembly A t a n e w s b r i e f i n g i n N e w Yo r k last week, Ambassador Munir Akram s a i d t h a t P M K a k a r w i l l a l s o p a r t i c ip a t e i n a s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t goals (SDG) summit during his visit to the UN headquarters

The United Nations will convene the SDG summit in New York on Sept 18-19, on the sidelines of the Assembly session

“The prime minister will be speaking about the mobilization of financing for SDGs Ambassador Akram said

Oil transporters have gone on strike suspending the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country due to an increase in supply through the while line pipeline, which transports petroleum products from Karachi to other parts of the country

The Oil Tankers Contractors Association (OTCA) claimed that their strike has caused the suspension of petroleum products supply by up to 90% A leader of the association, Salman Tareen, said that the supply of petrol via the white line pipeline on a high level after the supply of diesel through this means has deeply affected the oil transporter ’s business “The white line pipeline which has been supplying petrol since 2021 is going to destroy our business; therefore we appeal to the government to give us a share in operating the vehicles it has made under the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) contract, Tareen said OTCA also demanded a hike in the fares for the supply routes and abstained from increasing the supply of petroleum products via the white line pipeline from Karachi to Mahmoodkot for five years

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 prime minister will also make a keynote at another summit on financing for development where he will talk about how to mobilize private sector finance for development,” the Pakistani envoy added Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chosen not to attend this year s session Instead his Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will address the Assembly on Sept 26

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar is expected to pay official visit to China next month The premier will attend 10-year celebrations of CPEC and hold meetings with Chinese leadership Matters pertaining to mutual interests would come under discussion in the meeting Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is currently in New York to lead Pakistan s delegation at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which opens today with nearly 150 world leaders set to attend the annual event He was received at John F Kennedy International Airport by Pakistan s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, Pakistan s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Aamir Khan Consul General in New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai and other officials S TA F F

Interim ECC reviews bailout for Pakistan Steel Mill, availability of staple foods and power sector benchmark rates

g PAKISTAN STEEL MILL HA S CUMULATIVELY INCURRED LOSSES OF RS 206 BILLION UP UNTIL END OF FY23

The session of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet was held on Tuesday in Islamabad In the topics under discussion in the meeting, it was disclosed that the accumulated losses of Pakistan Steel Mill (PSM) stood at Rs 206 billion till June 30, 2022

The Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance Revenue & Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar chaired the meeting of the ECC of the Cabinet

In the session, the Ministry of Industries and Production presented the summary with regard to the approval of the payment of projected net salary of the PSM employees for the Financial Year 2023-24 PSM is a wholly owned entity of the government of Pakistan It started incurring losses from the year 2008-09 and its accumulated losses climbed to Rs 206 billion till June 30 2022 The government of Pakistan has been providing funds for the net salaries of PSM’s employees since 2013 while the production operations of PSM have been suspended since June 2015 therefore the entity does not have adequate financial resources to pay the salaries of its employees

In the wake of privatization process of PSM the government decided to retrench the PSM s employees and so far 5679 employees have been retrenched and approximately 3100 employees are working Due to the retrenchment of the employees the salaries of the employees have been reduced from Rs 360 million per month to around Rs 104 million per month at present However the PSM is not even self-sufficient enough to pay that amount

The industry and production ministry has asked ECC to approve the payment of projected net

Another power tariff hike

salary of Rs 1 24 billion for the Financial Year 2023-24 to be disbursed according to the salary demand of PSM for every month from the already approved budgetary allocation of Rs 10 billion

After detailed discussion and deliberation, the ECC authorized the Finance Division to approve the payment of projected net salary for the first 6 months of the Financial Year 2023-24 to be disbursed according to the salary demand of PSM for every month from the already approved budgetary allocation of Rs 10 billion

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives also gave a briefing about the trends of Major economic Indicators and trends in the Prices of important food items The ECC directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to prepare and submit regular reports on availability of stocks, consumption, and pricing of all staple items specially Wheat and Sugar to the ECC in order to enable it to monitor the availability and pricing of these important commodities

The ECC also directed the Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives to control undue profiteering and to maintain the gap between wholesale & retail prices of essential food items through its respective Chief Secretaries

Similarly, The Ministry of Energy presented the summary regarding “Transition of London InterBank Offer Rate (LIBOR) to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Sources said that Several IPPs together with their lenders approached Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) for transition from LIBOR to SOFR as UK s financial conduct authority announced that US $ LIBOR will cease to be applied as benchmark for financial transactions after December 31 2021 and will no longer be available for quoting after June 30 2023

The oil transporters have demanded a 100% increase in fares for local routes and a 50% increase for long routes, as well as a quota from the white oil pipeline Meanwhile, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has warned the government that the supply and distribution of petroleum products could be limited due to the strike of oil transporters and called for the resolution of the issue

We bring to your notice that the ongoing strike by oil transporters, which has resulted in a significant disruption in operations and distribution of petroleum products across the country ” the OCAC stated in a letter to Director General Oil Petroleum Division It said that the strike has severely affected the loading of tank lorries at key terminals and depots in Karachi where most of the country s oil imports are handled The loading of tank lorries has been severely affected due to the ongoing strike by the oil transporters and their unions at Port Qasim Korangi & Keamari Terminal and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has reported issues at these depots Jaglot and Sihala Depot which is further exacerbating the supply chain disruptions in the northern area of Pakistan

The OCAC sought the immediate intervention of the government to ensure the uninterrupted loading of tank lorries at the depots to maintain a consistent and reliable supply of petroleum products to all regions and avoid any adverse consequences of shortages in the country

Saudi crown prince likely to visit Pakistan in October

ISLAMABAD

The much-anticipated visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman is likely to take place in the first week of October, official sources familiar with the development said on Tuesday Pakistan has been pushing for a visit from Saudi de facto ruler for months The Saudi crown prince visited India recently to attend a G20 summit and later for a state visit There were reports that the Saudi leader might make a brief stopover in Islamabad but later the plan was shelved Sources said the foreign office suggested that instead of Saudi crown prince making a stopover for a few hours it was better he would be invited for a state visit on separate dates

Insiders revealed that both sides were in contact with each other to finalise the dates for the visit It is expected that the Saudi ruler may visit in the first week of October Because of the likely visit of the Saudi crown prince, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar postponed his trip to Saudi Arabia He was earlier to travel to the Kingdom before leaving for the UN General Assembly session in New York Pakistan has high hopes of the impending visit of Saudi crown prince against the backdrop of economic crunch Authorities are confident that the visit of Prince Mohammad would pave the way for muchneeded investment the country has been seeking as part of efforts to address the economic challenges

A Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was set up recently as part of efforts by the military leadership to attract investment from the Gulf countries

Saudi Arabia has been identified as the major country to chip in with billions of dollars investment

Sources said during the visit of MBS, both sides are expected to announce major investment projects One project includes the setting up of an oil refinery in Gwadar The multibillion dollar project was first announced during the visit of MBS in February 2019

However, no further progress was made due to various reasons including tensions between the PTI government and Saudi Arabia

per unit on the cards

of Rs1.82

M Ka ka r ex p e c t e d t o v i s i t

h i n a n ex t m o n t h

g SAYS CHINA’S BRI AND CPEC ARE VITAL VEHICLES FOR ACHIEVING SDGS

P I A R E Q U E S T S T O P U T A N E M B A R G O O N D E B T R E PAY M E N T

billion It also owes $370 million or Rs113 billion to two consortiums the National Bank of Pakistan-Habib Bank Limited consortium and the Standard Chartered Bank consortium

month in addition to Rs7 5 billion for servicing its domestic debt

PR OFIT M o N i to R i N g D e s k

PAKISTAN International Airlines (PIA) has requested the government to put an embargo on domestic debt repayments as it faces an annual deficit of Rs153 billion This request comes as the government is trying to find a solution for the airline’s financial sustainability without resorting to additional bailout packages

A s p e r r e p o r t s P I A m a n a g e m e n t a n d t h e M i n i s t r y o f F i n a n c e h a v e h a d e x t e n s i v e d i s c u s s i o n s f o r t h e r e s t r u c t u r i n g o f R s 2 6 0 b i l l i o n d o m e s t i c d e b t , w h i c h t h e a i r l i n e o w e s t o n i n e c o m m e r c i a l b a n k s Financial challenges loom large with PIA requiring Rs13 billion per month to meet debt obligations and cover operational costs Official figures indicate monthly sales of just over Rs22 billion, paling in comparison to expenditures

Financial constraints hinder funding for BRT in KP

nearly reaching Rs35 billion resulting in a monthly deficit of approximately Rs13 billion, with a significant portion allocated to debt servicing

While the government is committed to PIA’s privatization the airline’s management seeks a transitional period of six to eight months to implement comprehensive administrative and corporate restructuring

PIA s debt extends to nine domestic commercial banks, with a total of Rs260

Among these banks, the Bank of Punjab holds the largest exposure at over Rs56 billion followed by Askari Bank Limited at Rs43 billion JS Bank at Rs34 billion NBP at Rs33 billion Faysal Bank at Rs32 billion, Habib Bank Limited at Rs29 billion, and Bank Islami at Rs22 billion, according to insider sources Albaraka Bank has extended a loan of Rs9 billion and Soneri Bank’s exposure to PIA stands at Rs5 billion To service its external debt of Rs109 billion, PIA requires Rs3 1 billion per

The resolution of this financial challenge appears to rely primarily on a cash injection from the Ministry of Finance or potential measures such as withholding tax payments to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and various fees and charges to the Civil Aviation Authority

But the finance ministry has expressed reluctance to provide further bailouts and commercial banks have also reservations about debt restructuring

However PIA’s management argues that the airline’s financial viability hinges on debt restructuring advocating for a moratorium covering both principal and interest payments

Number of registered voters in Pak istan rises by 21m in four years: ECP

ISLAMABAD s ta f f R e p o R t

The number of registered voters in Pakistan has increased by 21 million over a period of four years, according to data released by the Election Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday

The data shows the total number of registered voters in the country in 2018 was nearly 106m, and the count rose to around 127m as of July 25 this year

Total voter count as of July 25, 2023

ECP data provided by author

According to the latest figures the number of female voters has increased from 46 7m in 2018 to 58 5m comprising around 46pc of the total registered voters Male voters, on the other hand, comprise 54pc or 68 5m of the total voters Gender-wise breakdown of voter

Killing of Jan Mahar: Police arrest three facilitators in Kacha operation

the suspects of the slain journalist murder He stated that the exit and entry of Kacha area have been sealed and the police is using drone cameras to spot the suspects Earlier the Sindh Home Department handed over the responsibility of probe into senior journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar s murder case to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Sukkur

The Sindh Home Department issued a notification to withdraw the responsibility of probe into the journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar s murder case from the Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) City and handed it over to the CTD s DSP Abdul Quddus The department ordered the authorities to expedite the investigation for the arrest of the culprits and provide foolproof security to the slain journalist’s family The police department has so far failed to arrest the murderers of journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar The police have so far arrested three facilitators booked in the murder case and got their physical remand for six days from court The accused involved in journalist Mahar ’s killing, have got refuge in the Katcha area ” police sources said The forest area of Alif Kutcho has been the hideout of bandits and a no-go area for police sources said

count as of July 25, 2023 ECP data provided by author

Meanwhile an age-wise analysis of the data shows that youth aged between 18-35 at around 57 1m making up 45pc of those who are eligible to vote The same percentage for the 2018 elections was 43 8pc The elderly aged 56 and above who have witnessed the country’s politics for a considerable time amount to almost 24m or 18 9pc of the total voter count

Age-wise breakdown of voter count as of July 25, 2023 ECP data provided by author

A district-wise breakdown of the data shows that Punjab residents make up the largest chunk of eligible voters 72 3m or 56 9pc of all voters Sindh ranks second contributing 26 6m voters that comprise 21pc of the total Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which now also includes the erstwhile Federally

Administered Tribal Areas is not far behind with almost 21 7m potential voters who amount to almost 17 1pc of the voter count Balochistan residents make up 4 2pc of all voters at 5 3m while

China attaches great impor tance to development of Gwadar region: Jinsong

Director-General Asian Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Liu Jinsong has said that China attaches great importance to the wellbeing and economic development of Balochistan and Gwadar region in Pakistan

He said that China continues investment to demonstrating that China s friendly policy towards Pakistan is oriented towards all ethnic groups in Pakistan He expressed these views while meeting with delegation from Pakistan s Gwadar region, headed by Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir, Vice Chancellor of University of Gwadar

Liu welcomed the delegation and pointed out “The CPEC projects have benefited all regions tribes and social strata of the country and that the China-Pakistan Friendship and Cooperation have a very strong inclusiveness and universally beneficial nature

The construction of the CPEC benefits every region in Pakistan, and there will be no exceptions All projects undertaken by China in various parts of Pakistan including Gwadar Port are based on the principles of extensive consultation joint construction and shared benefits respecting Pakistan s sovereignty and the wishes of the local people, and ultimately benefiting the grassroots population, added China will continue, he said, to enhance communication and cooperation with the Balochistan government public institutions think tanks universities media and grassroots communities promoting comprehensive cooperation in connectivity trade and investment people s livelihood and education, to make more local people feel the benefits and happiness brought by the high-quality development of the CPEC

He said that China requests Chinese nationals in Pakistan to abide by local laws respect local customs traditions religions and cultures uphold justice while pursuing shared interests create more job opportunities locally, and engage in more grassroots and charitable activities

He emphasized that over the past decade since the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with the joint efforts of both China and Pakistan significant infrastructure projects in Gwadar including ports, airports, roads, bridges, hospitals, and desalination plant have been completed and put into operation, bringing tangible benefits to the local people

Liu pointed out that China-Pakistan cooperation needs to balance security and development with security being a prerequisite and guarantee for development

Counter-terrorism efforts must address both the symptoms and root causes and genuine long-term stability can only be achieved by reducing poverty and unemployment, and by eliminating external interference and disruption

Liu expressed the hope that the Pakistani side would attach greater importance to the security of CPEC projects build consensus and resources for development China is willing to work with Pakistan to eradicate the breeding grounds for terrorism

Liu stated that there is a famous saying on the Pakistan Monument at the top of Shakarparian Park:

“The destiny of a nation is in the hands of every individual and every individual is a guiding star for their nation The key to Pakistan s development lies in selfconfidence self-improvement and self-reliance Concepts such as To get rich, first build ports and roads, Establish pilot projects and special economic zones,” “No stability without agriculture, no prosperity without industry no vitality without commerce and no upgrading without finance” are all mature experiences from China s reform and opening up that Pakistan can refer to and learn from China sincerely hopes that Pakistan will maintain political stability and policy continuity and adhere to a development path that suits its national conditions Dr Sabir and the delegation highly praised China’s development achievements and the China-Pakistan relationship Seeing is believing They admired President Xi Jinping s wise leadership and the proposed neighbourhood diplomacy concept of amity sincerity mutual benefit and inclusiveness

Islamabad has slightly more than a million voters a mere fraction of the total District-wise breakdown of voter count as of July 25 2023 ECP data provided by author

The release of statistical data comes a day after it emerged that the preliminary delimitation of constituencies for the polls is expected to be completed by September 26 with the ECP expressing satisfaction over its pace

On September 1 the ECP had announced squeezing timelines of the delimitation exercise by 14 days to complete the process on November 30, instead of the scheduled December 14

Sources in the ECP which had earlier been hinting at the possibility of general polls somewhere in the middle of February after the development said it could pave the way for elections in the last week of January

Breaches in Mir wah Canal damage standing crops over 25,000 acres of land

BADIN s ta f f R e p o R t

Breach in Mirwah Canal at five different points near Seerani Town roundabout on Tuesday damaged standing crops over 25,000 acres of land According to officials and farmers, Badin district received heavy to moderate sporadic rain on Tuesday which led to overflow of canals in the district Due to the increase inflow of water breaches occurred in Mirwah Canal at five different points near Seerani Town which damaged standing crops over more than 25 000 acres of land including paddy, tomatoes and cotton The Irrigation officials, a 20-wide feet breach occurred in Mirwah Canal near village Soomar Mandhro, 30-wide feet breach occurred at village Kareem Bux Chang, a 25wide feet breach occurred in village Sehlo Mandhro while a 40-wide-feet breach in Mirwah Canal occurred in village Khan Mandhro Maleho Local people on selfhelp basis started efforts to plug the breaches but due to overflow of water, all such efforts remained futile On the other hand, despite repeated appeals by the villagers, the Irrigation Department and other departments concerned did not pay any heed to plug the breaches till filing of this report The villagers expressed the fear that more breaches in the canal could occurred if water flow was not reduce which will bring more devastation in the area It is pertinent to mention that standing crops over thousands acres in several villages including Kareem Bux Chang, Rajo Chang, Majno Khaskheli, Ishaque Khaskheli, Karim Dino Junejo, Khan Mandhro and others can be damaged if concrete steps were not taken by the departments concerned

Hundreds lose jobs as large-scale industry continues to contract

TRADE talks between India and Canada have taken a hit as tension rises after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said authorities were investigating credible allegations linking New Delhi s agents to the murder of Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar

On Tuesday New Delhi dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and asked Canada instead to crack down on anti-India elements operating in its territory

Here is what is at stake for both

countries:

HOW ARE TRADE TALKS

AFFECTED?

Canada said this month it had paused talks on the proposed treaty with India just three months after both said they aimed to seal an initial pact this year Industry estimates show the

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and India could boost two-way trade by as much as $6 5 billion, yielding a GDP gain of $3 8 billion to $5 9 billion for Canada by 2035

WHAT ARE THEY KEY ITEMS OF TRADE?

Steady growth has seen goods trade rising to $8 billion in 2022 with Indian exports to Canada touching $4 billion and imports from Canada also worth $4 billion India s growing demand for imported lentils has benefited Canadian farmers, while Indian pharmaceutical and software companies have expanded their presence in the Canadian market

Major imports from Canada include energy products such as coal coke and briquettes, besides fertilizers, while India exports consumer goods, garments, engineering products such as auto parts, aircraft equipment and electronic items

WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT POSITION?

Canada is India s 17th largest foreign investor pouring in more than $3 6 billion since 2000 while Canadian portfolio investors have invested billions of dollars in Indian stock and debt markets

The Canadian pension fund, CPP, has increased its investment in Indian markets to about $15 billion in areas such as real estate renewables and the financial sector by the end of last fiscal year in March 2023

HOW HAVE CORPORATES BENEFITED?

More than 600 Canadian companies, including Bombardier and SNC Lavalin, have a strong presence in India while more than 30 Indian companies such as infotech majors TCS Infosys Wipro have invested billion of dollars in Canada creating thousands of jobs

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF INDIAN STUDENTS IN CANADA?

Since 2018 India has been the largest source

Sacrifice of Ammar Ibad Farooq won’t go to waste: Raoof

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan made it clear that the sacrifice of 9-year old Ammar Farooq, son of PTI’s ticketholder Mian Ibad Farooq will neither be forgotten nor will it go to waste as it will come back to haunt the perpetrators and accelerate the journey to winning real freedom for Pakistan

The PTI Central Information Secretary expressed his heartfelt grief over the tragic death of little soul who was died as he was denied treatment in a hospital

His crime was that he is the son of Mian Ibad Farooq, he added Raoof Hasan stated that Abad Farooq s crime was that he was a PTI ticket holder and a devoted follower of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and that was crime enough for him to be incarcerated for 135 days

PTI CIS said that Ammar was traumatised because of frequent midnight assaults on his home as he

desperately waited for his father to come back who was denied bail Ammar is gone as the judiciary faltered in its responsibility to ensure the basic rights of citizens and the media kept mum on ceaseless and brutal state assault on anyone who has anything to do with PTI ” he remarked However Raoof Hasan made it clear that Ammar s sacrifice will neither be forgotten, nor will it go to waste, as it will come back to haunt the perpetrators and

Police arrests two for assaulting maid, her minor daughter

RAWALPINDI

S ta f f R e p o R t

Police have arrested two men on charges of assaulting a poor housemaid and her 12 year old daughter sexually in Dhoke Badhal, informed police spokesman on Tuesday The detained rapists have been identified as Ishtiaq Ahmed and Saqlain alias Kenu against whom a case has also been registered he said He added police have produced the rapists before a court of law and obtained their physical remand for further investigation According to him, Muhammad Irshad, a resident of Pirwadhai, lodged complaint with Police Station (PS) Rawat stating his wife (RB) along with a daughter and two sons got job of maid in house of Ishtiaq Ahmed some 15 days ago He added the landlord raped his wife several times while Saqlain alias Kenu had also assaulted his 12 year old daughter forcefully The applicant appealed police to register case against accused and to arrest them Police filed a case and apprehended the two suspected rapists the spokesman said Meanwhile City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani has appreciated the efforts of Station House Officer (SHO) PS Rawat Inspector Syed Hamid Abbas Kazmi and his team for netting the accused involved in raping a woman and her daughter

Jamal Shah announces launching dedicated heritage channel

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

Jugnu

conference titled Hum

accelerate the journey to winning real freedom for Pakistan

May God s blessings be showered on the little angel who may not be physically present among us, but he will forever be in our thoughts,” he prayed FUNERAL IN ABSENTIA FOR AMMAR Pakistan Tehrrek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan expressed heartfelt condolences over the most tragic death of PTIs ticket-holder

Mian Ibad Farooq’s minor son Ammar Abad Farooq and announced that the PTI would perform funeral in absentia for the little soul across the country

The PTI Secretary General issued specially instructions to all party s organizational officials and departments in this regard

The PTI workers and leaders will perform the funeral prayer in absentia for the little Omar Farooq across the country May Allah grant Ammar s soul the highest place in Jannatul Firdos and grant the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss, he prayed Ammar s death is due to the vicious reign of terror on PTI members ” Omar remarked adding that he was affected by his father s absence and the reign of terror unleashed on the family by the fascist illegal Punjab CM and his lackeys in the Punjab Police “Allah Almighty will hold them to account one day inshallah and they will have to pay the price for their misdeeds just as the Nazi s paid for unleashing a reign of terror in Germany he added

15 Hunza students receive Chinese Ambassadorial Scholarship

s capacity payment has increased by 60 per cent while foreign-funded coal plants’ payment has gone up by 145 per cent According to him the amount of capacity payment of foreign-funded projects was Rs3 218/kW/M when the

GWADAR S ta f f R e p o R t

K-Electric (foreign-funded 21,374 MW, local funded 14,903 MW) The capacity payment of

MW of Wapda is Rs147 billion;

As China continues to bolster its support for education in the northern regions of Pakistan fifteen students from the Karakoram International University (KIU) Hunza campus have been granted financial assistance through the China-Pakistan Friendship泡 mbassadorial Merit-cum-Need Scholarship program The students were presented with scholarship checks during a ceremony held at the KIU Hunza campus on Tuesday The event featured Dr Safdar Ali Shah Director General of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Cell at the Higher Education Commission (HEC), as the chief guest He distributed the checks among the students Spend the money on your education to fulfill the purpose of the scholarship,鋳 advised Safdar Ali Shah to the deserving students who qualified for the scholarship He also expressed gratitude to the Embassy of China for their generous contribution towards education in the northern region Under the scholarship program of the Chinese Ambassadorial Program, every year 140 scholarships are disbursed to the needy and talented students of KIU main campus and its sub-campuses To address the issue of gender balance a minimum of 50% of the beneficiaries are females On August 30 2023 the Embassy of the People痴 Republic of China in Islamabad awarded a grant of Rs 7 million to foster educational excellence at KIU in Gilgit-Baltistan On June 20, 2023, at least 130 KIU students received financial assistance under the ‘China-Pakistan Friendship Ambassadorial Merit-cum-Need Scholarship’ program The program promotes gender balance with a minimum of half of the scholarship being awarded to female students in both KIU main and sub-campuses

Interim ECC reviews bailout for Pakistan Steel Mill, availabilit y of staple foods and power sector benchmark rates

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classrooms and a total of 30 rooms, including a computer lab and the library Once the school is upgraded the underprivileged girls can continue their education at least till high school level At present the China-funded middle school in Gwadar is providing free education to 560 young girls and boys in Gwadar he added Established in August 2016, this school stands as a shining example of the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan

The Federal Reserve s Alternative committee has selected the SOFR which is a robust benchmark and risk free rate to replace LIBOR for both legacy and new contracts to be entered in future Sources have revealed that the Power division has proposed to the ECC that project lenders of IPPS/ ITC should be allowed to adopt SOFR as a replacement to US LIBOR Meanwhile, NEPRA may finalize all the modalities related to the amendments in the tariff determination/indexation mechanism with regard to SOFR at the earliest Whenever concluded the same shall be effective from July 1 2023 PPIB AEBD CPPA-G and NTDC may also be authorized to execute appropriate amendments to the respective agreements to cater for change from UAD LIBOR to SOFR According to the finance division, the ECC, after discussion, directed the Ministry of Energy to prepare a detailed analysis of the financial implications of this decision and bring it to the next ECC meeting for discussion and approval

China-ASEAN Expo provides valuable platform to Pak istan for trade cooperation

o R t

The Acting Consul General along with Trade and Investment Counsellor, attended the opening ceremony of the 20th China

ASEAN Expo and visited Pakistan痴 pavilion and stalls of Pakistani companies participating in the event according to Gwadar Pro Sardar said that the Expo is an annual event that facilitates economic and trade cooperation among the participating countries

The event attracts a wide range of participants including businesses government officials and industry experts from various sectors

He further said that Pakistan has been

allocated a sizable area at the Fair where 23 Pakistani companies are participating with their impressive display of Pakistani products including jewelry, precious gemstones, handicrafts, leather products, and carpets, to name a few The Acting Consul General visited stalls of Pakistani companies and interacted with their representatives They were appreciated for their participation in the Expo and for setting up impressive booths They were encouraged to proactively

engage with visitors and buyers with the aim of establishing long-term cooperation

They were assured full support of the Consulate General in marketing their products

The participating companies expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements and flow of keen visitors on the opening day of the exhibition and were energized to reach out to existing customers connect with new buyers and learn more about the latest trends in their respective fields from the platform of the expo

Will the Indo - Canadian spat be papered over, or will India be stopped from expor ting mayhem?

INDIA and Canada have expelled a diplomat apiece as the latter accused the former of being behind the assassination of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Najjar in British Columbia in June This is no ordinary spat for one country is accusing the other of having killed one of its own citizens on its own soil It doesn t get much worse than this What would be worse would be if Canada was to allow India to get away with this It says it has informed its allies but past precedents such as North Korean or Russian assassinations, do indicate that the countries of the world will try to carry on as usual

It would be unfortunate if fears of losing access to a huge (albeit impoverished) market and one of the world s fast-growing economies lead the world community to do what it has been doing so far to examples of Indian bad behaviour which is to pretend that nothing has happened The Canadian murder is not the first incident where India has tried to take its domestic agenda abroad: there was the 2022 Hindu-Muslim rioting in Leicester UK fomented by the Indian government In Canada the Sikhs are important enough politically for one, Jagmeet Singh Jimmy Dhaliwal, to head its third party, the Free Democrats Overall, the immigrant vote goes to the ruling Liberals so for it to take such action is not just racist xenophobia The problem seems not to be Indians taking domestic issues with them (the Hindu-Muslim thing, as in Leicester; the Khalistan Movement as in Nijjar ’s murder) but the BJP government taking part or even initiating the violence, as in this case

One major reason Canada needs to come down hard on this is that it does not want to give the impression that there is a free-for-all there that foreign spies can just come in and do what they want Countries with large Indian diasporas need to think carefully about how much they court the BJP The diasporas contain a lot of BJP supporters Does that mean a free hand for any sort of behaviour The USA and the Gulf countries in particular need to be careful Pakistan needs to point out much more vigorously than it has done so far, how a country which never tires of accusing it of terrorism, is itself guilty of that crime

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed

How the USA Failed Oslo

you so I’m going to leave you to work this out ” That was the fatal blow that ultimately spelled the death of Oslo

Many problems were at the core of this failure First and foremost was the obvious asymmetry o f p o w e r b e t w e e n t h e I s r a e l i s a n d P a l e s t i n i a n s O n c e t h e P L O h a d b e e n d e f e a t e d a s a n e x t e r n a l force and the first Intifada had been crushed the P a l e s t i n i a n s i n t h e o c c u p i e d l a n d s w e r e l e f t e xh a u s t e d a n d w i t h o u t l e v e r a g e T h e “ A u t h o r i t y ” that the PLO was to establish had no real authority or power and it was, at every turn, dependent on Israel for its ability to survive

THE breakthrough of the Oslo Accords wasn t to be found in its details Rather it was in the opening sentences, in which the Israeli government and the Palestine Liberation Organization recognized one another s legitimacy as representatives of two separate peoples and as negotiating partners

As I later remarked to then President Bill Clinton, the rest of the Accords did more to lay bare where the parties disagreed, than provide any real roadmap forward Reading the text made clear the key issues that defined the deep chasm separating Israelis and Palestinians and their admitted inability to resolve the differences dividing them It was as if they were saying: “This is as far as we could go More than an agreement, it was a cry for help

The Israelis on the other hand had full military control over a captive population The Rabin government was a fragile coalition, facing a hard-right opposition that continued to challenge Rabin’s legitimacy because maintaining his coalition s majority required the support of parties representing Israel’s Palestinian citizens In practice Rabin never stopped deferring to the opposition on anti-Palestinian measures and on settlement expansion And so, as Israel continued to impose its will on the occupied lands all the Palestinians could do was appeal to an unresponsive USA

T h e a s y m m e t r y b e t w e e n

I s r a e l i s a n d P a l e s t i n i a n s

b e c a m e a m p l i f i e d I s r a e l h a d p o w e r w h i l e

P a l e s t i n i a n s h a d n o n e

I s r a e l r e c e i v e d s u p p o r t , w h i l e P a l e s t i n i a n s r e c e i v e d

Still, it was the problems posed by the USA that proved decisive and not in a good way The peace team of advisors that Clinton left in charge of the peace process acted as one of this team later noted, more like “Israel’s lawyers than honest brokers They advised the President to leave the parties to their own devices and continued at each step along the way, to see the unfolding tragedy through an Israeli lens, insensitive to Palestinian perceptions and needs

p r e s s u r e O s l o w a s d y i n g a s l o w d e a t h

Within days of the signing it became evident that the USA either didn t hear or didn t want to hear that cry Listening to his “peace team” of advisors, the President said that the USA wasn’t going to insert itself into the process by acting as a mediator Abandoning its role as a guarantor of the Accords, the USA made clear that it was now up to the parties to negotiate solutions between themselves It was as if a couple who had been fighting for decades came to a marriage counselor asking for help only to be told I m glad you know you need help I can t do this for

Not all that much has changed

THE Abraham Accords are a series of historic agreements signed in 2020 between Israel and several Arab nations, marking a significant shift in Middle East diplomacy and relations The accords are named after Abraham who is considered a common ancestor in Judaism Islam and Christianity symbolizing the desire for peaceful coexistence among the signatory nations

The primary objective of the Abraham Accords is to establish diplomatic relations and normalize ties between Israel and the Arab countries involved This includes the exchange of ambassadors the opening of embassies and the establishment of trade and economic relations The agreements also emphasize economic cooperation including trade investment and technological collaboration These initiatives are aimed at promoting economic development and prosperity in the r e g i o n T h e a c c o r d s e n c o u r a g e c o o p e r a t i o n on security and defense matters with a focus o n c o u n t e r i n g c o m m o n t h r e a t s s u c h a s t e rr o r i s m a n d I r a n s r e g i o n a l i n f l u e n c e T h e agreements promote cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections , fos tering understanding and tolerance between the signat o r y n a t i o n s The Abraham Accords were a significant departure from the previous diplomatic stance of many Arab nations which had historically refrained from recognizing Israel s right to exist or engaging in formal relations with the country The normalization of relations was facilitated by a combination of factors, including shared concerns about Iran's influence in the region the desire for economic opportunities and the mediation efforts of the United States led by the Trump administration

The Abraham Accords were officially signed in September 2020, and most of the countries involved had had quiet ties with Israel for years prior Part of this change was the result of Israel's changing perception of the external threat: for much of the 20th century it feared Arab states but this then shifted to concern about Iran and the groups it supported especially Hezbollah Among Arab states the underlying threat perception has also shifted, from Israel to Iran The agreements can be expected to lead to a lasting realignment of the region with a strengthened and US-backed axis against

Iran and its allies In contrast, as Gulf countries have normalized (or are in talks to normalize) relations with Israel, they have monitored relations with Iran and its Syrian ally Bashar alAssad to weaken and normalize them This normalization has also extended to Saudi Arabia s former arch-enemy Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan T h e a g r e e m e n t s w e r e a h a l l m a r k o f t h e Tr u m p A d m i n i s t r a t i o n s f o r e i g n p o l i c y, a n d now the Biden Administration is scrambling t o n e g o t i a t e s i m i l a r a g r e e m e n t s b e t w e e n Saudi Arabia and Israel While such US-brokered measures increase American influence a n d l e v e r a g e i n t h e M i d d l e E a s t , t h e y h a v e not led to dramatic changes During this per i o d , S a u d i A r a b i a a s k e d C h i n a f o r a m a j o r n o r m a l i z a t i o n a g r e e m e n t w i t h I r a n , C h i n a ' s relations in the Middle East continued to develop US partners in the region did not supp o r t Wa s h i n g t o n s h a r d l i n e s t a n c e a g a i n s t t h e R u s s i a n invasion of Ukraine, a n d e n e rg y d e a l s continued

It is noteworthy that the agreements did not lead to any major changes on the part of Iran

Indeed, during this period Iran normalized its relations with Saudi Arabia the UAE and other countries

Equally important Hezbollah brokered a US-brokered maritime boundary agreement between Lebanon and Israel that allowed both countries access to offshore gas

It is important to note that Israel and its Treaty partners now have very different approaches to Iran

Palestinians were pressed to crack down on their violent opponents to the peace process which they lacked the power to do or to acquiesce to Israel s often disproportionate responses to Palestinian acts of violence Palestinians, on the other hand were told to understand the internal problems faced by Rabin and the leeway he gave to Israeli extremists who were acting in their own ways to sabotage peacemaking

The passive or sometimes negative role played by the US “peace team” was compounded by the obstructionist role played by the US Congress Shortly after the signing of the Accords we fully expected Congress to rescind its anti-Palestinian legislation and pass an aid package supporting the fledgling

line with the UAE's previous efforts to bring together the Grand Mufti of al-Azhar and the Catholic Pope to work towards strengthening Muslim-Christian religious tolerance and respect

The peaceful approach has been sidelined in favour of something closer to peace for peace” or “suspension for peace” for Israeli

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sudan was removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism Morocco won US recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara and Bahrain improved long-term relations with Washington For its part, the UAE was counting on a positive change in relations with the United States and receiving F-35 fighter jets; but it didn’t come to that Israel might have been expected to be the biggest winner from the agreements but three years later it is in its own crisis: its internal cohesion is crumbling and its dominance over the Palestinians is becoming increasingly aggressive and akin to apartheid

However, the agreements end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which remains one of the central sources of tension in the region and risks taking another dangerous turn This is another reason for negotiators in any future normalization, such as the one being discussed with Saudi Arabia, to ensure that progress on the IsraeliPalestinian side is included along with progress on other bilateral issues

While Iran remains a concern for everyone the Gulf countries in particular have normalized relations with Tehran and tried to maintain a neutral position in any future conflict between Israel and Iran but it is possible that Israel expects its new partners to become closer to its own All parties benefited from increased trade and investment; trade between Agreement countries was estimated at $3 37 billion by the end of 2022 as well as increased tourism The opening of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi which accompanied the Accords helped separate Israeli-Palestinian or Israeli-Arab hostility from the issue of religious tolerance and respect between Muslims and Jews This is in

Of course many of the dynamics in Israel have nothing to do with the Accords but one cannot help but wonder what influence arrogance can have Without any resistance from the USA for decades and no resistance from the major Arab states now, Israel's right wing has advanced further, threatening an IsraeliPalestinian civil war as well as disintegration within Israel Three years later t h e A b r a h a m A cc o r d s h a v e b e c o m e an important and rela t i v e l y p e r m a n e n t feature of the emergi n g M i d d l e E a s t landscape and part of a broader movement toward de-escalation and normalization of r e l a t i o n s T h i s i s a significant trend in a r e g i o n t h a t h a s l o n g

Palestinian Authority Instead Congress passed restrictive bills that not only failed to lift the ban on the PLO, but also imposed cumbersome conditions on any US aid to and relations with the Palestinians

While the administration touted its aid to the Palestinians,” in the early years after Oslo, that aid actually went directly to USAID which then dispensed it to US non-governmental groups for projects that Palestinians had no say in determining Oftentimes the funds weren’t dispersed at all

To make matters worse shortly after Oslo

Rabin s Israeli opposition in the Likud party established a counter-lobby in Washington led by Benjamin Netanyahu Partnering with the Republicans in Congress, this US lobbying effort began to sabotage the peace process

After Republicans won control of Congress in 1994, the sides were set: Clinton and Rabin versus Republicans and Likud The Palestinians never stood a chance More punitive measures were imposed on them, while Israel was given a free ride After the assassination of Rabin and the election of Netanyahu, Israel was largely able to operate with impunity culminating in the Republican Congress inviting Netanyahu to a Joint Session of Congress where he made clear his intention to end the Oslo process The asymmetry between Israelis and Palestinians became amplified Israel had power while Palestinians had none Israel received support while Palestinians received pressure Oslo was dying a slow death

At this point I had an opportunity to speak with President Clinton I told him that since Oslo: Palestinians had become poorer with unemployment doubling; settlements had dramatically increased by 50 percent as had the seizure of Palestinian lands; and while Israelis were acting with impunity Palestinians were losing hope in the future He appeared deeply troubled and asked me to write all of this in a memo to him I did but nothing changed

How this enabled specific Israeli policies that resulted in the complete unraveling of the prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace will be the subject of my next column

The writer is President Arab American Institute

E d i t o r ’ s m a i l

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah Lahore Pakistan E-mail: letters@pakistantoday com pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Sugar prices

PAKISTAN the fifth-largest sugar producer globally is currently grappling with an alarming surge in sugar prices The soaring cost of this essential commodity has begun to inflict considerable hardships on the Pakistani populace The crux of the issue lies in the substantial exportation of sugar to foreign nations, which has driven the domestic price to an exorbitant 200 rupees per kilogramme This mounting predicament has led to a cascading series of problems with severe implications for the nation’s economy and well-being The deleterious impact on the general populace cannot be understated The confluence of escalating sugar prices compounded by other factors is precipitating a surge in poverty rates across Pakistan Addressing this crisis demands immediate attention and proactive measures from the government The solution lies in formulating comprehensive strategies to stabilise sugar prices, ensuring affordability for all citizens The government s prompt intervention in mitigating this issue will be instrumental in alleviating economic distress and safeguarding the welfare of its people

TASLEEM MOHSIN TURBAT

Climate change

I am writing to express my deep concern about the pressing issue of climate change and the urgent need for sustainable development strategies As our planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges, it is imperative that we unite our efforts to combat the negative effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for future generations

Climate change poses significant threats to our ecosystems, communities and economies Rising global temperatures rising sea levels extreme weather events and disruptions to natural systems are clear indicators of the urgency of this issue We must transition to clean and renewable energy sources implement strict policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote international cooperation to mitigate the effects of climate change At the same time, we must prioritise sustainable development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs This includes responsible management of resources promoting circular economies and equal access to education healthcare and economic opportunity Finally I urge you to use your influence and authority to advocate for comprehensive measures that address climate change and promote sustainable development The time for action is now, and together, we can create a more resilient and prosperous future for all

SABAHAT ABID KARACHI

Women Rights

In various countries, women face significant challenges in obtaining their rights particularly concerning education and decision-making autonomy Among these nations Afghanistan stands out as a place where women and girls encounter some of the most severe difficulties Surprisingly both developed and developing countries struggle to fully respect women s rights and acknowledge their contributions Throughout the world, there are numerous female leaders who have significantly contributed to their countries development However, a disheartening statistic reveals that 69% of people still believe that men are better suited for political leadership Additionally 46% suspect that men enjoy more job opportunities and 43% think men make better business leaders This persistent bias undermines the achievements of women who actively contribute to various fields while silently observing men claiming victories In Pakistan, even a single outspoken woman advocating for her rights risks facing threats from family members and husbands This hostile environment discourages women from speaking up about their rights and aspirations It is crucial to recognise that no country can truly progress without focusing on the advancement of its women

Dr MuhaMMaD akraM Zaheer

r

y N u t r i t i o n o n

C h i l d D e v e l o p m e n t a n d H e a l t h

with high levels of fats, as found in cow s and buffalo's milk Semi-solid foods can be introduced to children between the ages of six to nine months Fresh juice egg whites and cow's milk are suitable options Rich protein foods should be avoided due to babies sensitive digestive systems Easily digestible foods and those low in sugar and salt should be introduced to children; otherwise, it can lead to diarrhea vomiting and abdominal cramps

Seerat Fatima

NUTRIENTS essential for the body s proper functioning include both macronutrients and micronutrients Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are all essential in adequate amounts Nutritional requirements are primarily based on the body s need for each nutrient

These requirements depend on various factors including age gender physical activity level income habits and environmental conditions

Food choices vary among different age groups Infants, toddlers, school-age children, adolescents, adults, and older adults all require different types of food for their development and nourishment Infants are children aged 0 to 12 months or up to 1 year old A healthy diet is essential for their proper growth and development as this is a crucial stage of life

For the first 4 to 6 months, a child's nourishment should come primarily from milk No solid foods or liquids other than milk should be introduced during the early months as this could be detrimental to their health Mother s milk provides immunity to the child by introducing antibodies that are of prime importance for strengthening the body Galactose found in milk helps build nerve tissues and strengthen brain cells Some alternatives, such as formula milk, cannot provide the same level of immunity and carry a higher risk of bacterial growth It's essential to avoid giving infants milk

A slightly higher amount of proteins and fats can be added to a child's diet at the age of nine to 12 months, including egg yolks, fruits, and vegetables Toddlers and preschool children are typically between the ages of 1 to 5 years Their nutritional requirements are primarily focused on protein, as their bodies require more energy for growth, development, physical activities and learning compared to infants and sedentary adults A balanced diet that includes foods from all food groups is encouraged Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats are essential for the healthy development of toddlers Protein should be a vital part of their diet but should not be overconsumed, as excessive protein intake can negatively impact the kidneys and the digestion and lead to dehydration Adequate diet hydration and regular physical activity are essential Unfortunately in Pakistan only 38 percent of children under six months of age are breastfed properly, while the remaining 62 percent face improper nourishment, increasing their risk of low immunity Children born with lower immunity have weaker immune cells that

are still developing A mother s low immunity can also affect the child s immunity and antibody reception

Premature birth is one of the primary causes of low immunity in children, as antibodies are not fully absorbed to immunize the child According to a UNICEF report nearly 860 000 premature births are registered every year in Pakistan leading to various fatal diseases including respiratory disorders, jaundice, temperature regulation issues, and infectious diseases Consequently, the percentage of stunted and wasted children has increased Approximately 102 000 children die from diseases related to premature birth in Pakistan During infancy and early childhood, the body undergoes rapid growth and development requiring proper and healthy nutrition

T h e r e i s a d i r e n e e d t o i m p r o v e c h i l d r e n ' s e a t i n g b e h a v i o u r C a r e g i v e r b e h a v i o u r h a s a s i g n i f i c a n t i n f l u e n c e o n a c h i l d ' s h e a l t h . C a r e g i v e r s s h o u l d p r i o r i t i z e h e a l t h y f o o d s a n d e s t a b l i s h r e g u l a r m e a l s c h e d u l e s D i s t r a c t i o n s l i k e t e l e v i s i o n a n d g a m e s s h o u l d b e a v o i d e d d u r i n g m e a l s C h i l d r e n s h o u l d n o t b e f o r c e d t o e a t , a n d a b a l a n c e d d i e t i s e s s e n t i a l f o r p r o p e r o r g a n a n d t i s s u e d e v e l o p m e n t , m a k i n g c h i l d r e n a c t i v e , e n e r g e t i c , l e s s a n x i o u s , a n d b e t t e r l e a r n e r s

Children s physical growth is susceptible to numerous health issues during this period Infancy is a critical period for proper nutrition as any negligence can lead to nutrient deficiencies such as anemia Mother s milk is naturally low in sodium, so switching to a high-sodium diet can lead to significant health issues later in life particularly hypertension Regrettably recent research has shown that children aged seven to eight months are often given desserts and sweets more frequently than natural fruits and vegetables Similarly children aged one and a half years are more likely to consume unhealthy items like french fries which can be detrimental to their nourishment This has contributed to a rapid increase in obesity rates among children

The major consequence of poor infant nourishment is the development of low immunity, which leaves chil-

Trudeau says India likely behind murder of Canadian Sikh leader

Tr u d e a u s a i d h e p r e s e n t e d t h e a c c u s a t i o n s d i r e c t l y t o I n d i a n P r i m e M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a M o d i “ i n n o u n c e r t a i n t e r m s ” w h e n t h e t w o m e t i n N e w D e l h i d u r i n g t h e G r o u p o f 2 0 s u m m i t

FOREIGN POLICY

J u S t i n l i n g

The Canadian government says it has evidence that agents of the Indian government may have been responsible for the assassination of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil this summer

The allegations were revealed publicly by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon

Over the past number of weeks

Trudeau told the House Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar ” If the allegations are true it would be an incredibly rare example of a targeted assassination on notionally friendly soil perhaps the most brazen since the killings carried out by Israel after the 1972 Olympic massacre India s alleged role in the murder has created a major diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and New Delhi and may have knock-on effects for India’s broader relations further complicating things in the Indo-Pacific

On June 18 Nijjar delivered a speech at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara where he was president, in Surrey, British Columbia Afterward, he walked to the parking lot and climbed into his car

Shortly after 8 p m , two men in masks approached Nijjar ’s car and opened fire The two men escaped in a waiting getaway car While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have yet to announce the identities of the suspected gunmen the homicide team did identify their vehicle

Trudeau said he presented the accusations directly to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in no uncertain terms” when the two met in New Delhi during the Group of 20 summit last week Ottawa has also raised the issue with Indian intelligence “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty, Trudeau said, demanding India s full cooperation with the investigation

On Monday, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced that Canada had expelled a “top Indian diplomat ” She later clarified that the expelled Indian official was the head of the Canada station of the Research and Analysis Wing India s foreign intelligence agency Ottawa named the official as Pavan Kumar Rai the Indian high commission in Ottawa lists Rai as the minister responsible for community affairs ”

In a public statement sent to Foreign Policy upon a request for comment and attributed to High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma the Indian government rejected the accusation Allegations of Government of India s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated, it reads It goes on to accuse the Canadian government of trying to “shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India s sovereignty and territorial integrity

and of doing too little to tackle anti-India elements operating from their soil India later announced that it had expelled a senior Canadian diplomat Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre told the House of Commons that the allegations, if they are true, represent an “outrageous affront to Canada’s sovereignty ” India has for years expressed its frustrations with the presence of an organized and in some cases radical Sikh separatist movement in Canada centered around the idea of an independent Khalistan in Punjab, the homeland of Sikhism

Back in India, tensions between Sikhs and the Indian government have sometimes turned bloody In 1984 Operation Blue Star a military operation to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple the spiritual headquarters of the faith resulted in hundreds of deaths at the temple the revenge assassination of then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, and mass killings of thousands of Sikhs by angry mobs A recent manhunt for Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh Sadhu fixated the country for weeks

New Delhi blames the Sikh diaspora for funding and encouraging separatism in Punjab Nijjar in particular was a point of contention with Canada The Indian government laid charges against Nijjar in 2020 for his role in organizing a Khalistan independence referendum, and have added him to a list of terrorist individuals New Delhi offered a reward of 1 million rupees ($12,000) for his capture Nijjar has denied being involved in any political violence The Modi government has also accused Nijjar of leading the Khalistan Tiger Force a banned group that India says is a terrorist organization They had been applying to have Canada extradite Nijjar since at least 2018 The Khalistan Extremism Monitor a project of the New Delhi-based Institute for Conflict Management, maintains a page dedicated to Nijjar, alleging that he was “actively involved in training” Sikh separatists prior to his death Canada’s Sikh community publicly accused India of being behind Nijjar s murder One pro-independence group Sikhs for Justice directly accused India s diplomatic staff in Canada and offered its own reward of 10,000 Canadian dollars ($7,400) for information on the assassination British Columbia organizers for a global, nonbinding referendum on Khalistan independence went so far as to add a question to their ballot asking whether India was responsible for Nijjar s killing

Before his murder Nijjar was described by a fellow independence activist as being the face of the Khalistan Referendum in Canada Protests in British Columbia, and the upcoming referendum had already strained Canada-Indian relations When Trudeau arrived in the nation’s capital for the G20 summit earlier this month Trudeau was frozen out of joint photo opportunities and berated by Modi for hosting Sikh activists promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplo-

mats damaging diplomatic premises and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship, according to an official statement

Things got progressively more awkward after Trudeau’s plane was grounded due to technical issues The Canadian prime minister was forced to extend his stay by two extra days while waiting for a replacement plane Canada has certainly played host to Sikh extremists In 1985, a bomb aboard Air India Flight 182 exploded off the coast of Ireland, en route from Montreal, killing all 329 onboard While the bombing was connected to Babbar Khalsa, an extremist organization under surveillance by Canadian authorities Canada has not convicted a single person directly responsible for the attack (A bombmaker was convicted in 2003 for the deaths of two baggage handlers after his bomb detonated in a Tokyo airport ) On the other side, however, there is a growing concern with India’s targeting of Sikh activists Inside India Human Rights Watch has found Modi’s government responsible for “systematic discrimination and stigmatization of religious and other minorities and singled out supporters of his Bharatiya Janata Party as being responsible for a rise in violence against minorities Sikh groups, in particular, have accused Modi’s government of stepping up repression Earlier this summer some Sikh activists alleged that New Delhi was carrying out a campaign of assassination citing Nijjar s murder in Surrey the shooting of Paramjit Singh Panjwar in Pakistan in May and the death of Avtar Singh Khanda in the United Kingdom in June (A statement from his family said Khanda died of cancer, but his supporters allege he was poisoned ) Jagmeet Singh leader of Canada’s third-opposition New Democratic Party delivered a particularly emotional appeal after Trudeau s statement on Monday Many Sikhs come to Canada as a beacon of safety, he said Singh is himself Sikh and represents a community not far from where Nijjar was killed The murder, he said, reverberated through the Sikh community “That safety and security that so many Canadians feel has now been rocked ” Canada is home to the second-largest Sikh population in the world after India Canada in fact has a higher proportion of Sikh residents and citizens than India Until recently, Ottawa and New Delhi enjoyed exceptional relations The two countries have been working toward a free trade deal for more than a decade In 2020 Trudeau redoubled efforts to do a full trade deal particularly amid rising concerns around Beijing Canada like the United States identifies India as a regional ally Earlier this month Ottawa scuttled those hopes and pressed pause on future trade negotiations In recent months, Canada has been grappling with how to tackle foreign interference A series of revelations exposed a campaign of meddling and intimidation organized by China to help elect Beijing-friendly politicians and cow Chinese citizens living in Canada Earlier this month Trudeau announced the establishment of a full public inquiry to investigate that foreign meddling Singh has, for months, called for a deeper investigation into how other countries run clandestine operations in Canada On Monday he directly pointed the finger at New Delhi: “The Modi government specifically is trying to silence you he said But truth cannot be silenced Justin Ling is a journalist based in Toronto

dren vulnerable to various viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk of infections and other viral diseases that their immune systems cannot effectively combat Tragically the death rate among children in Pakistan is approximately 60 percent due to infectious diseases

Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases, including poliomyelitis, flu, colds, dengue fever, hepatitis, and malaria Proper maternal health also significantly impacts a child's health The complete nourishment of the embryo or fetus depends on the mother as the mother's blood supplies all nutrients to the fetus A mother s diet must be proper and healthy with protein being a significant part of their diet

Consuming one egg per day, along with regular consumption of meat, fish, pulses, and legumes, which are rich sources of protein, is essential

Fresh fruits and vegetables should be included in their daily meals Additionally calcium is a major requirement with half a litre of milk being included in their daily meal planning Meals should encompass foods from all food groups including milk and yogurt to promote a healthy gut The diet should be healthy but not excessive, and spicy foods should be avoided Children are more vulnerable to unhygienic and unsanitary conditions

Children should be taught the importance of cleanliness as part of their learning process Handwashing habits should be encouraged among children and personal hygiene should be the responsibility of caregivers

Oral hygiene is necessary to protect against dental caries and maintain a healthy gut Infants born with lower immunity are at the highest risk of infection Proper vaccination is mandatory for developing a strong immune system Vaccines play a crucial role in developing antibodies that fight viruses and protect the body from infections Failure to vaccinate children in a timely manner can lead to potentially fatal infections

Pakistan has the third most unvaccinated children globally, primarily due to low literacy rates and misconceptions about vaccine safety Each year nearly three million children do not complete their full vaccine course leaving them highly vulnerable to diseases It is vital to educate people about the importance of vaccination and dispel myths and doubts surrounding vaccines

There is a dire need to improve children's eating behaviour Caregiver behaviour has a significant influence on a child's health Caregivers should prioritize healthy foods and establish regular meal schedules Distractions like television and games should be avoided during meals Children should not be forced to eat and a balanced diet is essential for proper organ and tissue development, making children active, energetic, less anxious, and better learners Fats, especially polyunsaturated fats, are crucial for brain development and should be included in children's diets Good nutrition contributes to a child's happiness energy reduced anxiety and improved intellectual abilities

The writer can be reached at fatimaseerat916@gmail com

Targeted assassination in Canada is an outrage

We expect the Trudeau government which has been woefully inadequate in countering foreign inter ference in Canadian democrac y to disclose the evidence that led it to conclude the Indian government was directly involved in Nijjar’s murder, save only for information that would jeopardize intelligence operations or Canadian security

TORONTO SUN e d to r i a l

IF Prime Minister Justin Trudeau s accusation that India was involved in the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Sikh temple in Surry B C on June 18 is accurate then it is an outrageous violation of Canadian sovereignty While India regarded Nijjar a supporter of a Sikh homeland in an independent Khalistani state as a terrorist no country let alone one that describes itself as a fellow democracy is justified in carrying out a targeted assassination of a Canadian citizen on our soil A s Tr u d e a u t o l d t h e H o u s e o f C o m m o n s i n a s h o c k i n g a n n o u n c e m e n t M o n d a y o n t h e f i r s t d a y o f P a r l i a m e n t s r e t u r n f r o m i t s s u m m e r b r e a k : C a n a d a i s a r u l e o f l a w c o u n t r y T h e p r o t e c t i o n o f o u r c i t i z e n s a n d d e f e n c e o f o u r s o v e r e i g n t y a r e f u n d a m e n t a l H e s a i d C a n a d i a n s e c u r i t y a u t h o r i t i e s a r e a c t i v e l y p u r s u i n g c r e d i b l e a l l e g a t i o n s o f a p o t e n t i a l l i n k b e t w e e n a g e n t s o f t h e g o v e r n m e n t o f I n d i a a n d N i j j a r s f a t a l s h o o t i n g T h e Tr u d e a u g o v e r n m e n t b e l i e v e s t h e a l l e g a t i o n s a r e t r u e i t e x p e l l e d a t o p I n d i a n d i p l o m a t o n M o n d a y a n d Tr u d e a u s a i d h e r a i s e d C a n a d a s c o n c e r n s p e r s o na l l y a n d d i r e c t l y i n n o u n c e r t a i n t e r m s w i t h I n d i a n P r i m e M i n i s t e r N a r e n d r a M o d i a t l a s t w e e k s G 2 0 m e e t i n g i n I n d i a T h a t e x p l a i n s t h e f r i g i d r e l a t i o n s b e t w e e n t h e t w o l e a d e r s a t t h e G 2 0 w i t h I n d i a h a v i n g l o n g a c c u s e d C a n a d a o f h a r b o u r i n g t e r r o r i s t s a n d f a i l i n g t o p r o t e c t I nd i a n d i p l o m a t s i n C a n a d a f r o m p o t e n t i a l t h r e a t s We h a v e b e e n h i g h l y c r i t i c a l o f t h e Tr u d e a u g o v e r nm e n t f o r d a m a g i n g d i p l o m a t i c a n d t r a d e r e l a t i o n s w i t h I n d i a t h r o u g h a s e r i e s o f f i a s c o s i n c l u d i n g i n v i t i n g t h e a tt e m p t e d m u r d e r e r o f a n I n d i a n c a b i n e t m i n i s t e r o n Va nc o u v e r I s l a n d t o a n o ff i c i a l C a n a d i a n r e c e p t i o n i n I n d i a i n 2 0 1 8 We h a v e n t c h a n g e d o u r v i e w s b u t i f w h a t Tr u d e a u h a s a l l e g e d a b o u t I n d i a s i n v o l v e m e n t i n N i j j a r s m u r d e r i s t r u e t h e n w e b a c k h i s d e m a n d s f o r I n d i a n a u t h o r i t i e s t o c o o p e r a t e i n g e t t i n g t o t h e b o t t o m o f w h a t h a p p e n e d T h a t s a i d e x t r a o r d i n a r y a l l e g a t i o n s r e q u i r e e x t r a o r d i n a r y e v id e n c e We e x p e c t t h e Tr u d e a u g o v e r n m e n t w h i c h h a s b e e n w o e f u l l y i n a d e q u a t e i n c o u n t e r i n g f o r e i g n i n t e r f e r e n c e i n C a n a d i a n d e m o c r a c y t o d i s c l o s e t h e e v i d e n c e t h a t l e d i t t o c o n c l u d e t h e I n d i a n g o v e r n m e n t w a s d i r e c t l y i nv o l v e d i n N i j j a r s m u r d e r s a v e o n l y f o r i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t w o u l d j e o p a r d i z e i n t e l l i g e n c e o p e r a t i o n s o r C a n a d i a n s ec u r i t y T h i s g i v e n t h a t C a n a d a ’s a l r e a d y p r e c a r i o u s r e l a t i o ns h i p w i t h I n d i a i s l i k e l y b e y o n d r e p a i r

ISLAMABAD M I

CH I N A and the U S share important responsibility for world peace, stability and development Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a reply letter to Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation Jeffrey Greene and Flying Tigers veterans Harry Moyer and Mel McMullen on September 12

Greene, Moyer and McMullen jointly wrote a letter to Xi recently expressing their commitment to passing on and carrying forward the invaluable spiritual wealth of China-U S cooperation

In his reply, Xi said he hopes that the spirit of Flying Tigers will be carried on from generation to generation among the Chinese and American peoples Xi paid tribute to the Flying Tigers veterans saying that he is glad to know nearly 500 Flying Tigers veterans and hundreds of veterans families have visited China so far Recalling the past, Xi noted the peoples of China and the U S united together in the fight against Japanese fascism endured hardships and forged a profound friendship

Looking ahead he said China and the U S , as two great powers, must realise mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation

Xi stressed that the hope and foundation of China-U S relations lie in the peoples and the future of bilateral ties lies in the youth

Founded in 1998 the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation is a U S friendship group aiming to promote friendship and understanding between China and the U S by fostering a dialogue about common aviation history

China Russia vow to make global governance more just and equitable

Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Monday for the

18th round of the China-Russia strategic security consultation during which they touched on bilateral issues the Ukraine crisis and agreed to advance global governance in a more fair and equitable direction in the face of the resurgence of unilateralism, hegemonism and confrontational blocs

The institutionalised exchanges between China and Russia on strategic security issues showed the stability and continuity of China-Russia relations which contributes to stabilising global governance against the backdrop of the complex international situation full of uncertainties, Chinese experts noted

On the heels of Wang’s meeting with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Malta the meeting with Lavrov highlights China s positive role in safeguarding the stability of global order, they noted

Prior to visiting Russia, Wang met with Sullivan, which was described as “candid substantive and constructive strategic communication on stabilizing and improving bilateral relations

Wang also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told Lavrov that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state China-Russia relations

South Korea says Iran’s frozen funds transferred to a third countr y

SEOUL: South Korea confirmed on Tuesday Iranian funds that had been frozen in South Korea have been “successfully” transferred to a third country, after a U S -bound plane carrying five Americans freed by Iran left Doha as part of a prisoner swap

A plane sent by Qatar flew the five U S citizens and two of their relatives out of Tehran after both sides got confirmation the $6 billion was transferred from South Korea to Qatari accounts, a source earlier told Reuters “The Iranian funds that had been frozen in South Korea due to financial sanctions on Iran have been recently transferred to a third country successfully under close coordination among the involved countries South Korea s foreign ministry said in a statement The money in Qatar would be spent on food, medicine and other humanitarian items as it was in South Korea, the ministry said

“Our government expects our bilateral relations to further develop on the occasion of the transfer of the frozen funds the ministry said and thanked the governments of Qatar and Switzerland for their constructive role in resolving the issue Qatar mediated indirect U S -Iran talks on the detainees while Switzerland, which represents U S interests in Tehran because the U S and Iran do not have diplomatic relations helped with the transfer of funds from South Korea to Qatar

have maintained momentum for sound and steady development with deepening practical cooperation rich and colorful cultural exchanges and rapid growth of personnel exchanges Russia is willing to work with China to make good preparations for the next high-level exchanges between the two countries, strengthen the synergy of development plans and deepen cooperation in such fields as economy trade culture sports and youth Lavrov said

Zhang Hong an associate research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences believes the strategic consultation between Wang and Lavrov is of great importance as the visit paves the way for a possible meeting between the heads of state in October

During the talks, Lavrov shared his views on the Ukraine crisis and applauded China’s position paper for accommodating the security concerns of all parties and being conducive to eliminating the root causes of the conflict The Russian side he said is always open to negotiations and dialogue China is committed to the right approach of peace talks and will play a constructive role in the political settlement

of the crisis in its own way, Wang said

After the conflict between Russia and Ukraine broke out the US-led Western camp has been demanding China to take sides But China is a big independent country It will uphold its national position and interests, and handle international relations as a responsible, major and independent country, Zhang told the Global Times

A VOA report on Tuesday commented on Wang s meeting with Sullivan before heading to Russia claiming it reflects Beijing s continued commitment to finding a balance between the two pairs of relations

One of the most important relationships in the world today is the “great trilateral ” namely China the US and Russia Cui Heng a scholar from the China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, told the Global Times He said the Russia-Ukraine conflict has strengthened the importance of the “great trilateral” and it is inevitable for China to maintain communication with the US and Russia at the same time

The relationship between China and Russia will not be affected by changes in the external environment, Yang Jin, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Russian Eastern European and Central Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences told the Global Times Yang stressed that China-Russia cooperation is not directed against any third party Wang said that both China and Russia adhere to independent foreign policies, and their cooperation is neither targeting any third party nor influenced by a third party let alone subject to interference and provocation by any third party A s m a j o r c o u n t r i e s i n t h e w o r l d and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia bear important responsibilities for maintaining global strategic stability and prom o

e l o p m e n t a n d progress Wang said

India expels Canadian diplomat after PM Trudeau links Delhi to Sikh leader ’s murder

NEW DELHI

A G E N C I E S

India said on Tuesday it had expelled a Canadian diplomat with five days notice to leave the country just hours after Ottawa expelled the South Asian nation s top intelligence agent and accused it of a role in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader

The development was the latest in an escalating row between the two nations with Canada saying on Monday it was actively pursuing credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder in British Columbia in June

The Canadian high commissioner or ambassador in New Delhi had been summoned and told of the expulsion decision India s foreign ministry said in a statement

The decision reflects the government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities the ministry added The concerned diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days ”

Earlier on Tuesday, India dismissed the Canadian accusation as absurd and motivated and urged it instead to take legal action against anti-Indian elements operating from its soil

Cheezious honors

Blind Cricket Team at Opening of 30th branch in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD

P R

Cheezious the iconic fast-food brand that has been synonymous with spreading cheezy khushiyan (cheesy happiness) across Pakistan since 2012 is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its 30th branch, located at Kalma Chowk, Rawalpindi This significant milestone underscores Cheezious unwavering commitment to delivering mouthwatering and delectable food to the people of Pakistan

In addition to its culinary success Cheezious; a proud Pakistani brand is equally committed to making a positive impact in the community As a responsible business, the brand actively participates in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives To commemorate the launch of the Kalma Chowk branch, Cheezious is proud to extend a warm welcome to the members of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Team Five members of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Team will be the chief guests at this special event In recognition of their brilliant achievements and championship win in Birmingham, Cheezious will be awarding cash prizes to these exceptional athletes, celebrating their outstanding contributions to Pakistani sports Mr Zohaib Hassan Head of Marketing of Cheezious commented on this remarkable achievement saying

We are elated to celebrate a decade of culinary innovation and spreading joy through our cheesy creations This 30th branch at Kalma Chowk, Rawalpindi, marks an important moment in our journey, and we remain committed to providing unparalleled taste experiences to our valued customers " Since its inception Cheezious has enjoyed exponential growth in the fast-food landscape proudly representing Pakistan as the only food brand to expand remarkably within the last decade With a passionate dedication to culinary excellence, Cheezious has captured the hearts and taste buds of countless customers, becoming a beloved fixture in the country s dining scene

110 countries confirm par ticipation in 3rd Belt and Road Forum: Chinese FM

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

Indian retaliation came after Canada said on Monday that it was actively pursuing credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia in June

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in an emergency statement to the House of Commons that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen was “an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty”

Hardeep Singh Nijjar 45 was shot dead outside a Sikh temple on June 18 in Surrey a Vancouver suburb with a large Sikh population Nijjar supported a Sikh homeland in the form of an independent Khalistani state and was designated by India as a “terrorist”

in July 2020

Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India” and Nijjar ’s death, Trudeau said

He said he had raised the murder directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi last week, and urged the government of India to “cooperate with Canada to get to the bottom of this matter”

Canada has declared its deep concerns to the top intelligence and security officials of the Indian government Last week at the G20, I brought them personally and directly to Prime Minister Modi in no uncertain terms ” he said

China on Tuesday confirmed the participation of representatives from over 110 countries that they will attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in October, with preparations for the forum being well underway Events during the forum include the opening ceremony three high-level forums on connectivity green development and digital economy and six thematic forums: trade connectivity people-to-people communication, think tank exchanges, clean Silk Road, subnational cooperation and maritime cooperation

A CEO conference will also be held, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told media on Tuesday in Beijing Experts noted that the wide scope of participation shows that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a popular global public good over the past decade This forum has attracted representatives from many countries It is believed that they hope China can play a greater role in opening up new directions for international cooperation, exploring new driving forces for global economic growth as well as building a new platform for the growth of relations between countries Liang Haiming dean of Hainan University Belt and Road Research Institute told media During the past decade, the BRI has contributed to multilateralism and created better development conditions for developing countries,” Liang said “It has also provided China’s development model and experience to countries and regions involved in the BRI

Uzbek istan-UN: Cooperation for Universal Sustainable Development

ISLAMABAD

N E W S D E S K

Uzbekistan joined the UN as a new sovereign, independent state on March 2, 1992

Since joining this universal international organization our country has been productively cooperating with it and its specialized institutions in various areas

The main priorities of multilateral cooperation are the fight against modern threats and security challenges, the stabilization and restoration of Afghanistan the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction solving environmental problems in particular mitigating the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis, socio-economic development, protection and promotion of human rights, tourism development, and others

According to experts, in recent years, Uzbekistan has become more involved in the activities of the General Assembly and specialized agencies of the UN In particular the head of Uzbekistan made speeches at the 72nd, 75th, and 76th sessions of the UN General Assembly, as well as at the HighLevel Segment of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council

In June 2017 the visit of UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres and his negotiations with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, took place The head of

our state also held meetings with the UN Secretary General in September 2017 in New York (USA) and during the 2nd International Forum One Belt One Road in April 2019 in Beijing (PRC) As a result of these meetings, plans for practical measures to develop cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UN were adopted and are being implemented

The participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the general debates of the 72nd session of the General Assembly in September 2017 opened a new stage of productive and mutually beneficial cooperation between our country and the UN During this event, a number of important international initiatives were put forward, which have been successfully implemented over the past three years

From the UN rostrum the leader of Uzbekistan put forward a number of important international initiatives on current issues on the global and regional agenda In particular, on the initiative of the leadership of Uzbekistan, six resolutions were developed and adopted within the UN General Assembly: “Strengthening regional international cooperation to ensure peace stability and sustainable development in the Central Asian region (June 2018) Education and religious tolerance (December 2018), Sustainable tourism and development in Central Asia” (December 2019), “On declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of environmental in-

novation and technology” (May 2021), “On strengthening interconnectedness between Central and South Asia (July 2022) On the role of parliaments in achieving the SDGs (December 2022)

In addition, within the framework of the UN Human Rights Council, at the initiative of Uzbekistan, a resolution was adopted “On the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the human rights of youth” (October 2021) and at UNESCO – The Khiva Process (November 2021) following the results of the international forum Central Asia at the crossroads of world civilizations (September 14–16, 2021, Khiva)

The Code on Voluntary Commitments of States during Pandemics developed by the Uzbek side has been distributed as an official document of the UN General Assembly as Uzbekistan s contribution to the global efforts to combat COVID-19 Supporting the new spirit of multilateral interaction, Uzbekistan, together with member countries, is currently developing drafts for a number of General Assembly resolutions for their further adoption within the UN

Since 1993 the UN office has been operating in Tashkent In Uzbekistan the UN family is represented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

(UNODC) UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA), International Labor Organization (ILO) ), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Volunteers Program led by UNDP Agencies such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) also contribute to the work of the UN system The World Bank as an independent specialized agency of the UN system, also makes a significant contribution to the work of the organization in our country

The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for Uzbekistan is an effective tool for interaction between the government of Uzbekistan and the international community in the context of the implementation of priority areas of socio-economic development in the country in the medium term

As part of the implementation of the

main tasks defined in the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan political contacts between Uzbekistan and the UN at the highest levels have noticeably intensified in recent years Uzbekistan attaches particular importance to efforts to put an end to the many years of bloody war in Afghanistan, which have brought enormous disasters to the Afghan people and become a source of serious threats to the entire region Our country makes an effective contribution to the implementation of UN programs for the post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan; in particular, it has opened a bridge on the Uzbek-Afghan border for international deliveries of humanitarian supplies and is assisting in the construction of many infrastructure facilities on the territory of Afghanistan Uzbekistan provides all possible assistance to international organizations and individual countries in carrying out their humanitarian activities in Afghanistan through Termez Thus on the initiative of the leadership of Uzbekistan an International Transport and Logistics Hub was created in Termez to ensure centralized and targeted delivery of humanitarian goods to Afghanistan The opportunities in Termez are actively used by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Program

CORPORATE CORNER

ENVIRONMENTAL MINISTRY JOINS FORCES WITH BLUE CARBON FOR SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY GROWTH

DUBAI S TA F F R E P O R T

MI N I S T RY of Climate Change and UAE s Blue Carbon collaborated to unlock economic potential in forestry, aligned with global climate goals, with a focus on carbon reduction projects and their community benefits Ministry of Climate Change recently hosted a four-day technical workshop with UAE s Blue Carbon attended by representatives from the provincial forestry departments, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan

‘

Drill Stem Test-2 in the Sui Main Limestone (SML) has tested 1 31 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD) gas at choke size 32/64" at Well Head Flowing Pressure (WHFP) of 260 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) This landmark discovery marks the first of its kind in the Mari East Block underlining OGDCL s unwavering commitment to harnessing the hydrocarbon potential of the block and aggressive exploratory strategy It opens up new horizons and promises to make a substantial contribution to bridging the energy demand and supply gap through indigenous resources Moreover this discovery strengthens the hydrocarbon reserves base of OGDCL and Pakistan and enhances the energy security of the country PR

Trust, corruption and sustainable development interconnec ted issues in public ’s attitude towards tax ’

LAHORE: The Public Trust in Tax survey which questioned 7 700 members of the public across the globe shows that accountants have a major role to play in addressing corruption which negatively impact on attitudes towards tax in economies Results show that 53 8% consider corruption a major factor, however most people believe the role of professional accountants contributes to improving tax systems by making them more efficient (59%) more effective (57%) and fairer (55%) The findings follow ACCA

(the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

IFAC (the International Federation of Accountants) and CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand) expanding their biennial G20 Public Trust in Tax survey – which this time omitted Russia and included New Zealand – to address not only corruption but also the issues of sustainable development and corruption and how these two interconnect with trust in the tax system The results are clear PR

The workshop’s main goal was to explore how Pakistan’s Agriculture Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector can generate carbon credits known as Internationally Transferable Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

Throughout the workshop, the primary focus was on exploring potential projects to reduce carbon emissions within Pakistan s AFOLU sector with a specific emphasis on its forests The in-depth conversations that occurred during these

sessions illuminated Pakistan s forest resources and their readiness for Article 6 mechanisms, thereby highlighting potential areas of cooperation with Blue Carbon Under the guidelines of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement Pakistan’s environmental assets were emphasised as valuable tools to tackle both environmental and economic challenges within the emerging compliance market Blue Carbon, headquartered in the UAE, was founded with the esteemed

support of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, a member of the UAE royal family Utilising the UAE s visionary approach to development and entrepreneurship, Blue Carbon specialises in crafting systems and resources that facilitate social development endeavours for both private enterprises and countries seeking to improve their environmental assets Blue Carbon stands out by offering end-to-end development and facilitation services for carbon projects, particularly

S S G C g e n e r ate s R s 5 . 5 b ex t r a r eve n u e by i n te n s i f y i n g i n d u s t r i a l s u r ve i l l a n c e

ISLAMABAD P R

SSGC s Security Services and Counter Gas Theft Operations (SS&CGTO) Department is at the forefront of the company-wide drive to control gas pilferage and theft, major causes of Unaccounted-for-Gas (UFG) or line losses In its drive against the use of illegal compressors / suction pumps the Company checked 849 industrial units for Negative Gas Pressure and caught 16 such factories running on suction devices Summarily, a colossal fine of Rs 674 million was imposed as a penalty and a volume of over half a billion cubic feet (0 5 bcf) of gas was consequently saved

Along with it more than 1 800 industries were jointly inspected by the representatives of company s

Bank Alfalah par tners with UN Women to drive women's empowerment through financial literac y, inclusion

SS&CGTO, Measurement and Sales Departments, under the lead of Security Wing officers As a result, Industries with extra installed gas load were forced to regularize their excess gas load on RLNG Consequently a huge amount of Rs 3 9 billion was recovered from these industrial units

In addition a strong check was carried out on EVC and meter malfunctioning, unraveling 193 cases of EVC malfunctioning Consequently, Rs 631 million were recovered with a volume of 581 mmcf of gas 95 cases of meter malfunctioning were also discovered and an amount of Rs 390 million was saved In volumetric terms 285 mmcf gas was saved

In total the efforts of SSGC in industrial sector earned extra revenue of Rs 5 5 billion and saved volumes 1,366 million cubic feet of gas

D ialogue on child protec tion

in the realm of ITMOs One important conclusion drawn from these conversations was the recognition that starting projects in forestry could set the stage for future endeavours in various sectors ultimately enhancing Pakistan s sustainable development and economic prospects

In addition to carbon reduction, the meetings emphasized the vital supplementary advantages of climate adaptation services and support for community livelihoods within these mitigation-based projects Given Pakistan s continuous battle with the adverse effects of climate change and the substantial dependence of local communities on forest resources, the significance of these additional benefits is immeasurable

The joint effort undertaken by Blue Carbon and Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination in collaboration with provincial forestry department representatives/AJK/GB, represents a significant milestone in the worldwide fight against climate change

This collaborative initiative positions Pakistan to harness the economic potential within its natural forest resources while harmonising with the overarching goals of the Paris Agreement

World ’s first S hariah Compliant OPD Company, S iha Health & Wellness, acquired by Tabani Group

K A R A C H I: Tabani Group a renowned business conglomerate in Pakistan has acquired the world s first and only Sharia-Compliant OPD Company Siha Health and Wellness Private Limited as a subsidiary The company has been accredited unanimously by 17 Islamic scholars from Pakistan, Africa, UAE, India, and Bangladesh as a fully Shariah-compliant entity Siha specializes in tailormade cashless health and wellness solutions according to the needs of the client s eco-system

ISLAMABAD: The launching ceremony of Deakin on the Go a first of its kind road show by any international university in Pakistan was successfully organized by Deakin University Australia, at the National Library of Pakistan, Islamabad yesterday evening Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan Ms Ashleigh Light graced the occasion as Guest of Honour Mr Azhar Shah Country & Regional Manager Austrade senior representatives of Higher Education Commission (HEC) major universities/colleges/schools based in Islamabad and nearby and senior management & counselling managers of top educational consultants/agents of Deakin University Australia also attended the ceremony as delegates The Deakin on the go campaign aims to connect dreams and opportunities It is a month-long journey of Deakin on the go – a Deakin University Australia s branded car from Islamabad to Lahore, a remarkable voyage to strengthen the bond between Australia and Pakistan PR

ZTBL, Jazz Pioneer Agri-Tech Solutions to empower farmers

ISLAMABAD: Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited

(ZTBL) a premier financial institution geared towards developing the agriculture sector and Jazz Pakistan s largest digital operator have joined forces to accelerate digitalization of the agriculture sector by equipping ZTBL s field force with 1,000 tablets, enabling farmers to access loans with unprecedented ease and convenience In a ceremony held on Sep 18, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz, and Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President and CEO ZTBL signed the MoU The partnership will serve as the gateway to streamlined financial services for rural farmers enabling ZTBL s field force to visit farmers doorsteps guide them through the loan application process, and remove the hassle of paperwork and long waits

Sharing his thoughts on the development, Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti President and CEO of ZTBL said "This collaboration with Jazz is a significant step towards realizing our vision of a digitally empowered agriculture sector We are committed to providing our farmers with access to financial services that are both convenient and efficient With the support of Jazz, we aim to facilitate every farmer's journey towards financial prosperity " PR

KARACHI: Bank Alfalah a leading commercial Bank in Pakistan has partnered with UN Women to launch financial inclusion awareness sessions The sessions are a part of the National Financial Literacy Program (NFLP), an initiative of SBP and BSC The sessions aim to break down barriers hindering women s access to financial resources fostering their autonomy and financial independence In the first phase UN Women and local BSC field offices conducted a series of targeted financial literacy awareness sessions in Thatta and Rawalpindi in which over 200 women were engaged UN Women and Bank Alfalah will conduct multiple similar sessions on financial literacy across key districts in Pakistan These interactive sessions will be held in partnership with regional SBP Banking Services Corporation (BSC) offices The focus districts include Pishin, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Loralai, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Chitral, DI Khan, Rawalpindi, Muzaffargarh, Thatta Hunza Gilgit and Nagar PR

Pakistan Nav y provides fishing map to fishermen to enhance safety

K A R A C H I: Pakistan National Hydrographic Office in coordination with Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) and WWF-Pakistan distributed indigenously developed fishing map to local fishermen at Karachi during a ceremony held at Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) The maps are specifically designed to identify ghost nets to support safe conduct of fishing activities by local fishermen and preservation of fish in our seas A ghost net is fishing net that has been lost or abandoned in the ocean and can pose a significant threat to marine life and vessels of fishermen The indigenously developed fishing map can easily be viewed on open source Android and IOS based navigation applications Copies of fishing map and mobile application along with its easily understandable installation procedure have been made available to local fishermen community through JMICC free of charge This initiative is part of the Office of Hydrographer of Pakistan PR

I S L A M A B A D: In a dedicated effort to address child protection, a dynamic panel discussion took place in Islamabad on Monday by Islamic Relief Pakistan This event brought together experts, advocates and stakeholders from various fields to engage in a crucial dialogue surrounding child rights The aim was to shed light on the challenges children face today particularly in relation to child protection and to explore effective strategies to ensure their well-being The conversation was around creating an equal and inclusive environment, ensuring that children inherit a future that is rich in promise compassion and unity The panel discussion culminated in a powerful call to action urging individuals organizations and policymakers to prioritize child protection in their actions and decisions The event emphasized on promoting a more nurturing environment for children PR

PPL funds women vocational training centre in Punjab for community tansformation

These services are provided to clients across all industries in Pakistan where Siha curates, supports and coordinates employees through a one-stop cashless outpatient solution providing access to doctors, pharmacists, labs, diagnostic centers and medicines It provides a one-stop high-quality health and wellness solution to increase employee satisfaction resulting in better employee engagement After the incorporation into the Tabani group, the network of Siha is set to further in Pakistan and different countries PR

Dawlance, UNIDO collaborate for rec ycling refrigerant gas R-32 for sustainability

KARACHI: Dawlance is the leading producer of home appliances in Pakistan which uses environmentally safe refrigerant gas – R 32 in its products to reduce emissions and avoid the depletion of the Ozone layer - a fragile shield of gas, protecting the Earth from the harmful rays of the sun With a vision to reduce the unsafe disposal of these gases in the air the ‘United Nations Industrial Development Organization’ (UNIDO) has recently provided special equipment to Dawlance for recycling the R-32 refrigerant A vibrant ceremony was recently held at an event in Islamabad where the recycling equipment was handed over The Chief Marketing Officer of Dawlance – Syed Hasan Jameel addressed the event and said: “As a socially responsible enterprise, we understand the critical importance of using Planetfriendly refrigerants and recycling the gasses safely and responsibly to preserve the ozone layer PR

I S L A M A B A D: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), a frontline National E&P Company and one of the largest corporate donors has recently financed the establishment of a Women Vocational Training Centre (WVTC) in District Okara Punjab in collaboration with Behbud Association of Pakistan (BAP) An amount of Rs 50 million has been earmarked for the project to be run over a five-year period BAP, a non-government, nonprofit organization, established in 1967, is working for the socio-economic empowerment of women The Association imparts skills to women which enables them to generate income for their livelihood MD & CEO PPL Mr Imran Abbasy presented the donation cheque of Rs 10 million as first tranche of the project to President BAP Ms

Abida Salim Malik in Islamabad on September 18

Speaking on the occasion Mr Abbasy shared that PPL through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme remains committed to the socioeconomic empowerment of underprivileged women, with the view to seeking their transformation and leading them to self-earning The WVTC aims to conduct vocational training of around 3,000 women, to enable them to earn their livelihood through sale of their products Through this project transformation sustainability and financial independence of women is envisioned by PPL PR

PA f contingent lands back after successful par ticipation in air exercise Shaheen-X

The PAF contingent landed back at an operational air base of Pakistan Air Force after successful participation in Shaheen-X air exercise in China The contingent included PAF's J-10 C and JF-17 lead fighter aircraft Combat Pilots Air Defence Controllers and technical ground crew who remained actively engaged in the exercise The exercise was aimed at validating interoperability in the face of realistic contemporary air combat scenarios between the two strategic allies Shaheen-X is the 10th in the series of Shaheen Air Exercises annually held in both the countries on an alternate basis The series of air exercises between Pakistan Air Force and People s Liberation Army Air Force are rooted in their enduring partnership The collaborative endeavor has not only facilitated the exchange of valuable insights and lessons learned but has also served as a catalyst for enhancing inter-operability among the combat crews of both Air Forces The combined efforts of PAF s crew coupled with the formidable air combat capabilities of J-10 C and JF-17 aircraft PR

IN THE MIDST OF ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, WHY IS THE BANKING SECTOR THRIVING?

g SECTOR IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE STEADY PERFORMANCE IN NEXT HALF

est income, driven by rising interest rates The SBP policy rate saw a cumulative increase of 600 basis points during H1CY23 While interest income doubled to Rs 2723 1 billion in H1CY23 compared to the same period in the previous year interest expenses also more than doubled to Rs 1882 1 billion

TOO

within banks investment portfolios

By the end of June 2023, government securities and total investments accounted for 49 6 percent and 52 7 percent respectively

Despite a challenging economic landscape, banks also witnessed a notable increase in their deposits, rising by 14 2 percent during H1CY23 to reach Rs 26 8 trillion by the end of June 2023

This influx of deposits coupled with a slower pace of lending led to a decline in the Advances to Deposits Ratio (ADR) from 50 4 percent in December 2022 to 45 0 percent

The remarkable surge in profits can largely be attributed to higher net inter-

Cour t rejects ACE plea, sends Per vaiz Elahi on judicial remand to Adiala Jail

LAHORE S

A court in the provincial capital on Tuesday turned down the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment s (ACE) request for PTI President Ch Pervaiz Elahi s physical remand in two cases pertaining to illegal appointments and instead sent him to jail on 14-day judicial remand

On Tuesday, the Anti-corruption officials produced in the court of judicial magistrate Imran Abid and sought his physical remand

However Advocate Amir Saeed and Advocate Rana

Intizar the counsels for Pervaiz Elahi objected to the ACE s request for their client s remand

Saeed, in particular, objected to the ACE lawyer s contentions for the PTI leader ’s physical remand “The prosecutor ’s arguments do not pertain to the case in which they have come to seek his remand ” he contended At that the ACE s lawyer said they were seeking Elahi s remand in two cases one pertaining to Bhatti s appointment and the other relating to alleged illegal appointments in the Punjab Assembly

Ch Pervaiz Elahi is among several 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 has been arrested multiple times since June 1 in several cases with the count of his arrests exceeding 12 since then, according to the tally provided by one of his lawyers

His latest arrest was made yesterday by the Punjab ACE in a case involving the appointment of Muhammad Khan Bhatti as his principal secretary during his tenure as the chief minister The ACE alleged that the appointment of Bhatti was not in accordance with the law

Pervaiz Elahi was initially arrested in the case of recruitments to the Punjab Assembly on June 3 The case pertained to illegal recruitments of 12 Grade-17 officers in the provincial assembly with Elahi being accused of getting the results of the testing service changed to select the candidates of his choice

During the proceedings Advocate Intizar informed the court that the Lahore High Court (LHC) had already approved the PTI leader s protective bail in the case But the ACE’s lawyer contended that the case of illegal appointments to the assembly was “a big scandal” and Pervaiz Elahi’s remand was needed for interrogation The record of recruitments has to be recovered Billions of rupees taken by Pervaiz Elahi in bribes have to be recovered the lawyer said At one point, Pervaiz Elahi s counsel Intizar argued that the LHC had barred authorities from arresting his client in any case “Yet, he was arrested several times in violation of court orders ”

He further said Pervaiz Elahi was in the ACE’s custody when the first information report (FIR) of the alleged illegal appointments at the Punjab Assembly was registered against him

Mobile phone impor ts surge to 76pc despite dollar constraints

While the increase in interest rates played a significant role in boosting banks’ income from advances and investments the expansion in the volume of these assets also contributed to the growth in interest income However non-interest expenses increased by 31 9 percent during H1CY23, surpassing last year s figures Outlook for next half of 2023

As the banking sector looks to the second half of 2023 its performance will be contingent on the operating environment and evolving policy stance Furthermore the results of the latest stress tests indicate that the banking sector is expected to display resilience in the face of severe macroeconomic

shocks over the next two years Expectations for the banking sector in the coming months include continued steady performance driven by investments to meet the government s borrowing needs Advances are also anticipated to rise in the final quarter of CY23 especially in sectors like textiles and sugar, which could boost credit demand While the banking sector is likely to maintain its operating performance the impact of higher interest rates may pose challenges in terms of high-interest expenses Nevertheless steady earnings are expected to support solvency and improve capital adequacy ratios Though aggregate demand containment and stressed financial conditions may raise credit risk concerns the sector ’s exposure to corporate borrowers with robust creditworthiness is expected to safeguard asset quality However reducing the banking sector s reliance on government borrowing remains a pressing need to ensure long-term fiscal stability

Pak army ’s professionalism par excellence to any modern army of world: COAS

Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday said the Pakistan Army s standard of professionalism and leadership was par excellence compared to any modern army of the world, according to ISPR

However, the Junior leaders of the Pakistan Army have proven their mettle in the fields of training operations and world-class competitions across the world the COAS said

The Opening Ceremony of Multi-National Special Forces Exercise “Eternal Brotherhood-II” was held at Barotha Special Forces contingents from Pakistan Kazakhstan Qatar Turkiye and Uzbekistan are participating in a two-week long exercise, an InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) news release said

The Army Chief visited Barotha Garrison and interacted with the exercising participants He was briefed on the scope and conduct of the exercise by the General

officer Commanding Special Service Group

The exercise is aimed at further harnessing the historic military-tomilitary relations among the friendly countries, including nurturing of joint employment concept while identifying areas of mutual interest for future military collaborations and benefiting from each other s experience against terrorism

Prior to visiting Brotha, the COAS also visited Junior Leadership Academy (JLA) Shinkiari

INDUSTRY ENVISIONS NEED FOR CONSISTENCY IN UPWARD TRAJECTORY FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION OF ALLIED PARTS

In a surprising turn of events mobile phone imports in Pakistan have witnessed a staggering 76 percent surge during the first two months of the current fiscal year, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) This surge has been warmly welcomed by local mobile phone manufacturers who believe it will usher in a new era of growth for the industry despite the persistent dollar constraints

The PBS data reveals that in August 2023, mobile phone imports reached a substantial $111 34 million, marking a remarkable 77 percent increase compared to the same month in 2022 Similarly July 2023 saw mobile phone imports amounting to $68 13 million reflecting a substantial 76 percent rise compared to July of the previous year

which is the Center of Excellence for training of Non Commissioned Officers He laid floral wreath at Yadgaar e Shuhada (The Martyrs Monument) and addressed the participants of the Academy

Speaking on the occasion the COAS remarked that Junior Leaders are the backbone of Pakistan Army and are key to success in Conventional and Unconventional Warfare On arrival at JLA and Brotha, COAS was received by Inspector General Training & Evaluation

The Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA) is optimistic about this surge in imports, asserting that it will alleviate the ongoing mobile phone shortages in Pakistan Muzzafar Paracha the senior vice chairman of the PMPMA shed light on the intricacies of the situation Paracha pointed out that a crucial factor contributing to the increase in imports is the classification of both mobile phone sets and mobile phone parts under the same category of mobile phones by the government He clarified that the surge in imports primarily consists of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) mobile phones This surge is attributed to the government s decision to ease restrictions on Letters of Credit (LCs) despite the dollar shortage As a result by mid-September locally assembled sets are expected to fulfill approximately 90 percent of the market s demand Paracha emphasized that nearly all of the 30 mobile assembly units in the country, including three foreign brands have resumed operations churning out up to 2 million mobile phone sets This is a significant shift from the scenario in March 2023 when most manufacturing units were shuttered due to a shortage of dollars According to members of the Association, despite the increase in imports and the persistent dollar constraints, only around $7 million worth of high-end mobile sets are currently being brought into the country which accounts for less than 10 percent of the market demand Meanwhile Amir Allahwala a senior office bearer of the Association highlighted that local cell phone assemblers are now producing up to 3 5 million sets per month, including both smartphones and feature phones He pointed out that the local market’s needs hover around three million sets per month mainly due to phone replacements and damages during use Furthermore the industry envisions the need for consistency in this upward trajectory, as it could lead to the local production of allied parts such as chargers, batteries, hands-free devices, and cables This, in turn, could open doors to export markets In light of these developments, mobile phone manufacturers are urging the government to permit the monthly import of parts and components worth $170 million This they believe will enable the industry to operate at 100 percent capacity further boosting Pakistan s mobile phone manufacturing sector, despite the persistent dollar constraints

LAHORE

S TA F F R E P O R T

Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Tuesday it was time for the international community to accept that India had become a rogue Hindutva terrorist state Speaking to the media in Lahore on Tuesday, the PPP chairman Bilawal said the interim Foreign Office should take notice of the episode and issue a “clear” statement Canada has levelled a “big allegation” against India he noted adding that India had been “exposed before the world”

He further stated: Till when the international community particularly our friends in the West will continue to ignore such events involving India It is time for the international community to accept that India has become a rogue Hindutva terrorist state

The Canada has accused India of involvement in the killing of a separatist Sikh leader on its soil The separatist leader 45-year-old Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh temple on June 18 in Surrey a Vancouver suburb with a large Sikh population Nijjar supported a Sikh homeland in the form of an independent Khalistani state and was designated by India as a “terrorist” in July 2020

Subsequently Canada said on Monday that it was “actively pursuing credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the murder of the Sikh separatist leader Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in an emergency statement to the House of Commons that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen was an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty” Ottawa also expelled India’s top intelligence agent and accused it of a role in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader In response India said today it had expelled a Canadian diplomat with five days notice to leave the country

Bilawal went on to say: They have not only conducted terrorism in [occupied] Kashmir, not only we in Pakistan have caught their spies involved in terror-

ism in our country but they have now been caught violating the sovereignty of a Nato-member state

This is not only a violation of Canadian sovereignty This is [also] a violation of international law and international norms And the PPP calls but Pakistan should call on the international community to stand with the people of Canada and highlight the atrocities of the religio-fascist that is today’s India ”

This is not the first instance of Bilawal using strong words of criticism for the Indian leadership

In December last year while Bilawal was the foreign minister, he had called the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the butcher of Gujarat a reference to 2002 Gujarat riots He had made these statements while addressing the media at a UN briefing room in New York minutes after his Indian counterpart accused Pakistan of perpetuating terrorism and sheltering Osama bin Laden

In May this year he became the first foreign minister from Pakistan to visit India in over a decade, to attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Conference in Goa Upon his return, he said he had succeeded in “countering the false narrative” of Narendra Modi’s government that every Muslim was a terror suspect and exposing Delhi s history of defiance of bilateral and international agreements

While in Goa Bilawal and his Indian counterpart had also posed for a protocol picture but didn t shake hands Meanwhile, there was shrill Indian media commentary about why there should not be talks and why the two shouldn’t even shake hands

The two foreign ministers also seemed to be engaged in a blame game during the SCO meeting raising issues such as terrorism and Kashmir ‘PPP’s reservations over level-playing field pertain to PML-N’: Regarding delay in polls, Bilawal said that the authority to announce the election date rested solely with the Election Commission of Pakistan and underscored that the PPP’s reservations regarding a level-playing field primarily pertain to a specific political party the PML-N

ATC extends Asad Umar, Imran’s sisters’ interim bail till Oct 4 in May 9 rioting cases

LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore on Tuesday extended the interim bail of PTI leader Asad Umar party chairman Imran Khan s two sisters and other suspects till October 4 in cases pertaining to violent incidents of May 9 ATC Judge Abhar Gul presided over the hearing on Tuesday while the former PTI secretary general and other suspects appeared before the court and marked their attendance The court sought a complete record of the investigation from the police When Aleema came to the rostrum she said she did not go to Jinnah House one of the military places that were vandalised on May 9 and yet she was nominated in the case “We have come to the court for justice We demand justice ” Subsequently the ATC extended the interim bail till October 4 and sought arguments from the lawyers at the next hearing

The ATC judge also heard the interim bail application of former federal minister Asad Umar related to the May 9 violence and extended the interim bail of Umar in connection with the May 9 incidents till October 4 and ordered him to be part of investigations Widespread violence erupted after Imran’s arrest on May 9 in AlQadir Trust case from Islamabad High Court by paramilitary Rangers As a resulted important military installations come under attack on the basis of which the state had launched a severe crackdown against his party

Govt to provide gas subsidy to low-income houses of Balochistan for winter season

media reports the IMF has been very persistent and concise about this new demand since the start of August The hike of gas prices by almost 50% is most likely to come in effect before the start of winter season I t i s r e p o r t e d t h a t s e n i o r o ff i c i a l s o f the petroleum and finance departments as w e l l a s t h e O i l a n d G a s R e g u l a t o r y A ut h o r i t y ( O g r a ) p u t t h e i r h e a d s t o g e t h e r h e r e o n M o n d a y t o f i n a l i s e t h e g a s i ncrease by 45-50%

While the government has its hands tied on controlling the raise in price there might still be something left that the interim setup could manage to do by themselves In this scenario, the interim setup is looking towards a direct subsidy, particularly for the low income households of Balochistan During winters temperature drops considerably to the extent of making it difficult to survive in the province Under such circumstances an increase in tariff might just be chronic for the people of Balochistan As per media reports, the government is con-

sidering a direct subsidy as opposed to the current cross subsidy for the lower income households of the Balochistan region

The government is likely to provide this subsidy in the form of cash handouts through Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) database

While the direct subsidy based on BISP database is questionable insofar as the viability of the database it also begs the question of whether the government will provide a similar subsidy to the financially downtrodden people of other cold regions

g