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ATTEMPT TO EQUATE ISRAEL’S AGGRESSION TO PALESTINIANS’ STRUGGLE UNACCEPTABLE: JILLANI
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Monday, 16 October, 2023 I 29 Rabi ul Awwal, 1445
SAYS AS MATTER OF FACT IT IS A GENOCIDE BEING CONDUCTED BY ISRAEL AGAINST POOR PEOPLE OF PALESTINE
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STRESSES PALESTINIANS’ RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION MUST BE RESPECTED AND SHOULD BE GIVEN STATUS OF SEPARATE, INDEPENDENT STATE
Pro-Gaza rallies draw thousands to show solidarity with Palestinians
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
S Israel’s brutalities continued against innocent population in Gaza, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Sunday equated Israel’s airstrikes civilians and the siege of the territory to conducting genocide of the people of Palestine, saying Pakistan condemned the siege of Gaza and aggression and airstrikes on Palestinians. “Any attempt to equate Israel’s aggression to that of Palestinians’ struggle is unacceptable to Pakistan and Palestinians’ right to self-determination must be respected and Palestine should be given a status of separate and independent state, accepted by not only Israel but also the international community with pre-1967 borders with Quds Al-Sharif as its capital”, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani made the remarks while addressing a press conference in Islamabad here on Sunday. The minister noted that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation had called an emergency meeting of its executive committee in Jeddah on October 18, adding that he would be in attendance. “Certainly, Palestine is a very, very, important issue for us. We will certainly discuss the ongoing situation. There is absolutely no doubt that Israel has committed aggression. They have conducted airstrikes on the civilian population which has resulted in the death of several innocent men, women and children,” he said, adding that Pakistan also condemned the “siege of Gaza”. The statement comes after Israel imposed a “total siege” to stop food and fuel from reaching the enclave of 2.3 million people, many poor and dependent on aid in response to a surprise Hamas offensive last week that left 1,300 Israelis dead, according to officials.
KARACHI/LAHORE/ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
In retaliatory air and artillery strikes, Israeli forces have flattened entire neighbourhoods, hospitals and schools in Gaza. Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since last week have killed at least 2,215 people, including 724 children, the Palestinian territory’s Hamascontrolled health ministry said on Saturday. Jilani noted that the residents of Gaza did not have access to food, water or health facilities. “This is a situation that can be equated with genocide. Matter of fact it is a genocide being conducted by Israel against the poor people of Palestine.” He said that Pakistan’s position was that Israel must respect United Nations resolutions which recognised the right of self-determination. “We also feel that this is also the result of seven decades of illegal occupation of […] Palestinian territories.” He also said that “any attempt to equate Israel, which is an aggressor, with the Palestinian struggle, is unacceptable for Pakistan.”
He said that Pakistan demanded that the Palestinian right to self-determination be respected. He called for recognising Palestine as a separate state with pre-1967 borders and AlQuds Al-Sharif as its capital. “That remains Pakistan’s consistent position with regards to this particular issue,” he said. Responding to a question from a reporter, he said that Pakistan was in touch with UN agencies and international organisations to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians. “Our missions in Geneva and New York are also in touch with the UN agencies concerned. But unfortunately, so far there is a complete siege as far as Gaza is concerned,” he said. He said that Pakistan was ready to provide immediate aid and was also in touch with Egyptian authorities. “We have been told only this morning that Israel is not allowing any assistance as of now.
PM assigns TCP to find out why cotton being sold below fixed rate ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Interim govt to ensure elections in peaceful manner: Solangi ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Sunday said concerted efforts were underway to ensure the upcoming election in a peaceful and amicable environment. Talking to Dawn News Television in a programme titled “In Focus”, the minister said the caretaker government had been performing its duties and responsibilities in accordance with the constitution and law. He said the political activities should be observed in a way that did not affect the day-to-day affairs of the general public. “If anyone is facing harassment, they can approach the Election Commission,” he said, adding the ECP was a constitutional body. Solangi said the caretaker government wanted good terms with all the political parties.”We want to create a pleasant environment for elections and we want elections that are acceptable to everyone,” he added. The minister said the electoral history of Pakistan suggested that the polls were held in the country during extreme weathers. The first election was held in December 1970, he added. The Election Commission of Pakistan had announced the date for elections in the last week of January, he said while ruling out any problem in holding the election visà-vis weather conditions. “After the completion of delimitation, political parties will be given 54 days for the electoral campaign,” he responded to a query. Solangi said the caretaker government was taking effective measures to address economic issues. The administrative measures taken by the caretaker government had stabilized the rupee, he added. Actions were being taken against smuggling, the minister noted. To another query, he ruled out any official protocol to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Supremo Nawaz Sharif in London. “Nawaz Sharif has not received any official protocol in London,” said the information minister, adding the matter related to return of Nawaz Sharif was not taken up by the caretaker cabinet at all. “I do not believe in assumptions and speculations since things are very clear in front of us,” the minister remarked. He said there was no restriction on mentioning any individual in the media since the caretaker government firmly believed in freedom of expression. Maulana Fazlur Rehman was a seasoned politician, he said while responding to another query. A large number of illegal immigrants had started returning to their countries, he stressed.
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Tens of thousands packed a main thoroughfare in the southern port city of Karachi on Sunday as they took out a rally in solidarity with Palestinians and to denounce Israeli bombardment on Gaza. The march was led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), one of the country’s mainstream religiopolitical party, with the backing of several other political parties and trade associations. Sporting arm and headbands engraved with slogans “Labbaik ya Gaza” (Gaza we are here), and “Labbaik ya Aqsa” (Aqsa we are here), the protesters rallied at Shahrahe-Faisal. A large number of women and children, as well as religious minorities, were part of the march, with organizers claiming over 100,000 people participated. The protesters chanted “down with Israel” in unison, as JI chief Sirajul Haq, along with other politicians, formed a human chain. Addressing the rally, Haq expressed concern over growing number of casualties in Gaza, accusing Tel Aviv of deliberately targeting civilians. “Palestine is a part of our faith. We will never leave you (Palestinians) alone,” he said, adding that Palestinians will never surrender to subjugation. Criticizing the “double standards” of the West, he said, the US and Europe had different benchmarks for Palestine and Ukraine. “You support Ukrainians in their war against occupation, but justify the Israeli subjugation of Palestine,” he said. JI Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman dubbed Israel as a “terrorist state,” accusing
Taking notice of the buying of cotton below the price fixed by the government to support farmers, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Sunday directed the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to look into the matter and submit a report in this connection. The government had fixed the price of cotton, but it was being observed that it was purchased from farmers below that minimum rate in some places, the PM Office Media Wing said in a news statement. The interim premier noted that the yielding of a bumper cotton crop was a blessing for the country and its maximum profits should be reaped by the farmers. He added that the government had issued clear instructions over its purchase price to protect the farmers against any losses, In March this year, the then premier Shehbaz Sharif approved Rs8,500 per 40 kg (maund) as the support price of cotton to facilitate its farmers, In August, the TCP decided to purchase one million bales of cotton following the fall in its prices in the open market below the in-
tervention threshold. It invited bids from cotton procurement agents, acquirement firms and labour contractors. At that time, Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq said the subsidised rates for electricity and gas to textile mills had been withdrawn on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF pressure). Coupled with a record hike in production costs, an unusual decline was observed in cotton purchases by the textile mills. Consequently, cotton prices slid from Rs9,500 to the range of between Rs7,500 to Rs8,000 per maund in the open market. Last Wednesday, the government projected cotton production at 11.5 million bales from cultivation over an area of 2.4 million hectares this season, which shows a significant jump of 126.6% over the output of last year. STABILIZING COTTON PRICE IN COLLABORATION WITH TCP’: Earlier, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik on Sunday met Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Syed Mohsin Naqvi and exchanged views over the steps that could be taken to increase different crops’ production in the province.
The minister, on the occasion, congratulated the chief minister on getting record cotton production this year. Malik was also appreciative of CM Naqvi’s decision to hold provincial cabinet meetings at divisional headquarters. Both also discussed fixing the prices of different crops. They agreed on stabilizing the rate of cotton crop in collaboration with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The chief minister urged the federal government that in order to achieve the objective, it should purchase the crop from the TCP. The chief minister was of the view that stability in prices was necessary if farmers were to be given complete reward for their hard work after getting increased cotton production. Terming increased cotton production as a good omen, he said that foreign exchange could be earned through the export of value-added products. CARETAKER CM PUNJAB CALLS ON PM: Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday called on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar. During the meeting, they discussed matters related to the province, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
the US and some European countries of being complicit in “Israeli war crimes.” The conflict began last Saturday when Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel – a multipronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. Hamas said the surprise attack was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians. The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip. Israel’s response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening living conditions in an area that has endured a crippling siege since 2007, as well as ordering more than 1 million Gazans in the northern strip to evacuate to the southern strip. Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman led a rally, with participants holding placards bearing messages of support for the Palestinian people. The demonstrators marched from Baloch Colony to Nursery bus stop on foot under the leadership of the JI leader. Participants in the rally fervently expressed their anger through chants denouncing Israel’s aggression. RAWALPINDI: Similarly, a rally was also held in Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh, drawing scores of participants who vehemently condemned the Israeli aggression against innocent unarmed civilians in Palestine.
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‘No less than any festivity’: Govt slashes petrol price by Rs40, diesel Rs15 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
No less than any festivity for the inflation-hit masses, the caretaker government on Sunday slashed prices of petrol by Rs40 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs15 for the next fortnight. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the new price of petrol is Rs283.38 and Rs303.18 for HSD. It said that the government has revised the consumer prices of petroleum products in the wake of variations in international prices of the commodity and improvement in the exchange rate. The new prices will come into effect from 12am (tonight, October 16) and remain in place till October 31. New prices of petroleum products for the fortnight starting from October 16 will be as follow: In addition to this, the government also cut the prices of light diesel by Rs19.59 per litre and kerosene oil by Rs22.43 for the next fortnight. After the massive reduction in the prices of petroleum products, the rates of kerosene oil will drop to Rs214.85 per litre. The interim government, led by Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, is charging zero general sales tax (GST) on all petroleum products while the rate of petroleum levy (PL) on petrol is Rs60 per litre. In order to generate additional revenue to achieve the tax collection target for this fiscal year, the authorities, however, increased the levy on diesel by Rs5 to Rs55 per litre.
PIA looking to banks for Rs7b loan to avert disruption, suspension of flight operation ISLAMABAD
MONITORING REPORT
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has urgently sought additional loan amounting to over Rs7 billion to sustain its operations as the national flag carrier is grappling with severe financial issues, fuelling concerns about potential disruptions or even complete suspension of flight operations. In order to address the growing concerns, the PIA administration has reached out to the Aviation Division, urging them to arrange an immediate loan of more than Rs7 billion from banks. A letter dispatched to the division by the PIA mentions that the government of Pakistan’s guarantee includes an option for the airline to secure a loan of Rs7.5 billion. Interestingly, no bank has shown any interest in providing a loan of Rs5 billion to the airline due to the severe fi-
nancial problems faced by the PIA. The letter further states that due to financial issues, fuel supply in Jeddah and Dubai was halted, and the Pakistan State Oil (PSO)—the state-owned oil marketing company— also refused to supply fuel to the airline. It says the International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership can also be suspended at any time. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also issued notices to the airline. The letter urges the Ministry of Finance to intervene immediately and instruct banks to provide a loan of Rs7.5 billion under the government’s guarantee. The letter has been sent by the General Manager Funds Management to the Deputy Director Division for necessary action. Last month, on September 22, the caretaker privatization minister had announced that the government would not ground the PIA — its highest loss-mak-
ing enterprise — and that no employee of any entity would be sacked even after its privatisation. The statement had come hours after interim Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar said the government would give any support needed to keep the PIA in the skies. According to a report published in The Express Tribune, the two separate statements were apparently aimed at pacifying lobbies working to save the airline despite a severe financial crisis. “The prime minister has instructed me that the PIA would not be grounded. We have already worked out a way to keep the PIA flying,” said Minister for Privatization Fawad Hassan Fawad while responding to a question at a news conference. Earlier the PIA had requested a moratorium on its domestic debt repayments to bridge an annual deficit of Rs153 billion between its sales and es-
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sential expenditures. The PIA management and the Ministry of Finance were in discussions for about Rs260 billion domestic debts restructuring that the airline owed to nine commercial banks. Fawad had told the media that he was reviewing a plan shared by the PIA and had yet to reach a decision. The PIA’s plan revolves around debt restructuring, blocking tax payments of the FBR and not paying fees and charges of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) but doing nothing to improve its administrative affairs. “We will have to give support to the PIA, as the government has 92% stakes in the airline,” Dr Shamshad Akhtar had said on the same day while addressing a separate news conference. “If needed, the government would also restructure the PIA debt but the final decision would be taken by the privatisation minister,” she had added.
02 NEWS
INTERACTION BETWEEN PAK-CHINA LEADERSHIP TO PROPEL BILATERAL TIES TO NEW HEIGHTS: SOLANGI
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ISLAMABAD
stAff RepoRt
ARETAKER Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has said that interaction between top leadership of Pakistan and China would further enhance bilateral relationship to the new heights as caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar would leave for China tomorrow to participate in Belt and Road Forum being hosted by the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Speaking at a seminar “CPEC and My Life” the other day, the minister said he was happy to know that people from the grossroot level were invited to speak about the positive impact of the CPEC on their lives. The people had immensely benefitted from various CPEC projects such as Orange Train in Lahore, Thar Coal in Sindh and Gawadar in Balochistan, he added. Talking about the establishment of Special Investment Facilitation Council by Pakistan to provide one-window facilities to the investors, the minister said that as the CPEC was entering into the new phase, adding Pakistan was keenly looking forward for more and more bilateral cooperation in mining, agriculture, IT and other sectors. He said enhancement of geographical
Couple, minor son shot dead over resisting robbery in Ahmedpur East
AHMEDPUR EAST: Unidentified gunmen shot dead three members of a family for resisting robbery in Bahawalpur’s Ahmedpur East area, police said Sunday. According to details, the incident occurred in Azeemwala, Ahmedpur East, where three people including a man, his wife and a sixyear-old son were shot dead for resisting a robbery. After getting the information, police reached the spot and shifted the bodies to the hospital. The investigation has been launched. The incident of street crimes are on the rise in Pakistan. Earlier in August, unidentified robbers killed a young man for putting up resistance during a robbery bid near Karachi’s Northern Bypass. The incident took place near Karachi’s Northen Bypass when the victim – identified as Ibrahim – travelling in a Suzuki was shot and killed during a robbery. He was intercepted by armed muggers riding on a motorbike and as soon as he offered some resistance one of them shot him and rode away. stAff RepoRt
Poliovirus detected in Lahore, Peshawar, Hub sewage samples
ISLAMABAD: Poliovirus traces have been gathered from sewage samples in Lahore, Peshawar and Hub, officials said Sunday. According to sources in Pakistan’s National Polio Laboratory at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1) was detected in sewage samples collected from Hub, Lahore and Peshawar. “The genome sequencing of the virus, found in samples collected from Peshawar and Hub, showed that it belonged to Afghanistan. However, the process of genome sequencing of the sample, collected from Lahore, is yet to be completed,” a NIH lab official said. He added that sewage samples collected from an area are a basic parameter to determine the success of polio campaigns. Polio, a highly infectious and incurable disease, mainly affects children under the age of five. The virus invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death in some cases. Third polio case of the year 2023 was confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Bannu district on Wednesday as Pakistan struggling to get rid of the crippling disease. In the year 2022, as many as 20 cases of poliovirus were reported across the country. Pakistan was come near to eradication of disease in year 2021 when only one case was reported in the country. stAff RepoRt
Monday, 16 October, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
linkages through improved road, rail and air transportation system would boost frequent people-to-people contacts and enhance understanding through academic linkages. The higher volume of trade and businesses would result into integrated development which would eventually promote, harmony and sustainable development, he added. “CPEC is the journey towards economic growth in the globalized world"”, he maintained. Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong expressed his country’s readines to further promote CPEC in partnership with Pakistan, adding “We are ready to work with our Pakistani colleagues from all walks of life to further promote the projects in the next ten years of CPEC.” “What was agreed between President Xi Jinping and the Pakistani leaders for a high-quality sustainable and enhanced cooperation and support in the fields of security and development, we can implement with mutual consensus”, he said. The ambassador was of the view that Pakistan and China could jointly jointly make the CPEC, a corridor of love and peace. He said that mutual cooperation in new fields such as industry, agriculture, mining, science and technology and IT sectors could be increased. “Thus a new chapter can be added in the CPEC which will bring the people of China and Pakistan closer to each other in the
SIFC would unlock ease of doing business in Pakistan: Masood ISLAMABAD
stAff RepoRt
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan says Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council will act as a single window to facilitate investors, establish cooperation between all Government Ministries and Departments, and fast-track project development. Addressing a day-long “Future of Everything Summit” organized by Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs Chicago; he said the core objectives of the SIFC include revitalization of our economy, integrating it with international capital markets, and ensuring steadiness and continuity of policies by adopting best practices and providing salutary investment milieu. The Ambassador identified five areas ripe for investment in Pakistan – IT, energy, agriculture, mining and defence production. He said SIFC will shorten lengthy business processes, develop a whole of the government approach and tap Pakistan’s potential in key sectors of infor-
M.A. NiAzi T’S good to see that the Pakistan cricket team knows what are the requirements of diplomacy. After all, if Pakistan had won, India would probably have invaded. India survived its contact with the unclean Pakistanis, and thus it means that the Indian team only has to bathe in the Ganges at Benares, and not carry out the Ashvamedha, or horse sacrifice. However, the evidence of typical Indian double-facedness and treachery came by the way set batsmen threw away their wickets to Shaheen Afridi, in the hope that this would further the cause of him getting on the same page. However, the top score of 86 by the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, shows that he has ambitions of his own, and knows the people with whom he wants to get on the same page. So far, those people have never tried to interfere in Indian elections, but if they can handle the logistical
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mation technology, energy, mining, agriculture and defence production by generating and attracting foreign direct investment,” he continued. Masood Khan said Pakistan and the United States have strong strategic and economic ties for the past 76 years and this partnership continues and we foresee brighter prospects for its growth. He said both sides are enhancing the space for economic partnership encompassing trade, investment, energy, climate change, health-care, education, agriculture, technology and people to people exchanges. He said this is an ideal time to invest in Pakistan and to promote Pakistan’s products and services in the United States. The Ambassador said in 2018 the venture capital funding for Pakistani startups was merely $10m a year while now it should be more than $1b year. He said Pakistan is rich in many minerals, especially in cooper, gold, lead, zinc, iron ore, coal, lithium, rare earth, aluminum, chromite and nickel. Precious and semiprecious stones include ruby, emerald, topaz, tourmaline, quartz, peridot and aquamarine.
He said Pakistan has the expertise for manufacturing semiconductor chips for various electronic devices but does not have the resources. It has substantial lithium reserves, a key ingredient for battery production that would contribute to future sustainable energy solutions. Masood Khan said that we urge the American sovereign wealth funds and investors in general to invest in IT, energy, mining and agriculture project for big wins.y former MPA Shakeela Naveed Dehwar, central leader of BNP (Mengal) and others.
GUJRAT
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The ongoing two-day training workshop for journalists at the UoG ‘Learn the Ropes of Modern Media’ concluded with an emphasis on promoting positive values in journalism, and that mental and intellectual training of journalists will lead to new vistas of hope. Eminent analyst Haroon Rashid was the special guest of the concluding session which was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Muhammad Mushahid Anwar. The guests of honour of the workshop organized jointly by the
problems, what’s to stop them? After all, Indian politicians are as venal, corrupt and self-serving as ours, with even larger constituencies, so they would not mind at all the sort of help that enables one to win. Why do you think the BJP is cultivating ex-servicemen so assiduously? It’s not just because the Indian military men are both Hindus and nationalists, but because it wants to ensure that any interference takes place, it’s in their favour. If anyone gets on the same page, it’ll be them. So now you’ve got Rohit Sharma, a good Brahmin boy going by his name, not only captain of India but making runs against Pakistan. If India wins the World Cup, who knows? But then you had crucial wickets being taken against Pakistan, who in fact precipitated the whole collapse, were Muhammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. One a Muslim, the other a Sikh. This must have been disgusting for the BJP, but I don’t think Modi celebrated any less harder. Besides, it reflects the old English division of batting amateurs and bowling professionals. You see, you need someone to bowl
UoG and Gujrat Press Club included well-known analyst Khalid Azim, Anchor Harmeet Singh, President Gujrat Press Club Bisharat Lodhi, Secretary Raja Riyaz Rasikh, Dean Prof. Dr Zahid Yousuf and others. It was hosted by Director Media Sheikh Abdul Rashid. More than 70 local journalists and members of Gujrat Press Club participated in the workshop. Haroon Rashid said that journalism is a great school that teaches how to solve problems scattered on the streets. Hard work, thoughtfulness and proper use of skills brings credibility and reputation to a journalist. when you are batting. The hierarchy is expressed best in the childhood game in the West Indies of ‘Hit the ball, bat’. If you hit the ball, you continued to bat. If you missed, or were out, But then you had crucial wickets being taken against Pakistan, who in fact precipitated the whole collapse, were Muhammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. One a Muslim, the other a Sikh. This must have been disgusting for the BJP, but I don’t think Modi celebrated any less harder. Besides, it reflects the old English division of batting amateurs and bowling professionals. You see, you need someone to bowl when you are batting. The hierarchy is expressed best in the childhood game in the West Indies of ‘Hit the ball, bat’. If you hit the ball, you continued to bat. If you missed, or were out, you were replaced by the bowler. Who bowled? The fielder, who thus was presumably the lowest of the low. Did anyone notice that another impressive Indian bowler was Pradeep Yadav. From UP, where Yadavs are classified as an Other Backward Caste. Incidentally, though Bumrah was born and brought up in Ahmadabad, Gujarat, his Bumrah caste is classified in Punjab as Ramgarhia Tarkhans, who are also OBC. Siraj is from Hyderabad. There’s another Sikh in the
Orange train in Lahore, Shafqat Ullah Mushtaq from Lahore said the train had promoted the scenic beauty on one hand and provided an opportunity to the travellers to see Lahore city from various locations. Ghulam Khatoom, a dumper driver from Thar, said the Thar coal project had provided ample opportunities for employment and thus had enhanced the incomes of the people over there. Muhammad Ashfaq Paracha from Nowshehra maintained that the proposed Special Economic Zone at Rashakai under the CPEC had made this area a central point not only for national but also the regional trade. Ayesha Alam Khan from Hazara University observed that the CPEC projects like Hazara Motorway had eased the lives of the people. “I lived in Abbotabad and my travel time to Hazara University has been reduced from four hours to just 25 minutes”, she observed. Dr Nizamuddin from Gilgit was of the view that the fruits from GB especially the Cherry export to China had created a revolution as one packet of cherry used to sell at Rs 250 was not being purchased at Rs 1000 by the Chinese traders. Munir Ahmad Nadozai from Gawadar was of the view that the CPEC had created unprecedented connectivity. The long distances in Balochistan which were covered in days are now reduced to hours”, he said.
Passengers suffer as several PIA flights delayed
LAHORE: Today several domestic and international flights of the PIA were delayed, causing passengers to suffer, according to a report on Sunday. Today, the PIA flight PK 263 from Lahore to Abu Dhabi was delayed for five hours. It was supposed to leave at 3:30 am but left at 8:30 am. PK 283 from Islamabad to Karachi was also delayed and it could not depart till the filing of this report. The flight was scheduled to leave for Karachi at 10 am. Lahore-bound PK 302 also departed after a twohour delay from Karachi airport. Istanbul-bound flight PK 705 which departed from Islamabad airport was late by half an hour. It was scheduled to depart for Istanbul at 5:50 am. PK 797 which flew to Toronto from Lahore airport was delayed once again. The flight was scheduled to depart at 7:30 am, but it departed after two hours. PK 832, which was coming from Jeddah to Karachi, was also delayed by hours. It was scheduled to land at 7:30 am but it will land at 11:10 am. stAff RepoRt
Rainfall turns weather pleasant in Lahore, outskirts
Unbiased journalism is conducive to solving national problems. Prof. Dr Muhammad Mushahid Anwar said that social development and evolution is linked with promotion of positive values. Khalid Azim said that electronic media has brought about revolutionary changes in journalism. reporting is a sensitive matter. Today’s journalism is mostly dependent on technology. The Internet has provided the reader with global access. Harmeet Singh said that local journalists can best serve the public in solving regional problems. Prof. Dr Zahid Yousuf said that reporting is a responsible duty and a journalist can learn from the experiences of their seniors. “The UoG strives for the promotion of local media and training of journalists on the latest lines,” he said. Bisharat Lodhi said that Pakistani journalists always rose to any given occasion to fulfil their responsibilities in difficult situations. Sheikh Abdul Rashid said that journalism is a sacred profession. “Balanced and unbiased reporting leads to social development,” he said. The participants of the workshop were presented with certificates.
LAHORE: A heavy rainfall in Lahore and adjoining areas turned the weather pleasant bringing mercury down on Sunday. The temperature has dropped in the city to 18 degree Celsius with cool winds blowing at the speed of five kilometers per hour, Met Office said. The weather department has forecast more rainfall within next 24 hours. Air pollution has dropped in Lahore after rainfall with aggregate Air Quality Index reading of the city has 147, weather office said. Temperature has also dropped in Quetta, which was recorded 12 degree Celsius on Sunday morning. The Met Office has predicted rainfall in Quetta and other districts of Balochistan today including Musa Khel, Zhob, Kohlu, Barkhan, Kech and Gwadar. The weather will remain dry in most districts of Balochistan. Met Office had earlier forecast rain-wind or thunderstorm in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir from October 14. A westerly system entered in upper parts of country on 13th October evening. Under the influence of this weather system snowfall is expected at mountains and isolated hailstorm in plains of Punjab, according to forecast. Kashmir, GB, upper KP and Potohar region likely to receive heavy rainfall till 17 October with occasional gaps. Snowfall over the high mountains in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and rainfall with isolated hailstorm expected in Islamabad, Potohar region, Murree, Galiyat and other areas. stAff RepoRt
team, opener Shubnam Gill, who, as his name fairly shouts, is a Jat Sikh. Interestingly, both Bumrah and Gill are ‘mona’ Sikhs, who cut their hair. That makes them closer to Hindus, and thus perhaps more acceptable to Modi. However, Sharma, who replaced that Khatri, Virat Kohli, as skipper, should have given more of the ball to Ravindra Jadeja, who took the last wicket. As his name proclaims, Jadeja is a Rajput, who is married to another Rajput, who is a BJP MLA from
Gujerat, Modi’s home state. Somebody must have noticed that both Gill and Kohli only made 16 apiece, the Brahmins, Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, both got 50s. Of course, Iyer, being from the South, only got 53, while Rohit almost reached his century. Iyer almost seems casteless, being born in Mumbai, and playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders. One would have expected him to be born in Chennai and play for the Super Kings.
UoG media workshop call to promote ‘positive values’
Caste and cricket City Notes
common future”, Jiang Zaidong maintained. Foreign Secretary, Syrus Qazi while speaking on the occasion observed that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC, as the flagship project of President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was the emblem of Pakistan-China strategic cooperation. He said the CPEC symbolized coordinated efforts of our two countries to bring our economic and trade ties at par with our excellent political relations. “CPEC has broken new ground in regional connectivity and is multiplying opportunities for economic integration for the entire region, while taking our higher-thanthe-Himalayas friendship with China to even greater heights”, Syrus Qazi said.
The foreign secretary said that from the Pakistan-China border in Xinjiang to all the way to the deep-sea ports of Karachi and Gwadar, the economic landscape of Pakistan had been transformed in the last ten years. “Our infrastructure has been upgraded and, with it, the productivity of our large, youthful and skilful population has been unleashed”, he said. Syrus qazi noted that the CPEC had ensured fast-pace economic development of the under-privileged and remote sections of our society. “Pakistan and China have established a special Joint Working Group on Socio-economic Development: for job creation, poverty alleviation, rural revitalisation and provision of basic amenities for the under privileged localities”, he told the participants of the seminar. He said the cherished goal of both Pakistan and China was to develop Gwadar as the regional hub of trade and connectivity; and connect it with the markets of Central Asia and Middle East. “The implementation of such a huge project needs strong political and public support. Media, therefore, has an important role to highlight the success of CPEC, identify new areas of cooperation, and create public awareness regarding centrality of CPEC for Pakistan’s economic development and our iron-clad friendship with China” Syrus Qazi observed. While talking of the positive impacts of
APHC URGES UN TO HOLD INDIA ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS BRUTALITIES IN IIOJK Monday, 16 October, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
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SRINAGAR
Staff RepoRt
HE All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has urged the United Nations to hold India accountable for its brutalities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). According to Kashmir Media Service, the APHC spokesman in a statement issued in Srinagar said Indian, paramilitary, police, National Investigation Agency and State Investigation Agency personnel are torturing innocent Kashmiris and seizing their properties during continued so-called cordon and search operations and house raids across the ter-
ritory to suppress their righteous demand of right to self-determination. He said several youth have been killed and thousands arrested during this year but the world community has become a mute spectator. He urged the United Nations to play a role in settling the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The spokesman expressed concern over the silence adopted by the international community on the ongoing worst Indian state terrorism and gross human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the political experts and analysts in their media interviews and statements have said that the Modi-led fascist Indian government has unleashed its
No less than any festivity’: Govt slashes petrol price by Rs40, diesel Rs15 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
In the previous change, it had cut the price of petrol by Rs8 per litre and that of high-speed diesel by Rs11 per litre. Between Aug 15 and Sept 15, petrol and high-speed diesel prices had risen by Rs58.43 and Rs55.83 per litre, respectively, to historic highs of Rs331-333 per litre at the retail stage. Earlier this week, the prices of HSD and petrol were projected to fall below Rs300 per litre in the coming review due to a significant drop in global oil rates and the rupee’s appreciation. The dollar lost another 93 paise on Thursday to close at Rs278.58 in the interbank market, which did not react to the disappointing figure of remittances. However, there were also chances of the interim government deciding otherwise, particularly in the case of highspeed diesel, which presently carries the petroleum development levy of Rs50 per litre compared to Rs60 on petrol. The government aims to charge about Rs869 billion in levy on petroleum products during the current fiscal year’s budget target and commitments made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Petrol and diesel prices have stayed above Rs300 per litre since September 1. Along with costly electricity, fuel has been the key driver of high consumer prices, pushing inflation to 31.4 per cent in September. Against this backdrop, the reduction could halt the rising inflationary trend.
PTI to hold massive power show in Karachi on Nov 12 KARACHI
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to hold a major political power show in Karachi on November 12. The party has submitted an application to the Commissioner Karachi seeking permission for the rally. The rally is expected to be attended by thousands of PTI supporters, party members and curious citizens who want to know more about PTI’s vision for Karachi and the nation. The party is committed to convey the message of change, development and prosperity for the city of Karachi. Khurram Sher Zaman, PTI Karachi President, said that the meeting will be a great show of unity within the party and an opportunity to connect with the people. He added that PTI invites people from all sectors of Karachi to this grand rally.
dreaded agencies to suppress the Kashmiris’ ongoing struggle for securing their right to self-determination. The political experts and analysts in their interviews and statements in Srinagar said India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State Investigation Agency (SIA) are conducting raids on a daily basis across IIOJK to harass the people but they would never succeed in their nefarious designs and would continue their struggle till taking it to its logical conclusion. They said, the NIA and SIA frequently raid homes of Hurriyat leaders, human rights defenders, journalists and even ordinary people in IIOJK and these actions are meant to victimize those who refuse to toe BJP’s line in the territory. They deplored that India was using its
probe agencies as a weapon to terrorize the Kashmiris. “The Modi regime is even using the judiciary as a tool to browbeat Kashmiris. Hurriyat leaders, religious scholars and even ordinary Kashmiris are implicated in fake cases,” they lamented. The General Secretary of National Conference, Ali Muhammad Sagar, has said that the present dispensation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir has failed on every front. According to Kashmir Media Service, Ali Muhammad Sagar in a statement issued in Srinagar said the authorities in the territory prefer to rule by ordinances, diktats. He said the rule of law, accountability and democracy have long since collapsed and unrelenting pressure on journalists and employees have become the norm of the day.
Punjab, Sindh CMs discuss mutual strategy for cotton prices LAHORE/ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt
Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Maqbool Baqar met with Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi at Punjab House in Islamabad on Sunday. Essential steps to bring stability in the cotton price were discussed during the meeting, said a handout issued here. It was decided during the meeting to contact the federal government to bring stability in the cotton price. Both chief ministers agreed that farmers in Sindh and Punjab would be facilitated in obtaining real profit of their crop and the Prime Minister would be formally requested for purchasing cotton through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan. CM Mohsin Naqvi stated that farmers of Sindh and Punjab should not at all sell their cotton crops at a low price. “We will not let the labour of farmers go waste” he added. Naqvi vowed that Punjab and Sindh would take every possible measure in this regard. ‘STABILIZING COTTON PRICE IN COLLABORATION WITH TCP’: Earlier, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Dr
Kausar Abdullah Malik on Sunday met Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Syed Mohsin Naqvi and exchanged views over the steps that could be taken to increase different crops’ production in the province. The minister, on the occasion, congratulated the chief minister on getting record cotton production this year. Malik was also appreciative of CM Naqvi’s decision to hold provincial cabinet meetings at divisional headquarters. Both also discussed fixing the prices of different crops. They agreed on stabilizing the rate of cotton crop in collaboration with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The chief minister urged the federal government that in order to achieve the objective, it should purchase
the crop from the TCP. The chief minister was of the view that stability in prices was necessary if farmers were to be given complete reward for their hard work after getting increased cotton production. Terming increased cotton production as a good omen, he said that foreign exchange could be earned through the export of value-added products. The federal minister said that since throwing sewage in River Ravi and other rivers could endanger marine life as well as have consequences for the climate, therefore, it was imperative to place a ban on such practice. CM Naqvi ordered the MD WASA and DC Lahore to devise a comprehensive plan for the purpose in collaboration with the minister.
Attempt to equate Israel’s aggression to Palestinians’ struggle unacceptable: Jillani CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
But this is something that we, along with OIC member countries and the international community, would make a very forceful case for the early provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine,” he said. Responding to another question, Jilani said there was “absolutely no change in Pakistan’s position with regard to Israel”. He said that Pakistan’s position would continue until the people of Palestine were given the right of selfdetermination. Alvi calls for immediate cessation of ruthless actions in Gaza: Separately, in a statement issued later in the day, President Arif Alvi urged UN and OIC to meet urgently for cessation of the ruthless actions in Gaza. He said the organisations should ensure that necessary medical aid, food and other supplies are urgently sent in to prevent further devastation and the human catastrophe in Palestine. “Human history has never witnessed such cruelty and barbarism being
committed by Israel at a massive level; even water, electricity, food supply and medicine have been cut off,” the president said in a statement issued by the President House. Alvi said Israel had crossed all limits by killing children, women and innocent people, regretting that the international community had failed to prevent Israel from the genocide of the Palestinian people. “Pakistan supports the establishment of an independent state for the Palestinian people that is the only solution to bring lasting peace and stability in the region,” the president added. Kakar’s upcoming China visit: During his presser today, Jilani also talked about Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s upcoming visit to China for the third Belt and Road Forum (BRF). “The prime minister will attend the opening ceremony of the BRF and address the high-level forum entitled ‘Connectivity in an Open Global Economy’,” the PM office said in a post on X on Saturday. Jilani said that Kakar would also
hold bilateral meetings with the Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Further, the premier would also hold meeting with the “participating global leaders” that would be attending the forum the details of which would be released once they were finalised, Jilani said. The minister said that the premier would also be meeting top Chinese businessmen to “discuss the kind of cooperation that can be forged”. He said that a number of agreements and MoUs (memorandums of understanding) would also be signed during the visit. Terming it an “important visit”, the minister said that it would not only strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries but would also provide an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said that the premier would spend two days in Beijing, before undertaking a day-long visit to Xinjiang province. He called the region the “main artery” or CPEC.
NEWS 03
Peshawar City govt gears up to regulate buildings construction PESHAWAR
aziz BuneRi
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Department has initiated efforts to make approval of map and design mandatory for new construction from the authorities before getting securing gas connections. In this regard, a request has been sent to SNGPL, suggesting that gas connections should only be granted to those buildings that possess approved building plan from the municipal authorities. The Director of West Zone, Peshawar Capital Metropolitan Government, has communicated with the SNGPL General Manager, stating the municipal administration has introduced an online system to regulate illegal constructions. The focus is on the height, a significant portion of the building, architectural design, and construction aspects of buildings to ensure organized development within the region. However, some property owners and housing societies have never adhered to approved procedures. According to the plan, when residential or commercial developments apply for gas connections, the Peshawar Capital Metropolitan Government insists on the submission of an authorized plan. Gas meters can only be installed under the Local Government Act 2013 and the Model Building Bylaws 2017, which are to be strictly enforced. It was emphasized that gas connections should only be granted to consumers with approved plans from municipal authorities. This step aims not only to regulate architectural design and construction aspects of buildings but also to potentially boost government revenue through the proper channeling of funds.
LESCO recovers Rs830 million from defaulters LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has recovered over Rs 830 million from over 26000 defaulters in its five districts during a recovery campaign. According to a statement issued by LESCO spokesperson, the campaign was launched under the direction of Chief Executive Engineer of LESCO Shahid Haider and was assisted by Tehsildars in all five districts. On the thirtieth day of the campaign, more than 2 crore 20 lakh rupees have been recovered from 723 defaulters. Chief Engineer O&M (T&G) Zafar Iqbal in Northern Circle with the assistance of Tehsildar City Mujahid Zia and Tehsildar Shalimar Noreez Humayun collected 4.76 million from 78 defaulters and 4.76 million from 89 defaulters in Eastern Circle. Manager Material Disposal Engineer Anwar Witto along with Tehsildar Model Town Rana Asar and Tehsil Cantt Sajjad Qureshi recovered 2.43 million from 83 defaulters in Central Circle and 1.37 million from 42 defaulters in South Circle. Similarly, Manager Technical Engineer Muhammad Farooq with the assistance of Tehsildar Nankana Muhammad Iqbal Rasheed and Tehsildar Sheikhupura Muhammad Aslam Gujjar recovered 1.34 million from 76 defaulters in Nanka Na Circle and 2.14 million from 92 defaulters in Sheikhupura Circle. And S (PMU) Engineer Abbas Ali with the assistance of Naib Tehsildar Kasur and Okara Mirza Zahid Baig recovered 1.88 million from 122 defaulters in Okara Circle and 3.39 million from 141 defaulters in Kasur Circle. Chief Executive Lesko says that the institution is facing loss due to defaulters, action against them will continue.
Pro-Gaza rallies draw thousands to show solidarity with Palestinians CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
During his address, JI Punjab Amir Dr Tariq Saleem commended Hamas’ “surprise attack” on Israel, noting that this move had unsettled Tel Aviv for the first time. He cautioned the United States against taking sides in the conflict and urged them to refrain from supporting Netanyahu’s administration. Dr Saleem suggested that should the US become further embroiled in the escalating situation, it could face similar consequences as it did in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Royal Riders Pakistan organised a motorbike rally to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, with children joining their parents in the event.
‘MUSLIM RULERS URGED TO TAKE PRACTICAL ACTIONS FOR FREEDOM OF PALESTINE’: In Lahore, under the banner of the Muslim Youth League, a Labbaik Ya Aqsa rally was organized from Istanbul Chowk to the Punjab Assembly against Israeli atrocities. Thousands of people from various walks of life participated in this rally, showing a tremendous emotional environment. Concerned citizens chanted slogans in favor of the Palestinian cause and against Israeli aggression throughout the city. In Labbaik Ya Aqsa rally, participants from various youth organizations, students, young people, traders, and members of various professions held books and banners with inscriptions in support of Palestine and unity with the Palestinians. During the speeches of the leaders, the participants expressed their passion for the love of Palestinian brothers. In the Labbaik Ya Aqsa rally, Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, President Markzi Muslim League Lahore, Engineer Adil Khaliq, Sheikh Adil Amir, Malik Ijaz, Haris Dar, Jabran Butt, Hafiz Abdul Rahman, Abdul Rahman Badar, Mursheed Arsalan Naveed, Abdul Ghaffar Dogar, Nasser Mahmood Ghuman, and other leaders addressed the gathering. On this occasion, Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said in his speech that
Muslim rulers should take practical actions for the freedom of Palestine instead of language unity. The blood of the Palestinians has turned red, but I am saddened by the Pakistani youth who accept Israel as a state.
TJP TAKES OUT SOLIDARITY RALLY: The Tehreek Jawanan Pakistan (TJP) on Sunday held a ‘Martyrs of Palestine and Pakistan Rally’ to show solidarity with Palestinian brothers and sisters here in the metropolis. The rally commenced from Jinnah Terminal (airport), which passed through Shahra-e-Faisal Drig Station, Gulshan e Iqbal, Luck One and Aisha Manzil and culminated at Karsaz. TJP Chairman Abdullah Gul addressing the occasion, said that the people of Palestine and IIOJK stood on the right path. He said that human rights were being violated by Israel in Palestine. He said that the oppressed Palestinians were being brutally martyred by Israeli forces. Gul said that Israel was targeting women and children. He said that Palestine would emerge victorious in spite of the brutal attacks of Israel.
ISRAEL READIES TROOPS FOR GAZA INVASION: Meanwhile, Israel pressed on Sunday with preparations for a ground offensive in Gaza, after giving Palestinians little time to flee northern areas it has vowed to target in response to the deadliest attack in its history. Hamas fighters killed over 1,300 people in a surprise attack that Israel has compared to 9/11 in the United States. Israel has retaliated with a massive bombing campaign in Gaza leaving over 2,200 dead. Israel has warned around 1.1 million Gazans living in the north of the Palestinian territory to flee to the south ahead of a ground incursion which the military has indicated will focus on Gaza City, the base of the leadership of the Hamas group. The military said Gaza City residents must not delay their departure but a spokesperson said late Saturday they still had time to leave and that the ground offensive would not start on Sunday.
Since Friday thousands of Gazans, who cannot leave the enclave as it is blockaded by both Israel and Egypt, have packed what belongings they can into bags and suitcases, to trudge through the rubblestrewn streets.
SHEHBAZ DEMANDS HALT TO ISRAELI BOMBARDMENT ON PALESTINIANS: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League (N) President Shehbaz Sharif while condemning Israeli airstrikes on Palestinian civilians, including innocent children on Sunday, called for an immediate cessation of the bombardment. Sharif expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic martyrdom of over 2,000 Palestinian people including the children. In a statement, Shehbaz Sharif declared that the Zionist state had crossed all boundaries of international law and humanity with its actions in Palestine. He emphasized that the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, must ensure the protection and preservation of the inalienable legal rights of Palestinians to live free from harm. Failure to do so, he warned, could lead the world down a path of destruction. Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the seven decades of brutal occupation that the Palestinian people have endured, enduring unspeakable atrocities. He stressed that if the Security Council had acted upon its resolutions, the current dire situation could have been averted. Accusing the Israeli state of committing genocide against the Palestinians for decades, Sharif urged the UN Security Council to implement its resolutions, thereby ending the bloodshed of innocent civilians. He vehemently criticized the evacuation of hospitals and the targeting of journalists, equating these acts to permitting massacres. He called on the global community to intervene and halt the ongoing tragedy. PML-N President asserted that the world should not remain passive in the face of such cruelty and brutality. He called for practical measures to halt the massacre
of innocent people and to provide immediate humanitarian aid.
MARYAM SEEKS WORLD COMMUNITY’S HELP TO HALT MASSACRE OF PALESTINIANS: Meanwhile, PML-N Senior Vice President and Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need for the international community to intervene and halt the massacre of Palestinians. In a statement on Sunday, she underlined the collective responsibility of justice-seeking and humanitarian individuals worldwide to put an end to the bloodshed of innocent civilians. The barbaric bombing of unarmed and besieged Palestinians is a clear violation of international law, constituting a war crime, she hinted, asserting that attacks on hospitals, humanitarian caravans, and civilian populations were far from the actions of brave and lawabiding nations.
04 COMMENT
Gender disparities and labour market outcomes in Pakistan
Monday, 16 October 2023
Beating by India
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The manner of defeat showed up the problems of the team
OSING to India is not exceptionally shameful, as winning and losing are part of the game. Still, when Pakistan plays India, especially at cricket, expectations are generated on both sides, and an aura of pseudo-patriotism and ultra-nationalism is generated in the peoples of both countries. This was true of Saturday’s match, but Pakistani fans were particularly pained by the drubbing the team received. It was not even a close contest, as Pakistan went down by seven wickets with almost 20 overs to spare. Pakistan had batted first, making 192 in 32.5 overs, failing to exploit no less than 17 of the 50 overs for its innings. What was so surprising was how Pakistan at one time seemed headed for a 300-plus total, which would not have been adequate, but which might have proved enough for its bowlers to make a fist of it. However, when skipper Babar Azam was dismissed in the 30th over, it proved to be the beginning of a middle-order collapse of humongous proportions, and the nightmare did not end until the entire team was dismissed, and that too for a woefully inadequate total. Winning and losing are indeed part of the game, but the lack of fight shown in resisting the Indian bowling attack made it particularly painful in the way Pakistan has been treating its own bowlers, with the neglect shown Naseem Shah, an exciting prospect who has now developed a career-threatening injury. The team management has shown that it thinks that there is some sort of conveyor belt out there producing fast bowlers, and such profligacy is justified. However, the example of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is maturing into a quality opener, and who managed two of the three Indian wickets to fall in Friday’s fiasco, should not be ignored. He is the example of someone who started off with potential who has been nurtured along until he has become the highperformance individual of today. The time has not come for a wholesale clean-out, but some players need a second look. Perhaps too much faith is being placed in Shadab Khan, for example, even through he went for 32 runs in the eight overs he bowled, and scored only two. THe tournament is not over for Pakistan, and it seems that the team needs better bowling. After all, that it overtook the highest total in a World Cup against Sri Lanka, did mean that first the bowlers were carted all over the ground.
While a woman wins the Economics Nobel alone for the first time, the Pakistani woman suffers
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Waqas shair
LAUDIA Goldin, a distinguished US labour economist at Harvard University, has been awarded the prestigious Nobel Economics Prize 2023 by The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. “This year’s Laureate in the Economic Sciences, Claudia Goldin, provided the first comprehensive account of women’s earnings and labour market participation through the centuries,” the prize-giving body said in a press release on October 9. Goldin has achieved the remarkable distinction of being the third woman awarded the Nobel Economics Prize. Notably, she is also the first woman to receive this honour solely, without sharing it with any other recipient. It is worth noting fact that a significant gender disparity exists among Nobel Laureates in the field of economics, with 90 out of 93 laureates being men. Goldin’s research encompasses various subjects, such as the female labour force, the disparity in earnings between genders, income inequality, technological advancements, education, and immigration. Her research primarily focuses on interpreting the present phenomena by examining them through the lens of the past. The scholastic contribution of Goldin is crucial in the pursuit of gender parity– equal contribution of women and men across all aspects of life. The importance of gender parity always remains a topic of concern among international communities. The significance of gender parity arises from its inclusion into the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and, subsequently, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs encompass a comprehensive set of 17 interconnected objectives. These goals have been strategically formulated to act as a universal framework to foster peace and prosperity for humanity and the planet. Their purpose extends to the present and
Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
Yousaf Nizami
Police, criminal trial and miscarriage of justice Editor Umar Aziz M. A. Niazi Joint Editor
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Executive Editor
Changezi sandhu
ISPENSATION of justice in the criminal justice system and its administration in Pakistan is not at all easier as enshrined in laws and judicial precedents. People have to sacrifice their lives, properties, honor, and time to access justice because of delayed justice. A number of formidable defects and obstacles have become normal practice in criminal litigation which lead to delayed justice. The coordination between police and judicial departments is the backbone in criminal justice and its administration to dispose of a case judiciously. However, lack of coordination between both departments, bribes by police investigation officers to create defects in police reports to favour specific people, and inordinate delay in submission of police reports to commence trial, have been the major challenges for many decades. Police and judicial departments, especially prosecution, are equally responsible in spoiling the lawful criminal litigation. After lodging an FIR under section 154 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the concerned investigation officer is supposed to submit the findings of his investigation in court following section 173 of CrPC through the prosecution department within 14 days. The report is termed as “challan” in normal criminal court proceedings, but “Report of Police” following CrPC. To start trial proceedings, a police report is mandatory so that the court could have police findings in the shape of the initial investigation to decide pending cases as early as possible for justice. However, in practice, police take months and years to submit challan in court. Mostly, it has been noticed that police do not take much interest in transparent investigation of a registered case within a stipulated time. Unfortunately, courts fulfil their obligation of legal formality by summoning the police, simply. The judgement with citation as PLD 2018 Lahore 151 sheds light on the same persistent challenge in these words, “Investigation was to be completed without unnecessary delay and as soon as it was completed, officer in-charge of the police station was required to submit a challan through public prosecutor but not later than fourteen days from date of recording of FIR then Officer in-charge of police station would submit interim report within three days of expiry of period of fourteen days stating therein the result of investigation. Court on the basis of such an interim report would commence trial”. For such late submitting of police reports, the normal practice of judges in lower courts is to issue summons to police, and the delaying tactics of police officials for submission of reports have been disappointing people for many decades who have been knocking the doors of courts for rapid justice. According to a judge-
ment citation 2005 PCr.LJ 384, “investigation was to be completed without unnecessary delay, and where it was not completed within the period of 14 days from the date of recording of FIR; an interim report was to be forwarded to the court by the Public Prosecutor. In the present case, applicability of S.169, Cr.P.C., for discharge of accused was ruled out of consideration as in cross FIR, petitioner was also accused for similar offence. If one accused had been discharged as per report then the petitioner would also deserve to be treated in a similar manner. Despite the lapse of three years from the date of lodging of FIR, challan had not been put in court. Observations made in the impugned report were quashed by the High Court with direction that prosecution would submit challan before the court within a period of 14 days and court to initiate trial in both the FIRs”. The same issue was taken up in 2019’s judgement in these words with the citation 2019 MLD 1139, “Admittedly there is inordinate delay of one year one month in submitting challan against the accused, which also goes unexplained by the prosecution; ransom is not proved”. The above mentioned two judgments which were reported with the gap of 25 years which shows that the issue of submitting police reports has roots in the past but the judi-
future generations, making them a crucial shared blueprint. Currently, SDG 5 focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all girls. This goal comprises nine distinct targets and fourteen indicators used to evaluate the performance of these targets. The global economies are currently making efforts to address the gender gap, as evidenced by the findings of the Global Gender Gap report. According to the report, the overall score has experienced a slight increase from 68.1 to 68.4 in 2023, indicating a positive change of 0.3 scale points compared to the previous year’s edition. The gender gap in Pakistan is not portraying a satisfactory position but rather a more vulnerable one. Pakistan is ranked 142 out of 146 countries, with an overall score of 57.5 on the gender gap index scale. The gender gap index is a comprehensive metric encompassing various dimensions, including economic participation and opportunities, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. In the realm of women’s economic participation in Pakistan, a notable discrepancy is evident in the various labour market indicators. In this particular case, according to the Pakistan Labour Force Survey’s report, it is observed that the unemployment rate among females is 8.9 percent, which is higher than the unemployment rate of 5.5 percent among males. The male labour participation rate is approximately 70 per cent, whereas the female participation rate is comparatively lower, hovering around 20 per cent. Within the cohort of employed females, a notable majority, specifically 64.4 percent, lack formal education, in contrast to 30.2 percent of males. Among the contributing family workers– individuals employed without an explicit employment contract in the company or practice of their partner or parents– the females are 55.9 percent in proportion, whereas their male counterparts only make up 10.8 per cent. The proportion of females employed in the formal non-agriculture sector is a mere 11.1 percent, significantly lower than the corresponding figure of 19.0 percent for males. In relation to the wage disparity, a considerable proportion of females, specifically 61.1 percent, earn less than Rs 15,000 as their monthly wage. In contrast, a smaller percentage of males, around 32.6
percent, fall within the same income bracket. The median wage of female individuals engaged in paid employment is Rs 12,000, which shows a significant disparity compared to the median wage of their male counterparts, which is Rs 18,900. The gender wage gap is particularly noticeable in the self-employed sector, with female individuals in this category earning an annual income of Rs 60,000. The income of males is observed to be four times higher than that of females. In the dynamic landscape of the modern labour market, women’s labour market outcomes are unfavourable because they face numerous challenges that hinder their professional outcomes. These challenges, amongst others, can be attributed to a lack of access to education, social norms that perpetuate gender inequality, fear of harassment, limited decision-making power, mobility constraints, the burden of household production, inadequate safety in public transportation, and a dearth of information regarding employment prospects. Gender equality is a multidimensional aspect that not only concerns human rights but also encompasses significant implications for economic prospects. Research suggests that gender equality is associated with long-term economic growth, higher productivity, and improved working conditions. Moreover, evidence suggests that softening gender inequality favours poverty and fertility reduction, children’s welfare, and agricultural productivity. Gender equality is a crucial consideration in the development process. The bridging of the gender gap is imperative to uphold a just and impartial distribution of individuals within a given population. In order to effectively address this matter, it is imperative to implement a wide range of comprehensive socio-economic policy measures. The primary objective of these measures should be to foster an environment that promotes equal opportunities for all members of society and also values the diverse contributions made by individuals, irrespective of their gender.
Gender equality is a crucial consideration in the development process. The bridging of gender gap is imperative to uphold a just and impartial distribution of individuals within a given population. In order to effectively address this matter.
ciary did not play its constructive role to fix the issue that is considered as the main barrier to initiate trial proceedings. People have to wait for justice for years and decades because of this negligence. The lower as well as higher judiciary should take stern action on the implementation of section 173 of CrPC for the best cause of justice. Lower judiciary at the magistracy level should also come out of its traditional role of fulfilling its obligation of legal formality of summoning notices with no concrete results. It should use its powers for the protection of the rights of people. Criminal liability must be imposed on police officials who submit the police report late by violating section 173 on which conviction and sentence of accused is supposed to be decided. The higher judiciary should also take actions against the lower judiciary for not taking stern actions against police officials for submission of police reports within the stipulated time as per law. Investigation is indispensable in the criminal administration and justice system. Judges have to draw conclusions on the basis of police investigation. Taking bribes by police investigation has become a culture to favour specific persons. The Police Department is always reluctant to take action against its own officials. Ultimately, the public and legal fraternity suffer from all the catastrophic conditions. Top Police officials and judiciary should work together to overcome the situation to avoid miscarriage of justice.
The writer is a Lahore-based legal practitioner and can be reached at ch.changezi.sandhu111@gmail.com
The writer is a lecturer at Minhaj University Lahore, Pakistan. He is also a research associate at the Center of Economic Planning and Development (CEPD), Minhaj University Lahore, Pakistan.
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Interminable repair work
I have been residing around Gulzar e Hijri for the past ten years, and what’s incessant about the area is the presence of broken roads. Every few days, roads are dug up for reasons unknown, and they are left in that terrible state without any intention of repairing them. This results in uneven roads for an indefinite period. Whether it’s the road of Khatam E Nabuat Chowk leading to Kaneez Fatima society, the road near the Gulzar e Hijri police station, or the commercial road of Malik society, all these mentioned roads have been rough for the longest time. It’s a never-ending cycle. The residents have had enough of this. Our cars are getting damaged because of this, and it simultaneously causes unnecessary traffic congestion on every other road. The relevant authorities must investigate whether these activities are taking place legally or not because there is never any official organisation accompanying the labourers at work. SUKENNA AFZAL KARACHI
Acute dearth of library resources
LIBRARIES play a pivotal role in the growth of society. The growth of society depends on reviving the reading culture, preparing students for future contributions, and enhancing their skills. All these requirements are fulfilled by libraries. J.K. Rowling says, “When in doubt, go to the library.” This means that libraries also provide resources and materials for resolving doubts and finding answers to the questions that drift around in our minds. Libraries have played a crucial role in intellectual and cultural growth in cities worldwide. Two of the most prominent ones are the Library of Alexandria and the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library. The latter is not only famous for the variety of books it houses but has also contributed to Oxford’s intellectual and cultural growth. Despite their importance, apart from Hyderabad, Karachi, and Larkana districts, most small towns in Sindh lack access to public libraries. Some cities have library buildings, but there are insufficient repositories of books and research journals, and no internet access is found on library premises. Jhuddo is one of them, even though it is not from the rural regions of Sindh. Jhuddo, a town comprising a population of 4.5 lakh, is also consistently deprived of the facility of a library. Its students are not provided with a facilitated environment, even though they require this for research and other purposes. It is a result of the city’s administration’s negligence. Jhuddo’s governing bodies are requested to pay heed to this issue as soon as possible. ZAKAULLAH KHASKHELI SINDH
Internet connectivity issues
Investigation is indispensable in the criminal administration and justice system. Judges have to draw conclusions on the basis of police investigation. Taking bribes by police investigation has become a culture to favour specific persons. The Police Department is always reluctant to take action against its own officials. Ultimately, the public and legal fraternity suffer from all the catastrophic conditions.
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9
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Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545
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IN remote areas like Dash, the lack of internet access is posing significant challenges, particularly for students. In our increasingly connected world, the internet is an essential tool for accessing a wealth of information, making our lives more convenient. However, the absence of reliable internet connectivity in local regions is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. Students rely heavily on the internet for research, assignments, and educational resources. Without a stable internet connection, online classes become nearly impossible, severely hampering the educational experience. As a student myself, I have personally experienced the frustration of incomplete assignments due to unreliable internet access. In conclusion, I urge the government to address this issue promptly and provide internet connectivity to local areas, especially Dasth. The internet is an invaluable tool for sharing knowledge and ideas, and its accessibility is crucial everywhere. OMAAN DURRA DASHT
Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk
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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
COMMENT 05
Problem-solving: An art and technique of practical life Monday, 16 October 2023
Solving problems the right way
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Dr raJkumar singh
ROBLEM-SOLVING is a cognitive process that involves identifying, analysing, and finding effective solutions to challenges or issues. It’s a critical skill that is valuable in both personal and professional settings. Effective problem-solving can lead to better decision-making, increased efficiency, and improved outcomes.
The key steps and elements of problem-solving involve: a. IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM: The first step in problem-solving is recognizing that a problem exists. This may involve observing a situation, receiving feedback, or realizing that a desired goal is not being achieved. Clearly defining the problem is crucial for the rest of the process. b. ANALYSING THE PROBLEM: Once the problem is identified, it’s important to gather information and understand its underlying causes and contributing factors. This may involve research, data collection, or brainstorming. c. GENERATING POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS: Brainstorming is a common technique for generating a list of possible solutions or approaches to the problem. It’s essential to be open to creative and unconventional ideas during this phase. d. EVALUATING SOLUTIONS: After generating potential solutions, we need to assess each one’s feasibility, effectiveness, and potential consequences. Consider the pros and cons of each option and their impact on the situation. e. SELECTING THE BEST SOLUTION: Based on the evaluation, choose the solution that seems most likely to solve the problem effectively. Sometimes, it may be necessary to combine elements of different solutions. f. IMPLEMENTING THE SOLUTION: Put our chosen solution into action. This step may involve planning, resource allocation, and executing the plan.
g. MONITORING AND FEEDBACK: Continuously assess the progress of the implemented solution and gather the feedback and data to ensure that the chosen solution is working as intended. h. REFLECTION AND LEARNING: After the problem is resolved, take the time to reflect on the process. In the context, learning from past problemsolving experiences can improve our skills for future challenges.
The key reasons why problem-solving is so important include: a. ACHIEVING GOALS: Problem-solving helps individuals and organizations overcome obstacles and challenges that may hinder progress toward our goals. It allows us for the identification and removal of barriers that stand in the way of success. b. INNOVATION: Problem-solving often leads to innovation and creativity. When individuals or teams tackle problems, they may come up with novel solutions, processes, or products that can drive progress and advancement in various fields. c. EFFECTIVE DECISION-MAKING: Problemsolving is closely tied to decision-making. It helps individuals and teams make informed decisions by analysing data, considering options, and evaluating potential outcomes. d. CONFLICT RESOLUTION: In personal and professional relationships, conflicts are inevitable. Problem-solving skills are crucial for resolving conflicts in a constructive and mutually beneficial manner, which can improve relationships and teamwork. e. ENHANCED LEARNING: Problem-solving encourages continuous learning and growth. When individuals face challenges and seek solutions, they acquire new knowledge and skills, expanding their capabilities. f. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Effective problem-solving allows for the efficient allocation of resources, whether it’s time, money, personnel, or materials. This ensures that resources are used wisely and productively. g. IMPROVED COMMUNICATION: Problemsolving often involves collaboration and communi-
Palestine must, once more, become an issue that concerns all Arabs, the whole region. The Israeli narrative must be countered, western bias confronted, and a new, collective strategy formed
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Dr ramzy BarouD
T one time, the ‘Arab-Israeli Conflict’ was Arab and Israeli. Over the course of many years, however, it was rebranded. The media is now telling us it is a ‘Hamas-Israeli conflict’. But what went wrong? Israel simply became too powerful. The supposedly astounding Israeli victories over the years against Arab armies have emboldened Israel to the extent that it came to view itself, not as a regional superpower, but as a global power as well. Israel, per its own definition, became ‘invincible’. Such terminology was not a mere scare tactic aimed at breaking the spirit of Palestinians and Arabs alike. Israel believed this. The ‘Israeli miracle victory’ against Arab armies in 1967 was a watershed moment. Then, Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Abba Eban, declared in a speech that “from the podium of the UN, I proclaimed the glorious triumph of the IDF and the redemption of Jerusalem.” This, in his thinking, could only mean one thing: “Never before has Israel stood more honored and revered by the nations of the world.” The sentiment in Eban’s words echoed throughout Israel. Even those who doubted their government’s ability to completely prevail over the Arabs, joined the chorus: Israel is unvanquishable. Little rational discussion took place back then, about the actual reasons why Israel had won, and if that victory would have been possible without Washington’s complete backing and the West’s willingness to support Israel at any cost. Israel was never a graceful winner. As the size of territories controlled by the triumphant little state increased by three-fold, Israel began entrenching its military occupation over whatever remained of historic Palestine. It even began building settlements in newly occupied Arab territories, in Sinai, the Golan Heights and all the rest. Fifty years ago, in October 1973, Arab armies attempted to reverse Israel’s massive gains by launching a surprise attack. They initially succeeded, then failed when the US moved quickly to bolster Israeli defenses and intelligence. It was not a complete victory for the Arabs, nor a total defeat for Israel. The latter was badly bruised, though. But Tel Aviv remained convinced that the fundamental relationship it had established with the Arabs in 1967 had not been altered. And, with time, the ‘conflict’ became less Arab-Israeli and more Palestinian-Israeli. Other Arab countries, like Lebanon, paid a heavy price for the fragmentation of the Arab front. This
In the context, there are several precautions and considerations to keep in mind when engaging in problem solving: a. AVOID HASTY SOLUTIONS: Rushing to find a quick solution without thoroughly analysing the problem can lead to ineffective or temporary fixes and therefore, take the time to understand the problem before attempting to solve it. b. CONFIRMATION BIAS: Be aware of confirmation bias, which is the tendency to favour informa-
Thus, effective problem-solving is a valuable skill that can be developed and refined over time through practice and experience. ItÊs not only a valuable individual skill but also a critical aspect of teamwork and organizational success, as it helps resolve issues, drive innovation, and improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
The Palestinian cause belongs to the world
MIDDLE EAST MONITOR
cation with others. Effective communication is essential for sharing information, ideas, and feedback during the problem-solving process. h. ADAPTATION TO CHANGE: In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt to new circumstances and challenges is critical. Problem-solving skills enable individuals and organizations to adjust to changing environments and circumstances. i. INCREASED CONFIDENCE: Successfully solving problems can boost an individual’s self-confidence and self-efficacy. It provides a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. j. ENHANCED LEADERSHIP: Leaders who are skilled problem solvers can guide their teams and organizations through difficult situations, inspiring confidence and trust among their followers. k. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: Problem-solving is often associated with quality improvement initiatives in various industries. Identifying and addressing problems can lead to higher product and service quality. l. RISK MITIGATION: In business and project management, problem-solving can help identify and mitigate risks before they become major issues, reducing the potential for costly setbacks. m. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: In customer-centric industries, effective problem-solving can lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction. Resolving customer issues promptly and effectively builds trust and loyalty. n. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: On a personal level, developing problem-solving skills contributes to personal growth and adaptability, making individuals more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
changing reality meant that Israel could invade South Lebanon in March 1978, and then sign the Camp David Peace Accords with Egypt, six months later. While the Israeli occupation of Palestine grew more violent, with an insatiable appetite for more land, the west turned the Palestinian struggle for freedom into a ‘conflict’ to be managed by words, never by deeds. Many Palestinian intellectuals make a point of arguing that “this is not a conflict”, that military occupation is not a political dispute, but governed by clearly defined international laws and boundaries. And that it must be resolved according to international justice. That is yet to happen. Neither was justice delivered, nor an inch of Palestine was retrieved, despite the countless international conferences, resolutions, statements, investigations, recommendations, and special reports. Without real enforcement, international law is mere ink. But did the Arab people abandon Palestine? The anger, the anguish, and the passionate chants by endless streams of people who took to the streets throughout the Middle East to protest the annihilation of Gaza by the Israeli army, did not seem to think that Palestine is alone – or, at least, should be left fighting on its own. The isolation of Palestine from its regional context has proven disastrous. When the ‘conflict’ is only with the Palestinians, then Israel determines the context and scope of the socalled conflict, what is allowed at the ‘negotiations table’, and what is to be excluded. This is how the Oslo Accords squandered Palestinian rights. The more Israel succeeds in isolating Palestinians from their regional environs, the more it invests in their division. It is even more dangerous when the conflict becomes between Hamas and Israel. The outcome is a whole different conversation that is superimposed on the truly urgent understanding of what is taking place in Gaza, in the whole of Palestine at the moment. In Israel’s version of events, the war began on October 7, when Hamas fighters attacked Israeli military bases, settlements, and towns in the south of Israel. No other date or event prior to the Hamas attack seems to matter to Israel, to the West and to corporate media covering the war with so much concern for the plight of Israelis, and complete disregard to the Gaza inferno. No other context is allowed to spoil the perfect Israeli narrative of Daesh-like Palestinians disturbing the peace and tranquility of Israel and its people. Palestinian voices that insist on discussing the Gaza war within proper historical contexts – the ethnic cleansing of Palestine in 1948, the occupation of Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza in 1967, the siege on Gaza in 2007, all the bloody wars before and after – are simply denied platforms. The pro-Israel media simply does not want to listen. Even if Israel did not go as far as making unfounded claims about decapitated babies, the media would have remained committed to the Israeli narrative, anyway. Yet, if Israel continues to define the narratives of war, historical contexts of ‘conflicts’, and the political discourses that shape the West’s view of Palestine and the Middle East, it will continue to obtain all the blank checks necessary to remain committed to its military occupation of Palestine. In turn, this will fuel yet more conflicts, more wars and more deception regarding the roots of the violence. For this vicious cycle to break, Palestine must, once more, become an issue that concerns all Arabs, the whole region. The Israeli narrative must be countered, western bias confronted, and a new, collective strategy formed. In other words, Palestine cannot be left alone anymore.
tion that confirms our pre-existing beliefs or ideas. c. OVERLOOKING ROOT CAUSES: It’s essential to dig deep and identify the underlying causes of a problem rather than addressing only its symptoms. Treating symptoms may provide short-term relief but won’t solve the issue in the long run. d. IGNORING STAKEHOLDERS: Failure to involve relevant stakeholders or seek their input can result in solutions that lack buy-in and may not address the real needs of those affected by the problem. Collaboration and communication are crucial. e. OVERCOMPLEX SOLUTIONS: Avoid overengineering solutions. Sometimes, simple and straightforward approaches are more effective and easier to implement.
In addition, effective problem-solving often requires several key qualities and strategies: a. CRITICAL THINKING: The ability to analyse information objectively, make connections, and draw logical conclusions is essential for effective problem-solving. b. CREATIVITY: Thinking outside the box and considering unconventional solutions can lead to innovative problem-solving approaches. c. COMMUNICATION: Effective communication is crucial for collaborating with others, gathering information, and implementing solutions. d. DECISION-MAKING: Being able to make timely decisions based on available information and analysis is a key component of problem-solving. e. PERSISTENCE: Complex problems may require time and effort to solve. Persistence and resilience are important qualities for successful problem-solving. f. FLEXIBILITY: Sometimes, problem may evolve or present unexpected challenges. Being adaptable and willing to adjust our approach is important. g. EMPATHY: Understanding the perspectives and needs of others can lead to more effective problemsolving in interpersonal or team-related issues. h. TIME MANAGEMENT: Efficiently allocating time and resources to solve a problem is essential, especially in professional settings. #
Thus, effective problem-solving is a valuable skill that can be developed and refined over time through practice and experience. It’s not only a valuable individual skill but also a critical aspect of teamwork and organizational success, as it helps resolve issues, drive innovation, and improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
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.
‘Dumbphones’ make a comeback: ‘No one calls me anymore’
The most basic mobiles are now being used by people resisting excessive connectivity
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EL PAIS
José menDiola zuriarrain
EMEMBER your first Nokia, Alcatel or Ericsson mobile phone — those analog devices that could barely make intelligible calls? How about when you got your first phone that could send text messages? Over time, we became enlightened — the BlackBerry and then the iPhone revolutionized mobile phones, causing widespread disdain for those earlier models. Designed for quick and easy communication, they served their purpose well and rested in peace. Smartphones created a brand-new need: hyperconnectivity. Email, instant messaging and social media followed, causing an urge to be constantly connected. However, this shift brought consequences, as experts noted a rise in mental health problems among young people unprepared for the immediacy of social media. The condition is known as nomophobia (no mobile phone phobia) — when your cellphone becomes a source of pleasure and addiction. Now, a growing number of counterculture users in the United States are renouncing hyperconnectivity and returning to basic mobile phones that are only good for voice calls.
IPHONE? HOW ABOUT A NOKIA WITH NO DATA? “I needed time for myself,” said writer Jesús Terrés after announcing on social media that he was going on a smartphone detox. But Terrés wasn’t leaping headfirst into the void — he has a “dumbphone” for calls and occasionally resorts to using his smartphone. Terrés admits he misses having Google Maps, but doesn’t mind giving up addictive social media that he compares to ordering a third drink at a bar. “It seems like a good idea at the time, but rarely is.” Disconnecting from technology takes courage. Sergio Barranco, a music teacher at the San Sebastián Conservatory in Spain, resisted pressure for years by sticking to his basic mobile phone, but finally broke down and got a smartphone. “Everyone was happy about it,” he said. “Now they can reach me by other means besides SMS or voice calls… It was much easier for them.” Barranco finally gave in, but it peeves him every time he looks fondly at his old brick of a phone. “Once you dive into WhatsApp, things can get complicated,” he said with resignation. “On the other hand, you get to talk to a lot more people.” “We are seeing that basic phones resonate with several demographics and generations,” said Lars Silberbauer, Nokia’s marketing director. He mentions “digital exhaustion” among young people, who are taking a step
back and thinking about basic mobile phones. Manufacturers rarely disclose exact sales figures, but Swiss company Punkt has reported a sales boost, particularly among the younger demographic. “Sales increased over 30% in 2022 compared to the previous year,” said Adam Thomas, Punkt’s communications officer. “With the launch of a touchscreen model later this year, we anticipate further growth.” According to Hayley Dodd of HMD (Nokia’s manufacturer), basic mobile sales doubled in 2022 and the company expects sustained growth of these models in 2023. Counterpoint Research confirms that dumbphones are experiencing a surge in popularity. In the United States alone, an estimated 2.8 million of these devices are expected to be sold by 2023. Counterpoint notes that rising sales can be attributed to the interest in “digital detox” among millennials and Generation Z.
‘IT’S LIKE LIVING IN 1999′: It’s all about communication, relationships and staying connected… Or so we thought. “No one calls me anymore,” said Terrés, who experienced firsthand the data plan tyranny. People no longer want to talk… at most they send audio messages. But he says voluntary ostracism has a very positive side effect — “I read a lot more books now.” But why give up the intoxicating delights of WhatsApp and TikTok if you don’t have to? In addition to the obvious advantages for mental health, a growing number of people perceive this challenging solitude in a positive light. “It’s like living in 1999,” wrote Gregory Alvarez, describing his now (almost) definitive disconnection. Of course, there’s a whole subforum on Reddit dedicated to transitioning to basic mobile phones. Interestingly, the forum’s first recommendation is not to switch phones entirely, but rather to keep your smartphone and limit its functionality. Both Android and iPhone have parental controls that effectively restrict device functions, giving them a similar feel to old Nokia phones.
OTHER ADVANTAGES: Dumbphones are undeniably sturdy and reliable. Who can forget the epic drops of those prehistoric Nokia phones? They often went flying and survived without a scratch. Just a tiny slip of your modern smartphone can lead to cracked screens and scratched cases… and repairs definitely don’t come cheap. Another major advantage of this type of device is that they don’t have color touch screens or complex processors, resulting in a long battery life — charging once a week is usually sufficient. Moreover, they are less vulnerable to cyberattacks, which is crucial for privacy-conscious individuals. Lastly, there’s the cost factor: a Boost Mobile Prepaid Schok Flip will only set you back $20 at Target. “Social networks aim to keep us engaged by utilizing tactics like infinite scrolling and enticing short videos that make us think, ‘just one more,’” said psychologist Joan Salvador Villalonga. “They deprive us of healthy leisure time, leading to less tolerance for boredom… We futilely try to please other people with short-lived posts, which is leading many people to abandon social media and restore their sense of freedom.” In short, dumbphones help us break free from the virtual world so we can redirect our focus back to the vibrant reality that surrounds us.
06 NEWS
PUTIN TO VISIT CHINA TO DEEPEN ‘NO LIMITS’ PARTNERSHIP WITH XI
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MOSCOW
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USSIAN President Vladimir Putin will meet Xi Jinping in China this week in a bid to deepen a partnership forged between the United States’ two biggest strategic competitors. Putin will attend the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Oct. 17-18, his first trip outside the former Soviet Union since the Hague-based International Criminal Court issued a warrant for him in March over the deportation of children from Ukraine. China and Russia declared a “no limits” partnership in February 2022 when Putin visited Beijing just days before he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, triggering the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two. The United States casts China as its biggest competitor and Russia as its
biggest nation-state threat while US President Joe Biden argues that this cen-
tury will be defined by an existential contest with between democracies and
autocracies. “Over the past decade, Xi has built with Putin’s Russia the most consequential undeclared alliance in the world,” Graham Allison, professor at Harvard University and a former assistant secretary of defense under Bill Clinton, told reporters. “The US will have to come to grips with the inconvenient fact that a rapidly rising systemic rival and a revanchist one-dimensional superpower with the largest nuclear arsenal in the world are tightly aligned in opposing the USA.” Biden has referred to Xi as a “dictator” and has said Putin is a “killer” and a leader who cannot remain in power. Beijing and Moscow have scolded Biden for those remarks. Since the Ukraine war, Vladimir Putin has mostly stayed within the former Soviet Union, though he visited Iran last year for talks with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Blinken describes meeting with Saudi Crown Prince as ‘very productive’ RIYADH
AGENCIES
Iran warns of ‘far-reaching consequences’ if Israel not stopped UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES
Iran warned in a social media post on Saturday that if Israel’s “war crimes and genocide” are not stopped then the situation could spiral out of control with “farreaching consequences.” The post on X by Iran’s mission to the United Nations came after Axios reported Tehran warned Israel – in a message sent via the UN – that it would have to respond if Israel carries out a ground offensive in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. “If the Israeli apartheid’s war crimes & genocide are not halted immediately, the situation could spiral out of control & ricochet far-reaching consequences – the responsibility of which lies with the UN, the Security Council & the states steering the Council toward a dead end,” Iran’s UN mission posted. Israel was preparing on Saturday to launch a ground assault against Iran-backed Hamas in the Gaza Strip, after telling Palestinians living in the densely populated territory to flee south towards a closed border with Egypt. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas in retaliation for an attack by the Palestinian group a week ago. Hamas stormed Israeli towns, killing 1,300 people and seizing scores of hostages – the worst attack on civilians in Israel’s history. Israeli jets and artillery have already subjected Gaza to the most intense bombardment it has ever seen, putting the enclave, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, under total siege. Gaza authorities say more than 2,200 people have been killed. The United States has been working to keep Iran out of the conflict and broader international diplomacy has been focused on preventing it from spilling over – particularly into Lebanon – and sparking a regional war. Lebanon’s Iran-backed, heavily armed Hezbollah group has clashed with Israel across the Lebanese border multiple times in the past week in the deadliest confrontations since they fought a monthlong war in 2006. UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein AmirAbdollahian in Beirut on Saturday, the United Nations said. Abdollahian then met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar, Al Jazeera TV reported. When asked about the Axios report, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: “All of (Wennesland’s) meetings have been to discuss diplomatic efforts to release hostages, secure humanitarian access and prevent a spillover of the conflict to the wider region. This includes his recent meetings in Lebanon.” Israel’s mission to the United Nations declined to comment on the Axios report or the social media post by Iran.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday said he held a “very productive” meeting with the Saudi crown prince in Riyadh, a critical diplomatic engagement as Israel prepared to launch a ground assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and Washington worked to contain the conflict. “Very productive,” Blinken replied to a question from a Reuters reporter as he returned to the hotel where the US delegation was staying. In the meeting, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed the need to find ways to stop the conflict, and respect international law, including by lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza, Saudi state news agency SPA reported. “(The crown prince stressed the need to find) a peace path to ensure that the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and achieve just and lasting peace,” SPA said. The top US diplomat’s meeting on Sunday with the Kingdom’s defacto ruler comes as the region is on the brink of a further escalation with Gaza, a small coastal enclave home to 2.3 million Palestinians, bracing for Israel’s ground offensive. Blinken has embarked on his most extensive trip to date to the Middle East, working with Arab allies to prevent the war from spiralling into a wider conflict and help secure the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas fighters.
Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas in retaliation for a rampage by its fighters in Israeli towns eight days ago in which they shot men, women and children and seized hostages in the worst attack on civilians in the country’s history. Late on Saturday, Iran warned of “far-reaching consequences” if Israel’s bombardment was not stopped. A US official said the meeting lasted for just under an hour and took place at the Crown Prince’s private farm residence. “The Secretary highlighted the United States’ unwavering focus on halting terrorist attacks by Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, and preventing the conflict from spreading,” the State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. “The two affirmed their shared commitment to protecting civilians and to advancing stability across the Middle East and beyond,” Miller added.
Blinken started his tour on Thursday in Israel, voicing robust US support for Washington’s closest Middle East ally in its war against Hamas. He is expected to travel to Egypt later on Sunday. Gaza authorities said more than 2,300 people had been killed, a quarter of them children, and nearly 10,000 wounded. Rescue workers searched desperately for survivors of nighttime air raids. One million people had reportedly left their homes. Blinken on Saturday met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan in Riyadh. Before their meeting, Blinken said protecting civilians on both sides of the conflict was vital. “And we’re working together to do exactly that, in particular working on establishing safe areas in Gaza, working on establishing corridors so that humanitarian assistance can reach people who need it.”
Monday, 16 October, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
Turkish, Chinese foreign ministers discuss developments in Israel, Palestine ANKARAL
AGENCIES
Turkish and Chinese foreign ministers on Sunday discussed over phone the latest developments in Israel and Palestine, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. Hakan Fidan and Wang Yi also discussed Israeli attacks on Gaza, the sources said. Last weekend, Israeli forces launched a sustained military push against the Gaza Strip in response to a military offensive by Hamas in Israeli territories. The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel – a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. On the other hand, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday met Majority Leader of the US Senate Charles Schumer, and his delegation in Tel Aviv. Gallant received Schumer and senators Jacklyn Rosen, Mitt Romney, Mark Kelly and William Cassidy, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry. He informed them about the ongoing conflict with Palestinian group Hamas, and called for maintaining US support for Israel. Israel’s former Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who has joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government, also met the US delegation. “I met today the bipartisan congressional delegation led by the Senate Majority Leader. I want to convey my deep appreciation to the Majority Leader and the entire delegation for their crucial support during these difficult times,” he said on X. ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS FRENCH COUNTERPART: Separately, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met his visiting French counterpart Catherine Colonna. “I would like to thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France Catherine Colonna who came to Israel to show support,” Cohen said on X. “She met with family members of the kidnapped, talked with the wounded, and saw for herself the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas.” THE CONFLICT: Last weekend, Israeli forces launched a sustained military push against the Gaza Strip in response to a military offensive by Hamas in Israeli territories. The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel – a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians. The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip. Israel’s response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening living conditions in an area that has endured a crippling siege since 2007, as well as ordering more than 1 million Gazans in the northern strip to evacuate to the southern strip.
Afghanistan struck by another 6.3-magnitude earthquake HERAT
AGENCIES
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck western Afghanistan on Sunday, according to the US Geological Survey, adding to the series of tremors that have devastated the region this month. The epicentre of the quake was reported to be 33 kilometres (20 miles) from Herat city, the capital of the western province, and its depth 6.3km. This follows a magnitude 6.3 quake on October 7, accompanied by eight powerful aftershocks, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths and hundreds of injuries in the same area. With entire villages flattened and thousands left without shelter, the region experienced another tremor of similar intensity, causing one fatality and injuring
130 others. The aftermath of these earthquakes has left more than 12,000 people affected, and UNICEF revealed that over
90% of the casualties were women and children. The challenging situation is exacer-
bated by Afghanistan’s existing humanitarian crisis, marked by the withdrawal of foreign aid following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Providing shelter on a large scale poses a significant challenge for the Taliban authorities, who have strained relations with international aid organizations. Homes in rural Afghanistan are typically constructed with mud and wooden support poles, lacking steel or concrete reinforcement. The multi-generational extended family structures prevalent in the region mean that earthquakes can have a devastating impact on entire communities. The earthquakes further compound the difficulties faced by Afghanistan, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and support for the affected population.
Reverse migration: poor return to villages as living costs surge in cities KARACHI/LAHORE REUTERS
Salma Faheem has not spoken to her husband, Mohammad, since June, when he dropped her and their three children off in his home village of Dalma in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) because he could no longer afford to have them living with him in Karachi. Now instead of living in one room in an urban slum with water on tap and a gas-powered cooker, Salma has to walk an hour every day to fetch water and she must cook her family’s meals on a wood-fired stove. “I hate it here,” she said by phone. “I loved it in Karachi.” Her husband, Faheem, 33, is not happy either but he feels he had no choice. “In the village, the house is ours so it is rent-free,” he said. “(But) I loved having them around. I miss my children,” said Faheem, who earns Rs35,000 a month as a furniture handler
could no longer stretch to cover food, rent and tuition. Pakistan’s $350 billion economy is in meltdown with low growth, a weak currency and spiralling prices. The pain is being felt most keenly by those living on low incomes in cities. Some have decided that the only answer is to leave or to send their families back to their home villages, where living is cheap. Like other developing countries, Pakistan is heavily reliant on imports of oil, gas and other commodities, and has been hit hard by the Covid pandemic, the global slowdown that followed the war in Ukraine and floods last year that submerged a third of the country. High fuel and energy prices have pushed inflation to 31.4% year-on-year in September, up from 27.4% in August, and there is little the new caretaker government, which took over in August, can do to rein in prices. A $3 billion loan programme, approved
by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last July, averted a sovereign debt default but reforms linked to the bailout, including an easing of import restrictions and a demand that energy and fuel subsidies be removed, have thrown oil on the inflation fire. The economic crisis is exacerbated by rising political tensions ahead of a national election scheduled for January. With no relief in sight, some people in this nation of around 240 million are cutting costs the only way they can: by moving home to their villages. “The decision to return to our hometown was not an easy one,” said Waseem Anwar, a water filter and sanitary fittings installer who moved with his wife and five children to the small dusty town of Chowk Marlay – about four hours from Lahore — in May. Anwar’s wages could no longer cover rent, utilities, medical expenses and tuition in the city. “Although the work opportunities
here [village] are not as plentiful, the reduction in my overhead expenses to about half … has provided great relief,” Anwar, who now works as a plumber, said.‘Alleviate suffering’ There is no immediate data available on
the total number of people who have moved back to villages in recent months, but researchers cite substantial anecdotal evidence based on dozens of conversations with socalled reverse migrants and their relatives.
Monday, 16 October, 2023 | ISLAMABAD
PIAF for aggressive marketing to exploit potential of GSP Plus ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Stressing the need for an aggressive marketing plan to exploit the huge opportunity of enhancing exports to the EU countries, the Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has welcomed the European Union’s decision to retain the GSP plus status for Pakistan for another four years till 2027. PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that GSP Plus status holds paramount importance for Pakistan’s economy as it has played an important role in expansion of multilateral trade. He said that the GSP Plus status, which Pakistan has enjoyed in the past, has significantly contributed to enhancing our export potential and economic prosperity. He said that the GSP Plus status offers developing countries duty-free or reduced-tariff access to the EU market for over 6,000 products. It is a significant opportunity for Pakistan to boost its exports and create jobs, he added. He appreciated the unwavering efforts of the government in advocating for this extension, further strengthening trade relations and fostering economic growth for our nation. According to the trade statistics from ITC World Trademap, Pakistan’s exports to EU, which were around 6.3 billion dollars in 2013, have increased over the time to 11.3 billion dollars in 2022, primarily due to the deeper market access provided by European Union under GSP Plus. Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that this essentially meant that due to GSP Plus, the European Union was by far the biggest destination for Pakistan’s exports as more than 30 percent of our exports reach EU market. He said that this privilege has played a pivotal role in boosting our export sector, particularly in textiles, apparel and other key industries. The GSP Plus status has not only bolstered our economic prospects but has also supported job creation and sustainable development within the country. As looking ahead, the extension of the GSP program until 2027 presents an exceptional opportunity for Pakistan to further elevate its trade relations with the European Union. Similarly the PIAF believed that by leveraging this extended GSP status, Pakistan can diversify its export base and explore new markets, thus amplifying the growth trajectory of our nation.
K-Electric seeks tariff increase by over Rs3 per unit KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
The consumers of Karachi Electric (K-Electric) could be in for some bad news, as the authorities are mulling over increasing the electricity tariff by over Rs3 per unit. K-Electric has submitted an application with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for an increase of Rs2.35 per unit in terms of quarterly adjustments. According to the application, another increase of 67 paisas per unit should be made in terms of arrears. If the request is approved, the electricity consumers of Karachi will bear an additional financial burden of Rs1.6 billion. NEPRA is scheduled to hold a hearing on K-Electric’s application on October 19. Just a week ago, NEPRA had increased the cost of electricity by Rs1.71 per unit under the head of monthly fuel adjustment. The adjustment in the tariff was made for the month of August and will be charged in the bills for October. A notification for the tariff raise was also issued. The increase was not applicable to K-Electric and lifeline customers. The Central Power Purchasing Authority had sought an increase in electricity tariff of Rs1.82 per unit. After conducting a hearing, NEPRA approved 10 paisas less than what was demanded. The tariff increase will put an additional burden of Rs30 billion on power consumers.
IESCO issues power suspension schedule for today ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
According to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) 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 16th October 2023, From 07:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, Islamabad Circle, Industrial.I, II, III, Warid, Old PTN, Etihad Foundry, SH Steel, Siddiqui Steel, SES, Fazal Ghi, U-Phone, Highway, Service Road East, Zia Masjid, Iqbal Town, Club.I, Peer Suhawah, Feeders, Rawalpindi City Circle, Amin Town, Fazahia, New Malpur Feeders, Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, UC Lakhan, Karnab Kaswal, Morgah, Park View, Pindiboard Feeder, Jhelum circle, Kohar, Sanaullah, F-3 Gul Afshan, Garmala, Shah Safeer feeders, Attock Circle, Bolinwal feeder, Chakwal circle, Murat, Talagang city, Bisharat, Khairpur 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.
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OVER 50 PROJECTS WORTH $25B COMPLETED UNDER CPEC DURING PAST 10 YEARS: MOINUL HAQUE NEWS
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KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
AKISTAN Ambassador in Beijing Moinul Haque on Sunday said that over 50 projects worth $25 billion dollars have been completed under ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the last ten years. “CPEC as a game changer has altered the entire economic landscape and played a pivotal role in the social and economic development of Pakistan”, Ambassador Moinul Haque said during an interview with Belt and Road Television. Terming Pakistan-China Friendship as a bright example for the world, the Ambassador said ties between the two countries are depicts not only a strong political relationship but also shows a heartto-heart connection among the people of both nations. The Ambassador expressed pleasure that Chinese nationals consider Pakistanis as an iron brothers and this expression is only reserve for Pakistanis. Moinul Haque said the Belt and Road Forum is a very important opportunity for all member states to create a roadmap for
the future in view of the past achievements. He said this forum provides a platform for international cooperation for solidarity, development, economic and social welfare and poverty eradication. CHINA JOINT VENTURES BROUGHT TRANSFORMATIVE BENEFITS TO PAKISTAN: Pakistan-China joint ventures brought transformative benefits to Pakistan, said Shah Faisal Afridi, a prominent business leader
and advocate of economic development. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has provided unique opportunities for the tremendous growth of Pakistani businesses, he stated this during his recent visit to China for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held in Beijing from October 17 to 18, according to Gwadar Pro. Faisal pointed out that the CPEC projects are not just about infrastructure devel-
opment but also exceptional opportunities for entrepreneurs and are leading the revival of internationalization in Pakistan. As CPEC construction enters its second phase of industrial cooperation, it has created a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. As the president of JW SEZ Group, which has established joint ventures with Chinese brands and companies including Haier, Foton, SAIC, Deli, Royal, Sinovac, and has become one of the major players in Pakistan’s industries in home appliances, electronics, glass manufacturing, dairy, agriculture, automotive, real estate development, sports and healthcare, Faisal has been doing business with China for 23 years. He highlighted that Pakistan-China joint ventures have brought transformative benefits to Pakistan. “From addressing energy shortages to improving infrastructure, technology, and industrial growth, these collaborations have played a crucial role in enhancing Pakistan’s economic development. The continued partnership between the two nations holds immense potential for further progress.”
Sindh governor pays tribute to Liaquat Ali Khan KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori said Sunday that Khan Liaquat Ali Khan, who was honored as the first Prime Minister of the country, was martyred by anti-state elements only four years after independence, which was a very sad incident. October 16, 1951 is one of the darkest days in the history of Pakistan, he said in his message on the occasion of the 72nd death anniversary of Khan Liaquat Ali Khan. The Sindh governor said that Khan Liaquat Ali Khan worked tirelessly for the independent country along with the father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and he was the true hand of the
Quaid-e-Azam, that is why the father of the nation elected him as the first prime minister of the country. Tessori said that Khan Liaquat Ali Khan along with Quaid-i-Azam struggled to stabilize the new state, and even after the death of the father of the nation, he continued his mission. He was martyred in revenge, and even at the time of martyrdom, he was worried about the security of Pakistan. He was the owner of a very honest and attractive personality,and his life is a beacon for the entire nation. His honesty can be gauged from the fact that despite the fact that he belonged to a Nawab family, he did not file any claim for property left in India, and left no personal property despite being the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
14 nation air exercise, Indus Shield-2023, in full swing at PAF operational air base ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s 14 nation air exercise, Indus Shield 2023, is in full swing at an operational air base of PAF. The top-notch exercise stands out as one of the mega aerial warfare exercises of the region and is marked as a significant milestone in the realization of PAF’s commitment to enhance its aerial capabilities alongside bolstering international cooperation, a PAF news release said. The participation of the exercise encompasses fighter jets alongside pilots, ground crew and Air Defence Controllers from the leading Air Forces of the world. Indus Shield2023 has brought together elite air forces from 14 countries and will serve as a platform to showcase their professional prowess. The participating nations include Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE,
Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, China and Hungary. The exercise holds great importance as it signifies the leading role of the Pakistan Air Force in spearheading technological advancements, promoting modernization, evolving air combat tactics, and addressing contemporary aerial defence challenges. Exercise Indus Shield also underscores the mutual
commitment of participating nations to achieve shared objectives and addresses the evolving dynamics of aerial warfare in the face of common security threats. As the international community turns its attention to Pakistan, PAF is poised to become the center of global focus for honing modern air combat tactics and strengthening interoperability between participating nations.
On ‘International White Cane Day’, Pakistan advocates rights, inclusion of visually-impaired
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Pakistan, along with global community, on Sunday observed the ‘International White Cane Day’, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the visually impaired and promoting their rights to independence, mobility, and social inclusion. This international observance is
a significant moment to acknowledge the challenges faced by the blind and visually-impaired individuals and to highlight the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities for them. In Pakistan, ‘International White Cane Day’ was celebrated with a series of events and initiatives to improve the lives of the visually-impaired community and make the country more inclusive. The day’s activities were coordinated by various organizations, government agencies, and individuals who share a common goal of empowering the blind and visually impaired. Furthermore, social media campaigns and online discussions amplified the message of International White Cane Day. People shared stories and experiences of visually-impaired individuals, highlighting their achievements and struggles, in an effort to raise awareness and promote inclusivity in the digital realm. One of the major challenges discussed during these events was the need for enhanced infrastructure, such as audible traffic signals, tactile paving, and ramps, to make public spaces more accessible.
Imran Khan is in high spirits, good general health: Dr Aasim LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
PTI Chairman Imran Khan is mentally and physically well," said Dr Aasim Yusuf, a member of Khan's team of personal physicians. Dr Aasim noted that Khan seemed to be in high spirits and good general health. Apart from some minor digestive issues that could be related to the change in diet that Khan was getting in prison, his doctor found no other cause for concern. Dr Aasim examined him with the necessary equipment provided by the jail authorities. He said that Khan had shaved in the morning and his skin colour looked fine. His mobility was intact. His heart rate
was 47 beats per minute, which may seem low but professional athletes often have a low resting heart rate. This heart rate at his age is testimony to his lifelong exercise regime and his physical fitness. His lungs and heart seemed to be functioning normally upon examination. He seemed to have lost some excess weight that he had previously gained during recovery from a bullet injury but otherwise, his muscle mass seemed alright. Dr Aasim recommended some changes to Khan's treatment for gastrointestinal issues and advised that he should be examined by a member of his team of personal physicians within the next two weeks to evaluate response to medication and to assess any changes required in view of the tests that were ordered during this recent visit.
VCs Forum urges effective inter-university collaboration ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Vice Chancellors Forum concluded here yesterday with a wealth of transformative recommendations that promise to shape the landscape of higher education and effective inter-university collaborations in Pakistan. The Forum, held under the auspices of the Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences Pakistan (IUCPSS) and the National Skills University Islamabad, was chaired by Dr Shahid Mehmood Baig Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation. The participants included Dr Tanvir Kayani Secretary General, Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU), Prof Dr Muhammad Mukhtar Vice Chancellor, National Skills University Islamabad, Prof Dr Safia Ahmed Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU) Peshawar, Dr Syed Habib Ali Bokhari Vice Chancellor, Kohsar University, Murree, Prof Dr Mujahid Rector, PAF-IST Mang Haripur-Dr Mohammad Abid, Vice Chancellor, City University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Prof Dr Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur and Prof. Dr. Ijaz A. Qureshi Pro Vice Chancellor, Institute of Art and Culture Lahore and others. Muhammad Murtaza Noor, National Coordinator, IUCPSS conducted the proceeding of the forum. The senior leadership of academia after detailed deliberations recommended bridging the gap between academia and industry, equipping the youth with necessary soft skills, bringing innovation in teaching, research and curriculum, increase in budgetary allocations for the education sector and building permanent inter university mechanism aimed at learning from another ‘s best practices and expertise. The forum reached a unanimous consensus on the implementation of faculty and student exchange programs within Pakistani universities, fostering cross-institutional collaboration and enriching academic experiences. The participants also urged for a culture of art and design to be cultivated through research and funded projects, celebrating and nurturing Pakistan’s artistic and creative talents. Recognising the need for continuous improvement, the forum recommended a focus on faculty capacity building through training and workshops to stay at the forefront of educational advancements. To sustain the momentum of innovation, it was suggested to host VC Forum-like events on a monthly basis, promoting ongoing dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking.
Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meets to determine start of Rabi-us-Sani today ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting is set to convene on Monday (today) in the federal capital, with its Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad presiding over the proceedings. The meeting would announce the decision regarding the sighting of the moon for the month of Rabi-usSani, 1445 AH, and subsequently announce the date for the beginning of the month. The meeting, organized under the chairmanship of Maulana Syed Mohammad Abdul Khabir Azad, will also include key figures responsible for managing the committee’s tasks, such as Syed Mushahid Hussain Khalid, Director-General of Religious Affairs Ministry, and Zainul Abedin from the Ministry of Science and Technology, who will provide technical assistance. Additionally, Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sarfraz from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and Ghulam Murtaza from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission will offer their expertise and services via telephone. The Central and Zonal Ruet-eHilal Committees across the country, located in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar, will simultaneously hold their respective meetings. The focus of these gatherings is to collectively decide on the moon’s sighting for the month of Rabi-us-Sani, 1445 AH.
Monday, 16 October, 2023
plane makes T & T SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT ENHANCES FBR’S Indian emergency landing at COLLECTION FROM TOBACCO, SUGAR SECTORS Karachi airport PRAYER TIMINGS
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ISLAMABAD
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HE electronic monitoring Track and Trace system has helped the Federal Board of Revenue with increasing revenue collection from key sectors including Tobacco, sugar and Fertilizer. Sources said that several successful demonstrations were conducted in all these sectors to showcase the functionality of the Track & Trace System. Subsequently, this system was effectively implemented across the majority of these sectors. This successful deployment has significantly contributed to the revenue authorities exceeding their Tax Collection Targets. Sources further said that the revenue collection has surged to Rs83.5 billion from Tobacco sector during Fiscal Year 2023 as a result of the implementation of the Track and Trace system. Whereas, FBR has collected Rs61.79
billion revenue from Tobacco sector prior to implementation of T&T during FY 2022. Similarly, the revenue collection from the sugar sector after the implementation of the T & T system reached Rs26.03 billion during December 2021 to March 2022. Prior to implementation of T&T, the collection from the sugar sector was Rs19.9 billion, sources added. The FBR has collected Rs2,041 billion in the first quarter of current financial year against the assigned target of Rs1,978 billion, thus exceeding the target by Rs63 billion. Reportedly, FBR is also planning to introduce a “Sales Tracking System” before the next crushing season in the sugar sector to ensure traceability of the production till end user. Recently, the World Bank in its report termed overall satisfactory performance in several Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) including installation of Track and Trace system in key sectors
under Pakistan Raises Revenue project. The indicator reports the cumulative number of sectors covered in the track and trace system adding that the system has been installed in sugar and fertilizer sectors. The system is also being implemented in the majority of tobacco manufacturing units (mostly covering large firms that account for more than 90% of tax revenue). However, it is not yet installed by small manufacturers, the report added Sources said that FBR has been proactively involved in discussions with the local Tobacco manufacturers across the country in the first quarter of current fiscal year and has been successful in bringing the local Tobacco players into TTS fold. Resultantly, the rollout of TTS across the local Tobacco has paced up and is currently underway. Sources said that FBR has started work to introduce T&T in other sectors such as Tea, Petroleum, Tyre, Pharmaceutical and Beverages sectors as reportedly
the tax evasion in these sectors is over Rs 200 billion. Sources said that with the implementation of a cutting-edge track and trace system, consumers can get authentic, safe products besides contributing to the growth of our economy. In addition, by effectively monitoring production volumes and tracking goods throughout the supply chain, FBR can unlock the full potential of our national economy and create a vibrant marketplace that thrives on trust and reliability that benefits all stakeholders. It is pertinent to note that Authentix Inc, a renowned company from the USA with a rich history of delivering highly effective authentication solutions to both Fortune 500 companies and government clients, with Consortium partners MITAS and AJCL, were awarded the contract for the implementation of a comprehensive Track & Trace System across various sectors in 2021, including Cement, Sugar, Fertilizer, and Tobacco.
unHCr says pakistan hosting afghans without any monetary benefit ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
IHC announces verdict on jail trial of Imran in Cypher case today ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will announce its reserved verdict on a plea against jail trial of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Cypher case on Monday (today). According to the cause list issued by the IHC registrar’s office, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq will announce the reserved verdict on Khan’s petition challenging the Law Ministry’s notification to hold his trial in jail in the diplomatic cable case. The IHC had reserved the verdict on September 12. At the last hearing, Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal had told the court that the cipher case hearing in Attock jail was one-time permission. “The hearing on the case was held in [Attock] jail on August 30,” he had informed the court, adding that the ministry had also issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) regarding the holding of trial in the prison. At this, the IHC chief justice remarked that the jail trial was not unusual. To which, the prosecutor said that the notification regarding moving the court to Attock jail was issued as per the law. The court asked what would happen if the notification was issued again. “It has to be decided under which authority the notification can be issued,” the IHC judge observed. PTI lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat had argued that the notification was based on ill intent. “The application has not become ineffective, the court has to decide notification’s validity,” he added. IMRAN TO BE INDICTED IN CYPHER CASE ON 17TH: Last week, a special court established under the Official Secrets Act set October 17 as date for indictment of the PTI chairman and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the diplomatic cable case. The PTI chief and his deputy were presented before Special Court Judge Zulqarnain in the court set up in Adiala Jail where both leaders are locked up. The date for the indictment was set after the copies of the challan, submitted to the court by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), were provided to the counsels of the accused. After setting the date of the indictment, the government witnesses were also issued notices by the court. During the hearing, Khan protested against the treatment meted out to him in Adiala Jail during the hearing of the cipher case and asked he be treated like other prisoners. It is pertinent to mention here that Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case in August. A district and sessions court in the federal capital convicted the former prime minister — who was removed from office in April last year through a noconfidence motion — for corrupt practices related to the state gift depository — allegations which he denies. The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of misusing his premiership to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad and worth more than 140 million rupees ($635,000).
As repatriation of Afghan refugees via Chaman-Spin Boltak border to their country continued on Sunday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for the last over 40 years without receiving any funds in return. Till now more than 5000 Afghan refugees have repatriated to their country. By the closure of deadline, repatriation of Afghan refugees was increasing. According to reports, voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan to their country Afghanistan is continuing after Government of Pakistan ordered all illegal immigrants, including Afghan refugees to leave Pakistan.
According to government authorities at Chaman, more than 5000 Afghan have already voluntarily repatriated to their country through Chaman-Spin Boldak border. Afghan refugees are citizens of Afghanistan who were forced to flee their country as a result of wars, persecution, torture and genocide. The 1978 “Sour Revolution” followed by the invasion of the forces of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1979 forced millions of Afghans to migrate to neighbouring countries Pakistan and Iran. Many Afghans were again forced to flee their country during the civil war in 90s. The invasion of US and its allies in October 2001 forced millions of Afghan refugees to migrate to Pakistan. ‘ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THREAT TO PAKISTAN’: On the other hand, the European
Union Agency of Asylum and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have termed the presence of millions of illegal immigrants on Pakistani soil a threat to the country. The report says that 1.7 million Afghans are living in the country illegally without any proof and registration. “Pakistan is not the only country which has decided to evict illegal Afghan nationals,” it says, adding, “Iran, too, in 2021 had ordered over one million Afghans to leave the country.” Afghan nationals living in Pakistan have been facing the ire of the authorities after the apex committee a few weeks ago asked them to leave the country by October 31 or else face the music. The decision was taken in view of their participation in incidents of violence of May 9 as well as involvement in incidents of terrorism.
‘Double stanDarDs exposeD’
pMl-n gets nod for holding public meeting at Minar-e-pakistan LAHORE
FAJR SUNRISE
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An Indian-bound Indian flight made an emergency landing at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport Saturday afternoon after health of an onboard passenger deteriorated. The CAA spokesperson confirmed that Indian airlines flight IX-192 made its landing at the Jinnah International Airport at 12:19pm. The flight was going to Amritsar from Dubai when the health of a passenger worsened mid-flight. “The pilot of a private airline sought permission from the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) after communicating the situation. Later, the pilot was allowed to make an emergency landing on humanitarian grounds,” he added. Later, after the passenger was cleared for air travel, the plane took off from Karachi.
Oct 25 last date for freezing voter lists: ECP ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the last date for freezing the voter lists across the country. The ECP spokesperson Haroon Khan Shinwari said in a statement that the voter lists across the country will be frozen on October 25, formally stopping the process of registration, correctness and transfer of voters. He said that the data of more than 800,000 nationals was collected from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the data entry process was underway. The spokesperson said that all of the registered nationals could cast votes in the upcoming general elections. There are only 10 days left for the registration, transfer and correctness of the voters’ data. Shinwari asked the nationals to ensure the registration of their votes at the earliest before the deadline expires. Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) pledged to make essential changes to the draft code of conduct for the upcoming elections in response to the concerns of political parties. The ECP pledged to amend the code of ethics based on feedback from political parties, with the aim of guaranteeing equitable and transparent elections. Apart from the members of the Election Commission, representatives of various political parties and senior officers of the Election Commission participated in the meeting.
Pakistan committed to addressing climate related financing challenges: Dr Shamsad ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
STAFF REPORT
The District Administration double standards came to the fore on Sunday when it allowed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to hold a public meeting at Minare-Pakistan (Greater Iqbal Park) on October 21, although, it had refused to permit PTI hold a public meeting at Liberty Chowk. Sources stated that Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider issued a no objection certificate (NOC) in this regard. It is learnt that the permission to hold the public meeting has been granted with certain conditions. The permission follows the muchawaited arrival of PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan on October 21. On the other hand, the PTI’s request to hold public meeting at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk was not entertained. The administration is of the view that any request to hold meeting in large ground could be considered. It was worth mentioned here that Lahore High Court (LHC) has earlier ruled that if the former ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is not allowed to stage a rally at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk, then no other party will be allowed to do so as well. Punjab’s top court’s remarks came as it was hearing the party’s petition submitted by PTI Lahore President Azeemullah Khan seeking permission to hold a rally at
Afghanistan pulled off a stunning 69-run win over defending champions England at the World Cup on Sunday, their second ever win in the tournament lifting them off the bottom of the group standings. Afghanistan came into the match having lost 16 of their last 17 World Cup games, their only victory coming against Scotland in 2015. Put into bat, Afghanistan posted 284 after a blistering knock of 80 from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and a half-century from Ikram Alikhil. England crumbled to 215 all out in reply with Harry Brook the only batter to adapt to the conditions with a fighting 66 as spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan took three wickets each. Mujeeb picked up the key wickets of Joe
Root and Brook to set up a famous win and he picked up the player of the match award. “Very proud moment to be here in the World Cup and beating the champions, it’s a great achievement for the whole region. I’m so happy with this performance,” Mujeeb said. “As spinners it’s hard to bowl in the powerplay, but I’ve been working in the nets to be as consistent as possible… We knew dew would be a factor.” Rashid said he hoped the victory would put a smile on the faces of people back in Afghanistan, where multiple earthquakes have killed around 1,000 and injured over 2,000. Separately in a post on X, he dedicated today’s win to “brothers and sisters in Afghanistan and Palestine”. OPENING STAND: Afghanistan got off to a flying start with a 114-run opening stand between Gurbaz and Zadran who scored at eight an over in the first powerplay.
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STAFF REPORT
Liberty Chowk on October 15. During the proceedings on Friday, authorities presented a notification issued by the provincial capital’s deputy commissioner, which stated that the PTI would not be permitted to hold a rally at Liberty Chowk. The notification claimed that the permission could not be granted as the events of May 9 — the day when PTI workers ransacked state installations — began from the same place. A law officer also pointed out that the petitioner’s request had been declined in “view of the security threats posed at the proposed venue”. At this, Justice Raheel Kamran said that if the authorities are not allowing the PTI to stage a rally, then they should not permit any other political party to arrange a gathering at the same venue. The law officer then said that the re-
quest of the petitioner would be considered if he approached the deputy commissioner for holding a rally at another venue. The law officer further assured that if any such application was moved by the petitioner, the same shall be considered and decided within 72 hours. At this stage, the petitioner’s counsel requested the court to dispose of the petition in light of the statement by the law officer. Subsequently, the court disposed of the petition, in the light of the statement by the law officer, and directed the petitioner to submit an application to the deputy commissioner’s office, proposing another location. The petitioner had submitted that the party wanted to hold a public rally at Liberty Chowk to announce its manifesto in view of the upcoming general election.
Caretaker Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar on Sunday expressed the commitment of the government to addressing climate-related financing challenges in order to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change to attain sustainable growth and development. The minister participated in the “V20 Ministerial Dialogue X” conducted for the most climatevulnerable economies on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, said a press release. The discussions aimed at developing global strategies to avert the impending climate breakdown. Dr Shamshad Akhtar expressed the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to addressing climaterelated financing challenges and brought valuable insights to the dialogue, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable economic development and climate resilience. ADVANCING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, GLOBAL COOPERATION: Meanwhile, Caretaker Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar on Sunday underlined Pakistan’s commitment to advancing economic prosperity and global financial cooperation. The minister participated in a high-profile meeting of Managing Director International Monetary Fund with the MENAP finance ministers and state bank governors in Marrakesh, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance. The discussions encompassed key global economic issues and collaborative efforts to strengthen financial stability. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar held a meeting with the S&P Global, the independent credit ratings agency. During the meeting, the emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring financial stability, improving fiscal governance and implementing reforms that will contribute to sustainable economic growth, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance.
afghanistan stun defending champions england in World Cup match AGENCIES
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Gurbaz brought up his fifty rapidly, but they lost wickets as leg-spinner Adil Rashid (3-42) dismissed Zadran and had Rahmat Shah stumped in his next over. Gurbaz looked well set for a World Cup century having smashed eight fours and four sixes, but the 21-year-old was run out by substitute David Willey at midwicket when skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi called him for a risky run. Gurbaz was livid as he trudged off, smashing his bat on the boundary rope on his way back to the pavilion. Alikhil and Rashid Khan steadied the ship with a 43-run stand, but the latter was dismissed when he looked to clear the long on boundary in Rashid’s final over. Root — who took four catches — timed his dive to perfection to take a stunning catch in the deep. Alikhil departed for 58 and Mujeeb made 28 off 16 balls. “I told the boys that 280-290 was
enough on this track as it would assist the spinners,” Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said. EARLY WICKETS: England lost early
Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk
wickets, Fazalhaq Farooqi trapping Jonny Bairstow lbw and Mujeeb dismissing Root with a quicker ball that kept low and crashed into the stumps.