Epaper_23-09-28 ISB

ECP PUBLISHES PRELIMINARY DELIMITATION REPORT

g SAYS REPRESENTATIONS TO PRELIMINARY CONSTITUENCIES CAN BE MADE BY VOTERS TILL OCT 26

g COMMISSION TO DECIDE ON REPRESENTATIONS FROM OCT 28 TO NOV 26 AFTER HEARING POSITIONS OF RESPECTIVE PARTIES

Proposals for economic revival plan delayed for second time

TH E Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday published the lists of preliminary delimitation of constituencies, a step being seen as a significant development towards holding general elections in the country

In a press release issued here on Wednesday, the ECP said the report of preliminary delimitation, along with the lists (Form 5), has been uploaded on its official website for public display, adding that maps of the initial delimitation are also available on the website

The publication of the preliminary constituencies will continue for 30 days from Sept 27 to Oct 26, it said, highlighting that objections (representations) to the preliminary constituencies can be made by the voters of the concerned constituency

The representations the ECP stated should be addressed to the commission s secretary and be submitted to the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by Oct 27

“The ECP will take decisions on these representations from Oct 28 to Nov 26 after hearing the positions of from the respective parties the press release said

Under the original delimitation schedule issued by the ECP on Aug 17 ten days after the notification of cen-

sus results the initial delimitation exercise was to be completed on Oct 7 and preliminary proposals for delimitation along with the report were to be published on Oct 9

However, on Sept 1, the ECP had announced squeezing timelines of the delimitation exercise by 14 days to complete the process on Nov 30 instead of the scheduled Dec 14

The completion of the delimitation brings ECP closer to holding polls by the last week of January, as planned by the body A specific date for the elections is yet to be announced

Listing the procedure of submitting the representations the commission said it should be submitted by a voter of the

Imran Khan gained remarkable popularit y, says Miftah

ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T

Miftah Ismail, a prominent figure in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has acknowledged that Imran Khan the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) has gained remarkable popularity surpassing other political leaders as revealed in a recent opinion poll Miftah along with Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Mustafa Khokhar, who initially proposed the idea of Reimagining Pakistan seminars, is contemplating the formation of a new political party While no official decision has been made yet they are actively considering the possibility Miftah disclosed that they conducted a public opinion survey in July of this year which indicated Imran s substantial lead in popularity Abbasi s discussions regarding his political future within the PML-N and the idea of a new political party are part of their strategic exploration before reaching a final verdict Abbasi, Miftah, and Mustafa are engaging with various individuals and stimulating discussions on social and traditional media to gauge the feasibility of launching a new political entity Among the trio Khokhar appears to be more inclined toward founding the party, while the other two remain undecided All three share the belief that the current political landscape allows for the emergence of a new political party However, the key question is whether they can attract sufficient support to make it viable To assess the landscape they commissioned public opinion polls which reinforced their conviction in the necessity of a new political party

They contend that a significant portion of voters who have shifted towards Imran Khan and the PTI, primarily due to their disillusionment with the PML-N, could potentially be drawn to a new political party This is because staunch supporters of Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif are unlikely to support any other political party

The challenging situations faced by Imran Khan and the PTI after May 9 have created an opportunity for this new political party to attract voters, particularly those who aren’t die-hard PTI supporters Among the trio, Khokhar left the PPP after expressing critical views of powerful factions within the party

concerned constituency in the form of a “memorandum” and entail the signatures of the voter It said eight copies of the representations and constituency maps were required to be submitted It said the district maps can be obtained from the ECP for a “small fee”

“Representations by courier post and fax etc will not be accepted ” the commission added

LIMITATION: Based on the initial delimitation, the population distribution in the National Assembly constituencies is as follows: Balochistan has 930 900 voters followed by 913 052 voters in Sindh 907 913 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 905 595 in Punjab and 787 954 in Islamabad

The National Assembly consists of 266 general seats and 60 seats reserved for women Ten seats have also been reserved for non-Muslims Punjab holds the majority of 141 seats in NA followed by Sindh with 61 KP with 45 Balochistan with 16 and Islamabad with 3

In the provincial assembly constituencies, the figures show Punjab leads with a total population of 429,929, followed by Sindh with 428,432, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 355 270 and Balochistan with 292 047

As per the delimitation report a copy of which is available with Dawn com the share of seats in the national and provincial assemblies have been worked out on the basis of the final results of the 2023 census

“The population of the province/area has been divided by the total number of general seats and the average population or quota per National Assembly seat was obtained Similarly, the population of a province was divided by the total number of general seats allocated to the provincial assembly to obtain a quota per seat

In calculating the total number of seats a fraction of 0 5 and above was generally taken as one seat and a fraction below 0 5 was ignored Due to the peculiar situation in Balochistan, more than one district has been clubbed Similarly few clubbings have also been made in other provinces where necessary it said

Sikh activists’ killing result of rising Hindutva ideology induced ter rorism: PM

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Wednesday said that the murder of Sikh activists is the result of growing state-sponsored terrorism under the Hindutva ideology being pursued by the BJP s Narendra Modiled Indian government

Interacting with the media persons in London, the Prime Minister said Pakistan remained a victim of the Indian state-sponsored terrorism especially the Balochistan has been heavily affected due to the terrorism of India He said now other nations are also suffering due to the nefarious designs of India

Anwaarul Haq Kakar while highlighting the plight of minorities in India expressed dismay that the Muslims, Sikhs and Christians cannot live in India as fully qualified citizens He said several movements such as Cow Vigilante groups are being encouraged in India to suppress the minorities

‘Nijjar’s brutal murder unmasked real face of India’

The real face of Narendra Modi’s India has been internationally unmasked after the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar by India s notorious intelligence agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) in Canada

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Canadian Prime Min-

dents Asif Ali Zardari and Dr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on the Iranian site of Gabd near Chahbahar in March 2013 with an estimated cost of $7 5bn at the time

The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has taken the step of summoning both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) This summons is in response to the need for these government bodies to provide a comprehensive briefing to the committee Specifically, the committee seeks to gain insights into the objections that have allegedly been raised by the United States concerning the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project, which is a significant multi-billion-dollar initiative Tehran has been claiming to have completed its side of the 1,150-kilometre pipeline for which a groundbreaking ceremony was jointly conducted by then presi-

Pakistan had committed to complete its side of the project by January 2015 However in February 2014 then petroleum min-

ister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the parliament that the Iran-Pakistan project was off the table due to international sanctions

Earlier this year, former petroleum minister Musadik Malik explained that despite being fully committed to its contractual obligations under the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) the Government of Pakistan had been unable to start construction of the pipeline due to US sanctions on Iran O ff i c i a l s s a i d P a k i s t a n h a d r e q u e s t e d Wa s h i n g t o n e a r l i e r t h i s y e a r f o r a s o l u -

ister Justin Trudeau s announcement that the agents of Indian government were involved in the Sikh leader ’s killing has exposed the Indian state-sponsored terrorism in other countries

The Canadian Sikh leader s killing by the Indian spies has called into question New Delhi s reliability as a credible international partner Modi regime has clearly violated international law by assassinating Hardeep Singh Nijjar on the Canadian soil

After conducting terrorism in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan, India has now been caught violating sovereignty of Canada Hardeep Singh Nijjar ’s murder in Canada vindicates that India under Modi has become a rogue Hindutva terrorist state India under fascist Modi through its rogue actions and state sponsored terrorism is posing a serious threat to the regional as well

as international stability

Political experts and analysts say that India has long been financing, planning and carrying out terror acts in Pakistan After his arrest Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav had made startling disclosures about New Delhi s involvement in subversive activities in Pakistan, they say Pakistan has not only provided the world irrefutable evidence of Indian terrorism in Pakistan but has time and again warned about India s destabilizing role in South Asia

The world community must not let Modi government to run away from facing persecution in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar It should realize that RSSbacked Modi regime is a threat to entire humanity and this is the time to check its fascist mindset before it claims more lives across the world

Earlier this month, the caretaker Prime Minister had constituted a Cabinet Committee on Economic Revival (CCER) to deliberate on strategies and policies to revitalize the economy The committee under the chair of finance minister Shamshad Akhtar was supposed to finalize a proposal within two weeks for the revival of the economy However, almost four weeks later, the CCER has yet to firm up proposals under the economic revival plan

According to sources privy to the development, the cabinet panel could still not finalize the proposals despite conducting a meeting under the chair of finance minister Shamshad Akhtar on Monday Since the committee is likely to propose budget cuts, reallocations, and relief plans, the delay exists because all the relevant ministries or divisions want maximum share of relief in the proposed recovery plan, as per sources It has also been intimated that the proposal will be submitted to the federal cabinet later this week In the ministries pushing for lenient treatment caretaker commerce minister Dr Gohar Ijaz pushed for the provision of cheap electricity for exporters to meet current year ’s export targets Similarly, he also wanted the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to issue refunds to exporters so the business community could reinvest On the other hand the energy minister Muhammad Ali has proposed different options including curtailing circular debt and line losses Contrary to Dr Gohar Ijaz s suggestions, he opposed any kind of subsidy for exporters During the meeting, the caretaker minister of Railway, Maritime Affairs and Communication Shahid Ashraf Tarrar advised the CCER to deliberate on the sudden mushroom growth of acquiring agricultural land and converting it into real estate projects He said that the public-private partnership mechanism could be helpful in enhancing the performance of Pakistan Railways The Minister for IT, Telecommunication and Science & Technology also highlighted hurdles in the context of FBR regulations tax anomalies and SBP procedures for the IT industry

Pemra follows in IB’s footsteps, withdraws plea against Faizabad sit-in case

ISLAMABAD

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Wednesday filed an application in the Supreme Court to withdraw its civil review petition against the Faizabad sit-in case Chairman PEMRA Muhammad Saleem Baig filed the application in the apex court through advocate Muhammad Sharif Janjua to seek permission for the withdrawal of a petition against the Faizabad sit-in case – one day before its hearing in the court The civil review petition by PEMRA against the controversial case was fixed for hearing on September 28, as per the final cause list

The petitioner prayed to the court that the civil review petition filed on behalf of PEMRA may be withdrawn as the client did not want to pursue the matter anymore PEMRA s move came a day after the Intelligence Bureau (IB) moved SC for the withdrawal of its review petition against the judgment delivered in the Faizabad sit-in case over four years ago, also stating that it did not want to pursue the case anymore IB’s withdrawal application came just two days before the hearing of the review petitions by a three-member bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah

At least eight review petitions were filed against the Faizabad Dharna case judgment on Feb 6, 2019 FA I Z A B A D S I T-I N C A S E: The TLP started its protest on Nov 8 2017 and set up a camp at the Faizabad Interchange contesting changes in the Elections Bill 2017 in which the word oath was changed to declaration The protesters demanded the resignation of then law minister Zahid Hamid Hamid stepped down on Nov 27, 2017 The protests paralysed daily life in the twin cities for 20 days albeit without any violence

t i o n f o r t h e p r o j e c t t o h e l p o v e r c o m e e ne rg y s h o r t a g e s b u t h a d n o t y e t r e c e i v e d a n y r e s p o n s e

In August, Pakistan issued a notice of Force Majeure and Excusing Event to Iran to suspend its contractual obligation on completion of the gas pipeline Simply put Pakistan had expressed its inability to pursue the project as long as US sanctions on Iran remain in place or Washington tacitly green lights Islamabad to go ahead with the project

The matter came under discussion today during the Senate panel today Petroleum Additional Secretary Hassan Yousafzai briefed the committee that a deadline for 2024 had been given by Iran regarding the completion of the gas pipeline and failure to meet it would lead to fines

“We are trying to renegotiate the matter with Iran he said adding that efforts were being made to find out other ways of obtaining gas

The secretary further expressed concerns that Pakistan could be subject to “liabilities of $20 billion” The issue he went on to say was also raised with the US Laying the gas pipeline till Gwadar will cost us $2bn he told the panel adding that reneging on the deal with Iran could lead to a whopping $18bn penalty Commenting on the matter, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed called for summoning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to “find out why can t we purchase cheap gas from the neighbouring country We should know the reason behind the obstruction, he said

Meanwhile the chairperson of the Senate committee Sadia Abbasi highlighted that India never faced such restrictions How was the agreement even signed amid these restrictions? she asked

Here, PPP Senator Waqar Mehdi said the agreement was signed under the government of ex-president Zardari

The Iranian pipeline was aimed to supply 750 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas, although it was vehemently opposed publicly and diplomatically by the US authorities, particularly when Pakistan and Iran signed framework agreements and GSPA in 2009 and 2010 respectively

Pakistan signed the pipeline agreement in 2014 which included a condition that Islamabad will pay billions of dollars in penalties if it abandons the project

P M L - N R E A C T S A N G R I LY T O I N T E R I O R M I N I S T E R ’ S R E M A R KS O N N AW A Z ’ S A R R E S T

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

THE PML-N on Tuesday expressed anger over interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti s remarks regarding PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif being arrested upon return prompting the caretaker government to issue a clarification

The discourse comes as the elder Sharif prepares to return to Pakistan on October 21 Nawaz departed the country in November 2019 for medical treatment following his conviction in a corruption case

He has not returned since and faces multiple cases in Pakistan He was deemed an absconder the following February

Later in 2020, courts declared him as a proclaimed

offender On August 10 PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif was asked about the possibility of the caretaker government creating any issues for Nawaz upon his return, to which he had replied that the elder Sharif would face the law Nawaz Sharif will, God willing, come to Pakistan and face the law there are no two opinions on it ” the

Pakistan Railways Police launch official website

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t

PML-N president had said in London later in August

In an interview on ARY News programme Khabar Meher Bokhari Kay Saath’ last night, Bugti was asked whether the government would arrest Nawaz if he failed to procure bail from courts

In response the interior minister said Nawaz would be arrested if he failed to get bail As you know the airport is a sensitive area, a mob would not be allowed there so if he does not get bail from the courts then we would have to arrest him,” he replied Bugti’s statement has since received severe backlash from the PML-N In a statement issued on social media platform X today PML-N Punjab president Rana Sanaullah termed Bugti s comments as exceeding his jurisdiction

“Before making such statements, look at what happened to the [former] interior minister Sheikh Rasheed ” he said Where Nawaz Sharif has to go from the airport on October 21 will not be decided by the interior ministry it will be decided by the people, the former interior minister said Nawaz Sharif, as always, will fulfil the

Pakistan Railways Police have launched its official website (www pakrailwayspolice gov pk) with the collaboration of National Information Technology Board The website will work in a user-friendly way and also bridge the gap between the passengers and railways police by timely provision of information It will augment smart and modern policing process and remain up-to-date to keep the audience aware of the latest information The main reason for having official website is to increase the organizational credibility and also to have a strong online presence of Pakistan Railways Police It is designed in the public focused manner and will provide the valuable information to the passengers and promote a soft image and public service delivery projects The website is featured with useful contact numbers of officers/officials and police stations Through the website, the journalists would be able to download the Journalist Concession Card form and similarly employees of railways police may download different types of documents

Eid Miladun Nabi: President approves 90-Day remission for prisoners

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

On special occasion of the Eid Milad-ul-Nabi (SAWW) President Arif Alvi has approved a 90-day remission in the sentences of prisoners

The President on Wednesday gave approval of remission under Article 45 of the Constitution

The reduction in sentences will not apply to the prisoners involved in murder espionage and anti-state activities as well as those convicted of adultery, theft, robbery, kidnapping and terrorism The remission in sentences will also not apply to those who were involved in financial crimes and caused damage to national exchequer The remission in sentences will apply to male prisoners above sixty-five years of age, women prisoners above sixty years of age and persons under the age of eighteen who have served one third of their imprisonment

Crucial role of RTI laws in promoting gov t’s transparency commended

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Chief Information Commissioner of the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) Mr Shoaib

Ahmad Siddiqui Information Commissioners at PIC Mr Ijaz Hassan Awan and Mr Huzaifa Rahman have commended the pivotal significance of Right to Information (RTI) laws in fostering transparency within government institutions In a statement in connection with Universal Access to Information Day being observed tomorrow

(Thursday Sept 28) the Information

Commissioners emphasized that Article 19-A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan bestows upon citizens the fundamental right of access to information held by public bodies, subject to certain limitations They stated that this constitutional provision is cornerstone of a democratic society enabling citizens to stay informed and hold government bodies accountable for their actions They elaborated on the vital role of RTI laws in empowering citizens to actively participate in the democratic process They noted that when citizens have access to information, they can make informed decisions, engage in constructive dialogue and ultimately contribute to better governance and right to vote The Information Commissioners emphasized that RTI laws are a means to ensure that government institutions remain transparent, responsive, and accountable to the people they serve They stressed that these laws provide a mechanism for citizens to obtain information and documents from public bodies thereby reducing the opacity that can often surround government operations

requrements of the law in courts he added

Former information minister Marriyum

Aurngzeb also stated that where Nawaz Sharif chose to go from the airport was neither the problem of the interior minister nor his decision

“This is Nawaz Sharif ’s and the people’s decision she reiterated Aurangzeb further said the interior minister should rid himself of the misunderstanding that he would remain in the interim position for life

“From 2017 till now, these false propaganda and conspiracies have done a lot of injustice to people not anymore!” she vowed

In response to the criticism Bugti said his comments were taken out of context and given a political colour

“I was asked that if any criminal comes to the country, what would your preparation be for their arrest? No preparations are needed to arrest someone it is the function of the state he clarified

The caretaker government does not have a political agenda, the interior minister added He added that the former premier

would be treated as per the law on his return to the country and the caretaker government would work according to its mandate

Previously, caretaker Prime Minister

Anwaarul Haq Kakar had said that the decision to handcuff Nawaz upon his return to the country lay within the purview of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) who would make the decision according to the applicable legal provisions He said this was the discretion that the leadership of agencies exercised, adding that he hoped they do it to the best of their ability”

When asked about growing apprehensions about a likely scenario of Nawaz being arrested upon his return the prime minister had said he was not taking the matter as a challenge for himself since he could not decide the issue of the PML-N supremo being behind bars or being free to move according to own wishes

“I reiterate that the leadership of legal and law enforcement agencies is present

Whatever they decide whether they send him (Nawaz) behind bars or allow freedom of movement, it will be the decision of the leadership of the judicial process and law

enforcement

PM Kakar had said the government would intervene where it felt the two entities two were defying the law

‘Stop worrying about Nawaz Sharif ’

Former interior minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Punjab president Rana Sanaullah has asked Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti to stop worrying about Nawaz Sharif

On September 25, Bugti, while talking to with a news channel said Nawaz Sharif would be arrested upon arrival in Pakistan if he is denied bail by the courts The former premier is all set to reach Pakistan on October 21 Sarfraz Bugti should keep Sheikh Rasheed s end in mind before commenting on Nawaz Sharif , Rana Sanaullah responded

The former minister claimed the people of Pakistan paid for the ‘conspiracy’ hatched against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif The PML-N leader asked Sarfraz Bugti to stop worrying about Nawaz Sharif and focus on his work as the former premier has always respected the rule of the law in the country

JI chief voices concerns over elec tricit y policies

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t

Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Sirajul Haq on Wednesday raised serious concerns about the management of line losses by the government saying that it placed an undue burden on the general public The JI ameer s remarks came at a time when the issue of rising electricity prices and associated challenges were a topic of significant national discourse A d d r e s s i n g t h e i s s u e , H a q e m p h a s i z e d t h a t w h i l e e v e r y P a k i s t a n i d i l i g e n t l y p a y s t h e i r e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l s

e a c h m o n t h t h e c o s t o f e l e c t r i c i t y c o n s u m e d d i d n o t r e p r e s e n t a government subsidy Instead he argued t h a t e v e r y P a k i s t a n i w h o p a i d t h e i r electricity bill inadvertently contributed t o c o v e r i n g t h e u n p a i d b i l l s o f f i v e others, likening the situation to a form of collective financial burden

Furthermore he cited the remarks of Miftah Ismail who noted the increasing difficulty in sustaining basic electricity consumption such as operating four light bulbs and one fan within households Regardless of actual electricity consumption, every individual is subjected

to a monthly penalty

The JI chief also drew attention to the alarming trend of certain individuals or entities amassing wealth and assets at an ever-increasing rate, including properties, sugar mills, and factories

Haq also criticized the government’s approach to managing electricity prices stating that instead of providing affordable electricity to the public the government has entered into agreements that have resulted in a continuous escalation of prices

The JI chief also highlighted the Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements, which were

China’s stance on global issues aligns with vision of common future: Exper ts

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Experts in Pakistan believe that China’s proactive stance in addressing global issues such as cybersecurity health and climate change aligns with its vision of a common future China issued a white paper on building a global community of shared future, a grand vision serving as a blueprint for a better world raised by President Xi Jinping in 2013

The white paper called for efforts to build an open inclusive clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace universal security and common prosperity turning people s longing for a better life into reality

During an interview with Gwadar Pro, Executive Director Pakistan Research Centre for Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) Khalid Taimur Akram said that the vision is a profound commitment to international cooperation mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence

He said The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a significant example of China s commitment to building a global community with a shared destiny that prioritizes sustainable development, enhanced living standards, and high-quality collaboration with developing countries

“It was due to this concept that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has significantly benefited Pakistan’s economic and social development fostering economic cooperation and connectivity

As BRI operates transparently and inclusively it avoids political or military alliances and emphasizes shared growth t also offers an open platform for collaboration, welcoming all interested nations China’s

development initiatives including BRI and CPEC serve as a roadmap for advancing human society across various domains, he added

The expert noted that China s dedication to the priniples of the United Nations Charter underscores its commitment to multilateralism and cooperation in addressing global challenges

In a rapidly changing world China advocates adapting to these changes through win-win cooperation and innovative solutions

Such a vision prioritizes dialogue and partnerships over traditional zero-sum competition and alliances, actively contributing to regional peace and development

He highlighted that central to China’s approach is the emphasis on friendship sincerity equality and pragmatic cooperation

The model of an open and inclusive cooperation seeks to build bridges with all countries China s aspiration is to create a global community based on mutual respect and collaboration, sharing its developmental experiences with the world

This vision encompasses governance security development and peace on a global scale showcasing China as a provider of solutions to pressing challenges

During the last decade China has actively supported other developing countries, enhancing their growth potential through international cooperation and exchange

Hence the concept of a shared future calls for all nations to engage in open dialogue share governance responsibilities build consensus and take coordinated actions to address global issues

negotiated in Dollars rather than Pakistani Currency in 1994 during the tenure of the People s Party The JI ameer decried the lack of government action against powerful interest groups, commonly referred to as “mafias,” asserting that no administration has dared to confront these entities

He underscored that in recent times the nation has been burdened with electricity bills that often exceed the actual cost of electricity consumption comparing this financial strain to the historical oppression experienced during the era of the East India Company

Pakistan announces digitizing Hajj operations

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in collaboration with the religious ministry has announced to fully digitize next year s Hajj operations The decision was taken during a special committee meeting constituted under the prime minister s directive earlier this month The meeting was chaired by caretaker IT Minister Dr Umar Saif, Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed During the meeting, the IT minister told participants that a smartphone application and web portal would be developed to digitize entire Hajj operation The IT minister directed the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to immediately upgrade the existing system of Hajj operation

Pink eye infection: Punjab announces closure of schools

LAHORE:

In response to a growing outbreak of conjunctivitis caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Wednesday announced that all schools in Punjab including Lahore will remain closed tomorrow (September 28) This proactive measure is aimed at preventing the further spread of the highly contagious eye infection among students In addition to the day off, students up to matriculation classes will undergo screening at school gates, starting Monday Those exhibiting signs of the infection will be advised to seek immediate medical attention and will not be allowed to enter the school premises until they are no longer contagious S ta f f R e p o R t

Punjab police being upgraded with mechanism, tech of C hinese police: IGP

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t

Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr

Usman Anwar is busy in official meeting and visits during his visit to China in continuation of which the IG Punjab visited the smart center of the Chinese police A diligent squad of Chinese police welcomed the Punjab Police and presented salutations

Led by IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar

Punjab Police delegation reviewed the emergency response mechanism of Chinese police special forces and also inspected the Chinese command and control center equipped with modern technology Punjab Police delegation was briefed about modern monitoring and communication equipment drone technology raid response facilities

Officers of Punjab police delegation carefully reviewed the latest weapons IT-

based logistics and analytical technology used by the Chinese police IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar said that the working of the Punjab police will be upgraded gradually by the excellent policing mechanism and technology of the Chinese police The Chinese police have decided to provide training and technical facilities including modern weapons to the Punjab police On this occasion, the provision of weapons used by the Chinese special police forces to the Special Forces of Punjab Police including Elite Force and Special Protection Unit of the Punjab Police was also discussed IG Punjab further said that the operational and crime control strategy monitoring and surveillance system of Punjab Police is being further improved with the cooperation of Chinese police At the end of the meeting IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar was also presented with a

souvenir by the Chinese police Fake email by some miscreants in cybercrime cases Meanwhile, regarding the issue of sending fake e-mails of summons to citizens in cybercrime cases by some malicious elements the spokesman for Punjab Police said that Punjab Police has written a letter to FIA to take action against those who sent fake e-mails

In the letter sent on September 25, strict action has been requested against the accused under cybercrime laws

Spokesman Punjab Police further said that no such instructions were ever issued by Punjab Police or IG Punjab through any e-mail A ridiculous attempt was made to harass the citizens through fake e-mail notices spokesperson Punjab Police added that citizens should beware of mischievous fraudsters, report such false and baseless propaganda on emergency helpline 15, FIA Punjab Police and IG Punjab have started legal action against the accused who spread the fake email to citizens

C hinese university to help IUB with educ ation cooperation program

the UCCM Gansu Vocational Health College and TANG for cooperation in education innovation exchanges of faculty and students industrial-educational integration and modern talent cultivation of vocational and technical education, especially in the field of Traditional Medicine The IUB will be the pioneer institute in Pakistan to launch TCM degree/diploma program with all its major disciplines

M I L A D S E M I N A R : G LO W I N G T

R I B U T E S PA I D

ET E R N A L S O U R C E O F G U I D A N C E ’

coordinator of the Department of Islamic Studies was Dr Syed Hamid Farooq Bukhari

GLOWING tributes were paid to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as eminent scholars and academicians at a seminar here at Hafiz Hayat Campus on Wednesday discussed the life and teachings of the founder of Islam and said that he is an eternal source of guidance

The one-day seminar, titled Life of the Prophet (SAW) and its significance in modern times, was organised by the Department of Islamic Studies and aimed at enlightening young students with the glittering aspects of the great personality of the prophet

The seminar was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Mushahid Anwar while the host

The chief guest was prominent religious scholar Syed Atiqur Rehman Shah Bukhari while the guests of honour were columnist and intellectual Brigadier (Retd) Babar Alauddin and Registrar Muhammad Naeem Butt

Syed Atiqur Rehman Shah Bukhari said that every aspect of the Holy Prophet s life is a torch for humanity

He blessed humanity with the great eternal manifesto of morals, civilization and governance The personality of the Holy Prophet (SAW) can successfully lead us in every sphere of our lives on both worldly and spiritual levels

He was a practical example of purity and goodness he said Prof Dr Muhammad Mushahid Anwar said that the Prophet s

biography is like a beacon for humanity for all times to come It is incumbent upon every Muslim to follow the teachings of the holy Prophet and become a role model for humanity

Brig (Retd) Babar Alauddin said that the blessed personality of the Holy Prophet (SAW) is the sole reason for the existence of the universe “The message of the Holy Prophet is peace tolerance co-existence and justice Brig Aladdin said Mohammad Naeem Butt said that the personality of the Holy Prophet will remain a source of ever-lasting success for us all through his teachings of tolerance, non-hatred and a penchant for human welfare

Dr Syed Hamid Farooq said that remembering the Prophet (SAW) is an honour and a blessed duty The guidance of the Holy Prophet (SAW) will continue forever

PIA dismisses different restructuring plan rumours

restructuring

Government is concurrently drafting a privatisation blueprint This scenario has sparked a myriad of speculations about PIA s future trajectory PIA has, however, unequivocally distanced itself from the

strategies that have emerged in the media In conversation with Profit, Abdullah Khan, the Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at PIA, clarifies that the company’s current endeavour is solely to enlist a financial advisor for balance sheet revamping The forthcoming course of action will be determined in alignment with the recommendations presented and in

accordance with the charter and mandate of the Privatisation Commission asserts Khan These comments emerge in the wake of whispers about diverse restructuring schemes circulating in the media These include but are not limited to proposals such as permitting PIA to retain the federal excise duty paid by customers which amounts to approximately Rs 15 billion per annum, waiving PIA s civil aviation

Proposals for economic revival plan delayed for second time

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

fee which totals another estimated Rs 20 billion annually and persuading banks to forgo interest on loans amounting to Rs 50 billion per year Profit has already covered in detail how PIA got itself to the brink this time, and what a potential privatisation deal might look like if the Government of Pakistan decides to do so Read more:

The week everyone thought PIA was no longer a going concern Should there be an interest in assuming the role of PIA s advisor for its balance sheet restructuring the company welcomes bids until 3:00 pm on October 6

How auto sec tor fumbling with 5-year plan again

CONTONUED FOM BACK PAGE

Over the past two decades attempts have been made to remedy this through five year auto policies The core objective of 1st policy was to protect localization, as stakeholders were apprehensive of localization rollback due change in policy regime from mandatory localization to tariff base economic localization The policy interventions made in 2006 did serve the purpose to safeguard the local investment

However, the second policy AIDP for the period from 2011-2016 did not achieve its objective of ‘increasing competition In the same policy period the SRO 499(I)/2013 provided CBU concession to HEV CBUs since 2013, which has continued till date This means that essentially instead of promoting localisation the import of entirely assembled cars was promoted Similarly the 3rd policy ADP 2016-21 comparatively was successful to achieve its core objectives of increasing competition However, the new investment is concentrated in the upper segment and SUV category only It did not go well for lower segments

In 2021 the government gave the 1st ever incentive for new technologies such as HEVs and BEVs The CKD HEV incentive announced in 2021 in Pakistan, it was the time to mainly attract investment and technology upgrades in the local vehicle manufacturing

What is going on now?

The Engineering Development Board (EDB) an offshoot of the

Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP), has issued a fervent plea to the central government The plea? To delay the obligatory export quota by a year from 1 July 2023 In addition it has proposed a one-year postponement of the mandatory localisation deadline The goal? To provide a lifeline to the automotive sector, enabling it to bolster its operations and supercharge its production capacities This proposition by the MoIP follows a startling revelation at a meeting convened to finalise a draft summary for the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) regarding potential amendments to the auto policy Contrary to the MoIP’s assertion of attracting new entrants to the industry recent documents disclose that the sector has failed to meet the export and localisation targets set by AIDEP In an unforeseen turn of events, the local automotive industry has fallen short of expectations

The MoIP has advocated for refraining from enforcing compliance or imposing penalties However according to documents not all stakeholders concur with the MoIP s suggestions The Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Commerce and some other parties have opposed this proposal, emphasising the need to maintain focus on export objectives and indigenisation while preserving policy consistency

The Ministry of Industries and Production s justification

According to the ministry, AIDEP has attracted substantial investments, particularly in the production of hybrid vehicles and the anticipated launch of

smaller CC vehicles and electric 2-3 wheelers To date, 26 manufacturing licences have been granted under AIDEP which also includes investor facilitation and the execution of the Automotive Development Policy (ADP 2016-21) The ADP ushered in eight new international car manufacturers into the Pakistani market However, the sector has been beset by supply chain disruptions, reduced output, and high non-production days due to unfavourable economic conditions and LC restrictions which have adversely affected the sector

The MoIP has also observed that whenever a new part or component is introduced, it becomes subject to higher tariffs without allowing sufficient time for localisation

Despite various interventions approved under AIDEP and ADP several issues have emerged during implementation The MoIP notified a mandatory export target of 2% starting from the fiscal year 2022-23, with a 2 % annual increase reaching 10% of the Cost & Freight (C&F) value of imports by the end of the fiscal year 2025-26 on March 1 2022 However achieving the export targets seems increasingly unfeasible Why is that?

In light of these challenges, the ministry has proposed deferring the mandatory requirement to achieve export targets for an additional year The fate of this proposal now rests in the hands of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), as stakeholders continue to grapple with the delicate balance between industry support and policy compliance

The ministry has suggested that the compulsory export target of vehicles be postponed for one year from July 1, 2023 Furthermore they have proposed that the federal government consider a one-year deferment of mandatory localisation implementation to support the automotive industry in stabilising operations and enhancing production capabilities

The problem at hand This isn’t the first instance of such a proposal encountering opposition In a previous meeting on September 12 the notion of extending the timeline for meeting policy targets was largely contested Critics have contended that the EDB’s partiality towards auto firms has come at the expense of the populace who are left with no alternative but to purchase vehicles from local manufacturers and assemblers

Furthermore, it was resolved that as part of AIDEP, the incentives provided to new entrants under ADP 2016-21 were to persist for five years from the issuance of the manufacturing certificate or until 30th June 2026 whichever is earlier as stipulated in the ADP 2016-21

The primary bone of contention in terms of the incentives was that numerous automotive manufacturers were granted concessional tariffs for imported parts in order to expedite production diminish the barriers to entry erected by incumbents and assist in localisation

However the absence of exports in any significant capacity to offset the additional foreign exchange drain exacerbates Pakistan’s perpetually concerning balance of payments situation

Navigating Indolj ‘S ecurit y Breach’: S eparating fac t from fic tion

In response to these suggestions the caretaker finance minister ensured full support and commitment in settling the issues proposed by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication within the purview of the Standby Arrangement of the IMF The Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives mentioned the need for ease of doing business and domestic resource mobilization He added that currently the annual plan and 5Es framework are ready and relevant measures will be shared in upcoming meetings The Chairperson Shamshad Akhtar stressed on envisioning the revival plan on the private investment-led growth model instead of wholly relying on public investment-led growth Reportedly the finance minister has also directed the Minister for Planning to slash down the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation by Rs 200-250 billion through abolishing projects which have no significant role in promoting growth or are politically motivated

NEPRA approves upto Rs4 45 per unit hike in power tariff for

KE consumers

CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE in terms of the provisions of the NEPRA Act In light of the above, instant Motion is being filed with respect to Consumer End Tariff Recommendations of KE under Section 7 31(4) and 31(7) of the NEPRA Act read with Rule 17 of the NEPRA Rules so as to reconsider and issue for KE modified uniform variable charge, to maintain uniform tariff across the country and to recover the revenue requirements of KE determined by the Authority keeping in view the proposed targeted subsidy and cross subsidies The Authority is accordingly requested to issue separate SoT with prospective application of applicable uniform rates after incorporating tariff rationalization i e Rs 0 4689/kWh for all categories of consumers of K-Electric, except life line consumers The adjustment shall be applicable on the consumption of April, May & June 2023, to be recovered from consumers in Sep , Oct & Nov 2023 respectively Regarding request of the Federal Government to issue a separate SoT for application of 1st quarterly adjustment of FY 2022-23 the Authority has decided to issue a separate SoT which will be applicable for the months of October & November 2023, on the consumption of February 2023 and March 2023 respectively on consumers of K-Electric The amount so allowed shall be accounted for by K-Electric in its subsidy claims

NEPRA reser ves decision on Rs1.83 per unit hike in electricit y tariff under FCA

of August

CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

Similarly the power generation from gas-based power plants was 1 214 GWh 7 60 per cent of the total generation totaling Rs13 2190 per unit and the generation from Re-gasified Liquefied

THE Pakistan team has arrived in Hyderabad, india for the World Cup and its first matches on indian soil in a long time it is perhaps symptomatic of how Pakistan only plays india in international tournaments Let alone working towards restoring bilateral ties which would entail both the indian team touring Pakistan and the Pakistan team visiting the former india has tried to banish the apparently polluting presence of Pakistan from its soil in international tournaments it successfully managed to avoid visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup and its getting sri Lanka to co-host the tournament served both to save the indian team from coming to Pakistan and almost ruined it by staging matches in the middle of the rainy season

Another important factor has been to prevent Pakistan getting the revenue that would accrue from hosting an international tournament it also served to put Pakistan in its place as the Pakistan Cricket Board scrambled desperately to remain part of the Asia Cup, and at the same time avoid jeopardizing participation in the World Cup From the 1987 World Cup, when Pakistan was a co-host, and not only hosted its share of pool matches but also a semi-final to the present, where Pakistan prepares to play its matches in fear and trembling, has been a downward spiral

Perhaps the main reason is the BJP and its corrosive brand of nationalism The BJP does not seem to have any alternative to violence and it is that violence that Pakistan s team most fears for itself during its visit The refusal by the indian authorities to acknowledge the heightened threat, and to provide the same security as it provides to other teams is apparently an ill-concealed invitation to Vishwa Hindu Parishad supporters and generally sangh Parivar goons, to take the law into their own hands That is the sort of attitude that led to the indo-Canadian spat over the killing of a Khalistan Movement activist indian security concerns are not what led to the delay in visas for the Pakistan team even though they were applied for months in advance; it was sheer bloodymindedness The odd desire to prevent Pakistanis from polluting the soil of the indian motherland has also led to the squeezing of visas for Pakistani fans, who were still anxious to go and support their team even though they knew that they could well be risking their lives india s policy seems to be one of weaponising cricket and using it against Pakistan, instead of letting it be a sport bringing the two countries together

Mirza, Suhrawardy or Bhutto: what fate awaits Nawaz?

of holding elections martial law was imposed on the nation in October 1958 Only a few days later the Army Chief decided to get rid of the President and started to run the country as Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) Mirza arrived in London on a one-way ticket Unlike the sharifs he had not accumulated wealth from his days in power He lived like a commoner survived by running a restaurant finally to perish in 1963 As the first usurper was still in power he could not be buried in his homeland

The shah of iran met a similar fate iran refused to accept the body of the former monarch As his first queen was from Egypt, he was accommodated there Mirza was allowed to rest in peace in the land of his wife in the words of shakespeare; "A man dies when his memory dies" in the cases of Mirza and shah hardly anyone remembers them today

Iskander Mirza (1899-1969), the first President of islamic Republic of Pakistan, died in forced exile in London Hussain shaheed suhrawardy (1892-1963) the fifth Prime Minister of Pakistan was found dead in a Beirut hotel under mysterious circumstances Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (19281979), the ninth PM, was executed

Each one of them played a role in the formative years of Pakistan now it’s nawaz sharif's turn to write history iskander Mirza was ousted by Ayub Khan the first usurper He was forced out of the country Died in London as a commoner and was buried in Tehran as his wife was iranian suhrawardy was a popular leader of the Pakistan Movement and perhaps one of the ablest He founded the Awami League which led the movement for the separation of East Pakistan in 1971 a fate he had predicted while defending himself in a Military Tribunal headed by a lieutenant-colonel His death remains a mystery till today Bhutto was eliminated through the judicial process His legacy lives on together with his PPP nawaz has scheduled his return on October 21 to lead his party in the forthcoming elections He is confronted with tough choices; he has to face the law and the electorate at the same time

Nawaz has to decide, he can no longer run with the hare and hunt with the hounds Like Mirza he can continue to live in London as a commoner till he perishes If he decides to take on the establishment like Suhrawardy they will come after him. One can run but cannot hide for too long

At the time of Partition suharwardy was the PM of united Bengal and continued in this position to oversee the division of the province By the time he arrived in Pakistan, the governor general had appointed Liaquat Ali Khan to be the first PM While Liaquat Ali migrated to the new land leaving his home constituency behind suhrawardy had a solid local following When the Muslim League started to lean towards the establishment for support, he parted ways to start his Awami League which defeated his old party in the local elections held in the Eastern Wing He remained defiant against the Martial Law regime Where most politicians sheepishly went home when they were disqualified by Ayub Khan s EBDO ( Elected Bodies Disqualification Ordinance ), suhrawardy successfully defended himself and was exonerated of all charges of corruption

As a brilliant lawyer he fought all his cases well and emerged as a major threat to the hegemony of the establishment Finally fearing for his life he decided to go into self-exile to Beirut where he was found dead in his hotel room After his demise sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman emerged as the leader of his party suhrawardy was buried in a mausoleum in Dhakka which is now the capital of Bangladesh He left a solid legacy as leader of the freedom movement and PM of Pakistan who stood for democracy and rule of law

history as they say As leader of what remained of Jinnah s Pakistan Bhutto picked up the pieces

After the passage of the 1973 unanimous constitution he took the oath of office as PM An era of civilian supremacy emerged He called his regime; Awami Hakumat (People s government), which indeed it was in 1958 the establishment played a key role in the abrogation of the 1956 Constitution, after the 1977 elections Bhutto was cornered instead of an orderly transition of power the country came under the boots again Battle lines were clearly drawn between Bhutto s PPP and the establishment Undeterred he decided to fight back He was arrested for the murder of Ahmed Raza Kasuri's father Mr Justice K M samdani of the Lahore High Court bailed him out He was then arrested under the Martial Law and his trial started under Chief Justice Maulvi Mushtaq Early morning in April 1979 he was executed in the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi to be buried later that day in his village naudero While nusrat and Benazir were under arrest, his body was received by his first wife nawaz has to decide, he can no longer run with the hare and hunt with the hounds Like Mirza he can continue to live in London as a commoner till he perishes if he decides to take on the establishment like suhrawardy they will come after him One can run but cannot hide for too long Politics of resistance is unknown to him and his party; he prefers Muk Muka (Wheelingdealing) to wait for another chance which he is usually able to manage if he decides to come back he faces dual challenges of law and the ballot Like prisoner 804 he too may land up in the Attock Jail and learn to live there According to the famous sufi saying; suli tay charhna painda ay ([For a cause] one may have to mount the gallows) Bhutto decided to walk to the noose with dignity to earn an everlasting legacy Perhaps it is decision time for ns, and he has to choose between struggle for legacy in Pakistan or peaceful life in London

As an elected President Mirza connived with Ayub Khan to abrogate the 1956 Constitution instead

I m p a c t s o f u r b a n f l o o d i n g o n d e v e l o p m e n t p r o j e c t s

of the gwadar East Bay Expressway was suspended after the 2019 floods in Balochistan The expressway is a key part of CPEC, and i t s c o m p l e t i o n w o u l d i m p r o v e c o n n e c t i v i t y between gwadar port and the rest of Pakistan

Ri s i n g w a t e r l e v e l s a r e i n t e n s i f ying the risks to urban development p r o j e c t s i n P a k i s t a n h i g h l i g h t i n g the need for climate-resilient solutions The recent spell of excessive r a i n f a l l i n v a r i o u s p a r t s o f t h e c o u n t r y h a s o n c e a g a i n h i g h l i g h t e d t h e s e r i o u s p r o b l e m of urban flooding in Pakistan These devast a t i n g f l o o d s a r e o f t e n b l a m e d o n c l i m a t e change by the government but there is significant inadequacy at the government s end A s t h e n a t i o n e x p e r i e n c e s i n c r e a s i n g l y intense rainfall events and grapples with ina d e q u a t e d r a i n a g e s y s t e m s , t h e i m p a c t s o f urban flooding on development projects have emerged as a critical concern it is becoming evident that the current planning and policy frameworks for managing urban flooding are ineffective in the light of climate change

Despite knowing that urban flooding is a recurring phenomenon in Pakistan, its causes a r e o f t e n n e g l e c t e d b y t h e g o v e r n m e n t A l l four provinces all experienced hill torrents, with flash floods causing substantial damage several factors like unplanned urbanization i n a d e q u a t e s t o r m w a t e r d r a i n a g e s y s t e m s c h a n g e s i n n a t u r a l d r a i n a g e r o u t e s d u e t o c a r e l e s s b u i l d i n g , a n d p o o r u r b a n g o v e rn a n c e , a l l c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e i s s u e A l l t h e s e causes have resulted in severe immediate and long-term consequences

Apart from the natural causes of these catastrophic floods the growing city sprawl has led to encroachment on banks and rivers ultimately causing urban flooding Poor planning in urban areas leaves little to no room for water to move after high rains The housing societies and businessmen have been illegally developing societies buildings and hotels as seen along the banks of the swat River The hotels and residential structures that were illegally built limited the river s route which in turn restricted the rivers and streams flow in August 2022, flash floods wreaked havoc i n s w a t , r e s u l t i n g i n d a m a g e d h o u s e s , blocked roads, and power outages, with several people having to leave their houses due to the damage caused by the floodwater CPEC the major development project between China and Pakistan remains no less affected by these massive floods These intense y e a r l y f l o o d s h a v e d e s t r o y e d a n u m b e r o f p o w e r p l a n t s , h i g h w a y s , a n d s p e c i a l e c on o m i c z o n e s c a u s i n g t h e C h i n a - P a k i s t a n E c o n o m i c C o r r i d o r ( C P E C ) t o f a c e s e v e r e losses The construction site and roads used b y t h e C h i n e s e - f u n d e d p r o j e c t s h a v e b e e n f l o o d e d , a n d t h e o n - s i t e f a c i l i t i e s w e r e a l s o

For Pakistan which was experiencing severe macroeconomic and political unrest the floods of August 2022 could not have arrived at a worse moment The socioeconomic characteristics of the country are defined by a reliance on agricultural and livestock activities, which made flooding even more destructive Pakistan needs an efficiently working agricultural sector for swift economic progress However, these changing climate patterns are causing widespread destruction of Pakistan s agriculture and livestock, leading to food insecurity

According to the estimates, 2022 floods destroyed 1 8 million tons of rice 88 percent of the total expected cotton production, and 61 percent of the total expected sugarcane production T h e r e p e r c u ssions of urban floodi n g a r e f e l t i n t h e i n d u s t r i a l s e c t o r o f P a k i s t a n a s w e l l D a m a g e d i n d u s t r i a l i n f r a s t r u c t u r e d i srupted supply chains and loss of inventory a ll d u e to th e d e v a st a t i n g f l o o d s h a v e p l a g u e d t h e i n d u st r i a l s e c t o r o f P a ki s t a n A c c o r d i n g t o P a k i s t a n i m e d i a t h e t o r r e n t i a l r a i n s t h a t h a v e d e v a s t a t e d b o t h c i t i e s a n d t h e c o u n t r y s i d e m a y h a v e r u i n e d c o t t o n w o r t h € 2 6 b i l l i o n n a t i o n w i d e Wr e c k e d b y t h e 2 0 2 2 f l o o d s , u p t o 1 0 0 s m a l l e r m i l l s h a v e s t o p p e d o p e r a t i n g i n

Reforestation programmes like The Billion Tree Tsunami campaign should be initiated and scaled up in the long term Pakistan will need to simultaneously provide a consistent and dependable source of funding while addressing its national-level challenges with long-term, sustainable solutions A large national reform effort and the repair of ineffective governance systems are required to achieve this delicate balance

After the fall of the first usurper, Mujib's Awami League and Bhutto s PPP won big in the first free and fair elections held in 1970 The two leaders could not work together for a united Pakistan and the rest is

global environment because of its reliance on imported fossil fuels and the state of its infrastructure With the indus and its tributaries constituting Pakistan s sole major river system and producing 27% of the nation s elect r i c i t y, r e c e n t f l o o d s h a v e e n d a n g e r e d i m p o r t a n t p o w e r s y s t e m s a n d i n t e n s i f i e d power shortages across the country i n t h e n o r t h e r n p a r t o f g i l g i t - B a l t i s t a n which has tremendous hydropower potential and serves as the entry to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 22 power units have been damaged leaving 90 percent of the r e g i o n w i t h o u t e l e c t r i c i t y A f e w o f t h e g a s p i p e l i n e s , e s p e c i a l l y i n B a l o c h i s t a n , w e r e also swept away due t o i m m e n s e w a t e r f l o w s P o w e r s t ations in the Khairpur r e g i o n o f s i n d h w h i c h w a s s e v e r e l y i m p a c t e d b y t h e floods, are still under w a t e r l e a d i n g t o i nc r e a s e d p o w e r o u tages P a k i s t a n i s o n e o f m a n y d e v e l o p i n g c o u n t r i e s t h a t , d es p i t e p r o d u c i n g s i gn i f i c a n t l y f e w e r g r e e n h o u s e g a s e s t h a n d e v e l o p e d c o u n t r i e s i s s i g n i f ic a n t l y a ff e c t e d b y t h e r i s k s o f c l i m a t e c h a n g e P a k i s t a n ' s r e c e n t f l o o d i n g d u e t o t h e c l i m a t e h a s s e r v e d a s a w a k e - u p c a l l t o p r i o r i t i z e c l im a t e c h a n g e r a i s e a w a r e n e s s a b o u t i t , a n d f o r m u l a t e a d eq u a t e p o l i c i e s t o c o m b a t i t F u r t h e rmore there is a need f o r a p a r a d i g m s h i f t i n c u r r e n t u r b a n d ev e l o p m e n t p l a n s t o prevent city sprawl R e f o r e s t a t i o n p r o g r a m m e s l i k e T h e B i l l i o n Tr e e Ts u n a m i c a m p a i g n s h o u l d b e i n i t i a t e d a n d s c a l e d u p in the long term Pakistan will need to simult a n e o u s l y p r o v i d e a c o n s i s t e n t a n d d e p e n da b l e s o u r c e o f f u n d i n g w h i l e a d d r e s s i n g i t s n a t i o n a l - l e v e l c h a l l e n g e s w i t h l o n g - t e r m ,

sustainable solutions A large national reform e ff o r t a n d t h e r e p a i r o f i n e ff e c t i v e g o v e rn a n c e s y s t e m s a r e r e q u i r e d t o a c h i e v e t h i s delicate balance

T h e w r i t e r i s R e s e a rc h O f f i c e r a t t h e

f o r

The writer is ex-Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation He can be contacted at: fmaliks@hotmail com

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

Football in Lyari

THE newly-built Kakri sports Complex is a wonderful facility built by the sindh government with active cooperation of the World Bank Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar Park also known as Kakri ground has been redeveloped and remodelled to facilitate the local sporting talent of Lyari However, when some people tried to use the facility, they could not The word out on the street is that one must have a membership to use the multi-sports facility The Kakri ground was an asset for local football clubs and before the finalisation of the reconstruction plan they were taken into confidence that the football ground would be handed over to them in the past People s stadium was built by the provincial government in 1996 by demolishing four football training pitches that had left more than 20 clubs without a playing field This led to the discontinuation of football activities The stadium had been built to supposedly promote sports and host international football matches, but within years of its completion it was occupied by law-enforcement agencies for keeping an eye on the law and order situation in the area if the authorities have planned just as they did in the past to deprive the local clubs of training facilities the area residents especially the footballers would rather not have such development Destroying football in the name of promoting the game is seriously criminal Trust me, it really is

ORANGZEB SHAHMIR KARACHI

Laptop Scheme

WHiLE it lasted, the prime minister ’s laptop scheme had a lot of hype around it suggesting that some may have actually benefitted from the scheme Personally speaking i had a bitter experience in this regard i am a first year dentistry student enrolled with a public-sector dental college in islamabad When the laptop scheme was launched and the registration process started, all students from the campus had themselves registered Two days before the ceremony where the prime minister was set to start the official distribution of the laptops under the scheme, a list of the shortlisted candidates was shared with our campus by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Out of 150 students 50 were to receive laptops during the ceremony All the selected students were informed and were told to be present at the ceremony if they wanted to receive their laptop We were informed by the administration that the HEC had made it clear that if a student failed to report at the ceremony, which was to take place at the Jinnah Convention Centre in islamabad, he or she would not get the laptop

The academic session was in the middle of the routine summer breaks, and all students residing in the hostels who had gone back to their hometowns for the break were forced to come to islamabad on a day s notice

One of my classmates had to come from Khairpur and another from sahiwal within a day A senior student had to undertake a 10-hour journey from Haroonabad it was not easy for them to travel such long distances in such a short time somehow all those students managed to make it the night before the ceremony On July 7 we reached the convention centre on time and were made to stand for two hours in the garden outside whilst it was raining

Finally we were allowed entrance inside after a long rainy wait The prime minister came and stayed for about 45 minutes during which time he handed laptops to 10-12 students, and left The ceremony concluded and we were left shocked because we did not receive any laptop at all i was shocked, but, more than that, my heart bled for all the students who had spent up to Rs15,000 to travel to islamabad simply because they were promised a laptop by the government and the HEC Their time and money had been an utter waste Having lived in Pakistan long enough we know we have been scammed but we also know that there is no point holding grudges against this or that person All that we the students want is that our institutions should consider the possibility of somehow avoiding giving such treatment to the students MUHAMMAD ABDULLAH KHAN ISLAMABAD

Things have really changed in India since Pakistan was last there

NAVigATing the intricate labyrinth of energy reforms is a daunting task, especially in a dynamic country like Pakistan Here, the energy sector seems to be perpetually caught in a dance between crises and makeshift solutions At a recent high-profile conference organized by the World Bank and the Pakistan institute of Development Economics (PiDE) the energy sector s turbulence was vividly portrayed The problems were attributed to deep-rooted governance and mismanagement challenges L e t ’s g e t o n e t h i n g s t r a i g h t : P a k i s t a n ' s e n e rg y c h a l l e n g e s a r e d e e p l y r o o t e d i n m a n a g e m e n t i s s u e s n o t m e r e l y c a p a c i t y F o c u s i n g s o l e l y o n c a p a c i t y i s a k i n t o l o o k i n g a t a v a s t l a n d s c a p e t h r o u g h a n a r r o w k e y h o l e We n e e d t o t a k e a s t e p b a c k b r o a d e n o u r perspective, and see the entire panorama, where gove r n a n c e a n d m a n a g e m e n t s e a m l e s s l y a l i g n w i t h g l o b a l c o r p o r a t e g o v e r n a n c e s t a n d a r d s W h e n y o u d i v e d e e p i n t o P a k i s t a n ' s e n e rg y l a n d s c a p e , y o u w i l l d i s c o v e r i t i s a r i c h a n d v a r i e d n a r r a t i v e n o t j u s t about electricity A surprising 40 percent of the count r y s p r i m a r y e n e rg y c o m e s f r o m h u m b l e f i r e w o o d ( b i o f u e l s ) T h i s i s f o l l o w e d b y 2 0 p e r c e n t e a c h f r o m i m p o r t e d o i l a n d n a t u r a l g a s A n o t h e r 11 p e r c e n t i s a b l e n d o f h y d e l , s o l a r, n u c l e a r, a n d b a g a s s e m e t h o d s Coal, often seen as a relic, still contributes 9 percent T h i s d i v e r s e m i x p a i n t s a p i c t u r e o f a n e n e rg y s e c t o r t h a t i s m u c h m o r e m u l t i f a c e t e d t h a n j u s t i t s e l e c t r i c c o m p o n e n t R e w i n d t o t h e e r a o f 2 0 0 7 - 2 0 1 3 u n d e r g e n e r a l Musharaf s leadership, and you will find the electricity sector ensnared in a vortex of short-sighted decisions As the thirst for electricity grew exponentially, s t r e e t s a c r o s s t h e n a t i o n e c h o e d w i t h t h e f r u s t r a t e d voices of citizens protes ting agains t load-s hedding T h e P P P s t e n u r e w a s o v e r s h a d o w e d b y c h a l l e n g e s like sky-high inflation relentless 18-hour load shedding and a debilitating energy deficit Then came the P M L ( n ) g o v e r n m e n t i n 2 0 1 3 , r i d i n g o n a w a v e o f p r o m i s e s t o d r a s t i c a l l y r e d u c e l o a d s h e d d i n g B u t their gaze was fixed firmly on the political horizon, often sidelining the broader vision of long-term economic prosperity Their master strategy? Wooing investors with alluring Purchasing Power Agreements (PPAs) that were intricately tied to ever-fluctuating economic indicators While this strategy brought a fleeting sense of relief, it

has now spiraled into a financial nightmare character-

ized by skyrocketing tariffs a ballooning circular debt and government-enforced cuts to electricity subsidies

The irony of the situation is palpable: we are awash in unused capacity, yet the bills keep piling up some visionaries see a glimmer of hope in the Thar Coal reserves However banking solely on coal in today's world is akin to betting on a sinking ship The global narrative is shifting towards renewables, and our international reputation is increasingly tethered to our environm e n t a l commitments

W h i l e i m m e d i a t e c o n c e r n s l i k e r e c o v e r y d r i v e s a n d b i l l c o l l e c t i o n s a r e u n d o u b t e d l y i m p o r t a n t , t h e y b a r e l y s c r a t c h t h e s u r f a c e o f t h e m a m m o t h c h a l l e n g e t h a t i s t h e e n e r g y s e c t o r . W e m u s t f a c e t h e l o o m i n g c h a l l e n g e s h e a d - o n , e s p e c i a l l y t h e i n t r i c a t e b u r e a u c r a t i c o b s t a c l e s a n d p o l i t i c a le c o n o m i c r o a d b l o c k s t h a t d e f i n e t h e v e r y f a b r i c o f g o v e r n a n c e . D r a w i n g i n s p i r a t i o n f r o m t h e i c o n i c G a m e o f T h r o n e s q u o t e , “ C h a o s i s a L a d d e r , ” w e s h o u l d v i e w t h e c u r r e n t t u r b u l e n c e n o t a s a s e t b a c k b u t a s a n o p p o r t u n i t y a s t e p p i n g s t o n e t o a s c e n d t o g r e a t e r h e i g h t s

But the energy story doesn't end there We need a visionary master plan that seamlessly integrates all facets of energy Consider the ambitious sustainable Development goal (sDg) 7 which dreams of universal clean energy access by 2030 Pakistan faces a steep climb to reach this summit A particularly worrying trend is the majority of households still clinging to traditional firewood and using inefficient stoves for their daily cooking And with our natural gas reserves on a rapid decline the horizon looks increasingly stormy On the transport front we are still in the slow lane when it comes to adopting sustainable solutions

To put things into stark perspective, consider our monthly $1 billion petroleum import bill A mere 30 percent reduction in this consumption translates to a

staggering annual saving of $3 6 billion! The mantra for the future? Harness one fuel for multiple energy services This approach not only aligns perfectly with sDg7 but also addresses the critical aspect of energy efficiency, seasonal demand fluctuations, and the impending gas shortage that looms large Efficiency is more than just a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of a sustainable future Historically we have often misused our precious natural gas reserves on non-strategic and at times, downright unproductive pursuits Take a moment to digest this: a staggering 50 percent of our electricity consumption is by homes, often spent cooling poorly designed spaces that trap heat As Dr Fayyaz of the LUMs Energy institute astutely observes such practices offer minimal returns on investment We urgently need to channel our energy resources towards fostering meaningful industrial growth This vision can be realized by embracing the forward-thinking efficiency standards proposed by the national Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (nEECA) By powering our special economic zones with cuttingedge renewables we can supercharge our industrial output, setting the stage for a prosperous future now let's delve into the "economics of corporate governance " To effectively tackle the deep-seated inefficiencies plaguing electricity distribution companies (DisCOs) in Pakistan we need a boardroom filled with

Did Modi kill a Canadian citizen?

Even conclusive evidence that Modi ordered the assassination would not change how his regime is treated by the United States and other Western powers

NATION US j e e t h e e r

On June 18 of this year Hardeep singh nijjar an indian-born plumber who had immigrated to Canada, was murdered in the parking lot of a sikh temple in surrey British Columbia But nijjar was no ordinary plumber He had been an active leader in the Khalistan movement that promoted a separatist sikh state in Punjab india nijjar had been labeled a terrorist by the indian government Prior to his death, the Canadian security intelligence service (Csis) had warned nijjar of assassination plots against him

On september 18 exactly three months after nijjar s killing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an explosive allegation against the indian government that threatens to overturn the foreign policy of not just Canada and india but also the United states speaking to the House of Commons, Trudeau said, “Over the past number of weeks 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 Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty ” Trudeau called on the indian government to cooperate with Canada in the investigation The Csis had shared some of the same information it provided to Trudeau with the leaders of the nation s two main opposition parties, the Conservative Party of Canada and the new Democratic Party, who joined Trudeau in calling for indian cooperation in an investigation T h e i n d i a n g o v e r n m e n t h e a d e d b y 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 h a s f l a t l y d e n i e d t h e a l l e g a t i o n d e s c r i b i n g t h e m a s a b s u r d r e j e c t i n g t h e c a l l f o r c o o p e r a t i o n i n s t e a d , C a n a d a a n d i n d i a a r e n o w e n g a g i n g i n a r o u n d o f r e c i p r o c a l h o s t i l i t y a n d e x p e l l i n g e a c h o t h e r ’s d i p l o m a t s C a n a d a h a s r e a c h e d o u t t o a l l i e s s u c h a s t h e U n i t e d s t a t e s a n d t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m t o h e l p i n t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n n o c o u n t r y h a s j o i n e d C a n a d a i n a f f i r m i n g i t s c l a i m a l t h o u g h t h e r e s s p e c u l a t i o n t h a t t h e U n i t e d s t a t e s p r o v i d e d t h e o r i g i n a l i n t e ll i g e n c e a b o u t t h e a s s a s s i n a t i o n p l o t s b e f o r e t h e k i l l i n g

lic

thumb for claims by intelligence agencies is that what is asserted without evidence can be denied without evidence not that Modi deserves the benefit of the doubt either He’s an authoritarian ethno-nationalist riding on a wave of right-wing Hindu intolerance toward religious minorities As chief minister of gujarat in 2002, he incited an anti-Muslim riot that left more than a 1,000 people dead On the issue of Khalistan nationalism, he’s cynically picked a fight with an enemy that barely exists inside india itself Khalistan nationalism peaked in the 1980s and 1990s before it was defeated by a ferocious counterinsurgency program Today Khalistani sentiment is far stronger in the diaspora than in india itself but that is a sign of weakness, not strength Tellingly, one of the roots of Modi’s wrath i s t h e f a c t t h a t t h e s i k h d i a s p o r a ( s o m e t i m e s w i t h t h e e n c o u r a g e m e n t o f p o l i t i c i a n s l i k e Tr u d e a u ) s u p p o r t e d t h e w a v e o f f a r m e r s protests that erupted in 2020 over Modi s proc o r p o r a t e a g r i c u l t u r a l p o l i c i e s B u t t h o s e protests were motivated by justified economic g r i e v a n c e s M o d i ’s t h r e a t i n f l a t i o n o n t h e a lleged dangers of the Khalistani movement is a typical demagogic move conjuring up an external foe to foster domestic unity T h e r e i s a l a r m i n g e v i d e n c e t h a t s o m e o f Modi s political allies far from joining him in d e n y i n g t h e a t t a c k , t h i n k h e h a s n t g o n e f a r e n o u g h M u r t a z a H u s s a i n o f T h e i n t e r c e p t f l a g g e d a v i d e o f r o m M a j o r g a u r a v A r y a , d escribed as “a retired indian military officer conn e c t e d t o t h e r u l i n g g o v e r n m e n t ” T h e v i d e o Hussain notes appears to be a kill list of Canadian citizens if it does turn out that Modi ordered the assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, what might be the consequences? sadly, the most likely answer is very little The diplomatic spat between Canada and india could well intensify but even conclusive evidence that Modi ordered the assassination would not change how his regime is treated by the United states and other Western powers

The United states has an infinite tolerance for human rights abuses including extraterritorial murder as long as the guilty party is a key ally This is the “our sOB” doctrine based on an apocryphal remark attributed to Franklin Delano Roosevelt about the Dominican Republ i c s d i c t a t o r a t t h e t i m e , R a f a e l Tr u j i l l o , w h o

was supposedly described as an sOB, but he s our sOB ”

The “our sOB” doctrine was especially strong during the Cold War Francisco Franco Fulgencio Batista Augusto Pinochet Ferdinand Marcos and many others were seen by the American foreign policy elite as our sOBs

The new bipartisan consensus, shared by Joe Biden and Donald Trump alike, that the United states must lead a global alliance to counter the rise of China is despite Washington’s demurral a return to the Cold War And with it Cold War logic has returned including an inexhaustible supply of forgiveness for our sOBs Biden who had once promised to make saudi Arabia a pariah for the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, is instead deepening ties to Mohammed bin salman’s regime As Matt Duss of the Center for international Policy notes the new cold war with China undergirds the push for israel-saudi normalization As Duss explains it s important to understand what israel-saudi normalization

really is: a Us-saudi defense pact committing Us men and women to defend a repressive autocracy in hopes of boxing China out of the region with a thin peace with israel varnish to corral Democrats into supporting it

The same logic of strategic competition with China governs relations with india, which the Biden administration sees as an essential counterweight to China Far from being shunned as a fomenter of ethnic hatred Modi is increasingly fawned over in Washington And if the American foreign policy elite can drop the gujarat riot down the memory hole, how much easier to paper over the assassination of one lone sikh agitator in Canada in 1976 the Pinochet regime assassinated two people in Washington: Orlando Letelier (an opponent of the regime) and Ronni Moffitt (an American colleague) Despite the fact that Pinochet s responsibility for the murder was known to the CiA and the state Department, successive American administrations from Jimmy Carter onward turned a blind eye to the matter it’s likely that a similar convenient abandonment of justice will happen in the nijjar case A Wall street Journal column by Tunku Varadarajan shows that this path is already being prepared Varadarajan acknowledges that the Modi government has an extremely broad definition of the term “terrorist”: “Yet the indian government fails to accept that the mere expression of separatist opinion which in india s less liberal democracy can get a man classified as a terrorist is in Canada the exercise of a fundamental democratic right But this doesn t dissuade Varadarajan from defending the alliance with india, described it as “the world’s most populous democracy and an increasingly crucial partner of the West and Japan in the tense global cold war with China Varadarajan then elaborates: The geopolitical imperative maintaining a unified coalition against China dictates that a compromise solution be found to end the standoff between Ottawa and new Delhi The new cold war calls for a strategy not unlike the first one requiring the West to deal with imperfect allies or partners You hold your nose and shake hands with Prime Minister narendra Modi because you need him in the trenches against Xi Jinping Morally murky as it may be, the allies need to find a way to get Mr Trudeau to walk back his accusation At the same time and as part of the compromise it has to be made clear to Mr Modi that there can be no assassinations by indian operatives on the territory of friendly countries Canada s investigation would taper off in exchange for a commitment from india to perform no such stunts in the future, as well as to reconcile itself to the fact that Canada is a proper democracy with full free-speech rights even for sikh separatists

To be clear the morally murky compromise proposed is that Modi be allowed to get away with murder (again) in exchange for the promise that he doesn’t do it again (pinkie promise)

The ultimate irony is the United states doesn’t even have the moral standing to condemn Modi

As Congress Party Member of Parliament shashi

Tharoor argues The two foremost practitioners of extra-territorial assassinations in the last 25 years have been israel and the Us! This argument might be an instance of what-about-ism but it also has a basis in truth in other words, the people who regard Modi as “our sOB” are sOBs themselves

Jeet Heer is a national affairs correspondent for The Nation and host of the weekly Nation podcast The Time of Monsters

energy experts This specialized knowledge can revolutionize everything from bill recovery to distribution, and even digitization But governance is just one piece of the puzzle introducing a vibrant competitive landscape can ignite essential reforms in the electricity distribution sector By fostering competition separating line operations from administration and implementing related reforms we can strike a delicate balance one that safeguards consumers while promoting innovation trategies like privatization, liberalization, and meritbased initiatives can create a dynamic ecosystem where companies are constantly pushed to innovate, compete, and deliver unparalleled service excellence Academic insights thus hold the key to sculpting a resilient and efficient electricity distribution framework for Pakistan As the government charts its course with the Circular Debt Management Plan (CDMP) under the watchful eyes of the iMF, fostering competition through privatization will be pivotal in enhancing service quality and optimizing bill recovery in wrapping up this deep dive into Pakistan's energy landscape it is imperative to underscore that the bedrock of a successful energy transformation is rooted in efficient and visionary governance While the Ministry of Energy is undoubtedly at the helm, sometimes the most strategic move is to let the experts be they engineers, economists, or environmentalists take the lead ensuring their efforts align with the MoE s overarching vision

While immediate concerns like recovery drives and bill collections are undoubtedly important they barely scratch the surface of the mammoth challenge that is the energy sector We must face the looming challenges head-on, especially the intricate bureaucratic obstacles and political-economic roadblocks that define the very fabric of governance Drawing inspiration from the iconic game of Thrones quote Chaos is a Ladder we should view the current turbulence not as a setback but as an opportunity a stepping stone to ascend to greater heights

By focusing on long-term, integrated planning, we can avoid the pitfalls of short-sighted solutions As Professor stefan Dercon of Oxford University insightfully remarked We know the ingredients but not the recipe Echoing this sentiment Mr najy Benhassine of the World Bank emphasized that the solutions for Pakistan must emerge from within, not be imposed from the outside

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

Why your boss is about to inflic t AI on you

Users are losing interest in tools like ChatGPT Companies are just getting star ted

SLATE a l e X k a N t r OW i t Z

THis week, Microsoft and google introduced generative A i tools that make attending meetings writing emails scheduling travel and catching up on projects vastly easier The products channel the wonder of buzzy A i products like ChatgPT DALL-E Midjourney and Bard into clear applicable uses And these obvious uses just happen to be in the workplace Perhaps it s no accident About a year into the generative A i phenomenon, it s becoming evident that the technology is most useful in enterprise first, with broader consumer adoption perhaps to follow The sonic boom arrival of ChatgPT it notched 100 million users in two months made it seem as if fast mass adoption of A i chatbots and their related tools were possible But ChatgPT was ultimately a demo for companies looking to build on top of the technology And now, as consumer chatbot usage tails off, these products are shipping Microsoft in particular revealed an impressive suite of generative A i features for companies that if they function as presented might change the workday for the better The company’s Copilot an everyday Ai companion will live prominently on Windows 11 Bing Edge and Microsoft 365 And it really sings once you give it access to meeting transcripts, emails, and documents

At Microsoft s new York release event on Thursday, i watched as it revealed products that simplify and automate some of the worst parts of office life The company demoed a text generator that can read long Word documents and write blog posts highlighting the most relevant points it showed another feature that allows you to prompt Copilot to summarize a slew of unread messages from an email-happy co-worker The technology can also read transcripts of meetings you miss and note the most relevant parts, or allow you to query the full discussions

Even simple updates like prompting Copilot to create a header image for a slide deck seem quite useful At work people will have a real incentive to learn how to use these products figure out their prompts and master their intricacies especially given that their next promotion their raise or their job itself might depend on it if the stakes are high messing around with chatbots and image generators until you get it right would be worthwhile For consumers, the technology can feel a bit daunting or not worth the effort As one technologist told me this week, prompting is something you did on Ms-DOs We’ve built better user interfaces since then

We ll also see aspects of generative A i in the products we already use every day making the transition easier google for instance is connecting Bard to gmail And Microsoft is putting Copilot inside Windows, where it will be hard to miss Having it in Windows, and having it naturally appear when you need it, is going to trigger average people to try it and use it a lot more than they do today ” Microsoft consumer chief marketing officer Yusuf Mehdi told me Microsoft is also bullish on how Bing is stacking up vs google challenging reports that generative A i hasn t helped it gain on its competitor We have been growing share with Bing, Mehdi said He wouldn t get more specific, but said, i m working to have a independent third party [audit] that we’ll have shortly ” in the near term, this week’s product releases should further assuage concerns of generative A i taking our jobs These products are assistive all but allowing you to be in two places at once and should help cut down on the meaningless work that fills the typical workday They may cause some homogenization in corporate blog posts and design something a little human touch can help alleviate but that won t put people out to pasture

Pulitzer-winning journalist accuses us of blowing uP nord stream PiPeline to ‘sustain Primacy’ in west euroPe

risks to the continent s energy security

U S officials have rejected any connections with the sabotage to the multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects Sweden and Denmark in whose exclusive economic zones the blasts occurred have both concluded the pipelines were blown up deliberately, but have not said who might be responsible

us investors want clarity on biden’s vague curbs on china tech

PR OFIT R E U T E R S

U S financial firms are pushing for greater clarity on proposed new rules curbing U S investments in some China technology sectors which they say are too vague and put the onus of compliance on investors

primacy in Western Europe which has little to do with winning or stopping the Ukraine crisis H e r s h s p i e c e w a s p u b l i s h e d o n Tu e s d a y, e x a c t l y o n e y e a r w h e n t h e gas pipelines were found exploded on t h e B a l t i c S e a H e r s h c i t i n g a n u nn a m e d o ff i c i a l p o i n t e d t h e b l a s t t o Wa s h i n g t o n s a y i n g t h e y d i d i t u n d e r beautiful cover

The American men and women who moved, under cover, in and out of Norway in the months it took to plan and carry out the destruction of three of the four Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea a year ago left no traces – not a hint of the team s existence – other than the success of their mission, the 86-year-old

investigative reporter wrote in the article

You could call it the perfect crime

In September 2022 a series of deepsea explosions damaged three out of four underwater pipelines of the Nord Stream project designed to carry Russian gas directly to Western Europe The bombing

china backs uae in hosting un climate change conference

Wang Yi a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee said on Tuesday that China fully supports the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in hosting the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai

During a meeting with COP28 UAE PresidentDesignate Sultan Al Jaber in Beijing, Wang said China stands ready to maintain close communication and cooperation with the UAE to ensure positive outcomes of the conference

Both sides can work together to promote the building of a fair and rational global climate governance system for win-win results, and safeguard the legitimate development rights of developing countries, he added Wang also director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs introduced China’s concept and practice of green and sustainable development saying that China is an active advocate and a firm activist in tackling climate change

On bilateral relations, Wang said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, relations between China and the UAE have maintained a momentum of sound and stable development China is willing to continue to understand and support the UAE on issues concerning core interests and major concerns jointly build the Belt and Road with high quality, expand areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, and push China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level, he said Wang congratulated the UAE on joining the BRICS family as one of the first batches of new members saying it will provide new vitality to BRICS cooperation and new prospects for China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership

new york judge finds former us president trump liable for fraud

NEW YORK I N P

New York Judge Arthur Engoron has ruled that former President Donald Trump along with his adult sons is liable for fraud and has canceled the business certification of the Trump Organization

The ruling came just days before a civil case brought by the New York Attorney General's office against the Trumps was scheduled to go to trial Judge Engoron granted Attorney General Letitia James motion for summary judgment stating that Trump his sons and other parties were liable as a matter of law for persistent violations of New York state law Engoron found that the Trumps had provided false financial statements to lenders and insurers for approximately a decade, repeatedly engaging in fraudulent activities

This ruling marks a significant legal setback for Donald Trump and his family potentially carrying serious legal and financial consequences It also highlights the ongoing legal challenges and investigations surrounding the former president and his business dealings Today, a judge ruled in our favor and found that Donald Trump and the Trump Organization engaged in years of financial fraud,” James said in a statement Tuesday night

We look forward to presenting the rest of our case at trial

of Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines has remained a mystery unsolved

The gas pipelines have long been targets of criticism by Washington and its allies, who are concerned that the infrastructure project increases Europe s dependence on Russian gas, which “poses

In the article, Hersh quoted Biden’s remarks last February at a joint press conference with visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz If Russia invades –that means tanks and troops crossing the border of Ukraine again Biden said there will no longer be a Nord Stream 2 We will bring an end to it

When asked how he could do so as the pipeline was under Germany’s control the U S president said: “We will I promise you we ll be able to do it

According to Hersh the CIA then already had a secret planning underway With Norway s help, the CIA did its job and found a way to do what the Biden White House wanted done to the pipelines ” he wrote

K ia, Hyundai rec all 3.37mn US vehicles over fire risks

PR OFIT

R E U T E R S Hyundai (005380 KS) and Kia (000270 KS) are recalling a combined 3 37 million vehicles in the United States due to the risk of engine fires, telling owners to park outside and away from structures until repairs are complete

The automakers say brake fluid leaks can cause a short that could lead to a fire Hyundai said it has reports of 21 fires and 21 other thermal incidents since 2017 related to the recall, while Kia has reports of at least 10 confirmed fires and melt-

ing incidents

Kia America s recall covers 1 73 million Borrego Cadenza Forte, Sportage, K900, Optima, Soul Rio, Sorento, and Rondo vehicles The recall covers various model years for each vehicle from 2010 through 2017 according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) in the vehicles may experience an electrical short as a result of brake fluid leaks which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving the automaker said Hyundai is recalling 1 64 mil-

lion Elantra Genesis Coupe Sonata Hybrid Accent Azera Veloster Santa Fe Equus Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Santa Fe Sport vehicles from model years covering 2011 through 2015

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving, the carmaker said in the filing Dealers will replace the HECU and ABS fuses as necessary the automakers said Owners are expected to be notified of the recalls in November

n : Fr i e n d s h i p w i n s Pa k- C h i n a Fr i e n d l y C r i c ke t M atc h

Red was captained by Luo Jianxue and Pak-China Cricket Team Green was led by Yasir Habib Khan

Aiming to protect national security and prevent U S capital from aiding China’s military, President Joe Biden issued an executive order last month restricting new U S investments in sensitive Chinese technologies The Treasury Department subsequently kicked off a rule-making process to implement the order, and financial firms have been rushing to meet a Sept 28 to provide input The rules are expected to be implemented sometime next year

The proposed rule applies to U S persons – including U S citizens residents businesses and U S units of overseas businesses They must notify the Treasury when making certain investments in China in the semiconductors and microelectronics artificial intelligence and quantum information technologies sectors, and bans other such investments altogether In addition to venture capital and private equity firms hedge funds banks and potentially funds that track indexes are likely to be affected by the proposal which financial industry executives and lawyers complain is broad and ambiguous

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Among their key concerns: how the rules would apply to U S persons; which specific Chinese entities would be subject to the restrictions; and better defining a proposed exemption for publicly traded securities

The scope is pretty broad said Timothy Keeler a partner at law firm Mayer Brown noting it applies to Chinese entities operating beyond China It could apply to companies that are outside of China but are subsidiaries of Chinese companies or controlled by a Chinese person ”

While the U S already has restrictions on some Chinese investments in the U S and U S investments in China the order creates a new program Unlike a process conducted by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a panel comprising U S government agencies, the new program will not involve case-by-case reviews of investments And in contrast to sanctions, it does not envisage a list of restricted entities or companies

That means investors have to figure out which investments come under the scope of the new rule and how to comply creating significant compliance costs and legal risks

That puts a fair amount of burden on an investor, said a former Treasury official

They may also bar U S persons from “knowingly directing” covered transactions by non-U S persons

But the threshold for knowledge or what directing means is unclear

We are hearing a lot about the issue of a U S person directing the activities of a non-U S person, said Jen Fernandez, a partner at law firm Sidley Austin

“At what level does ‘directing’ kick in and what does that mean for these non-U S private equity funds that may have a dual national sitting as a partner?

Friendship won the Pak-China Friendly Cricket Match that took place here at the LCCA Ground on Wednesday and after a good competition Pak-China Green outplayed Pak-China Red by 9 wickets

The 1st Pak-China Friendship Cricket Match 2023 has marked new dimension of Sino-Pak rela-

tions spanning over 72 years in the backdrop of return of cricket in Hangzhou Asian Games underway in China Taking everybody storm Pak-China Friendship Cricket Match that enthused cricketing fans particularly Lahori cricketlovers, was organized in collaboration with Chinese Consulate Lahore and Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR) Pak-China Cricket Team

T h e m o m e n t o u s e v e n t w a s g r a c e d b y P C B M a n a g e m e n t Committee Zaka Ashraf as chief g u e s t f r o m P a k i s t a n s i d e w h i l e C h i n e s e A c t i n g C o n s u l G e n e r a l L a h o r e C a o K e w a s c h i e f g u e s t from Chinese side Other dignit a r i e s p r e s e n t o n t h e o c c a s i o n w e r e L a h o r e Q a l a n d a r s o w n e r s Atif Rana and Sameen Rana form e r c r i c k e t e r s M i s b a h u l H a q N a d e e m K h a n J u n a i d Z i a L R C A P r e s i d e n t K h a w a j a Nadeem Ahmed, Moazzam Klair, F a k h a r S h a h , I I R M R C h a i r m a n Muhammad Mehdi and President Ya s i r H a b i b K h a n Vi c e P r e s ident Muhammad Faisal PCJCCI P r e s i d e n t M o a z a m G h u r k i a n d S e c r e t a r y G e n e r a l S a l a h u d d i n and others

D r A m j a d S a q i b, G B m i n i s te r s d i s c u s s we l f a re o f B I S P b e n e fi c i a r i e s o f G i l g i t - B a l t i s t a n

ISLAMABAD P R

Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) had a meeting with delegation of Ministers from Gilgit Baltistan including Minister for Tourism Minister of Finance

Minister of Food Chief Secretary and Addl Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Secretary BISP Mr Amer Ali Ahmed, was also present in the meeting

During the meeting, the delegation congratulated Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib on assuming charge of Chairperson in BISP A comprehensive discussion was held on the well-being and welfare of BISP beneficiaries in Gilgit Baltistan The participants also delved into various aspects of BISP and its wide array of initiatives which encompass programs such as Benazir Kafaalat Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, Benazir Nashounuma, Dynamic Registry of NSER, Benazir Social Protection Ac-

counts and more Furthermore the delegation was briefed on the facilitative measures in place for the disbursement of payments and the registration process for BISP beneficiaries in Gilgit Baltistan Chairperson BISP said that these initiatives are playing a pivotal role in extending crucial support to disadvantaged individuals and families, enabling them to access essential resources and opportunities for personal and socio-economic development

The program proposes exempting publicly traded securities and index and mutual funds but financial firms want those securities to be more tightly defined

One key question is whether shares in initial public offerings allocated prior to trading would be carved out

To address these and other issues some firms plan to push for a list of restricted entities and investments similar to a sanctions regime Former Securities and Exchange Commission chair Jay Clayton now an adviser with law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, voiced this idea when he told a House of Representatives committee on China this month that “Wall Street responds very quickly” to lists of barred entities

Some sources though said they doubted the Treasury would go that route which would reduce the program s flexibility and since the target is cutting-edge technology quickly become outdated That just doesn t appear to be where this process is heading, said Keeler DE-RISKING

A Treasury spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment but said in the proposal that it welcomes input The rules are necessary because U S investments can be exploited to accelerate the development of sensitive technologies that threaten U S national security, the Treasury and administration has said

Financial firms say they support the administration’s national security goals but worry about increased liability and the economic costs of restricting capital flows U S -China tensions have already seen acquisitions of Chinese companies by U S firms sink almost 60% from January this year through early August compared with the same period last year “Protecting U S national security is a paramount obligation of the federal government but as the Treasury states maintaining global capital flows need not be inconsistent with that said Peter Matheson a managing director at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, a financial industry lobby group Lobbying to contain the rules, however, is politically sensitive, especially because China hawks in Congress are pushing bills to make the restrictions tougher Given the uncertainty companies may start avoiding the covered sectors altogether said Fernandez

X i stresses ac tive par ticipation in W TO reform, stronger ability for high-level opening-up

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has stressed efforts to actively participate in the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and improve the ability to handle high-level opening-up

Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Wednesday Noting that the WTO is an important pillar of multilateralism and an important stage for global economic governance Xi said it is a common consensus and a general trend to implement necessary reforms of the WTO

He urged efforts to fully participate in WTO reform and adjustments of international economic and trade rules while promoting deep-level reform and high-quality development with high-level opening-up

S TO N E’ F O R C H I N A:

Since its accession to the WTO more than 20 years ago

China has become the world s largest trader for goods and a major trading partner for over 140 countries and regions contributing an average of nearly 30 percent to the world’s annual economic growth, Xi said

Historical changes have taken place in the relationship between China and the WTO he said noting that the country has gradually grown from a passive recipient of and an active adapter to international economic and trade rules, to an important participant in this field Facts have proven that China’s decision to join the WTO has been a perfectly right one as the accession has not only accelerated China s own development but also benefited the rest of the world

the WTO at the core, and actively promoting the restoration of the normal operation of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism

He stressed the need to stick to the overall trend of economic globalization champion free trade and true multilateralism, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, oppose politicizing, weaponizing and overstretching the concept of national security on economic and trade issues and build an open world economy

He also stressed improving the Chinese solutions in the country s extensive and indepth participation in WTO reform while upholding the concept of a global community of shared future, as well as firmly protecting the legitimate interests of developing countries

CORPORATE CORNER

Pak-Qatar ministers discuss bil ateral rel ations, cultural exchanges

Another 233 connec tions severed in Punjab, KP and Islamabad as SNGPL crackdown on gas pilferers continues

cA R E TA K E R Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah called on Qatari Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrehman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani on the margins of the 12th Conference of the Culture Ministers of Islamic World Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) of OIC held in Doha Qatar

During the meeting, the interim minister and his Qatari counterpart discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and cultural issues of mutual interest

Speaking on the occasion Jamal Shah underscored that Pakistan attached importance to its longstanding and brotherly ties with Qatar that were based on common interests and shared values

The two Culture Ministers stressed the need to further strengthen cultural ties between Pakistan and Qatar They emphasized the importance of advancing ne-

gotiations on the proposed Pakistan and Qatar cultural exchanges The federal minister also interacted with media along with Qatari Counterpart

Accordingly, this year's theme 'MARPOL at 50 - Our Commitment Goes On' is intended to pay tribute to our efforts under IMO's long history of protecting the environment from pollution through the impact of shipping via a robust regulatory framework and emphasis on its ongoing commitment to prevention of our oceans from pollution

The Naval Chief said that MARPOL s legacy stretches over five decades, symbolizing our collective efforts against marine pollution emphasizing the duty we all hold to protect the lifeblood of our planet As we reflect on the journey the statistics remain alarming; marine pollution s ripple effects on ecosystems economies, and livelihoods of coastal communities urge us to take more concerted actions

TDAP chief, Thailand CG disc uss ways to enhance bilateral trade

A delegation headed by Mr Narut Soontarodom Consul General of Thailand visited the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to discuss the bilateral trade opportunities and bilateral relations between the two nations Mr Narut Soontarodom Consul General of Thailand was accompanied by Ms Sirporn Tantipanyathep Deputy Consul General of Thailand and Mr Khemathat Archawathamring, Director of Thai Trade Office

The delegation met Mr Zubair Moti Wala, Chief Executive, TDAP along with the TDAP Officers of the International Market Development Division The meeting focused on the current status of bilateral trade and possibilities for enhanced trade Joint Ventures etc Chief Executive TDAP briefed the delegation about the functions of TDAP and an initiative of TDAP, the Pakistan Trade Portal, was discussed in detail The delegation was apprised about TDAP s efforts to diversify markets for the Pakistani products Both the parties resolved to take concrete steps for future cooperation in the fields of trade and investment P R

Bank Alfalah Islamic reappointed as Joint Financial Advisor to Pakistan’s Ministr y of Finance

Karachi: Bank Alfalah Islamic, the leading Islamic banking institution, is reappointed as a Joint Financial Advisor (JFA) to the Ministry of Finance for 5 years reinforcing its status as the sole Islamic Banking window among esteemed JFAs dedicated to provide advisory services for the issuance of Government of Pakistan Ijara Sukuk, Green Sukuk and any Shariah compliant instrument The Ministry s reappointment highlights the Bank’s commitment and expertise in Islamic Banking and Shariah Advisory reaffirming its role as a trusted government financial partner

We are honored to be reappointed as the Joint Financial Advisor to the Ministry of Finance for Domestic Sukuk issuance This

In his speech during two-day conference Jamal Shah focused on helping Palestine and Kashmir It was stressed that in order to help their cause and struggle, ICESCO should create special opportunities for their craftsmen, musicians, writers and film makers where they can showcase their works with Islamic countries & rest of the world to represent aspirations of their people

The interim minister also met with DG ICESCO and Culture Minister of Palestine and focused on cultural exchanges & strengthening relations Jamal Shah also met with Iranian and Somalian Counterparts and discussed areas of cooperation and the need for increasing cultural exchanges and strengthening relations

The Caretaker Federal Minister of National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan participated in 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic world on 25-26 September held in Doha

IBA K arachi, OGDCL collaborate on leadership development, research avenues

ISLAMABAD

I N P

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad

Khan Niazi has said that Pakistan Navy stands at the forefront to conserve the maritime environment

In his message on World Maritime Day-2023 being observed tomorrow (Thursday Sept 28) the Naval Chief said that the World Maritime Day was a significant reminder of maritime safety security and environmental conservation, was marked annually, urging nations to work together for sustainable maritime practices

Admiral Amjad Niazi said that under the aegis of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this year holds special significance as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

He said that in alignment with MARPOL principles, we have instituted measures to curtail emissions, enhance energy efficiency and in earnest implement pollution prevention strategies Our ongoing efforts against marine pollution bear testimony to our unwavering commitment Admiral Niazi said that on this World Maritime Day, as we look back to our shared maritime heritage and achievements, let us also look ahead with determination commitment and resolve to align our national objectives with the ongoing global shift towards sustainable and green marine practices I urge all the stakeholders to embrace these evolving paradigms

Particularly, I reiterate Pakistan Navy s resolve to ensure maritime safety and uphold environmental mandates

In this stride, let us recommit to the principles of maritime safety and marine conservation and reaffirm our solemn pledge to the maritime world that our commitment goes on both in spirit and in action I look forward to a profound and cumulative response by all stakeholders the Naval Chief concluded

Islamabad: The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi s Center for Executive Education (CEE) has inked an MoU with Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) to collaborate on a range of leadership development research and consultancy initiatives of OGDCL

The MoU was signed by Mr Ahmed Hayat Lak

Managing Director, OGDCL; and Dr S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi, at a ceremony held at the OGDCL headquarters in Islamabad The IBA team included Mr Kamran Bilgrami Director CEE; and Mr Furqan Tamoor

Senior Manager CEE While OGDCL was represented by Mr Shahzad Safdar Executive Director; and Mr Talat Haider, Head of OGTI Dr Zaidi expressed his delight in partnering with OGDCL, calling it one of the leading state-owned enterprises in Pakistan “OGDCL has a valuable relationship with IBA as earlier this year we launched the IBA – OGDCL Talent Hunt Program a fully funded scholarship scheme Now they have also become a part of Center for Executive Education where they will conduct 10 training programs under the IBA CEE umbrella called LEAP (Learning Excellence for Accelerated Progression) for their mid to senior level staff and executives ” Mr Ahmed Hayat Lak MD OGDCL said “We have always considered IBA-CEE as one of the leading centers for excellence in continuing education PR

inDrive expanding ser vice to five new cities in Pakistan

mission deeply rooted in sustainable development COM-

boasts a membership of 27 countries from the Global South It operates a Network of 25 International S&T Centers of Excellence, diligently advancing scientific research innovation and technology Spectre Solutions excels and specializes in development of customized drones/ UAVs The tech

company aims to solve important logistics and control problems with the help of latest drone technologies providing a sense of security for people in need particularly in emergency situations

The MOU will pave the way inter-alia for research and development, knowledge sharing with eventual joint production of drones; collaboration for projects involving use of Spectre UAVs; exchange of

experiences, knowledge and contacts; collaboration on pilot and other relevant trainings; conducting studies and holding conferences meetings and trainings

The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of COMSATS and Spectre Solutions to push the boundaries of technology and innovation, ultimately contributing to sustainable development on a global scale

SIEHS provides swif t medical suppor t to 60 bus collision vic tims

recent display of unwavering commitment to public safety and emergency response, the Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services (SIEHS), commonly known as Rescue 1122, swiftly sprang into action to aid the passengers injured in a bus collision near the Rohri toll plaza At approximately 3 35 am, Rescue 1122 received critical information regarding a harrowing incident involving two buses that had collided near the Rohri toll plaza and the first “hope” reached within a response time of 17 minutes The collision resulted in approximately 60 passengers sustaining various degrees of injuries Their rapid response ensured that the injured passengers received prompt and professional medical assistance when they needed it the most While four of the injured individuals were quickly and safely transported to the Civil Hospital Sukkur and THQ Rohri for further medical attention, Rescue 1122's highly trained personnel worked tirelessly on the scene to provide immediate medical aid to the remaining 55 injured passengers Their collective efforts undoubtedly made a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this unfortunate accident PR

In a move set to redefine the transportation landscape, inDrive, Pakistan's leading ride-hailing service, is thrilled to announce its expansion into five new cities including Larkana Kāmoke Sheikhupura Hafizabad and Okara This strategic expansion is a testament to inDrive s commitment to providing seamless convenient, and reliable mobility solutions to an even broader audience across the country With this expansion, inDrive is poised to transform the way residents of these cities travel, work, and explore The inclusion of Larkana Kāmoke Sheikhupura Hafizabad and Okara in the inDrive network reflects the company s dedication to bringing innovative transportation options to both urban centers and suburban areas The launch of inDrive in these cities marks a significant milestone, further solidifying the company s position as the go-to choice for modern, efficient and budget-friendly mobility PR

PTCL Group collaborates with Connec tHear to conduc t sign language training

I S L A M A B A D: Pakistan s largest telecommunication operator, PTCL Group (PTCL & Ufone 4G) collaborated with ConnectHear, a social enterprise working to empower persons with hearing impairment to organize a sign language training session for its Customer Service Center (Joint Shops) representatives from the North region Coinciding with the International Day of Sign Languages, the training aimed to promote inclusivity and enhance the accessibility of PTCL and Ufone 4G services for customers with hearing impairment CEO/Co-founder ConnectHear, Ms Azima Dhanjee led the engaging and interactive training session that included a variety of activities and real-life case studies designed to sensitize the PTCL Group customer service staff to the unique needs of Deaf customers PR

COMSATS, Spec tre Solutions join hands for collaboration in drone technology, applic ations

PAKISTAN ARMY WILL CONTINUE PL AYING ROLE IN ENSURING PEACE, STABILIT Y IN KP: COAS

CH I E F of Army Staff Gen

Asim Munir on Wednesday said the Pakistan Army would continue playing its role in upholding peace and stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and facilitating a secure environment for economic development The army chief made this statement during his address at the provincial Apex Committee meeting in Peshawar

His remarks come on the heels of an increase in terror attacks in KP On September 6, four security personnel embraced martyrdom and over 16 militants were killed in an operation to repulse militants from the Chitral district

The pre-dawn attack had targeted check posts in Astui Pass and Jinjiret Koh situated in the south of Lower Chitral, bordering the Afghan province of Nuristan

During the Apex Committee meeting on Wednesday the army chief was briefed about the overall security situation in the province including initiatives

against smuggling, hoarding and drug trafficking, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)

It said the participants of the meeting affirmed that state institutions and people were united for the protection of life and property of citizens

The participants also paid rich tribute

How auto sector fumbling with 5-year plan again

Unable to meet goals for localisation and export quotas, the Ministry of Industries and Production has sheepishly asked the government to delay their auto policy outcome targets by a year for the automotive industry

So what gives?

Introduced in 2021 the Auto Industry Development and Export Policy 2021-26 (AIDEP) had set ambitious targets for the auto industry to both improve its localisation rates and also start exporting Under the policy incentives given to local assemblers of cars in Pakistan would be ended and new players would be given an open playing field However just two years into the policy it seems the ministry responsible for it is already giving up

A history of bad 5-year plans

Pakistan has long had a problem in its auto industry

Not only do we not make our own cars, we do not even make any parts for the cars that are assembled here All of the parts are imported from abroad and assembled in Pakistan This behaviour was long encouraged by the government which gave the industry incentives and allowed major players to cement their place and not allow new entrants into the market

Kakar’s ‘unacceptable’ remarks about Khan rankle PTI

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson

lambasted the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar for his irresponsible, worrisome and unacceptable statements concerning the political fate of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and PTI insisting him to fulfill his constitutional duty to hold free and fair polls in stipulated timeframe PTI spokesperson termed the caretaker premier s remarks very reckless, shocking and unacceptable that clearly indicated the role of caretaker government in the ongoing unconstitutional and immoral political engineering in the country He made it clear that any attempt to disappear PTI or PTI Chairman s name from the ballot papers would be a criminal act against the country and nation and such disastrous move would not be tolerated come what may

He said that the caretaker PM was trying to create muddle and confusion and waste the nation’s time by making rhetoric on irrelevant and unrelated issues rather than focusing on fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities to conduct free and undisputed elections in the constitutionally mandated time limit PTI spokesperson made it clear that the caretaker PM neither has the mandate nor has the power to keep PTI or the PTI Chairman out of the electoral race

He warned that the nation would not accept any such conspiracy come what may as they would resist any such notorious plan tooth and nail

to the Shuhada and their families

We have to synergise our efforts for the peace and prosperity of our beloved country ” the ISPR statement quoted the army chief as saying He underlined that the Pakistan Army would continue to play its role in ensuring peace and stability in KP to provide a secure environment for economic development

Earlier Gen Munir also engaged in an interactive session with the women of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the KPK Women Symposium 2023” In his address to the symposium’s participants the COAS emphasised the constructive and pivotal role women have played in Pakistan s historical development

He underscored that women s contributions to the progress and advancement of Pakistan are of utmost significance

The army chief acknowledged that the women of KP have confronted multifaceted challenges due to the enduring battle against terrorism but he praised their resilience dedication and courage in the face of adversity T E R R O R I S T AT TA C K S: Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in recent months especially in KP and Balochistan after the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year

In July as many as 12 soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom in separate military operations in the Zhob and Sui areas of Balochistan

Karachiites should get ready to bear a jolt in the form of significant increase in power tariff as National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Wednesday approved increase in the price of electricity for the power consumers of KElectric by upto Rs 4 45 per unit NEPRA, on the request of the federal government, has approved the increase for the first quarter adjustment of the financial year 2022-23 and forwarded its decision to the federal government for notification After a notification from the federal government, the increase in electricity price for Karachiites will be applicable According to NEPRA decision, NEPRA has approved to increase the price of electricity from Rs 1 49 to Rs 4 45 per unit and the additional collections from K-Electric consumers will be made in October and November 2023 As per details NEPRA has increased the power tariff by Rs 1 48 per unit for those consumers of the KElectric (KE) who consume 300 units in a month while Rs 3 21/unit for those consumers who consume 301 to 700 units and above Similarly Rs 4 45/unit hike in the electricity tariff for those consumers of KE who use above five kilowatt of electricity load Furthermore Rs 4 45/unit hike has also been made for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) According to NEPRA’s decision, the Ministry of Energy (MoE), Power Division (PD) vide letter dated 22 08 2023 filed motion with respect to recommendation of consumer-end tariff for KElectric and Policy Guidelines for uniform quarterly adjustments under Section 7 & 31 of the NEPRA Act, 1997 read with Rule 17 of NEPRA Tariff (Standards and Procedure) Rules, 1998

In today’s digital era the very idea of a security breach can cause severe consternation So one can imagine the concern when on September 20 there were news reports of a data breach at Indolj, a Pakistani restaurant technology provider Specifically, local media outlets reported that a sample database of customers who use Indolj had been compromised – and more worryingly that this database contained the customers personal and payment information of customers What actually happened? Profit finds out

The incident at Indolj

Indolj is a commission-free online ordering system and food ordering app that helps restaurants cater to their customers’ food orders It also provides all-in-one technology solutions for restaurants, including websites with online ordering POS digital menu boards and digital marketing

On September 20 Profit received a sample database that was allegedly selling data of approximately 2 2 million Indolj customers This same database was received by other media outlets, such as GEO News, which reported on the topic on September 20, and ProPakistani which reported on it two days later The database included the names of customers their email addresses their phone numbers along with other information Profit carried out an analysis to verify the authenticity of the information leaked This was done

by contacting a pool of around 30 customers whose details were mentioned We were able to confirm the names and numbers of these customers; however approximately only 15 email addresses matched the ones in the database While it had been initially claimed that customers’ credit card information had also been breached there was no proof of this in the database Additionally the physical addresses of customers were also not present in the sample data which means that there is no confirmation of that particular data being leaked Profit spoke to both Indolj’s CEO Saad Jandga, and Wah Brands CEO Athar Chawla, who has closely worked with Indolj and used their services for his brands Both individuals confirmed that details like the names and phone numbers of any customer registered are common and usually available Both also said that anyone with a mobile number receives numerous promotional and marketing calls on a daily basis, so this is not something that people should panic about Breaching into the systems and leaking sensitive customer data is unusual however such unethical practices are often carried out by competitors when a platform is growing Chawla said He added the report s use of fabricated data such as some email addresses and phone numbers doesn t provide any evidence of Indolj’s sensitive data being compromised

The MoE submitted that NEPRA determined the Multi Year Tariff vide decision dated July 05 2018 for KE duly notified by the Federal Government on May 22 2019 Subsequently various quarterly tariff adjustments for KE were determined by the Authority The quarterly adjustment was notified by Federal Government vide SRO 1037(1)/2020 as amended from time to time, to maintain uniform tariff in the country The MoE also submitted that the Authority has determined Periodic Adjustment in Tariff for the 2nd Quarter of FY 2022-23 for XWDISCOs i e Rs 0 4689/kWh and recommended uniform rate for consumers of DISCOs with recovery period of three months from April, May and June 2023 The same has been notified for DISCOs vide SRO dated 13 04 2023

The MoE further stated that in accordance with the National Electricity Policy 2021 the Government may maintain a uniform consumer-end tariff for KElectric and state-owned distribution companies (even after privatization) through incorporation of direct / indirect subsidies Accordingly, KE applicable uniform variable charge is also required to be modified so as to recover the revenue requirements of KE determined by the Authority consistent with the uniform national tariff of DISGOs The same has been approved by the Federal Government and it was decided that the same be submitted to the Authority for consideration

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has reserved its decision on Rs 1 83 per unit increase in the power tariff on account of fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for the month of August 2023 On

Wednesday, NEPRA’s hearing was held on the application of Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) under the chairmanship of Waseem Mukhtar wherein NEPRA s Members of Punjab Sindh Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also participated The officials of Central Power Purchasing Agency while giving a briefing to the authority (NEPRA) informed that 15 billion 47 crore units of electricity were provided to the DISCOs in the month of August 2023 They said that improvements in electricity transmission systems could have increased the output from wind power plants while improved transmission could also increase the output of local coal-fired plants Speaking on the occasion, officials of NTDC told that transmission system has been facing problems for one and a half years due to which problem being faced in transmitting 3000MW of electricity from south to north Member NEPRA Maqsood Anwar Khan stated that he has been hearing from two and a half years that there are problems in the power transmission system Why should we allow to collect money when electricity cannot be transmitted, asked Member NEPRA Maqsood Anwar Khan?

“Why should we (NEPRA) allow the cost of your incompetence to be charged to power consumers”?

Expressing displeasure over NTDC s perform-

ance Member NEPRA Rafique Ahmed Shaikh stated that the third-party audit of NTDC has been conducted and the third-party report did not go well in favor of NTDC He asked tell me where should power customers go He also asked why furnace oil plants are needed He instructed NTDC officials to come prepared in the upcoming NEPRA s hearing NEPRA official stated that violation of merit order in August has resulted in an additional burden of Rs 59 crore on NEPRA, in a statement, said that the authority (NEPRA) on Wednesday conducted a hearing and only heard the petitioner and stakeholders However the NEPRA has not taken any decision The authority will issue its detailed decision after further scrutiny of the data said NEPRA Earlier CPPA on behalf of power distribution companies (DISCOs) except K-Electric has asked the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to approve 1 8290 per kilowatt hour (kWh) hike in the power tariff on account of fuel charges adjustment (FCA) for the month of August 2023

The CPPA in its application has submitted that the total electricity generated with various fuels in the month of August was recorded

the previous coalition government

In a majority 2-1 verdict, the top court approved Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan s petition challenging amendments made to the country’s accountability laws

process of officers for trade missions abroad challenged in cour t

The selection process of Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) at Pakistan s Trade missions abroad has long been marred by irregularities However the matter was brought in the limelight after recent selection was legally challenged by the officers Sources told Profit that after not being called for an interview despite clearing the written test for the TIOs certain candidates have finally approached Islamabad High Court (IHC)

In response the IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on the petition has sought details from the Ministry of Commerce for not interviewing a petitioner, Dr Muhammad Hamid Ali Dr Muhammad Hamid Ali, in his petition has questioned the very legality of the recruiting process adopted by the commerce ministry for selection of TIO officers Dr Muhammad Hamid Ali has informed the court that he passed the written test conducted on 6th of August by securing 64 5 marks and subsequently received the call for an interview

The petitioner was at the designated venue for the interview on the said date but was not called for an interview that no reason whatsoever was given to the petitioner for not interviewing him Similarly, another candidate, Dr Shagufta Zareen a BPS-20 officer of Inland Revenue Service in her petition submitted that she secured the highest marks in BS20 in the written examination conducted by M/S LUMS University for the post of Trade Investment Secretary on 6th of August, and remained on the 11th position in overall merit

She was also called for interview to be held but a day before the said interview the petitioner s candidature was withdrawn through the impugned email on the ground that she does not fulfill the eligibility and ineligibility criteria as she has not secured minimum “very good” Performance Evaluation Reports of the last five year She submitted in her petition that no impediment was pointed out by the ministry of commerce till the last moment, which smacks of mala fide on their part The petition states that the PERs, which were good enough for her appearance in the test, can-

not be brushed aside for the purpose of her appointment to the posts advertised Sources also said that the commerce ministry in sheer violation of its policy has shortlisted another BPS-20 officer, who was previously recalled due to poor performance It is pertinent to mention here that 101 out of 262 candidates have passed the written test for grade 18 to 20 TIOs positions in different countries abroad Subsequently a seven-member committee under the chair of Commerce Minister/Advisor on Commerce (Chairman) conducted interviews for the above mentioned grades