Epaper_23-10-12 LHR by Pakistan Today

SC FULL COURT UPHOLDS LAW CLIPPING CJP’S SUO MOTU POWERS In partnership with

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thursday, 12 October, 2023 I 25 rabi ul awal, 1445

Majority of 10 members declare SC Practice and Procedure Act 2023 as Constitutional

Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi, Justice Ayesha Malik and Justice Shahid Waheed write dissenting note

ISLAMABAD

Staff repOrt

HE Supreme Court, in a full court session on Wednesday, ruled that the SC (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023 — which requires a committee of senior judges to form benches for constitutional matters and suo motu notices — was “sustained as being constitutional” and rejected petitions against the law in a majority verdict. Reading the reserved verdict, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa said that “a majority of 10-5 (Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Ayesha A. Malik and Justice Shahid Waheed dissenting), the SC Practice and Procedure Act 2023 is sustained

as being in accordance with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and to this extent, the petitions are dismissed”. “By majority of 9-6 (Justice Ahsan, Justice Akhtar, Justice Afridi, Justice Naqvi, Justice Ayesha and Justice Waheed dissenting) sub-section 1 of Section 5 of the Act (granting a right of appeal prospectively) is declared to be in accordance with the Constitution and to this extent, the petitions are dismissed,” he ruled. Sub-section 1 of Section 5 of the Act says: “An appeal shall lie within thirty days from an order of a bench of the Supreme Court who exercised jurisdiction under clause (3) of Article 184 of the Constitution to a larger bench of the Supreme Court and such appeal shall, for hearing, be fixed within a period not exceeding fourteen days”. “By a majority of 8-7 (CJP Isa, Justice

Section 5 of Act (granting right of appeal retrospectively) is declared to be ultra vires to Constitution

Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Musarrat Hilali dissenting) sub-section (2) of Section 5 of the Act (granting a right of appeal retrospectively) is declared to be ultra vires the Constitution and to this extent the petitions are allowed,” the verdict added. Sub-section (2) of Section 5 of the practice and procedure law says: “The right of appeal under sub-section (1) shall also be available to an aggrieved person against whom an order has been made under clause (3) of Article 184 of the Constitution, prior to the commencement of this Act.” The practice and procedure law, which was passed by Parliament in April, states that a three-member bench, comprising the CJP and the two senior-most judges of the apex court, will decide whether or not to take up a matter suo motu. Previously, this was solely the prerogative of the CJP. Additionally, it adds to the review jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, giving the right to file an appeal within 30 days of the judgement in suo motu cases. The law was seen by the petitioners as an attempt by the government to curtail the chief justice’s powers. In April, the Supreme Court, then led by former chief justice Umar Ata Bandial, barred the government from implementing the law until the petitions challenging it were decided. The decision was taken by an eightmember bench consisting ex-CJP Bandial, Justice Ahsan, Justice Akhtar, Justice Sayyed

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PML-N, PPP and PTI hail SC verdict as to ‘democratises’ apex court’s workings ISLAMABAD

Staff repOrt

Political parties, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), have welcomed the Supreme Court’s (SC) verdict on the SC (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023, saying that the decision not only enhances transparency but also democratises the apex court’s workings. The SC’s full court — comprising all 15 judges — sustained the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023, which deals with the chief justice’s powers, as “constitutional” with a 10-5 majority. The verdict acknowledges the parliament’s right to legislation under Article 191, which states that the SC rules are subject to the Constitution. Terming today’s verdict as a “welcome step” PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said that the development reflects’s judiciary’s respect for the parliament. “The Supreme Court’s verdict regarding the Practice and Procedure Act 2023 is a welcome step. It not only democratizes the workings of the Supreme Court itself but also shows due respect to the Parliament, which represents the people of Pakistan,” the former Punjab chief minister said on X. However, Shehbaz — addressing the possible effect of the verdict on party supremo Nawaz Sharif — said: “It is important to mention that, according to legal experts, the specific clause under discussion concerning appeals against past judgments does not affect Mian Nawaz Sharif.” Meanwhile, PPP senator Sherry Rehman termed the decision as an “important step for parliament’s supremacy”.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 Naqvi, Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Waheed. A day after he was sworn in, on September 19, incumbent CJP Qazi Faez Isa resumed hearing the petitions with a full court and ordered live-streaming of the entire proceedings. Today’s judgment comes after five proceedings were conducted on the matter. At the previous hearing, an exchange between judges and counsel hinted at the disquiet among judges over the court’s workings. THE HEARING At the outset of the hearing today, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan presented his submissions. He said his arguments would be based on the

No possibility of delay in polls, says PM Kakar g

Says cypher is state’s property, exposing it for other than prescribed purpose unjustified

ISLAMABAD

Asked if Nawaz Sharif was victimised, PM said questions were raised about judicial interventions

Staff repOrt

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of any delay in general elections, saying that the polls would be announced and conducted on time. “I don’t see any possibility (of delay in elections). I don’t have any confusion at all. I feel the elections will be announced and conducted on time,” the prime minister said in an interview with a private television channel. Commenting to the cypher case against former premier Imran Khan, Kakar said cypher was state’s property, and exposing it for other than the prescribed usage was unjustified, though the court has yet to ascertain its illegality. The prime minister said in the 2013 and 2018 elections, he had voted for PTI to seek solutions for the country’s issues like infrastructure, economy, foreign policy and branding of Pakistan, not for attacking the GHQ. Reiterating his government’s resolve to hold free and fair elections, he said all the registered political parties

had legal and constitutional rights to canvass, mobilise people and attract public support. However, he said the government would not be responsible if someone was legally barred from the political process. To a question, he emphasized effective law enforcement saying that his gov-

NAB gets new deputy chairman, prosecutor general g

Sohail Nasir appointed Dy Chairman NAB ISLAMABAD

Staff repOrt

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday got new Deputy Chairman and Prosecutor General (PG) as both appointments were made the same day. Former judge Lahore High Court (LHC), Sohail Nasir has been appointed as Deputy Chairman while Syed Ihtesham Qadir Shah has been appointed Prosecutor General of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The Ministry of Law and Justice issued a formal notification to this effect here Wednesday. Meanwhile, Advocate Syed Ihtesham Qadir Shah has been appointed as the prosecutor general of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for the next three years. A notification issued in this regard stated that the federal government appointed the lawyer as per the NAB chairman’s recommendation. Having a career spanning over three decades, Shah as an advocate has broad experience in criminal and allied matters, including financial crimes. He was enrolled as an advocate at a high court in 1982, to be later upgraded to an advocate of the Supreme Court in 1991. In the year 2007, he was appointed as a senior prosecutor for the Anti-Narcotics Force and later elevated as a judge of Lahore High Court in 2009. Besides that, Shah has also worked as a regional prosecutor general under the Protection of Pakistan Act, of 2014, and as Punjab prosecutor general from 2014 to 2019. He also contributed to justice by providing complete assistance to special military courts for the conviction and sentence of heinous cases of jet-black terrorists.

ernment, with the cooperation from military leadership, had implemented the existing laws to crack down the illegal currency businesses and hoarders. He also called for the capacity building of the civilian institutions for the implementation of the law. The prime minister said the estab-

lishment of the democratic system within the political parties was essential for democracy in the country. To a question, he said being a political player, he had interacted with all political leaders before assuming the office but never thought of joining any party, though being a citizen, he had the right to join a party or form his own. Rubbishing the allegations of the caretaker government’s tilt towards the PML-N, he said the political parties usually create such impressions before the elections with a view to attracting public support. Prime Minister Kakar appreciated the leadership qualities of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and said that Pakistan’s future was in capable and committed hands. To a question, Kakar said he was comfortable with the military leadership and that the caretaker government had the final say in the decision-making. Asked whether Nawaz Sharif was victimised, the prime minister said the questions were always raised about the judicial interventions as different parties had varying views on the respective subjects.

government’s written response submitted in court. “You are saying you not repeat the arguments but will highlight them,” the CJP said here, to which Awan stated that he would talk about the independence of the judiciary and Article 191 of the Constitution. Article 191 (Rules of procedure) states: “Subject to the Constitution and law, the Supreme Court may make rules regulating the practice and procedure of the Court.” The AGP added that three questions were raised during the proceedings on the matter in discussion and he would respond to them. He said Article 191 did not take away the Parliament’s right to legislate.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

Pakistan, OIC reiterate support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination ISLAMABAD

Staff repOrt

Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi on Wednesday stated that the current Indian leadership is bent upon perpetuating Delhi’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, crushing “fundamental rights” of Kashmiri people. Addressing a press conference along with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General and Special Envoy on Jammu and Kashmir Yousef Aldobeay after a meeting here in Islamabad, Syrus Sajjad Qazi highlighted Indian excesses in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which have seen significantly rise under the Modi regime. “The curbs on the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people remain persistent,” said Jilani. “The total number of detained political activists and human rights defenders comes to around 4,000,” he said, adding that members of the Hurriyat leadership have been “incarcerated arbitrarily”. The dignitaries drew attention to the death penalty sought by the Indian authorities on Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, who was awarded life imprisonment last year, and Shabbir Ahmed Shah as well as the increase in atrocities by the state since 2019. “India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019, have opened a new chapter of oppression. The ultimate aim of these steps is to convert the Kashmiri people into a disempowered minority in their own land,” said Syrus Sajjad Qazi, adding that the OIC has affirmed its resolute support to the Kashmiri people for their just struggle.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

Did Pakistan just record one of its biggest ever corporate real estate sales?

Sale of Regent Plaza to SIUT would be biggest real estate purchase in Pakistan but only in terms of rupee PROFIT

Shahab Omer

One of the largest ever real estate transactions to take place in Pakistan’s listed, corporate sector is unfolding as the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) is set to buy the once swanky and fashionable Regent Plaza in uptown Karachi. Valued at Rs 14.5 billion the transaction is the single largest real estate transaction in the country’s history in absolute rupee terms. In dollar terms the hotel is worth just over $52 million. While it is still among one of the biggest transactions in the country’s history, it will still not be the largest ever when it comes to how property valuations work.

THE BUYER AND THE SELLER The current transaction is taking place between SIUT and Pakistan Hotels Developers Limited (PHDL). The PHDL is a publicly listed company that owns and operates the Regent Plaza Hotel which has been a mainstay in Karachi for many decades. According to notifications posted on the PSX, the offer for Rs 14.5 billion has been extended in person through a letter sent on Tuesday the 10th of October. One of the largest healthcare organisations in Pakistan, the SIUT depends on donations for its mission to provide healthcare to Pakistanis at their many facilities across the Sindh province. While many charitable organisations run side businesses which become steady revenue streams for them to operate their

charitable activities, SIUT is reportedly thinking of a more direct use for the Regent Plaza. According to well placed sources the plaza is designed in a way that it can easily be converted into a hospital, which is what the institute plans on doing. READ MORE: Can the miracle called SIUT ever be replicated? The biggest property sale ever? In rupee terms this really will be the biggest transaction for listed real estate in Pakistan’s history. However, there have been other transactions in the country’s history that are bigger in real terms. Back in 2017, Habib Bank Ltd, paid Rs 14.4 billion for the new HBL Tower in Clifton Karachi They bought this form Mega and Forbes, the shipping conglomerate owned by the reclusive billionaire Habibullah

Khan. Back in 2017 however this transaction’s value in dollar terms was a whopping $137 million. When comparing the transactions of HBL and Regent Plaza, a slight price difference is noticeable in rupee terms. However, when evaluated in dollar terms, HBL’s deal is significantly larger, being approximately 62 percent higher than that of Regent Plaza. Another mega real estate transaction took place more recently in 2021 Bank Al Habib bought Centrepoint from TPL Properties for nearly $50 million. Companies regularly update property valuations in their financial statements so they reflect the current value of the property which increases their assets on their balance sheet. Going by their financial statements from that year, the rupee value of the building was listed at just over Rs 7 billion.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

02 NEWS

Thursday, 12 October, 2023 | LAHORE

PAK RAILWAYS SUFFERS OVER RS55 BILLION LOSSES IN FY23

PROFIT

newS DeSk

AKISTAN Railways has incurred a staggering loss of over Rs55 billion during the fiscal year 2022-23. The losses were attributed to a combination of governance issues, financial mismanagement, and a lack of transparency, according to an audit conducted by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP). The audit’s segregated analysis highlighted governance issues as a significant concern within the department, particularly in administration and the management of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects. These prob-

lems were deemed more severe than those related to risk management and controls. One of the most glaring issues found in the audit was the non-recording of accrued liability on account of interest and exchange risk premium on foreign loans, which amounted to Rs29.35 billion. The report also revealed a loss of Rs19.80 billion due to potential revenue loss from project delays and non-adjustment of suspense balances amounting to Rs12.64 billion. Furthermore, the department overspent by Rs11.75 billion beyond the allocated budget, exacerbating the financial strain. The failure to record accrued pension liabilities in the financial statements of Pakistan Railways resulted in an additional Rs8.25 billion loss. Contract awards at

higher rates cost the department Rs6.96 billion, and the non-registration of Pakistan Railways Freight Transportation Company (PRFTC) with the Punjab Revenue Authority contributed to a loss of Rs7.92 billion. Non-operating track access agreements resulted in a further loss of Rs6.10 billion per annum, and a lack of fair competition and transparency in procurement cost the department Rs5.09 billion. The audit report also revealed that the department suffered a loss of Rs5.05 billion due to the non-recovery of receivable bills. Delays in the finalization of bids caused an additional loss of Rs2.07 billion due to the devaluation of the local currency. Suspicious weighing practices concerning coal led to another Rs2.07 billion loss.

Continuing along the same lines, the department incurred a loss of Rs1.37 billion due to the non-recovery of PRFTC dues from Huaneng Shandong Ruyi, and an additional loss of Rs866.95 million was witnessed due to the non-disposal of scrap. The report highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms within Pakistan Railways to address the governance, financial, and operational challenges that have contributed to these massive losses. Failure to do so could further undermine the sustainability of this vital transportation entity, which has long struggled with financial and management issues.

Govt likely to increase gas tariﬀ up to 193pc PROFIT

newS DeSk

Karachi building collapse kills five people KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

At least five people were killed when an under-construction building collapsed in Karachi’s Shah Faisal Colony area on Wednesday. The incident also left two people injured. Edhi sources said all deceased appeared to be labourers working inside the under-construction building. The ill-fated building, situated near Qadri Masjid, had construction ongoing on its third floor when it seemingly gave way and collapsed. Soon after the incident was reported, rescue teams and law enforcement along with local residents reached the incident site to initiate rescue efforts. A police spokesperson also confirmed casualties in the incident. He stated that there were a total of six labourers working in the now-collapsed building. “Four labourers have been evacuated with minor injuries while a pedestrian was killed by the collapse of a building,” said the police. Three of the deceased individuals have been identified as 55-year-old Abdul Ghaffar son of Hasan Ali, 30-year-old Naseer Ahmed son of Mohammad Anwar and 37-year-old Mohammad Kashif son of Mehbood Ali. So far, three bodies have been recovered from the debris, while the injured individuals have been moved to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center for medical treatment.

The government of Pakistan plans to increase natural gas prices for various consumer categories, including nonprotected domestic consumers, bulk consumers, commercial consumers, the export industry, the non-export industry, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), cement, and Liberty Power. These increases range from 25 percent to 193 percent, sources close to the Petroleum Ministry said. However, there will be no change in gas prices for the “protected” category of domestic consumers, Roti Tandoor, and the feed gas of Engro’s fertilizer plant. For protected consumers, the fixed monthly charge has been signifi-

cantly increased from Rs 10 to Rs 400, amounting to a 3900 percent increase. The government has not adequately revised consumer gas prices in line with OGRA’s determinations since FY 2013-14. As per a report by BR, this has led to an accumulation of revenue shortfalls, with SSGCL and SNGPL facing a total shortfall of Rs. 878 billion as of June 2023. It is said that price inaction could lead to a revenue shortfall of Rs 185 billion on natural gas alone, contributing to the circular debt in the petroleum sector. Affordability for certain consumer categories is to be ensured through cross-subsidies funded by surplus revenues generated from other consumer categories. Tariffs have been revised for differ-

ent sectors, including commercial consumers, power generation, and industry, to create a level playing field and reduce price disparities. Higher prices for CNG and the cement sector are proposed to encourage the switch to alternate fuels. Sui companies will offer blended gas based on the availability of natural gas and RLNG (Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas). The prices for feed gas for fertilizer plants have been proposed to remain lower to ensure affordable urea prices for farmers. It is notabe that the Petroleum Division emphasizes that gas price revisions should be consistent with OGRA’s revenue requirements, as per the legal provisions in the OGRA Ordinance of 2002.

Govt to borrow over Rs10 trn to meet financial obligations PROFIT

newS DeSk

The federal government has unveiled its borrowing strategy for the second quarter (October to December) of fiscal year 2024, aiming to secure more than Rs10 trillion from the domestic market to meet its financial obligations and bridge the fiscal gap. As per reports, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued an auction calendar on behalf of the federal government. The government’s borrowing plan includes the auction of various types of security papers, encompassing Pakistan Investment Bonds Fixed Rate (PIBs Fixed Rate), Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) Floating Rate, and Gov-

ernment of Pakistan Market Treasury Bills (MTBs). The government’s primary focus will be on short-term government papers, as it strives to raise a significant portion of the borrowed amount through the sale of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs). Approximately Rs7.905 trillion will be raised through MTBs during this period, which is lower by Rs2 trillion compared to the maturing amount for the same quarter. To achieve its financing target, the government has scheduled seven auctions of Treasury Bills (T-Bills) during the quarter. The borrowing breakdown for the quarter includes Rs1.5 trillion in October 2023, Rs3.825 trillion in November 2023 through three T-Bill auctions, and

Rs2.580 trillion in December 2023. In addition to MTBs, the federal government intends to borrow Rs2.76 trillion through the sale of long-term Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) during the second quarter of FY24. This includes various PIB categories, such as Fixed Rate, Floating Rate Semi-Annual Auction, and 2-year and 3-year PIBs with a Floating Rate. The cumulative borrowing target for the October-December 2023 period stands at Rs10.665 trillion, as the government aims to secure funds through a mix of short-term and long-term security papers. These funds are essential to bridge the fiscal gap and support the government’s ongoing operations and fiscal commitments.

Chartered plane booked from Dubai for Nawaz Sharif’s return on 21st LONDON

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will reach Pakistan in a chartered plane from Dubai on 21st October. As per sources, the flight carrying Nawaz will have the name “Umeed-e-Pakistan” which can carry approximately 150 passengers. “The booking has been made and all arrangements are in place,” said the source. Nawaz, along with party members and journalists, is scheduled to leave Dubai for Pakistan on Oct 21. The special flight will land in Islamabad from Dubai before proceeding to Lahore, where Nawaz Sharif will address the gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif will reach Saudi Arabia for Umrah on Wednesday. He will stay in Saudi Arabia for a week during which he will hold important meetings. He will arrive in Dubai on 18th October. Nawaz Sharif will be accompanied to the Saudi visit by his close aides Mian Nasir Janjua, Waqar Ahmed, his friend Karim Yousaf and a few others. Nasir Janjua, the owner of MIDJAC company, spent nearly three years in exile in London with Nawaz Sharif and returned to Pakistan just a few months ago. Earlier this year, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) former head Bashir Memon revealed that former prime minister Imran Khan and his then-principal secretary Azam Khan time and again forced him to use all legal and illegal means, including the use of torture and anti-terrorism laws, to force businessman Mian Nasir Janjua to give a false confessional statement against PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz in the judge Arshed Malik video scandal. Memon said it was planned in the PM House that Janjua, who has been a 30years-old trusted friend of Nawaz Sharif, should be made the main culprit since he is a businessman and would be an easy target to become an approver against Maryam and senior PML-N leadership. Janjua then left Pakistan for London and didn’t return until Imran Khan was in power. On Tuesday, PML-N Senators Ishaq Dar and Irfan Siddiqui said Nawaz would leave for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. Refuting rumours pertaining to Sharif’s presence in Saudi Arabia, Irfan Siddiqui confirmed that the three-time former prime minister is still in the United Kingdom and that Nawaz’s visit to Saudi Arabia is of a private nature as the expremier will perform Umrah. Ishaq Dar said that there is no chance of Nawaz being arrested on return to Pakistan. He said that transit bail and protective bail would be obtained from the court. “Nawaz will follow the standard legal procedures.” He said that PML-N’s narrative would be around the economy. Dar said: “Recovery of the economy is the best revenge.”

Is petrochemical set to be Pakistan’s next industry to watch? PROFIT

Daniyal ahmaD

Two years have slipped by since Abdul Razak Dawood, the then Adviser on Commerce to the Prime Minister, first breathed life into the concept of a petrochemical policy. Now, Pakistan teeters on the precipice of finally sculpting its maiden petrochemical policy. Media murmurs this week hint that the Government of Pakistan is meticulously applying the final brushstrokes to the policy, and the industry is positively buzzing with anticipation. However, let’s address the elephant in the room. Many of the industry’s most seasoned stakeholders are left scratching their heads over the policy due to the protracted delay since its initial announcement. Let’s take a moment to jog our memory and revisit what we know thus far. According to media whispers, the policy aims to lure investment into the midstream industry to kickstart indigenous manufacturing of petrochemicals. The Engineering Development Board (EDB) is currently engaged in consultations with public and private sector stakeholders to put the finishing touches on the Petrochemical Policy of Pakistan (2023). The goal? To ignite indigenous manufacturing of petrochemicals such as polypropylene, polyethylene, LAB, etc., and ensure sustainable development through local availability of plastic resins for the downstream engineering industry. A draft policy was reportedly handed over to the Ministry of Industries & Production in July 2023 and is currently under scrutiny from relevant Ministries/Divisions. It will subsequently be presented before the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet for consideration. The proposed policy is anticipated to yield a plethora of benefits. It is expected to ensure the availability of essential raw materials for a wide array of downstream sectors. These include, but are not limited to, textiles, construction, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, and synthetic rubber. While all the specifics related to the policy remain cloaked in secrecy, there’s no denying that anticipation within the industry is reaching fever pitch. “The Government deserves a round of applause for prioritising the development of a long-term roadmap for the petrochemical sector,” declares Jahangir Piracha, CEO of Engro Polymer & Chemicals. He continues, “This could be a catalyst for industrialisation in Pakistan.” Piracha underscores the need for a petrochemical policy that encompasses both existing and new petrochemical assets. He states, “It’s crucial to attract substantial in-

vestments into these projects which are capital intensive and have long gestation periods.” He also tips his hat to Pakistan’s existing petrochemical players, saying, “They invested during challenging times and it’s their success that will pave the way for large-scale petrochemical investments.” Echoing similar sentiments, Asif Jooma, CEO of Lucky Core Industries asserts, “Petrochemicals form the backbone for multiple industries in Pakistan and have been instrumental in supporting various downstream industries and services.” He adds, “They are one of Pakistan’s largest imports and investments in this sector are pivotal for the country’s economic growth.” Now, while this may be the sector’s first brush with a dedicated petrochemical policy, it certainly isn’t Pakistan’s maiden voyage into industrial policy. In fact, Pakistan’s tryst with industrial policy has been somewhat chequered. Profit reached out to the EDB to understand their rationale behind selecting this particular sector but was met with silence. So, will this time be any different? But first things first – what exactly are petrochemicals and why does it seem like they’re being singled out by the Government as a sector in need of a dedicated policy? WHAT ARE PETROCHEMICALS? The midstream segment of the petrochemical industry encompasses monomers and polymers. These are derived from naphtha cracking and utilised by the downstream segment to create a myriad of plastic products. These include, but are not limited to, sheets, films, tubes, profiles, containers, filaments, ropes, and more. These products find their application in a wide array of industries such as packaging, construction, automotive, industrial products, wind turbines, solar panels, electrical & electronics, artificial leather, home appliances, bottles & jars, furniture, kitchen wares, household toys, disposable utensils and packaging. The major petrochemical products currently manufactured in Pakistan include poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), purified terephthalic acid (PTA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), phthalic anhydride (PA), and linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid. However, it’s worth noting that Pakistan’s chemical sector appears to have hit a roadblock. The output seems to have stagnated at $8.3 billion. This is a step back from its 2021 peak of $9.7 billion. Moreover, if all other factors remain constant (ceteris paribus), this trend is expected to continue until 2027.

SO, COULD INVESTMENTS IN THE SECTOR BRING ABOUT ANY MEANINGFUL CHANGE? Piracha posits that a $1 increase in petro-

chemical output could potentially amplify the gross domestic product by approximately $4, courtesy of a high GDP multiplier effect. “Pakistan’s petrochemical sector is underdeveloped; we are one of the few large economies without a cracker,” Piracha rues. He sees a silver lining in the midstream petrochemical sectors, which he believes offer an opportunity to invest $3 billion. “The strong local demand for six products – polypropylene, PTA, PET, PVC, Methanol and linear alkyl benzene – justifies the setup of world-scale plants in Pakistan,” Piracha adds. This then posits the question: why do you need an industrial policy with tariff production if there’s already domestic demand for the sector to capitalise on?

WHY THE NEED FOR CONSISTENCY? Two pivotal factors are at play here: the imminent Saudi refinery and the potential for stability to catalyse the sector’s growth. The Petroleum Refining Policy, formally known as the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy for New/Greenfield Refineries 2023, was unveiled earlier this summer. This policy has been tailored specifically for a single project – a greenfield deep conversion integrated refinery and petrochemical complex with a crude oil processing capacity of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd). This project is being established in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. The policy does not permit any future refinery projects that utilise a different oil refining process or technology other than deep conversion, or have a capacity less than 300,000-bpd. Moreover, it stipulates that it must be an integrated refinery and petrochemical complex, regardless of feasibility. Refinery projects with a capacity of less than 300,000-bpd will be considered under a separate package offering lesser incentives and concessions. Rumours are also circulating that the installed capacity of the Saudi Refinery may be increased to 400,000 bpd. While the refinery sector may not be entirely pleased with the policy, it could prove to be a boon for the petrochemical sector. Firstly, at 300,000 bpd, the Saudi refinery would become the largest in Pakistan, boasting a cumulative capacity equivalent to that of PARCO and Cnergyico’s combined – currently the two largest refineries in the country. This would not only ensure a steady supply of feedstock for the petrochemical sector from the refinery but also stimulate ancillary industries into action and pave the way for economies of scale for whichever Pakistani company manages to achieve them. Furthermore, the 300,000 bpd limit in the refining policy suggests that the forth-

Output by Type of Chemical ..................................... 2016........................ 2022........................ 2027 Basic chemicals................$2,177 million............$2,141 million ...........$2,141 million Fertilisers and .................$2,658 million ...........$2,613 million ...........$2,613 million nitrogen compounds Plastics and synthetic ...... $696 million ..............$685 million.............. $685 million rubber in primary forms Pesticides and other ........ $352 million ..............$346 million ............. $346 million agrochemical products Paints, varnishes, ............ $671 million...............$659 million.............. $659 million printing ink and mastics Soap, cleaning and .......... $1,594 million............$1,567 million............$1,567 million cosmetic preparations Other chemical products... $236 million...............$232 million.............. $232 million Man-made fibres.............. $62 million................ $61 million................ $61 million

coming petrochemical policy may also set similar production thresholds for players wishing to capitalise on the sector. While this could further limit the sector to even fewer players than currently exist, it also ensures that those who do operate will be running world-scale plants. This brings them closer to achieving economies of scale and potentially contributing to the country’s exports. The existence of such a policy would also provide much-needed consistency to the sector. Petrochemical plants typically take around four to five years to become operational. Therefore, any large-scale investment would require safeguards for at least that period. One common sentiment echoed across our interactions with various sector stakeholders was their hope that such a policy would shield the sector from erratic decisions like the super tax. However, this is where our optimism concludes. This is not Pakistan’s first industrial policy, nor is it likely to be our last. Based on historical precedents, we have an established track record of either botching policies or setting up policies destined for failure from their inception. Let’s now examine all the ways this policy could potentially go awry.

HOW TO TENTATIVELY BOTCH THE POLICY ALTOGETHER First and foremost, when a sector is shielded by tariffs, it invariably exerts pressure on the downstream sector. This could be either inadvertent or deliberate. The downstream sector then protests that their production costs have escalated due to the additional protection granted to the upstream sector (or midstream in our case), leading to a tug-ofwar. The government typically finds itself in the middle of this struggle, necessitating the intervention of the National Tariff Commission to resolve the issue. This is precisely what transpired with polyester, PTA, and polymers. “The domestic market needs to be naturally large enough to attract investors. If it

isn’t, no one will invest regardless of the artificial gains you provide,” states Asif Saad, former CEO of Lotte Chemical. “Shielding one or two products in the value chain engenders imbalances and is not favourable for the growth of the entire sector. The examples of synthetic polyester and pvc show that they are unable to grow to any significant scale despite the high level of tariff provided historically,” Saad adds. . “China and India invested in domestic capacity building to achieve economies of scale and then gain competitive advantages in global markets. The government needs to invest in large-scale infrastructure. It needs to enhance ports, storage tanks, shipping etc., so that the petrochemical producer is provided with a plug-and-play model. Currently, all of this is undertaken by the companies in the sector themselves,” Saad continues. “Petrochemical is also a broad term. You can’t have one policy for the entire sector. You need to narrow the scope to provide investors with greater clarity. Paraxylene, for example, has its own value chain that requires the refiner to allocate additional molecules. Every product in the sector has its own value chain,” Saad criticises. While the sector may be elated with the incoming policy, there’s also perhaps a hint of bitterness across them. This will be the country’s first policy of its kind, and they will now be competing in a world dominated by large incumbents, with China and India being just the most recent additions. Some might even argue that the opportunity to develop the sector to compete with regional and global peers perhaps sailed thirty years ago. However, now that we have a policy on the horizon, we can only hope that this is not a repeat of our automotive experiments. “To fully leverage the benefits of scale and integration, it is highly beneficial to evolve a policy that addresses the current and future needs of an integrated refinery and petrochemical complex,” emphasises Jooma.

Thursday, 12 October, 2023 | LAHORE

NEWS 03

CPEC BOLSTERS PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS BETWEEN PAKISTAN, CHINA, SAYS SOLANGI

ISLAMABAD

Staff CoRReSponDent

ARETAKER Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi Wednesday said the launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had not only deepened the economic cooperation between the two brotherly countries but also bolstered people-to-people contacts in a remarkable way. “Over 28,000 Pakistani students were currently studying in China. This aspect of cooperation is of prime importance in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative,” the minister said while addressing the Art Exhibition & Cultural Show at Pakistan National Council of Arts. Since the launch of CPEC, he said people-to-people connectivity between Pakistan and China had soared to new heights. In Pakistan, the minister said the number of Chinese language learners was growing ex-

PML-N, PPP and PTI hail SC verdict as to ‘democratises’ apex court’s workings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

“Today’s proceedings and verdict in the Supreme Court have certainly enhanced the transparency and faded image of the superior court. It is also an important step forward for Parliament’s supremacy in its first obligation of making laws.” “Good also on CJ Issa on sharing his powers to a collegial framework of 3 judges. Appeals for suo moto cases being allowed are long overdue,” the senator added. Commenting on the apex court’s verdict, PTI said that the decision was a disappointment for those who had political hopes associated with the top court, in a jibe at the PML-N. The party’s future plan of action will be put into place after a thorough evaluation of today’s verdict, PTI said in a statement on its X account. The SC law gives the power of taking sou motu notice to a three-member committee comprising senior judges including the chief justice. It further aimed to have transparent proceedings in the apex court and includes the right to appeal. Regarding the constitution of benches, the Act stated that every cause, matter, or appeal before the apex court would be heard and disposed of by a bench constituted by a committee comprising the CJP and the two senior-most judges. Regarding exercising the apex court’s original jurisdiction, the Act said that any matter invoking the use of Article 184(3) would first be placed before the committee. On matters where the interpretation of the Constitution is required, the Act said the committee would compose a bench comprising no less than five apex court judges. About appeals for any verdict by an apex court bench that exercised Article 184(3)‘s jurisdiction, the Act said that the appeal would lie within 30 days of the bench’s order to a larger SC bench. It added that the appeal would be fixed for hearing within a period not exceeding 14 days.

‘Govt to take forward privatization process in transparent manner’, says Fawad Hasan Fawad CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

Regarding the privatization of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), the minister said that the loss of PSM stood at Rs 230 billion and it was operating with outdated technology. He said the transaction structure of the PSM was approved in December 2020, however, its privatization process was halted due to interest from a single bidder. The minister said that the government has not received any government-to-government proposal regarding the privatization of PSM. Currently the PSM has the capacity to produce 1.1 million tons and it could be enhanced up to 3.1 million tons. About the privatization of PIA’s iconic Roosevelt Hotel in New York, he said that the date had been extended beyond November 8th, and further action would be taken after receiving the necessary plan of action for further proceeding. Fawad Hassan Fawad said that the highest investment has been made in the power sector in Pakistan and now “we are moving towards the free energy market. We have had two meetings with the International Finance Corporation. We are trying our best to engage with the private sector on a longterm basis and move forward on the public-private partnership model.” He said the process of privatization of House Building Finance Corporation, State Life Insurance Corporation, First Women Bank and other SOEs would also be carried forward in a transparent manner. In the past, the minister said the best results of privatization had come out, citing the example of the telecom sector that had around 197 million subscribers while covering 98 % of the country’s total population. “The telecom sector contributes 2.7% to the GDP”, said the minister.

ponentially with the establishment of Confucius institutes in top universities like the University of Punjab, NUML University and others. Likewise, Pakistani students also visited Chinese universities on Chinese government scholarships to learn Chinese language and do professional degrees/diplomas, he added. He said similarly artists from Pakistan and China frequently exchanged visits to showcase their artwork in each other’s countries through art exhibitions. In the Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (2022), he said both sides reiterated the importance of people-to-people contacts, tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges for strong bilateral relations. Building on the MoU on Tourism Exchanges and Cooperation signed in November 2021, Solangi said the two sides agreed to celebrate the Pakistan-China Year of Tourism Exchanges in 2023 and to establish strong linkages between the tourism promotion agencies and private enterprises of the

two countries. The minister said in May 2023, the Pakistan-China joint exhibition at the Palace Museum featured 173 Gandhara artifacts from Pakistani museums, promoting shared heritage and cultural exchange between the two nations, fostering cultural cooperation and offering insights into Pakistan’s heritage for the general public and

Chinese scholars. “These exchanges are not new. In fact, from 138 B.C. until our modern age, the Silk Road has managed to represent one of the longest-established and permanent hubs for exchange, influence, and cooperation between communities,” Solangi remarked. The Silk Road did not only promote commodity exchange but also culture, he said, while citing Buddhism as one of the religions of the Kushan kingdom that reached China. “Together with merchant caravans Buddhist monks went from India to Central Asia and China, preaching the new religion,” the minister added. He said Buddhist monuments were discovered in numerous cities along the Silk Road. During the ancient period, Buddhism flourished in both China and Pakistan. He noted that the famous Chinese traveler and scholar, Xuanzang, embarked on a journey to the Gandhara region of presentday Pakistan in the 7th century. “In his travels through what is now Pakistan, he recalls the Swat Valley, the famous Bala Hisar Fort

Did Pakistan just record one of its biggest ever corporate real estate sales? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Centrepoint is, quite literally, at the heart of TPL’s ambitions and represents one of the largest developments in Pakistan’s real estate sector. Some key details about the building include its stature as a 28-story structure, standing 385 feet high, and constructed on 26,226 square feet of land, offering 197,810 square feet of rentable space across 17 floors (spanning from the 11th to the 24th, and also including the 26th and 27th floors). Notably, TPL Properties recorded Centrepoint on its balance sheet at Rs 7.65 billion, or around $49 million, given the dollar value at that time, and sold it to Bank Al Habib for Rs 7.75 billion, slightly above the value listed on their balance sheet.

IS THE REGENT WORTH RS 14.5 BILLION? Pakistan Hotels Developers Ltd. experienced a financial journey of ups and downs during 2022-23 and 2021-22. The company successfully boosted its revenue to Rs. 559.042 million in 202223, a 20.34% rise from the previous year, despite a slight decline in the gross profit margin from 47% to 44%. The net profit also saw a modest drop, landing at Rs. 44.129 million in 2022-23, down from Rs. 47.817 million in 2021-22, and EPS decreased from Rs. 2.66 to Rs. 2.45. A notable 28.25% increase in the cost of sales and services was attributed to heightened sales vol-

ume and inflation. The company’s financial performance showcased variability, with profits and losses oscillating over the years. For example, while 2022-23 witnessed a profit before tax of Rs. 58.807 million, 2020-21 saw a loss of Rs. 46.357 million. Despite financial fluctuations, the company maintained its physical assets, valued at approximately Rs. 10 billion in 2022-23, and upheld a 19.00% room occupancy rate with 105 employees. The notable point is that in the balance sheet, PHDL is listing the value of its land as Rs. 8.9 billion, while the building on the land is valued at Rs. 949 million. Accordingly, if PHDL’s property is assessed based on their own valuation, it does not exceed Rs. 9.85 billion. However, they are intending to sell this plaza for a sum that is nearly 47% more than the valuation price, specifically for Rs. 14.5 billion.

LOCATION ANALYSIS A lot of why each property is worth what it comes down to location. HBL Tower is located in Clifton, a wellknown upscale area in Karachi, which is renowned for its modern infrastructure and proximity to high-end shopping malls, restaurants, and other amenities. This location might offer businesses and visitors a prestigious address and access to numerous facilities. Centrepoint is situated on Main Korangi Road, near the KPT Flyover in Karachi. This location is significant due

to its accessibility and connectivity to various parts of the city via the flyover, potentially easing the commute for individuals and businesses. It might also be in proximity to industrial zones given its location near Korangi, providing a strategic point for businesses. Regent Plaza Hotel is strategically located on the main Shahrah-e-Faisal, one of the major boulevards in Karachi, ensuring easy accessibility. It’s also close to various amenities and attractions, including shopping malls and parks. Its proximity to Jinnah International Airport (13 km away) and the Railway Station (2.9km or an 8-minute drive away) provides notable advantages in terms of connectivity and transit, especially for travellers and tourists.

SIZE AND AREA WISE ANALYSIS HBL Tower has a gross area of 485,000 sq ft and a rentable area of 247,000 sq ft. It’s built on a plot of 3,700 sq. yd. and stands notably tall at 327′-6″ with a total of 30 floors (27 above ground and 3 underground). Centrepoint provides 197,810 square feet of rentable space and is built on a 26,226-square-foot plot. It stands taller than the HBL Tower at 385 feet and has 28 stories. Regent Plaza Hotel spans an area of 13,200 square yards with a multi-story building covering a total area of 47,034 square yards. The exact height and floor count are not specified in the provided information.

which was a fortified royal residence even at the time.” He said the Caravan routes were often used by scientists and researchers, the most known of whom was the Venetian merchant Marco Polo. “For centuries, the southern part of the land Silk Roads, wound its way to south from Central Asia, across some of the highest mountains in the world, down through modern Pakistan and then curved east into India (Hindustan) or continued south to the Arabian Sea,” the minister said. He added that the Taxila route played an essential role throughout the Pakistani region, where cultural activity flourished, most notably with the emergence of Gandhara art. Both the Gandhara region and Indian sub-continent were able to forge links with the West during the era of Darius I, king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire from 522-486 BC, he said, adding this was due to the fact that an interconnected network of commercial, trading relationships had not previously been established amongst various regions.

Pakistan, OIC reiterate support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Pakistan expresses its profound gratitude to the OIC for its consistent and unequivocal support for the cause of the Kashmiri people, said Syrus Sajjad Qazi, stressing on the need to implement international resolutions passed on the issue to secure a lasting resolution. Meanwhile, the visiting dignatory stressed on the OIC’s commitment towards securing the rights of the Kashmiri people. He condemned the “illegal steps” taken by the Indian government in August 2019 on behalf of all members of the OIC and said that they should be revised. “We are with you…support every activity which is your right,” said Aldobeay, directing his remarks towards the Kashmiri people while thanking Pakistan for its continued efforts towards securing the rights of the occupied people. Prior to the press conference, the two leaders held a meeting in Islamabad. A comprehensive report was presented by the OIC on the Kashmir issue, said Aldobeay. In September, at a meeting of the OIC held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said that the Kashmir issue constitutes one of the pressing challenges facing the security and stability of the region, warning that leaving the issue unresolved will contribute to regional instability. The OIC Contact Group said in a statement that during the ministerial-level meeting on Wednesday, the international community was urged to “intensify its efforts to settle the issue of Jammu and Kashmir” based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Imran moves IHC against indictment in cypher case ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan challenged on Wednesday the special court’s October 17 indictment order in the cypher case in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The former prime minister through his counsel, Sher Afzal Marwat, has requested the court to declare the special court’s October 9 order null and void. In his plea, the ex-premier has argued that the special court had asked him to receive the copies of the case, but he has not done so, adding that the court was initiating the process of indictment without waiting for the IHC’s ruling on his plea challenging the in-camera proceedings of the cypher case. Two days ago, a special court established under the

Official Secrets Act formally commenced the cypher case trial of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, setting October 17 as the date of their indictment. Special Court Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain ordered the distribution of the copies of the charge-sheet among the accused, rejecting the defence’s plea for delaying the process until the reserved ruling of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on their plea against the in-prison trial was announced. However, both Imran and Qureshi refused to receive the copies of the charge-sheet and sign the relevant documents. Their lawyers complained that the law and the rules were not being followed, and that they would challenge the decision in the IHC. THE CYPHER CASE: The cypher case pertains to a diplomatic document which reportedly went missing from

Imran’s possession. Previously, the PTI chief had alleged that the document was the evidence of a foreign conspiracy for removal of his government through a no-confidence motion in April last year. Imran was arrested and shifted to Attock Jail on August 5, 2023, after an Islamabad court sentenced him to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case. Following the suspension of his sentence by the IHC, he was arrested in the cipher case and remained incarcerated on judicial remand. The PTI chief was shifted to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail from Attock district jail on his appeal in the IHC. On September 26, both the PTI leaders’ judicial remand was extended until October 10. On September 30, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) declared Imran and Qureshi as principal accused in the case.

SC full court upholds law clipping CJP’s suo motu powers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

“Parliament has given the judiciary its independence but has also not limited its right to legislate,” Awan said. Here, Justice Akhtar recalled that before 1973, changes to SC rules were conditional to the permission of the governor general or president. For his part, the AGP said there were no restrictions on the Parliament amending rules under Article 191. “Are you saying that there are no restrictions on the Parliament amending rules formulated by the SC?” Justice Ahsan asked. “So are there no restrictions on SC amending laws created by the Parliament?” Awan replied that the Parliament was the institution that created laws. He further stated that if the number of pending cases in the apex court crossed 70,000 a need may arise to create another law. Meanwhile, Justice Naqvi asked if the AGP had brought the record of the number of parliamentarians who had debated on the practice and procedure law. “It is present on the website,” Awan replied. At one point, CJP Isa said institutions should be “pitted against each other” and there should be mutual respect among them. “In my opinion, the Parliament respected the SC. If it wanted, the Parliament could have taken another step which it did not. I believe that step was not taken because the Parliament trusts us,” he said. The top judge further stated that the scope of the matter should not be widened.

“Parliament is not our enemy neither does it consider us enemies. Both can be run simultaneously,” he said. “The world is moving forward while we are going backwards. There are a number of challenges that we are seeing, including climate change,” Justice Isa added and cited the phrase “live and let live”. “The world moves forward together, not antagonistically,” the apex judge said. He then instructed the AGP to focus on the attack on the Constitution. Resuming his submissions, Awan said the Constitution did not recognise any convention but didn’t recognise customs or usages having the force of law. However, Justice Akhtar stressed that the Constitution has to be read on the premise that there have to be constitutional conventions. For his part, the AGP said the Constitution never acknowledged the CJP as the “master of the roster”. Here, Justice Isa interjected and asked about the genesis of the term and whether it was even used today. Awan replied that the term came from the colonial British times. The CJP again questioned if such a term existed in Islamic history and criticised the dependence on “colonial masters”. At one point, Justice Akhtar said that the master of the roster committee, under the new law, would do the same work that the CJP used to do. If you don’t want to give the power to one judge, why give it to three judges, he asked. “If any CJP has not given the power to full court in the past, then you do it,” the

judge remarked. On the other hand, Justice Ahsan said the foremost question was whether the Parliament was competent and the second was that if the Parliament was competent, some provision of the law inconsistent with the Constitution could be struck down. “You would have to take us to each provision and justify that it is not in conflict with any provision of the Constitution,” he added, asking the AGP to proceed. Meanwhile, the CJP said that it wasn’t acceptable that the Parliament was restricted while the SC kept taking decisions, recalling that orders have been passed in the past where judges were restrained from being a part of benches. Justice Isa expressed displeasure that this was, however, not being discussed by anyone from the petitioners’ side. “The time has come for the country to move forward. The way courts are used, as they say, ‘misuse of due process’. Guns are being fired from our shoulders and martial laws have been endorsed,” the top judge said. Institutions, Justice Isa continued, were not perfect but they should be developed and respected. “But anyone who talks about betterment, they are reprimanded,” he said. “Keep a balanced approach, you are the Attorney General for Pakistan. At the moment, you are an officer of the court, not just representing the government’s approach, because there is no government in the sense that there is a caretaker government and a neutral set-up now,” the CJP told Awan.

The judge added that there was a difference between the government and Parliament. During the hearing, the AGP revealed the details of judgments taken under Article 184(3) and their outcomes. He said Steel Mills had record losses of Rs206 billion since June 2022. “Are you trying to say that all this happened because of SC’s action?” CJP Isa asked while Justice Naqvi stated a chargesheet should not be made against the apex court. “Why are we so scared of listening to the truth?” the top judge said. On the other hand, Justice Afridi asked what the AGP wanted from the chargesheet. “Do you want us to call the practice and procedure law constitutional through the doctrine of necessity?” HERE, THE CJP ONCE AGAIN QUESTIONED, “WHY ARE WE SCARED OF CRITICISM?” Separately, Justice Akhtar reprimanded the AGP and said: “This is not a debate society neither are we sitting here to listen to your lectures.” Meanwhile, the CJP said calling legislation by the Parliament a “chargesheet” would not be correct. He added that he spent most of his life as a lawyer and counsels, irrespective of whether the judges like it or not, continue their arguments. After the AGP concluded his arguments, Lawyer Hassan Irfan, representing petitioner Mudassar Hassan Jura, and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Abid S. Zuberi also completed their submissions.

04 COMMENT

Selection of the PM

The Supreme Court decides

The verdict on the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act is a win for the Court

There is still no job description

HE majority by which the Supreme Court Practices and Procedure Act was upheld by the Supreme Court was 10-5, which indicated that the present Chief Justice enjoys the sort of support of his court that would enable him to push through a judicial agenda which would restore the image of the Court, something that his predecessor, Mr Justice Umar Ata Bandial, was apparently not very careful of. Indeed, it was Mr Justice Bandial’s selection of cases for suo motu interventions, and the formation of what were called ‘like-minded’ benches to hear them, which were tilted in the favour of a particular political party, that led to the passage of the impugned statute, as Parliament attended to correct the excesses of the past. It was one of the grounds of objection to the Act, that its passage represented Parliament attempting to interfere in the independence of the judiciary. The Supreme Court verdict indicated that the Act did not represent such interference. Apart from placing the power of selecting cases for suo motu powers, and bench formation, in the hands of a committee, instead of in the hands of the Chief Justice alone, the Supreme Court also ruled that there would lie one appeal to verdicts, something which did not previously exist. However, the Court decided 8-7 against allowing retrospective appeals, thus closing the door on Mian Nawaz Sharif’s and Jehangir Tareen’s lifetime disqualifications. Previous decisions were treated as past and closed transactions. How exactly this will pan out, but the case set another very useful precedent that deserves to be repeated, and that is that the proceedings were shown live on television, allowing the public to see what went on behind the forbidding exterior of the Supreme Court building. It will be worth seeing how far the judgement lasts. It should be noted that the five judges dissenting from the decision were not just those who supported Mr Justice Bandial in favouring a particular party, but also those with legitimate expectancy of becoming Chief Justice. In short, while the present holder of the office was anxious to divest himself of powers, his successors did not seem at all eager. It is to be hoped that this verdict is also treated as a past and closed transaction, and future Chief Justices accept that there are limits to their power.

FTER listening to the schoolboy speech of the interim selected Prime Minister in the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, I decided to explore the selection criteria. It is widely believed that it was Raja Riaz Ahmad Khan, who as leader of the opposition, suggested the name of the candidate which was accepted by the outgoing PM. Thus, Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar was unanimously selected to head the interim set-up as the 8th PM. Firstly, there was no provision in the original 1973 constitution for an interim government. The sitting outgoing elected PM continued to run the country while the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was tasked with holding free and fair elections. Secondly the interim arrangement is only required to provide the administrative support to ECP. The big question being was there no better choice to represent the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at the international forum? Selection for a position requires a Job Description (JD) against which the qualification of the applicants is evaluated. When the person comes on board MBOs take over (Management by Objectives). Meritorious selection requires JD while performance is regulated by objectives. Raja Riaz should make public the JD for the Interim PM together with the MBOs, as the selectee seems to be going wayward. During his speech at the UN the hall was empty with very little interest. Though the speech was well written he had to struggle to read it. At the hotel in which he stayed the nightly rate was $4400 per person. On his way back he stopped in London to meet dignitaries there. From there he went for Umrah to the holy land. For a country close to default this joy ride makes no sense. During the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, the Islamic Republic incurred a debt of about $ 20 billion which it wanted to get rid of. Strict financial discipline was enforced. Officials travelled on Iran Air and stayed in the embassy premises, every dollar was saved to retire the debt. Within a short period the country became debt free. The President of Iran gave a very powerful speech at the international forum holding the Holy Quran in hand, which clearly overshadowed the per-

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Dr FAriD A MAlik

formance of our Interims. It was the same forum where the Chairman PTI gave a very powerful speech. He spoke extempore from his heart. When Zulfikar A;i Bhutto spoke in this forum the world listened in silence. Even the speeches of the fourth usurper had more impact. It did not end here; the interim Chief Minister of Punjab also went on an official trip to China where he meet the Chinese leadership. I remember after every foreign visit Bhutto used to address the Parliament highlighting the outcome of his trip. As leader of the opposition Wali Khan then responded with his point of view. In one of his speeches Bhutto told the house that the Shah of Iran was not happy with the provincial government of Balochistan. Prompt came the reply, here the Shah of Pakistan, not of Iran, rules. A politician has to earn his wings. He or she has to sell himself and his ideas before he or she can reach the corridors of power. Selected individuals follow a different course; it is equally important for them to perform. Raja Riaz and Shehbaz Sharif are accountable for their selection. Both the interim PM and CM should publish a trip report together with the expenses incurred and the achievements of their respective trips, otherwise they should be considered joyrides to be covered by the individuals out of their own pockets. Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali was the first PM from Balochistan. He was a seasoned politician with solid credentials. Like Muhammad Khan Junejo before him. when he stood up to the dictator he was cornered and replaced by Shaukat Aziz, the crafty international banker. Jamali sahib refused to take military action against Nawab Akbar Bugti for which he was sent home. The PM of Pakistan is not an easy position. After over 75 years the JD has still not been finalized, then a separate JD is required for the interims. Unfortunately the experimentation continues while the country and its institutions sink. Compromise on merit has hurt the nation badly. Gen Sirl Douglas Gracey, the last Gora Commanderin-Chief, warned against the menace of nepotism. Despite objections of the Chief and the founder of the nation, Ayub Khan (PA 10 ) was appointed the first Desi Sipah-e-Salar superseding nine senior officers much brave and abler than him. It then set the tone of the armed forces. Promotion of Zia-ul-Haq against merit and seniority was the biggest blunder committed by Bhutto which he regretted later. I had the

What happens in Gaza is the natural result of past Israeli oppression

AttiyA MunAwer

HE rulers of the world have a strange kind of sleepiness and a state of power that if any tyrannical and obstinate ruler or miscreants who invent a false myth, attack and invade a peaceful, harmless nation or kill the innocent people of a country with bullets, bombs and airstrikes, there is no one to ask and no one to stop it but when an oppressed people is fed up and takes retaliatory action, everyone starts making noise together. For the past five decades, the Palestinians have been subjected to extreme oppression but the international community remained a silent spectator. No progress is being made for the right to freedom of the Palestinians. Thus, Palestinians have now decided to prefer the death of dignity by standing on their knees over the death of humiliation. It is a fact that Israel’s continuous oppression and aggression against the Palestinians is getting out of control, that is why the Palestinian resistance organization Hamas has suddenly shaken Israel to its roots through a major attack, but the entire responsibility lies with Israel because the response of the Palestinians is retaliation to the endless series of Israeli atrocities. This attack by Hamas convinces Israel that it is not possible to imprison a nation forever. The reaction is sure to happen after some time and can be very noticeable at times. This resistance operation has surprised the world while after this operation, Israel is bombarding Gaza heavily, as a result of which more human lives will be lost but blood can never be washed away with blood. The oppression and injustice must be ended and the rights must be given to the rightful. In this regard, the Palestinian Foreign Minister is right to say that without the end of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state, there will be no sustainable peace in the region or the concept of stability is also not possible but the Israeli leadership and their international supporters do not believe this. The world is divided on the issue of Hamas’ countermeasures against Israel as in some parts of the world Israel is being supported and in some other places solidarity is being expressed with Palestine. US President Joe Biden has said that his country is standing with Israel like a rock. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his solidarity with Israel by condemning the attack by Hamas. On one hand, European countries seem to be willing to give free concessions to Israel under the guise of supporting Israel

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

The country has enough talent in every field which is largely ignored and bypassed. I challenge the interims to publish their trip reports together with measurable objectives to benefit from these expensive tours that the nation can ill afford. Please focus on holding free and fair elections as has not happened since 1970. Pakistan needs an orderly and constitutional transition of power without passing through Lal Kurti

Israel’s obstinacy

while on the other hand, Muslim countries are convincing that its results will never be good. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Pakistan and other Islamic countries have asked the world community to stop Israel from attacking Palestinians using these events as an excuse, otherwise the situation will be dire. Meetings of the United Nations and OIC have been called on this sensitive situation. Many such meetings have been held before but the verbal actions and decisions of these meetings have never been converted into practical measures. These alleged peace contractors and all human rights experts have been watching such bloody spectacles for decades, but no one has the courage to stand up to the Zionist atrocities and put pressure on Israel to stop the series of the bloodshed of innocent Palestinians. Instead, all of them together have been giving open exemptions to Israel. They are still blaming the oppressed Palestinians and giving free rein to Israel. Meanwhile, Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu threatened to turn the besieged Pales-

chance of meeting Gen Muhammad Sharif, the senior most General with outstanding professional credentials, who was bypassed. Then Mian Nawaz Sharif committed the same mistake not once but five times during his three stints as PM. After meeting Pervez Musharraf, I came to the conclusion that he should have retired as a Major but he made it to the top. After forced retirement of Genl Jehangir Karamat, Lt Gen Ali Kuli khan was superseded by Nawaz, ignoring both seniority and merit. Recently stories of a deal in the appointment of Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa have also surfaced, casting serious doubts about the selection process. Opinions differ in the Armed Forces about applying the seniority formula in promotions but the superior judiciary has applied it well for a smooth transition with no extensions. Pakistan deserves better. The nation must be represented by the best selected through an open merit after due process. These back door entries must stop. I remember after the 1965 war Mr S.M. Zafar, a federal minister and leading lawyer, was sent to the UN to represent Pakistan instead of Bhutto. Zafar sahib proved to be no match to the experienced Swaran Singh, the Indian Foreign Minister. As an experienced foreign policy expert Bhutto was rushed to effectively counter his onslaughts. The country has enough talent in every field which is largely ignored and bypassed. I challenge the interims to publish their trip reports together with measurable objectives to benefit from these expensive tours that the nation can ill afford. Please focus on holding free and fair elections as has not happened since 1970. Pakistan needs an orderly and constitutional transition of power without passing through Lal Kurti.

tinian territory into a deserted island. However, Hezbollah launched attacks in support of Hamas against Israel, resulting in more than 1000 deaths to date, including 370 Palestinians and at least 600 Israelis. It is the result of the two-faced policy of the international community that the fierce attacks of Hamas on Israel have not only made the Zionist state shine, but also destroyed all the pride of being equipped with modern technology and military equipment. If Israel continues to be portrayed as the victim under the guise of these attacks and is given such an open licence to spill Palestinian blood in retaliation then this will result in an endless cycle of violence that nobody will be able to control. So, what is happening or has happened so far is a mere spectacle of resistance. It is the joint responsibility of all to stop this spectacle from playing again and if it is not immediately curbed, then no one will be able to save the peace of the world from destruction. The writer tweets @AttiyaMunawer

Editor’s mail

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

Mental illness in Pakistan

THERE are hundreds of children in Pakistan who are suffering from some form of mental illness or mental disorder. It is said that many people are in need of help due to the disorders they have. The sad part is that there are not enough psychologists in Pakistan to deal with the mentally ill, and they have to endure significant suffering. Parents are reluctant to take their children to the doctor because they fear ridicule for having “crazy” children. These innocent children have nowhere to turn and go through a great deal of anguish. In the West, there are specialised doctors trained to deal with mental illnesses, and there is help available for them. In our country, Pakistan, we do not adequately care for the mentally ill. We must not let the pleas of our fellow countrymen go unheard; we must help them and learn from the West. There is a lack of proper mental health services in our country, and this must change. There are misconceptions about mental illness and what it entails. Parents often feel embarrassed when taking their children to the doctor, not realising that they need counselling and assistance. Furthermore, the psychologists in our country are not adequately trained to deal with the mentally ill, and they lack knowledge about the latest developments in medicine and medications for mental illnesses. Some psychologists seem to be more interested in financial gain than in the wellbeing of their patients and the pain they endure. Some individuals have mental disorders, while others suffer from depression. As a nation, we should raise awareness about this issue and encourage parents, especially those who are economically disadvantaged and unsure of what to do, to seek help for their children. This problem has also contributed to an increase in the suicide rate in our country. Pakistan has one of the worst mental health indices in the world. We must assist our fellow countrymen who suffer from mental illness by establishing helplines for the mentally ill to access help and by supporting more NGOs and doctors. DANIAL TANVIR ISLAMABAD

Empowering the youth

It is the result of the two-faced policy of the international community that the fierce attacks of Hamas on Israel have not only made the Zionist state shine, but also destroyed all the pride of being equipped with modern technology and military equipment. If Israel continues to be portrayed as the victim under the guise of these attacks and is given such an open licence to spill Palestinian blood in retaliation then this will result in an endless cycle of violence that nobody will be able to control. So, what is happening or has happened so far is a mere spectacle of resistance.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

I write to address a pressing issue that affects countless students in our society today: the pervasive lack of confidence among our youth. It is disheartening to witness so many bright minds falter under the weight of anxiety, depression, and misplaced expectations. In our increasingly challenging world, the importance of confidence cannot be overstated. A nurturing environment is essential for a child’s selfassurance, yet many young individuals find themselves surrounded by negativity and discouragement. The harmful impact of wrong arguments and undue pressure from family and society cannot be underestimated, as they erode the foundation of confidence. One critical turning point for many students is the experience of failing a test. Instead of embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth, family and societal pressures often brand them as failures themselves. This, in turn, chips away at their self-esteem, hindering their ability to learn and ultimately succeed in life. EMPATHY & NATIONAL INTEREST: It is a heartfelt plea to all parents: do not undermine your children’s self-worth. We must uplift, inspire, and support them in their journey towards becoming better individuals. The happiness and well-being of our youth should be our top priority, not the undue pressure that can stifle their potential. Moreover, I urge our government to take action. It is incumbent upon our leaders to recognise and address this crisis. Policies and initiatives that promote positive environments for our youth, both at home and in society, are crucial to fostering a confident and successful generation. In conclusion, let us come together as a community to nurture the confidence and potential of our students. Only by doing so can we ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for all. RAHIM LAL TURBAT

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COMMENT 05

G-20 Summit and Pakistan’s isolation Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, India used the summit to showcase itself moros, Singapore, Spain, and UAE were invited to attend the

Gul-I-aYesha BhattI

HE 18th Summit of the Group of Twenty (G20) concluded on September 10 in New Delhi. The summit’s main focus was to prioritize inclusive development, address climate change, and find solutions for issues impacting the global South. The summit’s declaration reflected a consensus, particularly with regards to Ukraine, which received praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, their positions were filled by the Chinese Prime Minister and Russian Foreign Minister. The summit was attended by numerous world leaders, including the US President. The 2023 Presidency of both SCO and G20 in New Delhi marks a pivotal moment for Indian diplomacy, offering a prime opportunity for India to showcase itself as a representative of the global South. To maintain and expand its influence in international relations, however, India must strive to avoid internal political divisions, particularly in communal politics. The upcoming G20 summit, themed “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” aims to promote unity in diversity, address global issues, and encourage international cooperation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s innovative ideas were lauded during the summit, including inviting the African Union (AU) to join the G20 and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the European Union to establish a trade and communication corridor connecting India and Europe via the Middle East. The European-Middle Eastern and Indian corridor is a proposed plan that offers an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Its aim is to provide economic and technological benefits to India, the Middle East, and Europe. The African Union’s recent inclusion in the G20’s membership has increased it to 21 nations, and with the addition of the EU’s 27 member states and the AU’s 55 members, the G20 will soon encompass roughly 100 nations. Brazil will take over the G20 presidency from India in December, ensuring continued leadership by the global South. While non-G20 countries such as Bangladesh, Co-

Summit, India’s neighbor and the world’s fifth most populous state was not in attendance. According to a report from the Christian Science Monitor, the 2023 summit was to commemorate India’s remarkable achievement in emerging as a global leader and promoting the interests of non-G20 nations. India organized the Voice of the Global South Summit in January. This two-day virtual conference provided developing countries a platform to articulate their perspectives on economic expansion, development objectives, and their aspirations for India’s presidency as the G20’s head. As we analyze the recent G20 Summit, it’s crucial to take into account three essential elements. Firstly, the African Union, which consists of 55 member states and is the world’s largest regional organization, was welcomed into the group’s expanded membership. This results in the G20 representing around 100 nations, which account for 85 percent of the globe’s population and economy. With North and South countries represented, the G20 faces the challenge of enhancing its performance. However, the Delhi Summit faced obstacles in agreeing on critical issues such as the climate crisis and Ukraine. India utilized its persuasive skills to create the impression of a unified voice in the Delhi Declaration. At one point, the French president threatened not to sign any G20 declaration unless Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was condemned. However, he had to accept a compromise formula regarding Ukraine, in which members pledged to safeguard the territorial integrity of a state and follow a non-intervention policy. The decision to exclude Russia from the Delhi declaration regarding Ukraine was appreciated by the Russian foreign minister, but criticized by Kiev. The BRICS aimed to create an alternative to the US-dominated world order, while the G20 summit aimed to address the concerns of developing nations through compromise. The Indian Prime Minister and other world leaders, including Brazil’s President who will lead the group from December, deserve credit for ensuring that the G20 summit remained conflict-free. Their message was

According to a report from the Christian Science Monitor, the 2023 summit was to commemorate IndiaÊs remarkable achievement in emerging as a global leader and promoting the interests of non-G20 nations.

Could Bin Salman emerge as the saviour of Palestine?

MIDDLE EAST MONITOR Yvonne RIdleY

NDER-FIRE Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to change the political landscape of the Middle East in response to the astonishing Hamas attack launched during the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur. No truer word has been spoken by the alleged fraudster who stands charged with breach of trust and accepting bribes, as well as fraud, leading him to hand over all of his ministerial portfolios other than that of prime minister. Hamas has ripped open a Pandora’s Box which, I believe, will change the shape of the Middle East for years to come, and it will be for the better. It would be incredibly difficult for the suffering of the Palestinians to get any worse than the brutal occupation that they have been forced to endure for the past 75 years. The shocking events that unfolded at the weekend offer an unbelievable opportunity for redemption for some of the most monstrous individuals in the region, while exposing the usual hypocrisy of Western leaders. First up is the unpredictable and petulant Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who has unequivocally announced his support for the Palestinian people. Shame he did not go as far as to include Hamas in this unprecedented show of solidarity with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, but that may come later. It also seems that Bin Salman has binned plans for normalisation with apartheid Israel, which is a major blow for Netanyahu and his American allies. Netanyahu has yet to go on trial in the very tough court of public opinion in Tel Aviv after last weekend’s events, and go he well might. I believe that the Hamas incursion will eventually cost Netanyahu his job because his own people, including the families of fallen soldiers, kibbutz survivors and others, have lost all trust in his ability to lead. Last week the average Israeli never gave Palestinians a second thought. In today’s climate, though, the Israelis have moved from hubris to humility and are living in fear while being forced to re-evaluate their personal security. Losing the normalisation deal with the Saudis will

also send tremors through the corridors of power in the Zionist state. That alone will probably result in the defanging of Netanyahu, currently the world’s most dangerous man. He has convinced Israelis that the biggest threat to world peace is Iran and, through the normalisation process, he was obviously hoping that Saudi Arabia would help tame Tehran’s aggression towards Israel. Iran has dismissed accusations that it funded and enabled Hamas to carry out Saturday’s attack. This is likely true, not least because the response by Hezbollah in Lebanon is uncharacteristically muted, although we are told that the movement is waiting in the wings to lend support if needed. What is clear is that Israel suffered its darkest day in its violent history. It is being referred to in some circles as Tel Aviv’s own 9/11, and it’s on Netanyahu’s watch. In terms of intelligence failures, it was catastrophic, a bit like US intelligence failing to see the fall of the Berlin Wall coming until it actually happened. Gaza is now being bombed without mercy and, in some cases, without warning. Collective punishment is, of course, illegal under international law. Israel doesn’t care about that; it treats international laws and conventions with contempt, and is allowed by the US and its craven allies in the West to act with impunity. Those allies trembled when Hamas delivered its own version of “shock and awe”, breaking out of the open-air prison that is the Gaza Strip to attack Israel. Then Washington, London, Paris, Berlin and elsewhere reverted to type and condemned the actions of Hamas as “terrorism”. The word was bandied around liberally having been conspicuous by its absence in descriptions of Ukraine’s resistance to Russian occupation, but now the West is wondering what else it can do. All are mindful not to incur the wrath of the crown prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia in case the West’s golden goose turns and flies away. The plans for normalisation between Riyadh and Tel Aviv now lie in tatters, and not one of the Western leaders has the guts to chastise Bin Salman or persuade him to resume negotiations. To complicate matters further, the prince is having a very public spat with another Western ally, Abu Dhabi’s own strongman, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed. There are serious cracks opening up in the thin veneer of their much-vaunted Arab entente cordiale. The bromance is well and truly at an end, although their rivalry is a cause for concern. The joint ventures of Bin Zayed and Bin Salman with Moscow in Libya, their combined mercenary adventures in Yemen, and the courting of China to influence global information power, have put the two crown princes on a collision course. World leaders have

PakistanÊs undeniable significance cannot be disregarded, as it holds a crucial geostrategic location in the region and ranks among the worldÊs most populous countries. Pakistani decision-makers must reflect on why Pakistan remains marginalized and isolated in the global arena. While PakistanÊs frail economic, political, and social circumstances may impede its ability to counter IndiaÊs strategy, and we must not overlook our foreign policy shortcomings. straightforward: the G20 will work towards improving humanity and will not be a divisive organization. Secondly, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a massive project characterized as a modern “Spice Route” designed to connect India to Europe via the Arabian Peninsula, was also an important announcement. The project is viewed as a competitor to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which entails transcontinental transportation, energy, and data links. US President Joe Biden referred to it as a “real big deal”. Even though a few voices have questioned the economic viability of the proposed route, its geopolitical significance cannot be refuted. The corridor will have regional and international consequences. According to the majority of experts, it is an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and, therefore, a significant success for the USA and India. Nevertheless, given the complexity of the new international geopolitics, it cannot be ruled out that the new economic corridor will converge with the BRI rather than supplant it. Currently, it appears that India has been able to keep both Russia and the USA satisfied, while also limiting China’s influence. The process has minimized the significance of Chinese President Xi Jin-

been forced to watch and grimace as the Saudi leader cosies up to the Russians and Chinese on the world stage. He has shown that he is in charge of his own diary and dance card, and US President Joe Biden — what a supporter of farright extremists that supposed Democrat is turning out to be — has already learned to his own cost not to raise the issue of human rights with Riyadh. Bin Salman has the servile Western leaders exactly where he wants them under his royal thumb. This presents him with a golden opportunity to put the grim days of the Khashoggi murder behind him while he plays the beneficent royal to the Arab world. He could yet shock us all by becoming the saviour of the Palestinians by insisting on a Middle East peace deal and seeing to it personally that a deal is thrashed out and implemented. We should get a hint of what might be when British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rolls out the red carpet for an official visit to London; if all goes well and enough oil and arms deals are agreed, no doubt a state visit will follow. Sunak is not going to rock the boat, and if he is told to be kinder to the Palestinians he will almost certainly agree. Bin Salman has a chance to redeem his overseas image on which he has spent billions with a series of extraordinary “sportswashing” deals. This show of soft power serves him well in some quarters, but now he could reap even more rewards if he decides to play to the people in the souk. With almost open war between Bin Salman and his UAE counterpart, exposing a huge disparity in their reaction to Israel, the Hamas attack provides the Saudi leader with the opportunity to boost his negotiating position on the world stage. The controversial normalisation process with Israel threatened to derail his position among ordinary Arabs and Muslims who watched in disbelief as groups of Jews visited Madinah and some even took selfies in the Grand Mosque in Makkah. In the current climate, therefore, any normalisation deal by the Saudi crown prince will be seen as a betrayal. This is why, I believe, he has aligned himself with the Palestinian Authority and its leader Mahmoud Abbas. His proposed visit to the UK and possibly the US is part of the process of whitewashing his human rights record and rehabilitation. While everyone realises it is in their best interests to remain on Saudi Arabia’s good side, Mohammed Bin Salman could emerge as the fully redeemed saviour of Palestine. It would be an extraordinary reversal of fortunes, but once again the Palestinians will be at the mercy of a third party. True freedom will only come their way when they can control their own destiny.

ping’s decision not to attend the meeting. Thirdly, the G20 summit has further strengthened India’s credibility in global affairs. In contrast, Pakistan’s non-participation in the event was not unexpected, given its absence from the list of non-G20 nations invited. Earlier this year, India voiced strong opposition to Pakistan’s participation in BRICS. Additionally, virtual meetings of SCO leaders have seemingly been utilized as a means for India to distance Pakistan from international events. India’s current efforts to isolate Pakistan from significant international events are noteworthy. However, Pakistan’s undeniable significance cannot be disregarded, as it holds a crucial geostrategic location in the region and ranks among the world’s most populous countries. Pakistani decision-makers must reflect on why Pakistan remains marginalized and isolated in the global arena. While Pakistan’s frail economic, political, and social circumstances may impede its ability to counter India’s strategy, and we must not overlook our foreign policy shortcomings. The writer can at guleayeshabhatti@gmail.com

reached

My Israeli friends: This is why I support Palestinians It is not always easy to stick to your moral compass, but if it does point north – towards decolonization and liberation – then it will most likely guide you through the fog of poisonous propaganda

PALESTINE CHRONICLE Ilan PaPPe

T is challenging to maintain one’s moral compass when the society you belong to – leaders and media alike – takes the moral high ground and expects you to share with them the same righteous fury with which they reacted to the events of last Saturday, October 7. There is only one way to resist the temptation to join in: if you understood, at one point in your life – even as a Jewish citizen of Israel – the settler colonial nature of Zionism, and were horrified by its policies against the indigenous people of Palestine. If you have had that realization, then you will not waver, even if the poisonous messages depict Palestinians as animals, or ‘human animals.’ These same people insist on describing what took place last Saturday as a ‘Holocaust’, thus abusing the memory of a great tragedy. These sentiments are being conveyed, day and night by both Israeli media and politicians. It is this moral compass that led me, and others in our society, to stand by the Palestinian people in every way possible; and that enables us, at the same time, to admire the courage of the Palestinian fighters who took over a dozen military bases, overcoming the strongest army in the Middle East. Also, people like me cannot avoid but raise questions about the moral or strategic value of some of the actions that accompanied this operation. Because we always supported the decolonization of Palestine, we knew that the longer Israeli oppression continued, the less likely the liberation struggle would be “sterile” – as it has been the case in every just struggle for liberation in the past, anywhere in the world. This does not mean we should not keep an eye on the big picture, not even for a minute. The picture is that of a colonized people fighting for survival, at a time when its oppressors had elected a government, which is hellbent on accelerating the destruction, in fact the elimination of the Palestinian people – or even their very claim to peoplehood. Hamas had to act, and quickly so. It is hard to voice these counter arguments because Western media and politicians went along with the Israeli discourse, and the narrative, however problematic it was.

I wonder how many of those who decided to don the Parliament House in London and the Eiffel Tower in Paris with the colors of the Israeli flag truly understand how this seemingly symbolic gesture is received in Israel. Even liberal Zionists, with a modicum of decency, read this act as a total absolution of all the crimes Israelis have committed against the Palestinian people since 1948; and therefore, as a carte blanche to continue with the genocide that Israel is now perpetrating against the people of Gaza. Fortunately, there were also different reactions to the events which unfolded in the last few days. As in the past, large sections of civil societies in the West are not easily fooled by this hypocrisy, already at full display in the case of Ukraine. Many people know that since June 1967, one million Palestinians have been imprisoned at least once in their lives. And with imprisonment, come abuse, torture and permanent detention without trial. These very people also know about the horrific reality Israel had created in the Gaza Strip when it sealed the region, imposing a hermetic siege, starting in 2007, accompanied by the relentless killing of children in the occupied West Bank. This violence is not a new phenomenon, as it has been the permanent face of Zionism since the establishment of Israel in 1948. Because of that very civil society, my dear Israeli friends, your government and media will ultimately be proven wrong, as they will not be able to claim the role of victims, receive unconditional support, and get away with their crimes. Eventually, the big picture will emerge, despite the inherently biased Western media. The big question, however, is this: will you, my Israeli friends, be able to clearly see this same big picture as well? Despite years of indoctrination and social engineering? And no less important, will you be able to learn the other important lesson – one that can be gleaned from recent events – that sheer force alone cannot find the balance between a just regime on the one hand and an immoral political project on the other? But there is an alternative. In fact, there has always been one: A de-zionised, liberated and democratic Palestine from the river to the sea; a Palestine that will welcome back the refugees and build a society that does not discriminate on the basis of culture, religion or ethnicity. This new state would labor to rectify, as much as possible, the past evils, in terms of economic inequality, the stealing of property and the denial of rights. This could herald a new dawn for the whole Middle East. It is not always easy to stick to your moral compass, but if it does point north – towards decolonization and liberation – then it will most likely guide you through the fog of poisonous propaganda, hypocritical policies and the inhumanity, often perpetrated in the name of ‘our common Western values’. Ilan Pappé is a professor at the University of Exeter. He was formerly a senior lecturer in political science at the University of Haifa.

06 NEWS

OVER 2000 DEAD AS GAZA BOMBARDMENT CONTINUES AMID ‘COMPLETE SIEGE’

TEL AVIV

Agencies

VER 2,000 people have been killed on both sides as Israel intensified its air strikes in Gaza and imposed a “complete siege” on the Palestinian enclave following the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement’s (Hamas) weekend surprise attack on Israel. Israeli PM, opposition leader form ’emergency unity government’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, an opposition leader and former defense minister, announced on Wednesday the formation of “an emergency unity government” amid the fierce conflict between Israel and Gaza’s ruling faction Hamas. ALL FLIGHTS SUSPENDED AT BEN GURION AIRPORT No flight arrivals or departures are allowed out of Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday following Gaza rocket launches, Israeli media reported. ELECTRICITY IN GAZA GOES OUT AS SOLE POWER STATION STOPS WORKING: MEDIA Electricity in Gaza went out on Wednesday after the sole power station in the blockaded Palestinian enclave stopped working,

Hamas media reported. UK FOREIGN SECRETARY ARRIVES IN ISRAEL James Cleverly, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom arrived in Israel, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing a spokesperson from UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. PUTIN, ERDOGAN HOLD PHONE CONVERSATION OVER PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI ESCALATION Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the Palestinian-Israeli escalation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. 1055 PALESTINIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI RETALIATORY AIRSTRIKES At least 1055 Palestinians have been killed from Israeli retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry on Wednesday. HEZBOLLAH CLAIMS ROCKET FIRE FROM LEBANON ONTO ISRAEL Hezbollah said it was responsible for firing precision missiles on Israel on Wednesday, saying it was in response to Israeli attacks this week that left three of its fighters dead. The Israeli military had said it had been targeted with anti-tank fire on

Wednesday and had begun attacking Lebanon in return. ISRAELI FORCES SAYS IT ATTACKS LEBANESE TERRITORY IN RETALIATION The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is now attacking Lebanese territory “in response to the anti-tank fire at the IDF force,” IDF said on Wednesday. GAZA’S SOLE POWER PLANT HAS FUEL FOR 12 MORE HOURS AT MOST: PALESTINIAN OFFICIAL The Gaza Strip’s sole power plant and only current provider of electricity will run out of fuel in 10 to 12 hours, Palestinian Energy Authority Chairman Thafer Melhem told Voice of Palestine radio on Wednesday. Israel cut off its own electricity supply to Gaza on Monday as part of what it called a “total siege” in response to a mass-infiltration by Palestinian gunmen. FORMER HAMAS CHIEF CALLS FOR ARAB PROTESTS ON FRIDAY Former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal called for protests across the Arab world on Friday in support of Palestinians, in a recorded statement. 1,000 MILITANTS FROM GAZA KILLED SINCE SATURDAY: ISRAELI ARMY At least 1,000 militants who infiltrated from Gaza were killed since Saturday, the Is-

China reaches debt agreement with Sri Lanka, surprising IMF PROFIT

MonitoRing Desk

In an unexpected development in the region, China secured a tentative debt agreement with Sri Lanka, out-

pacing concurrent negotiations that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other creditors were conducting with the South Asian nation. On Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry revealed that the Export-Import Bank of China had reached a preliminary agreement with Sri Lanka to address its debt issues, although specifics of the arrangement were not disclosed. Earlier, Bloomberg reported that the IMF, along with creditors such as Japan, the United States, and India, was preparing to convene discussions in Mo-

rocco this week regarding a debt restructuring plan for Sri Lanka. Notably, these discussions were set to exclude China’s participation. Sri Lanka’s central bank Governor, Nandalal Weerasinghe, and Junior Finance Minister, Shehan Semasinghe, are presently in Marrakech for the IMF and World Bank annual meetings, actively working to secure an agreement with creditors and holders of the country’s foreign bonds. Peter Breuer, the senior mission chief for Sri Lanka at the IMF, expressed awareness of ongoing discussions with creditors but indicated that the IMF had not received any formal communication about specific agreements. He emphasized that the IMF would need to thoroughly assess the entirety of the agreement to ensure they align with IMF debt targets. An anonymous official from one of the creditor nations said that they, too, had not been apprised of the terms and details of China’s agreement with Sri Lanka.

India detains Vivo executive, three others in money laundering case PROFIT

ReuteRs

India’s financial crime agency arrested four industry executives including one Chinese national working for smartphone maker Vivo in India in a case of alleged money laundering, according to legal papers and lawyers working on the case. The arrest adds to the legal troubles of the Chinese phone maker in India. It comes amid rising tensions between Beijing and New Delhi over issues ranging from border disputes to India’s increasing scrutiny of Chinese businesses and investment. Vivo said in a statement it “firmly adheres to its ethical principles and remains dedicated to legal compliance. The recent arrest deeply concerns us. We will exercise all available legal options”. India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Earlier in the day, two sources told Reuters that four Vivo employees had been arrested, but during a court hearing where executives were produced lawyers said only one Vivo employee, a Chinese national identified in legal papers as Guanwen Kuang, was arrested. Further details of the investigation were not immediately clear. The ED’s counsel, Manish Jain, sought 10 day custody for the arrested individuals, but the judge ordered only three days. The names of three other executives, and their affiliations, were not immediately clear.

raeli army said on Wednesday.

950 PALESTINIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI RETALIATORY AIRSTRIKES

At least 950 Palestinians have been killed from Israeli retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry on Wednesday. SWEDEN, DENMARK SUSPEND PALESTINIAN DEVELOPMENT AID Sweden has temporarily suspended development aid to the Palestinian territories, its Development Minister Johan Forssell has said. Denmark also announced that it will pause its aid. Meanwhile, the Danish government said it will offer to evacuate its nationals from Israel and Palestinian territories. MORE THAN 260,000 PEOPLE DISPLACED IN GAZA: UN Over 260,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in the Gaza Strip, as heavy Israeli bombardments from the air, land and sea continue to hit the Palestinian enclave, the United Nations said. Fierce fighting has left thousands dead on both sides since Hamas launched a surprise assault on Saturday, spurring Israel’s reprisal bombing campaign. “Over 263,934 people in Gaza are believed to have fled their homes,” said UN humanitarian agency OCHA said in an update Tuesday, warning that “this number is expected to rise further.”

BLINKEN SPEAKS WITH ISRAELI MINISTER FOR STRATEGIC AFFAIRS U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he has spoken with Israel Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and expressed Washington’s support for “Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens against terrorist attacks.” BIDEN SAYS HE DISCUSSED U.S. SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL WITH NETANYAHU U.S. President Joe Biden said he discussed support for Israel in his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday after meeting with U.S. national security teams “to direct next steps.”“We connected with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss coordination to support Israel, deter hostile actors, and protect innocent people,” Biden said in a social media post before making public remarks on the situation in Israel. CATCH UP WITH THE LATEST PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI CONFLICT: – UN rights chief Volker Türk said on Tuesday all parties must stop targeting civilians and Hamas and other armed groups must immediately release their hostages, as the death toll on both sides of the conflict climbed to over 2,000, including 921 Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and at least 1,200 Israelis.

Thursday, 12 October, 2023 | LAHORE

CHIEF OF STAFF QATAR ARMED FORCES VISITS AIR HEADQUARTERS NEWS

CORPORATE CORNER

Seasoned politicaian and former senior burequcrat Mahtab Akbar Rashidi makes presentation on Shah to Jo Risalo, a masterplece collection of Shah Abdul Latif Bhatti’s peotry contraining universal themes. On the occasion, she receiving a shield from Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Chairman Board of Directors National Academy Performing Arts (NAPA). Mr. Junaid Zuberi the CEO, MAPA is present on the occation.

Anuga Food Fair held in cologne, Germany

Pakistan participated in ANUGA Food Fair scheduled from 7th-11th October in Cologne, Germany. This year 52 companies have displayed their finest products demonstrating the rich and diverse food industry of the nation. ANUGA, one of the world’s most renowned food & beverages food fair attracted participation from across the globe. The Pakistan pavilion covered a wide range of food sectors. Of the 37 companies participated through TDAP, 19 hailed from the rice sector, emphasizing the significance of rice as one of Pakistan's primary exports. These companies displayed an array of rice varieties, from Basmati to Long Grain, highlighting Pakistan's role as a global rice producer. Additionally, 12 companies specializing in processed food participated, presenting an assortment of savory and sweet delicacies. Four companies from the salt sector exhibited Pakistan's exquisite salt varieties, famous for their purity and exceptional quality.

FFC ranks first amongst top 25 listed companies of PSX consecutively for 13th time KARACHI

staff report

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) instituted Top 25 Companies Award in 1994 to acknowledges the performance of the top companies. By the Grace of Allah Almighty, since then FFC is amongst Top 25 Companies of PSX. FFC has once again been ranked FIRST for 13th consecutive time amongst the TOP 25 Listed Companies for the Year 2022. The award recognizes the production competence, excellent financial and managerial performance of listed companies and provides them with a powerful marketing tool.

Dawlance inaugurates 400th touch-point for consumers KARACHI

staff report

In continuation of its commitment to deliver the highest quality of services, Dawlance – the technology-leading enterprise in Pakistan’s Home-Appliances industry, has now inaugurated its 400th Touch Point, at its Lahore Service Center. This is a big milestone in the expansion of Dawlance’s largest network of customer service all over the country. Senior management of Dawlance and other stakeholders of the industry were present on the occasion and applauded the company’s efforts to create unmatched convenience and elevate its standards of services and quality.

Faysal Bank, State Life’s Window Takaful partner to offer ShariahCompliant Takaful Products KARACHI

staff report

In a recent ceremony hosted at State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) Head Office – Window Takaful Operations of SLIC formalized a Distribution Agreement with Faysal Bank Limited (FBL). The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Yousaf Hussain, President and CEO of FBL and Mr. Shoaib Javed Hussain, CEO of SLIC. Mr. Jaudat Hussain, Head of Retail Banking FBL and Mr. Muhammad Izqar Khan Executive Director of SLIC were present and Mr. Ahmed Anwar Hemani, Head Institutional Sales & Wealth Management of FBL and Mr. Tariq Saeed Chaudhry, Chief Takaful Officer of SLIC, signed the agreement where senior officials from both organizations were also present.

KARACHI

staff report

HIGH level delegation, led by Lieutenant General (Pilot) Salem Hamad Eqail Al-Nabet, Chief of Staff, Qatar Armed Forces, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force at Air Headquarters, Islamabad today. During the meeting, evolving regional security and geo-strategic environment, avenues of defence cooperation in the field of technology sharing and development alongside key areas of mutual interest were discussed. On his arrival, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented him guard of honour following which he was introduced to the Principal Staff Officers of Pakistan Air Force. Later, the visiting dignitary called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan

Air Force in his office. During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff shared broad contours of his vision concerning PAF’s modernization drive to further augment current operational capability necessitated in contemporary hybrid warfare especially in Artificial Intelligence, Niche technologies, Cyber and Space domains. He also discussed about various ongoing projects of Pakistan Air Force's operational construct, force goals and plans for the force structure with a keen focus on future warfare. Appreciating the participation of Qatar Air Force contingent in Exercise Indus Shield at an operational air base of PAF, the Air Chief highlighted that both the countries enjoy historic and unprecedented brotherly relations and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral ties in military to military cooperation and training domains. The Chief of Staff, Qatar Armed Forces, praised the professionalism of Pakistan Air Force personnel and the ex-

ceptional progress made by PAF over the years, especially through indigenization. He also appreciated the dynamic efforts of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in steering PAF towards modernization. Both sides concurred to further optimize the existing military ties between the two countries, with a specific focus on advanced tactical training, emerging technologies and strengthening operational competencies especially in the spheres of electronic warfare and cyber technology. The dignitaries also discussed the potential for joint military exercises and exchange programs with an aim to facilitate the exchange of expertise, enhancing interoperability and fostering closer ties between Air Forces of both the brotherly countries. The Chief of Staff, Qatar Armed Forces also visited different installations and technological infrastructure established at Air Headquarters, Islamabad, including PAF's National ISR and

Integrated Air Operations Centre (NIIAOC) and PAF's Cyber Command. Later, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military), which is the highest Non-Operational Military Award, upon Lieutenant General (Pilot) Salem Hamad Eqail AlNabet at a momentous ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadar, Islamabad. The recognition applauds the unparalleled commitment of the Chief of Staff, Qatar Armed Forces to strengthening bilateral military ties and his dynamic role in advancing relations between Pakistan and Qatar. The meeting between Chief of the Air Staff, PAF and Chief of Staff, Qatar Armed Forces, serves as a testament to the commitment between the Armed Forces of both the countries in working together to address common challenges and the willingness to further strengthen their bilateral ties in the realms of defence and military cooperation.

JazzCash, Meezan Bank partner to transform temittance collection in Pakistan ISLAMABAD

staff report

JazzCash, Pakistan's leading fintech provider, has announced a partnership with Meezan Bank, Pakistan's first and largest Islamic bank, to simplify remittance collection. Through this collaboration, customers around the globe can now send remittances directly into JazzCash wallets using Meezan Bank remittance partners, creating greater convenience and accessibility. The signing ceremony was held at Meezan Bank’s Head Office in Karachi and was signed by Irfan Siddiqui, Founding President & CEO – Meezan Bank, and Aamir Ibrahim, CEO – Jazz. Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz,

commented, “In Pakistan, the flow of remittances is a lifeline connecting families, building dreams, and fueling individual and national progress. The partnership between JazzCash and Meezan Bank for seamless remittance collections is a testament to our purpose of improving the lives and livelihoods of Pakistanis through digital and financial inclusion. We, as Pakistan’s largest digital operator, remain committed to improving the remittances flow to uplift the economy.” Irfan Siddiqui, Founding President & CEO - Meezan Bank, shared his thoughts on the partnership, stating, “Meezan Bank consistently plays a vital role in fostering and advancing Pakistan's digital payment landscape. This collaboration will empower mil-

lions of JazzCash customers in Pakistan to effortlessly receive funds from their loved ones abroad. Our support for this initiative will not only benefit mobile wallet customers in the country but Insha'Allah facilitate the regulated flow of remittances in Pakistan, thus contributing significantly to the country’s economy." Speaking at the signing ceremony, Murtaza Ali, Head of JazzCash, said, "Our partnership with Meezan Bank is a step in the right direction for creating ease of access to digital financial services for our customers within and outside Pakistan. We believe that this initiative will not only make remittances more accessible but also contribute to the overall economic growth of Pakistan."

Fakt Exhibitions set to host ‘3P–Plas, Print, Pack, Pakistan’ KARACHI

staff report

Fakt Exhibitions is all set for the forthcoming inauguration of the “3P – Plas, Print, Pack, Pakistan” – International Exhibition for the Plastic, Printing & Packaging Industry, set to take place at the Karachi Expo Centre. The grand inauguration ceremony will occur on the 12th of October, 2023, at 11:30 am in Karachi Expo Centre's Hall # 5. The event will be graced by the presence of distinguished personalities, including H.E. Eng. Sami Abdullah Salim AlKhanjari, Consul General of The Sultanate of Oman, Mr. Mujahid Ali Shaikh, Chair-

man of the Flexible Packaging Association of Converters of Pakistan, and Mr. Saleem Khan Tanoli, CEO of Fakt Exhibitions, alongside other renowned industry professionals. This pioneering and the largest industry exhibition will bring together over 250 exhibitors from 15 countries, including Austria, China, Germany, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Switzerland, the UAE, and more. These exhibitors will showcase their cutting-edge machinery and industry innovations. 3P Plas Print Pack Pakistan promises to be a significant gathering for the plastic, printing, and packaging industry, offering a unique platform for industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in the field.

ICME 2023 organized by Riphah Int’l University starts in Baku, Azerbaijan BAKU

press release

The Fairmont Hotel in Baku was busy with enthusiasm and anticipation as the International Conference on Medical Education (ICME) 2023 kicked off in grand style at the start of this week. ICME is a grand event organized by Riphah International University and Azerbaijan Medical University to bring together all the health professionals around the globe. The opening ceremony witnessed a gathering of around 450 guests, including high-ranking government officials and leaders in the field of medical education, who shared their insights and aspirations for this transformative event. Delegates from a diverse array of countries graced the opening ceremony and

joined ICME 2023, including representatives from Azerbaijan, Brazil, Georgia, Hong Kong S.A.R., Iran, India, Indonesia, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and USA. This international participation underscores the global significance of ICME and its role in shaping the future of medical education worldwide. Emin Amrullayev, the Minister of Education Azerbaijan, welcomed the attendees with a speech that highlighted the importance of international collaboration in advancing medical education. On this occasion, Mr. Hassan Muhammad Khan, Chancellor of Riphah International University, emphasized the significance of cross-border collaboration in fostering medical education excellence.

Interim Federal Minister for Defence Production visits POF Wah Cantt

Federal Minister for Defence and Defence Production, Lt Gen Anwar Ali Hyder HI (M), (Retd.), visited POF Wah Cantt this morning. Chairman POF Board, Lt Gen Ali Amir Awan, HI (M) briefed the Minister about production capabilities of POF. The Federal Minister appreciated the vital role POF was playing in fulfilling the defence requirements of Pakistan’s Armed Forces with state-of-theart arms and ammunition. He also lauded provision of modern arms and ammunition to law enforcement agencies of Pakistan. The honourable minister visited the production

sites and inaugurated the Self-Refurbished Production Plant of POF. He appreciated efforts and contribution of POF’s engineers, scientists and workmen towards Pakistan’s defence.

Telenor Microfinance Bank wins CFA award for gender diversity ISLAMABAD

staff report

Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB), operator of Pakistan’s leading digital financial services platform, easypaisa, has been honored with "Recognizing Gender Diversity at Workplace Award 2023" at the 20th Annual Excellence Awards by CFA Society Pakistan. This award is a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and empowering voices within its workplace. The Recognizing Gender Diversity at Workplace Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting gender diversity and inclusion in their workforce. TMB's efforts in this regard have been acknowledged by the CFA Society Pakistan, a member society of the global organization of finance and investment professionals, CFA Institute. The award was received at the 20 th Annual Excellence Awards ceremony in Karachi, which celebrated outstanding performances of financial institutions, corporates, and professionals over the past year. Sharing his thoughts on the achievement, Kashif Ahmed, Acting CEO & President, Telenor Microfinance Bank/ easypaisa, expressed his gratitude, saying, "It is a moment of great pride for us to receive an award for gender diversity at workplace. This award is a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. It reflects our ongoing efforts to cultivate a culture that celebrates differences and provides a platform for everyone to thrive and contribute to the success of our organization. We are committed to creating more purpose driven opportunities and empower individuals from all walks of life.” Telenor Microfinance Bank, through its leading and innovative digital financial services platform, easypaisa, has been at the forefront of transforming the financial services landscape in Pakistan. This recognition further underscores the Bank’s dedication to not only providing cutting-edge financial solutions but also fostering an environment where every employee is empowered to thrive.

PTA continues crackdown on illegal SIMs Issuance ISLAMABAD

staff report

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal office, Peshawar in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle, successfully conducted a raid against a mobile phone company franchisee located on Kohat Road, Peshawar. The franchisee and his team were involved in illegal issuance of SIMs against Afghan passports. Reportedly, the franchisee was being run by an Afghan national and the activated SIMs were being sold to Afghan nationals for Rs.3000 each. Five laptops and eight mobile phones, containing scanned passport data, were seized. Furthermore, five individuals were apprehended at the scene by FIA, ho are pursuing further investigations into the matter. PTA had filed a complaint with FIA earlier based on information regarding illegal issuance of SIMs by the sales channel. This raid, marking the twelfth of the current year, stands as a testament to PTA's persistent commitment to curb the menace of illegal issuance of SIMs.

Syngenta Pakistan recognized President of Pakistan for its contribution towards female farmers KARACHI

staff report

Syngenta Pakistan Limited, a leading agriculture innovation and technology company that provides crop protection, seeds, biologicals and digital services to millions of Pakistani farmers, has been recognized for its efforts for the farming communities and female farmers in a high-powered award ceremony, organized by the Women Business Network (WBN) Pakistan, at the President's House in Islamabad. During the event, the Hon-

orable President of Pakistan conferred the “Rising Women 2023” Award to Syngenta Pakistan in recognition of company’s strong commitment and efforts for empowering female farmers and farming communities. Dedicating this award to all female farmers and workers, Mr. Zeeshan Hasib Baig – Country GM Syngenta Pakistan – emphasized the inclusion of women as a pivotal catalyst to unleash Pakistan’s true economic potential for a healthier and economically vibrant society. He further congratulated his team on this great achievement and reiterated his strong commitment of taking bold

actions to disrupt the status quo and achieve greater representation of women in the agriculture sector.

SEPTEMBER REMITTANCES IMPROVE SLIGHTLY BUT LOWER THAN EXPECTED

Thursday, 12 October, 2023

pRayeR tImINgS

NEWS

Analyst says remittances are expected to improve in coming months after premium between interbank and open markets reduced PROFIT

URooj ImRaN

SBP boosts cash incentives for financial institutions to drive remittance inflows. Remittances for September came in at $2.21 billion, according to data shared by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday. This figure, while an improvement from last month’s $2.09 billion, was significantly lower than market expectations of $2.4-2.5 billion. On a month-on-month basis, remittances rose by 5.3%. However, they de-

clined by 11.24% compared to last year, when remittances stood at $2.49 billion. The market was expecting remittances to improve following a massive crackdown on exchange rate manipulation in the open market, and the subsequent reduction in the premium between the open and interbank markets. RUPEE’S APPRECIATION Pakistanis abroad may choose to send remittances through banks, in which case they would become part of the interbank market, or exchange companies, which are part of the open market. Typically, the dif-

ference in the rates of the two markets is not very large; under the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it cannot exceed 1.25% for more than five days. However, between August 28 and September 4, the difference in the market rates widened to an alarming extent both in absolute and percentage terms — up to nearly Rs 30 per dollar or 8.5%. And before the crackdown was launched in early September, a significant number of foreign exchange dealings, including remittances, were either being done ‘off the books’ in

the open market or diverted to the grey market, General Secretary of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) Zafar Paracha told Profit in an interview last month. It all changed, however, once the authorities launched a massive crackdown on illegal foreign exchange trade. On Sep 1, the per dollar interbank rate was Rs 305.46. By Sep 28, this was down to Rs 287.74 per dollar — an improvement of Rs 17.72 per dollar or 5.08%. Similarly, the per dollar open market rate on Sep 4 was Rs 331.

Industrialists urge govt to take pragmatic steps for resolution of issues PESHAWAR

azIz BUNeRI

Industrialists have urged the government to take pragmatic steps for resolution of issues to promote industrialization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The industrialists Association Peshawar (IAP) acting president Ayub Zakori said that the business community is the backbone of the economy. The association’s acting chief said resolution of industrialists is our topmost priority. He added business, trade and industries would only be flourished by re-

solving industrialist’s issues on a fasttrack basis. Ayub Zakori, the IAP acting president made these remarks while leading an industrialists’ delegation during a meeting with newly elected SCCI’s president Fuad Ishaq and senior vice president Sanaullah Khan here at the chamber’s house on Wednesday. The IAP delegation was consisted on Senator Nauman Wazir; Executive members IAP Malik Niaz Ahmed, Farhad Asfandyar; Secretary General IAP Muqtasid Ahsan; members IAP Haris Mufti, Junaid Altaf, Salman Altaf and expresident SCCI Faiz Muhammad felici-

tated the newly elected President Fuad Ishaq, SVP Sana Ullah and VP Ejaz Afridi of SCCI. A brief discussion on contemporary issues faced by industries and business community and possible solutions was carried out. The SCCI President-elect had assured mutual cooperation for the betterment and promotion of industries and assured extended support at all the forums. IAP delegates had highly appreciated the assurance and support of SCCI for betterment of industries and the business community. Both IAP and SCCI reaffirmed a

strong resolve of bipartite collaborative and connected nexus to facilitate and boost economic activity through industrial development and trade. Earlier, IAP acting chief Ayub Zakuri informed the president of SCCI Fuad Ishaq in detail about the problems of the industrialists and also presented various suggestions for their solution. Fuad Ishaq agreed with the recommendations of the IAP delegation and assured to take up the problems of the industrialists effectively with the relevant institutions at the central and provincial levels and solve them immediately.

Unlicensed Konnect Gas allegedly involved in unlawful sale of unprocessed gas to CNG stations since 2020 ISLAMABAD

ahmaD ahmaDaNI

Without getting gas sale license from Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), an unlicensed gas company has allegedly been involved in the illegal sale of unprocessed gas to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations since 2020, it was learnt on Wednesday. According to sources, M/s Jura Energy Corporation has been selling gas to an unlicensed gas company, M/s Konnect Gas (Pvt.) Ltd, since 2020, while M/s Konnect, without obtaining a license from OGRA has allegedly been involved in providing unprocessed gas to the CNG stations, posing threat to the lives of citizens. However, Transparency International Pakistan (TIP), in a letter dated October 2, 2023, titled “Complaint on the Violation of Pakistan Petroleum (E&P) Rules 2001 and Natural Gas Regulatory (Licensing) Rules 2002 Due to Unauthorized Third-Party Gas Sale by Konnect Gas (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of Jura Corporation,” to Director General

(DG) Petroleum Concession (PC), Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), requested to look into the allegations of the complaint and if found to be correct, take action against M/s Konnect Gas (Pvt.) Ltd for its illegal activities of providing unprocessed gas to CNG stations posing threat to the lives of citizens under applicable laws and rules. And the petroleum division is expected to take stern action soon over the alleged violations of applicable laws and rules, said sources. According to the allegations made in the complaint, in 2020, M/s Jura Energy Corporation publicly announced through a press release the commencement of gas sales from the Sara and Suri Leases to M/s Konnect Gas under the guise of a third-party arrangement. Similarly, the website of Jura Energy also reflected M/s Konnect Gas as the buyer to the Sara Suri Fields while M/s Konnect Gas knowingly and willfully have engaged in the unlawful sale of unprocessed gas since 2020. Furthermore, in April 2019, M/s Konnect Gas submitted its license application to OGRA which OGRA unequiv-

ocally rejected in April of 2022 due to M/s Konnect Gas’s failure to meet the stipulated criteria. However, despite OGRA’s rejection of M/s Konnect Gas application for license, the company has been illegally supplying unprocessed gas to CNG stations. TIP has reviewed the allegations of the complaint, prima facie, the allegations seem correct, said TIP letter to DGPC. As per sources, M/s Konnect Gas had submitted an application to OGRA on 09th April, 2019 for grant of license for sale of Flare Gas from Sara and Suri Gas Fields of district Ghotki-Sindh. However, on finding certain deficiencies and constant failure in submission of requisite data/information by M/s Konnect Gas (Pvt.) Limited for 2.5 years, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) rejected the application of M/s Konnect Gas on 15th April, 2022 and declared that M/s Konnect was not a licensee of OGRA to undertake any regulated activities. According to OGRA, M/s Konnect Gas (Pvt.) Limited had applied for grant

of license for sale of flare gas from (Sara and Suri Gas Field) on 09-04-2023 which was evaluated by the concerned departments of OGRA and found certain deficiencies in requisite documentations of required under the applicable provisions of Natural Gas Regulatory (licensing) Rules, 2002. Upon constant failure in submission of the requisite data/information by the applicant for 2.5 years the Authority considered the matter and rejected the applications of M/s Konnect Gas (Pvt.) Ltd on 15-042022, therefore, M/s Konnect Gas (Pvt.) Ltd is not a licensee of OGRA to undertake any regulated activities, said OGRA’s letter dated 08th September, 2023, a copy of which is available with this scribe. Surprisingly, prior to the cancellation of M/s Konnect Gas’s license application by OGRA, M/s Jura Energy Corporation on October 13, 2020 publicly announced through a press release the commencement of gas sales from the Sara and Suri Leases to M/s Konnect Gas under the guise of a thirdparty arrangement.

‘Govt to take forward privatization process in transparent manner’, says Fawad Hasan Fawad ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Caretaker Minister for Privatization, Fawad Hasan Fawad on Tuesday said that the government is taking forward the privatization process in a transparent manner. Addressing a news conference along with the Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, he highlighted the importance of privatizing loss-making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to enable them to compete effectively in the evolving global economy. Fawad Hasan Fawad specifically noted that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is essential to bolster the country’s aviation industry, positioning Pakistan as a potential regional aviation hub. Regarding the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), the minister indicated that the government plans to present the matter to the federal cabinet, which will make a decision in due course. He assured that a robust regulatory control regime would be in place to safeguard public interests throughout the process. Fawad Hasan Fawad expressed regret over the past governments’ failure to adequately address the country’s economic challenges. He recalled the privatization efforts that commenced in 1994, of which some cases are still pending in the courts. However, he reaffirmed the caretaker government’s commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to it by the elected governments. The minister disclosed that in 2020, SOEs contributed to a 7 % deficit in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 15 major SOEs were incurring losses amounting to Rs2 trillion in that period. He also highlighted that the gov-

ernment allocated Rs 2.542 trillion to support loss-making SOEs between 2018 and 2022. He underscored that these funds could have been allocated to advance national development projects such as the Bhasha Dam. By the end of June 2023, the accumulated losses of PIA were recorded at Rs 713 billion and out of which Rs 263 billion consisted of debt, besides an additional amount of Rs 13 billion, which was provided by the banks on government guarantee. The government also provided Rs 150 billion from its own resources. The minister said that another objective of the privatization of PIA was to regain the maximum value and avoid unbearable losses to national exchequer, which stood at Rs 12.70 billion per month. He said the Privatization Commission had suggested appointing a single-transaction adviser, for which approval would be taken from the federal cabinet on the basis of the report prepared in 2017. Fawad Hassan Fawad said that efforts were being made to resume PIA flight operations for Europe as soon as possible. In this respect, a team of experts is expected to visit Pakistan in December or January for reviewing the flight safety and security standards. He said Pakistani pilots were highly skilled and capable of landing and taking off in difficult areas; similarly “our engineers and supporting staff are also of international standards.” Currently, the PIA fleet consisted of 34 aircrafts, out of which 15 were grounded including six which were leased, the accumulated losses of which were recorded at $2 million, says Fawad Hassan Fawad.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

FAJR SUNRISE

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ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

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By Sep 28, the rupee’s value had improved to Rs 288 per dollar — up by Rs 43 or 12.99%. So, why did this strengthening in the rupee not lead to increased inflows of remittances through legal channels? Perhaps the effect is lagged. Fahad Rauf, head of research at Ismail Iqbal Securities, noted that while remittances were lower than expected this month, given that the gap between interbank and open markets has reduced now, they should pick up going forward. BREAKDOWN OF REMITTANCES RECEIVED According to SBP data, the highest amount of remittances was received from Saudi Arabia at $538.2 million, followed by the United Arab Emirates at $400 million, the United Kingdom at $311.1 million and the United States at $263.4 million. Meanwhile, remittances from other GCC countries totalled $248.1 million, while Pakistanis in the European Union sent $269.3 million. Overall, total remittances in the first three months of FY24 stood at $6.33 billion, down 19.8% from last year’s figure of $7.89 billion.

PKR holds strong against US dollar, dips below 280 mark PROFIT

NewS DeSk

A currency trader counts Pakistani Rupee notes as he prepares an exchange of U.S dollars in Islamabad, Pakistan December 11, 2017. RUTERS/Caren Firouz/File Photo The Pakistani Rupee continued to strengthen against the US dollar, recording a 0.43% gain in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. The rupee was observed at 279.30 during the intraday trading session, marking a notable increase of Rs1.21 against the greenback. This positive trend extended to the open market as well, where the Pakistani rupee saw an upward movement against the US dollar. Currency dealers reported selling rates at 279 and buying rates at 276, accommodating the needs of various customers. Notably, in the month of September, the PKR’s performance was remarkable, with a gain of 6.19% against the US dollar, marking its second-best performance in percentage terms since 2014. This achievement earned it recognition as the best-performing currency in the world for the month. This development follows a series of measures undertaken by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to stabilize the Pakistani currency. Last month, the SBP introduced a comprehensive set of “structural reforms” aimed at regulating Exchange Companies (ECs) and curbing the dollar’s ascent. Simultaneously, the caretaker government implemented administrative actions to combat currency smuggling and hoarding. As a result, authorities conducted countrywide raids, leading to the closure of numerous illegal currency exchanges and the confiscation of foreign currency worth millions. The timing of the rupee’s resurgence is particularly significant as Pakistan gears up for the next review of its Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), scheduled for November. A stable and appreciating currency is typically viewed favorably in IMF negotiations, potentially strengthening Pakistan’s position.

NAB clears Khawaja brothers of corruption charges in Paragon case LAHORE

Staff RepoRt

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday declared Khawaja Saad Rafique and his brother Khawaja Salman Rafique innocent in Paragon City case. The NAB returned the reference against Khawaja brothers to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) adding that no evidence of corruption found against them. “Paragon Housing Society was approved by the Aziz Bhatti Town, not by the LDA,” NAB said in its report to the court. “The bureau not required to pursue the case further,” the bureau stated. “The case should be sent to the LDA, which have to redress complaints as regulator,” accountability watchdog said. Accountability Judge Qamaruz Zaman directed the LDA to address complaints in Paragon Housing Society project adding that four affected persons remaining while all others have been given plots. THE REFERENCE The NAB in the reference said that Saad Rafique and others had launched a housing project named Air Avenue, which was later renamed to Paragon City (Pvt) Ltd. According to the reference, Saad Rafique, Salman Rafique and Nadeem Zia owned 93.2 per cent shares in the Paragon Housing Society.

PM Kakar lauds Xi’s visionary Belt, Road Initiative ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Wednesday lauded the vision and leadership of President Xi Jinping, particularly Xi’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The prime minister expressed these views while talking to Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Jiang Zaidong who called on the premier, PM Office Media Wing said on Wednesday. This was Ambassador Jiang’s first meeting with the caretaker prime minister since presenting his credentials as China’s Ambassador to Pakistan. The premier said that Pakistan and China were fully committed to ensuring the success of China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the government would continue to work closely with the Chinese authorities to ensure timely implementation and completion of various projects envisaged under it. The caretaker prime minister said that Pakistan and China enjoyed a unique relationship as ‘All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partners, Iron Brothers’ and trusted friends. Prime Minister Kakar also noted the centrality of CPEC in enhancing economic, trade and technological ties between the two countries and highlighted its role as the flagship project of BRI. The prime minister congratulated ambassador Jiang on assuming ambassadorial responsibilities in Islamabad and hoped that he would play a key role in further strengthening relations between the two countries.

Published by Asad Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

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Pakistan deeply concerned by escalating hostility in Middle East: Jilani ISLAMABAD

staff report

WASHINGTON agencies

SRAEL, reeling from the deadliest attack on its territory in half a century, formally declared war on Hamas on Sunday as the conflict’s death toll surged close to 1,000 after the Palestinian fighters launched a massive surprise assault from Gaza. The conflict, which is being considered as the biggest escalation in decades prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to send a warning of a “long and difficult” war ahead as he dispatched thousands of Israeli forces to combat remaining Hamas fighters in the south while the air force once more bombed targets in the Gaza Strip. The latest conflict’s has claimed more than 600 lives on the Israeli side, the government press office said, while Gaza officials reported at least 370 deaths, with thousands more wounded on each side Tens of thousands of Israeli forces were deployed on Sunday to battle holdout Hamas fighters in the south, where the bodies of civilians had been found

strewn on roads and in town centres. “The enemy is still on the ground,” military spokesman Daniel Hagari told journalists as a second night fell after the attack, adding Israel was reinforcing its military strength near the Gaza Strip. Gun battles raged as the Israeli army sought to secure desert regions near the coastal enclave, rescue Israeli hostages and evacuate all areas near Gaza. “We’ll reach each and every community until we kill every terrorist in Israel,” vowed Hagari, a day after hundreds of Hamas fighters launched their shock offensive and surged into Israel using vehicles, boats and even motorised paragliders. There was widespread shock and dismay in Israel after at least 100 citizens were captured by Hamas and abducted into Gaza, with images circulating on social media of bloodied hostages, and distraught relatives pleading for the state to rescue them. Yifat Zailer, 37, said she was horrified to see online video footage from Gaza that showed her female cousin and the woman’s children, aged nine months and three years. “That’s the only confir-

Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Sunday said that Pakistan is deeply concerned by the escalating hostility in the Middle East and the loss of innocent lives. “Pakistan is deeply concerned by the escalating hostility in the Middle East and the loss of innocent lives. We stand in solidarity with Palestinians and call for an immediate end to the violence and oppression by Israeli occupation forces,” Jilani wrote on his X account. Jalil Abbas Jilani said a viable and sovereign State of Palestine must be established on the basis of pre1967 borders and UN resolutions. He said the international community needs to intervene to bring an end to the conflict, protect civilians, and work towards a lasting peace in the Middle East. Fighting between Israeli forces and the Palestinian group Hamas raged Sunday, with hundreds killed on both sides after a surprise attack on Israel prompted Benjamin Netanyahu to warn they were “embarking on a long and difficult war”. Israel battered Gaza on Sunday, a day after suffering its bloodiest attack in decades when Hamas fighters rampaged through Israeli towns, killing hundreds and abducting an unknown number of others. Overnight, Israeli air strikes had hit housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque and homes of Hamas officials in Gaza, killing more than 300 people, including 20 children.

Deaths mounting as Afghan earthquakes kill 2,445 KABUL

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More than 2,400 people were killed in earthquakes in Afghanistan, the Taliban administration said on Sunday, in the deadliest tremors to rock the quake-prone mountainous country in years. The Saturday quakes in the west of the country hit 35 km (20 miles) northwest of the city of Herat, with one of 6.3 magnitude, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. They were among the world’s deadliest quakes this year, after tremors in Turkey and Syria killed an estimated 50,000 in February. Janan Sayeeq, spokesman for the Ministry of Disasters, said in a message to Reuters that the toll had risen to 2,445 dead, but he revised down the number of injured to “more than 2,000”. Earlier, he had said that 9,240 people had been injured. Sayeeq also said 1,320 houses had been damaged or destroyed. The death toll spiked from 500 reported earlier on Sunday by the Red Crescent. Ten rescue teams were in the area, which borders Iran, Sayeeq told a press conference. More than 200 dead had been brought to various hospitals, said a Herat health department official who identified himself as Dr Danish, adding most of them were women and children. Bodies had been “taken to several places – military bases, hospitals”, Danish said. Beds were set up outside the main hospital in Herat to receive a flood of victims, photos on social media showed. Food, drinking water, medicine, clothes and tents were urgently needed for rescue and relief, Suhail Shaheen, the head of the Taliban political office in Qatar, said in a message to the media. The mediaeval minarets of Herat sustained some damage, photographs on social media showed, with cracks visible and tiles fallen off. Hemmed in by mountains, Afghanistan has a history of strong earthquakes, many in the rugged Hindu Kush region bordering Pakistan. Death tolls often rise when information comes in from more remote parts of a country where decades of war have left infrastructure in a shambles, and relief and rescue operations difficult to organise. Afghanistan’s healthcare system, reliant almost entirely on foreign aid, has faced crippling cuts in the two years since the Taliban took over and much international assistance, which had formed the backbone of the economy, was halted.

Pakistan grieved over devastating earthquake in Afghanistan: FO ISLAMABAD

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Pakistan on Sunday expressed deep sadness and condolence over the loss of precious lives and properties in the devastating earthquake that hit Western regions of Afghanistan. “The Government and people of Pakistan are deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in Western regions of Afghanistan yesterday, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread damage to property,” a statement issued by the foreign office spokesperson said. “We extend our sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and pray for the early and complete recovery of the injured.” The statement added that Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with the brothers and sisters in Afghanistan during this difficult time. “We are in contact with the Afghan authorities to get a first-hand assessment of the urgent needs of those affected by the earthquake. Pakistan will extend all possible support to the recovery effort,” it added. NDMA to dispatch relief items to quake-hit Afghanistan The National Disaster Management Authority has arranged relief items including food, medicines, tents and blankets as well as Search and Rescue Teams to be dispatched on immediate basis to quake-hit Herat Afghanistan. This was briefed at a special session of the National Emergency Operations Centre held in Islamabad on Sunday with Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik in the chair. The meeting reviewed the situation and humanitarian assistance package to Afghanistan in the wake of devastating quake in the country. The Chairman stressed for swift relief assistance for Kabul that should be sent through fastest means available utilizing air and land routes to Afghanistan. He also requested for facilitation and coordination by all the government departments and agencies involved in the process.

Diplomats and aid officials say concerns over Taliban restrictions on women and competing global humanitarian crises are causing donors to pull back on financial support. The Islamist government has ordered most Afghan female aid staff not to work, although with exemptions in health and education. In August, a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross said it was likely to end its financial support for 25 Afghan hospitals because of funding constraints. It was not immediately clear if the Herat hospital was on that list. The quakes triggered panic in Herat, resident Naseema said. “People left their houses, we all

are on the streets,” she wrote in a text message to Reuters on Saturday, adding that the city was feeling aftershocks. There are a total of 202 public health facilities in Herat province, one of which is the major regional hospital where 500 casualties had been taken, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said in a report on Sunday. A vast majority of the facilities are smaller basic health centres and logistical challenges were hindering operations, particularly in remote areas, the WHO said. “While search and rescue operations remain ongoing, casualties in these areas have not yet been fully identified,” it said.

ISLAMABAD

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liest attack in years by Palestinian gunmen on Israel. On Saturday, a multi-pronged attack by Palestinian gunmen on Israeli towns left around 500 Israelis dead, with more than 300 Palestinians killed in Israel’s retaliatory bombardment. The scale of the attack prompted fears that a wider conflict could break out between Israel and other factions opposed to it in the region, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, an armed party backed by Iran that has previously clashed with Israel.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Sunday said that Pakistan stood in solidarity with the Palestinians people and would utilize all multilateral forums like Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to galvanize a collective stance for the protection and dignity of Palestinians in the manner that supported their demand. In an interview with social media platform “Talk Shock” the prime minister said that Pakistan had always taken a firm stance on the Palestine issue and reaffirmed its position as ‘a friend of Palestine’. He said that Pakistan would continue extending diplomatic, social and political support to them at all global fora. The prime minister stressed that the two nations state was the key to the solution of the Palestine and Israel conflict which would bring stability in the Middle East. He also categorically reiterated that Pakistan did not recognize Israel. Palestinians had reached an agreement with Israel over the two-state mechanism, but the due right was constantly denied by Israel, he added. The caretaker prime minister cautioned that unless ‘the Palestine Question’ was addressed, the issue of radicalization would increase and stressed that the two political issues including Palestine and Kashmir should be resolved. To a question, he said that Pakistan wanted normal relations with all its neighbours but with regard to India, there were three parties, including Kashmiris. Their demands and aspirations should be met by India and if they were not made part of the normalization process with regard to bilateral ties by India, it would amount to ‘non starter’, he added.

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 mation we have,” she told AFP, her voicing breaking with emotion, and adding there was no information on her cousin’s husband and her elderly parents. “After the army took control of the kibbutz, they weren’t at home,” she said. “We assume they were kidnapped … We want to know what their condition is, we want them to return safe. They’re innocent civilians.” ISRAEL, HEZBOLLAH EXCHANGE ARTILLERY, ROCKET FIRE Israel and Lebanon’s powerful armed group Hezbollah exchanged artillery and rocket fire on Sunday following the dead-

Two-state only viable solution to Palestine issue: PM Kakar

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STREET CRIME, EXTORTION CASES WITNESS ALARMING RISE IN KARACHI

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TREET crimes, robberies, and murders continued in Karachi in the month of September, despite the appointment of a new IG Sindh and Karachi Police Chief. According to the data of the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), citizens were deprived of 207 vehicles, 5,399 motorcycles, and 2,464 mobile phones in street crimes during the month. 62 people were also killed in the city during the same period. The CPLC report also revealed that the number of motorcycles stolen in September was the highest in the last 30 days. The report also highlighted the fact that the middle class was the most affected by street crimes, as they were the ones who were most likely to be robbed of their motorcycles and mobile phones. Despite the police claiming to have arrested a number of street criminals and other criminals in alleged encounters, the crime rate in Karachi remains high. Citizens are still not safe in their homes, streets, shops, and offices. The police authorities need to take more concrete measures to curb street crimes in Karachi. They should also focus on improving the law and

order situation in the city so that citizens can feel safe and secure. ‘EXTORTION CASES ON RISE AGAIN’: On the other hand, extortion cases have increased in Karachi, with 91 cases reported in the first nine months of 2023, with the network is believed to be operating from Iran, Dubai, and Afghanistan. According to Specialized Investigation Unit (SIU) SSP Junaid Sheikh, the extortionists have changed their methods, and

Dengue onslaught continues as Punjab reports 143 new cases LAHORE

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The battle against dengue virus continues in Punjab as 143 new cases were reported on Sunday. As many as 5,469 confirmed dengue cases were reported across 36 districts in Punjab this year, said the health department officials. Lahore leads the unfortunate tally with a staggering 2,130 cases, closely followed by Rawalpindi with 1,561 cases, Multan with 620, Gujranwala with 268 and Faisalabad with 245 cases. As many as 52 new dengue cases were reported in Lahore, 47 in Rawalpindi, 10 in Multan, 11 in Gujranwala, and 10 in Faisalabad Currently, 118 dengue patients are receiving treatment in various hospitals across Punjab, with 36 of them hospitalized in Lahore alone. Secretary Health Punjab Ali Jaan Khan urged the citizens to maintain clean and dry surroundings as a crucial preventive measure against dengue fever. For those seeking dengue treatment, information, or wishing to register complaints, a free helpline is available through the health department at 1033.

Khadija Shah moves LHC for details of cases LAHORE

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PTI activist Khadija Shah, who is on judicial remand in multiple cases of May 9 riots, has approached the Lahore High Court seeking details of all cases registered against her. Advocate Sameer Khosa filed a petition on behalf of Ms Shah saying the petitioner has been falsely implicated by the police in the cases. The petitioner has a right to know if there are any cases made against her to have a fair trial, the petition said. The petition asks the court to order the police and the FIA to produce a list of FIRs registered against the petitioner. The petition seeks a protective bail to enable Khadija Shah to approach any court for bail before arrest and take part in any investigation against her. Violent clashes broke out across Pakistan after the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan was arrested at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9. The protests were held in various cities as the party workers agitated against the party chairman’s arrest.

are now using strong and organized gangs based abroad. These gangs have formed 5 to 7 groups with the help of local boys. The boys in the extortion network first gather information about potential targets, including businessmen, small and big traders, shopkeepers, and builders. They then send extortion slips with bullets to their targets, and make threatening calls from abroad. According to SIU records, 44 of the 91 extortion cases reported in 2023 have been

Monday, 9 October, 2023 | LAHORE

PML-N to form next govt in Sindh, says Zubair Umar MATIARI

challaned in the courts. Eleven cases have been classified as “A class,” meaning that the evidence is insufficient. Two cases have been classified as “B class,” meaning that they are minor. Ten cases have been classified as “C class,” meaning that they were entered on misunderstanding. In eight cases, the SIU has completed the investigation and sent back the case file after finding no evidence of extortion. In 16 cases, the police investigation is ongoing. In 45 cases, the police trial is being conducted. SSP SIU Junaid Shaikh that the local network of extortionists is not very strong or organized, but this year has been very disturbed compared to previous years. Some of the cases and the arrest of the accused have revealed that the network of extortionists is operating from abroad, with groups being operated from Dubai, Iran, and Afghanistan. These groups have also been caught with the help of modern technology. The relevant institutions have been informed about the mastermind of the group. In the last few days, the Karachi police have received complaints of extortion from the small and big markets of Shahr Quaid, who were sent an extortion slip and a pill along with it. The police have identified the accused.

Information Minister asks all illegal immigrants to voluntarily leave Pakistan by 31st Oct ISLAMABAD

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Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has asked all the illegal foreigners to voluntarily leave the country by 31st of this month to avoid state action to forcibly repatriate them to their respective countries. In an interview with the social media platform WE NEWS, he said all the foreigners, who are illegally staying in Pakistan, irrespective of their nationality, have been given a timeframe to leave the country and this should not be bracketed with Afghans only. Responding to a question, the Minister said the state of Pakistan is fully capable to repatriate the illegal foreigners by force. He, however, clarified that there will certainly be a strategy to send them back in phased and orderly manner after the passage of the deadline of 31 October. He said there are around 1.7 million illegal foreigners residing in Pakistan. Talking about compassion of the state of Pakistan, Murtaza Solangi said no country in the world has ever shown this empathy as demonstrated by Pakistan towards the Afghan refugees in last 50 years. He continued to say that the number of Afghans living lawfully in Pakistan will be higher even if all the 1.7 million illegal foreigners are sent back to their home countries. The Minister further said Pakistan only wants to ensure safety and security of its own citizens and national frontiers. He said soft borders without any checks and balances are not acceptable

scheduled this month, Murtaza Solangi said he will be treated as per law and the constitution of the country. He said Nawaz Sharif is a leader of a big political party and has been thrice the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He said the former Prime Minister had gone abroad with the permission of the courts and the government of the day had let him go under a lawful process. He said now the return of Nawaz Sharif will also be held under a lawful process and certainly the law will take its course. Answering a question about privatization of State Owned Enterprises, he said it was the decision of the previous government and the parliament. He said the caretaker government is only implementing those decisions. When asked about any plan for the privatization of state media organizations like Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television Corporation and the Associated Press of Pakistan, the Minister said these organizations are public broadcasters and they should not be treated as ghee, sugar or a power plant. He said Radio Pakistan, PTV and APP are amongst the essential services organizations and they are not meant to earn money. He said personally he is against the privatization of national broadcasters as public broadcasters all over the world, may it be the BBC, Deutsche Welle or the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, popularly known as NHK, are funded by the state. However, individuals not aligned with the modern broadcasting system should have no room in these organizations.

to Pakistan. He said Pakistan is ready to welcome people from across the globe after obtaining proper visa and other necessary documentations as per entry requirements for any other country of the world. He said no country, including the United States or the United Kingdom, allows an individual to infiltrate in its territory and illegally obtain passport and other identity. Responding to a question about the upcoming general elections, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting said polls will be held on the date to be announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan. He said announcing a polldate not the prerogative of the interim set-up. He said ECP is a constitutional body and fully empowered to organize elections in the country. Regarding PPP’s demand for a level playing field in the upcoming general election, Murtaza Solangi said PPP is a leading political party of Pakistan and is fully independent in having a stance over a particular matter. He added that expressing concerns and raising issues are the democratic, political and legal rights of every political party. He said the country is virtually passing through an election phase as an environment of electioneering can be witnessed in Pakistan. Replying to another question, the Minister said ECP and the caretaker government will ensure level playing field to all the registered political parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. To a question about the government’s response to PML-N Sepremo Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan

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Senior leader Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair Umar is optimistic that his party will form next government in Sindh province. While addressing a workers’ convention in Matiari on Sunday, he said that Nawaz Sharif will land in Lahore on October 21 and the entire Sindh will reach the provincial capital of Punjab to welcome the PML-N supremo. Muhammad Zubair said that the PML-N will give tough time to Sindh in upcoming general elections and will form next government. The PML-N supremo, president and other senior leadership would visit Sindh for the election campaign, he added. “PPP has ruined Sindh in the past 15 years,” Zubair Umar said, adding that PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif can proudly claim to turn Karachi into Lahore but when Bilawal says to turn Lahore into Karachi people will take it as a joke. It is pertinent to mention here that former Pakistan PM Sharif will arrive in Pakistan on October 21. The former premier is embattled in various cases, including the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) Avenfield, Al-Azizia and Hill Metal and the Flagship references, had left for London in Dec 2019 on medical grounds after the Lahore High Court had granted him permission to travel abroad for four weeks. The sources said the former premier will return to Pakistan on October 21 via a connecting flight. Elder Sharif will land at Abu Dhabi International Airport from London on October 21 and on the same day, he will leave for Lahore.

Historical Nasir Bagh gets a makeover LAHORE

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The work to restore the historical Nasir Bagh at The Mall to its former glory has entered its final stages, a spokesperson for the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) of Lahore said on Sunday. Nestled between Lower Mall and Kutchery Road, the British-era park neighbors Government College, Punjab University, and the Town Hall. It is frequented by locals seeking a quick respite from the hustle of urban life. The park, known as Band Stand Garden due to military band performances during the Raj, had been in need of a visual upgrade, according to residents who had requested government support in this regard. Acting on the instructions of Director General Muhammad Tahir Wattoo, the PHA has installed lush green grass, colorful flower beds, and floodlights in the park, which spans over 100 kanals. Additionally, the park’s fountain has been revitalised, and preventive measures against dengue, such as the application of anti-larva medicine, have been implemented. Its boundary wall has also been removed to provide a “fresh visual experience,” the spokesperson added. Separately, as part of its beautification plan to enhance the visual appeal of the provincial capital, the authority has completed work to refurbish The Mall. It has, among other measures, planted grass along a six-kilometer-long and 30-foot-wide stretch from Charing Cross to the Mian Mir Bridge, according to the spokesperson. The department is also in the process of planting more trees and installing colorful flower beds along the canal ahead of the winter. These beds will be raised from the ground for better visibility, the spokesperson said.

World powers need to play role for ending Kashmir, Palestine disputes: Mushaal RAWALPINDI

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Advisor to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Human Rights, Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Sunday said that global powers need to play imperative role in resolving the longstanding Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine dispute. While speaking at the annual event of Darbar Mohra Sharif here, she stated that the ongoing crisis in Palestine, particularly the tensions with Israel, reflected the same adversities Kashmir faces under Indian subjugation. Mushaal Mullic pointed out that the Indian government was involved in promoting extremism and terrorism in occupied Kashmir, Israel was similarly involved in serious human rights violations in Palestine. Just like in occupied Kashmir, Muslims in Palestine were subjected to harsh treatment, mosques were being desecrated and violence was being inflicted upon the innocent people.

India has unleashed a new wave of grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). However, the unyielding resilience of the Kashmiris is often viewed as a divine blessing from Allah. The SAPM on HRs highlighted the role of Peer Mohra Sharif in propagating the message of peace and love with Kashmir. She underlined that Islam teaches its followers to treat each other with brotherhood, empathy, altruism, sacrifice and love. Mohra Sharif has significantly served Islam and humanity by teaching the value of setting aside personal desires to establish a connection with God. Drawing from Islamic history, it is evident that the religion was among the pioneers in granting rights to women, encompassing property, divorce, and even business rights. This progressive stance is epitomized by Hazrat Khadijah’s business acumen, which underscores the immense power women can wield. Bibi Fatima’s life is not just a tale of struggles but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for women globally.

Now the confessional interview City Notes M.A. NiAzi HE poignancy of the betrayal of Imran Khan by Usman Dar did not lie in the fact that he was the head of the Insaf Tiger Force, as the timing. It came hot on the heels of the revelation that there was an attempt to poison Imran (that was the reason given by his wife for wanting him to get food from home, rather than be given the jail food). Dar can claim to have stood fast, and refused to betray his principles. After all, he has left politics, rather than join the Istehkam Pakistan Party, or the PTI Parliamentarians. He also chose to make clear his condemnation of the PTI and all its works, especially its actions on May 9, on a TV talk show, rather than the usual press conference. Does this mean that the departure by the few remaining prominent leaders of the PTI will be made in a different setting? Will Ali Amin Gandapur, for ex-

ample, turn up inside the ring of the Lucky Irani Circus, make the expected announcement before being shot out of a cannon. Is Umar Ayub going to make the announcement while climbing the hill to Daman-iKoh? Or out jogging? The claim of a plot to poison Imran seems to have more to do with a yearning to fight dragons than with any real plot. Is Imran going to claim that ‘they’ have a rare Asiatic poison, odourless, tasteless, which produces the symptoms of a heart attack, but which cannot be detected in a post mortem? And he is 71, and though in excellent health, still, he is of an age when one can pass at any time, especially in jail. It seems that he doesn’t like Adiala Jail, having gotten used to Attock Jail. Of course, he had applied for the transfer. Of course, it wasn’t as unlucky for him as it was for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was hanged there. Because of that, I suppose you couldn’t blame Imran for getting a little nervous, but then, Bhutto wasn’t betrayed by Usman Dar, was he? More worrisome in the possibility of more interviews on TV.

Plus I’m not sure Imran is entirely happy with the coverage of the World Cup he is getting. Of course, in Pakistan’s opening match the Dutch did about as well as could be expected, giving away only one wicket to Shaheen Shah Afridi, and thus foiled him in his pursuit to be on the The opening match was not the same page.usual Pakistan versus India match, but a replay of the 2019 final, England versus New Zealand. That had been a good match. This wasn’t really, with a lot of fans coming dressed as empty seats. I wonder where the BJP stands on this whole World Cup thing. I suppose so long as the Indian team avoids the polluting touch of the Pakistan team, it’s OK. So I suppose the biggest nightmare would be for Pakistan to reach the final with India, and then beat it to win. I don’t look very kindly on that prospect either, because I’m not sure that Babar Azam as Prime Minister would be the most appetizing of prospects. And what would he raise funds for? Another cancer hospital? Or maybe a kidney centre. Or maybe some other team wins.

Will they have to make their captain PM sometime in the future? Imagine Afghanistan winning. And their captain joining the Taliban. He won’t have to build even a neighbourhood dispensary. Just fire a burst in the air. And there you would have a future Emir of Afghanistan. Of course, that pales in comparison with what is happening in the Gaza Strip, after Palestinian missile attacks and infiltrations of gunmen led to 232 Palestinians being killed, as well as 250 Israelis. That has got to be the worst violence there in a very long time.

I see that our Foreign Office has called for an end to the violence. Right, so that the Palestinians can go back to being targets. Well, they’re targets now, and Hamas showed more bravado than brains in launching the attacks. Were they trying to prove that the Israelis can be brutal in their occupation? Something tells me there won’t be a ceasefire until the Netanyahu government has drunk its fill of Palestinian blood. And I’m sure that the Foreign Office genius who drafted that response wears a bow tie. And parts his hair in the middle. He probably also wears suspenders, but I’m not certain.

Monday, 9 October, 2023 | LAHORE

PAKISTAN FACES UNPREDICTABLE EVENTS CAUSED BY CLIMATIC CONDITION: CHAIRMAN NDMA

ISLAMABAD

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hairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik HI(M) has said that Pakistan was facing changing climatic condition and frequent recurrence of unpredictable and extreme events. In his message on “National Resilience Day”, he said that we commemorate the occasion with a mission and commitment to advance national preparedness by improving and increasing the nation’s resilience to natural and human induced threats. Lt Gen Imam Haider said that to meet disasters caused by climatic challenges, NDMA was proactively working at reducing the vulnerability to disasters, and also providing coping mechanisms and framework for effective disaster management. The disaster management system in Pakistan has traveled a long way in the recent time with formulation of National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and National Disaster Management Plan but still we have to go very far by implementing these polices and plan in their true letter and spirit, he added. He said, “We have also made considerable progress in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development processes, which will no doubt lead to greater national resilience against potential disasters. Our ex-

pedition for resilience is consistent and we need to make our utmost efforts to realize the ideals.” The chairman NDMA said that the Disaster Management System in Pakistan was currently undergoing a transformation, shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach. This represents a significant change in how we collectively address unexpected crises. In the past, the primary focus was on responding to emergencies after they had already occurred, often resulting in substantial loss of life and property. However, due to advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of natural disasters, Pakistan is now moving towards taking proactive measures, he maintained. He said, “This transformation involves the establishment of a modern National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The disaster NEOC is now

Toshakhana case: IHC to hear PTI chief’s plea on Monday ISLAMABAD

President urges for collaboration among stakeholders to reduce disaster risks ISLAMABAD

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Islamabad High Court (IHC) will hear the petition of chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan in Toshakhana case seeking suspension of the trial court verdict on Monday. Comprising Chief Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Babar Sattar, a two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court will hear the petition with objections from the Registrar’s Office. The PTI chief moved the petition through senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa under section 561-A (saving of inherent power of high court) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. “That it is settled principle of law that inherent powers of High Court are very wide and undefinable. High Court can make all such orders to do real and substantial justice and it is a fit case to exercise the powers under Section 561-A Cr.P.C. as the omission in not recording the contentions of the learned counsel for the applicant/appellant at the bar praying for suspension of the impugned order dated 05.08.2023 and subsequent non mentioning of the same in the order dated 28.08.2023 is an omission floating on the face of the order,” states the plea. It added that the IHC in its August 28 verdict only suspended the sentence of the PTI chief and not the trial court order. It urged the court to rectify the “omission of not recording the contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner with regard to the suspension” of the Toshakhana judgment of August 5. The petition further argued that the disqualification order by the ECP was issued in “haste” despite the conviction not attaining “finality”. TOSHAKHANA VERDICT: On August 5, the District and Sessions Court awarded three years jail term to the PTI chairman in Toshakhana criminal case. The court also imposed Rs 100,000 fine on the convicted chief of the PTI. The court also declared the former prime minister ineligible to hold public office for five years. The court in its verdict said that the accused had been found guilty of corrupt practices and handed the PTI chairman three years jail sentence. “Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details [of Toshakhana gifts] to the ECP and is found guilty of corrupt practices,” he stated.

capacitated to create common operating picture enabled by multiple satellite feeds, softwares, Artificial intelligence tools that is expected to strengthen digital risk assessment, early warning systems, and preparedness strategies.” Imam Haider said that National Resilience Day prompts us to embrace best practices and implement policies and strategies aimed at fortifying our nation’s resilience. He said that our policy initiatives should encompass various sectors, including the resilient and safe development of infrastructure, improved disaster preparedness, poverty alleviation, safer spatial land use planning, adherence to building codes, efficient water resource management, sound agricultural practices, and increased afforestation nationwide, including coastal areas. He said, “Given our vulnerabilities, I urge all federal and provincial

stakeholders to collaborate closely to reduce disaster risks, enhance preparedness, and establish swift response mechanisms through usage of latest technological tools. It is of utmost important that we prioritize the welfare of vulnerable segments of our society, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in all our endeavors.” He expressed gratitude for the invaluable support and assistance provided by the international community, civil society, and private philanthropy in bolstering our national response efforts during the recent mega flood disaster. He also called upon the international community to extend their utmost support to Pakistan in mitigating the adverse impacts of the climate change phenomenon that it disproportionately affects. The chairman NDMA said, “We have, as a nation, witnessed the relentless force of nature through earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and other calamities. These events have tested our resolve, but they have also illuminated the remarkable spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that defines us as a people. I firmly believe that, as we have done in the past, the people of Pakistan will continue to show their generosity by assisting their fellow citizens struck by disasters through their contributions and tireless efforts. May Allah guide and help us in building a strong and resilient Pakistan.”

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President Dr Arif Alvi on Sunday urged all federal and provincial stakeholders to collaborate closely to reduce disaster risks, enhance preparedness, and establish swift response mechanisms through usage of latest technological tools in the face of vulnerabilities. “It is of utmost importance that we prioritize the welfare of vulnerable segments of our society including women, children, the elderly and individuals with disabilities in all our endeavours,” the president said in a message on the occasion of National Resilience Day being observed on October 8. On the 8th October each year, he said they came together to show their solidarity and compassion for families who had endured the devastating effects of unprecedented natural disasters. The president said this day served as a solemn reminder of the catastrophic earthquake in 2005 that brought widespread destruction to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and Islamabad Capital Territory.

On this occasion, he said they reaffirmed their commitment to enhance the national preparedness and strengthening of resilience in the face of disasters. “I also call upon the international community to extend their utmost support to Pakistan in mitigating the adverse impacts of the climate change phenomenon that affects it disproportionately,” President Secretariat Press Wing in a press release quoted the president as saying. The president said they as a nation had witnessed the relentless force of nature through earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and other calamities. These events had tested their resolve, but they have also illuminated the remarkable spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that defined them as a unified nation. “I firmly believe that, as we have done in the past, the people of Pakistan will continue to show their generosity by assisting their fellow citizens struck by disasters through their contributions and tireless efforts,” he added. The president said last year during Monsoon season, devastating floods had again jolted Pakistan and surpassed all previous records. It was dishearten-

ing to note that Pakistan’s contribution to climate change was minimal, yet they found themselves among its primary victims, he added. The president said despite enduring multiple mega-scale disasters since 2005, the people of Pakistan have consistently displayed courage, selflessness, a spirit of sacrifice, and resilience in the face of adversity. “The designation of this day as “National Resilience Day” serves as an opportunity for introspection and underscores our commitment to better prepare for future challenges. National Resilience Day prompts us to embrace best practices and implement policies and strategies aimed at fortifying our nation’s resilience,” he added. The president said their policy initiatives should encompass various sectors, including the resilient and safe development of infrastructure, improved disaster preparedness, poverty alleviation, safer spatial land use planning, adherence to building codes, efficient water resource management, sound agricultural practices, and increased afforestation nationwide, including coastal areas.

PRs 28pc nonfunctional locomotives disrupting entire operations: oﬃcial ISLAMABAD

stAff RepoRt

Out of total 461, around 28 percent of Diesel-Electric Locomotives (DEL) of Pakistan Railways are non-functional creating disruption in appropriate functioning of entire operations of the department. An official of Ministry of Pakistan Railway said on Sunday that Pakistan Railways has 332 locomotives in running condition out of a total of 461, while 129 (28 percent) diesel-electric locomotives were non-functional. Of 129 locomotives, around 41 were under normal overhauling schedules and

maintenance. The locomotives will be rolled out after routine schedule maintenance turn by turn, the official said. He said that 11 locomotives met with an accident on various dates and locations and fabrication work and procurement of spares were under process for these locomotives. The official said that around 69 DPU class diesel-electric locomotives were held up for repair and need major modification while eight locomotives were temporarily deleted and under condemnation process due to overage. To a question, he said that Pakistan Railways was planning to procure as

many as 25 diesel-electric locomotives for various shunting points across the country which would help to replace outdated locomotives that were to be scrapped very soon. The project for the procurement and manufacturing of 25 shunting locomotives would be implemented in three years at an estimated cost of Rs. 14 billion, he added. Currently, he said that only 51 locomotives were being operated for this service against the 98 shunting points at various railway stations across the country. Additionally, most of the old locomotives would be discarded due to high maintenance costs.

NEWS 03

Farmers gearing up for ‘long march’ on Islamabad, Lahore against inflated bills LAHORE

stAff RepoRt

Pakistan Kisan Ittehad, a coalition wing of various farmers associations, has indicated of long march on Islamabad and Lahore. A final decision will be made in the meeting of district presidents of all districts on October 10. Farmers’ Coalition central president Malik Zulfiqar Awan said that government policies are ‘killing’ farmers and instead of catching those who looted billions of dollars, the poor farmer is being harassed. The key reasons behind the long march as listed by the farmers’ coalition are massive increases in the electricity, gas, and fertilizer prices leading to situations where both layman and farmer could not pay electricity bills. Last year, Kissan Ittehad, representing smallholder farmers, conducted a 10-day protest in Islamabad in September, leading to the announcement of a ‘Kissan package’ worth Rs1.8 trillion by the federal government. However, no concrete practical steps were taken to implement the announced package, and it remains on paper. Urea fertilizer had sold on the black market for the past two years led to declining crop yields and long queues of growers outside dealer shops.

Pakistan deeply concerned by escalating hostility in Middle East: Jilani CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi also called upon the international community to play its active role for a peaceful resolution of the IsraelPalestine dispute in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and international law. In a post on X, the president said progress towards peace could not materialise without condemnation of usurpation and brutalisation of Palestinian rights and people by Israel. “Continuous annexation of land, illegal settlements, disproportionate reactions and killings. The result is no hope and no progress towards peace.” He said that the time had come to move forward in line with UN resolutions. “International community can play a big role today towards world peace.” A day earlier, the Foreign Office (FO) had called for exercising maximum restraint, urging the international community to come together for cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and pursuit of a lasting peace in the region. “We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between the Israelis and Palestinians,” the FO spokesperson said in a statement. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch expressed concerns about the “human cost of escalating situation” in the region, saying that Pakistan’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been consistent, advocating for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the region.

Two-state only viable solution to Palestine issue: PM Kakar CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The prime minister differentiated the history of relations between Pakistan and India and China and India. About the ICC Cricket World Cup being played in India, the prime minister said like every Pakistani, it was his desire that the Green Shirts should bring laurels to the country. He said so far, there was no practical proposal to visit India in this regard, adding India should have issued visas to Pakistani fans and journalists. Sports should be kept aloof from politics, he said, adding on the other hand, they would have issued visas to Indians if the world cup was held in Pakistan.

More than 1,000 perish in Hamas-Israel conflict as Netanyahu declares war on Gaza CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Hezbollah on Sunday said it had launched guided rockets and artillery onto three posts in the Shebaa Farms “in solidarity” with the Palestinian people. “Our history, our guns and our rockets are with you,” said senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine at an event in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahieh on Beirut’s outskirts in solidarity with the Palestinian fighters. The Lebanese army said shells and rockets had been launched from southern Lebanon onto “occupied Lebanese territory,” without saying who was responsible, and that returning Israeli fire had left several people wounded. Tehran’s main regional ally, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, fought a war with Israel in 2006 and said its “guns and rockets” stand with Hamas. “We recommend Hezbollah not to come into this and I don’t think they will,” Israel’s army spokesperson said. WAR CONTINUES: In southern Israel, Hamas gunmen were still fighting Israeli security forces 24 hours after a surprise, multi-pronged assault of rocket barrages and bands of gunmen who overran army bases and invaded border towns. “My two little girls, they’re only babies. They’re not even five years old and three years old,” said Yoni Asher who had seen video of gunmen seizing his wife and two small daughters after she took them to visit her mother, he said. Israel’s military, which faces questions over its failure to prevent the attack, said it had regained control of most infiltration points along security barriers, killed hundreds of attackers and taken dozens more prisoners. “We’re going to be attacking Hamas severely and this is going to be a long, long haul,” an Israeli military spokesperson told a briefing with reporters. The military said it had deployed tens of thousands of soldiers around Gaza, a narrow strip that is home to 2.3 million Palestinians, and was starting to evacuate all Israelis living around the frontier of the territory. “This is my fifth war. The war should stop. I don’t want to keep feeling this,” said Qassab al-Attar, a Pales-

tinian wheelchair user in Gaza whose brothers carried him to shelter when Israeli forces shelled their house. The attack by Hamas launched at dawn on Saturday represented the biggest and deadliest incursion into Israel since Egypt and Syria launched a sudden assault in an effort to reclaim lost territory in the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago. US WILL ALWAYS HAVE ISRAEL’S BACK BIDEN: US President Joe Biden said on Saturday said the United States will always have Israel’s back and warned no enemy of Israel should exploit the attacks. The conflict could undermine US-backed moves towards normalising relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia – a security realignment that could threaten Palestinian hopes of self determination and hem in Hamas’ main backer, Iran. Meanwhile, on Sunday, US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier said Washington would announce new assistance for Israel on Sunday after Hamas fighters rampaged through Israeli towns, with the country suffering its bloodiest day in decades on Saturday. Israel battered Palestinians with air strikes in Gaza on Sunday. Hundreds have been reportedly killed on both sides. HOSTAGES: The debris from Saturday’s attack still lay around southern Israeli towns and border communities on Sunday morning and Israelis were reeling from the sight of bloodied bodies lying on suburban streets, in cars and in their homes. Palestinian fighters escaped back into Gaza with dozens of hostages, including both soldiers and civilians. About 30 missing Israelis attending a dance party that was targeted during Saturday’s attack emerged from hiding on Sunday, Israeli media reported. The capture of so many Israelis, some filmed being pulled through security checkpoints or driven, bleeding, into Gaza, adds another layer of complication for Netanyahu after previous episodes when hostages were exchanged for many Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas fired more rocket salvoes into Israel on Sunday, with air raid sirens sounding across the south, and the Israeli military said it would combine an evacuation of border areas with a search for more gunmen. Israeli air strikes on Gaza began soon after the Hamas attack and continued overnight and into Sunday, destroying the group’s offices and training camps, but also houses and other buildings. In Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, people searched through the remains of a mosque early on Sunday. “We ended the night prayers and suddenly the mosque was bombed. They terrorised the children, the elderly and women,” said resident Ramez Hneideq. ESCALATION: The escalation comes against a backdrop of surging violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where a Palestinian authority exercises limited self-rule, opposed by Hamas that wants Israel destroyed. Conditions in the West Bank have worsened under Netanyahu’s hard-right government with more Israeli raids and assaults by Jewish settlers on Palestinian villages, and the Palestinian Authority called for an emergency Arab League meeting. Peacemaking has been stalled for years and Israeli politics have been convulsed this year by internal wrangles over Netanyahu’s plans to overhaul the judiciary. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the assault that began in Gaza would spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem. Gazans have lived under an Israeli-led blockade for 16 years, since Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007. “How many times have we warned you that the Palestinian people have been living in refugee camps for 75 years, and you refuse to recognise the rights of our people?” Western countries, led by the United States, denounced the attack. President Joe Biden issued a blunt warning to Iran and other countries: “This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks. Across the Middle East, there were demonstrations in support of Hamas, while Iran and Hezbollah

praised the attack. That Israel was caught completely off guard was lamented as one of the worst intelligence failures in its history, a shock to a nation that boasts of its intensive infiltration and monitoring of militants. The main Tel Aviv Stock Exchange indexes fell 6% on Sunday (.TA35), (.TA125) and investors expected the violence to prompt a move into gold and other safehaven assets. UN AGENCY SAYS HUMANITARIAN ACCESS NEEDED TO GET FOOD TO GAZA: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) called on Sunday for the creation of humanitarian corridors to bring food into Gaza as Israeli air strikes pounded the Palestinian enclave following deadly Hamas attacks. “As the conflict intensifies, civilians, including vulnerable children and families, face mounting challenges in accessing essential food supplies,” the Rome-based WFP said. “WFP urges safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected areas, calling on all parties to uphold the principles of humanitarian law … including ensuring access to food.” The UN agency provides direct food assistance to some 350,000 Palestinians monthly, while also offering aid to nearly 1 million Palestinians in cooperation with other humanitarian partners via cash transfers. WFP said it was ready to set up pre-positioned food stocks for people who had been displaced or were in shelters. “While most shops in the affected areas in Palestine currently maintain one month of food stocks, these risk being depleted swiftly as people buy up food in fear of a prolonged conflict,” it said. Israeli aircraft battered Gaza on Sunday after Israel suffered its bloodiest attack in decades, when Hamas fighters rampaged through Israeli towns killing 600 and abducting dozens more. The Israeli military said it had deployed tens of thousands of soldiers around Gaza, a narrow strip that is home to 2.3 million Palestinians, amid widespread speculation of an imminent, large-scale Israeli incursion into the territory.

04 COMMENT

Urgent need for much greater ‘Global Public Investment’

Monday, 9 October 2023

Keeping the PTI in the ring

JUI(F) and PPP chiefs’ support for PTI points to an interesting national debate

UI(F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PPP cochairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have both come out in support of the PTI taking part in the coming general election. However, both also supported the holding accountable of those responsible for the May 9 incidents. This is a convergence of positions from the earlier divergence of the two parties on the holding of elections. While the JUI(F) is willing to go along with the over-stepping of the constitutional limit of 90 days, Mr Zardari has come out in public with the demand that the limit be adhered to. Incidentally, the PPP seems divided on this issue, with some not so sure that delimitations should not come first. Both the Maulana and Mr Zardari could be seen taking principled stands. Where the Maulana stressed that he would not ‘kick a man when he is down’, Mr Zardari expressed readiness to talk to the PTI before elections, showing that the doors of dialogue can never be closed in politics. However, their explicit support for accountability for the May 9 attacks also displayed another trait of democracy: that matters could not be taken into one’s own hands. An essential part of the dialogue between the political parties and the establishment about the latter’s role in politics must be about how to protest decisions with which one does not agree. May 9 could serve as an object lesson in what not to do: burning down military installations is not an option, nor is it the job of a political party to take on an armed force, no matter what its provocation. The PPP suffered the trauma of its leader being hanged, and one party worker burnt himself to death in protest, but no attacks on military installations were carried out, even though the hanging was carried out by a martial law government. May 9 took place only because the PTI wanted to protest its leader being merely arrested. However, the PTI does represent a large section of the population; whether it represents the majority can only be tested at the hustings. Keeping it away from that test may suit other parties, but cannot suit the nation. In the end, accountability for May 9 can only come at the ballot box for the party; the courts may deal with individuals, but that does not mean that any party should be kept away from the poll.

Neoliberal mantras are not working in the face of the polycrisis

Dr Omer JaveD

HE neoliberal mantra that governments should just ‘facilitate the private sector’, along with the practice of austerity policies, have together meant lack of needed public investments over the years to build resilient economies. Hence, while private spending under another neoliberal mantra of ‘market fundamentalism’ that market signals will bring optimal decisions for the economy, and therefore, regulation should be minimized, on the contrary led to decisions by the private sector that mainly followed the ‘profit-overpeople’ minded signals. Overall, when the covid-19 pandemic hit for instance, and all those years for example since roughly the start of the current millennium when covid-19 continued to spread from time to time as an epidemic, the cracks in the global economy in terms of lack of preparedness to deal with shocks, lack weak public health sector in the case of dealing with a pandemic, or better safeguards placed to keep bank lending in much cautious territory as the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-08 indicated as an outcome of lack of such safeguards over the years, all meant that neoliberal experiment had failed. Criticizing this state of affairs of economics in his recently published book, Nobel laureate in economics, Angus Deaton was quoted from that book in an article ‘A Nobel laureate offers a biting critique of economics’ published by Bloomberg as ‘So, when the Princeton University emeritus professor has a new book out with the sober title Economics in America you might anticipate a valedictory celebration of the wonders of the discipline. It’s anything but. What Deaton calls his mea culpa is a broadside on his profession and some of its most celebrated figures. Economists and their relentless focus on markets and efficiency, as well as their dogmatic attachment to theories (even after they’ve been disproven), have had life-or-death consequences for millions, he argues. …Deaton believes [Larry] Summers and a small cadre of influential economists

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi

helped lay the foundation for the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s and also the 2008 global financial crisis by recklessly helping to ease restrictions on the flow of speculative capital around the world. …Deaton’s primary complaint isn’t with Summers. It’s that the profession has become intoxicated with markets and money, losing sight of its primary mission as set out in its earliest days by Adam Smith, John Locke and others who came to economics via philosophy and other fields, rather than commerce. “The discipline has become unmoored from its proper basis, which is the study of human welfare,” Deaton writes in his book.’ Moreover, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in its report on ‘Trade and Development’ that it recently published and titled ‘Growth, debt, and climate: realigning the global financial architecture’, pointed out the negative impact of practice of over-board monetary austerity in terms of debt distress on a number of developing countries globally, including Pakistan. The Report pointed out in this regard ‘This Report presents an alternative response, in which the pace of disinflation takes into consideration the impact of high real interest rates not only on inflation indicators, but also on economic activity, employment, income inequality and fiscal stability. In an interconnected world in which developing countries are potential engines of economic growth, policymakers in advanced economies should take into account the damage that high interest rates can cause to long-term investment – both in terms of structural change and climate adaptation– as well as debt sustainability. In the current international financial architecture, policy space is easily curtailed by movements in financial markets, with heavy impacts on social policies, investment and employment generation.’ Hence, there is a need to rein in austerity policies, for greater public investments, which in turn will bring greater empowerment of the demos in terms of their political voice, towards pushing public policy for placing much-needed deeper taxes on the rich for instance. For making greater public investments, while it is indeed important that developing countries enhance their tax base, and increase tax progressivity, it is also necessary to reduce the burden on developing countries to adopt austerity policies through reaching a much more meaningful level of multilateralism, especially in terms of both greater debt relief, and a fresh allocation of special drawing rights (SDRs) to the tune of $650 billion, as was done by the International Monetary Fund in August 2021, but with a much-needed needs-based (and not the usual quote-sharing formula) sharing criteria in these extraordinary times of a world in the grip of a polycrisis. It makes sense here to indicate a recently strong push made for such allocation of SDRs, as pointed out by an October 4, 2023 published article ‘Exclusive: The congressional push to create $650 billion’

Nature’s S.O.S for disappearing species Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Global warming also means dying species

UbaiD Sahil

OTHER Nature and its species are disappearing at an alarming speed. Since the industrial revolution, our planet’s environment has been changing rapidly due to the excessive emission of greenhouse gases and chlorofluorocarbons, causing significant harm to both Mother Nature and its species. Fortunately, more people worldwide have become aware of the risks associated with these issues and have initiated individual and collective efforts to protect and preserve nature and its species. Influential figures such as Sir David Attenborough and the late Australian conservationist Steve Irwin, who passed away over a decade and a half ago, have educated millions through their remarkable documentaries, inspiring global endeavours to safeguard our environment. However, despite these efforts, the challenges remain immense, and there is much more to be done to ensure the protection and preservation of our planet. Globally around 50 percent of all species are at the risk of extinction according to estimations. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, over 16,300 species are listed as endangered, with 42,100 species threatened with extinction worldwide. If the current disappearance rate continues, more than one million species could become extinct by 2050. Many of us mostly love animals like lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, tigers, rhinoceroses, and pandas. Unfortunately, many of these beloved wild animals could disappear by the end of this century. According to WWF, there are only about 23,000 to 39,000 lions left in the wild, and they could be extinct by 2050. The cheetah population is even more dire, with fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining. The global elephant population stands at 400,000, but tragically, over 100 African elephants are lost every day due to poaching and habitat destruction. The rhinoceros population totals 27,000, and there are fewer than 4,500 tigers left in the wild. All these species are disappearing, and our future generations may not have the chance to see them. Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most unique and rare fauna and flora. This is due

to Pakistan’s diverse landscape. From snow-covered high-altitude peaks in the north to the sandy beaches of the south, Pakistan’s landscape provides habitats including barren deserts, vast plains, lowland wetlands, alpine valleys, and lush green meadows. This wide range of habitat is home to unique and rare species such as the markhor, snow leopard, Indus river dolphin, musk deer, Indian pangolin, nilgai, bharal, goitered gazelle, Siberian ibex, Sindhi ibex, lynx, wild goat, leopard, urial, Marco Polo sheep, Himalayan brown bear, and blackbuck. Regrettably, a significant number of these species face imminent risks due to illegal poaching, hunting, deforestation, and habitat destruction. Pakistan’s national animal, the markhor, is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Creatures such as the Indus river dolphin, Indian pPangolin, and white-bellied musk deer are categorized as Endangered. Species including the Marco Polo sheep and Siberian ibex hover close to being classified as Near Threatened, while others such as the urial, goitered gazelle, Sindhi ibex, snow leopard, and Indian leopard fall into the Vulnerable category. Tragically, the Himalayan brown bear is listed as Critically Endangered. Globally, the causes of these crises include climate change, global warming, recently arrived global boiling, poaching, and illegal hunting, habitat destruction, rapid population growth, and various forms of pollution. Global warming could lead to the submergence of several international cities in the near future, including Venice, Jakarta, Mumbai, and, sadly, Pakistan’s economic hub, Karachi.

Climate change and global warming are jointly responsible for extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, floods, droughts, rising temperatures, health issues, and a rapid loss of biodiversity. Pakistan’s biodiversity faces threats such as deforestation, rapid population growth, habitat destruction, and, sadly, illegal hunting and poaching. The alarming rate of disappearance is a pressing concern, but we can take control and address it. Time is running out, and more effective efforts are urgently needed. Across the globe, numerous communities and organizations are dedicated to combating these crises. People are becoming increasingly aware of these issues, and governments worldwide are taking steps to safeguard nature and its species. In 2008, Ecuador became the first country to grant legal rights to Mother Nature in its constitution, marking a significant milestone in nature conservation. Following Ecuador’s example, several other countries, including the United States, Bolivia, India, New Zealand, Panama, Australia, Colombia, Bangladesh, and Canada, have also granted legal rights to nature. Pakistan should consider safeguarding nature’s rights at the national level. This includes implementing a complete ban on animal hunting, halting deforestation, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting national awareness. Effective legislation would be a crucial step in preserving nature. Lastly, establishing more national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected areas with improved management is of utmost importance.

Ubaid Sahil is an undergraduate student and freelance writer.

Pakistan should consider safeguarding natureÊs rights at the national level. This includes implementing a complete ban on animal hunting, halting deforestation, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting national awareness.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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by ‘Axios’ as ‘The International Monetary Fund should, once again, create $650 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)– just as it did in 2021. That’s the view of a broad range of civil society institutions. It’s also the view of 59 Democratic members of Congress, including six senators, who co-signed a letter to President Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen first obtained by Axios. …The SDR issuance has the potential to be transformative, not just for the domestic economies of low- and middle-income countries that are struggling with high debts, but also for the global climate, the letter argues. …The $650 billion number is carefully calibrated to be the maximum the IMF can issue without congressional approval. If Yellen directs the US to vote in favour, then there’s a very good chance the issuance will happen.’ To quote from the Letter in this regard ‘A new issuance of SDRs can be seen as an insurance policy for the US as well as the rest of the world, and your administration can take effective action on its own by supporting a new issuance of SDRs at the IMF. Leading your administration now to support a new issuance of at least $650 billion in SDRs is a simple, cost-free, and effective way of saving many export-related jobs— including manufacturing and union jobs– in the US, while saving many lives in developing countries and mitigating the effects of a global slowdown. SDRs are a readily available and effective tool in your economic policy toolbox– we urge you to use it.’ With regard to understanding the importance of making larger public investments globally, renowned economist Mariana Mazuccato for instance pointed out in an article ‘Putting the Common Good at the centre of economic transformation’ published in a report ‘Time for global public investment’ recently by Global Public Investment Network, as follows: ‘These principles are relevant at the international level as well and are well represented in the growing call for Global Public Investment [GPI]– a form of cooperative international investment that is co-created, accountable, ambitious and focused on the common good. GPI puts the global common good at the heart of international public finance and foregrounds the role of public money as a valuable tool for shaping development outcomes, rather than filling the gap in the absence of other monies.’ Moreover, in the same report, noted global thinkers Jayati Ghosh and Jonathan Glennie indicated in their article ‘International public finance cannot be replaced by private money’ as follows: ‘A very large part of the investment required to meet the SDGs falls into one of these two categories. This means that governments have to spend to ensure such investment, either directly or through directing market-based investments through incentives or regulation. In many cases, it is more impactful and more cost-effective for governments to undertake this directly through public investment.’.

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A new ‘assignment’

RECENTLY, power supply went off in my area in the morning as it happens frequently these days. We waited for the next three hours before making a call to the customer care helpline of K-Electric (KE). One of the representatives picked my call and in a decent, courteous manner asked about the issue, and had me confirm my KE account number, address (D606, Shamail Garden, Block 19 Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Karachi) and requested me to wait for a while. I was expecting the usual reply citing some ‘technical’ issue, but the KE representative’s reply took me by surprise. The supply had been deli-berately turned off due to collective non-payment by area residents. Regardless of whatever argument I could put forth, the KE representative remained polite but firm in the belief that I was part of the problem even if I had been paying my bills regularly. I was advised to visit the KE corporate office in Gulistan-i-Jauhar if I wanted to pursue the matter further. I went there with a few others, and there was a bigger surprise awaiting us at the corporate office. We waited for about an hour before we were given an audience by the relevant official. All he did was to give us a list of defaulters with their respective dues. The gentleman behaved as if we were KE’s recovery staff and were not doing our ‘duty’ properly. Make the defaulters pay the dues, or electricity would not be restored. This is what he told us. Now, forget everything else, just answer a simple question; are we, the consumers, supposed to go door to door to facilitate the recovery process of KE? It is deliberately cutting off supplies to entire areas, which is an illegality. Now it wants us to make recoveries as well. This is the curse of monopolistic hold on market at its worst. Will the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) have a look into the matter? Please! IKHLAQ UR REHMAN KARACHI

Malir river forest

OUR forest cover stands reduced owing to several reasons. This is despite the fact that we have enormous potential of increasing such a cover. Canada has 8,953 trees per person, Brazil has 1,491, China 102, and India 38. It is depressing that Pakistan has a mere five trees per person, and when it comes to Karachi, the horrible number is 0.35. Yes, 0.35 trees per person. London, which is supposedly a modern ‘concrete jungle, has more than 21 per cent of its area under trees. Any land that has 20pc trees is called a forest, and London meets that criterion. Fortunately for Karachi, we have dry Malir River which can be converted into a forest. We can use the construction of Malir Expressway, and make the contractor not only plant three rows of trees on either side with local fruit-bearing trees, like jaman, cheeko and guava, but also nurture them till the completion of the project. Malir River snakes around the heart of the city, and travels some 36km before making a landfall into the Arabian Sea. The average width of the river is 1km. This is an ideal opportunity to make it an urban forest of 36 square kilometres, corresponding to 8,892 acres. The Changa Manga, one of the world’s largest man-made forests, occupies 12,515 acres, and has 14 species of trees and more than 40 species of birds, animals and insects. If it can happen at Changa Manga, there is reason to believe that it can happen here as well. If we convert Malir River into a forest, we will have more trees than the number of people in Karachi. The ratio of tree versus population would definitely increase manifold. The annual monsoon will make water flow through the trees. The sewerage being used currently for growing vegetables will take care of the newly-planted trees. The forest will help subsoil water retention, and birds, animals, butterflies and honey bees will be attracted, decreasing Karachi’s overall temperature. Moreover, it will provide New York’s Central Park-like facilities for enter-tainment-starved people of Karachi. S NAYYAR IQBAL RAZA KARACHI

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COMMENT 05

Financial literacy: An essential part of human life Monday, 9 October 2023

Money makes the mare go

Dr rAjkumAr Singh

INANCIAL literacy is the ability to understand and use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. It involves the knowledge of financial concepts, such as earning, saving, spending, borrowing, and investing, as well as the ability to make informed decisions about these matters. financial literacy is crucial for individuals and families to navigate the complex world of personal finance and make sound financial choices. Key concepts include: a. BUDGETING: Creating and maintaining a budget helps individuals track their income and expenses, enabling them to make informed decisions about their spending and saving. b. SAVING AND INVESTING: Understanding the importance of saving money and the various investment options available is fundamental to building wealth over time. This includes knowledge about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and other investment vehicles. c. CREDIT MANAGEMENT: Knowledge about credit scores, credit reports, and responsible borrowing is essential for managing debt effectively and maintaining a good credit history. d. FINANCIAL PLANNING: Developing a longterm financial plan involves setting goals, creating a strategy to achieve them, and understanding the implications of financial decisions on future wellbeing. e. RISK MANAGEMENT: Understanding and managing financial risks is crucial. This includes knowledge about insurance, emergency funds, and strategies to mitigate risks associated with investments. f. UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL PRODUCTS: Being aware of various financial products and serv-

ices, such as bank accounts, loans, and retirement accounts, helps individuals make informed choices that align with their financial goals. g. ECONOMIC AWARENESS: Understanding basic economic concepts and how they affect personal finances, such as inflation, interest rates, and economic cycles, is important for making informed financial decisions. Promoting financial literacy is a global initiative because it has a direct impact on economic well-being and stability. Governments, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions often offer resources, courses, and programs to enhance financial literacy among individuals of all ages. Improving financial literacy can lead to better financial decision-making, increased savings, reduced debt, and overall financial well-being. The background of financial literacy is rooted in the increasing complexity of modern financial systems and the recognition that individuals need the knowledge and skills to navigate these systems effectively. Several factors contribute to the background and evolution of financial literacy which include: a. COMPLEX FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE: As financial systems have become more intricate, with a variety of investment options, banking products, and credit instruments, the average person requires a basic understanding of these concepts to make informed decisions. b. SHIFT IN RESPONSIBILITY: In many societies, there has been a shift from employer-sponsored pension plans to individual responsibility for retirement savings. This change places a greater emphasis on individuals to make wise investment decisions and plan for their financial future. c. RISE OF PERSONAL DEBT: With the proliferation of credit cards and easy access to loans, individuals are more susceptible to debt-related issues. financial literacy is crucial for understanding the implications of borrowing and managing debt responsibly. d. GLOBALIZATION: Increased interconnectedness and globalization have made it essential for individuals to understand international economic trends, currency fluctuations, and the impact of global

events on personal finances. e. DIGITALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY: The advent of digital technologies has transformed the way people manage their finances. Mobile banking, online investing, and digital payment systems are now common, requiring individuals to adapt to new tools and platforms. f. EDUCATIONAL GAPS: Traditional education systems often do not provide comprehensive financial education. Many individuals enter adulthood without a solid understanding of basic financial principles, leading to poor financial decisions. g. FINANCIAL CRISES: Events such as the global financial crisis of 2008 underscored the importance of financial literacy. Many individuals suffered financial hardships due to issues like subprime mortgages, highlighting the need for better financial education and awareness. h. DEMANDS FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION: The recognition of the vulnerability of consumers in financial markets has led to increased calls for consumer protection. Thus, financial literacy is seen as a key tool in empowering consumers to make informed choices and avoid financial pitfalls. Efforts to promote financial education range from school curricula enhancements to workplace training programs and public awareness campaigns. financial literacy provides a wide range of benefits, both at the individual and societal levels. In this context, the key advantages of being financially literate include: a. EMPOWERMENT: financial literacy empowers individuals to take control of their financial lives. Understanding financial concepts and principles enables people to make informed decisions and feel more confident about managing their money. b. SMART FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING: financially literate individuals are better equipped to make sound financial decisions. They can budget effectively, save for the future, and make informed choices about investments and other financial matters. c. DEBT MANAGEMENT: financial literacy includes knowledge about interest rates, credit scores, and strategies for reducing and eliminating debt.

Financial literacy is seen as a key tool in empowering consumers to make informed choices and avoid financial pitfalls. Efforts to promote financial education range from school curricula enhancements to workplace training programs and public awareness campaigns

d. SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS: financially literate individuals are more likely to save for shortterm and long-term goals. They are also better positioned to understand various investment options and make choices that align with their financial objectives. e. FINANCIAL PLANNING: financial literacy is crucial for effective financial planning. Individuals who are financially literate can set realistic financial goals, create budgets, and develop strategies to achieve their objectives over time. f. RISK MANAGEMENT: Understanding financial risks is an essential component of financial literacy. This includes knowledge about insurance, emergency funds, and strategies to mitigate risks associated with investments. g. RETIREMENT PLANNING: financial literacy is particularly important for planning for retirement. Individuals who are aware of retirement savings options, investment strategies, and the impact of inflation on long-term savings are better prepared for their retirement years. h. ECONOMIC STABILITY: A population that is financially literate contributes to economic stability. When individuals make informed financial decisions, it can reduce the likelihood of financial crises and their broader economic impact. i. REDUCED FINANCIAL STRESS: financial literacy can help individuals manage financial stress. When people have the knowledge and skills to navigate their finances effectively, they are less likely to experience the stress associated with financial uncertainty. j. INCREASED ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION: financially literate individuals are more likely to participate actively in the economy. They are better positioned to access financial services, contribute to economic growth, and make choices that align with their values and goals. k. CONSUMER PROTECTION: financial literacy acts as a form of consumer protection. Informed consumers are less likely to fall victim to financial scams, predatory lending practices, or other forms of financial exploitation. l. GENERATIONAL IMPACT: In addition, financial literacy can have a positive impact across generations. Parents who are financially literate can pass on their knowledge to their children, creating a cycle of financial education that benefits families over time.

The writer is a Youth Motivator, presently Professor of Political Science along with Dean, Student’s Welfare (DSW), at B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura (Bihar), India. His 25 books published in addition to about 1000 articles in national and international journals and daily newspapers from 25 foreign countries.

India’s dangerous ‘discourse power’ in the West Like the Hudson event, the U.S.India relationship is increasingly being scripted on New Delhi’s terms

GLOBELY NEWS Arif rAfiq

f China or Russia conducted an assassination on the territory of a U.S. treaty ally, one would expect calls in Washington for serious consequences. And if a representative of either government appeared at a public forum in the United States, he or she would face rigorous questioning. Yet India is receiving no such treatment in Washington in the wake of revelations last month by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that his government had proof “agents of India” murdered a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. Instead, India — an important partner that is not and will never be a U.S. ally — is being treated with kid gloves even as it seeks to actively shape the elite discourse in the West and widen cracks between Western allies using tactics that include disinformation. An increasingly authoritarian, Hindu majoritarian India with an active overseas killing and disinformation campaign needs far greater scrutiny in the West.

JAISHANKAR DOES WASHINGTON: On friday, Indian foreign Minister S. Jaishankar spoke before the conservative Hudson Institute in Washington. Unlike most figures in India’s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jaishankar is an articulate, worldly man. Jaishankar is the opposite of the typical BJP legislator. BJP members are more often than not local ruffians who entered the party through its extremist parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — a cadre organization built along the lines of the Nazi Party. Through incitement to violence, actual violence, and criminal activity, it’s these folks who win elections for the BJP. Jaishankar is needed for the BJP to win the world. Watch Jaishankar in action and you’ll see why he’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most powerful diplomatic weapon. He deftly alternates between deploying gravitas and pugnacity to command the respect of the powerful and disarm critics. But, increasingly these days, he is less pressed to labor. In the West, the game is being fixed in India’s favor. The Hudson Institute is friendly territory for Jaishankar. for many reasons, one could say he has a home-field advantage there, given the tilt of its work on South Asia and funding. The BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar, for example, was a Hudson Institute donor and trustee from 2018 through 2020 while serving in the Indian parliament. Washington, more broadly, is friendly ground for Jaishankar. His son, Dhruva, runs the DC office of a state-aligned Indian think tank, the Observer Research foundation (ORf). The ORf is funded by Mukesh Ambani, an Indian oligarch whose wealth has surged during the Modi era. It partners with India’s foreign ministry to organize one of the world’s largest policy forums: the Raisina Dialogue. Senior officials and experts from across the world, including the United States, are flown in. The event and ORf fellowships are key tools in cultivating India-friendly voices overseas. Walter Russell Mead, the moderator of the Hudson event, is emerging as an influencer friendly not only to

India, but also to the BJP and RSS. He took unusual care to protect Jaishankar from difficult questions, limiting audience interaction to pre-screened submissions by email. Unsurprisingly, the first question concerned the Canada killing. Mead took 35 seconds to ask the question. Jaishankar’s response lasted only two seconds. He simply said, “Sure, I think I answered that.” A compliant Mead replied, “You’ve answered it. Ok. We move on.” Jaishankar and Mead had broached the assassination just moments earlier, but not in any way that was meaningful or even tasteful. After the two men made a few jokes at Canada’s expense, Mead then addressed the killing in a roundabout fashion, asking Jaishankar how Trudeau’s accusation has impacted U.S.-India relations. Jaishankar responded not by denying an Indian hand in the killing, but only by saying that Trudeau’s allegation “is not consistent with our policy.” Jaishankar then proceeded for the next few minutes to go through a litany of complaints about Canada, claiming that his diplomats feel unsafe there. During this exchange, neither he nor Mead mentioned the Indian-born Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Canadian Sikh leader whose body was riddled with 36 bullets by agents of India. Mead was also unchallenging on the issue of human rights in India, letting out a freudian slip when he asked Jaishankar: “How would you try to shape the conversation…or how would you respond to some of the concerns people have here?” Jaishankar’s reply was callous. He dismissed claims of human rights violations in India as the complaints of powerful, overprivileged minorities at home and in the West, using the dog whistle “vote banks” to describe them.

INDIA’S ‘DISCOURSE POWER’ IN THE WEST: Like the Hudson event, the U.S.-India relationship is increasingly being scripted on New Delhi’s terms. India’s growing influence brings to mind the term “discourse power” — a common translation of the Mandarin term “huàyǔ quán” used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to refer to, among other things, its ability to shape the global conversation on China. In Washington, India has been far more effective than China in commanding “discourse power.” The BJP is radically transforming India, dismantling its secular edifice and replacing it with an expressly Hindu regime that pummels Christians and Muslims into submission through incessant hate, organized violence, and state coercion. But Washington think tanks — including ones that host India-focused programs — rarely discuss the BJP’s human rights record let alone its Hindutva ideology and the networks behind it. Some experts shy away from these topics so much that they euphemistically refer to the BJP’s campaign to render Christians and Muslims second-class citizens as its “social agenda.” The shadowy, powerful RSS largely goes unmentioned in Washington — even by U.S. experts who speak at RSS-affiliated think tanks. The reason? Doing so in an open setting would force discussion of the RSS’s radical aims and its influence over the BJP agenda. Ignoring the RSS allows India observers here to pretend that the BJP is merely a center-right party and not the political face of a violent, extremist movement. But there are now signs the RSS is beginning to come in from the cold. And it is engaging — and in some cases, cultivating — Western voices like Mead, a scholar who has been associated with prestigious think tanks for over two decades.

THE RSS’S COMING OUT PARTY: Mead — the author of highly acclaimed books on U.S. grand strategy and the U.S.-Israel relationship — is now paying closer attention to South Asia. This year, he’s visited India twice and met with leaders and ideologues affili-

Mead was also unchallenging on the issue of human rights in India The shadowy, powerful RSS largely goes unmentioned in Washington — even by U.S. experts who speak at RSS-aﬃliated think tanks

ated with RSS and other Hindu nationalist networks that dominate India today. During a trip to India in March, Mead was joined by billionaire Harlan Crow, a major donor to the Hudson Institute and other conservative groups. Crow, Mead, and others in their group met with leading Hindu nationalist figures, including Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the extremist RSS. Upon returning to the U.S., Mead argued in the Wall Street Journal that the West “need[s] to engage much more deeply” with the RSS, which he described not only as “a complex and powerful movement,” but also as “the most powerful civil-society organization in the world.” There is nothing civil about the RSS. The thrice-banned organization has a long history of violence. Its leaders continue to make open calls for murder and its pracharaks (workers) — whom Mead later compared to the Jesuits — have taken part in the massacre of Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs for decades. There’s a reoccurring pattern in Mead’s apologetics on violent Hindu nationalist groups. He makes oblique references to their inescapable history of hate and violence, which he then neutralizes with counterfactuals — generally BJP or RSS talking points — that falsely suggest these individuals or groups are changing for the better. for example, Mead writes that his conversation with Yogi Adityanath — the fanatic Hindu priest and vigilante group founder who rules India’s largest state — “was about bringing investment and development to his state.” That may indeed be the face that Adityanath shows outsiders. But a simple Google search would reveal the face he is showing his own people. Prior to becoming chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath was jailed for inciting anti-Muslim riots, called for a “religious war” with Muslims, and said Muslim women should be abducted to avenge Hindu women marrying Muslim men. As chief minister, he’s promoted the “love jihad” conspiracy theory that falsely claims that Muslim men woo Hindu women to trick them into converting to Islam. These days, he’s known as “Bulldozer Baba,” because of his government’s destruction of Muslim homes.

HOW TO SANITIZE A KILLER: In 2002, as chief minister of the Gujarat state, Modi presided over antiMuslim pogroms that saw over a thousand people dead. Muslim men, women, children, and even the unborn were slaughtered in the most cruel and barbaric ways by workers of the BJP, RSS, and other Hindu nationalist groups as state police looked on. The magazine India Today condemned Modi as the “Hero of Hatred.” A British government investigation found Modi “directly responsible” for the mass killings. Aided by the star power of crony businessmen Ambani and Gautam Adani, Modi used the biennial Vibrant Gujarat business forum to market himself as a pro-business reformer. He never apologized for the violence. As Modi refashioned himself as a statesman, he left it up to his right-hand man, Amit Shah, to do the dirty work. And as prospects for Modi becoming prime minister grew, important voices in Washington, including former ambassador to India Robert Blackwill returned from trips to Gujarat to report that Modi was a changed man. Mead’s attempts to sanitize the image of Adityanath — a potential future prime minister — are alarming because he represents a more pernicious brand of Hindu nationalism that fuses priestly power with state and mob brutality. Yet Mead writes that he left India “more hopeful.” Hindu nationalists, he claims, are motivated “less [by] antagonism against Islam than fear for the future of India.” He suggests that the RSS is pushing for a Hindu identity because this is only what can unite a diverse India. This is absolutely not true. Anti-Muslim demoniza-

tion remains at the heart of the BJP’s politics. Turn on an Indian news channel and there’s a good chance you’ll find a segment whipping up anti-Muslim hysteria. Hatred of Muslims is what drives the BJP and RSS. It is their fundamental obsession. And so is the pursuit of power. Inciting hatred and violence toward Muslims has real political value. It’s how the BJP wins elections. Hindus are divided on the basis of caste and language. The notion of a pan-Hindu identity and a single Hindu religion are modern inventions. Caste remains the fundamental social identifier in India, determining who Indians marry and for whom they vote. To get Hindus to vote across caste lines for a single candidate or party requires a uniting force. In India, that unifying force is the invented Muslim “enemy.” Ahead of elections, the BJP regularly incites Hindu-Muslim clashes to consolidate and reinforce the Hindu vote. Sadly, it works. Modi has been so successful in consolidating the Hindu vote that he’s neutralized the Muslim vote. Muslim political influence in India is now at its nadir. Today, Muslims are roughly 15 percent of the population but only 5 percent of parliamentarians. As of mid-2022, there was not a single Muslim among the BJP legislators in any elected assembly across India. Muslims have been rendered politically irrelevant at the national level. Bigoted slurs are now openly directed at them in parliament. And rarely does a week go by without a Muslim being beaten or killed for allegedly transporting beef. Their physical security is in danger. Mead may have left India “more hopeful,” but few of the Muslims who remain in the country likely share his sentiment.

TIME TO TURN THE TABLES: Through its discourse power, New Delhi is setting not just the narrative about it in Washington, but also the terms of the bilateral relationship. This imbalance not only endangers minorities in India, it also gives New Delhi the space to engage in further actions that violate the sovereignty of Western liberal democracies, challenge their interests, and threaten the lives of their citizens. Like China and Russia, India opposes Western primacy and is exploiting cracks in the Western alliance. Today, state-aligned commentators in India gloat that their country is more important than Canada to the United States. Similarly, as Jaishankar mocks and bullies Canada, he’s become more effusive in his characterization of the U.S.-India partnership. Clearly, he’s trying to create a wedge between Ottawa and Washington. State-aligned actors are also directing disinformation toward the West. Ludicrous claims by a former Indian diplomat that cocaine was discovered on Trudeau’s plane made their way into the tabloid Toronto Sun. Canada’s defense minister called the allegation “categorically false” and “disinformation.” A BJP official accused Trudeau of having a gay affair with the slain Nijjar. Indian news outlets have also tried to muddy the waters by claiming that the Sikh leader or his counterparts are U.S. or Canadian intelligence assets. Hindu nationalist disinformation and hate speech are also fueling Hindu-Muslim conflict in multireligious immigrant communities in the West, including in Leicester, England, and Edison, New Jersey. Newer migrants bring with them Modi’s Hindutva ideology and its aggressive hate toward Muslims. India is playing by its own rules both at home and abroad. It’s able to do so not because of its inherent strength, but due to the space the West has conceded to it. Arif Rafiq is the editor of Globely News. He has contributed commentary and analysis on global issues for publications such as Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, the New Republic, the New York Times, and POLITICO Magazine.

06 NEWS

IRAN’S RAISI BACKS PALESTINIAN SELF-DEFENCE, WARNS ISRAEL

TEHRAN

Agencies

RESIDENT Ebrahim Raisi said on Sunday that Iran supports the Palestinians’ right to self-defence and warned Israel must be held accountable for endangering the region, a day after Hamas attacked Israel. Palestinian militants from the Iranbacked Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza strip, penetrated Israel at dawn on Saturday under the cover of a massive rocket barrage. Almost 1,000 people have been killed in the conflict so far, with Israel reporting more than 600 lives lost and Gaza’s health ministry putting its toll at 370 dead. “Iran supports the legitimate defence of the Palestinian nation,” Raisi said, quoted by state television. “The Zionist regime (Israel) and its supporters are responsible for endangering the security of nations in the region, and they must be held accountable in this

matter.” He urged Muslim governments to “support the Palestinian nation” while praising “resistance” efforts by Hamas and Islamic Jihad as well as in countries including Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. Raisi had spoken earlier with leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, official media said. State news agency IRNA said he had “discussed the developments in Palestine” in separate phone calls with Islamic Jihad secretary general Ziyad al Nakhalah and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. The Islamic republic hosted talks with leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in June. At the time, Raisi said Israel was seeking to normalise ties with more Arab and Muslim countries “to discourage young Palestinians from (seeking to) liberate the occupied territories”, according to the presidency. On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered in major cities of Iran, including in Tehran’s Palestine Square, carrying the Palestinian flag. They also held pictures of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, who was

assassinated in a US drone attack in Baghdad in 2020 after overseeing the Revolutionary Guards’ foreign operations for more than a decade. Billboards celebrating the offensive Hamas has dubbed “Al-Aqsa Flood” were installed in the capital, including one declaring: “The great liberation operation has begun”. Crowds in some cities set off fireworks and torched Israeli flags. Others marched in Palestinian colours while motorists honked their horns in jubilation, as seen in video footage from IRNA. Iran does not recognise Israel and has made support for the Palestinian cause a centrepiece of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The bitter rivals have engaged in a shadow war for years, with Iran accusing Israel of a series of sabotage attacks and assassinations targeting its nuclear programme. The United States and Israel have previously accused Iran of using drones and missiles to attack US forces and Israel-linked ships in the Gulf.

US ‘likely’ to give details on new military assistance for Israel: Blinken WASHINGTON Agencies

The United States, a close ally and major supplier of arms to Israel, could announce new military support Sunday following the Hamas attack, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. “We’re looking at specific additional requests that the Israelis have made. I think you’re likely to hear more about that later today,” Blinken told CNN. “President (Joe) Biden’s direction was to make sure that we’re providing Israel everything it needs in this moment to deal with the attacks from Hamas.” The conflict’s worst escalation in decades has claimed more than 600 lives on the Israeli side, the government press office said, while Gaza officials reported at least 370 deaths, with thousands more wounded on each side. “We have reports that several Americans were killed. We’re working overtime to verify that. At the same time, there are reports of missing Americans and there again, we’re working to verify those reports,” Blinken said. He told ABC that “this is a massive terrorist attack that is gunning down Israeli civilians in their towns, in their homes, and as we’ve seen so graphically, literally dragging people across the border with Gaza. “So, you can imagine the impact this is having throughout Israel. And the world should be revolted at what it has seen.”

19th Asian Games conclude in Hangzhou, China BEIJING

stAff correspondent

The 19th Asian Games concluded at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Sunday night. Raja Randhir Singh, acting president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), formally declared the 19th Asian Games closed. After 15 days of competition featuring 11,830 athletes from 45 countries and regions in 481 events across 61 disciplines in 40 sports, a total of 15 world records, 37 Asian records and 170 Asian Games records were set, highlighting the incredible performances and the efforts behind them by the participating athletes as well as the teams behind them.

BCCI to release more tickets for Indo-Pak clash amid terror threat DELHI

China, which had 886 athletes, the second-most in Asian Games history, won a record 201 gold, 11 silver and 71 bronze medals, leading the medal standings for the 11th straight time. Xie Zhenye, who won the men’s 100-meter and the men’s 4×100-meter relay gold medals at the Asian Games, carried the flag on behalf of China at the closing ceremony. The closing ceremony of the Asian Games was an 85-minute-long farewell party that included four clips, two programs and one carnival. According to Zhang Shiqian, the creative director of the closing ceremony, some 40,000 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were installed under the turf of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium as an important part of the show, CGTN reported. Sunday, October 8, marked the beginning of this year’s Hanlu, one of

China’s 24 solar terms. It began with the final blossoming days of lotus and the newly blossoming of sweet osmanthus. The LEDs, in combination of augmented reality (AR) technology, generated tides and various pictures of both flowers, turning the stadium into “Asia’s most beautiful garden,” in the director’s words, as a farewell to the visiting friends. The digital torchbearer that drew worldwide attention at the opening ceremony now has a name: Pioneer, a youngster who faces and battles the risks in an era that surges forward. The avatar came to the stadium again at the end of the closing ceremony and waved goodbye to the participants as the flame went out. The next edition of the Asian Games will take place in Aichi and Nagoya in Japan in 2026.

The BCCI have confirmed that 14,000 tickets will be released to fans ahead of the meeting between India and Pakistan at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. India and Pakistan’s group stage meeting at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad at the World Cup on October 14 is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament. Meanwhile, concerns have arisen following a terrorist threat received by Indian police, targeting the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The threat, conveyed through an email from a terrorist group, demanded a payment of INR 5 billion and the release of jailed gangster Ravi Bishnoi. The Mumbai police traced the origin of the email to Europe, and authorities are taking the threat seriously. Security measures for the World Cup games will be reassessed and enhanced if deemed necessary. “We will blow up Narendra Modi and the Narendra Modi stadium as well if the government fails to pay us ₹500 crore and release Lawrence Bishnoi. Everything sells in Hindustan, so we too have bought something. No matter how much you secure, you won’t be able to remain safe from us. If you wish to talk, do so on this email,” read the email sent to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Agencies

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan planned Sunday to inaugurate the first church built with government backing in overwhelmingly Muslim Turkey’s 100-year history as a post-Ottoman state. The Mor Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church’s opening marks an important cultural and political moment for both Turkey and its powerful leader. Erdogan drew widespread condemnation during his two-decade rule for converting ancient churches into mosques and making Islamic conservatism into a leading social force. He has always countered that he was simply restoring the rights of pious Muslims in the staunchly secular

SRINAGAR Agencies

Two days after banning Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party led by jailed leader Shabbir Shah, the India’s Ministry of Home Affairs delegated powers to the J&K administration to order seizure of its funds, properties and assets under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act-1967. According to Kashmir Media Service, the MHA on Sunday, issued a notification empowering the J&K administration to order seizure of funds, properties and assets of the Hurriyat organisation. The notification states that, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 42 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Indian government directs that all powers exercisable by it under section 7 and section 8 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act-1967 shall also be exercised by the J&K administration in relation to the banned outfit.

77 as waters recede

TIBET

An American mountaineer and her Nepali guide were killed in an avalanche on Mount Shishapangma in Tibet, southwest China, tour companies told AFP on Sunday, with two still missing and one seriously injured. Mount Shishapangma, one of the highest mountains in the world, peaks at 8,027 metres (26,335 feet) above sea level and is entirely located within Chinese territory. The accident occurred Saturday afternoon “at an altitude of between 7,600 and 8,000 meters”, China’s state news agency Xinhua said, citing the Tibet Sports Bureau, which confirmed the toll. Mingma David Sherpa of Elite Exped, which was handling the expedition, told AFP that Anna Gutu, an American mountaineer, had been killed. “We have received reports that Anna and her guide were hit by the avalanche yesterday, their bodies have been recovered,” he said.

KALIMPONG, WEST BENGAL, INDIA Agencies

“There are other climbers missing as well and rescue efforts are underway,” he said. Those efforts were complicated by the fact that “helicopters cannot be used” on the mountain due to Chinese restrictions, he added. Tashi Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks identified the missing as American climber Gina Marie Rzucidlo and her guide Tenjin “Lama” Sherpa. “Two avalanches hit the

mountain yesterday, impacting several climbers. Some were injured and two, American climber (Gina Marie Rzucidlo) and our guide Tenjin, are missing,” he said. “Search efforts are underway.” Tenjin became the toast of the mountaineering community this year after setting the record for the fastest summit of all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre (26,000-feet) mountains alongside Norway’s Kristin Harila.

Erdogan to open modern Turkish state’s first new church ISTANBUL

India empowers J&K admin to seize funds, assets of Shabbir Shah’s DFP

Two dead, two missing after avalanche Indian flood toll up to hits Tibet’s Mt Shishapangma Agencies

Agencies

Monday, 9 October, 2023 | LAHORE

republic founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923. Erdogan laid the first stone for the church’s construction for Istanbul’s 17,000-strong Assyrian Christians in 2019. “This is the first newly built church to open its doors since the founding of the Turkish Republic,” Istanbul Syriac Kadim Foundation president Sait Susin told reporters. Assyrian Christianity traces its history to communities that lived in the first century AD in a region stretching from southeastern Turkey to Syria and Iraq. Its main church moved from the Turkish city of Mardin to Damascus in 1932. Susin separately told the Anadolu state news agency that some small churches had quietly opened in Turkey in the past 100 years. But they did so “without official permission. It is the first time that a church has been officially built. This

gives us great pride,” Susin said. Erdogan drew international indignation for converting Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia — once the world’s largest cathedral — from a museum into a mosque in 2020. The United Nations cultural body UNESCO expressed “grave concern” at the time. Erdogan brushed the criticism aside and did exactly the same thing to Istanbul’s Byzantine-era Chora Church later that same year. Greece called that conversion “yet another provocation against religious persons everywhere”. Erdogan came under particularly strong attacks at home for unveiling a new mosque in 2021 on Taksim Square — a central Istanbul gathering point built around a monument celebrating Ataturk’s foundation of the secular Turkish state.

At least 77 people are confirmed dead in the floods that hit India’s northeast, authorities said Sunday, with destroyed roads and bridges leaving thousands more still cut off despite waters receding. Violent torrents struck Sikkim state on Wednesday after a high-altitude glacial lake suddenly burst. Scientists warn that similar disasters will become an increasing danger across the Himalayas as global temperatures rise and ice melts, spurred by climate change. “A total of 29 bodies have been retrieved from different parts of Sikkim,” state relief commissioner Anilraj Rai told AFP by phone. In neighbouring West Bengal state, Jalpaiguri district police told AFP that another 48 bodies had been recovered. More than 100 people are still missing, according to official figures. Water levels along the Teesta river “returned to normal” four days after the floods hit, an official from Sikkim’s state disaster control room told AFP. The office said more than 2,500 people stranded in the floods had been rescued. But evacuations have been complicated by the destruction of roads, bridges and telephone lines across much of Sikkim. Another 3,000 people were still stranded in several relief camps in the state’s north with airlift rescues delayed by bad weather, the office said. More than 1,200 houses were damaged by the floods, according to the state government. Among the dead were eight Indian army soldiers posted to Sikkim, which sits on India’s remote frontiers with Nepal and China and boasts a sizeable military presence. India’s defence ministry said in a Saturday statement that the floods had washed away “firearms and explosives” from military camps. Local media reports on Friday said that two people had been killed and four others injured by a mortar shell that exploded while flowing through the flood waters in West Bengal. The water surge came after intense rainfall burst the high-altitude Lhonak Lake, which sits at the base of a glacier in peaks surrounding the world’s third-highest mountain, Kangchenjunga. Water powered downstream, adding to a river already swollen by monsoon rains, damaging a dam and sweeping away houses. Himalayan glaciers are melting faster than ever due to climate change, exposing communities to unpredictable and costly disasters, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) research group.

Kohli, Rahul guide nervy India to 6-wicket win over Australia CHENNAI

Agencies

India launched their home World Cup campaign with a six-wicket victory over Australia after Virat Kohli and KL Rahul guided them through a jittery run chase on Sunday. The hosts probably expected their chase to be a cakewalk after their spin-heavy attack bundled out the five-times champions for 199 with three deliveries left in the Australian innings. India, however, made a shocking start to their reply with there of their top four batters falling for ducks — for the first time in an ODI — inside two overs. Dropped on 12 by Mitchell Marsh off Josh Hazlewood, Kohli went on to make 85 as he masterminded yet another successful chase for India. His collaborator in the 165run fourth-wicket stand, KL Rahul, produced a chanceless knock of 97 not out as India reached the target in 41.2 overs. “We didn’t want to start our innings like that. You have to give credit to the Aussies,”

India captain Rohit Sharma said. “There were some loose shots but that happens…Credit to Virat and KL for creating that match-winning partnership.” Australia would be particularly unhappy with their batting as no one reached fifty though David Warner (41) and Steve Smith (46) got decent starts after Pat Cummins elected to bat. Kohli took a sharp, diving catch in the slip to dismiss Marsh for a duck when the opener edged Jasprit Bumrah in the third over. REBUILDING JOB Warner and Smith combined in a rebuilding job though boundaries were not easy to come by as India’s three-pronged spin attack applied the chokehold. India had used Kuldeep Yadav sparingly in the buildup to the tournament wary of over-exposing him and the wrist-spinner struck two crucial blows. Kuldeep broke the 69-run stand when he took a return catch to dismiss Warner before Jadeja (3-28) wrecked Australia’s middle order. The left-arm spinner pegged back Smith’s off-stump, removed Marnus

Labuschagne caught behind and trapped Alex Carey lbw to leave Australia reeling. Kuldeep returned to remove Glenn Maxwell and Ravichandran Ashwin sent

back Cameron Green to reduce Australia to 140-7. Cummins hit their first six of the match in the 40th over but it was Mitchell Starc’s 28-run cameo down the order that

took them near the 200-mark. Defending a paltry total, Australia’s pace attack decided to fight fire with fire and Starc set the tone by removing Ishan Kishan for a first-ball duck. India’s poor start became a veritable nightmare as Josh Hazlewood began with a double-wicket maiden. Hazlewood trapped Rohit lbw with his third ball and Shreyas Iyer became the third Indian to fall for a duck when he slapped the ball to Warner at short cover. It could easily have been 20-4 for India had Marsh not dropped Kohli in what proved a costly mistake. While Kohli absorbed pressure at one end, Rahul released it by hitting Adam Zampa for three boundaries in one over as the batters focused on risk-free accumulation of runs. Kohli fell to Hazlewood but Rahul held firm to seal India’s victory with his second six. “We were at least 50-odd runs short,” Cummins rued. “It was going to be tough defending 200 on that wicket. Their spinners in particular made it tough out there.”

INTERNET CLOSURE FOR 24 HOUR COST IESCO fines Rs112m 1,695 power pilferers; recovers PAKISTAN RS1.3B IN DIRECT LOSS: PIDE

Monday, 9 October, 2023 | LAHORE

NEWS

CORPORATE CORNER

Rs353m from defaulters ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

In order to eradicate the elements of electricity theft and to recover the dues from the defaulters the detection and recovery teams of IESCO in Islamabad, Rawalpindi City, Rawalpindi Cantt, Attock, Jhlum and Chakwal Circles, with the support of the police and the district administration, are carrying out a series of operations under the supervision of Chief Executive IESCO Dr. Muhammad Amjad Khan. During the ongoing campaign started from September against electricity thieves, more than 0.1 million electricity meters were checked and penalties exceeding 21 million were imposed on 2695 consumers based on direct supply, slowness and tampered meters. Additionally police lodged FIRs and arrested 299 electricity thieves. During the campaign for the recovery of dues from electricity defaulters, IESCO's recovery teams collected dues exceeding 353.3 million from 22,624 defaulters across the region, and multiple meters and transformers were removed due to non-payment. Both campaigns, under the directives of the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Energy, are being welcomed in public constituencies, and there is a demand for the continued operation of these campaigns because the burden of electricity theft and defaulters should not fall on the general public. The effectiveness of IESCO's detection and recovery teams was appreciated by the Chief Executive of IESCO, who stated that they are implementing a zero-tolerance policy against electricity theft and non-payment of bills."

PIDE’s research: ‘Economic Cost of Internet Closure’ highlights consequences of internet shutdowns

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

AKISTAN Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) in a study has revealed that the shutdowns of internet services for 24 hours results in a direct loss of Rs1.3 billion, which equates to 0.57% of the daily GDP average for the nation. The study was part of PIDE’s research infographic titled “The Economic Cost of Internet Closure” and highlights the consequences of internet shutdowns in the country, said a press release issued on Sunday.

It said that the internet has become a fundamental necessity in modern times, however, the internet infrastructure of the country lags behind in terms of both quality and coverage. The recent internet closure in various parts of the country has had an impact on multiple sectors, leading to substantial financial losses and operational challenges. Online cab services, online food delivery services, freelancers, transport companies, and postal services have all been affected by the disruption of internet services, it said. The PIDE Infographic showed that online cab services, a cornerstone of modern transportation, saw a 97% reduction in the number of rides on

days when the internet has been closed down. This significant downturn equates to a loss of Rs 29 to 32 million for the industry per day. Similarly, online food delivery services suffered a 75% reduction in the number of orders, translating into a substantial daily loss of Rs 135 million. Meanwhile, the freelance community, which contributes significantly to Pakistan’s economy, has also felt the brunt of internet disruptions. Denial of orders to Pakistan-based freelance workers resulted in over $1.3 million loss of revenue, equaling Rs 390 million, impacting the livelihoods of many and the national economy as a whole too, it revealed.

INDUS SHIELD-2023

PAF’s 14 nation multinational air exercise begins at ACE

Staff RepoRt

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Govt needs to reduce POL prices amid rupee gain, low global rates: Anjum Nisar KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’ Businessmen Panel (BMP) has called on the government to make a substantive redcution in petroleum products following a huge cut in the global oil market by almost $9 per barrel and an immense recovery of the rupee to ease inflation to 27% in Oct, which has been hovering at around 31%. Former president FPCCI and Chairman Businessmen Panel, Mian Anjum Nisar observed that the Pakistani rupee appreciated 2.7% to Rs283/dollar compared with the previous fortnight’s average of Rs292/ a dollar. In the same way, the price of petrol plummeted by 15% to $84.3 per barrel in the international market compared with last fortnight’s average of $99.3. The international price of high-speed diesel dipped by 10% to $110.6 per barrel compared with last fortnight’s average of $122.3. Quoting a research report, he said that the price of Arab Light crude, which Pakistan imports from the Middle East, fell by 9.1%, or $8.9 per barrel, to $88.68 by October 5 compared to the average price of $97.58 for the September 18-29 period.

PIAF for keeping check on expenditure, high cost as debt jumps to Rs64tr ISLAMABAD

Power suspension schedule for today

According to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)’s spokesman, System Maintenance/Development Work is in process. Therefore power supply of below mentioned feeders/areas will be temporary suspended as per given schedule: On 09th October 2023, From 07:00 AM to 12:00 N, Islamabad Circle, SES, Fazal Ghi, NDC-1, H-11/4, I10/2, New Exchange, Kidney Center, Dr. AQ Khan, Islamic University , Bahria University, G10/1, G-10/2, G-10/4, G-9/1, CWO, Mahfooz Shaheed, Club.I, Filtration Plant, Scheme.II, Chhata Bakhtawar, AQ Khan, Golf City, Industrial. I, II, III, Warid, Old PTN, Etihad Foundry, SH Steel, Siddiqui Steel, Ufone Feeders, Rawalpindi City Circle, Dhok Najo, Raja Sultan, Eid Gah, Azizabad, People's Colony, New Milpur, 6th Rd. , T&T, PTCL, Bagh Sardaran, Social Security, Rajahabad, Industrial, Dhok Hasu, Perwadhai, Carriage Factory Feeders, Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, Morgah, Park View, Pindi Board, Major Riaz, Lala Zar, Jhawara, UC Lakhan Feeder, Attock Circle, HMC Road, Taxila, Sher Shah Suri, Pind Pran, Vallay, Gulshan Sehat, Sangjani, Shahullah Dutta, AWT4, MVHS, MPCHS B-17, Paswal, Sarai Kurboza, Bolinwal feeders and surrounding areas will remain closed. IESCO management apologizes to its esteemed customers for the power outage. If the work is completed ahead of time, the power supply can be restored even before the scheduled time.

Besides, the suspension of 3G/4G services for a single day causes a loss of PKR 450 million to the telecommunication sector alone. Furthermore, PIDE had earlier estimated the economic costs of protests to be around 2.0% of the GDP. Closure of economic activity either through protests or due to the closure of internet services contributes to a significant loss of economic activity in the country. Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor PIDE Dr Nadeemul Haque said that access to high-quality internet not only enhances opportunities for the youth, particularly in remote areas but also plays a pivotal role in bridging the divide between the privileged and the common public. Utilizing online tools for education and professional purposes can empower youth from rural regions to compete on a national and international level, he added.

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in a magnificent display of international camaraderie and airpower, on Sunday inaugurated its 14th Nation Multinational Air Exercise, Indus Shield-2023, at Airpower Centre of Excellence of Pakistan Air Force. Air Officer Commanding, Central Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mehmood Ghazi was the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony, a PAF news release said. Addressing the participants of exercise, Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command emphasized on the significance of multi-national air exercises in achieving common objectives in the face of the evolving dynamics of air warfare. He commended the efforts of the Air Power Center of Excel-

lence on the organization of the mega exercise, which would augment the existing partnership between the key allies in addition to bolstering interoperability amongst the participating Air Forces. He also added that the planning and execution of Exercise Indus Shield-23 underscores the vision of the esteemed, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force regarding the crucial role played by PAF in advancing technology, modernizing its capabilities and employing contemporary combat tactics to effectively address shared challenges of aerial defence. Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mehmood Ghazi highlighted that the exercise would prove to be a step forward, to promote warm and brotherly relations amongst the leading air powers of the region. Exercise Indus Shield2023 will witness participation

from 14 esteemed Air Forces including Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, China, and Hungary. The exercise not only offers a unique opportunity for participating air forces to bring their unparalleled skills and operational capabilities to the spotlight, but will also deepen mutual understanding between the participating contingents to promote interoperability. This mega exercise is a signature of excellence and professionalism which validates PAF’s aerial prowess in the region. In addition, the exercise offers an invaluable learning experience of aerial warfare employment tactics to the air and ground crew through simulation of real-time war scenarios and varied combat missions.

Business leaders urge govt to consult private sector for revival of economy ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Key business leader including President, Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajran Pakistan and President Pakistan Business Forum Islamabad, Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry along with a delegation of Presidents of various market associations visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and assured that he would work with ICCI for resolving the key issues of the business community. Addressing the delegation, ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that ICCI being the apex trade body of the federal capital is working actively for the progress and development of the business community and cooperation of Markazi Anjuman-e-Tijaran and market associations would further strengthen its hands to achieve common goals of the welfare of business community more effectively. He said that the unity among traders and common stand of their issues would send a strong voice to the government to promote ease of doing business in the country. He lauded the services of Kashif Chaudhry for the trading community and said that his cooperation with ICCI would help address of issues and fa-

cilitate the business community in business development. Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry said that the traders and industrialists are facing multiple problems, which can be resolved with unity by working under the umbrella of ICCI. He said that we are working for the respect and dignity of the business community and the government should protect our constitutional rights. He stressed that the government should get input of the business community for decision making and policy making. The President, Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajran Pakistan and President Pakistan Business Forum Islamabad demanded one window operation to promote business and investment, fair taxes and their collection with a friendly approach. He said that with unity, we can make Islamabad a role model city in the country by making it a hub of industrial, educational, IT and health friendly activities. He stressed that CDA should focus on better development of markets and improve city infrastructure. Faad Waheed Senior Vice President ICCI and Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar Vice President ICCI also stressed for close cooperation among the trade bodies to advocate for a conducive business environment in the country.

Pakistan Industrial and Traders Association Front (PIAF) has called for keeping check on government expenditure and high cost of debt servicing, as the federal government debt has surged to a staggering Rs64 trillion, reflecting an alarming increase of over 29% in just one year. PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that this unsettling trend has raised concerns about fiscal sustainability and the adverse impacts of steep currency devaluation come at a time when the World Bank has cautioned Pakistan about the growing risks of its macroeconomic framework. Quoting the State Bank of Pakistan report, he said that the federal government’s debt has soared by Rs14.5 trillion, constituting a substantial 29.2% rise compared to the same period last year. This rapid escalation in debt is widely seen as unsustainable, yet corrective measures to curb this alarming trajectory have not been implemented. The PIAF Chairman said that the debt burden is gradually increasing because of insufficient tax revenue collection that forced the government to borrow from the domestic and external resources to finance the soaring fiscal deficit. For the past one and half year, the country is facing a serious financial crunch and continually relying on borrowing to meet its financial needs. The growing debt stock carries significant fiscal costs and exposes the country to debt vulnerabilities, as highlighted in the Pakistan Development Update report by the World Bank. He also emphasised that persistent fiscal deficits and debt repayments have resulted in consistently high annual gross financing needs, averaging 27% of GDP over the past decade. This level is notably higher than the emerging market threshold of 15%. In the past two decades, Pakistan has witnessed two consecutive years of the highest budget deficits in 2022 and 2023. The World Bank pointed out that for the current fiscal year, a budget deficit of 7.7% of the GDP is anticipated, a staggering Rs1.3 trillion above the government’s target.

Italian airline hopeful about starting flights for Pakistan KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

A private Italian airline Neos has expressed interest in operating flights between Pakistan and Italy, sources said. According to sources, the Neos airline has contacted the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate direct flights between the two countries. The airline will operate weekly flights to Lahore in the first phase and will expand its operations to other countries, say sources. The Italian airline will launch operations immediately after getting permission from the Pakistan aviation authority. Earlier, the national air carrier of Azerbaijan (AZAL) announced to launch flights to Pakistan from September 20, 2023. According to a spokesman of Azerbaijan Embassy, Flights will be operated to the capital of Pakistan – Islamabad, as well as to its largest cities – Lahore and Karachi. The spokesperson further said that these three cities are important historical and cultural centers of Pakistan which makes them very interesting to visit.Flights from Baku to Islamabad will be performed on Wednesdays and Saturdays, to Lahore – on Mondays and Fridays, and to Karachi – on Thursdays and Sundays.

Pakistan, China to step up academic cooperation in rapeseed BEIJING

Staff RepoRt

“We are willing to assist Pakistan in the development of the rapeseed industry. We have discussed with the Pakistani delegation and reached a cooperation intention in rapeseed which includes the exchange of germplasm resources, cooperative breeding and regular exchange visits.” This was stated by Li Dianrong, rapeseed expert at Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center in Shaanxi, China, according to Gwadar Pro. Last Wednesday, a delegation led by Fateh Marri, vice chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University, visited the Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center for investigation and exchange, accompanied by Li Dianrong and Li Youli, deputy secretary of the center. During the visit, Li Dianrong introduced the latest progress in rapeseed research. Engaged in research of rapeseed breed-

ing and cultivation technology for 50 years, Li has independently cultivated 22 hybrid rape varieties. He is also known as father of hybrid rape. “Our center is willing to provide support in personnel training and services to contribute to the development of Pakistan’s rapeseed industry. We also plan to try out new rapeseed varieties in the Pak-China agricultural demonstration park.” He said. The delegation visited the crop breeding sharing platform, molecular design breeding laboratory, plant culture room and other research sites of the center. Impressed by the center’s achievements and advanced technologies in rapeseed breeding, Fateh Marri expressed his wish to cooperate with the center in the rapeseed industry. He also gave plenty of information about Sindh Agriculture University and Pakistan’s rapeseed industry. CSC UNVEILS FREE CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSE The China Study Centre (CSC) at the

University of Peshawar (UoP) has announced a free-of-cost Chinese language course tailored specifically for school-going children. Recognizing the advantage of acquiring language skills at a young age, this program aims to provide an accessible and comprehensive opportunity for students to learn the Chinese language, Gwadar Pro reported. School-going children, ranging from 6th to 10th grade, now have the opportunity to learn the Chinese language, specifically the one-month-long HSK1. The Chinese language course, designed with the needs and learning preferences of young learners in mind, will be accessible to students who wish to embark on this linguistic journey. “The course is free of charge for school-going children,” said Farooq Jamal, an official from CSC University of Peshawar, while talking to Gwadar Pro. He further added that the course is scheduled to commence in November.

PAKISTAN, CHINA AGREED TO INVITE THIRD PARTIES’ PARTICIPATION IN CPEC: AMBASSADOR HAQUE

Monday, 9 October, 2023

pRayeR timingS

NEWS

BEIJING

Staff RepoRt

HE China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a pilot project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a game changer and very important for socio-economic development of Pakistan and now, both Pakistan and China have agreed to invite third parties to participate in this project, Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moinul Haque said on Sunday. “This project has been a game changer and very important for socio-economic development of the country. Now, our two countries have agreed to invite third parties to participate in this project,” he told CCTV in an interview. “We are now working to extend it to Afghanistan, the neighboring country of both China and Pakistan,” he added. Ambassador Haque said that China is a global leader in terms of many technologies like artificial intelligence, e-commerce, green technologies. “So, it has been identified as one of the most important areas for the second phase,

and we have established Joint Working Groups for cooperation,” he added. He said that new corridors like ChinaPakistan Digital Corridor, Green Corridor and Health Corridor have been launched to benefit on the emerging opportunities in the area science and technology and Information Technology (IT) fields. Responding to a question about the transportation projects, he said that Lahore Orange Metro Train was one of the first early harvest projects under the CPEC framework. “It was built in the second largest city of Lahore, a city of over 10 million people. It has provided efficient and affordable and very modern transport services to the people of Lahore,” he added. Ambassador Haque said that the number of passengers on the Lahore Orange Metro Train has touched 100 million. In the last two years, it has provided the transport services to 100 million people. He said the major focus was on the energy sector because at that time, Pakistan was facing acute shortages of energy and long hours of load-shedding, and added, the new projects have put in almost 8,000

megawatts of new energy into Pakistan’s system helping the not only the needs of the common man, but also the industrial needs. About Gwadar port project, he said it is going to serve many of the Central Asian countries which are landlocked countries. “So, we provide very easy quick and very shortest route to the Arabian Sea.” He expressed the confidence that the advantages which are occurring from CPEC will not only help Pakistan, but also the regional countries. While highlighting bilateral relationship between the two countries, he said, “In Pakistan, we consider China is our best friend and in China, I know, Pakistanis are known as ‘Battie’, the iron brothers, an expression which is only reserved for Pakistan. It’s very heartwarming.” To yet another question, he said that besides promoting economic relationships, trade, investment industry, both our countries are focusing on cooperation in culture, education and tourism. He said that there are now 25,000 plus Pakistani students in China and they are also serving as China-Pakistan friendship ambassadors.

Interim setup neither ‘mandated, nor responsible’ to give polls date: Solangi ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has said that it was not the mandate and responsibility of caretaker government to give date for general election in the country. Talking to WE News on Sunday, the minister said Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was an autonomous constitutional institution, and since the day, he took oath as minister, he was in constant contact with the ECP. The minister said he had full faith and confidence in the capability and leadership of the ECP, and the elections would be held on the date announced by the Election Commission. To a question he said that Pakistan People’s Party was one of the major political parties of the country. “We are going through the phase of election and during the environment of election, any party and its leadership had the freedom to give their stand on any important issue”, he maintained. Murtaza Solangi said that media in Pakistan enjoyed freedom and the courts were also free, adding all registered political parties had equal opportunities.

The Election Commission of Pakistan and caretaker government would ensure equal opportunities for all political parties in the upcoming elections, he added. The minister stated that there was no ban on PTI as a political party. Replying to a question, he said that the process of privatization was not initiated by caretaker government, previous

At Lahore rally, Maryam says Nawaz’s return to end ‘days of darkness’ in country LAHORE

parliament and its elected government decided to privatize various entities. “We are bound to implement the decisions of the previous parliament and the previous government,” Murtaza Solangi opined. The minister stressed the need for reformation in the institutions. Answering a question, he said that public broadcasters were considered es-

JI chief urges Muslim states to rally behind Palestine for Al-Aqsa liberation PESHAWAR

Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Sunday reiterated her optimism that her father, PML-N Supermo Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan on October 21 and bring an end to “what she referred to” as a seven-year period of prolonged sorrow. Addressing a public gathering in Lahore, Maryam remarked that Nawaz Sharif had suffered more days of hardship instead of remaining in power corridors, emphasising former prime minister’s commitment to the nation’s well-being. Maryam highlighted the PML-N’s economic achievements under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership and challenged the audience to recall any other prime minister who had successfully reduced the prices of essential commodities. Amidst an enthusiastic crowd displaying placards bearing Nawaz Sharif’s images, Maryam expressed her anticipation of the joyous reception her father would receive upon his return on October 21. Taking a swipe at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, Maryam accused the previous administration of appointing individuals who resorted to using offensive language against the then opposition.

‘Stay vigilant’: NIH says risk of occurrence of Nipah virus ‘low’ in Pakistan ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Sunday declared that risk of occurrence of Nipah virus (NiV) in Pakistan is low, urging the authorities to step up vigilance at entry points across the country. The virus, according to the World Health Organisation, was first recognised in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia. It can be transmitted to humans from animals (such as pigs and bats) or contaminated food and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural host of Nipah virus. There is no treatment or vaccine available for either people or animals. The primary treatment for humans is supportive care. In recent months, cases of the Nipah virus have resurfaced in India’s Kerala, prompting the state to shut down schools and test hundreds of residents. According to an advisory issued by the NIH on October 7, six NiV cases were reported in the Indian state in September this year and the virus resulted in two deaths. “Previously countries including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and India have also reported confirmed cases of Nipah virus in human. Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people, making it a public health concern,” it said.

sential services, and as they were institutions of compulsory national service they were supported by the state worldwide. He said he was against privatization of public broadcasters which was as a matter of principle and ideologically wrong. However, the minister said that public broadcasters should not have such people who do not belong to today’s modern broadcasting mechanisms. When asked about fundamental changes in national broadcasters, he said making such decisions was not included in the mandate of the caretaker government. He said that Nawaz Sharif’s return had nothing to do with caretaker government. The minister acknowledged that Nawaz Sharif was the leader of one of Pakistan’s largest political parties and he did not flee the country illegally. He said that on return of Nawaz Sharif law would take its course and Constitution of Pakistan will be abided by. To a question about who would run the PTI election campaign, he said it was internal matter of that party. The minister said that history was the witness that political parties conducted their election campaigns even in difficult circumstances and there was no restriction on PTI in that regard.

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer chief Sirajul Haq on Sunday called on the 57 Muslim countries to support Hamas in their fight against Israel’s illegal and unjust occupation of Palestine, saying Pakistani nation is ready for all kinds of cooperation with Hamas. Addressing a news conference here on Sunday, Sirajul Haq said that Palestinians were fighting against oppression and cruel occupation and Muslim rulers are afraid. “The US supported Israel and the Muslim world remained a silent spectator.” He said, “I want to say to the president, prime minister and army chief that Pakistan is an ideological country. Pakistan announced support for the Palestinians from the first day. Pakistan will always support the Palestinians compared to Israel.” He called upon the United Nations to support the oppressed Palestinians. “It is time to

test the honour of the Muslim world.” He said, “The sun of freedom will rise soon. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the holy centre of Muslims. Living and dying for the protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a great jihad.” Siraj said, “If we get a chance, we will first bring the system of Quran and Sunnah. The world’s tyrannical powers do not want to see Pakistan becoming a fortress of Islam. All these people are slaves of the IMF (International Monetary Fund).” The JI chief said the people “who pass the bill cannot make any changes”. He said, “Hundreds of our people have been in parliament but no one is accused of corruption. In Pakistan, the JI is the only corruptionfree party.” Siraj said the solution to the problems of the Ummah was in the complete obedience of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings. “When the teachings of the Quran will be common, only then will things be blessed in life.”

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:20

1:30

4:15

National Resilience Day was observed on Sunday across the country including AJK to commemorate the 18th anniversary of deadly earthquake of October 8, 2005 and raise awareness about the disaster management among the public. The earthquake claimed thousands of lives besides causing massive damage to infrastructure especially in Azad Kashmir and Hazara division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Different events were organized in different parts of the country including Azad Jammu and Kashmir to express solidarity and sympathies with the victims of the calamities. The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for the martyrs and prosperity of the country. One minute of silence was observed at all district headquarters at 08.54 am. Last year in September, a strong earthquake of 5.8 magni-

tude brought disaster to different parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The quake hit some urban and rural parts of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) including Muzaffarabad, Kotli and many other scattered places. In their separate messages on the occasion, President Dr Arif Alvi and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar reaffirmed the commitment to enhance national preparedness and strengthen resilience in the face of natural disasters. The President in his message said we come together to show our solidarity and compassion for families who have endured the devastating effects of unprecedented natural disasters. The Caretaker Prime Minister in his message said Pakistan is moving towards a proactive approach to cope with the challenge of Climate Change. Chairman NDMA sais in his message that we commemorate this occasion with a mission and commitment to advance national prepared-

7:30

QUETTA

Staff RepoRt

Project manager of the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeting his vehicle in Quetta on Sunday, according to the police. Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Jawad Tariq confirmed the incident, saying the deceased was identified as Shabat Mirza, project manager PMDC. He informed the PMDC officer was heading towards to Sor Range in a car along with his driver Muhammad Zakir, when the IED exploded. Resultantly, Mirza was killed on the spot while the driver sustained critical injuries and was immediately taken to Quetta Civil Hospital Trauma Centre. “According to initial investigation, explosives were fitted on the roadside,” the police official stated, adding that the Counter-Terrorism Department had cordoned off the blast site and started collecting evidence. Sor Range is located in a mountainous region, Tariq said, adding that CTD officials were also questioning locals for further information. Today’s blast comes amid a recent uptick in acts of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Last month, at least 59 people were killed in a deadly suicide bombing at a procession celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on 12 Rabiul Awwal in Mastung.

Security forces kill terrorist in Razmak fire exchange RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Security forces killed a terrorist in Razmak area of North Waziristan district during an exchange of fire with the militants, the military media wing said in a statement on Sunday. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident took place on Saturday during which terrorist Azeem Ullah aka Ghazi was killed due to effective engagement by Pakistani troops. It said that weapon and ammunition was also recovered from the killed terrorist who remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces and the killing of innocent civilians. “Locals of the area appreciated the operation. Sanitisation of the area has been carried out to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area,” the statement further said. A day earlier, at least two terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by the security forces in the general area of Zerber in Balochistan’s Kech district on reported presence of terrorists on the night between Oct 6 and 7. During the operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists as a result of which “two terrorists were sent to hell”, ISPR said. A large quantity of equipment and explosives has also been recovered, the ISPR said, adding that the killed terrorists had been actively involved in multiple terrorist activities against the law enforcement agencies.

Pakistan observes 18th anniversary of Oct 8, 2005 earthquake Staff RepoRt

6:40

PMDC project manager killed, driver injured in Quetta IED blast

NATIONAL RESILIENCE DAY

ISLAMABAD/MUZAFFARABAD

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ness by improving and increasing the nation’s resilience to natural and human induced threats. He said that Pakistan is facing changing climatic condition and frequent recurrence of unpredictable and extreme events. In order to meet these challenges, NDMA is proactively working at reducing the vulnerability to disasters, and also providing coping mechanisms and framework for effective disaster management, he added. The NDMA chairman said that the disaster management system in Pakistan had traveled a long way in the recent time with formulation of National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and National Disaster Management Plan but still we have to go very far by implementing these polices and plan in their true letter and spirit. “We have also made considerable progress in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development processes, which will no doubt lead to greater national resilience against

Published by Asad Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

potential disasters. Our expedition for resilience is consistent and we need to make our utmost efforts to realize the ideals. The Disaster Management System in Pakistan is currently undergoing a transformation, shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach. This represents a significant change in how we collectively address unexpected crises,” he concluded. 18 YEARS ON, OCT 8 EARTHQUAKE STILL HAUNTS PAKISTAN Bitter memories of the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005 still linger on as the nation on Sunday is observing 18th anniversary of the disaster which claimed over 70,000 lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Islamabad besides flatting scores of several villages and towns and leaving millions of people homeless. The earthquake, which measured 7.6 on the Richter Scale, struck at around 8:52 AM. Muzaffarabad was the hardest hit, because the epicentre of the quake was just 19 kilometers (12 miles) to its northeast, while Balakot and Mansehra in KP were no less affected as thousands lost their lives in these areas too.